Lunch at Cafe Davina

Hope your morning is super. Right now it is looking fine for me, a bit cloudy with a thunderstorm this afternoon but that is what happens in the south, a thunderblunder (that's what my grandma called them) in the late afternoon. 

Shirley is going to join me for a 'session' today... heck, I don't know what to call it but we have a speaker coming to Centerbrooke from Senior Services. There are people here that don't drive, their families that are supposed to be helping out aren't always available. Even though I drive I don't get out in the heavy traffic so there are times I could use some transportation. Senior Services provides that for just a donation, plus a whole bunch of other services so this is going to be very informative. 

Did I tell you about my sweet little lunch out with my life coach/friend on Friday? I'd been hearing about this place called Cafe Davina that is in a huge old, old mansion downtown. They specialize in crepes and the places I go doesn't offer crepes. It's more like Southern cooking rather than French!! 

I ordered the crepe filled with ham, brie cheese and an apricot sauce then topped with greens. Oh man, it was soooo good. 

We ate inside 'cause I'd never been there and didn't know the options. But, we found out that there are the cutest little eating places scattered all around the beautiful yard. I didn't get a chance to photo most of them or do much exploring but I intend to next time. These following photos are from Cafe Davina's facebook page: 

There is a ginormous magnolia tree on site and I understand that there is a table underneath the branches of this tree where you can have lunch or just sip tea. Wouldn't that be fun!! I couldn't find a picture I could snitch of that scene but maybe there's where I will be seated next time. 

Now to participate in the Photo-a-day. The theme today is BLUE

This is a quilt I made back in 2001. Have no idea what happened to it. I gave most of my quilts to family. But, it was fun to do and is it BLUE!
 

Grounding Makes Sense

                             I am really nervous about this post!! 

I told you I would give more about my newfound energy and so here it is. But, you may laugh, you may think I am nuts or you'll just shake your head and walk away. I can only tell you it is working for me so I am a huge believer. 

I have been grounding for 5 weeks now and I am just blown away by the changes in my life. 

So, you are asking 'what's grounding'. We've been told all our lives we needed to be outdoors, breathe fresh air, get our feet dirty. Grounding is connecting our bodies to Mother Earth. It all has to do with the electrical charges that are in the earth and in our bodies and interacting. Most diseases are caused by inflamation in our bodies and grounding helps get rid of that inflamation plus other things. 

I watched a video about grounding, had never heard of it in my life! But, I was bored, couldn't find anything to watch and when I started I could not stop. That day I walked outside, sat down on a bench by the pond, took my shoes off and planted my bare feet on the ground. Of course, I was immediately joined.... by the geese looking for food. 

I discovered that you could buy grounding pads so I ordered one. I am not an outdoors person and knew summertime would chase me inside so pads seemed to be the answer.

I placed my new pad in front of my chair in the living room, plugged it into the grounding outlet on a nearby electrical plug and every time I watch tv I sit with my bare feet on that pad. You should get at least 30 minutes a day and it doesn't not matter how much you do. No harm done. 

Within a couple days I began to feel different.

 I have not changed one single thing about my life (my habits, my eating, my activities etc) 

Here is what I have gained through grounding. I am still on the 'wait and see' path but like I say I have changed nothing else. So, it must be the pad.

1. SLEEP ... before I had trouble falling asleep and often would wake up and stay awake 2 or more hours during the night.

        Now I go to sleep almost immediately and I sleep very soundly all night (except for bathroom visits)

2. MOOD.... Before, I suffer from some depression and have for several years taken a low dosage of Zoloft. Even then I would still  have bouts of sadness, lack of motivation.

Now.... I have been in the best mood for 5 weeks, not one down minute 

 3. MOTIVATION... before I would awake and just dread getting out of bed, lie there until I just had to get up and then I'd wander aimlessly around

Now.. I hop out of bed, fresh and excited. I ask myself 'what can I get into today?'

4. DIZZINESS    ... before I had periods of dizziness, especially at bedtime. Had to sleep on two pillows, could not turn my head except very slowly or the room would spin, etc.

Now... I am on one pillow and I toss and turn like normal with no dizziness at all.

5. ACID REFLUX    ... Before, I have taken prescription meds for acid reflux for years. If I missed 1 dose by the next day I was hurting. 

Now... I am on my 5th day without that medication and not one sign of heart burn. So far!! 

6. ENERGY... before, by 2 or 3 in the afternoon I was spent... just over for the day. I'd collapse into a chair. Got nothing done after that time except the absolute necessary

        Now.. I am still going strong all day... I might slow a bit mid afternoon but I perk back up and not be exhausted 'til bedtime. 

Remember, I am 92 and I thought my lack of motivation,  energy level, sleeplessness etc. was all due to age. 

I am very hopeful that I continue to feel this good, 10 years younger and ready to take on the world. I know people are skeptical about grounding. If you want, there are tons of videos on YouTube to watch. I would recommend any of them that featured Clint Ober or Dr. Laura Koniver. 

Gee, I wonder how many of you are running for the hills right now. Ha ha. 

I Shall Hear Clearly Soon

 What a day Tuesday.

Hadn't been to Olive Garden in years. There's not one close to me but Shirley had driven me to Southpark for an appt about my hearing aids and there was an Olive Garden just calling my name!!

I tried something new to me, cheese ravioli covered with meat sauce and that more than yummy salad! I scoffed as much as I could and brought the rest home for dinner that night. Enjoying it twice is better than once, don't you think?

Once lunch was over, it was on to Sam's Club for my hearing test. I knew I was hard of hearing but it was discerning to find out how much!! Not so bad in the low frequencies but the high ones... dang.... My left ear had severe loss and my right one had PROFOUND loss. And, on top of that I have tinnitus that I have to deal with. Bummer. Had that for years! 

My new hearing aids will be in in two weeks. I can't wait. 

Getting Out of The Dumps

 I was down in the dumps this morning, have been inching in that direction for days. 

1. I know that I am isolated too much

2. I know that I am stuck in a rut seeing the same residents and doing the same thing all the time.

3. I know that I see a slow-moving decline edging it's way into my life.

4. I know that I should be on top of the world that I am doing as well as I am

5. Now, what to do about it.

It helps that Shirley will pick me up around 11 tomorrow to eat at Cracker Barrel... It's turkey and dressing day!!

It helps that we will then go to get me some new hearing aids. Can you believe that I LOST my hearing aids at the wedding in Georgia? We never did locate them so I am in the market for new ones. 

It helps that I just watched a documentary on Grounding/Earthing. It sounds weird, I know! But, I asked ChatGPT about it and was told it isn't fully supported by the scientific/medical community. Well, duh..I've known for years that the medical field isn't interested in trying things that will take away their profits. 

Chatgpt said it would be beneficial to be outdoors. sit with my bare feet in the  grass, connect with nature. It can't hurt a thing and will get me out of this apartment. Now, if it will just stop raining! EVERY DAY THIS WEEK!

Finding Yourself

 We gals have all led lives that were and are filled with giving and caring. When my husband died in 2011 after 11 years of Alzheimers, I rattled around in our big house just wondering what I was supposed to do next. It was very unsettling. 

I'd been a wife, a mother, a caregiver, a caretaker, a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker... Whoops got off on a nursery rhyme tangent there! But, you get the picture. 

I did not know who I was supposed to be. Some months of therapy helped. Then I started reading self-discovery books. The ones that helped the most were "The Artist's Way" and 'The Original me". 

It's been quite a journey and one I would not have missed for anything! Every day, through every new door opening to me I became more aware of who I was as a person. The real me!! and I am still seeking and searching for new and exciting facets of my life. 

I am ticked that all this happened so late in my life. But, there is a time and place for everything under the sun. And, this was my time. 

I hope you girls will start on your own journey to becoming your authentic self. You just might be surprised at what lies deep inside of you.

Doing Crossword Puzzles

 I used to often wonder when my time to sit in a rocking chair doing nothing would happen! Well, when it finally did I wasn't so sure it was what I wanted. I don't make much mess around here to clean up. I'm not fixing huge meals or doing laundry for upteen people. It's just me. 

And, so I sit in my chair (it does rock but it is a recliner as well) and that's nice. I don't mind it so much but I do get bored as all get out! 

I'm not into puzzles or Suduko or word search. But, I do enjoy crossword puzzles so I got online and ordered me a whole set of them. That ought to keep me occupied for a bit. 

What do like to do in your space time?

                                                                                                                        Latane

Time Does Fly By!

 It's Sunday morning and the wind chill factor is in the single digits. BRRRRR!! Okay, countdown to spring starts right now. I am so over this bitterly cold weather. 

One thing about it being too cold to get outside, you try to find things to do inside. I decided I'd try a new recipe. I did  make a couple changes to suit what I had to work with. I had large chicken tenders instead of the breast and I used balsamic vinegar instead of regular vinegar. I was happy with my choices. And, it was so quick and easy. I'm all about quick and easy these days. 

Are you watching the Olympics? I don't follow any of the sports until they go head to head in the Qlympics and then I am hooked. Loved the American couple who ice danced the story about the matador. So well done. 

And, how about that Ollie ? Doing the Big Air at 17 years old, a broken arm and he was unbelivable!! 

It all is a nice diversion from the usual mundane tv stuff we have to watch. I stream everything now. Feel like I can be more selective, when and if I want to.

Today would have been my husband's 96th birthday had he lived. He's been gone 15 years now. I can't believe it's been that long and too, that I am still here. I feel very blessed in that regard. Also very blessed to have been married to such an amazing man for 60 years. God's certainly been good to me. 

This was taken at the last birthday he celebrated (2010). He was in an assisted living facility then and some of the family joined him for his big day. 

and here he is in happier times with his grandson, Griffin. This was taken in 2001 at the beginning of his Alzheimer's journey.

How time does fly!! And, the older we get the faster it goes. 

As the author, Elizabeth Keebler-Ross, wrote:

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up - that we begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." 

Winter Weather

 So, here I sit... waiting once again for a winter snow. 

Last weekend it was a dud. I wonder what this one will be. At least I am prepared... lots of groceries, plenty of warm snuggy blankets, plenty to drink, no alcoholc at least at this time. haha) and a tv to watch. 

The wind chill factor is supposed to be -3 degrees in the morning. You know, I could sort of just skip winter if you don't mind. I don't dare stick my head out the front door. I might just freeze into an old popsicle! 

How are all of you doing? Hope you are keeping warm. 

I watched a couple cute movies on Netflix just recently. The first was 'Eleanor, the great'. The second was 'the Last Word'. Both entertaining, about two old ladies, very different, but nevertheless totally interesting. 

One was a liar, the other was a cantancarous old goat... 

I wonder how I am labeled!!! I certainly hope not one of those two. 

Have a safe and warm weekend! 

I May Be Old, But I Am Not Senile

 I'm a pretty easy-going person. Takes a lot to really rile me up but this is riling me!! 

Last Wednesday I arrived at my dentist office for my semi-annual cleaning only to be turned away. "We don't have you scheduled for today, Mrs. Barton."

I may be old but I am not senile. I did not forget. I was sure of that but I left and stewed about it for days. Then I found my appointment card. 

Guess I am not senile after all!! I am ready, set, go for Monday mornings visit back in that dentist office. 

I could let this slide but this has happened to me twice now. I am so over showing up and have them turn me away. I swear I could hear a twinge of pity coming out of the receptionist mouth ... at my obvious forgetfulness the other day. 

Hmmm.... we'll see which of us made the mistake. 

Celebrating a Birthday and Life

 

Going older has been quite the adventure for me!

I've had time to learn about who I really am, what I want from life and what sort of legacy I want to leave behind. 

On Tuesday I turned 92...

Talk about a revelation that was. How in the world am I that age! Sure I had good genes but for all intents and purposes I should not be here. 

I've survived a lot in my life. The lost of a child, a husband, my mom, 2 cancers, and a ton of other less traumatic things. 

The first cancer was a huge surprise. Well, aren't they always? No one expects to get cancer. But, I probably would have died if it had not been found when it was. 

and...

how was it found?

Now this is the strange part. I needed a knee replaced and it was during the pre-op blood work for that knee replacement that they discovered that I had colon cancer. 

I'm not going into all that but it just goes to show you that I am so extremely blessed and I don't forget it. 

Please, everyone, keep an eye on your health. Live you life to the fullest. Have fun. Be grateful to wake up every day and don't forget to stop and smell the roses. 

Love you all.

Living Our Best Lives

 Yesterday set the mood...

Shirley and I attended a performance of 'The Nutcracker' at our local art center. Local talent, all but the sugar plum fairy, whom they imported. haha

It was such a delightful event. I hadn't seen that dance since my granddaughter danced in a performance how many years ago!! She has a grown son now so it was awhile. 

A little 5 year old sat next to me. The place was sold out so Mommy had to sit just behind her. She was quite nervous about it all to begin with and then that child got so caught up in all the excitement of the Nutcracker and the little mice and so on. Pretty soon her body was pressed up against my arm. It did my soul good to see all of that through a child's eye again. I loved it. 

So, on to other things. 

My college football team (Alabama) played like junior high kids on Saturday and lost the SEC championship. I turned off the tv at halftime. So, here's  what I did instead.....

I'm pretty old. And, I have had a pretty good attitude about growing old,  I think. I have spent some time over the last years discovering who I was and what I was supposed to do with these last remaining years. I regularly get comments from others that I inspire them. I don't know about that. I am just being me but it has been a dream of mine to set an example for  others. And to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren. 

I see so many older ones that just sit around waiting to die, no interest in anything, constantly complaning about everything, making themselves and everyone around them miserable. I decided a while ago that I was not going to be that person, nor was I going to be around people who are constantly negative. 

So, on Saturday afternoon instead of watching my football team lose a game, I set up a facebook group for us older women. It's open to anyone of a 'certain age'. I have 20 members so far and I hope it grows. I want us women to be there for each other, to support each other

My blog is so dear to my heart. I have made so many wonderful friends here and sure want to keep them close to me forever. I won't give that up but, I just wanted to do something a little different as well as keeping my blog going.  This woman must have tooooo much time on her hands. haha

If you are interested in joining, go to facebook and look us up. We'd love to have you. 

Forgetting

I swear.... I can remember every detail about something that happened last year, back in 2000, back when I was a child even but if I am telling something to someone and get interrupted, it's GONE.... Like I never thought it in the first place! 

I know, I am fortunately and mightly blessed to have the sharpness I have but I sure would love to finish a sentence without forgetting what I'm talking about. 😁

Does that ever happen to you? 

 

Surrendering

 Talk about life being dull around here! But, then I guess it's my own fault. 

I did go to the drs. twice last week. Why is it, that the dr. is about the only place you go when you get older?

I made a couple new recipes. One, a magical lemon cobbler, is now in my garbage can..... I started making it thinking I had all the ingredients and I didn't, so I improvised and it flopped big time. I didn't need all that sweet stuff anyway!! 

(not my photo.... you don't want to see what mine looked like!)

It's getting cooler now so I spent the morning dragging all my summer clothes out of the closet. Got all nice, warm things hanging in there now. Watch it turn off warm again!!

Oh, I did surrender last week. Nope, I wasn't in a battle and come up with a white flag... well, I sort of did. I've been resisting using a walker. Now, I can walk fine without assistance on level surfaces and there was this thing about having a walker that just screamed "YOU ARE OLD... YOU ARE USELESS". Boy, pride can be our biggest enemy. 

My daughter asked me, 'Well, when did you think you'd get old enough to need a walker, when you're 100?"  It sure wasn't now at age 91 but I knew it was hampering my freedom. I just can't go up and down curbs, slants, etc. without some help. So, for a dr. visit last week I dragged out that walker I've had forever and used it. It was amazing how much more confident I felt. The heck with pride!!

Those of you who asked if Miss P (from my last post) was moving into a place where she'd have more assistance. Not Miss P. She'd have stayed here if she could but her husband passed away awhile back and without his income she just couldn't afford to stay here. She's moving to D. C. to live in a garage apartment that her son has. Oh, that woman is independent.. no assisted living for her. We are missing her already. 

I painted a watercolor last week. Funny thing... when I scanned it the background and shadows came out blue. On the original it was grey. 

Guess I'll tootle along... nothing much else to yak about. Take care. 

Chatting and Chewing

 Yesterday we had our monthly Chat and Chew meeting in our lounge. Had the best time! That Chat and Chew was my idea. I just have a hard time conversing in a meaningful way when the room is full of people also conversing!! This group is small, we take down our own lunch and we usually spend 2-3 hours just catching up. 

I have gotten to the age that when you interrupt my train of thought, that thought's done left the building! Can't remember what it was and yesterday I noticed others doing that, too. Guess we all belong to the same club. 

and on to other subjects...........

Son Michael left Sunday morning driving back to Alabama where he lives. I miss him (and his little dog).

 He got home safe and sound. What mother doesn't love hearing that their kid arrived at their destination safe and sound? 

Tuesday morning Shirley told me that Michael was in the hospital. Little stinker didn't let me know... guess he didn't want his Mama to worry. 

It was a severe case of acid reflux that had asperated enough so that some had seeped into one of his lungs. They kept him overnight, gave him a bunch of antibotics and he's fine now.

What was funny about that was.... they asked him when was the last hospital visit he'd had.

Sept 8, 1957, he said.

The day he was born.

That boy has not ever been a patient in a hospital!!

Lordy, I wish I could say that.

3 abdominal surgeries

a tonsilectomy

a breast lumpectomy

2 knee replacements 

and I birthed 5 babies.

Can't say I've never been to a hospital.

My air conditioner/heating unit went kaput while Michael was here. Luckily, we were having cooler days and too, the office brought up a portable air-conditioner for us to use. 

Yesterday I got a new unit installed. Took them all day but now I can stay cool if I want... or when winter gets here I can be toasty warm. 

Take care.

Quote

"We have two ears and one mouth for a reason - to listen twice as much as we speak. So, be a good listener."

Robin Sharma

Chin Hairs?

I saw this graphic and had such a chuckle!!

Man, can I relate. My kids are all gray or getting gray in a hurry. A couple of the daughters color their hair. They'll get over that too one of these days.

But, this made me think about something else. 

You younger girls won't know what I'm talking about but my older blogger buddies will.

Remember when we shaved our legs every day, underarms too.

And, one day suddenly there's no hair to shave.

What happened?

I threw my razor away and was celebrating the fact that I no longer had to put up with that chore.

When.......

There's a whisker on my chin, then another and pretty soon it's a full blown hair waving in the wind. 

Razor time again. 

Durn it! 

That's what happens when you put a few years under your belt. 

 

a Trip To The ER

                        

              What's with getting to see a doctor these days? 

I mean, I have a GP I love but if I have something come up that I need attention to, I get sent to the Emergency Room! Seems the only time I see my GP (general practicener)n anymore is on scheduled wellness visits. 

I've been having some issues (we don't have to discuss which ones (grin). It started with the gall bladder attack and progressed further down, if you know what I mean. I called for an appt. to my gastroentologist and it's mid October before I can see her. So, that's when I called the GP.... 

Now, I am not a big fan of Emergency Rooms. So, I was resisting going big time... 

Enter my daughter, Shirley... Came down for lunch and as soon as she heard me whining about the doctor situation, she said 'Get your things. We are going to the ER.' and so we did.

After numerous tests it turns out that I am very healthy (as they say, 'for my age') Don't you just hate that!! 

But, the point I want to make is this. I am very independent. May be why I am so healthy, who knows, right? But, I have taken care of people my whole life. I've gone through raising teen age sisters-in-law (twins), raising my own 4 kids, ten years of caring for my aging mother and then another ten years caring for my husband who had Alzheimers. 

And, I have been a stinker about that independent thing up until recently. As much as I try to remain independent, deep down inside me is the cry for someone to please just take care of me!

                   for listening to me whine! 

This week's ups and downs

 This week has been interesting. Day before yesterday I got this pain in my side just under my ribs. Before long it had included my stomach and back. Man, it hurt! Then I was bloated, gassy, nauseauous. 

I've known for some time I've had gallstones and those suckers finally dealt me fits! I never want that to happen again. So, I'm making some changes to my diet and incorporating some new techniques to help keep my gall badder healthy. Who knew that small little thing sitting beneath your liver was so important! 

Anyway, I'm feeling much better this morning. Hope all of you are doing super. 

I am counting down to college football time. College football has changed a lot and I am not as big of a fan as i once was but I am so sick of watching the same ole tv that having football back for awhile would be a welcome treat!      ROLL TIDE!

I've noticed just lately that I am slowing down a good bit. Guess it's time. So, I am getting pickier about what I put my energy to. 

Well, I guess I'll get off here and go do nothing! 

Rambling Wednesday

 I don't go into all that celebrity worship like a lot of folks do, but I could not help but be sad about Dolly Parton's husband passing. I appreciate his role in her life. She needed the spotlight, he needed his solitude and they made it happen. That's what love is all about.... letting your 'other' be themselves without giving up who you are. My husband was always supportive of what I did. And, I supported him. Geez, I miss that man! 

A quick note and I'll shut up about my teeth. Man, have they dominated my life for months now but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I just want to thank all of you who have posted such comforting messages. You girls are the best! 

I don't know when I have been more positive about life (what little there is left of it) and I am so thankful for that. I'm gonna make each day count big time and enjoy it all. 

I am heavy into reading self-help books and yes I have gone the therapy route in short spurts during my lifetime (it always seems I need that after me losing a loved one). It's not a bad thing to been as diligent about your mental health as it is your physical health.

Speaking of physical health. My son and I talk over the cell phone often about changing our eating habits. He's all for it and I am to a certain extend. I figure at this age I don't need to give up all my guilty pleasures! 

Oh, while I am on the subject of eating. What is your favorite SOFT food to eat after dental work? I am finding that it is tough to vary your diet much if you want soft stuff. Maybe you can help me out. 

Here's a blast from my past.....

(guess you can tell I don't have any BIG thing to share today so I am rambling haha)

me riding my daughter's horse, Charlie

back in the 1970s

Bits and Pieces

 I've been piddling with writing since I was in high school. I knew it was there, deep inside me, and I think it is still there but sometimes it forgets it way. The reason I think that... 

I started writing a book about a girl named Ruthie who lives in a mining camp. I have several chapters written, nearly 200 pages but then there was a brick wall between me and that book. I am not sure why. Do any of you  write? Do you ever have 'writer's block?' If so, how the heck did you get out of it. Maybe I need to check with ChatGPT to see what they suggest! I know how the book goes, just can't make my fingers hit the keyboard!!

The snow is gone! Mostly.... There is one strip of pine trees between the pond and the main road and that strip is still covered in snow. 

I got out Sunday. Knew that car needed cranking up so I drove it up the highway a ways, turned around and came back. Of course, on the way there happened to be a Bojangles and it just happened to be lunch  time!! haha. 

I noticed a bruise on my arm the other day. No recollection of how it got there. My skin is getting/has gotten so thin that any little bump can leave a mark. So, I am checking my arms for other bruises. There's a bunch of brown spots but those are old age spots. 

That was the only bruise I had. 

I just finished reading 'The Year of Magical Thinking'.

Written about Didion's attempt to sort out the meaning of her daughter's illness which was following by her husband's sudden death. I could relate to so much of that book, having lost my husband and also living through the death of a baby son and years later, an accident my daugher had that changed our lives. I recommend it if you have lost someone you love or if you haven't. It's about life as we live it. 

I'm always reading books that explain life, the complexities of living, how we all fit into that scheme of things and how I can learn and become a better person for having read those. 

Right how I am meeting with a life coach once a month. (I don't aim to go out of this life with regrets of not living it to the fullest). My 'homework' is to write a list of all my accomplishments and also write a list of gratitudes?

Do any of you keep a gratitude journal? I think it's a good thing. 

Well, I've rambled on and on... today the temps are going up into the 60s so I need to get out and enjoy. I hope you enjoy your day, as well.