Category Archives: Aging

Mar27

EXTENDED VACATIONS in the SUNSHINE- Instalment #6

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EXTENDED VACATIONS in the SUNSHINE- Instalment #6

OUTDOOR PERSON DISCOVERED

Something I’ve known forever, but just never acknowledged before this trip to the desert, is that I’m an outdoorsy girl. I craved to be outside in the sunshine all day long. I’d start my day off with a 2 hour hike or walk and then sought every other available opportunity to be outside. With the sun shining, it was painful for me to sit in front of my computer or scrub bathrooms, when I could be:

  • swimming,
  • outdoor shopping in Scottsdale,
  • outdoor touring (e.g., the spring training baseball game (Los Angelas Angels versus the Arizona Diamondbacks), Queen Creek Olives, wineries, Tucson Western Movie Museum town, Roosevelt Dam, South Mountain),
  • visiting Outdoor Cafes and Restaurants,
  • touring show homes
… Read the rest
Mar25

EXTENDED VACATIONS in the SUNSHINE- Instalment #3

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EXTENDED VACATIONS in the SUNSHINE- Instalment #3

ARRIVAL AT THE RENTAL CONDO

What does it look like when you rent a condo for the duration? First of all, I recommend that you arrive in daylight to find your specific apartment. We paused in Palm Springs to wash the car… visit a flea market… and meet up with some friends from home for lunch. So by the time we arrived in Phoenix, it was dark and all we had was an address. The condo addresses were hidden in alcoves and impossible to read from the street! It took us forever, scurrying from building-to-building, before realizing there was no logical pattern to their numbering system. Thankfully, just when we thought we’d be spending the first night in the … Read the rest

Mar24

EXTENDED VACATIONS in the SUNSHINE- Instalment #1

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EXTENDED VACATIONS in the SUNSHINE- Instalment #1

AN EXPERIMENT

Husband Ryan and I embarked on a desert vacation that provided us an extended time away with six weeks in the sunshine. Normally one hears of this happening once the couples have completely retired. This wasn’t exactly our position, as one of us is still gainfully employed and the other (that would be me) is continuing to pursue her second career in writing. This was our experiment, to see what it might look like if we were to consider this option as we progress towards our senior years. (Don’t say it; you think we’re already there, don’t you?)

Winery Tour in Napa M&R

I’m curious about how you became SNOW BIRDS. Did you spend some or all of the winter months … Read the rest

Feb11

“Poo Brew”- REALLY!

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“Poo Brew”- REALLY!

Road trips are excellent humor fodder for amusing the weary travelers. The “POO” dialogue recently heard on a California radio station was hands down the most memorable. Apparently, American companies are producing a beer made with recycled sewage water (yes, you get the picture)! And, even more incredulous, this beverage is becoming a winner! Imagine! Actual companies using recycled sewage water to create new beverages for human consumption.  Check it out, Wiegert Brewing has a U Tube video showing a patron trying their carbonated POO BREW. It is touted as a “POO BREW chocolate vanilla gourmet soda.”  I know what you’re thinking. When you flush that POO down the toilet, that’s the last time you want to encounter … Read the rest

Jan20

Fresh, Energized and Rejuvenated

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Fresh, Energized and Rejuvenated

Lao Tzu copy

According to Global TV’s Newscast yesterday, January 19th is recognized as the most depressing day of the year. As you can tell from the title of my post, my personal experience of that date was anything but depressing!  What factors contributed to my feelings of well-being?  What made yesterday a day that was fresh, energized, and left one feeling rejuvenated? From my perspective:

1. Exercise- Start the day off early with a brisk walk with friends in a gorgeous part of Vancouver Island (ocean, golf course, rocks and trees, trails). It helps when the sun is shining, like it was yesterday!

-Attend a Yoga Class at the end of the day to wind down and get some wonderful stretches in.… Read the rest

Mar18

MENOPAUSAL SLEEP INTERRUPTED

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MENOPAUSAL SLEEP INTERRUPTED

child bookcaseThe benefits of getting the appropriate number of hours of zzz’s is getting ample air time these days.  If it’s not news reports, it’s articles written in newspapers or magazines.  Most of these studies are related to the needs of children and the career crowd below “FREEDOME 55”.  What is NEVER mentioned or commented upon is the menopausal woman’s angst over sleep deprivation.

That’s right people, we women who have raised families, worked incessantly throughout our careers, and are just settling into our blissful stage of relaxing retirement, are probably the most sleep deprived age group of all. It’s true! Regardless of our ability to call our own shots regarding our waking hours versus snoozing hours, we can’t get … Read the rest

Mar3

The Dreaded 60th Birthday

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The Dreaded 60th Birthday

The Dreaded 60th Birthday

“You’re WHAT?  You’re going to be 60?  No kidding, well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”  NO ONE (and I mean NO ONE) reacts to another’s birthday, unless they’re the one who’s actually aging (and suffering) … I’m convinced.  That is except for those who have experienced the dreaded birthday somewhat recently.  They ask, “So how are you feeling about your BIG 60th fast approaching?  I’m so excited that you’re joining the 60’s club with me!”  (You get the idea …)  It’s like it gives them a jolly knowing that you’re sliding down that slippery slope towards senility at an accelerated rate with them.

Now, how to CELEBRATE  (or IGNORE) one’s dreaded 60th is the real … Read the rest