April Empty Nester and/or over 50 thread

[LakeMartinGal]

Well, here it is the month of taxes, April Fools' Day and SPRING!

Do you love Spring? I used to get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) when Spring came, because all my activities stopped! Bowling ended (I'm from Wester NY, originally), school (for the kids) ended... it just seemed like my life as I enjoyed it came to an end! Now, with the children in other areas of the country, and our living on a lake, I find myself looking forward to Spring with a new appreciation! Every bud on the trees, the dogwood in bloom and all the 'volunteer' flowers seeded from previous years of planting bring joy to my heart! I think that some of that is just knowing, without being maudlin or depressing, that there are fewer Springs ahead than I have already seen. I am enjoying doing things that are important to ME! Whether they're important to someone else is irrelevant! ;)

Later today, we're going to boat over to see an Eagle's nest! What a thrill! :)

What are you doing just because you want to?

[DeeK]

Today is a work day around the house for us. DH is on vacation and is pressure washing the house, driveway, sidewalk and screen enclosure over the pool. Of course, that means I'm "on call" for all those little things he forgot (i.e. a towel, a drink. etc....) LOL

I've repotted some plants, trimmed back some bushes, trimmed up some orchids.

What will I do just for me?: We are going OUT to dinner tonight. After that I'm going to sit down and either knit or cross stitch for the evening! THAT will be my treat to myself.

As for the other question ....spring generally isn't my favorite season although it can be very pretty. I'm an autumn girl! Love Sept, Oct and November!

[LakeMartinGal]

I'm going to sit down and either knit or cross stitch for the evening! THAT will be my treat to myself.

As for the other question ....spring generally isn't my favorite season although it can be very pretty. I'm an autumn girl! Love Sept, Oct and November!

Oh! Another knitter/cross stitcher! Me, too, although I haven't knit in a long time. I used to make Icelandic sweaters, when I lived in the frozen tundra of NY.

I love the colors of autumn! And the crisp air... although that usually comes more in December around here ;)

[KimE]

OK, I am an empty nester..but the over 50 on the title..some of us did start a little sooner so I hope I can still be involved :D
As far as spring, I LOVE it, I am not a winter person. I hate the cold, I am a summer/heat person. The hotter, the better. I am also a gardner, with 1 1/3 acres, I kind of have to be. I love it as the days get longer and being able to come home after work and have some quiet time out in the garden with the music on.
This weekend DH was in NY on work so I have a great Saturday of shopping and lunch with a great friend. She is the one that needed some things so we went to the mall, she came out with 1 bag, I came out with 4. Life is good.
I have just had quiet nights at home, Friday & Saturday. Just a couple of "chick flicks" and last night I even stopped and bought something to go and never even made dinner. Life is great.

On Thursday night I had a "girls" party night. I am so tired of going to all the parties: Southern Living, candle, you name it. You always end up buying something you usually don't need and really want, just for the sake of getting together. So this is what I decided to do: we had a "be your own Consultant (sp?) night. Everyone brought things they either never needed, used once or twice and no longer wanted from a previous party they had gone to. We all put our names on them and lined up the tables with them. Then we went "shopping". It was great and everyone loved it. I got some really cute glasses, others traded candle holders, you name it. After all was said and done one of the gals took the rest home to have a garage sale for the Breast Cancer walk she is doing. It was so nice to get together, not have to buy something and still walk out with something you liked. We are doing it again in a couple of months.
That is all for now, need to get some work done aroud the house so it looks like I have been soooo busy while he has been gone. DH is due home soon :D

Take care all and looking forward to hearing from the rest of you!

Kim

[DeeK]

Oh! Another knitter/cross stitcher! Me, too, although I haven't knit in a long time. I used to make Icelandic sweaters, when I lived in the frozen tundra of NY.

I do mostly fun-type socks. There isn't much call for heavy sweaters down here. I do have a cotton shell to do in my stash though.

Cross stitch and knitting are the only things that keep me sane some days. :D

[rhondac]

OK, As far as spring, I LOVE it, I am not a winter person. I hate the cold, I am a summer/heat person. The hotter, the better.


DITTO! I actually lived in the California desert for 10 years and loved it!

I am enjoying seeing the daffodils, crocus and soon tulips come up! We didn't have enough moisture this winter so the stems are a little short, but they are still a delight.

I am desperately trying to finish a cross stitch I started for my DM in the fall for her BD on the 5th! It is a HUGE project I volunteered for years ago. It is a set of two (I finished the first one in 1999!) Geez. Actually, truth be told I had this one almost finished and a candle tipped over on it so I had to start all over - but it's taken way to long to get it done. I'm having a gathering of my family for DMs BD on Sunday, so I get a few extra days to finish - it won't be framed, but it'll be done... IT WILL BE DONE.

I wanted to work outside this weekend but the wind was blowing. I need to "clean up" my garden. Too early to plant anything.

[LakeMartinGal]

it won't be framed, but it'll be done... IT WILL BE DONE.


Boy! I hear that! I started a Golden Retriever sweatshirt in October, and just haven't quite gotten it done! I don't know whether to put it away and work on it next fall, or just finish it, then put it away so maybe I can actually wear it next year! :o :rolleyes:


OK, I am an empty nester..but the over 50 on the title..some of us did start a little sooner so I hope I can still be involved

Absolutely! That's why "and/or" in the title! Anyone who has something to share is welcome -- or if you're just on the verge of one or the other! :D We want everyone to come and play who is interested!

Anyone got any deep thoughts to share? :D

[Valerie226]

DH &I had a GREAT weekend. Our niece & her husband flew up & spent the weekend with us. they are 25-ish, just getting started. DH & I did not have children but this niece is the closest to "having a child" we will get. It's so wonderful to see the little kid you've known "forever" turn into a delightful accomplished adult. We are so proud of her! We've always been close & did the things with her that she didn't get from her parents. We introduced her to hiking, skiing & snowshoeing & her husband loves those things too. I've encouraged her to cook & look beyond what she got at home. I buy her CL subscription every year & she is becoming a decent good cook with an adventurous palate, far beyond her parents who have not ventured beyond cheez whiz. They've only been married 2 years but it looks like a happy, successful match. Her husband is just a sweetheart, smart, hardworking, kind & funny.

we took them snowshoeing saturday and even though the weather was awful, we had a great time. We teach them about outdoor gear, plants, birds, nature. they are in very decent shape so we are hoping we can go backpacking with them in fall.
I'm not sure why I :confused: started writing this but it was such a good weekend, i just wanted to share.

[KimE]

Valerie,
It sounds like you had a great weekend. I am the only one that had any children in the area, I have one older brother & a younger sister. They have also spent great times with my DD's. Just this last Christmas the girls went over to my brothers and went horse back riding (something I don't do) and they had a blast.
I think it is so important to have great relationships with your aunts & uncles, and they are as blessed as you are. My DD's love to tell just as many embarrasing stories to their aunts & uncles as they do with us. It really is great for them because like they use to say, I love to come & visit and take the girls for the night but I REALLY love it when I can drop them off and go home to a quite house :rolleyes:

I don't have any neices or nephews that live here so I have never been able to experience it. Or at least the dropping them off part for very long :D

Kim

[rhondac]

Wrinkles: I have been using day and night cream from Avon (they have one of the largest testing laboratories) which has helped lighten dark spots. I would like to do a "peel" or something for small surface lines. I was in Target the other day and noticed the Olay product - I think Regenerist??? was like sold out. Have any of you used any products like this with success?

[LakeMartinGal]

Today is/was a beautiful day in my area! Bright sunshine and nice temperature (72) with no humidity to speak of! I took the dogs down to the lake to swim (them, not me -- too cold for me, I'm such a wus!)

Got to sew with some nice ladies in a workshop at church, making dolls for kids who are in the hospital, or suffering traumatic events in their lives. Fun for me, and doing good works at the same time! :)

DH is home, not feeling well. He takes a shot once a week, and it really lays him low for 2 days, then, by the time he starts to feel better, it's time for another shot. I hate this for him, but he doesn't complain. He just needs lots of hugs when he doesn't feel well, and he doesn't have much patience.

We haven't heard from our 'troubled' daughter in 2 weeks. :( I have called her at work a couple of times -- she doesn't answer her cell phone -- and asked her to call. She hasn't. Now, I'm going to send her an email to say that, while we would love to hear from her, we'd like her to call because she wants to talk to us, not because I nagged her into it. The other daughter has started a new job, and calls once or twice a week. Not to compare them, just a comment.

Everyone have a great day! Tomorrow is 'hump day' for those of you who still go to work. For me, it is Senior Citizen shopping day -- 5% off groceries with a Kroger card! Whoeee! Do I know how to have fun, or what? ;)

[LakeMartinGal]

Posting just to keep this thread going -- All the empty nesters and/or over 50's must be working in the yard, or on vacation ;)

Does anyone have any good recipes for 2 people? I'm thinking pasta, chicken, fish... really anything! :)

[Peggy]

Hello! I've been lurking on your threads but haven't posted anything because I don't fit into either of the categories. :o I'm not an empty-nester - my DD is a junior in high school: and I am in my mid-40's, (more in KimE's age group), so not over 50 yet. I have just been curious about your discussions because I am anticipating my nest being empty in a year and a half. :( I guess I was looking for support ahead of time!

Anyway, since I don't fit either criteria I was wondering if I could still participate. I do knit and cross-stitch, as some of you have mentioned. I have a needlepoint pillow I have been making for my mother since BEFORE my DD was born. :eek: (I think she has forgotten all about it and I want to surprise her someday).

KimE - I love your party idea about "be your own consultant night". What a hoot!! In February, I hosted a Valentine's Day tea for some of my women friends because I don't think women get together often enough without their spouses and children. I may steal your idea soon and have the same type of party.

My DH and I sold a successful business 1 1/2 years ago and have been on "sabatical" and having a creative midlife crisis ever since. We have done a lot of traveling since then and are trying to decide what we want to do for the rest of our lives and where we want to live once DD graduates from HS and goes to college.

So - I just wanted to introduce myself to this thread and see if someone can contribute regularly even if they don't fit into either of your criteria. I think there is a lot of wisdom, support and fun here!

Peggy

[LakeMartinGal]

Peggy -- OF COURSE you are welcome! :D

Anyone is really welcome, whether they are looking for information/support, or ready to give it... or are just interested in what the other folks are doing! :)

I was interested to see that you and DH sold a business, and don't necessarily want to live where you are now when your nest is empty. That sounds pretty much like what we did, only we waited until DD#2 was out of college before we moved and sold the business. She went to a state U near our home.

One of the things we did in deciding where we were going to live was to make a list (my DH is VERY organized) of the things we must have in our new place, and the things that were nice to have.

For us, the main thing that we must have was a lake. Another was to be fairly near an airport. For others, it may be a golf course, or changing seasons, or low humidity... whatever. Then you can narrow down the areas of the country (assuming you want to live in the US) that have those attributes.

Another step would be to go to those places and see what the people/activities are like. You may find places you'd fit better than others. Of course, you're young enough that some places -- the communities for 'active seniors' 55 and older -- would not welcome you, yet. And isn't it nice to be too young for something? Anyway, those would probably not suit you yet.

You sound like you may not be ready to actually retire... if you have enough money to live on, you may want to do volunteer work, or start another business? We have done both, and consequently met a lot of 'locals' (we live in the rural South), and a lot of people who, like us, moved down here from the North -- and even some from California!

I hope this doesn't sound 'preachy' -- I am just so happy with what we did and how we did it, that I wanted to share... :o

I have done needlepoint before, but they were usually wall hangings... I never did a pillow. I've been into cross stitch, but have found that I don't do as much since we got TiVo. I guess I just like all the shows, so I don't divide my attention like I used to!

Next month, maybe I'll change the name of the thread to "anticipating empty nesters..." ;)

[crazyquilter]

I thought I'd join in on this one, too, since it's literally around the corner for me. I'll be 50 in 22 days (ack!). My older son will be leaving for college this summer. I still have a 15 year old at home, but everything's starting to change! Not sure yet how I feel about it. On the one hand, I'm sad to even think about them leaving home, but on the other, I do see the upside. Oh well, it's coming whether I want it to or not!

I, too, would be interested in this question posted by rhondac:

Wrinkles: I have been using day and night cream from Avon (they have one of the largest testing laboratories) which has helped lighten dark spots. I would like to do a "peel" or something for small surface lines. I was in Target the other day and noticed the Olay product - I think Regenerist??? was like sold out. Have any of you used any products like this with success?

I'd like to know about that Regenerist as well. I like Olay products, but don't want to shell out the $$ for snake oil! Anyone have any experience with this stuff?

CQ

[KimE]

Welcome Peggy, I have always enjoyed reading your posts about your trip to Europe and you probably don't remember but my DH & I are going to Italy next year and you sent me some great info that I still have saved for when it gets closer.

Welcome CQ also! I think it is good to get a head start on this time of your life, it really is a HUGE change. Like I said in a previous post it was really, really hard at first. Like the others on the board our house was the go/to house for all the kids, in fact some of their freinds still stop by to "check on us". It really is cute. We are still adjusting, and now the youngest DD is due back in 4 weeks, for the summer :rolleyes:

I am going over to WSU this weekend for Mom's Weekend, she is so excited and has all kind of things planned for us to do. I have never been to one but have heard lots about them so I am looking forward to seeing her and going :D

I just got back from the bank, yes sometimes my DH & I say we are the bank ourselves. I had to deposit "rent" money for the 1st DD that is also going to school in Portland. They will both graduate next year, within 2 week from each other :D :D :D

Well everyone have a great weekend, I will check back Sunday night when I get home. DH is also looking forward to Moms Weekend, he rarely gets the house to himself :rolleyes:

Kim

[LakeMartinGal]

I am going over to WSU this weekend for Mom's Weekend, she is so excited and has all kind of things planned for us to do. I have never been to one but have heard lots about them so I am looking forward to seeing her and going :D

I just got back from the bank, yes sometimes my DH & I say we are the bank ourselves. I had to deposit "rent" money for the 1st DD that is also going to school in Portland. They will both graduate next year, within 2 week from each other :D :D :D Kim

How lucky you are, going to Mom's Weekend! I think you'll have a wonderful time -- it's great to have a daughter who wants you to come to a weekend on campus!

Hopefully, your 'being the bank' will stop when the DD's get out of school. :rolleyes: Unfortunately, our situation didn't get that way, yet... but it will! I have faith! ;)

Wrinkles: I have been using day and night cream from Avon (they have one of the largest testing laboratories) which has helped lighten dark spots. I would like to do a "peel" or something for small surface lines. I was in Target the other day and noticed the Olay product - I think Regenerist??? was like sold out. Have any of you used any products like this with success?

I have never used a face peel... let me know if anyone tries it. Olay (now owned by Proctor & Gamble) is a fine line of products, and they have great products and advertising. Neutrogena, now owned by Johnson & Johnson, is also known for good products -- often, they are a little less expensive than Olay, and just as good or better, IMHO.

[Peggy]

Thanks Kay and Kim for the warm welcome! I think this will be a fun group to keep up with. :)

Kay - Your post doesn't sound preachy at all! I appreciate the wisdom and advise. We would like to stay on the West Coast and are interested in a rural property in a small winegrowing region. Every school holiday we spend traveling to different areas we are interested in to check them out. We spent Thankgiving in the Umpqua Valley in Oregon, after Christmas in CA's central coast region and tomorrow morning we head up to Washington to look at the Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys. DH has taken wine making courses at UC Davis and we are both currently working on our wine making certificates at a local college. The "BIG" dream is to buy a small (very small), distressed winery and try to make a go of it. But home winemaking as a hobby is also a possibility. We have already produced several vintages and have been improving each year.

We are definately not ready to retire permanently. We decided to drop out of the rat race for awhile while we were still young and healthy and able to travel. But we will reenter on a part-time basis when we find the right place and when we can do something we truly love, not something we have to do.

For now, we are doing volunteer work, getting the house ready to sell and taking classes to work towards out ultimate goals.

Looking forward to being a "member" of this group!

Peggy

[Peggy]

Welcome Peggy, I have always enjoyed reading your posts about your trip to Europe and you probably don't remember but my DH & I are going to Italy next year and you sent me some great info that I still have saved for when it gets closer.

Kim - DH and I finally finished our scrapbook from last summer and all of our Italy stuff is organized. If I can help with your trip in any other way, please let me know!

Pegy

[shscharles]

Originally Posted by rhondac
Wrinkles: I have been using day and night cream from Avon (they have one of the largest testing laboratories) which has helped lighten dark spots. I would like to do a "peel" or something for small surface lines. I was in Target the other day and noticed the Olay product - I think Regenerist??? was like sold out. Have any of you used any products like this with success?

(I'm not sure how to post quotes...can anyone help?...signed, Feeb.)

When Chanel eye cream went to $60 for this miniscule (0.5 oz.) jar :eek: I switched to Neutrogena Visibly Firm eye cream (usually in the $15-18 range) and have been very happy with it. For moisturizer, my friend the Dermatologist told me she always recommends Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle with SPF15 to her patients so that's what I've been using for several years. I Love both of these products.

Originally Posted by rhondac
it won't be framed, but it'll be done... IT WILL BE DONE.

LOL! I resemble that remark! I started a striped muffler for DS #1 when he was a junior in high school. I found it when we returned from living abroad for many years and finished it for him for his 42nd birthday. It may be in the back of a closet somewhere, but I had a marvelous feeling of accomplishment!

I'm really enjoying this thread! Thanks!

[shscharles]

Hey! I figured out the quote thing! Yea Me! :D :D

[Valerie226]

This is unrelated to this thread but is there a problem again with e-mail notifications? I'm not getting any at all. I also had trouble opening up threads this morning. this is the only one I could open. I tried several on the great food & nothing worked. Never know if it's me or the system....

[shscharles]

Since the change (CL's menopause?) I have not been notified about threads except on renegade occasions. I have emailed CL repeatedly but they just say it's someone else's problem and I'll be hearing from "them"...Ha! I've never heard from anyone.

As far as opening threads, I live out in the country so still have dial-up and assume any problem I have is dial-up related. :rolleyes:

[LakeMartinGal]

This is unrelated to this thread but is there a problem again with e-mail notifications? I'm not getting any at all. I also had trouble opening up threads this morning. this is the only one I could open. I tried several on the great food & nothing worked. Never know if it's me or the system....
I haven't had any email notifications for a couple of days, but thought it was just me...have you tried posting on the tech forum? I have broadband connection, so it wasn't necessarily the dial-up... :confused:

[lindaofthelakes]

Hi, all from a rainy Saturday in NJ (But not complaining, we needed the rain.) I am steeling myself for an invasion (er.... visit) by DH's grown kids , their spouses and 5 grandkids tomorrow. Not to complain too much since I like them individually but 9 houseguests to feed(and they are very fussy, picky eaters) and sleep all at once seems like a lot. But then thinking of every other holiday when my siblings, their kids and I invaded my Mom who gladly welcomed us all.

Maybe I am getting curmudgeonly. :)

How do you handle family visits?

[shscharles]

Everytime this happens to me, I've done the inviting, and try to remember that I need to treat them like I'd like someone to treat my kids and their families. Lots of teeth grinding. Lots of organization. Lots of planning. Lots of wine. :D

Check back in when they've gone...this is a good place to 'kick the cat'. You can vent to your heart's desire...

Endure.

[Goin' Coastal]

Isn't it funny, how when your kids are little, you can't imagine living without them; and then after you get a taste of the empty nest syndrome - you can't imagine living in the same house with them ever again! Just keep repeating to yourself - "I can do this for three days, I can do this for three days"

And don't forget the wine!

[Beachside]

Hi.....I just wanted to join in. I was going to post several days ago, but I forgot my password & couldn't logon. I didn't want to change my password because I figure I'll only forget another one as well--better to search for the post-it I had written it on. So this morning I found my password & I wrote a lengthy post about the seasons in reply to LakeMartinGal's question about spring.....just a little of "this & that" & how I enjoy each season as it comes----and the post disappeared when I tried to submit.....well, I got "logged" off for some reason :confused:

Oh well :eek:

I am an empty nester, and since I had forgotten my password, I guess that would identify me as an "over 50" as well.

:D :cool:

[Terrytx]

I am steeling myself for an invasion (er.... visit)
Maybe I am getting curmudgeonly. :)

I am also getting ready for 3 extra (my Dad and 2 DSs) for 2 weeks then part of the time there will be 4 more, for a weekend to celebrate our 25th anniversy. So to quote Goin' Coastal - "I can do this for three days, I can do this for three days", but in my 2 weeks.

[lindaofthelakes]

Thanks all for the supportive responses. So far so good here. One good thing about visitors is that I get to cook (a LOT :eek: ) which is fun for me.

And thanks for the wine suggestion. The Savignon Blanc is in the frig. :D

[Goin' Coastal]

The Savignon Blanc is in the frig. :D

This might be the perfect mantra for you to keep repeating to yourself! ;)

[ChristieinMB]

Isn't it funny, how when your kids are little, you can't imagine living without them; and then after you get a taste of the empty nest syndrome - you can't imagine living in the same house with them ever again!
I had to pop in here on this, I so agree with this, I love my sons, I love their visits, but how did I ever do it??

[kima]

I too am an empty nester but not quite 50. ;)
My DH and I have two daughters- ages 25 and 23. I am still adjusting to having them both gone. My eldest daughter is away at colleger studying to become a vet tech- she graduates in June. She has been home for summers and when she did three week practicums so as never had her own place. She will only come back home very temporarilrly when she graduates. She is more than ready to live on her own.
My younger daughter lives in our city and I see her at least once a week. My daughters and I are extremely close- we share the same wacky sense of humour and just accept each other as we are. I am so proud of the people they have become. They are down to earth,considerate (both always check up on their old parents) and strongly independent women. (sorry for the little brag). :o
We have adjusted very well I think. We are very busy coaching over 60 young athletes(ages 9-22) in track and field so we are still around young people on a daily basis. Many of our teen and young adult athletes are like children to us. It keeps us young. My DH is 15 years older than I am and yet he will take a bunch of teens away on a trip and have a great time with them. No gated communites with a bunch of old people for us.(though I am sure they are nice) ;)

I have found that my desire to cook is very gradually diminishing. For 25 years I fed four and made all our own bread etc. Just don't have that same enthusiasm though I have more time so that's not a good excuse.
I definately feel my body changing. I have been an avid and serious athlete for most of my life but now my knees are pretty sore so alot of running is out. I do weights and go to fitness classes three times a week and run/walk at least two times. We have incredible place to run where I live.

I sometime read the new mums thread as a friend of mine is on there (Hi Lisa!) and I always want to say don't sweat the small stuff. I remember how every little thing seemed so vitally important-toilet training, sleeping through the night etc. and my MIL would say thing s like "they won't go to university in diapers so relax" So true! I am grateful that I was a stay at home (happily) and that I got to savour all the good times and have forgotten alot of the rough times. Those were the best years of our lives and we treasure them. We also enjoy life today though I'd go back to having them little again in a heart beat. :o That sounds kind of pathetic but for both my DH and I it's true.
My DH and Ihave never left North America together and that is one thing that definately needs to happen- and frequently.
Anyway this is a very busy time for year for me but I will ty and pop in here when I can.
You sound like a very cool bunch of people. :cool:

You are aalso very kind if you read through this epic post. :o :o

[shscharles]

Interesting what Kima said about the gated communities. They're gaining in popularity and seem to be Valhalla for many, but I can't imagine myself in such a homogeneous setting. I need diversity in my life...

I remember, also, how important little things seemed when I was young, and try as well to pass along the experience to DILs that ten years from now it just won't matter. :)

No one ever went to college with a pacifier either, Kima! :D And the dentist will tell Mom soon enough to toss it out...I don't need to go there!

[LakeMartinGal]

Well, I am sure glad to see that I'm not the only one who got used to the kids being gone, and, while I'm happy to see them visit, I'm also happy when the visit is over! ;) Such a strain, being 'Mom' again, instead of me! Did I revert to my childish ways when I visited my parents? Probably! :o At 28 and 30, you'd think they would get along for 1 week a year! :( Enough, I say!

I agree about the gated communities... not enough diversity! I imagine some live in them for the safety, and some for the snob appeal (no offense meant). It's just not something I would look for -- not to mention the extra fees they charge to pay the security people!

Kima - I too had lost my desire to cook -- I had been 'doing' Jenny Craig, and the meals were so easy! Then, when DH retired, the kids left and we were home all the time, DH expressed an interest in 'nicer' meals. So, he does a lot of the cooking, now. We both have dishes we like to cook, which is nice. He's better on presentation than I am, and he's also better at 'clean as you go!' All in all, a nice division of labor. We select meals together, and the one who cooks doesn't have to clean the kitchen! Love that!!! :D

[kima]

Whoa- you really must be empty nesters as you had the time to read my autobiography! :D ;)

I still like to cook and do it almost every day but it just isn't as exciting as it once was and I do take way more shortcuts than I used to.
We all change and I don't beat myself up about it. Like I said I cook a nice dinner about 5 nights a week as opposed to 7.

Hope I didn't offend anyone when I said gated communities aren't for us. We are also the only people I know who hated Disneylworld (our kids too!) :o
Many people ask us why we spend so much of our time coaching when we don't have kids in the sport anymore. It keeps us young !


Kay you and DH have a very nice thing going on! :cool:

[KimE]

I'm back from the Mothers Weekend! We had a GREAT time :p It was so nice to go and spend time with Nikki, just us. Well I say just us, along with 60 other girls and their mothers in the house. Nikki lives in a Sorority, I was not really fond of it in the beginning but for her it has been wonderful and she loves it. I on the other had would not last a week, no privacy, I mean NO privacy. It was so nice to get home last night and shower, much a lone go the the bathroom alone :eek:
Her house is nice and the things they planned were so much fun, I had never played "Bunco" (sp?) it was a blast. Then we went to a kegger, yes a kegger. I have not been to one for over 20 years, I have to say it was fun, there were a lot of other moms we stood on the side of the bon fire and had some pretty good laughs telling stories about when we had kegs. On Saturday night we went to a comedy show at one of the bars (let me tell you how glad I was that she is 21!!!) they were so funny, and much better then the "all age" comedian at the Arena in the school. We danced after until about 1am...what a blast. Long drive home yesterday, it is about 5 1/2 hours so I was very glad to get home.

Peggy---thanks for the offer and you can bet I will be asking for advise when we get ready to go to Italy.

It looks like everyone has been busy with visitors :rolleyes:

I like it, no I love looking forward for everyone to come home for the holidays, and that lasts for the first day...yes I would say first day. After that the "warm & fuzzy" is wearing off with them all together and it starts to get really tireing. That is when my DH & I start giving each other "the looks" :D
Good luck to everyone that has visitors!!

Cooking...DH & I love to cook and always have, on Friday & Saturday nights we would always make the kids dinner at 6:00 and sit with them while they ate, then put in a movie or what ever and at about 7:00 we would start our dinner. We would open up a bottle of wine and put on some Jazz and make the best meals. Well now, we pretty much do it on Saturday nights and Friday has gotten pretty casual. Sometimes we still do but not every weekend like we did for years. That was our time to reconnect, and talk about the week and the girls. Now we really don't need those because we have time alone and talk all week long.
Don't be confused..we still open the good bottle of wine Friday & Saturday nights.

Well gotta run and do some laundry, will touch base tomorrow

Kim E

[DeeK]

Hope I didn't offend anyone when I said gated communities aren't for us. We are also the only people I know who hated Disneylworld (our kids too!) :o


Okay ...I'll go for the gated community. I can see the appeal, but I'm not ready for it yet. However, you can add me among those who hate Disney. :D ;)

[kima]

Well one out of two ain't bad Dee. :)

We bought a three day pass to Disney World and didn't go back after one day. Fortunately we were in FLA for other reasons . The girls loved all the nature things we did- beaches, swamps etc.

I have a good friend (a guy ) who is 21 and one of my best friends is 80. I just love being around people of all ages and backgrounds.

[Beachside]

Does anyone have any good recipes for 2 people? I'm thinking pasta, chicken, fish... really anything! :)


We enjoyed this chicken tonight--the recipe says it serves 4, but when I make it I either halve the recipe, or we enjoy the leftovers! I haven't tried posting a link yet, so I'll just copy the recipe. Not only is it very tasty--but it is quick & easy.

Susan





Lemon and Oregano-Rubbed Chicken Paillards

Chicken breasts are pounded thin with a meat mallet or rolling pin to create paillards; the increased surface allows you to use even more of the flavorful rub.


4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
5 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon water
2 garlic cloves, minced
Cooking spray
4 lemon wedges
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Prepare grill.
Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Combine lemon rind and next 6 ingredients (through minced garlic); rub evenly over both sides of chicken. Place chicken on a grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill 3 minutes on each side or until chicken is done. Remove from heat. Squeeze 1 lemon wedge evenly over each chicken breast half. Sprinkle parsley evenly over chicken.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half)

CALORIES 226(22% from fat); FAT 5.6g (sat 1g,mono 3g,poly 0.8g); PROTEIN 39.6g; CHOLESTEROL 99mg; CALCIUM 38mg; SODIUM 465mg; FIBER 0.7g; IRON 1.8mg; CARBOHYDRATE 2.2g
Cooking Light, JULY 2004

[LakeMartinGal]

Thanks for the recipe, Beachside... I'll put this one into the card file! :)

I'm a little embarrassed to say that we LOVE Disney World! Especially without the kids! Oh, not the Magic Kingdom so much, but we really enjoy EPCOT. :) :o

[kima]

hey no need to be embarassed. Most people love DW.
We are the weirdos. :o

[lonetree1353]

Hope you don't mind that I popped in when I saw the empty nester title. Our oldest DD is graduating from university this June. She is writing her last three exams in the next two weeks then she is off to Vancouver to move in with her sister. We will finally be Empty nesters. :D

Because they both are not that far away makes me look forward to it being just the two of us again in our house. We have recently started going on holidays without children and, I must say, it takes getting used to travelling with just your spouse again. :D Both DD's are amazed when we come back from vacations now and haven't gone into one shopping mall or amusement park. We did go to Disney World when we were in Orlando and enjoyed it but I am sure it was because it was in November and no long lineups.

I can't imagine either of us in a gated community but realize that, for some this would be ideal. We have friends who just sold their house, purchased a townhouse in a gated community and love the freedom of being able to take off at any time and not have to worry about their home while they are gone. They also contend that they have more free time now they don't have to maintain the upkeep of the outside etc. So, for some people it does work. I just don't think we fall in that category.

[Goin' Coastal]

OK - popping in to say I am looking forward to living in a gated community. We bought a lot in one - www.albemarleplantation.com 3 years ago, and I am counting down the years till we get there! We want to golf, and also boat the intercoastal waterway when we retire, so this seemed like the perfect spot for us. When we first visited, we had no intention of buying. But we fell in love with the place and haven't regretted it once!

[ChristieinMB]

The gated community comment gave me a good laugh, as I sit here in my gated community. Last year we decided to buy a second home in the desert. We looked around, realized we wanted to be on the golf course, wanted to walk away with no worries or responsibilities, this works for a second home. 80% of the homes are gated in Rancho Mirage, where we bought. We are in our fifties, we are young here! It is an active community, we don't socialize, but it is a very social community, most residents are winter snowbirds, coming in November, leaving in May. I do like all the maintenance that is taken care of with the HOA fee. I'm surprised how much I like it, I usually don't like "master-planned", but this works, I must be getting old! :D

[lonetree1353]

My parents lived in a gated community here and in California and loved it. They would travel to Palm Springs in September and head back up to BC in April for tax time. :rolleyes: They loved the life style and, like Christie, were able to travel back and forth worry free. I think it is great that we have a variety of living options now adays to fit each of our lifestyles.

[rhondac]

When Chanel eye cream went to $60 for this miniscule (0.5 oz.) jar :eek: I switched to Neutrogena Visibly Firm eye cream (usually in the $15-18 range) and have been very happy with it. For moisturizer, my friend the Dermatologist told me she always recommends Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle with SPF15 to her patients so that's what I've been using for several years. I Love both of these products.

Thanks, I will pick these up and give them a try!

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO QUOTE MYSELF - but I did not get the cross stitch for my mom finished. I ended up having 12 people for dinner (for her BD), but I WILL have it done by the end of the month OR ELSE! I will be sure to post this happy event!

I am not an empty nester (never had children), I don't have a SO or DH, I am still working, so I don't know what I'm doing here - except I really enjoy your company :)

I am currently trying to invest in a "fix and flip" property, (I have finally figured out decorating/remodeling) is my "passion." :rolleyes: its about time...

I did live in Palm Springs for 10 years in the 80s and LOVED it, do you stay in the summer? It used to be so QUIET in the summer, not any more...

[LakeMartinGal]

The gated communities certainly do have their merits! For some, they are definitely the answer -- especially travellers, or part-time residents. :)

We have just spent enough time living in neighborhoods... our vacations were mostly spent in the "cottage country" north of Toronto... the nearest neighbor, who was almost never there, was a good 20 minute walk away. Everyone else was a boat ride away... you can see where I'm going with this -- we like our solitude! ;)

Now, we live in a rural area, near a large gated community. This has benefited us, because we have broadband cable, where a lot of areas around here do not. And several restaurants, some of them very nice -- and golf courses (we do not golf) -- it's a really nice combo for us. We socialize through the fire department and church, and can be hermits, if we like. :D

At this stage, I think that whatever works for you is the right thing for you! :cool:

[Silvery Moon]

It's spring-like here today in NE Illinois. I have some daffodils blooming, but the tulips are barely out of the ground.

Last week-end we were in Minneapolis. My daughter lives there. She is getting married in May, and her fiance's relatives had a bridal shower for her. I have been sewing her wedding dress, so I took the finished product to her. It fit perfectly, and was just what she wanted--thank goodness!

Now I have to make the bride's maid dress for my other daughter. It will be much easier than the wedding gown, so I won't take more than a few days to make. I just have to round up that daughter to determine the proper fit.

[KimE]

It's spring-like here today in NE Illinois. I have some daffodils blooming, but the tulips are barely out of the ground.

Last week-end we were in Minneapolis. My daughter lives there. She is getting married in May, and her fiance's relatives had a bridal shower for her. I have been sewing her wedding dress, so I took the finished product to her. It fit perfectly, and was just what she wanted--thank goodness!

Now I have to make the bride's maid dress for my other daughter. It will be much easier than the wedding gown, so I won't take more than a few days to make. I just have to round up that daughter to determine the proper fit.

That is so cool, I wish I could sew much let alone my daughters wedding dress. What a blessing. I wore MY mothers wedding dress and my girls are planning on wearing it :D

Congrads on the wedding

Kim

[shscharles]

Just putting the finishing touches on the Easter Baskets for the 3 nearest Grandkids, signing the tax returns to get to the post office, making a list for the Farmer's Market, and, oh. Did I mention that yesterday the Orthopod told me the pain I've been experiencing in my foot is a stress fracture?

Shouldn't slow me down too much except I'm a walker...it's what is most effective and doable for me as excercise. So I went from the Dr.'s office to the gym to figure out what I could do without bending or putting weight on the foot. OK, yoga is out for awhile. But the rowing machine seems OK (except that I hate it) and I can do some weight training. ****, ****, double ****. (Editing to replace the asterisks with darn, darn, double darn :rolleyes: )

And here is high-maintenance DH asking me if I could run to the bank for him...murder is an option.

THanks for letting me rant a little.

[LakeMartinGal]

THanks for letting me rant a little.
Go, ahead and rant! That's part of the reason we're here!
I hear you about the walking... that and stretching are about all I can do without killing myself (and anyone else around me, when I'm hurting). :o

It may be he** getting older, but it sure beats the alternative! I'm just happy to be able to do as much as I do! :D

[shscharles]

Oh well, I'm over it. When DILs say they can't keep up with me, I must be doing something right...

Happy Easter everyone...and Happy egg salad tomorrow! :D

[BarbaraL]

Hi, everyone. I'm almost an empty-nester and almost 50, so thought I'd join the fun.

To the original question, what are you doing for yourself - I've finally gotten my act together and gotten back to Weight Watchers and am walking seriously every day. So far, have lost 10 pounds!

I've just come out of the worst year of my life - my mom, with whom I was very close, died after an extended illness (during which time I handled her affairs, dealt with the doctors, etc). At the same time, I was taking DD to look at/apply to colleges. Also, responsibilities changed at work, and I went from being perceived as a great employee to one who wasn't doing a good job (de-emphasized the tasks I'd been doing, and adding new ones that my team did not value). Like someone else mentioned, DH is high maintenance - very moody, which is difficult to live with. Wound up being depressed, demoralized, and with an additional 15 pounds!

Now, I'm taking control of my life - controlling my eating and exercise, refocusing at work, and trying not to let DH's problems ruin my day and outlook. I'm taking long walks after work in the beautiful weather, and really enjoying being outdoors and noticing the flowers and the wildlife (hawks, deer, rabbits, turkeys).

DD and I are close; she's even attending my alma mater! She and a friend came home for the Easter holiday, and we had a great time. I miss her, but she loves her college, and I'm thrilled that she's thrilled.

Anyhow, glad to join the fun!

[shscharles]

Welcome, Barbara! Your walks sound wonderful...I think I'll (mentally) tag a long!

You're doing what I'm doing about DH...just trying not to let his deal be my deal...easier said than done, but worth the effort. My friend the psychotherapist calls it "detaching without shutting down". I'm getting better at it but at least once a day say to myself, "when does it get easy?" You can't fix him but you can fix how you react to him.

It's a glorious day and we're going to the theater tonight (a new Richard Greenburg play), the girls are coming to play bridge tomorrow morning...life is good. I think I may have this retirement thing down! :D

[Valerie226]

Welcome Barbara, your post has the honor of generating the first email notification I've had in weeks. Yay!!

[BarbaraL]

Welcome, Barbara! Your walks sound wonderful...I think I'll (mentally) tag a long!:D

Welcome along! I walk on the "hilltop" - a large hill that used to house an old tuberculosis hospital. The buildings are long gone, and the grounds have been returning to the wild. It's quite a large space, and is absolutely beautiful. It's one of the last undeveloped parcels of land here in northern NJ. Unfortunately, the developers will be having at it, so I'm enjoying it as long as I can.

Sorry you also have DH problems. And they say that women are moody! What a pain.

[LakeMartinGal]

*bump* Any news, anyone? :)

[shscharles]

I'll start!

Learning to love retirement is learning that one of your best friends (who lives in Arizona and you live in Maryland) is visiting her son in Delaware and you think nothing of jumping in the car and driving 2 1/2 hours each way to have lunch with her...

It was wonderful to compare Social Security checks, grandchildren and see how good we both look and feel! :D :D

[LakeMartinGal]

Isn't that the truth! Every time I'm near Cincinnati, I make it a point to have lunch with a buddy who doesn't have email! :eek: It takes hours to catch up! :D

[shscharles]

ANd isn't it a treat to have friends with whom you can pick back up in mid sentence, as if no time had passed? Priceless.

[LakeMartinGal]

ANd isn't it a treat to have friends with whom you can pick back up in mid sentence, as if no time had passed? Priceless.
LOL that is, if I can remember what I was saying... :D ;)

A couple of years ago, we reconnected with the couple we had been friends with in college! We had seen them a couple of times over the years, but this was the first time they had come to our house, with the intention of staying a couple of day. We had a blast! We're aware of time passing, but it didn't seem to matter -- we could still play cards, and catch up on each other's children. And we all still had some of the foibles we'd had in college... Now, they come every year, and we look forward to it! :cool: :D

[KimE]

I love old friends, there is nothing like them. I have 4 friends that I have had from jr high on. We did not have the time to get together regularly when the kids wew growing and our families were so busy but we have reconnected and it is soooo wonderful. We try to get together every coule of months. We all still live close together and some of them still have young children :eek: but we really make an effort to stay in touch. I even find that we do more for each other now then we ever did when we were younger. We take the time to get together and are always thinking of each other, like if someone sees something she knows the other really likes she just picks it up. Kind of a whatever gift. We say it is for all those years when we did not take the time for each other. As far as finishing each others sentences, we all do it, if you did not know it and was listening to one of our conversations it would probably drive you nuts, we ALL finish everyones sentences :D

I am already sore and I just finished working in the garden a couple of hours ago, I can already tell tomorrow is going to be really, really bad. Good, but bad. That is what the winter does to me.

Youngest DD comes home next week for the summer, she found an internship just about 10 miles from here so she is very excited. DH is not so excited, he said he is going to start having to wear his clothes around the house again :eek: . It really is funny, the mixed emotions I have now, I just love her to death but it is going to be another change we have to make, and I know that just as I am getting use to it she will be leaving again.

Weather today was the best to date high 60's and I enjoyed every second of it.
Hope everyone also had a great weekend, so here is to the week ahead. Oh and wish me luck...I meet my new boss tomorrow. I can not wait to retire.

Kim E

[rhondac]

I am already sore and I just finished working in the garden a couple of hours ago, I can already tell tomorrow is going to be really, really bad. Good, but bad. That is what the winter does to me.

Oh and wish me luck...I meet my new boss tomorrow. I can not wait to retire. Kim E

I exercise five days a week by walking, but I too worked in my garden this weekend and - my aching back! Bending, stooping, lifting... but it's a good :confused: ache...

We had SC last night. This group consists of mostly 20 & 30-somethings with a three of us over 40/50/60. What a hoot! So much fun, and laughter. Plus our theme was "herbs" and everthing was SO flavorful!

Good Luck KimE with your new boss... I'm with you on the retiring part ;)

This week I have to come home and work on cleaning the inside of my house after work, since I worked out side all weekend (I really have a hard time motivating myself to that, cleaning after I get home). Next week I'm going to work from home and have my Dad here. He is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and my mom needs a little vacation. So he'll stay here and she'll go visit some friends. I just have to get him meals, remind him to take a shower and brush his teeth... he mostly watches TV, but he can also help me mow lawn, work in yard, I just have to work along with him... Lucky for my mom I can work from home one week a year, my brother and sister are oblivious to how hard it is on her... :mad:

Have a good week!

[LakeMartinGal]

Next week I'm going to work from home and have my Dad here. He is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and my mom needs a little vacation.
How wonderful that you can do this! When I had BC, my daughter was working from home full-time, and was able to come stay with me, and work from here! It really was a blessing...As for your brother and sister being oblivious -- they probably really are! Are you the oldest? ;)

It really is funny, the mixed emotions I have now, I just love her to death but it is going to be another change we have to make
I hear that! Just when we get used to a change, another one comes along. I think it's called "life." ;) I found that, when the girls came home, they were struggling to retain the maturity they'd found away... in a way, they still do that... and I struggle not to treat them as though they are exactly the same as when they left. Sometimes, it even works! :rolleyes:

Kim -- good luck with your new boss! :)

[rhondac]

How wonderful that you can do this! When I had BC, my daughter was working from home full-time, and was able to come stay with me, and work from here! It really was a blessing...As for your brother and sister being oblivious -- they probably really are! Are you the oldest? ;)


Yep, I'm the oldest... sometimes that is not an easy row to hoe... yes my siblings ARE oblivious, and they don't like anything brought to their attention either... (sigh).

[LakeMartinGal]

Bumping this up to see if anyone has anything else to add? Any new over 50 and/or empty nesters in the bunch?

Hope everyone is looking forward to a beautiful weekend! The weather here is absolutely gorgeous, but we are expecting a cold snap this weekend. Too bad for the weekenders, but we full-time residents don't mind... that way the lake is less crowded during the week? ;)

Where I live, rush hour means that I can see a car, when I get to the 'main road' -- a traffic jam is if I have to stop at the stop sign! How about you?

One of the fun things happening here is that a younger friend is getting married for the second time, and they don't have much money. So a bunch of us have hijacked the reception, and plan to make it a time to remember, at no cost to the young couple! There are some advantages to country living -- this from someone who couldn't wait to get out of the small town where I was raised! :rolleyes:

Healthy times, everyone!

[shscharles]

Am I the only one who has figured out that every pair of slacks I own has unacceptable pleats on the front and is two to three inches too short? So I was off to update a few wardrobe basics today...fun, but expensive...and now the tops...

[LakeMartinGal]

I live in jean shorts all summer, except for church... Those unacceptable-pleat slacks are still being sold, darn it... I updated tops, since I tend to spill -- and tops can be worn with anything! ;)

[Breadbaker]

I love spring but the late summer early fall here is our best weather and it smells so good! We have a lot of wild mint and Myrtle wood trees when it get warm they smell great.

I have been following your thread for a few Saturdays and I like that it is so postive! This is my first try at message board.

Like KimE you don't need to be over 50 to be a empty nester, I'm 50 and have been a empty nester as my youngest DS left SEVEN years ago for collage. We found it wonderful after a few worried sad days.

I really liked KimE's party idea I'm soooo tired of candles & kitchen parties.

I going to tackle my yard today as it is dry enough to mow at last. I will be cooking a wild turkey tonight as my DH baged his turkey this is a challange as they do not have a fat layer like the commerical birds do.

I Use Olay complete every time I try something that is FIRMING I end up with red blothcy skin. But I havent tried a peel.

_____________________
Patti

[lindaofthelakes]

Welcome Breadbaker! Were honored to get your first post! Hi guys. Experiencing a luxurious two days alone. DH was off giving a seminar and Ive been able to say up late and read. No cooking or cleaning. Just like a mini spa here at home. Tonite I pick up my sis at the airport so we have a Girls nite bonding before DH gets home.

Back to the pants!. I must say i am the guilty owner of some pleated chinos :eek: That and my tendency to wear unbuttoned blazers and big sweaters over them probably makes me look 20 lbs heavier (and i don't need that!). But darn it they are comfortable. Did anyone see Oprah's show yesterday on butt-flattering pants. Needless to say my wardrobe is solidly in the DONT column.

[LakeMartinGal]

Welcome Breadbaker! Were honored to get your first post! Back to the pants!. Did anyone see Oprah's show yesterday on butt-flattering pants. Needless to say my wardrobe is solidly in the DONT column.
Ditto the welcome to Breadbaker! We may have lots to talk about... have you ever made bagels?

I haven't watched Oprah for a while... she had a time there where she was getting too much like Jerry Springer for me, so I stopped TiVo-ing her show. Tell me about those pants, though. I could sure stand to have my butt flattened, and my tummy and hips, too!! :rolleyes: :D

I once had a friend who was a grandmother at 35 -- her empty nest started pretty early, too... Some people have never had the nest full... you're welcome here, too! Sometimes I wonder -- would I have had children, if I had to select a road, again? What about you...

We've all travelled such different roads, it's nice to have maybe one or two things in common with new friends, and still keep touch with the older friends!

[rhondac]

Ditto the welcome to Breadbaker!

Tell me about those pants, though. I could sure stand to have my butt flattened, and my tummy and hips, too!! :rolleyes: :D

There was talk about back pockets - the slit pockets are the most flattering. And NO PANTY LINE. That means thongs, or boy shorts which give no panty line OR a full on "girdle" (tee hee) type thing which goes from waist to mid thigh. No peged pants (narrow at ankle), no pleats (actually I'm not sure where these came from, NO ONE looks good in pleated pants). I have yet to find a good thong (ouch) and I'm not sure my figure could incorporate "boy shorts". But I'm in the market for new underwear so I'm gonna see what is out there. I wear pants ALL the time ('cept summer) and I love the new stretch fabrics that are out.

Tomorrow my Dad comes for the week and I work at home. Actually, this is going to be quite relaxing for me... no drive time to work, and hopefully the weather will be nice and we can be outside. Other than his asking all week "where is your mother?, when will she be back?" it should go well, although it has been a year since I had him last... but it does not appear that he has gotten that much worse... but I'm not with him 24/7...

Anyhow, just checkin' in...

[KimE]

Welcome Breadbaker!
Ppleated pants :eek: I have not owned any for quite a while. With 3 DD's someone is sure to tell me that I cannot wear "that" anylonger.
The girls & I am pretty much been the same size from Highschool on, so when they would go through their clothes to send to goodwill...I would go through them before sending them and pull out what I could wear...hey I bought them anyway, right? :D All my girlfriends would laugh at me and when I was wearing something new they would always ask, is that you, or the girls? Now I no longer have any "bags" to go through. So I have to shop.
Like a couple of weeks ago, when I went with my friend I had a landslide of luck, that is the way it goes. Either I can find a ton of things and have to pick and choose what I buy or I can look forever and not find a thing.

The weather was horrible yesterday, rained, windy and cold. A good movie/lazy day and after Friday night I really needed it. A friend from out of town "stopped" by, well after 3 hours and way to many martini's and wine...she spent the night and yesterday was very...very...slow for me.

Today is beautiful and now I can lift my head up so I will head outside :D

Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the weekend.

Oh, my new boss....seems OK now but as you know time will tell.....


Kim

[LakeMartinGal]

I've always thought that the tapered legs make the hips look bigger, and believe me, I don't need that kind of help! :eek: :rolleyes: But wouldn't it be nice if the manufacturers actually tried their pants on real-life figures, instead of those sticks? I always thought LL Bean made clothes for real people, but even they have the tapered legs on their pants and jeans...

I have heard that the Land's End panties, which come in regular pant sizes, are pretty good not to ride up. I have tried a Barely There support brief (nicer way to say girdle :rolleyes: :o ) and found it to be comfortable, but I have to wear my Jockey Silks over it, to facilitate the pants sliding over the underwear, if you know what I mean... Thongs are right out for me... just not going to happen, I'd be embarrassing myself all day! :( I was going to add something about boy shorts, but that may be TMI (LOL)!

Did you mean that you like the new strech material for slacks/shorts? or for the support briefs?

[KimE]

I like the Jockey thongs :eek: yes I said thongs, I only have a couple and wear them with pants that just look so bad with regular undies. It took a while to get use to them, now they are OK. There is more coverage in the back if you know what I mean. Not like my DD's, oh no, theirs are so small and basically just a string, I could put 5 of them in a baggie. I also like boy short undies, they are great in the winter with some of my pants that are lines. I HATE pantyhose and have only worn them once in the last year.
I always wear pants or capri's in the summer & skirts.
I also like those "what ever" you call them, not a girdle but they are from waist to thigh thingies, they are GREAT. I have even been known in my younger days to wear mens boxers, I did for several years, and talk about comfort! That was of course before some things started to sag..and move...

Rhonda sorry to hear about your Dad, I hope it all goes well for you. My dad is starting to really forget things and sometimes it is very hard. I lost my Mom 20 years ago and he is alone, my family lives close so we all pitch in and help. He still lives alone and really does quite well, just starting to see things now. He is 83 so we are very lucky. Does your Dad live far away?
It is nice that you can work at home while he is here. I also have that option for a couple of days, not an entire week.
Good luck and remember you can always come here to talk, vent...whatever.

Kim

[shscharles]

I actually broke down and bought Spanx at Nordstrom...pricey but you only need one pair! They're comfortable and there's no VPL :rolleyes: I'm considering trying the Donna Karan Body (something) because it's made to allow clothes to slide over the fabric and the spanx sometimes 'catches'.

And what's up with sizing? When I went shopping for pants on Friday, I was a 4 regular at J. Jill and an 8 petite at Ann Taylor...No wonder I can't shop online or in a catalogue for clothes! It's completely nuts!

Finding age appropriate clothing that's not outrageously expensive, dowdy or looks like I'm trying too hard to look young is also becoming tricky. I like the layered look but it just looks lumpy on me!

[Valerie226]

waist to thigh thingies? are you talking SPANX? they are great under knits because they make the knit slide right on past the hips. very sleek. but I don't wear them every day. special occasion only.

shoot, I didn't realize pleats were out. I have a pair of dressy jeans that have pleats & look nice. they are very loose & I look 10 lbs less in them. but you do need to wear them with a tucked in shirt or short length shirt or you look like a phone booth. Are these Ok under any circumstances anymore???

I missed the oprah pants show unless it was a repeat of one from a couple months ago. is it the one with the 'what not to wear" ladies? I try to get jeans with at least straight legs, not pegged. most bell bottoms are low rise unfortunately. I cannot abide low rise stuff. with most of the 20-somethings already looking ridiculous, I will not assault the world with my abdomen. this has to be an anatomical part that is attractive in about 1% of the population, and then only briefly. So many young, over weight women with the dreaded muffin top look. look like sausages being squeezed out of a casing. Bad. bad. bad.

[KimE]

Yes, that is what they are called SPANX, I love them.

Valerie, as far as "dressy jeans' having pleats, I was just looking at this months Bazaar magazine and they had some Black dress pants that had pleats with a tucked in shirt and it looked great, it was in the "over 50" section, I had to laugh after our conversations on the board about it, so it seems if they are dressy or not your regular spleated pants you should be OK.

What I have noticed is that no matter how much I walk, jog, do Pilates my legs are falling :eek: or should I say getting a lot mushier...and I HATE it.
I have always had saddle bags so if I wore shorts or skirts right at the base of them it was OK. Not so much anymore..I would have to wear them to my knees...and I am really having a bit of a problem. I know, learn to love you body...learn to love your body.....

Kim

[Valerie226]

DH and I took a long weekend and went to the olympic national park & did an overnight backpack on wilderness beach. weather was gray & drizzly but that's actually better for wildlife watching. no glare from the sun. saw sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, lots of ducks and shorebirds. we bought a small telescope a year ago & it makes wildlife watching so much fun! Walked out the next day and then went on and did another beach hike at another shoreline area. the next day we did a snowshoe trip up to a small peak, also in the olympic NP. sunny & gorgeous, but on the snow that's like being in a frying pan. just a lovely day. only saw two people there, and they were just getting started when we were returning. That is except for the 2 dozen or so people sitting around the parking lot throwing snowballs and looking at the scenery.
came home that night & "regrouped" on saturday and then sunday did a x-c ski trip up one of our favorite roads. snow is going, we could drive several miles closer than a month ago, but still tons of snow up higher so we can ski for probably another 2 months, unless we get tired of it! Not likely..... although hiking season beckons.....

That is the biggest reason I look forward to DH retiring....being able to do things on weekdays without needing to compete with the weekend crowds.

[shscharles]

My good friend in England, responding to my question as to how he was enjoying retirement said, "It's like a weekend every day"...

And once I got the hang of it, it was!

[LakeMartinGal]

I started the May thread... come and join me there :D