Onward October-Week 2

[Rusty]

Good Morning AF Friends, Lurkers, and Newcomers,

After a relaxing weekend, I am back at work, unhung and raring to go!

Dill-I am glad your veteran cows allowed the newbies to be part of their group. My Iphone, yes, was destroyed, despite being on a gentle washing cycle.:H I have AppleCare so I only had to pay $50 for a new one.

Lav-my mom, sister, and I were at an outdoor nursery and gift shop on Saturday and there were chickens mulling around outside, and I thought of you. None that looked like Stella, though.

Star-I hope you are not too depressed this morning....somehow I feel you might be after leaving your daughter yesterday.:l

Ok, kids...a busy week for me....lots of commuting, and a lonnnngggg drive to central Wisconsin on Wed. night.

I hope everyone has a lovely AF Monday.

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October-Week 2

Good morning to all...

Busy weekend. The drive down was fine, we relaxed in the afternoon, ate a cool Turkish restaurant, sitting on the floor. I love stuff like that. The food was really good, they served a tea that was so good. Sunday morning we drove in the rain to the fertility clinic, the procedure went well, so now we wait to see what is next. There are so many stages to go through, and each stage can either move you forward or stop the whole process. The baby shower we went to was lovely, lots of family. Speaking of connections, I guess it is the lack of family that is so hard for me.

Lav, you are lucky to have your family, kids and grandkids, close. That pulled pork sounds good. It sounds like your husband's family are poor communicators. I wonder about your sister in law though. I understand what you mean about the Curves members, I am friendly, say hi, but it never seems to go anywhere. I guess other people are busy.

Rusty, you are able to hang out with your mom and sister. How great. I liked your suggestions of joining the Y again, or some other organization. I will be looking into it. Yes, I am a little depressed this morning, but have work to go to, so luckily can't sit around and sulk. Hope your week goes well.

Dill, I had lots of connections at my old job, and working in a small office, feel limited.

To all, have a great day.

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

Good morning group,

Can't use the sunshine smile face - it's dark & overcast here, boo hiss. Guess it's my turn for rain.

Greetings Rusty, Star, Dill & everyone!
I have my own theory about making friends at this age. I am not so willing to accept the quirks & take on the problems of others at this point in my life. I bet most other people feel the same way. When we were younger that stuff didn't matter so much, wasn't at the forefront of our thoughts anyway. And yes, we are busy!!!

I have work to get to right after I haul myself out to Curves. My daughter & granddaughter will be here by lunch - busy, busy!!

Have a great AF Monday everyone!
Lav

[dill]

Onward October-Week 2

Hi AF Friends!

Hey Rusty, thanks for the kick off to week 2! Aren't 'unhung Mondays' the best?!!

Lav, interesting take on the making friends topic. Perhaps you are right about people being more careful about what they take on at the later years. I know I only have so much energy. I usually don't even like to go anywhere in the evenings. There are a couple of clubs I'd like to join, but since they meet at night, I don't. After dinner and cleaning up dishes, I am done for the night! I want to sit in my chair, sew or crochet or knit, watch the news and maybe some TV show or movie. Then early to bed. I know, ......BORING!:H

Star, I'm reading Bill O'Reilly's, Killing Jesus. It's an interesting (to me) history of the time. I really like reading about the times he was born into and how they came to be. I don't dount if such books are for everyone, but I'm enjoying it. O'Reilly has written other books. Recently one was made into a movie, Killing Lincoln. I didn't read that book but I enjoyed the movie. It was kind of a docudrama. Did you see it?

Wishing everyone a peaceful and AF Monday evening.

[cyntree]

Onward October-Week 2

Hey everybody! I am writing this quickly, as we've had terrific storms all day and the lights have flickered on and off several times. Just as I sat down to write last night at 5 PM, the power went out and didn't come on again until the middle of the night. (And it was a problem in a town 40 minutes away that caused our power to go out - nuts!)

Anyway, thinking of you all. Rusty - have a good week; where are you going in WI? I know the state pretty well, I have friends there and I spent 25 years in MN as well. So glad that you had a restful weekend and feel ready to go this week. Your story has so totally turned around from last year - wasn't that when you weren't sure about building your consulting business, etc? You go girl!

Dill - I love to hear about the cows and how they are fitting into the 'pack' (do cattle have a pack mentality?) When I was young, I spent time in the summer on a farm in Iowa...it's where I learned to ride horses, and be with cattle. I also learned to hop out of the farm truck and open the big aluminum gates in the fields as we drove to take care of the cattle. I still love that 'one-finger-wave-hello' on the steering wheel while driving the country roads. Gosh, I remember that they still had a 'party line' for their telephone, and everyone had their distinctive ring -- that seems like a century ago.

Star - so glad that you could take the trip this weekend, and glad you're home safe. It really sounds like you could use more 'family' time. I'm recalling all the posts you made in the early days, about groups at your house, and making sandwiches that baked in the oven, and lots of slow-cooker dinners. It sounds like life is different for you now. How is your son doing?

Lav - more chicks! Like Rusty, I think of you whenever I see roaming chickens. There's a place close to here that has a moveable chicken house. They just keep 'touring' the fields with the chickens, and put up flexible fencing to keep them in. So funny to see the chickens observing their new territory.

I had more 'off' time this weekend, due to a friend visiting from NYC. It was good, but started with a 5 AM run to the airport, and I don't think I quite recovered all weekend. Also, I haven't had time to myself during the week or over the weekend since I returned home on August 20th. Each weekend we've had guests (unless I don't count my step daughter as a 'guest', though she kind of thinks of herself that way!) Did I tell you all that she moved up to our state to be closer to us. It was quite an extravaganza; she came first to look for a place to live, and we drove for days and days all over the middle of the state to help her look at places. Then she flew home, drove back and moved in with us for 2 weeks. Finally she found a place, and I moved her in while she started work. She's so excited to be close by (1.5 hours) that she's come back both weekends, and was a little put out that this other friend had asked to come up to visit! I think maybe I'm running a B&B. I'll have to take lessons from you, Lav on having family under foot all the time.

Well - better close now before I lose the whole thing. Thinking of everyone, and wishing all a happy, sober week. (Just read a recipe from LBH - she ended her post "May we be Well'. Indeed.

[Rusty]

Onward October-Week 2

Good Evening, Dear Friends,

I am sitting here at a lovely seafood restaurant in Chicago, waiting for my swordfish to arrive so I thought I would check in before I tackle a mountain of client-related duties for the evening. The weather is beautiful....I have a lovely view overlooking the gardens, and I am at peace with the past, content with the present, and hopeful for the future.

Cyn:h-wow, you HAVE been busy....with all your houseguests, including your stepdaughter. I'm sure you're dying to have your home to yourself. Yes, you did tell us about your stepdaughter moving to your state. Is she a little too close for comfort? OMG! You had to make an airport run at 5:00 AM? I wouldn't do it. They have taxis, you know. But, you're a kinder person than I am.

Star-how cool that you ate at a Turkish restaurant. What did you order? I thought it was so interesting to learn when I was in England that Turkey is a popular vacation destination for those in the UK. Fingers crossed on a positive result on the fertility treatment.:l

Dill-I have not read O'Reilly's book but he was discussing it on Fox last week. It sounds fascinating. I will add it to my list, thanks. I so hear you on not wanting to go anywhere in the evenings. I am the same way. I'm just happy to sit in front of a roaring fire in my living room....my place all decorated with orange lights for Halloween and Fall, and watch a movie....even if I've seen it a million times. Has your son found a job yet?

Lav-

I am not so willing to accept the quirks & take on the problems of others at this point in my life. I bet most other people feel the same way.

I guess I have been lucky in that regard....a number of the people I have met later in my life did have some huge "problems," but they set boundaries for themselves so that it didn't affect our friendship. I started the discussion of meeting new people at the gym, and I know that if I waited for people to ask me to go for dinner/coffee....I would be waiting a lonnnnggggg time....so usually I am the initiator. For the most part, it's worked out well. I'm lucky because I'm an extrovert. Is it obvious? :H

Greetings and relaxation vibes to the busy, busy, Papmom and Witts End/Corgipups, waves of envy to our "retired" Paguy, and hugs of strength to Rebirth....stop in when you can.

I hope everyone is having a peaceful Monday evening. To quote LBH, may we be well. Yes, yes, yes.

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October-Week 2

Hey all...

Made it through Monday...just barely. Rained here, cooler, fall is definitely making inroads.

Dill, I will have to look up Killing Jesus, sounds like a good read. I too am tired in the evenings. I like to go to bed early and get up early. Sometimes morning is the best time of the day.

Rusty, I like your attitude, if you want something to happen, you have to MAKE it happen.

Cyn, so great to have you back on the thread. You are so busy, no wonder you get tired at times. I have to have down time or I melt. My feelings of isolation are due to a few situations. My dad moved to Florida full time, so I rarely see him, my daughter lives hours away and has been busier than ever so visits rarely. I work in a small office, with few interactions, so I do not network or meet people much. I wanted that but now into it a few years, I see the advantages of working in a big organization. So, that is why I am exploring feelings of isolation and loneliness...

Lav, you sound well, perfect weather does not happen often. Looks like the East is getting nailed with rain. I would just like a few extra friends to pursue interests: exercise, meditation, maybe cards or something. I don't know, I have never been in this position before. I am following your suggestions of positive thinking and gratitude. It helps. Thanks.

Off to exercise a bit, then breakfast and work. To all, have a great day.

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

Good morning friends!

Feels like Fall today, rain is over & the sun is back - yay!

Star, I had preordered Rick Hansen's new book 'Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Cal & Confidence. It downloaded when I turned my iPad on this morning.
I'm hoping to get some fresh perspective - I'll let you know

Cyn, great to see you! Power failures put me out of whack. I need power for my computers, embroidery machines, everything
Running the 'free' B&B for friends & family will wear you out quickly not to mention the damage to your household food budget I've also run into difficulties catering to food likes, dislikes, intolerances, allergies, etc. It can turn into a full time job of it's own. Take care of yourself

Rusty the extrovert!
I'm not exactly shy. I know I am the loudest person to walk in the door of Curves each morning I go. I tend to shake things up a bit :H
I've come to realize though that women in their 50's, 60's & more are pretty much set in their ways, not looking to make changes & that's OK.

Dill, after a full day of house, kid & animal care - who has the energy to go out & forge new friendships anyway, right? :H

OK, wishing everyone a great AF Tuesday. I'll be in my ship soon finishing up stuff that needs to be shipped out tomorrow.
Lav

[cyntree]

Onward October-Week 2

Hey kids - just a quick hello at this point. Like Lav I still have miles to go tonight with work, though I started at my desk at 8:30 this morning. Looking at an early commute into NYC tomorrow morning, will let you know.

Rusty - I envy you your 'extrovert' approach to life. After reading 'Quiet', I understand myself so much better, but it hasn't really helped me align my life to my natural orientation. But awareness creates change, right?!

Star - I feel bad when I read your list of 'withouts'...I didn't realize that your Dad went to FL -- how is his health? It's hard to feel isolated from family -- I wish you all the best in forming just a couple of closer relationships. That would make a big difference, I know. But I also know how hard it can be...you love reading, are there any book clubs in the area? My library here has a great book-meeting and lecture. That feels safer to me than a Book Club. But I'd like to go each Thus evening to knitting, and I've been only twice since I moved here! Oh well, baby steps, right?

Great to connect with everybody -- it was so beautiful this evening that I took the dogs for a walk just as night was falling. Lovely sliver moon, and great autumn sunset. Hope all have a happy, serene night.

I'll feel serene if I get my work done!!!

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

I feel serene when I get my work done too cyn :H :H
It's almost 9 pm & I'm still at it - oh well.
Glad to see you checking in again.

Did I mention that it was 20 degrees cooler here this morning? How awesome is that?

[Rusty]

Onward October-Week 2

Good Evening Onward Colleagues

I feel serene when I get my work done too cyn
It's almost 9 pm & I'm still at it - oh well. Well, I guess that makes 3 of us still working.:H

Cyn, I was up at Rusty O'Clock so I could do some work and fit in some exercise. You and I both face a long commute in the morning. I will have to read, "Quiet." I, too, enjoyed a perfect summer evening walk along the lake path. The smell of Fall, not a cloud in the sky, fabulous weather....a perfect end to a day. The best kind of day....AF. As far as being an extrovert, yes, and I'm a ham, too. My sister is much more reserved than I am. And she doesn't look like either one of my parents or any of the rest of us. I told my mom she must have had a fling with the UPS man! There's nothing wrong with being a quiet person, though. How is your job going? Do tell.

Star:l, I feel badly, too, that you don't have more of your family around, and you have mentioned that your son and husband tend to take the same side when it comes to your son's issues. I don't know if you've gone on Facebook but I know you really like Chill and Papmom and sometimes, just having a friendly and familiar face to look at during the day makes a big difference. Maybe that would be an option for you. I also liked Cyn's book club idea. I'm not on Facebook much, and I only do it to keep track of my nieces and nephews, especially my nephew who has a high level job in the Marine Corps and who is out at sea. My nephew is based in Okinawa, and his wife gives us updates regularly through the week. But I have to admit, I like it when I get a notification on my phone that says someone "liked" my comment on a particular issue/topic. It makes me feel loved and connected, especially since I live by myself and I'm not dating anyone.

Lav-I am enjoying the cooler temps as well. I've come to realize though that women in their 50's, 60's & more are pretty much set in their ways, not looking to make changes & that's OK.

I agree with you, Lav, and it's ok with me, too.


Waves of cheers and hellos to everyone else. It's time to stop procrastinating and finish this report for my client. It's due tomorrow. Nothing like waiting til the last minute, huh?:H I have a 3 hour ride tomorrow so I may not check in until Wednesday night, so I hope everyone has a terrific Hump Day.

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October-Week 2

Greetings...

Thanks everyone for being so kind. I am going through a rough time but AF makes all the difference. I am focusing on health. I have a job where it is not possible to do anything in the evenings and so I am thinking of looking for something else. There is a situation at work I am not happy about, and my plan is to work on my resume and begin looking. I love my Friday's off, but would really like my evenings free to join something. Also, a bigger organization with opportunities for networking and just meeting people would be a nice change. Nothing is forever and I have to work.

Cyn, you asked about my Dad's health. He is great, going to be 80 and in magnificent health for the most part. I would love to join a book club, there is one in my town but it is on a week night so I cannot join.

Rusty, I have thought about Facebook but am not sure if that is something I want to do. I rarely post anything, don't feel confident about Facebook to connect. I think it is more that my job is not going where I wanted it to go, so after a few years, I might need a change.

Lav, I don't feel that I am set in my ways, I am always open to change and actually feel young. I think it is all the yoga I do and this new thing I found on the internet, called the 5 Tibetan Rites. Do those on a daily basis and you know you have still got it. Not sure what I've got, but I am flexible. You seem to have worked out your life and are content, even with YB for the most part. I have not reached that point yet.

Another beautiful day in the Midwest, what a gorgeous fall. Sending you positive energy.

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

Good morning friends & happy Humpday

50 lovely degrees here at the moment, nice!
The maple trees are showing some colors & the squirrels are absolutely suicidal running across the roads without looking :H

Star, I don't really feel set in my ways either but I am reluctant to take on anything/anyone that's going to cause me stress. What I'm doing is protecting my quits to be perfectly honest!
I turn down business opportunities if I get a feeling they are not going to be 'happy' - just turned one down this week I don't know everything but I do know that I have had my fill of dealing with miserable, toxic people ~ done with that
We all deserve to be happy & contented with our work & the people in our lives.
Good for you doing the 5 Rites - I can't get past the first one :H

OK, I need to get to Curves then back here for some work then pick up the boys at 4:30 - never a dull moment!
Have a great AF Wednesday everyone!

Lav

[dill]

Onward October-Week 2

Hello All!

I see I didn't post yesterday. I guess I just got too busy! Yesterday's weather was what I would describe as "perfect" and yesterday was a perfect Fall day.

Cyn, I was noticing the wonderful scent in the air yesterday and was wishing I could bottle it! Then I went to visit with a friend and as I passed a wooden bowl on her counter that held potpouri I smelled the same smell! So, I asked her where she got and she said Walmart. Guess where I am going today.

Star, could you share the link to the website that has the 5 Tibetan Rites that you refered to? It's great that you are so flexible. That's a great thing at our age. I am not flexible at all! (Physically, that is) That is something I need to work on.

Lav, yes we are set in our ways at this age. Lucky for me, one of my "ways" is to be open to new ideas and to love learning. Speaking of power failures, don't you have a back up generator? You might think about getting one if you don't. I have heard that this is going to be a terribly cold winter.

Rusty, I am not an extrovert but I'm not an introvert either. I'm just regular.:H I don't know if there is a word for me! But like Star, i shy away from Facebook. I don't know why, but it just makes me uncomfortable. I have an account but I never post. It is nice tho for those that do. I'm glad it gives you a feeling of being connected! This little thread does that for me.

Have a happy AF hump day!

[Rusty]

Onward October-Week 2

Good Evening Friends,

I am all checked into my hotel and thought I would pop in.

Star-I give you tons of credit for recognizing you are not happy at work and want to move on to a new challenge. Good for you for having the courage to try something different which will give you the time and the quality of life you desire.

Dill-I laughed when you said you were just "regular." I bet you can either be an introvert or an extrovert depending on your mood.

Lucky for me, one of my "ways" is to be open to new ideas and to love learning.I feel the same way. It keeps us fresh and youthful, doesn't it? This Monday and Tuesday, I was able to observe one of my colleagues in the environmental field. I learned so much from him and I am looking forward to embarking on my new adventure. He is also an OSHA consultant...and that is the next area I plan to pursue. Exploring and learning.....sharing new ideas, makes me think of that wonderful quote you provided for us, Dill:

A cheery hello for Cyn :-)....thank you for sticking with us....and to those I think about but don't see often enough or are MIA: Paguy, Mr. G, Papmom, Chill, LBH, Sooty and Rebirth. Know that I think about you guys a lot!
Strong minds discuss ideas.
Mediocre minds discuss wants.
Small minds discuss people.

LOVE IT. I, too, use our thread to stay connected. I don't know what I would do without my friends here.....even though you guys aren't my "real' friends.:H I hope you all got my joke....it was the young, Indian fortuneteller who read my palm and told me I didn't have "real" friends. Um, I guess my palm was dirty and he couldn't read.:H

Originally posted by Lav:

Star, I don't really feel set in my ways either but I am reluctant to take on anything/anyone that's going to cause me stress. What I'm doing is protecting my quits to be perfectly honest!

Lav: I wholeheatedly agree with you....and I have done the same thing....to two people. Two down. One to go.

Happy Hellos to everyone else. I was up at Rusty O'Clock so I am off to bed. I am soooooo grateful for my friends here.