tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9649156041569697532024-02-20T02:11:29.775-08:00Baby Boomer NovelsA place where women baby boomers can relate to articles geared toward the second chapter of their lives, such as retirement, aging parents, finances, etc.Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-32912974644489421422013-04-18T16:56:00.002-07:002013-04-18T16:56:32.847-07:006th Excerpt in Boomerang
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
“blog hopping” excerpt has lots of imagery and is the 6th one from Boomerang,
the first novella in the GIRLFRIENDS trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mary Jo and Melanie are planning the various themed suites in the
mansion of “The Better Way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Check
out other excerpts at <a href="file:///C:/Users/Lillian/Documents/Blog%20Hopping/6th%20excerpt.docx"><span style="color: blue;">http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">They met
with the contractor who was going to change the interior into their
fantasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had come highly recommended,
and they were very happy with him, but they also recognized that the task was a
daunting one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The contractor said that
some of the things they wanted were only possible in their dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was always a halleluiah moment when they
found a way to bring to reality the fantasy of their dreams, such as the
space-age suite where everything was computer generated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">For the
Victorian-era room, they scoured vintage stores across the country to find
authentic fabrics and furniture to give the ambience of an old English manor
with butler, valet and lady- in-waiting dressed in period costume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The marble bathroom had intricately carved
molding, ornate faucets with a bear-claw tub and heavy, tied-back brocade
drapes at the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bedroom area
included a coffered ceiling and dark walnut hardwood floors covered mostly by a
3-inch thick, tightly woven area rug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The doors were replaced with taller, heavier ones sporting brass knockers
and door knobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A large wood-burning
fireplace was topped with a wall-size tapestry of Queen Victoria on a fox hunt
with the hounds and a bugler in tow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gas sconces and a large bed raised on a platform with a step ladder to
facilitate the climb completed the ensemble.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A
favorite of Mary Jo’s was the garden room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only did it have custom wallpaper featuring all of the flowers that
were in the garden, it also had a trellis-enclosed bed with fresh roses
sprinkled on it daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The large, soaker
tub was elevated in a gazebo-style enclosure with hand-made soaps, plush towels
and a wine bar within easy reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
overlooked a private garden that had urns, gnomes, fountains, birds and
flowering plants and shrubs which the bride could access from the stairs off
the private balcony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
hammock for a relaxing nap with a bell to call for refreshments at any time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">All of
the suites were works of art and Melanie and Mary Jo oversaw every aspect to
make them into what they envisioned.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-6443986921790271912013-04-10T19:31:00.002-07:002013-04-10T19:31:34.609-07:00Boomerang Excerpt
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Continuing
my “blog hopping" with Goodread's Baby Boomer Lit group, here is the 5th excerpt from <u>Boomerang</u>, the first
novella in the GIRLFRIENDS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Mary Jo began receiving funds monthly
from an anonymous benefactor, she invests in her best friend's wedding- planning
business, “The Better Way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and Melanie find a
wonderful property in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Temecula wine
country and expand Melanie's already-successful business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Check
out other writer’s excerpts at <a href="http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com/">http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Melanie
and Mary Jo chose to specialize in reverse destination weddings with brides
coming from all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
to be a full-service business that catered to the bride’s every whim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would be picked up at the airport in a
limousine and brought to the mansion where private suites awaited them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything was under one roof:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fittings, rehearsals, rehearsal dinners,
transportation, outings (such as wine tasting, golfing and trips to the
casino), wine cellar, hair salon, spa, fitness center, jewelry, shoes, and
accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, there would
be a Bridal shop, bakery, florist, and photographer on the grounds run by
experts who would fit into their enterprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hiking trails and tennis courts would be available for their guest’s
enjoyment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even planned to build
individual cottages scattered throughout the grounds for guests of the bride
and groom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">After
escrow closed, they spent $1,000,000 renovating the mansion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was mostly cosmetic indoors, but they left
no stone unturned for the grounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>30
acres were planted in grapes and the house set on 20 acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While about five acres were nicely
landscaped, “The Better Way” wanted it to be more than nice; they wanted it to
be spectacular!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were beautiful,
mature trees throughout the grounds with manicured shrubberies in maze-like
formations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They developed the rest of
the 20 acres into different divisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One section had monolithic shrubs, which gardeners pruned into figures
of every geometric shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One section
was devoted to a simulated rainforest while another was a beach where a large
pond was re-purposed into a tropical paradise with white sand and palm trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Other
parts of the grounds were devoted to unusual weddings as well:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were gothic settings, gazebos and
scenic areas among the vineyards for the ceremonies. In addition there were
fountains and cascading waterfalls in various locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garden paths were laid out among a profusion
of flowers of every genus and a prolific assortment of fruit trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swings were hung in oak trees and picnic
areas dotted the property with streams meandering throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a majestic estate that was popular
from the first website they set up and the first ad that appeared in “Brides
Today.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when it was mentioned on
“Oprah,” the business almost spiraled out of control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had weddings scheduled every weekend for
the following year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately,
Melanie’s staff was very well trained, so they were promoted to management
positions while they added more assistants to handle the daily grinding labor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-28499504760256916772013-04-04T12:53:00.000-07:002013-04-04T12:53:41.461-07:00Baby Boomer Novel's Blog Hop
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continuing my “blog hopping,” here is the 4th excerpt from <u>Boomerang</u>,
the first novella in the GIRLFRIENDS <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bill is regretting his breakup with Mary Jo after his affair with
Constance cools.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After she left, Bill
was even more convinced that he had made a mistake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he looked around the palatial home, he
realized that he actually missed Mary Jo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her touches were everywhere. He smiled as he picked up a vase they had
purchased in France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vendor had
spoken in French to his associate saying he was going to “get over” on this
American tourist, but Mary Jo spoke French fluently, and when she responded in
his native tongue, he was so embarrassed that he practically gave it to
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<em>She’s really quite the little
spitfire</em>,” Bill thought, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Check out other writer’s excerpts at
http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-78837149116589866542013-03-28T22:05:00.001-07:002013-03-28T22:05:28.477-07:00Boomerang - 3rd Excerpt
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Continuing my “blog hopping” delight, here is the 3rd
excerpt from <u>Boomerang</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one
is from Chapter 8 when Bill’s mother admonishes him for making a fool of
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Check out other writer’s excerpts at <a href="http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com/">http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Bill’s parents had always liked Mary Jo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father had died 10 years before and left
his widow very well off financially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
was 85 now and told her son what a jackass she thought he was being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Muriel and Tom Danson had owned apartment
buildings all over Los Angeles, and after Tom’s death, Muriel liquidated and
invested the proceeds wisely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
investments grew into quite a nest egg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was a millionaire many times over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“For God’s sake, Bill, you’re 62 years old, and you’re being
seen around town with a child!,” Muriel screamed into the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s no fool like an old fool.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“Okay, Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sorry you don’t approve, but as you point out so genteelly,” he said
sarcastically, “I’m not a child and am certainly capable of making my own
decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how much you love Mary
Jo, but people change, Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary Jo
and I grew apart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></div>
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-1728022236018304932013-03-19T22:28:00.000-07:002013-03-20T21:21:00.298-07:00Boomer Blog Hopping 2<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> I’m
continuing my participation in the Goodreads blog hopping experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that in mind, this is a continuation of
my book, "Girlfriends."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This excerpt comes
from Chapter 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See excerpts from other authors at
<a href="http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com/">http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Constance
was the new civil litigator at Burns and Burns, specializing in personal injury
and medical malpractice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was 32 and
a slender 5’8” with silky black hair and alabaster skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her cavernous black eyes and innocent face
belied the pit bull that she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything about her was appealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From her long, soft eyelashes that swept her skin below the bottom lid
to her slender fingers that sported a delicate gold ring on her pinky, Bill was
smitten the first time he met her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
invited her to lunch and offered himself as her personal go-to-person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She found occasions to “go-to” him often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Bill
was flattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began to work out even
more vigorously and when they went out together, people would smile and look on
with envy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He liked the idea of having
this young thing on his arm and was possessive of her attentions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She liked the idea of having a relationship
with a partner in the firm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> They
spent romantic evenings at fashionable restaurants, not caring who saw them
together, or drinking fine wine by the fire at Bill’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His “latter life” crisis was unlike the Bill
everyone knew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-44316739943156471042013-03-15T21:44:00.000-07:002013-03-15T21:46:10.111-07:00Boomer Lit Blog Hopping<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"> As a part of the ongoing Goodreads Boomer Lit group, I am
joining the Friday Blog Hopping band of independent writers who will visit
other’s blogs and post excerpts from their own works every Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find the group<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Garamond;">http://boomerlitfriday.blogspot.com/.
</span></a><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"> Following is an excerpt from my last book,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GIRLFRIENDS,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>which is a compilation of three novellas: Boomerang, Change of Life and
Silver Lining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The premise of the
trilogy is the unconditional love and support among three women and the twists
and turns they encounter as they grow into the third phase of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is an extract from the first novella in
the trilogy, “Boomerang.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Today Mary Jo believes in miracles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting in her posh office, surrounded by
beautiful artwork and lush plants, she quietly reflects on what a difference
three years can make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cloaked in peaceful
tranquility, Mary Jo has a whole new perspective that comes from an awareness
of the weaknesses and frailties that kept her lacking in confidence for most of
her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;">In 2007, all within the span of 30 days, Mary Jo lost her
husband, her mother and her job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
the rainy season in Southern California, and, after seven straight days of
rain, it had dampened her already soggy spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From her apartment window Mary Jo could see the verdant hills covered in
misty clouds that hung so low you could almost reach out and touch them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mood mirrored the scene before her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-91418946149132332222013-03-04T15:07:00.001-08:002013-03-04T15:07:22.181-08:00Taking Care of Aging Parents
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> As
baby boomers age, we are often responsible for taking care of parents who may
need assistance in areas, such as bathing, nutrition, medication, finances,
living conditions, transportation, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adult
children provide the majority of long term care for elderly parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, new in-home services and
programs allow today’s seniors to be more independent and stay in their own
homes longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Modern technologies make it possible
for adult children to have peace of mind by providing needed care through use
of sensors, alerts, live images streaming, and GPS type tracking devices, which
may be in the form of a pendant or wristband. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Adult
day care centers provide an avenue for seniors to interact with others, giving relief
to the caregiver and providing a social outlet with peers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents don’t want to feel as if they are a burden
to their children and may not reveal their loneliness or their need for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>help, so we need to be vigilant in our
observations of elderly parents. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Another source of assistance is respite care, where
a short-term, assisted- living facility is utilized, or a paid caregiver comes
in while the family member takes a break.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As informal caregivers, boomers need
to have outlets for themselves and find outside help to prevent stress and
burnout. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seniors have access to more creative
ways of taking care of themselves than ever before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to nursing homes, there are
assisted living homes in retirement communities, shared living,
neighborhood-based programs, professional geriatric care organizations and
living with children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our parents loved and cherished us in
our formative years; we should do no less for them in their declining years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-10622485167059423052013-01-27T19:07:00.001-08:002013-01-27T19:07:42.740-08:00New Genre - Baby Boomer lit
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you have not checked out “Goodreads,” please do
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a site for people who love to
read or write books, poems, short stories, memoirs, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read other’s reviews and comments while
discovering new books and sharing ones you’ve read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll find new, as well as, seasoned
authors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Other exciting news is that a new genre, called Baby
Boomer Lit, is now making news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the
number of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>baby boomers increasing every
day, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s about time we started putting
out quality reading that reflects our interests and have choices in
contemporary literature without having to wade through books and movies laden
with filthy words and pornography.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Baby Boomer Lit Facebook page is also up and
running<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re not on Facebook yet,
it will be worth it just to be able to access Goodreads Facebook page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This month Goodreads (Baby Boomer Lit) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is spotlighting author, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duncan Whitehead and his debut novel, The
Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an entertaining piece of satire that
chronicles a period in the boomer years of four women living in Gordonston, a
suburb of Savannah, Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revenge,
jealousy, envy and vanity are the overriding themes from which the female
boomers characters emanate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
misquoted line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “Vanity, thy name is woman,” surely
applies here to Cindy and Carla while Heidi seeks retribution for her
perception of misdeeds that happened over 60 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fourth character, Thelma, is dying at the
beginning of the story, but her zest for life is the antithesis of her three
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
juxtapositions of their various stories create coincidences that are oftentimes
comical and at other times, serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
this debut novel the author has done a masterful job of creating characters
that we want to see again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-27203131926708106862012-12-29T09:44:00.000-08:002012-12-29T09:44:15.411-08:00Boomers and Digestion
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As we grow older, we often have more digestive
issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some stem from stress while
others may have as the origin poor eating habits over a long period of
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sensitivity to food, burping, gas
and distention are all symptomatic of gastrointestinal troubles, which sometimes
may be curbed with exercise, healthy foods and positive thinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I recently realized that I was sensitive to
gluten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having gone through years of
digestive distress, someone suggested that I might benefit from a gluten-free
diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began that same day and the
symptoms disappeared within a couple days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t believe it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
suffered for several years and neither my doctor nor anyone else ever mentioned
that as a possibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked my
physician, he tested me for Celiac disease; fortunately, I didn’t have the
disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been feeling so much
better since I began the gluten-free diet that I will remain on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s difficult sometimes when I eat out at restaurants
or other people’s homes, but I try to avoid foods that I suspect might have
gluten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to breads, cereals,
pastas, etc., gluten can be used as a binder, flavor enhancer and
thickener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are sensitive to
gluten, be careful with foods that you wouldn’t ordinarily suspect as having
wheat, or one of the other culprit grains, as an ingredient, such as gravy or
processed foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how
reliable the gluten-free claims are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
recently purchased gluten-free cookie mix and had a digestive reaction when I
ate the cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I have absolutely no medical knowledge regarding
gluten; I’m simply reporting on my experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you think you might have this problem, see your doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-19404565291673659592012-12-08T10:12:00.000-08:002012-12-08T10:12:12.774-08:00HERE’S TO OUR GOOD HEALTH
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Health becomes a major issue as we grow older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we all want to be physically fit,
and that’s a part of being healthy, but losing a few pounds takes a back seat
to the more important issue of healthy vital organs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping the heart healthy, kidneys
functioning, lungs clear, intestines working well, and swollen ankles at bay
become paramount to our well-being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maintain a healthy attitude with positive thinking and positive
action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we may have various
maladies associated with growing older, that’s no reason to succumb to the
notion that we are over-the-hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get up
and get out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will probably notice
that many symptoms disappear when you become engaged in meaningful activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t wait for your doctor to tell you to exercise
and eat healthily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tune in to your
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things are just common
sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, if certain foods
cause you discomfort, stop eating them instead of gorging on them and then
taking a pill to offset the damage you’ve done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The increase in obesity in this country is evidence of the old adage, “We
dig our graves with our forks.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, there are medical conditions that no amount of exercise or healthy
eating will cure, but many of our concerns can be abated with eating as
healthily as we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not always
easy, but it’s always worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Another good idea is to drink more water than soft
drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The controversy over the risks
of drinking soft drinks is not over; however, a recent New York Times* article
cited an analysis of research results, while not definitive, show a correlation
between daily consumption of soft drinks and an increased risk of stroke and
heart attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why risk it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cut back on soft drinks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/health/research/diet-soft-drinks-linked-to-risk-of-heart-disease.html?_r=1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-11403833524219444962012-08-02T15:30:00.000-07:002012-08-02T15:30:29.244-07:00Aches and Pains<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The older I become, the more aches
and pains I have on a more frequent basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bone spur in my hip reminds me of my age when I lift more than a few
pounds or when I sit for too long on a soft sofa or chair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was much younger, my sister-in-law
said, “You can’t run to the doctor for every ache and pain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I understand what she means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I tell my doctor about my aching
joints in fingers, ankles, knees and on and on, he tells me it’s arthritis and
moves on quickly to the next question I have, and I usually have quite a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make a list before I go so I won’t forget
anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Arthritis pain never goes away
completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I manage it with exercise,
healthy foods, and pain killers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Various
meds may dull the pain, but it’s a constant reminder of age-related
maladies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why I begin each day
with a 2-mile walk and always stretch afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I’m stiff when I awaken, the exercise gets
the blood circulating and I feel much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have also noticed that the joints in my hands and ankles are less
painful when I cut back on salt and sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now that it’s summer, I’d like to
work in the yard, preparing and planting new flower beds and maintaining the
older ones, but I know I’ll pay for it big time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping the patio plants watered, fed and
dead-headed allow me to still feel like I’m gardening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’ve completed those tasks, I sit on the
patio with a book and a cold drink and enjoy the fruits of previous labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to think of it, that’s not so bad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-49839446801274613262012-06-04T20:42:00.000-07:002012-06-04T20:42:52.040-07:00WHEN LOVE BLOOMS FOR BOOMERS<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Many baby boomers are divorced, widowed or never
married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the advent of online
dating sites and social media, single men and women boomers are finding love in
all the right places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When love comes at
our age, it comes with a lifetime of baggage from both partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commingling two different personalities is
bound to cause clashes at times, but we all want love and companionship as we
go into our golden years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relationships are
often based on emotions, and when those fiery emotions wear off after marriage,
conflicts can arise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Several points help marriages survive, whether
you’ve been married for years or whether you’re newly married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first one, communication, requires
exchange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to listen, as well as
talk, in order to truly communicate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let
your spouse know what you’re feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t bottle up anger and resentment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t expect your spouse to complete you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Replace any selfishness and insecurity left
over from previous relationships with gratitude, appreciation and
patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a degree of sacrifice
inherent in anything worthwhile; marriage is no different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Treat your spouse well and expect to be treated well
in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose of marriage is
for companionship and procreation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
our age procreation is off the table, so commit to being a loving, intimate
companion, facing any obstacles or challenges that arise together, as some
surely will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may be issues with
blended families, physical or mental deterioration, financial crises, the list
goes on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet your partner’s
needs with an attitude of love and a willingness to accept and tolerate minor
faults and imperfections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each partner
is unique and has his own ideas, so it is natural to have different opinions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy the golden years!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-57739998567191444162012-05-19T20:02:00.000-07:002012-05-19T20:20:01.325-07:00Aging<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to Census projections, the over 85 age group is
expected to more than double by 2035.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
that time those of us who are 65+ will be in that category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be the ones in need of social services
that our parents have today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pressures and challenges associated with elder care are numerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many of us have prepared adequately?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How adequate is adequate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will we want to move from our homes into
managed care facilities or into our children's homes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will we be
willing to give up our independence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will we even be able to afford to grow old?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Getting older is difficult, and I must admit I
fear the unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless of the plans we make and the
directives we put in place, in the end, it all comes down to loss of choices. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we live long enough
and have debilitating physical or mental conditions, we lose the ability to control
our lives, and that’s a terrible thing to lose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I think about elderly people who, at the end, lose their
capacity to enjoy life, I cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
easy to look into vacant eyes and watch joyless facades going through each day
just waiting for it all to be over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, there are many exceptions to this grim scenario, but I’ve seen enough
cases to know this is true. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When our
minds or bodies fail us, is there no other place to go except into mindless
oblivion?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we hold on to joy, peace
and love, even in our failed mental and physical states?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does dementia make us more of who we really
are?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Issues surrounding aging are complex and I have a lot of questions,
but the alternative to growing older is dying younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are no easy answers, so I live by the belief that a positive attitude goes a
long way toward warding off mental and physical disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
advice to myself, and to others, is to get up,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>get out and get busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learn
something new; renew acquaintances; turn off the television; find joy in simplicity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This quote from Henry David Thoreau is
appropriate for us all:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When
it's time to die, let us not discover that we have never lived.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-16706770128512056332012-04-26T11:04:00.001-07:002012-04-26T11:04:31.789-07:00Do Women Find Retirement More Fulfilling than Men?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I read and hear about people who retire and soon
afterwards return to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly they
seem to be men, which begs the question, “Do men find retirement less
fulfilling than women?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The Bank of Montreal conducted a survey in January
2012 in which they found that women may adapt better to retirement because they
are more able to cope with the transition from work to retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the article, women have nurtured
families and friendships through the years and have that as a replacement for
the work place, whereas men are usually more closely tied to their jobs and
don’t have the same support system. (1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
unique challenges that women face, such as longer life spans, intermittent work
histories resulting in smaller pensions and reduction of income due to
widowhood or divorce, may give us a different perspective on how we appreciate
retirement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Personally, I love retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get up when I choose, plan my day the way I
want and feel more relaxed than ever before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s been seven years and I still pinch myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of my friends are retired, so we plan
activities together during the time other people are at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we first retired, we continued to plan activities
on the weekend until we realized we didn’t have to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day was the weekend!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a revelation that was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We plan excursions mid-week when rates are lower and
route our outings to coincide with desirable traffic patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have time for reading, writing, and
gardening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I can get my extended
family together at one time, I plan family dinners and spend time with my
grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve met new people in
book club, scrabble group and dance and exercises classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a most wonderful time of my life, and
I am thoroughly enjoying myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BMO Retirement Institute Report Survey; Harris
Decima; January 2012
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/bmo-retirement-institute-report-men-143800572.html<o:p></o:p></span></div>Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-964915604156969753.post-75590323122348733912012-04-09T16:27:00.001-07:002012-04-09T16:42:36.438-07:00Making Retirement Years Count<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Welcome to my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As women over the age of 50, we have concerns and anxieties that we didn’t have in our 30s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lots of books and articles about baby boomers, both on- and off- line, and they probably all have interesting information that’s useful, but there’s never too much of a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">We have embarked upon the second half of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s up to us to chart our course through this transformation mine field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How we handle the myriad issues that affect us – health, finance, spouses, children, parents, retirement – will help determine the passion and joy we experience during this phase of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Those of us who have retired look for ways to be fulfilled and valued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to make the next chapter count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Retirement allows us to reflect on our plans for the rest of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to think the best is yet to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To get the juices flowing, you might want to try a few of these.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Things to Do</span><br />
<br />
Spend time with family<br />
Cruise<br />
Treat yourself to a massage<br />
Write a novel<br />
Join a discussion group <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Go to the beach <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Visit friends<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Drive in the country<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Find or create a relaxing place to read<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Go camping<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Research ancestors<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Work on family tree<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Lunch with friends<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Visit different libraries<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Attend a Zumba class<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Sign up for a line-dance class<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Become active in church<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Read “classics”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Start scrabble, chess, card, etc. club<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Throw a dinner party<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Attend a Bible study group<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Take a bus tour<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Go on a picnic<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Plan a picnic in your backyard<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Visit local tourist sites<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Scour flea markets<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Ride public transportation for fun<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Work puzzles (Sudoku, Kenken, crossword, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Attend live theatre (check out matinees)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Visit museums<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Join a new club or group<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Learn a foreign language<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Write fairytales for grandchildren<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Read historical books<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Visit towns within 50 mile radius<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Go downtown<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Visit historic downtowns<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Play/learn games you don’t know<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Attend speaker’s symposium<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Research places on your cruise route<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Lillian T. Wadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311307210878879636noreply@blogger.com0