I'm with Julie--it is good to know what is going on. Kind of like driving, you obey the speed limit, warning signals, keep the car tuned and it's open road ahead.
When we visit other homes I carry a pair of slippers. I always take my shoes off unless told otherwise. It seems removing shoes is more common than in the past.
Our daughter recently moved nearby. She and her husband have decided to postpone her return to full time employment for one year because of their young family. She and I are planning a one-day-a-month day in 2008 where she helps me with exactly what you are describing: closets, basement, clothes, etc. We haven't figured the details, but I might even pay a babysitter so there are no distractions. I am 62 years old and am still working. When I retire, I will be able to return the favor.
No one elected official will fix Social Security. This must be a bipartisan effort. Until Washington quits legislating politics and works together on our real problems, nothing will get done.
I agree on a short style. I actually think gray hair with a good cut makes older women look younger. I am personally at an age when most women are totally gray. Instead I have "distinguished" gray spots (that's how we describe men with spotty gray hair). I have actually thought of artificially "going gray." Call me crazy.
It's been 17 years since our oldest daughter left for college and times have changed as far as communication. However, I feel the advice from a women's magazine in the early 90s still holds.
The author suggested writing letters. My daughter and I did just that. The letters allowed space for establishing her independence yet an acceptable connection to home and family. Writing helped me let go and acknowledge the adult she had become. I saved all the letters (copies of mine and hers) and have them in a notebook. Even though they were less frequent as the years went by, we continued writing throughout college.
I have over a year of sick leave accumulated in part from my farm "work no matter what" background. The idea of an "emotional flu" day is intriguing. Thank you for this essay, Eileen.
femail (anonymous) says...
Good advice. I will too.
On Why do men die first?
July 14, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
I'm with Julie--it is good to know what is going on. Kind of like driving, you obey the speed limit, warning signals, keep the car tuned and it's open road ahead.
On Facing the medicine
April 12, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
When we visit other homes I carry a pair of slippers. I always take my shoes off unless told otherwise. It seems removing shoes is more common than in the past.
On You're welcome - but not your shoes
December 28, 2007 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
What a joy to have a pet. We love ours. Congratulations on the addition to your family. They are "people" you know.
On An addition to the family
December 28, 2007 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
Our daughter recently moved nearby. She and her husband have decided to postpone her return to full time employment for one year because of their young family. She and I are planning a one-day-a-month day in 2008 where she helps me with exactly what you are describing: closets, basement, clothes, etc. We haven't figured the details, but I might even pay a babysitter so there are no distractions. I am 62 years old and am still working. When I retire, I will be able to return the favor.
On Don't let fatigue rule your retirement plans
November 30, 2007 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
It seems all the happily married couples I know have this same battle. Maybe we need a reason to snuggle.
On The Battle of the Thermostat
November 1, 2007 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
No one elected official will fix Social Security. This must be a bipartisan effort. Until Washington quits legislating politics and works together on our real problems, nothing will get done.
On Boomer No. 1 files for Social Security benefits
October 19, 2007 at 6:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
I agree on a short style. I actually think gray hair with a good cut makes older women look younger. I am personally at an age when most women are totally gray. Instead I have "distinguished" gray spots (that's how we describe men with spotty gray hair). I have actually thought of artificially "going gray." Call me crazy.
On Revolution from the roots
October 10, 2007 at 6:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
It's been 17 years since our oldest daughter left for college and times have changed as far as communication. However, I feel the advice from a women's magazine in the early 90s still holds.
The author suggested writing letters. My daughter and I did just that. The letters allowed space for establishing her independence yet an acceptable connection to home and family. Writing helped me let go and acknowledge the adult she had become. I saved all the letters (copies of mine and hers) and have them in a notebook. Even though they were less frequent as the years went by, we continued writing throughout college.
On How to lose those empty nest blues
August 23, 2007 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
femail (anonymous) says...
I have over a year of sick leave accumulated in part from my farm "work no matter what" background. The idea of an "emotional flu" day is intriguing. Thank you for this essay, Eileen.
On Holy-days
August 7, 2007 at 6:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )