Baby Boomers Courtyard

Lupus

2015-02-03T13:24:00.002-08:00

What is Lupus ? The Lupus Foundation of America describes Lupus as a " chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and /or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years".

So if you know of anyone who has this very debilitating disease, or would like to help in finding a cure, join your local chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.

Being a family member myself of someone who has lupus, I would appreciate your support".

2014

2014-03-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, the year 2014 is here and I'm just now writing a post. I hope 2013 had a good ending for everyone. I'm still living in Texas. My sister Cynthia is still living in Texas, and now my baby sister Debra and her husband are moving to Texas. Deep down inside of me I'm hoping that this is going to start a trend for the rest of the family, doubt it, but hopeful.

We've had some crazy weather this winter and now it seems that spring is finally coming and that's a good thing. I hope to start planting a garden asap, and have some very nice vegatables this year.

Well that's about it for now, just trying to get back in the habit of posting.

Oh yeah: I've just had some dental work done and I'm very pleased. So I would like to give a shout out to SmileWorkshop for an outstanding job. Their email is smileworkshop.com.

Ok, Have a beautiful year and will talk to you soon.

Lupus Foundation of America

2013-04-22T14:42:00.001-07:00

May is Lupus awareness month. I would like everyone who reads this blog to wear purple in the month of May to spread the word about this debilitating disease. It comes in various forms and as of yet, there is no cure. I really would like your support in bringing awareness to this disease, because my daughter has it, and many more people would like your support in fighting Lupus.

You can get more info on the Lupus Foundation of America website @www.lupus.org

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2013-01-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

I hope everyones New Year was good to you, and that it will be a start of something new and exciting for you. This year I hope to improve my financial status, that I may be able to do some of the things that I would like to do. Retire is the main objective.

I know we all make some kind of New Year's resolution and we tend to forget about it or just don't try hard enough to make it happen. Well this year I'm going all out to make it happen for me.

2012 was ok, but 2013 will be better for all of us if we put our hearts and minds to it, and remember to always keep God first in your life. Now I know there are some of you who are saying, "who is this"? It's me and it's time for a change. I've tried things my way and it has not been a easy road, so it's time "let go, let God".

That's it for now, everyone have a blessed life.

Divorce among BabyBoomers

2012-07-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Watching the news yesterday, there was a lawyer on there explaining why the BabyBoomers Generation has a higher rate of divorces than other generations. It seems like our generation divorce rate has to do with us not needing each other after the kids have gone. The man and the woman both have careers and are going in different directions.In some cases the woman feels she doesn't need a man if her income is higher than his.(i'm sure I might get some flack for that statement). And the man feels he has fulfilled his obligations, and now its time to move on.

What ever happened to love? Nobody wants to be in love anymore. All it is now statements like, "you're holding me back", "I need to try other things". All this says is that you have forgotten the reason you got married in the first place.

Now, I do realize that some marriages don't work out for other reasons, but it seems that we have let go of our most important values for the lure of the buck, and that old saying that "the grass looks greener on the other side".

Well it might look greener now, but it still will need watering just like your other relationship.

Can You Say Road Trip?

2012-06-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

I've just returned to Longview, Texas from California. My husband and I, my oldest brother and his Significant Other made the trip in their Yukon XL. It is big and more comfortable than I imagined. It also got pretty good gas mileage on the highway. I was pleasantly surprised about this because I had heard all the horror stories of six miles per gallon! It's been awhile since I've been on a road trip....I usually fly. I actually hate flying but it is the quickest way to go. We gassed up, got fried chicken (yep, just like the old days), plenty of water and soda, chips, etc. and we were on the road.

We initially paid $3.22 for gas in Arlington, Texas. The further west we got the more we paid for gas. Our final gas purchase in Timecula, California was $4.79 per gallon. Californians are being robbed! No doubt about it. We stopped at a lot of truck stops...the whole truck stop phenomenon facinates me. I don't know why and perhaps I should talk to a professional (counselor). These truck stops have everything. Food, clothing, trinkets, showers, on site dentists (I am not making this up), and lots of other things you don't want to know about!

The trip to California was routine and went pretty smooth. We stopped to rest for a couple of hours and made the trip in twenty four hours. My Mom and Dad are from Texas so that's pretty much what I'm accustomed to, having made the trip so many times in the past. However, on the trip back to Texas, passing through Casa Grande, Arizona, we had a flat and went to a nearby discount tire shop. They fixed the flat for free....really, wouldn't take a tip or anything! Wow...I couldn't believe it. It made me look around and say "Where are we?" It is nice to know this kind of service is still available in this day and age of economic decline. They treated us senior citizens of color with kindness and respect. I will now seek out the Discount Tire Shop and give them business and share my experience with friends and family.

My brother and husband are macho men. That means they want to do most of the driving until it is no longer humanly possible and then and only then will they release the wheel for a mere female driver. I'd like to expand on this whole macho way of thinking thing....perhaps in my next post. Having four brothers and two sons....I got stories.

Overall, our trip was nice and we had lots of fun. Of course at 64 and 65 years old we can't bounce back like we used to so pardon me while I take a couple of days to recoup!

dee dee

Getting Older

2012-03-10T11:42:00.001-08:00

Well I'm 65 now and some days I really feel it. Along with your social security check they should send you a reminder of things that will happen to your body, once you pass 60. I woke up one morning in so much pain in my body I thought I had bone cancer. Thankfully it was only arthritus. I tell everyone at work to call me their weatherman. When the weather changes I know it before the weather channels. We all want to get older, but it is not without some downfalls. But I thank God that I made it this far and every morning that I wake up is a blessing. God is good.

The Holidays are here...Ready or not!

2011-11-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

I must say I used to love the holidays. Gift giving and seeing family and friends always made me feel so good. Now, not so much....I dread the whole shopping thing that goes with Christmas, mainly because I don't have the budget I used to have. I have found that online shopping, especially free shipping, makes things a lot easier than they used to be. I mean how much easier can it get to point and click your Christmas list away?

This year will be a little harder since my Mom passed in June. Even though I'm not in California anymore I could send her a gift and call her to talk. I know she's in a better place now but selfishly I wish I could call her.

Don't you wish you could pick and choose which relatives to see at Christmas dinner? If only it were that simple. You have to grin and bear it while trying not to be obvious in watching the time. After all you want to stay a respectable amount of time. I am probably the only one in the whole universe that feels this way or is it I am the only one brave enough (or stupid enough) to admit it? I am probably not the barrel of fun I used to be either, so what is a girl to do?

dee dee

Here we go again...fighting over the budget!!

2011-08-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Let's see, every year we are held hostage while our elected officials fight over the budget. Social Security recipients are threatened, health care and welfare benefits are threatened for low income families...once again and oh yea, our elected officials want to give the wealthy more....again! There have even been rumors that Baby Boomers are to blame. Yes there are 80 millions Boomers, yes we paid into Social Security all our lives so that we could have a little more to live comfortably in our retirement years, and yep, we are living longer because we are more health conscious. However, we shouldn't have to apologize for any of these things, and we certainly didn't create this budget crisis. Actually, our elected officials have been aware of the Social Security situation for years, they've known about the 2.1 trillion deficit for some time as well, but they wait every year until the eleventh hour to fight..every year.

As a former government employee, I know what it is to work with people you don't like, (hell, I was afraid that if some of those co-workers walked in front of my car in the parking lot I wouldn't be able to resist the urge to run them over!) But I managed to work with them and play nice for the sake of progress. Compromises had to be made. I expect our elected officials to do the same.

I must add that we voters have to share a small burden of responsibility for this fiasco, because we get mad as they hold us hostage and then when the crisis is over, we continue to elect and re-elect. What we should do is hold them to their campaign promises of bi-partisanship for the "greater good"!

I don't have a solution to this never ending budget crisis. I am just angry that we go through this every year. I can't help but think....if you want different results you have to do something different...damn it!

dee dee

Job Hunting

2011-06-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

It seems that the job market is null and void. I've been searching for a job now for at least 7 months. I used to say that anyone can get a job if you really want one. That doesn't seem to be true anymore, (at least for me). I'm starting to wonder if my age (64) has anything to do with it. Maybe the employers are thinking that by the time they finish my paperwork, I'll be ready to retire. I wish that I could assure them that isn't the case. I need a job, and I'm sure there are plenty other babyboomers out there who need jobs also. So if anyone reading this has any helpful hints to pass along, I would be interested in hearing them.

PS. Just because we're older doesn't mean we are not useful. We have plenty of knowledge and experience that we have attained over the years. "So don't count us out, use us".

Tornado Watch? OMG!

2011-04-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we are from California and have been in Longview, Texas about eight months. This is my first REAL scare as far as being on a tornado watch goes. The weather bureau says it will hit in twenty minutes. I am not sure how they know exactly how long it will take to reach us but ok. They advise us to retreat to a room with no windows, which for us is one of the closets. Whoa, this is serious stuff. So we get a couple of chairs to sit on and make preparations to wait it out.

We hear the very loud thunder, the wind and rain are raging...we are surrounded by trees so we rethink the whole tree trimming dilemma once this is over. Our neighbor told us to trim the trees that are close to the house just in case they are hit by lightening or whatever. Of course, us being city folk, we didn't really hear him. At the time we hadn't seen any need for that. I thought about what my Papa used to say..."just keep on living"! Now if that same neighbor tells us something we act as if he is preaching the gospel!

We waited in the closet about 30 minutes and survived without out any damage and actually didn't have see anything other than the storm. Thank God. We checked on our kids in Alabama and they survived as well. God is good. The local news reported deaths and damage in Alabama, so we feel blessed that our kids and their families were ok. Our prayers and well wishes go out to all in the affected areas.

dee dee

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all babyboomers, and please remember the reason for the occassion. "Heal me and I will be healed, save me and I will be saved, for you are the one that I praise."

Do I really need a landline?

2011-04-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

I decided the money I am spending for a landline could be used for other things. I have a bundle package from my phone company that includes the DSL needed for high speed internet. As soon as I found out I could have DSL without the landline (ok so I'm slow and should have asked about this months ago) I decided to cancel my landline. I don't really use it and have only given the number to two or three people.....So, I call the phone company on Monday and requested to have the landline disconnected. They have yet to diconnect my phone. I can't help but think, if I had called and said I couldn't pay the bill, my phone would have been disconnected before I could hang up!

I actually don't know very many people with landlines anyway. My Mom, one of my sisters and that's about it. Everybody else uses their cell exclusively. Seniors get a break because there are companies out there who provide service at a reduced cost and have plans to fit our needs. Most provide free phones with a two year contract. Vonage has a really good plan ranging from $9.99 for 200 minutes and $.05 a minute if you go over your limit, $17.99 for 500 minutes and about $.04 if you go over. Verizon has a 65+ rate of $29.99 for 200 minutes and $.45 if you go over and lots of other choices. Then there is Jitterbug and Sprint, just to name a few, with good rates as well. It really depends on your usage, budget and if you are a texter or not. I found two web sites in addition to AARP, especially for seniors....Safelink and Consumer Cellular, both geared to assist in low cost phones for seniors. Safelink even has free phones and for those who qualify free usage. As with anything do your own research before commiting to a plan.

No, I don't need a landline.....Welcome to the 21st Century!

A job? Really?

2011-04-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

I've been reading about baby boomers looking for jobs. It is out of necessity for some. For others it's a quest to stay active. I would like to find a job if I could work a few days a week, wouldn't have to get up early or stay late, be off on weekends and oh get paid a boat load of cash! I am fortunate to have options and although working would improve my traveling and shopping abilities, I'll wait for that perfect job....if I am not too old when it arrives... I'll take it!

However, if you are one that has fewer options or just want to stay active I applaud you. I found a couple of web sites in my research that are boomer friendly: experienceworks, workforce50, seniorjobbank, and theretiredworker, just to name a few. I found these listed on babyboomer.com.

I think back to the days when I interviewed potential employees, I considered the more seasoned employees, reliable, trustworthy and stable. I'm glad I had that attitude as it doesn't seem to be that way anymore. Actually on the flip side, as a consumer we often times want to deal with seasoned customer service representatives, feeling they will be more patient, knowledgeable and sometimes more sympathetic to our plight.....

I can't remember!

2011-03-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, I panic when I can't remember things. Where I put stuff, why I went to the bedroom, where did I put my keys, you get the picture! I read an article in my retirement newsletter that says AARP has free games that assist in keeping the brain excercised "beach sudoku" is one that I found to be fun and stimulating. Check it out at games.aarp.org.

As a retired person I spend a lot of time on the computer.....playing games, responding to e-mails, reading the news and blogs. My memory is nothing like it used to be, however, I'm sure my walking everyday, except Sunday and all of my computer time, help with my quest to stay alert and active.

Did you know the year I was born (1947) Jackie Robinson was signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers as one of the first African Americans to play major league baseball? This year was also the year drive-ins started booming, women started wearing long full skirts, and the first World Series was televised!

dee dee

Who said we don't matter?

2011-03-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

My research tells me, we (Boomers) have great numbers that translate into a sizable market for advertizers, stocks, real estate, etc....You have to ask yourself, if that's true why are some only seeking to reach the 18 to 49 year olds? I watch a lot of TV (ok maybe too much but hey I'm retired) and I look at some of the commercials, it is clear I am not the target. I even get mad when a show I watch religiously is cancelled. I can't be alone in this. There have to be other Boomers out there who feel me??

I see a lot of life insurance commercials that speak to me but I am officially saying I am interested in more than my funeral expenses! Ok, I do notice the male enhancement ads...no complaints there... but there has to be more than sex and funerals for us Boomers, right?

Part-Time Job scams

2011-03-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

There are part-time job scams out there that are offered over the Internet. They seem to target people who are retired and looking for some part-time work. One of these companies is Paid Shopping Providers. They offer you the opportunity to become a Investigative Shopper. They send you a contract to fax back to them signed, and a check to deposit in your account. I'm not mentioning any names, but I know someone who fell for this. Fortunately the bank caught it and stopped this person from making a big mistake. So Baby Boomers beware of this scam. Don't fall for Internet scams. If you need extra money, be sure to check out your potential employer thoroughly.

Is this a sign?

2011-03-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

I renewed my AAA and the very next day I lock my keys in the car. Is this a sign that I am really joining the elderly, no matter how much I try to deny it? Resources like AAA, AARP, Senior Living Magazine and the like have great info on discounts that we babyboomers can use. I suggest that we all check these out.

Baby Boomers Blog

2011-02-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks guys, trying to keep a good look for the Baby Boomers blog is one of my concerns. We are entering a new cycle in our lives and need to keep up with the ever changing times. So as a Baby Boomer I hope I can keep this blog informative and put some resources in to help us with our future decisions, while getting others to participate with their comments and sharing of information.
So pass the blog info on to your friends and other contacts, and stay in touch for future info.

Baby Boomers Lifestyle

2011-02-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

We as baby boomers are in the prime of our lives. Years ago, when people were our age, their lifestyles were different. This generation is full of life. We eat healthier, exercise daily (some of us), and look forward to new things. Even though we are considered elders by the younger generation, we are more vibrant and full of life than they are. Those of us born between the years of 1946 thru 1964 are truly a different breed. So, live your life to the fullest and enjoy your future.

Always remember, A day hemmed in prayer, is less likely to unravel.

Texas

2011-02-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

Well Baby Boomers the weather here in Texas is changing for the better. For those of you who live in a different state, I suggest that you look into moving here. They say that if you can't make it here, you can't make it anywhere. Though the pay might be a little less than what you currently earn, the cost of living is less. You get more "bang for your buck" here in Texas. It's a big state, lots of room to move around. Your neighbors are not right on top of you. I don't here sirens and helicopters at night when I'm sleeping. It's nice and peaceful. I'm not saying that Texas doesn't have problems, but that its room to move away from the noise and hustle and bustle. Check it out if you're looking to retire some place where you can live a little more comfortably.

Who can name songs by Little Anthony and the Imperials?

Baby Boomers and the cold

2011-02-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't handle the cold weather like I use to. It is cold here in Texas and 18 other states I believe. The temperature right now is 17 degrees and will be around 10 degrees tonight. Now being originally from California, that's cold. So bundle up in your long johns, hats, coats, furs and turn the heaters up. Our bodies can't take it.

The Future

2011-01-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

Now that we are at this age, what are some of the options that are available to the baby boomers? Are you going to retire and travel, move to the country (like my sister censixx), or just relax and let life pass you by? These are some of the questions that need to be answered. So give your opinion because you may be helping someone who is in deep deliberation on these things. All comments are welcome.

Our Health 2

2011-01-26T13:11:00.000-08:00

Censixx has a good idea about walking and listening to music. No matter what type of music you like, it is soothing and somewhat of a motivator to move those limbs that have started to become weak. Walking, whether you walk for 15 minutes or an hour is a good start to better health. So keep it up seniors, and good health to all.

Our Health

2011-01-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Our health! Lets face it, once we hit 50 everything seems to start changing. Arthritis, weight gain, and a whole lot of health problems we never thought of. The only viable options that we have to keep our health in check is to eat right, and exercise. So we should eat less of those fatty foods that we have become addicted to, and eat more fruits and vegetable's. Start some kind of exercise program that will improve your cardio-vascular system.

"For one day, don't super size, exercise." - Earvin "Magic" Johnson