Menopausal Mother

Fly On The Wall With The "Hobos" And The Brain-Eating Amoebas

2026-07-24T08:52:40.508-04:00

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, three of us are welcoming you into our homes to see what a fly might see---or overhear!

This past month, the fly witnessed a very frustrated blogger. Chances are, dear reader, that you did not receive last month's FOW post. If you are reading this now, the problem has been solved! It had to do with authentication codes, creating a new website email through Google Workplace, and a bunch of other mumbo jumbo that I had NO CLUE what they were talking about. But I think my tech girl has finally fixed everything (fingers crossed).

So here's what you missed.....A new blog post went up Friday, June 19, but apparently, no one received it. If you missed it, here is the link to my June post---- "Fly On The Wall With The Birthday Babes And Book Lovers" https://www.menopausalmom.com/2026/06/fly-on-wall-with-birthday-babes-and.html

Anyway....other than the tech issues, it has been a fun month. Another camping trip is in the books (#27), this time to Ft. Myers at an RV resort (yay for pools!). As always, met some wonderful campers. However, we quickly discovered how hard it is to hang with campers half our age who like to drink shots. Some lovely young ladies stopped by our site on a Saturday night for drinks and card games---which progressed to a wild golf cart ride at 2:00 a.m. to a creepy, abandoned RV park. Needless to say, we paid the price the following morning when we had to get up early and pack. Time to stick with campers our own age who go to bed at 10:00!!!

Lucy, the RV is taking a break now that it is summer. At least we will save on these ridiculous gas prices. But staying local also means I'll get to spend more time with friends and family.

Speaking of which, our annual 4th of July block party was a BLAST--literally. One of our neighbors brought a flamethrower, and everyone took turns using it. Now I know what it's like to be a dragon---and I LOVED IT!

Another super fun excursion: Hubs has never been on a train (crazy, right?!), so our friends from his job treated us to a day trip on a train to Miami and lunch at a 5-star restaurant. WOWZA! Lunching and shopping there, I got to see how the other half lives, haha. Definitely one of the most fun days we've ever had.

The only thing that might top that wonderful day is the 70th birthday/Reitrement party our friends are throwing Hubs this Sunday. He has mixed feelings about leaving his job and the people he loves, but hopefully it will be a smooth transition. I'll let you know how it's going in next month's FOW blog post......

Here are some of the weird conversational tidbits the nosy fly picked up on this month:

"Didn't we try that restaurant four years ago?"

"You're asking me about something that happened four years ago. I don't even remember what happened four minutes ago"

"Whenever the dog gets a new toy, he breaks the squeaker part too quickly. Basically, he does a squeakotomy on the toy."

"Well, he just farted right next to my head, so what do I call that---a Stinkotomy?"

"You're supposed to wash the bedsheets once a week."

"But I'm clean---I take a shower every day."

"It's not that --- it's the dead skin cells the body sheds while you sleep."

"I lost some weight this week, so I must have dropped a lot of skin cells in the sheets."

"We're having hobo packs on the grill at the campsite tonight"

"We're eating hobos and their backpacks??"

"You seriously need to order those hearing aids."

"I'm not swimming in the lake; I'm afraid of brain-eating amoebas"

"They won't bother me----once they get into my brain, they'll say, 'Nope, nothing here to eat' and then they'll leave."

"I'm glad our kids know that after we pass, we want to be cremated and have our ashes spread together over our favorite lake with the beautiful fountains."

"With my luck, a big piece of my forehead bone will get stuck and clog the fountain at the funeral."

"I'm so full from the spaghetti dinner you made."

"You didn't have to eat it all...."

"I'll be full until next week. The noodles have already wrapped themselves around my colon and won't let go."

"Good, because at least now I don't have to worry about cooking dinner for a week."

"Look at all of this beautiful, open land. This is what I imagine my gateway to heaven will look like."

"My gateway will probably just be the size of a straw."

"To suck the life out of you?"

"You seem to be sleeping better at night."

"Only on the weekends."

"What do you attribute it to?"

"A lot of beer and the loss of brain cells."

Time for Hubs to round up some hobo backpacks for the grill---as long as the brain-eating amoebas don't get to him first.

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA?? My latest for AARP/The Girlfriend was fun to write--"How To Spice Up Your Relationship Without Sex" read it HERE and another about easy no-bake desserts perfect for summer, which you can read HERE

Follow the fly to these other homes to see what they've been up to:

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Understanding and Recognizing UTI in Older Women

2026-07-03T08:42:07.362-04:00

If you've ever had a urinary tract infection, you know how painful they are! The first time it happened to me, I had NO IDEA what was going on with my body, but thankfully, I immediately went to my doctor for help. I was much younger at the time and assumed that I'd be free of UTIs when I was older---but I was wrong. They still show up on occasion, but at least now I know how to treat the probem.

When the people at Uqora reached out to me about their science-backed care for urinary bladder health, I was thrilled to discover all the products they offer for those of us interested in being proactive about our health. UTIs can be much more challenging for older women, so I'm pleased to share Uqora's information today on the blog!

Understanding and Recognizing UTI in Older Women

As we age, our bodies change in ways that are both expected and deeply subtle. While many of us are familiar with the typical signs of common health issues, there are certain conditions that manifest entirely differently in older adults than they do in younger populations. A primary example of this is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

When considering a UTI, most people think of obvious, localized discomfort—a sharp burning sensation during urination, an intense urgency, or physical pelvic pain. However, when looking at a uti in older women, these signature red flags are frequently absent. Instead, the infection can present as a sudden shift in behavior, confusion, or physical instability. Understanding these nuances is crucial for daughters, sons, spouses, and caregivers who want to protect the health, dignity, and comfort of the senior women in their lives.

Comparing UTI Presentations Across Age Groups

Because the immune response changes with age, the body often expresses distress through the central nervous system rather than localized inflammation. The table below outlines how drastically symptoms shift between demographics, helping you know exactly what to look for.

Clinical Feature	Typical Presentation (Younger Adults)	Geriatric Presentation (Older Women)	Underlying Physiological Cause
Primary Symptoms	Burning urination (dysuria), frequent urgency, pelvic pressure.	Sudden confusion (delirium), agitation, lethargy, or hallucinations.	Systemic stress and inflammation crossing a more permeable blood-brain barrier.
Physical Mobility	Unaffected; physical baseline remains completely normal.	Sudden unsteadiness, loss of coordination, or a cluster of unexplained falls.	Systemic infection causing transient muscle weakness and mild hypotension (low blood pressure).
Immune Response	Low-grade fever, localized pain, visible changes in urine.	Often no fever; baseline body temperature may even drop slightly.	An aging immune system (immunosenescence) that does not mount a traditional inflammatory response.
Primary Risk	Discomfort; rare progression to kidney infection if neglected.	Rapid escalation to urosepsis, a life-threatening systemic blood infection.	Delayed diagnosis due to atypical symptoms, allowing bacteria to migrate into the bloodstream.

Shifting Focus Toward Preventative Health

Modern professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and biohackers increasingly integrate proactive urinary tract care into their daily regimens. This proactive approach stems from a wider cultural shift toward "longevity" and preventative medicine. Consumers no longer wait for a clinical issue to arise; instead, they seek out preventative measures to maintain optimal systemic function. This foundational shift in wellness philosophy is equally vital for our aging populations, where early, mindful intervention can prevent severe clinical complications.

Practical Ways to Reduce the Risk

While you cannot stop the natural aging process, there are gentle, effective steps you can take to significantly lower the risk of infection and keep your loved one comfortable:

Prioritize Mindful Hydration: Encourage regular fluid intake throughout the day. If plain water is unappealing, offer herbal teas, diluted juices, or moisture-rich foods like watermelons and cucumbers.
Establish a Bathroom Routine: For individuals managing cognitive decline, gently remind them to use the restroom every few hours. This prevents urine from pooling in the bladder for extended periods.
Review Wardrobe Choices: Encourage the use of breathable, loose-fitting cotton underwear. Avoid tight-fitting trousers or synthetic materials that trap moisture and heat.
Practice Proper Hygiene: Ensure that caregivers or the individuals themselves always wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent cross-contamination.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Because a uti in older women can escalate rapidly into a serious, systemic infection known as urosepsis, time is of the essence. If you notice a sudden, uncharacteristic shift in your loved one’s mental state, physical balance, or baseline energy levels, do not wait for standard symptoms like burning or pain to appear.

Contact their primary care physician or visit an urgent care clinic promptly. A simple, painless urinalysis can confirm the presence of bacteria, allowing a doctor to prescribe targeted antibiotics that can resolve the infection and restore your loved one’s clarity and physical strength within a matter of days. Listening closely to these quiet shifts in behavior is one of the most profound ways we can advocate for the women who once spent their lives looking after us.

Knock Knock! Are You There, Dear Readers? Houston, We Have A Problem!

2026-06-24T08:48:30.797-04:00

Hello dear readers,

Some of you reached out to me over the weekend to let me know your subscription to Menopausal Mom had been paused. Why? I had no idea. I contacted my subscriber service--MailChimp, but they were of no help. I had to call in the "big guns," a.k.a my techy girl, to fix the issue. If you are reading this now, the problem has been solved! It had to do with authentication codes, creating a new website email through Google Workplace, and a bunch of other mumbo jumbo that I had NO CLUE what they were talking about.

So here's what you missed.....

A new blog post went up last Friday June 19 but apparently, none of you received it. If you missed it, here is the link to my latest---- "Fly On The Wall With The Birthday Babes And Book Lovers" https://www.menopausalmom.com/2026/06/fly-on-wall-with-birthday-babes-and.html

For future reference, my "Fly On The Wall" blog posts appear every month on the third Friday of the month---that's how Karen has it set up for us. If you have any issues, feel free to email me or leave a comment below, and I will try to fix whatever might not be working (or I'll get one of my tech-savvy kids over here to do it!).

Again, my apologies if your subscription was paused. Bear with me on this, and thank you for your patience!

Photo courtesy of Tech Humor & Memes

Fly On The Wall With The Birthday Babes And Book Lovers

2026-06-19T09:00:16.968-04:00

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, four of us are welcoming you into our homes to see what a fly might see- or overhear!

This past few weeks, the nosey fly watched us celebrate two family birthdays---my grandson turned 5 and my oldest daughter turned 37 (how is this possible??) Time is passing way too quickly!! My grandson's pirate party was held at a park--there were more kids there than I could count, but it reminded me of the old days when I hosted kid parties in my backyard. You name it, we had it---clowns, bounce houses, Power Rangers and pinatas....again, where has the time gone?? A little quieter celebration followed for my daughter a week later---with good food and drinks at a western-themed restaurant. As always, her birthday is a mixed bag for us since it is the date her twin brother passed away (you can read Jason's story in my debut NYT essay about twin loss HERE)

Some photos of the birthday celebrations:

There's something so special about the relationship between a mother and her grown daughters. My girls are my besties, my sunshine, my life. We had an amazing Girls Day lunch recently, which included book shopping at several stores in Ft. Lauderdale (one is designed similar to the library in Beauty & The Beast!) We are avid readers and members of book clubs, so this day was PERFECTION for us. I walked away with 12 books just from a consignment shop, and several more from the other stores. Guess what I'll be doing this summer? My faves are psychological thrillers, but I'll read just about anything. ***What's your favorite genre? Drop a line in the comments below!***

Some photos from Girl's Day:

My husband is getting ready to retire from a job he loves, working at a condo where so many of our friends live. This is a really tough (and scary) decision for him, but he works outdoors and at almost-age 70, the South Florida heat is really getting to him. It's too dangerous to continue, so it's time to go. The lovely folks at the condo are throwing him a party next month, so a few of them came by recently to firm up the plans and share some mai tais in the tiki hut with us.

Speaking of the intolerable heat, this is the time of year where we slow down on RV trips---it's just too hot (and buggy!) to walk nature trails in the summer. Instead, we hit up the RV resorts that have POOLS and air-conditioned restaurants. We just returned from Naples/Marco Island and had a great time. Made some new friends and played a lot of Blackjack (which I learned from my 8-year-old granddaughter during a recent sleepover. YES, you heard that right. She's a card shark!)

And now, if you'll excuse me, I have a bundle of books to read. They say life's too short to skip the chocolate, but I say life's too short to not read books every single day!! All my book lovers out there---what are you currently reading?

***Want More Meno Mama?***My latest for AARP/The Ethel is a foodie piece about protein-packed meals for a picnic that you can read HERE and then over at AARP/The Girlfriend, I have one piece on why you should get a cat (even though I don't have one lol) that you can read HERE and another on a special self-care trick I had to learn to make my life better (and changing my mindset about the way I was raised) --- I'll bet many of you can relate! Read it HERE.

Follow the fly to these other homes to see what they've been up to:

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Crazy Mama Llama https://crazymamallama.blogspot.com

Fly On The Wall With The Fat-Free Cows

2026-05-22T08:57:07.698-04:00

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, three of us are welcoming you into our homes to see what a fly might see- or overhear!

This month has FLOWN by, and we haven't been home much---3 camping trips since my last blog post! Whew! A lot of people don't get the appeal of RVing; they'd rather go on a cruise or fly somewhere to stay at a nice resort. I get that, but if you don't try RVing at least ONCE in your life, you are truly missing out.

I actually had a fun essay published in AARP this week, extolling the virtues of RV life (for the non-believers). It was an honor to get this assignment,
and I hope you get a chance to read it HERE ( I think you have to subscribe to AARP "Members Edition" online to be able to read my stuff over there--but hey, it's
only $12 a year. C'mon!)

During last week's camping trip to Myakka River State Park, everything was beautiful and perfect, except I got BIT UP by some sort of insect (and I'm still itching). Tis the season for bugs in South Florida! It's all good, though. The nosey fly and his ugly cronies aren't going to stop me from RVing. But at least the fly was privy to some interesting conversations during my camping trips......

"This game sucks. The rules are too confusing, I quit!"

"It's SCRABBLE. Everyone loves this game! And besides, it says that it's for children ages 8 and up"

"I must be at the cut-off point. Let's just use the squares for firewood in the camp stove tonight."

"I don't get why teenagers today are so lazy and entitled."

"It's because schools no longer make students wear humiliating uniforms in gym class or force them to play dodgeball---the game that taught us how not to die."

"Why won't you try Bunjee jumping?"

"Are you kidding? I won't even jump off our one-story roof!"

"Why is there no more fat-free creamer?"

"They ran out of fat-free cows."

"I read somewhere that there are certain things every 60+ year-old should have: Missing Tupperware lids, a collection of plastic bags, and a drawer full of random cords that no one knows what they belong to."

"You forgot to add to that list an expired jar of pickle relish in the pantry and medicine bottles from 1995."

"I hate it when you pull out your phone everytime I tell you somethng interesting."

"I have trust issues, so I have to use Google to see whether or not you're telling me the truth about living parasites on our eyelashes or fecal particles stuck on toothbrushes stored near the toilet."

"I'm surprised you didn't Google fat-free cows...."

"I used to be a poo-poo perfectionist. Never missed a day. Now, I'm irregular, and I hate it."

"That means you're just a poo-poo pretender."

"Listen to that sound...don't you love hearing the summer cicadas?"

"No, I have tinnitus--I hear the hum of cicadas all day long in my ears."

"At least you don't have to listen to the mooing of fat-free cows in the fridge."

"FINE! I'll go buy the damn fat-free creamer!!"

"I thought you were trying to declutter your closet. Why do you have so many pairs of jeans?"

"I have to keep different sizes. One pile is what I'm using now. Another pile is saved in case I gain more weight--or eat a really big holiday meal. It used to be a larger collection."

"What happened to the others?"

"I ate too many big meals this year."

"Then what's that really big pile for?"

"That's my regret pile---the jeans I don't have a snowball's chance in hell of EVER fitting into."

Since I can no longer fit into my jeans, I might as well go fatten up those cows so I can at least enjoy some creamer with my coffee.....

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA??" As mentioned above, one of my favorite essays is featured this week at AARP/Members Edition, which you can read HERE. If you have trouble finding it or the link doesn't take you directly to it, the title to put in the search bar is "How RVing Revived Our 42-Year Marriage." Over at AARP/The Girlfriend, I had several pieces published (yay!!). The first is an article on how to whiten your teeth naturally HERE plus Cinco De Mayo Recipes HERE and Mother's Day gift ideas HERE and then at AARP/The Ethel, I had an article about air fryer recipes that you can read HERE

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to at their place!!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With The Newest Jokester

2026-04-17T08:45:00.001-04:00

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, three of us are welcoming you into our homes to see what a fly might see- or overhear!

It's that time of year again when the nosy fly brings all of his buddies around the backyard while we're trying to enjoy a little nature. Thank God for citronella candles and bug zappers! But we've still had a fun month so far. It was pure joy watching all the grandkids hunt for Easter eggs at the family brunch. As usual, my oldest daughter was the "hostess with the mostess." She has her mama's love for entertaining guests, and I am happy to pass down the baton.

This month, we also checked out the new Immersive Voyage Titanic Exhibit (y'all know I'm a freak for Titanic stuff!). I learn someting new every time I visit one of their exhibits and I always come home with a new Titanic Christmas tree ornament (yeah, I know--I already have too many. My kids think I need a Christmas ornament intervention).

A week after that, we went RVing with our neighbors at our favorite KOA spot in mid-Florida and had a blast. I'm talking stunning lakeside sunsets, cookouts, s'mores over the fire pit, swimming, and a hilarious (but slightly raunchy) card game that had us all laughing so loud we probably annoyed the other campers.

We're camping again this weekend further north (just the two of us) but wouldn't you know---after all this gorgeous weather in Florida, a heat wave is blasting through--just in time for us to sweat at the weekend outdoor music gigs. I'll be easy to spot on the camp lawn because I'll be the one with the double layer of neck fans!

The best part of this month, however, is that we celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary! Hubs is my rock, my bestie, my ride-or-die, my mumu man, my partner in crime, and the love of my life. No one makes me laugh like he does. I am blessed to have him. "Grow old with me, the best is yet to be..." and it truly is.

The fly has been privy to many of my odd conversations with the hubs this month. Maybe I should use the fly swatter on my him......

"Come here---I want to show you something."

"No. I don't want to see anything you have."

"Don't you trust me?"

"Not since you knowingly let me sit in a patio chair with a broken leg."

"Okay, 'Hammy The Hobo', save some of that Easter Hormel ham for the rest of the family."

"Please stop calling me that."

"Well, your real name is Hamilton....so I'll forever think of you as 'Hammy The Hobo' because you don't shower when we go camping."

"Stop it."

"Now you're just 'Hammy The Hobo' with Hormel hands."

"I think you're going to like your new home."

"What new home?"

"The one we just passed."

"We passed the cemetery."

"Yep."

"That newlywed couple we met with the newborn baby----they weren't even sure they wanted a child when she got pregnant."

"Well, IT sure came quickly...."

"It came qui---wait, what?"

"How was your breakfast?"

"I had so many eggs, I think I ate an entire hatchery."

"Why don't you consider trying those new brain supplements?"

"They won't work because I don't have a brain."

"I asked the pharmacist if I could take Voltaren for my pulled leg muscle but she said no, it was only for arthritis."

"Did she give you a different option?"

"Nope, so I told her it will be her fault if I have to chop off my bad leg, and that the next time she sees me, I'll be flapping around in a circle."

"I can't believe I ate that entire Easter meal. I feel like I've swallowed a whale."

"Hopefully, it was a tasty whale."

"Thankfully, it wasn't a sperm whale."

"I need to charge the batteries for my electric tools."

"You need to charge your own body's battery first."

"What's up with you lately? You've suddenly become the new jokester in the family. That's my job."

"What can I say? I learned from the master---Hammy The Hobo."

Hope you enjoyed reading this month's FOW post. I'm just over here at my campsite with a fan, swatting at flies. Perhaps there wouldn't be so many if Hammy the Hobo actually took a shower......

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA?***

Last month, I learned that I placed in the top 100 Mom Blogs To Follow for Feedspot. Check out all the winners here: https://bloggers.feedspot.com/mom_blogs/?_src=f1_newcampaign I also have some new articles up this month at AARP/The Girlfriend: "4 Truths About Men Every Woman Should Know" that you can read HERE and another on easy dinner recipes for entertaining guests that you can read HERE You can also read my latest for AARP/The Ethel about recipes to make with the grandkids--read it HERE amd lastly, anothwer for AARP/The Girlriend on 3 Things I Tell Myself Daily---which you can read HERE

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With A Side Piece

2026-03-20T09:21:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, three of us are welcoming you into our homes to see what a fly night see---or overhear!

Oh, how I love the month of March! There are so many fun activities going on in the spring, and the weather is still "doable" in South Florida. This is the month of the Florida Ren-Fest along with my daughter's birthday,
and, of course, one of my favorite holidays--St. Patrick's Day!

This is also the best time of year for us to go camping, so we've been exploring more state parks and RV resorts---we go about every two weeks now. And after 21 trips, Yoda has become a pro at traveling.

We will keep up this pace until mid-July, when things start to really heat up, and the vampirish mosquitoes become relentless. Although last week at Sebastian Inlet State Park, the no-see-ums were out again! Of course, that was nothing compared to the alligator that tried to sneak up on us while we sat in chairs by the inlet to watch the sunset. I've never seen my husband move so quickly! Being the curious sort, I walked right over to the mangroves to find the gator, and I thought Hubs was going to have a heart attack. He wanted to "protect" me, but the gator slipped back under the water, and I continued to sip my wine and watch the sunset. No way will I let anything spoil my camping trips!!

The nosy fly was not amused by my antics, but he did listen in on our conversations......

"Hey, remember that time I applied my foundation to your face?"

"How could I forget? It was a disaster."

"You had spots all over your skin from working in the sun. I was trying to hide your imperfections."

"You'd have to chop off my entire head to do that."

"This berry-flavored energy drink is awful."

"No, it's not. It tastes good, like a berry snow cone."

"Yeah, a snow cone laced with berry cough syrup."

"Why does your phone keep going off with texts from work?'

"My new boss has questions."

"I think you must have a girlfriend-----a side piece."

"Nope---you're my only side piece... you're also my front piece and my back piece."

"I'm not sure what that means---especially the 'back piece', but I hope it's a compliment."

"It's fine if we leave leftover champagne in the fridge. We have a rubber stopper for it."

"What leftovers? Too bad we don't have a stopper for our mouths. "

"What do you mean you want me to touch you more often? I touch you all the time. "

"Yeah, but it's usually when you're wiping something gross on me. "

"I loved seesaws and merry-go-rounds when I was a kid. The faster the better!"

"Seesaws are the reason I have trust issues."

"You should've gone to church with me this morning to get your forehead smudged for Ash
Wednesday."

"What's the point of it?"

"It's a symbol of human mortality, a preparation for Easter, and repentance---plus asking for mercy for your past sins."

"Then they'd better cover my whole face in ashes. "

"Hey, can you grab that bottle of aspirin out of my purse?"

"Um, how do I know this isn't a trick? Your purse is a giant, black hole of junk. For all I know, there could be a torpedo in there just waiting to blow up when I open it."

"Because torpedoes are too big....but a grenade would fit..."

"How is it possible that you've never seen the movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

"I'm from a small farming community. We only had one movie theater in the 1970s, and it was still playing black and white movies without sound."

"Well, you really missed out on something. I'm going to find Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for you to watch so we can relive my childhood."

"I live that every day with your child-like brain."

"These spare ribs are delicious but extra fatty."

"Well.... they say you are what you eat...."

"Yeah, but I'm still your favorite side piece..."

We're off again next week on a camping trip with the neighbors, and then later on heading to North Florida. Hopefully, there won't be any no-see-ums or gators this time, but at least I'll have my side piece (or my back piece?) to protect me.

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA?*** Over at AARP/The Girlfriend, I share 4 of the easiest and budget-friendly dinners ever that you can find HERE Then I have one about the 4 things you should be doing for your dog that you can read HERE I also have an essay in AARP titled, "Things I Do To Strengthen My Relationship With My Adult Kids" which you can read HERE, or if that doesn't work (the main site links gets wonky sometimes), type in the title on the website and it should come up.

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With A Nasty Flu Bug

2026-02-20T08:54:00.000-05:00

Y'all, I got SOOOO sick several weeks ago, all from a little mischievous bug that somehow attached to me after a family birthday party. In a little over 24 hours, half my family was down for the count. It started with a wracking chest cough that escalated into daily migraines, body aches, fatigue, chills, high fevers, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. I spent a week in bed with numerous Zoom calls to the doctor, who prescribed 2 rounds of steroids, inhalers, and antibiotics. I seriously thought I was going to die---it was a real come-to-Jesus moment, and I immediately understood how people died so easily from Covid. I felt so miserable that I was ready to give up the ghost.

Before you ask, YES, I've had my flu shot, but I tested positive for Flu A, regardless, and by then it was too late to take Tamiflu. Luckily, Mac's symptoms didn't appear until a day after mine, so he was able to take Tamiflu and thankfully had no further symptoms. The worst part for me was the fluid buildup in my chest---it was so bad that it felt like an elephant was sitting on my ribs. I couldn't breathe very well, and lying down to sleep was impossible. Sadly, the experience made me wonder how my poor sister must have felt in the days before she passed away from pneumonia. I rarely get sick, but this flu was one of the worst bugs I've ever had. It hung around for several weeks, and I'm STILL coughing! Doc says it will take 6 weeks to get out of my system, but at least I'm no longer contagious, and the rest of the family has recovered.

We did go camping after my worst symptoms had passed ( I refused to let the flu stop me!), and we had a wonderful time despite that crazy Florida cold snap that froze our RV's water lines. But since I've recovered, it's really been a good month — celebrated 2 of my grandbabies' birthdays and had a romantic Valentine's Day with Mac (our 43rd together!). So, here's the latest photo dump of all the fly has witnessed (and believe it or not, the stupid fly buzzed around my bedroom while I was sick!! But you don't need to see photos of THAT).

Last but not least, I have some VERY exciting news to share: MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER JUST GOT ENGAGED in Costa Rica!!!!!! I'm so happy for Jane and Al,
and I cannot wait to get this wedding started!!!

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? Check out my latest "anonymous" essay for AARP/Members Edition HERE (or you may be redirected to the main page, so click on the search bar for the title, "After 42 Years, I'm Finally Putting My Husband First"). Over at AARP/The Ethel, I have a Valentine's Day article you can read HERE and 2 others on AARP/The Girlfriend about easy skillet meals that you can read HERE and another on special meals that will bring on a marriage proposal HERE.

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With A Triceratops Cowboy

2026-01-23T09:01:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year's Eve—we were busy with holiday festivities for weeks, so it felt kind of nice to take down all the decor and just RELAX. But the best was spending time with the family and seeing the magic of Christmas in my grandbabies' eyes.

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to focus on other things...such as RVing! We just completed our 18th camping trip 2 weeks ago and will be on our 19th adventure next week! One of the coolest aspects of camping is meeting other campers. I've made some great friends, and we chat frequently to help each other find the best parks and RV spots. I truly hope Mac and I can RV like this for many more years---as long as we can stay healthy!

Despite the cold weather we've been having lately (yes, Florida does get cold occasionally--it snowed in the Panhandle the other day!), the fly is still buzzing around and overhearing some weird conversations.

"When I get up every day, I get bored if I don't get a change of scenery. I don't like looking at the same thing every day."

"What's that supposed to mean?? You've been looking at my face for almost 42 years now....."

"I overdid it tonight on dinner. I'm so full, I feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy."

"No, you're the Pillsbury Dough GIRL, so we're going to make donuts with that dough."

"Mmmm...doughnuts."

"Didn't you just say you ate too much??"

"Thanks for starting a fire for us tonight, but why does the fire smell so fishy?"

"Because I bought the special carp-scented logs."

"Remind me next time to serve the logs for dinner instead."

"I'm so tired of hot flashes and fatigue....."
"But you're past menopause age."

"Long after menopause is gone, it leaves a residue of body revenge."

"Ever wonder what life would have been like if we had never had kids?"

"Sure---we would have been stinkin' rich with a sparkling modern home in an upscale neighborhood. Instead, we opted for the other plan---broke, with four kids who sucked the youth out of us."

"I have a wrinkle cream for that."

"What's it called, Children be Gone?"

"The squirrels look fuzzy and fatter than normal. I guess it's their winter coat."

"And the squirrels are looking at us and thinking, oh look, the humans are fatter than usual--- they must be wearing THEIR winter coats!"

"Hey grandkids, your grandfather used to ride on the back of the family's giant St. Bernard like a cowboy when he was a kid."

"No, I rode on the back of a triceratops because that's how old I am."

"I don't feel well...."

"Why? What's wrong?"

" I ate too many Ramen noodles. I feel like I have a belly full of tapeworms."

"Cheer up! Tapeworms are the new wonder drug for weight loss!"

That's it for this month. I'd better go check on my husband before he puts a saddle on our pug for the grandkids to ride. Does anyone have a cowboy hat?

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? Check out my latest for AARP on tracing my family roots with my father HERE. *If the link takes you to the main page, just type in the search bar, "Researching Genealogy With My Father Brought Us Closer." Over at AARP/The Girlfriend, see how I stop anxiety in its tracks HERE

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall During The Holiday Hoopla

2025-12-19T08:58:00.004-05:00

The fly at my house is dizzy from all of the holiday hoopla. It started with Thanksgiving, a fun, loving day with my adult kids and grandkids. However, one son was very sick and didn't want to expose us to the flu bug he was fighting, while the other son was out of state with his in-laws. Of course, this did not stop me from making waaaaay too much food for the rest of us. I just can't help myself!! We sipped mimosas while watching the Macy's Day Parade and then started playing a family game called TALES, which was a blast! The laughing and finger-pointing that ensued during the game were hilarious, and I highly recommend buying it online!

I had barely put away the Thanksgiving decorations when it was time to dress the house for Christmas. Then the parties started, and it has been non-stop (I'm not complaining; just TIRED already). We've been to a boat parade party, a historical downtown party, a neighbor's big bash, visited several light displays, and then went out on another friend's boat to see more lights along the waterways. Nothing says holiday cheer to me more than Christmas lights strung around a palm tree and Santa Claus sitting on the beach with a margarita (that's REAL Florida life)!

This month, we also got to visit our daughter's new side hustle--she creates her own jewelry at Soul Bloom and has been doing festivals every weekend. So proud of her! I already stocked up on my Christmas gifts! Here is her website if you care to order anything: https://soulbloomfl.weebly.com/#/

Right now, we are in the midst of a baking marathon while we put together a gazillion batches of holiday cookies and breads to give to friends and neighbors as a big THANK YOU, and I APPRECIATE YOU. It has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember, and I truly enjoy carrying it out all these years later.

Thankfully, this year we actually bought nice Christmasy attire for our gatherings (Okay, so no weird costumes like lobsters or squirrels!!) and it was the best decision I could have made — no more second-guessing what to wear at Christmas. We wear the same stuff to every event we attend (but yeah, people are starting to wonder if these are the only outfits we own....I swear we wash them after each party because nobody wants to reek of wine).

Rather than drone on and on about all the reasons I cherish this time of year, it would be easier to show you with a holiday photo dump. If you sing all the lyrics to "White Christmas," I promise it will go faster.....

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year, from our house to yours! #JesusIsMyReasonForTheSeason

****WANT MORE MENO MAMA? If you're looking for hot beverage recipes to get you through the winter, check out my latest for AARP/The Ethel here: https://www.aarpethel.com/lifestyle/recipes/our-5-fave-homemade-hot-drinks-for-winter/or if you're more interested in my recipes for easy crockpot holiday side dishes, The Ethel also shared that info here: https://www.aarpethel.com/lifestyle/recipes/slow-cooker-sides-to-simplify-holiday-meal-prep/I also have 4 super easy app recipes for gameday featured in The girlfriend this month if you'd like to check it out here: https://www.thegirlfriend.com/lifestyle/recipes/4-super-easy-and-yummy-apps-with-5-ingredients-or-less/ At AARP/Members Only, I have a fun, researched article titled, "Grandma Wars: The Battle For Family Favorite" that you can read here: https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/ethels-tell-all-competing-grandmas/ (if that link doesn't work you will need to log in at AARP Members Only and use the search bar to find the article. (Sorry about that---I don't know why they make it so difficult!)

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With A Trash Bin Brain

2025-11-21T09:00:00.007-05:00

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, three of us are welcoming you into our homes to see what a fly might see (or overhear).

Now that the weather is cooler, the fly is recovering after last month's crazy events in the October FOW post (birthdays and flappers and campers, oh my!) No flies means I can eat outdoors again without the pesky insects. However, I couldn't let October slip by without mentioning the hilarious Halloween party we went to. As promised in my last blog post, I have pictures of hubs in his lobster outfit, and guess what? He won 1st place for the funniest costume! He got up during the contest and danced to the B-52's "Rock Lobster" song while tossing empty butter cartons out to the audience. Classic Mac!!

We were fortunate enough to have 300+ trick-or-treaters this year at our house — we went through 14 bags of candy (well, I probably consumed an entire bag of miniature Reese's myself). It does my heart good to see the wee ones all dressed up! Adorable kids this year, and they were all super polite!

We just came back from our 17th RV camping trip. We stayed at a KOA campground, and it was NICE! We had a lake view with stunning sunsets. They also had a "heated" pool on the grounds, but the water was 75 degrees---that is NOT heated enough for this Florida girl! BRRRRR! But we did warm up every night around the campsite fire pit and had some funny conversations...

"Man, you and the dog were snoring like crazy last night in bed."
"Yes, we've been practicing synchronized snoring."

"I'd say you nailed it."

"Thanks for helping me chop the onions--I know they're a bit strong! I'm going to throw them in a pan with some butter now to saute them. It's called 'caramelizing' them."

"Well, chopping them has caramelized my eyes."

"That linebaker is.....fat."

"Yeah, they have to bulk up like that for their position. That's why they're linebackers."

"Then I missed my calling because I could have applied for that job with the way I eat!"

"I can't get this annoying song out of my head. Let me sing it for you so that we can share the earworm."

"No thanks----I don't have any space left in my brain. It's already too cluttered. You know how you delete spam from your computer, and it goes into the trash bin? My brain is that trash bin full of unwanted junk emails."

"I know what you can do with my ashes after I'm cremated."

"Can't wait to hear this...what am I doing with your ashes?"

"Hold my funeral at a catholic church, then have the cardinal carry my ashes smoking in the thurible with the incense----that way, when he walks down the aisle waving it to sanctify the congregation, a little bit of me will pass over every guest."

"Your brain really is a trash bin of useless information, isn't it?"

"Trimming your nose hairs again, I see. About time!"

"Yeah, but it's like going through a dense forest with a chainsaw."

"Honey, you don't have to spoil me with fancy jewelry, five-star restaurants, or luxury travel. I like the simple things in life."

"Obviously, because you married me."

"I hate having to use all of these different reader glasses. Even my doctor said my eyesight is bad."

"This also explains why you married me...."

"Why is the toilet paper so low in the bathroom? Don't you ever refill it?"

"Hey, I never signed on for the role of the toilet paper changer for your poop throne."

I'd better stop blogging now, since Hubs reads this stuff — and, as you know, he has a trash bin brain that cannot handle any more nonsense. Hopefully my blog post won't end up in YOUR trash bin!

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? I wrote an emotional essay for AARP recently about unpacking my past through a pile of forgotten diaries. It was an eye-opening life review, and it seems I owe a few apologies. ***UPDATE: For some reason, I cannot post the link to the essay. Go to AARP/Members Only and then add the essay title My High School Journals Helped Me Unpack My Past---into the search bar. Sorry about that! https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/ethels-tell-all-childhood-diary/ I have another article on AARP/The Girlfriend about the one thing that can quickly kill a friendship, which you can read HERE And then another on easy skillet meals you can read HERE

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With A Birthday Flapper

2025-10-24T08:55:00.006-04:00

That nosy fly needs to stop buzzing around all the parties going on here because we're celebrating three family birthdays this month! Two of us are Libras but my granddaughter is a scorpio (watch out, world!).

I turned 66 last week (say whaaa??), but I'm still feeling like I'm 35 because my brain forgot to send the birthday memo to my old body. That hasn't stopped me, though, because it has been an insanely fun month (mostly because the mosquitoes have gone off to die in hell while the cooler, dryer weather creeps into Florida).

At the end of September, we went to a Roaring Twenties party at our favorite speakeasy. As many of you know, I have a closet full of costumes, but believe it or not, I did NOT have a flapper or gangster costume! Hubs and I wanted to look as authentic as possible, so we found our new outfits and had a good laugh dressing up for the party! My tight dress felt like a sausage casing, but hey, I still had a blast!

Next, we headed to Lake Wales to stay at an RV resort that had a gorgeous pool and a huge Tiki bar....so you can imagine how we spent our days. The funny thing is that at these types of resorts, it's all people our age or older--so no one cares what you look like in a bathing suit! Pure FREEDOM!

I guess better weather means more people out and about---and running into new & old friends at community events, plus a few dinner parties (didn't I tell you how much I LOVE October??). There's a lot of busy buzzing going on here, but not the nosy fly kind.

This flapper girl had a heart-warming birthday celebration with my family at my son's restaurant, but there was more to celebrate than just turning 66---my biopsy results from a suspicious spot I recently found came back benign! Praise God (and talk about the perfect birthday gift)!

Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without another RV trip. Last week we spent 4 days at Tomoka State Park, and WOW was it pretty. However, what we didn't realize was that it was "Bikefest Week" at Ormond Beach, so the campground was filled with senior-aged bikers & rockin' rollers. At first, I was concerned, but holy moly, we met the NICEST people and made some dear friends on this trip. One was a fabulous man named Ed who is 83 and living his best life traveling around Florida for weeks at a time in his RV. Did I mention he makes his own moonshine? Delish! Ed is the happiest, most positive, and energetic senior I have ever met--a true inspiration (I want to be him when I grow up!). A group of us got together as often as we could while staying at the park, which made it one of our favorite RV trips.

This weekend, we have the annual McMahon Halloween Party to attend, so at least I get to wear my flapper costume again. Hubs, on the other hand, is going as a lobster.....I bet you can't wait to see those photos in my next FOW post. Ha!

This birthday flapper had a great October (even though I really did look like a sausage link). November, you're up next, but you've got some big shoes to fill! Happy Halloween, everyone!

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? Over at AARP/Members Edition, I have several essays up that I'm really proud of. The first was written anonymously and explains why I originally didn't want to be a grandmother (but thrilled that I am now!). You can read it here: https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/ethels-tell-all-becoming-grandma/The next one is about feeling invisible at my age...and LOVING it. Catch that one here: https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/ethels-tell-all-love-being-invisible/The next is a celebration of my age and was a blast to write (plus I got to write some humor again!). You can read it here: https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/ethels-tell-all-love-being-65/

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With Mr. Dim Bulb And His Catheter Kit

2025-09-19T08:55:00.001-04:00

That nosy fly may not be happy that summer is almost over (no more buzzing around my BBQ), but I'm thrilled to step into autumn! Pumpkin spice everything, Halloween, and lots of family birthday celebrations are coming up. I wish I could add "sweater weather" to my list, but here in Florida, those hoodies won't come out for another month or two.

Autumn also means football season (C'mon, CHIEFS, get it together!), and time to spruce up the RV so we can resume our road trips. We're heading out next week to an RV resort that has a pool AND a tiki bar.....guess where I'll be spending most of my time?

We've been fortunate enough to spend extra time lately with all the kiddos and grandkids, even though school is back in session. I'm so lucky they all live nearby, and I will never, ever, take that proximity for granted!

Per usual, the fly has overheard more weird conversations in our home, and y'all know how much I love to tease my husband about his advancing age and the "ailments" that come with it.

"Back in the day, everyone said I looked like Tom Selleck. Now I look more like Sean Connery."

"He's dead now, so yeah, at the rate you're aging, you do look like him."

"What's that weird bump on your chest?"

"A third nipple---I'm like a cow with extra nipples."

"Cow nipples?"

"Yes, cow nipples."

"Then why haven't I heard you mooing?"

"Because I'm waiting for the rest of the nipples to come in, along with my tail."

"Did I mention we're having steak for dinner tonight?"

"As a kid, I never learned how to play Chinese checkers."

"What?? Every kid played that game!"

"Not me---I was the foodie kid who was too busy playing the Easy Bake Oven game."

"I have a great idea for a Christmas gift!"

"At your age, it should be a catheter kit."

"It is! But it would be a special "holiday edition catheter" that doubles as a snow globe. Every time I used it, glittery snowflakes would swirl around in the liquid."

"The way your brain works scares me."

"Even better, you could have the snow globe catheter personalized with my name in gold lettering!"

"Forget it---you just put yourself on Santa's naughty list."

"Ambiance is important to me in a home. I like my light bulbs dim."

"Well, you certainly married one..."

"Yeah, you're Mr. Dim Bulb---and you have a short. So what does that make me?"

"You're a floodlight--bright but obnoxious!"

"We just got invited to a 'dining in the dark' party."

"What's that?"

"You wear a blindfold while you eat, so you can't see what you're eating. You have to guess what the food is by taste. Doesn't that sound fun?"

"Heck no, I'm not doing that! I can't trust you----you'll take off your blindfold while I'm eating and shove a kielbasa down my throat!"

"Ahhhh, you know me so well...."

"I take it you didn't sleep well last night."

"Do I look tired?"

"Your skin looks extra leathery this morning."

"There's not enough sleep in the world to fix a face that looks like a deflated basketball."

"Dude, your bunyon is getting worse. It looks like a 6th toe."

"It is---and it has a personality of its own. His name is Paul....Paul Bunyon."

I don't know about your marriage, but I'm pretty happy with Mr. Dim Bulb, even if he has a sixth toe and a cow nipple. Anybody got a Kielbasa they can share for dinner?

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? I have an emotional essay about pet grief on AARP/The Ethel this week (still makes me cry) that you can read HERE and an "anonymous" essay on the AARP website about a flirty husband (naughty boy!) that you can read HERE Over at AARP/The Girlfriend, I share my fave summer BBQ recipes HERE.

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall Celebrating A Birthday And A Blogiversary

2025-08-22T08:58:00.003-04:00

Since we're still not traveling in the RV this summer (too blazing hot!!), the nosy fly has witnessed how we've kept busy with home improvement projects. Things are shaping up nicely around here--a desperately needed new metal roof and new fencing; a facelift for the tiki bar, new garden designs, a deck re-do and paint, paint, PAINT. We have been in our little 1950s cottage-style house for 39 years and will probably die here, haha.

Speaking of old things, Mac turned 69 a few weeks ago, and we celebrated in style. We're so fortunate to have our adult kids living nearby so that special holidays and birthdays can be celebrated with those we love most. Here's a photo dump of the old man's celebrations:

August 27th marks the 14-year blogiversary of Menopausal Mother. Check out my very first blog post, My Menopausal Moment for a good laugh! To give you an idea of how
long ago this was, I didn't even know how to use a computer when I wrote my first entry!!!

Blogging was the launch pad for my writing career, and my, what a journey it has been---from biweekly humor posts (when I only had 10 readers---now we are up to 60,000 page views per month!), to guest spots, podcasts, my first book publication, television interviews, menopause commercials, inclusion in 13 anthologies, multiple writing awards, an essay that went viral at the Huffington Post, (THAT was interesting--my first experience with trolls!!), and writing for top-notch publications such as the NY Times, The Washington Post, Yahoo Lifestyle, Cosmo, Woman's Day, McSweeney's, Good Housekeeeping, and now, a full-time writing career with AARP.

Sorry if I'm tooting my own horn, but dang it, I AM proud! And I want to make my family proud! I spent 15 years working as a professional home & office cleaner, plus I was an after-care babysitter for 5 kids and also catered dinners for several families---juggling all of these jobs simultaneously! Then I started up a baking business out of my home, which was fun but not very lucrative---and I gained 10 pounds doing it! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would one day become a successful writer, let alone make a decent income from it! Chances are, I will NEVER retire because I love what I do, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity God has given me to make my dreams a reality. Shout out to the people who got me started on this track by pushing me to write and gave me the confidence to do it, along with some much-needed advice---my folks, my sister, and of course, the funny man himself, Mac.

Soooo....Happy Blogiversary to me. If you're interested, here are links to some of my absolute favorite essays from the past:

The New York Times

McSweeney's Internet Tendency

Life is grand, and I hope I live a long time so I can continue sharing stories with wonderful readers like you! Thank you for the past 14 years!! #BeHumbleBeGrateful

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? It has been a VERY busy work month! I wrote a fun piece for The Ethel about how this non-athlete gained her self-confidence through sports----you can read HERE and 3 new ones for The Girlfriend--summer crockpot dishes HERE then tips for your next high school reunion HERE and an informative piece on how to earn money selling off old childhood items HERE . I also have 2 new essays up on AARP---one of which required 23 INTERVIEWS!! But I did it! What would you tell your younger self? Read all about it HERE And lastly, for AARP, why I enjoy the company of younger people, which you can read HERE

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

The Truth About Sexual Health and Aging: How to Keep Your Sex Life Thriving Over 50

2025-08-06T11:34:00.001-04:00

Some interesting information was dropped in my email this week, so I thought it might be important to share with any of my readers who might be dealing with sexual health issues after age 50. This info comes from the team at Health Test:

Among many other aspects of life that change over time, as we age, one of the most discussed but less openly addressed is sexual health. After the age of 50, men and women often experience physical and hormonal changes that affect their sex lives. But the myth that a fulfilling sex life is only for the young needs to be challenged.

Here, the team at HealthTest explains that maintaining a satisfying sex life after 50 is possible, and it can be better than ever. The team breaks down the common concerns with ageing and sexual health, the biological changes that happen, and the steps to take to ensure your sex life remains healthy and enjoyable.

The Biological Changes and What They Mean for Sexual Health

Different biological changes occur as men and women age, especially in their sexual health. One of the biggest changes for women is the menopause, which usually happens around the age of 51. This transition can bring several symptoms that can impact sexual health, such as reduced libido, changes in orgasm intensity, and vaginal dryness. As oestrogen levels drop from the menopause, the vaginal walls start to thin, causing discomfort during sex, and as levels of testosterone decrease, which influences sex drive, affecting libido and sexual arousal.

For men, these changes can occur gradually. First, testosterone levels start to decline at the age of 30 to 40, and by the time men get to their 50s, they may notice a drop in libido and reduced sexual stamina. These changes are completely natural, but they are not inevitable. The fact is that sexual health after 50 can remain strong with the right attention and care.

Mental Health and Sex: The Connection You Need to Understand

Often very overlooked, but mental health plays an important role in sexual well-being as we age. Stress and anxiety levels can rise as we manage life, from children leaving home to concerns about physical looks or career changes, all of which impact sexual health. In your 50s, self-consciousness can affect your confidence in the bedroom. Men may find trouble with performance issues like erectile dysfunction, which women may feel discouraged by social pressures due to ageing and physical changes. These emotions from this can create a negative environment, stopping intimacy and desire.

It's important to have open conversations with your partner to navigate these challenges together. Talk openly about this concern - it will help find solutions that can reduce anxiety and build strong emotional intimacy. Sex isn’t just about physical pleasure; it’s about having an emotional bond and connection to keep a satisfying sex life as we age.

Hormones and How They Impact Your Sex Life

Hormones are the most important factor when it comes to sexual health, and the changes can impact libido and sexual performance as we age. For women, menopause comes with major hormonal shifts, leading to symptoms of fatigue, low energy, mood swings, and decreased sex drive. Men also experience different effects as testosterone levels drop, which can lead to difficulty with erections and decreased stamina.

However, there are successful treatments for men and women to manage these imbalances. For women, hormone replacement therapy known as HRT can help lift menopausal symptoms, such as low libido and vaginal dryness, while topical treatments and lubricants can offer additional relief. One study found that women on HRT were significantly more likely to report being sexually active than those not using HRT. Men who have symptoms of low testosterone may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), although this should be undertaken with medical guidance to avoid side effects.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Boost Your Sex Life After 50

Exercise Regularly – Keeping active has a direct impact on sexual functions as it improves energy, blood circulation and reducing stress. Cardiovascular exercise such as swimming, walking and cycling, support heart health. Strength training will increase muscle tone and stamina, as physical activities will make it easier to maintain energy levels during sexual activity from the enhanced blood flow through the body.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet – Eat foods that maintain a balanced diet, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, all of which support your hormone health by providing essential nutrients for your hormone production. Healthy fats are key for oestrogen and testosterone, while antioxidant fruits and vegetables reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, can improve circulation, which is necessary for sexual performance. Also, watch your alcohol intake and try to reduce it, and quitting smoking can help blood flow, which is especially important for erectile function in men.

Prioritising Sleep - Sleep is another essential for hormonal balance. Persistent insomnia can lead to low libido and decreased energy levels as the body struggles to regulate key hormones, such as cortisol levels, when sleep is disrupted. This then impacts stress, recovery, and energy. If insomnia carries on, it can lead to high levels of stress, low testosterone, and oestrogen. So, make sure you aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night to support hormones and overall health.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction – Include meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises that can reduce stress and improve emotional intimacy. A great deep breathing exercise to follow is inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat this cycle for 3 to 4 rounds. This will trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, promote tranquillity, and lower stress. Reducing anxiety around sex will help you reconnect with your loved one and intensify your sexual experience.

See Your Doctor Regularly – Have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, as they can help monitor your hormone levels and look at any underlying health issues. Early conversations can help you prevent potential issues down the line and stay on top of your sexual health.

Fly On The Wall With Moose Rats At The Nut House

2025-07-18T09:03:00.000-04:00

Things have been quieter around here since we aren't RV traveling in this summer heat--but I sure miss it! I've been busy though fostering a beautiful Jack Russell Terrier mix (female) that I found on the streets a few weeks ago. I'm trying to find a loving home for her---and not just a shelter. She doesn't get on very well with my pug Yoda, so we cannot keep her. This kills me because I have grown very attached to Lola. Local peeps, if you're interested or know someone looking for the sweetest, most affectionate dog in the world, please leave a comment here on the blog, and I will reach out.

I hope all my American friends had a great 4th of July celebration! We almost went out of town that weekend but I'm so glad we stayed since many of our neighbors count on us hosting a fireworks party. We had a 'blast" (oh yes, there were some BIG fireworks!!) and ate all the fattening foods (remember holiday food doesn't have calories!) until we were almost comatose. Some fun photos from the evening:

The fly has also been privy to some odd conversations with my husband this month:

"I woke up to a strange sound---I thought we had rats in our attic again, but it sounded like LARGE rats."

"That was the roofers putting down tiles."

"Yeah, I thought maybe it was a new breed of rat since it had heavy footstepos ---like maybe a moose rat."

"If such a thing existed in our attic, I would have moved out a long time ago."

"When I was a kid, I loved playing kick the can in the street with the neighbors."

"You can still play that game with your friends, but now it would be called Kick the Bucket."

"Someone asked me today how old I am--I told them I was only 69 and they seemed surprised."

"It was probably a mortician thinking you look like you already have one foot in the grave..."

"We need a new mattress."

"We can't afford that right now."

"Maybe some day in the future."

"Considering how old you are, that future window is narrowing by the minute."

"I'm so frustrated with my weight!"

"Well, we have been snacking more than usual lately."

"The scale knows that. When I stepped on it this morning, instead of giving me a number, it just oinked."

"We're spending too much money every month on birdseed and peanuts!"

"I'm sure God has a special place for us in heaven for taking care of his critters."

"Yeah, it's called the Nut House.

I think I'm already in heaven since my home IS a nut house. Even now, I can hear the moose rats stomping around in my attic, playing soccer with my Christmas ornaments.....

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? Check out my picnic food piece for AARP/The Ethel HERE

Remember to stop by these other sites to see what the nosy fly found!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With The Stinky Cheese Man

2025-06-20T09:05:00.000-04:00

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, there are three of us bloggers inviting you into our homes to see what a fly might see (or overhear).

That nosey fly has been buzzing around me like crazy in this Florida heat, and he has been bringing several of his friends! Shoo fly, SHOO! He has also been eavesdropping on my conversations.

We just finished up a lovely (but very hot!!) 5-day camping trip at Peace River Oaks, where I almost had to call 911 when Mac suffered a mild but scary heat stroke. The dummy didn't drink enough water before we headed out to walk the trails, so he got a good scolding from me. After a cold shower, electrolyte beverages, and a nice nap in the cold RV, he was fine and ready to party over a rousing game of cards.

Fortunately, the next RV resort we're going to for our July 4th vacation has a pool and an air-conditioned tiki bar, so Mr. Mac (a.k.a. "Hamilton") can stay cool while drinking his mai tais.

Father's Day with the family was loads of fun even though I got beat numerous times in cornhole by my 2 sons. The oldest kept bragging about his wins, so I decided to annoy him the rest of the night, speaking to him in the "Talky Tina" voice (from one of my fave Twilight Zone episodes). "My name is Talky Tina and I don't like you..." My son was not amused.

As I said earlier, the fly has been following me around (or most likely Mac since he sweats a LOT outside and smells like the Stinky Cheese Man) at home and during our RV trips. Here are some snippets of conversation the pesky critter overheard:

"If 25 year old Hamilton could see how 69 year old you has gotten slack with your personal hygiene on these camping trips, I wonder what he would think."

"He would call me 'Hammie the Hobo' and walk far, far away."

"I really think I'm getting much smarter as I get older!"

"I'm getting dumber as I get older. That means by the time we're really old, you'll be a genius and I'll be a moron."

"Why does my pillow smell like corn chips?"

"The dog has been napping on it."

"Great....every time I lie down, I feel like I'm sleeping at a Frito Lay factory."

"I'm writing an article for AARP about things we would tell our younger selves. What advice would you give yourself for handling the future?"

"One word. Euthanasia."

"Why do you have that packet of lunchmeat on your legs?"

"The chicken slices fell on my lap!"

"That's the first time you've had meat between your legs in a long time...."

"Don't feed the dog anymore treats--he's had a lot today, and I don't want him vomiting--then eating again!"

"Don't worry about that--he's not a Roman dog."

"Wow, this town of Moorehaven looks small and rather dull. Not much to do here."

"Yeah, they should rename it Less-Haven."

"The doctor says I have early symptoms of osteopenia."

"Really? He told me I just have little penia."

" I used to think that the manatee was my spirit animal, but I've changed my mind."

"To what?"

"The pigeon, because it's grey and fat."

"That sounds about right."

Mac is out mowing the lawn right now and---you guessed it---sweating. Stay tuned for the next episode of Hammie the Hobo Meets the Stinky Cheese Man. Ham and cheese, anyone?

***Want more Meno Mama? I am delighted to share another humor essay that I was assigned to write for AARP, titled "My Kids Think I'm A Hoarder!" I'm very proud of this funny piece and hope you will read it HERE. I also have another foodie piece up on AARP/The Girlfriend: "Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Dishes" that you can check out HERE

Now go check out my other blogger buddies doing the FOW challenge!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

The Menopause Decoder

2025-06-13T10:11:00.000-04:00

If you're going through menopause right now, chances are you're not sure what to expect, and your male partner has even less of an idea of what you're experiencing. Author Stormy Quinn says that after realizing there was no real guide to help her—and countless other women—navigate the hormonal changes that impact relationships, she decided to create one. The result is: The Menopause Decoder: The Ultimate Men’s Guide to Understanding and Supporting His Partner Through Change a book designed to offer honest insights and practical solutions for couples trying to make sense of it all.

"This book exists because, for some bizarre reason, nobody prepares men for perimenopause," says Quinn. "Not your dad, not your friends, not that one awkward high school health class where the gym teacher mumbled something about “the female cycle” and then made you watch a VHS tape from 1987. Society just kind of skips right over this stage like “Ah, she’ll figure it out.” And while she might eventually, where does that leave you? So here we are. Welcome. You’re not alone, and you’re not crazy. You’re just in a relationship with someone who is entering one of the most hormonally wild, emotionally charged, and biologically confusing seasons of her life—and you’re going to need a map. Or better yet, a playbook."

Your partner sees that you are changing, and he doesn't know how to help. Mood swings, sleepless nights, emotional distance, or sudden tears—your partner realizes that you don't seem like yourself lately, but there’s a good reason for that and a way to understand it all.

The Menopause Decoder: The Ultimate Men’s Guide to Understanding and Supporting His Partner Through Change is a new guide for men who want to understand what’s happening during perimenopause and menopause, and how to stay connected through it.

Written in a straightforward, relatable tone, this book breaks down the hormonal shifts affecting a woman's mind, body, and emotions. It offers insights into what she may be experiencing, what the man might notice, and how he can support his partner without making things worse.

Inside, your male partner will discover:

● What perimenopause and menopause can look like

● Why she might not be able to explain what she’s feeling

● How to avoid common communication mistakes

● Simple ways to stay supportive, calm, and grounded

Whether you’ve been together for a few years or a few decades, this is a practical, judgment-free resource to help men show up during one of the most misunderstood stages of a woman’s life.

The Menopause Decoder: The Ultimate Men’s Guide to Understanding and Supporting His Partner Through Change is now available on Amazon

BIO:

Stormy Quinn is an author and entrepreneur driven by personal experience and a deep understanding of the real struggles women and couples face during perimenopause and menopause. Her mission is simple: to provide a resource that helps women and the people who love them understand what’s really going on and how to work through it together. For more information, visit: https://www.venusvitalitynu.com/

Fly On The Wall With The Old Farts

2025-05-23T08:57:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, there are four of us bloggers inviting you into our homes to see what a fly might see (or overhear). Hopefully, this month, the fly saw everyone having a fabulous Mother's Day---I know I enjoyed mine! Who doesn't like a day to be spoiled?

I've REALLY been feeling my age lately. It probably started with my recent bone scan that determined the start of osteopenia. Yikes! So I've started walking daily as well as eating more dairy and using hand weights. Apparently, yoga and zumba hasn't been enough. This means I have to add more physical stuff to my routine (and anyone who knows me well knows I tend to be....lazy...when it comes to physical exertion). I've been teasing Mac about being an old fart since he turns 69 this July, but here I am having bone deterioration, so I guess I'M the OLD FART! Naturally, the nosy fly has overheard plenty of snarky conversations recently about our aging issues....

"Oh, look, there's a big antique show going on."

"Antiques? You'd better hurry up and get over there since you're the main attraction."

"I read a funny meme about putting your loved one's ashes in an hourglass so they can still be part of family game night."

"Knowing you, my ashes would end up in the grandkids' sandbox."

"Or the kitty's litter box...."

"Hurry up and turn the A/C on! I'm HOT!"

"You hot? Thankfully, at your age, no one else thinks that."

We've continued with our RV trips, which means there have been more fun conversations around the fire while cooking s'mores. Of course, the marshmallows weren't the only things getting roasted:

"I thought you said we were cutting out carbs while we camp. I noticed I have pasta on my plate, but you don't."

"You need the carbs for energy, even if they cause a little weight gain."

"So, instead of Make America Great Again, this is Make Mac Fat Again."

"Why did you buy such big tires for the truck to pull the RV?"

"Because size matters."

"That's what she said."

"Did you pick up the sod?"

"Yep, and I already laid it."

"That's the only thing around here that's getting laid...."

"You know, I'm your Big Mac and you can play with my McNuggets any time you'd like."

"You're also one fry short of a full order."

"Why do you eat so fast?"

"When you come from a family with eight siblings, it's do or die at the dinner table."

"Geez, your bunion is getting bigger. It's huge!!"

"I call it my sixth toe."

"Either that or you're turning into a platypus."

"I need to declutter and get rid of some of my tchotchkes."

"Yeah, you have too many Titanic-themed memorabilia. No one wants your fake icebergs because their value has 'melted' over time."

"I'm burning up on this hiking trail! I feel like a rotisserie chicken turning over a spit."

"If you're the chicken, then I'm the shriveled up wiener at the gas station deli."

"Geez, thanks for leaving the camper door open so all the mosquitoes can get inside."

"You're a mosquito."

"If I were a mosquito, I'd bite the hell out of you for leaving the camper door

open."

Our RV camping has been awesome, but now that summer is coming, things will slow down a bit. I fell in LOVE with Lake Kissimmee State Park---made lots of new RV friends there. One of them---Kim, was eating an apple while we were hanging out, and suddenly three deer came to our campsite and let us feed them apple slices. It was a magical experience! Then later that night, a freaking armadillo came over and sat by my feet. He was eating something on the ground and was totally comfortable chilling out next to me. THIS is why I love the RV life! Another reason we were anxious to explore Lake Kissimmee is because our dear friend Kristin Jacobs, who passed away several years ago, has a trail there named after her, so of course, we had to walk it! Then two weeks after that park, we were off to Torry Island, where the sunsets were spectacular and the alligators plenty. Up next in June is Peace River again for a longer stay this time, since it has become one of our favorite spots. Temps are supposed to be in the mid-90s, so there will be a LOT of sweating going on.

It's getting hot as blazes here in Florida. I'm thinking Mac may just spontaneously combust while he's outside doing yard work or walking a camp trail with me... If he does, I already know where I'll be putting his ashes. Anyone have a cat pan that needs refilling?

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? Speaking of aging, I had a blast writing a humor essay for AARP about things I do now that I never thought I'd do when I was younger. Check it out HERE for a good laugh! And I wrote another one "anonymously" for AARP about my husband's refusal to retire, which you can read HERE I also have some yummy & easy ground beef recipes for you over at AARP/The Girlfriend that you can find HERE

Be sure to go see what the fly has been up to at these other blogs:

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.

What TF Sarah https://crazymamallama.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With The Elusive Easter Bunny

2025-04-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

The nosy fly already knows that every year I take pride in the annual family Easter dinner I host in the garden to enjoy the pleasures of spring. But this year, the Easter bunny has skipped town, taking his coveted chocolate eggs with him. Why? BECAUSE I FORGOT EASTER IS THIS WEEKEND AND BOOKED A CAMPING TRIP FOR THIS DATE A YEAR AGO!!!!

I don't get it---Easter is usually in late March or early April. Who decided April 20th was the perfect date? Ugh! I have never missed this holiday with my family and I hate letting them down--they look forward to the goodies I cook and I LOVE seeing my grandbabies all dressed up for the holiday. I even have bunny ears, for heaven's sake! Okay, lesson learned. We actually get home late that afternoon, but there will be no time to cook, and I will be too tired anyway after the 3-hour drive home from Lake Kissimmee, but at least some of my kids have promised to come over for dinner, even if it's just some Chinese take-out (and I can still wear my bunny ears!!).

As I have mentioned in previous FOW blog posts, we are on the road every other weekend until midsummer, when all travel stops due to the horrid heat and hurricane threats. For now, we're just enjoying the good times with our RV and the gorgeous Florida weather. Peace River in Bowling Green was AMAZING last month and 2 weeks ago we finally got to camp in Stuart with our neighbors who have a huge RV. Talk about a great time! Well, it was all fun and games until our truck tire blew out on the highway home. SCARY! The only good thing about it was the cutie-patootie Road Ranger who rescued us. What a sweetheart! And he loves pugs, even though Yoda barked at him the entire time. Here are some fun photos of our last 2 RV trips:

The Fly got to see this old married couple celebrate 41 years together on April 7th. What a ride it has been, and I cannot imagine a better person than Mac to share a seat with me on the crazy train to Clown Town. No one entertains me more than him, and I feel blessed to share the laughter with him every day on this joy ride. (If you are on TikTok, you can follow me over there under my full name--Marcia Kester Doyle---and see all of Mac's wacky music/dance videos).

The other night, when we were having dinner with friends who are considerably younger than us, they were laughing at the way Mac and I speak to each other. To some, our silly name-calling may seem offensive, but our weird nicknames are the language of love for us. As Mac said to our friends that night, "This is what 41 years of marriage does to you---but we wouldn't have it any other way!" Here are some of the old photos I posted on FB and Instagram the day of our anniversary (around the time we met, when we married, had our first baby, and then some....)

By the time you read this FOW post, I will be hanging out at Lake Kissimmee State Park and most likely swatting away at the nosy fly and his band of merry mischief makers. Although I will be missing Easter at home, I guess the bunny is NOT so elusive after all, because I just found a Cadbury cream egg!

But of course, this special holiday isn't really about an elusive bunny leaving candy eggs all over the backyard for children to find.....So, for those who celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life, HAPPY EASTER! #HeIsRisen

***Want more Meno Mama? You can find me over at AARP/The Girlfriend sharing some of the best dessert recipes HERE and a list of must-see TV shows streaming right now that you can find HERE Over at AARP/The Ethel, I have a list of some of the best (and easiest) viral recipes on social media that you can check out HERE

Don't forget to stop by Karen and Diane's houses to see what their nosy fly has been up to!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com

Fly On The Wall On With The Noseeums

2025-03-21T08:53:00.000-04:00

As much as I dislike the nosey fly, I've discovered I hate even more his mini cousins, the Noseeums. Sounds like a rock band, right? However, the Noseeums are anything but musical. In Florida, we start getting inundated by swarms of them in spring. And I had the bites last month to prove it because this is what camping does to you.

Last month we parked our RV at Koreshan State Park in a small lot with overgrown palmetto shrubs. Not my favorite scenery but that's all that was available at the campground. However, we made the best of it with our decorative outdoor lights and faux candles. It wasn't until the second afternoon that I started to itch and swat at dozens of teensy-weensy bugs flying around outside our camper. But after a few glasses of wine, I didn't think about them anymore. We had too much fun playing games, visiting the historic Koreshan compound museums, meeting other RVers, and taking our pug for a walk in his doggy stroller (an awesome gift from our son!). The funny thing is that Yoda's stroller has a mesh covering, so while we were exploring the campground with him, several people thought we were grandparents pushing a grandbaby. Imagine their surprise when they peered inside the stroller and saw a small black, fuzzy canine!

Despite the bugs, we had a great time, but once I got home, the itching became worse. Mac was also scratching as if he had fleas (which is totally possible for him if he skips a shower or two while camping). Sure enough, I woke up the next morning with my legs covered in dozens of tiny red dots! The relentless Noseeums (also known as "biting midgets" or "punkies" **see, you just learned something new today**) had gone after me like a hungry kid in a chocolate shop.

It took a week before the spots disappeared and the itching stopped, but hey, we still had a good time, so it was worth it. I would never let Noseeums (or the nosey flies) ruin my RV trips! Anyway, I'm more focused now on March and the fun that comes with this beautiful, blooming time of year: My daughter's 34th birthday, The Florida Renaissance Festival, St. Patrick's Day, and another RV trip! By the time you're reading this, we will be at a stunning new RV resort in Bowling Green, Florida, along the Peace River. By "peace," I hope they mean bug-free...or at least Noseeum-free. Either way, I'm bringing plenty of bug spray!

Here's my latest batch of photos while hanging out with family, friends, neighbors, and all the fun in between:

Wish us luck in Bowling Green. I'm off now to do some bug spraying---which is way better than spraying for bears in the woods!

***Want more Meno Mama? This month you can find me at AARP/The Girlfriend discussing my all-important skincare routine HERE

Make sure you stop by Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosey fly saw while buzzing around their homes!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Dressing For Casual Comfort: Bright Tees, Comfy Shoes, Relaxed Fit Jeans, And Hoop Earrings

2025-03-03T11:40:00.001-05:00

In the early '80s, when my girlfriends and I hit the bar scene for a night of punk rock and dancing, I never left my house without my hoop earrings, Candies slides, sparkly shirt, and the tightest jeans I could squeeze into. In fact, the jeans were so tight that they had to be zippered while I was lying flat on the bed. If you're anything close to my age, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. There was always something special about getting ready for the evening---the anticipation I felt with my friends as we applied layers of mascara and blush to our faces, curled and teased our hair, and spritzed ourselves with Charlie cologne spray.

As much as I embrace those wonderful days of my youth, I'm so happy I don't feel the need to torture myself with uncomfortable fashion just to impress people. Once I hit menopause, the last thing I wanted to wear was anything tight or made with heavy fabric (not a great mix with hot flashes) or wobble around in stilettos that might cause me to twist an ankle. No thanks!

Like so many other menopausal and post-menopausal women, I dress for casual comfort. This means lightweight tee-shirts, comfy shoes with great arch support, relaxed fit jeans and of course, a small pair of hoop earrings to finish the look. My husband and I spend a lot of time on the road in our RV, so comfort is of the utmost importance for me. Although I'm post-menopausal, I still experience the sting of hot flashes, so I prefer wearing clothes that are timeless yet have breathable fabric to minimize sweating when the hot flashes hit. Colorful tee-shirts are perfect for this, and I can match them to just about everything in my closet.

And let's face it---metabolism just isn't the same after menopause (I think mine packed its bags and moved out of the country!), so those pesky extra pounds I've gained over the years prevent me from visiting the skinny jeans aisle at the department store. I'm all about stretchy denim now because the soft pants feel like pajamas and allow more freedom of movement. Unlike the tight Jordaches I wore in the '80s, I can actually sit or bend down in my relaxed-fit jeans without cutting off my circulation!

Arch support footwear has also changed a lot since the days of our granny's orthotic shoes. I have several pairs of cute slip-on/arch-support shoes that I wear for all occasions---dinner out with friends, relaxing at home or exploring the walking trails at our campsites. Unlike my stiletto collection from the '80s, these shoes actually help keep me balanced, and they never cause blisters. I could dance in them all night!

Easy accessories are important, too, and that's why I love all my hoop earrings. They never go out of style, and they match EVERYTHING I wear. Most days, you'll find me in a colorful cotton tee-shirt, my light denim jeans, some comfy slip-on shoes, and a pair of glittery silver or gold hoop earrings to accent my face.

Lovely gold crossover hoop earrings

That punk rocker girl I was in the 80s may not approve of my post-menopausal fashion, but who cares? All that matters is that I'm rocking the comfort look while dancing to the Ramones and flashing a smile now instead of fanning a hot flash!

*****Disclaimer: This partnership is between Responsival and the Menopausal Mother blog.

Fly On The Wall In Love

2025-02-21T08:47:00.001-05:00

The fly has been very happy during this month of love at our home. We had a sweet, romantic Valentine's Day dinner out, and as fun as it was, that wasn't the BEST part of the celebration.....because I have news..... I'M A GRANDMOTHER AGAIN!!! Grandbaby number #5 was born 2 weeks ago to my oldest son and daughter-in-law. Sweet Rory is the cutest little girl, rounding out the family now with 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters between my oldest daughter's family and my oldest son's family. We are in love!

Another reason for the feelings of deep gratitude and love is due to a little health scare I faced (but I'm fine now, I promise!) and then a nasty tumor that showed up 2 months ago on my precious pug. You may recall that I lost 2 other pugs to cancer (which was emotionally devastating) but this time I educated myself on the best protocol (first surgery, then oncology appointments, and then a 100% switch to holistic treatments as well as my organic, home-cooked meals and supplements) and our fur baby is now cancer free... and THRIVING! Hopefully he will be wth us for many more years. I have made it my mission to help other pet parents now who are dealing with MCTs, so if you need treatment advice and resources, hit me up!

As usual, we like to fill our weekends with lots of family time and hanging with our friends---it's nice to have something to look forward to on a regular basis. Of course, the RV season has begun for us again so each month we will be parking Lucy at a new site. In fact, by the time you read this, we will be donning our traditional "camp muumuus" and enjoying a game of cards by the firepit at Koreshan State Park on Florida's west coast. I live for these mini vacations!!

The only downside to this month was the Chiefs losing their 3-peat chance at the Super Bowl when they were slaughtered by the Eagles. OUCH. But many of my friends are Eagles fans, so I can't be too mad....right?

So while the fly is still buzzing around my box of Valentine's chocolates (shoo fly, SHOO!), I'll end my post with some of this month's photos.

Hope y'all had a great "lover's holiday" and I'll see you next month with my nosy, winged companion (and no, I'm not talking about Mac). As always, be humble, be grateful!

WANT MORE MENO MAMA?? If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner recipe, check out my latest food feature for AARP/The Girlfriend HERE If you want some yummy crockpot dinner ideas to warm you up during this chilly season, I have another featured foodie piece at AARP/The Ethel HERE

Now check out Karen and Diane's houses to see what that pesky fly has been up to!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall Freezing In Florida (Yes, Florida!)

2025-01-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Our Florida fly is FREEZING this month! Why? Because it SNOWED in Florida the other day! Mother Nature has really been throwing some weather zingers at the U.S. lately. Luckily, I love the cold (that is, if the heat in my house works and I don't have to go outside, haha). We've had more campfires this year than any year I can recall, so I have eaten my weight in smores. However, it's a shame we didn't have super cold temps here during the holidays--I still dream of a white Christmas!

Speaking of the holidays, for the first time in almost 20 years, I didn't have to host the family gathering on Christmas day! We had our traditional dinner with the neighbors on Christmas Eve and then the next morning, we all met at my daughter's house for the big celebration. It was the easiest and probably best Christmas ever because it was zero stress for me. Even better, a few of us got treated later that night to an awesome Italian dinner at a cozy restaurant (no cooking, no dishes!!). I've decided this will be my new holiday tradition (as long as my daughter is willing to do all the work again next year).

We are back on the RV camping trail now that the holidays are over. I have 9 state park trips planned and just finished a return trip to one of our fave spots called Lion Country Safari. What made this trip exceptional was hearing the lions roar all day (yes, we were that close, but it was still safe). My daughter's family lives nearby so they hung out with us during the weekend there---lots of cornhole, bocci ball, cards, and delicious BBQ. The sunsets were stunning during our evening walks! Sometimes I wish I could just freeze time while making these beautiful memories.

While enjoying all the family fun this past month, I did remember to jot down some weird snippets of conversation that I'm sure burned my freezing fly's ears (wait, do flies have ears??):

"We have way too much food in this refrigerator. I guess we don't ever have to worry about running out."

"Unless there's a nuclear war, then everybody would come to our house because they know how much food the Doyles hoard."

"I do not hoard food!"

"Ha! You've heard of halfway houses---well, we are a Fatway house!"

"Why are you still in the bathroom?"

"Because I ate too much cabbage last night! I think I just pooped out a Cabbage Patch doll"

"My poor friend--her little kids have pinworms."

"You mean butt worms?"

"Yeah, and you thought it was bad when our kids got lice."

"Whether it's pinworms or head lice, NOBODY wants to go to the pharmacy and walk down that aisle of shame."

"I'm writing an anonymous sex-health essay for AARP about your penis."

"That will be a short essay...."

"I'm also writing about tantric sex for this essay."

"Why would someone want to have tantrum sex? That doesn't sound fun."

"No, I didn't say 'tantrum sex', I said.....oh never mind."

"Is there a crow cawing in the tree behind me?

"Yes, why?"

"Oh good---I thought I had a sudden bout of tinnitus."

"Oh man, what is that awful smell??"

"Sorry about that. You just walked into my crop dust cloud."

"Crop dust? That was more like a fart bomb cyclone."

"One thing I hate about these road trips is that I have to make a restroom pee stop every hour!"

"So do I! I guess that means we are sym-potty-co."

"Do you have an off switch for your mouth?"

I guess it's a good thing my husband doesn't have an off switch for his mouth. Who else would I gather weird conversation bits from? I suppose if my dog could talk, that would be a REAL game changer in these Fly On The Wall blog posts......

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? It has been a hot minute since I wrote any humor, but I have a good one about my journey with lifelong dieting for AARP/The Ethel that you can read HERE And for a more serious essay on mental health and my struggle with depression/anxiety, please check out this personal health piece I wrote for AARP/The Girlfriend HERE Lastly, I published another foodie article for AARP on healthy recipes if you're trying to trim up for the New Year that you can HERE

Now check out Karen and Diane's houses to see what that pesky fly has been up to!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/

Fly On The Wall With A Christmas Quiz

2024-12-20T09:44:00.003-05:00

The fly is excited because Christmas is only a few days away! I've got all my decorating and baking done---the only thing left is to wrap the last of the gifts. Yesterday I came across this cute Christmas question-and-answer page and thought it might be fun to share with you. Feel free to copy the questions and share them with your own family! ***If you don't celebrate Christmas, you can adapt the list for Hanukkah or Kwanzaa as well!

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS:

What is your favorite Christmas food? Cornflake potato casserole
What is your favorite Christmas Eve tradition? Dinner, cocktails, and gift exchange with our neighbors, THEN.... alone time with my husband in the front yard by our Christmas light display as we celebrate with champagne and Christmas music until midnight--cozy and romantic!
What is your go-to Christmas movie? Home Alone
What's your favorite ornament? And your oldest ornament? Too many favorites to name--my memorial ornaments, my sexy "merman" ornaments, and my Radkos. Oldest ornament is over 100 years old---it was on my grandmother's tree. There are also a few others from the late 1920s that were my mother's.
What is your favorite Christmas carol to sing? Silent Night, Jingle Bell Rock, and Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming

CHILDHOOD CHRISTMAS MEMORIES:

What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child? An Easy-Bake Oven
What is your most memorable Christmas family tradition? Frosting cookies with mom and my siblings at the kitchen table.
Do you remember a funny Christmas story from your childhood? Yes, when our family went with close friends to Tennessee to see snow and celebrate Christmas. There was a dead mouse in the oven!
What did you always ask Santa for when you were little? The latest Kiddle dolls. I collected them.
What was your favorite part about Christmas as a kid? The anticipation and the magic. My parents always made it a magical day.

CHRISTMAS PLANNING:

What is your favorite way to decorate your Christmas tree? With tons of ornaments and Christmas music playing while I do it. The spiked eggnog also helps! It takes me 5 hours because there are so many, many ornaments.....
Do you prefer a real or artificial Christmas tree? Nowadays I use a fake tree---so much easier and cheaper! Real ones are messy and fall over. But I get a real spruce tree wreath so the house still smells good!
What is your ideal Christmas day activity? Our tradition is an early breakfast with all the kids and grandkids, then we open gifts one at a time (which takes hours because there are 13 of us!). The mimosas are flowing along with the cookies, music, and loud laughter. We also pass out lotto tickets to see who the big winner is each year.
Do you like to bake Christmas cookies? If so, what's your favorite recipe? I bake hundreds of them! I also carry on my mom's tradition of making baskets and giving them to all my neighbors. Favorite cookies are the old recipes handed down---pecan puffs, Swedish butter cookies, and frosted spice cookies.
What is your favorite Christmas color scheme? Traditional red and green but really anything glittery!

GIFT GIVING:

What is the best Christmas gift you've ever given someone? Tickets to Disney World.
Do you prefer to give practical or thoughtful gifts? I only do practical ones if they ask for it. Otherwise, I try to get something personal and thoughtful that they would never buy themselves.
What is your favorite way to wrap presents? Again, the music and the spiked eggnog.....
What is the worst Christmas gift you've ever received? A big screen television---many years ago. My husband basically bought it for himself. I got back at him the following year by gifting him a fancy Renaisssance frock coat. He hated it but we still laugh about it.
Do you have a tradition with your gift-giving? My husband and I do funny name tags on each other's gifts---names that have special and private meanings just for us. The kids try to steal them and figure out what they mean.

FUNNIEST CHRISTMAS MEMORY?

Many years ago when I was baking cookies with my kids and their friends---we got into a massive powdered sugar fight (like a snowball fight) throughout the entire house while my husband was out shopping. We ended up coated in confectioner's sugar as well as all the furniture, the floors, and even the dog. needless to say, Hubs was not happy about the mess---our house looked like a snow globe exploded. It took MONTHS to get all of that sugar out...but I still laugh about it just thinking of that day.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES:

1. Parties! We go to several and I really enjoy catching up with our friends and neighbors. It's always fun to see Santa and eat so much food (guilt-free because holiday calories don't count) that I feel like I'm going to burst!

2. Christmas Caroling. Well, we don't actually do the singing--we attend a community gathering at a historical mansion where carolers walk around singing. There is plenty of food, wine, music, games, fake snow, and sometimes fireworks!

3. Old Town Untapped. This is a monthly greeting event in the historic district of my town. Live bands, food trucks, bars, vendors. The Christmas gathering is amazing and hundreds of people show up to celebrate the season together!

4. Driving or walking around town to see all the Christmas lights. There are also several parks we go to at night with a thermos of hot cocoa while viewing the holiday decorations.

5. Being With My Grown Kids and Grandkids: There is NOTHING better than family, and watching the awe and wonder on the faces of my grandchildren is the most beautiful gift I could ever receive.

Despite all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, always remember the TRUE meaning of the holiday---the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

God Bless you all and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Heri za Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year!

***Want more Meno Mama? Check out my latest for AARP/The Girlfriend with my crockpot appetizer recipes HERE and easy weeknight casseroles HERE

Stop by Karen and Diane's house to see what the fly has been up to this holiday season!

Baking In A Tornado https://www.BakingInATornado.com

On the Border https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/