When We Get It Right

Every so often something I scroll past on Facebook lingers a little longer than it should. This Halloween meme did that for me, it tugged at my heart and stirred some old memories.

Every time I saw it, I felt both sad and thoughtful.

“Halloween: A day when we get it right. Strangers come to us—beautiful, ugly, odd, or scary—and we accept them all without question, compliment them, treat them kindly, and give them good things. Why don’t we live like that?”

Last night I went to bed a little earlier than usual and made the huge mistake of reading comments on a social media post about the recent legal decision requiring the current regime to release funds from the USDA coffers for the SNAP program during an emergency. People wrote ugly phrases such as, “Get a job losers!” or “Only lazy people suck on the _ _ _ of the government.”

Some people show their ugly without fear of reprisal. It’s one thing to have an opinion; it’s another to show ignorance and cruelty. Whatever the reason people let their ugly shine for all to see, I hope they can someday square that with their creator. And I hope they never have to rely on the kindness of strangers, or the government, to feed their families.

I grew up in a family where food was scarce. I don’t think anyone in our extended family would have let us starve, but I also know my parents never asked for help. They made do, and somehow we got by. We grew gardens whenever we could scrabble one together on rented land. We ate a lot of egg salad sandwiches, fish my dad caught, and wild asparagus and mushrooms picked along the railroad tracks and in the woods of Ohio. Those meals stretched what little we could buy at the grocery store.

Then my dad became disabled after a work accident and spent about two years recovering while attending trade school for rehabilitation. My mom and dad had five children—ranging from a few months old to ten years (me). Because she was able-bodied, Mom had to work. In 1966, there wasn’t a welfare program that allowed a mom to stay home with little ones while her husband was in the hospital. Ohio’s workers’ compensation didn’t pay wages until the injured worker could appear before the state board.

So my mom took a night-shift job flipping burgers. That way, she didn’t have to hire someone to watch the youngest three during the day, which would have eaten up all of her take-home pay. A neighbor checked in on us, and my younger brother Kenny (then called Buddy) and I took care of the younger ones. Looking back, I’m thankful every day that nothing bad happened to us. It never occurred to me then that someone might have called her negligent for leaving five children home alone at night. She was always home in time to sleep a few hours before making sure three of us caught the school bus. Then she’d nap during the day when the baby and my four-year-old brother napped.

All of this is to say, I am profoundly grateful for programs like SNAP today. Too many people are working for companies that simply don’t pay enough to care for their families. And despite what some believe, higher-paying jobs aren’t just sitting around waiting to be plucked. We kid ourselves when we pretend everyone can just “get a better job.” Many SNAP recipients are disabled or elderly, and the money they receive through programs like Social Security and disability is not enough to cover rising food costs.

I’m also grateful for food banks that help fill the gap for families in need, especially for our furloughed government workers right now.

It breaks my heart to see anyone sneer at people who use SNAP benefits or visit food banks. I wish those critics could understand how lucky they are to have never faced the fear of an empty cupboard.

When someone has to act ugly about another person’s poverty, I believe they suffer from a poverty of the soul.

We can’t fix every kind of hunger in the world, but we can stop adding to it with judgment. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing - and it feeds everyone.

Day Twenty: Sweet Rewards

Well, here I am again - day twenty of eating for better health. And you know what? I’m actually enjoying it.

This morning I treated myself to a popcorn ball left over from our Halloween stash. We still have a little candy tucked away, but I’m not even tempted. The best part is, I could have it if I wanted to. There are no “good” or “bad” foods, just foods that need to be tracked.

Oddly enough, I get plenty of sweetness in other ways. My protein powder and zero-sugar hydration sticks taste like dessert. Joe even shared a 27-gram piece of the first cooked sweet potato from our garden (yes, he weighed it for me). And of course, there are apples, oranges, and grapes, nature’s candy. Who needs the vanilla ice cream or strawberry cake in the freezer when I can get my sweets from whole foods?

Our NuStep machine has also become one of my favorite investments. By happy accident, it faces my laptop on my desk. Now I can do something good for my body while listening to what’s happening in the world. And surprisingly, because I’m “exercising” while listening, I don’t get the same anxious feeling I used to because it is just information, calmly absorbed.

What good things are you doing for your body and mind these days?

Shoot the Moon

We got caught up in handing out Halloween treats tonight. This year we saw more inflatable costumes than ever before. Last year, not a single one. Tonight we had two littles dressed as an inflatable unicorn and as a tiger. Non-inflatables included a very determined Cookie Monster, a few cheerleaders, and even a tiny businessman making his rounds. The littlest ones always steal the show but truthfully I love the creativity of the older youth as well. All of the childrten tonight had such lovely manners.

Our day started long before the candy bowl. Megan and Oliver came by in the morning, and as always, our little raccoon arrived just in time to help Grandma eat her cottage cheese and blueberries. Joe was busy soldering wires to repair a toy and helping Megan build a cardboard garbage can — a perfect prop for Oliver’s raccoon costume. The plan: our mischievous raccoon would sit in his “trash can” for Halloween. (Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it.)

When the crafting began, Oliver and I slipped down to the family room. That’s when we had a first — Oliver noticed Alto, our cat, and burst into tears. I couldn’t believe it! This is the same boy who lives with two big dogs, but apparently Alto’s silent stare was a little too much. Eventually, the cat lost interest and wandered off, and peace was restored.

Oliver wasn’t too keen on being separated from Mom and Grandpa, so he climbed his way up the stairs and found the cardboard project fascinating - especially the duct tape. Once he got his fill of that adventure, we headed back downstairs for a little game time.

We played Shoot the Moon — one of those classic games that’s part skill, part luck, and all patience. Mostly, Oliver just enjoyed rolling the ball from hole to hole, and I kept score like it was the world championship. We must’ve played for ten minutes straight before he decided to see if the ball fit in his mouth. Game over. He wasn’t thrilled with Grandma confiscating the ball, but I stood firm — no points awarded for that move!

Afterward, we tried watching a few minutes of Charlotte’s Web, but Oliver is in his “must move constantly” phase. He’d rather pull himself along the furniture and practice his sidestepping than sit still for a movie. We stayed busy until it was time for him to go home, both of us thoroughly entertained and a little tired — at least one of us was ready for a nap.

My nap had to wait until after our Costco run, but I did manage to squeeze in a glorious 30-minute rest before the first trick-or-treaters appeared. This year, we set up chairs in the driveway so the little ones wouldn’t have to climb our big front step. It worked perfectly until the drizzle started, and we retreated inside. Only two more groups came after that, navigating the step just fine.

It felt like a Shoot the Moon kind of day — full of little risks, laughter, and moments that could have gone either way, but somehow landed just right.

Do you enjoy Halloween?

A Few Memes That Made Me Laugh and More That Made Me Cry

Laughter is the best medicine; however not everything in this compilation of memes is funny today. 

I want one of these for Christmas!

Parking Lot Drama

Megan, Oliver, and I went shopping today at a used clothing store for children. When we arrived, a large silver SUV pulled into the spot beside us. The driver seemed to struggle as she parked, pulling in, backing out, and trying again until she finally settled in.

After she stopped, I looked over at her and she waved for me to get out first. Once I stepped out, I got her attention and said loudly, “We have a baby to get out of the car. Would you like to go first?”

She replied, “I’ll wait.”

Except—she didn’t.

As I stood there holding Megan’s back car door (with my hand between both car doors) so Megan could safely unbuckle Oliver from his car seat, the woman began driving her SUV forward. The pull of her moving forward tugged on our door slightly toward her vehicle, and I instinctively pulled it back toward Megan and the baby.

I watched in disbelief as she continued to move forward. At the time, I didn’t see any visible marks on her very dusty SUV.

Once Oliver was free, the three of us went into the store and started browsing. About ten minutes later, the same woman walked in and confronted us, insisting that our car door had scraped her vehicle and that she wanted Megan’s insurance information to get it repaired.

Megan calmly told her that the door hadn’t touched her SUV. The woman, however, was adamant—she said she heard it scrape. Megan repeated that she wasn’t giving out her insurance because there had been no contact. The woman eventually walked away.

A few minutes later, she returned—with her two young children in tow—and said, “Look, if you want to keep this out of insurance, it’ll cost $300 to repair.” Megan once again said no.

And then she came back again, this time saying she was going to file a police report. Megan told her, “Okay, file a police report. I didn’t hit your car.”

Megan mentioned that the store might have security cameras, so the owner let them review the footage. Unfortunately, the video angle only showed our door open—it didn’t show whether the door touched her SUV. After she drove off, it showed me opening the door further, which of course proves nothing either way.

When we eventually left the store about twenty minutes later, the woman and her children were standing out front of the store. She didn’t say a word. I asked Megan to take a photo of the woman's car where the supposed damage occurred. It looked like something white had scraped it at some point today.

Later, Megan told me that the woman had told the store owner she moved forward because we were taking too long to get the baby out. She also claimed that Megan “fled the scene.” Now, I’ll admit Megan walked into the store ahead of me. As for me, I’m not capable of fleeing much of anything these days. Let’s just say I move at a more leisurely pace.

The truth is, none of us know each other. It’s not like me to assume someone is lying—but I was right there, hand on the door, and I didn’t feel or hear a scrape. My fingers aren’t scratched, and there’s no paint transfer or damage on Megan’s car door (other than at the very bottom from normal wear). 

After I finished writing all this down, Megan called to say a police officer had phoned her. She told him what happened. The officer said that by law, she should’ve exchanged information at the scene. Megan told him she had not because she had not damaged the car. He acknowledged that he understood. He also told Megan that he told the other woman that since she moved forward while our car door was open, any damage would be her responsibility, not Megan’s.

If I had in fact been the one to cause the damage, I know exactly what I would have done: exchanged information, taken plenty of photos, had her get a couple of estimates, written up a release, and then paid the body shop directly. That’s just how I do things.

So now I’m curious—
How would you have handled the situation?

A Day in My Life (Sort Of)

One of the suggested topics that popped up in my recent search for blog ideas was “a day in my life.” I laughed out loud at the thought. I can just imagine my loyal family and friend readers waiting with bated breath to learn that my biggest daily challenge is figuring out how to balance my protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Riveting stuff, I know.

We recently had guests for a couple of weeks, and let’s just say my food planning routines sent them straight around the bend. Glassy eyes and polite grimaces gave me my first clue. The second clue came in the form of a few carefully worded comments that I will spare you, dear readers. Suffice it to say, they were as polite as humanly possible. Pebbles, our guests' dog, didn’t mind a bit - she was just waiting for something to fall on the floor. She happily sampled most of the vegetables but drew the line at mixed greens. Even dogs have standards.

As for today, my “day in the life” went something like this: I got in my steps, watched Tracker on Hulu in between steps, did ten minutes on the NuStep, prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, drank plenty of water, used the bathroom (repeatedly, hydration has its price), fed the cat, cleaned the litter box, scrubbed the entryway bathroom, washed dishes, updated financial transactions, watched Aaron Parnas updates, listened to Jim Acosta interviews, did twenty minutes of strength training (the chair version), ten minutes of stretching, snuggled with the cat, read Robert Reich and Liza Donnelly’s Substack articles, and, finally, wrote this blog.

Later tonight, I’ll read Heather Cox Richardson’s daily letter and call it a peaceful day.

Tomorrow, I’ll do most of it all over again — just with a different bathroom to clean.

So, what was the highlight of your day?

A Morning on the Floor (and a Few Other Wins)

I spent my morning playing on the floor with Oliver. Grandpa Joe recently gifted him a wooden tool bench walking toy, complete with a hammer, screwdriver, saw, and vise—plus a few other “tools” for good measure. Most of these tools seem to spend more time in Oliver’s mouth than in the bench, but he definitely enjoys them. The screwdriver appears to be one of his favorites, which feels very on-brand for our curious little builder.

These days, Oliver is crawling like a pro and pulling himself up on just about everything within reach. He’s also discovered how to use his tiny hands to “crawl” up walls into a standing position. It’s impressive and a little nerve-wracking to watch, but mostly just delightful. We had a lot of fun together until I finally wore him out—then he took a nap (and, I’ll admit, so did I).

On another note, I finished week three of my healthy living plan with great results. I’m down eleven pounds and have lost 3.25 inches off my waist in just three weeks. I’ll be doing full measurements again at the end of this next week, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing what those numbers show.

Every day, I’m feeling stronger, lighter, and more like the best version of myself. It’s amazing what happens when you make the decision to do something—to stop wishing and start acting. Coach Becky continues to guide me through this process, reminding me to be mindful, purposeful, and patient with my progress. She encourages me to push when I’m ready and to listen closely when my body says “not today.” I’m grateful to have her knowledge and support as I build new habits that actually feel sustainable.

Life feels good right now—full of small victories, nap breaks, and baby giggles. And that, to me, sounds like a pretty perfect balance.

My Betrayal List

A Kevin Bacon Facebook post caught my eye this morning.

And like Mr. Bacon, I was inspired to make my own Betrayal List:

• Every “miracle” diet program that promised lasting results

• Bathroom scales (never once been on my side)

• Forty-Seven (the President, not the number)

• Cats who choose the carpet—always the carpet—for their surprise deposits

• Internet providers who swear you’ll get more speed for less money

• Tequila (I love it, but it clearly doesn’t love me back)

• People whose actions don’t line up with their words

In the end, betrayal comes in all forms—political, personal, and feline. Some sting more than others, but at least most of them make for a good story (or a blog post).

Thick Skinned

The latest bag of oranges from Costco came with a surprisw, thick skins. I weigh my food for each meal and like to be accurate, so I peeled one of the oranges and then scraped off as much of the white stuff as possible.

For the record, the white stuff on an orange is called pith. It’s the spongy, fibrous layer between the bright outer peel and the juicy fruit segments. If you want to sound fancy, it also has a scientific name: albedo (Note: Albedo also means ia measure of the percentage of sunlight that a surface reflects away). 

As I was peeling (and scraping), a few random thoughts came to mind:

First thought: Why does an orange need this thick of a skin? Naturally, I turned to my good friend Google for answers. It turns out that navel oranges tend to have thicker skins than other varieties. Younger trees also produce thicker-skinned fruit. Other factors—like exposure to frost, ripeness, and shade—can make the peel thicker too. Even nutrients play a role. High levels of nitrogen and potassium or a lack of phosphorus can result in thick skins.

Thinner-skinned oranges are usually juicier, but thicker ones travel better, peel more easily, and are less messy to hold while eating. So, I suppose there’s a trade-off between toughness and tenderness—even in oranges.

Second thought: I was reminded of a co-worker named Tom who once gave me a small alligator pin to wear on my shirt collar. He told me often how much he appreciated my business skills and hoped that someday I’d develop a thicker skin to go with them. The pin, he said, was to remind me to “toughen up.” So, yes—somehow my mind went from orange peels to alligator skin.

Third thought: Midway through peeling, I had to stop and take a photo. I thought, This could be a blog topic!

And here we are.

Maybe the universe sent me this batch of thick-skinned oranges as a gentle reminder that I’m still working on my own “tough peel.”

Friday at Costco

Friday is our normal Costco shopping day. I stayed outside and got my steps in around the parking lot while Joe did the shopping. Don’t be dismayed—I didn’t miss a thing about the Costco experience. Joe always gives me a full play-by-play of the highlights.

Today’s highlights included a three-generational family oohing and ahhing over nearly everything in the non-food sections that Joe cut through during his shopping. Then there was the woman in line who kept two full cart lengths between her and the cart in front of her—despite being three carts back from checkout. Naturally, Joe picked that line because it looked shortest, even though it wasn’t. It gave him something to be irritated about while he waited, so perhaps it worked out.

Of course, no Costco trip is complete without the classic aisle-blocking duo. Today’s contenders were two elderly women catching up on life while parked squarely in the middle of an aisle. 

Joe did note one pleasant surprise: the crowd felt distinctly international today, with shoppers speaking a variety of languages. He genuinely enjoys that part—it makes the trip a little more interesting.

We decided Costco could really improve its customer flow by introducing designated hours for “Serious Shoppers” versus “Social Hour Shoppers.” Joe’s stepmom would have thrived during social hour—she loved strolling every aisle and chatting along the way. It helped that she had a much larger shopping budget than most. Joe’s dad and stepmom were always well-stocked; they had backups for their backups, especially when it came to paper products. Honestly, they could have supplied their entire senior living neighborhood for a couple of months.

In the end, Joe’s trip was a success. He dodged fellow shoppers, collected every item on the list, and had plenty to report. Meanwhile, I got my own workout done with parking lot oversight duty—Costco efficiency at its finest.

Some couples go out for dinner dates; we do parallel Costco adventures—Joe with his cart, me with my steps. Different aisles, same teamwork.

Things I Don’t Know Squat About: Part 2

If you read yesterday’s blog, you won’t want to miss part two of Things I Don’t Know Squat About. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find something useful—or at least mildly entertaining—to help you in life.

Source of Inspiration

According to Google AI:

“Some of the best blog topics are popular categories like food, health and fitness, personal finance, and travel. Other excellent topics include lifestyle, technology, business, fashion, and DIY crafts. To find the best topic for you, choose something you are passionate about that aligns with your expertise, as consistency and a unique perspective are key to success.”

So, naturally, I decided to explore a few of these “excellent topics” and see how much (or how little) I actually know. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly the latter.

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TRAVEL

Over the years, Joe and I have traveled by plane and automobile. My very first train ride was in second grade when our class at Slocum Elementary took a short trip from Defiance, Ohio, to Hicksville, Ohio. As an adult, I rode the train from Cairo to Alexandria with Joe and Megan while we lived in Egypt. I’m fairly sure we made the same trip with Joe’s adult children, though I think we drove that time.

When we lived in Egypt, we traveled within the country both by car and by plane. Most of my air travel, though, was between Sacramento, California, and Detroit or Fort Wayne—visiting family in Ohio.

Someday, I’d love to take a longer train trip—maybe along the East or West Coast. Because I suffer from a classic case of FOMO (fear of missing out), I’d have to travel during the daylight hours. I want to see everything!

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DIY CRAFTS

I know many people who can create beautiful things from wood, cloth, metal, or canvas, and I truly applaud their efforts. My creativity, however, pretty much begins and ends with this blog.

Back in my late teens—newly married and with time on my hands—I tried my luck at decoupage. I liked the concept, but the results didn’t exactly stand the test of time. You won’t find my work featured in any mid-’70s art museum exhibits. I do remember making one piece for my Grandma Karnes (my dad’s mom). I’m not sure why I made it for her since, frankly, I didn’t like her. Then again, maybe that was the reason.

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LIFESTYLE

I’m not entirely sure what “lifestyle” even means. Doesn’t everyone have their own? From what I gather, it has something to do with values, attitudes, and social behaviors—shaped largely by how much money people have and how they spend it.

I can use it in a sentence: Now that I’m retired, my lifestyle is far more relaxed than when I worked. In this case, “lifestyle” means I go to bed when I want, get up when I want, and—best of all—no longer have to work for anyone else.

I know I’m blessed to have a lifestyle that’s comfortable for me, and I no longer worry about how other people live their lives—unless they’re working in the U.S. government or ripping people off.

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BUSINESS

I could write about business. I have plenty of experience. But since I’m retired, I’d rather not. My passion for all things business faded the day I turned in my office keys.

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TECHNOLOGY

Technology and I have a complicated relationship. I love the convenience of having a washer and dryer at home, but like a small child, I’m often just as fascinated by the box as by what’s inside it.

One of my favorite things about our 2023 trip around the United States was that I wasn’t immersed in technology 24/7. Though, I’ll admit, I was grateful for Waze (because getting lost is not my idea of fun) and for the clever little pot that plugged into the USB port so I could make soup or coffee while we drove.

Technology feels a bit too close to business for my liking, so I think I’ll leave that topic to others.

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Now that I’ve covered the so-called “recommended topics for successful blogs,” I’ll return to my usual approach—digging through my own thoughts for whatever topic pops up next. Wish me luck.

Topics I Don’t Know Squat About

Today when I sat down to write, I had absolutely nothing on my mind. Well, okay, that’s not entirely true — I do have things on my mind; they’re just probably best left there and not shared on paper.

Looking for inspiration, I decided to consult that great oracle of ideas — Google — and searched for “things to write about on a friends and family blog.” I was hoping for a few quick topics, but instead I got this overly ambitious advice:

“Some of the best blog topics are popular categories like food, health and fitness, personal finance, and travel. Other excellent topics include lifestyle, technology, business, fashion, and DIY crafts. To find the best topic for you, choose something you are passionate about that aligns with your expertise, as consistency and a unique perspective are key to success.”

Well, shoot. I realized I was in deep trouble — because I know just enough about some of those topics to know I don’t know squat.

But I’m always up for a little fun, so I thought I’d share what I do know.

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Food
I’ve learned that there are no “good” or “bad” foods because food doesn’t have moral value. I know how to buy food, prepare it, cook it, and — most importantly — eat leftovers. That’s huge. I know people who refuse to eat leftovers, but I cook with the express purpose of having them. It means I don’t have to cook every single day, and honestly, that’s my kind of meal planning.

Cooking, by the way, is far more enjoyable in retirement. Everything about food is easier when there’s no workday in the way.

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Health and Fitness
This one’s close to my heart (and lungs, and knees) these days as I try to recapture my youth. Okay — maybe not my youth, but at least a little stamina and one more shot at feeling fit before I depart this earth.

Here’s the thing: you can know a lot about health and fitness and still not have it all together. That’s me in a protein-packed nutshell. I know what to do — I just don’t always do it. Doing the stuff, I’ve learned, is far more important than knowing the stuff. (Note to self: future blog idea — “Why a college degree doesn’t make you smarter or better than anyone else.”)

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Personal Finance
Ah, this one’s more my speed. I’ve done a decent job managing our money — not that there’s loads of it — so that we’re relatively debt-free in retirement. Joe’s still working (for now) to pay off his machine shop equipment before interest hits, but we’re in good shape.

The most important thing I’ve learned about money is that having some makes life easier. Having grown up in what’s now called an “economically disadvantaged household” (a much lovelier term than “dirt poor”), I learned early the value of a hard-earned dollar. Joe’s the frugal one; I’m the family spendthrift. Which explains why our kitchen has all the bells and whistles — and our sunroom has a shiny new piece of fitness equipment.

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Fashion
Now here’s a short section — because this is exactly how much I know about fashion: nothing. If I like the way something fits and feels, I’ll buy five of the same piece in different colors. I call that “rounding out my wardrobe.” It’s efficient, consistent, and 100% me.

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Whew! You can see what a fount of knowledge I am. That’s plenty for today. Maybe tomorrow I’ll tackle a few more topics — though at this rate, it might be safer if I don’t.

Don’t you feel better for having read this? Maybe you’ve realized you have a favorite topic — something you could write about every day. If so, go for it! I’ll be here cheering you on… from the comfort of my leftover-filled kitchen.

Bye-Bye, Stuck!

created by ChatGPT

As part of my journey to a new and improved me, I’ve been taking Coach Becky’s online Fundamental Nutrition Course through her company, Leveling Up Midlife. The course includes modules on nutrition, mindset, and movement. When I took college nutrition classes years ago, “mindset” was never mentioned, and “movement” was more about gym class than lifestyle. Times have changed—and I’m glad they have.

I’ve already completed the nutrition and mindset segments and will begin the movement section tomorrow. The mindset module has been especially eye-opening. I learned that food has no moral virtue—it's not good or bad. It’s simply food. It has no moral significance. I can choose what to eat, account for it, and move on.

For example, there’s strawberry sponge cake in the freezer. Once upon a time, that might have been a temptation. Now? I can enjoy a slice if I choose, log it, and continue on plan. (For the curious among you, one slice has 26 grams of carbs, 12 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 275 calories.) Tsk, tsk—today I only have 16 carbs left, thanks to that big apple I paired with my zucchini soup at dinner!

Each module has given me new insight, proving that even at 69 years young, I’m still fully capable of learning and adapting.

One of the best parts of working with Coach Becky is her personal touch. She’s always available to answer questions and sends weekly feedback videos that help me stay on track. Every day, I log my data into a spreadsheet she reviews weekly—it’s become a visual record of progress that keeps me accountable.

It’s such a different experience from Weight Watchers, where meetings began with stepping on a scale in front of others. I remember sitting there, half-listening to the leader, too busy thinking about my weigh-in number. I never liked public weigh-ins—honestly, I don’t even like weighing in at the doctor’s office! And thankfully, the DMV has yet to make that part of renewing a license.

On Nutrisystem, I weighed once a week. With Leveling Up Midlife, I weigh daily in my own private bathroom and enter it on the spreadsheet. At first, I thought that might be overkill, but Coach Becky explained how daily weigh-ins reveal trends—how sodium, exercise, or even sleep can cause fluctuations. Over time, the act of weighing has lost its emotional charge. It’s just information. No more dread, no more drama. The number is what it is.

The biggest benefit of all? I’m finally focusing guilt-free on what I need to do to reach my fitness goals. My brain now believes it can accomplish anything. A minor twinge in my left knee during today’s NuStep workout? No big deal—it’s barely noticeable, and I’m pain-free when I walk. Feeling hungry for the first time in 14 days? Fine—I still have nutrients left in my plan. Only seven hours of sleep last night instead of eight? The world will go on.

In the past, any one of these things might have derailed me for days. I’d get stuck in frustration, losing focus on what mattered most. But today, I’m saying with confidence and joy:

“Bye-bye, stuck!”

Hi, I'm Back!

After taking a little time away from writing, I’m happy to be back and ready to catch up with everyone. Life has been busy, full of both joy and sorrow, so here are a few highlights of what’s been happening lately.

   

Photos taken from Wright County Indivisible Facebook Page

 Joe and I went to Monticello for the No Kings protest on October 18th. The event took place on two bridges that cross I-94, and according to organizers, there were about 900 people total between them. Counters recorded roughly 8,000 cars passing underneath from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Spirits were high despite the wind whipping across the bridge. My favorite saying wasn’t on a sign but printed on a few twenty-something women’s jackets: “When you get to hell, say hi to Ronald Reagan.” I couldn’t help but laugh. There were plenty of clever signs—and even one giraffe costume on our bridge! If there were others, they must’ve been hiding out at the far end.

Last Saturday, Shelly and I attended a workshop called Fat Loss Forever Blueprint, hosted by Coach Becky. We learned how to calculate our daily needs for protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet personal goals. One of my biggest takeaways was that there’s really no such thing as “good” or “bad” food—just portion limits and daily calorie goals. Alcohol can fit into the plan, but since it takes 12 to 36 hours for the body to process the toxins, I’ve decided I’ll be drinking very sparingly. I need those hours for fat-burning, not detoxing!

Since starting with Coach Becky two weeks ago, I’ve noticed real progress:

• Sleeping deeply, 8 to 9 hours a night

• Consistent energy throughout the day

• No more heartburn!

• Lost inches around my waist

• Walking 100 steps more each day than the one before

• Down 10 pounds after 14 full days on the program

To celebrate my progress, I treated myself to a pedicure and manicure. It was a lovely way to unwind, even though Brittney, my very patient nail tech, had to remind me at least twenty times to relax my hands while she cleaned up my poor, gnawed nail beds. I’m not one of those women who enjoy pedicures—it tickles, and I despise tickling—but I will admit that the hot-stone leg massage was heavenly. Brittney suggested I come in monthly, but I told her every other month sounded just fine to me!

My NuStep machine also arrived today. I got the delivery call while finishing up at the nail salon, called Joe for backup, and still managed to beat the delivery truck home by thirty seconds. I was thrilled to have it here so soon—by 12:30 p.m. on a Monday! After reading the manual and adjusting it for my height and reach, I completed my first “approved” workout from Coach Becky: 8 minutes at level 1. On my personal effort scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (nearly keeled over), I’d give it a solid 6. Once I can do 30 minutes at level 1, I’ll graduate to level 2. For now, I’m just happy to be moving.

Unfortunately, some sad news arrived during my hiatus.

My cousin Kathy Stephens’ daughter, Shelby Davidson, passed away in Lufkin, Texas on October 11th at just 49 years old. She’d been ill for several years. We had hoped to meet her when we were in Texas in the spring of 2023, but she was too unwell to leave her bed. Though we never met in person, we had been Facebook friends for years, and I loved seeing her posts about her two children, Tyler and Samantha. Tyler is now out on his own, and Samantha, around fourteen, will continue living with Kathy and Joe.

Shelby - May 22, 2020 (from Facebook)

Just days later, we lost another family member—my cousin Valerie Welker, who passed on October 14th at age 74. Valerie was the younger sister of my cousin Gary Davis, who passed on September 30th. It’s been a rough few weeks for the Davis family. Valerie and I had a lot of fun together when we were younger—especially at the Bryan Drive-In, where her mom managed the place. Val was six years older, but that didn’t stop us from teaming up in the concession stand during intermission, then watching movies from her car afterward. We were partners in fun, that’s for sure. The photo below, taken at my mom’s 50th birthday surprise party, shows my cousin Roseanne (Posey) Bennett, Valerie, and me. Valerie was thirty-eight, and I was almost thirty-three. We sure knew how to laugh when we were together.

It feels good to be writing again—sharing stories, memories, and small victories. Life keeps moving, with moments that make us laugh, cry, and everything in between. I’m reminded that showing up for it all—the protests, the workouts, the family losses, and the pedicures that make us giggle—is what keeps our stories going.

Taking a Break

I am taking a writing break - I will be back at it on October 20, 2025. No, I have not been kidnapped but the above post made me laugh out loud. Stay safe!

A Morning with Oliver

Copyright: Alexandre Dionne | Dreamstime.com

Spending part of the morning and early afternoon with our nine-month-old grandson was how I started the day. Oliver is the most clever nine-month-old (no bias here). Today, he figured out how to open the top latch on the dog crate—never mind that the bottom wasn’t latched—and let Sylvie out.

Sylvie was in her crate because she wanted to climb all over Oliver and me while we were playing. Clearly, Oliver wasn’t as bothered by Sylvie’s antics as his mom and I were. Once freed, Sylvie rolled onto her back with sheer joy, waiting for belly rubs and soaking in the attention.

Oliver, meanwhile, was busy testing his strength and curiosity. He pulled himself up on the built-in entertainment center where the big-screen TV and family games are stored. Drawn to a bright red box, he was moments away from unleashing an avalanche of board games before I stopped him. My main concern wasn’t that he’d get hurt—it was the thought of sorting out a dozen game pieces afterward!

He also pulled himself up on the large gate Megan uses to keep the two of us corralled in the family room while she tackles the rest of the house. Then came his favorite discovery of the day: while sitting on the floor, he realized that if he walked his little hands up the wall, he could reach the windowpane and peek outside. When he caught sight of the backyard trees, his eyes lit up, and in pure wonder, he whispered, “Ohhhh!” It was adorable.

Spending a few hours each week, one-on-one with Oliver, feels like therapy. Seeing the world through his eyes reminds me how much beauty there is in the simplest things—the sway of treetops, the warmth of a dog’s belly, and the quiet joy of being fully present with my sweet grandbaby boy.

Another Busy Day

Here it is, 8:00 p.m., and I’m still trying to get all of my food in before my 11:00 bedtime. Eating healthy whole foods means eating a lot more than I used to, and it takes some getting used to.

Today I volunteered at our grandson Caleb’s swim team meet, working the concession stand. In hindsight, it may not have been the best idea to put a woman trying to eat clean in front of tables overflowing with donuts, chips, candy, soda pop, and pizza. Surprisingly, I didn’t actually want any of it—but I did find myself getting a little judgy about what all those swimmers were eating. I kept it to myself... I think. I’ll find out in November when I’m back on concession duty. Hopefully there won’t be a note waiting that says, “Keep your judgy self away from us.” The bagels, I decided, were probably the least unhealthy of the bunch.

Between food prep, logging meals, nutrition education, a bit more activity, meditation, and breathing exercises, I’m realizing that prioritizing my health is practically a full-time job. Good thing I’m retired—now I finally have the time for it.

We also have houseguests for a while—Jeremy’s mom, Shelly, and her partner, Artie, along with their small dog, Pebbles. Pebbles is as cute as a button, which is probably why I keep wanting to call her Button. Pebbles and Alto are… coexisting. Pebbles is blind in one eye and has long bangs, so sometimes she suddenly “discovers” Alto and starts barking. Meanwhile, Alto has been sitting nearby for half an hour, looking both offended and bewildered. If she weren’t so put out, it would be funny. So far, there’s been no physical contact—just a lot of hissing and barking. I’m half-expecting one of them to organize a little protest, complete with inflatable frog costumes and signs demanding better treatment in the Coehlo household. (That’s a nod to the Portland protesters for those following along at home.)

It’s getting late, and I still have my evening chores to finish up. I hope you all had a peaceful Sunday—and that your week ahead starts gently and stays kind.

A Busy Day at the Coehlo Household

Today was a busy one around here. I’m still learning how to balance my meals to get in all the protein and healthy fats I need each day, and somehow that process makes the day feel full before it even begins. On top of that, I spent a good chunk of time working on our 2026 household budget — not the most thrilling task, but satisfying when the numbers line up.

Somewhere in the middle of it all, I made a pot of zucchini soup. The house smelled wonderful just in time for company — our friends Artie and Shelly, who are visiting with us. Shelly is Jeremy’s mom (our daughter Megan’s mother-in-law), and her daughter, NaTasha, came by today as well. We enjoyed a relaxed late dinner filled with conversation before everyone drifted off to bed.

Everyone, that is, except me. I got caught up in visiting and meal prep and nearly forgot to write tonight. So here I am, sneaking in a few quiet lines before turning out the lights.

Just a quick note to say hi — and goodnight. 🌙

A Few Memes for Fun

 Just a few memes for today:

Since 47's return to office my language skills have deteriorated. WTF are often my first words in the morning. We are only an hour earlier then the East Coast. It must be even harder (possibly 3 WTF's) by the time the Pacific Coast wakes up to hear the news.

Day five on my healthy program - still no desire to eat wicker furniture! This means I am successful so far ...

This made me laugh out loud. I am not sure my friends would even raise awareness. Like Ransom of Red Chief  my friends might wait until the kidnappers offer to pay to return me ...

And one not funny at all. This. This is exactly why I can't stop writing about what is happening in the United States right now under the current regime.

Random Thursday Thoughts

Created using ChatGPT

Good news — my brain stopped melting after a bit of reading and a good night’s rest.

Today was a super busy one for me. Part of it is that I’m trying to be mindful about working through the nutrition program and materials that Coach Becky has assigned. The other part is that open enrollment season for Medicare has begun.

I’m excited because I found an insurance plan that’s as good as — and in some cases even better than — what our current plan will become in 2026. And, at a better price! I can even add a hospitalization plan that covers the daily charges for days 1 through 5 if I’m ever admitted, plus a supplemental vision plan that pays all but $75 of my progressive lenses and $200 toward my frames. And still, the total cost is less than half of what our current plan will be in 2026.

I spent three hours today on the phone with brokers and reviewing documents. It’s on days like this that I’m especially grateful for my years of Human Resources experience — it really helps to know what questions to ask.

Today also marks Day Four of my New and Improved Me program. Right now, I’m focusing on meeting my daily macronutrient targets. It’s taking some effort to hit the right balance, but I’m getting there. For example, I had a glass of 1% milk today — the first one in four months — to add protein without much fat. The only downside? I left Joe just enough milk for his coffee tomorrow morning. Oh well, Friday is grocery day!

I’ve also made a noticeable dent in Joe’s apple supply… and the peanut butter… and the oatmeal. The funny thing is, I’m realizing I already had everything I needed for a healthier eating style right here at home. And to think I kept saying there was “nothing to eat in the house.” Talk about stinking thinking.

I’ve only glanced at the news today, but one headline did catch my eye — RFK Jr.’s claim that circumcision might cause autism. My first thought was, “He does know girls aren’t circumcised in most cultures, right?” By that logic, girls on the spectrum must all be misdiagnosed.

Okay, enough for today. I still have a few things to finish up before bedtime, and tomorrow will be another full one.

As I wrap up this Random Thursday, I’m struck by how much life’s little moments — a good insurance find, a healthy meal, or even a silly news headline — can fill a day. Progress comes in small steps, and today, I’m grateful for each one.