1. < Just Want to Talk

Just want to talk: What are other seniors doing while staying home?

Posted by Funcountess @funcountess, Apr 2, 2020

Just wondering what us seniors are doing, other then watching t.v.
Today I took everything out of the pantry, and put the food on the two large, flat carousels I had that were just sitting unused, had extra can goods that I do not use, so will give to the Gardner, who lives in a high density building with many unemployed people. Even small acts of kindness will go a long way. The situation the world is in will not go away overnight, it will take time, so STAY HOME, AND STAY BUSY.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

Funcountess | @funcountess | Apr 2, 2020
In reply to @georgette12 "I'm really a people person and have a support system which is diametrically opposed to my..." + (show)
@georgette12

I'm really a people person and have a support system which is diametrically opposed to my husband. But we are figuring this out. Since I'm cleared to work with the disabled, I work flexible hours with clients I truly enjoy, and who are not very physically sick, but they do have emotional issues. I also do crisis and suicide prevention. This may sound strange but these activities keep me very happy and assuage my long-term depression and mental issues. I'm a writer by profession but I never write. I don't have a hobby or craft work and I hate exercise. I don't cook cause my husband was a professional chef. Unless I get the virus I'm gonna keep doing what I'm doing, but I am extremely aware of precautions while working and going into stores . Sorry for such a long answer but,boy, I've had to really make serious decisions as to if and how to work in a pandemic. Blessings

Jump to this post

A writer by profession, you wrote, interesting. My 2nd profession was a studio writer. Did commercials, and wrote for the small magazines the 2major studios had in the 70s and early 80s. My first profession did not last long, too far to get to work.

REPLY
Funcountess | @funcountess | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @IndianaScott "Hi @funcountess I am Scott and I am lucky during this stay-at-home time. Our daughter was..." + (show)
@IndianaScott

Hi @funcountess I am Scott and I am lucky during this stay-at-home time. Our daughter was here visiting with her rescue Labrador, Stella, when both her state and our state went to stay-at-home so I have some company -- as does my Lab, Napa! That said, our daughter has commandeered my home office for her work, since luckily her firm is still working. So I am working at a makeshift workstation in our kitchen. Closer to snacks that way!

One of the things I have been doing is going through my Contacts list, old address books, etc. and reaching out to friends of old who I had fallen out of touch with. Just yesterday I found someone I hadn't seen/talked to from college days 47 years ago. We had a fun phone conversation and then I added him into a group email we have for some of us old college friends. It has started a fun thread, which includes some very humorous old photos!

I am also an amateur genealogist and this has been a good time to work on a few of those old loose ends of ancestors I didn't have time to work on before. Again, offering a chance to reach out to folks on the phone I have fallen out of touch with for awhile.

With the two Labs, I have added to my daily mileage walking and that is good too. Best part is they need to go out and exercise no matter rain, snow, wind, sleet, etc. so out I go too!

I also love to write so I have picked up pen and stationery, written many short, handwritten notes to others. Heck, I even reached out to my estranged sisters and that is something I thought would never happen!

I also have been looking for new quotes to inspire me. Found this one today "Good friends. Their paths may never cross again, but in their hearts they're on the road with no end. Where life will take us who can tell?"

It's helping me stay determined to find some of my lost friends of old!

Sending strength, courage, and peace in these unsettled times

Jump to this post

Hi IndianaScott, you sound like a fun upbeat person. So you walk 2 dogs. Want a 3rd one. My 70 pound royal standard poodle will drag you and the 2 labs.
My second career was a writer for the major studios. Mostly commercials, and wrote for 2 magazines that 2studios put out many years ago.
My first career did not last long as the drive from my home to work was so far.
My home suffered damage from the awful Wolsey Canyon Fire here in California, so that has kept me more then busy. I believe my home would of been finished by now, if the insurance company did not drag their feet to pay out for the damage. So many in my area are still fighting with their insurance company, and have not started to rebuild.
During this awful time in the world all we can do is stay home,and stay safe.
Now people in my area are worried about a second wave of cov19 will hit California
Next fall.
Take care

REPLY
Ellen | @helenfrances | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @georgette12 "I'm really a people person and have a support system which is diametrically opposed to my..." + (show)
@georgette12

I'm really a people person and have a support system which is diametrically opposed to my husband. But we are figuring this out. Since I'm cleared to work with the disabled, I work flexible hours with clients I truly enjoy, and who are not very physically sick, but they do have emotional issues. I also do crisis and suicide prevention. This may sound strange but these activities keep me very happy and assuage my long-term depression and mental issues. I'm a writer by profession but I never write. I don't have a hobby or craft work and I hate exercise. I don't cook cause my husband was a professional chef. Unless I get the virus I'm gonna keep doing what I'm doing, but I am extremely aware of precautions while working and going into stores . Sorry for such a long answer but,boy, I've had to really make serious decisions as to if and how to work in a pandemic. Blessings

Jump to this post

God bless you for the very important work that you do ... helping others.

REPLY
danablack4 | @danablack4 | Apr 3, 2020

This of this down time as a wonderful opportunity to do all those things you couldn’t get around to...
1. Learn TaiChi at home. Wonderful for health, balance, mental acuity and emotional serenity. David-Dorian Ross Amazon: tai chi over 50, tai chi over 60, sitting tai chi.🕊
2. Yoga- Richard Hittleman book. 28 day exercise...Yoga for health🧘‍♂️
3. Daily walk with Audible book. 30 minutes a day. NOT ALLOWED TO LISTEN WITHOUT WALKING.😊 I’m listening to Les Miserables now.
4. You know that messy drawer. Pick one to sort out.
5. That one weird thing that needs cleaning...glass table top lift out vacuum clean.
6. Spiritual growth and enlightenment. Jesus Calling Sarah Young, then look up her one single biblical passage, read the commentary in the Life Application Bible and wander thru the day with that in your mind, body, spirit, or Eknath Easwaran Words to live by or 365 Tao Daily meditations or 1 paragraph Thomas a Kempis Imitation of Christ. You are what you think. Stay away from toxic television. It goes into your mind, settles into your unconscious and invites toxic chemicals to soak into your cells. You are what you think.
7. Take your dog for a walk, if you live in an area where you can do this and stay distanced or give your cat a loving massage and receive her unconditional adoration
8. Call a sick, lonely or desperate friend. Bless his/her mind with peace and love, his/her body with serenity and his/her Spirit with hope.
9. Go online, pick an artist, read their life story, listen to their music, read their words, soak in the beauty of their painting.
10. Plant a mini vegetable or herb garden.
11. Learn to cook, freeze your own instant meals. Jean Francois Mallet simple cookbooks!
12. Soak in a tub with bath salts or shower while lingering with classical music. No rush. No appointments to get to. Enjoy! Anoint every square cm of your body with oil or cream.

“Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up!” Ralph Waldo Emerson

BE KIND. BE LOVING. BE GRATEFUL. TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. WHAT A GIFT IT IS!

MAY YOUR SOUL BE IN SUCH PEACE, A PEACE WHEREIN SILENCE LOVES TO DWELL!

Namaste....

REPLY
3 replies
danablack4 | @danablack4 | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @danablack4 "This of this down time as a wonderful opportunity to do all those things you couldn’t..." + (show)
@danablack4

This of this down time as a wonderful opportunity to do all those things you couldn’t get around to...
1. Learn TaiChi at home. Wonderful for health, balance, mental acuity and emotional serenity. David-Dorian Ross Amazon: tai chi over 50, tai chi over 60, sitting tai chi.🕊
2. Yoga- Richard Hittleman book. 28 day exercise...Yoga for health🧘‍♂️
3. Daily walk with Audible book. 30 minutes a day. NOT ALLOWED TO LISTEN WITHOUT WALKING.😊 I’m listening to Les Miserables now.
4. You know that messy drawer. Pick one to sort out.
5. That one weird thing that needs cleaning...glass table top lift out vacuum clean.
6. Spiritual growth and enlightenment. Jesus Calling Sarah Young, then look up her one single biblical passage, read the commentary in the Life Application Bible and wander thru the day with that in your mind, body, spirit, or Eknath Easwaran Words to live by or 365 Tao Daily meditations or 1 paragraph Thomas a Kempis Imitation of Christ. You are what you think. Stay away from toxic television. It goes into your mind, settles into your unconscious and invites toxic chemicals to soak into your cells. You are what you think.
7. Take your dog for a walk, if you live in an area where you can do this and stay distanced or give your cat a loving massage and receive her unconditional adoration
8. Call a sick, lonely or desperate friend. Bless his/her mind with peace and love, his/her body with serenity and his/her Spirit with hope.
9. Go online, pick an artist, read their life story, listen to their music, read their words, soak in the beauty of their painting.
10. Plant a mini vegetable or herb garden.
11. Learn to cook, freeze your own instant meals. Jean Francois Mallet simple cookbooks!
12. Soak in a tub with bath salts or shower while lingering with classical music. No rush. No appointments to get to. Enjoy! Anoint every square cm of your body with oil or cream.

“Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up!” Ralph Waldo Emerson

BE KIND. BE LOVING. BE GRATEFUL. TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. WHAT A GIFT IT IS!

MAY YOUR SOUL BE IN SUCH PEACE, A PEACE WHEREIN SILENCE LOVES TO DWELL!

Namaste....

Jump to this post

Sorry for typo, never done this before.💕 Thank you for your kindness. It’s contagious, you know. Kindness, consideration and gratitude create more kindness, consideration and gratitude. Begin with one and pass it forward. 🕊

REPLY
1 reply
Ellen | @helenfrances | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @danablack4 "This of this down time as a wonderful opportunity to do all those things you couldn’t..." + (show)
@danablack4

This of this down time as a wonderful opportunity to do all those things you couldn’t get around to...
1. Learn TaiChi at home. Wonderful for health, balance, mental acuity and emotional serenity. David-Dorian Ross Amazon: tai chi over 50, tai chi over 60, sitting tai chi.🕊
2. Yoga- Richard Hittleman book. 28 day exercise...Yoga for health🧘‍♂️
3. Daily walk with Audible book. 30 minutes a day. NOT ALLOWED TO LISTEN WITHOUT WALKING.😊 I’m listening to Les Miserables now.
4. You know that messy drawer. Pick one to sort out.
5. That one weird thing that needs cleaning...glass table top lift out vacuum clean.
6. Spiritual growth and enlightenment. Jesus Calling Sarah Young, then look up her one single biblical passage, read the commentary in the Life Application Bible and wander thru the day with that in your mind, body, spirit, or Eknath Easwaran Words to live by or 365 Tao Daily meditations or 1 paragraph Thomas a Kempis Imitation of Christ. You are what you think. Stay away from toxic television. It goes into your mind, settles into your unconscious and invites toxic chemicals to soak into your cells. You are what you think.
7. Take your dog for a walk, if you live in an area where you can do this and stay distanced or give your cat a loving massage and receive her unconditional adoration
8. Call a sick, lonely or desperate friend. Bless his/her mind with peace and love, his/her body with serenity and his/her Spirit with hope.
9. Go online, pick an artist, read their life story, listen to their music, read their words, soak in the beauty of their painting.
10. Plant a mini vegetable or herb garden.
11. Learn to cook, freeze your own instant meals. Jean Francois Mallet simple cookbooks!
12. Soak in a tub with bath salts or shower while lingering with classical music. No rush. No appointments to get to. Enjoy! Anoint every square cm of your body with oil or cream.

“Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up!” Ralph Waldo Emerson

BE KIND. BE LOVING. BE GRATEFUL. TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. WHAT A GIFT IT IS!

MAY YOUR SOUL BE IN SUCH PEACE, A PEACE WHEREIN SILENCE LOVES TO DWELL!

Namaste....

Jump to this post

Thank you, Dana, for pointing to the positive! :

Neighbors calling... not able to walk our road together in the pouring rain here🤔 Treadmill , it is!
Chat by phone or Skype....

Here are some positives that we have experienced, not necessarily the order of importance:

1. Neighbors wanting to shop for us.
We learned our favorite grocer delivers!

2. Our priest offers Mass each morning on video.
If we miss that we can tune in to EWTN on channel 50 here.
3. Husband teaching classes on line.. he is 😊

4. Understanding what is important in life....more time with your children, some time away from your children, more time with your spouse if children have flown the coop... and some time away from your spouse😉(who is working on line.

5. People you do not want to see: you have an excuse or rather a reason, because this is the truth! I have a sore throat.
6. Can you think of some positives?😷

REPLY
lioness | @lioness | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @danablack4 "Sorry for typo, never done this before.💕 Thank you for your kindness. It’s contagious, you know...." + (show)
@danablack4

Sorry for typo, never done this before.💕 Thank you for your kindness. It’s contagious, you know. Kindness, consideration and gratitude create more kindness, consideration and gratitude. Begin with one and pass it forward. 🕊

Jump to this post

@danablack4 Thanks for all this information for those who are looking for things to do in this crisis we have . I wanted to tell you I have Jesus Calling and over a year a group online I gave a daily scripture Im going to get it out and reread it again.

REPLY
rmftucker | @rmftucker | Apr 3, 2020

I am attending several church services, prayer sessions nightly, vis Facebook, and a Lenten study we started at the beginning of Lent via Zoom. That is almost like being face to face with people. I'm coloring, writing memories to preserve them for family, scanning my many 3 ring binders of genealogy family history as jpeg or pdf to put on Flash drives for family members. This has letters, photos, and other documents that my mother and I have collected over the past 50 or more years. I'm knitting stocking caps in preparation of giving them to the school, our church partners with, next winter. i have done this for several years. Quillt when I have time, Send via Facebook ideas I have gathered through the years of raising 5 children and being a teacher for 25 years. These are just things I used to entertain them during the winter months or when we were confined because of some illness or weather problem. And I read. Thank goodness for ebooks available via Overdrive or Bridges from our local libraries. All that is required is a library card and many libraries here are issuing them online now to people who may not have one. Our schools all are using the internet for online classes and student contact so having this available at the libraries really helps. Our church has provided addresses for all the people on the church prayer list so we can send cards. I plan to start getting those ready today. This is just a few of the things I keep busy with. I have always kept myself busy even when I was caring for my husband and after he went to the care center. It keeps me sane. and as one of my former teacher friends used to say "It keeps me off the streets."

REPLY
1 reply
Funcountess | @funcountess | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @rmftucker "I am attending several church services, prayer sessions nightly, vis Facebook, and a Lenten study we..." + (show)
@rmftucker

I am attending several church services, prayer sessions nightly, vis Facebook, and a Lenten study we started at the beginning of Lent via Zoom. That is almost like being face to face with people. I'm coloring, writing memories to preserve them for family, scanning my many 3 ring binders of genealogy family history as jpeg or pdf to put on Flash drives for family members. This has letters, photos, and other documents that my mother and I have collected over the past 50 or more years. I'm knitting stocking caps in preparation of giving them to the school, our church partners with, next winter. i have done this for several years. Quillt when I have time, Send via Facebook ideas I have gathered through the years of raising 5 children and being a teacher for 25 years. These are just things I used to entertain them during the winter months or when we were confined because of some illness or weather problem. And I read. Thank goodness for ebooks available via Overdrive or Bridges from our local libraries. All that is required is a library card and many libraries here are issuing them online now to people who may not have one. Our schools all are using the internet for online classes and student contact so having this available at the libraries really helps. Our church has provided addresses for all the people on the church prayer list so we can send cards. I plan to start getting those ready today. This is just a few of the things I keep busy with. I have always kept myself busy even when I was caring for my husband and after he went to the care center. It keeps me sane. and as one of my former teacher friends used to say "It keeps me off the streets."

Jump to this post

Hello,
You sound very busy, in a healthy way. I used to knit up a storm in the early 1960s and early 1970s. It is starting to be a lost art. I did a lot of needlepoint, and most is framed and hung on the wall. Also made pretty pillows in needlepoint.
These days it appears like time zooms by so quickly, and there is not much time for anymore then the basics of life.
Maybe just slowing down a bit physically.
You mentioned being a teacher, what did you teach?
Take Care

REPLY
Funcountess | @funcountess | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @danablack4 "This of this down time as a wonderful opportunity to do all those things you couldn’t..." + (show)
@danablack4

This of this down time as a wonderful opportunity to do all those things you couldn’t get around to...
1. Learn TaiChi at home. Wonderful for health, balance, mental acuity and emotional serenity. David-Dorian Ross Amazon: tai chi over 50, tai chi over 60, sitting tai chi.🕊
2. Yoga- Richard Hittleman book. 28 day exercise...Yoga for health🧘‍♂️
3. Daily walk with Audible book. 30 minutes a day. NOT ALLOWED TO LISTEN WITHOUT WALKING.😊 I’m listening to Les Miserables now.
4. You know that messy drawer. Pick one to sort out.
5. That one weird thing that needs cleaning...glass table top lift out vacuum clean.
6. Spiritual growth and enlightenment. Jesus Calling Sarah Young, then look up her one single biblical passage, read the commentary in the Life Application Bible and wander thru the day with that in your mind, body, spirit, or Eknath Easwaran Words to live by or 365 Tao Daily meditations or 1 paragraph Thomas a Kempis Imitation of Christ. You are what you think. Stay away from toxic television. It goes into your mind, settles into your unconscious and invites toxic chemicals to soak into your cells. You are what you think.
7. Take your dog for a walk, if you live in an area where you can do this and stay distanced or give your cat a loving massage and receive her unconditional adoration
8. Call a sick, lonely or desperate friend. Bless his/her mind with peace and love, his/her body with serenity and his/her Spirit with hope.
9. Go online, pick an artist, read their life story, listen to their music, read their words, soak in the beauty of their painting.
10. Plant a mini vegetable or herb garden.
11. Learn to cook, freeze your own instant meals. Jean Francois Mallet simple cookbooks!
12. Soak in a tub with bath salts or shower while lingering with classical music. No rush. No appointments to get to. Enjoy! Anoint every square cm of your body with oil or cream.

“Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. Faith looks up!” Ralph Waldo Emerson

BE KIND. BE LOVING. BE GRATEFUL. TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. WHAT A GIFT IT IS!

MAY YOUR SOUL BE IN SUCH PEACE, A PEACE WHEREIN SILENCE LOVES TO DWELL!

Namaste....

Jump to this post

You sound like a beautiful person, your family and friends are very lucky to have you. Wish more people would be like you. What a wonderful world it would be.
Take care

REPLY
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