Sunday Morning News Just For Us

Happy Sunday Everyone,

I must admit, I am blogging in my pj's (wicking of course....ha ha) and it is noon! I am quite lazy this morning, but I am loving it. As I wrote last week, sometimes my "get up and go" is a little bit slow, but I enjoy my Sundays just doing what I want. Only thing is sometimes the morning carries over into the afternoon.

I did some cooking this weekend and made one of my favorite appetizers, so I thought I would include it today. It is sort of a shrimp antipasto; I'm not quite sure what the formal title would be but it is DELICIOUS, and is a guaranteed hit with company. Also, I am looking for a great shrimp scampi recipe. So if anyone could help me out, I would really appreciate it.

Have a great week and bon appetite!

1&1/2 LB COOKED,PEELED & DEVEINED SHRIMP (Try to stay away from frozen...they can be mushy)

6 OZ. PROVOLONE CHEESE CUBED

1CAN LARGE PITTED BLACK OLIVES

MARINATE IN MIXTURE BELOW OVER NIGHT (Make sure to refrigerate in a sealed container. Mix periodically)

MARINADE MIXTURE:

1 CUP VEG OIL

2/3 CUP REAL LEMON JUICE

2 T DIJON MUSTARD

2 T SUGAR

11/2 TSP THYME LEAVES

1 TSP SALT

ADD ONE HOUR BEFORE SERVING:

4OZ GENEO SALAMI-CUBED

1LG RED PEPPER (SOMTIMES I USE TWO)

• Baby Boomers and Social Security-What boomers need to know about collecting Social Security
• Aging Baby Boomers Face Healthcare Shortage
• Lowfat Diet After Menopause Seems to Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer
• 10 Curious Things About Baby Boomers
  

Sunday Morning News Just for Us

Good Morning Ladies,

I hope this morning finds you well and rested as you prepare to launch into a new week. I have finally recovered after my big birthday party weekend last week, but it makes me ask: "Why does it take me so much longer to recover?" I did have a couple of glasses of wine, but that wouldn't constitute a hangover. I'm talking about just being plain old tired for a longer period of time. Plus, I am slower on the cleanup.

In the old days I would have been whipping through the house; cleaning, straightening up and getting everything put away the very next day. Now I have a much more laid back attitude. "I'll get to it when I get to it," is my motto. As long as the food is put away and the dishwasher is running, I can move the chairs and put away those serving pieces later. Wow...that's a change in attitude.

But that's not all......as I was researching this morning, I realized a common theme again....change! Our tastebuds aren't as spunky as they once were....geez our taste buds are going too.... our bodies are more achy and we're drying up! Duh.....I guess that's why it's called "The Change."

I am determined to take this all in stride. Ok, my buds aren't as spunky, and I am a bit more achy, but I feel more alive and happier than ever. It's kind of nice not to be so driven to be the "queen of clean" and be more comfortable going with the flow. I think more about what I can do to have fun.

Today I will shop with my daughter for her homecoming dress, get a haircut, then come home and take a nap. Sounds like a fun plan to me! Hey...I kind of like this change in attitude!

Yikes....I am rambling this morning....so let me leave you with this question: "How do you 'embrace' this changing time in your life....physically, mentally and spiritually?"

• Some Like It Hot: How boomers' failing taste buds are shaping the future of American food.
• Wave of Pain to Come to Boomers: As boomers hit their `achy-breaky' years, they are bracing for the tsunami of pain that comes with living longer.
• Dread Retiring? Colleges Offer Courses On Life Reboot
• Menopause Symptoms May Hamper Sex: In Survey, Many Menopausal Women Say Vaginal Symptoms Are A Problem.

It Is Better to Give Than to Receive

My apologies to those of you who check in regularly expecting to see "Sunday Morning News Just for Us." I was preempted by extreme exhaustion after giving my husband, who celebrated is 70th birthday, a surprise party.

My husband, who is 20 years my senior, is a man who comes from very humble beginnings in the mountains of Pennsylvania. His father was a coal miner and his mother did whatever she could to help make ends meet for their family. Growing up, life was somewhat stern and lacking frivolity. Although he has become extremely successful as an attorney and has enjoyed many of the wonderful things life has to offer, he never really had a party. So, I decided to give him a surprise.

Our house was filled with his children and grandchildren, other family and friends. His brother traveled from Buffalo to be with us. It was the most wonderful experience for me to see the look of surprise and joy on his face. His total shock and appreciation made what I thought was a small gift turn into something so much more. The evening was a total delight. My heart truly overflowed with the warmest feelings seeing his happiness. I have given good parties, before....actually I am know for giving wonderful parties, but this one was the sweetest.

Yes the food was wonderful and the ambiance was superb, but I was given a great gift, myself, just to see his childlike delight and happiness at receiving what so many of us have had the chance to experience.....something just for us and the validation that we are special, unique and worth celebrating. It is truly better to give than to receive!

PS....honey if you happen to read my blog this week......Happy Birthday. I love you.

Our Bodies Ourselves - Menopause

For years, Our Bodies Ourselves has provided women with information on women's health and sexuality. Now, they are bringing the same knowledge to the topic of menopause.

The book is broken into the following sections:
APPROACHING MENOPAUSE
A TRANSITION AND ITS CHALLENGES
CHANGING SELVES, CHANGING RELATIONSHIPS
TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES
HEALTH CONCERNS
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

For more details click here.

This book covers topics in an open, direct, informational way. Our Bodies Ourselves - Menopause covers topics that many of us may experience, but are uncomfortable discussing. There is no "doctor speak" here, just clearly written, woman friendly information that every woman in this state of transition needs to know.

Don't miss the Our Bodies Ourselves website whose mission is "Inspiring a Worldwide Movement in Women's Health."

Sunday Morning News Just For Us

Happy Sunday Morning to Everyone,

I hope your Sunday morning finds you rested and well. So many of us wear many hats and Sunday no longer represents "the day of rest." It signals one more day to get done chores before going back to work. I know that today I have cleaning my refrigerator and tons of laundry on my list! Doesn't that sound like fun? Are Sunday dinners at grandma's or simply just sitting as a family long gone?

How do you spend your Sundays? Do you still honor "the day of rest" or are you busy finishing up necessary jobs?

Now...onto the business of today. Let's take a look at what is "news" for us this week. (One of them is a particular favorite of mine....LOL)

• Baby Boomer Woman Starts Company in Her Pajamas
• A Social Security Primer for Baby Boomers
• The Peace Corps Ramps Up Recruiting of Boomer Retirees
• Menopause is Good for the Species
• Menopause Clinic Set to Open
• Sex in Menopause. Grin? Or Just Bear It?

Has Anyone Ever Been to Sedona?

Calling all travelers, I need some help. My husband and I are planning a trip to Sedona, AZ in early November. I am looking for advice on a great place to stay. Because I am basically a city girl, I have to admit I am a bit spoiled when it comes to accommodations, so I am looking for feedback on resort type places without breaking the bank.

So....let your recommendations flow! Thanks.

Happy Friday

Happy Friday Everyone!
I am so thrilled that the weekend is finally here! The weather on the east coast is supposed to be beautiful and I am looking forward to not waking to the alarm.

Even though I have nothing "special" planned, time with my husband and a little R&R is something for which I am grateful. I do find as I get older that I am learning to appreciate the small things more, and it takes less to make me feel happy. Maybe it is just learning to be happy in my own skin.

Have a great weekend everyone with whatever you do or don't do!