We are about Fitness and Quality of Life after 50...
We are about Fun and Friendship after 50...
We are the Golden Girls...

There is Value in us
There is Power in us
There is Wisdom in us
And Laughter....
We are a rainbow of unique wonders,
There is love in us.
(poem by Dorothy Holmes)

Tell us a little about your life, family and goals. What keeps you motivated? What is the best thing that's happened to you since you pasted the 50 mark?
Friends laugh, cry and stand by each other, we'll be that to you!

Good Morning!
As you can see by my trademark large print, I'm a granny and large print is sooooooooooooo much easier to read. I'm a 61 year old Minnesota gal and live out in the country on an acreage. We've been married for 42 years, have Tiffany our daughter and two grandsons Damian and Lukas. (14 & 9).
I was 52 years old in 1998 when I developed Plantar Fasciitis and had to quit work. (I was a manager/buyer of collectables, plates, figurines, dolls, etc.) The best thing that happened to me after I turned 50 was early retirement!
We have a large vegetable garden, a huge shade garden and 6 separate flower gardens. While working I never had time to process all the fruit from our trees, now I do. We have two each of apple, plum tree, apricot, pear and peach. Strawberries and raspberries too. My DH is an avid hunter and the majority of meat we consume is game meat. We always have Elk and deer in the freezer, sometimes Pheasant and wild turkey. DH retired at 62 and been a blessing to me, he vaccums the whole house every morning and sometimes we fight about who gets to cook. He's a fantastic cook, but so am I. We have a sweet tempered English Setter named "Charlie", a very old Black cat named "Black Pearl" and 6 Golden Orpington chicken that keeps us in brown eggs. DH and I joined a "Snap" fitness club January 1st since the only exercise we got was shoveling snow. I'm not sure if we'll continue the club this summer and fall, we get plenty of exercise out on our acreage.
I've reached my weight goal and just going to maintain and hang around the 3FC's site. I lost my weight through counting calories and staying away from Cabernet wine.
Have a great day everyone!
Bobbi

I'm Paula and I just turned 55 this month. I married to my Jr High School sweetheart in 1969. Ron and I have 2 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren, 3 boys and 1 girl (Ian 13, Brendan 11, Maya 8, Caleb 6). I am a housewife and have my own on-line business. I custom make Halloween costumes and pioneer clothing. Starting around the end of July my orders start coming in and our good eating habits are usually forgotten and we grab whatever is handy and quick.

I have tried several diets and I've always gained back the weight I lost. I attended WW meetings and finally made goal by losing 50 pounds and became a lifetime member. I started gaining the weight back and hated to spend the money each week because I couldn't get back to goal. I stopped going to meeting and the weight all came back. I subscribed to ediets and really found it easy to follow. I would lose the weight in the winter and then gain it back in the summer. I was trying to get my finances in order so I quit my membership. Now I'm trying the You: on a diet and eating whole foods. I can't wait for summer so I can get all those fresh veggies. There's nothing better than a fresh picked tomato off the vine.

I have a small garden. I'm thinking about trying the square foot gardening this year. It looks like it would work great in my small space. I plant tomatoes, med. hot peppers, cucumbers and green peppers. I will also plant green beans in a separate garden. We have a nice big back yard and I'm working on planting flower gardens to make it look like an English garden. This takes time and money so I'm doing it a section at a time.

Since I turned 50 I started my own Red Hat Society Chapter. I have met a lot of nice ladies. The only thing is we love to go out for dinner and we love to order desserts.

I look forward to meeting and learning more about you "Golden Girls".

Hello! I'm Karen and I turned 55 on February 14 this year! We live in the Colorado High Country. I was married to Tim in 1970. We have two sons Michael is 34, and Todd is 32. We have 4 grandchildren, 3 boys, Travis 13, Brandon 11, Jade 13, and TJ (Todd Jr.) is 9.

Tim and I became very distracted and hit a "BUMP" in the road and divorced back in 1982. In spite of the fact that we both got married to other people and moved to other states, then divorced, we found our way back to each other and remarried in 1993!

I am a housewife and loving pet parent to 2 pomeranians, Ginger and Sissy.

We live on 5 acres here in the mountains but have found it is very hard to grown any type of garden. We can't plant anything until at least the middle of May (it still freezes overnight 'til then) So between that and the deer, and the rabbits not much grows. I did put some geraniums out in pots and they had beautiful flowers on them when I went to bed--- when I woke up they were pruned very nicely by our deer!!

At this present time what seems to be working for me is a combination of Slim fast and watching weight watcher points. And I'm walking 6 miles each day with the Walk Away The Pounds DVD. I'm sure as things change my exercise and diet will too.

I look forward to getting on 3FC everyday. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you and getting to know more about each one of you.

I've put in a picture of my family that we took at Christmas this past year. That is everyone except for 2 grandsons. I am standing between my DIL and my granddaughter. My oldest son is in the wheel chair. My other son is is on the end next to my husband. And TJ has the cowboy hat on!

Have a great day and remember we are the "GOLDEN GIRLS" Karen

I just got this in an email and thought it was so beautiful!! Wanted to share. Karen

http://parentswish.com/

Hello,
Thanks for the welcome. I hope to get to know everyone here. Seems like a nice bunch.



I am an almost 50 yr. old. (in 2 months. )
I have been married almost 29 yrs.
We live in Northern Ohio. In a very small town.

We have a son Adam, who is 27.
Adam, is married with one daughter, Jessy.
She is 21 months old. Still not walking, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in January. Just now getting strong enough to sit up for little while by herself.
Jessy is The Highlight of our days, she is! She is your typical little girl. Lots of smiles most the time. Just getting to the fun age. "I do it stage"

We also have a 21 yr old daughter, Magan. She is my diet buddy. We are going to Curves 3 times a week together.

Until recently, I had worked in Factories. 10 years in Quality control, in printing factories. The was No money in that!
So I went across town , to a factory that Built
Light fixtures.
I did that till they closed almost 2 years ago.
Since then I tried a few other factories, Like a sponge factory, Machine shop. YUK! And even a Goodwill store.

The cut in pay was so much, that Hubby said to just stay home.
I would love to do some work here to add to the income.
I am still trying to figure out something I can do at home, But have not figured it out yet. I do sell things on Ebay now and then. Now that yard sales are coming up… I can find more goodies to sell.

I am thinking about some kind of Culinary school. Maybe later this year. The biggest problem is so far, most of the schools are in Cleveland. That is about 1 hr. drive. I don’t drive in big cities unless its an emergency.
I am going to spend some time looking at the schools around here
For classes.

Right Now I am the Housekeeper, Gardner, and Cook. I don’t think I am a Good cook. But he does, so its ok.
I do all the yard work I can, As Wayne works 50+ every week.

Until this year I have tried no other diets. Just kept eating healthy.Or so I thought!
I have a very slow metabolism. Even had to fight my weight as a girl. I grew up in the country. So to go anywhere I had to ride a bike at least 5 miles.


Starting March 1st. I joined Curves.
And I am changing the way I eat.
I cut out 100% of Pop (cold turkey) from my diet. I am trying to add my fresh/frozen veggies and fruits everyday. And Lean Protein.
Also only drink water (lots) and tea or diet v8.

At this point in time, with walking a 1-2 miles a day, and doing Curves 3 times a week. and eating healthy…I have lost about 8 pounds in 6 weeks. Boy does it seem to go slow for me.

I see major losses for some and Wonder, “” what am I not doing right?””

I feel like its just not coming off enough, So impatient!

Hi all you beautiful Golden Girls...

My name is Phyllis, married and live in South Florida 45 miles north of W. Palm Beach and 7 miles from the ocean. We are now retired after selling our Office Suppy business last April, I am 62 yrs. young!!!

This is my third marriage, my dh second. I have 3 children, 2 boys & 1 girl. My dh has 2, a girl and boy. We have 7 grandchildren between us all age 6 and under. I have one son 30 that is not married yet but looking, he lives in our area and all the other children and grandbabies live up notrh in Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. We really are thinking about moving back north in a year or so.

It seems like I have always been on a diet since I hit my late 40's. Lost 45 lbs. once but gained it all back. I am very determined to lose and keep it off this time and I know I have found a great group here to keep me encouraged.

We live in a condo now so no yard to grow any veggies, I do miss the fresh tomatoes but there is a lot of fresh produce stands here in town so I can usually get most any fruit or veggie any time of the year.

We had 2 cats that we had to put down in the past 6 mths, one was 19 and the other 13. So we now have left is our dog, a Doberman and he is 13 yrs. old named Rusty. My dh's best friend, that dog loves him and follows him around every second now that he is retired.

I have Chronic Kidney Failure and kidneys only working at 18% and holding so I have to be a bit careful with my diet especially protein. It would help my blood pressure a lot to lose this weight, so I have plenty of reason to lose.

We are taking a trip for a couple of weeks up north to see the children and grandkids so I am trying to lose some pounds for our motor trip, we will be going thru the Smokey Mts. on the way up....I love that part of the country.

I am enjoying reading everyones introductions and I just love this group. Off to do my walking dvd.

Phyllis

Hi Everyone,

I'm Lynn and I live in Bucks County, PA - near where Washington crossed the Delaware River into Trenton, NJ.

I lived most of my life in New Jersey but moved to PA to live and work about 10 years ago. I have been an educator for most of my life - an adult education teacher, an ESL teacher, a teacher trainer, a curriculum developer, a college professor, a test-maker, and an educational researcher.

My last full-time job was as the director of graduate programs for a small private college in Eastern PA.

In January of 2004, my love of 27 years, Donald, had a heart attack and stroke. In August, we decided that it was best to marry and that I retire to care for him. Since that time, I teach only online courses for the University of Phoenix.

In the past year, Donald died at the end of June, I had a hip replacement in August, and I had surgery in February for 2 skin cancer spots (melanoma) - luckily, neither cancer spot had spread and the hip surgery was totally successful. The same week I found out about having the skin cancers, I found out that I have type 2 diabetes. Needless to say, it's been a VERY tough year for me. I keep trying to stick to some kind of diet (right now, I'm trying Jenny Craig - but I think it's too many carbs for me), but I need help.

I have a daughter and son-in-law who own a B&B in New Hope, PA; a crazy calico cat – Princess Di; and I like reading, walking, horseback riding, traveling, scrapbooking, and doing jigsaw and sudoku puzzles.

I am looking forward to getting to know each of you.

Hi Everyone -- so far I am your token Canadian. My name is Joanne and I live in the beautiful city of Vancouver -- ok the suburbs - but I love life here.

I am 51 years old and have battled my weight since I had my one and only child just over 26 years ago. When I add it up I am certain its close to 200 pounds I have lost and gained back doing everything from low calorie (800 a day -- pee on a stick diet - shudder), WW, Jenny Craig and everything in between.

My highest weight was about 280 pounds in 2001. That was a tough year for me. After a long battle with severe depression and surgery gone wrong I lost my darling husband of 22 years. Four months later my dad passed away and I felt like my world turned upside down. The last thing I cared about was my weight - I wanted to just learn how to breath again.

Slowly I came out of it and in 2003 I registered for my last attempt with Jenny Craid (3 times!!!). I lost 40 pounds and was quite happy -- so happy with myself that I found myself falling in love for the second time in my life. Geoff moved in with me in 2005 and I was positive I could stop Jenny Craig and eat like a normal person. I soon found 35 of those pounds and started getting angry with myself again. In Jan of 2006 I couldn't wear a single item of clothes in my closet (gotta love yoga gear) and I even started researching weight loss surgery -- well I decided instead to count calories, drink lots of water and exercise more. So far that combination has allowed me to drop 35 pounds and keep it off. I am now ready to drop another 30 this year and the last 30 next year. Slow and Steady is my motto for this lifestyle.

Ok enough of the diatribe
I work for a post secondary institute -- admin support (love it!!!)
I am a reality and food TV junkie, I love crocheting, going for long walks on a beach -- ooops this isn't my online dating profile LMAO
I sold the family home and moved to a townhouse a couple of years ago -- only do container gardening and I love it like that.
No animals -- we lost our beautiful golden retriever just last year and first thing I did was pave over the small bit of grass we had. I miss her dearly but enjoy the new carefree lifestyle we lead.

Best thing to happen to me over 50 was to fall madly and deeply in love for the second time in my life. With no children in the mix -- my son is 26 -- no grandchildren -- doubt if any will be coming in the near future.

I look forward to getting to know all of you here

Hello Everyone!

I'm 55 and retired this year from teaching. My husband and I met when we were ten, began dating when we were twelve, and married in 1976, twelve years later! We have two sons, ages 26 (today!) and 18. Our oldest will be married in August to his high school sweetheart. He's the track coach for our youngest son this year who is a senior in high school.

My weight loss adventure began seven years ago when I was SHOCKED to see the pictures from Christmas. I've not gained back any weight but have hit some VERY LONG plateaus -my latest was eight months long!

I stay pretty active working in the yard, exercising daily (cardio, weights, yoga) and recently began HipHopAbs! LOVE IT! My weight loss is allowing me to feel better than I ever have, so I am thankful that I began this journey. I like to read, cook and bake, journal, and go for long walks.

I'm exploring some new ways to get my pounds to say "Buh-Bye", including eating fewer carbs and increasing my workout sessions. I'd like to meet my goal by August when our son is married.

I enjoy reality TV, especially The Batchelor, Survivor, Top Chef, Top Design, The Biggest Loser, and The Apprentice.

I look forward to getting to know you all!

Cheryl

Good Morning !!!
I am so glad that so many have posted and told us some about themselves. This is going to be so nice!

We have FOG here this morning and it is 32 degrees. Yesterday we had quite a bit of rain and even thunder!! So maybe it is going to change to Spring after all.. But then we can always have snow clear up into May!! In fact, I can remember one year shooting fireworks off on the 4th of July in the snow!!

I wanted to stop in and say Good Morning to everyone and I hope to see lots of more posts later today..

Have a good day! Karen

Good Morning Ladies- I'm going to try and keep a cheat sheet for all the info you ladies provide.

I've had a busy morning already. I had my breakfast, I went to stay with the grandkids while my daughter went to the school for a computer orientation. I took the kids to school and then came back here and had my am snack. I went through my fabrics trying to find some prints to fill 2 orders for pioneer dresses I got over night. Looks like I'm now on my way to WalMart to buy some blue floral fabric since I don't have any here that will work with the apron striped fabric. I think while I'm at WalMart I'll check out their exercise videos.
I'm going out to dinner with my Red Hat group. It's Hungarian Night so I'm thinking about getting the Cabbage Rolls and plan on bringing half back home with me. Wish me luck with the dessert section of the menu!!

OK I'm off to the store. See everyone later.

Mornin' Karen!

Just want to thank you for organizing the new "Golden Girls" homeplace! Being fifty plus brings some interesting changes, so it's nice to have a spot where all of us are in one place to discuss the changes AND challenges we have!

Since I have lost the weight I find that I not only feel better, I feel YOUNGER! Sure do wish that I would have lost weight sooner! I'm realizing, though, that many things must be in place before we are ready to make a life change. I wasn't ready until a few years ago.

My biggest challenge so far? Learning how to keep myself on my priority list! I'm GREAT at caring for everyone else but LOUSY at caring for myself! I am having to go back to square one to learn about myself!

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the compliment about organizing "Golden Girls" But I can't take any credit for that!! Bobbi did all the work! A Great Big Thank you to Bobbi for all her hard work!! All I did was send a PM to everyone with the link to the thread after all the hard work was done.
Cheryl I know what you mean about having to learn how to make yourself #1!! A long time ago a friend told me that I could never think about making anyone a #1 in my life until I made myself #1! Good information but still so very hard to put in place. I'm still working on that and this weight loss journey is a part of that process.

Paula, I am so jealous of you that you know how to sew!! When my Mom passed away 5 years ago she left me her sewing machine. It is a beautiful PFAFF and in a maple cabinet. When I brought it back home from MO. I then took it in and had it cleaned and tuned up to get it in tip top shape--- now it intimidates me so much! I know I just need to jump in and start doing something with it but it scares me for some reason. I've never sewn but then I had never used a computer until I got one 6 years ago either!! I guess I just need to make myself get in there and play with it and learn more about it. I have the instruction manual and everything.. So there really is no excuse!

Well, I guess I should go and get my walk done this morning. Gotta love the WATP's !! It is to gray and drizzly outside to walk.

Bobbi --Thanks again so much for all the hard work that you did to get us Golden Girls up and running!!

Have a good day. Karen