Panda Picks-Seniors Work on the Net!

We seniors know the effects of good food , exhilarating exercise, and prescribed medicine to maintain good health. Consider music as the good food, exercise, and medicine for all that ales you.

 As we age, we seniors look for alternative ways to prevent and heal or at least deal with the effects of aging. Google the words brain, music and healing to do your own research. The fewer medicines we take, the less chance we have of getting dangerous reactions to bad combinations.

By the way, Happy 100th Birthday to  George Beverly Shea, Feb. 1, 2009, evangelist singer for Billy Graham. Mr. Shea holds the world record for singing in person to the most people ever. The text  reads: “George Beverly Shea of Canada has sung to the most people during his career  on every continent in front of 220 million people, since first becoming the soloist for gospel preacher Billy Graham in 1943 on the radio show “Songs in The Night”.”

Panda Picked Music as a natural alternative form of healing.  Try it and post your comments here.

Panda Lady

 

 

Seniors like to reminisce about past experiences in our lives.  We like to look at old pictures, brochures, letters and postcards which remind us of vacations. 

Inauguration Day 2009 was a special day of remembering and reflecting on a most wonderful experience I had in  Washington D.C. May 2007.  I spent 3 weeks in D C as a volunteer at a guest house  as a volunteer doing cooking, gardening and cleaning. This had it benefits as visiting the nations capitol for a couple of days as a tourist would be quite expensive let alone staying for 3 weeks.  Each day, after finishing tasks, I loaded up my fanny pack with water, camera,  cell phone, sunglasses,  business card of  the house (served as my ID), a  D C map as well as some quick snacks. Putting on my best walking shoes I took off on daily adventures as a tourist.

For 69 cents I could buy a ticket to use anytime during my excursion including the return trip.  So for that small price I could travel to  the government buildings, zoo, museums, mall, and monuments usually walking upon bus arrival in the mall/ capitol area.   Because of the extended time in Washington D.C. I was able to spend lengthy times at any point of interest even returning to the same locations  more than once to soak in more information.  I could sit and walk  in  gardens with no concern for time.  The volunteer position included room and board as well as providing companion volunteers who knew of great places not to be missed.  Several times, I even went with house guests adding to the camaraderie. At evening tea time we shared our adventures so I kept finding more places to visit.

The volunteer experience was great because I could be a tourist with or without companions, and  people  at the guest house to report to if I had  problems.  Expense wise, this was a life saver.  I could never have afforded 3 weeks in Washington and take note, visitors can visit most places of interest for free which is great for retirees. 

Tues. Jan 22, 2009, Inauguration Day  was a day of reflection for me as  watched the proceedings on T.V. I remembered warm late afternoons and early evenings walking along Pennsylania Ave in D. C.  I was  able to recognize the buildings and understood the turns the parade was taking.  I remembered sitting on benches to rest and reflecting on all the presidents that had traveled down that road.  The capitol dome was ever present in view as I walked up and down this most famous Ave.  Of course being a baby boomer I envisioned the tradegies played out on Pennsylvia Ave where mourners gathered to say a final farewell. I could enjoy the  slim crowd of weary tourists as the day was coming to an end. 

I could have turned off the heat yesterday, put on my winter coat, opened the doors and windows to  feel like I was there to witness this part of this  historic day.   Perhaps I will return to Washington some day and now add a new memory of Pennsylvania Ave.  Yes, I wish I had been there but I think I saw more in the comfort of my living room.   

Now Pesident Obama asks us to get involved.  Perhaps I will find somewhere interesting to give of my time whether here at home or by traveling to another location.  It might be an obcure place or it could be a place like Washing D.C.  where I can re-live memories for days and years to come.

Panda picked reminiscing about volunteer experiences to remind us that we create valuable memories while doing service to mankind.  As Obama said “….there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task”. 

We baby boomers have as retirees, time to give, talents to share, memories to make.  Where would you like to serve? What part can you play in the call to serve our nation and its people as a volunteer?

Panda Lady

We seniors find e-mails to be the easiest and most fun part of being on line and using the internet. We send notes to each other like pen pals including those famous Soccer Mom humorous and inspirational e-mails. We soon learned not to open “attachments” to protect our PC. Those typing skills we learned in high school on clunky typewriters were put to use in a way we never dreamed they would be used. The keys had different names than we were used to but we soon learned how to use them; enter, alt. esc. control etc. We had to learn them while my grandchildren used all the buttons with ease and they haven’t even sat through high school typing class. Best of all was the way one could correct, move ahead, erase, cut and paste and no restrictions on how many copies we could send. Wow multiple e-mails could be sent and no carbon paper needed. And need I mention spell check.

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We had to learn a new vocabulary: spam, e-mail, files. signature lines, etc. We built our e-mail list and made files. Not easy tasks but we so enjoyed the new communication system that we typed away, forwarded e-mails, and collected addresses. The computer became a prominent fixture as we used it like the telephone, receiving and answering messages. It was like a super toy allowing us to talk to grandchildren in far off towns, connecting us to people across the world we had never met. Sending and receiving humors u-tubes made us the masters of humor to enlighten each others lives.

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Sun. Jan. 11, 2009 an interesting story appeared in my local hometown newspaper, The Lima News. A story printed there shared how local resident, Marilyn Williams used e-mail to collaborate in the writing of a book.. She told how her mother had dreamed of being a published author but it never happened.  Barbara Bailey Caspersen, Marilyn’s sister took the idea and joined forces with her sister to create a book “No Time for Tears” (The story of Anna). Barbara felt she was being helped along by her mother, but needed some assistance from her sister..

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Of course the two ladies could talk on the phone and at times met to discuss the script.  With Williams in Lima, Ohio and sister Barbara Bailey Caspersen of Hamilton Ontario, Canada discussions could take place but it was the opportunity to send e-mails where they could share ideas on the script that allowed for instant feedback on the project.. It took two years to finish.  The option of using e-mails was a solution that worked out so well that another book “Moving Mountains” has been completed and Williams thinks it will be available by June.

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From our 50th high school reunion this past summer, the class of ‘58 connected in this unique manner. During those 50 years we only met in person 3 times and rarely communicated with our fellow classmates. Now, just for fun, we can chat about the old days and brag about happenings in our lives. We can inform each other of crises and share prayers of concern.  E-mail gave us this opportunity to connect and become re-acquainted.
Panda Picked e-mails as one of the neat reasons we seniors like to be on-line.  Ideas are shared as when we wrote letters but the instant feedback allows for a flow of communications in such a way that we can carry on a conversation. E-mails add to our lives because they are fun and informative, and ever so easy to add to our daily routine when we master their use.
How do you use e-mails?

Panda Lady

                           Hotels  for     D O G      V A C A T I O N S

Seniors traveling like to include their furry four legged family members. Often this presents the question of where can we lodge for the night and include the whole family. The answer is to look for Doggie Hotels, where people can stay too.

Seniors go on line to Bring Fido site,  and use the “Where To stay” search in the center of the page.  Once you have read the reviews from other pet owners, checked out the maps for locations, know the regulations and prices,  you can register your reservation on the right side menu.  While there click on the dog house (motel), fire hydrant (play), and dog bone (dog friendly restaurants).  Hotels, bed and breaksfasts, campgrounds and motels from around the room welcome you and your dog.

Plan Fido’s vacation before you leave home so that everyone can enjoy the family vacation.  Use  Bring Fido  site for information on all your needs from dog sitters, restaurants, leash free recreation, vets, flight information,  doggie events, etc.  Everything you need for a hassle free vacation is found on Bring Fido.

Panda Picked Bring Fido.com as the recommended site for planning pet friendly vacations anywhere in the world. This is a no cost site based on the experiences of other dog owners. Don’t leave home without Fido. By the way your photo’s of your dog on vacation and your ratings of the services you used will  assist others using on line searchers for traveling with dogs.

Panda Lady

FOOT FIXES For FROSTY WEATHER

3. MASSAGE- increase circulation and rejuvenate the skin. Using lotion, rub toes in all directions

4. Lie down and elevate legs by putting feet higher than your heart

5. Wear smart shoes.  Carry the high heels and fashion shoes to put on when you arrive or use shoes with good treads  or clip on cleatts in the winter months of snow and ice .                                                              

Panda Picked the subject of seniors going on line to do research because it is so convenient, and we have many resources to tap into.  On line research  is another scource of information as we check out information for our own personal use or for the purposes of publishing.

Panda Lady

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank goodness we seniors are more concerned with safety than with style.  But why not have both style and stay safe in this subzero weather.

Wear head gear.  Covered ears are essential to prevent frost bite  You think your hair will keep your head warm.  Think again as 40% of body heat can be lost from  your head. You might like ear pops, to add to your head covering options. Fleecy  or denim and very warm, they store easily in pockets and purses.

Keep fingers comfortableand warm in mittens rather than gloves.  Be sure to wear mittens that are snug at the wrist.  You might consider the mittens that double as gloves. Look for gloves or mittens that provide some traction for those times you want a secure hold.

Get a grip on that ice and snow  when you add treads to your shoes. Traction cleats provide that security with non slip ice treads that are easily added to any shoes.

Cover your mouth/nose with a scarf, mittened hand or mask to protect skin and lungs in extremely cold weather. we seniors shouldn’t be out long enough to need them, but mini heaters can be tucked inside some masks.

Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate the body.

Keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle. A full tank of gas will prevent fuel line freeze up and allow for running the heater periodically if stranded.

Safety Note: Stay with your car while its warming . Don’t invite car thieves.

Keep walks free of ice. Look for pet friendly products to protect furry paws of our housemates with 4 legs. Lawn lovers also look for gentle ice removers that don’t leave residue on floors and carpets.

Panda Lady picked Safe and Warm for this discussion  as some of us are not snow birds.  We stay in the fridged north to be near our families and stay active in our community during the winter months.  The joy of staying in our community can be atained if we stay safe and warm in winter weather. 

Weather information for Ottawa Canada provides vital information for staying safe: They report 80 people a year die in Canada from Winter weather related issues.

Panda Lady

We Seniors look to other Seniors with  wisdom to explain success.

Bill Cosby, our in house Doc. says: “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is
trying to please everybody.”

As Will Rogers points out, we need never defend ourselves if we have lived life of quality and above reproof.

“Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.”

– Will Rogers, Humorist

What is your definition of success?

Panda picked 2 success quotes to inspire you as you work on line.  Go to ’search’ and look for daily inspiration to point you in the way of your true success

Panda Lady

Panda Lady

We Seniors like to  catch up with the late night humor by going on  line.  This humor is important to us as we know that humor helps us deal with what we find hopeless.

 

 

5. Charge daily rent on ALL unoccupied seats in the the House of Reps. and Senate.

6. Americans should buy only American made Pork Barrels

Note: Chinese made Pork Barrels do not exist at Walmart

7. Sell land and all rights to the Berring Strait Bridge/Tunnel to the Russians.                                               After all they gave us a good deal when we bought Alaska from them.

We should insist that there be a McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Texas Roadhouse  on the Alaskan side.

Panda Lady

 

 

 

Now that Thanksgiving, Christmas,  and New Year’s Day aka “The Holidays” have passed we seniors need to consider the cost as it pertains to how much stuff did we bring into the house.  Now please understand I am trying to keep a sense of humor and do not wish to offend people who have a serious disorder as it relates to hoarding, being a pack rat, or being a messy person.  It just came to my mind that “The Holidays” are just perfect for hoarders.

I would certainly be in error if I didn’t point out that we have lots of bows and wrapping paper to add to our collection hidden somewhere.  Until we find that box, the new bows and wrappings can put in another box.

Best of all the holidays mean we can indulge in all the foods and drinks of the season.  Woopee, more snacking to feed our depression as we look at the overwhelming mess accumulating. All those t.v. shows and magazine featurers of skinny people having a great party only make us want to eat some more as we drownd in the clutter.

Just when you thought I was finished, I think it wise to point out that the neighbors have thrown out some mighty fine things.  They can be fixed and certainly someone can use them.  And wow, just look at the cardboard boxes at the curb side.  They would be great for packing and storing all the great stuff just added to our household.

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Panda picked the subject of hoaders at the holidays because it ALL seems to get out of hand during “The Holidays”. ……Not enough time, obligations we can’t keep, too many activities, too much expense and most of all just too much with which to deal.  Again I hope my light hearted attitude toward the subject has not offended.  Panda Lady just wants you to know you are not alone and there is a solution. 

For more understanding on disposaphobia visit Mayo Clinic site.  The subject of hoarders came to me after reading an article in the newspaper about hoarders being put on probation.  Yes, the problem is a danger to their safety.  I recently came across a book “It’s all Too Much” by Peter Walsh  star of TLC series “Clean Sweep” and began reading to help me understand the article.  Everyone can find a little of themselves in the book and hopefully we never get to the level of the pictures listed in the opening paragraph.

Panda Lady

Resources by Marla Cilley, The fly lady and Pam Young

Seniors continue to be targeted by on line scams as reported by the FBI. The following information is condensed from Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)