Wednesday, July 31, 2019

I am 64...


Wearing all black...
a bamboo tunic top
with black capri leggings.

Longer hair which is straighter than before
the silver is now more than just tinsel...

It surprises me when I walk past a mirror
I see my mother, 
the resemblance is uncanny.

A few pounds have crept on this past year and am trying to come to terms with it.

Do I accept it and move on or return to the disciplined point counting regime of WW?

The battle of the bulge is a real challenge.

The desire or the energy to go to the gym is not there.
Sweating reminds me of those uncomfortable hot flashes and is so annoying...

Walking is enjoyable and the Fit Bit is a great motivator.

But enough about me already...

How are you doing?

What is new?


This ceramic Buddha head was in a garden basket 
we won at the grand children's year end school fundraiser.

I don't think its meant for the garden.
Too fragile and thin...

I'm considering putting it out on the boulevard for free.
I can't quite find the right spot for it here in The Humble Bungalow.

Perhaps someone else will love it and give it a special place in their home.


The book I am currently reading is quite interesting.

It was in the wee little free library across the street.
I'll be passing it on to a friend after I finish it.

How is your summer going?
What are you reading?

~ Be Kind and Be Well ~

34 comments:

Patricia said...

No one would ever believe you are 64 ! You are beautiful, inside and out, and classy !

Susan said...

Leslie, I am right there with you about creeping weight issues and what to do about it. I battle this all the time (I am 67 now). Like you, I have hair turning white and it is much more than just a bit of tinsel. We also enjoyed an Alaskan cruise this summer. And like you, we enjoy our grandchildren. Today is our 43rd wedding anniversary-many memories good and not so good, but we have weathered them all.

I love your blog. I've recommended it to friends and they have told me that they love it too. You are doing a good thing.

Anonymous said...

You look great and have great hair!
Sometimes I'm looking in the mirror and see my grandmother-how cool is that?
Just arrived to the seaside-I adore swimming in the sea-and just started to read I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll and love it so far
Dottoressa

Madame LĂ -bas said...

You look like a healthy woman who takes care of herself. And you have lovely hair. Weight creeps on but walking and good choices regarding food minimizes the risks associated with the extra pounds. I've been wondering about the gym for a few months to love 10 or 12 pounds. I've been reading too many WW2 books so now I'm reading historical fiction The Rivals of Versailles. It's total except but I've got my name in for the new Ann Cleeves and Louise Penney should have a new book in the fall. This is the first September that I have not travelled since I retired but Darling Daughter is doing labour negotiations and my travelling partner is having a procedure. It's possible that I could make September Me Month and indulge in healthy (non-fattening) activities. Extra walks, a massage or facial, a play. You look great for 64.

Jeannine said...

Thank you for the honesty of your feelings. I can so relate. I don't see my mother when I catch myself in the mirror as I don't look much like my mother. I do see my father and his sister. When I was a young girl I found a picture in a great aunt's photo album of my dad's sister when she was about 3. I thought it was me and yet I was so baffled as her hair was very dark and my hair had been blonde as a child. My aunt had to tell me that it wasn't me! I found a saying once that is so apt, "Do you ever get up in the morning. Look at yourself in the mirror and think . . . 'that can't be accurate?!'" That's how I often feel. Either that or "what happened here?!" I'm not quite to the point of accepting it and yet am not working hard enough to make a real difference. Your Buddha is very nice and looks great where you have him. I can understand not feeling that you have the spot for it and good for you for being able to let it go - I often feel I do too much dithering when making those decisions.

Anonymous said...

Feeling good and generally enjoying life, in my opinion. is what is important. When this is true, age is just a number. This is my sentiment. You certainly look wonderful and have a full, lovely, active life. Like you, I do not like gymnasiums and exercise groups, sweating in groups...No thanks. Walking my dog and gardening seems to give me the exercise I enjoy. This, plus eating healthy and eating small amounts often seems to work for me. Your hair looks great long. Recently, I purchased a Chi hair straightening tool and I love the quick easy styling it provides. Now I can go wavy or straight. Susan

Deb from Ohio said...

Happy Birthday, wishing you a happy and healthy year! I enjoy your blog and beautiful photos. I had to listen to the Beatles singing "When I am 64" in your honor.

KSL said...

Happy Birthday! I'm 67 next week. Weight = constant struggle, and so slow to lose weight as we women age...I'm trying hard to be grateful that I'm healthy and strong and if I'm 10 lbs more than I'd like to be, so what? Your hair looks fabulous as do you. I admire so much about you and hope you do about yourself as well. XO

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Not sure what to say except thank you!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Happy Anniversary 💐🥂
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind comments I always enjoy reading them.
The habit of writing my blog is like sharing an online journal. I also receive emails from readers and have made some wonderful connections with women from various countries around the globe.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Enjoy your seaside holiday Dottoressa!
Thank you for the book recommendation I have not heard of the author so I will investigate further.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I joined gyms in the past and have been good about going in the beginning but then I get bored. I like variety and walking offers different routes and scenery which helps me stay motivated.
A ME month sounds fabulous! I would love you to do a series of blog posts on what you did! I think it would inspire others to do things to enrich our days.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I do often look in the mirror in the morning! It’s pre shower with no makeup so it’s a reality check!
I am grateful to be alive and at this age a few extra pounds, grey hair and wrinkles are to be expected.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It’s fun trying new hairstyles. I want to start wearing my hair up but it’s not quite long enough. I love the way Janet at The Gardener’s Cottage blog wears hers.
Age is just a number and our attitude is so important as it affects how we feel. I admire active and vibrant older women as they are wonderful role models.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I didn’t just turn 64 that was in March.
I couldn’t think of a more appropriate title so I remembered the Beatles song!!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sorry to mislead you as I turned 64 in March. It just felt like a good title for this post. We are so fortunate in so many ways. To be able to enjoy our grandchildren and stay active, enjoying the simple things in our daily round. To be able to travel, read, participate in creative hobbies and appreciate and count our blessings. 🙏🏻 I feel a genuine kinship with you Kathy. 💐

Sandra Sallin - Apart From My Art said...

Happy Birthday! Weight? I'm trying Lose it! Never could do WW. Keep track of your calories. Easy on the iPhone. Also there is a great losing weight Form on Reddit. Loseit. The main reason I want to lose weight is health. It just keeps on creeping up. Hate it. I've got 10 pounds to lose but i'll be trilled with 5. Let's see if this posts. Friends have had great luck with My Fitness Pal.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday from Poland..:))))

Deb said...

You look beautiful! Do you follow the Susan branch blog? She is our age and has been addressing this weight issue since February. Very healthy eating, no diet really. She is pretty inspirational. By the way I’ve always loved your hair but I really really love it longer!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I am sorry to have mislead everyone...my birthday was last March I just was trying to share my age and stage of life!
I have more than 10 pounds to lose...I tried My Fitness Pal but the only thing that worked for me was WW where I had to be weighed every week...the meetings helped me stay motivated too.
Good luck as it seems tp take a lot longer to lose weight now that we are older.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

OOPS...its not my birthday this month...I can see that I confused everyone by saying I am 64...which I am but my birthday was last March.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I do not follow the Susan Branch blog but I have read her books! I will pop over and see what she has to say...thank you.
I like my hair longer too...I had it cut short when I had frozen shoulder...could not lift the blow dryer...then after that shoulder mended the other one froze so it was a 3 year stint of pain massage, and short hair! So glad that I can grow it again!

KSL said...

I do as well XO

KPD said...

As he patted his stomach my dad used to say "A lot of time and money went into this; it should be treated with respect." That's a good attitude. We generally eat healthy at home, but have treats when we go out. Moderation
It's hard to go the the gym just to be healthy, really. Don't be mean to yourself just because you have a normal reaction to something that can be very boring. I have a bad back and that motivates me to go to the gym. No gym, lots of pain, gym, no pain. I'd opt for no gym if I could.

Kathy said...

A while ago one of your commenters said she was having difficulty commenting on your blog and I told you I was having the same problem. I've been researching and finally found a solution! I will link to the site where I found it, but basically it's this. If you're using Safari and unable to comment, go to Safari Settings, Privacy, and uncheck "Prevent cross-site checking". I did that and it worked.
https://support.google.com/blogger/thread/3890477?hl=en

Anonymous said...

The effort (for weight) is worth it, and that shouldn't mean you can't treat yourself well from time to time. As my doctor says, time in the gym lets you enjoy the occasional wonderful treat (yum, carrot cake cryptonite) without guilt. Treat yourself well; you look great.

Patricia said...

I really like your black bamboo top. It is difficult to find a perfectly plain black top here, I have been looking for ages as I want one for travel. Your hair has grown! It looks lovely, as always. Seeing your mother in the mirror: that happens to me too. Most disconcerting. At least I will never get her curly perm :)

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

That’s great information Kathy! Thank you for sharing and I hope that helps others.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It’s all about balance isn’t it? Good advice!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I do hope you can find a basic black top that you like. I can recommend a brand made in BC called Sympli which makes fabulous clothing in great fabrics that wash and wear well. Perhaps you can find some online?

Deborah Montgomery said...

Take my advice and hold the line at 10 pounds over! It's so much harder when you're facing 30 to 40 pounds like me! I am so discouraged at regaining the weight and am determined to once and for all figure out a better way. You look great. Enjoy your longer hair. I love the idea of pretty silver hair piled up on top of the head, so elegant and lovely. With your simple black clothing it will look stunning.

Mary said...

when I turned 64 I used a snippet of the Beatles song "When I'm 64" as my mobile ringtone for the whole year. Made me laugh every time I heard it.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Your sugar free eating plan should help you shed that weight.
There are hidden sugars in so many things...ketchup for example!

I am really enjoying my hair longer and am trying to be creative with updo's...in the summer heat it is cooler.

I am enjoying your blog posts and the Keto regime that you are sharing.
Good luck with your goals.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thats a great idea Mary!!