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Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Fluidity and the Future
August 26, 2015
— 2 Comments
fountain of youth
When the worldwide economy takes center stage anything can happen. Some people are caught in a crunch without sufficient funds to cover their losses. Some investments are easily converted into cash. These are considered to be fluid investments. Anything that you own for which there is no instant market is not fluid. You must find a buyer in order to unload those items. Often the seller takes a serious loss when forced to raise funds to cover losses. Think of the recent real estate tragedies in the united States as an example. The underwater homes and mortgages were stuck in a stagnant market that favored buyers over sellers. The American dream of the 30 year mortgage in real estate as a fabulous investment has been revealed to be less than foolproof. Not all homes will retain value, and in some markets real estate is very difficult to move.
Fluidity is a factor in investing and planning for retirement, but it is also a major element in future flexibility in life. The body you create as well as inherit will serve you for better or for worse as time passes. You will be able to enjoy activities and stay involved in social and intellectual interests as long as your physical health allows. The precious resources of healthy mind and healthy body can’t be overprotected. The body is the permanent home we will occupy until we die. Keeping it in good working order is the most valuable gift we can give our future selves. Retaining good range of motion will pay excellent dividends in terms of comfort and ease. How can we contribute to our liquid physical assets?
- Immerse yourself in water- use the support of hydrostatic pressure to bring ease to your movement and enhancement to your natural flexibility
- Try new forms of artistic expression- the latest trend is all about adult coloring books as a meditative practice. Crafty or edible, use any new excuse to expand your artistic horizons.
- Plan free time to include more activities in nature. Picnics, hikes, and trips to the dog park all bring the healing power of nature into our daily experience.
- If you have any space (even a balcony) try growing some of the foods or herbs you eat. The satisfaction of gardening is a shortcut to both better nutrition and therapy.
- Start a regular stretching and strength routine. The methods you use are less important than making the practice a daily habit. Keeping range of motion all over the body, especially the spine, is an investment well worth your time.
fountain of youth
Medicare on My Mind
August 25, 2015
— 3 Comments
Silver Sneakers
I will only pay four more ridiculously high premiums to the Aetna Insurance Company before we break up forever. They are leaving the state at the end of the year, and I will be eligible for Medicare at the same moment. I think I am lucky with that timing. I will not need to learn about anything other than Medicare, but it is a complicated task. I did not change my private insurance policy when the new regulations came into effect because I had only a couple of years left to use it. Now that I have a chance to design and create a plan that may really benefit my health I am pleased.
My investigation started with a referral for a health insurance agent. My friend’s agent referred me to a Medicare specialist who will see me this week for an initial appointment. Karyn Damschen is the agent who will walk me through the basics and help me decide on the best plan for my needs. After a short phone consultation I was happily relieved to know that an impartial independent representative of all insurance companies can advise and guide my choices. She works for me but is paid a commission by the insurance company whose policy I purchase. She also is my support for using the system and making the most of tax credits I may deserve. I probably could navigate the computer system when the policies and pricing become available in November, but the decision is important. My future health care (at least until the market opens again next year) depends on making a wise purchase. The more I know the better. I look forward to the guidance of a professional to help me make a wise decision.
Silver Sneakers is a program I plan to use to pay my health club dues. My club has the program, so in January I will be able to assign my dues to the insurance company of my choice. This is a gift that goes on giving. Now that I have paid into the insurance pools for years and extracted no benefits, I am ready to receive something that I value. There are specialty classes created for the senior set to enjoy in good health. My club offers Zumba Gold and a senior strength/flexibility class. I have not participated, but think it is an excellent idea to give special attention to this part of the population.
Zumba Gold
If you are eligible soon for Medicare I urge you to find an agent to help you make the best of it. Who knows, maybe I will see you at the Tucson Racquet Club sometime. I will be there enjoying my excellent benefits. I will be in the steam room if you need me.
Listen with Compassion
August 23, 2015
— 3 Comments
politics as usual
One skill that is central to peace of mind and well being is listening. We hear sounds all the time. People talk to us with varying degrees of sincerity and interest. Our job is to distinguish and sort the grain from the chaff. By paying attention it is possible to harvest harmony from the symphony of sounds and sentences we hear. To listen with compassion is a difficult task. Defending our own position rather than truly comprehending other points of view is one of the most common substitutes for listening. Understanding others is not a sign of weakness but a sign of maturity. We can’t agree with everyone, but we can look for ways to increase loving kindness in our lives. To love thy neighbor as thyself involves a degree of allowing that neighbor to express himself. As we in the United States fall deeper into the political season each day I expect some wild rhetoric. To remain happy, detached and centered is my goal. I am setting guidelines for myself ignored to keep my cool and enjoy life while those around me might loose it.
- No need to respond to political statements made by anyone on line
- When hearing news reports, suspend judgement and consider the facts
- Keep my own negative feelings about candidates to myself
- Attempt to understand the logic behind all points of view presented
- Realize that many factors contribute to elections, most of which have not yet happened. A wait and see attitude will serve me well as time passes.
By conscious meditative contemplation I will not only survive but will find my center during the presidential election hoo-ha. I can admit that the last two elections disturbed and distracted me. I became enraged at the robo calls and the parties making them. Now I know that this too shall pass. I am gearing up to listen with compassion and a distinct sense of humor during the political crazy season. I wish you a sane election season, gentle reader. Best of luck.
party
What is Fiduciary Responsibility?
August 20, 2015
— 2 Comments
Americans are not financially literate as a group. The depressing collapse of the markets in 2008 followed by a bank bail out has left the country with gross inequity. Working folks with real estate holdings, retirement plans and other investments took big hits while the banks returned to business as usual. Regulations designed to curb the abuses of financial institutions, like Dodd/Frank have not been implemented. We are still in a situation dominated by lenders, bankers, and mortgage brokers. Stock brokers have been able to operate under an assumption that suitable, reasonable investments were the only offers made to clients. In reality any system that is commission based encourages transactions. The broker makes a cut from each trade, and wants to maximize the client’s contribution to his total commission. His company also rewards him for selling in house products by offering a higher commission for the sale than competitive products may have. The client becomes the least of the broker’s concern within this structure.
I switched to a fiduciary to manage my investments years ago. I am much more secure and happy with my portfolio since I made the change. I worked with brokers from different brokerages in the past, but never found one with my interests in mind. There is a simple reason for that. The rewards were structured against my financial well being and in favor of trades to create commission. Now I split the profits with my fiduciary firm, which works perfectly. I make as much money as they make. If they make nothing for me I pay them nothing. This incentive to make good decisions for both of us carries weight and works like a charm. I do discuss the strategy a few times a year to make sure we are on the same page, but my involvement is very light. We are in the same financial boat which makes me feel happy.
Brokerages are starting to lobby the public with misleading ads about this new proposed regulation. I urge you to take some time to understand the issues. Brokers pretend that fiduciary responsibility to you will somehow cut you off from good advice. What it will do is make it illegal to sell you products that are not the best investment or the best deal in terms of fees for your situation. This is a protection Americans need to stay financially stable into retirement. Caveat emptor, gentle reader.
Lydia Peabody, 9th Great-Grandmother
August 19, 2015
— 2 Comments
Peabody coat of arms
My 9th great-grandmother was born in New Hampshire and died in Massachusetts. My 9th great-grandfather died young, and Lydia remarried.
Lydia Peabody Howlett: Birth: Aug. 30, 1640 Hampton Rockingham County New Hampshire, USA Death: Apr. 30, 1715 Boxford Essex County Massachusetts, USA d/o Francis Peabody / Lydia Perkins bapt Hampton, Rockingham Co., NH A member of the church at Rowley and by a letter of dismission was admitted to the Boxford church 21 Feb 1702/03 – by her father’s will she received five pounds besides what she had already had. m [1] 1662 Essex Co., MA Thomas Howlett [Jr.] They had 2 children – Mary m Lt. Thomas Hazen, Lydia m
[2] 8 Jul 1667 Essex Co., MA Thomas Perley They had 6 known children – Thomas m Sarah Osgood; Lt. Jacob m 3X; Lydia; Hepzibah [Hephzibah] b/d 1694/1695 Boxford ; Mary; Sarah ca1675 – 1769 ref: MA Boxford VR Topsfield Historical Society Lydia died 30 Apr 1715 Boxford, Essex Co., MA – The Peabody Gen. by Selim Hobart Peabody 1909; Essex Probate Court Record; New England Marriages Prior to 1700 C.A. Torrey Family links: Parents: Lydia Perkins Peabody (1617 – 1649) Spouses: Thomas Howlett (1637 – 1667) Thomas Perley (1641 – 1709) Sibling: Lydia Peabody Perley (1640 – 1715) Isaac Peabody (1648 – 1727) Burial: Mount Vernon Cemetery Boxford Essex County Massachusetts, USA Created by: BluMoKitty Record added: Sep 04, 2013 Find A Grave Memorial# 116523513
Lydia Peabody (1640 – 1715)
is my 9th great grandmother
Mary Howlett (1664 – 1727)
daughter of Lydia Peabody
John Hazen (1687 – 1772)
son of Mary Howlett
Caleb Hazen (1720 – 1777)
son of John Hazen
Mercy Hazen (1747 – 1819)
daughter of Caleb Hazen
Martha Mead (1784 – 1860)
daughter of Mercy Hazen
Abner Morse (1808 – 1838)
son of Martha Mead
Daniel Rowland Morse (1838 – 1910)
son of Abner Morse
Jason A Morse (1862 – 1932)
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)
son of Jason A Morse
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Ernest Abner Morse
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
Goody Cole was a local “character” in Hampton who ran afoul Francis’ wife Lydia and another neighbor, Sarah Perkin. She was later apparently tried for witchcraft though she was not convicted.
Nov 4 1645: in the oldest book of records of Ipswich court, entry reads “Eunice Cole to sit in the stocks at Hampton and to make acknowledgement of her slanderous speeches concerning Susan Parkings and Lidia Pebodye and to pay to the witness Isaac perkins 7d and the feas of the court.” [Ref: PeabodySH PEABODY p8] 1645: Eunice Cole publicly acknowledges her slanderous speeches against Susan Perkins and Lydia Peabody. That these two were connected seems possible [Ref: Noyes PEABODY Francis] Mar 4 1649/50: Seating at the Meeting House, assigned Second seat on east end of the south side, as “Goody Pebody” [Ref: Noyes PEABODY Francis] Her surname appears as PERKINS in various Internet sources (most noteably the LDS Ancestral File), daughter of Isaac PERKINS who was their neighbor in Hampton, but no confirmation found
Mount Vernon Cemetery, Boxford, Essex, Massachusetts
What Are Missions on Empire Avenue?
August 18, 2015
— 2 Comments
My Empire Avenue Profile
The stock trading game Empire Avenue is a daily activity for me. I enjoy meeting people from around the world and connecting for all kinds of reasons. I have friends on the Avenue that represent many different viewpoints, ethnicities, nationalities, and philosophies. I may have met them as investments, but now I appreciate their support and camaraderie in the social networks. For me, Empire Avenue can be a clearing house for new contacts. I buy a few shares, check out the profiles and content the individual promotes, and often find friendship and mutual interests. I don’t look at the game as a platform to promote my business interests, but I support many players who do. The mission system is a great way to meet, promote, and discover new players and content.
What is a mission on Empire Avenue? It is a contract between players. An offer of EAVs (the funny money that fuels the Empire stock market) is made in return for a visit to a website, tweet, blog, or any other digital destination. By accepting the mission and the payment a player indicates an interest in the subject, but there is no requirement to endorse, retweet, like, or comment on a mission. In other words, the mission completion is an honor system. Like all systems of this kind, some take advantage by running off with the fake bucks without visiting the content. In the game we can see when other players do this. It can be a mistake, but if a player rips off missions frequently everyone becomes aware of it. It is permitted to block a player in the game if such behavior is discovered. I have not blocked any players, but I have sold my shares in a few.
If you are active in social media, have an interest in international concerns, and like to make new contacts, Empire Avenue might be fun for you. There is no fee for playing. Your imaginary wealth from the EAVs grows with daily dividends from your portfolio of players. The value of the contacts, the content, and the sharing is something that each individual must judge for themselves. The time I spend both creating and completing missions on Empire Avenue is well rewarded. If you decide to play, gentle reader, let me know and I will buy your shares and run a mission to help you get started.
Rev. Simon Bradstreet, 10th Great-Grandfather
August 15, 2015
— 1 Comment
Rev. Simon Bradstreet
My 10th great-grandfather was a well educated and rebellious Puritan vicar in England. His son Simon and daughter-in-law Ann Dudley would carry his Puritan streak all the way to America.
Simon Bradstreet was on of the first Fellows of Emanuel College, Cambridge University, England and Vicar of Horbling Lincolnshire from 1596 to 1621.
Simon Bradstreet (1580 – 1621)
is my 10th great grandfather
Governor Simon Bradstreet (1604 – 1697)
son of Simon Bradstreet
John Bradstreet (1652 – 1718)
son of Governor Simon Bradstreet
Mercy Bradstreet (1689 – 1725)
daughter of John Bradstreet
Caleb Hazen (1720 – 1777)
son of Mercy Bradstreet
Mercy Hazen (1747 – 1819)
daughter of Caleb Hazen
Martha Mead (1784 – 1860)
daughter of Mercy Hazen
Abner Morse (1808 – 1838)
son of Martha Mead
Daniel Rowland Morse (1838 – 1910)
son of Abner Morse
Jason A Morse (1862 – 1932)
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
Ernest Abner Morse (1890 – 1965)
son of Jason A Morse
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Ernest Abner Morse
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
He may have left England for Holland as the “Great Migration” moved toward America, but this information is unproven:
From “History of Newfield” page 447. He was a non-conformist minister in Lincolnshire, England, and Middelburg, Holland; married and died about 1617.
His death date is probably 1620-21, and some believe he died in England.
Mortality Mystery
August 13, 2015
— 8 Comments
Artemisia
To care for anyone at the end of life is a privilege and an honor. Not all people are in the circumstances to allow them to devote time to caring for family members. I cared for my parents when they had end of life issues. My brother lived far away and had a demanding job. He had no extra time or energy for our parents, and I did. The direct experience I gained by taking care of their health, assets, and welfare has given me insight into mortality. I was close to them as they passed into the next realm of existence. I felt the change as they slipped into that permanent state beyond life. They became a kind of distilled essence of all they thought, all they loved, and all they did. Their presence is still felt on earth, but their physical bodies have ceased to function. They are spirits.
Yesterday we said good bye to the earthly physical life of our beautiful coon hound, Artemisia. She was a wonderful, funny, friendly, loyal dog for almost 13 years. She had reached the end of her physical limits, but needed help to make her exit. She was at home for her vet-assisted end of life. Although our sorrow and loss are devastating now it was good to be with her and love her while she departed. Our home feels and sounds empty without the sweet howling welcome when we come home. This mourning will take time. To be alive without my hound today is very hard. Her spirit is teaching me to be grateful for all we shared, no regrets. She does not regret any of her time with us, and wishes us a happy life. I can feel her love as a permanent support and protection. She knows my love for her can never fade. She is unlocking mortality’s secret code for me.
She was cremated today and scattered under trees at the pet cemetery. Now she is a couple miles down the road to the east, and her grandparents are buried a couple of miles to the west of our home. She was close to her grandma, and acted as her therapy dog. I feel sure they are together now in some way. The gift in caregiving is understanding. The task of helping someone die well can be draining and frightening. There is nothing easy about it. The rewards are lasting and meaningful. I know this will come in handy when the time comes for me to die. My loyal hound will be there to guide my way.
Healthy Aging for Women, an Infographic via @UF #WomensHealth
August 11, 2015
— 1 Comment
Basics of better aging for women
Summer Sun and Skin Safety
August 10, 2015
— 3 Comments
reflection in my pool
Summer ends with monsoon season here in Tucson. The humidity builds and storms bless the desert with rain in July and August. September can go either way, but normally it is dry, and just a little cooler. I do love our hot weather and spend time chilling in the pool to stay cool. I wear protective clothing, hats and sunscreen when I am outdoors. Recently my dermatology exam revealed a couple of spots worth of further testing. I had two biopsies taken, one from my shoulder, and another from my forehead. The results have not yet returned, but the physician’s assistant was certain that I am heading for surgery soon for both of them. This is the first year I am glad to see the hours of sunlight receding.
I am freaked out by the idea of cancer growing my skin, but am very happy that I can take care of them now before they become serious. A friend from the beach in California had a similar experience recently, but her medical doctor had to be convinced to examine her spots more carefully. She had to ask for a second opinion, and then was correctly diagnosed. (scary) Dermatologists can recognize the potential problems based on their extensive experience and training. The dot that will be removed from my forehead is practically invisible. It shows itself as a tiny red blotch, no roughness. The spot on my shoulder is a little rough to the touch, but I did not suspect it was cancer. Neither of these seemed like anything to me.
You may guess where this story is going, gentle reader. Sunscreen and hats are no guarantee against damage. We do owe it to our skin to be careful with exposure and use products to guard against damage, but the best defense is regular consultation with your dermatologist. With the expertise they possess and the techniques available now your outcome is likely to be good if you stay on top of your visits and exams. I am lucky my doctor, Dr Hu, at Specialists in Dermatology is located very near my home. I have spoken to a friend who had mohs surgery from Dr Hu for a spot on her nose. She is very grateful also to have nipped it in the bud. In both of our cases the early diagnosis when few apparent signs of danger were obvious to the untrained eye has made a big difference. No matter where you live, plan to visit the dermatology office on a regular basis. The face you save may be your own.
Tucson Sun
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