It’s time for a cuppa and a catch up to chat about What’s Been On Your Calendar? during April. I love reading everyone’s post in the #WBOYC linkup and it is so lovely to have you join Debbie, Donna ,Jo and myself to share what you’ve been up to during the month.
What’s Been On My Calendar in May?
Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Fashion Fun, Reading, Blogging, in the Kitchen and some health checks was how I spent my May.
Making TIME for Birthday’s
May was a month of celebrations and traditions.
We celebrated Mike’s birthday and a belated birthday for my grandson Ethan who turned 9. Ethan’s birthday had to be postponed because his Mum & Dad had COVID but he made up for that a week later with a party with his friends. As is the usual tradition, I made a themed birthday cake and this year as Ethan has started playing soccer (thanks World Cup) it was a no-brainer. Elliot, my youngest grandson has a birthday on 29th May so I will include his birthday cake in next month’s WBOYC? I wonder what it will be?
Making TIME for a Mother’s Day tradition
For more than 10 years, my daughter Rachel and I have run in the Mother’s Day Classic which raises money for Breast Cancer Research. We run in memory of my Mum, Rachel’s Nan, who died from breast cancer in 1985. It is a lovely way to start Mother’s Day and this year my son-in-law brought my two grandsons to watch us cross the finish line.
It is a tradition we both cherish and I hope there are many more to come. I’m grateful for our mother/daughter time together. The photo below is one of the last ones I have of my Mum not long before she died.#precious
Making TIME for my health
Life can be busy and it is easy to put our health on the backburner especially those tests and screenings we really need to have. This month I had a colonoscopy and a visit to the dentist so I can tick both of these off the list.
Why a colonoscopy?
Knowing my family medical history has been important as my mother, father and both siblings have had some form of cancer. This week I had a colonoscopy which I’ve had every 5 years since I turned 40. Dad died from bowel cancer 6 months after diagnosis 42 years ago.
Although the prep might not be that pleasant it wasn’t that bad this time. My favourite part is the anaesthestic because I have the most relaxed sleep ( I wish I could take some home with me) and of course the sandwiches after as I’m usually starving!
Apart from some benign polyps which were removed, I have a clean bill of health and won’t require another colonoscopy for 5 years. This is me in recovery feeling relieved.
I’m not a fan of the dentist but I had my bi-annual check up this month.
Next on my list is a mammogram as my mother died from breast cancer 39 years ago and a pap smear.
Do you make time for those important health checks? Do you need to make an appointment but have been putting it off? Do it today!
Spending TIME In the Kitchen
My husband celebrated his birthday so I made him a special dinner and a sugar free birthday cake. That doesn’t sound too exciting but the recipe I found was delicious and both of us can now have our cake and eat it too! Recently Mike had an appointment with a new Endocrinologist who suggested that his sugar levels were too high despite daily insulin injections and medication.
I didn’t think our diet was too bad but have made some tweaks and we are both taking extra care to try to cut down on added sugar. I’ve found some delicious sugar-free dessert and snack recipes which I will be sharing as posts in the future.
On the menu for May:
Mike’s birthday dinner was Yogurt Marinated Lamb with Spicy Fennel & Sumac followed by a sugar-free chocolate cake with cream cheese icing. I recently discovered sugar free icing which tastes like the real thing. Mike, who is a chocolate cake officionardo commented how delicious it was so I will be making it regularly.
The Women Living Well After 50 Podcast Season 5
The podcast continues to grow and I am now booked with interviews until mid October! I have suspended taking more guests at the moment but will recommence in 2024. What a great feeling to know that the podcast is received well and that I’m approached on a daily basis from women who want to be guests to share how they are Living Well!
I love interviewing my guests who all bring inspiration by sharing their stories. Episodes 8, 9 & 10 of Season 5 of the WLWA50 Podcast were released during May.
You can catch the podcast through the link HERE. This link takes you to the Podcast library. You can also listen to the podcast on major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music. or watch the videos on the Women Living Well After 50 Youtube channel
Link ups I’ve participated in during the month included:
Tell Us About….. this is a link up I was introduced to by Deb from Deb’s World who is a co-host along with other bloggers from the UK and US. Each month there is a prompt and this month was ‘Gardens & Gardening’ PLUS I was also invited to be a co-host which is great.
A new bookclub with my grandson
As a way to encourage my grandson, Ethan who has just turned 9, to keep reading, I put the idea to him of starting a book club. He could select the books and we would both read them then discuss our thoughts.
First up was to select a name for the Book Club. I thought the Ethan/Nan Book Club, my youngest grandson, Elliot (5) suggested The Amazing Book Club but after discussion Ethan came up with a name and to quote him:
Our book club is called the ‘Never Stop Reading’ book club because you should never stop reading and we want to encourage people that don’t read to read more.Ethan, 9
I made time for reading again this month and you can catch up on my progress and reviews in my What’s On Your Bookshelf May edition post. I feel like I’m playing BINGO and almost have some of the lines completely filled! It also helps me to remember what books I’ve read!
This month I added a new theme ‘It’s the little things…’ a weekly (hopefully I can keep this pace up) focus on the little things that I’ve appreciated in my life during the week. It is a wonderful way to really stop and reflect on the ‘good things’ especially during the times when we are feeling that life isn’t going so well.
I also stepped into Fashion blogging which was fun and I hope to bring more of these posts occasionally to the blog.
WE ARE IN COUNTDOWN MODE FOR A 10 DAY CRUISE DEPARTING ON 7TH JUNE
Next month’s WOYC? should be fun as I will be writing about our cruise from Brisbane to Papua New Guinea. Mike travelled to Rabaul regularly for work about 50 years ago, so he is keen to revisit and see how life has changed. Some of the islands we are visiting still maintain their original village way of life which should be interesting.
Well, that’s what’s been on my calendar for May and I Iook forward hearing what you’ve been up to. I’m sharing my co-hosts’ links as well so remember to pop over and visit to see how their May progressed.
What: 2023 Monthly Wrap-Up Link Party. When: Last Thursday PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Last Friday AM (Southern Hemisphere). The link will be open for 7 days Why: A space to share highlights from your past month. Where: Link Party, Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other social media. Who: This linkup is open to everyone. How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.
The next #WBOYC will be Thursday June 29 /Friday June 30. I’m looking forward to seeing and reading What’s Been on your Calendar? during the month.
Hi, Sue – Family, Friends, Health, Fitness, Passions and Great Food – you definitely have your priorities right! You’ve had a busy month filled with the stuff that makes life so special. Enjoy your Holiday Countdown…it is coming fast!
Sue, I had a giggle about taking some of the good drugs home for a good nights sleep. Yes, sometimes it would be nice to have a helping hand when sleep is being elusive. A positive of having children is grandchildren, so I hear 🙂 I can not believe how many people are being affected by cancer, hideous disease. Hope all works out and at the end of the day we can only do so much and the rest is fate. You are certainly doing more than most to ensure you have good health as you age.
What a month…a huge one with all the passions and people in your life covered. This was so good to read Sue and your work to remind us all of the importance of medical and dental checks is exemplary. Your podcast goes from strength to strength doesn’t it? I am delighted to be part of this community for WBOYC and to have my blog link up mentioned in your post. Looking forward to seeing yours and Mike’s next adventure when June comes along. Thank you and your dear friends for this link up. Denyse
Sue, you’ve had another well-balanced month and you even managed time to tend to the most important thing – your health. I can’t wait to hear about and see some beautiful photos from your cruise. Have a wonderful journey.
Hi Suzanne, yes I’m fortunate and grateful that at the moment life is good and motoring along well. It is always a relief to get a clean bill of health. Next is my mammogram which is due in August. I’m so looking forward to the cruise and relaxing. x
Lots to love about your month Sue. I love that you’ve started a book club with your grandson. A great way to promote reading. You must be excited about your upcoming cruise. I’m sure you will have a great time. Cruising is a relaxing way to have a holiday.
I’m excited about the book club with Ethan, Jen and he is really getting into it with me which is great. We are looking forward to our cruise and the first two days are at sea so that will be a lovely relaxing start to our holiday x
Hi Sue – such a fantastic month for you with birthdays and also with the podcast going so well. You’ve certainly taken it to the next level with all your interesting and educational guests. In regard to colonoscopies and the op, a doctor friend of mine used to say that she loved having a sleep, waking up under a warm blanket and then having sandwiches – so you’re in good company!
I’m really enjoying the podcast, Leanne and the great thing is that the women are approaching me for an interview. I am booked solid until end of October now so not taking any more bookings until 2024. x
What a great summary of your month Sue and there’s no stopping you is there? You’re a fabulous blogger with many strings to your bow and the fashion posts seem to be very popular as well as your podcasts. I’m so glad you’ve joined in with Tell Us About. I love reading the WBOYC posts and seeing what everyone is getting up to. You’re using your time well – a great WOTY for you. Can’t wait to hear all about your cruise next month!
Thank you for always being my cheerleader, Deb and building up my confidence. I’m enjoying all the link ups and also my It’s the little things…. so let’s hope I can stay in that groove. xx
Sue, you certainly are fabulous example of a woman living well after 50. Your energy leaves me breathless. This month I was busy with writing about Mother’s Day and another edition of Cookbook Confidential Cookbook Reviews. I will post links at the party.
Thank you so much Bernadette for your kind and generous words. I try to lead by example and live a healthy and happy lifestyle. I look forward to reading your posts about Mother’s Day x
Looks like an amazing month! So glad you got a clean bill of health. Your cakes look and sound delicious. Starting a book club with your grandson is brilliant!
Hi Michelle, May was a lovely month with plenty of positives including my health. My grandson and I are enjoying our book club and this week I have a birthday cake to make for his little brother who turns 5 this week. Busy but fun x
Sue, a busy month for sure. I really enjoy your podcasts and will be sure to check out these latest ones. A sugar free chocolate cake.. hm maybe you should share that recipe. We all need to cut down on sugar as it and alcohol are one of the biggest factors that lead to cancer. Which unfortunately hits too many people and your family is no exception. Good on you for the run and the colonoscopy (gad I had the pre clean!). I have my mammogram booked and am now old enough not to need Pap anymore. Literally just got a dental reminder on my phone so will call for that appointment after this post! Have fun on your cruise. Bernie
Thanks so much Bernie for the feedback on the podcast. I intend to write up some of the recipes because they really taste good yet are sugar free. My husband gave up alcohol 5 years ago and I joined him to support him so we are good on that front too. My mammogram is booked for August and not sure if I need another Pap but that is due in August too. Have a lovely weekend. x
I’m always impressed by your birthday cakes, Sue. And, of course, thank you for the reminder about those important health checks. I had my annual exam and my mammogram this month. My dental exam is scheduled in June. I’m also due for a colonoscopy, so I guess I better get that on the calendar. I don’t love the thought of it, but couldn’t agree more about the deep sleep.
I love making the birthday cakes, Christie and have another one due this week for my other grandson’s 5th birthday. I was thankful to receive good results from the colonoscopy. There is always the concern of what they will find. Take care and thanks for stopping by x
Hi Sue, Looks like a joyful and productive month! You’ve accomplished a lot with the right focus. I look forward to hearing about your cruise. Thank you for hosting WBOYC and linking up with #Weekendcoffeeshare. Have a wonderful June!
Hi Natalie, I’m so happy I made #Weekendcoffeeshare and need to make more of an effort to remind myself to link up. We are so looking forward to the cruise and I can’t wait to get on the ship and relax. Enjoy your weekend. x
Oh I love your Grandson’s name for your book club together. What a great idea to help get him interested in regular reading. All your foodie photos look scrummy 😋, and i love the birthday cakes made to suit each recipient. Finding time for your health and remembering your mother with your annual run are also good reminders to the rest of us. Congratulations on the growth of your podcast. You really have had a busy May. I shall look forward to hearing how your cruise goes.
Hi Janine, I love the name too, although his little brother wanted to call it the Amazing Book Club (I think we are pretty amazing!). I took a trip down memory lane with the Birthday cakes and what I’ve made for my grandsons and have written a post for What’s On Your Plate? I’m looking forward to the cruise for some R&R. x
Well done with the Mother’s Day classic and with getting the health checks done. The choc cake looks amazing. I’m all for more fashion posts! Thanks for the link-up x
Hi Gail, I love our Mother’s Day tradition and it is another opportunity to run with my daughter. I’m not that confident with fashion posts but trying to include them occasionally. Yours always look so stylish. x
You have had an amazing, well-balanced month where your priorities reflect the values in your life, Sue.❤️ I love Ethan’s title. He is fortunate to have you in his life. You are an inspiration to everyone who has the privilege of crossing paths with you.❤️ I look forward to reading about your cruise. xx
Hi Erica, May was lovely and June promises to be good too. Ethan and I are having fun with the book club. I really enjoyed The Ice Monster. Elliot is 5 today so another birthday cake on the way from Nan. x
You have had a busy month! I love the Never Stop Reading Book Club. He’s right – we should never stop reading.
Glad the colonoscopy went well. Mine’s scheduled for early July. Yay. I got through my first one pretty easily by drinking absurd amounts of Mountain Dew on fasting day. Sugar + caffeine kept me energized and not hungry.
Hi Janet, yes another busy but enjoyable month. We are cruising in June so that will be more relaxing. I love Ethan’s book club title and am enjoying our conversations. Fingers crossed for your colonoscopy and hope all goes well xx
Love love love love love all of this, but if pressed for what I love the most it would have to be the yoghurt marinated lamb…and maybe the podcast love…but absolutely the lamb.
Enjoyed catching up with you. Ethan’s cake was darling and I am glad you found a delicious and healthier cake to use for Mike’s celebration. I would think your diet is already very healthy so surprised the new endocrinologist suggested some tweaks. We have been trying to add some things to our diet that affect prostate cancer but PC is struggling to give up cheeseburgers!! Hope your cruise is delightful, relaxing and re-energizing at the same time. Pack some good books to enjoy in the down time. I thought Oona out of order was good. Hope you and Ethan are enjoying the book you are reading together. Safe travels and bon voyage.
Sounds like a great month. I am not a fan of the dentist either. I love my dental office and the people but hate having my teeth worked on. That lamb sounds amazing. What a great idea for a book club and his thoughts are amazing. What did you think of The measure? Your cruise also sounds awesome.
It was indeed a lovely month, Kirstin and like you I’m not a fan of the dentist but surprisingly it was a painless experience this time. I enjoyed The Measure it really made me think. I’m in countdown mode to the cruise now. x
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Hi, Sue – Family, Friends, Health, Fitness, Passions and Great Food – you definitely have your priorities right! You’ve had a busy month filled with the stuff that makes life so special. Enjoy your Holiday Countdown…it is coming fast!
It was a lovely May, Donna and yes I’m now ready for that cruise – after I’ve made Elliot’s birthday cake! xx
Sue, I had a giggle about taking some of the good drugs home for a good nights sleep. Yes, sometimes it would be nice to have a helping hand when sleep is being elusive. A positive of having children is grandchildren, so I hear 🙂 I can not believe how many people are being affected by cancer, hideous disease. Hope all works out and at the end of the day we can only do so much and the rest is fate. You are certainly doing more than most to ensure you have good health as you age.
Hi Suzanne, I would dearly love those ‘good drugs’ but alas they don’t let me take them home! The staff just laughed too! x
What a month…a huge one with all the passions and people in your life covered. This was so good to read Sue and your work to remind us all of the importance of medical and dental checks is exemplary. Your podcast goes from strength to strength doesn’t it? I am delighted to be part of this community for WBOYC and to have my blog link up mentioned in your post. Looking forward to seeing yours and Mike’s next adventure when June comes along. Thank you and your dear friends for this link up. Denyse
Hi Denyse, May was wonderful and June is shaping up well too. I have lots to be grateful for. xx
Sue, you’ve had another well-balanced month and you even managed time to tend to the most important thing – your health. I can’t wait to hear about and see some beautiful photos from your cruise. Have a wonderful journey.
Hi Suzanne, yes I’m fortunate and grateful that at the moment life is good and motoring along well. It is always a relief to get a clean bill of health. Next is my mammogram which is due in August. I’m so looking forward to the cruise and relaxing. x
You look like you’ve had a wonderful May. I’m jealous!! #WBOYC
Hi Lydia, it was a great month and June we are running away for a couple of weeks which will be lovely x
Lots to love about your month Sue. I love that you’ve started a book club with your grandson. A great way to promote reading. You must be excited about your upcoming cruise. I’m sure you will have a great time. Cruising is a relaxing way to have a holiday.
I’m excited about the book club with Ethan, Jen and he is really getting into it with me which is great. We are looking forward to our cruise and the first two days are at sea so that will be a lovely relaxing start to our holiday x
Great cookery, Sue – and I love that great birthday cake
Thank you Toni, I enjoy cooking and I have a 5th birthday cake to make for Elliot this coming week. x
Hi Sue – such a fantastic month for you with birthdays and also with the podcast going so well. You’ve certainly taken it to the next level with all your interesting and educational guests. In regard to colonoscopies and the op, a doctor friend of mine used to say that she loved having a sleep, waking up under a warm blanket and then having sandwiches – so you’re in good company!
I’m really enjoying the podcast, Leanne and the great thing is that the women are approaching me for an interview. I am booked solid until end of October now so not taking any more bookings until 2024. x
What a great summary of your month Sue and there’s no stopping you is there? You’re a fabulous blogger with many strings to your bow and the fashion posts seem to be very popular as well as your podcasts. I’m so glad you’ve joined in with Tell Us About. I love reading the WBOYC posts and seeing what everyone is getting up to. You’re using your time well – a great WOTY for you. Can’t wait to hear all about your cruise next month!
Thank you for always being my cheerleader, Deb and building up my confidence. I’m enjoying all the link ups and also my It’s the little things…. so let’s hope I can stay in that groove. xx
I just love that you and your daughter run together each mother’s day for such a worthy cause!
Hi Joanne, it is one tradition that we really try to keep each year. Now that I live closer we run regularly together which is lovely x
Sue, you certainly are fabulous example of a woman living well after 50. Your energy leaves me breathless. This month I was busy with writing about Mother’s Day and another edition of Cookbook Confidential Cookbook Reviews. I will post links at the party.
Thank you so much Bernadette for your kind and generous words. I try to lead by example and live a healthy and happy lifestyle. I look forward to reading your posts about Mother’s Day x
Looks like an amazing month! So glad you got a clean bill of health. Your cakes look and sound delicious. Starting a book club with your grandson is brilliant!
Michelle
Hi Michelle, May was a lovely month with plenty of positives including my health. My grandson and I are enjoying our book club and this week I have a birthday cake to make for his little brother who turns 5 this week. Busy but fun x
Sue, a busy month for sure. I really enjoy your podcasts and will be sure to check out these latest ones. A sugar free chocolate cake.. hm maybe you should share that recipe. We all need to cut down on sugar as it and alcohol are one of the biggest factors that lead to cancer. Which unfortunately hits too many people and your family is no exception. Good on you for the run and the colonoscopy (gad I had the pre clean!). I have my mammogram booked and am now old enough not to need Pap anymore. Literally just got a dental reminder on my phone so will call for that appointment after this post! Have fun on your cruise. Bernie
Thanks so much Bernie for the feedback on the podcast. I intend to write up some of the recipes because they really taste good yet are sugar free. My husband gave up alcohol 5 years ago and I joined him to support him so we are good on that front too. My mammogram is booked for August and not sure if I need another Pap but that is due in August too. Have a lovely weekend. x
I’m always impressed by your birthday cakes, Sue. And, of course, thank you for the reminder about those important health checks. I had my annual exam and my mammogram this month. My dental exam is scheduled in June. I’m also due for a colonoscopy, so I guess I better get that on the calendar. I don’t love the thought of it, but couldn’t agree more about the deep sleep.
I love making the birthday cakes, Christie and have another one due this week for my other grandson’s 5th birthday. I was thankful to receive good results from the colonoscopy. There is always the concern of what they will find. Take care and thanks for stopping by x
A busy month and a cruise to look forward to. I know a few people who’ve done that cruise and they all come back rested.
I can’t wait for the cruise Deb. We have done many cruises and I do find them relaxing as well as having the opportunity to visit new places. x
Hi Sue, Looks like a joyful and productive month! You’ve accomplished a lot with the right focus. I look forward to hearing about your cruise. Thank you for hosting WBOYC and linking up with #Weekendcoffeeshare. Have a wonderful June!
Hi Natalie, I’m so happy I made #Weekendcoffeeshare and need to make more of an effort to remind myself to link up. We are so looking forward to the cruise and I can’t wait to get on the ship and relax. Enjoy your weekend. x
Oh I love your Grandson’s name for your book club together. What a great idea to help get him interested in regular reading. All your foodie photos look scrummy 😋, and i love the birthday cakes made to suit each recipient. Finding time for your health and remembering your mother with your annual run are also good reminders to the rest of us. Congratulations on the growth of your podcast. You really have had a busy May. I shall look forward to hearing how your cruise goes.
Hi Janine, I love the name too, although his little brother wanted to call it the Amazing Book Club (I think we are pretty amazing!). I took a trip down memory lane with the Birthday cakes and what I’ve made for my grandsons and have written a post for What’s On Your Plate? I’m looking forward to the cruise for some R&R. x
Well done with the Mother’s Day classic and with getting the health checks done. The choc cake looks amazing. I’m all for more fashion posts! Thanks for the link-up x
Hi Gail, I love our Mother’s Day tradition and it is another opportunity to run with my daughter. I’m not that confident with fashion posts but trying to include them occasionally. Yours always look so stylish. x
You have had an amazing, well-balanced month where your priorities reflect the values in your life, Sue.❤️ I love Ethan’s title. He is fortunate to have you in his life. You are an inspiration to everyone who has the privilege of crossing paths with you.❤️ I look forward to reading about your cruise. xx
Hi Erica, May was lovely and June promises to be good too. Ethan and I are having fun with the book club. I really enjoyed The Ice Monster. Elliot is 5 today so another birthday cake on the way from Nan. x
You have had a busy month! I love the Never Stop Reading Book Club. He’s right – we should never stop reading.
Glad the colonoscopy went well. Mine’s scheduled for early July. Yay. I got through my first one pretty easily by drinking absurd amounts of Mountain Dew on fasting day. Sugar + caffeine kept me energized and not hungry.
Hi Janet, yes another busy but enjoyable month. We are cruising in June so that will be more relaxing. I love Ethan’s book club title and am enjoying our conversations. Fingers crossed for your colonoscopy and hope all goes well xx
Love love love love love all of this, but if pressed for what I love the most it would have to be the yoghurt marinated lamb…and maybe the podcast love…but absolutely the lamb.
Oh thank you lovely! The lamb was exquisite and so easy to make. I might try it slow cooked next time. x
Enjoyed catching up with you. Ethan’s cake was darling and I am glad you found a delicious and healthier cake to use for Mike’s celebration. I would think your diet is already very healthy so surprised the new endocrinologist suggested some tweaks. We have been trying to add some things to our diet that affect prostate cancer but PC is struggling to give up cheeseburgers!!
Hope your cruise is delightful, relaxing and re-energizing at the same time. Pack some good books to enjoy in the down time. I thought Oona out of order was good. Hope you and Ethan are enjoying the book you are reading together.
Safe travels and bon voyage.
Sounds like a great month. I am not a fan of the dentist either. I love my dental office and the people but hate having my teeth worked on. That lamb sounds amazing. What a great idea for a book club and his thoughts are amazing. What did you think of The measure? Your cruise also sounds awesome.
It was indeed a lovely month, Kirstin and like you I’m not a fan of the dentist but surprisingly it was a painless experience this time. I enjoyed The Measure it really made me think. I’m in countdown mode to the cruise now. x