Surfing the Net: Who Knew??

And my husband just thinks web-surfing is a complete waste of time! Not so says the following article...that I will keep forEVER just to prove a point!!

He really needs to keep up with technology...

MONDAY, Oct. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Surfing the Internet just might be a way to preserve your mental skills as you age.

Researchers found that older adults who started browsing the Web experienced improved brain function after only a few days.

"You can teach an old brain new technology tricks," said Dr. Gary Small, a psychiatry professor at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the author of iBrain. With people who had little Internet experience, "we found that after just a week of practice, there was a much greater extent of activity particularly in the areas of the brain that make decisions, the thinking brain -- which makes sense because, when you're searching online, you're making a lot of decisions," he said. "It's interactive."

Small is co-author of the research, which was scheduled to be presented Monday in Chicago at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting.

"This makes intuitive sense, that getting on the Internet and exploring and getting new information and learning would help," said Paul Sanberg, director of the University of South Florida Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair in Tampa. "It supports the value of exploring the Internet for the elderly."

Most experts now advocate a "use-it-or-lose-it" approach to mental functioning.

"We found a number of years ago that people who engaged in cognitive activities had better functioning and perspective than those who did not," said Dr. Richard Lipton, a professor of neurology and epidemiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and director of the Einstein Aging Study. "Our study is often referenced as the crossword-puzzle study -- that doing puzzles, writing for pleasure, playing chess and engaging in a broader array of cognitive activities seem to protect against age-related decline in cognitive function and also dementia."

The new study takes the use-it-or-lose-it concept into the 21st century.

For the research, 24 neurologically normal adults, aged 55 to 78, were asked to surf the Internet while hooked up to an MRI machine. Before the study began, half the participants had used the Internet daily, and the other half had little experience with it.

After an initial MRI scan, the participants were instructed to do Internet searches for an hour on each of seven days in the next two weeks. They then returned to the clinic for more brain scans.

"At baseline, those with prior Internet experience showed a much greater extent of brain activation," Small said.

After at-home practice, however, those who had just been introduced to the Internet were catching up to those who were old hands, the study found.

"This is a demonstration that, over a relatively short period of time, patterns of brain activation while engaging in cognitive activities change," Lipton said. "That is at least a first step toward gaining insight into the mechanisms that might allow cognitive engagement to influence brain function."

But, Small said, beware how you use the Internet.

"You can exercise your mind by using the Internet, but it depends on how it's used," he explained. "If you get hooked on gambling or eBay shopping, that may not be positive."
copyrights to:
By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter by Amanda Gardner

Under the Weather

Several of you have asked....my husband is doing much better. Day by day he is improving and feeling a little bit more like himself. He still has bouts of dizziness, but certainly nothing like it was.

I spent the day having xrays done of my neck and shoulder and arm. I have pinched nerves in my neck. Ugh. This is painful.

I would not wish this on my worst enemy. Don't even know how it happened, but hoping that physical therapy will help.

My computer time is limited due to pain at the moment.

Missin' Vegas...

When I met my husband I was in my early thirties and we did ALOT of travelling...and I mean ALOT!! Since I had never done much prior to meeting him, it was a whole new world for me! One of our trips was to Las Vegas. It was one of the highlights of my life! I felt like I had been living under some sort of rock for my entire lifetime.

Vegas is very hard to describe! It's like "excitement in a can" or something!! If you have never been....GO!!! There is so much to see and do!! We didn't even get a car...we spent every waking moment just looking and laughing and pointing and EXPERIENCING everything!! Of course, it was much more exciting to me than it was to my husband.

Well....my daughter, now 23, is visiting Vegas for HER very first time and so.....I get to experience it again in a way...through all of her excited phone calls and texts! She loves it just as much as I did!!!

Isn't it wonderful to have such terrific memories of a particular place??

Northern Florida...

Lessons in....Grocery Shopping!

As y'all know, my husband has recently retired and I am in the process of instructing him in the finer things of life...like for instance...how to go about having a "Grocery Shopping EXPERIENCE". Betcha never heard of that?? Well, neither had he. If you read about our mall trip, this is kind of the same thing! I was going about doing my thing and he was just along for the ride....he was supposed to be absorbing this new zenlike experience.

We get to the store and he drops me off at the door and goes and parks the car. I had already picked out the cute little cart! They really ARE cute! He doesn't see it that way.

Then, I cruise over to the coffee bar....which in our particular store, is similar to a Starbucks. I order my special coffee. He rolls his eyes, but orders himself a hot chocolate anyway.

Next up, I take off my heavy winter jacket and gloves as it is below zero outside and I certainly do not need these heavy clothes to disturb my Shopping Experience.

Oops...forgot to mention that I had to request one of those little cupholders for my shopping cart to put the coffee in so it doesn't spill all over while we are enjoying our experience :))

Next, we're off with our list. First stop...the deli. I order a couple of things and while they are slicing the meats, I peruse the flower shop for a quick sec!! OK, back to pick up the deli stuff and we are off to the meat / seafood department...pick out a few things there and then I'm off to the organic department. Needless to say...my husband is lagging behind and seemingly NOT enjoying this whole thing. I try to engage him in conversation, but he's not particularly interested. So, I pick out my Rice Chips and Vitamin Water and head on over to find my favorite Chai. This leads me over to the stationery department. Well. Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot just walk through this department. I have to actually take time to examine the new cards / wrap / ribbons etc.....

Ben's not havin' too much fun at this point. Ok, we are on to the Magazine Aisle! Oh, how I love to check out the latest and greatest!! And they have one HUGE selection of all of the best magazines and books!! So, I'm savoring my coffee as I'm browsing, but only manage to put one in the cart, and figure I better get moving or I have totally lost him!!

The rest of the trip was very similar. I was savoring every single minute. He was looking rather bored and fidgety!

I think he will send me by myself next time.

And you know what??

I'd rather shop alone.

So much for him learning about The Shopping Experience!

Wait til I try to teach him about my Napping Experience...

Give me some credit here people. I have managed to make it ALMOST TWO WHOLE MONTHS!! And we are still speaking.

My Take on the Visit to the Mall...

My husband, who all of you know, has just recently retired, decided that we needed to spend some time at the mall today to pick up a particular present for a particular person's birthday. Now, HIS idea and MY idea of going shopping at the mall are two totally different ideas. He goes directly to the mall entrance closest to the EXACT store that he will be shopping in....drops me off and goes to park the car. He drops me off when it is minus ten degrees outside and I can't freakin' breathe!! He parks the car and comes directly into the mall. We go DIRECTLY to the one store that he has chosen to purchase his ONE item at. We purchase the one item. Now, he wants me to just pay for the one item and walk directly back to the exit and go home.

I, on the other hand, decide that IF he wants my opinion at the particular store that he has chosen we go to, then we have to play by my rules. Well....a little bit anyway. They are having a sale! If you think that I'm going to set foot outside the store without shopping this sale....you got another thing comin' buddy!! So, I have to pick up a "few" things. I mean...c'mon....they WERE on SALE!! OK, so I cut my browsing time down to about ten minutes. I think in total, I purchased about eight items. VERY good sale....I might add!!

Now, this particular store that we found the sale in just happens to be located directly across from the Coach store. I heart Coach. So, I just HAVE to peruse the store quickly....well, relatively speaking.

By this time, I am thirsty....so we have to go and sit down and have a drink! No food court for me....no way. I prefer the ENTIRE mall experience. Oh, and on the way to the restaurant....we just had to browse the bargain DVD bin....and I got a great deal on a movie!

I simply do not understand kids' today. They have absolutely NO idea what Customer Service actually is. Don't EVEN get me started on that one.

Now, if every day could be like today.....retirement might not be that bad! I think I can handle my husband's new "profession".

Something tells me. It is just wishful thinking.

Got any brilliant ideas for us....for another field trip??

My Life Will Never Be The Same Again...

Can I just say that I am losing my sanity? Slowly, but surely, this day has been creeping up on me.

It is now official.

My husband is retiring.

I have been home for ten years now...me and my dogs.

And now....

My Life Will Never Be The Same Again.

I need assistance. Prayers. Karma. Energy. Whatever you believe in. Send it to me please.

I am Losing My Sanity.

Any Advice?

Beyond Excited!!

My husband came in the door with a couple of wrapped presents and said we were celebrating my birthday early. I'm like, what??????? That never happens. Ever. Never one to turn down a gift, I graciously opened the two nicely wrapped packages....one a very cool pink laptop sleeve, the other a cute little pink mouse! I loved them both and proceeded to check out the sleeve to ensure that my Dell fit in the sleeve...no problem...it did fit. And the mouse worked great! No new drivers to install - just plug in and instant install! The best kind. Love it! But then he decided we needed to go out to the RV to level it up and get the fridge working. I'm thinking.....now why would we need to do this on Friday if we are not using it til Tuesday???? Oh well....so off we go to get it set to go. We walk in, open the fridge, flick on the switches, and as I am turning around, I SEE IT.......out of the corner of my eye....sitting smack in the middle of the table.....and I screamed! OMG!!! A super cute BRAND NEW PINK Dell Laptop!!! Oh, I am over the moon excited!!! I have been having nothing but problems with my old one. To say that I am thrilled is an understatement.....I haven't been so excited about anything in a long time. I am just thrilled!!! My husband says....you only turn fifty once. I'll take it....I LOVE this thing and am spending as much time as possible right now trying to set it up and get all my stuff working on it.....and figuring out Vista! This is the BEST birthday present!!! WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!

Keen Anyone?

I looked and looked for a good pair of water shoes / diving boots for my husband for Father's Day. Did alot of research...one of my most favorite things to do

These are the ones I decided on:


I liked them SO much that I got a pink pair for me...what do you think???


Yeah...I know....I don't have the tan or the legs that I once had. My husband is ALWAYS telling me that I don't wear the cute little things anymore. Well....I'm moving HIM up to this century.

These things are super duper comfortable and he does like them better than my Crocs!

The Saga Continues...

OK...as promised....here are the rest of the pics of Valentine's Day 2008. We did not go out to eat this year. I actually cooked! Surf & Turf no less. Actually, it was pretty easy. And, we didn't have to go out and brave the icy roads!! Sometimes during the winter, it is nice to stay inside in our warm homes. The moral of the story is....I guess he came through...even after 15 years of marriage!! Because of our ages, so many people said we'd never make it. We proved them wrong.

****Just a couple things....the captions are not visible unless you click on "view all images" and YES, I KNOW that Chloe is WAY overdue for a grooming. She's very hairy...and scheduled in this week. Her groomer just sold her business and I had to find a new place to take her.
Enjoy!!

Seen that Cat Ad??

You know the one....where the cat is inside your blog and reading your THOTZ???? I am convinced that my husband really IS inside my thoughts. Or he's psychic. One of the two. If you read yesterday's post, then I'm sure you will be thrilled to see THIS!!

I have lots more pics of the day which I will post later when I get them all uploaded...it was a terrific Valentine's Day....WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAYYYYY beyond my expectations!!! And uh....we're trying out a new Hot Stone Massage kit....so I must sign off....

Just Not Right

I feel a need to rant. I have not mentioned on the blog that my SIL has colon cancer. She has known for a couple of months now and she went in for surgery on the day after Christmas. It seemed like things were going r e a l l y slow in terms of her recovery. Yes, she is 58 years old and yes she is diabetic. But, it seems that she should have been healing faster. The surgery that she had on the 16th was supposed to just remove the rest of the tumor and the doc felt he had gotten it all. There would be no need to have further surgery. Each day I called her and she sounded ... weak. Just weak and tired. OK. She just had surgery and that type of surgery is pretty invasive, but she just seemed so very tired to me. By the way, she lives in a different state than I do, so all of my news is coming via the telephone. Last night at about eight, my phone rang and it was her! I was so excited to hear her voice...she was actually calling me HERSELF!! I thought, WOW!! She sounded SOOOOOO much better and she told me she was coming home today!! WOO HOO! Happy Dance Baby!! I said GREAT NEWS....I'll talk to you tomorrow after you are settled back at home. Then today. My husband gets a call at work. They are taking her back in for surgery today. Apparently she has an infection and something is leaking. Not good. At all. She was beside herself. She didn't want any phone calls. She was miserable. Depressed. I feel so very bad for her. My heart is breaking for her. So, this afternoon, I spoke with her son and he told me they were prepping her for surgery. It shouldn't be a big deal. They'll just go in there and fix it. She should be in and out in about an hour and a half.

So. We go out and grab a sandwich when my husband gets home from work. We come home and are puttering around waiting for the phone to ring. OK. We're pretending that we're NOT waiting for the phone to ring. But we are. We watch some engaging Forensic Files show for awhile. Then we wait some more. We're not talking about it. My husband gives up and calls his younger sister. No answer. ARGH. FINALLY his brother calls about a half hour later...she's still in surgery. She's been in surgery for three hours already. No one knows anything. We go back to puttering. My husband has an early meeting tomorrow so he tries to go to sleep. That's not happening.

Finally. Eleven thirty. The phone rings. She is being kept in Intensive Care for the night. The surgery was "a little more extensive" than they had originally thought. But, the colostomy bag is in place. We were originally told she'd have it for about three months, then they'd remove it. Now, I don't know. So we wait til tomorrow and see if we can find out anything else.

My heart goes out to this woman. She has a heart as big as ALL outdoors. She holds the family together! No one feels right tonight. Nothing feels right tonight. I pray tomorrow will be better.

Guilty Pleasures

My husband and I were watching the evening news last night and they came on with each of the Democratic candidates, asking each one what their Guilty Pleasures are....

We got the usual answers: Chocolate, Wine, Cigars, More Chocolate, Ice Cream, More Cigars....Imported Cigars....Dark Chocolate.

He says...your Guilty Pleasure is blogging. Yeah, ok, I'll go along with that as I love to read blogs! Now him...he has NONE.

Can you imagine....NO GUILTY PLEASURE!! No Hobbies. Nada. Not A Thing.

And this man says he's retiring as of December.

Oh, ok.

Good Lord. Heaven Help ME!