The Thursday Loop: When Time Echoes with Love

I walked into my dad’s house years ago, just a regular visit on a regular afternoon. Before I could even get my coat off, he looked at me and said, "You know, every time I turn around, it's Thursday."

At the time, we probably just laughed it off. But isn't it funny how those little "in-passing" comments become the soundtrack of our lives? Now, every time Thursday rolls around, I hear his voice. It’s a gentle tap on the shoulder from the past, reminding me that while time moves fast—maybe a little too fast these days—the people we love never truly leave us. They stay tucked away in the calendar pages.

As we get older, "every time we turn around," another week has zipped by. But those echoes of wisdom (or just funny observations) from our parents and loved ones are what keep us anchored. They are the little "temporal landmarks" that make a random weekday feel like a shared moment.

Now, I want to hear from you, ladies!

• Is there a specific day of the week you identify with? Maybe a "Monday Mood" or a "Saturday Spirit" that follows you around?

• Has someone you loved ever said something in passing that constantly pops up in your head? Share your stories in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the quirks and memories that make our weeks meaningful!

 

Marge Farrington                          OWRO

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The Gift of Peace: Ensuring Your Pet is Always Cared For

 For many of us, our pets aren't just animals—they are our roommates, our confidants, and sometimes our best reason to get out of bed in the morning. But as we navigate the "Rock On" years, new challenges can pop up. Whether it’s a tight budget, a sudden hospital stay, or just a change in our physical mobility, the worry of "What happens to my pet?" can be heavy.

The good news? You don't have to carry that weight alone. Here is a step-by-step guide to finding support and creating a "Circle of Care" for your furry family.

1. Financial and Physical Helping Hands

If the cost of food or the physical task of walking the dog is becoming a hurdle, these national programs are here to bridge the gap:

• AniMeals (Meals on Wheels): Many local chapters deliver pet food right along with human meals. If you or someone you know uses Meals on Wheels, ask about their pet program!

• Pet Food Pantries: Search for "Pet Food Bank" in your city. Organizations like Feeding Pets of the Homeless maintain a national map of places where you can get free supplies. 
  Pet Rescues may have pet food and supplies. Check on social media pages for local rescues or call them. 

• Nextdoor and "The Power of Asking": Don’t underestimate your neighbors. A simple post on the Nextdoor app saying, "I’d love some help walking my dog twice a week," often connects you with local students or neighbors who are looking for a reason to get outside.

2. The "Forever Foster" Solution

Have you ever heard of "Seniors for Seniors"? Many shelters have programs where they match older pets with older humans.

• The Benefit: The rescue often remains the legal owner and covers all expenses—vet bills, meds, and food.

• The Security: If you ever reach a point where you can no longer care for the pet, the rescue takes them back immediately. It is all the love with none of the financial or "what-if" stress.

3. Planning for the "In-Between" (Hospital Stays)

If you have to go into the hospital for a few days or a few weeks, you shouldn't have to worry about your pet sitting home alone.

• PACT for Animals: This incredible national organization finds temporary foster homes for the pets of people experiencing a medical crisis. They handle the vetting and logistics so you can focus on your recovery.

• The "Emergency Red Folder": Keep a bright red folder on your kitchen counter. Inside, include your pet’s vet records, a 2-week supply of meds, and instructions on their daily routine.

4. Your "Circle of Care" Action Plan

An emergency kit is great, but a Plan of Action is your pet's insurance policy. Try to build a three-tier defense:

1. The Immediate Responder: A local neighbor with a key who can check in within an hour.

2. The Temporary Guardian: A friend or family member who can take the pet for a month if needed.

3. The Permanent Successor: A person or organization (like 2nd Chance 4 Pets) named in your paperwork to care for the pet long-term.

Pro Tip: Look into a "Pet Trust" or a "Pet Protection Agreement." These are simple legal ways to ensure money is set aside for your pet’s care and that your wishes are followed.

5. A Gift of Peace for You

We plan for our houses, our cars, and our health—planning for our pets is just as vital. By setting up these "safety nets" now, you aren't just helping your pet; you are giving yourself the peace of mind to truly enjoy every snuggle and tail wag.

Important Resources to Save:

• 2ndchance4pets.org (Lifetime care planning)

• pactforanimals.org (Temporary foster for hospital stays)

• redrover.org (Financial grants for vet crises)

Marge Farrington                      OWRO

Your No-Stress Spring Wardrobe Edit!

Hey, fabulous ladies! Ready to tackle a subject that, let's be honest, can feel like a mountain: our closets.

We’ve all been there, staring at a packed wardrobe, muttering, "I have nothing to wear!" It's a universal truth that we accumulate too many clothes. And let’s be real, a lot of those clothes are for a "fantasy us"—the us who still fits into those designer jeans from 2005, or the us who attends black-tie galas every weekend.

Well, this spring, we're ditching the fantasy and embracing the real, magnificent us! Forget rigid "capsule wardrobes" (unless that's your jam, of course!). We're going for something better: Intentional Editing. It's about making space, finding joy in what we keep, and dressing for the life we actually lead, not the one we think we should lead.

Ready to clear the clutter and rock your everyday style? Let’s do this!

Step 1: The "Reverse Hanger" Trick – Your Secret Weapon!

This is pure genius, no overthinking required.

1. Flip 'Em: Go into your closet and turn all your clothes hangers backward. The hook should face you.

2. Wear & Flip: Every time you wear an item, put it back on its hanger, but turn the hanger the right way (hook facing the back of the closet).

3. The Reveal (in 3 months): After about three months, glance at your closet. Any clothes still hanging on backward hangers haven't been worn. Period. These are prime candidates for your "Gift to Someone Else" box. It's hard data, ladies—no guilt, just facts!

Step 2: Embrace Your "Go-To" Outfits 

We all have those few outfits that make us feel amazing, comfortable, and confident. Your personal style!

• Identify Your Power Combos: Think about what you reach for most often. Is it your favorite jeans with that perfect flowy tunic and a denim jacket? Or maybe elegant black trousers with a colorful knit and a statement necklace?

• The Photo Hack: When you put on an outfit that makes you think, "Yes! I feel great in this!"—snap a quick selfie in the mirror. Create a special album on your phone called "My Go-To Looks." The next time you're staring blankly at your closet, just scroll through your album and replicate one of your proven winners. No decision fatigue, just instant style!

Step 3: The "Gift to Someone Else" Box

This is where the magic happens and where we make room for joy. As you go through your clothes (especially those backward-hanger items!), ask yourself:

• Does it fit me comfortably today? (Be honest, darling!)

• Does it make me feel confident and happy when I wear it?

• Does it suit my current lifestyle? (That sequin cocktail dress might be gorgeous, but if you haven't worn it in five years, it's taking up prime real estate.)

For anything that doesn't get a resounding "YES!" to these questions, it's time for it to find a new home.

• Quality Check: For items that are still in great condition but just aren't "you" anymore, place them gently into a designated "Gift to Someone Else" box.

• Give with Joy: Think of it not as "getting rid of" but as "releasing these items to their next life." Imagine someone else finding that perfect blouse or those hardly-worn trousers and feeling wonderful in them. Local charities, women's shelters, or even a "clothing swap" with friends are fantastic options.

Step 4: Curate for You 

Now that you’ve cleared some space, you’ll start to see the pieces you truly love and wear. These are your "Performance Pieces":

• The Anchors: A few pairs of great-fitting pants or jeans in versatile colors (black, navy, denim) that you can build endless outfits around.

• The Canvases: Comfortable, high-quality tops in colors and styles that flatter you. Think plain tees, elegant blouses, and cozy knits.

• The Personality: These are the fun bits! Your fabulous scarves, statement jewelry, a chic jacket, or those unique shoes that express your individual style. These are what make your outfits uniquely yours.

Embrace Your OWRO Style!

Just like our beloved characters, we all have a unique flair. Which "Older Woman Rock On" vibe resonates with you most right now?

• Daring, bold, and never afraid to sparkle! Keep the vibrant colors, the eye-catching accessories, and anything that makes you feel glamorous.

• Relaxed, natural, and effortlessly chic. Focus on soft fabrics, flowy silhouettes, and earthy tones that feel good and move with you.

• Modern, sleek, and sharp. Embrace clean lines, classic pieces with a twist, and maybe a touch of understated edge.

Ready to Rock Your Closet?

This spring, let's celebrate our personal style by making our closets work for us, not against us. Fewer clothes mean less stress and more confidence in knowing that everything you own makes you feel fantastic.

What's your favorite tip for decluttering your wardrobe? Share your wisdom in the comments below!

Stay fabulous!

Marge Farrington            OWRO

 

You Are the Ripple: Finding Meaning When You Feel Invisible

There is a quiet, heavy feeling that many of us face as the years pass—a sense of becoming invisible. We walk through the grocery store, navigate our neighborhoods, or scroll through our phones and feel a nagging doubt: Does my presence still matter? Will I be remembered?

These feelings are real. They are valid. We shouldn't suppress them; we should acknowledge them. But we must also refuse to let them be the final word on our value.

The Invisible Ripple

Think back to your 5th-grade teacher. For me, it was his first year teaching. He likely had no idea that his excitement for science and the joy he brought to the classroom would stay with a student decades later. He created a ripple that is still moving today.

Now, turn that lens on yourself. You have created thousands of ripples:

• The strength you showed colleagues during a difficult project.

• The kind word you offered a stranger who looked overwhelmed.

• The simple gesture of holding a door or sharing a genuine smile.

• The friends you’ve lost touch with who still carry a piece of your wisdom or a memory of your laughter.

You have touched lives in ways you will never fully know. Your value is not a tally of how many people call you today; it is the permanent mark you have left on the fabric of the world.

Reaching Out: The Two-Way Street

Sometimes we feel forgotten because others are caught in their own storms. Younger generations are often running at a breakneck pace, and peers may be struggling with their own feelings of isolation.

1. Reach out first: Before assuming they don't care, send a text or make a call.

2. Release the outcome: If you reach out and the door remains closed, it’s okay to find a new road. Your energy is precious.

3. Check the "Why": If you aren't getting out because of logistics—transportation, budget, or health—it is time to lean on the community you’ve helped build.

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Resources: Finding Your New Road

If you feel stuck at home, there are hands reaching back out to you. You just have to know where to look:

• Mobility & Transport: Many counties offer "Dial-a-Ride" or senior paratransit services that provide free or low-cost transportation for grocery trips and social appointments.

• The Hub of Connection: Your local Senior Center is often the heartbeat of the community. They offer everything from technology classes (to help you stay connected online) to fitness and crafting circles.

• Intergenerational Programs: Look for "Foster Grandparent" programs or local library reading hours. Younger generations need your stories and your "ripple."

• Virtual Villages: Organizations like Village to Village Network help older adults age in place by connecting them with local volunteers for errands and social visits.

• Daily Inspiration: For local news and stories that keep you connected to the community right here in Western North Carolina, be sure to check wnctimes.

Final Thought

Don't let the silence of a phone define the volume of your life. You have been a teacher, a friend, a pillar of strength, and a source of kindness. Those ripples don't stop just because the water looks still.

Rock on, ladies. You are seen, and you are significant.

Let's Talk about what works for you? We all go through these times. What actions have you taken? Let us know in the comments.

This blog is not just for me to talk, I am looking for conversation! 

Marge Farrington         OWRO

 

Finding Solace in the Stillness

 It happens to the best of us—that sudden, uninvited heaviness that settles in like an afternoon fog. There isn’t always a "why." You didn’t lose your keys, the car isn't making a weird noise, and the world is spinning exactly as it should, yet there you are, feeling a bit hollowed out.

When you’re an "older woman who rocks," society expects you to have it all figured out. We’re supposed to be the anchors, the wisdom-sharers, the ones with the sturdy shoulders. But sometimes, those shoulders just want to slump.

Erma Bombeck understood that. She spent decades making us laugh at the absurdity of life, but she was a master at acknowledging the quiet, lonely corners of it, too. She once said:

"I’ve always worried about people who can’t laugh at themselves. It’s like being born without a funny bone. You’re always vulnerable."

When that untriggered sadness hits, maybe the "funny bone" is just tired. It’s okay to let it rest. Erma’s humor worked because it was rooted in the absolute truth that life is messy, and aging doesn’t necessarily make the mess any easier to sweep up—it just gives you a more interesting broom.

The Truth About the "No-Reason" Sadness

There is a specific kind of bravery in admitting you're sad when you have "no reason" to be. We tend to audit our lives: I have my health, I have my family, I have my work—I shouldn't feel this way. But Erma would likely tell you that "should" is a useless word. She lived through real scares—cancer, kidney failure, the loss of friends—and she knew that humor wasn't a way to hide from the sadness, but a way to survive it. She reminded us that:

• You don’t have to be "on" all the time. If the lead singer of the band needs a solo in a minor key, let her sing it.

• The sadness isn't a failure. It’s just the price of having a heart that’s been open for several decades. It gets a little weathered.

• A little bit of absurdity helps. Erma used to joke about her house being so dirty she wrote "Drip Dry" on the bathtub. When the weight feels heavy, finding one tiny, ridiculous thing to acknowledge can be the first crack of light.

Moving Through the Fog

If you’re feeling it today, don't rush to fix it with a "gratitude list" or a forced smile. Just sit with it. Treat it like a guest who didn't RSVP—you don't have to throw a party for it, but you can acknowledge it's in the room.

As Erma beautifully put it: "Guilt is the gift that keeps on giving." Don't let yourself feel guilty for being human. You've earned the right to every emotion you feel, even the ones that don't make sense on paper.

The fog always lifts. And when it does, the "Older Woman Who Rocks" is still there—maybe a little quieter, maybe a little more tired, but infinitely more real.

Marge Farrington   OWRO

The Weight of Holding On: Finding Freedom in Letting Go

 

I want to talk about something many of us face as we move into new chapters of our lives: the art of letting go. Sometimes, we hold onto items not because we need them, but because we aren’t sure how to say goodbye to the memories attached to them.

I have a wonderful friend who lost her spouse a few years ago. At 67, she found a beautiful way to navigate this transition. When there are things she knows she needs to part with, she takes a picture of the item first. That photo saves the memory, allowing her to keep the "moment" without having to keep the physical object. It’s a gentle way to honor the past while clearing space for the present.

For me, the journey was a bit different. I realized I had been holding onto items in a storage unit for almost ten years. To be honest, I simply didn’t have the energy—emotional or physical—to go through it all. I kept telling myself, "Wait until warmer weather," or "I’ll get someone to help me."

But then, I had to be honest with myself. I don't have the room for it. It wasn’t worth the physical or emotional toll anymore. I had to realize that the stuff I had was already gone; it had been out of my life for a decade. I was paying money to hold onto things for... who? My kids are grown and have their own lives and belongings to manage. It was time.

Why Now is the Time

If you find yourself standing in front of a closet, a garage, or a storage unit, feeling that familiar weight, ask yourself these three questions:

• Is the memory in the object, or in me? Like my friend found, a photograph can hold the sentiment just as well as a dusty box.

• What is the "Holding Cost"? Whether it’s actual rent for a storage unit or the "mental rent" of knowing you have to deal with it eventually, everything we keep costs us something.

• Am I saving this for a version of me that no longer exists? We are allowed to outgrow our past selves.

The Peace of an Empty Space

Letting go isn’t about losing your history; it’s about gaining your future. When we clear out the "stuff" we’ve been lugging around for years, we make room for new energy, new hobbies, and a lighter way of living.

You don't need a perfectly organized plan or a warm spring day to start. You just need the honesty to say, "I’ve held onto this long enough."

Take the picture. Say thank you. And then, let it go. You deserve the space.

Marge Farrington 

OWRO

Beyond the Hump: Reclaiming the Middle of the Week

                                                                 

We’ve all heard it for decades: “It’s Hump Day!” The phrase usually conjures up images of tired office workers eye-balling the Friday finish line. But for the women of the OWRO generation, Wednesday doesn’t have to be a hill to climb—it can be the summit where we stop to enjoy the view.

Whether you are still rockin’ a career, pivoting to a side hustle, or enjoying the freedom of a self-directed schedule, the middle of the week is the perfect time to shift gears. When we aren’t tied to a traditional 9-to-5, days can sometimes bleed into one another. Marking "Hump Day" gives the week a rhythm and a reason to celebrate.

5 Ways to Make Your Wednesday Sparkle

1. The Mid-Week "Home Spa" Escape Why wait for a special occasion to feel pampered? Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary. Light those "expensive" candles, put on a face mask, and let the world wait. Wednesday is the perfect day to soak away the Monday-Tuesday stress and reset your glow for the days ahead.

2. The "Spa & Sparkle" Soiree Everything is better with friends. Invite a couple of your best girlfriends over for a "Spa Afternoon." Tell everyone to bring their favorite polish or a new sheet mask. It’s low-pressure, high-connection, and a lot cheaper than a resort!

3. The Mid-Week Treat Make Wednesday the day you visit that specific bakery, florist, or coffee shop. By designating a "Wednesday-only" indulgence, you create a bright spot in the literal center of your week.

4. The "Check-In" Tradition Use this day to call one person you haven’t spoken to in a while. Since it’s not the busy start of the week or the frantic weekend, Wednesdays are usually the sweet spot for a long, meaningful chat.

5. The Pivot Ritual Take five minutes to "clear the deck." Look at what you’ve accomplished since Sunday and celebrate it! Then, pivot your energy toward whatever makes you feel most alive for the days ahead.

The Bottom Line: We don’t just "get over" the hump anymore—we own it. Wednesday is our reminder that we are halfway to a new adventure, and we’re doing it with style, silver hair, and a rock-and-roll attitude.

How are you marking the middle of your week? Are you masking up or meeting up? Let’s hear it in the comments!

Marge Farrington                             OWRO