Its A Matter Of Our Health, Staying In Touch With Friends

Its A Matter Of Our Health, Staying In Touch With Friends, By Becky Hopkins

Staying active is important, and managing daily activities to leave room for rest and relationships is smart. Relationships require time and effort so I will work smarter in managing my time. With better time management I will be free to communicate more often with friends and family via e-mails, calls – also, letters which some of us still remember writing and receiving.

While few of us still write letters, I’m guessing most of us still appreciate receiving letters. E-mail doesn’t count because this is about a handwritten letter, an envelope and a stamp. A computer generated letter using the cursive isn’t the same.

It is unrealistic to say I will go back in time and resume the practice of sending handwritten letters; however, I can write more notes. This probably works better anyway. With technology ruling our lives, our national attention span seems shorter and everyone else is dealing with their own busy-ness in the time created by technology to do more. A long letter probably would be left, half-read, on Mary or John’s table or counter with the rest of a day’s mail before ending up in the trash can.

Becky Hopkins, SRES, GRI
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

http://www.50andholding.info

Planning Ahead, A Gift To Pass Along To Your Younger Generations

Planning Ahead, A Gift To Pass Along To Your Younger Generations, By Becky Hopkins

Some of my best ideas have come a few minutes before bedtime, or at midnight prior to a morning event on the following day—too late, in most cases, to do anything about the idea. The same with intentions about all of the things I will do tomorrow, next month, next year. If carried out, some of these ideas would produce unique and appreciated gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, etc.

One of my unfulfilled ideas has been a collection of family recipes—not original and others have most likely done this, but unique to me and my family because of the people involved. These days you can find almost anything on the internet, but it isn’t as likely to have an attached personal story, and the story is as important (or more important) as the actual recipe. With today’s computer technology, preparation isn’t as daunting a task as a few years ago, and some family recipe collections may carry a history of the family that present generations might not otherwise know—traditions, memories, stories that can be included for special interest about recipes and definitely are worthy of being preserved.

One of our favorite things to do – re-living family stories when we are spending time with younger family members. For centuries, families had oral histories about their kin and hopefully, technology won’t erase this form of preserving traditions. Our young people always laugh, even when they remember hearing stories from pass visits. We hope the repetition helps to imbed the stories in their memories.

Becky Hopkins, SRES, GRI
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

http://www.50andholdling.info

Holidays Are Reminders of Memories Made in the Kitchen.

Holidays are reminders of memories made in the kitchen. By Becky Hopkins

Making Memories & Remembering Them …

Holidays, memories and food are almost inseparable. For both rich and poor, holidays will often include good food and what happened around its preparation, the dinner hour, and even post-meal work in the kitchen. The jokes and stories told as everyone
worked in the kitchen. Stories told around the dinner table. Laughter over dessert and coffee and continuing relaxed conversation and games afterwards. Relationships and friendships are built around shared meals – whether simple or gourmet. In the
memory department, food is a facilitator!

Food is also a great connector to the past – to favorite cooks and the memories that go with them. What about family main course and dessert recipes that are timeless? Trendy vegetable and salad creations? In some families, stories are told thru recipe
collections. A veritable culinary family tree may even be found.

Of course, aside from eating and enjoying a great meal, dish, or dessert, the next best thing about food is sharing it with others.

Becky Hopkins

http://www.50andholding.info

Its A Matter Of Our Health, Staying Socially Active

It’s a matter of our health … staying socially active in Dallas, Texas by Becky Hopkins

The experts and surveys have all sorts of data to prove what we already know: We just feel better when we maintain a healthy social life. A down side to aging can be lower stamina, so adequate rest, sensible diet and just walking regularly may help.

If you enjoy hosting home events but are feeling the pinch of limited income or added unexpected expenses, don’t be discouraged. Home entertaining still is less expensive, so to continue with hosting at home, be sure to check vanity and an
unrealistic sense of pride at the door — those self-imposed “standards” about the home’s location, condition, size and décor. Keep perspective in place.

Home entertaining can allow variety, but as a stress reliever, do things that you enjoy and are your strong suit. If a hostess isn’t at her best in the kitchen, there are many ways to improvise, since a home event isn’t exactly a state dinner.

Dessert and Coffee (If this is your niche, make your special dessert and provide the recipe on an attractive recipe card for guests who are interested). Sharing recipes starts conversations and is a good ice breaker for people just meeting each other. If your attempts in the kitchen are unpredictable, order something from one of the many good bakeries and specialty stores. Your guests will think no less of you for not baking your own. Serve dessert wine or coffee as a change from regular coffee – more to talk about.

Wine and Cheese (serve both white and red wines; some people are allergic to red wine and others have definite preferences between the two). You might have 1 or 2 cheeses (a nice Havarti, a creamy Swiss, Gouda, or other specialty cheese), a couple of types of plain crackers, and in-season fruit. A nice cake may be served as dessert but is optional. The wine stemware (matched is nice, but need not be expensive), napkins and cheeses are simple but can be an attractive arrangement on a table or serving counter. Done at home, this is a nice mid-week break that requires little preparation and a chance to relax from week’s work schedule.

Appetizers and Wine or Non-Alcoholic Beverage (for a small group, followed by main course at a restaurant, Dutch treat). This works better for a smaller group where guests know each other.

Sports Event Party (Queso, chips, salsa, bar-b-que, and Margaritas, beer and non-alcoholic beverages). The menu can easily expand if guests like to cook and everyone is contributing to the festivities.

Saturday or Sunday Brunch (one of our favorites) Have freshly baked bread(s), breakfast souffle or casserole, fruit, juice, coffee and tea. This is a great, relaxed way to visit.

Friday Night Buffets (patterned after old style potluck dinners, but serving appetizers, finger food and desserts instead of entrees). This is a favorite route for some dear neighbor friends.

Potluck For an informal early supper, find a recipe and have each guest bring an ingredient (works great with taco salads) so that guests are involved in meal preparation. This is a great icebreaker for an informal gathering where all guests
don’t know each other.

Far more important than home décor and type of food is hospitality. Make your guests feel appreciated and included in whatever type gathering you are having. You will have a successful home event and be considered a good hostess.

The bonus? The afterglow: fresh social memories of times with friends is positively energizing.

Becky Hopkins, SRES, GRI
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

http://www.50andholding.info

Downsizing … the ugly “D” word

Downsizing … the ugly “D” word

It seems like only yesterday when we bought our first home and furnished it with a table, 4 chairs, a sofa, portable TV and our first bedroom furniture. The house was more vacant than furnished. Fast forward 9 years to a house that was straight and organized in appearance, but in fact harbored all descriptions of “stuff” that accumulated over the years – in the closets, under the beds, under the couches, in the attic, in the garage. And that was after multiple garage sales.

Second house, same story; third house, same story even though both houses were larger.

So, when we decided to downsize, after donating or selling what appeared to be enough to furnish a house, we filled to overflowing two large dumpsters and happily moved to our fourth house. At that location, after placing furniture and appliances in the house, the movers filled our garage with boxes of all that remained. The explanation for the remaining volume of stuff was simple: it had multiplied while traveling from the third to the fourth house. After going thru all boxes in the garage, I called Good Will and donated three-fourths of the stuff. Guess what? It has happened again. I repeatedly clean out linen closets and cabinets, and I continue to
find more boxes of stuff to clear out. How can that be? Our house is not cluttered, but some unknown evil happens once something is placed behind a cabinet or closet door.

Word to the wise: Don’t wait to begin downsizing because you may not live long enough to send stuff where you want it to go.

Becky Hopkins, SRES, GRI
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company
Serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

www.50andholding.info

It’s A Matter Of Our Health

Thanksgiving Day was fun – good food, great guests. In fact, no surprise, the people made the day a great one and once more I was reminded of the importance of spending time with family and friends and building new friendships.

The experts and surveys have all sorts of data, but is that really necessary to confirm what our mind, heart, even our body tells us after an enjoyable time interacting with others? We just feel better after social times.

For those of us over age 50 who enjoy hosting, to continue hosting opportunities in our home we may need to check our vanity and sense of pride at the door. That’s right. I’m talking about our self-imposed “standards” of hosting that may not match our changing levels of energy and physical stamina. There was a time when I would spend most of the week preparing for a few friends or family we had invited for dinner, and the big day was a marathon, followed by 1-2 days of sheer exhaustion.　

Never being a fast learner, this pattern continued until just a few years ago when I had my “aha” moment.　 What badge of honor did I receive for being the perfect hostess (assuming I succeeded)? Who really cared but me?　 　　

While clean houses are important and enjoyable, I doubt anyone is going to going to give the tops of my door jams the dust test. Most of us enjoy good food but these are not state dinners we are talking about, and I have learned that some of us feel more included when we have participated in the preparations. So now guests are often involved in meal preparation. That may not be the style for your friends, but ours feel included and appreciated, and I actually get to enjoy the group without needing to be resuscitated the next day.

How hard was that?  Now on to Christmas Day!

Becky Hopkins is a Realtor® with
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Co. in the
Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

www.50andholding.com

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Reverse Mortgages Could Help Older Adults Weather Economic Storm

Almost everyone is being effected by the nation’s troubled economy – especially those living on fixed incomes and trying to manage with diminished retirement savings.  What’s more, it is also difficult to acquire credit. Options such as home equity loans or lines of credit that seniors might have used in the past to supplement their finances may no longer be viable options these days.  Even when these types of loans were easier to obtain, the borrower still had to make  monthly payments, and this can be difficult on a fixed income, no matter what the economic environment.

Fortunately, there’s one option that could make sense for homeowners 62 or older and who have paid off or mostly paid off their mortgages:   a reverse mortgage. For most people, homes are their #1 asset.  However, the equity that has been building for years doesn’t provide a ready source of funds to pay things like living expenses and health care cost.  A reverse mortgage allows people the ability to use their equity to fulfill a variety of needs.

Also important during recession times:  A reverse mortgage does not require credit approval, and there are no monthly payments – the loan is not repaid until the last surviving borrower permanently leaves or sells the home.  Of course, this doesn’t mean that a reverse mortgage is free.  There are closing costs, interest accrues on the loan to be paid at the time it becomes due; and the principal amount is also repaid at that time.  And, other fees and cost may apply. Best of all, borrowers continue to own and live in their homes with greater financial flexibility.

Reverse mortgages have allowed many seniors to live a better life.  The key to getting the most out of this financial option is getting all the facts to make an educated decision.  And, you want to do business with a strong and reputable company like MetLife Bank, which is a MetLife company.  Those interested in obtaining more information and a free, no-obligation educational video about reverse mortgages from MetLife Bank can contact Walter Edler at 827-714-3732.

All loans are subject to property approval.  Certain conditions and fees apply.

Article provided by

Walter Edler

Reverse Mortgage Consultant

Mobile:  (817) 714-3732

FAX:     (518) 953-1618

Making Memories Through Travel

As we returned home recently after  a  long weekend with our kids, I began to think about and treasure the new sights seen, conversations over meals, games, and laughter that will find a place in our album of memories.

We talked of places we have seen over the years and favorite locations.  They talked of experiences in Western Europe, Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand, while most of my travel experience has been here in the mainland U.S.  They dream of seeing Turkey and Egypt; I still hope to see Ireland and Scotland.  They talk about doing an Alaskan tour; I want to return to Napa and Santa Barbara and other unvisited parts of the United States.

The thing is — all of these places involve walking.  For some reason, I forget that in spite of cars, planes and trains I have to be able to walk farther than across the room to take the best advantage of those services.  As it turns out, approaching retirement age is not a good time to sit down and wait for the world to come to us.

So the morning after returning home, I renewed my physical fitness pledge and then 6 week later rolled out of bed, put on the walking shoes, and headed for the fitness center and the treadmill.  Maybe I will do that again tomorrow.

Becky Hopkins

www.50andholding.info