tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.comments2024-03-16T13:04:56.689-04:00 Passage des PerlesDuchessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comBlogger22560125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-71640107745299654732024-03-16T13:04:56.689-04:002024-03-16T13:04:56.689-04:00Jane: Tonne Goodman converted me to white jeans du...Jane: Tonne Goodman converted me to white jeans during her days at Vogue, but a white jacket is harder to keep white. Cream is such a good option, pale but not unforgiving. <br /><br />Araminta: Lovely to hear from you, I've wondered how you are. The weather where you are is so changeable and like here, influenced by waterways nearby, whether river or canal. An American friend who moved to the UK years ago buys a lot from LE; she says the cut fits her body, the sales are good, and she can buy her staples in quantity. She likes their pima cotton turtlenecks, because she lives in the country and is chill-prone. Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-28052089537952255512024-03-16T11:24:26.034-04:002024-03-16T11:24:26.034-04:00Im in SW London in the UK. Last Fall I bought a re...Im in SW London in the UK. Last Fall I bought a reversable "chore jacket" (I'm unfamiliar with the term but that's its length) from Lands End. It is quilted with navy cord on one side, reversing to blue flannel plaid on the other. It has good pockets on either side and is a perfect weight for a not too cold UK winter's day with a sweater underneath. It's something I never thought of needing but it is perfect for a walk in nearby Kew Gardens or a quick dash around the corner to the coffee shop in the village. It falls between the parka for the really cold days and a Uniqlo feather-light down jacket for the mild ones. In England one ends up with a whole stable of coats and jackets suited to the changeable weather. As an ex-Montrealer I realise that the concept of the "summer coat" can boggle people's minds, but it is a real thing here.Aramintahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10743875096468602320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-72149228620589271202024-03-15T09:30:34.110-04:002024-03-15T09:30:34.110-04:00It looks very good on you, particularly with that ...It looks very good on you, particularly with that harmonising scarf. I used to wear a jeans jacket a lot as a young teenager, but in white rather than blue denim. The style stopped suiting me as I got older, but I now have a utility type jacket by Joules in a heavy cream cotton (with a very slight fleck in the weave) and that does the job for me. I still really love a white jeans jacket, particularly in Summer, but just not on me...Jane in Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03312487908446965465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-84427488085586837532024-03-14T10:45:39.290-04:002024-03-14T10:45:39.290-04:00Leslie M: The BugGrip-sole Icebugs are specificall...Leslie M: The BugGrip-sole Icebugs are specifically made for walking on ice (dry, or the kind with a skim of moisture.) Here, even in this warmest-winter-on-record, we had days below 0F that crowded our ERs with injuries from falls. So even if you need the Icebugs for a few days (next winter will probably be colder?) I consider them good investment. I just bought another pair in the end of winter sale.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-80833481582972174702024-03-14T09:32:24.943-04:002024-03-14T09:32:24.943-04:00Allison: I know! Warmest winter on record in all o...Allison: I know! Warmest winter on record in all of Canada. Here, I only had to wear the studded-sole boots on and off for about two weeks. Jean jackets are nearly always cropped, but petites still need them scaled for them. Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-36359948828187238212024-03-14T08:21:09.068-04:002024-03-14T08:21:09.068-04:00Bunny: The American-made chore jacket is closely r...Bunny: The American-made chore jacket is closely related to the barn jacket though the latter often have corduroy collars, and the Adirondack coat (Bean's, for example) is lined, usually in flannel. My new one is like the French "bleu de travail" jacket: https://www.bleu-de-chauffe.com/en/1196-women-s-work-jacket<br /><br />I still see lots of jean jackets in thrifts, but the price has increased since you found yours.<br />Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-33509832097414337742024-03-14T07:27:53.292-04:002024-03-14T07:27:53.292-04:00I love my little jean jacket, Western style, thank...I love my little jean jacket, Western style, thank you. It just seems to elevate so many things I pair it with from my digitally printed skirt of La Prada in Cuba to spotless white skinny jeans. It's the cherry on top. Got mine at a thrift for 2.00 dollars in the little boy's row of bargains years ago. I'have had other jean jackets but only this one had the great fit and panache. <br /><br />Chore jackets are out there a lot right now. I owned one for years but it made the purge sometime back. I am ready to make a new one in a dark denim, full orange topstitching. Yours looks great. Around here we call them barn jackets, although barns here are filled with heavy equipment, aka, man toys, not farm animals. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-91911726952324908172024-03-14T01:15:54.790-04:002024-03-14T01:15:54.790-04:00I have a much loved jean jacket of unknown provena...I have a much loved jean jacket of unknown provenance other than it was purchased at The Bay because it was a petite size. Jean jackets (on me) fall at an awkward area of the body and I wanted one that was shorter. I wear mine mostly over dresses in the summer. Anyway now I see the fashionistas are hacking away the waist band on their jean jackets to achieve the stylish frayed hem. I might do that with mine because it’s still too long. There’s also a white denim one in the closet , again worn over dresses. I like longer lengths over pants and have an embroidered duster length denim jacket that fits the bill nicely. How much wear will they get this year? Went out tonight clad only in a cashmere turtleneck, trousers and a cashmere ruana! Honestly, March 13 in Ottawa???? Two years ago I wore a full on CG parka and Olang boots with the ice picks!!Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06785568524658265560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-5057801679447780602024-03-13T21:10:36.703-04:002024-03-13T21:10:36.703-04:00Speaking of warm winters, I purchased a pair of Ic...Speaking of warm winters, I purchased a pair of Icebug winter boots last fall.(First seen on this blog, I believe.) I don't want to break my neck or hip shoveling snow or walking on ice. They are still in the box. Seattle, at least where I am, did not have a single ice day this winter. A couple of snow days, but not enough to shovel. It is distressing.Leslie Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08372692743147163062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-46375042102224576532024-03-13T15:42:04.268-04:002024-03-13T15:42:04.268-04:00Fritiancy: Thanks, that's an Eric Bompard silk...Fritiancy: Thanks, that's an Eric Bompard silk scarf at least 5 yrs old. <br /><br />Leslie M: Thanks for the encouragement; with the warmest winter on record in Canada, this is going to be worn soon. <br /><br />Barbara: Girbaud! Now that's an innovator. Wish I still had my Japanese denim Girbaud jean jacket, and like yours it would still be wearable. Side packets in everything are ever harder to find, good luck! <br /><br />Becky: IMO cord Western jackets are terrific b/c they can be worn with jeans, yet avoid the all-denim thing. Thanks for mentioning the Gap; they go up and down in terms of fit and styles but always worth checking out for basics.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-86022811543052386302024-03-13T15:33:58.896-04:002024-03-13T15:33:58.896-04:00I have a ~40-year-old Sears Wearmaster denim (ligh...I have a ~40-year-old Sears Wearmaster denim (lighter cotton) chore jacket, with a corduroy collar and plaid flannel lining, which belonged to either my husband or one of his brothers in high school. Enormous patch pockets, and I love it, though more for actual chores than wearing in public at this point. For wearing in public, I have an old Lee Rider jacket (similar vintage/style to the one I had in high school and university but which no longer fit after having kids) as well as a grey corduroy one from the Gap last fall. Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00314991821592900884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-70872657985002675132024-03-13T10:15:56.165-04:002024-03-13T10:15:56.165-04:00I'm currently looking on ebay for a vintage je...I'm currently looking on ebay for a vintage jean jacket. Most new ones are so stiff and heavy.<br />Old Wrangler jackets are great, and they have side pockets (I avoid bags for the most days).<br /><br />I still own a very soft old Girbaud Baby Cord jacket in olive green. Like you, I don't like the double jeans look.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05152552416077663835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-17924131455409670662024-03-12T20:32:35.330-04:002024-03-12T20:32:35.330-04:00Kamchick: See https://coaottawa.ca/2022/02/02/norc...Kamchick: See https://coaottawa.ca/2022/02/02/norc-ssps-an-innovative-supportive-housing-model-for-older-adults/ for many supportive buildings in Ottawa, (hover over infographic for addresses); theirs is 1081 Ambleside Dr.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-8139441929531733462024-03-12T13:41:58.504-04:002024-03-12T13:41:58.504-04:00I think you'll enjoy the longer length. My jea...I think you'll enjoy the longer length. My jean jacket, over 20 years old and also chore-like, is from Christopher Blue. I don't think the brand is in existence anymore. But, I still wear it regularly and find it is so much more versatile than a cropped jacket. I do have a western style in black denim that I also like, but the longer one has useful pockets and conveniently covers the pesky bits. Can't go wrong with a classic denim jacket.Leslie Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08372692743147163062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-15474064696234298612024-03-12T11:21:34.038-04:002024-03-12T11:21:34.038-04:00I like the way you accessorized your new jacket — ...I like the way you accessorized your new jacket — very chic! I recently bought a similar style from Uniqlo; my trick is to shop their menswear. <br />Utility Jacket (Denim)<br />https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E467535-000/00 Fritinancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10772472936410902891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-80025125350916647422024-03-09T18:32:22.504-05:002024-03-09T18:32:22.504-05:00I'll be sure to report on our new digs when we...I'll be sure to report on our new digs when we finally get there. In the meantime, we would love to know where the Aging in Place condo is in Ottawa in case we need to make a change. I'm a Queen's alumna and we have a granddaughter there now (2nd year Nursing Science), so we ate intrigued....Hoping to make our move in time for the tulips!!Kamchickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16463666308788494340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-26012908747589899822024-03-09T17:09:35.225-05:002024-03-09T17:09:35.225-05:00Kamchick: Thanks for persisting, your first commen...Kamchick: Thanks for persisting, your first comment did not arrive. The multi-level complex is a popular option for a reason. A couple who sometimes contribute to this series moved a year ago to a condo building in Ottawa that is part of a research study with Queens University on aging in place. They have many more services than a regular condo, and Queens is following residents to see if the residents can live there all their lives. I look forward to hearing how you like your new apartment, and I am sure many readers would like to hear about it too.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-57550415901865336922024-03-09T16:57:21.641-05:002024-03-09T16:57:21.641-05:00Very important series and such thoughtful comments...Very important series and such thoughtful comments..I did comment but I think it got lost in cyberspace. News from here is that we are still moving from the Lake to the city - nearer to family and specialized medicine which one of us (so far!) needs. We will be in an independent seniors apartment but within a 'community', which means that the adjacent buildings have 'levels of care' if you require them. We are hoping that this will work well for us as we go along and that we can enjoy our family without burdening them. Not all smooth, though....construction delays on the building and still no firm occupancy date. I am still enjoying my walking group here - very valuable friends and social life. My husband has a mobility problem, so is more isolated - will be good for him to have a more accessible and social setting in our new location. Things could be a whole lot worse...we're doing OK, but do realize that we are now too old for our rugged outdoorsy lifestyle.Kamchickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16463666308788494340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-13572023753130489092024-03-08T15:05:18.802-05:002024-03-08T15:05:18.802-05:00Venasque: A bereavement counsellor told a friend t...Venasque: A bereavement counsellor told a friend that sudden loss is so intense that it is its own category of grief. My next door neighbour lost his husband suddenly in Nov. Without any family here, and having moved here 6 yrs ago so not a lot of friends, he has been really struggling. It is very good your sister has you in this time.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-87556927219966929032024-03-08T14:51:40.985-05:002024-03-08T14:51:40.985-05:00My brother-in-law died last year after nearly 60 y...My brother-in-law died last year after nearly 60 years of marriage to my sister. He was much loved, he was really a brother to me, part of my family nearly my entire life. It was very sudden and unexpected and my sister was, and is, grief stricken as you can imagine. They lived in a condo where there are many widows who have been very supportive and comforting in what has been a terrible year. I keep telling her that she (and he) are very fortunate that he didn't suffer. I'm going to show her this post in the hope that it offers a little comfort and thankfulness.Venasquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07408402847632756910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-33386489649666565882024-03-08T11:38:03.731-05:002024-03-08T11:38:03.731-05:00Barbara: Your situation is almost inevitable as we...Barbara: Your situation is almost inevitable as we age: the two take turns with procedures and conditions, swapping places. Lucky you could spell one another, and I'm hoping you are both in good health again.<br /><br />When you care for a person who slowly declining, their death is a mix of relief and grief. After my Dad died, my mother placed a large, recent photo of him on her dresser, and her friends said, "Why do you use this photo of Bill, don't you have better ones?" She said, "This one reminds me it was time for him to go."<br /><br />I too deeply appreciate comments on this series, there is much experience here!Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-72496054839767627162024-03-08T09:56:43.145-05:002024-03-08T09:56:43.145-05:00The last five years have been very demanding for u...The last five years have been very demanding for us as couple. I am 74 y/o and husband is 11 years older. There were surgeries, pneumonia and a few more indispositions. So we both were in rotation as a caregiver (it works better, if I am the one who does the job.<br />During that times I had a talk to our family doctor in which she told me about female patients who impatiently wait their husbands to die. The partners Dementia often is one reason for this wish.<br /><br />I've seen widows who flourished after their partner was gone.<br /><br />Very good blogpost, Duchesse. And I appreciate all comments.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05152552416077663835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-2952691448098499682024-03-07T15:08:00.807-05:002024-03-07T15:08:00.807-05:00Allison: The prognosis is so often wrong inaccurat...Allison: The prognosis is so often wrong inaccurate. (That's why I advise caregivers to get more help than they think they need before they are utterly exhausted.) <br /><br />I have written about "when sickness and in health" no longer works: https://passagedesperles.blogspot.com/2020/03/uneven-aging-ending-marriage-retaining.html<br />I recently met with one person in that post, Terri. She now has a new partner but so does Jack, whose MS is at the point where he needs full-time home care. He met a Filipino woman online, things progressed, and he has married her and will sponsor her and her 12 yr old son, who arrive in Canada soon. When I said this sounds like a green card marriage, Terri said, "No, she is a natural caregiver. I've talked to her and I trust her." <br /><br />The expectation that the healthier partner will provide intensive care for however long it may take is built into the moral tradition of various faith-based marriage vows, but in reality a great deal depends on the relationship before limiting circumstances arise.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-82939381859653275382024-03-06T23:34:24.231-05:002024-03-06T23:34:24.231-05:00A thought provoking post. During my years in healt...A thought provoking post. During my years in health care I had many occasions to speak with spouses and other family members who were sole caregivers of an ill loved one. I was always honoured to hear their stories and impressed by how they handled the cards dealt with strength and determination. It’s not just older couples that experience this type of situation though… Many years ago a young family member was diagnosed with ALS he had a wife and very young kids. He and his wife were told that he had about five years of life which they sadly accepted…except he lived for fifteen more years. After ten years the wife went to his parents and told them that she could no longer stay in the relationship (at this point he was totally dependant on care and could no longer eat or speak) his mother understood her young DIL’s reasons for leaving but his father never forgave DIL who took her children and found a new home. Her children hated visiting their father, the youngest having never known him when healthy. The wife had been exemplary during the first five years of his illness juggling his care, child care and working as a hospital pharmacist. I think she had completely and utterly burned out and couldn’t face a hopeless future. The judgement on her was heartbreaking.<br />I spoke with a friend who went through a similar experience, her husband also given five years for a different but equally debilitating illness. Her take was that she had mentally prepared herself to make it through the given period and when her husband passed five years later it was with a mixture of sadness and relief that it was over and that she and her kids could move forward. My friend looked at me and said with all honesty “I feel so sorry for that young woman. I honestly don’t know where I would have found the strength if my husband had lived much longer. You don’t ever want the inevitable to happen but you always wonder how much longer can you go on and if you’ll even have the strength to carry on another day.”<br /> Offer hugs, food, visits and support to friends and family living through those times whether there’s a bright light promised at the end of the tunnel or the road is headed to a darker destination. The bravery and strength it takes to live through those times can never be underestimated, consider it an honour to witness and be there when needed. Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06785568524658265560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-64847764704265173232024-03-06T13:51:09.952-05:002024-03-06T13:51:09.952-05:00Wendy: Thank you for commenting; your husband'...Wendy: Thank you for commenting; your husband's situation is so common that the cardiac nurses I worked with years ago would predict it and warn the partners. In those days a social worker would be available to help them, mostly not to take the depression personally. Now the system is so stretched few health care workers take time to address the psychological effects of heart and stroke. Of course it is a personal decision but if you can be closer to medical care and family, I'd do it. <br /><br />Jean S: Sobering and also, I hope the series encourages making a few fall-back plans. For example, a neighbour who lives alone, just changed his locks to a model that accepts a master key so that first responders can get in without breaking down the door.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.com