Unusual Christmases — The Ones We Never Planned (But Never Forgot)

Christmas doesn’t always follow the script. In this episode of Too Stubborn to Quit, Pam and Linda talk about the Christmases that looked nothing like we expected — and stayed with us forever. Pam shares the story of a Christmas morning 41 years ago that changed her life forever, when her first baby was born at 2:16 a.m. on December 25.

This episode is about the holidays shaped by hospitals, surprises, heartbreak, joy, and moments that divided life into before and after. It’s a reminder that some of the most meaningful Christmases aren’t picture-perfect — they’re real.

If you’ve ever had a Christmas that didn’t go as planned, this one’s for you.

For years, many of us have carried Christmas on our shoulders — the planning, the cooking, the decorating, the expectations. In this episode of Too Stubborn to Quit, Pam and Linda talk about what happens when you finally loosen your grip on the holiday and choose peace over perfection.

This conversation is about releasing guilt, redefining traditions, and giving yourself permission to enjoy Christmas instead of managing it. Because letting go isn’t giving up — it’s growing into the version of the holiday that actually fits this season of life.

Less pressure. More presence. And a Christmas that feels good again.

Episode 9: Moving Forward in the Face of Adversity — with J.T. Pogreba

In this inspiring episode of Too Stubborn to Quit, Pam and Linda sit down with J.T. Pogreba — a survivor of California’s devastating Dixie Fire whose story is a masterclass in resilience. After losing nearly everything, J.T. packed up her two dogs, rebuilt her life in Indiana, moved again to Florida, and now has her eyes on a brand-new adventure: moving to France.

Through all the chaos, one simple mantra kept her going:
“No matter what’s falling apart around you… you still have to get up and feed the dogs.”

This episode is about courage, reinvention, and the small daily acts of responsibility that keep us grounded when life feels impossible.

If you’re facing your own fire — literal or otherwise — this conversation is the reminder that movement, hope, and stubborn determination are always possible.

🚨 WHEN EVERYTHING FALLS APART — WHERE TO TURN📞 Suicide & Crisis Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for immediate emotional support, 24/7, anywhere in the U.S.

Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis support via SMS.

Provides emergency shelter, crisis response, recovery assistance, and help after fires or natural disasters.
📞 1-800-RED-CROSS
🌐 redcross.org

Help for disaster recovery, temporary housing, financial aid, and rebuilding resources.
🌐 disasterassistance.gov

Provides immediate shelter, meals, clothing, and cleanup assistance.
🌐 disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

Dial 211 to connect with local food banks, housing support, financial aid, transportation, and senior services.
Free, confidential, 24/7.

Find local food banks anywhere in the U.S.
🌐 feedingamerica.org

Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788

Emergency help for pet boarding, veterinary care, and crisis support.
🌐 redrover.org

Many offer temporary pet housing or emergency food assistance.

❤️ A Reminder from J.T.’s Story:

“Even when everything is burning down around you… you still have to get up and feed the dogs.”
Sometimes the smallest responsibility is the anchor that keeps you moving forward.

Thanksgiving Traditions — What We’re Keeping and What We’re Kicking Out

In this Thanksgiving episode of Too Stubborn to Quit, Pam and Linda dig into the traditions we’ve loved for decades… and the ones we’re finally giving ourselves permission to let go of. From the dishes that absolutely belong on the table to the old habits that only added stress, we talk about how Thanksgiving evolves in the second act — and how to make it joyful, not exhausting.

Whether you're hosting, traveling, or keeping it simple this year, this conversation is a reminder that traditions should feed your soul, not drain it.

Stay strong, set your boundaries, and stay Too Stubborn to Quit.

#Thanksgiving #WomenOver50 #TooStubbornToQuit

As we head into Thanksgiving, Pam shares a heartfelt reminder about gratitude in the second act of life — the things we appreciate now that we were too busy, too stressed, or too young to notice before. From simple comforts to unexpected blessings, this episode celebrates the quiet moments, the resilience we’ve earned, and the little joys that carry us through the chaos.

If you're feeling thankful, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, this conversation is your invitation to pause, breathe, and remember what truly matters.

Stay strong, stay curious, and stay grateful.
#TooStubbornToQuit #BeGrateful

📝 SHOW NOTES — “What Our Parents Knew: Canning, Freezing & Feeding Yourself Smart”

This episode is all about the old-school kitchen skills that kept our parents and grandparents fed — and why these skills matter just as much today. Canning, freezing, stretching meals, smart shopping… these weren’t hobbies for them. They were survival skills.

Below are the simple, beginner-friendly recipes mentioned in this episode, plus instructions for canning tomatoes and making peach jelly. And now — by request — easy homemade bread and rolls.

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, please remember: you are not alone.
📞 Dial 211 for free, confidential help connecting to food and senior support services in your area.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups peach juice (fresh or bottled)

• 1 box powdered pectin (1.75 oz)

• 5 cups sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Peach Juice (if fresh):

1. Slice 10–12 peaches (no need to peel).

2. Cover with water; simmer 15 minutes.

3. Strain through cheesecloth — don’t squeeze.

4. Measure 4 cups juice.

Make Jelly:

1. Combine juice, lemon juice, and pectin; bring to rolling boil.

2. Add sugar all at once.

3. Boil hard for 1 minute; remove from heat.

4. Skim foam if needed.

To Can:

1. Ladle into hot jars (¼-inch headspace).

2. Add lids; tighten finger-tight.

3. Water-bath 10 minutes.

4. Cool 12–24 hours; check seals.

Shelf life: 1 year.

You Need:

• Fresh tomatoes

• Bottled lemon juice

• Salt (optional)

• Clean jars & lids

• Large pot

Prep Tomatoes:

1. Dip in boiling water 30–60 sec.

2. Transfer to ice water; skins slide off.

3. Cut into chunks.

Pack Jars:

1. Add lemon juice:

   • 1 tbsp per pint

   • 2 tbsp per quart

2. Add tomatoes + optional salt (½ tsp per pint).

3. Leave ½ inch headspace.

4. Clean rims; add lids.

Water Bath:

• Pints: 40 minutes

• Quarts: 45 minutes

Cool 12–24 hours, check seals. Stores 1 year.

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 ¾–3 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Mix warm water + sugar; sprinkle yeast; let foam 5–10 minutes.

2. Add butter, salt, and 2 cups flour.

3. Add remaining flour as needed until soft dough forms.

4. Knead 6–8 minutes.

5. Rise 1 hour.

6. Shape into loaf; rise 30 minutes.

7. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.

8. Cool 20 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Brush top with butter for a soft crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 ½–3 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Mix warm water + sugar; add yeast; let foam 5–10 minutes.

2. Add butter, salt, and 2 cups flour.

3. Add remaining flour until dough is soft and slightly sticky.

4. Knead 5–7 minutes.

5. Rise 1 hour.

6. Divide into 12 balls; place in greased pan.

7. Rise 30 minutes.

8. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.

9. Brush with butter while hot.

Freezer tip: Freeze individually; microwave 20–30 seconds to reheat.

🍑 PEACH JELLY (Beginner-Friendly)🍅 HOW TO CAN TOMATOES (Water Bath Method)🍞 EASY HOMEMADE WHITE BREAD (Beginner-Friendly)🥖 SOFT DINNER ROLLS (12 Rolls)

In this heartfelt episode of Too Stubborn to Quit, Pam and Linda talk about a reality that too many older adults face — being too proud or too private to ask for help when the cupboard’s bare. Food insecurity among seniors is growing, but it often stays hidden behind quiet pride and independence.

We talk about why so many struggle in silence, what “asking for help” really means, and how small acts of kindness — checking on a neighbor, sharing a meal, donating to a local food bank — can make a huge difference.

💬 If you or someone you know is hungry, you are not alone. Help is available through feedingamerica.org, mealsonwheelsamerica.org, or by calling 211 in the U.S.

Because no one should ever be too stubborn to ask — or go hungry.

#TooStubbornToQuit #PamAndLindaShow #SeniorHunger #FoodInsecurity #WomenOver50 #AgingWithDignity #CommunityMatters

Also check out #dollartreedinners on Facebook

It’s our Halloween special! 👻 Pam and Linda swap road trips for ghost stories and share how being “too stubborn to be spooked” keeps life fun after 50. From haunted inns to campfire laughs, this episode proves that curiosity, courage, and a good scare never get old.