HOME MAKING CHORES

WORTH READING ABOUT.  Part of being a HOMEMAKER is continual research on how others do their job of home making.  I enjoy this.  When comparing what to do each day, I think this chart is worth looking over.

HaPPy FRIDAY and may you have a blessed week-end,

d

Interview: Barbara Walters Interviews Donald Trump on ABC's 20/20 - Augu...

This 1990 video is of TRUMP when he was about 44 years old.  Lots has changed and some has stayed the same. He was saying that the PRESS was dishonest then.  Barbara Walters says she is a member of the PRESS and she would like to clear up some things that are not true.  She talked to his BANKERS.  She talked to him straight on and took no nonsense from him.   

I have done more research and reading and watching videos about TRUMP than ever before concerning a political figure.  Going way back to 1990 Barbara Walters interviewing THE DONALD was interesting as she had talked to his BANKERS where he was way over his head in debt owing them about 3 BILLION.


$3 BILLION.  That was then.  Not sure what it is today.  

Each morning and evening before I go to sleep, I confess I check worldometer for USA covid death count.  I also check TRUMP TWEETS.  I wonder what new chaos will be with these tweets.  Each day, there is something new to read about.  Today it was TRUMP wanting to postpone the Presidential election until there's a safer time.  Congress says no.  When the election takes place and if TRUMP isn't re-elected then I suspect a stink will happen and he will not leave peacefully.

In my inner most parts, I believe he is doing his best to not go to trial then prison.  As long as court cases are postponed, he is a free man.  

He may donate his Presidential Salary, but this does not void the other benefits he receives.  His Golf Trips cost the US taxpayer millions each time he goes.  When Melania and Barron remained in New York for six months after he started his term, it cost the American Taxpayer $6,ooo.oo an hour or $144,ooo.oo a day.  He made headlines about not taking a Presidential salary and has not shared what benefits he does receive.  Clearing something up...He does receive a Salary and if he choses to donate it to other causes  that's his privilege.  It is against the Constitution to not receive a Salary, so they give him one. 

I still believe he should have showed his tax returns as he said he would IF ELECTED.  That was 4 years ago that he said this.  Still waiting.  Good grief.  Still waiting.  After he was elected he changed his tune and said the American people didn't care to see the returns.  He wasn't speaking about me.  I want to see them.  

If he has nothing to hide, show them.  Instead his case has gone all the way to the SUPREME COURT to hide the returns.  Because he has something to hide.      

Moving right along to PRAIRIE NEWS.  
GREY SKIES AGAIN.  Working on laundry and I need to do a hair treatment to help make my hair silky and shinny.  Yesterday included a trip to a surgeon so HUBBY could have a tooth pulled.  It was a goner.

This took some doing.  First our regular dentist's office was closed due to covid exposure in small town america.  Able to get into a different dentist at a different location who referred him to a different location for the tooth to be pulled.  I sat in the car and waited as he was having this work done.  It rained as I sat so I was able to just sit and watch the rain drops hit the windshield.

Slowing down to watch the dew drops was lovely.

He was in the office about an hour then we went to do some banking business at two locations, grab some some STARBUCKS through the drive through, then head home so HUBBY could rest.  I was tired when I got HOME.  Took a nap during a thunderstorm.  Enjoyed this.

Slept through the night and woke late.   Working on more laundry.  Need to shower and freshen up.  Sippin' coffee perked from our electric coffee pot.  Ran out of pods.  Not sure we will buy anymore for a while.  Taking the economical way with using ground coffee in the percolator.  Pennies a cup verses a dime or so when using a pod.  I like a percolator from time to time as there is no waiting on a refill.  It's there waiting for you. 

With AUGUST just about here, I have got to put time into the spare room and get it decluttered.  Always paperwork to do.  This being Thursday, I will have to do some.

There is much debate about when to start schools this August/September, if they should start them or use online.  Wearing mask is a war zone here.  The commissioners said no mandate.  I say, wear the mask.  When we were in Manhattan yesterday, everyone was wearing a mask and I do mean everyone I saw.  

The little town where my Mom lives has mandated mask with receiving a fine if caught not wearing one in public.  They are having a spike in cases.  

Stay safe,
d

Egg Shampoo (1953)

WHAT A JULY.  More rainy weather in good 'ole HOT JULY.  The cooler temps and grey skies are welcomed.  I have had a very slow start this Monday.  Hubby has has a painful toothache that has moved into his jaw and throat.  Neither one of us slept well last night.  I am still in my pajamas and housecoat.  I need to get dressed so I can run an errand in my car this evening.  

He called the dentist this morning and after a three hour wait to hear from them, he was allowed to visit with the Dentist to get a pain reliever and antibiotic.  Appointment will have to be in 12 days or longer depending on how things go inside the dentist office.  Other news...our little town has been hit with COVID 19.  Dentist is having to deal with a COVID EXPOSURE.  Community Spread may be in the works.    

Hubby was told that his prescription would be taped to the outside window of the Dentist Office.  He had the script filled at the Pharmacy and waited outside for it.  They have a window that you can walk up to and do business.  We have been doing things slightly different these COVID DAYS.

I don't mind all of it and am getting use to this difference.  Meds delivered to my HOME is doable and appreciated.  Groceries called in or ordered online then curbside pick up doable.  Ordering things by mail...doable.  Staying HOME doable.

Making a notable effort to stay HOME.  Drink some HOME-MADE COFFEE and stay alert.

Doing some laundry, bill paying, BUDGET PLANNING, dusting the stairs with Swiffer heavy duty PET dry cloths, going to eat a piece of DUMP CAKE.  Mo java.  Mo piece of mind.  Mo prayer.  Mo time to relax and go ahh.  

Just about time to slather my hair with a egg mixture.  I use to use Suave egg shampoo when I was a girl.  Suave does not make this shampoo anymore.  Not sure why.  I loved it.

There's a fine line between over reacting and being cautious.  

d  

FRONT PORCH DRAMA

Making a switch from Geraniums to Coleus that filled the front porch urns.  The Coleus wintered in the Garden Window.  I have had Geraniums on the porches where we have lived for decades.  This was a switch.  Thinking that if the Coleus didn't make it then I could switch back to my all time favorite Geraniums.

  

The Coleus have taken well to their new location.  I LOVE THEM!  So this year no geraniums on the front porch.  When the weather begins to chill in the FALL I'll transfer them to smaller pots and try wintering them again.  I may just leave them in the urns and winter them in the entry way.  Shall see.  Nothing is in concrete.

Here it is Sunday and I will take some towels over to the cottage to dry them and collect the towels waiting in the dryer that have sat there for a week.  Needless to say, I will have towels to fold and put away.

My SUNDAY shall be a lazy easy one as I need the rest.  Take a deep breath and sigh.  We had Chicken Salad Sandwiches for lunch and not sure about Supper.  Maybe Popcorn and Pop.  A nice snack meal for watching a movie.  

Plans for this week.  I need to get a couple of birthday cards in the mail for family.  DEEP clean the bathrooms and spend hours in the room that will eventually be the TV room if we do not change our minds.  Right now I am very HAPPY with the TV in the Living room where I have my recliner.  This does not make up for having mess in the spare room.  This covid thing has turned me into more of a hermit than I like.  

We ventured out on Thursday and Friday and Saturday.  A different outside door is needed for the carriage house as the one on there is rotting and warping.  We found a $20 door that we will pick up next week.  Have to have our little car worked on before driving it to TOPEKA to pick up the door.  So TOPEKA is in the works for next week.  A coffee will be in order.  This is about the only food item we have had outside of our HOME since the middle of MARCH.

This is a miracle in itself that we have not ate out at all since mid March.  A miracle.  The eating out before my HUSBAND retired was frequent.  I'm glad we did this because at the time being we are staying HOME to eat.  My favorite FANCY RESTAURANT closed their doors.  Sigh.  

One of my favorite discount stores closed their doors...Tuesday Morning.  This one makes me sad.  Oh how I enjoyed them.  Also our local Chinese Food Restaurant closed their doors.  Sniff sniff.

Earlier in the year the Health Food Store that had a deli closed.  This one hurt because once a week I would go there for their ORGANIC meals in which I felt like I was doing something terrific for our health.  I miss them.

So as the cookie crumbles, I must go on to new adventures.

My favorite THRIFT STORE is still there.  They have a inside coffee shop that I have used before but not since March.  

THIS week I pray that I have more energy.  I needs it.  I will begin FLOOR EXERCISES this week and dust the stairs as well.  

Exciting world here on the PRAIRIE!  
Love to all.
Praying that the coronavirus disappears.  Oh Jesus, please hear my prayer.

You can say what you want, but I believe that someone tweaked a virus that got out of hand and it happened in the States, but was taken to China.  Conspiracy Theories galore  

Just sayin'.    
d

THE NEW AND IMPROVED 2 INGREDIENT BISCUIT RECIPE

~Two Ingredient Biscuits~

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Ingredients: 2 cups self rising flour and 2 cups of heavy cream.
Mix ingredients well.
Knead flour mixture on floured surface.
Roll out flat.
Cut biscuits.
Place biscuits in greased iron skillet 
and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Easy recipe to copy.

Blessings to you and happy baking,

d

FULL DAY

WHEN I GO TO TOWN, I HAVE HAD TO DOWNSIZE MY OUTINGS. We went to two stores last evening.  This was the limit I can do for wearing a mask.  Dollar Tree and Dollar General.

Ran out of super big bandages and antibiotic cream.  A trip to the store was needed.  I ended up putting in my buggy more of this and that....couldn't ignore the Peanut Butter M&M's.  A treat for meeeeeeeee! 

I have been very pleased with the discounted greeting cards at 50 cents to a dollar a pop.  Not many people that I know SAVE their cards these days.  I have saved my cards since I was 6 years old.  A few years ago, I thinned through Christmas Cards and only kept a few from relatives that have crossed over into HEAVEN.  If I had kept them all I could have made a banner to hang all the way around the room like I saw someone do umpteen years ago at a HOME TOUR.  This made a very festive look for the HOLIDAY.

Kind of like this:

A few cute ideas for CHRISTMAS in July:

TODAY I went to the Optometrist.  Issues with my eyes.  He said my eyes are healthy and it's probably too early to remove cataracts.  I don't have peace about putting off cataract surgery.  If the cataracts stay too long they can become what is known as MATURE and can cause more complications when removing.  Will give this a little time and think about this.

Wearing my mask for an hour and 20 minutes was extremely long for me.  I don't know how so many wear these 8 hours or longer.  The length I did today was the longest I have done so far. When I got HOME, I was worn the heck out.  Took a nap and wanted to stay asleep.

I need to make another trip to town to do some banking and LORD HELP ME...I need to go shopping for some shorts.  GULP.  I cringe thinking about it.  Putting this off only makes me live without cooler clothing.  I could sew and that's a goal, but first I have to complete going through a pile of paperwork.  HEAVENS.  It's a chore.  Keeping my chin up seems to take an concentrated effort to do.

AS FOR RESEARCHING...I LOVE researching.  I have been studying up on the late great Evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson.  This has been fun.  I question that she heard from the Lord when she left her second Husband to hit the road, living out of a car with two children.  Sleeping sometimes in a tent.  I think perhaps when she cracked her head open it caused some problems.  Married three times and never without a man for long, she was extremely stylish and a pioneer in using a radio for her business.  

I have watched many clips of Aimee when she speaks while being filmed.  It wouldn't have been noticeable from a distance, but up close and personal it is.  While speaking, she often rolled her eyeballs upwards instead of looking into the camera.  At one point she lost weight and bobbed her hair for a screen test to play the part of Aimee Semple McPherson for a movie about her life. She failed the screen test.  I'm not sure the film was ever made.  Will have to check into this.  

Interesting FACT:  In 1932, McPherson's commissary was raided by police, allegedly to locate a still used to make brandy out of donated apricots. As a consequence, the commissary was briefly shut down, and the staff was let go. However, students from her Foursquare Gospel Church's L.I.F.E. Bible College filled in.

One of the gentlemen that Aimee dated was a FREEMASON.  Okay...a Shriner and by the time a guy is a shriner they are well versed in this organization and know about Lucifer.  Why get mixed up with a Luciferian when you are a born again Christian woman?  Dancing with the devil.  

By the time Aimee died, there were over 50 lawsuits against her.  She was estranged from her Mom and Daughter.  She was wearing shorter skirts to go out dancing and drinking with her bobbed hair and facial cosmetics blamed up and gorgeous.  

Dying at an early age of 53 by accidental overdosing.  Overdosing.  Accidental?  I don't know. Her daughter would grow up to be active in television program, NAME THAT TUNE that her Husband produced.  Aimee's Daughter Roberta, married out of her faith to a Jewish Gentleman.

Well it's back to thinning out papers and magazines.  I made headway.  At least I made some headway.  This week I hope to start doing easy stretches and exercises on the floor.

I have hopes and I think this keeps me going,

d 

    

VASELINE TREATMENT

HERE I SIT IN MY GREY RECLINER.  Feet up, socks on and dressed.  It's so quiet around here, I can hear myself think.  Hubby had a eye appointment this morning.  He needs new glasses so badly.  It's been over 4 years since he had an eye appointment and new specs.

I stayed HOME.  We are doing our best to keeping a distance from large crowds.  Having some alone time is actually refreshing to me as I sit here typing.  Just fixed myself my first cup of hot coffee and ate half a piece of garlic toast.  Popped a apple cider vinegar gummy in my mouth.

I have heard such great things about taking apple cider vinegar that I thought I WOULD TRY A GUMMY.  Not bad tasting, but not good either.  I'll have to acquire a taste for them.  Better than a spoonful straight from the bottle.  The GUMMIES are like a treat to me.  I must be part dog waiting to receive a puppy treat because I did something right.  Wagging with my tongue sticking out.  

Last night I slathered my feet with Vaseline Petroleum Jelly.  Covered my feet with cotton socks.  Slept in my chair because I did not want to grease up the sheets.  Felt that I needed to sleep where it doesn't matter if I get grease on the leather chair.  I slept well.

I will be leaving the socks on for 24 hours then I will check to see if the dryness is gone.  My feet have done a number on me this Winter and into Spring.  Summer snuck up and my feet are beyond dried out on the edges.

I have soaked them before and scraped the gunk off of them just for the dried out skin to return. I am going to have to make this a strong priority in health care for the time being.  A few years back my elbow did a grey skin thing to me.  I used the vaseline treatment for two days and the grey scraped right off.  It was LIKE a miracle.  The grey has not been back since.

I so hope this works on my dried, cracked skin.  I may have to visit a Podiatrist to hear what they have to say about this.  BUT first the Vaseline Treatment and socks.

Plenty of paperwork to do as I have my feet elevated today.  So I will be fine right where I am.

Last night we watched the movie HARRIET.  I'd like to see it again.  Liked the movie and the story line was very good.  I looked Harriet up on google and read more about her. The acting was very good, the costuming good, the scenery good.  It kept me on edge as the plot thickened.  What a brave woman she was.  I thought her interest in God, prayer and visions was outstanding.  I came across a photo of her when she was 65.  My age.  There was some talk that the daughter she adopted was actually her own light skinned girl.  I wonder if.  I'd recommend this film to share with children as a educational tool.  It is very informative as entertaining. Learning can come easier to those when entertained.  

ON A DIFFERENT THOUGHT.  HBO's PERRY MASON is not for children at all or should I say it's not for anyone really.  The "F" BOMB is dropped way too much as if the character has no vocabulary other than uck.  The nudity, sex, violence and vulgar language should have been left out as the episodes would have been better suited.  

The story line on it's own is a good one, but the nudity, sexual content, vulgar language and violence should have been left out.  It didn't improve the story at all.  Compared to Raymond Burr's acting in the televised version of Perry Mason that I have watched through the years, the HBO's version is a completely different story.  I prefer the 1960s version when it comes to morals.  

The HBO's version is vulgar with immoral lifestyle.  The nudity could be taken out and the story line would improve.  No need to witness so much skin and immorality.  I know in real life that this stuff is out there, but one does not have to step in a pile of cow manure  to know that it stinks and the clean up messy.  

The vulgar takes away from the story.  If there were an edited version, I would be interested in it. X rated to MATURE.  How do I say this....you cannot unsee what you've seen.  It plants ugly seeds and becomes a mind control tool to reenacting ungodly suggestions.  Desensitizing an individual that has been exposed to the suggestion that others are doing this so it must be alright.  Programmed to sin.  Monkey see, monkey do.  MIND CONTROL.  Next.    

BUT, I do like the similarity of Perry Mason's character SISTER ALICE to Evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson and how the people are hyped in the services just like I witnessed back in the day when visiting Assemblies of God Churches, Pentecostal Churches and the non-denominational branches.  

Will she raise Baby Charlie from the dead?

~BEAUTIFUL MONDAY~

I can see the grey skies from my chair and listen to the falling rain.  Sometimes the grey skies relax me and I love listening to the quiet rain with an occasional thunder rumble in the back ground.  Rain drops hang on the window screen to remind me that there is moisture. Quietly I can sip my coffee and have thoughts of what to do TODAY of all days.

It's paperwork day again.  I have been working on this a little here and a little there.  It is unreal how this never seems to get to the bottom of the barrel with it.   LORD HELP ME.

I went through the mail and it was no surprise all the bills coming in.  No surprise.  I let the mail sit for a few days to allow any chance of this virus coming in contact with me.  Always washing my hands afterwards. 

Monday.  Monday. 
So good to me,

d 

LAVENDER AND MINT AT OUR PRAIRIE HOME

LAVENDER.  We have a small patch that has taken off rather well.  Smells wonderful. Drying some out.  This is great for combating moths in undie drawers and closets.  Would like to make some glycerine soap with lavender in it.    

MINT.  Should be using the mint in Iced Tea!  Also have a MINT patch in the backyard.  I came across a new recipe for using MINT in Cucumber Salad.  Mix MINT with 2 peeled, seed free cucumber chunks, diced onion, white vinegar water, a little salt, a little sugar.  Chill at least an hour.  Gotta BE good.

WHAT A LOVELY IDEA FOR AFFORDABLE BRIDESMAIDS BOUQUETS.

Lavender and mint bouquets.

THE WEEK COMES TO COMPLETION.  Saturday.  Tis HOT outside, but comfortable in our abode. Laundry is being worked on then I have to make a trip to buy some dish washing detergent.  Oops, I ran out.  Believe I need about 6 bottles so I do not have to run to the store anytime soon for that article at least.  We seem to go to a grocery store once a week.  I will start calling for curbside service or shop online and then notify for pick-up.

I don't want to be exposed to Covid 19 and the numbers of confirmed cases are rising in our corner of the world.  You'd never know it if going by what our President says that the numbers are going down?  Disheartening. You'd not know a pandemic is going on.  Eat beans and shut up?  

The heat does not seem to curb the Covid 19 monster.  Really hot spots in the United States are in areas that normally have escalated temps anyhow.  The Sunshine states have many cases in which the heat has not deterred them.  HEAT is on.

Our local public swimming pool is busier than ever as our County Commissioners decided that the locals do not have to wear masks to stores.  How can you social distance at the pool?  Dunna know.  Each person has their sway on the subject.  I support wearing mask and not opening schools.  I support being cautious over wild and reckless for the time being.  Shut this monster down. 


Create a different environment inside your HOME.  
Deal with projects needing attention.  
Spend time reading and writing.  
Exercise right in your own HOME.  
Clean it.  
Decorate it or declutter it.  
Organize HOME.  
Organize yourself. 
Note to self...take your own advice.


Blessings and stay safe,
d

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE: Cornbread and Beans

Cornbread and Beans 

were well received by two hungry peeps.

Slow cooked the beans in the crockpot.

All day long until tender and ready to eat.

No regrets.

Tasted really good,

d

65 LOOKS ODD TO ME

THIS WEEK INCLUDED TURNING 65....unbelievable.  When I look at the number 65, I blink. AND blink again. A glazed stare comes over me.  Thinking to myself, I'm 65.   Am I really 65?  Seems like yesterday that my folks turned 65.  Thankful to be so old.  It certainly has some challenges.

It's not like having the wind knocked out of me.  It's something else.  Somber.  65.  Blink.  Blink.  

My dear sweet HUBBY asked me what I wanted for my birthday supper and within seconds I said, "SPAGHETTI WITH MEAT SAUCE!"  One of my favorites.  About a month ago I said I wanted a coconut cake for my birthday.

He made a scratch Coconut Cake.  Twas delicious.  
Supper was Spaghetti with Garlic Bread.  
All was greatly appreciated and enjoyed. 
Left-overs as well.  

We watched a movie.  Popcorn and soda to boot.  
Stayed up late and because I can, I will sleep until I naturally wake up for the day after.  
I received a phone call from my Mom with a Birthday card and gift, a dear friend who lives in ALASKA phoned me, my daughter/family sang me Happy Birthday, a Oklahoma son sang to me, well wishes from family and friends, a package in the mail from family, some cards and letter.  My Hubby gave me a lovely card, fixed a super Spaghetti Supper and Coconut Cake, a couple of Downton Abbey Books, turquoise earrings from Arizona.  Overall a very nice BIRTHDAY.  

I will have to work through turning the BIG 65.  One day closer to 66.  Haha and grins.  

I have reached an age I really didn't think I would due to health issues.  HEAVENS...Lord, I thank thee for life and another opportunity to be alive.  Thank you.  THANK YOU.  Thank you.

As I close my eyes to relax, I have to think about what to do next.  What I hope to have as a goal to accomplish.  This year I hope to get healthier by drinking PROTEIN DRINKS and mixing in egg whites.  Walking more and lifting some  l i g h t  weights.  Take more deep breathes and worry less.

Because I can, I have more time to research just about anything I want.  What will that be?  What am I going to do to make HOME a homier place?  Organize items and thin out more.  Paper work thinned out and organized.  Read.  Write.  Draw.  and carry on.  This year I will it that I will sew a yarn tied quilt.  Write a book and create a TV room.  Walk a hundred miles.

1) Quilt
2) Book
3) Create Room
4) Walk hundred miles
5) That's enough.

65 and there's so much more.  
Please LORD, let there be so much more.

Blessings to you,

d      

MS. LIBERTY, I DID IT.

IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THOSE DAYS where I forgot what day it was.  Is it Sunday, Monday, Tuesday?  Finding myself deciphering what the actual week day is only takes a click on the calendar to tell me it's MONDAY, the 13th.  Is that bad luck or what?  What.

Today, I'm not as sore as I thought I would be.  I walked 90 minutes yesterday with my HUBBY around the City Park.  Pretty sure it was a mile and 1/4 miles by the time we finished.  Wore my mask tied onto my head and when needed I'd pull it up over my nose.

Joggers, walkers, walkers with dogs and children.  The evening had a good feel to it as it was not too HOT and was shady.  We started at 7:30 ending at 9 PM.  A breeze saved our spirits. 

An internal furnace boiled up inside me as I walked.  Occasionally I'd sit to cool off.  The park was busier than I imagined.  Quite a few people had PUPPIES with them.  

My HUSBAND was my side kick as I walked and thankfully my feet did not ache.  This would come later as I sat at HOME.  Was next to impossible to walk to bed.  This morning I am sore, but not like last night.

WALKING AROUND the City Park was something I had wanted to do for 20 years.  Sigh and exhale.  Completing before my 65th birthday.  Praise the LORD.  I had wanted to quit several times and had to talk to myself about forging ahead knowing that if I did not complete this walk I would regret it.

I had to talk to myself when inside the Statue of Liberty when we were there years ago as the walking down after being in the crown was a scary experience to me.  I did it and I am so glad I finished what I started.  I was only 34 at the time.  Here I am 30 years older and doing a first.  

65 comes tomorrow.  I am officially a matronly woman.  PAUSE.  

PAUSE,
d    

  

How to Make Victoria Sandwiches - The Victorian Way

LILIES

Mary Todd Lilies did super this year.  

Amazed us.  Loved the yellow.

Day Lillies elsewhere.

Just some Kansas clouds....

I have experienced a new kind of frustration from this ongoing pandemic.  

I need to pray,

d