SHALL SEE

SUNDAY RAIN TWAS GENTLE.  The sound of thunder rumbled in the distance as the skies were shades of grey occasionally brightened by flashes of lightening.  It was one of these moments to assist me in relaxing staying HOME.  

Stayed inside resting while NATURE did her thing.  We needed the rain.

The day passed right on by.  Monday afternoon meant a trip to Retirement Cottage across the river to use the clothes drier to dry a mattress pad cover, a bedspread with 4 shams.  If I had a clothes line I could have aired dried these.  The day was nice enough for it.  

Beautiful drive with an opportunity to see AUTUMN changing the scenery.  Yellows, oranges, greens and browns are taking over the SUMMER environment.  

As each load dried in the machine, I shuffled furniture and boxes to make room for a treadmill that will be sat up in the pink room.  Making an exercise place away from HOME.  Soon I will be walking inside. 

Returning HOME, I changed my plans with a grocery list to fill.  Drove over to Walmart where I thought I could pick up some different shoes for cooler weather wearing, needed underwear, a plastic mattress pad cover, and some canned goods.  I road the electric cart so I could shop quicker and make headway in the aisles.  I have never seen Walmart so empty of shoppers.  It was almost eery.  Quickly we shopped and returned HOME.  We wipe the items down before putting away.

The lil cottage needs so much attention.  I dream what the place will look like when the attention is finally given.  Our main house comes first.  Hubby continues to redo the screened in porch.  It has required many hours of planning and labor to rebuild.  Hoping by Christmas this will be complete.  

I continue to work on paperwork and general chores.  This week I had plans to shuffle items to make room for treadmill.  Mission accomplished.  In a few days I will return to the cottage to vacuum the carpet and wipe down furniture.  We have a couple of movers that will help us relocate the huge treadmill when we are ready for it.  Then I will have to get serious about walking becoming routine.  Need a walking journal.  That's the easy part.

I have plans to fix FRENCH PORK CHOPS this week.  Have to watch the video again and gather the ingredients together.  I did not have my ingredients list with me for this so unfortunately I'll have to return to the grocery store again.  I have to get better at writing down the ingredients so I don't make so many trips to the store.  A one stop shop and be done.

Tuesday, the phone rang.  My daughter phoned me to let me know that Lil Miss's Cross Country Team is quarantining for two weeks due to Covid-19.  One of the runners has tested positive.  I know Covid is real and this hits HOME.  One of my Grandson's schools has had a Covid exposure.  Not sure where this will go.

We will hunker down again and stay HOME as much as possible.  Reality.  Wear mask, wash hands often, social distance and stay away from coughing people.  We will do the best we can and pray. 

Wednesday, I will go to the store and gather up all the ingredients for the French Pork Chops and prepare to make them on Thursday.  More laundry to do, pay a few bills, rest, put clean sheets on the bed, wash dishes, tidy about the house.  I think I will ice my heels with bagged frozen green peas.  

Thursday, have a gourmet supper!  Laundry, dust, clean bathrooms.  Paperwork.

Friday, shall see.

Saturday, shall see.

HOME LIFE is for me,                                                                             d

  

    

It's the first day of Autumn! - Winnie the Poohs Grand Adventure

 

"It's the first day of autumn! 

A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, 

and, best of all, leaping into leaves!"

Winnie the Pooh

AFTERNOON AT THE PARK

A NEW WAY TO GREET ONE ANOTHER OR TO SAY GOOD BYE  is by bumping elbows.

We headed out to see our FAMILY and watch a GRANDSON run Cross Country, but as we were on the road to get there our son phoned us to let us know that his race start time had changed and they had already ran.

Sudden changes are common these days.  Not everyone lives with a phone attached to their hip.  We were already several hours into our drive before we knew that our Grandson missed his meet.  We had planned a PICNIC afterwards, so we ate

LUNCH UNDER THE SHADE TREES.  

A cool breeze with Family time at the Park was wonderful.

Seeing them in person made my heart HAPPY.

In March 2020 we saw them as social distancing was sprouting out.

We chatted for several hours then said our Good-byes until next time.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN FOR 5 HOURS.  

We made the best of it.  

Saw lovely scenery on the way HOME.

LOVE to all,

d

 

MARVELOUS MONDAY

SOMETIMES I THINK MONDAYS SHOULD BE THE DAY FOR MEATLOAF.  I watched a multitude of youtube videos about how to prepare various meals which led me to watch some on MEATLOAF.  Craving meatloaf gets to me sometimes. 

YouTube Videos was the precursor to taking classes at HOME.   It has been for me.  Instead of watching television, I tune into internet watching.  Addictive.  Ouch.  Must discipline myself.

I like to see how others make their Meatloaves.  Best Meatloaf evah.  Leads to some fun entertainment.  I learned how to make French Pork Chops, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Cakes, Biscuits, etc. etc. etc.  On the fast Track for Meatloaf.  Then comes turning junk into treasures.  Making mula.  Makeover videos is fun.  Small house LIVING.  It's full of possibilities.  How the Amish live in Amish Country.  Storage HACKS. On and on.  Visiting Historical Houses.  The world is at my fingertips.  

Like Homemaking lessons for an old timer like me.  Refreshes my mind.  

Often I read up on the internet about politics and how the average Joe pays their share of income taxes. 

Typical Income Tax:

Teachers paid $7,239

Firefighters paid $5,283

Nurses paid $10,216  

Donald Trump paid $750. oo. He claims to be a billionaire.

One could argue that Mister Trump lost so much money he didn't have to pay Income Tax.

One article states, It appears that the President has gamed the tax code to his advantage and used legal fights to delay or avoid paying what he owes. 

Another sight says that President's personal debt with foreign Banks is so large that they have influence over our President. When the debt comes due in a few years, what will he do to stay in their good graces? This could endanger our national security. Quid pro quo? Dangerous.

I'll say one thing since 2020 began, that I have emerged myself into POLITICS more than ever in my life. A much needed awakening.

Somedays I'd rather eat MEATLOAF.

We made our way this week-end to see FAMILY and still managed to SOCIAL DISTANCE ourselves while visiting. We had been driving three hours when our phone rang telling us that our Grandson's Cross Country Start Time had been changed from noon to 8:30 am. He missed his race and we did as well. This was very disappointing because I wanted to see him run Cross Country. Was driving a long ways to watch the Meet.  

We had planned a PICNIC at the Park beforehand so we went ahead and spent time under the shade tree eating and talking. I told my Grandson to run for me so I could see him run. He ran in a circle for me! I saw him run.

It was sweet to see them. We visited a few hours then said our goodbyes. I gave them their HALLOWEEN TREATS. If I had mailed these, it would have been about $20 for postage so I justified the entire trip. The postal expense went into our fuel bill making the expense balance out. Since we were in the neighborhood, we stopped by an Art Store where Hubby bought a large sheet of paper. One sheet. grins. Only one. He will be drawing on it in the near future.

We made good time HOME and saw gorgeous landscape along our trip. The trees are turning. Beautiful FALL/AUTUMN. Beautiful.

I've enjoyed Picnics this year.  

One with my Mom, Sister and Daughter.  

Another with my Mom and Sister.  

One with my Son's Family.  

It's been a number of years since having a picnic. This part of the Pandemic has made life better. Wonderful to eat outside under a shade tree with a cool breeze blowing to take the bite off of overheating. Slow down and take it all in. More to follow. Lord willing.

This week's plans will morph right along.

Paperwork continues.

Shuffling furniture to make room for a treadmill.

Laundry.

Cross Country Meet.

Presidential DEBATE!!! This will be exciting.

Continue to clean the house.

OCTOBER will begin on Thursday.

I pray for favor. I need the LORD's HELP. Amen.

This Monday is marvelous.

HOME LIFE is for me,

d

SUNDAY PRAYER

 DEAR GOD, I KNOW YOU WILL NEVER FAIL ME.  

In Jesus name I pray. ~Amen

HOME LIFE is for me,

d

THIS WEEK FLEW RIGHT ON BY and here it's FRIDAY! Welcomed AUTUMN by admiring the trees turning when on the road driving across the Prairie.  The changing colors are evident now.  Next week, it will be even more so.  By the end of October, cold airs will blow as the leaves continue to twirl downward exposing bare branches to usher in WINTERY WEATHER.  

This part of nature's agenda I am not ready for.  So...I will daily admire this AUTUMN in slow motion and THANK God that I have made it thus far.  

Halloween comes to mind.  I will work up goodie bags for my Grands.  Not sure what to do about trick or treaters this glorious year.  I think I may pass on handing out candy.  

Yesterday was BEauty Spa day for me.  Ended in the late afternoon as I had to go see my GRAND run Cross Country in a different county.  A little warm outside with a breeze as I sat in a collapsible chair watching the kids run their course.  I stood as the race began and was able to cheer her on at three different points.  She did well and it was pure joy watching. 

Walking back to our parked car was trying, but managed some how.  I know I need to continue walking for exercise.  The tread mill will be relocated in October and I will deliberately walk on it once again.  I should have never stopped.  

BEGIN AGAIN and keep a walking journal.  This is something positive I can do as a 65 year old woman.  Make it a HOBBY.  

After watching GRAND run, Hubby and I had a date to actually dine at a Restaurant.  I know as AUTUMN continues that we will once again stay HOME to eat as we hunker down again.  I'll be alright with this.  We went to ALDIs to pick up a few things to get us through the week-end.

Picked up miniature bottled water.  Bottled water is something I like using for drinking water throughout the day.  Bread and Bagels.  Some fruits and veggies.  Butter, eggs and cheese.  Some of this and some of that.   We checked out with our Bank Card.  They do not want to handle change.  I remember when ALDIs did not accept Bank Cards or checks.  Strictly cash.  Times continue to change. 

Working on laundry today and paperwork.  I may go to town later.  

May you have a blessed week-end.                  

HOME LIFE is for me,

d

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE: Chicken Strips, Italian Green Beans, Rice with Gravy

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE was a delicious warm meal full of flavor.  Dipped the Chicken Strips in Bar-B-Que Sauce.

I had read that if you eat a can of green beans every day, you'll lose weight.  May give it a try as I alter the portions of food that are on my plate.  Less starchy items and more what I call skinny vegetables.  Of course I MUST EXERCISE as well and drink Spring Water.    

Have a wonderful day.  Blessings to you.

HOME LIFE is for me,

d 

FIRST THERE WAS AUTUMN

MY FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN was a busy one for me that required an afternoon nap when I returned HOME.  I was worn out.

I asked myself, WHY DID THIS DAY WEAR ME OUT SO MUCH?  I think it was THE MASK issue.  I went to a medical appointment and by the time I stood in line, checked in, sat in the Lobby, weighed in, Nurse asked a multitude of question, saw the provider and made it through the appointments, I had been wearing MY MASK an hour and 4o minutes.  Usually, I do well with 15 minutes.  Then I have to make my way to the car to breathe.  Today was different.  A hour and 40 minutes before removing mask.

My Husband and I had our appointments together to be checked out for a Cancer Follow Up.  It was my yearly exam.  Checked out fine except he wants to switch a blood pressure med that he believes has been making me cough.  

Went ahead and got a FLU SHOT.  

My TESTS RESULTS were very good.  Next check-up in a year.  Shall see how that goes.  Oh, I should say that I had gained weight.  Made my eyes bug out so in this instance I didn't check out fine.  I will have a yearly checkup from my Family Physician later and will visit with him about switching some meds or if I can, that cause weight gain and blood sugars to raise.

My weight has steadily climbed since I had my thyroid removed 10 years ago.  My blood sugar levels the same.  

I have been on A ROLLER COASTER RIDE the last ten years with working to stabilize the TSH numbers, weight gain and blood sugars climbing.  SO much sweating.  Lower body temps.  98.6 is seldom seen as it is 96.4.  Way too low if you ask me.  When I say something to my endocrinologist, it. is. ignored.  In other words the endocrinologist that I have been seeing for the last 10 years are staying in their box to keep their certification.  I cannot blame them for wanting to be able to keep their certification, but what I have found out is that their box needs enlarged and they need to up their practice to present day.    

Dr. Denis Wilson has something very informative to say about low body temps indicating poor T4 to T3 conversion.  I will be doing more reading about him and his practices.  

https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Denis.Wilson/  

You can have a good reading on the TSH and have a low body temp.  TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is only telling you that your pituitary gland is signaling the body to make more thyroid hormone.  So if you take a hormone replacement the TSH is indicating if pit gland is signaling or not, not if the hormone is converting correctly.  Not what is happening inside all the cells.  Cell HEALTH is needed to be checked out.

IMO the Endocrinologist are almost like snake oil salesman.  They collect your money and the product doesn't work.  A scam.  

Dr. Wilson's 'The Wilson Temperature Syndrome' isn't acknowledged with my Endocrinologist. My overall health has been very challenged.

I've learned that some people can exercise till they are silly and diet until they have depleted their immune system and the weight doesn't budge.  If this is the cause, then telling them to exercise and diet and the weight will come off doesn't work for them.

So it's a mystery...I have read and read and read over the last 10 years about THYROID HEALTH.  Do I know anymore then when I began?  Yes.  I don't always retain what I read, but I have certainly tried to get better educated about this thing called Thyroid Cancer and the side effects of it.

When you are told, if you have to have cancer, this is the type of cancer to get...you'll find out in the long run that this doesn't comfort the one suffering from the side effects from thyroid cancer. The unwanted weight gain, the sweating, the muscle fatigue, the hair loss, the dry skin, the difficulty in swallowing, the coughing, the choking, the fatigue, the forgetfulness, the this and the that.

AND SO, I continue on.

First Day of Autumn purchase

Soup Tureen Alfred Meakin Royal Ironstone China 

with Copper Tea Leaf Pattern (1890ish)

Over the years, I have eyeballed this Tea Leaf pattern on antique china and wondered about it.  A couple of years ago I purchased my first piece which was a platter.  The platter sat alone and I still admired it.  I spied this soup tureen and went back to buy it.  On the first day of Autumn 2020, she came HOME with me.  I'll see how this goes, but I think as a 65 year old woman this is the newest collection to start in the Fall of my LIFE.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN 2020, I had a medical appointment, GOT WEIGHED, received a Flu Shot, actually ate inside a restaurant, went to a thrift shoppe left with two nice tops, waited in the car at SAMS while hubby went inside to get hearing aid fixed, drove to ALMA to purchase a antique 1890ish Alfred Meakin Royal Ironstone China Soup Tureen, noticed the changing of trees across the landscape and took a NAP.  Ate supper and watched a 2011 movie.  Cowboys and Aliens.  Starring Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford.  

Kind of like watching James Bond 007 meeting Indiana Jones.  The movie was better than I thought it would be.  American Science Fiction Western. 

Perhaps if I were an alien, my Endocrinologist would be more interested in how I'm wired.  Perhaps they would be more willing to look outside their box of THE GOLDEN STANDARD.  For in my opinion, this golden standard that they practice by isn't all inclusive and needs updated. 

As I move into AUTUMN, I will strive to find out how to raise my body temp, feel better because I am actually better.  Mind over matter doesn't make raising body temps a reality.  It is actually something else needing tweaked.  Having the idea that it is all about mind over matter only carries you so far.   

HAPPY AUTUMN,

d

DOWN MEMORY LANE

DAUGHTER OPENS GIFTS 

FOR HER 40th BIRTHDAY.

I saved some of my childrens' childhood items, 

gift wrapped them and presented the gifts 

to each of my children for their 40th Birthday.

COVID delayed my daughter's gift opening in April.  

Finally in August we sat on the patio 

and relived her childhood 

in honor of her 40th birthday.

It warmed my heart to see her open the gifts 

and go down memory lane.

I also went down the lane as the items 

made me remember her youth 

as I mothered her through the years.

SWEET MEMORIES,

d