THE YEAR WINDS DOWN AND I AM THANKFUL

MY DAY GOT AWAY FROM ME.  I spent a good two hours typing up a letter and packaging White Chocolate with Peppermint covered Pretzel Rods to go in the mail.  They should reach their destination come Monday.  Putting some things away just about as fast as I could. Still prepping to paint the Dining room.  ha.  That's a big laugh as I am taking forever to get to it. I know the New Year will ring in before I get to it SOOOO after January 1st.  The first full week will have to do.  

Between this house and the cottage I will have a very full year.  Yes, I have something wonderful to look forward to in 2022.  The year of downsizing, getting better organized and working at being healthier.  Praise the Lord.  Being thankful for it all.

Off to go work on the COTTAGE before it snows.  I will clean a folding table before placing items on it that are from the pantry.  Clean the fronts of the Kitchen appliances.  Gather up some things to donate.  Sweep some floors and clean out the fridge.  That will be just about it for the day.  I'm slow, but thank GOD I'm still moving.

Day dreamed some about what to do with the interior of this humble Cottage that we are working on.  Gathering ideas.

No breakfast this morning.  Lunch was Five Bean Salad with black olives.  Supper was grilled chicken with green peppers, onions, tomatoes.  Water to drink. Snack was a sugar-free Russell Stover Peanut Butter Cup.

Checked up on my St. Louis Son who said he was weak.  Hadn't felt well since Sunday.  He's better today.  Fever broke.  Has a dry cough.  No chest pains.  Omicron?  Not sure.  He said he was going to get his booster on Monday then got sick on Sunday.  Not sure if he still will get the booster or not.

On the other hand, my Oklahoma family has had some change as my oldest Granddaughter has moved to a different state.  She is ready to spread her wings and try something different.  I wish her well and will continue praying for her.  Praying for all my family.

Praying woman.

This year is winding down.  Recalling the past 12 months in this chapter of 2021.  2022, Lord willing will be a time of more downsizing, remodeling a cottage and decorating the house we are living in now.   This will be my part-time job slash HOBBY.  I am hoping to get much done. Much.  I'd like to pick some recipes out of President Eisenhower's Mother's Cook Book.  I will return to reading the King James Version of the Bible.  Reading deliberately slow and steady.

Thinking back through the months...celebrated Grandchildren's birthdays.  We grew another year older as well.  So did our children.  A new grand baby was born on what would have been my Dad's 95th birthday.  A favorite cousin and her husband died in a tragic auto wreck and my oldest brother passed away in Kansas City.  I still have times that it doesn't register.  The making of my brother's burial plans was a nightmare that I need to put to rest.  

We visited President Abraham Lincoln's Home and Presidential Museum in June.  It was awesome.  A dream come true as I had wanted to visit years ago.  I would like to go back in pleasant weather and see more of the sights downtown plus the cemetery.  In August we stayed in the Presidential Bedroom Suite at Clover Cliff Ranch Bed and Breakfast outside of Elmdale, Kansas.  Then in November we visited Mary Todd Lincoln's childhood home in Lexington, Kentucky.       

We started the year out with finding out that my Husband has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Dr. is taking a wait and watch approach which means I have to research health issues.  So we decided not to wait to change how we eat.  Swooped down on organic foods, doing our best to avoid GMO foods, reading labels and dancing to the check-out line with organic fruits and vegetables, organic milk, organic this and organic that. The less ingredients the better.  Spring water to drink.  Cutting back on sugars, grains, dairy, breads.  Enjoying lots of vegetables.  Soy-free eggs now in the fridge.  Grass fed beef when possible.  Going to try organic chicken next.

In April I had the worst physical I have ever had.  High cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and am severely, morbidly obese.  I blinked my eyes and the wheels inside my head started moving.  I continued to research health issues and how to tackle them in a natural way.  The war began.

By August my A1c was down, but my cholesterol was up.  I had gone on the Mayo Diet where I could eat as much meat as I wanted.  This didn't pan out for me as I believe it bumped up my cholesterol.  I'd give it another go on food selections.  December's blood work was way better. Cholesterol was down in the area it needed to go down in.  A1c was down.  AND I lost weight by eating organic and cutting calories.

I decided that I will continue making different food choices and continue taking Vitamin D3 5,000 IU supplements, Ceylon Cinnamon 2000 MG with Chromax Chromium Picolinate 100 mcg and Apple Cider Vinegar supplements.

We spent many Summer hours over at the Cottage.  I went through many large boxes sorting through the chaos.  Hubby created three large flowerbeds, dug up and transplanted our beloved Irises.  A huge undertaking in the Summer heat.  

We'd turn loose of much, but have a ways to go to have completed this task.  Lord God, I ask for strength and endurance for us to get the remodeling completed, downsized and settled into the Cottage.

Snow is suppose to blow into town this Saturday.  After it snows, I will quietly observe God's nature through the windows of our HOME sipping on hot chocolate relaxing and praying.

Here's to a beautiful and blessed year.

To God be the glory.  Great things He has done.

~d     

 

 

  

WEDNESDAY

SUPPOSEDLY IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE IN THE 50s TODAY, but temps dropped to freezing temps where heavy coats came out.  When going to the doctor's I saw bits of teeny tiny spit balls of snow.  It never did anything else, but come Saturday it is suppose to snow and I think I'm now ready for it.  This seems to happen to me each year as I mourn the passing of Summer into Autumn into Winter.

If the sun is shining it helps ease me into chilly Winter weather.  Today the skies were grey and the sunshine stayed away.  It was Hot Chocolate weather and I should have worn bright red clothing to add some coloring to the landscape.  There's just something about red in cold weather that warms up my soul.

This morning I had a eye appointment checking to see how my eye is doing since hemorrhaging a week ago.  Yep, it is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage and I was told they look worse than they are. The eye should continue to lose the bloody red coloring and return to normal in 7 to 10 days. I'm hopeful it will and I hope I never have this happen again.  Dr. said he believed the eye hemorrhaged in two places.  Was I taking blood thinners?

No, I don't but I have used Ibuprofen before.  When I have a back ache, I have taken it.  Okay...I will switch to Tylenol or not use anything at all when my back hurts.  Making my yearly eye appointment in April, I'll be back.  

Hubby went with me so he could hear everything that was said.  Sometimes, I get nervous at Doctor's appointments and I do not recall very well what was discussed or asked.  I felt that between the two of us, that we'd have better recall.  A bonus for having a loving Husband that is willing to go along.

Lunch time.  We went by the Friendship House which was closed for the HOLIDAYS which meant if having LUNCH out we'd have to go someplace else.  Off to Saint Mary's where we'd eat at FROGGY's to have a salad with grilled chicken.  Water to drink.  It was pretty good.  I was glad that they were playing Christmas Music to dine by.

Off to their Lumber Yard and the local grocery store looking for cream cheese.  

While we were in the neighborhood, I finally made it to ZAPPS Health Food Store, the new book store they have and went to M.J.'s Coffee Shop where I got a steamer with Macadamia Nut flavoring.  It was awesome.  Hubby said his Latte was better than Starbuck's.  Again Christmas Music was playing.  Enjoyed this.

https://www.mjscoffeehouse.com/menus

Next to Family Dollar and stopped by 37 Pine.  Another Grocery Store in a different community for Pepper Jelly and went to a Dollar General for Bugles where I found their Christmas Storage boxes half off.  Picked up some.  Santa and Moose with the HoHoHo sign will go in a new box.

I will have to take inventory of my Santas and Nutcrackers.  Downsize these again.  As I go through the storage, I'll be able to see just what I have and need to turn loose of.  Christmas Wreaths and garland as well.  Later the trees that are out in the screened-in porch will be donated to charity except the trees we will keep for next years outdoor displays.  I will be making new Christmas grapevine wreaths with some pinecones and greenery with cranberry colored bows also known as garnet.  I can visualize the new wreaths so I hope they turn out as nice as I imagine.  

I'll see about making them during this new year and have them ready for Christmas 2022 at the Cottage.  I'll need to fix two of them for the front doors.  Once again we will be living in a place with two front doors.  I'd like to go with this old fashioned look and color scheme.  I can envision posh garland hanging from the porch tied with cranberry colored ribbon.

Making plans for New Year's Eve.  I will have to be sure to snack on vegetables as best I can.  Some treats will be allowed.  Some.  Not lots.  Available for all.  

SNACKS are as follow...Organic celery, carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes, etc.
Ritz's crackers with Cream Cheese and Spicy Pepper Jelly.
Sartori Bella Vitano Merlot Cheese, Wisconsin Hickory Smoked Cheddar Cheese and crackers
EATZ Chocolate coated Cashews and Almonds
Peanut Brittle
Bugles
Gardetto's Special Request Snack Mix with Roasted Garlic Rye Toast
Bean Dip and Chips to dip with
Ferrara Pan Red Hots and Peanuts

A nibble of this and that.  Have to put my foot down and choose wisely.  I can do this and eat slowly as well.  Veggies for me.  A few Bugles, Snack Mix, Pepper Jelly, Bean Dip with a few chips, some chocolate nuts, a nibble of Peanut Brittle.  Water to drink.

We'll ring in the New Year!  

My day ended with thoughts about tomorrow with what I need to do.  A load of laundry.  Shower to shampoo my hair.  Comb it out and let it air dry.  Think I will try to curl it differently.  Clean the bathroom toilets.  Put fresh sheets on two of the beds.  Write out some Thank you.  Call my Mom.  Vac the living room floor.  No need to put Christmas decorations away just yet.  I'll wait until after the New Year and then each day I will focus on one area to put away.  

First off the Nut Crackers and Music Box that are sitting in the Kitchen Garden Window.  With this cleared out, I think I'll paint a new coat of white paint in there so it is freshened up.  
Santa, a Moose and HoHoHo sign on the Fisher Fireplace Insert will go away.  I'll leave the garland hanging up for now.
Santas on the stairs will be put away.
Ornaments will be taken off from the smaller Christmas Tree, but will leave the tree up still lit until Epiphany, January 6th.
The bigger tree that is holding the children's childhood ornaments will be next... still leaving up the lit tree until Epiphany.
Christmas wreaths will remain until January 6th.
The Nativity Plate will remain for now.  
White Candles on the fireplace Mantle will stay for now.

Good thing to have this figured out.

Blessings,
~d

HELLO WORLD

TODAY WAS A GREAT DAY THAT HAD A SLOW START.  I like it this way as it allows me time to go through the mail, thumb through the newspaper, locate bills, write out correspondences to mail, scribble out notes for the day, etc.  I've been skipping breakfast this week.  Cutting back on calories on purpose.

I won't be making a New Year's Resolution this coming year about losing weight as I am continuing on this already and it is happening. 

When I stepped on the scales at the Doctor's Office, I was extremely HAPPY to see that I had lost weight.  I was so happy last August, I danced a jig.  Not every time I step on the scales do I cry, but I thought the cartoon was funny.  grins.  

Weighed myself this morning talking to the scales telling it, "It's time to loss another 10 pounds." No Breakfast.  Lunch was a Combination Salad with a Chicken Breast, some Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing  and water.  Supper was 2 cups of Pacific's Organic Butternut Squash Soup with a handful of croutons.  Dessert was a Peppermint Patty.  More water.  A grand total of about 780 calories today.  My stomach is full and satisfied.  Will sip water throughout the evening and not eat again until tomorrow mid morning.  That will be an intermittent fast of about 12 to 14 hours.     

This is on the lower side of the count, but much needed as I was over the top high last week as I ate extremely well at Kansas City Union Station Pierponts Restaurant on Tuesday, Country Plaza P.F. Chang's on Wednesday, and last but not least CHRISTMAS DINNER on Saturday with lots of Cream Cheese spread on Ritz Crackers with Pepper Jelly plus the Pretzel Rods and German Chocolate Cake with extra frosting.  

Oops, but it was worth every bite.  Stepping on the scales doesn't lie and I need to cut way back this week.  Will do.

This past year, I haven't had any trouble cutting out sweet beverages, pop, fruit juices.  This is a help.  Skipping the bread has gotten easier for me.  

I will have trouble cutting bacon completely out of my diet.  I haven't been able to do that yet.  Pork Chops are very rare these days to eat.  What else needs cut out of my diet.  No problem NOT eating BAT.  Never have had it and I don't plan to ever eat it.  No rabbit or alligator.  I'm good with turkey, beef, chicken and occasionally fish. Trying to eat more grilled Salmon.  Cookies haven't caused problems this past year.  Ice Cream is rare.  Potato Chips weren't the easiest to stop eating.  Occasionally I crave them.  When I eat potatoes, I try to cut the portions way back.  I don't miss cereal.  Seldom do I have alcoholic beverages.  Once or twice a year isn't over doing it.  

THIS MORNING my Husband and I had a talk about LIFE.  We decided that we'd go over to the COTTAGE and visit about what we need to do in each room.  We'd chat a while then go and actually look in the room jotting down what needs done.  We were at it about four hours. Mentally, it stimulated me, but not to the point of no return.  I wish it were already done and behind us.    

If I had the habit of working non-stop Monday through Saturday day in and day out, this task of remodeling the COTTAGE might not be so daunting, but I don't work on it each day.  I have had to have frequent breaks.  These breaks have helped me to be able to cope with the house fire where we lost so much and health issues.  I believe we will be all the better after we have thinned through more things, achieved godly order and continue on our journey about LIFE. 

Drove HOME in the dark placing more items in a donation box for the week.  I'm aiming for a box a week.  Just my speed.  Slow, but steady. 

This week, I need to gather more organic veggies and fruits.  Do some laundry.  Prepare for New Year's Eve.  Clean some in the house.  Make a trip to donate box of items for charity.  Put some more items in the donation box for next week's donation trip.  Go see the Optometrist this week to have him check out my left eye that had a Sub-conjunctival Hemorrhage a week ago.  Start painting primer on the Dining room walls.  Tidy more in my closet pulling more garments. Here's to having a successful week.

HOME LIFE is for me,

~d👸

~Joining in with the fun at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom~
Happy Homemaker Monday
https://familycorner.blogspot.com/2021/12/happy-homemaker-monday-12272021.html

The Weather:  It is unpredictable.  In the 70s one day then expecting snow on Saturday.

How I am feeling this morning:  Relaxed and ready to go.

On my mind:  Remodeling the Cottage.

On my Breakfast Plate this morning:  Absolutely nuttin'.

Reading Pile:  I actually placed my hardcover books that I hope to read soon in a Longaberger Basket and placed it over by the fireplace.  Magazines went into a different basket.  Books about cooking for Diabetics.

On my TV:  TV is off.

On the menu this week:  Loads of organic veggies, some fruit.  Salads, salads, salads.

From the camera:  Baby LOVE.

Looking around the house:  CHRISTmas decorations are still very much here and will be until after the New Year.

To relax this week I will:  Rest, write and pray.

Something I want to share:  Stay busy and remember to clean up after yo' self.  I am rejoicing that my cholesterol is down where it needs to be down and up where it needs to be up.  A1c is down.

On my prayer list:  I had a sub-conjunctival hemorrhage last week and it gave me a black eye.  Healing very slowly.  Appreciate prayers for healing.  I'm thankful I can still see.  

Blessings,
~d

HURRAY FOR HOLIDAYS

 

THE WEEK WENT SO WELL...I cannot complain.  Leading up to my hubby's 67th birthday on December 24th, I successfully made his favorite German Chocolate Cake and also put together White Chocolate with Peppermint Dipped Pretzel Rods. 

I cut the cooled cake through the horizontal middle, frosted the middle section with chocolate fudge frosting, assembled the top piece of cake onto the frosted bottom section, slathered coconut frosting over the assembled cake.  Sprinkled some fresh coconut on top of the frosting.  Looks good and will be good.   

We packed up our bags, desserts and drove over to our Daughter's Home to spend the night. Together we celebrated my dear Husband's 67th Birthday on his actual birthday.  Daughter, Son.n.law, 14 year old Grand and the youngest member of their family, the baby Mister C.

We snacked through Supper and dessert was cake.  Singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to him, he blew out the candles.  When I fixed the boxed mixture, I used soy-free eggs, spring water and didn't want to...but used corn vegetable oil.  I wasn't sure that avocado oil or olive oil would work well with this boxed mix.  We seldom have cake.  Wanted this to turn out.  

Whipped it up, baked it until a knife came out clean, cooled the cake in the bundt pan before dumping it out onto a plate to add frosting.  While the cake baked and cooled, I melted the white chocolate for pretzels in a double boiler until it had a smooth consistency.  First time to purchase Peppermint Crushed Candy Cane from a bag.  Brach's.  Liked it.  

Worked well.  Stirred into the chocolate melt and dipped pretzel rods laying the pretzels on waxed paper to cool.  Sure tasted good.

Frosty lit up like a candle beside the Pretzels.  grins.

Just something about the sweet with the salty that satisfies. 

Smiles.

He makes me smile.

We had a wonderful evening and slept well.  Christmas Day arrived.  The kids are a blended family where the older boys were away then came to celebrate Christmas.  At one point my newest Grandson fell asleep in my arms.  I held him for three and a half hours while the family opened Christmas gifts. 

Grand made this for us.  Love it.

 

It was very pleasant to spend time together as gifts were opened and Supper was eaten.  

Smoked TURKEY 

Glazed HAM

Salad

Breen Beans

Mashed Potatoes

Water 

After the clean-up, we'd say our good-byes and head HOME.  We'd drive around town some and look at the LIGHTS.  We'd unwind and relax watching our television the 2021 Christmas episode of CALL THE MIDWIFE and then the movie BEING THE RICARDOS.

CALL THE MIDWIFE gets me every time I watch it.  Every time.  

BEING THE RICARDOS made me fall asleep.  Perhaps I was just over tired from the previous week and I needed some zzz.  Will try watching it again.  I still enjoy the television show, I LOVE LUCY and I'd prefer to remember the series as a comedy.  Of course I know the couple was a far cry from tv characters, Ricky Ricardo and Lucy...their actual marriage was rocky and both strived for power and money.  Desi was an adulterous womanizer that drank a great deal and Lucille Ball was no saint still they could act like they were squeaky clean.  Did the USA love the Ricardos?  

They did and when the episode of when their baby was born, the ratings were as such that it got more attention than what was really going on in the world.  The Season 2 episode, in which Lucy gives birth, drew 44 million viewers (nearly 72% of the U.S. population with TV sets).

I knew I would over do the number of calories I should have during Christmas, but decided I will cut back in the next few days to counter balance the over abundance of calories.  Sunday, I took it easy and ate no breakfast.  Lunch was Spinach, Onions, Peppers cooked in Olive oil. 

Supper was a nibble of grass fed Beef topped with a squirt of organic Ketch-up, Cabbage, Potatoes and a mix of different colored Carrots.  Iced Tea to drink along with Spring Water.  I confess, I had another Pretzel Rod Stick and will later snack on about 2 cups of Popcorn seasoned with spices...no butter.

Today, I took a much needed nap taking the day easy.  It felt so good.  No dishes, no laundry, no television, no music.  The faux candles were on along with the Christmas Trees inside the house and out.  It felt like Christmas to me.  

Christmas,

~d  

 

A Lucy and Viv Christmas

THE FIRST CHRISTmas WAS PRETTY SIMPLE.....

  MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Joyeux Noel,

~d

Old Fashioned Christmas 🛷 Victorian Christmas Tree Decorations, Recipes ...

OFFICIALLY WINTER and I had a eye ball hemorrhage.

THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER DEFINITELY WAS A COLD ONE.  I am having some issues appreciating this cold season even when I wear a coat.  Brrr...chilled to the bone.  As we move one day closer to SPRING, I hold onto hopes of a warmer day.  I will be staying busy turning loose of STUFF and getting organized plus painting the Dining room in the main house, clearing out the JUNQUE ROOM, laying marble tile in the entry room and possibly painting the upstairs Hallway.  

COLD WEATHER gives me an opportunity to stay indoors to deep clean in the inside of the house and remodel the cottage.   Gathering ideas on what to do with the cottage.  Things are coming to mind which makes for thinking about what will be done in the near future.

Downsizing to a COTTAGE will have challenges, but all the thinking about it requires energy to think it through.  It's not a comfortable thing for me.  Not with ease.  Here we are living in WINTER time.  All ready.  The cold does kill off viruses and such.  That's a bonus and so is having so much of nature lying dormant.  Tis necessary.  Some sleep before Spring arrives with lush blossoms and gorgeous colors coming to life.     

The CHRISTMAS cards went out in the mail Monday.  Hallelujah and a half.  I will give it ago next year to address and stamp the cards in July leaving the envelope open so a letter can be inserted in December.  Whaalaah.  Easy does it.  

I suspect the cards will reach their destinations by Friday, Christmas Eve.  Christmas Eve is my beloved husband's 67th birthday.  I hope to make his favorite cake on Thursday and if all goes well, fix CHRISTMAS SWEETS as well.  CHRISTMAS is nearing.  Taking time to worship and remember our LORD JESUS and what He means to the world and me.  What is really important to LIFE?  What is LIFE about?  Worshipping the Lord and honoring Him.  He is the one that gives meaning to LIFE...and death.  

I can downsize my HOME and change my way of looking at stuff.  Changing the atmosphere of HOME becomes necessary.  I can decorate accordingly.  Not so much stuff sitting around.  More streamlined and organic in nature.

We toured the ARK ENCOUNTER in Kentucky last November.  I will post pics after the Holidays.  The way they had the living quarters decorated rang true to me.  I liked it so much and thought it was gorgeous.  I'd like to incorporate the designs and textures I saw into my HOME ENVIRONMENT.  Change here you come for the new year.    

We  are doing something special for my hubby's birthday on the 24th.  67.  I met him when he was 18.  We'd marry the following year.  He was 19 and I turned 19 just before we said "I do."  Married for 47 years.  Almost 47 and a half.  Praying for more time together as we downsize and focus on art, building doll houses, writing material, exercising and eating healthier for ever.  

We will be talking more seriously about what needs to be done with our cottage which will actually be our RETIREMENT COTTAGE.  I have been on edge about this phase of life.  The downsizing has me very concerned.  If we can get the cottage up and going to where we can move into it, we'll need to get a storage unit for the overflow until we are for sure we made the right decision about moving.  We will continue to downsize all the way, but don't want to turn loose of everything until we are very sure.

After CHRISTMAS, I will begin going through our junk room.  Between the cottage and the main house, I am a bit overwhelmed.  Flustered.  Having order means peace and harmony to me.

Yesterday, I had a scary thing happen to me as I was driving the car.  My left eye started to feel like it had something in it like a hair so I felt around the eye lashes and continued to drive.  The feeling didn't go away, so I felt about the eyelashes again then looked in the rear view mirror seeing that my eye was slightly blood shot.  Drove some more and looked again to see that my eye was redder than before.  Hmmm.  Continued to drive, looked again where my eye was extremely blood shot.  Looked again and it was horribly blood shot and growing.  Told my husband that something was going on with my eye.  Looked again in the mirror and about half of the white of my eye was completely bulging with bloody looking blood clot.  

Then I said, "You're going to have to take me to the Hospital."  I pulled off the road and we switched drivers.  He looked stunned when he saw my eye.  I was stunned.  Starting praying.  Thought I was having an aneurism.  I said, "Dear God, I am in your hands."

We went to the Topeka Hospital where I was greeted at the door by security officer with a wheel chair.  Took a ride to check in.  Hubby wasn't allowed inside until I had a room. 

Asked a multitude of questions, vitals taken, pictures taken, examined, meds in eye, doctor looked at me and said I had a subconjunctival hemorrhage.  Like a bruise to the eyeball.  I was stunned.  Never heard of this or knew it existed.  Anything from trauma to the eye, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, lifting heavy things, medicines to being a diabetic can cause this. 

I left the Hospital with a completely bloody eye and was told to have a follow-up before Christmas.  Hope I can get in to seeing my regular eye doctor being it's the Holiday.  Icing the eye and putting eye drops in it.  After 24 hours, I will place heat on it.  The coloring will change over the next two weeks and all should be better in two weeks.  If not, back to the doctor I will go to get checked for bleeding disorders.  That isn't something I want. 

When I was alone in my room, I said out loud, "God, I don't want to go through LIFE without you." 

I had carried a heavy load up the stairs earlier in the day.  Welp, I suppose I shouldn't do that anymore which means more frequent trips up the stairs so I am not overdoing the weight being carried.  Point taken.  I felt like this was a wakeup call again where I have got to take better care of my temple.  No HE-MAN acts of any kind.  Done.  Finished.  Just a polite looking woman being feminine.  Actually this is how I am suppose to be after all.  No gender confusion of any kind.  When I do exercise with weights, they will be light weights, etc.  

Blood test early on Tuesday morning and today I have the results back already.  Hallelujah...the numbers were excellent.  Down a little bit on the A1c.  TSH number better.  Cholesterol was all better, but still a tad bit high on one of the areas.  Still I was down, down, down where I needed to be down at and the one that needed to be higher was.  I was so HAPPY!  A deep gut happy.

I will be visiting with my doc as he still would like to see me on a statin drug.  I want to give it some more time as the numbers are so much better than they were in AUGUST plus I am losing weight!!!  I know this has helped eating organic, less grains, etc.  Praise the LORD I am losing weight.  Still counting calories and doing my best to stay below 1200 calories a day.

I made my December goal!  This excites me as I will forge ahead with eating the way I have been.  I did have some higher carb foods this week and I will allow some sweets at Christmas, but will not go over board on it.

Cutting back on the sweets, breads, highly processed foods, using olive oil, no high fructose corn syrup, no soda pop, no coffee, watching the sugars, eating more veggies, going ORGANIC and avoiding GMO foods is the magic bullet.  

PRAISE THE LORD AND THE WEIGHT IS GOING DOWN!

Officially into WINTER.  Lots of snow in 2022?  More cold weather for sure.  Bundle up with blankets and heat the room I'm in.  Turn the temp up a little more.  We have a heat box in the Living room.  I believe we need to heat it up.  Most of the main floor feels comfortable until walking into the Living room then I can feel a barrier of cold.  With the heat box on, it should take the edge off of the cold.  

PLANS for the rest of the week are forming.  I'm sitting here sipping a cup of HOT WATER.  I drank two cups of Earl Grey Tea earlier.  Actually was nice to sip on.  A scratch in my throat and sipping hot water now.  No head cold needed or wanted.  Took some Vitamin C, Vit. D and Zinc.

Gentle thoughts about the birth of JESUS this week and how good He is,

~d  

 
      

Welcome Holy Spirit - arranged by Girl Named Tom

WE SAW RUDOLPH THE RED NOSE REINDEER TONIGHT

ONCE AGAIN I DID NOT HAVE MY CAMERA AS WE DROVE AROUND IN MANHATTAN LOOKING AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.  I drove the car down a dark residential street when I saw two large creatures in the road about a half a block from me.  I thought it was two large dogs, but the closer we got to them I could tell they weren't dogs, but deers.

What a treat to see nature up close and personal.  I slowed the car down as we approached them.  They slowly moved out of the road to the side of a yard.  There were 6 rather large deers crossing the residential street.  The funny thing about this was when I turned on the car radio, the song Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Burl Ives was playing.  It was perfect timing.  Mr. Ives had an interesting voice and it's easily recognized when I hear it.  

When I get close to deer, it's almost mesmerizing to see them.  They didn't seem frightened that I was there in my automobile stopped in the middle of the road in the dark.  Away they went into the night.

Today was a wonderful Sunday.  The day started out blistery cold at 17 degrees warming up to 22 as we ventured out for the day.  Winter coats came with us out from the closet this time.  We left early enough to eat Lunch at Applebees knowing we could have Blackened Cajun Salmon, broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes.  I'd be having some cake later at a Reception.  We drove to Valley Center, KS. to celebrate our cousins' 55th Wedding Anniversary.

The Reception went well and I had a small piece of Chocolate Sheet Cake.  I'll have to look up the calories later, but I balanced it out by drinking the beverage of my choice, water.  Never mind the 3 Barbecue Meatballs and Wieners I devoured.  The Celery stick was legal.  A very small Ham Slider was eaten very, very slowly.  

I was able to visit with some relatives that I don't know very well.  This was refreshing to visit with them.  I left feeling like I know them better.  Our Family Reunions have slowed down since co v id hit.  I'm not sure when or if we will gather again.  

It saddens me as I have attended Family Reunions all my LIFE.  I am 66 now, so for 66 years I have been a part of these Family Gatherings where we share a POT LUCK MEAL and visit one another.  The young children usually play board games as the adults chat.  Each time it was a joy to get together.  Perhaps, we will continue this tradition at Thanksgiving and 4th of July.  

We'd have pleasant time in Valley Center and drove over to see my Mom and Sister in Marion before sunset.  I saw for myself that Mom is healed from being in a wheel chair with a leg brace to using a walker to walking on her own.  Meds, physical therapy and prayer did a great deal for my 89 year old momma.  Praise the Lord!  I told her I'd come in the Spring and help her with cleaning out her closet/clothing.  

As we were visiting, my sister's phone went off where one of her friends texted telling her that she tested positive for co v id.  She had refused to get the vaccines and now she does have it.  I hope she gets through this without injuries.  She takes care of her ailing husband with dementia.  It is a turn of events that one can never tell how life is going to go.  

My cousin that died tragically in a summer auto accident did not fear co v id, refused to wear masks and not get the poke.  It wasn't co v id that killed her.  

We'd be going through Manhattan, so I detoured to look at CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.  This is when we saw the deer in a residential area.  We'd go down Main Street stopping at the traffic signal when two horses came by pulling a wagon full of people that was decorated with Christmas lights.  It was magical.

Onto Wamego's City Park to see the well decorated Park.  There was another horse pulled wagon decorated with lit Christmas lights coming down the street.  That's two different communities giving rides to the willing.  I pulled over to the side of the road and turned the car lights off to watch them pass by us.  With the car window rolled down, I could hear the sounds of the horses' hooves clopping  along on the road with laughter flowing out from the back of the wagon as the people were enjoying their ride through the park.  It was magical.  

FOODS TO EAT TO COMBAT HIGH CHOLESTEROL

When I type out my daily FIT PAL page tonight, I will have to think hard what all I ate today.  No supper tonite because later in the day, I had a Cranberry Bliss Bar from Starbucks.  This was a splurge day.  

Gulp...Blood work on Tuesday and I suppose my A1c will show that I have been eating sweets this month.  A tell-tale sign that I am human.  Only Veggies and 5 bean Salad on Monday. 

I know that I will be have another splurge day on Christmas Eve and CHRISTMAS then it's back to eating a more restricted diet.  I can pat myself on the back since I have given up sodas and coffee with creamer where none will be found in my blood stream.  I seldom have bread or milk these days.  Cookies, pies, candy and such are rare.  I am curious about how my A1c and Cholesterol results will be.  This week I will know. 

Here's to a wonderful week as we get closer to CHRISTMAS,

~d

SHOPPING FOR A MEDALLION and making a dessert

 WARMING MY COLD FEET BY THE LITTLE TOWER HEATER.  It's a balmy 22 degrees outside this morning as WINTER ON THE CALENDAR arrives on Tuesday. Past time to get my Winter coat out of the coat closet.  I'd been wearing a leather jacket up until recently like now as the temps are below freezing.

Yesterday, I could get away with the jacket as it was in the 50s.  Stayed out of the shade reaching for some extra warmth in the sunshine.  Quick trip to town as I needed a new medallion for the Dining room ceiling because the one there is too small for the proportion of the room and chandy.  

I purchased a chandelier at the Hospital Auxiliary for a great price that will look better than what is hanging there now.  That chandelier is ugly to me.  The newer one has a vintage-look to it.  I was going to go more modern, but came across this one for only $10 and she was in great shape...so I bought her.

Hubby said he'd put her up and this is when we decided it would be good timing to get a larger medallion to replace the small one that is there.  Inching my way to getting the room painted. Have paint brushes, roller on a long stick, paint clothes, etc.  Now to just get after it.  I'm stalling until after CHRISTMAS.  Shame on me.

WHILE ON THE HUNT FOR A NEW MEDALLION, we ate at Paxico's Longbranch a Chicken Wrap, a few Sweet Potato Fries and drank a Tomato Juice for lunch.  Walked through Mill Creek Antique Store admiring the old lamps, furniture and jewelry.  

What I thought would be a quick trip to town turned out to be an afternoon excursion.  Making LIFE more fun.  

I deliberately look at the landscape as we travel.  This time of year the coloring of the land has changed from lush greens to browns, rusts, grays, and yellows.  Still a beauty in it.  Gentle, rolling hills make me want to live in the country where looking out my back door I'd see this sight every time instead of city buildings and streets made of asphalt.  Perhaps I need a vacation.    
When going into town, the traveling takes time with road construction delays and traffic.  I noticed that the RESTORE shop was open.  Took a detour.  Checked out their inventory.  Not good.  The only thing that warmed my heart while there was this little boy holding his momma's hand and when he saw me his face lit up with a smile as if he knew me.  He stretch out his tiny hand making a fist wanting to fist bump me.  I reached toward him and we made contact.  He was so beautiful a child, I couldn't help but smile.   

Onto Home Depot.  Once at the store, sticker shock hit me between the eyes.  I thought maybe it would be 20 to 30 dollars, not 50 or 60.  Checked the internet for other options. Without shipping and delivered to our door, I'd save some money, be less wear 'n tear on me and the car.  Keep this option on the back burner.

I'd like to get fired up about touching up our present HOME and also remodeling the Cottage. SO excited that I actually have trouble holding myself back from working on them.  It could happen. Like Scrooge and bah humbug...it took a dream and a vision to change him.  I need this burst of excitement to come forth oozing out of my pores.  Change me Lord.  Change me making me excited about LIFE and projects.  The possibilities galore.  Pour into me enthusiasm that cannot be denied.  Contagious.  Like a little child excited about Christmas morning where Santa visited leaving gifts.

Decided to see what a different home improvement store had to offer with the price being less. Liked the style and could carry the item home same day... so we did it and while we are here let's check out tile and doors.  HOME IMPROVEMENT STORES make me smile. 

While in town, I wanted to go to the grocery store for organic bananas.  Going to make a Jack LaLanne Banana Dessert.  So simple and tasty.  Not full of chemicals.  HEART HEALTHY.

Peel one banana, mash it til it has the consistency of mush.  Place in pretty glass, sprinkle raisins and coconut on top then drizzle with raw honey...serve with a smile.  Heart Healthy and easy to digest.

Recalling the day...Paxico's Longbranch Restaurant, Mill Creek Antiques, Restore, Star Bucks, Home Depot, Hy-Vee, Menards, HOME to unload and rest.  Supper and time out.    

Today seems like Sunday to me.  It's quiet outside as I listen to the humming of the small heater running.  I have to finish the Christmas cards TODAY.  Good golly, Miss Molly...I have found a million and one things to do instead of my cards.  

So many deaths...perhaps this is why I am stalling.  The Christmas list has drastically shrunk. The loved ones and friends that have departed are still very much alive in my head.  I can see their faces and hear their voices.  I miss them.  It is a bit odd having so many gone.  While I am still here, I must make the best of it.

Making new friends is a must and loving on those old ones necessary.  Friends enrich our lives and we all need enriched.  So Deanna get after it and get those cards in the mail.  

Here's to a productive day,

~d

ADORE HIM

Our CHRISTMAS is a week away.  Daily housekeeping to prepare the way.  I will deliberately slow down the pace and enjoy this season to the fullest.  

Oh, come let us adore HIM.  Hallelujah, the Lord is come.  Let Heaven and Earth proclaim.

Joy to the world.  

Jesus is the reason for the season,

~d  

WEATHER...whether or not

WEDNESDAY WINDS WERE HORRIFIC.  Howling.  If I had been a Pioneer woman back in the day, I would have possibly suffered from Prairie Madness if the weather had been like it were yesterday day in and day out.  Horrific conditions.  Instead, I retrieved to the solace inside of my HOME with all the niceties of this present day.     

Things quieted down after 9 pm.  At one point, I opened the French doors into the screened-in porch listening to the powerful, howling winds.  The door decided it had had enough and slammed shut.  Boom.  Okay.

Daughter telephoned me to inform me that Tornado Sirens were going off in Manhattan and the storm was headed our way.  Thanking her for the heads up, I gathered a flashlight, telephone, wedding picture album, house/car keys, handbag and my shoes.  Then I sat waiting for the word, "Go the basement NOW."  

Hubby turned on the tele and we watched the weather WIBW showing the storm's path.  In the area we live in there were two places being shown for tornado activity and we were in one of them.  Said some prayers.  

The howling wind was awful.  Powerful 70 mph gusts of wind within the 72 degree weather in December seems out of character.  The day before when the weatherman said that it was going to be in the 70s, the first thing that came to mind were tornadoes.  I can understand and expect 70 degrees in Houston this time of year, but not in Northeast Kansas.  Tis a rare thing here especially in December.

In the morning, the sidewalk from our house to the carriage house were damp like it had already rained.  So the conditions were favorable for storms.  By 4 in the afternoon, we were warned about tornadoes.  Later the tornado sirens went off twice.  Eery sounding in the wind.  We were ready to take cover.

Stressful day and I didn't feel like writing out Christmas cards, so I vacuumed the two sofas and four accent pillows, an ottoman, the two area rugs and the wood floors.  Today, I will vac the two wing chairs and more carpet.  Gotta work on cards.  Gotta.  I had such good intentions of getting the Christmas cards and letters out the first week of December, but then life got in the way and I just couldn't be in two places at the same time.  I know women can be experts at multi-tasking, but I just couldn't pull this one off.  grins.

I watched you tube vids about LIFE, decorating, and how Marmee March of LITTLE WOMEN fame was someone who didn't like housekeeping.  Sometimes...I can identify with not liking housekeeping.  It generally takes a stiff attitude adjustment of cheering myself on to get everything done by not getting emotionally involved with the task.  Just do it.  

Today, the weather is calmer with bright blue skies.  About 39 degrees out.  Chilly.  You'd never know that yesterday was so awful.  Challenging to stay calm.  We were fortunate to not have tree damage.  I thought there would be lots of branches broken needing picked up today, but we were fortunate...no damage.  The wind we had on Wednesday was overpowering.  The Christmas trees in the screened-in porch held up.  No falling over under the pressure.    

Supposedly it will hit 50 degrees this afternoon paving the way for me to hang ribbon on the garland around the front doors.  I'll work on cards today, Lord willing.  Sweets, maybe.  The cards come first. 

The hype to get everything glammed up for the month has passed.  Slowing down to a nice pace.    

When shopping at Walmart and Sams the other day, I could not find Christmas decorations. Lots of live Poinsettias though.  Artificial blossoms look lovely when decorating a Christmas trees, wreaths and garland.  Splashes of color and just so pretty.

Well today is a beautiful day without monster winds.  I believe I will enjoy the calm and take it all in.

A Happy Home usually means a happy woman 

is in the house making it a HOME,

~d

HERE COMES WEDNESDAY WINDS!

THE WEATHER MAN WARNED THAT AROUND 9 AM the winds would start to blow until 9 PM.  Just a few minutes before 9, the winds did indeed begin to blow. Supposedly there will be 70mph gust of winds today.  I believe it.

Since we were expecting it, we took the new hanging wooden snowflake ornament down at the cottage from the arrow holder.  Sand bags hold the WINTER WONDERLAND trees in place. Taking a deep breath.  Hubby moved our cars out from underneath the Teacup Magnolia Tree in case the limbs break off the autos will not be in the path of broken branches.

Here at our main house, we are staying inside waiting this wind storm out.  I started vacuuming the main floor of the house with the little BLACK and DECKER.  It has turned out to be a very good vacuum where I can see how much dirt and fuzz the vac is sucking up.  Easy to clean.  Easy to handle.  I will attempt to vac the sofas with this new vac.    

Throughout the day, I'll work on CHRISTMAS CARDS in between what ever else is getting done. Since it's too windy outside, I will not be decorating the garland around the front doors until tomorrow.  I watched a 101 video about bow making.  The nice lady made this look super easy and I need easy.  After I attach the three different types of ribbon to the garland, I will see if I have enough left over ribbon to make bows.

10 days until CHRISTMAS!!!  10.

10) Christmas Cards dealt with and gentle house cleaning.
9) Christmas Cards, gentle housekeeping and treats made.  Outing:Trip to court house to pay taxes on Cottage.
8) Treats packaged and placed in the mail along with cards.
7) Laundry worked on and beds made up with fresh sheets.
6) Day of rest.  Admire the lights and listen to Christmas music.
5) Laundry.  Light housekeeping done.
4) Outing: Trip to labs to have blood work done.
3) Rest and relaxation.  
2) Make a birthday cake for HUBBY.  Hubby's 67th birthday celebration.
1) CHRISTMAS DAY.  Remembering the true meaning of Christmas.  Happy Birthday, Lord JESUS.  Praise the Lord for his loving kindness.

HOME IS WHERE MY HEART IS,

~d🎄

HOME IS WHERE MY HEART IS

Counting down the days until CHRISTMAS.  I had another busy day out and about.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a slower paced day as I work on CHRISTMAS CARDS from the time I wake up until they are finished.  In the mail by Friday.  

Treats fixed on THURSDAY.
House cleaned on FRIDAY.

I weighed myself this morning and I lost a few more pounds.  This is getting exciting for me as I eat my way to health and downsize.  The secret is...vegetables, lots and lots of veggies, some fruit, very little grain, spring water, very little dairy, skimpy on the meats, no soda, no coffee, easy on the sugar skipping substitute sugars.  I have hit my goal for December!  Now to continue toward my APRIL PHYSICAL where I hope to weigh in even less.  I'm pushing for organic and non-GMOs.  Staying busy and dreaming. 

My outing today took in a mail drop then a drive toward Topeka.  The pathway across the Flint Hills are full of gentle, rolling hills painted in browns and grays where the few trees that are there have shed their leaves.  Later in the day, the evening skies were streaked in pinks, peaches and blues as the sun was setting.  Too beautiful for words.  

Making my way back to St. Marys for LUNCH, I ate a Sugar Creek Rachel Salad.  A nice break before driving into the Topeka traffic.  Straight to God's Storehouse where I found a turquoise bracelet for a few dollars, a cement Wired Haired Fox Terrier statue that will sit outside on the porch, a decorative white pillow and a blouse with ginger bread peeps on it.  Always a nice shopping experience for me.

Because GOODWILL is in the neighborhood, we stopped and I snagged a metal tray that I will turn into a chalk board.  Off to Hy-Vee grocery store for veggies, Walmart for batteries and Sams for grooming supplies.  Shopping today made me a little tired.  Drove HOME in the sunset.  Rested my 'ole back and ate supper.  

CHRISTMAS is coming.  One day between now and then will be spent admiring the twinkling lights on the CHRISTMAS TREES, listening to CHRISTMAS music and doing very little.  Just sitting.

Children's Ornaments

We have two Christmas trees in the Living room.  One is covered with ornaments that belong to my grown children that they received while growing up at HOME plus a little of this and that. The angel topper is what my Mother topped our Christmas Tree with each year when I was growing up. 

 

Train and House Ornaments

The other tree in the room has Hallmark Train ornaments on it and a few House ornaments I have collected through the years.  

Then there's the WINTER WONDERLAND in the screened-in porch.  Hubby made it happen.  I had talked about having one a few years ago and he decided that this would be the year.

It is wonderful to get out and do a few things, 

but I always welcome getting back HOME.

HOME IS WHERE MY HEART IS.

No matter where I live, it is truly my quiet place.

~d🎄