What Is The Best Tea To Buy? Health Benefits Of Tea You Never Knew!

ONCE AGAIN WHAT I THOUGHT WAS GOOD FOR ME ISN'T.  Green Tea from China is a NO-NO.  The way they prepare it isn't so good.  They heat and fry the leaves.  Not the healthiest option.  Japan steams their leaves for a better medicinal affect.  Should be drinking MATCHA TEA.  

Another way to help with health issues is drinking the right kind of teas prepared a certain way.

Less caffeine comes from White teas.  Matcha teas are a super green tea better than green tea period.  Over the Summer, I got attached to Starbuck's Green Tea.  I suppose theirs comes from China.  Not sure.  Will check that out.  Many health benefits come from drinking a variety of teas.  

TEAS TO FIGHT cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, allergies, blood pressure, circulation, LDL cholesterol, joint pain, morning sickness, liver disease are as follows...

CANCER:  White Teas are have less caffeine and less processed tea leaves.   

HEART DISEASE, TYPE 2 DIABETES, CANCER:  Matcha Teas.

ALLERGIES, BLOOD PRESSURE, CIRCULATION, LOWERING LDL CHOLESTEROL:  Rooibos Red Tea.

JOINT PAIN AND MORNING SICKNESS:  Lemon Ginger Tea.

LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE, LIVER HEALTH:  Wild Raspberry Hibiscus.

There's some for helping with managing diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure.  Gonna try this out.  I'll be on the hunt for some.  Oh how I like the hunt.  Adventures await me.  

From another sight, it is mentioned that whole tea leaves are better than ground up tea leaves. The ground up tea leaves in a bag may come from what fell on the floor then swept up and used in the tea bags as well.  

Use organic.  Because it's organic does not mean it's not sprayed with chemicals.  It means it has been sprayed with USDA organic approved sprays verses other sprays that aren't.  So if we drink store-bought teas, we probably are getting some chemicals from the teas being sprayed because the spray goes right into the leaves.  I have mint growing in the back yard.  It hasn't been sprayed with anything so this would be a very healthy plant to make tea out of.  Mint tea! I'll read up on how they suggest to dry out the leaves to make home grown teas.

I'll be sipping some,

~d  

Holiday Tea!

Brew tea of choice

1/2 cup of almond milk added

vanilla extract

cinnamon

Can add pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree.

MADE MY GOAL!

A COUPLE OF MAGAZINES CAME IN THE MAIL.  Martha Stewart LIVING and Better Homes and Gardens.  Thumbing through them, I tell myself that I will spend more time later looking at the pages a little slower and maybe reading some articles.  I seem to manage to thumb through then come back later and thumb again.

Just finished Supper.  Hot soup of Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup.  No crackers.  It's a habit to have crackers with my soup.  Not today.  Day 7 of this wonderful Daniel Diet.  I'm doing this thang.  I weighed in at the Endocrinologist office and made MY GOAL of being 40 pounds lighter than I was a year ago.  VERY HAPPY ABOUT THAT.  The nurse weighed me and I was half a pound lighter than my goal so actually I weighed in 40.5 pounds lighter.  I danced a little.  hahah.  Couldn't help it, I was so happy about the loss.  

It's been a very long time since I felt this kind of excitement.  It really felt great.  To actually be thrilled sure felt good to me.  Thrilled!  I made my goal!!!  Pause.  Take it all in.  It's been years since I weigh what I do now.  

Keep it up and I will shrink into a whole new person.  I am ready to shrink some more.  Next goal here I come.  December is my next destination WEIGH ME ON THE SCALES and check my cholesterol and A1c.  If my cholesterol is still too high I will be visiting my regular doc to see if I can switch a couple of the meds I am on that are known to raise blood sugars and cholesterols.  

Day 8 is here and I will continue to snack on nuts, eat fruits and veggies, drink Spring water and eat some popcorn in the evenings.  I look forward to the popcorn.  Maybe I'll sprinkle some herbs on it for a different taste.  They are allowed on this plan.

Yesterday, I had organic Carrot Juice with a jigger of Pomegranate Juice and some Orange Juice for Breakfast.  When I drank it, I thought having Tomato Juice mixed in with this Carrot would be better.  Will keep that in mind.  Lunch was a little on the skimpy side as I limited what I could eat in a Salad.  No Salad Dressing, no cheese, no chicken.  Apple Pecan Salad from Wendy's.  Gave my husband the sliced chicken, and pushed the cheese to the side.  Skipped the dressing.  I missed all of it, but got through this anyways.  Water to drink.  No afternoon snacks.  Then Supper was Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup.  This soup is so much better to me than Campbell's Tomato Soup.  The Roasted Red Pepper adds much flavor.  I love it.  Popcorn for evening Snack. 

Not bragging, but thrilled that I am not craving snacks in the middle of the afternoon.  This is a big deal for me.  A very big deal.  Hope my body knows that.  I'm not missing the breads.  That's amazing for someone like me.  The sodas...nope.  Coffee...only occasionally do I want one.  Candy bars....welp that one gets to me ever so often. 

Trying to eat more fruit as I don't seem to remember that I need more fruit.  Duh.  I have to remind myself.  Hello self.  EAT Fruit.  The berries are waiting in the fridge and I'll force myself to snack on some.  If I can make myself eat more fruit overall, it will be a big accomplishment for me.  I'm hoping and praying that in a year, I won't recognize myself anymore.  Healthy choices must be the norm.  

The year of change continues.  Different choices are possible.  I'm making them.

Blessings to you,

~d

  

HEALTH and WELL BEING

I weighed myself and a couple more pounds has come off. That's fantastic.  When weighing in at the doctor's office this week, I so hope to be 40 pounds lighter than I was a year ago.  I have my questions to ask the APRN when I have my next Endocrinology appointment.  We'll go over my scan, the blood work and listen to the pat answers that are in his box of safe things to share.  I'm not suppose to challenge the GOLD STANDARD they use knowing that there is more to this than meets the eye.  

If it hadn't been that I read about thyroid issues on my own from different resources, I'd be a bigger mess than I already am.  I sit and listen as the specialist tells me what I knew they'd tell me.  I have some new questions that I will ask.  I don't argue or challenge their stories.  I simply listen and ask questions without saying, "Well so and so says this and so 'n so says that.  What do you think of that?"    

I'm not missing the soda or coffee.  PTL.  I did read an article about flavored waters.  Looks easy enough.  It will taste wonderful and who doesn't need wonderful these days?  Will fix some.  

Drank organic Tomato Juice for Brunch and had an late Lunch with Spaghetti Squash topped with all vegetable Marinara sauce.  Supper is 3 Bean Salad with Kalamata Olives and Snack will be unbuttered Popcorn.

Spaghetti Squash

3 Bean Salad with Kalamata Olives

Don't forget vitamins and supplements taken every day.  Vitamin B6, Sublinqual liquid B12, Liposamal C, D3, Zinc, Garlic, Ubiquinol Co-Q10, Ceylon Cinnamon, Apple Cider Vinegar, Beet Root...what else?  

Eating as much organic foods as I can and ignoring highly processed stuff.  More vegetables/fruits and telling myself, "SELF, I like these veggies and fruits. No joke."  So much better for humans.  

No high fructose corn syrup.  Watching the growth hormones.  Spring water.  

Shampooing my hair today.  A load of laundry will go in.  Bills looked over.  Will take a slow drive later and marvel at the prairie landscape.  AUTUMN is showing her changing colors in the trees along the way to TOPEKA.  There's still lush greens across the horizon where sunflowers continue to be in bloom.  So very pleasant to see nature grazing in the fields.  Peaceful.  

Hubby is still digging up our Irises.  Praying he gets this task completed before October starts.  He planted 156 Irises over at the COTTAGE yesterday in the cool of the morning.  This week, he hopefully will finish this landscaping task.  Praying they bloom profusely next Spring.  Digging up and relocating the Irises is round one for us in our downsizing adventure as we make plans to migrate to the COTTAGE in 2022.  

First, new large flowerbeds were created at the COTTAGE, the Irises are being relocated and planted as I gather up items to turn loose of that are around here.  We have gotten rid of a stove, 2 mattresses/box springs, clothing, an old Helmers wood chest, swivel chair on wheels, a Victorian Dresser, dishwasher, metal credenza, books, magazines, glassware, a couple of Christmas trees, bedding, exercise bike, 2 desks, childhood furniture, nic-nacs, slate tiles that came off the roof of this house, 2 cars, and odds 'n ins.  More to go.  Let it go.  It can be freeing.  AMEN.  I should be rejoicing that this stuff is gone.  Our estate has grown over the years.  

Now we're downsizing.  DOWNSIZING.......AIN'T IT GREAT?              

MORE to gather and let go.  Gathering items is an ongoing thing then continue to gut the COTTAGE bathroom changing it into a better room to use.  Some plumbing is needed as we have changed where the toilet sits and the vanity goes.  This will take a few months to complete.  Old floor ripped up, walls cleared off, plumbing changed, walls tiled, floors tiled, fixtures bought, installed, ceiling redone, different light fixture bought and installed, beaded board installed, painted, trim sanded, primed and some painting done.  I suspect cooler weather will come as we work on this.  Then the HOLIDAYS.  2022 will not be far behind.  

Blessings to you.  

ANOTHER WONDERFUL DAY,

~d 👵

CRAVING SWEET AND SALTY

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE

I have never and I mean NEVER ate red grapes and green olives together until I was ransacking my brain thinking what is there in the house to snack on and still stay on my diet?  Grapes and olives came to mind.  SO I ate equal amounts of these together enjoying the combination of tastes.  Sweet and salty.

ON DAY 5 of this Daniel Diet, I had a very bad hankering for something salty and sweet.  Organic Red Grapes and organic Kalamata Olives fixed the craving.  It was delicious to eat together.  Very satisfying.  My Husband asked me if I were pregnant.  Yes, I answered with a smile.

If I can remember to redirect my cravings to organic foods that I can mix together instead of munching down on high carbs like potato chips or Cheetos, cheese and crackers, I'll be better off. It worked and the calories aren't empty ones or full of bad fats.  

I'm celebrating that day 6 is here.  Almost a week into this.  This happened the last time I did the Daniel Diet, I started thinking about what I will eat after the 21 days is up.  Ice cream came to mind.  So did tacos and meat loaf.  Chinese food.  

After 21 days, my reward will be to eat Chinese food like Lemon Chicken.  Our local Chinese Restaurant closed last year.  It's been about a year and a half since I ate Chinese food.  I know so much of it is loaded with MSG, so I will need to watch it when we finally do go eat at a Chinese Restaurant.  Maybe we'll dine in Topeka or Manhattan.  

For now, I am contented to eat cold red grapes and olives.  Never crossed my mind that someone could roast them to make a side dish or appetizer, but I found this on the internet.

ROASTED GRAPES AND OLIVES

Roasted grapes and olives are some of the best easy appetizers. Red grapes and green olives are roasted together for a flavorful tasty snack that is perfect for entertaining or on a charcuterie board!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups red seedless grapes, washed and stems removed

• 1 ½ cups green olives, drained

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 lemon, juice and zest

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together grapes, olives, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. 

3. Place grape and olive mixture on the prepared sheet pan and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the grapes start to shrivel and the olives start to lightly brown.

4. Cool completely and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Will wonders never cease?

~d 👵  

Gaither Vocal Band - He Touched Me [Live]

DO NOT FEAR...

OH MY GOODNESS.......I went into the basement to take a glance at the CHRISTMAS JUNK that I will have to deal with in order to downsize.  This is going to take some doin.  I mean really going to have to take some doin.  I am not a Martha Stewart type that has a gift for having order in the basement.  Perhaps I should be more like her and have a super tidy everything.

Our basement is like a messed up warehouse on steroids.

How do you take a place like our basement and turn it into a orderly basement?  One item at a time.  Group things in like fashion.  Pitch, toss or turn?  Make piles for giving away items...pitching, donating, selling and keeping.  The piles will have to be small mounds at first as the work area isn't very large to even move about which is challenging, but doable.  It is good for mental health to have order.  It is good for mental health to know what you have.  Helps with running a godly estate.  

The Bible has recorded and shared what certain people owned.  Having record of what a person has in their estate is godly.  God has your name written in the Lamb's Book of LIFE if you are born again.  BOOK KEEPING has its place.  Being accountable has its place.  I desire to be orderly and accountable.      

As I went into the basement to take a peek of what Christmas Jingle Junk we have...I didn't get very far as there was a blocked entrance into the area of the basement that houses this precious stuff.  This will take some serious time and muscle to get to where the majority of decor is stored on muscle racks in storage boxes.  This area is some what already in order.  Just can't get to it yet.  I have HOPE that I will reach this area this week after clearing a path to get to it and then the work will begin of sorting through.

Deciding that I have to work in such a way that works for me, I'll be  working at this project at a slow and steady pace.  This is the way I have to do this.  It's a marathon and not a sprint.  Suit up and show up then assert myself keeping a steady pace will lead to victory!  

If I had an auction, I'd still have to go through all the stuff deciding what goes and what stays or is thrown away.  

I don't want to be embarrassed at how much I have stashed in the basement or elsewhere.  This will not solve the problem.  I have to be dedicated turning loose of this stuff in an orderly fashion.  Timely fashion.  Here I go.  It's my time to do this. 

We found a large AUTUMN wreath in a cardboard box.  The wreath is now hanging in the Kitchen on the basement door.  It's pretty and I think it should just stay there until after THANKSGIVING.  That's for a three month stay.  I need to take down the front door wreaths placing them in wreath boxes for safe keeping then see what I have in the basement for the doors.  Not sure I have two matching AUTUMN wreaths that I can hang on the front doors.  I may just have to leave them blank until it's time for CHRISTMAS.  Shall see what's in the basement way back in the corner.  Way back in there.  

I will be making a trip to Goodwill.  I have the car loaded with STUFF.  It's a continued project. This year we are working on downsizing.  It's a job and a half.  

I have to adapt to change going from someone who collected so much stuff to one that has streamlined my belongings and enjoyed doing so.  I am better at turning loose of things these days.  If I go all natural each season then I won't have to store so much decor.  Just throw away. Truthfully, I know that I want to morph into a changed woman when it comes to hoarding the decorations.  I can downsize.  

Having to go from sloppy to neat is on the horizon.  
Everyday, I will work at this.  I am on a roll. 

We took down from the living room shelves my Mother-in-laws book collection that we inherited after she and my Father-in-law passed away.  I wasn't ready to turn loose of this collection just yet.  We may try to sell them to a bookstore in the near future.  I kept one that had her name in it and was dated.  THE GIFT by Danielle Steel.  

I am aiming to be more of a minimalist.  This is strange territory for me.  I have spent years building up our estate because in the beginning of our marriage I had so little.  Through the years, it was most difficult to buy anything due to being without the financial means to purchase. And the years rolled on by.  I'd purchase a little here and a little there.  Eventually the little became more.  These days, I'm cleaning up my act.  Going to turn loose of much and go from there.

Well, I am going to go for a drive on this beautiful Autumn day.  Get some fresh air and do a few errands.  Goodwill drop, pay a utility bill and milk a cow.  Hubby will be treated to a nice coffee and I'll drink water as I am on day 5 of The Daniel Diet.

Breakfast today: I slowly drank organic Tomato Juice from a pretty glass.  Lunch will be a large bowl of warmed Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup by Pacific eaten leisurely.  Supper will be an oversized vegetable salad.  If I have a snack it will be mixed nuts and or popcorn without butter.

I am in the process of doing 21 days of this diet.  The weight is coming off very slowly.  Losing some.  By the time I go to my next Endocrinologist appointment, I am hoping that the scales indicate that I dropped 40 pounds from when I had my 2020 appointment.  That will be a VICTORY for me.  

Being reasonable, I have a general idea of what I would like to weigh at CHRISTMAS time 2021 as well.  This is another goal.  I have an idea what I'd like to weigh in April 2022 and then again for my 67th birthday.  A reasonable journey.  

I understand that I have to be PRO-ACTIVE when it comes to dealing with health and when it comes to weight loss.  Just thinking about it doesn't complete the process.  Yes, it's part of it, but making food choices and the amount I actually eat have a part as well.  Prayer is needed, research is needed, actually making decisions is needed.  Following through counts.

I do not have to be fearful of losing weight.  I do not have to be fearful of turning loose of inanimate objects.  I do not have to fear the future as God is with me and has prepared the way.

With that said, I need to head out and begin a lovely Sunday afternoon outing.  Take in some sights and breathe.

Blessings,
~d 👵  

HAVE MERCY

Childhood furniture left the building and I didn't shed a single tear.

TIS EVENING GOING INTO NIGHT TIME and I am beyond tired.  Took a 3 hour nap this afternoon.  I needed it.  I had a 31 hour stretch of staying awake before falling asleep this afternoon.  Sleeping tonight surely will be easy to do.  Surely.

Hubby and I were out working with gathering items to turn loose of.  We did turn loose.  The PYREX that we received as a WEDDING GIFT 47 years ago found its way into the hands of another woman.  47 years.  Still in mint condition, no chips, no cracks.  How do I feel about turning loose of a gift from the past?  

I was so very thankful to be given these pieces as a WEDDING GIFT, using them for as long as I did.  I have mixed feelings about this, but I have to get through turning loose of much.  I use stainless steel bowls so much and I have even older mixing bowls that I cherish in the Kitchen cabinet.  I figured that I gave it a long haul. This gift gave us a nice start to married bliss also allowing for many foods and desserts to be mixed up in these very nice PYREX bowls and containers.

I can smile that I never dropped one and broke it.  They were put to extremely good use throughout the years, but lately the PYREX had gone untouched.  TOO PURDY to not be using.  SO I said good-bye today and wished it well.  Sigh.

So many collect PYREX.  I'm just not one of them.  I am getting out of the business of collecting so much.  Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Now, I know mixing bowls in general and ovenware/fridge boxes don't have feelings and they don't even care to care less if that makes sense.  No emotional strings attached on their side of things.  It's the turning loose that I am forging through.  

That part of me that is attached to the past is... that loved ones gave us such nice things to start our marriage out with touches my heart.  I hope they would understand that I appreciated their generosity and kindness to bless a new married couple that had nothing to start out with.  Here I am 47 years later and acquiring more things for our HOME.

I have thrifted and I love the hunt when thrifting.  It's simulating and entertaining.  I am a fan.  It is one of the funnest adventures I have at 66.  Tadaah.  It's a HOBBY, but, I have become pickier and don't buy each time I see something I like.  I just have to have that...doesn't happen much anymore.    

I am the old woman now that would like to bless the younger ones.  So with all that said, I did it.  I released some HOME GOODS.

Two desk later, a doll pram, a credenza, bedding...they are not taking up space in our house, cottage, garage or Carriage House anymore.  They found different HOMES to go to.  Bye-bye to my childhood bedroom furniture of mid-century Ivory with gold trim French Provincial Dresser with mirror and matching chest of drawers.  

When I looked at the bedroom furniture, childhood memories would come to mind.  My sister Debbie and I shared a basement bedroom together and shared the furniture.  After we left HOME, Mom used this furniture in her Guest room until she downsized, then my Sister inherited it and after she downsized, I inherited it for 6 years.  The great pass around.  61 years ago, it was new and we were thrilled to have a bedroom set.  I slept on the left side of the bed.  It has some wear and tear on it now.  61 years ago, is a sweet memory.  Time to say Good-bye as I no longer need it and my children don't want it.

Some clothing and Nic-nacks went bye-bye this week-end.  I boxed up quite a bit to take to GOODWILL, SALVATION ARMY, or some other charity group.  I continue to clear out THINGS and STUFF.  It is mind altering when I think of what else I can get rid of.  

I'm not ready to start in the basement, but I need to.  Sigh.  For another day.  Most of the goodies are already in storage boxes, which means easier to carry upstairs and out to the Carriage House or straight to the car.  My Christmas decorations have taken over the basement.  I will start next week thinning this out.  Ho ho ho...Merry Christmas.  Can I do this?  I think so.  I need to downsize.   

So.  This truly is a season of turning loose and appreciating LIFE.  Come what may, I won't be so tied down to THINGS.  

Sometimes when I think about relocating, I get kind of excited and think about how I will decorate the COTTAGE.  Since she's so tiny, I will be decorating differently.  

I met the nicest Lady this week-end.  Her name is Patricia and she has the sweetest face.  She was well dressed and looks beautiful at 85.  Very few wrinkles in her face.  She began to tell me that two weeks ago she was released from the Hospital after getting over 
Co vid.  The DOCtors had given up on her, but she pulled through.  She said she believed it was because of prayer.  I agreed.  Prayer.

She had had cancer, breast cancer, hysterectomy, then Co vid and was here to tell about it.  I really believe I could have spent more time visiting with her.  She was very sweet, uplifting and encouraging.  This was her first outing since getting out of the Hospital.  She said Co vid hits everybody different.  Her's was that she couldn't walk.  She's still weak, but getting stronger.  Using a walker for now.  Her personality was vivacious and pleasant to be around.  She said this experience made her want to be a better person.  A better person.  I believed her and think she has a right attitude.  

As I turn loose of much...this truly is a season for me to let go.  
I. am. letting. go.  

My 'ole body is aching as I am sore due to carrying boxes, et cetera.   Difficult to twist and turn.  I mustn't give up.  I'll rest some and here's to having a great week-end.  Have mercy and smile.  Enjoy LIFE.  To GOD be the glory...great things He has done. 

Blessings,

~d 👵  

TIS LATE OR MAYBE I SHOULD SAY VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING

I am wound like a I DON'T KNOW what.  A three day alarm clock?  Not sure where that saying came from.  Doing my best to unwind and fall asleep.  I will take an afternoon nap in my grey recliner for sure later in the day.  I have been working on gathering THINGS...STUFF. The living room floor is covered with boxes and the Carriage House is full of big pieces of furniture. 

AFTER this week-end, I will re-evaluate the things and decide where they will go.  I know that after I go through more boxes in the basement that there will be another round of purging, but for now...this is a very good feeling to have.  It feels healthier to me to have order than so many messes sitting about or unattended.  A deep breath and a sigh.  Pat myself on ze back and call it good.

God is helping me change.  For the better.  Thinning out stuff and downsizing for the future is an ongoing adventure.  I believe that I no longer need so much STUFF.  Why oh why oh why have I had such a bad habit of collecting this and that?  I believe that I am finally coming to terms with what we really need to live a comfortable LIFE with not having so much clutter tying us down.  I can finally turn loose of more STUFF.  Praise the Lord.  

Hubby worked for hours disassembling an old STEELCASE TANKER DESK from the basement. It is a hunk of metal.  HEAVY.  He figured it out and this mammoth beast is no longer in the basement.

I remember when we bought this mid-century retro desk and credenza when we lived in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area.  Our son adopted it and took a liking to it.  It became his property and it wasn't until a short time ago that this desk returned to us and took up residency in our basement.  

It has sat in the corner of the basement here and we have not used it for the longest time.  So out of the basement she arose.  Such a big and sturdy desk that I believe someone else can put to use. Praying for the right person to take this hunk of metal home or to an office where it will be used and appreciated.

I'll close my eyes and hope to nod off 

before the sun rises.  

Let it be, 

~d

ARUGALA WITH APPLES AND WALNUT SALAD

 

Directions

1. Whisk 3 tablespoons low-fat Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon each olive oil, lemon juice and honey, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add 8 cups baby arugula,1 chopped apple, 1/3 cup each chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds; toss.

SINCE I AM NOW OFFICIALLY ELDERLY AND ENCOURAGED TO EAT MORE GREENS, I'm taking salads to heart. 💚  It will be an all year round meal from now on.  It's a good thing that I have cravings for GREENS now.

WILL TRY this one after finishing this 21 days of the DANIEL DIET.  Finished day 2 of THE DANIEL DIET.

It went super well today cutting calories as I was so busy gathering things to turn loose of. The Carriage house is full. PTL.  We did it.  After this week-end I will re-evaluate and go from there.

God Bless you 'all.  God loves you.  How many times have you heard this?  He is giving me the strength and the desire to eat more organic vegetables without feeling deprived or angry.

Yes, I have cravings once in a while, but I talk myself out of it.  Today, I was craving potato chips.  Salty potato chips at a Cross Country Meet.  The craving left me after I said, NO. My head wants the chips, my body doesn't nor does it need the calories.  I survived the temptation.  Hallelujah!!!  I did it.

More salads please,

~d 👵

FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN and starting again The Daniel Diet.

RISE AND SHINE!  and I did.  Moved kind of slow this morning, but I was moving.

Tweaked some items in the lil Kitchen pantry I have. Organized my boxed organic soups putting them in alphabetical order and decided that the Moroccan Soup would be a great starter to my 21 days of eating lots of veggies along with small amount of fruit, nuts and legumes, no dairy, no bread, no meat.  Bottled organic juices found a place on one shelf.  Washed some dishes and started The DANIEL DIET on the first day of AUTUMN. 

I had Pacific Foods Organic Creamy Moroccan Sweet Potato Soup, no crackers for mid-morning meal plus 4 oz. of unsweetened orange juice.  Mid-afternoon snack was baked onions and some Brazil nuts.  Supper will be a large Vegetable Salad with Chick Peas, Black Beans and a few Kalamata Olives.  Water for beverages all day.  Day ONE is just about over.  PTL.  I have that under my belt.

I weighed myself this morning so I have a base to know how the reduction goes after 21 days. Praying for success.

Hubby worked this morning in the Carriage House shuffling furniture and I indoors gathering stuffed animals and other things to turn loose of.  Filled a laundry basket.  

Together we loaded our large curio cabinets onto a furniture rolling cart that my Husband made. He strapped the pieces down and together we walked the curios to the Carriage House over some steps and such.  Carefully, we made this journey count.  They are no longer in the Dining room! Mission accomplished.  PTL.

I have waited a few months to get them moved into the Carriage house.  Today was the day and we did it!  I have truly enjoyed these cabinets since 2005.  I said good-bye to them and told them that I had enjoyed having them for so long.  16 years of lots of use.  They've held everything from crystal pieces, china, Nativity Scenes, dolls, dishes, Nic-nacs, to more dishes.  

I had decided that if I ever have curio cabinets again that I want narrower ones that do not take up so much floor space.  If I ever do go that route, I will keep it in mind.  Now to get these into the hands of someone who likes them and needs them.  Lord send the one.  

SO far in the Carriage house we have a Ping-Pong Table, a whimsical desk, a Piano desk, a mid-century French Provincial Dresser with mirror and a Chest of Drawers, a dishwasher, baby clothing, other clothing, stuffed toys, some pictures, glassware, odds 'n ins.  By Sunday I hope the carriage house will be empty of these things.  If not, next week we'll continue moving things out of there.  It takes planning, time, muscle, and patience.  Some sparkling sweat to wipe from our brows.

We went over to the COTTAGE today and measured to see if the Corner Cabinet I have in the main house Dining room will fit there.  It will.  So I know that this piece will go with us when we relocate after the Cottage is dolled up and ready for humans to live there once again.  When the time finally comes...we will move what will go to the COTTAGE, get it situated where each piece of furniture will sit leaving in the main house what we will need to put in storage, give away or sell.  

Each room will be created as we go.  I have given a lot of thought to what we will do with colors and textures.  

I will have to strip down the old oak table we have and make it match my Grandma's Hutch and my Mom's China cabinet that I am presently using.  We have a rectangular dining room table that I can part with later and replace it with the round oak table.  We'll use the dining chairs we have for now until we get something else that goes better with the old oak table.  The finish on the round table will be stained dark as the pieces I have are darker stained pieces.  I'd like these to all match since they are all from the same time era.

I'll place the little Victorian sofa in front of the Dining room windows at the COTTAGE.  Perfect fit.  The Victorian Desk with Book Case I have sitting in my Living room now will go in the Dining room in the COTTAGE.  I believe these pieces will all fit nicely where I am making plans to have them.  

I will be talking about this for months to come as it helps keep me focused on what needs done.

Over the Winter months, I will downsize our closets and be pickier about clothing to keep.  This Winter I suspect that I will be continuing to downsize to fit into the 1900 Folk Victorian COTTAGE that will be painted white and when the time comes to shingling it, will have charcoal colored shingles.  Lots of white interior and light grey.  Wished it were alrighty done.  A little here and a little there surely the time will fly.

HAPPY AUTUMN!  As I take on this DANIEL DIET the first day of FALL, I will stay busy doing things making downsizing easier for us.  Not so much to move into the COTTAGE.  If we take it one day at a time, staying steady, we'll get this done.  Lord help us.

Today, the weather was gorgeous and I drove around town taking in the sights and breathing in fresh air.  Evening is falling and I need to make good use of the daylight I have left.

Blessings,

~d 👵    

THRIFTING ON TUESDAY

I SEEM TO LOOK FORWARD TO TUESDAYS WHEN WE GO TO TOPEKA. THRIFTING DAYS TURN MY CRANK.  I LIKE THEM.  

I didn't get up when the alarm went off.  I think I could have slept longer, but my dear Husband woke me.  I was fasting for blood test so there was no Breakfast.  Groomed and got dressed. Drove straight to Topeka's facility that labs would be done at.  Checked in and no sooner than I cleaned my hands, I was called for labs.  Waltz right in and the technician did a beautiful job.  No pain all gain.  

WEARING A MASK TODAY as much as possible.  

Off we went to get a Starbucks unsweetened green tea and a new protein box Eggs and Gouda.  
Box= 540 calories.  That's a high count.  I didn't eat all the dried fruit so I can deduct some calories.  Two cage-free hard-boiled eggs paired with Gouda and multigrain crackers, plus a blend of dried apricots and apples, a peanut-butter spread, salt and pepper, make this the balanced protein-packed box good for all day enjoyment. 

I prefer their old one with the muesli bread.  The crackers just don't do it. 

We sat in the parking lot to eat the meals then went to the HALLMARK CARD STORE. Sought out our yearly CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS.  I've lost count of how many years we have shopped for ornaments.  I had wanted to get these in July and here it is Autumn Eve.  That's alright.  I have them now.  Maybe next year I will get them in CHRISTMAS in JULY.  Buying them early helps with my Christmas gift budget.    

Trains for Hubby and a house for me.  Just inside the door were .50 cent CDs and $1 movies.  We found an Jeff Fenholt Sings The Sacred Classics.

 Never been opened.  I was thrilled as I loved Jeff's music.  He passed away two years ago.  I listen to his music from time to time.

ONTO GOD's STOREHOUSE where I spied a very pretty crystal cover on plate.  I thought it was a decorative cake cover, but once we got HOME, it makes for a better design for a crystal cheese cover on a plate.  Looked it up on the internet and found more info about it.  It more than likely is a Vintage French Glass Cheese Dome for small French pastries or cheese.  

Picked up 3 Cambridge 24% lead Crystal drinking glasses from Slovakia with Pineapple Pattern that I thought were too expensive last time I was at the storehouse.  Had a change of heart.  With the Senior Discount each glass was $ 4.80.  Less expensive than Bed, Bath & Beyond.   Like new. This makes our inventory up to 8 very pretty crystal drinking glasses for personal use at HOME. Using the good crystal makes sense as LIFE IS SHORT and we need to enjoy every day and every meal.     

WITH HEALTH ISSUES, we are to eat fish at least twice a week.  Like salmon, cod or tuna.  So we visited LONG JOHN SILVER's for cod fish, green beans, Cole slaw and hush puppies.  Under a shade tree we sat to eat our lunch.  The temps were cooler today so eating outside was very pleasant.

Off to put some air in the car tires and pump some gas.  NATURAL GROCERS wasn't far behind. We shopped for our organic foods.  I feel so much better when I buy organic.  

Loaded the groceries in the car then drove to the COTTAGE to water the newly planted Irises, put a load of laundry in to dry and gather a few things to turn loose of.  Stopped off at the Bank, Dollar Store and the City building.  Drove past a PUMPKIN PATCH on the way HOME.  This place gets very busy with young children taking field trips.  Little ones love the pumpkins and the Mommas seem to take lots of pictures with their babies holding pumpkins.  Nice time of the year.

The drive on the highway across the Prairie landscape is beautiful.  So much lush greens before the trees begin to turn colors.  I think I need to find a place to just sit and admire this beauty that God created.  Take it all in.  Just so lovely. If I stay too busy indoors, I will miss the changing beauty outside.  Not this year.  I will take it in and admire it while giving thanks to God that this exist.  Each season has a beauty of its own.    

Onto the main house to unload our spoils.  

Free-Range eggs in the fridge, veggies and fruit as well.  Skipped buying meat this week as I will not be eating meat for 21 days.  The Daniel Diet begins on Autumn.

  

I am tired as I type this account of today's outings.  Tired.  Will rest my feet then work on the things we are turning loose of.  AND AWAY WE GO.  Perhaps I'll watch EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND later tonight.  I didn't use to like this show, but the older I get, the more I like the reruns.  I can identify.

It surely will be better than the movie we watched last night.  P I G
Starring Nicholas Cage as Robin with a pig.  Pig gets stolen and he's off to find his pig in the city. He's a former chef that has turned to being a loner living in the woods with his pig that digs for truffles. Filthy man that probably hasn't taken a bath in 10 years.  Gross appearance.  The story is a bit off and the language dirty.  I think we could have spent our time more wisely.  

Some might like this movie.  I'm not sure what to make of it.  P I G

This week is another busy one for me and I need to make hay while the sun is still shining.  I hope I can get the things done that I need to.  Tomorrow is the middle of the week already. AUTUMN!!!  The first day of Autumn 2021.  By October 1st, I believe we can have most of the things I have gathered to get rid of out of the house and into somebody elses hands.  

Shall see.  Shall see.

I know that as the days begin to cool down some, that I can start walking in the early mornings and cut calories to help with weight reduction.  I pray that I lose some more weight.  Take me down another 10 pounds and I will be pleased that I am weighing less.  By my next Endocrinologist appointment, I hope to be down 40 pounds since they saw me last.  Shall see how this goes.  If I don't reach it then I will just continue on this little journey and be thankful that I have reduced some.  Keep forging ahead.  This is LIFE and I am living it.  

Here comes FALL!  Y'all ready?
~d 👵

   

CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING INCLUDES MY HEART

 

ANOTHER ROUND OF DECLUTTERING IS TAKING PLACE HERE ON THE PRAIRIE.  I am on a mission.  Round one is the interior of my HOME also clearing out a little COTTAGE that we are remodeling.  Everything takes time.  

The less I have sitting around will help with making cleaning easier and faster.  There doesn't seem to be a QUICK FIX to this as I have much to tend to.  Every day I get a little done.  One day, I will look back and see that I was victorious in this.  Praise the Lord.  That will be a huge accomplishment for a sloppy 'ole lady like me.  It's in my nature to be sloppy.  I don't like it so I desire to change and am working at it.  With health issues this puts additional challenges on me making me even more human than I want to admit.  

My heart should not be ignored nor stashed in a attic or deep in a dark basement.  My heart is a massive part of my personality and character.  I can run, but I cannot hide.  The heart needs dealt with as I am very human and full of challenges.  Renewing a godly steadfast spirit within me is necessary and desired.

~d👵

PRAISE THE LORD, IT'S SUNDAY and I shaved my legs for this!

Adding some AUTUMN garland before FALL.

JUST WOKE UP FROM A REFRESHING NAP.  Praise the LORD, IT'S SUNDAY!!!  A wonderful week-end to be alive here in my corner of the world.  Wonderful time together having fellowship with FAMILY. This is the first time since the Co vid Pandemic that we have had family sleep over in our HOME.  Almost like old times. Company returned to their HOMES today.   

On Friday, I was a cleaning fool.  I'd do a little of this and a little of that as the messes disappeared from view.  Dusted and vacuumed areas.  Had the food plans worked out, the laundry caught up, new shower curtains hung, switched out another room's curtains, etc. etc. etc.  On the run.  Take a breath and run some more.  

Finished tidying yesterday after I woke at five in the morning, cleaned the rest of the bathrooms and took a morning shower.  I shaved my legs for this.  I was pleased that the house was ready for company.  Had LIL SMOKIES Cocktail Wieners in the crockpot ready to warm during the afternoon so I could take them to the Baby Shower.  

SO PLEASED!  You'd have to understand that I have not been moving very fast due to a bad back, bad knee and feet that hurt so bad, I just about couldn't walk.  These physical challenges caused me to sit a great deal since January 2019 to stay out of pain.  SO in saying that I was challenged had caused me to get so far behind in the cleaning and dealing with extra stuff that I had the makings of being a hoarder not because I wanted to be, but because nature took her course and I was headed that direction.

This cleaning and gathering phase of dealing with THINGS about the house that I don't need, has completed ROUND ONE.  The room that I call the ATTIC that has to be dealt with later in the year will HOPEFULLY be tidied by THANKSGIVING TIME.  I'm figuring in my head where all will sleep so I must have the extra room livable.  

For now, I am so contented that we had the three bedrooms looking like HUMANS live here.

Victorian Room, Vintage Room and Traditional Room.  Not everything that is out of place is out of sight, but this is a huge start for me.  None of my bedrooms are elaborately decorated.  Aiming for simplicity.  Maybe I'll never reach that goal, but I'm hoping to and working at it.  

~THE VICTORIAN ROOM~

Daughter.n.Law stayed in the Victorian Room.  We purchased this bedroom suite after our house fire from the Paxico Antique Shop.  It took me a year before I agreed to buy it as it wasn't what I had in my mind as to what I wanted.  I have grown to enjoy it.  After pricing other sets, I knew the price was right and I would enjoy having this in my HOME.  The lamp is one I bought at a Wamego Estate Sale for one dollar.  I knew I had a prized possession.

As you will see I have no pictures hanging on the walls.  I love pictures, but it has been a phase I'm going through to where I have no pictures on these walls.  In the COTTAGE I will.  Maybe.

~VINTAGE BEDROOM~

The Vintage Room is where my Mom stayed.  This bedroom suite belonged to my Husband's Grandma which we inherited after my In.Laws moved into Assisted Living.  It was in our 2016 House Fire and I thought it was ruined for sure.  A company out of Kansas City revived it and when they returned it to us in 2017, I could have cried that they had saved it.  It returned to us in excellent condition.  When the time comes when we move into the Cottage this will become the main bedroom furniture to use.

~THE TRADITIONAL BEDROOM~

Our Master Bedroom is where our Granddaughters stayed.  We purchased this furniture when my Daughter was 16 as a Junior in High School.  She is now 41 years old.  I had gone to an Estate Sale in Jenks, Oklahoma where I spied this suite.  A four poster bed, dresser with mirror, mattress and boxed springs.  

Paid under a thousand dollars for it.  Was so happy to have it as what we had was a mismatched set of what-nots.  We have faithfully used the set with the exception of purchasing two other mattresses which were lost in the fire.  The company that refinished this set went with a black finish which I had requested.  Originally it was a reddish brown. 

The two little night stands were purchased for $7 each at a Junior League Sale umpteen years ago.  The plaid Henredon chairs were purchased at God's Storehouse for a song.  I had wanted Henredon furniture for years and was blessed to come across these a couple of years ago.  They are wide and comfortable.  Easy on the eye as well.  I don't want to turn loose of these when we move to the COTTAGE and I think I just about have it figured out where they will go when the big exodus takes place next year.

The Highboy or Tall Boy was a God's Storehouse purchase in which the legs of this piece were in very sad shape.  Hubby remade the legs and we have a nice piece to hang onto.  

The little Book case was purchased at an Auction way back when.  I was bidding on the piece and so was my Husband who was across the room.  The Auctioneer stopped because he knew we were a couple.  I'm not sure we would have won the bid sooner because I didn't know we were bidding against one another at the time.  I'm still trying to figure out where I will put the case when at the COTTAGE.  The Lord will show me when the time comes.

Mom drove in early Saturday with the Baby Shower on the AGENDA.  We'd go to LUNCH at the Friendship House and afterwards go for a drive when I thought it would be fun to drive over to St. Marys to go to Florence Adams to look around, 37 Pine and Sugar Creek.  I'd show Mom the shops then drive back HOME for a quick nap until time to get ready for the evening Shower.

Mom's Hearing Aids are being worked on so she was without them.  There was a lot of huhs(?) going on.  She can no longer hear without hearing aids.  Challenging.   

Another short drive to Daughter's.  Daughter is expecting a BABY in November!  Answered prayer.   

We'd meet up with Daughter.n.law and another Granddaughter from Oklahoma as other guest arrived to celebrate a new baby in the making.  I was able to meet a few of Daughter's neighbors, family on her Husband's side and some of her friends.  It was a very talkative group of people and we had the nicest time.  Afterwards we returned HOME and visited some more until 1 in the morning.  Two Granddaughters under the same roof that haven't really seen much of each other for four years had the makings of silliness and loud laughter.  They were so funny to watch and listen to. 

   

Breakfast bagels with butter 'n whipped cream cheeses, organic bananas and juice.  Coffee for the guest.  The whipped mixed berries cream cheese is a newbie for me and I loved it.  It spreads so easy there's no struggle to smooth a layer on top of the bagel like the previous brick cream cheese even at room temp.  Cinnamon Raisin and Everything Bagels. 

With breakfast out of the way, we chatted some more as Daughter came over to visit with her Grandma and Sister.n.law.  We had a Salisbury Steak Lunch with mixed veggies and mashed potatoes.  Dishes washed.  By three the house was an empty nest again as all parties were on their way back to their HOMES.  Nap time for me. Can anybody go ahhhh?  I did and woke refreshed.

Watered the patio plants as they seemed perched.  Supper was early and the rest of the evening will be TAKE IT EASY MODE.  Maybe a load of work jeans tonight and hung to dry.  

I think I'm getting ready for another very busy week preparing to turn loose of more stuff.  We had a small set of nice KitchenAid cookware that we gave to our Daughter.n.law.  It belonged to my Mother.n.law which had been stored over at the COTTAGE.  Like new.  I know my DIL will put them to good use.  One less thing to deal with.

Shell brought me some Chocolate Bombs that she had made and they are gorgeous.  I will have a Peppermint one tonight before I start another round of the Daniel Diet this week.  A great way to get ready for it.    

I was figuring what I will need to eat for 21 days.  Tomorrow I will begin again.  Tomato Juice with Pomegranate Juice mixed in for Breakfast.  Soup with no crackers for Lunch and huge Salad without Salad Dressing for Supper.  Water.  Skip the Iced Tea.  I'll weigh myself in the morning, record and see how it goes for 21 days.  October 10th I'll be celebrating weight loss?  Hoping to take off 10 pounds.  Watch what I eat and continue on well into the month of October. 

Hubby will get back to popping Irises and planting them over at the COTTAGE.  I pray he finishes soon as the month is getting away from us.   

MAYBE...just maybe an early morning walk will happen in the morning.  Shoes on and off I'll go for a short walk.  It's a new day and AUTUMN is on her way.  Cooler temps in the morning.

AS FALL BEGINS...I will walk, diet, continue downsizing our STUFF, work at the COTTAGE getting it cleared out as well.  Lord, I need your almighty HELP to be successful.  

Blessings to you and may you have a sweet week,

~d👵    

Partying over at Happy Homemaker.  Hope you'll visit the sight.

https://familycorner.blogspot.com/2021/09/happy-homemaker-monday-09202021.html    

Breakfast time....what is on the plate this morning::::
8 oz. organic tomato juice with 2 oz. organic pomegranate juice, turkey bacon, 2 brown eggs.  I will go grocery shopping tomorrow for fruits and vegetables.  Officially will start my Daniel Diet again.

Looking around the house::::
Resting a great deal as I had a horrifically busy week and I am tired.  Getting ready to go gather household items to get rid of.

 
On today's to do list::::

Gather household items to get rid of, some laundry.  Moving in slow mo.

Currently reading::::

Psalms, Magazines like Martha Stewart, Health books on Reversing Diabetes by Dr. Don Colbert.

On the TV this week::::

Old movies.

The weather outside is:::: 

It's cooler than last week.  Some rain.

 

On the menu this week:::: DANIEL DIET begins!

 

Monday - Organic everything...Organic SALAD with chick peas, black beans and corn.
Tuesday - Organic veggies, fruit, and legumes 
Wednesday - Organic veggies, salad, etc.
Thursday - etc.
Friday - etc.
Saturday - etc.
Sunday - etc.

 

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will::::
Rest and daydream.

New recipe I tried, or want to try this week:::: 

Probably won't try anything new this week.

One of my simple pleasures::::
Sitting with the French doors open to listen to the birds chirp and sing.

 

Favorite photo from the camera::::

 

Praying for::::
Daughter's pregnancy, health issues in the family, Brother has Co vid, self dieting, decluttering, working on COTTAGE.