WHEN DID CABINET SHELF/DRAWER LINER GET SO EXPENSIVE?

WE WENT OVER TO THE COTTAGE TO WORK.  We will be doing this a great deal until the COTTAGE is ready for humans to live in it.  The interior is smelling better now that the icky Bathroom floor has been removed.  I imagine after the old carpet is removed that it will help even more.  We did ozone the interior and it did help for a while until some time passed then back was the sour smell.  The removal of the floor was what it needed.  With Hubby working out in the shed, the sub-flooring is airing out.  I know this is what it needs.

Hubby worked on redoing a window in the storage side of the garage.  After a long day, he accomplished overhauling the window.  Two more to go which will have to be worked over without the threat of rain.  He was exhausted after the day he put in.

On the other hand, I took measurements of the wood shelves in the pantry.  Scraped off some stuck on paper towel from the shelf then painted the bald spot.  Scraped the dried paint off the glass of the small window.  I thought this would be a breeze scraping the dried paint off the glass. Wrong.  The acrylic paint loved the glass.  Clinging on for dear life.  It was harder than I imagined.  Will return to complete the scraping.

I wanted to get some liner for the shelves.  I checked what inventory Wal-mart and Family Dollar had along with Menards on the computer.  Then I took off to go see in person what was out there.  Another eye opening experience of disbelief at how much liner prices have gone up.

Stopping at Family Dollar first, they had a nice selection, but the one I really liked was the wrong color and they didn't have enough to do the job.  I talked to myself...should I risk it, buy what they have and go to another Family Dollar in Topeka in hopes that they would have some more? Then I convinced myself no.  It was after-all the wrong color.  Walked away.

Walked over to HOBBY LOBBY.  Nothing.

Drove over to Wal-mart.  No one in the Sewing Department.  Went to Customer Service to contact someone.  The price tag on some of the liner I liked was $6.47 a foot and I wanted to personally ask them if this was the actual price as I needed 15 yards of liner making this liner more than I cared to pay for it.  A young man came over to help me and said it was $6.47 a yard. There was only 2 and a half yards.  Not enough.  Shucks.

Drove over to JoAnn's hitting the jackpot.  They had 25 yards of the style I liked, but it was $10 a yard.  Still too much.  I looked at a different vinyl liner deciding to go with it, but after I got it, I started having doubts.  Perhaps I should have bit the bullet and got the other that I liked.  There was a coupon on my phone that I discovered later that I could have used for the one I liked.  As I was checking out, the register rang up a completely different price that I will not deny was like shopping back in 1990 as the price was $1.19 a yard.  I figured I could cut the liner length wise and go with 7 yards instead of 15.  Winner winner...chicken dinner.

With the coupon I came out awesome at $5.45 for the entire 7 yards.  It should work alright.  I drove to the Cottage to drop the liner off, pick up my Husband and go to a restaurant as we were both too tired to cook.  Ate a nice meal and went home.

Rested the rest of the evening and will return to COTTAGE later so I can line the shelves and start filling the pantry with items that I want in it.  If for some reason I greatly dislike the liner, I will use it, stick it out and wait for the price to drop on the other liner I liked and purchase it... switching out with what I got.  I won't feel too bad knowing I only paid $5.45.    

Temps are rising and I am concerned about my Husband's health working in too hot of weather. He thinks he can work inside in the heat of the day remodeling the Bathroom.  The cooler temps will be for the garage windows.  I can stay inside where it is cooler and line shelves playing house.

I watched videos on lining shelves, decluttering, putting backsplashes up in kitchens.  I think I will just call it a night.  Wish the COTTAGE WERE DONE.  Wishful thinking.  Back to the real world.

Blessings,
~d

IS TODAY FRIDAY???

HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO ASK YOURSELF WHAT DAY IT IS THEN QUESTION THE ANSWER???  I do.  Lately it's more than not.  I look on the computer where there's a calendar and clock.  Rest assure, it tells me what I need to know.  The month has flown by.  The start of July was yesterday, wasn't it?

Today is FRIDAY!  The week flew right on by.  How quickly the time goes anymore.  Reviewing what I accomplished this week and what I'd like to get done this week-end.  

This past week, we continued working on clearing out the storage side of the garage to discover that the paneling hidden behind boxes had water damage and was ruined.  A trip to Menards was needed.  We purchased some new paneling and transported it in one of their rental trucks, unloaded it taking the truck back.  

During this cooler weather this week, Hubby took the old paneling down off the walls inside the shed and repaired a door that was in there.  He'll be installing new paneling in a few days.  The paneling on the ceiling needs replaced as well.  Repair around the windows needs done so there will be no more leakage.  After he gets that done then he'll hang paneling on the walls and ceiling.

A wall in the shed will be painted a color to match the paneling and the floor will get painted. About two more weeks of work before returning working on the Bathroom.  After all is said and done then the muscle racks will be transferred from our main house basement to the storage side of the Cottage garage.  It will become my SHE SHED storing my HOLIDAY DECOR and a exercise treadmill.  Wowzer...let it happen. 

THIS WEEK concerning remodeling and downsizing, I helped go through things in the shed. Finished painting the PANTRY!  Went and bought paneling for shed and pantry ceiling. Unloaded and handled the paneling.  Handled thousands of pieces of paper.  Shredded lots and lots of old paper.  Purchased tile for bathroom.  Day dreamed.  

Yesterday, we headed to Menards to get some wood to fix the shed's windows when I came across an unadvertised special on beautiful glazed ceramic tile that I thought would look lovely in the Cottage Bathroom on the walls surrounding the tub.  We bought them and hauled them HOME.  Had some time off from working on the COTTAGE.  Will return this week-end for more to do.  Hired Grand to pull weeds from the large flower beds.  Grouping items together making room for a bedroom set to go so we have a place to rest while working over there.

Next year the Cottage garage will need reshingled and probably painted after we get moved in and settled.  Eventually, I'd like to see a sliding barn door go on the storage shed wall opening into the garage.  Think it would be darling plus functional.  Hubby plans to turn the little garage into his art studio.  This will be revamped as it is in really rough shape.  We have something to work with though.

The COTTAGE BATHROOM will come together in AUGUST!  Praise the LORD.  Hubby has gutted the BATHROOM!  He's thinking the door may have to be moved over which means some extra work will have to take place.  New sub-flooring will go in, new floor tile, tile backer board hung around the tub area, new tile hung.  Something done to the ceiling.  The ceiling light needs moved.  It's a tad bit off centered.  A new light fixture hung.  Vanity put in.  Tub, vanity and toilet installed.  Something done to the rest of the walls.  The window will have to have hammered glass installed.  Window trim sanded and painted.  Whalaah...the bathroom completed?  

DOOR RELOCATED AND MOVED
✔VANITY PURCHASED 
AND INSTALLED
SINK HARDWARE PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
LIGHTING BY VANITY
WIRING
✔MIRROR
✔TUB PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
TUB
HARDWARE PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
TOILET PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
✔SUB-FLOORING PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
✔FLOOR TILE PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
✔TILE BACKER BOARD PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
✔TILE AROUND THE TUB PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
RELOCATE LIGHT FIXTURE
LIGHT FIXTURE PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
CEILING MATERIAL PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED

LIGHT SWITCH COVERS
HAMMERED GLASS FOR WINDOW PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
BEADED BOARD PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
CROWN MOLDING PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED

MERCY SAKES there's a lot to think about when remodeling.

WEEK-END PLANS
We'll celebrate a couple of birthdays over at Daughter's THIS WEEK-END.  Our Son.in.law has a birthday today.  53.  Great age.  I'll have a nice meal, a steamer and CONVERSATION.  Will hold the Grand baby and talk BABY TALK!  I'll love talking to him...goo goo gaga.  

LAUNDRY worked on.  

MEASURING THE PANTRY SHELVES SO I CAN GET SOME LINER BOUGHT.  POSSIBLY getting it laid before August.  Can't wait.  Am excited to be able to start filling the pantry.

I'll be working on PAPERWORK!!!  Part-time clerk here.  I'll be so HaPpY when this is D. O. N. E.

That'll be the WEEK-END.  Pray it is a productive one with no incidents.

I have been giving it some thought about our three meals a day.  If we have a late breakfast allowing at least 14 hours between late night snack and the first meal of the day, then a brunch type meal would work.  Eat around 11 in the morning which is close to a usual lunch time.  That's a 14 hour intermittent fast if the last food is eaten at 9 at night with breakfast brunch at 11 the next morning.

Afternoon SNACK at 2 could be a handful of mixed nuts, an apple with peanut butter or celery with peanut butter.  

Eat an early supper around 4 in the afternoon.  That's 5 hours between meals.  Let this be a large meal with a large vegetable salad sprinkled with some fruits and nuts.  Maybe some seeds. Protein from chicken, hard boiled eggs, cheese, legumes like garbanzo beans and black beans.  A few croutons.  Allow salad dressing.  
OR
lots of steamed or baked veggies taking up half the dinner plate with at least 4 oz. of lean meat like grass fed beef, chicken, baked fish or turkey.  Water to drink.  Fruit for dessert.

If hungry at 7, 8 or 9, fix a protein drink or smoothie made of avocado, banana, kale, spinach, celery, berries, cocoa, cinnamon, raw honey, yogurt and almond milk, some ice.  
OR popcorn with real organic BUTTER.

That allows plenty of calories for a day plus nutritionally dense foods for health benefits.

Morning meds taken on an empty stomach with Spring Water.
Morning WALK.
Morning beverage.  
Hubby drinks his morning coffee and I can have hot tea.
Morning supplements.  
Take Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Krill Oil supplement and Garlic capsule with Spring Water.
BRUNCH.  Wait until 11 to eat.
Take mealtime supplements like Apple Cider Vinegar tablet,
Ceylon Cinnamon, Co-Q-10, Berberine, L-Tyrosine.
Two o'clock snack.
Four o'clock Supper.
Take mealtime supplements like Apple Cider Vinegar tablet, Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Zinc.
Seven o'clock Smoothie.

Getting there for a healthier lifestyle.

Scripture draw:
Isaiah 58:9
"Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry and he shall say, Here I am." 

Prayer on card:
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your plan of prayer.  We are glad you want us to keep in close touch with you.

May you have a blessed week-end,

~d

NOT A GOOD RECIPE

NOT SLEEPING WELL LAST NIGHT AFFECTED MY OLE SELF in a very negative way.  I can't hardly get through the day when this happens and if I take a nap too late in the evening then I have trouble shutting down at bedtime.  Not a good recipe.  

Think my mind has been racing and I'm not shutting down so I prayed most of the night.  I drifted off to sleep around 6 in the morning and slept till 9:30.  I could have slept more hours, but had a hair appointment at 11 in a different town that I'd have to drive to.

I arrived just in time for the hair appointment.  A new stylist for me in a new studio in a new town.  It's not the first time I have had a new stylist that I know nothing about.  I liked her and booked an appointment for in a month for a trim.  This time I got a shampoo and a blow out.

Now for overkill on pictures.  I don't take great selfies, but tried.  

My hair has significantly thinned out.  Seems like each time I comb it and shampoo it I lose so much it's scary.  Has been doing this for years.  Checking into vitamins about this.  My thyroid meds may be off and that can cause hair to fall out as well.

Hubby and I had a day time DATE and ate at LONGHORN Restaurant.  I ate some bread with butter, a salad and a sweet potato.  Water for beverage.  All so very good and we had a nice conversation over LUNCH.  We had some serious errands to run.  I knew that the day would be busy and at the end of it I would be tired.  My evening will be spent resting.

We went to Dillons to pay our Natural Gas bill and while there did some vegetable shopping.  Radishes, baby cucumbers, English cucumbers, red and orange Bell peppers, orange cherry tomatoes, a heirloom tomato, beets, lettuce, spinach, squash...can't remember what else.  While at the grocery store, I used their blood pressure and weight machine.  I did the weight thing wrong, but boy was I excited about what it said my weight was.  Hubby did his and it was 12 pounds off.  I did my again and I was alright about being off 12 pounds.  Seriously, if I can get so excited about the lower weight then I seriously need to get the weight off of me.  Seriously.  I don't like being FAT.  If I am going to lose weight than I have got to WORK AT IT.  If I want something then I have to make it happen and know that it's not going to happen on its own.

Off to Hobby Lobby to get a few supplies.  Staples for shredder oil to keep the paper shredder working.  Aldi's and then Menards.

It was while we were at Menards that I came across an UNADVERTISED SPECIAL on some glazed ceramic tile made in India that I thought would be beautiful in the COTTAGE BATHROOM around the tub.  At $8.90 a box with ten tiles, it was a heck of a great buy.  I had the money and we were pleased with the purchase.  Each tile has a variety of grays and white.  Staying in the grays and whites for the Bathroom.

MSI's Ceravi Blayton 12 in. x 12 in. Floor and Wall Tile offers a beautiful natural travertine look in an affordable, durable, and virtually maintenance-free ceramic. Gorgeous go-with-anything light gray hues and tonal veins lend timeless elegance to be enjoyed for years to come. With its classic looks and lovely matte finish, this stylish square tile works with nearly any decorative scheme. Use Ceravi Blayton on floors, walls, countertops, backsplashes, and other design features throughout homes and commercial properties and welcome the compliments.

Loaded up ten boxes.  Drove HOME and put the vegetables away.  I am now tired.  Having vegetables for SUPPER.  Red and Green Bell Peppers and Onions.  Deliberately not eating bread, meat, dairy or fruit for Supper since I had a large LUNCH with bread and butter, baked sweet potato, strawberry salad with grapes, mandarin oranges and raspberry vinaigrette.  

If I have a large LUNCH then my SUPPER needs to be a low cal meal or if my LUNCH is low cal then I can have a larger SUPPER.

All the talk about INTERMITTENT FASTING I can not ignore.  Then I heard about the OMAD diet.  This one I do not believe I can do.  One Meal A Day.  The meal can be huge, but think it might not be right for me.

Back to eating more vegetables and fruit.

Coming along on the paperwork....so wish it were all completely done.  I have to pace myself and know that this is a marathon and not a sprint.

Think I had best watch a movie, sip on some iced tea and rest.  Tomorrow is another day and I hope it is a good one.  

Scripture draw today is:
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
-Psalm 14:3

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord that I have my brothers and sisters in Christ who offer a consoling word when the tears fall.

That just about sums it up,

~d

HALLELUJAH THE PANTRY IS PAINTED

TODAY WAS THE DAY FOR ME TO APPLY THE LAST COAT OF PAINT TO MY LIL PANTRY.  I am HAPPY it's done.  So HAPPY.  The Benjamin Moore Misty Gray color truly looks white which is alright since it is my PANTRY.

I started this project by clearing out the PANTRY shelves, scrubbing and washing them, deciding on the color of paint, buying the paint. Painted the entire PANTRY of 10 wooden shelves, bracket supports, trim around the door, trim around the small interior window, baseboard trim, and walls.   I was pleased with being done painting! 

Eventually the floor will go from old linoleum to a soft gray tile.  The ceiling will have Vintage Woods Pallet Wall Paneling.  A electrician will add a light switch since the present light turns on by a pull string and a different light fixture will be installed.  My small, but highly functional PANTRY will be completed.  Such a great feeling.

I'll be lining the shelves in a few days and then I get to fill the shelves with organization.  I get my opportunity to arrange the PANTRY the way I want it to look.  Ready for this.

Next I'll clear out a floor to ceiling cabinet that has dishes in it at the present.  It needs painted inside and out at least two coats of paint.  This cabinet is going to hold all the small appliances I have grouped together.  Painting is what I will busy myself while Hubby works on gutting the garage shed.  

I think I will work at clearing out and organizing the small pink Bedroom and relocate my Victorian Bedroom set to it so we have a bed to rest on when we need it when we are over at the Cottage working.  Slowly items will be moved over to the Cottage one piece at a time.

I had a double victory today as I finished painting the Pantry.  As I sat to rest, I shredded old, old papers.  Checking statements and old checks.  I was overwhelmed at how many pieces of paper I have shredded.  I finished the pile of papers inside individual folders.  Hundreds of pieces.  When I finished shredding these, I was relieved that this was done.  So...I have victory.

I'll have to let this soak in.

Hubby came inside to cool off from working in the shred.  Mercy, we have made progress.  The old icky paneling is off the walls.  The new awaits.  The insulation is ruined.  That will have to be replaced with new.  The windows will have to have some work done to them so there's no leaking.  I'll help Hubby as best I can and then I will begin to line the Pantry shelves.

Downsizing in our case is taking time.  

~d  

ON OUR WAY TO THE COTTAGE

WE DECIDED TO GO AHEAD AND PURCHASE PANELING FROM MENARD'S FOR THE COTTAGE STORAGE SHED while they still have a nice selection on hand at the price they have.  On the way to the store we did a donation drop at GOODWILL, got a bite to eat, then went to Menard's.

For a storage shed, we needed paneling for three of the walls and the ceiling.  Knowing we'd have to rent a truck to haul our purchase, we went ahead an purchased Tile Backer Board for the Bathroom as we know we'll need it for the wall around the tub so we can apply nice tile and a sheet of paneling that looks like pallet wood for the Pantry ceiling.  Also plywood for the Bathroom for repairs.

That's 8 sheets of Tile Backer Board,
15 sheets of paneling,
2 pieces of 3/4" plywood for underlayment,
and a gallon of Kiltz. 

Loaded the supplies onto a Menard's truck and drove to the COTTAGE.  Unloaded it all and then Hubby returned the truck.  I stayed at the COTTAGE.  I thought I could get the last of the painting in the Pantry done, but by the time we unloaded the works off of the truck, I was done. I sat in a comfortable chair and watched T.V. and looked for words in a word search book.  Too tired to move.  Will try again tomorrow.

It was a great feeling to know we have the Honey Birch paneling for the interior of the shed. Hubby plans on ripping the old paneling out during this week.  I so hope I have the Pantry completely painted.  SO hope.  I will need to measure how much liner I will need then go get some all in one small swoop.

Beautiful skies as we traveled across the Prairie on our way to the COTTAGE.

Being an older person has challenges all its own.  Wanting to use my time wisely, I have to plan and make my trips count.  I saw a little break in the fuel prices today, but then I expected that would happen.  We will be conditioned to thinking the lower prices aren't as bad as the higher even though this new lower price isn't as low as they were before the prices started to spike.

The price of wood has really climbed since the co vid pandemic.  Makes my eyes bug out.  I can only imagine when we go to buy fencing what that will cost.  Building a new porch will be much the same.  The smaller porch will probably cost as much as when we rebuilt our larger porch on the rock house.  Shall see about this when the time comes not to mention when we get new kitchen cabinets.  We bought tile a few months back and thought the price was very good as a unadvertised special.  That was a plus.  Paint still is a great bargain.

Remodeling is interesting and a very expensive HOBBY to have.  Making a place to call HOME is extra special.  We are looking forward to having less to take care of, but getting there may break the bank.  This isn't what we want as we bargain shop, do the work ourselves and ask God to bless our endeavor.

HOME will be where we hang our hats and then some.  A peaceful place to lay our heads, eat healthy meals, groom, do our laundry, read, etc.  

Scripture draw today:
~Malachi 4:2
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings."

Prayer on the flip side of the scripture card:
Lord, help me to overcome my fears by filling my mind with positive thoughts and my life with positive actions.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

And may I add...Lord, allow your Holy Spirit to fall afresh on me to where I am not afraid in an unhealthy way.  Fill me with your presence and power.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen and amen.

Blessings to you,

~d

A TIME CAPSULE. HOW DO YOU SAY, "I'm emotionally attached..."

WE WORKED IN THE STORAGE SIDE OF THE COTTAGE GARAGE as the outside temps were mild.  Almost seemed like AUTUMN.  It was cooler with overcast skies. Made amazing progress.   I sat by the door going through BOXES of important papers.  It is an emotional endeavor going through these things as they have been on hold since we put them in there 5 and a half years ago.

On Friday, I was talking to my granddaughter about class rings and I had to tell her that I didn't know where mine was.  I absolutely could not remember where I put it.  That's not a good feeling.  Well, today I found my class ring in an old jewelry box that was gifted to me by my Grandparents.  I cried.  Didn't realize that I was so attached.

My childhood jewelry box holds childhood trinkets that have meaning only to me.  Like going back in time.  A TIME CAPSULE.  I'm emotionally attached to these trinkets.  I don't really want to pitch this jewelry box since I lost most all my gifts from Grandparents and other family members in the fire.  It smells, but think I can ozone it to get rid of the stinky smell.  

I came across another huge box filled with jewelry.  All in good shape except the beautiful velvet boxes that I had kept that originally came with the piece of jewelry were disgusting.  Smelly from the fire and also moldy smelling since being in the shed.  I will clean each piece.  My costume jewelry from the 80s was all there.  The Seiko watch my Husband gave me years ago was there.  I had kept the box, but it smelled so bad I pitched it.  There were several larger jewelry boxes beyond repair that I pitched.  I can do this thing.

As I sat there looking at the jewelry, I thought we didn't lose everything in the fire.  Praise the LORD.  Lots was lost, but then much is still in our hands.  I sat there thanking God that none of us were killed or injured.  Thankful.  It has taken me five and a half years to finally cry about the fire.  Five and a half years....  

As we continue working on fixing up this Cottage and Garage...it will take some doing to get to where we need to be.  This thinning out and downsizing of things...is emotional.  It's physical. Much thought is going into this.  I came across an article I had printed out about HOW TO DOWNSIZE.  I threw it away as I am on track.

This week we are going to work on the shed ripping old paneling off the walls as they have gotten damp and are beyond repair.  Hubby will make quick work of it if I know him.  When he gets fired up about something, he works rather quick.  He will have the old paneling off the walls and ceiling then replaced.  Maybe we'll go back with beaded board instead paneling.  Shall comparison shop and go the least expensive route.  When we get done with this...muscle racks will go in and I will have a clean place to put my HOLIDAY DECOR.  That will be nice.  Really nice.

I'll have to see how he comes along and if he doesn't need me, I'll return to painting the Pantry the final coat and be done with that.  Hallelujah and a half.  Praise the LORD.  

P r a i s e  the L O R D.

I hope to sleep well tonight,

~d

Scripture draw today:
"For the Lord shall be thine everlasting light,
and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."
~Isaiah 60:20

Flip side prayer:
Father, things can so easily get out of order.  
I don't want them to.  I need your help today.
In Jesus name I pray,
AMEN

How appropriate this prayer is for me as I go through all this stuff that hasn't been dealt with for so long.

A CHANGE OF PLANS

TIS MONDAY.  I had plans of continuing painting in the PANTRY, but the temps are down and the thought of working in the COTTAGE SHED comes to mind.  I would very much like to have this storage section of the garage cleared out before AUTUMN so I can get the walls and floor painted making a clean spot for Christmas and Holiday decor to be stored at the COTTAGE as we downsize from the main house.  

With the SUMMER temps usually so HOT it is unbearable to work in the shed with the heat index...the milder temps would sure help out.  CHANGE OF PLANS...I will be working in the shed instead of painting in the pantry.  I have got to stay flexible.

TEMPS are down and I need to take advantage of this to continue clearing out the junk in there.  Not sure how long the temps will be in the 70s/80s before climbing into the 90s/100s again.  This weather reminds me that AUTUMN will come and we will rejoice that we got through this very HOT SEASON once again.  The pumpkins and gourds will begin to appear for decorating.  

We have had some really HOT temps, but expect this for the month of JULY.  August hits in less than week!!!

Washed some underwear this morn and will dry them in the clothes dryer over at the COTTAGE. 

Yesterday, I painted in the COTTAGE PANTRY.  Felt pretty good about what I got done.  Hubby had an incredibly busy day as he started by mowing the main house's lawn, digging and shuffling a pile of dirt from the back yard of the COTTAGE to fill in some sunken ground in the front yard, and swept the floor in the gutted bathroom.  Shucks, all I did was standing on my head to paint the trim in the pantry.  grins.  When I have to do stunts getting off the floor in my old body, it is a work-out.  Thankful no cameras are around.

It rained durning the night.  I had trouble falling asleep as I was up until 4 in the morning.  I think I'm geared up about getting the pantry completed and moving onto the next COTTAGE PROJECT that I can do as HUBBY works on the BATHROOM.  I move rather slow having energy issues that have nothing to do with the mind field and everything to do with thyroid issues.

I was reminded that there is a sight on the internet that shares about getting blood-work done without a doctor.  I think I need to have my TSH checked to see if it is off the charts before waiting until September to have blood drawn for a thyroid appointment.  When I am extremely hypothyroid, my fingernails get brittled, I become more fatigue than usual, heart rate a tad bit slow, some trouble falling asleep, nervous, stubborn weight loss....all indicate that my thyroid levels might be too high.  So, I think I need to do an on-line ordering of test and go to QUEST for a draw this week.    

 https://www.walkinlab.com

Pretty neat huh?

CHRISTMAS IN JULY really does happen this time of year as the CHRISTMAS DECOR is beginning to show up on the shelves at HOBBY LOBBY.  I was in there the other day and blinked when I saw their inventory starting to show high up on the shelves.  For sure it is CHRISTMAS DECOR.  

4th of July decor was discounted.  Some AUTUMN STUFF was being placed out and whaalaah there amongst it all were CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS.  I blinked and thought of Christmas in July!!!  is for real.

It's Christmas ALL YEAR ROUND in some specialty shops.  These are fun to visit whenever.

Not sure how much I will get done today and that's alright...I'm sort of retired.  At least I will be in motion.

Well, I had better get moving and get after it as the day is getting away from me,
~d

Today's Scripture draw:  "I stand at the door, and knock:   if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
-Revelation 3:20

Prayer on the flip side of card:  Lord, teach me to listen.  Help me to creatively wait in thy presence.  May thy voice find mine a listening ear. 

MATTHEW 7:8

 

"Everyone that asketh receiveth; 

and he that seeketh findeth;  
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

-Matthew 7:8

Blessings to you,
~d

Prayer on the flip side of the scripture card is:

Heavenly Father, thou hast prepared things for us that we can have if only we believe.  

May we come to thee in our weakness and ask.

"Medication adverse effects gnaw away at health and are unfortunately often dismissed."

GUESS I WAS EXHAUSTED as I slept in.  When I woke up, it was 11ish.  That's late for me.  Hubby allowed me to sleep in as he was assembling a new wheel barrow.  When I read the time I was in disbelief, "How did I manage to sleep so late?"   Still recovering from the co vid side effects.  The fatigue is still present.   I'm better, but I have fatigue and a cough that's lingering. Taking NyQuil before bedtime may have added to being sleepy.  I have been on the go and staying busy even with being run down.  Think my tired body took dominion over being busy and I slept.  

Had breakfast for lunch then an early supper.  We have what we call THE JACK for breakfast taken from Jack LaLanne's advice from years ago combined with a modified breakfast by what we gathered in this present day for health issues.  It has become one of my favorite BREAKFAST of all times.

THE JACK BREAKFAST  

Three soy-free, range free eggs for protein,
2 pieces of multi-grain toast
topped with organic butter from Ireland and local raw honey,
organic strawberries.  
Water to drink.

SNACK was HOT Matcha Green Tea.

SUPPER was Organic Vegetable Stew with unsweetened Iced Tea.

EVENING SNACK will probably have popcorn with a movie. 

TODAY was a take it easy day since the two previous days were very busy on the go.  Thursday, I painted in the pantry.  SO pleased with the results.  Friday, I had a slow start then went to Manhattan with Hubby and Lil Miss.  

We started out with Hubby getting a Raising Cane meal for his lunch.  Grand had already eaten. I wanted a salad but changed my mind and got a Starbuck's Egg and Cheese Protein Box (470 calories) with a TRENTA unsweetened Green Tea.  On our way to Starbucks, I noticed Summer Sales on Main Street.  Went around the block so I could park the car and go see what they were selling 75% off.

Found the cutest Boutique called THE BOUTIQUE.  Very original, huh?  Went inside and looked about.  Grand tried on some jeans as I sat my big body down on their cute sofa.

https://www.theboutiquemhk.com

I had no idea this boutique was even here. 

 

IT WAS EXTREMELY HOT OUTSIDE.  Our little car decided to overheat again.  On came the heater and rolled down the car windows.  Car's cooling system cooled off, but we didn't.  We went to TARGET to look around.  I drove a shopping cart.  After being air conditioned and sitting while shopping, I began to feel alive again.  I don't do HEAT very well these days, do you?

Then we went to the MALL.  Walked by the massage chairs.  Who could resist? and got a 3 minute job for a dollar.  Wishing I had one of these massage chairs at HOME!!!

Looked at American Eagle and the shopping was done.  On over to Olive Garden for supper. Spaghetti and meatballs and breadsticks.  I'll cut calories and carbs on Saturday.  Time to take Lil Miss HOME.  Had great fun shopping with her.  

While we were in the neighborhood of our COTTAGE I wanted to stop by and see what gutting my HONEY had done.  Very pleased with all the work he has accomplished.

Our gutted COTTAGE Bathroom.  Whaalaah...

WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THIS?

Some more scrapping up of the paper barrier on the floor then he plans to rip up the flooring out of the walk-in closet to the left.  

I'm excited that this much is done.  As he rips, I paint the PANTRY.  Coming right along.

TODAY, I rested and did a great deal of reading about health issues concerning type 2 diabetes, meds that cause diabetes, meds that cause high cholesterol, etc.  

I'm somewhat disturbed about the medicine I take can cause high glucose levels.  So if I take this medicine and it causes high glucose levels why would I want to continue taking it since I am now type 2 diabetic?  I'm bothered that my doctor wants to now place me on a statin drug and statins are known to raise glucose levels as well.  So I continue taking the one medicine that causes high glucose and begin taking another medicine that causes high glucose I'll end up having to take a medicine for diabetes won't I?  Not too happy about this.

One article I was reading says that those who know about the awful side effects from statin drugs are more apt to think because they developed high glucose have the NOCEBO EFFECT.  NOCEBO EFFECT means people who have negative expectations about a medicine, report experiencing the potential side effect at higher rates than the drug should cause.

In other words, the drug companies have an out on every drug they make and then the medical doctors go along with the makers of these medicines putting the blame for unhealthy side effects on the patient taking the meds.  It's the patients fault that they are ill because they already had a negative expectation about the medication.  

Jesus says that the love of money is the root of all evils.  With the pharmaceutical companies making billions of dollars off of the medicine they make, it is an excuse to not listen to the truth about their drug than to take the drug off the market.  The doctor that will not listen to the patient believing the NOCEBO EFFECT over the truth is not really concerned about their patient's overall health, but more interested in pimping drugs.  It's easier to prescribe another medicine to lower the blood glucose than to take the patient off the medicine that is causing the problem in the first place.

What mind set is the doctor embracing?  

Who is behind this mindset that people should be medicated even more if more symptoms pop up forgetting to get to the bottom of the problem?  Look away.  What's causing the problem in the first place... just give additional medicine?  Prescribe medicines that cause problems then give more medication that causes additional problems.

If an ailment can be alleviated by lifestyle changes, then perhaps the patient will do lifestyle changes before going on a medicine that has side effects that are unhealthy.  

"Medication adverse effects gnaw away at health and are unfortunately often dismissed."  

~d

WHAT A GOOD DAY

NO BREAKFAST THIS MORNING.  Thought we'd have an early LUNCH and call it BRUNCH instead.  I'm back at counting calories and eating many veggies to hopefully reduce some pounds before my September Thyroid Appointment.  I'd like to lose 10 pounds by the end of September.  The scale has stalled out.  That gives me two months to make a new goal.  Dear LORD, Please let it happen.

Dieting is really very difficult for me as I am spoiled and have a very healthy appetite.  While I was ill with Co vid, my appetite increased and I didn't hold back because I wanted to get well the sooner the better.  I ate very well and then some.  

I'm still coughing after 9 weeks.  It's horrible.  I'm going further between coughing spats though and I believe that's a good sign.  The coughing now is mostly from asthma as all the coughing I did has irritated my lungs.  Gosh...if it's not one thing it seems to be three other things to be challenged with, but then who's counting?  I am.

We went to a small Mexican Restaurant since they opened at 11.  I figured I'd get their Chicken and Vegetable Soup skipping the chicken and concentrating on eating the veggies.  The broth was too spicy causing me to cough so I scooped out the veggies and placed them on the plate that was under the soup bowl.  I asked the waiter for a TAKE IT HOME BOX so I could take the broth, rice and chicken HOME for later.  Hubby can enjoy this.

I ate all the veggies the soup had.  I felt contented.  Looking at the chips and salsa made me turn on my discipline.  I eye balled the chips and whined.  I could have ate the salsa though.

We went to the COTTAGE.  I sat and went through the mail that I had THEN started painting. The PANTRY is starting to look CLEAN!  I painted the wood sides of the shelves and the braces, some of the wall behind the shelves and some trim.  I had to sit for a break, rest up and go at it again.  I covered quite a bit of space.  I can now see that I don't have much more to do before it's done.  This makes me smile.  

AFTER I GET THIS PROJECT DONE, I'll go in for a hair appointment.  I needs it I do.  Will be on the hunt for new glasses this Summer.  I needs them I do.  Lord willing, I will thin down some more.  I needs to I do.

Finally.  I have a project just about wrapped up.  My paperwork is still a work in progress and it's draining.  I need a project to wrap up so I have the sense of something being completed. Completion 101.  

BEFORE

WITH SOME PAINT

BEFORE

WITH SOME PAINT

Tomorrow, if I am able, I will paint the trim around a window that is in the pantry, paint the door trim, the floor trim and add another coat of paint to the walls.  I'll have to see how I'm doing before adding another coat to the 10 wooden shelves.

The ceiling will not be painted.  I'm thinking of adding wood to the ceiling and can't do that until some professional electrical work is done.  The light fixture has a pull string that turns the light bulb on and off.  I'd like to have a light switch installed and have a different light fixture as well. Somewhere in here a new tile floor will be laid and then I can officially say my little PANTRY is done.

After the paint cures for a week, I will get some liner to line the shelves so that the shelves remain clean and don't get messed up anytime soon.  THEN I will begin placing things on the shelves.  I have a goal!  Isn't that something to get excited about a PANTRY when the world is so chaotic?  It seems like something to get excited about instead of getting down that we do not live in a perfect world.

Hubby worked at gutting the bathroom.  He's pulling up the icky, stinky floor that has layers of linoleum.  HARD, dirty work.  He will pull the sub-flooring up to make way for a new, clean sub-flooring then the lovely light gray tile will be laid.  The trim around the window will be sanded and painted.  Hammered glass will be installed.  Pretty tile will go on the wall behind where the tub will rest.  We're thinking of beaded board for the rest of the room's walls.  The lovely new vanity is still boxed up waiting in the Kitchen.  Lots to do.  Praise the LORD, we are making this happen.

HOME is my HAVEN.  God has allowed me to have something to take care of and enjoy.  I'm grateful and thankful.  

BRUNCH today was the vegetables from soup I ordered from the restaurant.  Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and avocado.  All was tender and tasted good.  I probably had 2 cups of veggies and no snacks in the afternoon.  By 6 o'clock I was starting to get hungry.  

Out came the Pot Roast leftovers.  I skipped the Bison meat and ate only vegetables of celery, carrots and potatoes.  Filling.  

Evening snack was a sliced apple.  I'm eating this slowly and drinking freshly brewed iced-tea.

What a day.  I had a GOOD, full day and I am tired in a GOOD kind of way.

My dollies that I adopted on Tuesday are sitting on the living room antique chair that's in the main house.  Glad to have them.  When I told my mom that I bought two dolls, she asked where I was going to put them since I'M DOWNSIZING.  haha and grins.  I told her that we will be building a floor to ceiling book case in the COTTAGE and they will sit on the shelves.  I plan on having an area on the book shelves just for the dolls.  My collection has already been downsized, but adding two Elke Hutchens dolls is doable.  

Do you like dolls?  I do.  Have ever since I was a little girl.  I like my dolls and may get into making some after we get settled in the COTTAGE, if the Lord will allow it.  

What's happening in the world.  So much, I cannot keep up with it all and don't believe I'm suppose to.  

Ivana Trump's funeral was yesterday.  The Trump family depositions has been postponed until scheduling can be made later.   President Jo Biden has co vid.  Deadly earthquake hit Afghanistan.  Peace, be still and know that God is God and still on the throne.

SCRIPTURE CARD TODAY:  "Whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
 ~Acts 2:21

The flip side of the card says, O Master, let me be worthy of being called a Christian. 

My King James Version says, And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

God richly bless you.

Until next time,

This is ~d on the prairie

'LIFE JUST GOT A LITTLE EASIER' PRAIRIE VEGGIE SALAD

'Life Just Got A Little Easier' PRAIRIE Veggie Salad

A quick fix that's easy  and refreshing as it is nutritious.

I LOVE THIS SALAD, ~d

Directions and Ingredients Add together and mix well in large bowl.

1 cup of water

1/2 cup vinegar

1/4 cup of olive oil

2 table spoons of sugar

2 teaspoons of salt

1 teaspoon of cracked pepper

Add to mixture 3 diced or sliced tomatoes

3 diced or sliced cucumbers

and 1 diced or sliced onion.

Stir well and chill for an hour.