POT ROAST TO GO and a whole lot more.

~BUFFALO STEW~

IT DIDN'T SNOW.  The wind just picked up and blew colder weather into our neighborhood.  Temps took a nose dive going from 42 to 25.  Clouds came with it turning the sky into a grey mist.  I was blessed to stay inside today and rest.  Exhausted from two weeks of high activity for an old lady.  Several naps later, I am still tired.

Received a phone call from the Endocrinologist Office about my TSH reading.  Way too suppressed.  Changed the dose.  More labs in 6 weeks.  It's a roller coaster ride for me when it comes to my thyroid numbers.  Never stable.  Not sure why.  Perhaps with the number being too low, this is what has contributed to being irritated, forgetful and overly emotional.  Makes sense to me.    

Maybe I'm sensitive to the weather and the emotional atmosphere of LIFE.  We've been so busy. Perhaps in 6 weeks I will be where I should be.  Next week, I have to go visit my General Physician about cholesterol and when I go I have to have my questions in hand.  When ones TSH is off, high cholesterol can happen.  Instead of working at stabilizing my TSH, my general doc is more interested in placing me on a statin drug.  I have to visit with him about this without sounding arrogant or like I'm talking down to him as he is the doctor after all and he says he knows what's best for me?  He knows a great deal, but I have to wonder if he knows what's best for me when placing me on a medicine that will raise my glucose and cause the issues that will more than make me a candidate that has to be placed on more meds.  A cycle that I don't want to ride. 

The past few days, we have been dining on Buffalo Pot Roast which becomes stew and then finally soup.  Not starving.  I cannot tell much difference between Buffalo meat and Beef except when the meal cools there is hardly any fat that has gelled in the liquid indicating far less FAT to skim off the top.  Eye opening.  Way less fat in this meal.

First we have the Pot Roast with onion, celery, potatoes and carrots.  Next is stew with added diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green beans and corn.  Using the broth.  Last but not least, more water is added to make soup.  Three delicious meals or more from the crock pot from one big pot roast.

~BUFFALO STEW~

Ready to start another round of calorie counting.  Exercise has to become a part of LIFE like taking a pill for health.  More nutritional foods and water.  

A trip to the grocery store is needed as I will clear out the fridge later today.  Fresh fruit and vegetables are needed.  On Thursday, I hope I can be-bop into the CHRISTMAS MARKET to see if they have any oversized pinecones for sell so while I'm in TOWN, I can visit the FOOD MARKET as well.  It will be the first of December.  Calendar is filling up some.  

Getting the CHRISTMAS TREE up later this week will help with accomplishing what I hope. Twinkle lights are a favorite of mine during the CHRISTMAS SEASON.

By the French doors are storage tubs in a pile waiting to be carried to the car to be taken over to the storage shed.  I have HARVEST items and THANKSGIVING decor to take over to the COTTAGE to initiate the new clean storage shed.  

I'll be going through my stash of CHRISTMAS decor and after I decorate for this season, I will know what to donate or hold onto for a short time longer.  I seem to be moving so much slower these days it hurts.  Literally.  I'll soon know what I have to use to refresh my memory.  This task of getting better organized is an ongoing drama that I need to stop repeating and just be relaxed with an orderly inventory.  It's alright to not remember every item and when coming across it is like opening a CHRISTMAS present.  

With the AUTUMN decor organized and ready to be put away for another year, it comforts that spark of being in the know of where it is.  I have a general idea on file in my head.  Don't forget.     

Looking forward to decorating in the afternoons and evenings.  Another trip to the fabric store is needed as I want to use larger pieces of fabric to tie the garland to the stair rail and make droopy bows.  I changed my mind from using ribbon on the spool verses strips of fabric.  A different look.  

I'll need to look over the bills, wash some bedsheets later today, drop them off to dry at the COTTAGE, buzz to Manhattan to the fabric shop and grocery store.  Return HOME and hang some greenery tying it up with fabric.  The dishes will be waiting for me to wash them.  Box up some items for the move.  It will be a full enough day to say the least.  I'll need to do some dusting to freshen up the room in preparation to set the tree up.  

I believe the CHRISTMAS Spirit is here.

~d  

I CAN LET MY HAIR DOWN

SIPPING HOT MATCHA TEA while sitting in my grey recliner.  I let my hair down this morning as I got dressed for the day and just left it down.  My Mickey Mouse t-shirt is keeping me comfortable as I didn't want a long sleeved blouse to wear.  It seems a tad bit warm as I was working at putting AUTUMN DECORATIONS away.  I'll see how far I get today as I am so tired I hurt.  CHRISTMAS isn't far behind.

Last night I caught a glimpse of someone else's decorating on the internet.  Oh so simple and oh so lovely.  Made my heart sing.  Handmade clay ornaments, large wooden beads and some twinkle lights.  I think I'm coming around to decorating in a simpler theme.  

It spoke to me as I change my decorating style while SLOWLY MORPHING into a different creature remaking my environment.  Morghing into a 2023 woman instead of a 2000 one.  It's alright to change!  This is my HOPE.

I have personally seen how easy it is to wear the SAME hairstyle for 40 years.  Get into a rut with what I wear.  No sprucing up on make-up and what I have sitting around in my space.  I believe it is for the best to DOWNSIZE and change what direction I am moving as a elderly woman. Shazaam...I am here.  How'd that happen so quickly?  One day at a time.  Last I knew I was young, physically fit and able to move quickly.  Now, on somedays I shuffle and can't wait to sit down to catch my breath.  Not good.     

The green garland awaits me as I have a little more to do with putting the AUTUMN decor away. I did buy some lovely white ribbon yesterday when at JOANN that I will simply tie the garland to the stair rail with.  

Maybe I can get my wreath pieces placed on the table to put together this afternoon.

Mom headed out this morning.  She is determined to make the trip HOME on her own.  At CHRISTMAS, if she comes again, I'll go get her and drive her car to our HOME.  I had offered and she said no.  It's a concern to me that she is traveling alone at 90 and half years of age.  She still does pretty well though.  She was able to go up and down the stairs with some help at first then her confidence grew and she was doing this on her own.  THANKING GOD there were no falls or mishaps.

Grey skies this morning where the wind will blow as the temps take a dip.  No snow, ice or sleet yet.  I think my plans for CHRISTMAS have kicked in as the month of November is wrapping up.  

Tis TUESDAY and we are making plans of getting the treadmill out of the COTTAGE and relocated to the newly remodeled shed.  GOAL of the week is to get it moved out there. HUBBY will need a break after all of this as he has been a blowin and a goin remodeling the shed.  PRAISE THE LORD!  Tis done.  

The Muscle Racks are beginning to appear.  Decor to soon follow and I can mark this off of my TO-DO LIST as we morph along downsizing and making the COTTAGE and GARAGE useable.

A clean environment for storage!  Ready to store.  More racks will be moved in this week.  

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR and grateful.  So much.  The COTTAGE is so small compared to where we are living.  Much thought has gone into what to keep and what to let go or store for awhile in a storage unit.  As the pieces fall together, I am in prayer for guidance and direction as to how to make this all come together.  One thought at a time.  

I'll be wrapping up and boxing items from every room.  

We will have a streamlined house at CHRISTMAS.  THEN the streamlined items will be made to relocate to the COTTAGE.  

We will continue remodeling the inside of the COTTAGE until Spring and then see where we are at.  

This downsizing is a work-out.

Speaking of long hair, these seven sisters had some.

The Seven Sutherland Sisters sang and eventually performed for the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Sutherland_Sisters

With working toward losing weight and downing our belongings, remodeling and packing...my plate is FULL.  I can let my hair down and give GOD thanks for HIS guidance.  Reading the Bible is going to enter the picture.  I will read a little each day like dining on a feast where I am contented to be.  

I found out today that one of my younger cousins had two strokes this past summer and is in horrible shape.  Paralyzed, not able to speak or swallow.  Terrible.  Life is short while here on earth.  What really matters?  Walking uprightly before the LORD, living right and taking care of our health ALL matters.  Eating foods like what GOD planned for us to, is a MUST.  So many additives along the way hurts us.  Also long term use of certain medications can hurt us.  Long term use of certain meds can injure us.  HEAVY alcohol consumption, gambling, smoking are harmful.  Being unfaithful, lying, cheating, stealing, not paying our bills, over eating, eating the wrong foods, not resting properly all contribute to bad health.    

I have to continue reading up on foods that are the BEST for human consumption and eat these.  

I have to retrain myself to do things differently and enjoy the change!  That means I can relax and let my hair down as I morph right along into a healthier woman.  Excess weight has got to come off my bones.  Nutritious foods and beverages must enter my body to help nourish it.  To God be the glory great things HE hath done.  

Onto getting CHRISTMAS decorating out of storage and displayed.

~d   

JUST THE WAY IT IS

THANKSGIVING WILL BE IN THE BOOKS AFTER THE DECOR and dishes are put away.  Christmas begins before December 1st.  Started viewing lights on Saturday night.  Will return when the weather is better to look at the glitter and sparkles.  HOPEFULLY, the makings of new Christmas wreaths will be put together this week.  Hanging these on the doors as soon as possible.  Needing to be better focused on the simplicity of decorating is the name of the game.

As I looked at HOBBY LOBBY's cap tables, items for sell are theme grouped and it sure is attractively displayed, I marvel at their arrangements.

TODAY, I needed to go shop for storage boxes for my AUTUMN decor.  Had Mom with me. Tried TARGET, JOANN, and MENARDS.  From TARGET, I purchased an oversized tub for garland and will switch out the tub I was using for CHRISTMAS GARLAND for the AUTUMN GARLAND since it is smaller and I know after CHRISTMAS I will need one to hold the new garland I had purchased about three weeks ago.  The AUTUMN garland can go in the smaller one.  

JOANN had wreath containers half off.  Two were purchased.  MENARDS is where I bought two medium tubs for my PUMPKINS.  Better get some more bubble wrap to cushion them.

HUBBY finished the COTTAGE's STORAGE SHED where the treadmill will go and muscle racks for decor will be stored.  I'm giddy.  He disassembled two muscle racks and hauled them to the shed and sat them up.  Plans to sit the treadmill up Tuesday and Wednesday.  He'll need help getting the 400 pound mill out of the COTTAGE, down the porch stairs and walked across the yard to the shed.  I'll assist him with this.  We have 5 of these racks altogether.  Two other racks still in the basement will be taken apart and relocated to the shed.  The third one left will go in the cellar.

For now, the decor will be in the shed.  When the cellar can have racks placed in it after a serious cleaning then the racks may go in the cellar.  It's all up in the air.  Much has gone into getting to this place in time.  We started clearing out stuff in the shed 6 months ago.  6 months.  So much of what was in there was ignored due to emotional ties and not having the gumption to go through it until last Spring.  That's the reality of it.

The shed looks so much better now.  I will begin migrating storage tubs to the shed this week. Red storage tubs will be carried to the shed after I review what is in them.  Keeping the items or donating.    

I have hopes of returning to a healthy diet counting calories and working my way up to three miles a day of walking.  That's my hope.  This is the formula I will use to lose weight and get healthier.  Vitamins and supplements as well.

After Thanksgiving company has returned HOME, I will need to rest a few days before gearing up for CHRISTMAS.  I am ready to rest.  It has taken a great deal out of me having company for a week.  Love them, but have to pace myself to host them and the older I get, the harder it is. Just the way it is.  

Keeping LIFE simple sometimes requires change and planning.  

I took the fireplace decorations down and it looks so bare.  Flat out PLAIN.  Thankful that we can get our hands on storage containers to help organize the wares.  When I was a child, there was no such things as vinyl storage tubs with lids.  Mom stored decorations in old suitcases.  She had far less than I do.  

With downsizing, I have to be particular of what I keep and store.  What a deal.  I believe I will go for the gold focusing on garland and greenery with sprigs and picks placed about picture frames on the walls, decking the wood furniture with greenery, nutcrackers on the bookshelves, a Christmas tree for sure, Nativity Scene maybe under the tree, wreaths for the doors...calling this GOOD.  

There is so much to turn loose of.  Can I do this?  
It's just the way it is.

Blessings,

~d

MELODIES OF JOY

THE HOUSE IS QUIET as I am up early before the rest.  So quiet.  Enjoying the silence as I need TIME OUT before the hustle and the bustle of making Breakfast.  Cooked OATMEAL with a little chocolate and cinnamon stirred in, topped with organic Maple Syrup, then sprinkled with blueberries and nuts.  Even though orange JUICE is suppose to be a NO-NO due to high sugar content, I will sip on a small amount as I need the vitamin Cs.

Lunch will be TURKEY LEFT-OVERS, mashed potatoes with gravy and good 'ole green beans. Not so sure about Supper yet.

As December 1st approaches, I'll get back to a daily salad for lunch and soup for supper.  I am hoping that the treadmill will have been relocated to the COTTAGE SHED by then and I will begin my daily walking.    

TODAY is SUNDAY and my St. Louis Son will be heading back.  Not sure when my Mom plans to return HOME.  I think we wore her out yesterday.  After Supper we went to Manhattan to HOBBY LOBBY and WAL-MART then viewed the colorful Festival of Lights.  She went to bed as soon as we got HOME as the rest of us watched a movie.  Falling asleep before the ending, I felt like the day was a good one.  It was rainy and the temps were slightly cooler.  It was suppose to freeze early this morning, but warm some by 7 AM. That's now.  I haven't looked outside as of yet.  If it did FREEZE, then I'll be staying HOME today which makes the way for taking the decor down.  The oranges and browns will be replaced with reds and greens.  HELLO CHRISTMAS!!!

I'll start taking THANKSGIVING DECOR down and grouping it together before carrying downstairs to place in storage boxes.  The traditional ritual of adding greens to our HOME will begin.  I wish I had made a tradition years ago that after Thanksgiving, the hanging of the greens would take place as a FAMILY EVENT where we celebrated together the beginning of the Season.  Perhaps I'll do that NOW.  

It would be nice to have the CHRISTMAS TREE up right after THANKSGIVING or to have it up on THANKSGIVING DAY only with twinkle lights sparkling and as the evening unfolds have each family member hang ornaments.      

If all goes as PLANNED next year we will be LIVING in the COTTAGE and the living space will be so much smaller that we will be cozy when company visits.  Really COZY.

On December 1st, God's Storehouse is having the start of their CHRISTMAS MARKET.  I'd like to go see if they have large PINECONES for a low price to where I can afford.  Maybe some more greenery.  I'll be decorating this year with WHITE CANDLES, greenery, pinecones and acorns.  I'd like to get the CHRISTMAS TREE up on December 1st where we play CHRISTMAS MUSIC as we decorate.  Sipping on HOT CHOCOLATE when completed.  Sounds lovely.  

WHEN RETURNING HOME last night after seeing the Festival of LIGHTS, it was raining as the car radio played CHRISTMAS MUSIC.  There's just something to it as I listened to my 45 year old Son sing along.  I watched for deer as I drove slower than usual on wet pavement.  No mishaps.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 

My children are grown and I seldom see them.  When I do, my heart sings melodies of joy. Also Grandchildren are like frosting on a cake.  Dear Lord, I thank you for FAMILY and pleasant get togethers where LIFE is.  

Thank you. 

~d  

AND THE SHOPPING BEGINS...maybe it never stopped.

INSTEAD OF BLACK FRIDAY...it was just a nice, slow paced Friday where we leisurely stayed HOME until my Mom asked if the THRIFT STORE was open, so I telephoned listening to a recorded message.  Good 'ole FACEBOOK helped me with the hours.  OPEN til 4.  I didn't think they would be OPEN due to the HOLIDAY, but they were so we went for a little bit. Quickly I spied some things I'd purchase.

There were stocking holders in the shape of trains.  A small, stuffed Santa Claus that will sit on my sofa.  Some Christmas Tree ornaments.  Eight non-breakable oversized ornaments that I will either hang on the garland that will go around the front door or on the fireplace mantel.  A HAPE zebra pull along toy.

An African violet in a pottery pot.  Sweater.  Santa Claus pajamas.  Music CD.  A child's plate. Black HOME DECOR word art FAMILY, HOME and GATHER to place in the COTTAGE.  

Came HOME and daughter with baby came over for a short visit.   The 'lil guy is a busy baby that keeps me on my toes.  He's so quick.  He is a JOY.  Ate a bite.  Left-overs.  Visited.

Took a break in the afternoon.  Did a few chores and waited for the evening to come.  Supper, dishes and watched a movie.  By this time, I was ready to go to sleep. Thankful for paper plates. Over Chili Nachos we had a rather serious discussion about Public Law 102-14 and other things pertaining to politics. 

https://rublev-museum.livejournal.com/66862.html?

Sometimes it's best to remain silent with family members that don't see eye to eye on politics or any other things that cause disturbances in the room.  The Nachos had a kick to them...will so did the conversation.

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS was my movie of choice.  NO POPCORN tonight.  A mild movie that the whole family can watch.  

Pleasant day with the weather being AUTUMN awesome.  Thought about putting the FALL THANKSGIVING decor away, but will wait until Sunday.  When company does return to their homes, I will take a breather before diving into the next phase of HOLIDAY CHEER.  Back to getting serious about eating more GREENS.  Hubs and I will relocate the treadmill this coming week.  We have to get on with the program of remodeling, exercising, downsizing  packing small boxes, even if company is still here. 

We had a decent Thanksgiving Holiday and I'm thankful.  Time to move into the CHRISTMAS SEASON.  Fa-la-la-la-la, la la la la!  

The GRANDS all have their yearly Christmas Tree ornaments from me.  A few small packages were placed in the mail and are expected to arrive today.  Christmas cards will be worked on this week as I compose the annual letter.  

A beautiful Season to celebrate and decorate.
~d    

IN THE BOOKS

THANKSGIVING CAME AND WENT.  In the BOOKS.  HISTORY 2022.  I felt like we pulled it off.  With the cleaning all done, I was relieved as we waited for out to town guest to arrive.  The Bedrooms were ready, the bathroom ready, Kitchen and Dining ready to go. Laundry mostly caught up.  Shazaam.  That my friend, was an accomplishment as the rooms all needed attention and I had very low energy.  I needed to start a month ago and with all we had going on, the time was spoken for and the cleaning wasn't done.  That kind of DEEP CLEANING comes around twice a year. 

So I'll take a week off from DEEP CLEANING and then do another round before CHRISTMAS. Praise the LORD.   

THANKSGIVING EVE, I gathered up all the baking dishes I was going to use and washed each one placing a note in them saying what the dish was going to be used for.  Then I placed a paper towel inside and gathered up the dry ingredients placing them in the dish.  I wrote out an time line when the dishes were to be prepared and baked or stove-top fixed.  My dear Husband was so very helpful and we pulled it off.  LUNCH was served at one.  

Got up early on THANKSGIVING morning getting the turkey prepped and into the BAKING BAG at 7:38 AM.  Three and a half hours later, the turkey was pulled out of the baking bag and HUBBY carved the turkey after it sat for about 30 minutes.  All the side dishes were prepared and ready to go at about 10 minutes until 1 PM.  

We gathered as a FAMILY in the Living room standing in a circle and one by one we shared something we are THANKFUL for.  Offered up a prayer.  It was a nice moment as we gave thanks.  I'm THANKFUL for so much.  

The food remained in the Kitchen and we sat in the Dining room.  There were 9 of us this year. From 90 years of age to 1.  I didn't get family pics this year.  I realized this after the party was over.  Maybe for CHRISTMAS we can sit on the stairs for pics.  Gotta write a note to remind myself about that.

Mom, Son, Daughter, Son-in-law, three Grandchildren, Hubby and myself spent the day together.  I believe there was plenty to eat.  Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream, coffee, tea or water came later in the afternoon then we played a board game.  LAUGHTER.  LEFT-overs made it to the fridge for tomorrow.  

I think we had a decent Day with loved ones.  The weather was lovely.  No snow, ice or rain.  Blue skies and lots of laughter.  Thankful there were no arguments and we all got along well. Thankful for that.  

The THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY stuff will be put away in a few days.  Out CHRISTMAS will come.  December first in FIVE DAYS!  December first...doesn't seem possible.  I need the week between Thanksgiving and the first of December to plan, pray and rest.  When December first arrives, I'll be off and running full speed getting Christmas decor out.  Tree up.  Garland out. Some sweets made. Christmas letter and cards in the mail.  Rooms ready for company. Christmas music playing.  Meditating on the Reason for the Season.  Embracing the Christmas STORY and loved ones.   

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION.

Holiday Blessings and what are you thankful for?

WHAT A GREAT DAY!

~d