EXCELLENT SOURCE OF EXERCISE ~ TIT FOR TAT

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📦 THE MOVING BOXES BY THE BACK DOOR are piling up.  Hope to get these over to the COTTAGE  today.  Between HUNNY and me, we should be able to load both cars then unload.  This will be another step toward getting possessions off the premises.  Boxes 17 thru 24 and 32 thru 35 off you go.  Maybe some others will go as well as we'll be using two cars.  Shall see.  

Lifting these boxes and carrying them has got to count for some sort of exercise that's GOOD for yo body!  Has to.  If Jack LaLanne were alive these days, I wonder what he'd say about this strength training.  I will stay the course and continue staying ACTIVE from now on.

Morning walks are on the agenda after we get moved.  For now, I have to reserve my energy while packing/moving.  If I wear out from walking, the other will not get done.  Tit-for-tat.

Hubby had an eye appointment this morning then drove over to the Court House to get our Auto Tags taken care of while I dealt with stacking the boxes.  This afternoon after LUNCH and nap, we'll change our gears and get after the boxes.  A few days have passed since I was over to the COTTAGE.  Time to get back in the groove of things and make more headway on this phase of LIFE move.

I visited my doctor yesterday finding out that I had MRSA.  I was a bit taken back that the nurse had not told me by telephone nor typed MRSA in the communication letter to me, but indicated I had STAPH.  How was I to know it was MRSA if they didn't tell me as the test results were not in my health portal and she indicated that the results would not be since a specialty lab was used that doesn't have access to the flowing of information back to the portal?

Lost in translation?  I did not know MRSA was a factor until yesterday's visit with my doc when he mentioned it.  

This coughing ordeal has been awful.  I'm still not quite well.  As I read up on being checked for pneumonia, blood work and X-rays are mentioned in which I did not receive.  I declare...you have to doctor yo' self these days.  Yep.

If you can, I think it's a very good idea to be some what informed a head of time with what to do with health issues before seeing medical staff so you're on top of the game and can ask the correct questions.  Sometimes we do not know what to ask relying on the doctor to tend to us for our good.  What do you do, if they let you slip through the cracks?  Ask questions.  Make direct comments that are gentle so as to not offend them.  Don't over talk or act like you are a know it all? 

I'm still coughing with way too much mucus.  I don't believe I was firm enough with my doctor.  I have a concern.  Sometimes, I think I go into a trance at these medical appointments and do not respond with questions needed to be asked.  duh.  Becoming way too blonde.

NAP TIME.  Gotta go and take some quiet time so I have energy to work.  
~d

I AM NOT ALONE

Off to the doctors again later today.  Getting rechecked for staph infection in lungs.  The cough I have entertained for three months is nearly gone, but I occasionally have a very bad fit and tickles in my throat.  Yesterday, I decided I would take some Mucinix and paid for it in an awful way with gut pain and toilet time.  Drank plenty of water.

I still have too much mucus in my throat.  Shall see what my doctor says to me about this ordeal I am having.  The coughing has worn me out as I am working at packing belongings and moving them to the COTTAGE.  It hasn't been easy to have little energy.  Resting when I can.  Seems like it's all the time.

The prescribed burning of the prairie did a number on my lungs this year.  I truly believe this as I have been so ill.  I will have to disappear from the area next year as I cannot bare to do this again.  First I have to get all better from this go round.  I'm hoping that I can say what a difference a year makes come 2024 before they begin burning again.  

The cotton is flying from the trees, but I don't generally cough.  It's the rubbing of the eyes that gets me.  I will begin to build up my immune system again and stay the course. Morning meal was a smoothie made of spring water, ice cubes, yogurt, organic maple syrup, organic red raspberry syrup, organic kale powder, organic strawberries, organic blackberries, organic orange juice.  Not creamy.  More like a thin drink.  I put way too much kale powder and water in this and can taste it.  I'll suffer through and fix it differently next time.  I believe this one is still loaded with nutrients.  

Back to cutting the grains out of my diet for awhile.  I had a large salad last night for supper.  The crunchy veggies were so good.  I am looking forward to eating more salads for my lunches and suppers.  I have to turn loose of weight and this is the best way I have found to do it.  I shall stay the course and by Christmas, Lord help, I will be lighter.  My HOBBY right now is concentrating on weight reduction/health in my body.  

It's what is right for me.  When I last visited my 91 year old mom, she balked at me for not drinking the local water from the tap.  Ugly display of facial expression.  The water is contaminated.  Many in the area have weird cancers.  I will do what is right for me even if my family members balk.  In the long run, they can balk, but I have to have a clear conscious about what I am doing for health reasons.      

I stayed HOME yesterday exhausted from everything bothering my health.  I rested as my dear Hubby worked in the COTTAGE garage.  He made progress and now we can clean the garage floor to start placing boxes in it for storage until we get to where we can place items inside the COTTAGE.  For now, we have to get the boxes out of this main house.  Have mercy, this is slow.    

Today, my energies have to go into preparing myself for the doctor's visit, drive the distance, have appointment, go to WALMART to return some make-up that has talc in it and then buzz by the KSU Gardens to see if the Irises are still in bloom.  Want to get a Trenta unsweetened Iced Green Tea for medicinal purposes.  

Go HOME, pack some boxes in the car and haul them to the COTTAGE.  This will mean I have to move more junk to make room for these boxes to sit in the front room where the contents will eventually go after a bookcase is built.

Perhaps today I'll see an improvement in health and forge ahead on this move.  Though I have had some health challenges since mid January, I have had to stay extra busy with packing items for our move.  I started packing books last January as I was suffering. Rest awhile.  Work awhile.  Etc.  I think as I unpack, that I will thin out more stuff.  I don't want and don't need so much to take care of.

Having little energy at times gets to me and I begin to slump some.  Having issues with health seems to be my course in life.  The good that comes out of it is that I am compelled to read and get better informed about health matters.  I do believe that we need to eat healthy as possible, manage stress levels as best we can and trust God with each matter as I am co-partnering this journey.  I am not alone.  Haven't been since I was saved by grace at an early age.  I have had to remind myself that I am not alone.  God is there all the time and is with me in all the trials.  I am not alone.  Visiting with HIM is the best.  Amen.

Like Dorothy says, "There's no place like HOME."

Now to do what I can to make our HOME 

a better place to live,

~d

    

WHAT WILL SPENDING A DOLLAR COST YOU?

Memorial Day.  Resting up after a very hectic and busy week-end in the heat at Wichita Kansas State University 2023 Track and Field Meet which started on Friday morning.  

I want to rest up before posting pics.  My strength is low and my gut is hurting.  On Friday afternoon, we had time to go to COW TOWN to take a look at some houses after we saw the events our Granddaughter was in.  Our afternoon and evening were freed up.  

Thursday, we headed out for the State Meet staying in Park City.  Didn't sleep well and ran on fumes throughout the day, Friday.  Was at the Track at 6:20 AM.  Found a great place to sit on the bleachers.  Wore my wide rim hat cheering for the runners.  Especially Lil Miss.  More events on Saturday and we did our best to sit in the shade down by the Shot Put Competition where we could see the track. 

Spent the whole day there only going to the bathroom three times in which the walk was truly a haul to get to.  Around three in the afternoon I walked back to my car to sit in air conditioning for about twenty minutes resting in the shade and feeling some cool air blowing on me then walked the long distance back to see more events.  I walked extremely slow and thought I wasn't going to make it back.  BUT I did and I sat the rest of the time in a lawn chair holding my umbrella and wearing a hat sipping fluids.  

We left after our Granddaughter finished her last event late Saturday.  She did well.  On Friday, she placed 2nd in the 3200m and first in the 400 elimination race.  Afternoon off.  Saturday, she placed 2nd in the 1600m and 400m then in the 800m she placed third place.  Altogether she ran 5 races in two days.   WELL DONE.  A great accomplishment for a young athlete.  SO thankful we were able to be there in person to see the victories. 

Many talented athletes to watch in the heat and sunshine.  NO RAIN.  Sometimes a cool breeze.     

On Saturday, we went onto my Mom's and spent the night.  As we arrived at her place, I was beyond tired and said this is a mistake.  We should have stayed one more night at Park City and rested before driving even to my Mom's.  Made it through the night and slept well, but being around my Mom requires energy that I just didn't have.  So tired.  Was sweet to see her and visit with her.     

Decorated my Father's and brother's graves Sunday with my Mom and Husband.  Returned HOME and rested for the rest of the day.  I am overly tired.

My Mom gets very upset visiting the cemetery and I believe this is why her blood pressure raises to an unsafe number.  She had gone to the emergency room on Friday.  She told us about it. Then when we tried to reach her to let her know we were HOME on Sunday, her landline and cellphone just rang.  Tried five times to reach her with no answer.

Finally, my Husband suggested calling the ER to see if she was there and she was.  Once again her blood pressure was too high.  She stayed awhile then returned to her HOME, took some medicine and was told to go see the doctor in the morning.  I believe her blood pressure raises due to being so upset.  Not sure how the medical staff will treat her for a broken heart.

She doesn't seem to be any better knowing Dad isn't coming back and is in heaven, a much better place than earth.  Dad died 6 and a half years ago.  She told us with him being gone it has taken all the joy out of her life.  I understand her grieving and loneliness, but I believe she needs to focus on the good times they shared and thank God that she had a loving Husband and companion as long as she did.  Acknowledging the blessings of still having three living children with spouses and families, grandchildren and great grandchildren should mean something. She's stuck in a rut and I believe that is where she will stay until she passes away.  Her sweetheart is gone.    

I told her that I did not believe God wanted her to not enjoy life and she needs to find enjoyment in other things.  She needs to look for things that will bring her joy.  Enjoy the family she still has that are still alive.  If she stays in the dumps with no joy, she will get sick.  I know it is easier said than done.  Still.  She doesn't want to move on.  Is she contented to stay in the rut?    

Moving her to an apartment in our small town wouldn't be near a Hospital or pharmacy and she would not have any social life with known peers with a community center that has weekly and monthly activities.  I think she needs to relocate to the nursing home in her hometown where she would be near medical attention, prepared meals, and friendships with friends she has had for a few decades.  If we relocate her to an apartment and she continues to go downhill at 91, we will have to be the ones to tend to her at all times and she probably would have to go into a nursing home anyways.  How many moves would this take?  Who will tend to her earthly possessions to get her relocated to a different apartment and then a nursing home???  

We are elderly ourselves with health issues as well and she doesn't seem to understand that we are working at getting our own state of affairs in order.  We're working on this.  The remodeling and downsizing is a full time job which we are moving incredibly slow on.    

Since April, she is a great deal weaker than before due to getting another serious cough.  The cough went away, but her strength did not return.  Perhaps it will take half a year to get there. Don't know, but I don't believe she should move to a secluded apartment.  Her present apartment is such a nice set up for her.  

If she moves her residence to a different state, she will have to establish a apartment for half a year or live in a nursing home residence where she pays high rent until her money runs out then she would be turned over to MEDICAID where she is allowed like $60 a month for personal supplies and entertainment.  Still she'd need to apply to MEDICAID ahead of time.

With her living already in Kansas, it would be a faster process to go from her apartment into the local nursing home.  I'll be visiting with my siblings via letter to let them know my thoughts on this at present instead of talking on the telephone about it.  

If she is incapacitated, then we would have to decide as a family the direction we will go.  I told Mom, if she falls and hurts herself again, I could not come stay with her because of what we are doing and moving.  She continues to go to the Dollar Store to get her milk.  She doesn't want to pay $1 to have the milk from the local grocery store deliver it to her home.  $1.  Instead she puts her self in harms way to save a $1.  

Last year, in March 2022, she fell and broke a hip at Dollar General carrying a gallon of milk to her car when she misjudged the distance between the curb and the truck's hood she was reaching for to balance herself and she fell, breaking her hip.  She recovered and then a few months later she fell at home after fainting and cracked her pelvis.  She recovered and now a year has passed and she will not spend a dollar for milk to be delivered to her apartment.  I don't believe this is using good judgment.  I need to do this for her.

She cannot move in with us as the COTTAGE is entirely too small plus, God Bless her, she is incredibly OUTSPOKEN and opinionated which would cause tension between my Husband and myself.  Physically, I have a bad back and I cannot left her if she would need help getting up.  

My siblings and our spouses have health issues as well.  So I shall see what their stance is on this and visit with Mom about moving into the nursing home right where she is.  

How do I communicate to her that putting this nursing home relocation off will put a burden on her grown children that have health issues as well if she has to go into a home quickly?  

Her stubbornness is a challenge.  

What would spending a dollar for milk delivery cost her?  I will pay for the weekly gallon of milk plus the dollar delivery fee myself then it will cost her nothing.

What can I say.  
I am beyond tired.

~d      

Voddie Baucham: Do Not Love the World

LIVING CONDITIONS

IF THIS WAS A COLORIZED PIC, it would be a very colorful one as the Victorian wallpaper as such was extremely colorful.  These living conditions may not be what one desires these days with small children in a crowded space, but the family is together and not farmed out to relatives or in care centers of old.

There's a smile on the woman's face as she tends to a small child in the cradle.

It's a very clever thing they have done with butting up the chairs to make beds for the children.  It looks like small mattresses lying on the chairs seats.  Baby's in the wood cradle.

These people are long gone, but this pic remains which made me do some thinking.  We can live in small spaces and still be HAPPY and LOVED.  

What will I do to make LIFE a better place?

All the best to you as you LIVE your LIFE to the fullest.

HOME LIFE IS FOR ME,

~d

HACKS! IDEAS!

 

When moving clothing, group together a handful of clothing on hangers then take a trash bag to cover them.  Makes for an easier move.

Keeping it interesting, 

I find a lot of ideas that encourage me.

~d

SNEEK PEEK OF WHAT'S TO COME

THE Wash Stand, lamp, pitcher with bowl, antique mirror and Victorian Parlor Chair are in our 1900 Folk Victorian COTTAGE Bedroom.  The lace curtains will stay for now.  The wood paneling will be painted white later in the year.  For now, we will live with it the way it is.  This small bedroom is slowly being filled with furniture to become once again a place to sleep.  Very slowly.  Through the years, it has been used as a bedroom then a storage unit full of boxes and lots of misc.  Now she is being returned to a Victorian Bedroom.  The sooner the better. Waiting for the Victorian Sofa, BED and Gentlemen's Dresser to be moved over one piece at a time.

After the room is set up to use, perhaps it will be like stepping back in time.  I would like that as I am downsizing and detoxing from the world.  Too much noise out there making it very easy to get confused and overstimulated using one's time in ways not productive causing mental exhaustion.  

A quiet place to rest my head and stay calm.
Peace.  Be still.

  

This photograph sitting on the Vintage Chest of Drawers was taken about 1983 in Omaha, Nebraska back in the day that we visited a Photography Studio waiting several hours to get our turn for a photo.  Olan Mills at the Mall. 

I'm so glad we took the care to have this done as it has frozen us in time for just a moment as a young family of 5 united in LOVE and on the go. Now days, you can still have studio photographs made, but the ease of a phone camera makes a family pic just a click away and ever so economical.  This is an improvement for the pocket book.  We have a printer that I can use photo paper in and get quality photos.  I will be taking advantage of this after we get settled in the lil COTTAGE.  Many family pics will be printed out to either place in an album or frame.     

The other Bedroom is small as well.  Waiting for the bed.  

The Vintage Chest of Drawers belonged to my HUSBAND's Grandparents and Parents is sitting in this pink Bedroom.

  

The door to the left of the chest opens into a very small closet.  This will remain.  The door to the right of the chest will eventually be closed off.  On the other side of this door is the front Bedroom with Victorian furniture.

This Parlor chair with gray velour upholstery will stay in pink Bedroom to be used with Vanity.

This door has been removed and the wall will be covered soon.  This use to lead into the Bathroom, but we needed to close it so the Bathroom Vanity had a place to go.

WE'RE SO PROUD OF OUR NEW TOILET.
Bathroom is under construction.  A ways to go as the room was completely gutted.  New floor tile was laid and new tile will be added on the wall around where the claw foot tub will go.  Some beaded board has gone up.  AND THE TOILET FLUSHES LIKE A CHAMP.

RECALLING YESTERDAY.  

BY EVENING, I WAS BESIDE MYSELF TIRED.  Very full and long day that was prosperous and satisfying.  The vintage VANITY made her way over to the COTTAGE.  We loaded her up in the morning and hauled her over.  I am so pleased that she is in our little bedroom.  That's two pieces of the set to make it over there.  

The bed's headboard will probably have to be hauled over in a truck.  The mattress and box springs for sure.  If I can talk my Husband into placing a quilt on the top of the car and tying down the headboard super securely with rope, then we might HillBilly it over.  

Not sure we can do this.  Great satisfaction will come when we have the bedroom set all together making an actual useable BEDROOM!  Shall wait this out for a few days and see what my HUSBAND thinks about all of this.

He has to work on our larger car's headlights.  Not sure how long that will take.  He got the yard completely raked and the grass seed in.  Watering it so we can watch it grow.  What a relief.  He's so busy and spread too thin on what needs done around here.  I need about 12 of him and then we'd see quick results.    

I will try to load the car with clothes on hangers.  I'll have to take it slow as it is hard work for an old woman to carry the clothing from the upstairs to the Kitchen then carry across the yard to the car.  THURSDAY may be a good day for clothing.  I have thinned my wardrobe out, but believe I need to go another round.  

I sat down and jotted a list of what I could remember that we have taken over to the COTTAGE already a little at a time.  The list fills the page.  More to go though.

I woke early, blogged, worked on bills, hauled the vanity to the car, drove it over to the COTTAGE to unload, went to Manhattan to pick up some supplies, dropped off the clothing donations, did some banking, fueled the car, snacked on some chicken McNuggets, drank green tea.  Went by the KSU GARDENS for a quick look at what flowers had bloomed. 

Drove back to COTTAGE to attach the mirror to the vanity, ate supper and sat in the Living room about to fall asleep.  Drove back to the main house and am resting now as I can hardly move.  My mind wonders all over the place thinking about what are some of the things that can be hauled over this week.  

THE COTTAGE is a fixer upper and we plan to be moved into her before she is completed.  This week-end I should start hauling boxes to the garage to get them out of the main house.  When the boxes are over there, it will be relief, but a huge work-out for us.  Heave ho.  Being in our late 60s makes it even more of a challenge.  We're doing it, but we're slow.  This daily grind is the best pace for us as I cannot do a full day of moving anything.  Each day, I try to move something over.  

Making a HOME is work.  I feel almost like we are starting over handling each piece that we do. Each dish, cup, cooking stuff, food, clothing, each book, picture, mirror, lamp, rug, hangers, bedding, towels, each piece of furniture heavy or light, each knick knack.  Not complaining. Makes me more appreciative of what we do have.  

THE REALITY OF MESSES.  Yes, I've seen a few.  Uggggg.  Looking for the day that the messes do not exist and we are settled in.

Exhausting, but cleaning up is doable.  This is the front room that is becoming the VICTORIAN BEDROOM.  Thankfully this MESS is gone now.

 

In spite of all the messes, I get some relief when I look at our Irises bloomed in the backyard.

MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED LIFE.

THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY.

HOME sweet HOME,

~d

Hanging on the Living room wall for now.