ANNIVERSARY

 

Thank you, GOD.

~d

SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS

SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS.

TOPEKA TUESDAY.  I should have been really excited to go to TOPEKA, but I felt tired. It took me a bit to get groomed and dressed.  No excitement.  Just fatigue.  First stop was at the Pharmacy where some meds were picked up.  There was a price increase.  Not happy about this. Another price increase.  HUMANA doesn't cover any of our thyroid meds because they are natural and not synthetic.  Will have to do some comparison shopping.  AGAIN.  Life is still good.

We went to ST. MARYS to get a MJs Steamer.  Though it was good, I felt tired.

SUMMER heat started warming up the atmosphere and I grieved that it wasn't cooler.  I think I have begun to tire of the heat as well.  Leaves are starting to fall due to the heat.  They are scorched.

  

Once we got into TOPEKA, we went to GOD's STOREHOUSE.  Really busy with shoppers and no shopping carts left.  Picked up some very old mixing bowls and some depression glass saucers with the Madrid pattern on them.  It was SENIOR DISCOUNT DAY so the plates were only 80 cents each.  Four of them.

The mixing bowls are Federal Glass 1930s Depression Glass.  Nesting bowls.  I have a few already at the COTTAGE.  I like them so much that I think I'll keep these.  Nearly a hundred years old. That sounds so old to me.    

It looks like GS is expanding as they had a tent set up in which they are filling with furniture. They do a heck of a good business as their inventory is all donated.  A very clean and orderly place to shop. 

From GS we went to SAMs, ate all beef hot dogs and drank lemonade.  Shopped a little.  Coffee, coffee cups, grass fed beef, avocados.  Kept it simple.  Still it cost quite a bit and I stood there at the check out and thought it is expensive to shop.  Blink blink.  We're getting older and stuns me at the expense.

ONE WAY to cut back on meat is to have more legumes for a meal.  More eggs.  Nuts. Beans.  More vegetarian meals.  Going to have to do more of this.  Amen.  I have started thinking about relocating some flowers so I can have a small garden by the side of the house.  I'd like to plant some asparagus and rhubarb where they can stay and not be disturbed.  If I plant the Irises around the base of three trees in the front yard then the side yard can become a veggie garden with room enough for some asparagus, rhubarb, radishes, scallions, cherry tomatoes, mini cucumbers, some spring greens maybe some green beans.   

Leaving SAMs meant going to Walmart.  Wanted to look at their BRAS and hair barretts.  I noticed in the bra department they no longer have boxed bras.  I walked away with no bra. Looking for one that fastens in the front which is easier for my shoulders to deal with.  None to be found.  Will have to check the internet.  No luck with the Barretts either.  Strike two.  It was actually fun shopping today.  Seemed like a normal shopping day.     

I picked up a plant on CLEARANCE.  I have plans of cutting some starters from this beautiful plant.  The container had three different kinds of COLEUS and oh so pretty.  When I got home, I placed the container in the GARDEN WINDOW for now.  

We drove over to Home Depot for some supplies.  ARBYs for Iced Tea.  Drove over to the COTTAGE so I could water the plants on the porch.  It's been so HOT out.  I pulled a few unwanted weeds in the flower beds and came to the conclusion that there is plenty of yard work for me to do when it cools some.  

The Siberian Irises had some seed pods that I plucked off and placed in a baggy.  I'll have to read up on how to start new plants from these.  Think the seeds should be kept in cool place then planted in a sunny area in the Autumn.  Now to prepare the area for new irises.

  

With it having been so HOT, the grass is drying out.  The other flower beds are in need of tender loving care and I'm not sure they will get any until the end of September.  Too much to do around the main house for now.  I can see in my head how the flower beds need to look.  They'll get there.  

Tomorrow, I need to stain the stairs at the main house for a house project.  SO my day is spoken for.  I hope I get this far.

This evening we had left overs for supper of fried chicken and potato salad.  Just as good as before.  Filling. 

 

EVENING TELEVISION.  Watched CALL THE MIDWIFE on PBS.  I think this is one of the best series of all time.  Last night we tuned in to an old black and white 1958 movie, RUN SILENT RUN DEEP with Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster.  Thought it was good. 

Some days are better than others.  This day was pretty good even though I was extra tired in the heat.

Tomorrow shall speak for itself.

~d

GETTING THE P OFF THE FLOOR

THE ENTRYWAY/FOYER INTO OUR HOME, is like a small room where a large door can be closed shutting off the rest of the house from the front door making an individual room.  Nice for keeping the heat out in the SUMMER and the frigid cold out in the WINTER.  I suppose at one time, the Servants could close off the Entryway before opening the front door to people knocking on the door.  Where on earth are the servants NOW?  I sure could use some especially at my age.  Help.

To today's standards, this house is not a mansion by any means, but I think it might have been considered one in 1883 when larger houses were not the norm on the Kansas prairie.  A two story house standing in town verses a sod house made out of mud and straw sitting in a pasture would be considered a feat.

One Halloween, when a young trick-or-treater looking about with huge expressive eyes saw the Entryway commented that our house was small.  In his tiny brain I think he thought the Entryway was our Living room.  His innocent comment has stayed with me.

Metallic gold and white stripes were already painted on the walls when we bought this house.  Hubby never did like this.  He decided to make these disappear.  The new color we decided upon flows from one room into another.  I wish we had done this 6 years ago, but it wasn't in the cards for us until now.  We may carry over these colors into the COTTAGE when we get there. 

Some cracks needed repaired.  After 140 years, I suppose I'd have some cracks as well if I were 140.  I didn't think I'd ever live in such an old house.  Now it's time to say good-bye old friend.

 

SHORTLY, this project will be completed.  The floor will have new marble laid soon.  When we bought the house, the Entryway tile had the letter "P" formed into it.  It's taken us 6 years to get the "P" off the floor.  Sounds funny, but that's the way it is.

~d

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

Partaking in HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY.
Please join me.

WEATHER::
Temps in the 80s daylight hours cooling to 63 this evening.  Getting a slight break from the 100s.  PTL.

LOOKING OUTSIDE::
I confess, the draperies are drawn.

RIGHT NOW::
I'm preparing for a busy day.  Giving thought to what to do.  Which goes hand in hand with THINKING AND PONDERING.  House projects are waiting for that personal touch.

LISTENING TO::
The osculating fan blowing cool air on my feet and the sounds of a dedicated HUBBY painting the Entryway of our house.

HOW I AM FEELING::
Tired.  This is week 5 of recovering from hysterectomy surgery.  Praying for strength to return.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE::
NOTHING.  intermittent fasting until later.

ON THE LUNCH PLATE::
Not sure and the same goes for DINNER PLATE.  One day at a time sweet Jesus.  I shall see as the day unfolds, but a huge salad needs to be in there somewhere.

ON THE MENU THIS WEEK::
Lots of organic veggies and fruit.  Chicken and grass-fed beef dishes.  At the pace I'm in, it's come what may.  Surprise me.

WEARING::
Plush pink housecoat.  This is my wardrobe for now as I heal from a hysterectomy unless I go someplace then I wear denim peddle pushers with stretchy t-shirt and a sloppy bun in my hair.  Usually dangling earrings and a couple of rings and slip on shoes.

READING PILE::
Health books and magazines about decorating.

TV::
Usually the TV remains off during the daytime, but late evening is a different matter.  Old movies to entertain.

LOOKING ABOUT THE HOUSE::
Boxes continue to pile up as we are packing to relocate.  What a mess and I have to look upwards to keep my spirits high.

TO DO LIST::
Laundry, laundry, laundry.  Load the car full of small things to take to the COTTAGE.  Thinking about donating more stuff to charity/thrift so I don't have to store it.  Life is short and I have been in bondage far too long dealing with STUFF that weighs me down.  Mentally weighs me down.

DEVOTIONAL::
Proverbs 28

HUGS AND BEST WISHES TO YOU::
~d

https://familycorner.blogspot.com/2023/08/happy-homemaker-monday-08282023.html

PICK THE PIECES UP and carry on

MY DAY STARTED OUT by sorting laundry.  After sorting the dirty laundry, I loaded it into the car along with another basket and the four clear, plastic boxes to store bathroom items.  

TODAY SEEMED EXTRA SPECIAL as I drove my car with the window down letting in fresh air. The sky was a brilliant blue with fluffy white clouds.  Temps were cooler which made me think of cooler days coming in the near future as September approaches.  

Alone time as Hubby remained HOME painting the entryway.  First, I dropped off greeting cards and letters in the Postal Box then went to get a McDonald's Iced Tea.  Always feels good knowing that I beat the mail a day early.  I made the trip across the countryside where the roads had no traffic.  It was relaxing.   

Carrying the laundry and plastic boxes into the COTTAGE,  I decided that I would plant the purple mum in the porch urn before doing laundry and loading the plastic containers with bathroom items.  It went quick and the mum looks lovely.  Watered it really well.  

Placed a load of laundry in.  Loaded wash cloths in one of the containers.  Loaded another container with folded hand towels.  Another container was filled with cotton balls and such. Shampoos and hair products went into the last container.  DO I have enough containers?  For now, I do.  

As the laundry washed, I laid on the sofa to rest my aching back and read a book.  Four loads were worked on.  Tomorrow I will need to launder more t-shirts.  I'm way behind due to health, but think I will catch up in the long run with little effort.  

Later, I folded towels and underwear.  Then the t-shirts.  Locked up the COTTAGE and drove HOME.  By the time I got HOME, I was tired and needed to rest.  Supper and a movie. 

THE STARLING with Melissa McCarthy.  I will watch this again as I found it to be realistic, funny in parts, serious at times, personable dealing with trauma in life with the loss of a child.    

   ENJOYED THE ENTIRE 2021 MOVIE. 

The week-end is over and a new week begins.
Praying for good things,

~d 

PAUSE.

SUNDAY IS PLEASANTLY HERE.  After being exhausted yesterday, which meant a number of NAPS, I had trouble falling asleep last night.  I was so tired, but sleep wouldn't come. SO my handy dandy computer and I stayed up until 2:30 or so.  I could feel the sleep come over me so off to the twilight zone I went and slept until 8 this morning.

Did some KITCHEN tidying and thought about my day.  Some greeting cards need filled out and placed in the mail.  Sorting some laundry.  Load a few things in the car to take over to the COTTAGE.  I'm hoping it is cooler today as getting out in the heat zaps my energy even further than what I have left.

The other day, I splurged and bought some clear storage containers for the COTTAGE.  Planning on filling these with Bathroom supplies that will sit on a shelf.  I hope I didn't waste my money.  I bought 4 of them.  I won't know for sure if this is enough until I begin filling them with the supplies I have over there.

When I start loading the car with things to take to the COTTAGE, I'll get a small amount of walking in early in the morning.  I meant to go out last night to walk before it got pitch black out then the phone rang and I visited with my sister who is getting ready to come out this way to visit my Mom and stay for a week.  I hope I get to see her in person, but between my Doctor appointments, my calendar is busy. I'll just have to see.  

PAUSE.

HUBBY is working on repairing the Entryway plaster.  He's making progress, but I don't believe his wishful thinking and actual work are synchronizing.  He'd hoped to have the repair done along with having the area painted.  The day isn't over.  A lot can take place.  It would be fantastic if he did get this all done, but realistically it's going to take more time.

I read out loud from my BIBLE for quite awhile.  If I can hear my voice and read slow, I comprehend better to where I understand.  If there's distractions then I don't benefit as much. I tend to let what was read soak in so I can meditate upon the word of GOD.  Giving what was read more thought.  

I have never read through the entire BIBLE from cover to cover.  This AUTUMN will be a good time to do so.  A little at a time on no one's schedule, but my own.  No reading schedule.  Just read at a slow pace.  Take what was read and think about it all through the day.  No rush.  No hurry.  God is on the throne and I am not.  Time is in HIS hands.  I don't have to worry about being taken care of.  HE is my GOD and together we have a healthy relationship.  RETREAT.    

I believe I'll get around and slowly drive over to the COTTAGE, unload some things, do some laundry and rest awhile before returning to the main house to eat.  Take  a NAP and take a late afternoon shower.  Make some plans for the following week.  I might take a peek down in the basement for a reminder what needs done.

Nothing very exciting.  PAUSE.  Finding pleasure in the simple things makes for a happier person.

Our 49th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY is at the end of the month.  We've discussed what we're going to do and agreed that we need to forge ahead on our house projects.  After the house is on the market, then we'll take a few days and celebrate by going somewhere pleasant.  Until then, we forge ahead and get 'er done.  I have a Anniversary card that I'll give my Sweetheart on the 31st and I want some chocolate cake to eat.  I think I can pull this off.

I won't be making the cake.  Instead I will purchase one so I do not have to dirty up the KITCHEN fixing one.  My mixer is already over at the other location.  Being in between places has some challenges.  I need to put my energies into other things.  I know I will be alright with this as I am old enough to be my own Grandma.  A very wise woman once told me to eat cake. Life is short, so eat it first especially on a special occasion like a WEDDING ANNI.

If we be blessed to hit our 50th, than I think we should have a reception of sorts.  Gotta do something special.    

September isn't far off.  I noticed a few trees already turning color.  It took me by surprise as I don't feel like SUMMER should disappear just yet.  It's HOT and I wouldn't mind it cooling off some, but I'm not ready to say GOOD-BYE to SUMMER yet.  I have to question where you went. Late Spring and early Summer have been plastered with so many medical procedures and medical appointments.  It's been a very busy time.  

Next year, we will take a planned VACATION.  We will actually go somewhere we've never been. Lord WILLING.  Am adventure awaits us.  I'd love to go to WILLIAMSBURG.  Travel along the southern states and see what is there.  PAUSE.

Off I go to get a few things done before it gets too HOT.  I'd best plant a few MUMS and feel like I got something done that will last a while.

Speaking of chocolate cake...hum.  Where's a great recipe?

PAUSE.  May we have a blessed day.  
A blessed LIFE!  
Amen.

~d

   

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READY FOR COOLER TEMPS NOW

HOT BEYOND BELIEF.  Staying indoors is no problem for me WITH AIR CONDITIONING when it's deathly hot outside, but being a good patient has been challenging on certain days as I want to be doing things like crazy.  That cranky, grumpy old women has to be calmed down and placed back in a cage.  She's a force to be reckoned with.  Throwing her a bone doesn't work.

It's hitting 100 degrees outside with a heat index that cooks the soul.  Stay safe inside with air blowing and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.  DOG DAYS OF SUMMER are howling. The calendar says AUTUMN will hit in September.  I imagine so many are NOW READY for some cooler temps.  

LOOKING FORWARD to this week-end with cooler temps.  I can continue to walk outside and carry small items to the cars.  Hubby plans on working on the outside front door trim as the weather has done a number on the wood through the years.  He is making great progress on the house fixing it up to market.

I get a tad bit anxious because I cannot do what is needed.  This is a hard task for me to stay sitting when I could be doing other physical task that requires physical moving.  Time will pass and I believe I will be able to move forward after 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.  I should be rejoicing that I get to take so many afternoon NAPS.  

I am on the mend, I know.  Praise the LORD, the cramps have disappeared.  No fever,  No chills. No cramps.  Resting the intestinal track and stopping OTC stool softeners has eliminated the serious cramps.  My incision looked a bit red in one spot on the right side,  so I placed some antibiotic cream on it and covered it with a nice bandaid.  Will keep an eye on it changing the bandaid each day.  I'll start eating my salads again and ease into meats.  Drink the water as needed.  

AND WALKING outside.  I need to make a trip over to the COTTAGE with small items and some bedding.  Water the plants.  I'm sure they are thirsty.  The heat is extremely hard on them. 

When I have the word from the cancer doctor in September and have healed up then I can ease into some exercises.  I saw a guy doing exercises as he sat in a chair.  That's the spirit and I will copy him.  At any rate, I want to start walking longer distances with caution.  

I WAS READY TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE Friday.  When Hubby needed some supplies for the house projects, he asked if I'd like to tag along and of course I said YEZZZ.  I didn't have to think twice about it.  I needed to get some greetings cards, pay the house payment, cash a check, pick up some bottled water and few other things.  I lost count how many places we went to in this heat, but stayed comfortable in the car and in the stores.  Waiting for it to cool off this week-end. So ready for temps in the low 90s and 80s.

Managed to take some bedding over to the COTTAGE and sit to cool off.  Hubby needed to pick up some tools from the COTTAGE garage as well.  I watered my porch plants and figure this week-end that I will plant some mums.  The geraniums on the porch looked pretty good.  The Gerber Daisies had cooked.  I pulled the daisies from their urn and placed the plants in water. Perhaps they will perk back up.  Not sure.  As we sat there, once again I wished we were already there.  Digging out from amongst the boxes will be a relief.

We made two trips to Manhattan today.  Started out in Manhattan, traveled to the COTTAGE and returned to Manhattan before returning HOME.  I think I was craving wanting to feel like a normal me.  Needed to get out and about.  Almost 5 weeks have passed since I had surgery.  I am somewhat restless.  Getting out and driving was a relief.  It's HOT for sure, but we managed.  

SO thankful no car trouble and the air conditioning work fine.  Still forgot disposable coffee cups and had to go HOME as exhaustion started to creep in.  Overall, I did super good getting around.  

AS WE WERE TRAVELING, I thought we'd have RAISING CANE for lunch.  Dined under a shade tree.  
Bank.
Hardware Store,
Building Materials.
Hardware Store.
House payment.  Starting with this payment, the payment went up almost a hundred dollars a month due to miscalculation by the bank. Not very pleased about this.  $100.  Nothing to them, but a hardship to us old folk.    
Fueled the car.
Utility Bill paid.
Starbucks Green Tea.
Dollar Tree.
Paint Store.
Menards.
Drove across the countryside to Cottage.
Unloaded bedding, watered plants, picked up tools.
Newspaper Office.
Post Office.
Back to Manhattan along Zeandale Road.
Supper salad at McAlisters.
Target.
HOME.
Unloaded goods.
Rested.
Watched a movie.  ARRIVAL.
Still thinking about this one.  humm.
Rested well.

The day was busy like a healthy person's kind of busy.  That was an accomplishment for me.

I need to do a few loads of laundry.  The maid did not show up to do this.  Shame on her.  I suppose she ran off with the BUTLER AGAIN.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.  

~d   

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GOING BACK IN TIME

SOMETIMES I CHECK OUT THE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN COMMUNITIES WHERE I ONCE LIVED.  I noticed one of my Aunt Juanita and Uncle Will's houses was for sale.  Aunt Juanita hosted a bridal shower for me 49 years ago in this house.  Curious as to what the house looks like these days.  The magic of the internet allowed me to take a peek.  

As I looked at the interior pictures of the house, it looked nothing like it did 49 years ago.  I remember feeling so special that day sitting in her lovely living room for the Bridal Shower where my Mom, my Grandma, Aunts and Cousins gathered to honor me with Wedding Gifts to start HOMEMAKING and HOUSEKEEPING.

I received a roasting pan, a cookbook, a green flowered tablecloth, I can't remember everything, but I was a HAPPY BRIDE.  Oh to turn back the clock for a few seconds and soak in their faces and hear their voices once again.  Just to be there for a few minutes to refresh my memory would have been up lifting.  I think I would have thought, they all look so young.  Look how beautiful they are.  

The room now is in very sad repair.  All the work this couple did was completely undone.  TIME had done a number on this once lovely HOME.

Aunt Juanita would have cried.  She always decorated her HOMES in a very well kept manner. Color coordinated and neat as a pen.

AUNT JUANITA's LIVING ROOM

I shouldn't stay stuck on this for very long as time has a way of undoing what we once did to remodeling a house.

The Jenks, Oklahoma house we overhauled isn't even there now.  A DAY CARE FACILITY BUILDING stands where the once very junky rental was.  

I can see every room in my mind as if we were still living there.  It was demolished. Completely gone and the terrible LANDLORD had died.    

I viewed on the computer the Liberal, Kansas Ranch Style house that was for sale that we lived in back in the late 80s as someone completely went overboard in dark grays and whites throughout the entire house.

Properties completely exchange hands and the new owners have every right to decorate the way they see fit.  And do.

I sometimes roam the streets of my childhood town as if I were actually there via internet.  I can see the houses, the businesses, the churches, etc.  The people are gone.  

Like a vapor we are gone.  Make this day count for the KINGDOM of GOD, for our families and friends.  As I recover from surgery, I continue to think deep thoughts about what I need to do and it is becoming way easier to think about getting rid of unnecessary clutter.  There's not going to be a struggle to declutter.  I can.  I have gotten rid of much already, but still much can be done away with.  

During the co vid lock down, I watched and continue to watch videos on how to declutter, how to organize, living in tiny houses, decorating, hacks, cooking, health issues, some political, not so much religious videos as I have detoxed from the word of faith movement years ago.  What I have discovered about human nature is that we can be fooled.  If even the elect.  The elect can still be easily fooled and persuaded to go down the wrong path thinking it's the right path.  How easily one can be misled and deceived.  With the political stuff, I still see the ease that's there to easily follow a political personality that mesmerizes their victims.  A self hypnoses takes place in the political realm and the religious realm.  How a person stands, what they are wearing, hand signals, certain words that are spoken, subject matters discussed can all lead to a type of mind control.  Sounds kind of out there doesn't it?

It wasn't until recently that I came to an understanding that some peeps use techniques to hypnotize others into doing their harmful deeds.  They actually aren't the ones doing the deed, it's their minion and when they get caught, the minion is the one that gets hung with the punishment, not the one that wanted the deed done.

Speaking for one that had their eyes opened, I can't come on too strong with others that are still drinking the Kool-ade.  It's a powerful thing to be held in a trance and it takes the Holy Spirit to wake one up from it. 

Buzz words can trigger a chemical reaction in the brain which affects the masses in certain ways. The dummying down of people is in the water.  Now, I'm sounding weird.  Before you tune out, perhaps you know what I'm talking about.  

A multitude of people can be persuaded to believe a certain way if the subject matter is presented just so-so.  Public relations isn't a new thing, but it still is in use.  If an idea is sold to someone then they are willing to change their opinion about a matter.  There are experts in the world that know exactly what buttons to push to start a change in motion.

WHAT ON EARTH am I saying?  Can you be persuaded to think a certain way?  As I age, I can see where I went down some wrong paths.  I was persuaded to dress a certain way, eat a certain way, think a certain way, act a certain way.  The way in which I was suppose to go wasn't always the way I journeyed.  I have some regrets and put it at the foot of the cross.  As for politics...this is a realm that has many in over their heads deceived.  The politicians can be held at a position of a being a savior instead of a public servant to the people.

The media promotes this way of thinking until we are worked up into a frenzy.  I cannot go along with anything they deem as being alright having no consequences as alright.  It's a dangerous stance to take.  Turning a blind eye to their personal crimes and proclaiming that it's alright, is burying ones head in the sand.  Their wrong doing being viewed as having done nothing wrong goes against the grain of morality. 

Why would good christian people think their leaders can be immoral and it won't have an affect on them?   I heard many say, I'm not voting for a preacher.  If that's the way you're thinking, then what are you voting for?  If being immoral is deemed as alright, then you'll be affected by it in one way or another.  Don't be deceived.    

~d   

    

TURNING NINE

 BACK TO SCHOOL AND TURNING NINE.

GRAND celebrated his ninth birthday and we weren't able to celebrate with him.  Wish we could have, but couldn't.  

Card and gift in the mail.  Well wishes and prayers.

They do grow up so fast it makes my head spin.

Love,
Gma  

5 CHICKPEA Recipes EVERYONE Should Know

Eating the BRAT DIET isn't because I'm a brat or is it?

THE CAR'S AIR CONDITIONING WAS WORKING WELL so we were very comfortable as we traveled going to the doctor's office and about town.  The second the car door opened, we were introduced to an oven-like atmosphere.  Horrific heat.  Reminded me of HOUSTON, TEXAS or how Arizona must feel in the Summer time like now.

I showered and got groomed to go to Manhattan to a doctor's appointment about these cramps I've been having the last 10 days.  Blood work, urine sample, chest x-ray and abdomen x-ray. Suspected that I do not need OTC stool softeners or milk of magnesia.  Allow the intestinal track to rest.  Eat BRAT diet for a few days.  If fever or chills returns, contact Dr.

Doctor's office called as we were walking out the door of the restaurant.  I had a awesome salad. One of the best I have ever had with pecans, strawberries, blueberries, greens and raspberry vinaigrette.  Not a BRAT DIET, but something I requested for an early supper.  The BRAT DIET will come tomorrow.

Blood work was good, UA good, X-rays good.  I'm not so good.  I will be though.  I've stopped the stool softeners.  Bowels are moving just fine.  As a precaution I was suppose to take stool softeners after surgery so I'd not strain while healing from hysterectomy.  A month out and I've not been straining.  

BRAT Diet consists of banana, rice, applesauce, and toast.  Easy on the system.  

The cramps have let up a great deal today which is a huge relief.    

   

LOVING TOAST makes this diet for a few days doable.  I LOVE DRIED TOAST.  Killer Dave's Bread toasted makes for a delicious side dish for the likes of me.  No problem.  I can manage this diet for a few days. 

Mushing up bananas like pudding seems more like a dessert.  I can do this.  Applesauce okay. Rice a yes.  Might sip some warm bone broth.

Giving my intestinal track a break is what is needed.  Back to healing from hysterectomy.  Back to walking, resting and lifting light weight items for the move.  Some laundry.  Going through paperwork again.  Dreaming and thinking about a healthier LIFESTYLE.

Am I a brat?  On some days I am very much a brat.  I guess a girl's gotta have fun somewhere. Just not at your expense.

Are my dreams coming back to me?  I pray so as the last 10 days was very difficult health wise.  I pray to continue healing and getting stronger.  2023 has been a very challenging year for me health wise.  I started out the year with abnormal vaginal bleeding that was awful. Flowed for two months before I could get in to seeing a new gynecologist in Topeka.  Even with that, getting a D and C wouldn't come until June.  

The bleeding let up and a cough settled in.  Turned out to be STAPH.

I'd be packing what I could the entire time.  A few pieces of furniture were relocated to the COTTAGE as well.  Car loads of things migrated to the COTTAGE.

D and C was done and uterine cancer found.  Off to the Cancer doctor in Kansas City.  CT scan indicated something on the liver.  MRI completed with information about lesions, but not a concern.  Hysterectomy done on July 24th.

Here I be sitting in my recliner doing my best to heal.  Tis AUGUST and the heat is on.

This has been a season like none other for me.  I should be a brat.  The fatigue from this has been debilitating.  Took me by surprise. 

AS FOR MOVIES, I decided to watch general programming instead of action packed films with foul language, murder and inappropriate sexual encounters.  WHEN CALLS THE HEART fills that void.  Think I can binge watch the entire series without hesitation. 

I thought we were safe watching the 2023 movie, THE OUT-LAWS.  Nope.  Filthy language and sexual innuendos.  I've learned that anything Adam Sandler (producer) does these days will more than likely have two dogs doing the nasty with other suggestions not needed presented as entertainment.  I think Adam is showing his true colors as a sick individual.  This movie could have left out a ton of these innuendos and still have a decent movie with a storyline. 

After hearing the "F" word umpteen times, I quit the action movies.  The filth that Hollywood is spewing out has turned my stomach.  This is entertainment?  Not hardly.  If you feed your soul all this garbage, then you have done a disservice to yourself.  A ugly disservice. 

 

Watched Colin Firth's 2013 movie with Nichol Kidman, THE RAILWAY MAN which was very graphic about human torture amongst prisoners during the war.  Dealing with a very sensitive subject of post traumatic syndrome.  Hard to watch.  It is a well done film though.  Not for the faint hearted.  Not for children.  

THE WHALE.  Never again.  

All the hubbub about THE WHALE left me believing that I can do LIFE without certain movies. A no-go on THE WHALE.  The opening scene is vulgar and I stopped watching this sad movie. Don't need it.  Don't want it.  Never again.  Hollywood has a rotten soul.   

WATCHED the 2003 movie COLD MOUNTAIN with Nicole Kidman.  Liking the time era, dress, furniture, subject matter, I thought the feisty character played by Renee Zellweger, Ruby was an addition to the film.  Kidman plays the genteel woman with conviction waiting for her love to return HOME from the war.

Do you think you could stop watching movies altogether?  Forever?  Not sure, but I know I can be more selective and know that I am not missing a thang by missing what HOLLYWOOD declares is entertainment.  The movie industry is a mesmerizing media that plants seeds of whatever to control the masses.  

TIS TUESDAY and I believe I HAVE TO REST.  This afternoon after a NAP, I'll do my best to carry some small items to the car to take to the COTTAGE.  I need to pay a utility bill as well. Think I will just drop it off in the night slot.  Check over the plants and water them in this horrific heat.  Not sure I'll get to the basement to work this week after being down and out.

Time for toast and I am going to enjoy this like there's no tomorrow.
~d

A LITTLE AT A TIME IS ALL I CAN MANAGE

HEAT INDEX IN THE TOPEKA AREA on Sunday was 124.  THAT's HOT.  Sickening hot.  I was blessed to be indoors with air conditioning.  Our power stayed on and cold air is blowing.  

I wasn't feeling the best as I think the oxycodone meds and extra strength ibuprofen I took a couple of weeks ago caused diverticulitis to flare up.  Horrific cramps.

I woke this morning drenched with sweat like nobody's business.  Earlier I had a slight fever, but think it broke.  I slept with a heating pad on throughout the night to help with the cramps and woke around 3AM.  This past week, I have had abdominal cramps that just about caused me to go through the roof.  At this very moment, I am cool to the touch with no cramps.  I took 4 naps yesterday and was crying that I was going backwards instead of forwards on my healing journey.

Shall see how today goes.  

The weather this week is suppose to be extremely HOT and then a cool down will happen.  IT IS THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER. 

If my strength returns today, then I plan on bringing things from upstairs down so the moving stays on track. The Linen closet upstairs needs cleared out.  Tis too hot to be working outdoors. Hubby will do some chores about the house.  

There are items sitting around in the Kitchen, Dining room and Living room that needs removed from the house.  A little at a time is all I can manage. 

It's been a month since I had surgery and this past week has been the roughest of all with the horrific cramps.  If they subside then I think I can carry on.  I don't feel guilty about napping so much.  Yet this week I am in hopes of not doing this so much.  I am hoping that I am feeling better to the point of not needing these naps.

This week, the basement needs cleared out.  The house will be cleared completely out and then we can get to the Carriage House.  The heat wave is going to slow us down and we need to stay out of the heat.  Amen and amen.

~d

   

  

PRAISE GOD FOR FLUSHING TOILETS and air conditioning!

STEAMING HOT on Saturday and I stayed indoors resting most of the day.  Weak and tired.  I suppose my previous day was a bit too much.  The temp was about 113 in the shade. Ungodly hot.  SUNDAY is suppose to be just as hot.  SIMMERING TEMPS the whole week then some relief will come. 

I'm up early and will make a trip to the COTTAGE to do some laundry before the high temps hit.

I'd prefer to rest today as it's SUNDAY, but I need my housecoats laundered plus I want to take some bedding over as well.  

WITH THE OUT DOOR TEMPS BEING TOO HIGH, Hubby will work indoors at the main house.  Much to do.  He managed to repair the wood under the large windows before the heat wave arrived.  It looks beautiful.  There's an area around the front door needing repair that he'll get to when the temps are lower next week.

Tomorrow marks one month since I had surgery.  I wish I felt better.  My bowels continue to challenge me and it's painful.  Heating pad helps.  This week I hope to walk more and go through some boxes in the basement.  With the temps being as HOT as they will be, working some in the basement will be a good place to stay out of the HEAT.

I'm so very thankful we have running water and flushing TOILETS!  Toilet paper is a plus as well. PTL we have it made in the shade.  Can you imagine not having indoor plumbing or air conditioning?  Our COTTAGE is small, but it has the luxury of both.

Thank you, LORD for these creature features.  Thank you.  Thank you.

I've got to thoroughly water the COTTAGE porch plants.  I bought some mums from ALDI to plant in the urns.  I think it best to wait a few days before transplanting them.  Cooler weather will come this week so this will be a good time to plant.  

MUMS already.  Can you believe it?  I can't.

~d   

MOVING FORWARD FOLDING QUILTS AND EATING RIGHT

RESTFUL SLEEP.  What a bonus and wonderful outcome.  Slept through the night and woke refreshed.  Stretched to little pain in my body.  Twas wonderful to say the least.  WONDERFUL.  

No stomach cramps with a vision of what to work on today being it's suppose to be wickedly HOT this afternoon.  A HEAT WAY is on its way.  Heat stroke territory.  The week-end is suppose to be a cooker.  In the 100s.  Our Summer has been relatively nice with few days with temps in the 100s so the heat wave will pull us back into a season of sweat.  Where's the nearest shade tree? Lemonade and handheld fans?  

I watered the COTTAGE plants yesterday while I was over there to spread bed coverings across the Victorian bed mattress.  To get the bedding out of the main house and into the COTTAGE, I made a plan to spread all the pretty bedding across the mattress just to hold while I figure out where I will store them.  I want to fold all of these pieces to as close to the same size as I can. Uniformity.  My heart will sing with a harmonious melody serenading a tune ♩♪🎵 THESE QUILTS LOOK SO NICE TOGETHER. 🎵🎶

I think for now, the best place to store these pieces after I get them all folded just so-so will be stacked in the closet.  In a few days I can work on this, but for now I need to just simply gather them.  Just getting them gathered in one place is a giant step in getting bedding relocated from here to there.  Another necessary thing for moving.

I want to go to Manhattan to purchase some veggies and fruit plus some coffee creamer for my sweetheart.  He has a thing for coffee.  I'm getting ready to celebrate my third anniversary for not having COFFEE.  3 years come AUGUST 20th.  Blink blink.  Can I believe it?  No.  The time has vanished.  I think of our LORD's three year ministry that he had before he was crucified.  Three years gone in a flash, but with great meaning.   

I made the decision to give up coffee as I was drinking way too much all through the day.  Sip sip and I was addicted.  I decided I needed to divorce this habit and so I did.  Three years later I am holding my own.  Soda pop was given up 26 years ago.  TWENTY SIX!!!!!  No Dr. Pepper, Pepsi or Coke.  I did it.  If I can do this, I can do other things that seem impossible to turn loose of. HABITS CAN BE BROKEN.  Completely.    

BREAKING HABITS with certain foods and beverages is another hurdle.  I've cut out drinking milk.  Rarely have it on cereal because I rarely have cereal.  Seldom do I eat breads.  Skipping pigging out on meats.  Smaller portions.  Sugary drinks like fruit juices are rare.   Cooking with avocado and olive oils from one country.  A small glass of wine maybe twice a year.  No hard liquor ever.  No margarine.  Spring water instead of H2O from the tap.  As little medicine as possible.  Need to bump up the legumes and go easy on sprinkle of nuts.  CUT WAY BACK on sugar, honey, maple syrup, and skip the artificial sweeteners.  I won't be dining on FAKE MEAT or cloned chicken.  Gotta read the labels, my friend.  Highly processed foods are an abomination to mankind.  When did we become lab rats and the FDA says it's alright?

Who created the FDA anyways?  Why do they have such power over the American people?  Good intentions have morphed into a different animal.

Originally the FDA may have had good intentions.  Now I have questions about profit over people.  

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relies on funding from two sources to support its regulatory activities: user fees and budget appropriations and user fees PAID by INDUSTRY. INDUSTRY such as Pharmaceutical companies.  Did I say Pharmaceutical companies?  Yep...like BIG PHARMA.  Both sources of funding are authorized by Congress. 

Every five years, top officials of the Food and Drug Administration go behind closed doors to negotiate the terms of its core budget — about $3 billion this year.

But the F.D.A. is not at the table with members of Congress or with White House officials. Instead, it’s in dozens of meetings with representatives of the giant pharmaceutical companies whose products the agency regulates. The negotiations are a piece of the “user fee” program in which drug, device and biotech companies make payments to the agency partly to seek product approvals. 

If I could get this weight off of me in three years, it would be a slow enough thing that the weight might stay off without coming back on.  I seem to have stalled out on the weight loss.  I'm not trying to reduce while recovering from this hysterectomy.  I need my strength which is difficult getting back at 68.  Instead I am working at continually eating organic veggies and fruits.  No sugary drinks.  Hardly any cow's milk.  Hardly any bread.  Grass fed beef.

My upper torso does not stick out as far as it did due to removing the BEAST from within me. My uterus was @20cm long which had no place to go but to crowd my stomach area and it did.  I can breath better these days.  The pressure I had in my side is gone.  I'm not coughing like I was. I can hold my bladder!  Benefits are coming to mind.

AS FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION, intermittent fasting isn't doing the job for me as I am as heavy as ever.  I will stick with it for now and maybe I will begin to lose some weight as the months go by.  I'm slower than the average person in most every thing.  Slow metabolism.  Slow, slow, slow. Like a dinosaur slow.  For months now, I haven't eaten breakfast until 11 in the morning which is more like BRUNCH when I do eat.  No afternoon snacks.  Early Supper.  I suppose I should take the next step to not eating anything AFTER 7pm.  That would be 16 hours between food intake at night to late morning.     

EXERCISE will be the next best thing for me after I heal up.  WALKING and lifting light weight hand weights.  Staying in motion.  A one and a two and a three and a four.  Repeat.  A one and a two and a three and a four!  Repeat.  ETC.  

The main thing is to be HEALTHY.  I more than likely will stay a hefty looking female no matter what I do.  Can I live with this?  I want to live, so I have to focus on being healthier and that is the ticket.  I'm not going to be a skinny woman.  End of story.  Where will this journey take me? I want to stay healthy so I will never crash diet again and I will refuel my temple with nutritious foods.  I want to these days. 

Some attention must go into taking care of self.  It's not selfish.  It needs to be balanced for sure, not ignored.  

As I go shopping, I plan to check out a market place that I have not visited for over twenty years. Gulp, that's a chunk of time.  Also I will be on the look out for mums.  I'd think with Autumn around the corner that this market place will start carrying mums.  The flowers I had in the front porch urns have died.  Mums will go in as soon as possible so they can grow to a nice hefty size before frost comes.  I'm not ready for COLD WEATHER.  Frown, but God is good and I will make it through cold weather or not.  Sweater time and sweat tops.   

MUMS the WORD.

 

  ~d