50 YEARS AGO ON LABOR DAY WEEK-END WE TIED THE KNOT

50 YEARS AGO ON LABOR DAY WEEK-END, we exchanged marriage vows.  We got married and went from there on a journey to grow up.  NEVER enter a marriage lightly.  I strongly suggest and support receiving marriage counseling before tying the knot.

The counseling should allow the couple that is going to marry an insight into what wedded bliss has to offer.  The Minister should assist the couple providing scripture and loving advice on the rolls of Husband and Wife.  The Minister should provide teaching skills on dealing with one another to better equip you for being a married couple.  How to get along, forgiveness, how to deal with conflict, having children, money issues, keeping peace in the home, boundaries, Husband's roll in protecting and loving the Wife, Wife being a Help Meet to the Husband, responsibilities, Christ being the head of the home, praying together, etc.

Before we got married, we visited with the Minister ahead of time that would marry us, expecting to get marriage counseling.  He said he wouldn't as people tend to get married anyways with or without marriage counseling.  It didn't rest with me.  Years later at my Parents 40th wedding anniversary, I spoke with the Minister that married us and shared that I believed that couples should have counseling before marrying.  He remained quiet.  I had challenges that were difficult in marriage and I knew we should have had counseling before we married so we would have been better equipped for the Adult WORLD of marriage.

We were young when we married.  I was 19 and Hubby was 19 and a half.  I don't oppose couples marrying, but believe great thought needs to go into getting married and I believe the Minister marrying the couple has a godly responsibility to counsel the lovelies saying I DO.  Do not enter into the union lightly.  Know each others stances on marital responsibilities, thoughts on children, finances, do you know Christ, will this be a godly HOME, how to handle conflict, boundaries, beliefs.

It bothers me to this day that we received terrible advice from this guy saying no, he wouldn't counsel us.

As for which officiating Minister you are allowing to marry you in Holy Matrimony, you should check out their personal beliefs as well before having them marry you.  

Our officiating Minister had left his wife for his secretary.  I found this out later and was mortified.  I was ignorant and innocent to the point of being stupid about marriage.  My Dad and Mom neither one instructed me in what to look for in a Husband, how to deal with differences, financial health, etc.  

I believe children should be instructed what to look for in a spouse long before the wedding day.  There was no sit down and discuss the seriousness of marriage.  They married for love and felt like their children needed to pick who they wanted to marry.  That's fine, but I believe seeds of wisdom need to be planted along the way when growing up.  Not left up to chance.  Children need words of life spoken over them while they are growing up and words of wisdom concerning the details of LIFE especially marriage.

Waiting until the child is of marrying age to share important info about who to marry is late in the game and there may be a failure.  Don't want to be doomed for divorce before even getting married.

The day we married was a rainy one and I thought for sure we wouldn't get to marry outside as we had planned.  It stopped raining just before the town's bells rang with the sun shining through the clouds.  We married and then had a reception inside the Christian Church.  

I will look at our wedding pics later in the day and give THANKS that we are still together.  50 years is a very long time and I can hardly believe we married so long ago.  We tied the knot and with doing so, got tangled a bit needing a Savior to save us from ourselves.  

Happy Anniversary to us!

~d  

THREE DAYS AND KIDNAPPING MY HUSBAND

ON THURSDAY, I KIDNAPPED MY HUSBAND.  Taking by surprise, I started driving the car on a highway in which he asked where were we going.  It was very spontaneous and I knew we needed to go for an outing so we could discuss some challenging news we had received the day before.  The best thing I could do was to whisk him away for the rest of day.  

FIRST, we had LUNCH with our daughter, granddaughter and grandson eating a delicious salad at a quaint location.  Afterwards, I KIDNAPPED HIM.  We went for a drive to discuss some serious issues and needed time apart from what was weighing heavily on us.

It was best to get away for a few hours.  I decided that when we picked up our mail that we'd stop by a shop that had a cow's skull that would be used for HUBBY's artwork.  He'd been eyeballing it for some time and I told him, it could be his 50th wedding anniversary gift.  SURPRISE.

https://sweetgranada.com/products/chocolate-amaretto-swirl-fudge

Of all things, I was craving FUDGE from Emporia.  We talked as we traveled across the FLINT HILLS to Emporia.  Nice drive.  Stopped by a coffee shop to get some cinnamon tea to drink, went to supper and returned to the Candy Shop for that CHOCOLATE AMARETTO FUDGE.  I purchased one piece and that was it.  BIG pat on ze back.  Good girl.  A thin slice was shaved and I nibbled on it as a after dinner mint. We headed HOME before dark.  HUBBY thanked me for kidnapping him for the rest of the day.  

We talked quite a bit, prayed and talked some more.  You may know that when grieving takes place, a person goes through a series of emotions.  Same thing when processing shocking news.  An array of emotions surface and it takes time to deal with it all.  Be kind and understanding to yourself while this is taking place.  Don't jump through any hoops and let the dust settle.

When we got HOME, we received word that the serious matter had changed.  Hopefully for the better.  Shall see.  Still praying for the family this concerns.  Yesterday when I heard about this very serious situation, it was very upsetting.  Threw us for a loop.  By bedtime I recalled that a lot can happen in three days.  Amen.  A lot.

Three days,

~d  

Every President’s Favorite Food During Their Presidency

20 Forgotten Recipes Your Grandma Always Had On The Table!

MAKING A HOME MORE COMFORTABLE

WHAT WILL I DO TODAY TO MAKE MY HOME MORE COMFORTABLE?  CLEAN and play the radio.  

Each day is a little different than the day before and this is what keeps it interesting around here.  I definitely have much to do.  What will I do today to make HOME more comfortable?

CLEAN and play the radio, tidy a bit, be a pleasant woman to be around, be helpful and attentive.  Do not complain and be sensitive to my Husband.    

I will be cleaning to make my HOME more comfortable.  It's a given that our HOME needs kept up.  Having an uncluttered place to call HOME makes it comfortable and when the rooms are clean and orderly, it goes a long ways toward making a HAPPIER HOME.  SO not only will I continue to clean and organize, I will pray for blessings in our COTTAGE.  I will pray that I have a healthy attitude and the peace of God be present in our haven.  Amen.  

Oh Lord, let it be so.

Having a relaxed ritualistic cleaning pattern needs established and exercised.  Taking the emotion out of the cleaning and just doing it, is a winning combination and technique.  

Continued cleaning is a must.  With our 50th wedding anniversary approaching at the end of the week, we took some alone time to celebrate before our actual date this past week-end.  We're both having disbelief that 50 years has passed since we said "I DO."  It's almost scary that this time on earth has passed so quickly when looking at the years gone by.  I want to remember the journey and be happy.

Coming HOME after two nights from the Elmdale, Kansas area at CLOVER CLIFF RANCH to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary early, has left a pile of traveling items needing put away.  Pics to follow later of our lovely time away.  I'm so glad and contented that we went the extra mile and experienced this just for us.

No Reception for our 50th.  Need some pictures taken for newspaper announcement.  We'll have a quiet evening at HOME with a gourmet meal next week-end.  Freshly brewed iced tea and spring water on ice.  Simple salad made of shredded Romaine lettuce, thinly sliced radishes, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, sprinkled walnuts with vinaigrette dressing made of olive oil and vinegar.  A large Sirloin steak, string green beans with almond slices, baked potato with butter and a chocolate cake for dessert.  Romantic with candles and gentle music in the background at HOME with the phone off the hook.

SO making HOME a more comfortable place is possible with our own touches and style.  Amen. 

God BLESS,

~d

 

Neil Diamond - Forever In Blue Jeans (Audio)

DO WHAT YOU CAN

JUST GOT BACK FROM WALKING MY MILE in about 75 degree weather.  I huffed and puffed all the way around the track with a small amount of trotting included.  I DID IT!  Worked up a sweat and sat in the car afterwards to cool off.  Poured water on my head and face to help cool off.  My stamina isn't so good, but I'm in motion.  Working at getting healthier so I need to continue being in motion and take my supplements.  Made the mile in 23 minutes and 55 seconds.  I'll feel a great sense of accomplishment when I can walk it in 20 minutes.  Even better at 15.  That'll be the day.  Not sure it's possible.  The fact that I am walking a mile is a miracle in itself. 

Doing housework is a beautiful way to stay active.  I praise all the homemakers that are doing this.  DO WHAT YOU CAN DO.    

Drove over to get the mail at the Post Office.  My Mom sent us a Ritz Cracker box holding the faux corsages she and my Dad wore for their 5oth Anniversary.  We'll have pictures taken next week for our 50th.   Inside the box, she included some pretty jewelry for my July Birthday.  I will telephone her and THANK HER acknowledging that we received the package in good shape. To be remembered by my 92 year old Mom means so much to me.  

The RITZ CRACKERS box jogged my memory that I should try to make a MOCK APPLE PIE with Ritz crackers.  Sounds down right delicious.

Plans today include folding more quilts.  Pulling boxes out of the closet so there is room to store the quilts on a shelf.  Making up the bed with fresh sheets.  Laundry.  Watering porch plants.  Reading some.  Exercise.  Putting the old cassette tapes in the messed up Bedroom to get them out of the Living room.  I finished wiping down old cassettes and found a nice cardboard box to place them in.  A little order was manifested.

AS I DROVE DOWN THE ALLEY BEHIND OUR HOUSE, I was eyeballing the flower beds that are seriously overgrown.  I need to wait until the weather cools off some more like in September.  My plans for the month of September is to finish clearing out one of the storage units, clear out the garage, tidy the she shed.  By the end of October, I hope we have a TV room set up in the pink room and the Victorian room relocated to the she shed.  The front Bedroom will be organized so we have a nicer Bedroom.  I have to be making plans now before the Thanksgiving Holiday arrives so we are ready.  

This shall be my HOBBY.  

KEEPING IN MIND THAT I NEED to be Walking, eating healthy, organizing the COTTAGE and property, praying and meditating upon the WORD OF GOD. 

Blessings,

~d 

 

How to Pose Elegantly: Ways To Look More Feminine in Pictures | Jamila M...

TEA TIME and SLOW SPENDING SEPTEMBER

SIMPLY WANTED TO GO TO THE STORAGE UNIT TO GATHER UP THE TRASH BOXES and return them to our COTTAGE curb so the Sanitation Workers would haul off the trash the following day.  The day turned into a trip to Manhattan for a Bank run and picking up a few supplies I completely FORGOT to get the previous day.  Oops.  Back we go.

The adventure turned into a FUN DAY anyways.  Two trips to the unit for trash and home again turned into making a rather large pile of trash for the HOME's curb drop.  Hubby contacted the trash haulers to let them know that we had an extra large of pile of trash for them.  They pick-up on Thursday.  Bye-bye Christmas tree.  Good-bye deformed cardboard packing boxes that served their purpose for 8 years.  ETC.  Which got me to thinking about where on earth will I put up a tree in our ting COTTAGE that has very little space. 

Actually, there is some sense of satisfaction to have that trash out of the storage unit.  I'm praying we can get organized quickly so I no longer have hard feelings for this taking soooooo long to be civilized peeps.  Being ill has hard challenges to work through.  NEED patience and endurance to be successful.

From the storage unit trash hauls, we drove to a different community to do some banking business.  SCARY.  It is scary how quick the money goes.  I have to watch the budget terribly close.  I can do better and there's room for improvement.  I have plans to slow way down on any kind of spending in September.  Maybe I should call it SLOW SPENDING SEPTEMBER.  Christmas will be coming soon and I want to have some funds for gifts.  Takes ACTION! 

 

AT ANY RATE, we went to lunch, Starbucks for my favorite ICED GREEN TEA, a grocery store for pineapple juice in small cans, V8 in large cans, ketch-up which I cannot do without, prune juice, yogurt without all the additives for a sugar-free coleslaw mixture.  They did not have HARNEY & SONS HOT CINNAMON SUNSET TEA that Hubby adores so we decided to go to Target knowing they sell it.  Drove across town to the controversial store.

They had one can of it amongst many other types.  Lucky me.  I got it.  Hubby will be so pleased.

 

CHERRY BLOSSOM TEA sitting beside it caught my eye in the pink metal can soooo I thought I'd try it.  Into the cart she went.  

I know tea has caffeine in it most of the time.  I no longer drink coffee.  Gave away a coffee percolator a few days ago.  I have a rather large stash of teas now.  I try not to drink too much of it throughout the day.  TEA TIME.  In Australia, supper is called tea instead of Supper or Dinner.  

I wonder if many follow a light supper by having tea with light refreshments instead of a large meal?  I know I eat way more than I should for Supper.  Following some kind of system is different per household, isn't it?  What do you usually have for Supper?  

I know the Delany Sisters would have a milk shake for their Suppers.  Haven't made it that far yet.  More retraining myself to do things differently.  It can be done.  I just don't know if I want to change when it comes to Supper.  Over the last few years I started skipping Breakfast and had Brunch instead.  Now I can wait to eat the first meal of the day after 1 or so.  There are mixed opinions about someone like me with no thyroid skipping Breakfast by practicing intermittent fasting.  Bad idea some say.  

While at TARGET, I went by the clearance racks and pull a jean skirt that was priced a super good price, but it wasn't hemmed and I know how unraveling goes and I didn't want to hem it.  I placed it back on the rack.  I think if I have a blue jean skirt I will be wearing it in an attempt to be more feminine.  I think I'd like that.

We finished shopping and drove HOME, unloaded, rested, did a few chores, fixed some popcorn and watched TROPPO.  There's some rough language, but the story line had me intrigued.  We binged watched til the end of season one.  Murder mysteries solved.  There wasn't much in it that I disliked.  We were allowed to get to know the characters.  Season Two is out.  hummmmm.  I do like a good murder mystery of who dun it.

When walking from the car to the COTTAGE, the singing of the locust was extremely loud, it was deafening.  Incredibly loud to the point of hurting my ears.  This Summer they are busy singing if you can call it that.

Better get after doing my chores.  Laundry in.  Bills looked over.  Lunch eaten.  I feel a nap coming on.  How do I avoid it?  By folding quilts.  I figure if I fold the ones that will go on the larger shelf, I need to fold them 24" wide by 24" deep.  The smaller ones that will fit on a smaller shelf need to be 24" by 12".  It's tricky folding them when so small.  

I'm still feeling unenthusiastic.  A  co v id  symptom that's hanging on.  I have spurts of energy come and go and when the tireds come, they hit hard and fast.  Hubby is on the sofa napping right now and has said he is still getting tired.  It hits fast and down you go.

I had a cup of Harney & Sons Cherry Blossom Tea and boy was it GOOD.  I do believe I picked a WINNER.  

HOW TO SLOW DOWN ON THE SPENDING:  Stop spending and focus on no spending.  I believe I can leave more lights off in the evening by not flipping the switches.  Continue to wash clothing in cold water and air dry articles.  Less electricity.  With the air getting cooler outside I can begin to open windows not using the air conditioner.  Use fans instead if needed.  No tele or far less of it.  Make an exception and play the radio instead.  Eat more economical meals at home.  Stay away from the thrift stores.  STAY HOME PERIOD.  Go for walks and leave the car alone.  Absolutely no charging.

WELL, there are some suggestions.  Got any ideas?

Gotta get after it. 

~d  

  

20 Depression-Era Foods That VANISHED From The Family Table!

Perhaps this can help  s t r e t c h  

the food allowance AGAIN.

~d

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING...FIRE AND BRIMSTONE

⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆⛆

☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔☔

THUNDER STORM BLEW IN WITH RAIN.  I walked twice around the football field when rumbling started.  That's a half a mile then cut the walk short with going to the car.  Didn't want to get struck by lightening.  As I opened the car door, the raindrops began to pound the pavement.  Just in time.  Started up the car and left.

The City Bill was dropped off and our mail picked up.  Drove around some and went HOME to rest.  I'll try to walk more this week.  

While wearing my reading glasses, I stubbed my toes on the step stool ladder's legs and bruised one of my toes pretty bad.  The day before I rammed my knee on a cart bruising my knee.  Am I accident prone?  It seems that way sometimes.  Ouch.  Some losing my balance in addition is a reality.

The week has started and I have much to do.  That's good. 
I started washing old bedspreads. 
I have a ton of laundry to do before next week-end. 
Hoping to walk more. 
After a shampoo, I'll style my hair and maybe trim it with the butterfly cut. 
Hope to make another run to the storage unit clearing out trash on Wednesday. 
Clean out the storage unit.
Grandson has a birthday this week being 10.
Continual cleaning and organizing about this tiny COTTAGE.
Check into having a booth at an antique mall. 
Have a photograph taken of my Husband and me together for the newspaper  announcing that we will be celebrating 50 years of marriage.
Prepare for a stay at a fancy Bed and Breakfast at the end of the month for anniversary.

Next time we travel down the highway, I will deliberately stare at the gorgeous countryside to admire God's beautiful handiwork.  Time is passing.  10 years ago, one of our grandchildren took their first breath and enter into a new arena of life.  We were there that day.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIDDO.  It was a long drive getting to the Hospital, but we wanted to be there.  That little boy today is full of life, energy and motion.  He's being homeschooled this year making him a 5th grader.  

I remember being 10 years old back in the day in Liberal, Kansas.  That was the year I deliberately accepted Christ as my Savior at a small church across the street from where I lived.  My childhood friend, Kathy invited me to the Apostolic Faith Church Revival.  

I was being raised in the Methodist faith and attended on a regular basis, but my friend had extended a invitation to their revival so I went.

Thinking back to when I was sitting in preschool Sunday School class coloring a picture of Jesus with young children amongst him on the piece of paper at the FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, I innocently believe that this was the time I first accepted Jesus as the son of God and part of the Holy Trinity.  I had a child like faith then and I believed.  Going up to the altar when I was 10 was a deeper commitment which grew through the years.  My spiritual journey has been a ride.  MY FAITH continues to grow at 69 years of age.  I chose JESUS over all other religions and there are so many out there.  I continue to grow.  I've done my best to stop my ears from itching, but have to admit...I did have itching ears for many years as I listened to false teachings and false teachers until God opened my eyes which stopped the itching ears allowing me liberty in the LORD. 

Christianity is a relationship with God, not a religion.  Through Christ we can have a personal relationship with God.  All other religions have their manmade ways and practices of how they promote as the way to get to God.  Jesus is the truth, the way and the life.  It's through Jesus we have salvation and are in a rightful position with God.  Nothing else.  No incense required.  No money needed to receive a blessing.  No beating up on your body to make yourself holy.  He is the one who has done the work so we can have peace and be in a relationship with God.  It is by believing in JESUS as our personal Savior as the Son of God that died on the cross for ALL MANKIND.  

Do you believe?

~d   

OH HAPPY DAY and READY TO ROLL!!!

I NEATLY STACKED MY STASH OF COMFORTERS AND QUILTS on the Dining room table so I can figure out how to make room for them in the main closet.  I needed to get them off the victorian settee that sits in the pink bedroom as it is going to the she shed.  Storage space is very limited in this COTTAGE.

We have no linen closet.  Burning some brain cells on this one as I'm not sure how to go about this at this point in time.  Very little storage space in the teeny tiny closets here.  We'll be rearranging the VICTORIAN ROOM.  The bedding has been sitting on the small settee for a while now.  So now I have to relocate the pretty bedding.

Grandma's Quilt

I will refold all of the bedding and see if I can get the quilts and comforters to be close in folded width size whether they are for a twin bed or queen.  I have twin, double and queen.  When looking at them now, I have forgotten which ones are which.  oops.  This can be fixed.  

I've got to shuffle some purses and other boxes in the main closet to make room for the bedding.  My boxed wedding dress stored in the closet might fit under the bed freeing up closet space for the bedding.  Not many choices available.

Morning was slightly busy with laundry, dishes and paperwork.  I'll have to shampoo my hair later in the day.  I'd like to curl it.  

TODAY was a very productive day for us as we worked in the storage units.  We wanted to get out before the outdoor temps climbed hotter.  First we unloaded what we're keeping at HOME and was in the trunk of our PT Cruiser other wise known as our pick-up.  Thankful we have this car.  SO Thankful.

Drove over to the local storage unit to clear out some tubs placing them in the back of the car to relocate to a larger unit in a different community.  Drove over there to unload.  Did it in record time.  Hubby needed some supplies from Manhattan for the bathroom so off we went.  I needed to purchase some MAGNESIUM TAURATE which is the best magnesium for combatting higher blood sugar and blood pressure plus anxiety.  

No Magnesium Taurate.  Tried 3 stores.  Not a go.  Checked out Natures Grocers on the computer.  They have some so I will pick some up next time I am in TOPEKA.  

We did some shopping at Menards and drove the slow way HOME.  Very relaxing.  Will take a NAP and then go unload the car, place a load of laundry in and figure what to fix for SUPPER.  I might copy a salad I had last week.  Shredded Romaine Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, dressing and croutons.  Easy peasy and fast.  It will be filling enough.  

It has been a OH HAPPY DAY kind of day.

MOVIE NIGHT.  Last night we watched the movie, TUCKER: The Man and His Dreams (1988) with Jeff Bridges in it.  I remember seeing this movie years ago, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember anything about it except Tucker made some cars.  It was like watching a new movie.  Fairly decent movie that I believe the entire family could watch.  Fairly clean.

What a beautiful car.  This 1948 automobile is valued at about $2,000,000.oo these days if you can find one for sale.  Most of these are in museums so it's still possible to get a peek at one.

...and now to unwind.  TIME FOR A QUIET EVENING IN SMALL TOWN AMERICA,

~d

One Day at a Time

THERAPY JUST FOR ME

AS I WAS WALKING AROUND THE TRACK, I started to jog a bit.  I'm no threat. It is almost painful to try to jog. I'm so heavy and I can barely move.  I'll feel it in the morning.  I made the fastest time around the track, though.  Hubby timed me.  I made the mile at about 23 minutes and 44 seconds.  My fastest lap came in at 5 minutes and 47 seconds.

When I started walking back in May, it was typical to make one lap in 8 minutes.  I've improved. Praise the Lord.  Praise HIS holy name.

I huffed and puffed big time, but I made my mile.  The weather was wonderful to walk in.  A cool 70 degrees and I still got my vitamin D.  If I'm not too sore, I'll walk in the morning.  Probably no jogging just a steady stride.

I ate a homemade biscuit with gravy for breakfast.
V8 for snack.
Supper was a huge salad basically made of romaine lettuce, spinach and a kale leaf.  Cherry tomatoes galore and boiled eggs with Catalina Dressing.  A small portion of Asian Beef with a tiny bit of rice and peppers.  Iced tea to drink.  Evening snack was pop corn and two tiny lemon cookies.  Water throughout the day.

One thing I do like about walking around the track by myself is that I can look at the countryside around the track and admire its beauty.  I have an opportunity to pray out loud and do some thinking.  It's kind of like THERAPY.  Actually it is therapy.  Clears my mind and encourages me to know I am doing something good for my old body that houses my spirit.  Aren't you suppose to be on a path of healing when in therapy?  I am.

~d

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WITH SWEAT ROLLING DOWN MY BACK

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER RETURN.  With sweat running down my back, I know there's a better way to work outside.  Have to watch it and stay in a cooler climate than what is outside.  Playing it smarter.  Think this afternoon, I'll take a nap.  

THE HEAT MAKES IT VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO WORK OUTSIDE.  It was hitting the 90s when we finished loading up storage boxes, transferring them to a different unit then unloading and stacking them in another unit.  We made a huge dent in the one unit.  Our goal is to clear out the one storage unit by the end of AUGUST.  I think we might make it.

As we relocate the goods, I have to open the lids to see what's inside the vinyl boxes.  Tomorrow, I will be back at it again.  There are paint canvasses to bring to our garage.  That will open up more unit space.  We haven't removed the Christmas tree yet.  Our plans were changed for us as Hubby had a procedure done on his toenails by a doctor and his toes were bandaged up.  Makes my stomach hurt thinking about it.  So our schedule changed.

🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀

NO CAN DO.  There was a dead rodent on one of the traps we sat out a few days ago.  It actually looked like a small rat.  Have to stay on top of this as I don't want the upholstered furniture to get chewed up.  

CHANGING THE SUBJECT...time for a pretty picture!

🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽

I was up early this morning and read the local newspaper.  One article was about a husband needing to lose 15 pounds with their doctor advising him to eat a broiled hamburger patty and a dish of coleslaw.  Then for supper munch on celery.  This article was posted 50 years ago.  It caught my eye as the author wrote from the inside of her stone house which we lived in.  

This is really a simplistic diet plan.  Would it work?

NOT SURE if it would for me.  Once the weight is taken off, one must do their best to keep the weight off.  Not always successful.

There's a group called, EAT LIKE A BEAR.  I believe the creator of this plan is Amanda Rose, Ph. D.  She lost 140 pounds and has kept it off.  She encourages you to eat a large, oversized salad each day.  I'm sorta doing this right now.  I don't believe she ate supper.  I'm not there yet.  

https://eatlikeabear.com/

Increasing vegetables is the added ingredient for success.  I'm still eating way too many starchy foods and carbs.  I confess I am guilty. 

I hope to go walking later this evening when the temps are cooler.  I want to and need to.

HEALTH WISE I am coughing way less.  PTL.  It's been a month since  co v id  got a hold of me.  I am on the mend.  Still weak in the legs.  Sleeping better, but fatigued needing daily NAPS which are long ones.

GRANNY NANNY CHRONICLES.  The grands are starting school this month.  St. Louis Grand and Oklahoma Grands have begun this week.  Kansas Grand starts next week.  Have to get my hands on some pics to post.  Another school year begins.  Two grands are Seniors and two are Freshmen.  One's a 5th grader.  My goodness how time has flown.  I am going to deliberately pace myself to take it all in each day and pray a great deal.  Amen.    

AUTUMN is early and I think I will embrace the cooler temps.  Looking for some Autumn decor and found some sparkly pumpkins that I think I will put out early.

HAVE MERCY.  As I was sitting visiting with my spouse, I noticed spider webs.  Halloween/Harvest is on the spiders' minds.  The Dining room walls that meet up with the ceiling need a deep clean.  Spider webs are encroaching my space.  Unbelievable how fast that happens.  

I rearranged some dolls that I have in my old Victorian desk to put my newest doll in the upper case.  The front of the desk has quite a bit of dust caked on it.  I know that this COTTAGE is extremely dusty.  I think the old worn out carpet fibers contributes to the dust being stirred up as the carpet is broken down and fuzz floats about in the room.

If we go the route of new carpet or hard wood floors, it will be in 2025 when this happens.  Being realistic.  I do not want to tear up the rooms just yet.  I'm thinking that more things need settled before we start on this huge project.  Maybe after Christmas into the new year. 

Like having the storage units emptied.  My goal is to have two of the local units cleared out before the year is gone.  I know the larger unit in a different community will be a part of us for a couple of years as it is like an extension of a basement.  The garage and basement will be organized as we go.  I believe I can clean the majority of the garage by myself and the basement as well, but I will be slower than slow. 

I wish I enjoyed remodeling more than I do.  The waiting is difficult for me.  Honestly, I am not enough of a pioneer to enjoy it.  THANKFUL I live in the year 2024 with all the conveniences I am blessed to use.  

God be with me in this journey.

~d

 

MAKING A HOUSE A HOME

🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡

PUTTING YOUR INDIVIDUAL FINISHING TOUCHES ON YOUR HABITAT will help make it a HOME for you.  It is your HOME.  With all the CHAOS in the world, your HOME is where you can add comfort for the ones you love as well as for yourself. We are so blessed to not be in a WAR ZONE where we are dodging bombs and bullets.

LORD willing, there are no word bombs dropping that we have to dodge and abusive hands as bullets.  May you never have to experience these.  If so...I pray you survive and find safety.  

One does not always have a say so in where they will hang their HAT. I've tried to make each place we have lived a HAVEN.  There were times that it was very difficult.  This go round I have a hunger and thirst for righteousness in my HOME.  A multitude of STUFF has been let go of.  It continues.

Our personalities come shining through.  Having peace with God makes all the difference.  Often I have prayed for help with my decorating.  Where do I go with this and where do I go with that? How do I make this space work for us?  What do I do and how do I do it?  Dedicating this work to God will allow success to come to roast.  Lord help me with this.  I'm in need of your help.

We do not know when we will be called to our HEAVENLY HOME with Jesus as our Savior. Today's newspaper had the unexpected obituary of one of my Husband's friends.  He passed last Friday.  We are saddened and a bit shocked that he died at 67.  Saddened.  We truly are just passing through this world and if the stuff I turn loose of helps another make their HOME a haven then I do not have to be overly attached to the stuff that's disappearing from the COTTAGE. I truly think much was hung onto as well as gathered through the years was due to FEAR of maybe someday I will need this or can sell it for money. 

My someday has come and I am turning loose of more.

MY HOME for now is in this fixer upper COTTAGE.  
My LIFE is a ministry.  Each one of us has one.

THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY.  God bless.  
My HOME...my haven.
~d

 

TIME FOR MORE THINGS TO GO...

SOMETHING LIKE THIS.  Ouch.
Each box must be gone through.  Each box.  

Each and every box.
I can see an empty storage unit.

Dream on.

PRODUCTIVE DAY AT LAST.  I finally feel like I had a productive day after being down and out for three weeks due to  co v id.  I got a very restful sleep and didn't hear at all the thunder storm that blew into town about 4 AM.  What a surprise when I heard we'd had a boomer and rain.

I got ready for the day knowing we were going to TOPEKA.  We went to the storage unit and loaded the back of our PT Cruiser with items to donate to charity.  The car was FULL.  IT HAS GOTTEN EASIER FOR ME TO TURN LOOSE OF THINGS.  My attitude has changed.  Let it go.  Let it go.  Let it go.  No need to keep it.  No need to sell it.  Let it go to charity.  Let it go.

The countryside drive was gorgeous reminding me that I love this part of the world in KANSAS.  With overcast skies and a gentle breeze, it's not difficult to be pleased with the environment.  Lovely weather at about 80 degrees.  The tree leaves are turning and it's not even the middle of SUMMER yet.  We'll be having an early AUTUMN.  I like the cooler temps outside.  Embracing it. 

Drove to TOPEKA and had LUNCH.  I wasn't very hungry so I had a salad and a bowl of soup with breadsticks.  Sipped on Raspberry Lemonade.  

Then we headed to GOD'S STOREHOUSE to donate the goods from the back of the car.  SO glad that we had a load to donate.  I know we will be doing more loads as we clean out the storage units, garage and basement.  Much shuffling to do.

Walked about the store and found some treasures. 
A green teapot. 
A QUEEN SIZE 100% cotton quilt for $20.oo
A Quail figurine.
A chunky Turquoise necklace.
A silver plated tray with curvy edges.  A size I don't have as it is about a third of the size of the trays that I have.
$ 1.oo T-shirt.
An electric lamp with the body design that resembles an old kerosene lamp.  $9.oo
Twas a great thrift day for me.

Checked out and went to HOME DEPOT for wood trim. 
Visited SAMs.  Spring Greens, cucumbers, bananas, hearing aide batteries, cereal, bread and a sticker book for grandson.
Drove to our HOMETOWN to fuel the car and get the mail. 
Dropped off the sticker book for Grandson.   
Went HOME, unloaded the car, put groceries away. 
Switched out our lamp with the newly purchased lamp, but used the old lampshade that we already had as it was a nicer one.
Fixed up a train toy with new batteries and tried it out.  It sings and flashes lights.  Put it in the toy box.  
Ate cereal for Supper. 
Got dressed for bed and played on the computer.
Will refold quilt and get it ready to store in the closet.  

Another busy day is in the forecast as Hubby has a medical appointment.  Hoping to go to the storage unit before we head out of town to load the car with boxes of glassware and dishes before we go to his medical appointment.  We have a small amount of shopping to do before heading to a different storage unit to unload the dishes and pick up a table for the Utility room.  Head HOME and take table out then return to the in town storage unit to gather trash to haul to our curb.  If we have time, will return to unit to gather the artist canvasses to take to our garage.

Trying to keep everything in order while living here on the prairie.  Heavens, we have much to sort through.  One day soon...it will be all sorted and we will have ORDER.  PTL.  Waiting for that day.

No walking on the track today.  Instead I did walking as I shopped.  Don't have a fit bit to count my steps, but guessing I did walk close to mile.  Cross training.  I doubt that I will walk tomorrow either because I won't be HOME to walk.  AGAIN, I will be walking while shopping and using muscles while working in the storage units.

GOD BLESS and have a blessed day,

~d

RETRAINING MY BRAIN

😉😉😉😛😜😋😇

KIND OF LIKE WHOOPING COUGH.  Once in a while I still have a coughing fit.  Takes me by surprise.  No fever, just a long coughing spell aggravating my ASTHMA.  I should have known that my asthma would flair up as the skies had chem-trails in them a few days ago.  Conspiracy Therapy?  Not paranoid, but aware that the two have a connection.  

LIFE goes on and I want to as well.  Still having issues with getting sleepy at night since  co v id  which means I am staying up too late.

It was about 4 this morning when I finally nodded off.  Force myself to shut down before midnight.  Retrain my brain.  Another thing to be disciplined about.  I'm going to have to set my alarm to make a ritual about when to get up in the mornings at a regular time.  Add these habits to my lifestyle.  It can be done.

It's Tuesday and I sanitized the toilet.  Tomorrow I will sanitize the Bathroom vanity and sweep the floor.  I don't want to get in the road of HUBBY as he is remodeling the POTTY ROOM.  Today, we're going to TOPEKA to purchase the wood needed for finishing out the trim.  While in TOPEKA, I have a large donation for charity to drop off.  We're slow, but steady with the clean-up.  The continuous decluttering has happened as part of our RETRAINING OUR BRAIN to turn lose of THINGS we don't need to store.

RETRAINING THE BRAIN really is just a change of habits and being disciplined to follow through with a new habit that wasn't being practiced before.  Retrain the brain.  Same with eating habits and what food is stuffed in one's mouth.  Shopping habits and what is placed in the shopping cart.  Spending habits.  Cleaning habits.  Walking time.  Reading time.  ETC.  Retrain the brain.  Amen.

I was told that I would have to retrain my brain with the results of having cataract surgery where I can no longer focus up close on my own.  This is still challenging as I was use to being able to see things up close without glasses on.  I want to get a pretty magnifying glass to wear around my neck when out shopping.  Distance vision is pretty good.  Up close, not very good at all.

RETRAINING ONE'S BRAIN isn't always the easiest thing to do.  It takes practice and what do some say about practice makes perfect?  Practice sometimes helps create new habits.  Never perfect.  A play on words.

I do believe I need to get around to go to TOPEKA.  Will try to make this trip as fun as possible.  Off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of OZ. 

Bless you and yours,

~d

OLD WOMAN SYNDROME and CROSS TRAINING

I THINK I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. 
It would be helpful knowing how it was done.

HAVE MERCY.  I was so sore after day three of walking with trotting.  By evening it was difficult to raise my legs.  My strength was gone and I had trouble getting up from the chair.  Legs felt extremely HEAVY.  I decided I would rest today and do something else with my time and cross train by doing housework.  Gotta keep moving.  This old woman has her limits and that's that.

Who'd have thunk it that housework is a type of cross training?  Me.  I rested and will pick up the torch again by going shopping and be in motion.  BUT FIRST we will clean out the things we loaded from the storage unit that are in the car finding a place in the COTTAGE then return to the unit to load the car with things going to thrift.  

I found more of the German white porcelain china that needs to be transferred to a different storage unit miles away that has more of the same dishes.  Slowly we will get this done.  They need to be together.

So we need to clear out the car, make another trip to a unit and load it again with things going to thrift in TOPEKA.  When I look at this small unit, I know we can empty it in a few days and then we will not have to pay for the month of September.  PTL.

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

On Wednesday, we'll return and pick up one of our old Christmas trees that's in a box and bring it HOME to trash when the Sanitation workers pick up our trash to where we never see it again.  One less Christmas tree to deal with.  Clearing out more of the unit.  We can see floor space.  

Boxed dishes need hauled over to the other storage unit which will clear out more of the unit.  Hallelujah.  More accomplished and done away with.  About 10 boxes of glassware will be transferred and cleared out.  

There are some artist canvasses that can be transferred to our garage.  When we were working in this unit this past week-end, I was taking a mental note of what was in the unit and what we need to do with this STUFF.  I don't want to have a garage sale, but donate the nicer things to thrift. 

🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

I brought HOME a large train toy that I cleaned that I know needed sanitized having been in storage for 9 months.  I think the youngest grandchild will love it when he comes over to visit.  He loves trains and gets extremely excited when he hears a train whistle.  It's pure joy to see how excited he gets over such things. 

Hubby finished installing the Bathroom faux ceiling tile.  It looks beautiful.  BEEutiFUL!  Now to purchase wood trim for going around the window, closet door and entrance door.  We already have the rosettes now to get the belly band.  Coming right along. 

QUICK UPDATE.  Staying busy.  It is uplifting knowing that progress is being made.

STAYING HOPEFUL THAT PROJECTS WILL GET DONE.

GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!

~d 

 

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE

OUR LITTLE PATIO GARDEN HAS PRODUCED BEAUTIFUL BELL PEPPERS and Grape Tomatoes.  I believe that in the future we will continue to be PATIO GARDENERS with growing Bell Peppers, tiny Grape Tomatoes, miniature Cucumbers, long String Beans, Baby Potatoes, Lettuce, maybe Corn, Onions, multiple colored Carrots, Heirloom Radishes.  Shall see how it goes.  The Bell Peppers and Tomatoes are going into huge Salads that we eat at HOME. 

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE CONTINUES... 

~TACO POTATOES made with well seasoned ground turkey~

~WILD SALAD~

~MEATLESS CHILI~

~MASTERPIECE for seldom eaten items~

~EVERYDAY TACOS~

~STEEL CUT OATMEAL TOPPED WITH BLUEBERRIES, CRAISINS, PECANS, ALMOND MILK, and CINNAMON~

~SCRAMBLE EGGS and POTATOES WITH RED PEPPERS AND ONIONS TOPPED WITH ORGANIC KETCH-UP~

~SUPPER OUT~

~SUPPER OUT~

Bon Appétit!

Dining On The Prairie continues,
~d

 

REMODELING CONTINUES AND OFF TO WALKING I SHALL GO

TWO DAYS IN A ROW OF AN OLD MORBIDLY OBESE LADY WALKING A MILE. That would be me.  I have hopes and dreams of thinning down.  Saturday it was a very pleasant 68 degrees outside with gray skies.  It was spitting moisture when I started walking, but failed to manifest a rain storm, so I willingly walked my mile with a little trotting in there.  The entire time I huffed and puffed, but beat my time the day before walking 23 minutes and 10 seconds.  I was surprised that I went a little faster.  Very surprised.  🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃

I started faithfully walking last May.  It was cut short due to getting the flu.  Started walking again on a steady schedule.  Then in July after I walked 5 and a half miles, I came down with co v id.  Haven't given up as I started walking again.  Praise the LORD.  I have such plans for staying faithful with walking.  In it for the long haul. Dedicating it to the LORD.  My plans should be honored.

Truthfully, I wasn't sore the next morning which was another surprise.  A nice surprised.  I only had 3 hours of sleep.  I prayed most of the night and fell asleep around 7.  Not sure why I was wide awake.  Three weeks of coughing has worn on me.  Now when I cough I'm pretty sure it's asthma.  The really hard coughing irritated my lungs.  

I sipped on pineapple juice as I rested while the lettuce for a salad was soaking in cold salt water to kill the amoebas and little critters that attach themselves to the lettuces.  This makes the lettuce a healthier produce to eat.  After it soaked about ten minutes, I thoroughly rinsed it in cold water then placed it in a spinner.  Next the lettuce was hand torn before adding the other things in the salad like black olives, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, chick peas, black beans, peppers, cucumber and celery.  I poured a small amount of lemon juice it as well.

Went over to daughter's for an evening meal to celebrate son.in.law and grandson's July birthdays.  Sometimes it takes a while to get everybody together. 

Had a slow evening of fun family time.  

I will return to cleaning the cassette tape cases in a cardboard box that I brought HOME from the storage unit.  I know a mouse had been in the box as it left some evidence behind that it was in the box. Disgusting little thang.  Mickey Mouse, not.🐭🐭🐭🐭🐭🐭🐭

Hubby is nearly done with installing the faux tin ceiling with tulip pattern on it.  I like it lots.  So proud of him for working on this.

ANOTHER DAY and WEEK HAS STARTED.  Off to the tracks to walk.  Looking forward to this.  Amen.  As the week approaches, Hubby has a medical appointment about his foot.  Laundry still needing done.  Tidying to follow.  Think I will shuffle some furniture so I can relocate my recliner.  I want to go to the storage unit to bring HOME that old oak table for the Utility room.  If possible bring HOME the dinette set for the Kitchen to be used for temporary office.  OVER THE REST OF THE MONTH, I will purpose in my heart to start cleaning out one of our storage units.

AS AN ADULT, I should be able to free myself up to do more of what I'd like to do instead of keeping myself in bondage to not allowing myself to do fun things.  

Thanks for stopping by,

~d

REAL CIVILIZED FOLK

HEAVENS.  Three weeks of coughing.  I know I've slowed down on the coughing activity, but still, it seems like a couple of months at the going rate of this.  On one hand, TIME passes quickly and on the other hand when ill time is crawling.  I haven't been a very good patient.  It gets the best of me at times.  Perhaps if I said, "IN YOU LORD WILL I TRUST."  I will that I will get better soon.  I promise to take good care of myself and do all that I can to get better.  In you LORD, I will trust and REST.    

I've been slowly working on laundry.  Too slow.  Energy level is way low.  Lean in darlin' and make some progress.  Forge ahead.  Take some supplements, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated, walk about, eat well, PRAY and rest for sure.  

Hubby is napping on the sofa.  The house is extremely quiet.  Some days I crave this.  The floor fan is buzzing which reminds me of days gone by.  The COTTAGE is cool inside and that's good even with the outdoor temps in the low 80s.  This break from 100 degree temps is wonderful.  So wonderful.

I think I'll go drive over to one of our storage units and check it out to see if I can pull somethings out of there as we need to clear the unit out.  It would be a start.  The money being used for it can be used for savings or to ease the financial crunch that doesn't need to be there.  I believe SEPTEMBER will be the month that I dedicate working on it.  All of the month.  With the HOLIDAYS in the forecast, I have got to have the front bedroom of our COTTAGE up and going. Family will be visiting and I want to have the COTTAGE up and running like real civilized folk do.

I thought for sure we'd be there by now, but we're not.  Hubby works on the remodeling of the BATHROOM while I tend to other things about our estate.  We're in motion, but quite slow at the movement.  Real civilized folk have a better handle on all of this.  At times I think I have completely worn myself out as often as we moved and fixed houses up.  Makes sense.  Over 20 times we have moved during our 50 years of marriage.

Gosh, that's a lot coming from someone who basically stayed put while growing up in Liberal, Kansas living in the same house all that time.  Moved there when I was about 3 years old I think and left when I was almost 19 years old.  Liberal was my HOME TOWN and a place that I loved. It has really changed through the years.

I believe my folks were really civilized folk.  I'd like to get back to this lifestyle.

ONTO THE HOME FRONT thrifting.   My latest doll I purchased while thrifting is about 24" tall. I'll be styling her hair today and she'll get cleaned up as best I can.  Her pretty dress probably needs washed in WOOLITE on gentle cycle and air dried.  She's a sweet Fayzah Spanos doll and a very nice addition to my collection. Fayzah is a Greek-American Doll Artist.

I hope to have all my dolls displayed on a newly made built-in bookcase with a multitude of shelves along the bedroom wall by next Summer. 

ON TRIFT TRIP, I purchased a few books for CHEAP.

A few clothing articles made it HOME with me.

FRONT PORCH PLANTS seem to like it there.

THE BUSHES ARE DOING WELL.  

The COTTAGE'S rock foundation will be reworked later.  
Right now it looks like HECK.

PEPPERMINT in the urn.

THE FIRST RED BUD TREE THAT WAS PLANTED on a May Day seems to like it here.  She's growing well.  On the other side of the sidewalk a RED BUD TREE was planted the following AUGUST 31st and she is stunted for some reason.

I'll be doing something with the front doors.  

Either painting them or stripping them to the raw wood.  

If by chance I find matching antique doors that are a decent price, I'll be replacing what we have.  I know the storm doors need replaced or removed altogether.  Lots to think about.

PLANS IN ACTION.  After the Bathroom is completed, there needs to be a floor repair in the Dining room then onto the front porch rebuild.  We need prayers for sure just like REAL CIVILIZED FOLKS receive.  Amen.

Thank you for stopping by.  

I enjoy hearing from you,

~d