CANDY BARS AND CRACK

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MONDAY.  I WOKE UP WITH TERRIBLY DRY EYES.  This is something I've noticed after having too much sugar the day before.  AND I DID have way too much sugar the day before.  Not a good thing to have.  Sugar is addictive and does awful things to the body especially when eating too much. 

 
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I had some miniature candy bars as I sampled our HALLOWEEN STASH purchased from SAMs and Hubby made a graham cracker treat with pecans and caramel on top.  It's like CRACK.  I know I overdosed on this stuff.  I fell off the wagon this week-end and must climb back on.  So today is that day AGAIN.  I have to do better.  The sugar is not going to change the fact that I am stressed out from the remodeling projects that are going on or need done.  Candy bars and crack are a huge NO NO for me.  Eating this stuff caused my eyes to dry out.  I caught on that this is what happens when too much sugar is in my system.  DRIED EYES.  🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫

Today, the new week is in full force.  I jotted down on a list the things I need to get done.  I am hopeful that I will accomplish what needs to get done even if it takes me all day.  As I lay down at night to fall asleep, I usually go over the list in my head what I would like to get done and begin decorating the house in my head and pray.

Wake up.
Toilet
Wash hands
Comb hair
Take morning meds with Spring Water
Jot down and review the days events
BLOG
Get dressed

Go for morning walk
Cool off
Go get the mail
Go Home
Put a load of laundry in
Clean up
Read mail
Breakfast/Brunch
Breakfast clean-up
Morning chores
Rest
Laundry
Read
Lunch
Lunch clean-up
NAP
ETC.  🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫

I've got to squeeze in writing and working on some kind of HOBBY for relaxation and for the sake of doing something else besides chores all the time.  Know what I mean, Vern.

It never goes the way I plan, but that's alright.  Somehow it helps keep me going and stay on track.

The outdoors temps are cooling this time of year in the mornings and it is the best time of the day to go WALK. As it usually warms up by afternoon and gets too hot for comfort.  Yesterday, it reached into he high 80s almost 90 and I have no business being outdoors walking in the heat even if it is good to sweat I don't do very well.  🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫

I best get to it.  I will phone in a prescription after the Pharmacy opens.  A small gift needs wrapped and placed in the mail.  Questions for the thyroid visit need typed up and ready to go. Tomatoes picked from garden.  Sofa vacuumed.  A newspaper article typed up.  Correspondences made about my Mom's new address.  Laundry worked on.  Things to put away or give away.  Car cleaned out.

This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.  Amen.  Being a HOMEMAKER is an honor.  I have to stay focused and remind myself of what my ministry is.

~d🏡

CURIOUS GEORGE and GRANNY NANNY CHRONICLES

SATURDAY BABY SITTING HAPPENED.  I went over about 8:45 am and stayed until 3 or so.  He was the best lil guy.  He's nearly 3 years old and letting it be known when he needs to use the toilet.  Watching CURIOUS GEORGE videos kept him busy while I read.  I still like the CURIOUS GEORGE videos myself. 

I took a few pics of him as he watched George and got tickled how squirmy his body was, but his face stayed focused at the computer screen.  He loves CURIOUS GEORGE.  

For now this is one of his favorites.  

I really thought he'd be very unhappy when he'd have to stop watching George when time to eat, but he wasn't.  I fixed him a small lunch, had it ready when I went over to the computer closing the lid as I told him it was time for LUNCH.  He ran over to his chair and ate.  As he drank his milk from a Sippy Cup, he began to get heavy lidded and I knew he would be ready for a nap after LUNCH.

It all went very well.  I told him when he finished his LUNCH that he needed to use the toilet then take a NAP.  He got out of his chair and started to whimper for his mom.  I told him she'd be HOME later.  He stopped and requested his tiny pillow from the sofa, so I told him I'd get it and then he wanted some books.  I told him he could get them.  He covered himself up with a blanket, lied down and started looking at a book.

I walked out of his room and went to the living room to sit.  About 5 minutes later I checked on him and he was asleep with the book over his face.  I removed the books from his bed and went to have some quiet time in the living room.

His folks were on their way back to the house by this time.  Actually the Baby sitting job went FAST.  Went HOME and took a NAP for myself.  Tired.  SO tired.

On Friday, I went to have some LABS done for my yearly thyroid exam.  By evening the numbers were in my health portal.  No wonder I'm so tired and somewhat sad.  My TSH numbers are way too low so I will lower the dose of my medicine and see the ENDOCRINOLOGIST later in October.  I believe my numbers are wonky low because of a couple of medicines I started taking.  I believe it has messed with me.  humph.  

We went to Topeka for the labs, ate lunch and stopped off at SAMs.  It was a short trip for the day, but always a pleasure to get away for a few hours also seeing the gorgeous Prairie landscape displaying seasonal beauty along the highways and byways.  AUTUMN colors are coming forth and I can't help but admire them in all their glory.  I know cold weather is coming and it isn't what I look forward to, but if I focus on the beauty of the landscape knowing we're one day closer to SPRING I should be alright.  Appreciating the differences in NATURE is far better than shivering in the cold.  Bundle up Buttercup.

I had time to rethink about having a miniature vegetable garden next SPRING beside the house where the sun will hit.  I believe it will be for the best to stay with miniature veggies in this small spot that we will work up next SPRING.  Cherry Tomatoes, Baby Cucumbers, Scallion Onions, Bibb Lettuce, miniature Peppers will be the produce to grow in this spot.  A SALAD GARDEN.  

There's an area alongside the Garage that might work for Carrots, New Potatoes, Squash and Zucchini.  

AUTUMN clean-up.  I need to clear out the containers that held our tiny tomatoes and peppers this year along the house.  The abundant crop did super and blessed us with such tasty produce.

I dead headed some of the mums out front of the porch.  The blossoms were plenty and I'm hoping to have more during AUTUMN.  It's the best I can do right now for front porch decor. Giving it some thought where I will WINTER the Geraniums before ice cold weather comes. With the temps in the 60s, it's lovely to have the screen window on the storm door open.  The air conditioning was turned off and fresh air is coming into the house.  

THIS WEEK-END, I need to return to walking at the football field and track.  I've stayed busy, but haven't deliberately walked my mile each day.  STILL, I've made a conscious effort to stay in motion.  

With my thyroid numbers too low, I really can tell that I am fatigue more so than normal. Waiting for the numbers to rise will take a couple of weeks.  This bothers me as I wait, but there isn't much I can do about it other than to faithfully take the meds on an empty stomach and WAIT.  Keep on keeping on staying busy.

AUTUMN is here where I purchased a ceramic pumpkin at a thrift shoppe.  She'll go in the center of the dining room table.  I had better get busy decorating the porch as time flies so quickly where HOLIDAY decorating changes her theme toward the CHRISTMAS tune.  

While shopping at the thrift shoppe, a lovely Amish women with four daughters arrived in their car all dressed in their religious attire.  These peeps were not in horse and buggy.  No pics.  They purchased plain colored men's shirts.  I know the mom got a bargain on the clothing as the prices are competitive.  $6 per shirt instead of $60 from the mall. A few years back, the shirts would have been a dollar. 

I wish I had decorated the porch in September for AUTUMN.  Gosh, if I could just get my act together I'd be ahead of the game.  The gorgeous decorating I have seen on videos and pictures makes my heart swoon. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 

So blessed.

~d🏡

1 Tbsp of Peanut Butter: Lowers Blood Sugar, A1C, Insulin Resistance & ...

WELP...I guess I should eat PEANUT BUTTER to help with health issues if the peanut butter is fit to eat. A tablespoon a day?  I'll give it a go.

God bless,

~d

THE POLITE LADIES APPROACH TO THYROID HEALTH

HAVE MERCY.  I just spent the morning and early afternoon playing TELEPHONE TAG with a Heart Hospital about scheduling a thyroid ultra sound for my yearly Thyroid Cancer Appointment to find out there was no work order for a TUS from my endocrinologist specialist.  Okay, getting in contact with the Endocrinologist Office to speak about this hic-up took some time plus researching in my health portal to find out the wrong work order was placed a year ago.

Hic-up and a half.  Wrong work order from the professionals.  Okay. I'm the little 'ole lady that this wrong info was played on.

The Thyroid Ultrasound is to be done before the yearly appointment so the doc can go over the report with the patient while they are present at the appointment.

Putting it in a nut shell the TUS won't be done until two weeks after my appointment.  Tadaah!  I can read the results in my health portal afterwards, but if I have questions then it's up to me to go the extra mile and ask the doc questions through the health portal.  No need to see a doc when I'm expected to read for myself the report on-line.

I will follow through with my yearly appointment with the lab results already done THEN get the TUS and wait for the ultra-sound results on-line.  This will be my last visit with this circus.  I will stay on top of my TSH numbers and ultrasounds through my regular doc and WALK-IN-LABS. No need to see the ENDOCRINOLOGIST anymore.  My experience with this particular medical facility/company has been a rocky road where I am better informed about Thyroid issues through reading on my own.

FOR 14 YEARS, I was not told to avoid dairy products after taking morning thyroid meds by my Endo.  A list of don'ts has transpired and it wasn't my Endocrinologist that educated me. With my constant weight gain, I was ignored when I asked questions it went nowhere.  With my fatigue, it went nowhere.  Caffeine can interfere with thyroid meds absorption.  They were not the ones that informed me of this.  What vitamins and supplements should I take? NO comment. Are there foods I should avoid?  

I've drawn a conclusion that the Endocrinologist believe that if their patient's TSH numbers are within the so-called range, then they have done their job even if the patient still feels horrible with hypothyroidism symptoms.  They will do no more investigating with additional blood test. It's narrowed down to the patient probably NOT TAKING their meds even if the patient has faithfully taken the meds as instructed.  

What course of action is done if I have been faithful in taking meds, but my TSH does not stabilize?  What test are done to investigate? How well is the T4 converting to T3?  Is the T3 too low?  Is it pooling as reverse T3?  NO answers.  

I've found out elsewhere that what one's T3 numbers are more important than T4.  They have not checked my T3 number.  Tis always T4.  How does one raise their T3 so my body functions optimal???  I can go to Walk in labs and get a blood test that indicates what the T3 is, but without medical help, I don't believe I can raise it to where it will be optimal.  Will have to check into this.  If my T3 is raised, I should feel good and lose weight.

With my appointment in October, I will read the questions I have written down and see if they suggest anything and if they don't, I will politely and quietly excuse myself from their presence and be done with their establishment.  

I'm very blonde.  Slow at times.  I stayed with this particular ENDOCRINOLOGIST giving it a go hoping they would help me feel better, energized and lose weight.  Going to a functional doctor about my thyroid issues is an option.  Out of pocket expenses to follow.  Frustrations can run wild.

Being POLITE when at the Doctor's office is the way I prefer.  So be it.  Admitting that I have to do medical care differently than what I have received is being PROACTIVE.  So you can be polite and proactive at the same time.  Amen and amen.  I know better that 14 years is a while to suffer with having NO THYROID and only replacing a person with T4 isn't the same as receiving T1, T2, T3, T4, and Calcitonin. 

Off I go on another adventure.
~d

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE I CRAVE PEANUT BUTTER

THAT'S FOR SURE.  I get to craving peanut butter.  Not always sure why.  I had asked my hubby to pick me up ONE piece of peanut butter fudge since he was going to be in the community that has a candy shoppe and save it for me until I returned HOME.  He did and I have munched on it today.  

As I was traveling back to KANSAS on Tuesday, I went through Topeka and stopped at GOD'S STOREHOUSE where they sell wonderful peanut butter cookies.  I bought one and was one happy old lady.

~PROTEIN~

What is it when we crave some food?  Our body is needing something that food has in it.  I'd read protein.  PROTEIN.

From cutting calories, I'm needing more protein.

https://cravemagnificence.com/craving-peanut-butter/#google_vignette

When I was in Iowa, I was thinking about purchasing a jar of peanut butter, but didn't.  So with all this craving peanut butter, I think I need more protein.  YUMMERS.

Years ago when I first went into a Health Food Store in Manhattan, Kansas, I noticed the peanut butter making machine.  This was a new concept to me making one's own peanut butter.  It was before I took an interest in making my own ANYTHING.  I was so conditioned to just buy store bought everything.  I am a true consumer and the stores love to see me coming as they know I purchase store bought items.  

Have I changed?  I still buy already made items in the jar.  Now days I am more of a label reading buyer.  Selecting less ingredients in things.

It's alright to change your mind and I have.  I keep doing this.

DO YOU GET FOOD CRAVINGS?

Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe from the past.

https://homehavenministry.blogspot.com/2009/08/life-just-easier-peanut-butter-cookies.html

~d

100 Year-Old Nutrition Professor: 7 Keys to Longevity | Dr. John Scharff...

ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND A BATHROOM REMODEL

I DROVE HOME ALONE ALL BY MYSELF, but I wasn't lonely as I prayed practically all the way HOME for 5 hours.  Had an incredible drive through IOWA, MISSOURI and finally back to KANSAS.  Went last week to spend some time with my 92 year old Mom and Sister in IOWA.

Went to a doctor's appointment with Mom and we girls did a ton of shopping and talking.  I am officially dog tired.  

HUBBY stayed HOME to work on our bathroom and it is coming together beautifully.  I decided that I could handle the trip by myself with GOD helping me.  He didn't disappoint me.

The scenery was gorgeous.  Hints of AUTUMN are present as AUTUMN began on Sunday.  It rained some as I drove HOME.  Lots of semi-trailer trucks on the interstates and highways.  When I pulled up to my COTTAGE yard, I was relieved that I was HOME again.  I had a neat time with family, but am pleased to be HOME with my HUBBY.

I phoned my Mom when I arrived HOME so she'd know I arrived safely.  She was excited to tell me that a different apartment had opened up across the hall from where she lives that faces the South to where the patio would be getting full sun.  The apartment she's in faces North and the patio has a huge tree by it that cast branches onto the patio where she can't use it.  Just yesterday while we were parking the car to get out to go inside of the building where she lives, she said she wished that she had gotten one of the apartments right there.  She got her WISH.

This evening, the Iowa family is working on moving her stuff across the hall into the new apartment.  Heavens, this all happened so fast it makes my head spin.  She had just told us that she wished that her apartment was on the other side of the building.  Well, tonight it is.  She started moving her clothes this afternoon.  Wham.

I can't turn around and return to IOWA right now to help her move.  I had no way of knowing that she'd get a different apartment so quickly.  If I did I would be no good as my energy is GONE.  A 5 hour drive may not be anything to some, but to me, I do not travel the best.  Low energy doesn't multiply more energy for me.  It drains it.  So much for being 69.

As I drove alone, I felt empowered as I have seldom traveled alone without my Husband by my side and here I was navigating strange territory.  It's important to be somewhat independent as an older gal, huh?  I had time to think out loud and run through my mind steps of what to do next with shuffling furniture in the COTTAGE to make the place more manageable for us.  

HUBBY remained HOME so he could work on the bathroom.  It's looking nice to me.  Soon the clawfoot tub will be installed and we can bathe in comfort.  We purchased the tub so long ago, I can't remember when we got it exactly, but the feet were nickeled about a year ago waiting for their place on the tub.  It's a small tub and we bought it for the rock house with a tight fitting bathroom.  Hung unto it and are now using it for this small COTTAGE bathroom which isn't overly large.  

The 124 year old closet door is mahogany!

Rain Glass for privacy.

Still some work to do on it, but it's looking very nice right now.  We had started gutting the bathroom over three years ago when we weren't living in the COTTAGE yet...it's been a long drawn out remodel for us.  LONG DRAWN OUT.  Hello somebody.

I can't help but get somewhat excited that it is just about completed.  Visions of the next step in fitting into our retirement COTTAGE dance about in me head.  I want to go with lots of white and soft grays.

BEFORE PICS OF THE MESS WE STARTED WITH.

The remodeling of the old Bathroom reminds me of when CHRIST takes us where we are and begins to clean us up after we receive HIM as savior and become filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.

HE loves us so much that HE wants us to be who we should be in HIM.  HE loves us into a new creature in HIM.

Be it ever so humble...there's no place like HOME,

~d

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH THE REST OF MY LIFE?

The Quickest Black Bean Salad

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QUIET HOME TIME WITH NOT DESPISING SMALL STARTS

FREE TIME FOR A LITTLE BIT.  Don't get me wrong...I love my Husband and spending time with him, but I also need some alone time for myself.  He's off getting new tires put on the car over in Manhattan as I stayed HOME.  The house is very QUIET and right now this is an appealing quality to me who needs alone time from time to time.  I can hear myself think.

DAY STARTED EARLY.  I'm sipping spring water after having taken my morning meds.  Thyroid meds on an empty stomach with spring water.  I won't eat anything for a couple of hours.  FRUIT this morning.  Think I'll aim to have fruit for morning food and lunch will be a large salad.  Supper will be steamed veggies.  I believe I can pull this off.  Hubby will get extra protein with his meals.  I'll be cutting back AGAIN on the red meat.

Having had CO VID in JULY, something has happened to my taste buds.  I look at food and it turns me off.  Hubby is having issues with eggs.  Perhaps, I will be able to downsize in a easier way by not eating as much.  My friend JUDY has shrunk in body size over the last year.  She went to the doctor and was told she was fine.  She told me that she lost interest in eating and doesn't know why.  Perhaps I'll do the same.

OVER THE WEEK-END, I babysat my youngest grandchild for an over nighter.  First time for him and parents to not be sleeping under the same roof.  I thought he would perhaps cry some at bedtime, but he was really tired and went to bed without any problems.  I deliberately kept him occupied and busy and allowed him to stay up until 10:30.  He stayed in his own bed and slept through the night. 

Now on the other hand, I didn't sleep sound because I was concerned that he might get up in the middle of the night and I wouldn't know about it.  It all worked out and I took a 3 hour NAP when I returned HOME.   It didn't keep me from sleeping at last night either so I was truly tired.

Still waiting for the KENMORE VACUUM part to arrive at our front door to see if the vac will work after I burned up the motor a few years back and went to using a BLACK and DECKER that was deep cleaned recently.  I will vacuum the upholstered living room furniture today if the BLACK and DECKER will work right.  This is my today plan.  The entire living room will be deep cleaned.  

I had kept the KENMORE beast and refused to throw it away.  I didn't have the heart to pitch it knowing what we had paid for it, but being busy with illnesses and a move with an assignment to downsize, the vacuum stayed out of sight until now. 

I'm preparing for a visit with my elderly MOM later this week.  Hubby will stay HOME remodeling the bathroom while I venture to IOWA.  The housing complex Mom lives in has a very long hall and if I walk it 4 times, I will have covered a mile.  I wouldn't have to face the outdoor elements this way when walking for the day.   

Praying for a blessed day.  I'll busy myself here in a little bit after I drink my HOT TEA.  Slow morning for me and then off I will be busy on this TUESDAY morning.  

Having a slow start does not necessarily mean a slow ending, does it?

First, move slowly when you're making any major decision. The book of Proverbs says a lot about this. PROVERBS 21:29 says, “Wicked people bluff their way, but God's people think before they take a step” (CEV). And Proverbs 4:26 says, “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure” (ESV).

Zechariah 4:10

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin".

Home LIFE is for me.

BLESSINGS TO YOU, 

~d🏡

  

ASPARTAME INTO FORMALDEHYDE

HEAVENS.  Another eye opening tid bit of information about unhealthy substances has come to my attention.  I did not know that aspartame breaks down in the human body into formaldehyde.  Probably cancer causing.  

You've got to be kidding?  no.  Checked it out and sure enough.

Everywhere I turn, I'm finding out that dangerous substances are introduced into the human body by eating products sold by companies promoting products with cancer causing ingredients sold to the public.

Now, you don't have to purchase them, but breaking away from mind sets we have formed that encourages us to purchase the products in the first place can be a challenging thing to change.  Working at this.  Kaboom.  Another blow.  FORMALDEHYDE from aspartame.  

I seldom digest aspartame that I know of, but.....will I remember?

~d

AUTUMN HAS FALLEN

Source internet

AUTUMN HAS FALLEN.

MUMS CATCH MY EYE IN THE FALL.  The beautiful array of colors bedazzles the porches throughout communities, farmhouses and beyond.  I thought this image was gorgeous with the urns and containers holding the colorful blooms.  OH SO PRETTY.  Nature at her best.

I've noticed that I truly am a FAN of the variety of colors that plants and flowers have to offer.  They add such charm and interest that I can't help but want some on my porch.  I am one of those peeps that admires what they do to a HOME's entrance which is the first place that draws attention to the place.

AUTUMN HAS FALLEN FOR SURE.  As we drove to a community to watch a CROSS COUNTRY event, the landscape has changed from middle of the road greens to bright ones blended with oranges, yellows and browns.  We're having a beautiful FALL so far with the calendar AUTUMN in 6 days.  SO that's close enough to say it's AUTUMN.  

OUR AUTUMN has gracefully snuck up on me with SEPTEMBER half over.  HALF OVER!  I have to stay focused on our yard work and house repairs as the time slips right on by.  My Iced Tea breaks in the middle of the afternoon need to include sitting outside on the porch watching the world pass me right on by.  The mornings are cooler and the sounds of AUTUMN with gentle breezes feeds my soul with peace.  I so like this part of AUTUMN.

This week I plan to cut back the Coleus that is in the front porch urns and replace them with deep red Mums.  I'll see about keeping some starters from these plants to winter for next spring.  I have to figure where I will house them though.  This is a challenge in our small COTTAGE.  Perhaps in the SHE SHED on a rack?  

ON THE HOME FRONT:  Waiting for the vacuum cleaner part to come in the mail before I will know if I will be able to reclaim my Kenmore vacuum which is a beast of a cleaner.  The little BLACK AND DECKER I have has been thoroughly cleaned and I will vac the upholstered furniture this week to come and clean the house.  Eager to get this done with AUTUMN CLEANING before the HOLIDAYS come.  

There will hopefully be a deep cleaning to my satisfaction.  I have watched lots of videos about DECLUTTERING and cleaning to see how others do this task.  This is my HOMEWORK I do with coordinating actually cleaning.  HOMEWORK.  I've been at it for some time and yet I am still not to the place I want to be.  I keep on keeping on.

I have plans of BABY SITTING the youngest Grandchild this week over at his HOME while HUBBY will remain at the COTTAGE working on the Bathroom remodel.  When I return HOME, I'll pick up the vacuum and go to town as they say with cleaning the furniture.  Another Cross Country Meet will take place and I hope to watch it.   

Yesterday, we went to one with 132 High School girls on the Varsity Teams running 5k.  Very tough course.  GRAND placed second!  So proud of her.  Watching the students run the course is enjoyable to me.  Usually the runners are finishing up after 20 minutes and then we leave.  They put in the training and practices and we the spectators get the pleasure of cheering them on.   

St. Louis Grandson has started Cross Country as well as a Freshman and he did well in his race as well.  Placed 7th in his race.  He grew up being a dedicated video game player so I am very pleased he has taken an interest in an out door sport where he is actually using his entire body to get some exercise instead of being semi-conscience in front of the computer screen.

MID-September.  I am needing to walk this week.  I'll be doing it like a SPORT, but at a slower pace and hopefully enjoying the scenery as I go.  The temps are where they should be to assist me in encouraging a pleasant walk.  I believe I will course a trail throughout town to where I change up the challenge some of walking a mile a day.  

NO DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS THIS WEEK.  PTL.  I hope it stays that way.  

So some planting of mums, transplanting Coleus, AUTUMN cleaning and general tidying.  I really need to continue clearing out the garage with this beautiful weather that we are blessed with and WALKING.  The car will get some more work done on it.  Shocks done and more to do.  New tires are in the future plus a wash.

AUTUMN HAS FALLEN and with that leaves will have to be racked and bagged.  That's pretty good exercise isn't it?

~d

KIRBY

KIRBY.  Dead for many years now.  My KIRBY VACUUM died many years ago.  There was no Kirby replacement for me with another KIRBY as they are way too expensive and cost far more than I wanted to spend on a vacuum.  It was well made and ran for close to 30 years with my husband doing a major repair on it one time.  After ir died, I had to get a different brand.

My little BLACK AND DECKER that I have been using for a few years has seen better days.  I had a Kenmore that I used to death before it.  We didn't pitch it, but put it in storage.  We decided that we'd try to get it fixed as there are vacuum repair shops.  Drove over to visit with the repair man and he said if our Kenmore vacuum is over 5 years old he cannot get the parts for it.

Hubby checked on his phone for parts and ordered a part that he thinks will fix it for under $30!  If we get a few more years out of it then wonderful.  If not then I'll fork out the money and get a NEW VACUUM again.

I'm wanting to get tighter with our spending and doing the repairs this way is better use for our mula right now.  

Hubby ordered the vac part over the phone and it will be at our front door in a few days.  Hubby will switch the part out and I pray my vac sucks.  If all else fails I'll be off to Vac shopping again. 

Once the vacuum is working, the upholstered furniture will be treated to a cleaning, then the carpet throughout our COTTAGE.  It needs cleaned terribly bad.

Went to a couple of VINTAGE SHOPS afterwards to look.  Only bought a couple of gorgeous mums for $20.oo  Hubs is talking about digging up some Irises beside the cellar door so he can brick the area for a walking path to the water faucet.  I like the idea of this.  The mums might be planted on the other side of the cellar door.  They are a gorgeous shade of burgundy.  

AUTUMN truly is here.  The landscape is getting so pretty with splashes of color.  I'm never ready for it as I know bitter cold weather isn't far behind, but the AUTUMN DECORATING is getting to me.  I believe I am ready for this part of the season.  Next month I can drive by our old house and think about living there.  I mustn't get sad about it.  My LIFE is here now in this small town America inside our tiny fixer upper COTTAGE where we have no house payment.  That should mean something to an old LADY.

I can't help but day dream about how the COTTAGE will fix up to.  I decorate in my head almost daily.  Cheap entertainment.

After we got HOME from our outing today, I placed a load of towels in the drier, broom swept the kitchen floor and spot cleaned it with a wet cloth.  Nap time came on and I had to sleep so I can make it  through supper and TV night. 

The gut pain I've had for two weeks is finally gone.  Praise the LORD.

I'm getting to one of those MOODS where I want to cut my hair and have it styled.  pause.  Better think about this one.

Cross Country Meet coming and I will be baby sitting my youngest Grandchild.  That will be a hoot.  Hope I can keep up with him.

Hubby's work on the car was a success!  So pleased and so is he.  The car has returned to being a car and not a TANK.  It was no fun bouncing along on the roads with bad shocks.  Our 2006 car has had the same shocks the entire time.  Time to replace.

LIFE IS GOOD,

~d  

WORD SALAD SENIOR MOMENT

I HAD ONE.  We went to the grocery store together and I was struggling with fatigue.  Nothing new.  Sometimes it's worse than other times.  I was dragging and mentioned perhaps it was my medicine I was taking for WATER PRESSURE.  

Water pressure? 

Hubby asked me if this was a new medicine?  Then at that moment I realized that I meant to say BLOOD PRESSURE.  The blood pressure med is blended with diuretic. Somewhere between my brain and mouth a wire got crossed and the words came out like word salad.  Blood pressure meds with a water pill is now water pressure.

After I realized what I said, I smiled then laughed.  I must be losing it.  How many peeps do you know are taking medication for water pressure?  none.  grins.

This time I did not catch my miscommunication.  I THINK I usually catch them when it happens.  I think.  oops.  Not this time.  There will probably be more times of munchin' word salads.   

May you have a blessed week-end.  We're off to go looking for a NEW VACUUM SWEEPER.  Mine has gone Ka-put.  Perhaps I'll be swept off my feet today by finding a great one.

Close to 50 years ago, we bought a KIRBY VACUUM SWEEPER with all the bells and whistles for $400.oo. This was an outrageous price then for one.  OUTRAGEOUS.  It was my valentine gift from my sweetheart.  Not romanic, but practical and very much needed.  Kirby lasted close to 30 years with my hubby once replacing the motor himself.  He priced Kirbys today at $2300 to $2600.  My eyes bugged out.  No Kirby for me and I'm alright with that.  A Kenmore will do.

Interesting things to come.

~d

BLINKING and POOF

THURSDAY ALREADY.  How did that happen?  Blink and it's the week-end.  When I'm busy, the time flies.  

Hubby has plans to work on the car as the shocks have gone haywire.  Driving the car is like driving a small tank.  Tis horrible how bounchy it is.

Pray it is successful and there are no injuries.

I did watch the Presidential DEBATE on Tuesday.  I'm not saying much about it.  Come election day in November, a newly elected President will be selected.  Which ever side wins, we the people are being allowed to experience what the ones in control wants us to.  Who are the ones in control?  Conspiracy Theories a plenty.  I was able to watch the complete debate.  Much to talk about.

ON THE HOME FRONT.  I attempted to vacuum the living room and the vacuum started smoking.  The light on the vacuum showed smoke.  By vacuuming it was stirring up so must dust, I turned it off.  I'll be cleaning the machine in a little bit.  I'm not impressed with this vacuum.  Though it is fairly new, it hasn't done well.  My old vacuum is in storage and I need to find a repair man to see if he can repair it.  The house needs vacuumed so badly.  The importance of keeping it clean is apparent to me.  I have let it go further than I should have.  Gotta get back with it.  

Wednesday came and I was on the go again.  Recounting what I did.  Paperwork gone through.  Went through old newspapers to cut out articles to file.  Hubby loaded our donation boxes and storage boxes into the car.  A trip to the post office to mail some cards and pick up the mail.  Paid the City bill.  Drove to the out of town storage unit to unload some boxes and check on mouse traps.  Drove over to Manhattan on this fine almost AUTUMN DAY.  The trees are turning.  Rolled into town and made a Goodwill drop.  Starbucks Green Tea treat.  It is my reward for being out and about.  Drove across town to the Manhattan Running Company to purchase some runner's socks for one of our Cross Country Grandsons.  Will mail tomorrow.  Target was close by, so we shopped for milk, soy-free eggs (which they didn't have) and paper products.  I rode their cart! We checked out and went to a different grocery store for SOY-FREE eggs.

HY-VEE had them.  Looked for mouse traps.  It was getting late so we ate Chinese at the grocery store.  It was more like a hunger saver.  Ate a few pieces of Orange chicken and noodles.  The veggies were awful.  Sipped on water.  Checked out and drove back to the country storage unit to set out more mouse traps.  Onward to our COTTAGE.

Unloaded and put stuff away.  The day was pleasant and the weather beautiful.  Late Summer days like today bring back memories of my childhood.  The tops of the trees are turning orange.  AUTUMN is here in disagreement with the calendar.  An early AUTUMN.  Not ready as I know cold weather will follow.  Slow this down and take it all in.

Evening closed in and I was tired.  Ready for bed.  Slept til 5 this morning.  Started my day.  I'll need to take a look at the vacuum.  I hope I can fix it.  Will wrap up the runner's socks and get in the mail.  Perhaps I'll walk to the Post Office today to do that.  I'll need to check up on my Mom later as she has a doctor'e appointment today.  Having some visual problems.  Water the porch plants and pick some cherry tomatoes.  This morning, I'm going to put a JACK LALANNE video in and walk through it.  I think his program came on the television about nine in the mornings when I was a kid.  So I'll aim for 9 this morning to watch him.  

I had a thought yesterday about 911.  23 years ago this happened.  I did the math.  I am the age my mother was when this happened.  69.  Doesn't seem possible.  911.  We were living in Manhattan, KS.  Hubby came home from work for lunch and I was sitting on the sofa when he asked me if I had been watching the tv.  I hadn't and he filled me in on what had happened.  STUNNED to say the least.   

He was at the Kansas State University Student Union with the department he worked for when using large tv screens to display something they were promoting when the aircraft crashed into the tower.  Was that suppose to happen?  No. 

Think what you might, but I believe explosives were used inside the structures to assist with the destroying of the the towers.

911.  pause.  

LIFE IS BUT A VAPOR.  Saying my prayers and figuring out what I will attempt to get done today.

God bless,

~d 

SOMEBODY RAN OFF TO GET MARRIED WITHOUT TELLING HER PARENTS OR ANYONE ELSE

THE DRAMA CONTINUES.

WHAT A WEEK.  MY GUT IS HURTING from it.  I believe I will survive though as I have traveled around the sun many times.  The dust has settled.  Granddaughter got married without telling us.  I've had a few days to think about it and the shock has disappeared for now.  

My gut has been causing me some issues since we heard the news from my son that his daughter told her mom she was getting married in three days and by the way you are not invited.  I do believe his daughter is a drama queen and into shocking her parents for all kinds of twisted reasons she has created. 

I was nauseated and uncomfortable as we rode the highway to go to appointments, but the weather couldn't have been more beautiful.  Think I had better eat yogurt.  Diverticulitis flare up?  I really believe that the news we received two weeks ago was the culprit for this irritated gut.  The drama continues.

Now, I know that our 22 year old granddaughter is old enough to get married, but it was the way she did it that was so hurtful.  When this granddaughter told her mom that she was getting married in three days and by the way you are not invited and dad does not deserve to give me away, it hurt loved ones like her folks.  The three days came and went with no wedding taking place.  THEN a week later they married without telling their folks the day they would marry and announced it on FACEBOOK.  Tadaah, we're married.  Imagine reading about it on FACEBOOK.

I have not been told anything by her.  Nothing.  I will not be reaching out to her about getting married until she actually says something to me.  I believe it is her place to be the one to tell me she is married.  Her other grandma called her telling her she felt left out.

As a Grandma, at first when my son told me about what his daughter was going to do, I was a bit stunned.  Now they have actually married.  The dust has settled and truthfully she is by all means married.  

She's a MRS.  Her husband is an only child and as far as I know he did not tell his parents that he got married.  sad.  I can't even imagine the hurt his mother is going to feel.

Are these grown children into deliberately dishing out shock for effect and attention?  My granddaughter has talked about having a beautiful wedding since her youth.  Now she has gone a different direction.  She's an adult and it is her prerogative to change her mind.

I see a rocky road ahead of them with their in-laws.  Grand does not get along with her husband's mother at all and now the groom does not get along with his father-in-law.  The groom has not so much as talked to his father-in-law or shown his face to him about marrying his daughter.

Even though the granddaughter is a adult, my son would have appreciated if the groom had visited with him about his intentions of marrying his daughter.  Nothing.  Future Holidays and get togethers will be something else if there are any. 

The relationships between adult children and parents are not where they should be.  My daughter.in.law is broken hearted as she had planned on giving her daughter a beautiful wedding someday and my son is upset because he was denied walking her down the aisle to give her away.  

I've gotten use to the idea that she is married, but believe it is the granddaughter's place to inform me that she is married.  My husband is upset with how this has gone.  

Many eloped in years past and the news of getting married came after the deed was done later.  Lots have married in a NEVADA Chapel by Elvis impersonators.  It happens.  My mother.in.law eloped with my father.in.law back in the day in New Mexico because they allowed underaged girls to marry without parental consent.  They remained married over 65 years I think it was.   Sometimes couples get married in small ceremonies and have a reception afterwards.  Perhaps this will happen.  

With a grown granddaughter not saying a word about marriage to both sets of grandparents, what are they thinking?  I guess it's what they wanted.  I believe I will live and accept that their marriage is what it is.  To read about them getting married on FACEBOOK where I was not told in person, received a letter or given a phone call is disappointing to me.  I'm the grandmother.  My heart breaks for my son and daughter.in.law.  

The married couple will have to stand on their own two feet and I don't see that happening as they are making plans to move in with his grandmother who's relocating from Texas.  They are going to split the rent with her.  She'll get the rental house and they will move in together all three of them.  Not a healthy arrangement for newly weds starting out.  They will be one little family when I think they should be just a couple together in the privacy of their own place building their marriage and estate of their own.  

Many live as a married couple within one household with other family members and I am not saying it shouldn't be done, but the groom will depend on his grandmother to pay his bills.  Not adulting at all.  

I was raised to marry who I wanted and I did, but there should be preparations about what to look for in a spouse when in grade school having seeds of wisdom planted along the way.  My mother told me that you cannot live on love alone.  True.  In the real world there are bills to pay and taking responsibility for one's actions.  Having to take ownership of our actions AND mistakes.  Some do not heed godly counsel no matter how gentle is was given in the beginning.  My grand has not embraced godly counsel.  She will have a rocky road to travel.  It's hard to kick against the pricks as the Bible says.

It's their marriage and I can pray, but the newly weds will have consequences to their actions that they cannot escape.  No hiding from this one.  Now to focus on my own marriage in the COTTAGE.  

Being stunned about them marrying is over.  Love goes a long ways, but the young couple will have relationships to mend.  I don't see that happening knowing their personalities unless they significantly change.

🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡🏡

MONDAY, WE HAD TWO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS IN DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES.  Early morning to MANHATTAN for Hubby's labs and off to TOPEKA for a sonogram.  We drove through St. Mary's for an early lunch at SUGAR CREEK.  Broccoli and cheese soup with unhealthy crackers. 

Quick trip to TOPEKA to a medical appointment then we went to GOD'S STOREHOUSE and a grocery store for fresh produce.  A peaceful drive HOME to unload.  I cleared out old produce out of the veggie/fruit fridge and placed the fresh produce in it.  We have groceries for a good week or more.  Incorporating more veggies in our diet will continue.

It wasn't Senior Discount Day at the storehouse, but I couldn't resist two Blue Willow chop plates and 2 cereal bowls that match my set.  An old Depression Federal glass Madrid pattern dinner plate was picked up.  A pair of blue jeans for me and an $2.50 old pair of costume earrings.  

Then there was a THANKSGIVING TURKEY candy container with lid for $1.oo.  Thanksgiving time to follow and I will have a glass turkey to maybe place cranberry sauce in.  Checked these out and they go for $30 so a dollar is a win.  Spending was low.  I have not stayed with NO spending...just low.

With September here, it's time to deep clean as I prepare for the HOLIDAYS.  I am deep cleaning our little Parlour.  The vacuum will come out and work over the upholstered furniture.  This small COTTAGE has a great deal of Kansas dust in it.  Not sure why there is so much.  Lots of dusting has to take place to keep this HOME tidy.  It will be awesome to have this room fresh and clean.  Amen.

Another load of donation stuff is ready for give away!  That's great.  With having experienced so many deaths of friends and family, it has helped me to not be so attached to certain things.  Life is short.  Enjoy to the fullest.  I am running at turning loose of things faster so I can enjoy a decluttered HOME.  It is what I am aiming for.

BLESSINGS and all the best,

~d

TUESDAY DEBATES WITH A HEAD IN THE SAND

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES.  I watched the debates when living in this COTTAGE before with TRUMP and CLINTON debating issues.  Now, it is TRUMP and HARRIS.  Many will be watching I'm sure.  POPCORN and the debate.  

AFTER the November elections, we will have a newly elected president and the one elected may not be who you wanted.  One way or the other, we as the American people will need to carry on.  I do not see it as the end of the world.  

I haven't hid my head in the sand about politics, but knowing me I cannot get completely consumed with this theatre.  Staying BALANCED requires an effort from me.  I'm old enough to know that one way or the other after election, there will be a different President than Biden.  It'll either be Trump or Harris.  

If a civil war breaks out...I pray we have unity.

~d

AN EASY SOLUTION TO DECLUTTERING

DECLUTTERING.  More to do.  I'M DOING THIS and have been doing this for sometime.  GRAB A LARGE CARDBOARD BOX and start loading it with donation items.  After deciding which items to keep for now, if there are no strong attachments to items then donate them or give away.  No emotions needed.  Sentimental items are a different ballgame.  Decluttering is still possible.  Getting the EMOTIONS out of the way helps.  Take pictures for recall and stay with the decluttering until it is complete.

If the items have great value to them, of course you should take that into account and sell.

If you have to take a break while decluttering, do.  An easy solution to decluttering is...just do it.

AND AWAY I CONTINUE.

THIS WEEK, we have two medical appointments scheduled and a sporting event.  FREE TIME...I have hopes of going out to the garage and taking a serious look at what is out there.  I believe the easiest way to make a dent in the mess is to go looking for TOYS that can be washed and sanitized then transferred to a storage tub that is waiting for a young grandson to play with.

Later in AUTUMN, the youngest Grandson will come to our COTTAGE once a week to spend time with me and we'll call it PRE-SCHOOL.  The TOYS will be waiting.  

I'm guessing what is in the garage.  I should get a good look, stop and take a mental note.  WHAT'S GONNA GO?  SHALL SEE.  

I believe that I have improved on having NO EMOTION on getting rid of clutter.  I admit that I have struggled before with turning loose of clutter.  The noise in my head about selling these things rumbles at times.  Then I have to reassure myself that if I did sell this stuff it wouldn't make much.  I can count the loss and say it was better to get into the comfort zone faster than hanging onto the stuff being charged for storing it.

When I am HOME, it is better to locate things to donate to thrift and place things in a cardboard box.  This week I will continue doing this and turn loose of it.  TIS SEPTEMBER and we're going on ten months of living here.  When I get to the month of OCTOBER at Halloween, I will allow myself to drive by our old house in a different community.  I heard that the new owners had put a metal fence around the property.

I will have accomplished a goal of having stayed away a year from that house.  It will be strange, but I want to do this.  I have been faithful to staying away.

FAUX PUMPKINS are popping up in the stores.  Time to get my decor out and become AUTUMNIZED.  The flag banners on the windows can come down this week and pumpkins placed outside. 

AUTUMN is in the air.  Sunday, October 22, 24.  13 days and counting! 

~d

How to Make the Best Fried Green Tomatoes | Allrecipes.com

DEAD TIRED and DEALING WITH BEING OVER WEIGHT

MAKING PLANS TO WATCH A GOOD MOVIE TONIGHT.  THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN.  Starring Robert Redford. 

DO NOT KNOW ALL OF THE REASONS SOME CHOOSE TO LIVE A LIFE OF CRIME.  In this movie it shows the life of Forest Tucker, a career criminal and prison escape artist.  Mister Redford did a fine job as Forest.

Woke up from a 2 hour nap this afternoon.  Too tired to do anything.  Not going to get done what I had planned.  TOO TIRED.  Change of plans.  Will return to everyday living tomorrow.  My computer is on the fritz and until it is fixed, I will use my Hubby's which I cannot download pictures from my camera.  My son suggests making an appointment with an APPLE STORE to have them discover what is wrong with my laptop.  She's about 8 years old and it's time for a check-up.    

Long drive to St. Louis on Tuesday.  So many trucks on the highway.  Safe trip.  This week was spent with family in St. Louis, watching a grandson run his first High School cross country event coming in 11th, visiting Historic St. Charles, watched a movie, watched Kansas City Chiefs Football.  We drove HOME after late so we'd be back in our neighborhood to go to another Cross Country Meet in Kansas on Saturday morning.  Granddaughter came in first place achieving her Personal Best.     

After seeing pics of my big body at the Cross Country Meet, I just about cried at how large I truly am.  I'm beginning to wonder if my body is shutting down on me.   

Busy and exciting week.  I was dragging when we returned HOME on Friday night.  Rolled up to the COTTAGE at 1 AM.  Needless to say, I AM EXTREMELY TIRED AND TOOK A NAP in my recliner after the Saturday event.  I can tell I have changed as an older woman where I cannot keep up.  I am no longer young.  

Tonight will be a slow paced night and that's alright.  Tomorrow will come and it'll be back to doing the laundry, walking, etc. 

~d 

COMING UNHINGED and CAUSING PROBLEMS

MERCY SAKES.  TIME GETS AWAY FROM ME.  Into the month of September.  Beautiful September.  Yard work will pick up this month as the temps cool off some.

Made plans for how we're going to proceed in all of this mess.  Yellow mums are in the round containers on the porch!  That's good and they look gorgeous.   

I came unhinged looking at our back yard.  It's in need of mowing again, edging and the overgrown grass is out of control in the flower beds.  It is absolutely tacky and unkept.  With cataract surgeries in March plus healing in April, flu in May, Co v id in July, I failed to get things done.  Hubby's foot injury made things come to a pause.  He's feeling better and I hope to be.  We may have to hire someone to do the work if we keep falling behind. 

With the weather cooling off, it will be better working conditions to do yard work in.  It weighs heavily on me with so much needing done.  It's not the end of the world, but having messes around me that I am responsible for and not getting taken care of raises my blood pressure.  I know it does.  Even with knowing it takes time, but not getting it done... bugs me.  Having to get through it is difficult on my nerves.  

With so many projects being worked on, I'm looking for short cuts to get through this time in our lives.  Priorities are needed with taking deeper breathes so I don't stay unhinged and frustrated.  This period of what we are doing about getting downsized, better organized, and staying on top of home things is ongoing.  I have to relax about it all, but still work.

I finally talked Hubby into us using paper plates, throw away cups and utensils while we are working at getting the house remodeled.  I have very limited energy and I wear out incredibly easy.  Seeing dirty dishes in the sink does not get me excited.  Instead a heaviness comes on me and I get further drained than I already am.

My energy needs to be used at getting other things done besides hand washing dishes, glasses, pots 'n pans, utensils.  I don't have to feel guilty that I am using paper and plastic products to help lift the load of housework while remodeling.  I think we need to eat lighter meals such as soups, salads and sandwiches and maybe have a huge meal one day a week instead of having the meals that take hours to prepare and clean-up.  It's one way of helping.

Having a healthy balance is necessary.  TRUTH.  Also when not well, there has got to be some tricks up my sleeves to get things done.  Short cuts in assisting the way.

We finished clearing out one of the storage units we had rented and returned the key to the owner.  Made progress.  It was work to make this happen, but we stuck with it and got this taken care of.  We rented this unit close to a year ago.  We have to pace ourselves and continue making progress on all of this.  

TODAY, I will do some laundry, wash dishes, fix easy meals, shuffle some stuff about.  It'll make a difference.  

I've got to wrap up a Japanese Tea Set to give it to my St. Louis Son.  He's really big in being cultural, so I thought just maybe this would be something he'd like having.  I could be wrong and if I am, it doesn't matter.  I'll find someone else who would appreciate this great craftsmanship.

Continuing to gather things to donate.  Eventually, we will have a slimmed down environment and be functioning in a better way.  Down sized.  Right now, it's a hot mess. 

LORD WILLING THIS AUTUMN, the bathroom will be completely finished.  It has drug out for way too long.  
The CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS in the cellar will be gone through and thinned out.
The SHE SHED will be cleared out and the Victorian Bedroom set up.
The TV room made.
AND the front Bedroom set up. 
This all HAS to be done before CHRISTMAS. CHRISTMAS!  

One way to simplify CHRISTMAS, is to celebrate JESUS.  I agree.  Getting all worked up about this HOLIDAY causes so much stress and anguish.  I don't believe the LORD wants that for us.  The celebration shouldn't be a headache, but a joyous occasion.

I'm aiming for scaled down decorating, gift giving and baking.  I can do this.  I have had to fight inner demons to get to this place.  I know in my head that I should simplify, but in my real world there is a war going on to accomplish a simplistic environment.  DOn't sweat the small things has not been achieved.  It is a work out for me to simplify.  How much of this is a bad case of attitude? 

Each and every day I HAVE TO work on House and Garden projects so we have a comfortable place to call HOME and live.  Trying like heck to keep my cool and not fall apart.

I've had a tendency to get worked up and it causes peace problems within.  Still learning to do LIFE differently in a better way.  Lord help and I have to apply myself.

~d