WHAT A DAY I HAD IN BARGAINSVILLE

YESTERDAY, I hit the jackpot on bargains.  I made the mistake of going to HOBBY LOBBY where I discovered they had 80% off on all CHRISTMAS DECOR.  Just right for my retirement BUDGET.  This was a happy accident as I hit the jackpot on CHRISTMAS TREES. I didn't go there for a new tree, but left with two 7.5 feet artificial CHRISTMAS TREES.  One flocked and one plain with changing colored lights.  Oh my.  

Before pulling a ticket to take to the check-out, I stopped myself first by asking, "Deanna, are you on a spending spree or what?"  Then I asked an employee if the price was correct on the sales tags.  She told me everything is 80% off including the trees.  My eyes bugged out.  80%?  I can do 80%.

I've been wanting a new tree, but not at $549.98 or so.  Two cents off of $550.oo  When a beautiful 7.5 feet tall, flocked Christmas tree with hinged branches and lights are included priced at $89.oo, I couldn't walk away.  I had the money.  There were two trees that caught my eye. THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN goes shopping!  Making the money go further.  Amen.
🎨 Finding my Husband in the 🖌 art supplies, I told him about the trees.  Together we went to look at the treasures.  He said, "Yes."

Both of them?  I splurged and we bought them, but not before I picked up some decorations for my front porch 2026 decorations.  I have a vision of what I'd like to do that I saw in Sapulpa, Oklahoma in 2024.  

Frosted garland with large crystal looking gems, snowflakes, frosted pinecones and lights so the garland will be illuminated. Maybe some small reindeer.  When I saw the jumbo gems at the CHRISTMAS CHUTES in Sapulpa, I had wondered where on earth did the person who put this display together ever get jumbo gems and left it at that THEN I saw some at Hob Lob.  Bingo and away I went.  I coveted this look for over a year keeping it on the back burner. 

I may go back and pick up some more gems as I will be displaying garland around the two front doors as well as the porch rails and spandrels.  Better safe than sorry.

I thought this look would be beautiful as a WINTER WONDERLAND affect.  I may see if we can make some large snowflakes to dangle from the porch and polar bears to stand in the front yard.  Shall see.  I may be too ambitious for an old Lady.

Life is for the living and I believe we should enjoy good clean fun, 
so let the decorating begin.

Get items organized for storing and when needing to pull the things out to use,
it will be easier because the treasures are organized.

Walking into the New Year
and may I walk in wisdom.

~d

PEKING POT ROAST FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

POT ROAST!  End of the year MEAL for New Year's Eve.  I'll need to travel to Manhattan, KS this afternoon to get a pot roast (chuck) to fix for New Year's EVE.  I'll marinade it tonight in the fridge with vinegar, garlic and onion then before cooking it on New Year's Eve I'll pour off the vinegar adding 2 cups strong coffee plus 2 cups water.  Heloise's PEKING POT ROAST. 

Before leaving, I'll check my refrigerated fruits and vegetables to make sure I'm stocked up for the new year to come.  Day one on January 1st I will need plenty of the correct foods to eat for the Daniel Diet.  I will eat legumes, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables.

A much earlier post shares about Heloise's PEKING POT ROAST.  Remember Heloise? https://homehavenministry.blogspot.com/2013/09/hello-heloise.html

SINCE I'll be on the Daniel Diet for at least 21 days, I believe a POT ROAST MEAL will be a good send off for me before I fast from meat, dairy, and grains.  I'll be staying away from restaurants and fast food restaurants.  I will need to detox from these and that means staying away from them as best I can.

The month of January has a granddaughter's birthday meal and a granddaughter's Baby Shower. How will I survive?  I can take a small salad for one, but how will I escape cake?  This will be a true test avoiding cake.  Hope they have a veggie tray.  Perhaps I'll take a baggy of raw veggies to snack on so I am eating when the other guest are.

I'm trying to avoid getting into this trap.

I'll be able to have SMOOTHIES made with ALMOND MILK instead of cow's milk and yogurt on this Daniel Diet.  

Substituting will be a part of this diet.

All these foods are doable while on the Daniel Diet.

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I want to take time out during this new year to watch videos about preparing meals I have no knowledge about that are leaning toward no carbs, no dairy, no sugars or grains.  Annette Reeder comes to mind.  

In the middle of January the Public Library is going to sponsor a 2 hour seminar about canning. I might go to this.  

I'll be checking into a grocery stores Nutritionalist and see what they have to say about nutrition. I'd really like to go to some health food stores presentations which are free.  I believe I need a refresher course of some type to improve my skills.

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On MONDAY, I had a YAG procedure on my right eye to hopefully fix the complications I have from the 2024 Cataract surgeries.  I've prayed this procedure improves my vision.  I was nervous, but think I got through it alright.  Afterwards I wore sunglasses and went to lunch with my driver, Hubby.  He wanted Chinese, so he got it.  Then we went to GOD'S STOREHOUSE.  Pick up a GAP vest jacket for Junior and two pairs of sweatpants.  Bargains.  A miniature doll was bought and a pair of earrings for oui.  TODAY, I've laundered the clothing for Junior and all washed up super.

On our way HOME, we stopped off at FLORENCE ADAMS in St. Marys for their CHRISTMAS sale.  Two beautiful CHRISTMAS greenery sprigs with pinecones, some red & white mailing string and a SPODE Christmas ornament for 50% off were my spoils for the day.  

HOMEWARD BOUND.  

Got HOME and rested.  Watched a very good movie, the 2023 drama THE LONG GAME with Dennis Quaid.  Super good movie with a good storyline based on a true story.  Well worth watching.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Game_(film)

Slept through the night and woke extremely tired.  I think the eye procedure wore me out.  I've got to get around and get on with this day.  Smile and seize the day.  Here's to LIFE.

To GOD be the glory, great things HE hath done,

~d 

 

GETTING MY EYE ZAPPED ON MONDAY AND SLOW LIVING

RANT?  SHORTLY AFTER I HAD CATARACT SURGERY IN MARCH OF 2024, my vision started getting worse then when I had cataracts.  Some call it second cataracts, but this condition is not second cataracts, but something else.  PCO.  The doc told me about this which I hadn't heard of before.  It's common.  Others I know have not had problems like this.  hum.

My Mom, Dad, Brother and Father-in-law all had cataract surgeries and they didn't develop PCO, so it makes me wonder if there replacement lenses were made of a different material with better results or they had more skilled surgeons.  Have I had too much blue light causing issues that haven't been talked about? 

Anywho, YAG procedures will be done on my eye December 29th and on the other one in February sometime.  I rescheduled before due to head cold.  Trying to play it safe.  Prayers for successful zapping.  Then in January, a bump inside my mouth will be looked at by a ENT doc.  

Never a dull moment.  FAT UPPER LIP.  I have a fat upper lip from a reaction to an antibiotic I was taking.  Gosh, when it rains it pours.  I will be eating yogurt this week as a help dealing with good gut health.  Antibiotics do a number on the gut. Called the on duty medical doctor as my lip puffed up and a blister began to form.  AMOX/CLAV POTASSIUM has done a number on me. Took some Benadryl which helped. 

I know my body is aging, but I'd like to age full of grace and be as healthy as possible.  

I started walking again on Saturday as the weather was gorgeous in the 60s. Walked a mile at the track and felt great about it.  Sunday, the cold winter winds are blowing with lower temps.  No walking today.  I'll continue in a few days as we receive another wave of warmth.  WINTER is definitely here.  Remember that we are one day closer to SPRING and this is a boost.

Sipping Ginger and Lemon Tea.  Pretty good.  A first for me. 

TODAY, Baker ~d has plans of fixing FOOL PROOF FUDGE and chocolate covered pretzel rods. I will have honored making my Holiday Treats then in the New Year, I will be doing the Daniel Diet in hopes of getting healthier.  No grains, no sugar, no animal products like meat, eggs and dairy.  Here I go again.   

I'll start a BIBLE STUDY at HOME and do posts about prayer in 2026.  When going through boxes, I found a very old book with different prayers and a booklet for Mothers that my Mom received when I was born.  My heart smiled.  I'm 70 so the booklet is as old.  Sweet prayers and poems about Motherhood.  

I'd like to turn loose of some of my BAD HABITS and mindsets plus behavior.  I'll be turning my back on much concerning lifestyle in this rat race world.  I don't want to be the modern woman at 70.  Deliberate slow down and slow living.  Leaning on the LORD JESUS and slowing down. Deliberately turning loose of rushing around.  Resting more and deliberately sitting at HIS FEET leaning against HIM in prayer, thought and behavior.  Turning loose of so much.

Here's to getting zapped and slow living,

~d

NOT MUCH TO PUT AWAY

THIS YEAR THERE ISN'T MUCH TO PUT AWAY CONCERNING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.  A few Santas, a miniature Christmas tree, some greenery, a few nick-knacks.  The door wreaths will probably stay on the doors until the end of January then Sweetheart wreaths will be out.  I think this WINTER I will hang a Valentine's Banner above the Dining room windows.  💕

DOWN TO HOME BUSINESS.  

DEEP CLEANING will kick in during the cold months at the COTTAGE.  Some cleaning tasks every day.  I'll make progress and get caught up.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I have my hands full trying to figure out where to put our everyday boxes for everyday living.  The month of January will hopefully be the month that the COTTAGE shapes up and pray-tell there will be nothing just sitting about to stumble on.  This has to take place for living in this small space.  A place for everything and everything in its place.  I dream of the day.

SHAMEFUL.  I fell behind on the laundry this month, so before the New Year rings in, I will be the laundry Lady around here or the wash woman as some say.  I'll take tips.  grins.  The fronts of the Kitchen cabinets will be polished before the bells toll at midnight ringing in a new year. 

I once heard that what you are doing on New Year's Eve is what you'll be doing the rest of your life.  Not sure I agree.   

I am ashamed of myself for not keeping up with the house work even when ill.  That's too rigid and grace has got to abound.  My New Year's resolution is...to be a better housekeeper!  AINT THAT EXCITIN'?  Shall I have fun with all of this?  More music will be heard throughout the house to add some joy while doing tasks.  We must make our own HAPPINESS while housekeeping as it is a HOME BLESSING. 

Who came up with the saying that cleanliness is next to godliness? 

"Cleanliness is next to godliness" is a popular proverb meaning physical and moral purity are closely linked, though it's not from the Bible; it was popularized by John Wesley in 1791 to stress spiritual purity through tidiness, with similar ideas appearing in older religious texts connecting bodily cleanliness to reverence for God. It emphasizes that being clean is a virtue, reflecting inner goodness and respect for the divine, even as Jesus taught inner holiness is paramount over mere outward ritual.

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  Getting our HOME in order is a priority for me.  Decluttering is a must.  Cleanliness is a desire.  Every day, I will work on this a little at a time.  Surely I will make progress.

  
  

  

  
  

  I believe we can make goals and work toward reaching them.  I may be slow, but I'm in motion.  

  Amen,

  ~d

HEADED TOWARD 2026

BLINKING MY EYES and realizing that a new calendar year is coming our way breaks the silence that another year is ending as a new one comes forth.  The week between Christmas and New Year's is a time to tie up loose ends.  

NO fudge was made nor were pretzel rods covered in white chocolate before Christmas.  I managed to get HUBBY's birthday cake fixed in time for his birthday and he made some chocolate covered pretzel ties and together we dipped stuffed Oreo cookies into white chocolate. Enough sweets really, but I had it on my agenda for some fudge and pretzel rods.

Over the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, we celebrated my HUBBY's 71st birthday by eating lunch at GAMBINO'S PIZZA as a gift from our Oklahoma Family and with birthday wishes, some gifts and birthday cake on Christmas EVE at our Kansas Family's home. 

December 24th.  Blowing out the birthday candles with a smile on his face was a cinch for him this year as he was eager to eat some of his favorite kind of cake, German Chocolate.  

CHRISTMAS morning was filled with excitement by our 4 year old grandson being ready to open presents in front of the Christmas Tree. Spent time with Lil Miss who is in College these days and our family. CHRISTMAS morning came with a delicious breakfast and conversation.  Ended the day with a couple of movies and popcorn.  

CHRISTMAS without CHRIST isn't really CHRISTMAS, but a very secular season.  So I mustn't ever forget that Jesus is the reason for the season.  Because of HIM, I can rejoice and sing HIS praises.

Happy Birthday, JESUS.  You are the reason to truly celebrate.  

In THE KANSAS FLINT HILLS, the fog was thick and seemed magical as I looked out across their front yard that spreads toward some hills off in the distance.

CHRISTMAS DAY weather was a FOGGY one like none I've seen before. The landscape was gorgeous to see fog fill the air. 

The day ended as we slept then woke to time on their front porch before eating eggs and bacon for breakfast.  Later, I drank hot tea to chat with. We spent two nights with them then headed HOME.  

Twas warm enough for the lil guy to go without a shirt and go barefooted.  During the month of December in Kansas, it is usually way too cold to stand outside on the porch barefooted, but we did.  Temps were Spring-like.  It seemed like we were back in Houston, Texas this year when the winters were mild.  No snow.  Pleasant weather for Kansas this Holiday.  Truly pleasant enough to go for long walks and work in the yard.   

His Birthday has passed.  CHRISTMAS is over, the shopping finished, cards and gifts taken care of.  The after CHRISTMAS sales are taking place.  

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

 

Counting my blessings and thanking my LORD for the gifts HE gives to HIS children, HIS love and direction.  I did not get all the baking done in time for celebrating this year, but I did not forget to tell GOD thank you for the many blessings to us.  Truly, HE has been so good and wonderful. HBJ.  

Overflow activities will take place this week.  I will allow myself to nibble on fudge and pretzels.  THEN, I will permit myself to NOT EAT sweets for at least a month starting on January 1st.  I will walk my miles and declutter STUFF.  Making a schedule like I were in High School again to have planned activities on such and such days will take place.  

On the HOME FRONT before the chilly weather returns on MONDAY, Hubby is continuing to work on the COTTAGE porch.  Tis coming along. Love the way it is turning out.  He installed the skirt on the porch and prime was painted on it.  There's more painting to do.  PAT HIM ON THE BACK.  The ceiling will be sanded and painted HAUNT BLUE and a new hanging light will go up when warmer weather comes.

We shall see a finished product in early 2026?  After finishing the COTTAGE's bathroom during the year of 2025, he started on the porch tearing out the old porch in September, rebuilding the porch's stone foundation and rebuilding the entire porch with spindles, stairs and rails.

2026.  Walking will return.  Mindful eating will return.  Cleaning the COTTAGE will return.  Hobbies will be welcomed.  Writing will return. ETC.  I will allow myself TIME for the disciplined things and the fun things.  I will enjoy my LIFE and spend TIME in prayer and meditating on GOD's healthy WORD.

Here's to 2026.  Come what may, I pray to grow healthier in every way.

~d

MIDDLE OF THE WEEK MESSAGE

CHRISTMAS EVE IS MY HUSBAND'S BIRTHDAY.  He's turning 71. 

Happy Birthday!  This year flew right on by.  When he turned 70, I was in disbelief of it.  Now 71.  The year flew.  We're shaking our heads.  

Where did it go???

Praying this will be a blessed year.

Happy Birthday!

LOVE YOU,

~d

Dear FRIENDS,

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

THE FLU BUG STRUCK. PAUSE.

Monday MORNING WAS AN ACTIVE ONE.  I had rescheduling to do for an eye appointment as I have no business having an eye zapped with a laser when having a head cold. Still coughing.  Next week will hopefully be a different story and I can get started on improving my eyesight.  Praying about this.

Truthfully, I did not want to go back to Manhattan today as I was just there yesterday, BUT it looks like I need to go to the Pharmacy in a different community, do a return on a calendar book, go to a different store for a different calendar book AND what else?  A at-home co vid test.  Some frosting in a tub for Hubby's Birthday Cake and some nice THANK YOU cards.  Don't forget the bank.

This morning was busy with the rescheduling and writing out bills.  Hubby went to town to drop off some mail, pick up some mail, drop off the city bill, pay our COTTAGE TAXES at the Court House, gas the car and check it over for travel.  

Today, I want to finish up the Christmas Cards for family, write a letter to my Alaskan girl friend and a letter with pics to my Mom.  I am running further behind than I'm proud of, but hopefully I will be done with this tonight.  Hopefully.  

On Sunday, I purchased some tiny, unpainted nutcrackers from Menards that were discounted. I hesitated, but then decided I was going to get them as I start to collect miniatures.  I saw the cutest pics of miniatures with dolls and thought this is something I'd like to try to create for myself.  SOOOO...here I go on an adventure in 2026.  I like taking pictures and creating sceneries will be interesting.  

CHRISTMAS MUSIC CDs.  I've checked two Walgreens, three Walmarts, BEST BUY, Target, Dollar General, Dollar Tree.  humph.  Pop goes the weasel.  No luck.  Will check God's Storehouse and maybe some record shops.  UPDATE.  Hit the JACK POT at Manhattan's GOODWILL.  Left with $2.50 CHRISTMAS CDs.  

BAKING PLANS IN THE WORKS.  Planning on making some white chocolate covered pretzels and FOOL PROOF FUDGE and a birthday cake tomorrow.

This afternoon, I needed to make a quick trip to Manhattan to return Calendar Book.  Paper pages are way too thin.  Will order one from the internet.  After cleaning out the fridge of stinky greens, I need to replace what I threw away with fresh produce for salad friendly meals.  My quick trip turned into a five hour errand day.  Pharmacy, Dollar tree, Goodwill just because, Target to return calendar book, Walmart stop to see if they had calendar books and pick up frosting,  HyVee Grocery store for greens.  While there, Hubby phoned me and shared that he got sick and was vomiting.  Not good.  7-up, crackers, Jello and HOME co vid/flu kit added to cart. Went through WENDY's drive through for a Jr. Bacon Cheese Burger as I knew Hubby will not be up to supper.  

When I got HOME, I unloaded my spoils and checked on HUBBY.  Fed him JELLO, 7-up and soda crackers.  We both took a co vid/flu test.  Both are negative.  Cleaning the bathroom will take place and daily switching out hand towels is a must.  Which reminds me, I will need to replace our tooth brushes and sanitize the door knobs, light switches and phones.

I have plans of going to QUEST for labs to check A1c on Tuesday.  Shall see how I'm feeling in the morning. I'm tellin' ya, I don't think my COTTAGE will ever get put into order.  Just saying. Lord help me, please and thank you.  Not much I can do about this, but to sneak in clean-up when I can.

Back to nursing an ill HUBBY.  Praying he gets to feeling better right away.  His 71st Birthday is on Christmas Eve.  Being sick especially on his birthday isn't good.  HE JOKES BY SAYING, he spent his first Christmas in the hospital.

On a better note, he has made huge progress on our porch.  It's looking so cute like a well taken care of COTTAGE should.  Pics later.

I decided that I am alright with having my small Christmas tree with fairy lights.  No garland hanging this year.  No outdoor lights or decorations except door wreaths.  This is a very simple CHRISTMAS at the COTTAGE.  Thoughts are on CHRIST as a   sweet baby.

~d

FIRST DAY OF WINTER

I WAS TALKING ABOUT HOW MY HUSBAND'S BIRTHDAY AND CHRISTMAS HAS SNUCK UP ON ME THIS YEAR.  Then the First Day of Winter was mentioned on Sunday and it made me pause for a moment.  It's the First Day of Winter?  Sure is.

When we were out on Sunday afternoon running about, I didn't think about it at all.  It wasn't until we were HOME relaxing for the night that we talked about it.  

WINTER.  

Temp was in the 40s while we were shopping.  Really a nice day for the start of winter.  Ran some errands and had a bite to eat, shopped and looked at some CHRISTMAS lights.  A very pleasant day for us.  When we got HOME, I was ready to rest and watch a CHRISTMAS movie.  The 1983 movie classic, A CHRISTMAS STORY.  A fun movie for me which brings back good memories of my youth. 

This WINTER has begun with a pleasant day with thoughts of what I hope to get done during the cold days of January.  One day closer to SPRING helps get me through the season.  I'm not looking forward to the Christmas decorations and lights disappearing.  This has flashed by entirely too quick.  I need to slow down and listen to CHRISTMAS music.  

We went looking for CDs of CHRISTMAS music and the stores have stopped selling them. Seems odd to me.  No more CDs.  I had boxed our's up in boxes earlier to make room in the TV room while we're decluttering.  I'd best save my CDs of music.  Another thing of the past that I am not ready to turn loose of.

Happy First Day of WINTER and Merry Christmas, 

~d   

Anne Wilson, Josh Turner - The Manger (Official Music Video)

Welsh baritone Cai Thomas (18) sings O Holy Night | live at Maggie’s Chr...

WHAT AN HONOR

THE CHRISTMAS WREATHS ARE ON THE FRONT DOORS.  Simplicity at its best.  I will take some pics later.  I at least got them hung before CHRISTMAS.  This CHRISTMAS will be very, very simple and I am getting use to the idea.  Merry Christmas.  May those who don't know the LORD and are not saved, I pray that they receive the greatest gift of all, Jesus's salvation in the born again experience.  Amen.

I watched a movie this evening where it was shared that we are not to solve all the problems of the world, but we are to lead others to CHRIST.  This made a great deal of sense to me.  I embraced this.  

My energy level was very low so I took the day very easy.  Phoned my Mother and thanked her for the beautiful Christmas card and Christmas gift.  I want to talk to her her often as she is 93 years old.  

I received a phone call from a loved one telling me they are going to be a GRAND PARENT which will make me a GREAT GRANDMA.  If all goes well, in 2026 there will be two precious babies born making me a GREAT GRANDMA.  Two!  

More to pray about and what an honor.

~d  

YOU'RE GONNA START WHEN?

WHEN TO START?  Whether it's starting a new diet, different exercise programs, changing habits, saving money, going to church more, eating less, etc., when do you start?  On Monday morning?  After the HOLIDAYS?  The start of the month or at the end of it?  Hitting a certain age and declaring NOW is the time!  Or do you put this all to the side and embrace the NOW.  Right now.  This very moment and it doesn't matter that it's the middle of the week in the dead of winter.  Start now.  Stay the course.

Rewiring the way you think may take some time, but I know it takes practice to change habits. Retraining takes place.  Something new may be very uncomfortable for you, but stay the course. I gave up soda a long time ago and don't miss it these days, so I know I can change.  28 years ago I drank my last Pepsi, Coke, Dr. Pepper.  It was extremely difficult for me when I first stopped.  I wanted to crack and drink pop at the movie theatre when on a date with my Husband, but I didn't.  I talked myself out of the desire and the desire passed.  So I know it can be done.  Getting there is a different story.

I have gone through phases wanting to change my diet before where I do well for a time and then I flop.  This challenge has been hard. Snacking in the evenings is an ongoing torment.  I need to rewire my thinking and instead of grabbing a piece of starchy bread or a piece of sugary candy, go for a sweet tasting DATE and fix a cup of HOT CINNAMON SUNSET TEA to sip on.  

The date would curb the sweet tooth and so would the tea.  Low calories and nutritious.  I have to train myself to do this instead of practicing the bad habit of reaching for the wrong kind of snack.  Snacking can be a very bad habit to have. Eating so close to bed time has some merit to it. Nutritionist Judy Lindberg McFarland said that having some protein before bed time is a wonderful thing to do because it helps keep you asleep with no 3 AM waking.  So if someone is disciplined to keep the protein in a small amount then it would benefit, but stay away from JUNK FOOD altogether.

I know that I can be disciplined if I apply myself.  It truly is a battle of the will for me.

As the new year approaches, I will aim at losing weight, saving money, decluttering, do some artwork, write, build a doll house, get the house super organized and EXERCISE. Grins. Staying the course will be encouraged.  May I overcome what holds me back from succeeding.  Join the club. 

Merry Christmas 
and a very Blessed New Year to you, 

~d

FRESH AIR AND TIME APART FROM THE COTTAGE

BLUES SKIES OUT TODAY.  I will take a drive to get out of the house some for a short time.  I've been indoors for over 4 days and need some fresh air.  I have no desire to be around people right now as I am still not feeling the best, but I'm craving getting out of the house.  I am thankful that I can stay at HOME to be a HOMEBODY, but I dread staying in my recliner all day due to sickness.  I'm healing up to where I want to go outside some.  I need some fresh air and an opportunity to look at the blue skies.   

Hubby was kind and fixed me some scrambled eggs this morning for Breakfast.  I didn't want anything else.  Warm scrambled eggs with salt and pepper to season them and made to order. No bell peppers or onions this time.  

The thought of chilled apricot juice comes to mind.  Perhaps it is my body's way of telling me I need the nutrients that come from it that would help heal my sick body.  Not sure I can even get this flavor of juice anymore and I don't have the energy to go hunting for it.  I don't have any in the pantry.  The last time I went looking for some was fruitless.  Pun. None to be found until I was visiting my Mother and stopped by to see my brother in Peabody.  There in their tiny grocery store were large bottles of apricot juice.  I bought a few bottles and felt contented to be so blessed to find some in Orange Juice Country.

My brother has been dead for four years and my Mother has since relocated to Iowa two years ago, so it's been a spell since I bought apricot juice.  Like yesterday.  

Late morning, I will get in the car and go for a country drive where I can drive the car at a slower speed then the other drivers are traveling at on the highway.  I am not in the mood to keep up with them.  Needing to pick up some eggs and butter as we are now out, I can get a massage from the car seat while driving which will feel awesome.  Think it will be my therapy today.

I'd love to take a long, hot shower later today and let the water hit my back.  My strength is about gone.  Taking it easy is a must.  That's in the plans and I hope we can get the hooks up on the doors for the Christmas wreaths. to hang from.  The wreaths can at least hang on the doors with large colorful bows.  

With us being ill, the work on the porch stopped for the time being.  Hubby seems eager to get back to working on the porch.  When I take a peek through the windows at the new porch in progress, my heart sings.  It's a darling addition to our COTTAGE.  The old porch is gone as it was truly falling apart as we looked at it.  It's like air hit it and down it came sagging.  Hubby has spent hours rebuilding a collapsed porch foundation made out of stone.  He laid the new foundation after tearing the boards out and installed new placing new column posts and spindles.  He is talking about making progress on the upper wood work.  In my mind I can see it finished and styling some curb appeal and function.   

Each day he made progress and it shows.  Running into some chilly weather and sickness slowed down the work.  As he gets to feeling better, the weather will warm some and he'll be back at the porch.  I am doing what I can to declutter the Dining room.  Broken record.  

I have got to play SANTA and write out my children and grandchildren's Christmas cards and get these in the mail.  With being sick I am running way behind.  

I just might pull this off after all.  Lord HELP.  

You know, the Lord does hear our prayers.  There's a serious situation taking place with family matters.  I was talking to the Lord about it this evening and said that I have to give this to you and not worry.  I did and 5 minutes later a phone call came in.  Relieved.  Praise the LORD.

Need prayer.  We all do.  Pray.  

God bless,

~d

 

LOVELY PLACES TO ADMIRE WHILE STAYING HOME

STILL A SICK PUPPY, but a tiny bit better than the day before.  I didn't sleep last night. Grouchy and uncomfortable.  Took some NyQuil and drifted off to sleep in the early hours of the morning.  Slowly woke mid-morning.  Chicken Noodle Soup for BRUNCH.

🫖 Sipping HOT Cinnamon Sunset Tea.🫖.  Sipping tea during the day is helping me feel better.  I am in really bad shape.  This head cold is the pits. 

As I fluttered about watching videos, one guy I watch mentions how this tea helped him when he had late night cravings.  He switched from binge eating to sipping this particular tea.  Changed his habits.  I believe I can do the same.  Instead of snacking late in the evening, I can drink some hot decaffeinated tea instead of popping junk in the mouth which adds junk to my trunk.

I was HOME SICK for my youth.  I visited my childhood neighborhood via google maps.  Smiling while touring the old places of my past.  The place of business my dear Dad worked is GONE.  No more there.  Just in my memories for now.  Liberal, Kansas wasn't a glamorous place when I lived there.  It isn't any better now.

It hit me.  This is why I wanted THINGS to ADD to my ESTATE.  I had to have something that was mine.  When someone goes for years not having very much, it can do some odd things to yo' psyche.  I felt like I needed to have lots of things instead of having nothing.  Still believe we should have things.  If you cannot have what you want... compromising might take over.  

As I have aged, I can let go of so much of the stuff and be alright with it.  Old age caught up with me.  70 isn't exactly young.  Being sick has taken a toll on me.  Doing my best to rest and take it easy so I heal quicker.  I am feeling slightly better.  

Still coughing and stuffed up.  Tired.  

I haven't hung my CHRISTMAS WREATHS out on the doors yet.  Being sick slowed this down. Got some hooks before this cold got a hold of me, but haven't gotten them installed.  Perhaps tomorrow.  Hubby and his drill will have to make holes for the hooks, then the wreaths will hang proudly.  MY "It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS"  has been slow to happen.  

I had planned hanging the wreaths without them being decorated for now.  I'll be using ribbon so the wreaths dangle from the hook.  I have a stash of faux fruit gathered in a storage box and I know exactly where it is, so if I change my mind and hot glue faux fruit to the wreaths, I'd have a more Colonial look to it.  hum.  I'll give this some more thought.

One day, I'd like to go to WILLIAMSBURG in Virginia.  For now I can take a peek at this place decked out for CHRISTMAS via internet.  The houses are decorated with fruit from the front door wreaths to the fireplace mantles.  I like the look.

Take a peek.

Such lovely places and ideas.  

Time to rest.  
May you have a blessed day.

~d