PREPARING FOR 70

A FEW YEARS BACK, I told myself that by the time I'm 70 I would like to be lifting weights.  Close to 6 weeks away from turning 70.  Started looking into fitness places in the area to decide which place will be the best fit for an old lady that wants to lift light weights, etc.

I have a set of metal hand weights that I purchased from GOODWILL last April.  3 pounders.  Using these now.  So is my husband.  As we sit and watch TV out comes the weights.  Easy peasy.

Welp making a long story short...yesterday after my dental appointment, Hubby contacted KSU about the use of their fitness center.  Because he is retired, we can use the facility for FREE.  FREE!  It does mean a trip from our small town and driving into Manhattan to use the facility if we do.  We can shower there which means something to me since we just have a tub at HOME.  I could wash my hair standing up instead of slumping over the kitchen sink.  Sounds like a winner.

BREAKFAST/LUNCH FOLLOWING could be something I brought along or a salad from Happy Hippie, McAlisters, Wendy's, etc. Doable.  Boiled eggs, oranges, apples, toast, carrot strips, cut up cucumbers, lettuces, chicken salad sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, tomatoes, etc. for breakfasts and lunches. WATER TO DRINK.   

I usually go into Manhattan once a week anyways.  The gears stared turning.  I could get up early, drive into Manhattan, walk and lift weights then shower.  Go from there to eat then to the grocery store, doctor's appointments, the Library etc. before returning HOME to small town America to take a nap, do chores and fix supper.  Sounds like a plan.

WOULD MAKE FOR A METHODICAL DAY getting exercise in plus a shower.  I can dig this.

We went to the fitness center to get started on memberships which meant hubby had to go get some forms proving he is retired.  Did this then had to get a parking permit from different facility.  Did it.  We are set for a year.  Membership and parking taken care of.  Next week, we'll tour the facility and we can continue on this HEALTH JOURNEY.   

Hubby is now more interested in his health.  Together we can do this. 

 

TUESDAY.  I had a dental appointment to have the cap placed on my tooth.  So glad it is done.  Off to eat a salad with a sweet potato.  WE HAD AN ACTUAL DATE to see the movie THE LAST RODEO.  LIKED IT.  

In between the dental appointment and lunch, we took care of the FITNESS CENTER stuff before the movie.  I knew we'd eat popcorn at the theatre so I allowed this knowing the popcorn would have that chemical stuff for the buttery taste.  Shouldn't have, but allowed it.  It tasted so good.  Oops, it really did.  

Mustn't get in the habit of doing this.  When I eat popcorn, I'm a pig.  🐖It's not one kernel popped into the mouth when dining on it.  It's a big handful all at once.  Snort.  Snort.  Terrible habit.  Another thing I need to change like now.  Eating slowly hasn't been the way I eat.  Working at changing this one bite at a time.  Slowing down is necessary.  It's an art form.  The lost art of dining.  Slow it down and dine with small portions going into the mouth.  Chew slowly savoring it.

When we got HOME, we had BUTTER BEANS to eat.  It was day 8 of the Daniel Diet.  TODAY is Day 9 which will not be a cheat day.  Eating sweet cantaloupe with a side dish of cucumber and tomato salad for lunch today.  Thinking about supper that fits into the lines of the Daniel Diet.  Veggies for sure.  

No coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, meat, bread.  Splurged on the popcorn with buttery flavor on it.  Water to drink the entire day.  Water...This part is getting easier for me.  This dieting is a LIFESTYLE.  Changing habits can be done.  Yes, it can.  I can tell my flesh, NO.  I can say NO.  

SO THE PREPPING FOR LIFTING WEIGHTS IS IN THE WORKS BEFORE I TURN 70.  Praise the LORD.  When I think about being 70 I just about cannot comprehend it.  I want to turn 70, but still it's odd to me.  VERY ODD.

I remember well thinking about turning 60.  Blink and it's gone.

Wonderful day together getting things done.

~d

MEMORIAL DAY

 

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO DIED WHILE SERVING IN THE MILITARY FOR OUR COUNTRY. 

Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day)^[1] is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.^[2][3] It is observed on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer in the United States. 

Always grateful.
Thankful beyond words.

~d

IN THE COOL OF THE EVENING...

AFTER DECORATING MY DAD'S AND BROTHER'S GRAVES on Sunday, we drove across the prairie back to our humble abode in small town America.  

The drive takes about an hour and a half one way.  I miss my Mom living in Marion so much it hurts.  Going to Marion always brings back fond memories.  I drive around town looking at the houses of people I once knew, but are now passed away.  There's so and so's house!  

This year I did not walk through the cemetery as the grounds were soggy from the downpour of 5" of rain.  We managed to hang wreaths on shepherd hooks.   Later in the week, we'll need to retrieve them and bring them HOME, then I will hang them on our front doors.  Grapevine wreaths with white roses and blue with white stars on a bow.   They should look nice for Memorial Day through the summer until Labor Day.  Near the 4th of July, I'll add some miniature flags on them.  

When I return to the cemetery, I will place a hanging basket of flowers on the shepherd's hook and place a bundle of faux flowers in the tombstone vase that is built in.  I like the idea of placing a potted plant on the graves and then when the gravesites are to be cleared off take the plants HOME to enjoy the plants longer.  

Dad and David's graves are near an old oak tree that has nice shade.  Seems odd that my Dad and Brother are buried.   It's been a year since we last visited the gravesite.  A year.  Doesn't seem possible.

Drove HOME in some rain.  I talk to myself sometimes and say things like make today count.  Life is too short to be unproductive and full of regrets.  Turn loose of hard feelings.  Live like you mean it.  One day, my body may lay in a grave.  The spirit is gone, but what have I done while living?  

In the cool of the evening, I walked in our backyard to clip some Irises from the garden.  Mostly yellow Irises are what are left as the Irises fade away.  As I spent some time in the yard, I took time to think about what to do with the flowerbed next.  Some baby trees have sprouted up through the Iris bed.  I'd like to keep some of the walnut trees that are poking through.  

There are a few Iris seed pods that I need to read up on to see how to handle these so we have some baby Irises next Spring.  When I walked past the peonies, there seemed to be some seed pods as well.  Same with reading up on what to do with the peony seeds.  I'd love to have some more peonies.  

Resting this evening.  Every once in awhile, I walk by the Easter wreaths that are on the table that I am working on and do something to them.  The time I have allows for a little here and a little there to work on them.  Soon, they will be finished and stored in the cellar.  I'm either seriously running behind or super ahead of myself with the wreaths for Easter 2026.
  

GOOD BYE OLD FRIEND!

This week-end the yard clean-up has started.  The old 1971 OPEL GT that we have hauled around with us for years was turned loose of.  It was alright to say good-bye.  My Husband has had this car ever since I've known him.  1973.  We dated in this little car, I learned to drive a stick shift in this car, left our wedding in this car, used it to drive about when our first born came into the world.  The kids played in this car.  Bitter sweet to say good-bye.

I climbed into the car so I could sit behind the driver's wheel one last time and it was a joke trying to get out of it.  So small and I'm a big mama these days.  The car is very low to the ground.  Even if it were in running condition, it would be difficult to get in and out of it.  Those days are gone.  V-room v-room off you go.  She was a beautiful butterscotch colored sports car way back in the day.

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Hubby is fixing a container garden for us.  He cleared a ground area beside the garage, laid weed mat down then placed old bricks on top of it.  We're planting some peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs in containers then sitting them in this area.  We have part of an old picket fence that will be attached to the garage above where the bricks lay.  It was his idea and I fell for it.  It'll be sweet.  

So with that being said, I can recall our productive week.  Last week-end two of our grands graduated.  We traveled.  Medical appointment.  We traveled.  Grocery shopped and thrift shopped.  We traveled.  Bought an old leather club chair with ottoman for Hubby's Art Studio that will be created soon.  We traveled.   Shopped for some plants and herbs.  Turned loose of the old Opel GT.  Traveled to a High School League Track and Field event.   Traveled to decorate graves.  Snipped the last of the Irises that I adore.   Saddened that the time for the Irises to fade has come.  Will celebrate MEMORIAL DAY on Monday.

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We are on day 6 of our Daniel Diet.  Lots of beans are being eaten.  Hubby has not complained and seems to be doing pretty well eating the way we are.  21 days of this and then we will ease back into eating red meat, fish and chicken.  I think we'll stick with drinking almond milk instead of cow's milk.  I look forward to eating eggs again.  Skipping the pasta, white rice and pastries. 

Since we cannot eat meat and desserts on Memorial Day due to the Daniel Diet, we will probably have black bean patties without hamburger buns and french fries with sugar-free catsup. Yummers.  Some fruit.  More veggies like a cherry tomato, cucumber, radish and lettuce salad.  Lots of lemon water to drink. 

Wished I had bought that watermelon I saw.  whaah.

Well, I think it's time to throw a load of laundry in, watch some TV and have HAPPY thoughts that I am where I am even if it's not perfect. 

Blessings,

~d

MEMORIAL DAY...

THE WEEK-END IS HERE. 

Memorial Day on Monday.

My cousin went to Viet Nam in 1969 being killed when his wife was 4 months pregnant.  A National Guardsman called to active duty.  22 years and 5 months of age when he was killed in the line of active duty in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam.

This photo was the one the LIFE magazine used in an article about those killed in Vietnam.  The picture of his face was the last one printed on the page of many that perished in one week.

Each year about this time I think about him.  He passed away 56 years ago May 23rd and it seems like it was yesterday.

A small town guy willing to serve his country.  Like so many others, he did not come HOME alive.  He left behind a loving wife that was carrying their child, grieving parents, a big brother, little sister and a long list of relatives that loved him.

58,220 U.S. soldiers perished.

Remembering when my Dad received a phone call from his sister telling him that Bob was missing in action.  A few days later, we'd be informed about his death with plans for a funeral to attend.  After that phone call came, I climbed on my bike and rode it around my neighborhood thinking about his death and also my best friend's Dad's death.  I had come home from my friend's Dad's funeral that day who died from cancer to find out that Bob had died.

I was young and death wasn't thought about very much.  It was an oddity to me which I have had to deal with in the real world of life.

At this point in time, all of my Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, my Father, a brother, my in-laws, a brother-in-law, a few cousins, old teachers, neighbors, Business acquaintances, quite a few friends and acquaintances have passed away.

THOSE THAT SERVED IN THE MILITARY WILL BE THOUGHT OF along with so many others that once lived and died.

Graves will be decorated.  Taps will be played.  Flags will fly and flap in the wind.  Memories will resurface.  Thoughts of days gone by will take place.

~d

ONE MAN'S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE HOLDS TRUE

OFF WE WENT FOR A TOPEKA TUESDAY.  I was ready for this.  Looking forward to going to TOPEKA on a Tuesday is a highlight for me.  Had plans to go veggie and fruit shopping for the week's allotment, BUT Plans were changed once we bought an old worn out leather club chair with ottoman from God's Storehouse for HUBBY's ART STUDIO that will be created this year.

We got up early for his LAB work at QUEST DIAGNOSTICS in Topeka.  Filled up the car with gas and picked up the mail.  Off we went across the vast prairie watching the sun rise casting sunlight across the open fields.  Beautiful sight to see in person.  I wish I had ground in the prairie.  I truly do.  All the beautiful, lush greens make me sigh.

After his LABS were done, we went for a bite to eat somewhere where we could eat as healthy as possible.  That would be JASON's DELI for now.  Filled my plate up with spring greens as a base, sprinkled a variety of veggies, fruit, nuts and seeds on top then munched away.  Drank bottled water and visited with my date.

My favorite THRIFT STORE in Topeka is GOD'S STOREHOUSE.  Tuesdays are Senior Discount day except on furniture.  Hubby always sits on their furniture while playing on his phone as I finish my shopping.  He found this old brown leather club chair that he melted into.  Fit like a worn out glove.  This old chair will become his ART STUDIO CHAIR where it won't matter if oil paint gets on it or not.  One man's trash is another man's treasure came to life for us this day.

Plans changed.  INSTEAD of grocery shopping we made arrangements to haul this treasure HOME.  With getting tired, we decided that we'd shop for groceries tomorrow and take matters into our own hands about the chair.  We traveled HOME where Hubby went to the storage unit to shuffle our stuff to make room to store the chair for now.  He managed to do this and will return the next day to bring the chair home.  His studio will be in the Garage and we have yet to clear it out from our move.  We'll start this weekend.  Lord willing.  It'll take some time as we are elderly and slow with other obligations to honor.  We can't work on it non-stop, but instead a little here and a little there.

He got up early and I decided to pal around with him.  Off we went to get the chair and ottoman.  Drove the distance, loaded the purchase and drove HOME again to unload our treasure.  It was HOT at the storage unit, but we managed.  Knowing that someone is going to come to our place to give an estimate for replacing the garage door, we needed to be HOME.  Hubby waited for the guy.  It was rather quick.  Didn't take much time for the guy to look the garage door over.  Getting the garage door replaced will help clean up our estate.  Which makes my heart sing some knowing it will improve our place.  HoMe SwEeT HoMe.

Last year we had the shingles replaced on the garage and house which seriously needed it and seriously improved the looks of our run down cottage.  Singing songs of praise that this is done.  We went from a dark rusty red shingle to a charcoal black.  The shingles on the garage were so old that replacing them was long over due.  The house's siding needs some places replaced and painted.  That'll probably be next year before this happens.  First the porch needs rebuilt.  Now for the yard to get cleaned up. 

WE cooled off then headed in the opposite direction in the car to get groceries.  In one day we drove to Topeka AND Manhattan.  Decided to have LUNCH at the HAPPY HIPPIE for a SALAD!  Getting good at eating those salads.  Praise the LORD.  We had a very pleasant meal and conversation.  

Hubby joined me in eating the DANIEL DIET way, which is a miracle in itself.  FOR 21 days, we will not eat meat and eat a special way deliberately.  For him to not eat meat is a miracle.  He is a strong meat lover, but is willing to work at lowering his cholesterol.  

He now fixes us hot lemon water to drink in the mornings.  A real trooper.  I had been doing this and he decided he'd try.  I told him, he'd grow to like it and he has.  🍋🫖🍵

We started a 21 day Daniel round to help lower his cholesterol and mine so as to not go on STATIN DRUGS.  Once again I am in HOPES of losing some weight.  I seem to be stuck at a certain weight and the scales are not budging.  My losing weight cannot be the only thing to be concerned about.  GETTING HEALTHY is the priority.  It will be in getting healthy that I will lose weight.  Hopefully.  

As we drove to TOPEKA and MANHATTAN, we made a list of menus that we will prepare during this 21 day food plan.

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AS FOR THE DANIEL DIET...we will focus on eating vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, legumes, drink spring water.  Skipping Iced TEA.  No coffee, alcohol or soda.  We'll use olive oil and avocado oil to cook and bake with.  Avoid SUGAR, MEAT, DAIRY and GRAIN.  Pop corn is our snack of choice.  Drinking unsweetened ALMOND MILK for when we want milk.  No cow's milk for now as it is a by product of an animal.  Not plant based.  Eating plant based food may be the secret to losing weight and getting healthier.

Researching the healthiest Christians where the studies come up with THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST who avoid smoking, alcohol and eating meat are the healthiest people in the U.S.

THE STANDARD AMERICAN DIET isn't healthy for humans.  What I thought was healthy I am finding out that it has strings attached that are not good for ya.  I grew up in a time when conveniences were heavily used which turned its back on natural everything.  Synthetic meds, fabrics, synthetic upholstery, grooming supplies with chemicals in them and a ton of added chemicals to foods merging into using GMOs.  AND WE WONDER WHY WE HAVE SO MANY CANCERS KILLING US. 

When I think that I am eating healthy because the salad I am eating has chicken it in, I am kidding myself as the chicken in the salad came from chickens that were fed unhealthy feed which ends up in the meat of the bird which I am eating.   That saying, you are what you eat is true.  What you eat matters.  SO does the environment we live in.  GOSH, I'm sounding like a conspiracy theorist.  We shouldn't ignore the EMFs!  The electro magnetic frequencies.  A powerful subject to talk about.  Nor ignore the quality of water we consume.  My fallen world truly is fallen.  To make a buck many do what they deem alright when it isn't.  Please don't hurt me.

My thought life cannot weigh me down.  AT LEAST IT SHOULDN'T HAVE THAT MUCH POWER OVER ME.  At times it is a hard thing to switch my sad thoughts into joyful ones especially with family relationships that are rocky at the present.  My emotional HEALTH cannot be ignored or have thoughts pressed down inside my thought life.  Rising up above it takes a spiritual boost of knowing that GOD loves me and HE will work this out.  I must remind myself to pray and ask for blessings for the one that has hurt me.  The BIBLE is the truthful word of GOD and what it says is truth.  

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AFTER LUNCH, we went to HOME DEPOT and on the way I stopped off at a garden shop to see if they had baby cucumber plants for sell.  They did.  MINI MEs.  Bought two of them and will get these planted this week-end.  Then while at HOME DEPOT, I bought some marigolds for our container garden that will be created this week.  We have peppers, tomatoes, and rosemary to plant.  A few other flowers to place in larger pots. 

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Next was HY-VEE for our groceries.  This was enjoyable to me.  We shopped together like a TEAM.  

TIME to go HOME.  I was beginning to fade as I put it.  Drove HOME and unloaded the goods.  Rested and watched a movie.  I'm getting faster at stopping watching movies with the F BOMB and nudity.  Not only are we to watch what we eat and wear, what we do with our time and how we spend our money, BUT we're to be selective in the entertainment we watch.  Working on this.

BOREDOM GETS US INTO TROUBLE.  You know when KING DAVID got bored staying at home instead of fighting battles, he got into sin bedding down Bathseba.  His boredom made the way to sinning.  He entertained and followed through with doing what did not please God.  

💜 David was a man after God's own heart when he was quick to repent.  If my boredom makes a way for watching movies that are full of foul language and ugly lifestyles then I'm feeding myself toxic junk that will not nourish my soul, but cause illness.  Turn that channel.  Better yet, turn the tele off. 

When I know I am doing things that are good for our health, I psychologically feel healthier knowing I am being PRO-ACTIVE in a lifestyle that heals.  It weighs heavy on my heart when I am not.  Which leads to being ORGANIZED and tidy.  The house work awaits me.  When I am frail, it bothers me more than I can put into words.  

Life continues and so must I.

~d

20 Years of Damage, 90 Days To Heal: The Blood Sugar Revolution

THERE'S YOU IN YOUNG!!!

TEN FOODS TO EAT TO HELP STAY YOUNG.  After all the reading and surfing the internet for years, I agree with this article on Walk In Lab's sight that they have posted.  After awhile the articles all seem to have a common denominator and say basically the same thing.  Perhaps I will get it in my head that these are foods I should eat all the time.  

I can still find YOU in the word young or there's youth in you.  I probably need to pay attention to ways to feel better and younger.  I'd love to feel BETTER and being younger wouldn't hurt.  

EAT YOUR WAY TO YOUTH: 10 FOODS THAT KEEP YOU YOUNG  

Science tells us that certain foods are packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that protect our cells, boost collagen, and keep our brains sharp. In other words, your plate might just be the closest thing to a fountain of youth.

So, what should you be eating to keep your skin glowing, your joints happy, and your energy levels high? Here are 10 powerhouse foods to help you stay vibrant, inside and out.

In a nut shell the foods are:  

BLUEBERRIES

FATTY FISH

AVOCADOS

DARK CHOCOLATE

NUTS

LEAFY GREENS

GREEN TEA

SWEET POTATOES

POMEGRANATES

GARLIC

 https://www.walkinlab.com/blog/eat-your-way-to-youth-10-foods-that-keep-you-young/

The only food I have difficulty in consuming are the pomegranate.  I'll have to master this one.

Ahh to be young again.  Perhaps I can still feel better than I do in an older body.  As for youth, I sometimes think I'm younger than I actually am.  Mentally, I still feel similar to when I was 18.  My body doesn't.

Blessings to you,

~d💚

JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS THAT DOESN'T GO AS PLANNED

THE DAY WENT SO DIFFERENT THAN I IMAGINED.  That's alright.  I needed a slow paced day with an afternoon NAP.  Totally.  

I just came inside from clipping some Irises for a Living room vase.  I did get this done from my TO DO LIST before the storms beat the blossoms completely down for the year.  I cannot find my nicer vases.  Haven't a clue where they are, so I emptied a glass jar and recruited it to do the job.  It's fine and looks alright.  Cute.  Looks like a barrel.

The entire time I was outside, the thunder in the distance was a constant rumble.  Kind of daunting as I don't believe I've ever heard it rumble like this.  

ALERTS and Warnings have been broadcasted that we're in a tornado watch until 9 or so.  Violent storms approaching.  I cannot but help think that with our government allowing chem-trails that it causes the intensity of tornadoes to develop.  Just sayin'

The excuse that the chem-trails reflect sunlight to help cool global warming leads me to believe that this is one reason there are so many that have a Vitamin D Deficiency.  Molesting nature has consequences.  

PAUSE.  OUR PHONE JUST RANG.  Daughter called to tell us they saw a tornado west of town.  Appreciate her so much.  Yelled at my hubby and we gathered a few things to take to the cellar.  As I reached the cellar door, HUBS called me to come back into the house as he was talking on the phone.  Then we returned to the cellar later.  Storms passing through.  Sitting downstairs as I type.  About to return to the upstairs.  Waiting this out.

Made our way upstairs.  Storm passed right on by.  Turned on the TV onto YOUTUBE to watch OFF GRID WITH DOUG AND STACY.  The program starts at 7 so I'll have to watch later.  

Spent the evening watching movies and relaxing.  More storms may come through the area in the middle of the night.  Not happy about this so I probably will not sleep. 

I need to go to the store and purchase some potting soil for the herbs and plants we purchased over the week-end.  I think I have enough containers stashed behind the garage in the backyard for the plants. 

MORE STORMS are blowing through.  
Dear Lord, protect us. 

~d 

A MUCH SLOWER WEEK

NOTHING QUITE LIKE HAVING THE CALENDAR seriously FULL. Mission accomplished and now we can participate in a much slower week.  Thankful we were able to get as much done as we did.  Took an afternoon nap after Lil Miss's Graduation party.  I needed it.  

The last few days has gone something like this.

Last Thursday we traveled to Kansas City early for a follow-up Cancer appointment for me.  I had a good appointment.  Will return in one year.  

When I was in one of the exam rooms being weighed and having my blood pressure taken by the nurse, the doctor came looking for me.  This was a first.  🩺 He walked me to the exam room so I asked him if I had to take my clothes off trying to be funny.  He said yes this is why you are here!  Hahah.  

He said I could undress in this room.  So I did. Completely in my birthday suit with a sheet to cover my body.  I was sitting on the exam table with my feet dangling off the edge.  He walked in and said OH MY, you didn't have to take everything off except from the waist down.  I told him no one told me otherwise.  OH WELL.  It didn't really matter to me as I dislike these exams anyways.  Just get it over with.  Please and thank you. 

The exam was over before I knew it and I had a good report.  Praise the LORD.  This put me in a very good mood.  Clothes back on.  

The rest of the day was busy with a delicious lunch at HOME GROWN, some shopping at HALLMARK and more driving.  About 4 more hours worth.  Onto Oklahoma to a nice motel.  We slept well and did some shopping in Jenks, Oklahoma at the RIVER CITY TRADING POST. Another meal on the riverfront.  Off to the graduation ceremony.  

Afterwards we had a dance party at the kids' HOME.  Had so much fun watching the kids dance.  The next day was our grandson's graduation party.  Visited, ate and enjoyed our time.  

~RIVER CITY TRADING POST~
with COBBER DEANS on the parking lot.

We lived in Jenks, Oklahoma back in '96.  Stayed a couple of years while Hubby worked at AMOCO until the sell-out to British Petroleum.  We lived in a little run down T.W. Holland rental a couple of blocks from the TRADING POST.  In the evenings, my Husband and I would walk the neighborhood and the downtown area.

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We went back to Jenks to purchase some plants at COBBER DEANS. We traveled the long distance home with them.  

https://www.facebook.com/cobberdeans/

Got HOME late.  Exhausted.  Rested for the night and started over again on Sunday getting ready for our granddaughter's graduation and party.

TOOK A NAP when we got HOME.  I figure Monday we will take it easy, unpack and rest some more.  If I can pull it off, I'll go walking and continue eating mindfully.  I splurged big time at these graduation parties.  I allowed myself to knowing that come MONDAY I will climb back on top of the wagon and eat accordingly.  Threatening weather is popping up this MONDAY.  

LORD WILLING THIS WEEK, we will put plants in pots for a container garden.  The front bedroom will get some attention and worked on. Laundry of course. Another grocery store haul with veggies and fruits. Better make a grocery list.  LABS done for hubby.  I need to copy some pictures of the grandchildren's Prom and Graduation to send to my mom with a long letter. 

Cut some Irises and place in a beautiful vase for the living room.  Attend High School Regionals for Track. School is out for the year.  Relieved and ready for this SUMMER HOLIDAY.  Planning on getting a great deal done this SUMMER.

The yard work will take place, the front bedroom will be cleared out. We'll decide about carpeting and begin to look and make a judgment call.  More clean-up to take place.  Desire to have a storage unit cleared out by the end of SUMMER and somewhere in here the front porch will get a rebuild.  Long country drives need to take place and time with family a must.  Walking has to happen.  A high priority is our aging health.  Eating more nutritionally dense foods, avoiding harmful chemicals and exercising more are a must.

THOUGH MY HUSBAND IS RETIRED, we've been on the go more than ever.  Chores to do around our retirement cottage, fixer-upper projects, family activities, etc.  

TIME to slow way down.

~d

OUR GRAND BABIES GRADUATED

 

OUR GRAND BABIES GRADUATED

over the week-end.

Wonderful to be there to witness their special accomplishment.

I was concerned for years that both would graduate on the same day and we'd have to split as a couple to see the graduations.  Answered prayer and we had a day between the events.  There was a day in between to travel from point A to point B.

Very proud of them.

Love,
Grandma

WHAT'S THE BEST NUT FOR BLOOD PRESSURE? (and the worst...)

ONE DOWN AND ONE TO GO...

THURSDAY MEANT A TRIP TO KANSAS CITY FOR A CANCER FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT FOR ME. Glad it is behind me.  Checked out good.  Praise the LORD.  Have a funny story to tell another time.  I gave the doctor something to talk about.  

Went for lunch.  I walked to the local Starbucks while hubby moved the car.  We had our tea and then I walked to their local Hallmark Store.  Got some walking in then we hit the road to drive to Oklahoma to a Motel.  Spent the night and got ready for our Grandson's High School Graduation.  Had time to eat lunch and look around in Jenks, Oklahoma before going over to our son and daughter-in-law's home.  Had supper with the family then went to the Graduation.  Packed stadium.  The weather was beautiful.

SO very proud of our graduate.  

His graduation party was on Saturday.  Was wonderful.  More pics later.  Too tired right now.

Said our good-byes then went back to Jenks to purchase some pepper plants to bring HOME with us.  The drive was long and I was ready to be HOME again.  Will unpack tomorrow.

Will rest and get ready for a second graduation.  One down and one to go.

After the activities then we will REST for a while.  We've been on the go.  Ready to put my feet up and go ahhhhhhh.

AHHHHHHH,

~d

MIDDLE OF THE WEEK

~A NICE BEDROOM~

HAVE MERCY.  How quickly it has become the middle of the week.  Wednesday.  

WALKING.  I didn't walk two miles yesterday like I had hoped to.  Instead it was more like a mile while shopping.

I parked our car on the far side of Walmart's parking lot under a shade tree and walked while shopping then back to the car.  Pretty sure I walked a mile altogether.  This morning I did some paperwork before walking to the Dollar Store and HOME again so I know for sure I walked 2 miles altogether.  I was red faced when I got HOME and it seemed like steam was rising from my body once I walked inside the house.

Hubby greeted me at the door and commented that I looked worn out and got a cold cloth for my neck.  This helped me cool down.  After a few minutes, I took my blood pressure knowing my heart rate would be elevated, but was shocked that my BP was what it was.  113/71/91, waited a minute and switched wrist band cuffs registering at 112/77/100.  Besides the heart rate being what it was, my eyes bugged that my BP was as good as it was.  Pleasantly surprised.  

Last Monday, the same thing happened with my BP after walking 2 miles.  118/66/81 and 123/65/80.

I believe my old body approves of me walking 2 miles.  I pray to continue walking in the mornings and working at becoming a healthier me.  

Noticing on the calendar, I have 9 weeks before I have blood work done at the doctor's office for yearly physical.  That's 9 weeks to see if I lose some weight and how my cholesterol levels are doing along with A1c, Vitamin D and B12.  OH LORD, I beseech thee.

Admiring the backyard Irises this morning.  Gosh they are beautiful.  In July, I believe Hubby and I will cut some greenery off of a chain link fence that has over powered the area, make a new flowerbed closer to the fence, and relocate the Heirloom Purple Irises that are along a sidewalk.  We'll plant them in circles of 6 bulbs.  I'm pretty sure we will have some overflow that will need to go elsewhere.  I'll give some to my daughter and daughter-in-law plus plant some along the right side of the house.  Maybe around the base of some trees.

It'll be over a year or more before we do the same with the flowerbed we have on the other side of the yard.  

As we gear up for the High School Graduations, my emotions have done the same.  I believe I need to stay active so my mind will handle the emotions better.  We have much to be thankful for and I want to embrace these thoughts over the sadness I feel at times.

NAP TIME.  I think I'll allow myself some quiet time.  Then after I wake, I'll locate what we're going to wear to two graduations.  My old legs need shaved and so do my pits or it'll be the pits.

The Cancer Center called me saying they had a cancellation and if I wanted to come in earlier I could.  Think I'll take them up on this.  

NEXT WEEK.  Our schedule should be lighter and we can focus on organizing the front bedroom which is presently a warehouse.  I think once we get into this task, it'll go quickly and my spirits will be lifted having a actual bedroom be a bedroom.  This has been the most difficult move of all times for us and I personally need to see progress.  Waiting is a dirty name.  I haven't done well with the waiting.

Blessings and here's to WEDNESDAY,

~d 

If I Needed to Drop 30lbs FAST in 2025, Here’s EXACTLY What I’d Do

PRAISE THE LORD, IT'S MONDAY!

~A WALKING MESS~

WENT TO SLEEP LATE LAST NIGHT, but woke around 7:30 in the morning which surprised me.  Started the day with a morning walk to DOLLAR GENERAL, looked about buying a bottled water and greeting card.  Walked HOME all heated up and needing to cool off.  2 miles under my belt.  Feel great about this.

As I walked the mile to the store, I felt strong and did well walking about the store about 20 minutes looking at everything.  By the time I was nearly HOME, I was having to cheer myself on as I was slowing down wanting to SIT.  I didn't.  I sipped the water along the way I bought at the store.

It was so pleasant to be out doors loving the scenery.  When I walk the neighborhoods I am able to see things that I don't when I'm driving the car.  Walking is healthy and also nourishes my soul.  Seeing the flowers is a huge bonus.

After seeing myself in pics, I shutter at how large I am.  Taking this seriously about HAVING to MOVE MORE and eat healthy.  I have a goal that by my 70th birthday, I will have loss 10 pounds.  Please.  20 pounds would be even better.  I'll get a nice notebook to record my walks in so I can begin to keep accurate records of my walking history plus caloric intake.  I will be on this journey for a long time, Lord willing.  70 seems like a great time to focus on my health as I downsize my body and build up strength.  I will be looking into lifting some weights.  I'd like to find a studio to do so where I have to deliberately go two times a week as scheduled to start with.

After my walk this morning I cooled off, visited with hubby, wrote out some correspondences, called my sister and am now blogging.  My dear sister took a tumble and truly banged herself up. Completely broke a front tooth, chest contusion, facial bruises and knee injury.  Her knee that was replaced swoll up.  In a bad way.  This getting older is challenging.  She tripped on an uneven sidewalk, crashed and burned on the ground.

My Mother-in-law took a fall years ago which caused her to break her back when her head hit a glass door.  Taking falls seriously.

Hubby arranged for our lawn to be sprayed for weeds.  I pray it doesn't kill the flowers.  Can't walk on the grass for 24 hours.  He told me he wants a nice looking lawn.  I believe him as he will take pride in this work.  

I believe I will work on those wreaths that I have been talking about.  Gotta get this done.

Having a morning walk was wonderful and I pray that I can continue doing so with partnering up with an evening walk as well.  

Monday is a day to begin a fresh start.  This week is full of activities.  Probably won't do HOUSE WORK this week.  Need to concentrate on walking and High School Graduations.  Preparing the clothing we will be wearing.  Gosh, the grands grew fast.  Praise the LORD, we are here to witness such happy accomplishments.

May you have a sweet life.

Bless you,

~d

ASPARAGUS BLESSINGS!

NOT EVERYONE IS A MOTHER and this Holiday may make one upset for a variety of reasons.  Still, we can rejoice in the fact that there are mothers in the world all over the planet.  Perhaps you were not able to have children or never wanted any.  Perhaps your relationship with your own mom was awful or you never knew your mom.  May God heal your hurts.  Life can still be beautiful.  Whatever your story is, I pray you rejoice that you are alive. You have great worth and value and YOU ARE A SOMEBODY.  ~d

Me and MOM

JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH MY DEAR MOM to wish her a very happy Mother's Day.  She received her card and gift from us yesterday so the mail service didn't fail me.

Glad she got the card.  She is a wonderful mom and I am blessed we can still visit with one another.  She's in a very nice Iowa apartment and able to live in her own home.  So blessed.  My sister lives near by and checks up on her every week. 

I hope to go see her again in June after things slow down a tad with activities here on the prairie.  Lord willing, we will have a healthier month and will go.  

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Yesterday, my dear daughter came by with a Mother's Day gift for me.  Fresh farm eggs from their hens, asparagus and radishes from her garden, chicken broth from her kitchen.  Delicious treat.  

Being a MOM has been an awesome gift.  I learned so much about life and GOD from being a MOM.  Being a grandma is truly sweet as well.

Here I am taking a picture of my Grandson holding the asparagus they brought me from their garden.  ASPARAGUS BLESSINGS.

We watched lil guy for a couple of hours and when it was time to leave, he wasn't ready.  Blessed my heart that he wanted to stay with us.

This is a beautiful day to live life and embrace so many blessings.  I'm going for a 2 mile walk this afternoon, admiring our flowers and decorate a couple of wreaths.  

I woke to seeing a homemade HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY card with sweet words from my sweet Husband.  Loved it.  Hubby has fixed me a delicious BRUNCH from the eggs that our daughter gave me.  An omelette with lots of spinach.  Delicious.  He is planning on preparing a gourmet meal at supper time.  Looking forward to this.

I'll go gather some Irises this afternoon from our flower garden after my walk and place them in a vase that will sit on the living room chest.

Time to place the indoor Geraniums on the porch.  Think I'll replant some of them in the galvanized tub that's in the back yard.  It's in a frame on wheels.  I'll position it on the porch for now.  Love me some flowers.  

I continue my health journey.  I am inspired to be healthier.

Taking in some sunshine,

~d