HOT TAMALE, TEA PARTIES and CLEANING

JUST GOT BACK FROM WALKING A FULL MILE AT THE TRACK.  Checked what the morning temps would be and thought 73 degrees is just right for getting a walk in.  The HEAT WAVE is here for the rest of the week.  When it's only 73 I need to take advantage of it and GOOOOOOOO.

It took me about 27 minutes to walk the 4 laps.  Lap number 2 is when I begin to heat up and heat up I did.  After putting the mile in, I drove to the post office to drop some mail off.  Headed HOME to cool off.  I'll clear the table off of the papers that I got stapled.  I sorted them into similar subject matters.  I want to clear the table so I'll box them for now.

Last night I went through the papers on thyroid health as I am preparing for my November appointment with the APRN.  The questions are many.  I've been at this for 15 years and not once have the Endocrinologist and medical staff checked my vitamin levels so I have to question why not?  It's always the TSH.  If this number is in the BOX then they believe they have done their job even if I'm still hypothyroid with symptoms.  Truthfully they should be the ones to be checking for vitamin deficiencies.  I have found that the patients are the ones that are on top of things checking for deficiencies, not the doc.  

Time for a better Endocrinologist?  Are they all cut out of the same cloth?  Seems like it and looking for a thyroid advocate is helpful.

Watching the television series, GILDED AGE.  The accident at the end of the episode looked so real I had to rewatch it.  I'll be going back to watch the episodes and pause the frame to take note of the women's fashions.  I might take some pics as I would like to stitch myself a period piece for myself.  I may have Tea Parties for young girls and wear a period piece as we take TEA.  This has been on the back burner for years.  I need to do this and check it off my BUCKET LIST.

The week is off and going.  I may not blog for a few days as I will be focusing on cleaning the bedroom STUFF.  I am slower than molasses and spicy as a hot tamale.  When I can see the floor in the room I will be HAPPY.  Let you know about it.  For now, I have to keep a good attitude and be hopeful.  Still waiting for the bathroom cabinet doors to come in so there is a pause in finishing the Bathroom.  I'll tend to some of my plants and the container garden is producing now.  I had miniature cucumbers in my salad last night and it was a thrill.  grins.  

All the best,
~d

 

HOARDING, BATHROOM REMODEL, A GOOD MOVIE and A NEW SPIN ON WEIGHT LOSS

HOARDERS.  If you were to look at the front Bedroom and take a guess on how the rest of the house looks, you'd might guess we're hoarders.  BUT we do not live this way in the rest of the house as this front room has been used for storage.  Dealing with the dis-order.  Each day I am clearing items out from the front bedroom that is presently being used as a warehouse to say it mildly.

Gave away three very nice pillows, 2 Longaberger baskets, a wicker waste can, some pottery mugs, a pretty throw pillow, coffee pods from the Kitchen...felt great to do so.  This may not sound like much, but a little here and there will make a dent.  Eventually the room will be cleared.  Praise the LORD, I'm on a mission.    

Looking into the room, my heart sinks.  Dealing with the mess means having to go elsewhere with the treasures that are in this room that we placed there when we were making a quick exit from the house we were selling.  We had to go somewhere with much and the front room became their destiny.  I shake my head at how fast time has flown and other projects became a priority than this front bedroom.  Health issues came first making me rethink why we sold the big house to relocate to a small COTTAGE, but the longer we're here the better I feel about being here.

I'm aiming for the end of OCTOBER to have this front room cleared out. Being realistic, it will take TIME to get to the bottom of this mess.  I LOVE OUR COTTAGE.  I can imagine her done.  Praying we will have so much done within the next 12 months.

Right now, the TV room is functional.  Our Living room looks like a Living room in someone's HOME. The Dining room looks like a Dining room in a HOME.  The Bathroom looks like a Bathroom in a HOME. The Utility room and Kitchen...not so much. The Food Pantry looks like it should in a HOME.  We are inching forward, but I have to pray through the reality hitting me in the face.  To have peace of mind and encouragement to keep moving forward, I have to pray.  It is a work in progress and we're working on it as fast as two old people with health issues can.  We move, but it's not in fast gear.  Take a deep breath and rejoice when we make headway.

The Bathroom is close to being finished.  Praise the LORD and thank you Husband.  I started filling the shelves in the Linen cabinet today.  The doors will be installed when all of them are delivered from the warehouse.  They are in route.  I talked my Husband out of painting the door fronts we already have on hand before he has all the door fronts in hand.  If for some unseen reason the ones in route do not match the ones we have then we can figure out what to do next, but if some of the fronts are already painted and the ones coming in don't work, we will be better off waiting.  He agreed.  

The Bathroom looks like it fits the feel of our 1900 house.  Finishing touches are taking place as we found an economical toilet paper holder at LOEWS that works.  Now installed.  The light switch plates are up. Later, I will do a reveal of the details.  Moving right along.     

TODAY IT IS TRULY SUMMER-TIME HOT OUTSIDE.  Drinking lemonade wouldn't help a bit.  Sweltering outside.  In the 90s and steamy.  Stay indoors working inside.  The heat wave will continue for days.    

📞☎ As I was clearing off the telephone ID caller list of who has recently called, I noticed a call from my Alaska girlfriend.  I called her right back and we chatted nearly an hour.  Twas wonderful to hear her voice and hear about life in Alaska.  We've been friends since 1973.

MOVIE TIME:  

OUT OF THE HEAT.  I watched a 1997 made for television movie this afternoon because I WANTED to. It wasn't a disappointment by any means. Recommending it as a family friendly movie without nudity and foul language.  The movie has a great story line.  "...FIRST DO NO HARM".  Has a very good ending.  A movie with a decent message and FOOD plays a role in our health, I do believe.

MAGAZINE TIME.  Some interest kicked in when I thumbed through a new Woman's World magazine about Lisa Chance who lost 130 pounds and 22 belly inches at 69 years of age.  Close enough in age to me. How'd she do it?  Read on.  

She followed eating a hearty, protein rich breakfast and cutting off food before bed.  Eating a big breakfast of about 700 calories, medium-sized lunch with 500 calories and a small supper with 200.  Eat breakfast like a KING, Lunch like a QUEEN and Supper like a PAUPER.  Avoid simple carbs and aim for filling protein-rich fare to quiet blood-sugar spikes. This article speaks about Dr. Jason Fung, author of mega-seller The Obesity Code.  

A book on how weight problems are caused by insulin imbalances and how fasting can help hearing that the idea of 'calories in and calories out' doesn't work was a paradigm shift.

Let the week-end be productive.

Blessings,

~d

A DATE, HEALTHY FOOD AND TOWELS

FRIDAY.  WENT ON A DATE WITH MY HUSBAND.  Twas a rainy day with cooler temps.  If I have to chose between a summer day with temps in the 90s verses a cooler day with cloudy skies, I'll choose the cooler day.

Nine hours later we returned HOME. Now that was a DATE.  

The day started where he suggested that we have breakfast at FIRST WATCH.  Okay.  

Decided to order one of their healthy beverages, the "Morning Meditation" refers to a fresh juice blend made with orange juice, lemon juice, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar, and beet. Added vitamin.  It had a little bite to it until I got use to it.  

I ordered a SALAD at 10:30 in the morning.  hummm.  Was this too early for a SALAD?  nope. SUPER FOOD KALE SALAD. Vitamin-rich kale and organic mixed greens with house made maple-roasted carrots, warm all-natural chicken breast, dried cranberries, slivered almonds and shredded Parmesan tossed in our refreshing maple-lemon vinaigrette.  Asked for additional dressing as it needed it.

Twas good.  Ate everything in my bowl.  Left with a very full stomach. Thank you, Lord.  

Off we went to the HOME GOODS STORE across the street where I found a glass jar with metal lid for a decent price.  This particular style of jar used to be sold at DOLLAR GENERAL and when coming across it at other locations, the jar is priced way higher than it use to be.  I bought the jar they had at a low discounted price.  I like to use these jars for storing popcorn, spices, dried items.

I picked up a white melamine bowl for serving salad.  Checked out.

🧋STARBUCKS ICED TEA time.  For some reason it was really refreshing to sip on.  
👚Drove over to GOD'S STOREHOUSE.  Left with only a few items.  Good girl.
🛠LOEWS Lumber Yard.  Really nice store.  Needing caulking and some other building supplies. I've been on the look out for wide curtain rods as of late as I could not find any wide rods. Checked the computer and LOEWS had some.  Their selection of curtain rods is excellent.  One of the best I've seen.  Bought two of them for my KITCHEN WINDOWS.  I now have the rods plus black and white Buffalo Checked fabric to create window treatments.  
When we were finished at LOEWS, we went for our weekly stash of veggies and fruit from Dillons in North Topeka.  We both like this particular grocery store.  
Slow shopping before heading to St. Marys for supper at SUGAR CREEK.  
🥗A Rachel Salad with the toasted rye toast to the side.  Water to drink.
🏡 HOME WE WENT and I was ready to call it a day.  Very nice DATE.  

Fell asleep as I read a new magazine.  Snoozed and woke thinking it was a new day.  Falling back asleep won't be easy, so I'll blogged, count my blessings and say some prayers.  

The week-end is here.  Plans are always present.  I can restock the linen closet now that it's been painted and the crown molding hung.  Looking good.  The cabinet door panels come next.  Some of the doors are still being waited on.  So I wait.  

It will be SWEET having the towels and toiletries back in the Bathroom.  I will refold the towels so they all fit nice and neat into the cabinet.  Martha Stewart would be so proud of me.  Maybe Marie Condo would approve as these towels give me a spark.  

This week-end I'll fill the new linen cabinet with items.  It shouldn't take me very long to do this. Stay focused.

Getting organized seems to be on my back burner.  AND SHOULD BE.

~d     

SET FOR ANOTHER YEAR and REMEMBERING ONE OF MY SUPER POWERS

THE YEARLY PHYSICALS WENT SO WELL I WAS REJOICING.  Couldn't have gone any better.  I am still obese, but I knew that.  I'll continue to work on reducing my weight.  God will have to help me through this.  YES, LORD.  My A1c was very good, blood pressure alright, lipids inside the box.  PRAISE THE LORD.

Although the doc did not check my Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D levels at this Summer Physical as he said he would last February, I walked away with a smile on my face when leaving the doc's office.  It was a relief to have this appointment under my belt.  So pleased.  I will go to Quest Labs soon and have these levels checked for my own peace of mind.  

My A1c will be checked again by the doc in 6 months.  Wouldn't you know it, this 3 month period where the blood glucose will be averaged will be during the Christmas Holidays. 🎄🎅🤶  I will have to stay disciplined about not going overboard on the sweets, eat protein, veggies and walk, walk, walk.      

I'll continue to research recipes that create nutritious meals that are better for our health. Walking will be my exercise of choice and water my preference to drink.  5 a day fruits and veggies aimed for.  Lean protein and healthy fats.  A few nuts and seeds.  Avoid seed oils because of how they are processed, avoid high fructose corn syrup, avoid highly processed foods, no soy, no GMO foods, less use of caffeine and cow's milk, natural flavors is a no-no, less carbohydrates in diet, nuts and seeds hello, continue grilling with avocado oils, using extra virgin olive oils that are from one country to avoid evoo being blended with other oils, more protein in the form of legumes which are lentils and beans.  CAN I DO THIS?  Yes, I can.

Aiming to walk more.  The outside weather isn't always the best conditions to get a walk in so I need to watch Jack LaLanne videos and go through the motions with him.  Know what I mean?  

SALAD for SUPPER.  Will get started fixing it around 4 this afternoon so we'll have an early supper.

I am pacing myself in slow-mo.  No rushing around or heavy activity.  Wednesday was a social activity for me as I met up with my friends from a ~once upon a time~ singing group.  When we get together, we pick right up where we left off.  Amazing group of friends to connect with during our birthday months.  We had two birthdays this month to celebrate.  We chatted for FOUR HOURS NON-STOP and closed the restaurant down.  grins.

I ate a Friendship House Turkey Sandwich SPECIAL with a pickle on the side actually eating the pickle first.  From a critical point of view the bun was overkill on the sandwich, not very much turkey and little veggies to top the turkey with.  I drank lemon water.  The CONVERSATION CARRIED ME.  We exchanged some gifts and enjoyed the day together.

Days gone by photo of us singing.  My FAVORITE photo of us.  I took this selfie.

This was after I had Thyroid Cancer Surgery so I wasn't sure I could even sing.  We were recording a couple of songs for a CD.

🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

AFTER our lunch and visit, I did go to the Kreme Cup solo and treated myself to a chocolate ice cream cone. 🍦  Was it worth it?  yep.  Drove HOME in an air conditioned car.  Hubby took the other car that has no air conditioner right now to get his hair cut.  Waiting to get it worked on.   

Worked on the budget after I got HOME.  We've gotten HIT really hard this month with additional expenses.  Makes me sigh and ask questions.  Car repair, doctor bill balance paid off, dental bill payment, auto insurance, but I justified my 70th birthday celebration.  Bills come and go.  Sometimes they are hard to take.  More planning needed as I grow older.  Tighten the belt. Waste NOT want NOT.  

Financial dealings are a delicate issue in this small household.  I have been blessed to stay HOME all these years, but it wasn't without sacrifice, planning and making do.  You know that saying,  MAKE DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE or DO WITHOUT?  It is prevalent more than ever. I will continue to bargain shop, do my best to prepare inexpensive meals, plan, repurpose things, shop my HOME, look at free activities, continue to cut expenses where I can, etc.

I developed a SUPER POWER of juggling bills.  This muscle got lots of practice and was well developed over the years.  I'd really like to NOT retire this way of doing things especially at 70 years of age.

Do you have a super POWER?  One of mine is making messes and dropping things.  
I'm so good at it, I should patent it.

~d

 

  

Carol Hill's Tomato Sandwich | Try this one trick to make the BEST tomat...

SANDWICHES ON MY MIND,

~d

WE WERE DANCING!

 OR AT LEAST TRYING TO.

I have a farmer's tan on my feet.  Not sure how long it will take for it to fade away.  grins.

~d

REMEMBERING MY BIRTHDAY WEEK

GOSH, I HAD A TERRIFIC BIRTHDAY WEEK CELEBRATING MY OLD AGE.  70.  It has soaked in.   It was a mini vacation sorely needed.  We are back HOME now and I feel so refreshed.

Back to living in the real world in our RETIREMENT COTTAGE.  I'll work on the laundry as I can later.  I have some treasures that I collected that I'll need to put away.

A Birthday Week to remember.  A mini vacay.
Sunday.  Brookville Restaurant in Abilene for a fried chicken dinner in style.
Visited 2 Antique Shoppes and came away with some treasures.  Ironstone China with Tea Leaf Motif Oval Platter and 6 piece silver-plated Tea Service with large serving tray.  Beamed with delight that these treasures were discounted especially the Tea Service with tray.  Oh my goodness...did I do well.

Monday.  On my actual BIRTHDAY I treated myself to a STARBUCKS Trenta unsweetened Iced Green Tea and a pink Birthday POP.  Just what I wanted.  Read Birthday cards and enjoyed phone conversations with loved ones.  
Woke to two large helium balloons tied to my dining room chair.  Cheered me right up.  HAPPY 70th TO ME.

Tuesday.  Yearly Medicare Physical under my belt with a great report.  If there be a next time, I will not schedule medical appointments before, during or after an important Holiday or celebration.

Wednesday.  After Hubby's Medicare Physical we drove to the HAY'S House in Council Grove, Kansas to eat an old fashioned, all meat Hamburger with fat fries.

Visited two Antique Shoppes.
Drove across the spacious Kansas Prairie admiring the beautiful scenery with gentle rolling hills covered in seasonal colored plants and native grass.
When I drove up the long drive to the front porch steps of the Clover Cliff Ranch Bed & Breakfast it made my heart sing.  We're here.  Time to unwind and relax.

The Lincoln Suite stay was for two comfortable nights with delicious gourmet Breakfast served in the veranda of the Clover Cliff Ranch Mansion.  

 

Jetted Tub Time for water therapy two nights in a row.  The power of water helped me to accept how old I really am.  Managed to get out of the tub in one piece having peace.

Thursday.  A Lunch at the Grand Central Hotel and Grill in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.
Stopped in to see some local Art talent.
Drove around Cottonwood Falls gawking at some gorgeous historical houses.

Friday.  Drove to Peabody, Kansas for a Lunch.  The Antique Shoppe I wanted to visit was closed.  whah.
Drove to Marion, Kansas to visit the Hospital Auxiliary Shoppe which is one of my FAVORITE THRIFT SHOPPES.  I was looking forward to this stop.  

I hit the Mother Lobe on Junk Jewelry or should I say COSTUME JEWELRY that sparkles like diamonds and three Boyd's Bears priced just right...chhheeeeaaappp.  They are weighted and it's been awhile since I bought one.  

I still would like to try my hand in sewing a long limbed teddy bear.  Coming down the road.  Okay, I will sew one this year.  No more excuses.

I picked up a sweet framed victorian picture that I'll hang in my Cottage, a white 100% Cotton Double Size Bedspread to add to my bedding stash, and a couple of books.  I felt accomplished getting what I did.  It was an adrenaline rush kind of moment.

This shopping place is a favorite of mine.  I know I'll get a bargain there every time.  It's a sweet treat for when I want to go JUNKIN.  I don't know where they get their stash, but I am never disappointed with my visits.  

One of the sweet little houses in Marion.

While in Marion, I always drive the neighborhoods announcing like it's the first time that I've seen the places in along time...That's Aunt Ann's house, there's Uncle August and Aunt Bertha's bungalow, Mom and Dad lived there, there's Grandma Helmer's green apple trees, Denice and I use to play there, etc.  Stepping back into my childhood with fond memories of days gone by.  I am at the age where all my Aunts and Uncles are gone.  Only a few cousins still live there.  

Am I to be sad they're gone or pleased that I have so many good memories in which it feels like I am HOME again?  It's a mixture of feelings.  For today, I choose to be happy.

Time well spent.  I feel whole.  

AND THEN the long, gorgeous drive HOME across the beautiful prairie to our COTTAGE to unload our luggage and treasures took place.  I was a bit tired, but oh so happy and contented.   

God watched over us and we had no car issues and safe travels.  

Happy Birthday to me!  What a blessed and carefree Birthday WEEK.  I am now the big 70. 

Onto enjoying this HOT SUMMER where we stay indoors shuffling furniture again at our place and the remodeling CONTINUES.  Praise the LORD.

SO glad and thankful I am still alive and learning,
~d

'LIFE JUST GOT A LITTLE EASIER' PECAN PIE TREAT

'Life Just Got A Little Easier' PECAN PIE TREAT.  I need all the help I can get where easy to prepare calls my name for this whipped dessert.

HERE'S TO THINGS BEING CONVENIENTLY EASIER.  

INGREDIENTS

2 bricks of Cream Cheese
Maple Syrup
Light Brown Sugar
Pecans
Cool Whip
9 "Graham Ready Crust

2 Cream Cheese Bricks placed in mixing bowl

100% Pure Maple Syrup squeezed over bricks

1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar

Blend mixture until creamy

Add about a cup of pecans to your liking 

and stir into mixture

Add small container of COOL WHIP 

and stir until well blended

Graham Ready Crust to the rescue

Fill crust with mixture

Sprinkle additional pecans on top of pie then place in the fridge to chill for 3 to 4 hours before cutting.

Ready to serve and enjoy this easy to prepare PECAN PIE TREAT.

Life just got a little easier,
~d

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE AT THE CLOVER CLIFF RANCH BED & BREAKFAST

DINING ON THE PRAIRIE was extra special for me since we were at the CLOVER CLIFF RANCH BED & BREAKFAST for two days and two nights celebrating my 70th Birthday.

Arriving on Wednesday afternoon, there was a Fruit and Cheese Platter chilling in the fridge for us to snack on for Supper.  Hubby requested it in advanced.

THURSDAY MORNING'S Breakfast was served in the Mansion's Veranda where we sat at a small table beside a large picture window allowing us to look out at the open prairie.  Spectacular view.  We dined on Quiche, Cherry Pastry and Apple Crisp topped with Granola.  Hot Tea, Orange Juice and water to drink.  Not only was the food delicious, but the presentation was lovely.

No make-up so no close-up of a 70 year old me that needs 8 hours sleep, but didn't get it.  I figure I would just be a tired old lady eating well on the prairie.

Friday morning in the Veranda, for Breakfast we were served a hot Mexican Enchilada in a skillet, Apple Puff and Fruit Compote in vintage Peanut Butter Glass.  Beverages were Hot Tea, Orange Juice and Water.  Everything was as good as it looked.  Everything and the presentation was beautiful.  Service with a smile.

~DINING ON THE PRAIRIE~ 

was outstanding this go round.

Happy dining for sure,
~d