FIRECRACKER HEAT, PARIS TEA, and DOWNSIZING

BLESSINGS TO YOU.  
Hello from the Kansas Prairie.

IT'S HOTTER THAN A FIRECRACKER OUTSIDE.  Yesterday, it felt like SUMMER for sure.  I drank quite a bit of water to stay hydrated.  No TEA for me until the latter part of July. Even herbal. Taking a break from it.  Prepping for my July Labs.  

Going caffeine free for now, but will treat myself to TEA later in ze month because I purchased some HARNEY & SONS Paris.  Haven't a clue what this is, but it sounded like OOH LALAA.

I must be dreaming.  I've been so busy that the days are a blur.

I stayed in my pink housecoat until NOON.  Said I was being lazy.  There was knock at the door.  SIL and Lil Dude stopped by for a quick visit with us.  My Grandson watched Dinosaur Train for a few minutes with me before he left.  

Hubby unloaded the storage tubs from our unit that we had in the car and placed them on the porch to disinfect them.  Next they'll come into the house for me to decide what to keep or get rid of.  

Later in the evening Hubby, Daughter and SIL will go to the out-of-town storage unit 25 minutes away to retrieve a curio cabinet in their nice size truck.  I'll babysit.  We're getting close to having the unit emptied.  Getting close.  Praise the Lord.  I think I'll drive over and gather all the boxes and haul them HOME.  One more run on the boxes then the larger pieces of furniture will disappear.  

JULY will be here before I know it.  I won't be making my goal of being completely out of his storage unit by July 1st, but if we can stay steady at this, we'll be done early July.  

This is a big project for lil 'ole me and my darling hubby.  Surely LIFE isn't just about hauling STUFF from one place to the next.  SO ready to call it done.  The heat index is climbing which makes working outside rather dangerous for us.  We have to pace ourselves.  SO much of my life has involved moving and relocating like a Nomad.   We've been working in the storage units all of June.  We're into our fourth week of this.  Proud of us for sticking to it.  This getting settled into our tiny COTTAGE has been an ongoing work for us.  Our 2026 SPRING/SUMMER PROJECT IS emptying the storage units, cleaning out the garage, relocating Holiday Decor and dishes/glassware to different locations then making some sense out of the cellar and SHE SHED. This all needs to be done before we step into the next stage of what we are doing.  

The inside of the COTTAGE will be in an upheaval as we work.  We'll start with the TV room with painting the walls and sanding down the wood trim to apply new paint to it.  Right now the ceiling will remain as is.  I'd like to add wide crown molding after we paint.  The carpet will be pulled up after the furniture etc. is shuffled to the Living room.  THEN we'll decide if we can salvage the 126ish year old flooring or lay new carpet.  Makes my head spin. 🤯  This is definitely a great exercise regime, huh? 

I woke early and have made plans for the day.  Hubby will remain HOME to work on the car. The horn isn't working and one of the headlights flickers.  He has already replaced the headlights and filters.  Before the temps rise too high, I'll be going to TOPEKA to Sam's and God's Storehouse for my Tuesday THRIFT TREAT.  

On my way HOME, I'll stop off at the Launder Mat and wash a load of teddy bears that need some attention.  They were in a cardboard box in storage and mice got into the box.  They found a comfortable place to do what not.  humpf.  Anyways, they'll get laundered in a jumbo machine at the Mat, semi-dried in a machine and then I'll let them finish air drying.  My Teddy Bears will come HOME and after they dry they'll be placed in a nicer storage box.  When we return the SHE SHED back into a Victorian Bedroom, I think my Teddies will stay there.  Downsizing the way we have has made me HAVE TO figure where to go with my collections.

Alrighty then. 

Lunch will take place and then I can rest a bit indoors.  With the temps rising, I will need to stay indoors in the heat of the day.

I started cutting back on certain foods on Sunday.  This is day 3 and day 3 is usually a hard one as my body protest and craves the foods I am avoiding.  I noticed a mild headache.  Probably caffeine and sugar withdrawal. 🧁🫖  So far, I have stayed faithful.  Breakfast has been crunchy celery sticks with peanut butter, an apple or cuties.  Kind of enjoying this for the time being.

This is supreme discipline for me as food is a weakness I have.  Especially sweets.  My attitude could click and finally say that it is alright to eat a different way and I am content.  I'm not there yet, but I could be at any second.  grins.

I've heard that if you have been diagnosed with cancer, you should  stop eating fruit, highly processed foods and avoid sugar.  Cancer feeds on sugar.  EAT BROCCOLI.  My Brother-in-Law has been newly diagnosed with cancer.  The medical doctor he visited with told him he should be on the KETO DIET.  Cancer feeds on sugar.  Another medical confirmation that sugar causes health issues.  

Way too much cancer.  Our environment, nutrition, quality of food, beverages, lifestyles are so important that I call them sacred.

Off I go to spend some time on my own and make progress.

~d

OVER THE WEEK-END and PRAISING GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW

SATURDAY.  Got around to go to an out of town T-BALL GAME in Maple Hill, KS.  Cuteness overload watching the 4 year olds play T-BALL.  The sky was overcast and a gentle breeze blew as we sat on a bleacher seat.  It was a pleasant morning in the shade.

Our dear Grandson did not play in the dirt this time.  Last week he did.  He was concentrating on the dirt more than the game.  It was sweet though watching him run the bases when he did.

One little darlin' hit the ball and ran toward third base.  grins.

There were quite a few little players that after running to the HOME PLATE just stood there and looked around as if in another world.  Their young brains have to be rerouted to engage in the sporting event.  GRINS. ⚾

This week, the game flew and it was over with before I knew it.  We drove about town and looked at the sights then traveled to our daughter's HOME to eat lunch with them as a celebration that the SEASON was complete.  🍔🌭🍦Hamburgers and hotdogs with ice-cream.  An ALL AMERICAN MEAL.

I skipped the buns, had a few chips and crackers for hummus.  I overdid the carbs so I will cut back this week and eat more veggies.  Amen.

HOME for a nap.
Rise and shine.
Supper.
Another trip to the out of town storage unit to load storage tubs in the back of our PT CRUISER.
The drive there takes a good 30 minutes.  It took all of 6 minutes to load the car.  30 minutes HOME.
We left the tubs in the car and will unload on Sunday.
We watched a movie and called it a night.

SUNDAY.    Lord, Forgive us as we are not going to church today.  Here we be ready for Breakfast and getting ready for the day unloading the tubs from the car to the porch.  Time to wipe the tubs off.  They have to be disinfected as they have been in storage nearly 3 years.  I mustn't be lazy getting this done.

As we come across the Christmas tubs, they will go to an in-town storage unit as we are going to transfer all the HOLIDAY DECOR from one unit into another as we morph along.  That unit is full of odds and ins.  It'll take a good two weeks to clean it out.  Maybe longer.  We stopped by to take inventory.  It amazes me that when we take notice there is far more in the unit than I remembered.

The dishes and glassware will be stored in the cellar on racks.  The HOLIDAY DECOR that is presently stored in the cellar will be transferred to this other unit after it is cleared out.  Coming together, but rather slow.  Dear Lord, I pray we are done with this before the snow blows this winter.  sigh.

It's been a very difficult move due to health issues and the weather.  This activity with cleaning out storage units is the wrap up of our relocating into RETIREMENT COTTAGE.  I have to go through all of the tubs and make a judgment call as to what to keep and what to give away.  ONE DAY I'll say, "SNAP.  Tis done."

SNIPPET.  
*The sound of the neighbor's lawn mower is humming next door.  A very common sound this time of year.  Our lawn is due for a mow as well.  About once a week, it takes about an hour and a half of time. 
*Another train is rumbling in the distant background which I can hear over the lawn mower.  
*In a short time, the birds will sing songs that will be listened to as they rest in the front yard trees. They are generally very contented to sing near by chiming with other birds.  
*Outside the Kitchen window, the bright orange Day lilies are standing tall while still in bloom.  
*I have hopes of making another trip to the out of town storage unit to get more tubs to bring HOME.  It looks like we might have two more trips to make to where there are no more boxes in that unit.  I will stand there looking at our work and be ever so glad that we are this far along.
*BUSY SUMMER.  There's still furniture to deal with so the month of JULY will be a busy one working on emptying this stuff out.  I'm pretty sure we know what to do with the furniture.  
My plans are to have this unit completely cleared by the end of August.  Somewhere in this, the in-town storage unit will be cleared out and restocked with HOLIDAY DECOR and a few pieces of furniture.  The cellar will house the overflow of boxed dishes and glassware.  The garage will be cleared out and rearranged.

Maintaining a good attitude with this task is challenging.  I seem to have some ambition of getting it done, but the attitude is a different tale to tell.  I wish we were done.  

Plans for this week include potting some HERBS in different pots to place by the front porch steps, attend a couple of medical appointments, researching medical issues on the internet, standing firm on eating the DANIEL FAST WAY and working on the storage units.  AND ABOVE ALL, Praising God from whom all blessings flow.

~d

MONDAY.   I planted the Lavender and the Rosemary in black pots leaving them by the front porch steps.  Running out of bagged soil, I'll get some more today as I have Geranium and Peppermint plants to pot.  We'll be going to the physical therapist later then have some shopping to do.  As we drive the distance HOME, we'll stop by the storage unit and load our little car with the last bunch of storage boxes.  HURRAY.  There's still large pieces of furniture stored there that we'll deal with in July, but loading the last of these boxes feels like a huge VICTORY.  

The weight is coming off my shoulders.

As I work my way through the piles of paperwork, I came across a 1984 letter to my Husband from his Mom.  I read it and wept.  It was a beautifully written letter.  I gave it to my Husband to keep.  What he does with it will be his choice.  I have kept almost all of the letters and cards from loved ones that we have received through the years.  Some would say they take up too much room to keep.  Not I.  They have VALUE.

As we age, we make new memories.  Sometimes I just want to bask in the old ones.
~d

WE'RE TO HAVE A GOOD LIFE

BLESSED SUNDAY.  

Thank you for stopping by.

Jesus tells us that HE has come so we might have a more abundant LIFE!

Goodness.
~d

 

MIDDLE OF THE WEEK TIME-OUT!!!

MIDDLE OF THE WEEK TIME-OUT for us to get away for a belated FATHER'S DAY treat and mini vacay.  Hubby wanted Fried Chicken from THE HAYS HOUSE in Council Grove, Kansas.  We decided to take some time to relax, eat and do a sleep over at THE COTTAGE HOUSE.  Last year we did the same.

https://www.hayshouse.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thecottagehousecouncilgroveks

Staying at the COTTAGE HOUSE in the Bridal Suite was repeated. It's a nice size room where we could spread our wings and relax. 

Comforting to me.  Like stepping back in time in a way that fills my soul with joy. On the main floor there's a general Living room where you can sit down and do nothing, but let the air conditioner blow on you as you sip a cup of tea.

Two of the stores we visited were
The Dustie Shelf and 318 Mercantile.

318 Mercantile

We walked about the narrow hallways to peek into the other rooms.  The Hotel was basically empty except for us which was really neat to say the least.  Each room has a feel all of its own.

Hubby was treated to 3 big meals from THE HAYS HOUSE.  I watched what I ate and brought home most of my fried chicken which we ate for supper last night.  

I didn't sleep well at all so when I did get home, a long nap took place to help catch me up.

Recap.

We traveled over to Council Grove on Wednesday, had lunch, toured an antique shop, checked into the HOTEL and stayed put for the rest of the day.  Hubby went to pick up hamburgers and fries for our Wednesday supper.  We watched television and I tried really hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.  No such luck.  Morning came early and I took a long hot shower.  Got dressed for the day and returned to THE HAYS HOUSE for their Fried Chicken Dinner which is the BEST of all time for my Husband.  It was outstanding.  HAPPY FATHER's DAY to a wonderful daddy.  Afterwards we checked out another Antique Shop, 318 Mercantile.  I did make one purchase that was 25% off making the buy very economical.  Drove HOME and I was more than ready to take a NAP and I did.  After left overs for supper, I called my Mom to check up on her and then phoned my Sister.

My brother-in-law is deathly ill.  It doesn't look good for him.  Ailing fast.  

It is so very important to have your household in order.  This puts the fire under me to have my own household in order.  Seriously.  

We unpacked and took the evening off.  

I slept really well and have done a few chores this Friday morning.  Hubby has a Physical Therapy appointment this afternoon. Afterwards I hope to go to Menards and see if they have anymore herbs to sell.  I need to fill a matching plant container that has Rosemary growing in it.  The matching pot will hold whatever herb I can get that's just right. 

Driving across the Kansas Prairie was very stimulating and beautiful to behold.  I saw so much that it was an overload to take in all at once.  I have to take it down a notch and slow the boat down some as I am that person.

Overall, our mini vacation was worth its weight in gold.  We're back at decluttering and downsizing our mess.  We're headed to one of our storage units to take inventory.  Lord, I pray we get to where we should be in life FAST.  Like yesterday.

God bless and may HE give you the peace
you need,

~d

RAISING VITAMIN D LEVELS QUICKLY

Hello from Kansas and welcome to my blog.

I have a Vitamin D deficiency and have had it for years.  My personal plan on raising the levels has had a change of strategy because the way I have been treating it hasn't raised my levels high enough and they are at a level that is NOT doing any good.

Research has entered the picture and as good of a doctor that I have, I need some more help.  Without sounding rude or inconsiderate...my doc could improve on his treatment plan.  Presently, there isn't one with him.  Last year for my physical, I was told that vitamin B12 and vitamin D would be checked.  They were not and I had to nudge them to have this checked.

After working at raising the levels, the doc should recheck the levels to see how the progress is coming along.  My doc didn't.  I used Walk In Lab to check my levels months later.  It should be checked 3 to 6 months later.  I was significantly too low.

There's deficiencies and insufficient levels.  I'm aiming for OPTIMAL.  That's the magic word that has to be used when dealing with health issues.  My Endocrinologist never used the word with me until I brought it up after about 14 years in their care.  OPTIMAL.

I'll have to use this word with my primary doc when visiting with him at my next physical that's coming up in July.

Vitamin D is actually a HORMONE.  A hormone.

 https://youtu.be/O3OIxj2H3SY?si=OoRsiR4tM0T1g8_7

Check your Vitamin D levels.  We want close to a 50.  
Use a tanning bed with UVB bulb.  Start out with only about 3 minutes a session and build up to about 8 minutes.  
You don't want to burn.  A slight pink color to skin is good enough.  After a month of using a tanning bed with UVB bulb, 
recheck your Vitamin D levels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9K5AXEGjY4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpLsJJ_JPf4

~d

SUMMER TIME WITH SUMMER PLANS

 Summer.  2026.  Summer plans in motion.

I already know that we will be working really hard to clearing out the two storage units we still have and a very messy garage.  Not to mention the cellar crammed full of seasonal decor.

We have our Queen size bed with mattress and box springs plus a triple dresser that will go bye bye.  The set has been in storage going on 3 years.  I can finally say good-bye and I hope you go to someone who will appreciate you.

RESTORE will bring a truck to our storage unit and haul it away.  They won't handle the mattress and box springs.  Have to go another route on this.

Several other large pieces of furniture are in one unit.  Also some chairs, a small buffet, a couple of night stands made by my husband, a curio cabinet, a tallboy, sofa, glassware, oriental end tables.

It took years to collect these pieces and it has been like pulling teeth to get to the place where I can turn loose of them.  It's been difficult, but I am getting there.

Right now Hubby is out tweaking on the headlights of our sweet ride.  I have been working on laundry, paperwork, shuffling vinyl boxes of dishes.  I think this afternoon, I'll go back over to the storage unit and bring home more dishes.  Eventually these will go to the garage until all the dishes are grouped with like kind and then I can turn loose of some more.

This is a work I cannot do very quickly for so many reasons.

I made a hair appointment for mid-week.

My colonoscopy has been scheduled for August.

Plans have been made for downsizing and turning loose of a storage unit.

Dreams and thoughts have been gyrating in my head for painting the rooms in this tiny cottage.  The biggest challenge here is prepping the room for painting.  Makes my head spin.

PLANS.  Being cautious of what I am eating.  Hydrating.  Staying active.  Resting.  Not overloading my schedule.  Devotions and prayers.  Cleaning the house and flower beds.

There is an urgency to get this estate in order and out of the chaos.

WITH GOD'S help I believe we will get there.

~d

HFD and FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

 HapPY Father's Day !!!

AND

WelCoMe to the first day of SumMEr.

The start to a new week and season.
Will you be doing anything special today 
and this week?

Plans made and goals achieved.

~d

Hello From Kansas and Chickpea Sandwiches

HELLO FROM THE KANSAS FLINT HILLS.  I woke at a decent hour.  Did a few chores and have been sitting sipping on hot lemon water.  I feel a bit off this morning concerning my health.  Not sure what's going on.  Just a bit off.  Maybe it's my blood sugar or migraine headache.

Shall see how the day unfolds.  We went to see our youngest grandson play a T-BALL GAME. What a hoot it is.  Afterwards we watched him at HOME while his mom and sister did a cross training thing.  We went to lunch with the girls and then I went HOME for a NAP before going to the storage unit to measure one of the pieces we have.  I want to see if it'll fit in the living room as I don't want to part with it.

If it fits, then we'll have to do some more shuffling.  Whah.  I wish it were done.

The temps are cooler today which is a welcomed thing and will make working at the storage unit better.  With tomorrow being Father's Day, I think we'll do something special.

~d

Yummers and oh so good for peeps.  

Chickpea Sandwiches from Facebook.

AND THAT'S HOW THE COOKIE CRUMBLES,
~d

AREN'T BIRTHDAYS GREAT? Yes.

Happy 51st Birthday, Son.

Love you,

Mom

 

WARDROBE MALFUNCTION AT THE GROCERY STORE

OH MY.  I have NEVER had this happen before and I'm not sure how it happened this time. We were shopping at the HY-VEE Grocery Store when I felt my bra shift and realized that it had completely come unhooked.  An actual wardrobe malfunction just took place and I wasn't even a part of a HALF TIME ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM in front of millions of people on television.

We were headed to the check out line when the show must go on moment happened.  I shared with my HUSBAND that my bra came completely undone.  Oops and he finished the check out of our groceries so I could take cover in the car.  I had forgotten where the heck I parked our little cruiser.  Hate it when that happens. 

I was slightly surprised that the wardrobe malfunction had happened in the first place.  I still had support, but not for long.  I needed to get out of there and hide in the car.  grins.  I guess I could have gone to the Ladies room to make a big adjustment.  Instead, HUBBY checked out and I sat in the car waiting for him.

GRINS.  

There was a time when I had my young daughter at the BABY POOL in Omaha.  The TIME OUT WHISTLE just blew which indicated it was time to take a break so all the children got out of the pool to rest.  As I sat there on a bench sunning, the strap of my halter top bathing suit went snap and the strap came loose from the hook exposing one of my full figured body parts.  I sat there stunned eyeballing my body part that was showing to the world and I very quickly pulled the strap back up to the back of my neck hooking it together.  This was not one of my finer moments as I had no idea who on earth saw the peep show and we weren't even at WALMARTS.  I am not a big fan of nude sunbathing.  This experience was embarrassing to me as I was a very modest female.  Accidents do happen though and I was a victim of showing too much skin.

BACK TO THE PRESENT DAY.  Our Thursday morning started out by a trip to the Manhattan RESTORE to donate some left over building supplies that had been stored in our tiny garage.  It felt good to have this out of our hair.  Hubby's spirits lifted as he was seeing progress with our estate clean-up.  We both have serious emotions about being so far behind on our clean-up.  This helped immensely.

It was my Husband's idea to eat at the HAPPY HIPPY, but when we drove through the AGGIE VILLE district there was no parking and we didn't feel like walking half a mile to eat at this restaurant.  He mentioned THE BLUE EARTH.  Off we went.  A little bit of a drive, but it was a nice trip there.  

As we drove the distance, there was a house for sale that I wanted to find out what they were asking for it.  Sticker shock.  The place is in a fun location, but the lot size is dinky and getting to the backyard garage would be a nightmare.  I enjoy looking and pricing houses anyways.  Tis fun to me.

We went to HOME DEPOT to get a Father's Day gift for HUBBY and then go to the grocery store where the wardrobe malfunction took place.  HOME was afterwards and I was tired by this time. I needed to put my feet up for a moment before putting the groceries away.

Spinach, chard, cherry tomatoes, oatmeal, oranges, onions, baby potatoes, asparagus, cabbage, canned tomatoes, carrots.  I'd have to clean out the fridge to make way for fresh vegetables. There are plans to eat more veggies this week to come.  We might try making black bean burgers and meatless chili.  This should be delicious.  

I'm already in my pajamas and resting for the evening.  I hope to get to sleep earlier than I have been, but waking at 6 in the morning is ideal for me.  ⏰

Our plans for the rest of the week include the yard getting mowed and chigger killer spread on it. There is a metal rack in the Kitchen that will be emptied and removed from there.  In storage is a dinette set that will be brought HOME and placed in the Kitchen.  Finally.  I'll polish the wood furniture and call it blessed.  We've been in the COTTAGE for two and a half years and it's overdue to have a small dinette in the Kitchen.  🧹 I'd like to sweep and scrub the floor before we place the set in there.  A HOME BLESSING IS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE.

Happy about that.  
We're inching our way
to living a more civilized life.  
Praise the LORD and thank you, God.

~d

DAY LILIES

THE KSU GARDENS IN MANHATTAN are gorgeous this time of year as the Day Lilies are in bloom.  Usually we visit when the Irises are in bloom in May.  This is the first year that we took notice of the Day Lilies and walked the grounds.  The variety of the different types took my breath away.  

Beautiful moments at the GARDEN.

AT HOME.  WE HAVE SOME ORANGE DAY LILIES GROWING IN OUR BACK YARD.  They're beautiful to see.  I have no idea what their name is, but they are in brilliant bloom leaning toward the sun rays as the sun changes location throughout the day.  Lovely to look at during the daylight.

Ideas to keep in mind.

Lily pads beside the reflecting pool.

Each year, I will keep this place in mind

 so we can plan our visits accordingly.

Lovely place,
~d

 

SNIPPET

AFTER A HARD WEEK OF WORKING ON THE STORAGE UNITS AND GETTING RID OF STUFF,  today came where we got up early and rumbled into Manhattan for Hubby's physical therapy appointment.  I stayed in the car parked under the shade tree enjoying the weather while he was at the appointment.

I brought some old magazines along with me to thumb through and took some time to redo my hair as I sat in the car.  The weather was really pleasant.  The last few days the weather has been beautiful and I can enjoy it as much as possible.  After a while, I got out of the car and rearranged the back of the car which had two boxes of faux fruit, bottled water and a few groceries.  Trying to make some sense out of it.

Stopped by the bank to buy some $2 bills.  I give $2 bills away to my GRANDCHILDREN for birthdays, Holidays, etc.

We tried something different for breakfast.  Felt like I was on a date.  Hy-Vee has a cafe inside and we get a discount for being SENIORS.  Two eggs, two pieces of bacon and two pancakes. Sipped on water.  We can afford a discounted meal from here and have plans of eating here more often.  

I picked up some oatmeal, chicken broth and Kalamata Olives.

We needed to renew our memberships to the Recreational Center while in town then went to Menards for chemicals to kill chiggers.  Being in the yard over the week-end, the chiggers dined on us. 

We stopped off at the storage unit to check up on things then found ourselves back HOME where I took a three hour NAP.  Worked on dishes and laundry afterwards.  Watched on YOUTUBE the program OFF GRID WITH DOUG AND STACY.  7PM on Monday nights.  They are HOMESTEADERS and ever once in a while Doug voices his voice about politics and current events with a different spin on things.  Hey you all.

Watched the 1984 movie PLACES IN THE HEART with Sally Fields.  Great movie about a widowed woman left to raise two children and save her property during the Depression Era.  It's is one of the best movies.  A plus. 

A VERY GOOD DAY and I feel like we are getting a lot done toward our ongoing project of DOWNSIZING.

Today will be another very full day and away I go,
~d

 

PSALM 104:14

 

HERB for the service of man: 

that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

I do believe I believe,
~d

STRIKING WHILE THE IRON IS HOT AND ONE DAY

THE ORANGE DAY LILIES THAT ARE IN THE BACK YARD ARE IN BLOOM and they are gorgeous.  They bloomed last week.  I just peeked outside from the Kitchen window to see their glory.  Gorgeous.  We may be planting some in the front flower bed along with Stella d'Oras as a flower boarder.  

The boxwood that went into the bed two years ago has not done well as the March frost did a serious number on them and they look semi dead.  Yellowed.  If we relocate the boxwoods that still appear to be alive elsewhere along the side of the house or in the back yard, we can salvage some, but I do not want to replace the dead ones in the bed and go through this again next year. They are too expensive to keep replacing.  I saw nice boxwood hedges and that's what we were aiming for, but apparently the type we got was for a different region?  sigh.  Live and learn. Learn to live.     

THE BAD WEATHER PASSED US BY last night.  We did not get the nasty wind and tornadic weather as was predicted yesterday.  Rested well during the night without a care in the world. RELIEVED!

SUNDAY MORNING.  No church services for me today.  Truly exhausted and oh so sore.  Taking the 7th day to REST.  Thankful we can do just that.  We are whipped from the last six days of the serious activity of clearing out storage units and in the garage in the intense heat of the day.    

This is very difficult for us as we are in our 70s and we have to cool off a great deal and rest as we go.  Working in cooler temps did not happen this year due to health issues and weather conditions, so we have to strike while the iron is hot and that's now.  Boy, did we.

Ideally, we would not be doing this at all.  It would have never needed to have been done, BUT...there's that BIG BUT WORD, we live in the real world where things do not always go as planned or wished for.  Know what I mean, Vern?

I have to be realistic and I know that this clean out of our stuff in storage falls on our shoulders and we're responsible for taking care of this as we have to go through the sentimental things as well that no one else can do for us while we're alive.  So many people I know have passed away and I do not want to leave our estate in such a horrible mess for someone else to take care of. sigh.  It has got to get wrapped up.  Hoping by the end of SUMMER, the storage units are empty. Please LORD.   

As this week plays out, Hubby is prepping for a colonoscopy.  He'll have to rest afterwards so I'll be working on catching up on ze laundry and tidying the house.  It'll be my turn next month on a colonoscopy.  Been 5 years for me.  Whoopie.  

I don't suppose I'll do much on the storage units this week.  A trip to the Goodwill and maybe God's Storehouse for drop offs might take place and I know that one of the units has two small boxes of faux fruit that I'd like to pick up today and group it with some I know I have at HOME. I'd like to keep these items together as ONE DAY I'll make some fruit wreaths.  Tadaah.  It's a plan.  

I can see in my mind's eye...no storage units, a tidy garage, a she shed arranged with my Victorian Bedroom suite and an organized cellar housing only the bare necessities of seasonal decorations.  Praise be to GOD it happens.  I need HIS strength and direction on how to get this all done.  

I move slower and time goes faster as I age. ONE DAY, we will not need any of this stuff we have. ONE DAY, we will be in a better place.  For now, we need to get on with it and strike while the iron is HOT.  

Sizzling,
~d

WHAT A WEEK!!!!!!!

We ended our work week on Friday sitting outside in the cool of the day. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were spent digging into two storage units and a garage.  Twas HOT, so we cooled off when we could, rested and worked all in one movement. We're inching along on the clean-up.  Inching very slowly.  

Hubby had Physical Therapy on Thursday and left with exercise instructions that he is to do between medical visits.  I pray these treatments help heal him as he has suffered with his knee. Shall see how this journey goes.

On Friday, we got up before the sun and sit up for a YARD SALE.  The traffic has been steady and now it's time to close for the afternoon.  We'll cover things up and do it all again tomorrow.  I might gather up some more things this evening and place them out in the morning.  I know that in a few months after we continue to clean out the storage units and garage that we will have more stuff to turn loose of.

As for the Friday yard sale, I met and visited with four of the neighborhood women that I had not visited with before so this was pleasant.  Janice, Janice, Elaine and Lisa.  New friends?

The heat takes a toll on me and I move really slow turning red in the face.  This morning it was awesome.  Absolutely BEAUTIFUL outside.  I lost count of how many people stopped by to check out the yard sale.  The best part of having a yard sale is visiting with the people.  After the hustle 'n bustle of gathering items, cleaning them, marking them and sitting up, the reward is visiting with the people.

I don't believe we have ever had a two day sale so this is different for me.  I'm not sure we'll do this again.  Ever, but for now, we are doing it.  Like I said...after we get the storage units cleared out, we may have some things to let go of.  I wish it were behind us.

We're nearly into the month of July.  June is half over.  Two family birthdays are approaching. Got my Son's card mailed to him.  A Sister-In-Law's needs mailed.  Time gets away from me.

Doing life in stages.  First we completely clean out the garage and storage units.  Reorganize. Downsize the SEASONAL DECOR in the cellar.  Remodeling will take place as I go.  This is the tricky one.  When we get this sale out of the way, we'll start in on the garage.  The TV room will be emptied and painted?  Shelves will be built.  The carpet will be torn up and a judgement call will be made about the flooring.  Do we carpet the room or strip the original wood floor and refinish it???  We have an area rug that would work.

This adventure is unfolding as I go.

TIME TO GO,

~d

HEALTHY IMMUNE DOC

LIKE ATTENDING SCHOOL CLASSES, I'LL BE WATCHING YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT IMMUNE NEWS.  I'LL NEED TO WATCH MORE OF HER HELPFUL AND HEALTHY VIDEOS.

SHE'S EASY TO LISTEN TO AND FULL OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION
CONCERNING ONE'S HEALTH.

HERE'S TO A HEALTHIER YOU AND ME!!!

GOD BLESS,
~d

 https://youtu.be/8ExdJmtaiJM?si=4NAGj2t8gSt4Wq_W

HOTTER THAN A FIRECRACKER

WORKED OFF AND ON FOR ANOTHER DAY of clearing out our STUFF from storage and the garage.  The temps are hot with a heat index and we took time for lots of cool off breaks.  I'm feeling my age.  I know we're doing the right thing by downsizing at 71 and 70.  I wish it were behind us.  I really do.  

SAFETY TIPS.  Stay hydrated and cool off frequently.  Take it at a comfortable speed and DON'T OVER DO it.  Wears gloves.  We are not super humans so pace yo self.  Staying focused is necessary when it is so easy to stop and check over this and that in storage.  

Everything will be dealt with as the days go by.

We have an antique wooden screen door that we were going to hang on the 1883 house's kitchen porch before we sold the house in 2023, but never got around to getting it hung so she has been in storage for close to three years.  Makes my head spin, but we have had so many detours on our move and getting settled.  That's sickening to think we have paid a storage bill for three years on stuff like this.  

Going to clean her up and find a new HOME for her as she will not work on our cottage.  Hauling her HoME was easy enough.  I'm the designated driver so after she was loaded in the car, I drove super slow as the back end of the car was left open. 

I typed a birthday letter to my oldest son today so I can get it in the mail before his 51st birthday on June 16th.  I was sharing with him what we have been doing and shared all the detours we have had in the last 2 and a half years since moving into this cottage.  Makes me realize that we have had many distractions and we have not been lazy.  Preoccupied with health issues.  Lord help.

TEA TIME.  Sipping an organic peach green tea.  Made it cold and it's delicious.  I'm staying indoors now to clean spider webs off items that gathered while in storage.  Things will begin to go to a different HoME soon.  Round ONE.  Next week, there'll be more to get rid of.  A little here and there.  It's the only way I can function these days.  Slow and easy.

I gave it a lot of thought how we are going to clean out the storage units and the garage.  Ran it past my side kick and he thinks this will work for us.  He's scheduled for physical therapy on his knee tomorrow and another appointment next week and also a COLONOSCOPY.  wOwzer.  What a life.  THEN we will work as a team on clearing out the garage.  I might sneak out there and pull a few things to pitch or what not without his help.  Truthfully, I know it will take longer than two weeks to get the garage cleared out.  We'll be into the heat of SUMMER and it will slow us down even more, but we have to stay the course. 4th of JULY will be here before we get done.  

Please, cheer me on as we get our act together.  Prayers appreciated.

God bless,

~d