WHAT A DAY I HAD IN BARGAINSVILLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~d

HEADED TOWARD 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

~d

THE FLU BUG STRUCK. PAUSE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~d

WHAT AN HONOR

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

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

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

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

More to pray about and what an honor.

~d  

FRESH AIR AND TIME APART FROM THE COTTAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need prayer.  We all do.  Pray.  

God bless,

~d

 

LOVELY PLACES TO ADMIRE WHILE STAYING HOME

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still coughing and stuffed up.  Tired.  

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

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

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

Take a peek.

Such lovely places and ideas.  

Time to rest.  
May you have a blessed day.

~d

CHRISTMAS HEAD COLD

THAT HEAD COLD I WAS HOPING TO AVOID...got me.  Stuffed up nose, cough, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, mild headache, tired, raw throat and mild ear ache. NO FEVER that I can tell of.  I'll keep taking my Vitamin C's, D3 with K2, Zinc with Selenium. Best pop some Vitamin B.  I don't want to, but I have to rest.  DRINKING various hot teas.  Now I am really in slow motion and the cleaning may not get done.👎

10 days til CHRISTMAS.  A lot can happen in 10 days?

I'm beginning to wonder if I will ever get the house to the place it needs to be.  I will load up some STUFF for GOODWILL and take it in when I can.  Be done with it.

I AM A SICK PUPPY today.  I telephoned two doctors early this morning to reschedule appointments this week.  Because my eye sight has cloudiness and serious halos after cataract surgery almost two years ago, I have an appointment to get lazar treatment for PCO.  Posterior Capsule Opacification.  After reading, you shouldn't have this procedure with a head cold, so I may have to reschedule again if I'm not all better next Monday.  In the meantime, I will do all those things I can to help relieve the symptoms from this rotten head cold.  Ugggg.

A common cold can sure mess with you, can't it?  Yes.  It sure does me.

I also had an appointment with a ENT specialist this morning about a bump I have inside my mouth.  When it rains it pours.  I figured I didn't want someone slicing inside my oral cavity when I might cough causing additional injury.  So this will take place in 2026.  

Isn't this all so exciting?  Not really, but I figure something I say just might help somebody. Surprise.

My energies need to go into Christmas Cards for Family with gift included, so I get these into the mail at the end of the week.  If I don't make it, I'll give the gifts at Epiphany in January when Baby Jesus received gifts from the Wise Men.  Celebrating Christ's revelation as Savior to all people, not just Jews.

I will definitely KEEP CHRISTMAS simple this season.  Happy Birthday, JESUS.

The porch will not be decorated this year.  No lights hung.  I think I have to be alright with this. This has not stopped me from gathering some ideas for next year.  This is about as festive as I can be.  hohoho.

Vision of sugar plums might dance in my head.
~d

MERRY DAY ON A WEEK-END

MY DAY STARTED OUT REALLY NICE.  

A dear friend dropped off a Christmas gift for me.  What a sweet CHRISTMAS treat to receive which perked me up.  Put a MERRY smile on my face.

I was rather tired from the day before from babysitting my 4 year old grandchild.  Though he was no trouble, it takes lots of energy keeping up with him.  We got along wonderfully.   

NAP TIME.

TODAY, we headed over to Manhattan stopping off at THE GRILL in Wamego for a bite to eat.  A Monte Cristo Sandwich for me. 

CHRISTMAS DECORATING caught my eye.

Off to Manhattan.  I had a HOBBY LOBBY return.  They were extremely busy and it started to snow.  FAT, FLUFFY FLAKES.  So pretty to see.  

Also had car business.

Menards for some porch supplies.  Grocery Store stop.

HOME we went.

Temps were in the 20s and too cold for me.

Once we were Home, I took a NAP of my own.

Started taking some Vitamin C.  Hoping a COLD doesn't get me.

The week-end is here and I sure HOPE I get the clutter in the Dining room taken care of.

Merry Christmas.

~d

 

AT LAST I HAVE A CLEAN LIVING ROOM AGAIN

OUR TINY CHRISTMAS TREE IS UP with battery operated fairy lights.  She's sitting on the antique walnut chest against the wall instead of on the table in front of the bay windows.  Simplest place to put her as I didn't have to relocate the lamp elsewhere in the house to make room for the tree.  I am all about SIMPLE this season.

Hubby found three coils of fairy lights that already have batteries in them that were in a baggy in the cellar.  He brought these up to me.  grins.  The tiny tree is twinkling.  Now to vacuum and wash the two front doors.  DONE. 

I vacuumed the front doors and will hang the wreaths up after new hooks are added to the old doors this wk-end.  I need to loop ribbon on the wreaths so they hang a little lower than the hook.   

Late last night, I finished getting the LIVING ROOM emptied of boxes, I vacuumed the carpet and dusted the furniture.  PTL.  The room looks civilized!!!  Tis cleaned.  No more boxes stacked to the ceiling.  The sofa and two wing chairs are cleared off.  Thankful.  Next comes the DINING ROOM.  I need supernatural help.  Oh to be young again.  I believe that this being older has taken me by surprise.  I can still get things done just not as fast.

Time is getting away from me and I about can't stand it.  I am elderly and move slower than I use to.  My thinking is fairly clear and my thought life moves faster than the speed of light which gets me into trouble since I cannot physically move as fast as thought.  The decluttering is taking place, but it is in slow-motion.  

Staying focused that if I have a clean house that is our HOME that I am on a mission.  I am accomplishing something of worth and value.  This being out of order eats my lunch.  I do not have the peace I so desire to have when things are a mess.  I'm aiming at being in order in 2026. That's a goal I can work toward.

This morning, I asked my HUBBY if he'd help me get some things on marketplace to see if there are some nibbles to sell Christmas stuff.  Shall see how this go.  He helped me and now I wait.  

He's back outside working on the porch.  It's a thrill to see the porch come together.  

He is steady on completing the porch.  Determined to get this done.  I think by mid January 2026, he will be done.  Coming right along.  Next the spandrels will be installed and some front boards added.  He mentioned that in the Spring/Summer he plans to work on the ceiling of the porch painting it HAUNT BLUE, hanging a new porch light and adding storm doors.

I'm doing the same thing as yesterday, going through items in cardboard boxes.  Ouch.  This hurts and takes time to make it come to pass.  Broken record.  This week-end I will continue working on the rest of the house.  I mustn't give up.    

I believe I will continue to gather like items, keep them in clean boxes and place the things in the garage.  May sell them later in the Spring.  I think I need to downsize BIG TIME and be done with this phase of LIFE.  With the week-end coming the Living room will be like it should be which will make me a very HAPPY CAMPER.  Moving onward.

The photos I came across are gathered and placed together where during the WINTER MONTHS I will go through all of them and decide which to pitch, give away or keep.  I have a few photo albums that have no pics in them that can be filled.  When I come across the old fashioned photo albums that are thrift in good shape, I buy them.  Eventually my snap shots will be in order.  I'd like to make individual books for my children for their safe keeping.  Another project in the future to make happen.

I have much to do and need to be having fun doing this.  Amen.

We may put a faux CHRISTMAS TREE on the front porch.  I think it would be wonderful. Maybe some garland with lights, wreaths on the doors, small tree in Living room.  Garland wrapped around the chandelier above the dining room table. 

I'd better get around.  I'm baby sitting my youngest GRAND while his folks go to a doctor's appointment then play Santa without him.  While he is here, we'll play with a wooden train set with wooden tracks.  It's been about a year since he last played with this and he is looking forward to this.  He has been asking about it and I can finally tell him that I located it.  

Seasons GREETINGS to you.  CHRISTMAS is two weeks away.  Only 14 days.  I will fix some goodies next week.  What decorating I will get done will be done.  Christmas cards haven't been fixed.  Better get that done.  The gifts taken care of.  I love this time of year.  I really do.  

As the end of the year approaches, I am giving some thought as to what goals I will create for 2026.  May they be good ones. 

God bless and be well,

~d