WEEK-END

WITH THE EXTREMELY HOT WEATHER STILL IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, the brewing thunder storm will hopefully cool the temperature and we'll be revived.  While I stepped outside to tell my daughter and grand bye, I snipped the rosemary plant back that sits on the porch.  The aroma is heavenly.  I meant to trim it a couple of weeks ago and here I am finally getting around to trimming it.

I placed the trimmings in a glass jar and sat it on a Kitchen counter.  It will dry out.  For a time I will get a sniff of a wonderful fragrance.

This morning we watched our youngest grandson play in a soccer game.  He did well and it is a treat to watch the blossoming athletes.  We sat on the sideline in lawn chairs under the cloudy skies which shaded us from the heat where we had a gentile breeze keeping us from sweating.

We went HOME and our little guy came over afterwards to visit us.  Fed him lunch and watched PAW PATROL on the television.  His favorite.  We rested and had a pleasant time.  His Mom arrived around 3:30 for coffee and chat.  Nice to catch up.  

As evening started, a storm rolled in with a down pour.  We simply had cereal for supper.  Good enough.

We shall see if we can sort glassware that we no longer want and place it in a to go tub.  The CHRIsTMAs DECOR that was in the Living room was taken to the "ATTIC" making room for empty tubs to fill.  A slow, but rewarding move.   

Time to clear out the fridge of old produce and clean the inside of the fridge.  I usually place paper towels inside the drawers for catching drips and leaks.  I'll do this then make a trip to town for fresh produce such as lettuces, green beans, asparagus, zucchini, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, fresh fruit, etc.  We'll be ready for the week to come.  

Quick wrap up.

~d

SUDDENLY...

LAST NIGHT WE WATCHED A MOVIE THAT MADE ME CRINGE. Winning Best Film, Best Male Actor and Best Director in 2016, The REVELANT was our pick for the day.  There is a scene where a bear attacks the actor Leonardo DiCaprio's character Hugh Glass which is beyond realistic.  Extremely believable.  Extremely.  More action than I could handle.  

Truthfully, I watch entirely too many movies.  I could probably be a movie CRITIC.  In a way everybody is as we all have an opinion about what we watch.  

My time can be used more wisely.  Can I switch gears and do something else with my TIME? Yes. Absolutely.  Visual stimulation has had a hold on me for years.  Being human, I am caught up between telling myself that so much TV is acceptable verses the opposite.  I should be doing something else of greater importance.

Today is Friday!  The week flew.  Back to working on the storage unit that is now OUR ATTIC. Getting ready to take a load to storage.  Praise the Lord and a huge hug to my Husband for making the space become our attic.  He made progress.  He disassembled a muscle rack and hauled it to storage, sat it up and started loading it with tubs.  Took some pics to show me. Looked great.  

Our plan is to continue clearing out things out of storage that do not belong in an attic. Relocating decorations there is on the menu.

Still, I am unsettled that this is taking so long and there is much to do to get the finished results. The garage is in a terrible mess, the storage unit is still in the works and the interior of our COTTAGE looks like hoarders dwell here.  gulp.

My strength is gone.  I need restored.  Refreshed.  Here's to a suddenly.  Make the order appear. I shall see how far we get today and over the week-end.

I have been in this mess longer than I can bare.  Being realistic about downsizing and making order isn't going well.  Help.  

God bless you.

~d   

DOWNSIZING IS A MUST!

SORTING THROUGH OUR STUFF IS LIKE A CHRISTMAS SURPRISE WITH GIFTS.  That's the upside of going through another storage unit.  The downside is the energy it takes to handle each item and decide just what the heck are we going to do with THIS???  

TIS LIKE CHRISTMAS discovering what is inside the cardboard boxes in the storage unit.  Have mercy, the things we are coming across as we tackle the unit is a huge surprise.  Oh that's where you were hiding.  
I sat in the shade while cleaning the large framed artwork covered in dust and uck.  Hubby shuffled the things in the unit making room for the muscle rack that will go in there in a few days.

By the time we got out to the storage units, the temps were in the mid 80s.  We worked until it got in the low 90s.  It would have been better if we had worked while in the low 70s.  Didn't get there in time and the temps rose.

Did what we could as quickly as we could.  Will return tomorrow to continue the task.  

FOUND large framed pictures, frames, expensive glassware from Belarus, other glassware, leather clogs, children's clothing, Wilton professional cake pan sets, Bundt Cake pan, old Singer Sewing Machine Head that belonged to Hubby's Grandma, Antique Cedar Chest that belonged to Hubby's Grandma, sewing cabinet, piano with stool, vanity with stool, tools, Antique Ball Jars, Model Trains, Milk Glass, Princess House Cups and Saucers, Crystal Glassware, Christmas Decorations, Pipka Santas, Family photos, Memorial Wreaths, tub of Metalware, my Grandma's Ironing Board, a wood base floor lamp that belonged to my Parents, Polar Bears, Frankenstein, a metal floor lamp that belonged to Hubby's Grandparents.  So much more to discover.  Tis a great deal to deal with.  

I'd love to be done with this task.  DONE.  Life goes on and I must do the same.  There is so much more I'd like to be doing than THIS.  Still it's our responsibility to deal with it all.  I do not want my children to have to go through this stuff EVER.  DOWNSIZING IS A MUST.

~d

'LIFE JUST GOT A LITTLE EASIER' DECORATING. SPRUCING UP THE INTERIOR OF YOUR HOME FOR LITTLE OF NOTHING

'Life Just Got A Little Easier' Decorating.
10 STEPS TO SPRUCING UP A ROOM.

SPRUCING UP the interior of your HOME for little of nothing can be a snap.  Do you hear that? A snap.

AFFORDABLE and inspiring.  

SUGGESTIONS.
1) DECLUTTER the room right off the bat.  
2) GAME CHANGER by vacuuming, sweeping and dusting.  A clean room is a GAME CHANGER, right?
3) PAINTING the room a different color is the number one thing to be done to create a different MOOD and cause an overall big affect.
4) HANGING DIFFERENT PICTURES.  Some Public Libraries allow pictures to be checked out for HOME use.
5) CHANGE THROW PILLOWS on the furniture and beds.  Pillows created out of placemats, bedspreads, handkerchiefs, tablecloths, old curtains and sheets are just a suggestion for recycled pillows.  Last I looked at the thrift store, they had an abundance of gorgeous throw pillows on the cheap.  SHOPPING THRIFT can be an outlet to embrace.  Hello THRIFT.
6) REARRANGING the room's furniture.
7) ADDING SLIP COVERS to the furniture or different bedding to the bed can change everything.
8) SWITCHING OUT different curtains, shades or draperies.
9) ADDING a new fragrance to a room.
10) MOOD MUSIC.  Turning on some quiet background music adds charm.

There you have it.  A spruced up HOME for little of nothing.  'Life Just Got A Little Easier'

I'm working on the decluttering part as I speak.  This is a work-out for me as we downsize and smile all the way to a thrift store for a drop.  GRINS.  

I have a large box of items by the front door to haul off.  Taking it to the GOODWILL.  I'll add some clothing that I have hanging in the Utility Room waiting to be dealt with.  Amen.

Plans.  The storage unit will be shuffled some to make room for muscle racks and then we'll begin to declutter the cellar and make sense of decorations and other items. 

Praise the LORD.  We're morphing into more organized peeps.  The chaos is downsizing.

May you have the best day,

~d 

A RECIPE FOR DIVORCE

WELCOME THURSDAY!  Started the day early and felt awful.  Taking LIFE easy as I rest.  So tired.  Pretty sure the traveling caught up with me.  I was too tired to climb back into the car yesterday to travel to Manhattan for a Vitamin B12 injection, but I managed to do so.  Cranky as all get out.  Too tired to be around anyone.  Once I got to Manhattan and got the shot, I relaxed and enjoyed my tea and shopping at HOBBY LOBBY then the grocery store to get more veggies for our week to eat.

Already HL has their CHRISTMAS items for sell at 40% and 50% off.  I purchased ornaments for the Grands under 21 years of age.  I figure that after 21 they don't need ornaments from Granny. Plus the next generation has started so they are receiving FIRST CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS from us.  Then it will be up to their Grandparents to provide these for them if they desire to continue a TRADITION I loved doing each year.  My PARENTS treated my children with ornaments each CHRISTMAS as I did.  

I had hoped to get some more oversized red CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS for the porch, but even at 50% off they were pricey.  A few onion looking ornaments were purchased.  I think I have enough for the porch now.  I can see the porch decorated!  In September the porch needs another serious coat of paint THEN it will be ready in October/November to start hanging lights if we go that route.  

THIS THURSDAY, I stayed HOME over the noon hour with HUBBY out at the storage unit packing up tools from his tool chest that he is moving into our garage, I thought I'd rest up.  It didn't happen.  I am just exhausted from traveling on Tuesday and Wednesday.  After almost three years in storage, the baby tools are coming HOME so we can get our hands on them easier. 

He came in the house sopping wet from working in the heat getting to the tools.  He's napping right now and I'm playing on the computer.  He said he loaded the second cabinet and base of the chest in PETE, our PT CRUISER.  It is wonderful to make it this far.  He'll unload the parts into the garage after his nap.  This is progress for real.

The area in the storage unit where the tool chest was has a hole to fill.  Probably tomorrow, he will take apart the muscle rack that will fill the hole.  To assemble it will take time, some muscle and sweat.  

The CHRISTMAS BOXES I have in our Living room will be transferred to the unit.  This is the start of organizing the DECOR.  I have been thinking about what will go on the porch for CHRISTMAS DECOR.  Newer, oversized ornaments are in storage boxes stacked by the front door ready to go to their new location I re-boxed them a few days ago making progress on how to store them.  Looking good.

The things that will decorate the front porch will be grouped together in the storage unit. Making sense of all this mess will elevate some stress that doesn't need to be in my LIFE.  Lessening STRESS has got to help with high blood pressure. 

I'll have to move in slow-mo getting the other boxes out of the cellar 'cause I'll have to carry them as I climb the steps.  Great exercise.  I know I want to group all the Nativity Scenes together on a metal rack that will be waiting for them in the storage unit.  We have to clean out the entire storage unit first before the tubs can be stored on them.  Perhaps by the end of next week, we will be there.  Getting into September now.  That's a good thing.  Yes, it is.

👰👰👰👰👰👰👰👰

OUR 52nd Wedding Anniversary is fast approaching.  August 31st.  Trying to decide what to do to celebrate.  A good HOME COOKED meal.  Quiet time.  Watching a movie.  Looking at our wedding pictures.  It has been a life time ago we said I do and did.

52 years.  It's been a ride.  I'm ready to forge ahead.  When you are standing at the wedding alter exchanging vows and promises, it would be helpful to have in the wedding vows that you both need to forgive the heartache created while married AND it should also say that forgiveness does not give you the right to be TOXIC and continue being toxic.  Reconciliation cannot take place if both Husband and Wife do not change wrong behavior that's destroying the marriage to better behavior.  It is more than that.  

Simply saying, I'll try harder and then not correcting the wrong, will not create a HAPPY HOME. It is a recipe for divorce.  As the partner being injured by lip service when real change needs to take place or you're going along to get along no matter what, may cause additional emotional issues that injure you even further and destroy your self worth.  A walk down memory lane is not the answer.  Healing may take years to get at.  Years.

Working together for the betterment of the union should be a reality.  Give and take.  Take and give.  Because you are the Wife and the Husband the head, does not mean he gets his way all the time or visa versa with emotional and physical needs ignored.  You are not a door mat.  You are not his Mother either and he's not your Dad.  Neither ONE is a puppet or punching bag. Hopefully, the two of you are a couple partnered as one in a loving relationship of compassion and consideration. ONE.  Being respectful toward each other.  

Hubby is to love, protect, and provide for the Wife.  Wife is to respect her Husband and be a help meet.  Tis easier to do if we do not have hard feelings about being mistreated and abused.  Work together encouraging each other and be evenly yoked where you can flourish.  Amen.

God bless and be real.  
If you do not know what to do when living within a toxic marriage, 

PRAY and ask for wisdom.  You may need professional counseling and support.

If for some reason divorce has to take place,
know that God loves you and will be there for you in your time of need.

Sometimes marriages fall apart and end in divorce.  
Sometimes not, but are horribly difficult to stay in.  

My heart goes out to you,

~d

NO QUICK FIX

😰💦WE WoRKED IN THE HEAT this week-end. I had hopes we wouldn't have to empty storage units in HOT WEATHER, but nature and health issues ruled a stern fist over us.  FORGING AHEAD.  💦In my fantasy thinking, we would be able to work in about 73 degree weather with a cool breeze so we'd not OVERHEAT.  This did not happen.  If we had waited until the temps were cooler, we'd still be waiting.

We started this go-round of emptying a second unit in early JUNE.  Temps rose and we continued to work off and on when we could then health issues, appointments and family gatherings were a part of LIFE.  We finished August 1st.  It was a hallelujah MOMENT. 📣  

Now, we are emptying a unit near by in which will become OUR ATTIC to fill with HOLIDAY DRAMA.  The garage is being shuffled, the SHE SHED is being shuffled and the cellar.  The house is being shuffled.  This is an ongoing activity until we are where we should be.  No quick fix to it.  Even if we hauled everything to the dump, labor and time would be required.  Same with an AUCTION.      

🛻Yesterday in the heat, there was no COOLER TIME OF DAY and we still managed to relocate two antique Morris Chairs (which I do not want to get rid of yet) AND a very worn leather recliner with ottoman using the PT Cruiser from storage to SHE SHED.  Our car PETE is a wonder to us and has made us a fantastic pick-up when not actually a pick-up.  Making 4 trips to get these four pieces HOME went really well.  With sweat running in my eyes, I had to sit in the car with the air on to cool off and wipe my brow. 

We both did.  Inside the storage unit, we made a small dent to where we can wheel the oversize metal tool chest out to work on and begin emptying the drawers.  Maybe in the cool of the day on a different day we will attempt to do this, but since there doesn't seem to be a cooler time of day we will just have to take it slow and cool off in the car from time to time.  FORGE AHEAD, Darling.

I brought HOME a torn up cardboard box holding miniature kerosene lamps.  They've been subject to the elements because the box is seriously caved in and the lamps were exposed to dirt over the last 3 years.  They should clean up nicely and then I will purchase a nice, small, vinyl storage box to hold these little gems for safe keeping.  I forgot I had these.  Surprise.

It is still SUMMER, but the tops of the trees are turning colors.  I find myself saying it's FALL. Amazing how quickly this SUMMER has played out.  It's still extremely HOT and sultry.  Some thunder storms are popping up in the evenings.  Still hasn't cooled the area down.  Some yellow leaves have twirled to the ground as a sign that AUTUMN has arrived early.  Perhaps I should start getting AUTUMN DECORATIONS out.  Mentally, it would fool the brain into believing FALL is here.  Kind of like MSG fools the brain that the food being eaten is the best around.  Eat some more.

There's a cardboard box full of Princess House Fantasia pattern crystal cups and saucers that have a poinsettia motif to them.  Next trip to the unit, I'll place the box in the car to bring HOME so they can be washed and decide what I can do with them.

When we continue to go through boxes in storage, I suppose there will be lots of surprises because I cannot remember where I got the items.  SENIOR MOMENTS are not a new thing. They are happening u' all.  

As I discover STUFF, I have to confess that I am an ADDICT when it comes to glassware. Curbing my appetite is taking place as I get older and am unwrapping items that are never used. The storage unit is FULL of boxes.  FULL to the brim.  This could get interesting and fast.

This morning, I transferred some small, curio figurines to a different plastic storage box that I thoroughly wiped clean.  Stuns me how much dirt settles on these boxes in a storage unit going nowhere.  I found a Hansel and Gretel plaster figurine pair that I have had for umpteen years.  A lovely Lady figurine that my Mom gave me.  Some MARY AND FRIENDS figurines.  Re-wrapping each item took place and then all were placed in a smaller, nice size box.

THEN, I came across a really neat VINTAGE three piece Swan Brand Cromalin Plate Carlton Pattern Beverage Service.  Love it.  Will KEEP.  Had to investigate what the larger piece was when at first I thought it was a coffee server with no lid.  From the pics I saw on the internet, this piece was not adding up to a coffee server or teapot.  The pouring lip on it isn't as large as the ones I saw.  I thought maybe it was for hot water and Hubby thought it might be a milk jug.  I think maybe I have a HOT WATER JUG instead of a TEAPOT or COFFEE POT.
 

 

I know Americans call a flashlight just that, but Britains call them a torch.  Different names for items from across the pond.  I call the service container that holds cream, a creamer not a cream jug and a sugar bowl isn't referred to as a sugar basin.  I've not heard of a HOT WATER JUG before.  I'm not sure what I have possession of, but I like it because it's shinny and vintage. 

When serving tea, some add milk first thing to their delicate tea cup then pour their hot tea into the cup.  Americans tend to use cream or half/half to their tea and coffee after the beverage has been poured.  I'll try pouring some milk into my tea first sometime along the way.  I usually drink my tea black and at present time I am not a coffee drinker.

 

Unwrapping from bubble wrap in an oversize storage box, I discovered some vintage POPE GOSSER Florence Pattern dishes with delicate roses on them.  Sweet.  6 dinner plates, a veggie bowl, a dessert bowl, 4 salad plates, gravy boat, sugar bowl with lid, creamer.  I found a smaller HOMES box to place these vintage items in.  Him hawing about it.  Do I keep these or bless someone else with them?  They would be really sweet in a FARMHOUSE THEME place.  

As I get older, I figure I need to have smaller size storage boxes for easier handling as my muscles grow weaker.  As I looked at the oversize CHRISTMAS storage boxes, I know I need to downsize their sizes as well.  Easy enough to do.  I found a large red storage box holding NUT CRACKERS. They will go into smaller boxes where I will have two smaller tubs instead of one large one.  NUT CRACKERS are used in the Dining room at CHRISTMAS time.  Can't wait! 

We have a stash of oversized CHRISTMAS ornaments in the SHE SHED that will be used for the front porch decorations come November.  They are still in the filmsy plastic boxes that they were sold in when I bargain shopped last year at the AFTER CHRISTMAS SALES.  I'll take them out of the plastic and group them together in a CHRISTMAS storage tub ready to decorate with.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON.  This Sunday afternoon, I'm working inside going through storage boxes in the living room and making decisions on what to do with this and that.  Mostly dishes.  I can turn loose of most of it.  Gathering my collection of MILK GLASS DISHES.  These will probably go bye-bye when I get them all grouped together.  

I came across a PIANO BABY boy figurine.  I know he is a reproduction.  No longer need this.  Is it a relief to be able to say I no longer need this?  Yes, it is.  Maturity of old age has kicked in.

When the temps cool off, we'll go to the storage unit and begin boxing up tools making an attempt to locate the tool box chest to the garage.  Hubby is out in the garage right now shuffling to make room for the chest.  We morph along making room for everything.  This has been quite the move for us.  Trying to fit what we had at the larger house with full basement, 4 bedrooms and a garage into this petite HOMESTEAD has been a work-out.  Mental gymnastics and real muscle power.   

THIS HAS BEEN A SEASON of upheaval.  I have to work at it quickly.  Mercy sakes.  It's a headache.

WEEK TO COME.  On the sideline, I work on laundry and I have been printing out pictures of children, grands and greats.  Running out of photo paper happens.  Pause.  I've mailed some prints to family members.  I need to get some pretty boxes to hold the pics I want to keep.  More to do.  I will frame a few and sit them out to look at.

I have a medical appointment this week with primary physician about aching teeth.  With the dentist saying nothing is wrong with my teeth, but wanting to do a crown anyways makes me question what to do.  I'll ask my precious M.D. about a sinus infection.  I THINK MAYBE I HAVE ONE.  This may be why my lower teeth are aching from time to time.  I need help!  Perhaps with an antibiotic an infection will clear up taking the fatigue with it.  That would be splendid.   

🎂🎨 Our Grandson turns 12 this week.  We hope to attend his Birthday party.  I purchased a Book about drawing that I will give him as he is showing an interest in drawing.

Welp, I'm getting excited about the progress we are making on our ATTIC and getting better organized.  I pray we will actually get there SOON so we can shift gears doing other things that need done making our small COTTAGE a comfortable HOME.  

God Bless,

~d 👵  

MORPHING COMES WITH A PRICE

HAVING SO MUCH STUFF TAKES A LOT OF ENERGY DEALING WITH IT AS YOU GET IN ORDER.  MORPHING RIGHT ALONG AND it comes with a price.  It takes a toll on me and has slowed me way down.  THIS IS MY HOBBY FOR THE TIME BEING.  There is so much out of order, it cannot continue this way.  Eventually it all has to be dealt with.  We're dealing with it and it drains me.  THERE HAS TO BE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS.  

I have to get in order and know what all we own.  I can no longer ignore it.  Putting it off is a mistake.  A BIG MISTAKE.  How I handle MATTER matters.  My attitude makes a difference.  It can either break you or benefit you.  This can drain me of all energy or just a little.  Attitude can create mental exhaustion.  A true handicap to live with.

I have seen the light and it has opened my eyes.  I must get in order quickly as I am getting older by the second.

🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑

HERE WE GO.  The week-end is here.  An antique Morris Chair that has been in storage made her way to our property.  Hubby will unload her from the back of the car placing her in the SHE SHED then we will go get the other one from storage and do the same.  A sense of satisfaction will come when this task is done!  Let's go.

🔨🛠🔨🛠🔨🛠🔨🛠🔨🛠🔨🛠🪛🪛🪛🪛🪛🪛🪛🪛🪛🔩🔩🔩🔩🔩🔩🔩🔩🔩🔩

Next, an over size TOOL CHEST will be relocated to the garage from storage.  Hubby has to clean the chest out so we can handle the weight of the chest.  If we get this far along, then we will have made a dent in the storage unit that is becoming our ATTIC after all the other STUFF is cleared out of there.

  

We have an oversized, wood Frankenstein that HUBBY made a few years back that will remain in storage as the unit will HOUSE our HOLIDAY decorations.  The unit will become our ATTIC.  Let's see, Frank is about umm 14 or 15 years old.  Time flies.  How could he possibly be that OLD?

I AM IN HOPES OF THE LIVING ROOM BEING A LIVING ROOM AGAIN AND NOT A WAREHOUSE.  I made some headway going through some storage boxes in the Living room.  I forgot where I got some of the stuff.  Like Christmas, surprise!  I found my faux fruits and veggies that I want to make some large wreaths out of.  Bingo.  There you are together again.  I will transfer the faux beauties into a clear box so I can quickly identify what's in the box.  No more guessing.  I have collected individual pieces of fruit through the years from a thrift shoppe. Trying to keep the price down and I did, but they went into hiding.  Not anymore.  Praise the LORD.  We will actually be living better when we get this place in order.  A much needed way to LIVE.  

I think I need to have a yard sale in September and turn loose of more stuff that I no longer need or donate them to charities.  I'll be alright not having them anymore.  I can do dis thang.

By the end of August, the Living room should be empty of all the storage boxes and I'll move onto the Dining room.  Time is getting away from me and I shake in my boots that the holidays will be upon us before I am in a good place with the items.  

TAKE A DEEP BREATH.  Exhale.  I'm about to lose it.  This shuffling has been going on for far too long and being at a loss about where to go with STUFF.  My life has been stuck in a rut.  I have to move forward.  I know that I need to be finished with this phase of a move in.  It's been A nightmare.  

SINCE WE MOVED HERE, we turned loose of my Husband's first car he owned (we dated 53 years ago in this car), our black bedroom suite, an Ethan Allan sofa, mattress and box springs, two Henredon chairs, 6 Dining chairs, a Dining table with 6 chairs, dishes, pots 'n pans, bedding, dolls, books, clothing, stuff, stuff, stuff.  How do I feel about it?  Odd.  I know we've gotten rid of a lot and yet we have a bunch more to unload.  We could of had an auction, but then you still have to know what you're going to sell.  

Toughin up.  Work quickly.  Pray more and be hopeful.  Just like the other storage unit we finished clearing out August 1st, it eventually came to fruition and the goal was met.  It was a very long, drawn out project, but we got 'er done.  Seems like a dream.  We did it and have hopes of getting more done so we are organized.  Because I want to be organized so badly, it seems to take longer, but causes me to have a drive in me to stay on track til it's done.  A force within me as an old woman that needs order.  Thinning down our belongings is a must.  Hanging onto so much has a price.  Cha-ching.  The process can be difficult or easy peasy.  Do we decide?  In some cases, yes.  The attitude has to be in the correct mode.  Mine keeps slipping out of gear. Back you go.  Crack a whip and carry on. 

My brother-in-law told me it took him 3 years to downsize his things.  I believe it now.  At the time, I was thinking it could have happened sooner.  HA...I was a doubting THOMAS.  I need to work at not being so judgmental.  Every case is what it is and takes time to navigate.  Things happen that slow down the progress.  I should know.  Now I do! 

Be still and know that GOD is GOD and I am not.  Be hopeful and dedicate this mess to the LORD.  He'll see me through.  Amen.

~d

GOOD-BYE ETHAN ALLEN SOFA, HELLO AFRICAN VIOLETS and LET's GET THIS COLONOSCOPY OVER WITH

PRAISE THE LORD!  The storage unit is empty.  EMPTY!  I stood inside the unit for a very short time after emptying her to admire a EMPTY STORAGE UNIT #42.  Temps outside were HOT and worse inside the unit so I didn't stay long admiring something that took us 3 years to make happen.  Now a memory.  Praise the LORD. 

3 years ago we loaded the unit with our better furniture that would not fit into the COTTAGE that we were not ready to get rid of.  The unit is ready for somebody else to rent out and we can keep our money to use for something else. $$$$$$$$$$$

Since it is MOVE IN WEEK for college kids at KSU, it was impossible to rent a moving van over the week-end.  We tried on Saturday and got nowhere.  Everything was reserved.  Out of luck. 

We tried RESTORE and their driver had a broken knee cap so no driver/truck was available to pick up our donation.  We needed a van to take the sofa to GOODWILL.  That's all we had left to get rid of.  One sofa.  We'd have to wait until Monday morning to get a van.  The Hardware store where the moving vans/trucks are to rent were so busy it was a ZOO.  We had a break-through and managed to load the sofa in the back of the truck with ease.  Next, the sofa went to GOODWILL.  Took the truck to get fueled.  Took truck back to store.  It took a long time to get it checked back in.

When it was finished...it was finished.  Tadaah.  

We have been into our 9th week of working on cleaning out this place.  9th.  NOTE TO SELF: Let that soak in.  This has been our late Spring/Summer project.  Mission accomplished. Congrats to us.  A job well done.  I'm stunned that we made it.  STUNNED.  

OH SO HAPPY THIS IS BEHIND US!!!!!

Afterwards, we went to MENARDS to get some African Violet Potting Soil.  They did not have any.  Disappointed, I had to decide what the next step is to get my hands on some.  We went to a beautiful Nursery elsewhere and bought some.  This week, I will hopefully be repotting my African Violets in new soil and give them a squirt of liquid plant food.  If I can keep the Violets alive, I believe I will be quite glad that I have not killed these lovely plants.

So true.

HERE I SIT.  Prepping for the colonoscopy I'll have later in the week.  My system is really slow to clean out, so I have been prepping since last Thursday.  I went on a low residue diet and have been taking Miralax each day for nearly a week.  It's not working like I thought it would. Shucks.  Two days of liquid diet instead of one.  humpf.

Today, I have not eaten.  Sipped Green Tea and water.  Tonight will be vegetable broth for supper.  Yummers.  I have to tell myself that I am disciplined and can do this NOT EATING THING.

I looked in the pantry and noticed I have boxed soups that I can have after the colonoscopy. This is a JUMP START for me to work toward losing weight.  Another attempt in this BATTLE OF THE BULGE.  I might as well as I have had to change my food program doing a LOW RESIDUE DIET for a week for prepping.  If I stay busy, the day will go fast and I will be alright with not eating.

Time for OFF GRID WITH DOUG AND STACY on YouTube.  They're talking about water quality in their area.  Makes sense.

Have a blessed day.  God bless you.

~d

TOO EARLY FOR AUTUMN

STILL IS SUMMER, but the trees here on the prairie are telling me that AUTUMN is kissing the tips of the branches. Signs of the times are beginning to reveal themselves as the leaves start to change colors.  

Tis SUMMER folks not AUTUMN.  AT night, the tree frogs loudly crock.  They are rather loud, but it is a sound that gets lost in the background and fits into nature's lullaby as we sit inside and watch a movie.  

Can I just sit outside in the dark on the porch swing that we do not have and praise GOD that HE created this magnificent sound?

THURSDAY.  Another opportunity to make things around here a little more comfortable in our HOME.  A beautiful day in the making.  It rained this morning so our lovely daughter will not be coming over to mow the lawn.  She is helping us out by taking on the job.  She has so much going on in her life and now she has offered to mow our lawn.  GOD BLESS HER.  

With their son coming HOME from the Hospital after being hit by a car, he will be recouping at their HOME.  They picked up the mattress and box springs from our storage unit to use for him. Tis theirs now.  We were glad that they can use the mattress/springs.  It's out of the unit now.  

Hubby has plans to work in the garage this afternoon with the outside temps cooler.  We've visited about making trips to RESTORE today to donate the bedroom suite.  It will take approximately 3 trips in our lil Cruiser to deliver the suite.  A day of driving and getting rid of STUFF occupying our storage unit is a blessing.  I usually am the designated driver.  Tadaah.  I know at RESTORE that someone will get some good use out of the furniture at a discounted price.  When we have delivered the set, I can say goodbye to it and be alright.  MOVING ON.  An ice tea will be in order TODAY!

We just might make the end of the month deadline on being finished with the storage unit which surprises me.  Shall see.  That would be awesome.  

🩺 TIME FOR MY COLONOSCOPY.  Every five years I am to have one due to having polyps.  I know I have them.  With all this excitement going on, I am doing a weekly prep for a colonoscopy.  Isn't that a hoot?  My body runs slow at emptying waste products so I cannot just prep for one day.  sigh.  Okay, I'm going to look at this as having a heads up on spa dieting and getting back to clean eating.  I can do  t h i s.

I will be taking Miralax for a week.  A WEEK.  The foods allowed are called LOW RESIDUE for EATING.  The things I will be eating this week are pretty much what I try to avoid as it is full of white food like white bread, potatoes, white rice, pasta, etc.  okay okay.

💉My monthly B12 injection was yesterday.  Quicker than imagined.  In and out of the doctor's office like that.  I THINK I am feeling more energetic.  Now to get my Vitamin D levels up I will be like a teenager again!  

🚗🚗🚗 Afterwards we went to the car wash to vacuum the little cruiser.  She was rather dirty. Looking at her now feels so much better as she actually looks like we care about her.  She was vacuumed then the interior dash and door panels were wiped down.  

We shopped at Target and then Walmart to pick up the things needed for the colonoscopy prep and some new floor mats for our PT Cruiser.  The ones she had were worn completely out.  It had been a day where we had not eaten LUNCH so it was store-bought fried chicken, potato salad and beans for SUPPER. 🐔 Kind of like a late 4th of July meal.

We headed HOME on the back roads and stopped by the storage unit to pick up the drawing table.  She fit in the back of PETE really well.  Another thing out of storage.  Another thing OUT. PTL.  A month ago when I looked inside the unit my brain went numb due to the STUFF we would need to deal with.  So much STUFF.  Tis so much better to be where we presently are. Down to a few items.  Maybe I will relax after this unit is empty.  We have been trying to fit into a tiny COTTAGE and it's not a fit.  When it is, I know I will feel better.  My blood pressure will for sure go down.  When I am not at peace, I suffer.  

🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 The prairie scenery is so pretty this time of year even with the heat.  The trees are so green and beautiful.  The skies are powder blue with wispy white clouds with a gentle breeze. Kansas pleasant.  The landscape on the prairie is so gorgeous.  When AUTUMN does finally get here, I will be traveling to Wichita's COW TOWN to spend a slow day.  I'll pack a picnic lunch and sit a spell.  I LOVE HISTORIC COW TOWN.  Love it.  I think I could live there.  ha.

EARLY SIGNS OF AUTUMN ARE SHOWING IN THE TOPS OF THE TREES as the leaves are starting to turn early.  This can't be.  Some reds, yellows and lime greens are popping up.  Tis SUMMER not AUTUMN.  Hubby says he thinks the chem-trails are the cause.  Conspiracy says so.  The way my government functions, they are allowing chem-trails.  Condensation from aircraft doesn't exactly coordinate with what we know.  

CHANGING OF SEASONS.  It is too early for FALL even if HOBBY LOBBY and SAMS are putting pumpkins and witches out to sell.  Just like that, it's CHRISTMAS. 🎄 As I walked about the stores seeing the merch they are selling, I shake my head and think it's only July.  It's still July, right?  Not for long as time marches on.

I believe I need to make the best of it out of a bad situation.  I have always tried to make the best out of where ever we have lived.  This go round it has been the worst move evah.  Very drawn out and we are the oldest we have ever been.  Age and challenging health does not make it easy.  That saying that old age isn't for sissies is true to the core.   

Now to get ready for the day.  Laundry is in and dishes have been washed and put away.  I took a few pictures to send to my sister so she can see how it looks around here while we are downsizing and organizing.  grins.  📸 Tis a mess.  A really BIG MESS.  I know if I can stay focused, I can get through this interim period of going from settled to unsettled back to being settled.  I get the Living room looking like a living room just to destroy the order as we clean out a storage unit bringing things HOME.  It gets orderly again and then it's not.  Such a stage of life to be in.  

Love,
~d

MID-WEEK ZOOM and HALLUCINATING WITH CHEMO

ALREADY MID-WEEK.  Zoom.  Right on by.  Working at making the best of the time we have as we put our storage unit clean-out on pause due to a brother-in-law being in very poor health.  Over the week-end, we traveled to Des Moines for a visit knowing that the end of the month is this Friday.  TEMPS were extremely HOT.  Almost a 100 degrees while traveling, then on Sunday it was a good 104.  Don't know the heat index.

Knowing we would not be working the week-end before our deadline plus a few days into the new week, I laid down the idea that we would be done with clearing out the storage unit before August 1st.  

Visiting our B.I.L. was presently more important than having the storage unit cleaned out by this coming Friday.  If we hunker down, we still wouldn't meet the deadline so we will allow ourselves another month of paying for the unit and getting it cleared out in a few extra days.  We have a bedroom suite to dispose of, a sofa to be moved into our she shed that needs serious rearranging, a drawing table needed moved into our garage, a small buffet to the garage...then we are finished.  Sweep it up and call it done.  Praise the Lord.  Praise GOD. 

When my Husband telephoned RESTORE, their person that picks up donations had broken his leg and wasn't working.  Short on staff.  Other thrift shops won't travel to the storage unit where it is located such as God's Storehouse, Goodwill and Salvation Army.  We'd have to haul it ourselves and we think we have this figured out.  

I felt compelled to see my bro-in-law before he receives more chemo.  He will be one difficult case with the chemo as the prednisone prescribed in the chemo-cocktail caused him to hallucinate.  He is prescribed 6 rounds of chemo ending in December.  If he gets violent during these treatments it will be cause to pause.  

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I didn't know people could hallucinate while taking chemo.  Now I know.  The medical field doesn't advertise this side effect as it would probably discourage potential patients from following through with this medical route?

Back in 2017, a Topeka Pastor did dialysis leading to violent changes in his personality. Generally he was friendly and kind.  In one week he was arrested twice as he attacked people in places of business.  Completely out of character for him.  He went insane.  He would commit suicide.  What happened?  With kidney disease, psychosis can develop as it did in this case.  I had no clue.  

With chemo, anxiety, depression, mood swings, nausea, and not being able to sleep can take place.  I basically thought that with chemo you sit for a few hours receiving chemo and go home. My Brother-in-law has a slow 5 day drip where he stays in the hospital.  He went home after round one and returned due to being dehydrated.  Had to get IVs.  What would the staff do if he went out of control?  Strap him down?  Sedate him?

We arrived in Des Moines early evening on Saturday.  We surprised my Sister as she was sitting on a sofa in her husband's hospital room.  He was hooked up to an IV and she was on the phone with me when I stood at the door unannounced.  Her jaw dropped when she saw me at the door.

She came across the room to hug me and I said hello to my brother-in-law.  Our visit began.  My Brother-in-law was surprised as well as he had written a letter to us in the morning not knowing we were coming to see him.  I handed him a toy Dachshund and he named it GiGi like one that they had years ago as a pet.  I figured a dog would be better than flowers or a pet.  

😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷😷

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We stayed with my 94 year old Mom.  She does not eat much and doesn't stay hydrated as one should.  No amount of talking to her causes her to change.  Same response to drinking water.  I know I don't drink enough.  What are you doing about it?  Nothing.  Tis frustrating.  What's a person to do besides pray?  I cannot move her in with me.  Our housing arrangement is not up to speed and at this point in life, my back cannot lift her.  If she falls and injures herself, she will be headed for a Nursing Home.  This is on the back of my mind.  

Left on Tuesday.  We're HOME now.  I have a medical appointment this afternoon then I can return to resting or what not.  What not.  Laundry?

Being away from this mess of a COTTAGE was refreshing even though I know we are far from being finished.  I came HOME tired, but refreshed with a fresh idea of what steps to take to get from point A to point Z.  With what we have gone through with this move, I have had huge changes of heart concerning what keepsakes to keep and which to get rid of.  It may be very freeing when we finally are in order.

It is not the end of the world living like HOARDERS, but we are not hoarders. We are in the middle of still downsizing and fitting into a tiny COTTAGE.  This has been a wild ride.  The hardest move of my life.  Since being married, I believe I have made 22 moves.  22.  That averages to a move every 2 and a half years.  Makes my head spin.

This week to come, I am looking over the BUDGET.  Heavens, it cost a great deal to live.  Back to reading books and articles about living on a dime.  Living hardly anything.  LIVING.  Reclaiming this and that.  Taking dominion over little and calling it living BIG.

God BLESS,

~d on the prairie

PRANCING ON THE PRAIRIE

DIDN'T SLEEP THE BEST.  Some tenderness with a tooth kept me restless.  If it's not one thing it's bunches more.  Figure I'd best make an appointment to have my teeth cleaned. When I telephoned the Dentist Office, I felt like I just about had to sell a kidney to make a cleaning appointment for Hubby and me.

Shaking my head.  Hubby hasn't been to the Dentist since 2020 and he is being considered a NEW PATIENT with them.  We've been going to this business since 2000.  New Patient.  I don't think so.  I can see going in for x-rays, but for them to call him a NEW PATIENT is being dishonest.  

I had dental work done in April 2025, so I am in their data system.  I am wondering if we need to find a new Dentist or go with it.  Wonder some more.  I will be brushing my teeth with baking soda in preparing for a cleaning.

While I talked to them, I did my part for foot care.  I soaked my feet in tubs of water as I talked to the Dental Receptionist.  No epsom salts, just water.  I thought I could do this for about 20 minutes while I made dental appointments and ended up soaking them nearly for an hour as I was talking to the receptionist about appointments for teeth cleaning.  She got on her computer to check our accounts and that's where we stayed for awhile as she did thus and so making arrangements for x-rays, visits with the doctor on one appointment and a additional teeth cleaning appointments in September.  When I got off the phone, a good 15 minutes had passed on top of already soaking my feet beforehand.

My feet feel absolutely awesome.  Now I can go prancing on the prairie.  

Monday was the hottest day recorded in Northeast Kansas so far this year!  Terribly HOT.  We stayed cool inside the house.  Praise GOD for air conditioning.  Praise GOD.  

I am so satisfied that we got those two large pieces of furniture in place.  So pleased.  I oiled down the Victorian Dresser.  Now I can begin to fill it with family pics.  Hubs is working on putting his art supplies in the High Boy.  Together we are busy. 

As we figured our day and week, he mentioned we need to work on emptying the out-of-town storage unit as we want to be out of it by the end of July.  We have 10 days.  We're in our 7th week of working off and on at cleaning the unit.  I had so hoped we'd not be working on this in the heat of the SUMMER, but it didn't work out that way.  Forging ahead when we can get to it.  

Our day looks like we will be in the neighborhood of the storage unit so we will stop by and pick up a couple of chairs to load in the cruiser to bring back to the COTTAGE.  Tomorrow, Hubby will phone RESTORE and make arrangements with them to come and pick up the bedroom suite.  I can turn loose of it without heartache.  sigh.

That will leave a sofa and mattress with box springs, the dinette set with two chairs, a drawing table and a small buffet to get out of the unit before we can say it is empty.  

When this unit is completely empty and swept clean, I will do a little jig and prance some more on the Prairie as my goal will have been hit.  Praise GOD.  

~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

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

 

 

BACK TO RAINING ON A THURSDAY AND WALKING THROUGH A WALL OF MOLASSES

THE RAIN HAS GIVEN CAUSE TO STOP CLEARING FURNITURE OUT OF A STORAGE UNIT.  ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL Curio cabinets we owned was cleared out of the unit a few weeks ago going to a new owner and the second one was scheduled to go yesterday or today.  The rain put a pause on the activity.  

As I stood on our covered porch this afternoon, the gentle rain that is falling is making a peaceful sound to listen to.  It's these gentle rains that make the environment a nice place to be living amongst.

Hubby is off to the Court House to pay for our auto tags and taxes then to visit the local newspaper office to pay for the renewal of our newspaper subscription.  

BACK HOME.  Each day things related to downsizing or getting better settled into our retirement cottage needs to take place in order for me to know that we are making progress on lightening the load around here. Everyday.  If I only get one thing moved, I have to pat myself on the back and whisper that something was done.  Amen.  We need to make progress because when days on end pass and nothing gets done, I get bewildered.  The show must go on and then some.  I have to have something take place.  If not, it is like walking through a wall of molasses.  

What a mess.

Each day I set out a plan of what needs to be done.  I'm not always successful in getting it done and then I have to get creative on an excuse as to why it didn't.  If the only ounce of exercise I get done takes place in the brain alone then it is not a complete failure.  Right?  Because I had the thinking going on like playing a mind game.

Getting the small cottage livable is a task that I am still working on.  I am beside myself and have to be a cheerleader of sorts to pave a way to get through this overwhelming work.  My mind is full of thoughts about what needs to be done.  Tis burning up my adrenals when I have all these thoughts on the back burner and nothing physically happens in 3D.  sigh.  It's more than being mindful of the events.  My mind is on overdrive.

I took a peek in the garage and stood still surveying the damage.  It will be a major JOB to clear this out.  For now, I think I should pull a few items out each day to make a way through the disaster.  I brought indoors a plastic back pack full of children's dry marker books.  Sanitized it.  

Wiped the exterior of the bag and placed it with other children's toys.  I have to wash down a Fischer Price Doll House that I want to keep that belongs to my 46 year old daughter.  I want to keep it and a FP Play TRAIN that my children played with decades ago.  Then in a large green plastic storage tub holds a beautiful set of white with gold trim cookware.  I took the tub indoors.

I purchased this cookware back in 1993ish when we were renting a small house in Marion, KS.  I gave myself permission to buy these at SAMS to encourage me to not get discouraged having left my gorgeous Texas house and now living in a run down rental.  I told myself I'd use these when we got into our own house again.  After we left Marion, we rented an apartment in Tulsa and then a dump in Jenks, Oklahoma.  From here we went to a small house in Manhattan, KS., left it to live in an old farmhouse and then ended up in an old stone house where the blogging adventure took place.  House fire and relocated in a different community and stayed for 6 and half years just to turn around to settle down in a small Folk Victorian COTTAGE where we are right now.  

I have never used these gorgeous pots and pans.  They have been in storage all these years.  33 years and they look brand new.  Do I use these, sell them, or give them away?  They have been in storage for so long, I forgot I had them.  This is something else.  8 moves later, I found them all over again.  sigh.  

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ON THE HOME FRONT.  Yesterday, the lawn boy arrived and mowed our yard.  It looks so much better I could cry tears of joy.  He did a super good job.  You have no idea how uplifting this makes me feel.  Let me tell you, it lifted my worn down expression of reality to a higher vibration.  grins.  A BUZZ took place.  Something so simple goes a long ways these days.

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The flowerbeds will get attention this SUMMER.  They have to be overworked and completely de-weeded.  Presently the beds are thick with overgrown Bermuda grass.  The tops of Irises are poking out from the deep grass.  Last March, I had planned to work on this, but my hip pain took over my life where I could not walk well little else pull weeds.  This is when I should have hired a young person to do this task before NATURE TOOK OVER and did a number on my beautiful flowers.  We had a horrible freeze last WINTER and the overgrowth of grass may have been the saving grace for preserving the Irises all together so I shouldn't complain.  Count yo' blessings one by one.

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The SUMMER will provide a heat wave to where working in the yard will have to take place in the early hours of the day.  I'll have to make a date with myself and set the alarm clock to where I treat it like a hired job.  If I can get these flowerbeds cleared out, I will have accomplished a huge task for an old woman like me.  👵

TODAY IS THURSDAY and I have to figure out what to do next.  How do I get things done when my energy level is way low?  I'll do my best to do some laundry.  I want to place a EASTLAKE TABLE in the utility room to get it out of my dining room.  I don't want to get rid of it just relocate it.  A major shuffle has to happen first, so I will slowly work on this project.  Hubby said he'd help me.

TODAY'S TASK WILL BE TO SHUFFLE THINGS IN THE SMALL UTILITY ROOM.  It is a cramped room with too much in there, but it is the way it is because of the size of the Utility room with an overload of belongings.  There's a metal rack in there to hold the overflow of small kitchen appliances that have no where to go in the Kitchen.  My old treadle sewing machine is in there with a computer printer on top of it.  A small upright freezer takes up space.  The washer and drier of course.  A clothing rack.  I sometimes feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.   I have to take control of this mess and make a difference.  I think I'm stuck in the mud.

Lord help me be successful in this endeavor.

~d