BREAK THROUGH ON HEALTH WITH A COLUMN FRIDGE TO STORE ORGANIC VEGGIES AND FRUIT ALONE

OUR LARGE LILAC BUSH in the side yard has green leaves popping out.  The beauty of this sight is uplifting   The Lilacs usually blooms lavender flowers late April/early May.  One of my all time favorites is the Lilac blossoms.  Fragrant and delicate.  If I can get my act together this time, I will pluck some blossoms for lilac jelly.  I hope I can pull this off.

SPRING is near and I am ready.  During the cold months, we worked at getting settled.  Still not there yet.  Another month has started and within it I will be having two cataract surgeries.  I won't be working hard at anything as I recover.  It'll be mid April before I can work in the flowerbeds.  I have to be alright with this.

When my plans get changed, I must be flexible and do something else instead of pouting.  Shift gears and go on.

There have times in my LIFE that I felt helpless and almost hopeless concerning so many issues.  At an old age, I have a glimmer of hope that I can be PRO-ACTIVE within my life.  Wish it had been more like this as I was going through LIFE earlier, but I'm there now.  I have to apply myself.  

Getting the column fridge that is sitting in the utility room has lifted my spirits concerning having more order.  I LOVE IT so far.  Yesterday, I put the majority of the vegetables and fruit in it.

When I open this new fridge, I smile.  I sense some order coming over me.  Right now in LIFE, our health has to be concentrated on.  It must be a priority due to on going health problems.  Hubby has ongoing Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and is Type 2 Diabetic.  I am OBESE.  Morbidly OBESE and have Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  I don't sound like the POSTER KID FOR GOOD HEALTH.  The very opposite.  Both of us has asthma and have experienced Thyroid cancer with having no thyroid these days.  

It's a different ballgame with not having a thyroid and I have had to learn the hard way on how to function.  It has been a battle to have energy and lose weight.  I am not one of those that takes the meds and all is well.  I have had difficulties galore.  I don't fit the box.

Years of research have happened and I have learned that as long as the TSH is within the so called range, then the Endocrinologist believe they've done their job.  If I feel poorly then I shuffle on back to my regular doc and the Endos are finished.  They will not investigate any further to help reveal what's going on.  My Husband was told that he wasn't taking his medicine and he takes it faithfully.  A few months later he was diagnosed with NHL.  So I have researched and listened to other docs... well excuse me... on the internet.  

I OFFICIALLY AM MORBIDLY OBESE.  CAME DOWN A NOTCH from being grossly morbidly obese by losing 50 pounds.  WORKING TOWARD BEING just OBESE.  Sounds odd to me to say that I am working towards being in the obese category.  Actually in the long run, I will be overjoyed to be obese again and working toward being overweight.  Who would think that someone longs for the day to be overweight?  Long term goal is to be overweight then onto being a healthy weight.  

There is no magic button I can push to reach my goal weight.  I don't want to do surgery or take OZEMPIC.  A Food Program and walking is my ticket to success.   

This is an all-out FIGHT to have good health.  We don't smoke or take recreational drugs and seldom have alcoholic beverages.  As for sweets...that's an ongoing thing.  I have to preach at myself to not eat that piece of sugar-free candy.  We seldom have cake, pie or cookies.  We seldom have bread, rice and pasta.  I am TOO sedentary.  I confess.

We have completely changed our food habits about what we eat on a daily basis.  I am very proud about this.  I have to get off my backside and walk, walk, walk.  I am lifting light weights as I sit.  In APRIL. Lord willing, after recovering from cataract surgeries, I will WALK and lift weights more.

I have to aim at eating 1000 calories a day.  Walk and pray.  I am tracking what I eat and keep a record of it.  

As for my new column fridge, I feel like we have turned a corner with our HEALTH JOURNEY.  Having this appliance organized with only ORGANIC vegetables and fruits makes me VERY HAPPY to see sitting in our utility room.  PRAISE THE LORD for this VICTORY!!!  Having this appliance on hand filled with what I want, makes me feel like I have some power over what we will be eating.

I rearranged the Kitchen fridge with bottled water, V8 and some Immune boosting drinks.  The rest of the Kitchen fridge has cheeses, half 'n half, milk, left-overs and meats.  Condiments are in the doors with olives, pickles, relishes, salad dressings, ketch-up, mustards, jellies. 

ABOUT THAT WEIGHT GAIN:  I had often thought that growth hormones in meats was the cause of weight gain when eating too much meat.  Now I find out that meats and pork have estrogen in it which causes fibroid tumors.  I knew about avoiding soy as it's a natural estrogen so I did because I had fibroid tumors.  So I continue to avoid soy even with not having a uterus.  Hysterectomy took place July 2023 for removing uterine cancer.  

I was concerned about hidden hormones in the foods plus disruptors in the environment.  I think I'm a day late and a dollar short. Watching the hormone things, but now have to be aware of the quality of the soil that crops have been grown in.  I think my body is supersensitive to things like this and I have to do things differently.  Are radio frequencies causing health issues?  I believe so.  How do you avoid this when you do not have a faraday cage in the house? 

A Faraday cage is a container made of conducting material, such as wire mesh or metal plates, that shields what it encloses from external electric fields.  A Faraday cage can be used to prevent external electromagnetic interference (EMI, or noise).

SO there I have it.  Avoid hormones.  Pesticides.  Healthy soil.  Radiation and radio frequencies as best I can.  Here's to not sounding paranoid and being better informed.  Here's to walking in wisdom and staying out of trouble.

I will continue on with my dietary changes.  I am presently on day TWELVE of the Daniel Diet.  I about lost it last night wanting a piece of chocolate.  I talked myself out of the temptation.  I'm not very good at talking myself out of things, but I bumbled along and went to sleep.  It's a BAD habit to snack even when I am not hungry.  Recognizing that it is habit and not being hungry doesn't comfort me.  I still wanted the chocolate.  Pat myself on the back, I didn't follow through and eat the candy.  It's a comfort thing with me to eat candy, chips, bread.  I seem to do well at avoiding candy when I can eat what ever I want, but when I stay on a strict food program than I want the candy.  It's got to be a rebellion type thing going on within me.

Day 12.  Breakfast was HOT TEA, celery stalk and a tsp. of hot mustard.
Lunch was a cup of meatless chili and a baked potato with salsa on top.  Water.
Supper will be green beans and probably salad.  Hubby will have the same plus some meat.

I have 9 more days of the Daniel Diet and then I can add some cottage cheese to my diet.  I will make a trip to the HAPPY HIPPY Restaurant for a ACAI bowl where I get granola and coconut plus açaí berries, banana and peanut butter.  I will avoid having a donut.  Not sure when I will ease the meat into my program.  I am doing well about avoiding pork.  

Time for a NAP!  Then I will work on laundry and tidying the dining room.

Happy FRIDAY,

~d on the prairie

  

 

LILAC JELLY and BABY LILAC PLANTS

FRIDAY IS HERE AND THAT'S THAT.  What shall I do today?  Laundry is already taking place.  Have more to wash.  Ongoing.  I wrapped up some small Nic-nacs and placed in a storage box.  Not ready to get rid of these yet.  May be later.  

I will group some old magazines and tie some twine around them.  Out of the house they will go. I really need to make a trip to the market.  Making a list.  Not sure what time I will go though.  I like having my mornings to wake up, get groomed, eat, work on paperwork, get the day planned, do a few chores before heading out the door.  

The dining room table will be completely cleared off so I can place dining room chairs on top of the table then cover up to prep for the painting.  Long time in the coming.  Celebrate!  It happened. 

I'd like to clear out the fridge and make room for more organic fruits and vegetables.  I can pencil this in.     

My afternoons are made better by getting out of the house for a few minutes.  Get some fresh air and see some nature.  The tulips are still in bloom.  They will last about 10 more days then only the stems and leaves will be up.    

When I was a child playing outside in the Spring, I'd hide behind the lilac bush that sheltered me in a corner of our yard.  It was my childhood outdoors hideaway.  Hours were spent there behind the bush where there was a very large tree and fence.  Dirt to draw in.  Talking to myself while playing in the dirt was part of my pleasant childhood.  A place to get away from others and experience tranquility.  I think I need one of those places now to help lower my blood pressure and rest my mind.  A quiet place of my own away from town noise, automobiles and people.  

Now the Lilacs are in BLOOM!  My favorite bush.  Absolutely LOVE them.  Aromatic fragrance, soft colors and so pleasant to look at.  We have one bush over at RETIREMENT COTTAGE.  I will study to see how to take from the mother plant and transplant babies so eventually there will be a long hedge row in front of a fence eventually.  In my mind's eye I can see a beautiful hedge in full bloom running along a backyard fence.  

https://www.thespruce.com/lilac-bushes-growing-tips-2132722#:~:text=To%20propagate%20lilacs%2C%20simply%20dig%20down%20around%20one,not%20soggy%29%20at%20all%20times%20until%20it%27s%20established.

Maybe a dream, but dreams take place even at my old age.  I wonder what I can make from the blossoms?  Lilac Jelly?  I'd like to try.  

LILAC JELLY

★★★★★

A simple lilac jelly recipe to share or enjoy at home.

• Author: Laurie Neverman
• Yield: 4 cups 
• Category: Jelly
• Method: Canning
• Cuisine: American

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups packed lilac blossoms, no leaves, no stems
• 2 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 cups sugar
• One box Sure-jell powdered pectin (1.75 oz, or just over 4 tablespoons pectin)

INSTRUCTIONS

First, infuse the blossoms in the water to make a “lilac tea”.

Place the blossoms in a heat resistant container and pour the boiling water over. Allow them to steep 8 hours or overnight.

When ready to can, sterilize four 8-ounce jars or eight 4 ounce jars, keep hot. Heat lids and rings in hot water, keep warm but not boiling. Fill water bath canner and bring to boil.

Strain the flowers out of the water. Squeeze dry. You should have 2 1/4 cup of lilac infused water. Add more water if needed.

Place the flower infusion, lemon juice, and pectin in a large heavy bottom pot. Bring to a rolling boil.

Add sugar all at once, return to boil. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly. Skim foam if needed. Remove from heat.

Ladle jam into hot, sterilized jars leaving 1/4″ headspace. Wipe rims clean and screw on the lids.

Process for 10 minutes in water bath canner (add 1 minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level).

Remove jars from canner and allow to rest until cool. (I prefer overnight.) Remove rings, wipe any drips and label for storage.

Makes around 4 half pint jars or 8 – 4 ounce jars.

NOTES

I allowed the strained liquid to sit in the refrigerator overnight, and then poured it off carefully. This allowed some of the particles to settle out of the infusion, resulting in a clearer jelly.

 

https://www.brit.co/lilac-recipes/

CLOUDY OUTSIDE.  Grey skies and colder temps this morning.  Supposedly it's going to get a tad bit warmer throughout this day until we have SUMMER temps next week.  Zoom from chilly to overly hot seems like the KANSAS way of doing things.  If you don't like the weather wait 30 minutes and it will all change.

The MAILMAN just dropped a box off.  Opened it and whalaaah it is one of the hardback books we ordered last week-end.  

THE BIBLE CURE by Reginald Cherry, M.D.  A renowned Physician uncovers the Bible's hidden health secrets.  This particular book was published in 1998.  I am stunned how fast time has flown and now in 2021 I want to read his book.  

I am familiar with Dr. Cherry and trust him.  He has retired and isn't as active as he was 20 years ago.  I thumbed though the book and there's a recipe for Ezekiel Bread along with other recipes that I know will help change me into a healthier person.  

Here's to HEALTH,

🏡d   

Lilacs On The Prairie

Lilacs on the Prairie 

have never smelled as fragrant as they do.  

One deep smell filling my nostrils with this perfume 

can be mesmerizing.

Brings back sweet memories of SPRINGS gone by.

None better,

d

Lilacs

Lilacs were in bloom at RETIREMENT COTTAGE with a fragrant aroma filling the air close to the bush.  Lovely lavender colored blooms with perfume to the senses.  Nicely shaped bush to enjoy SPRING TIME.  Something so nice to have on the property that we are now living on.  Happy to have a lilac bush.

As we leave the rock house property snapping a picture of what took so long to bloom leaves me with a sentimental sigh.  At least we were able to finally see a good crop of lilacs before we say good-bye forever.

Husband planted Abraham Lincoln Lilacs over ten years ago.  They were not a disappointment this Spring as they bloomed with lovely flowers to beautify the landscaping about the house.  It is bitter sweet to say good-bye, but we had to and now we will look forward to landscaping the cottage.

Lilacs have faded and Spirarea are in full bloom.  

Two bushes that bring childhood memories to mind.  

Oh how I loved them.

I will have to plant a Spirarea bush on this property.

Early signs of SPRING are when the Mock Pear Trees produce white blossoms amongst dead looking branches throughout the landscape.  Forsythia bushes splash with yellow blossoms that slowly turn into green leaves as Tulips pop through the ground after Grape Hyacinths and Jonquils.  

Tulips open morphing into colorful blossoms and then the Lilacs bloom forth.

The Irises leaves begin to shoot upwards with widening green blades.  

Just waiting for the buds to appear.

Then the Spirarea take its turn to show off puffs of white flowers.

All the while the Tulips grow to the tune of nature.

Soon blooms will grace the grounds as SPRING arrived.

More flowers.

The mornings are cooler than comfortable 

then as the day progresses

the temps warm into the 60s and 70s.

This won't last for long 

as Kansas will heat up until we wish it were 

still a cooler SPRING.

BLESSINGS,

d 

Waiting On The Lilacs

The Lilacs are not in bloom yet.

Last year, Spring was 6 weeks early.

I loved it.

Such a pleasant and beautiful season for Lilacs and Irises.

This year our Spring is chilly and the Lilacs are just now starting to show 

blossoms on their bushes.

My patience has not been a virtue this year.

I ache for the blossoms to come forth with perfumed fragrance.

My Favorite.

The last two weeks have been rough on my health

with upper respiratory infection 

tormenting my whole body with a hacking cough

and asthmatic wheeze.  

I am counting the days until I am not bothered 

by this health issue.  It has been tough.

By the time the Lilacs bloom......I'm so hoping that my lungs have cleared up 

and I have regained my strength.

The month of May is finally here 

and I am looking forward to sipping Lemonade on the porch!

Isn't Lilac a lovely color?

I think so.

May you have a wonderful week-end.

Love you,

d

kansas prairie lilacs

~LILACS~

lilacs

~LILACS~

Spring came early this year with the Lilacs in bloom for over a week so far.  One of my favorites are Lilacs so I don't mind them being in bloom so early and lasting as long as they have.  There have been years that they bloomed the last few days of April and gone the first day of May.  The Kansas winds and rains beat the blossoms off the branches and they are gone way too soon.

While having them in my home, the fragrance is intoxicating and I long to enjoy their aroma through out the year.  Prolonging their beauty, perhaps I should place some in a vase of water and store in the fridge.

The soft color of the lavender colored Lilacs puts a smile on my face.
Are you smiling?
~Deanna~

Lilacs

~Lovely Lilacs~

Home Happenings

April Blessings to you!
Spring is here, but it comes with stormy weather as well.  Have to truly enjoy the pleasant weather when I can.

Very NICE Week-end, but ended having a sore throat that I hope is just due to the smoke that comes from burning the Prairie.  My nose is itching, eyes are watering, sneezing and my throat hurts.

Every year the Prairie is lit to burn the grass.  Hoping that by May 3rd the BURNING will be over until next year.  It's tearing me up.  The windows of the house cannot be left open to enjoy fresh Spring Air during this time.  The smoke drifts inside and the house begins to smell of Prairie Smoke.  May this time be over in a wink.

Friday was rainy and cold....a little singing group I'm a part of went to Kansas State University to record 3 songs that will go on a Cd to commemorate the 150th year Anniversary of Kansas becoming a State and encourage sight seeing in Wabaunsee County where the Scenic by way is.  We ROCKED?!?!  Had fun none the less.

The week-end went too fast.  Hubby and I went to Wamego for their Tulip Festival and deliberately went to the Quilt Show.  Lots of pics to follow.

Shopped a bit in Manhattan, ate at our favorite Mexican Restaurant, had a COFFEE DATE, and finished our TAXES!   Doing the Happy DANCE....don't owe as much as last year.  A little Yard Work fit into the wk-end along with mending fences, laundry, paper work, thinking about future landscaping.

The Lilacs are in bloom...love this!  So fragrant with a sweet and refreshing aroma.  Gentle on my mind.  ONE OF MY FAVORITE SCENTS AND COLORS.  Something to think about and enjoy in the Spring.

~Easter is coming~


The LORD is risen indeed.
Be of GOOD CHEER...for Jesus overcame the WORLD.

Lovely week to you,
~Deanna~