BE KIND AND MOVING SLOW

LIFE CAN CHANGE IN AN INSTANT.  Just like that, it's different.  Last night at 10:50, we got a phone call from our daughter in a panic asking us to come to their house to stay with our youngest grandson as he slept because their 20 year old son was hit by a car and was on his way to the Topeka Hospital.

As my Husband spoke on the phone, my legs grew weak.  We were watching the movie, THE MAJESTIC starring Jim Carrey at the time.

We hurried over to her HOME to babysit.  Not having all the details we waited to hear back from her.  Grandson W would be having surgery.  I started praying immediately.  We slept on the sofas.  Daughter texted her Daddy with some news.  Morning came and Lil Dude woke to us being there instead of his Mom and Dad.

Without going into a lot of details with a 4 year old, I simply told him that his brother was ill and his Mom and Dad went to help him.  They'd be back later in the day.  This was enough info to quiet his curiosity.  He had preschool this morning so after breakfast and getting him groomed, we played before taking him to school.

We went HOME and took a morning nap.  I feel exhausted and probably will take another nap in the afternoon.  I asked Hubby if he'd go get us a bite to eat as I am exhausted.  He took off to get us spaghetti from Gambino's.

My plans for the day changed drastically.  This happens from tine to time and being flexible has to be activated.  

Think we'll pick up our Grandson from school and entertain him until evening falls then take him HOME.  His folks would have some quiet time to rest up.  They were up all night while their son was in surgery.  I know it's been a long day for them.  

As spurts of energy surge through me, I work at the organizing of our HOME.  Moving slow today.  Rest awhile, move ahead doing something pertaining to making our HOME more like a HOME and rest again.  Repeat.  Repeat.  Repeat.  Not getting to where I need to be very fast, but hey. 

Moving really slow,  

~d

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~d

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

The weight is coming off my shoulders.

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

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

WARDROBE MALFUNCTION AT THE GROCERY STORE

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

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

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

GRINS.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~d

WHAT A WEEK!!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This adventure is unfolding as I go.

TIME TO GO,

~d

WEEK-END PLANS, WRAPPING WITHOUT TAPE AND SHEEP GRAZING ON THE LAWN

THE WEEK-END IS HERE!  SNIPPETS.

Plans are in order.  I'm working on gathering things to get rid of.  Decluttering AGAIN.  I wonder what I'll get done today?

Worked on a pile of things on the Kitchen floor that needed dealt with.  Not done, but if I can stay with it, it will happen.  The Kitchen will be tidied this coming week.  Went through four containers of old, outdated meds to trash.  I iced my ankle and shin this morning for an hour, ate a healthy breakfast of eggs, toast with real butter and Manuka Honey, sipped on Earl Grey Tea and BLOGGED.  Thinking about driving to the track and walking a lap.  Thinking about it.  I best not think too long on this or it won't get done.

Hubby has some work to do on a leaky, outdoors faucet.  Best get this done before the afternoon heat takes over.  When I get back from my walk, I'll see about working in the garage today. 

🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦 This morning, Black birds were squawking in the trees outside our window.  Incredibly loud with a constant attack on one another.  As soon as I walked out on the porch, they flew elsewhere.  They were having a convention of sorts at the COTTAGE.  Thankful they flew away.  To think birds can make so much noise it stop one's concentration.  🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦

THOUGHTS on the month of JUNE.  If I'm not careful, the days will get away from me and the cleaning won't get done.  I've got too many irons in the fire as one might say.  Too many projects to do.  

MOVIE NIGHT.  We watched PHENOMENON with John Travolta, Robert Duvall, Kyra Sedgwick.
Phenomenon   follows a small-town mechanic, George, whose life changes after witnessing a mysterious light, unlocking extraordinary intellect and telekinetic abilities. As he navigates newfound curiosity, suspicion, and love, the story explores human potential and the power of connection. With heartfelt performances and a blend of romance, drama, and gentle sci-fi, it’s a touching, uplifting film worth watching for its emotional depth and charm.

I remember going to the theatre in 1996 to see this one.  Watching it again was fresh and there was much about the film that was like new to me.  Overall, I think this 1996 film is FAMILY FRIENDLY and a good film.  

🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧

I have some gift wrapping to do to get packages in the Monday mail.  Then I saw these tips about wrapping without tape.  

Turned my crank.

Whalaah!  Pretty neat.  All these years and I knew not.

🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

POLITICS.  SHEEP GRAZING ON THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN. 

When Sheep Grazed on the White House Lawn. Sheep grazed on the White House lawn during World War I, specifically from 1918 to 1920 under President Woodrow Wilson and First Lady Edith Wilson.

The idea came in the spring of 1918, when President Wilson reportedly suggested having sheep on the grounds. His friend Dr. Cary Grayson arranged for a flock to be brought to Washington, D.C. 

The sheep were kept to trim the grass naturally, saving manpower and equipment, and their wool was sold at auctions to raise funds for the American Red Cross.

The wool auctions were a major success, with some wool selling for up to $10,000 per pound, and the program ultimately raising nearly $52,823 for the Red Cross www.missedhistory.com. The flock started with about 12 sheep and 4 lambs, growing to 48 by 1920.

 This is a tad bit different than what's going on at the WHITE HOUSE these days with the East Wing torn down and a CAGE springing up on the East Lawn for a sporting event to celebrate AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY. 

 

I recall the 200th Anniversary where I was visiting my parents in Marion, Kansas and I was only 20 years old, married and with a baby.

  

There were fireworks in Washington D.C.  No massive construction going on or sheep grazing on the lawn.

Times have changed so much it makes me dizzy.

Here's to you,

~d

JUNE SNIPPETS

NO READING GLASSES FOR ME FROM MARSHALLS.  Disappointed. Called the shopping trip short because the pot roast is HOME ALONE.  

Think back on the day.  Traveled to Manhattan to the coffee shop to get my green tea.  I walked into the doctor's office right at 2PM to get my Vitamin B12 injection and make next months appointment.  I only sat in the lobby for a few minutes before I was called back to the injection room.  Hubby stayed in the car.   Afterwards we went to MARSHALLS we went.

I'm wanting a free day where I go to Manhattan not because of a doctor's appointment where we're hurrying about, but because I want to goof off and go to a multitude of shops just because I can.  Tis needed.

Marshalls reminds me of the old TUESDAY MORNING stores except with more clothing and shoes.  I use to shop at TM a lot before they disappeared from the face of the earth here in the Flint Hills.  It was a sad day.

I was looking for the reading glasses and found nothing that I liked, but I found OTHER THINGS.  Imagine that.  Some Manuka Honey in a glass jar for an outstanding price.  Turkey sticks, two glass storage containers with lids, shortbread cookies, 4 pound weighted vest that I can wear while walking, tooth brushes, what else?  

Drove a ways to the Library to see if a movie on loan had come in and it was a no, not yet.  On our way HOME we checked out another Library to see what movies they had.  Checked out 3 movies and a CHARLIE KIRK BOOK.  This will be an interesting read.  Two weeks to make it through the book.

Finally HOME and checked on the POT ROAST.  The aroma is wonderful.  By 6 I think it will be ready to munch down on.  Hallelujah.  We're having Pot Roast tonight.

Beaming with joy,

~d 

Wednesday.  I knew we'd need to make another trip to Marion to remove the grave sight flowers from Memorial Day.  Dad's and brother David's flowers were needing removed.  Hubby had a haircut in Manhattan.  I stayed in the car while he had some spa time at the barbers.  His hair is short so it didn't take much time.  I stayed in the car and messed around with his camera. Snap. 📸

Afterwards, I wanted to buy some more faux sunflowers from Hobby Lobby for my Dad's tombstone.  I need to go back to HL and take time to look around real gooood.  

We drove over to Marion.  Beautiful scenery.  Lovely weather for us.  The massive blue skies above the luscious green landscape makes for a lovely sight.  It would be appropriate to pull the car over and park so I could observe the graphic landscape before traveling onward.  That pioneer spirit I have within is still very much alive.  Little House On the Prairie comes forth.

Arrived in time to stop at the Victorian House that has a Coffee Shop with eatery in it.  Spent a minute before going to the cemetery.

We went to the cemetery to do our part.  With shepherd hooks we could leave faux flowers in baskets for an all year decor.  I believe I'd like to do that when we visit next.  Said bye to my loved ones and began our trip HOME.

The drive HOME went well.  Was tired when I got HOME.  We skipped supper because we were full from earlier.  This is something to only eat two meals a day and be full to where a third one isn't necessary.  Old age I guess.

Watched a LOVE STORY.  

YOU'VE GOT MAIL.  
  

Slept well and have rested this Wednesday.  Plans for the rest of the day are to work on gathering items for decluttering.  We thought we'd participate in the City-wide Garage Sale this month, but it's been canceled so we will have to decide if we should just have one on our own or what. 

JUNE SNIPPETS.  June is the month of Birthdays for my sister and brother, my oldest son and sister-in-law.  June is the month of lawn care and garden clean out.  June is the month of clearing out an extremely messy GARAGE that will take hours and muscles to make sense of it. Tackling this isn't what I want to do, but have to do.

JUNE.  

~d

  

M&Ms FOR A TREAT BEFORE STARTING THE MONTH OF JUNE and SNIPPETS !!!!

JUNE 1ST.  HELLO!  I knew you were coming, but I didn't bake a cake.  Instead I ate some Peanut Butter M&Ms.  I didn't go over board with them!  This is improvement for me.  I have great plans to eat as little of sweets as possible during the month of June and the first two weeks of July BEFORE MY LABS ARE DONE FOR MY YEARLY PHYSICAL.  Plans for lots of greens, little meat, no dairy, little bread.

So in preparations for June, I deliberately purchased some Peanut Butter M&Ms to snack on and I did, but like I said, I went easy on them.  Surprised myself.

The ingredients are outrageous.  Oh my.  Welp, what can I say.  I occasionally have a sweet or two.

June has started and I have made some goals for myself.  Tadaah.  Here I go again on cutting back on sugars.

As I type the post for my blog, my legs are elevated with a bag of frozen peas on my left ankle and one on my right shin.  sigh.  More aches and pains.  Hubs as well.  Hubby's knee and hip are acting up.  Doc told him he thought he should have physical therapy.  Waiting for that phone call to say when they'll start.  Probably 2 trips a week for a while to Manhattan.  

Phone just rang.  Making plans for Hubby's Colonoscopy.  Fun, huh?  Gotta keep an ongoing calendar.  Praise the Lord.  

I got the gorgeous pot roast on this morning.  If you can say a chunk of pot roast is gorgeous than I'd say so with this one.  She soaked in coffee in the fridge a day and a half.  No garlic this time.

Petite, Tender Chuck Roast.  This morning, I poured olive oil in the bottom of the crock pot to cover the bottom.  Dumped about a cup of cut up white onions and placed the roast on top of this.  No water yet.  I did not sear the meat this time.  Baked for an hour before adding the potatoes and carrots.  Will add some celery as well.  The roast will be covered in spring water here shortly and will bake all afternoon while I'm in Manhattan for vitamin B12 shot.

After my shot, I need to run to Marshalls for some new reading glasses.  Will purchase a Trenta unsweetened Iced Green Tea when running errands.  Not sure what else will be on the agenda. Back HOME to check on POT ROAST.  

Snippets.  I'll take this as a day of semi-relaxing and enjoy the pleasant temperature and gorgeous day outside.  Supper Roast is on. This morning, I cleaned around the miniature oven that sits on the Kitchen counter top.  Icing ankle and leg while blogging.  Getting reading to lift hand weights for arm exercises. Trip to Manhattan. Vitamin B12 injection will be given this afternoon.  Unsweetened Iced GREEN Tea for medicinal purposes.  Trip to Marshalls for reading glasses.  I'll skip shampooing my hair until later.  A load of laundry will go in the machine this evening.  Meditate on scripture, read and watch a movie tonight.

Peaceful moments make for a healthier lifestyle for us.  What will you be doing for a healthier moment?  Me, just about what I have planned.  So glad JUNE is here.  I waited all year for this month.

God bless and count your blessings,

~d