HAPPY THOUGHTS AND PRAISE

TAKING PIECE OUT OF STORAGE AND BRINGING IT HOME

THE WEEK-END COMETH.  Praise the LORD.  I slept in this morning.  It's been a while.  Stayed up for a couple of hours and took a NAP.  Woke refreshed!  Planning my day.

I'v got some serious shuffling to do as we are going to make room for our HIGH BOY piece of furniture in the TV room which means the Antique Victorian Walnut Dresser with Mirror: Renaissance Revival  will have to go into the little Living room/Parlor so we have room for the High Boy.  I'm excited about this as the Victorian piece is rather pretty and I think it will look proper in the Living room where an antique chest is.  What to do with the chest?  Not sure at the moment.  grins.  Here we go a shuffling, a shuffling we shall go.  

The chest is filled with pictures so the Victorian piece will inherit the pictures.  The High Boy will house art supplies beside my Husband's recliner.  This shuffle-roo will take time and muscle.

We brought the High Boy's drawers that were in storage, home yesterday on our way HOME from the medical appointments.  It took us about 15 minutes to load the back end of the car with the drawers then we left the drawers in the car overnight.  We'll bring them inside when the indoor shuffling is complete.  This week-end, we'll have time to move the rest of the piece in two trips.  The High Boy comes apart making it easier to transport in the Cruiser.  

We bought the High Boy over 8 years ago from a Thrift Store where her legs and feet were in rough shape.  Hubby worked her over and we had a lovely piece.  She went into storage over 3 years ago when we started moving large pieces out of the house that we were going to sell.  I've missed the piece and now we have figured out where she can go in the COTTAGE.  Praise the Lord.

When it is set up...we can concentrate on bringing HOME the next pieces of furniture which will be our Dinette Set and placing her in the Kitchen.  This will have a great sense of satisfaction that we are further along on our adventure of settling into our small COTTAGE.  PRAISE GOD.

Hubby showed me a picture of our porch from one year ago.  I was mortified at how awful it looked.  The front steps made of concrete were severely cracked and crumbling.  The actual porch floor was collapsing.  If I do say so myself, today our porch that was rebuilt looks a million times better than it did.  

Later this Summer, the porch will receive another coat of thick paint.  The next step in the porch remodel is to scrape the ceiling paint off and repaint it with a haunt Blue color and install a beautiful hanging lamp.  The front of the house will get painted a fresh coat of paint and the doors will be painted.  

I was in the picture holding 2 balloons in the shape of a 7 and 0 for 70.  I was getting ready to release the balloons into the air as I had celebrated with the balloons for a couple of weeks.  They were deflating.  We watched as the balloons floated upwards into the heavens after I released them.  They stayed a float for a very long time.  

I hated the way I looked in this picture.  I was overweight and seriously fatigued.  It showed.  It's not wrong to want to be HEALTHY.  I do desire health.  Getting there will be another area in my LIFE that needs worked on.  Am I lazy or do I not feel well?  Both. 🤼 

I'm still obese and fatigued.  This is the year I will see if I can reduce my weight by 100 pounds in a healthy way.  Journaling with pictures.  Exercises and balanced diet.  Vitamin B12 shots and supplements.  Spring water and rest.  Prayer and decluttering.  Organizing and downsizing. Happy thoughts and praise.  

HAPPY THOUGHTS and PRAISE on the way,

~d🌹 

MAKING HEADWAY...

JUST ABOUT FINISHED WITH TIDYING THREE BEDROOMS.  Later this morning, I'll work quickly to get the floors vacuumed and the furniture dusted.  I'll hang the new shower curtains in the main bathroom.  I soaked the shower curtain hooks and wiped down the metal hoop that the shower hooks hang off of.  A quick scrubbing of the toilets and sink.  So close to being ready for company on Saturday.

Friday is dedicated to wrapping this up.  I still have to tidy the kitchen and living room.  I hope I can get everything done that needs done.  

The things that were in the bedrooms that were out of place had to be hidden in the media room. I will get to this later.  This project will takes months.  After the week-end concludes, I'll get back on going through the things that need to disappear.  This will take some time, but if I work quickly, it'll help.

DOWNSIZING is taking place and by Christmas, I should have this PHASE of gathering stuff that no longer belongs in our HOME completed.  Speaking of CHRISTMAS, I decided what theme I will be going with this CHRISTMAS.  We had a busy day so we ate at Cracker Barrel for a late supper.  They have their CHRISTMAS merchandise displayed.  Their solid white tree with white, silver and acrylic ornaments said it all.  This could change, but for the time being I believe we will go this way.

My flocked tree will need added flocking to it.  So this will be interesting.  I was ready to get rid of the flocked tree, but the wind shifted and now this CHRISTMAS, we will enjoy another year of a flocked tree.  Super flocked.   Twinkle lights will be added.  Then the silver, white and acrylic ornaments I have will be placed on the tree.

I spent Thursday cleaning on the bedrooms, attending a Cross Country Meet in the heat, shopping at Sam's, eating supper at Cracker Barrel, resting and the rest is history.  

Watched Grand run at Emporia.  
She did super and placed.

Maple Bacon Grilled Chicken, Green Beans and Sweet Baby Carrots with water to drink for Super.  I'd do this one again.  The Chicken was delicious.  Craving carrots, I was satisfied. 

HOPING TO FINISH UP CLEANING THE HOUSE.  I know that I can only get so much done...so be it.  

So be it, 

~d👵 

TUESDAY

WORKING, BUT TAKING IT EASY AT THE SAME TIME.  Having some physical issues with my gut.  Tender to the touch and hurting.  Think I ate something that has caused a flare up and coming with that, comes pain and discomfort.  Three days later I am feeling much better.  Sipping on sugar-free 7-up.  This is one of those times that I drink soda when my gut hurts.  Yogurt helps.  

Currently it's 75 degrees outside so the living room French Doors are open allowing some fresh air indoors.  A cooler morning is a healing balm to my weary soul that the heatwave did a number on.  Truthfully, we haven't had too many days where the heat was on the high end of 90 or even hitting 100 degrees.  This has been welcomed, but with a heat index, the temps seem so much higher.  There were days this Summer that it was stifling outside to the point it was difficult to breathe.  Autumn is near and I believe this will be one of the best ones we've had.

WE CONTINUE TO WORK AT DOWNSIZING.  A chapter in our lives that is rather long.  I have watched a multitude of videos on downsizing, which are helpful as well as entertaining.  Prayed and given this a great deal of thought.  What does a person really need to have in order to live/survive?  We're in our mid 60s with health issues that require working on daily.  So what do we really need in our 60s?  If we are blessed to live into our 70s, I'm sure this will continue to change.  

DOWNSIZING is taking much time and thought, but I am beginning to like the idea of thinning out and having less to deal with.  Long story short...it can be done and done well.

On the HOME FRONT:  Hubby continues to dig up our Irises so they can be planted at the COTTGE in newly made flowerbeds.  He has made huge progress as we count how many Irises we have, I know we are IRIS PEOPLE.  He completed three large flowerbeds.  Two beds are completely filled and the other really long bed will soon be filled with a variety of colored Irises.  It will be a delightful surprise come Spring 2022.  

Pictures galore I am sure.  I think we will plant some along the side of the house as well and some out front meaning more muscle will have to take place to accommodate the beauties.  

Pieces of furniture are migrating to the Carriage House from the COTTAGE as we empty her out.  I think we're going to try to sell these.  After I jotted down pieces we need to get rid of, the thought of a Auction comes to mind.  Some pieces I cannot turn loose of just yet.  Still thinking about it.  

Company is coming.  Tidying the Guest rooms today as I went whopper jaw cleaning out closets and drawers this past year.  Since the Co vid pandemic hit, I stalled out with sore feet and a back that did not want to cooperate.  I still have to sit a lot, but I now can stand longer than 5 minutes.  PTL.

The feet and back have not completely stopped me from doing paper work, do a few simple chores then sit some more.  I do what I can when sitting.  I have managed to stay busy for sure. 

Dealing with children's clothing.   

The bags of baby clothing that I went through last month at the COTTAGE, have been grouped into Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer.  Fall/Winter have been laundered in WOOLITE.  Some items are on children's hangers placed on a chrome rack.  Others are simply folded and placed in cardboard boxes.  I believe I will have a sale, so I am pricing each individual piece.  The living room is now a work spot.  I have to get these out of the house today with company coming. 

TODAY BEING TUESDAY, I plan on finishing up pricing the children's clothing, tidy one of the bedrooms for company, showering out the coconut oil I ran through my hair to revive it and calling it a day.

SO MUCH TO DO AND SO MUCH TO SAY.  TUESDAY is no exception.  I feel so much better staying busy and staying away from all day television/computer news stories.  Especially the political news.  I know one can get sucked into the political arena and not be able to escape the turmoil.  We have to pick our battles.  Sometimes we can't, but most of the time, we need to.  Burying our heads in the sand isn't necessary, but filling our heads with propaganda isn't productive either.  It can be deceptive which is rather destructive holding one in bondage entertaining wrong thoughts which contributes to wrong actions.  

Just what is it THEY want you to believe?  Anything can be sold to the public if the packaging is attractive and FREE.  Have you been persuaded to go in the wrong direction?  

Finding ones happy place is proper and mine is HOME LIFE as a homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  

HOME LIFE is for me. 
Amen,
~d👵

“Enjoy life here on earth; it’s short. Be kind and full of love and encouragement for each other.”

GLORIOUS COOL MORNING TEMPS TODAY.  63 degrees.  Lovely relief from the Summer heatwave that we experienced this past month.  Here it is September 9th already.  

A l r e a d y.  I rushed down to the local thrift shop to see if they still had children's hangers for sale.  They did.  Needing these to hang wet clothing to dry on that I am washing in WOOLITE.   

This morning I washed a load of small children's clothing also a load of towels washing in WOOLITE. I wanted to see how this product cleaned large bath towels.  Later I will go over to the COTTAGE to dry them and work inside.  Hubby already went to the COTTAGE to plant the purple Heirloom Irises he popped out of one of our large flowerbeds at the main house.

He has faithfully been working on making new large flowerbeds at the COTTAGE as well as digging up the Heirloom Irises to plant in these new beds.  It is a huge undertaking for an elderly man to accomplish, but he is determined to get this done before September ends.  Our little backyard will be beautiful next Spring.  I always look forward to the Spring Irises to bloom making a colorful statement.

I continue rounding up items to turn loose of.  The pile is growing.  This week-end I will thin out CHRISTMAS stuff.  We will be arranging the Carriage House so there is room to store my two large Curio Cabinets until I figure out what to do with them.  I no longer want them in the Dining room and when we relocate to the COTTAGE there will not be room for them.  Praying for a new owner to come and take them off my hands.  They are rather large, but beautiful.  

GOALS this month are to gather up nic-nacs, clothing, pieces of furniture, etc. and turn loose of them.  Continue to empty out the COTTAGE.  Get new flowerbeds completely planted full of Irises.  Stay faithful at not eating breads and staying away from sugar, eating more vegetables, fruit, little dairy and grass fed beef.   Concentrate on eating as much organic as I can.  Walk, talk and pray.  SO September is a purging kind of month before AUTUMN blows in.  Then OCTOBER will be a continuation of clearing out the COTTAGE.  The Bathroom will be worked on and hopefully completely remodeled, up and running.  I know I will be painting come OCTOBER.  I will be able to open some windows so the fumes escape the inside making it easier to breath while painting.

I could see the tops of some trees on the way to TOPEKA were beginning to change a tad bit.  I can't help, but say FALL is on her way here.  I have mixed emotions about it because I know WINTER will not be far behind where it gets so cold I shiver thinking about it. 

This morning I found out that my childhood friend did die.  Her obituary is one of the best ones I have ever read.  Described her well.  She had a very rare endometrial cancer.  Her brother died just last August with brain cancer and Shelby's older sister has been battling breast cancer.  All having lived in Southwest Kansas when growing up.  Cancers are well known in Southwest Kansas.  So many cases.  It's disturbing.  Her advice:  “Enjoy life here on earth; it’s short. Be kind and full of love and encouragement for each other.”  One person can make a huge wonderful difference in this world.  She loved Jesus and you could tell.  She was vibrant and very outgoing.   PAUSE.  Say a prayer for her loved ones left behind.  

Yesterday I found out that my older brother was diagnosed with Covid.  He doesn't have any symptoms yet.  He had his vaccine last Winter.  So this is interesting. My Mom and Sister were around him before he turned out positive.  He had been checked before and was negative and so had they.  I was around them last Friday, so I will keep tabs on them.  This Covid thing is awful and I hate it.  Disease in general, I hate it.    

Now, I must go collect the towels out of the washing machine and head over to the COTTAGE. Work continues.  Lunch will be Soup and Supper will be delicious.

Make today count.  Deliberately be kind and determined to accomplish something good.
Amen,
~d 👵  

  

THURSDAY

Here it is THURSDAY.  Staying indoors.  I have dedicated this day to doing paperwork.  I have a sense of accomplishment getting to this place.  Organized and filed receipts from way back.  Seeing the statements grouped together and filed makes me feel very grown up at 65.  haha.  This happens to me each time I get to the place of order.  I feel very mature and grownup.  Good thing, because I am old.

Thursday.  We had a phone call from our Gas Services.  They came to the house to check the gas lines and hook-ups.  We have no leaks and this is a good thing.  Check that off the to do list.  I worked on paperwork while they were here and made progress.  Ready for round two of blending the newly filed papers with archive statements in a different basket.

👉V-8 for Breakfast and left overs for Lunch.  Not sure about Supper yet.  I think I'd like to have turkey sandwiches tonight.

👉Laundry is hanging to dry.

👉Bed is made.

👉Financial Budget worked on.

👍After this round of paperwork has been gone through, the next project comes to light.  I can multitask, but I like getting big projects out of the way before another one is started.  Not always possible, but still like doing LIFE this way for now.  

👍What will I do to make HOME a HAPPY PLACE today?  Be cheery myself and stay out of trouble.  No arguments.  Sweet disposition.  

X♡X. d 

  

Thoughts

Almighty God helped me raise my children. 

He cheered me on as a stay at home momma and full time wife. 

HOMEMAKER.

Keeper of the Home.

God had my back.

I honored Him by wanting to please Him. 

Not many told me I was doing a good thing, but God held me up.

I am grateful and know that He is the one that truly helped me through thick and thin. 

I was never alone. 

Never.

Sunday THOUGHTS,

d

Early Mornin'

GOSH....how did this happen?  3:37am and i am up.
tried to fall back asleep and couldn't.
soooooo...a shower took place and i washed my hair.
dried my comforter that was still damp in the clothes dryer.
dried some blue jeans that spent the night in the washing machine 
andddddddd...washed the coffee pot to fix a pot of java.
4 scoops to the water in the perk.
today i am fasting before blood work is done to check how i'm doing after switching from synthroid to armour natural desiccated thyroid meds.
took my blood pressure and made me smile.
124 over 84.  For me this is excellent.
i haven't seen this good of blood pressure in years.
thank you God.

i want to get in early so i can leave early and go get a few supplies at the dollar store.  then get back to gathering things to get rid of.

all week i have been gathering things to get rid of and it is overwhelming how much i have gathered.
it makes my head spin.
ashamed at this mess.
thankful on one hand that i can finally thin way out.
thankful.

oh the books, the books...they get so heavy.  
so many of them i collected over the years.
collected and no longer need.  they aren't sacred, but i think maybe i was thinking they were more important than i should.
the clothes go away.
far far away.
dishes not needed and no longer wanted.
what else can go....the yard bench that looks like it's on her last leg, some lawn chairs that we no longer use, some fixer upper bikes, some old dolls that i don't want, craft paint, odds 'n ins, old records now called vinyls, nail polish, make-up, toys, movies, picture frames and prints.....still looking.....etc.

i hear my husband's alarm going off.
time for him to get up and get around for work.
praying he has a terrific and blessed business day.

i know that after my HOME has less clutter that I will perk the heck up.
taking a deep breath and away i go.
will get dressed and groomed, put a little make-up on ready for this day.

the birds are singing loud and clear on this SPRING day.  
they have something to sing about.
so do we.

may you have a blessed day.
d

What To Do...what to do

If you have been surprised at how you respond to really bad news that takes a while to soak in...and then it pulls you down or sinks your boat sort of speak...what are you to do when you don't just spring right back?

In simple terms....I say, pray and find something productive to do that makes one happy.  Count your blessings and stay steady.  

There seems to be seasons in life that aren't easy.  I started blogging 5 years ago when I came out of semi-retirement to babysit a granddaughter while my daughter went through an unwanted divorce and was getting back on her feet.  Cancer struck me.  Dog died.  House redecorating waffled.  Financial challenges increased.  Son going through a divorce...dissolution of marriage.  Husband bit by bat.  Rabies shots to the head.  Two more dogs die.  Hubby hit with cancer......bummer.  

Though this has been tough times...I have to do something that gives me some joy.

I'm back at it.  I want to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness right here in small town america.  I seldom rant about political or religious challenges on my personal blog.  It's rare and probably won't happen, but the writings that I do, the pictures I post, etc.  are part of the process of doing something that brings me some enjoyment in life.

How many of you have been known to go through seasons in life that weren't so wonderful and the process of going through these seasons drained you?  Or what you learned about human nature was a bit more than you could take?  What did you do?

Building character is sometimes a rough road to walk.  The things we learn along the way can make us or break us.  

All in all...I know that God knows all.  You can't fool HIM.  He knows everything anyways....you might as well talk to Him about your troubles so He can help you through them, put some happiness back on your face and in your soul. 

It's a beautiful day today and I want to go for a walk.
So off I will go knowing that Spring is one day closer,
d

Psalm 18:19

He brought me forth also into a large place; 

he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

When Life Doesn't Go The Way You Want It to

did i hear someone say........i give up.

i give in.

i give out.

i just plain don't get it.

i tried so hard to be a good person and all of this stuff happened that i never asked to happen.

i don't want this ministry that you have given me.

i hate what happened.

it's not fair.

leave me alone.

i can never be who you think i ought to be.

it's just plain too hard.

too difficult.

i give.

Have you heard that God has a good plan for you?

That what was meant for evil
He will turn to good to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Be still and know that He is God.

A tough assignment.

Sometimes life can be difficult to face.  Sometimes what we have to go through is really hard.

When going through these times where you wonder if you're going to make it....if you can remember that this too shall pass,
then there is hope.

With God's help you'll make it.

as i was reading in Proverbs...i liked what i read.

Proverbs 8:32

d

Bitter

The computer is not my friend this morning.  She won't let me download/upload pics.  Bahhumbug.

Blessings to you.  The skies are grey.  Trees are stripped of their beautiful AUTUMN leaves.  The outdoors grass is crunchy with frost. 

This past week, wintery winds harrassed the leaves as they swished across the landscape, but I didn't see the COLD coming so soon for Kansasland.  The bitter COLD blew in last week as I was sleeping.  How did this happen?  Nature did not ask me if she were allowed to freeze remaining Autumn foilage.  Piles of leaves line the street curbs.  The snow may blow before our yard gets groomed for SPRING.

Bitter temps when taking lil Miss to school early in the morning.  When she began seriously coughing her mom took her to the Doctor's to confirm she has an earache and sinusitis infection as well.  She  remained HOME with me the remainder of her school week.  I welcomed not getting out in the COLD.  It is all too soon WINTER here.

As I prepare this week for a THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, I am at a loss as to how much I need to get whipped into shape.  It'll be a HUGE BLESSING and RELIEF when this palace of ours is in order once again.  When that will happen is a mystery.

With the Kitchen remodeling ON HOLD, I will work around the messes as best I can.  There are three pies in the freezer waiting for me to warm them up for Desserts over the next week-end while company is here.  So glad they are in the freezer waiting.  There's a TURKEY and a HAM ready to rumble.  Praise the Lord...it is there.  I hope to finish the grocery shopping mid week.  Preparing what I can a head of time. 

I have been jotting down a THANKSGIVING MENU and know that this is one of those times in the year that the MENU is pretty much the same year after year and I am so COMFORTABLE with that.

Today I will clean out the fridge making room for the storage dishes I will serve some of the food in.  From PREPARATION to Stove to Table to Fridge these hardy dishes are multi-tasking ones for me. 

I've done this before....after deciding what the MENU will be, I locate my serving dishes and place a small piece of paper with written description label of what will be served in this particular dish.  Then place dishes in a special place before they are man handled.  This year I am going to go ahead and place them in a cleaned out fridge ready to see if I can get all the refridgerated items in there.  There they will remain until the foods are prepared. 

The more planning and preparations I can get done beforehand HELPS make that SPECIAL DAY run with less HICCUPS..SNAGS...BUMPS in the road. 

THANKSGIVING is in the forecast this week!  I am getting excited about COMPANY coming to visit and have FELLOWSHIP.  Visit, take some pics, dine, play games, see Family, etc.  I've been working at wrapping Christmas presents so I can send some presents HOME with LOVED ONES knowing they have their gifts for December.  I'm almost finished with the gifts for the Grandkids.  Have some more shopping to do for grown-up Children, Parents, Hubby.  Knowing this is just about a WRAP is satisfying.

December can then be a more relaxed month. 

It seems to be a juggling act around here as preparations are made for THANKSGIVING, HUBBY'S BIRTHDAY and CHRISTMAS presents being bugeted in. 

This morning I hear the clothes dryer tumbling as the clothing inside tickles the interior of this beast of a machine.  Pretty soon the dinger will go off and I will go to hang the casual clothing that are ready to see daylite before being put in their place.  I'd like to go to Topeka and buy some pre-made clothing to get me through the Winter.  So many of my WINTER sweaters are LOVED, but needing some new company.  They need new aquaintances to rub elbows with.  Know what I mean.

There goes the DINGER.  Ten times. 

I love my life as a HOMEMAKER, WIFE, MOMMA, GAMMAH!  Being a Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Aunt and Friend is like frosting on the cake.   

Better go take care of the load of clothing that's ready to be placed on hangers.

May you have a delightful Monday as THURSDAY inches her way our direction.

All the BEST 2 u,
d

Naked Ladies and Collecting My Thoughts

 

Naked Ladies

The day has started and I am exhausted.
Wish I could crawl back into bed and take an early morning nap.  Sigh.  I don't like being this tired.  Praying I get pepped up as the week passes.

Company has left and I can tell that I do not have the gusto of a well person.  I did shop till I sat down and I sat a great deal.  Had too.  I just can't go go go go go and go some more.  Had fun being out with my Sister, Daughter, Grand daughter, Niece and her two children.  Pictures later.  Nice meals out, fancy Coffees and bargains were found.  Hubby hung the new old Bathroom door and put up some trim. 

Today, I have to take Lil Miss and go somewhere as the City is working on the sewer lines where we are not to run or flush water until 8 PM this evening. Think we'll go to the Oz Museum.  Take in the Public Library and Dollar Store.  Grab a bite to eat then find a quiet spot to rest.  Maybe under a shade tree.  Better take along a few magazines to look at.

So very pleasant outside...about 60 degrees and wonderful.  Little breeze.  Blue skies.  The Street Sweeper just went by as I can hear it from the opened window.  Winnie the Pooh Movie is playing on our television as Lil Miss digs through a tub of small toys on the floor.  The Clothes Dryer is running and when this load of clothing is dried, out she'll come and I'll hang everything up on hangers then up stairs she'll go to be hung on a rack.  I'm sippin' my morning black coffee as I type.  Perhaps the caffeine will perk me up some.
Hope so.

Lil Miss starts school this week.  Summer Vacation is over.  I'm not sad.  Had a super Summer and ready to now shift gears to getting back to serious alone time.  Blessings abound.  In hopes of completing a book. 

Thursday, I will have the day off from Childcare as Daughter has the work day off to take Lil Miss to school and pick her up.  With time off...It will be an exciting place around here as I will clean out the refrigerator.  Contain yourself.  I know this kind of excitement is difficult to take.  grins.  hush.

Some "don't get it."  I always feel some kind of satisfaction when the inside of my fridge is clean and orderly.  It's just one of those things that makes a difference in me.  When I complete this, I will go onto scraping the excess paint that was left behind on the transit window that is above the front Parlour Door.  I was slow to get the door and trim primed and painted, but she is.  SO glad about that.  Slowly and precisely, I will methodically move onto the next chore needing done like a home project waiting for attention such as lining the Kitchen shelves that are painted.

I had hoped to get this completed before my Sis came to visit, but didn't.  I thought if I lined the inside of the cabinets that are painted that it would be nice to have our everyday white dishes pleasantly resting for use.  On one side of the Kitchen sink would be our drinking glasses and coffee cups.  On the other would be the white dishes.

The metal racks that are in the Dining room would be emptied and some of the boxes that are on the Dining room floor could be placed on the racks until we figure out what exactly will go in the cabinets when they are finished.  Shelves will be built in the cellar to hold the over flow that we don't use everyday.  It has been a slow process.  Much like a turtles pace.  Sigh.  I have to busy myself with other activities as I wait for the finished product to materialize.  

Hubby will return to working on our tiny Kitchen this week-end.  He removed the old Bathroom door and replaced it with a better door that has the old brass door knob.  Scrubbing the brass door knob for two hours she looks new.  Truly was grungy with crud from years of use and neglect. 

Pink Naked Ladies have bloomed and I love them.  We have more this year that stand tall in the Flower Bed.  Hubby told me he found some in the backyard as well that he didn't know were there hiding behind the Rose Of Sharon Bushes beside the Garage.  If we transplant these newly found flowers, they will look beautiful in our front Flower bed.  I remember the first time I saw Naked Ladies and a friend's Husband called them Naked Ladies because they have no leaves.  Just stems.  Appropriate name.  More Lilies.  It seems like we are enjoying a variety of Lilies that bloom through-out the Summer. 

As I struggle to lose weight, my oldest Son, Wife and Family relocated this Summer.  Two of the children will have the adventure of new schools this year.  As they looked for a rental house, I found out that the Oklahoma rental house we lived in years ago was torn down and is now a street instead to make way for a more Football related High School Campus.  I can still see this house in my mind.  Sigh.  I felt a tad bit saddened that this house is gone.  Vanished.  It was in this house that our Son introduced us to our future Daughter-in-law that would be the mother to these children that we call Grandchildren.  The junky rental had the funnest Kitchen in it that I have ever been Mistress over.  Just a memory now.  I have to keep it real and have funn in my present torn up Kitchen that is becoming a spruced up room.  Blessings.  I want to enjoy this house of ours that we presently call HOME.

Yet my other Son is still inching his way to Divorce Court.  Grievous.  I'm not sure how to take this divorce.  Saddened.  Disappointed.  Concerned how my Grandson will be raised by a single Mom with my Son not there.  Daughter stays busy preparing for her Daughter's School Term gathering school clothes for Lil Miss.   

ANOTHER friend of mine has died from Cancer.  Saddened.  Another death.  Grieving.  God is still on the throne and I must trust Him.  I will trust Him.  Praying everyday.  My spirits need lifted.  Good news with my 39th Wedding Anniversary on the 31st.  I hope we make it!  39 years.  I will want to look at our Wedding Pics and nibble some white cake.  Perhaps I should make a cake for this occasion.  Hummm.  Will give it a go.

Like the Kansas Weather, if you don't like it...wait a bit and it will change.  Spirits are lifted.

With free time approaching quickly, I will have time to sit alone, think and pray.  Finish thinning out our closets, sew some curtains, dust, sing and dance in the Family room.  Write my book and go through mounds of paperwork that have been ignored to too much on my plate.     

My morning is getting away from me.
Thanks for stopping by.  
I think about you often,
d

Tuesday

Today I get a taste of Autumn Weather that will come our way in the Fall.  It's deep breathing time.  Coffee cup balanced on the arm of my chair with some alone time as Lil Miss is at Vacation Bible School.  The skies are grey.  Gentle breeze rustling the leaves in the trees.  Birds are singing in their native languages.

After I dropped Lil Miss off, the Church bells chimed 9 times as I walked to the car.  It is a comforting sound.  Temps will be in the low 70s.  Window is open and there's no humidity.  Home air conditioners are off which will save on electricity expenses.  

Stopped off at the Post Office in Small Town America to pick up mail.  A birthday package from Alaska.  Grins.  Warms my heart.  Don't you love birthday packages in the mail?

Waking early this morning, I paid the telephone bill by phone.  Like being able to pay some of the bills via phone.  Load of undies in the washing machine.  Did a load of dishes already and will paint the Parlour room front door trim this morning.  Yesterday I added another coat of Dutch Boy Cabinet and Trim Paint to the front door.  It went on so easy and only took me about 30 minutes.  Tom Sawyer would have been very proud of me.  I was. 

When Lil Miss returns to school in August, I hope to paint Parlour trim a little here and there each day until it is completed.  That means scooting the furniture to one side of the room, covering it up, prep the painting area, paint, wait a day, paint a second coat, allow time to dry, clean up area and scoot furniture back into place.  Superwoman here.  No rush on this.  I'd like it to be leisurely work where I see progress by Christmas, but first comes the Guest room.  That will take a chunk of time as the entire room is wood beaded board that will need primed and painted several coats of paint.  Oh my....when that is done, I will take pictures and brag.  Long time in the coming.  White Priscilla Curtains will be hung and a light placed in the window that comes on each evening.

This year, I am in such hopes that the refreshing of the inside of our Haven will be nearly completed.  So much completed.  

The Birds are chirping in the cool of the day.  It is peaceful here right at this moment.  No television or radio is on.  No one else around.  Thinking about the things I'd like to accomplish today as I prepare for company to visit next week. 

Blessings to you,
d

Rethinking January

January has been a blessed month for me as I've seen all my Children, Grandchildren and Parents during this cold time of year.  Holidays passed and the New Year rushed in.  I've woke each morning by my Husband's side and started the days out rejoicing that I am alive!

Celebrated the New Years with Daughter and Lil Miss with our first snow of the year!  With illness at Christmas time, my Oklahoma Family postponed coming to Kansasland and hit two birds with one stone as we celebrated Lil Miss's Birthday and opened Christmas gifts.  We had a blessed visit.  Also Hubby and I went to Saint Louis to visit our Son and Grandson.  Went to the Zoo and the weather was pleasant that day.

Christmas decorations have gone into hiding with snowmen coming out to play.  I came that close to leaving the Christmas Tree up and covering her with VALENTINE HEARTS.  That close faded.  Know it is for the best to make the tree disappear until next November.

Visions of decorating Home Haven haven't stopped...just relishing in the mist of waiting for the proper timing and know how to go about remodeling while living in amongst the mess.  Winter THINNING THROUGH clothing continued.  Thoughts of Spring are bubbling up in my mind as I finally accepted that Winter is truly here and we inch toward Spring weather with February approaching.  LORD LORD LET IT BE.

Thoughts of not liking Winter COLD has manifested.  I have to think that if the weather were pleasant all the time I'd probably not look forward to Spring as much.  SOOOOOO.....I'm looking forward to SPRING GREEN with the newness of flowers bursting forth and smiling on the landscape.  Last year, SPRING was early with the most beautiful Lilacs and Irises EVAH.  It was a long lasting Spring.  Marveling at the BEAUTY.  Gorgeous flowers...gorgeous memories. 

Last night, Hubby and I went on a DATE to one of our all time Favorite Restaurants, HARRY'S.  I had their Harry's Meatloaf served on mashed potatoes with gravy, barely cooked asparagus, and fresh bread with creamy butter.  Iced Tea during the meal and hot Coffee with cream for dessert.  I was a good girl and only ate half of the Meatloaf leaving the restaurant satisfied with a box.  We had a pleasant visit in a dolled up environment.  I always enjoy Harry's dark purple interior with chandeliers dangling from the decorated ceiling.  They had a tall candelabra with lit candles on a table centered in the main Dining room.  Requested our favorite booth to dine at.  The word ahhhhhhh comes to mind. 

Making memories while enjoying the present day experience is what it's about.

Thank you for stopping by today and visiting with me.
I love hearing from you,
d

Thoughts

The windows are open this Sunday morning!  Over night, temps have cooled down to where it is pleasant and I get excited knowing that it will not stay in the 100s much longer because Autumn is near.

The tops of the trees are changing from the strong green they were and are beginning to change their shades of green to yellows and limes.  I noticed this last week as we drove the interstate.  Praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

This past week, we did get a small amount of rain which drove the humidity up.  I'm waiting for when the rain is misty and soaks the parched ground.  When it rains all day without violent wind or storm....just a mild mist.  On that day, I hope I can take some time to stare out the window or sit by the window and sip a hot beverage and just stay still.  The scripture that states, "Be still and know that I am God;" will resonate in my soul.  PSALM 46:10.

God, I am pleased to know that you are on the throne and have things in control.  I am gaining confidence in this as the world spins out of control and hates the things of God.  Peacefully, I will sit and PRAISE you for you are what is good.

Your plans for me are good and not to harm me. 
d

Thoughts

The Summer temps have been extremely HOT here in my part of the world.  I've lost track of how many days it has hit over a 100 degrees.  On record for Kansas, temps hit like 121 degrees back in the DUST BOWL DAYS on JULY 24th, 1936.

Later this afternoon or early evening we are suppose to have thunderstorms......I will welcome the rain, but have my doubts about the thundering part.  I DON'T LIKE TORNADOES. 

Was hoping to help Hubby bathe the dogs this evening after he gets home from work.  I haven't bathed the boys since they were pups.  We have had professional groomers groom the dogs for years until my sweet Hubby gave them haircuts and baths this past Spring.

They need loving attention.  So we shall see how this pans out.

I have been shuffling furniture again which has caused the dining room table to be a catch all once again.........will i ever learn that i need to thin out my stuff to simplify my life?  Yes, I have hopes I will.  Getting organized around here is like MOVING all over again.   It is exhausting to say the least.  I have to be my own CHEER LEADER....YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

This week has been a bit challenging.  Sunday night my Husband was bit on top of his head by a BAT.  He had gone out after dark to check on our dogs and as he reached over the kennel gate a bat flew into his hair fluttering about.  After he came into the house, he asked me to check his head.  I did, took pictures and enlarged the pic.

Two small round marks and a gash mark.  Started reading on the internet about what bat bites looks like.....off to the Manhattan Hospital we went and he received 12 shots around 1:30 in the morning.   We returned home about 3 AM.

He will receive a series of shots over the next few days.  Next visit will be Thursday.  I am thankful that these shots are available and do not have to be given into  the stomach anymore. 

I am stunned....husband is stunned.....daughter is stunned.  We have been looking the house over for any evidence of bats in the house.  Haven't found any.  Hubby checked the attic.  Thank you God, nothing up there.  Now to make our backyard LESS ATTRACTIVE to Bats.  We understand that they like HOT temps up to 110.  They go looking for places to rest to digest their food.  YUCK....me no think me like bats......and will look for places to change so they do not rest in our yard, etc.

This experience has become a TURNING POINT in my husband's life.  I think we all have times that there is a TURNING POINT in LIFE.  May it be productive and positive!

Hubby has visited with the Vet about our outdoor dogs.  They have been vaccinated for rabies....but think they will receive another vaccine shot in very near future.  Manhattan, Kansas isn't that far from where we live and there is a neighborhood that is having problems with BATS in their attics.

Hope they don't migrate to our area.....I don't think I can handle Bats.
May God bless and protect us,
d

Thoughts

Hello Dear Friend. 

Later this Summer when Lil Miss starts school,
I'm praying for more FREE TIME to clean my house
in a leisurely manner, decorate my HOME by laying my hands on what needs done,
catch up on filing important papers, exercising by walking the neighborhood, joining a Coffee Clutch,
BLOOMING where I've been planted in my little corner of the world, downsizing the garage, reading my Bible outloud early in the morning, sewing some, THINKING about being a BETTER HELP MEET to my Husband 
and spending time in prayer in the quiet of my home.

When I started BLOGGING I thought I would share about LIFE inside HOME HAVEN also pen extraordinary posts about

CURRENT EVENTS,  MORAL ISSUES, LIFE, LIBERTY and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS from a Christian's point of view. 

I was overly confident that I would be able to do this

and persuade others to believe themselves

into a closer walk with the Lord

or be introduced to Him in a loving way. 

The nerve.

As time passed and I was having to jot a post here and there when I could while babysitting.....
I was awakened to reality at this time that I just couldn't get into 

DEEP THOUGHT while a overly active TODDLER was scouring about the room. 

I was ignorant at how to BLOG and TEND to a young child at the same time.  LEARNED. 
Habitual interruptions and necessary task came first.

I hung up my good intentions and said good-bye to being a serious writer......thought it best to stay light hearted and keep it simple. 

So with that in mind, I started to BLOG with a different approach.  I'd get frustrated at times learning the ends and outs of a computer.  I'm still no expert, but have come a good distance from when I started out almost 4 years ago. 

I am boggled that it has been almost 4 years.  Still, interruptions are a constant and I'm not very good at staying focused at writing and posting pictures when I am in conversation with Lil Miss.  She is a very active child and that's the way it is.  I have to pace myself everyday no matter what is on the schedule.  My best intentions are often misplaced in the piles of toys and coloring books.

It has been for the BEST to postpone serious writing while engaged in being a GRANNY NANNY tending to a growing child. 
I remember when my children were so young and realized that I don't get this time back.  Still have cleaning to do and manners to teach. 
There will be time for all the deep cleaning chores later.....keeping it in perspective.....play more often on the floor,

see the beauty in God's nature and spend time in a slower pace. Sing more songs and have Family Time together walking, talking and eating meals around the Family Table in the evening.   Teaching them right from wrong, praying Bedtime Prayers and talking things through.  NOT RUSHING THROUGH THE DAY.  Planning and preparing for plenty of time to get where we're going.  Staying awhile. 

AND NOT FORGETTING that my husband and I still need DATE NIGHTS
so we don't forget who each other is and that we are each others special someone.

While surfing the internet,

I still enjoy seeing how people decorate their abodes,

research health issues, govern through american politics,

 praying through challenges,

visiting historical places 

and reading about what catches my eye.

 

I have been educated in a new way

and introduced to a fresh way of making friends

and staying tuned to what is happening. 

It's been really good for my spelling and reading.

I hope to learn some tricks about photography, redoing my header

and perhaps writing some more serious things....can I do this? 

Shall see!

Thank you for being my BLOGGING BUDDY and sharing with me moments of your life and letting me hear from you!

You're a peach,

d

i rest my case

Saw this and just had to share with you all.

These lovely ladies are both 51.

I'm 56 and look like deanna at 56.

Enough said.

I rest my case.

Won't you have a delightful day?

~Deanna~