HERE IT BE PRESIDENTS' DAY WHERE THE POST DOESN'T RUN NOR THE BANKS BE OPEN. HAPPY PRESIDENTS' DAY TO YOU. I forgot it was such a day, got up early to make the postal drop so a birthday card would get to a family member on time. I was so proud of myself, then when I got HOME, my Hubby reminded me it is Presidents' Day and the mail doesn't flow. Laughing, I said I had forgotten. The card more than likely won't reach the one it was suppose to on time. shucks. That makes it an OH WELL kind of moment.
VALENTINE'S DAY was truly a nice one for me here on the prairie. I had a g o o d one. Hubby and I exchanged cards and gifts. Our entire week leading up to Valentine's Day was focused on being VALENTINES. The entire week. Heavenly and relaxing. It rained throughout the day though. Nothing drastic. Gentle rain fell and I did not hear THUNDER. The chocolate in my mouth helped. grins.
Our youngest grandson came over to visit. Smiles on his face. Then Lil Miss dropped by and eventually returned him to his HOME. He played so well and our visit was wonderful. Wonderful. Gave the GRANDS their Valentines. I enjoyed my chocolates too much. Sugar high and sweetness overload. Once a year, I look forward to receiving this candy from a heart shaped box. Flowers are beautiful, but I don't usually eat them for the sweetness. Sniffing, yes. Eating, no.
While on our Sunday Drive, we saw signs of Spring including faux flowers in front of a SHOPPE. These perked up the drab weather we had been having. Ready for our Spring to be real.
On Sunday afternoon, we took a SUNDAY DRIVE across the prairie to see the landscape and accomplish some 'you got it' shopping. I was on a mission to find some Cedar blocks that hang, return some storage bags that didn't work for the purpose I had in mind, purchase different storage containers and there was something else, but I can't recall right this second. Oh yes, a thermometer that does not have to be sanitize before and after each time you use it.
IT WAS ALMOST A BUST. The main thing I wanted to get were hanging cedar blocks that I can hang in the closet AND a thermometer. I couldn't even find cedar blocks. After two dollar stores, a Hardware store, Walgreens, Marshalls, Target, Home Depot and Menards...there were no cedar blocks to be found, but Walgreens had a thermometer that I bought. Menards had a small box of cedar balls that I purchased, but the places I visited did NOT have the hanging blocks or blocks period. What's up with dat? Menards did have some moth balls. I probably should have bought some after the HUNT I had. It was frustrating to go to so many stores and not get what I needed.
When I went to Home Depot to look at 42" wall shelf, they said to order on-line for this particular shelf. We tried. Order off the internet? Yep. Brick and mortar store did not have what I was wanting. Internet. Alrighty then.
Hubby checked on the internet and ordered some hanging cedar and blocks. They'll be at my door on Thursday. At my door. I suppose I should have just ordered on-line in the first place, but I did not think it was going to be so difficult to find what I needed. Also ordered some supplements, checks and that wall shelf that I have been thinking about for half a year. The internet can be extremely handy, huh? Especially in the year 2026. Coming to my door!
Back to shopping in Manhattan. I forgot when I was at TARGET to get my Husband's favorite TEA these days, Earl Grey. I'll need to go back and purchase some plus some Vanilla Comoro. Not ordering on-line unless the store is OUT. 🙍
I think high techie shopping where I use the internet hasn't been my cup of tea, but I guess I need to adjust and admit that I have to be like a pioneer at times and get my stuff off the Wells Fargo Wagon and a train stopped at the depot where I get the supplies I've been waiting for months to get. I am spoiled for sure and I grew accustomed to simply going to the local store for this and that without any wait or hassle. It was customary to do so. With all the conveniences these days, I think we have gone backwards at times. Keeping it interesting.
I don't like having to change at times. I get use to doing things a certain way and I don't like the inconvenience of having to do it differently because the market says so. Rebellion arises in me and I protest. It doesn't get me very far at times, does it?
The convenience of ordering something from HOME on the internet and the item being brought straight to my door is fantastic. HOWEVER there are times, we order something and it's dropped off at the POST OFFICE. Not a huge inconvenience. I am spoiled. There are better things to do with my energy than complain. Tadaah.
I took the WINTER wreaths off of the front doors. Time to place SPRING WREATHS there. Not sure what I still have in storage, but I think something spring-like will go along ways in preparing my heart for the reality of SPRING approaching. 32 days! March 20th. Praise the LORD!!! I believe I will start refreshing the house.
March 20th was my Granddaughter's expected delivery date for her first baby. Presently she is in the HOSPITAL awaiting a C-section when the doctor believes it's an okay date to take the baby girl. Probably February 24th. Praying for so many involved with this baby. This is a high risk pregnancy where the placenta split. Extremely dangerous. Baby and Mother are both at risk. Prayers appreciated.
I weighed myself this Monday morning. Sure enough, weight gain. I knew it before I stepped on the scales. I cannot eat bread and butter from the LONGHORN. I can't eat chocolate candy as if there are no consequences. Back to eating better. It is so easy for me to get sidetracked when Hubby fixes a gourmet meal. Smaller portions when this happens. Smaller everything. I'm patting myself on the back because I seldom drink milk, seldom eat bread, rice, pasta. After experimenting with what I do eat, I do better losing weight avoiding eating starchy foods and meats. SOOOOOO, if I know this I must discipline myself ONCE AGAIN to eat mostly fruits and veggies. Some nuts and seeds. Some beans.
Smoking, soda pop, coffee and alcohol are not my problem. My problems are many, but these are NOT them. My thyroid issue is them.
I do have a sweet tooth especially around Valentine's Day, Halloween and Christmas. Easter as well. I think I have been brain washed into thinking I MUST HAVE SWEETS AROUND THE HOLIDAYS. OVERLOAD required.
I may have to detox my thought life of being brain washed with mind control thoughts. Did you ever think that you could be trained into eating the wrong things? I know I was and did not question it until I was much older. I have a rebellious streak in me that wants its own way and if I have been brainwashed then that's the way it wants. Back talking the controlling mind sets has been a spiritual battle for me. Truly it has been. If I tell myself, I am not deprived because I skipped eating bread, pasta, rice, potatoes then I have an internal voice tell me that I am deprived. Sulk. Whine. Complain.
I have to talk back to myself to remind myself that I am blessed and not deprived that GOOD things happen when I strive to be healthier and that means I have to embrace healthy eating, not just eating.
I may sound like I have a skew loose when I confess things, but I think sometimes we must lose the skews and become someone who does things differently than how we were raised or were forced into to survive.
I believe that my spending habits need an overhaul as well. I have been enjoying my HUSBAND'S RETIREMENT going on 6 years. AGAIN, we are overhauling our spending. I'm calling it a PIP. Profit IMPROVEMENT Program. Today, I am working on our BUDGET to see where we can STOP spending MONEY. What the basics are, etc. As we downsize the belongings, I will be downsizing spending. I like shopping the thrift stores, but even then one can overspend. I would qualify. A text book example.
Remember MARY HUNT, the author who became well known after sharing her story of how she used credit cards until she practically put their house in foreclosure? Her Husband suddenly lost his job. She took ten years to get the credit cards paid off in 2014 when at that time she had debt to the tune of $100,000.00. She went from a spendaholic to cheapskate. I use to read her newsletter. I may begin again.
I know when I was a young, married woman that I did the envelope system before I knew anything about Dave RAMSEY's way of saving. I was ahead of the game back in the day. I may return to this as well. When the money is gone that has paid the bills, it's gone until the next pay day.
A CHRISTMAS SAVINGS ACCOUNT needs to return so Christmas isn't such a shock when giving gifts.
UTILITY ACCOUNT. Presently, I am paying off the arrears on the utility bill which we have because of being on the even payment plan. Keeping this low pays off when at the end of the year the arrears has to be zeroed out before the new year starts. Coming up with the arrears in December hurts as Christmas needs to take a priority. Sometimes, I think we are suppose to be made out of money to survive. Wrong thought.
~Lunch~
LUNCH was scrambled soy-free eggs, toast with real butter and Manuka honey also organic asparagus. No Breakfast today, but HOT TEA. So that would be intermittent fasting where I went a good 14 hours without eating. Supper will be more veggies and fruit for sure. Water throughout the day and more hot tea at break time.
Time to take a short nap/quiet time so I have energy to fulfill the rest of the day. This afternoon, I have plans of refolding blankets and bedding then placing them in stackable bags for safe keeping. This chore will all come together and I will be the better for it. Amen. I'm rounding up my large TEDDY BEARS and placing them in a sturdy storage box until I figure out where they are going to live. sigh. Something so simple becomes harder than I ever imagined when there's a lack of space. My thinking skills need some help. Help.
I can do this thang,
~d on the prairie
