FLOWERS IN BLOOM

WALKING THE NEIGHBORHOODS allows me to view the gorgeous spring flowers that have sprung up in people's yards.  It's so pretty to see which adds to the enjoyment of exercising while walking.  The brilliant colors cannot be ignored.  Splashes of greenery pop and the flowers are noticeable.  The yellow daffodils are outstanding this season.

Makes me want to have some in my front yard.  Two daffs appeared in the back yard by the garage.  After the blooms fade, I'd like to have these transplanted around some trees in the front yard so they will bloom next spring.  Checking into when it is the best time to plant the daff bulbs.  Looks like late spring to early summer after the leaves have begun to turn yellow is a good time to relocate the daffodils.  Bulbs planted in the fall goes well.  

Beautiful flowered trees have arrived.  Gorgeous to see while walking.  

I walked to my daughter's house in the country.  It's about a 1 1/4th miles away then I walked from her house to a dirt road making the walk about 1 1/2 miles.  At the track meet I walked an additional 1/2 mile plus a quarter of a mile home.  I guess I made my 2 mile distance.  I have walking on my brain.  Not all bad.

Today I plan on going shopping in Topeka so this will have some walking.  Not sure how much. If things go well, I'll walk my mile when I get HOME.  

I'd like to get a new pair of bluejeans as the jeans that fit have holes in the thigh areas.  My jeans are styling, but I don't want them to be.  Old fashioned this way.  No holy jeans.  We'll be looking for a new ceiling fan.  The tiny fan in the TV room is old and has begun to make unusual sounds that are interfering with the quiet of the room.  Annoying to say the least.  Sometimes I think that infrasonic sounds in the home cause health issues and interfere with having harmony in the body.  With infrasonic sounds not being heard, who knows what harm they are doing?  You'll eventually feel in your body what the unheard sound does to you.  

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After the Irises bloom, I'll mark where the really pretty ones are that are in the side flowerbed and relocate them after they fade.  I know I have some Irises that ended up blooming in the side flowerbed that were not suppose to be there so when I see them this year, I'll mark them and relocate to the front yard where they can bloom in 2026 after they fade.  Also the huge Lilac bush we have needs trimmed back.  I believe I will go ahead and trim out the dead branches for the time being and when the blooms fade I'll do a big trim job on it as the branches are growing over the top of the fence into the neighbors yard.  Keeping the peace.

The tickling sensation in my throat has turned into a head cold with coughing.  Draining. Vitamins are at hand.  Sometimes a simple cold about does a person in.  Lord help. 

SPORTING EVENTS in the Spring are taking place.  My out of state grandchildren are active in soccer and running.  God bless.

Grandsons and sports. 

🌷d

TULIPS FOR SPRING

HOBBY LOBBY in Topeka had some faux tulips in light purple and white ones in bunches 40% off.  A nice addition to the front porch urns that hold soft pink and white tulips. As soon as I got HOME, I added these tulips to fill out the urns.  It looks like SPRING as we inch along.  Our temperatures were in the 80s like a beautiful Summer time. 

We're to have another Summer day Tuesday and then on Wednesday it's suppose to snow.  Of all things.

My day was busy.  Fueled the car and picked up the mail.  Off to St. Marys for a large salad at SUGAR CREEK where we bought some Bob's Red Mill Scottish Oatmeal, almond flour, Maple Syrup, candy and cookies that are used for ice cream sandwiches.  We crossed the street to MJ's for almond milk steamers.  Drove to Topeka's Walmart to look for NITRIC OXIDE FLOW for blood Pressure, faux tulips, and a few more things.  Went to HOBBY LOBBY for faux tulips.  Drove HOME to unload and rest.  Pleasant day.  

I needed to pick up a few things and wanted to break the shopping trips up as it is too much for me when we make 11 stops in one day.

Tuesday was another trip to TOPEKA for labs.  Checking up on how well the Vitamin B12 shots are doing.  Figured we'd do a little shopping and here I sit having forgotten to go to GOD'S STOREHOUSE.  One of the main reasons I like going to TOPEKA on Tuesdays is so I can pop in at GS and look about.  Completely forgot.  Oops.  

We went to SAMS and HOBBY LOBBY again.  Made a BANK RUN.  Returned HOME.  Resting a bit before heading out again to go to MANHATTAN.  I'll rest tonight.

Looking into the front flower beds where the Boxwoods were planted last Summer, some stray tulips have popped up.  Not sure they will produce flowers are not.  If they do, after the blossoms have faded, they will be dug up and relocated to the base of the huge front yard trees.  Seeing them bloom next year would be sweet.

I'd like to watch YOUTUBE'S Off The Grid with Doug and Stacy again.  There's a part in the video where I need to pay closer attention to what Doug said last night.  I want to check out what he said about how things are going these days.  We're living in a time that a group of ultra wealthy peeps at the turn of the century planned for the American people like us now.  

He talked some about chem-trails again and there is no denying that something odd is taking place in the skies.  I still have not heard from Senator Jerry Moran about what his stance is about chem-trails are.  Time to write a certified letter that he will have to sign for.  Letter to the Editor.

I believe there is much to learn about in our world.

By moving the geraniums that have wintered in the kitchen to the dining room, I am inching them closer to the front door which will lead to the out of doors come May.  I've got some aluminum trays to sit the containers on.  The containers have holes in the bottom of them allowing water to leak out.  I don't want this to happen on the carpet and until the weather warms up some the geraniums will remain inside.  Not all my plants survived the Winter, but the ones that have look healthy and have some blooms on them.

After I get the kitchen floor swept then the food pantry will be worked on where I can move some pantry items to the kitchen for staging.  I have a few days before April 1st hits.  I wanted to have this task done before then.  I will welcome having the pantry tidied and organized.  I can take inventory at the same time.  

And the simple life continues.  Hallelujah.

~d

HANDY DANDY BREAKDOWN

OUR HANDY DANDY COMPUTER PRINTER has printed it's last sheet of paper. We'll be on the look-out for a new one.  ASAP we will replace it as I cannot tell you the number of times I have used it to keep copies of health articles for my personal Library.  I wore the printer completely out.  BREAKDOWN. 

Hoping to get a better one.  We'll be looking this week.  Have to do some HOMEWORK first before turning loose of the money.

I'm falling behind stapling pieces of paper together and filing, but that's alright.  Eventually I will get to it. Knowing I have a pile of articles to file, is better than not having them on hand.  I have spent years reading about THYROID HEALTH.  Now, I am researching NATURAL WAYS to benefit our health.  I have papers on how to lower cholesterol and blood pressure then there are lots on diabetes, medical tests results, all kinds of vitamins, recipes, etc.  

With the expense of a new printer, we may wait until next month to buy one.  This month has had the expense of the window glass and labor also ceiling tile on order.  Dining out with Brother-in-law and wife.  Out of town medical appointments and meals.  It all adds up doesn't it? Watching those pennies that turn into dollars disappear. 

OUR LITTLE COTTAGE

HUBBY has been laboring on the bathroom remodeling as he works on the grouting of the wall tiles.  Looking lovely.  The window frame has the new privacy glass in it and he has painted the frame, installed it and reattached the old fashioned weights that operate the window when opening and closing. We're checking into wood rosettes and bellyband trim to place around the framed glass window.  He's order the ceiling tiles that should arrive by next week-end.  So pretty.  Wood trim has to be purchased, painted and installed for other wall areas.

YARDWORK.  I played in the dirt.  The Geraniums have been repotted into smaller pots so the urns are freed up for some Coleus.  The Coleus loves the sun that shines in front of our porch. The Geraniums just did not do well in the urns.  Disappointed, but that's part of gardening. Sometimes it goes well and other times it's a challenge.  Admire God's handiwork and be happy.  

LAUNDRY.  Bah humbug.  I have busied myself this week-end doing laundry.  The t-shirts I bought at FIVE BELOW for SUMMER attire with bluejeans, washed up nicely.  The t-shirts use to be $5 each, but with inflation they have jumped to $5.55.  Still a pretty good price for t-shirts with artwork on the front.  If I purchase t's at God's Storehouse, they run as much and are pre-owned so I didn't mind FIVE BELOW's prices.  The new t's at the Christian Book Store run close to $20.oo.    

I still want to do some sewing after we get better caught up around the COTTAGE.  I know that t-shirts and bluejeans are popular attire, but sometimes I like dressing up more than this.  Sewing some camp shirts with matching shorts looks dressier to me than ratty bluejeans and t's.

Plans this week.  Good grief...5 medical appointments.  5!  Better make the best out of it when we are out and about.  Make it count.  When I am HOME, I find myself having to rest.  DEEP CLEANING hasn't happened for SUMMER.  I do quick spot cleaning.  The Bathroom will be worked on.  Laundry continued.  Decluttering when I can.  Walking.  Continue researching on the computer.  Eating more salads and vegetables.  Maybe some smoothies.  Look for a new computer printer.  

Sounds like a plan.
~d

EARLY MORNING

UP AND AT IT.  I woke before the alarm went off and the nice thing about this was I felt refreshed when I woke up.  REFRESHED! Gosh, that's a great way to wake up when there have been times that when waking up in the mornings I was overly groggy lacking get up and go power.  Got around because I needed to drive to TOPEKA for labs, stop in at GOD'S STOREHOUSE and go to HOME DEPOT.  Afterwards, we drove to the COTTAGE and I baked a cauliflower crust pizza. 

Hubby watered the outside plants well and I fixed LUNCH.  We ate.  First time to have a pizza crust made of cauliflower tasting really good.  

Afterwards, I gathered all my silver-plated metalware into a group deciding which few pieces I'd keep turning loose of all the other pieces.  All the other pieces.  All.  No hoarding.  

I guess I have collected silver-plated metal pieces for over 30 years?  I said good-bye to the pieces that I really don't have room for anymore.  I saved the large serving trays, the Tea/Coffee servers plus their complimenting pieces like creamer and sugar bowl.  I think I have three sets and that's plenty.  The large trays are used for decorating purposes as well as to hold the sets.  

It took some doing to load the other pieces into plastic tubs and scoot them onto the porch due to their weight.  While I was doing this, Hubby went to the cellar to work on leveling the COTTAGE.  He has managed to level the house a half of a inch.  Doesn't sound like much, but in house years of settling this is quite a bit.  It needs to go another inch or so which will take time to manipulate the leveling jacks when you're really not suppose to go more than 1/8 inch per day.  He cranks it every other day or so.  It's a very slow process.

When he finished for the day, he carried the tubs of metal to our tiny car so I could make a trip to donate them ASAP.  DROVE to Manhattan to get rid of my stash with the metal rattling in the back of the car.  Dropped them off at GOODWILL.  70 pieces went away all in a matter of about an hour.  

Just like that, they were gone out of my sight.  How do I feel about it?  I WASN'T SAD.  I'm contented to be done with them.  I admit, it looked like I was a bit of a hoarder.  DOWNSIZING at her best is taking place.  

Also needed to stop at DOLLAR TREE and Harbor Freight.  My dear Husband wanted a steak for supper so we went to TEXAS ROADHOUSE.  I will have to diet tomorrow to make up for all the calories I consumed.  

Went HOME and planted purple petunia plants in the front porch urns.  Put a smile on my face.  I went right to it knowing that if I sat before planting I would be done for the evening and I would sit until bedtime not getting this completed.  She's done.    

Two magenta colored geraniums went into a galvanized container on a cart.  The cart will go over to the COTTAGE tomorrow.  I want to locate two large patio containers holding mint plants as well.  These will be heavy and take up space in our little car.  I'll need help loading these in the car.  The sooner they get over to the COTTAGE, the better.  

I will be scooting and shuffling boxes and furniture tomorrow in the COTTAGE to make room for pieces of furniture that will be moved over to the COTTAGE soon.  LOTS of shuffling, lifting and carrying.  Makes me very tired.  Have to do this in order to forge ahead.  I haven't worked this hard in a very long time.  Sigh.  I can either celebrate or retaliate.  

I chose to celebrate and keep in motion.  

~d

Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

TAKING SOME MINT WITH ME

WE HAVE A SMALL PATCH OF MINT GROWING IN THE SIDE YARD that has come back each SPRING/SUMMER.  Our little garden has had an abundance of MINT.  This stuff spreads.  I'm taking some mint with me.    

This is the 7th SPRING we have been here.  7.  How is that possible?  Little tiny leaves have pushed through the dirt already so I dug these tiny plants up this evening and planted them in a couple of urns that will be moved over to the COTTAGE.    

I hope I didn't kill the plants.  I tried to get most of their roots.  There are some more sprigs popping through the ground.  The urns will be moved over to the COTTAGE soon.  I spaced the plants just so-so and tamped them down then watered well.  Tomorrow I will dig up a few more plants and put them in the urns as well.  I am in such hopes that they will take and I will have MINT for iced tea, ice cubes and water this SUMMER.  

The crop we have has been super hardy.  A great way to be.

THINGS TO USE MINT FOR:

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MINT 

1. Filled with nutrients
2. Improved digestive health
3. Boost your immune system
4. Better brain function
5. Support your pregnancy
6. Reduce cold symptoms
7. Keep your mouth healthy
8. Help manage stress
9. Improve allergy symptoms
10. Soothe irritated skin

Cucumber and Mint Salad

Ingredients

• 2 English (hothouse) cucumbers

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup chopped red onions

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint




Directions

1. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeds, then cut into thin slices. Toss the cucumbers with the salt in a colander. Let drain in the sink for at least 30 minutes, then tap the colander on the base of the sink to release any remaining water. Lay a clean dish towel flat on the counter, and then dump the cucumbers over top. Use the edges of the towel to blot the cucumbers dry.

2. Meanwhile, soak the red onions in a small bowl of ice water for at least 10 minutes, then drain in a fine mesh strainer.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the cucumbers, onions, white wine vinegar, olive oil, vegetable oil, sugar, pepper and mint. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and let stand in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Serve cold.

MINT IS ON MY MIND.  

PLANNING ON TAKING SOME DAYLILIES WITH ME.  I'd like to dig up some of the DAYLILIES that are showing up.  We have a spot at the COTTAGE in the back yard that DAYLILIES would be lovely mid SUMMER.  Think I will dig some up this week and transplant them right away.

ALREADY TOOK THE IRISES.  Almost two years ago my Husband made some large flower beds in the back yard of the COTTAGE and transplanted most of our Irises.  I think we will still be here at the main house when the Irises bloom in April/May.  I'll see which ones are still here after they bloom and if there are some I still want, I will dig them up after they fade to plant in the COTTAGE front flower beds.  This month, the front flower beds will need cleaned up making room for more Irises.  I LOVE IRISES.  Love 'em.

WENT TO TOWN to run some errands.  Managed to get some goodies for Easter baskets that I hope to makeup.  SPRING is here especially in Manhattan as the trees are blooming and lawns are green.  It was wonderful to see after a long WINTER.  Weather was beautiful and it was nice to get out in the sunshine, but while driving the brake pedal acted up.  Felt like the car wasn't properly braking.  Hubby will check to see what is going on.  So we went HOME and parked the car for now.

In this part of the country, control burns are taking place which creates smoke pollution.  This is tearing up my asthma.  Coughing spells happen and my eyes burn.  The smoke was very thick today in Manhattan.  It smells of smoke and not much one can do when this time of the year takes place.  

Lil Miss came over this evening to help with some yard work.  Was good to see her.  I worked on the mint plants while she raked leaves that have stayed all WINTER.  

I worked some in the basement today bringing upstairs a couple of tubs to clean.  I need a large waste can to pitch some things that are not going with me when we move.  More decluttering.

GOALS THIS WEEK:
☆Dig up mint plants and place in urns.
☆Transfer large urns over to COTTAGE.
☆Make Easter Baskets for young grandchildren.
☆Dig up some Daylilies and transplant over at the COTTAGE.
☆Work some in the junk room packing stuff.
☆Clear the floor area over at the COTTAGE where the Victorian Desk will sit.  
☆Possibly get her moved this week.
☆Oil down the antique file cabinet.
☆Group all the metalware, thin out, box and put in cellar.
☆Put more Kitchen items in the Kitchen.
☆Babysit.
☆Celebrate Daughter's 43rd birthday.
☆Attend a Track Meet.
☆Keep tabs on President Trump's legal activity.

Give or take a few things,
~d

  

ONE DAY CLOSER TO SPRING!

LAST NIGHT AS I WAS DRIVING HOME across the prairie in the bitter cold temperatures, the sun was still up.  NICE as the sun is setting later being closer to 6 pm instead of 5.  Each day as we crawl closer to SPRING, the dreary WINTER gets lighter.  Reminder that it won't be WINTER forever!!!  Pinch myself.  SPRING will truly come.

The little shop 37 PINE in St. Marys, is decorated for SPRING.  It was like a breath of fresh air looking around yesterday.  Colorful Heart garlands were draped across the chandeliers making a nice statement.  It looked like they had cut out heart shapes attaching them to twine/string to make garlands.  

A nice decorating touch easy enough that I could copy these to add some cheer to a room.  If I can get some old wallpaper catalogs, I could copy the idea of colorful hearts to make garlands.  hum.  Now to find some old wallpaper catalogs.  Paper print-outs from HOBBY LOBBY would work just as well.  For now, I have a VALENTINE paper garland for the fireplace that I will hang later today. 

Sitting in the Kitchen Garden Window are Paperwhites that I planted last week.  A good growth is there.  SMILES.  I'll wait a few days before transplanting them into the larger galvanized container.  

I also have a Schefflera plant in the window that I will repot into a porcelain fish bowl.  After it adjusts, I will take the newly potted plant over to the COTTAGE in the SPRING to sit by a Parlor window.  I'd hate to lose this one as it was the plant we received from my Mother-in-law's funeral 6 years ago this month.

She has been gone 6 years.  The day of her funeral was like a gorgeous SPRING DAY at 73 degrees.  

ON THE HOME FRONT.  AS FOR PACKING...it's a slow process.  First, this old gal purchases boxes, take them HOME, open them up, tape the bottoms shut, snap a pic of the item going into ze box, bubble wrap the item that's going into ze box, carefully place item into ze box, tape the box shut, mark the box, stack box.  Sounds SIMPLE enough doesn't it?  The tape dispenser doesn't cooperate with me each time.  I have a wrestling match getting the tape unstuck from itself being set free to touch base with the box I'm working on.  ha.

It works pretty well to make up half a dozen boxes first so they are ready to fill.

I'm taking into account that it doesn't always RUN as smooth as it would seem.  Things are heavier to me these days as I am quickly aging and I have to put more muscle and sweat into the process than I did 30 years ago.  I may know more about the process of how to box up things then I did then, but the physical part of it is taking more out of me than before.  Gosh, if only the two were working together than not having the know how when the strength was there.  Make this work for me  

I inventoried my white bakeware.  Need to pack these up.  I started taking pics of my miniature dolls that are in a small library cabinet upstairs in the Master Bedroom.  I forgot how many small dolls I have.  They will be relocated to a curio cabinet that will sit in one of the bedrooms at the COTTAGE.  Figuring this out as I go. 

Hubby is working over at the COTTAGE tending to plumbing issues.  I hope the Bathroom is up and going by the end of February.  I'll continue packing small items to where they are ready to move.  I'd like to get out of the main house before doing touch up projects around the property.

Having the COTTAGE all done before we move in isn't going to happen.  We will be moving into the fixer upper COTTAGE in the SPRING.  Lord willing.

As many times as I have relocated, I should THINK this moving process is a piece of cake, but I don't.  I know it takes time and labor making the preparations to relocate.  Should I write a book?  This process is what it is.  I mustn't get down about the weather or the slowness of remodeling.  It is what it is.  One day closer to SPRING!

Smiles and best wishes as the day progresses,

~d   

FRIDAY FIT

RUSHED OUT THE DOOR THIS MORNING AFTER FINDING OUT OUR GRAND DAUGHTER'S TRACK MEET STARTED EARIER THAN WE EXPECTED.  Quickly I combed my hair putting it in a pony tail. Brushed my teeth at the kitchen sink, freshened up and ran out the door.  We have a little bit of a drive to get there.  We made it.

Temps started out at 61 and lowered to 51ish.  Cloudy and it rained just a little bit.  Umbrellas in hand, we sat on the bleachers and watched the athletes run with great enthusiasm.  Ate our lunch of a tuna in a kit with veggies mixed in, celery, apple and nuts.  Bottled water.  

Our Grand did well today as she accomplished her personal best of the season and broke a school record.  She was so excited and of course we were as well.  It's a joy to see her run. 

I am in awe of how fast the kids run.  Very impressive to an ole woman who sits more than she likes.  Remembering when I could run.  Memories.

As I sat there watching the track meet, I could look past the football field and see the green hills of the Flint Hills making a quiet statement.  It is so pretty to me to see these gentle hills of the countryside.  Where I grew up as a child we did not have the lovely rolling hills of nature. Telephone poles were what I thought most trees looked like.  So much of my youth was spent playing in the backyard and wondering the neighborhood not going out further than a couple of miles away from HOME.  Seeing the countryside past the football field causes me to think that this is such a beautiful place to be.  Nature rules and oh how I love the flowers, rolling hills and all the greens of this part of Kansas.  It makes my heart sing.   

We went by RETIREMENT COTTAGE and checked out the flowers.  There's a Peony in full bloom and they smell heavenly.  So pretty.  Gorgeous huge blooms.  Some blooms were white and some blush pink.  I stood there thinking out loud what we'll do to the flowerbed when a fence goes in on the side yard.  Where it will start with a gate out front.  I'm thinking out loud where more peonies could go along with our irises.    

Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Next week I have got to do some weeding in the front flowerbeds.  If I work in the cool of the morning then I can take my time cleaning this bed up.  I can see a finished bed in my head.  Now to make it happen.  

The week-end begins at sundown.  This evening I need to do my floor exercises, clean the living room and vac the two rugs.  I have lived kind of like a hermit this past year with Covid/pandemic.  I have survived, but need to get the clutter out of our HOME.  This is an ongoing project.  

I shouldn't ignore this as it falls on my shoulders.  I'm the one that needs to declutter and have success with it.

Chicken is baking in the oven with mixed vegetables.  It should be a delicious, nutritious, warm meal to enjoy.  

Blessings to you,

👵d

    

FLOWERS FROM THE GARDEN

What would LIFE be like without flowers?

d

Cooling Off

Had to come HOME to coooool off from being out in the world looking at the IRISES at the KSUGardens.  I look forward to seeing the IRISES every SPRING.  Think that another round will bloom in a week or two.  Another trip to the GARDENS.

Snapping away with my camera the breeze was gently blowing making the out of door's condition very enjoyable before the KANSAS SUN bakes the atmosphere up with heat.  My camera was acting up some as it is slowing down due to age.  Gently treating me with snaps but very slow snaps.

Still getting some decent photos from the ole girl.  Will post some later after they are down loaded.  I still don't know how to do this task.  whaaaah.

Had LUNCH with HUBBY, took a drive thru the old residential part of Manhattan then went to the Kansas State University Gardens.  Full sunshine with no place to park under a shade tree.  Forgot my hat and made quick work out of what I was there for.  I will get much joy out of the looking at the images.

My back decided to cramp and have spasms so I had to sit for five and continue after resting listening to Country Western tunes in the old hot car.  Walked by the Peonies in bloom.  Gorgeous huge blossoms with perfumed fragrances.  Delightful.  Wonderful experience to have on a THURSDAY.  

Making mental plans for future gardens on the Prairie.
Oh such beauty,
d    

Daffodils, Jonquils, Crocuses and Shuffling Along

Having success with filing papers and receipts that I wish to keep.  RETIREMENT COTTAGE will embrace us as we downsize to fit.  The utility room will have shuffling done this week-end...hopefully. Makes me tired just thinking about it.  Spending quite a bit of time shuffling through the years.  SHUFFLING ALONG.  


WHEN we shuffle the utility room, then we will have made room for a couple of metal baker's racks to fit in this multi-purpose room to where we can house the overflow of small Kitchen appliances.  ALSO dishes that take up space in the Pantry where groceries are housed.  sigh.  It will be alright.  I have to keep telling myself and cheering self on.

Moving has adjustments.  Talked to my MOM and she sounded absolutely exhausted.  She is on the last stretch of completely being relocated.  12 men from her church man handled and hauled her BIG pieces of furniture from one place to another.

She moved ALL her clothing and is thinning out her collection.  A difficult thing for her as she LIKES her clothes.  She said she had taken much to the THRIFT SHOPS.  I understand.

I understand.  This is a labor of love or something like that.  A labor.  

ABOUT our clothing...I'm not sure which clothing the FIRE RECOVERY business was able to save.  I should know in the next couple of weeks.  I have a couple of clothing racks on wheels waiting for when the items return to us.  This Cottage is a BLESSING, but she's so much smaller than what we had.  ADJUSTMENT.

Once again I cheer us on.  As the clothing is left with us, it will hang on the clothing racks and I will stare at what is there, breathe and proceed.  We will see where we are before the dishes, nic nacs, dolls, pictures, etc. start returning to us.  This will be a challenge to say the least.  Booga booga.

Pieces of furniture will come later after being refinished if it can be done.  I may cry some more when I see what couldn't be saved.  Trying to take it all in stride.  Today I was a bit sad and tired.  Think this bumpy emotional ride will come and go.  Expecting it.  

4 TIMES I washed the same keepsake clothing that was left behind to trash in hopes that the smoke smell would wash out.

My Grandma's dress that I have kept since her death retained the smoke smell because the dress is made out of nylon materials.  It will hang in the garage until I decide if it is alright to fold and put away.  I'm just not ready to pitch this dress.

The two cotton tops that I wore when I was pregnant 40 years ago washed well.  Smell gone.  I may cut the tops to make a pillow knowing this material was from maternity blouses that my Mom gave me when I was very very very very poor.  She provided 4 tops and a pair of maternity slacks.  I no longer have two of the tops and the red slacks melted in the fire.  

Also a blue jean skirt I loved.  I will need to purchase another jean skirt as I enjoyed it so.  REPLACEMENT should pay for my skirt.  I lost a housecoat that I need to get replaced as well as a nice night gown.

I think it would be for the best if my Husband and I stayed put in the COTTAGE letting the dust settle.  My whole outlook on what is important has been tested.

Looking forward to the week-end even if we're working on FIRE RECOVERY.  It has to happen and happen it will.  Cold is better.  Hooray for that.

I have had time to day dream on what I'd like to have done on the COTTAGE.  Day Dreaming relaxes me.  Tis entertainment.

Going to stay with lace curtains for the windows for now and the color that is on the walls.  The front porch spindles need painted.  This SPRING hopefully we will paint away.  This was put on hold when my Mother.in.law was life flighted to Amarillo, HOUSE FIRE, Dad had a stroke and died.  Christmas and cold weather came on and then my Mother.in.law passed away.

October through March has been filled with serious issues.  Importantly, we have celebrated birthdays and ate cake!  LIFE cannot be all about paying bills, squeezing into small spaces, mourning the loss of parents.  Celebrations have to take place.  Laughter and fellowship.

SPRING will come soon.  I noticed Easter Bunnies in some of the stores and pastel colors making their appearances.  I love the pastel colors after a long cold WINTER.  Soft colors.  Now to get to walking and breathing in some fresh air.  NO pollen and no smoke in the air from Controlled  Prairie Burn that takes place every year.  

Noticing the daffodils showing, jonquils and crocus showing their glory.  Tulips are next and then my heart will swell admiring the IRISES.  Hallelujah for IRISES.  When I get the Dining room table set up with a crystal vase in the center of my table....the camera will come out and the pictures will start showing up on my blog.  There's no denying that I LOVE IRISES.  Love 'em.

Well, I had better close and get busy wiping down the baker's racks so I can progress on getting better settled in our COTTAGE.  I will be taking time to smell the roses this year and every year after if the LORD shall tarry.

FLOWERS are just about the most beautiful thing on the planet.
Have a blessed day,
d

Stop To Smell The Roses

Stop.

Smell the roses.

Before you move along, 

take some time to stop and smell the roses.

Let others know you care.

Hugs,

d

2016 Sidewalk

After a rain,

d