Happy HEART Day

Dear Blogging Friends,

~Happy Valentine's Day~

God Bless and all the best...

Love,

d

Can We Make A Difference?

Oh beautiful sunshine lights up the blue sky as I glance outside the french doors waiting for my Mother to arrive.  Birds are chirping as I do not think they realize how cold it is outside in their world.  The chirps are sweet sounds that remind me that SPRING is one day closer.  Welcoming milder days and things to do outside before SUMMER blazes into town.

Sipping some cool coffee as I made it before going upstairs to wash my long hair.  Hair is air drying as I believe this is easier on the head and hair. 

Going through the mail, I received a BEAUTIFUL Valentine's card from my Mom.  She should have received her's today as well.  At any pace...I did get the Valentines in the mail.  Victory.  Goal accomplished.  Small to some.  Big accomplishment to a physically challenged older woman as myself.  My knee is aching as it doesn't like this cold weather.  In fact all my old joints ache.  whah.

I will hand deliver some Valentines to my Daughter's family.  They are all sweet to me!  Hubby will get his on Valentine's Day.  Think we will have a steak dinner at HOME and take a long drive on the week-end to get away for a moment in time together and just talk and chat away freely.

The Pantry got herself organized.  Looks fantastic.  The extra table in the Kitchen that is holding extra goodies will be next.  Having to decide what to do with this, that and oops that.  I will have to get the step ladder to rearrange the top two shelves in one cabinet to place items that are seldom used.  That will be a different week-end project that once it is done it will stay done for awhile.  A concentrated effort to make chaos turned into order.  


I gathered old dishes and placed them in the bottom of the corner cabinet.  A safe and clean place for vintage, antique odds and ins dishes.  I hate like crazy to give these away as they are my little stash of history that I don't want to turn loose of just yet.

Still gathering paperwork.  Cheers for the old Lady!!!  I am slow, but steady and determined to accomplish this dull task.  Really it is time consuming and I will rejoice to cross over the finish line.  Speaking of finish lines, my oldest son is running in a 100 mile race.  He has been training for months.  Shall see how it goes and I pray he doesn't ruin his 43 year old body to participate in this.  100 miles.  Mercy.  That's horribly far.  Praying that he use common sense.

I did get the Victorian Room tidied and ready for Mom's arrival.  Will be used for a Guest room.  She is having surgery on her nose this week and I will sit in the lobby praying.  I'll drive her and make her rest as best I can as she will be in a weakened state.  Prayers appreciated.  Her only living sister died yesterday.  They were extremely close and talked every day.  Their youngest sister passed 4 months ago.  I will want to stay in closer touch with my Momma.  Cards, letters, phone calls and visits are in order.

Hubby is gearing up for retirement as I am as well.  I want to get him a new pair of boots this year, new tennies, lots of undies and socks.  Thinking I should purchase some new blue jeans for the two of us.  Get our eye glasses purchased and go from there.  Perhaps some art supplies and stationery.  RETIREMENT will be a different way to live.  I am so hoping we can take long walks together and sip coffee over fellowship.  The yard will never look better and gardening will be a plus.  The cottage will get painted in every room as I dream of making it a sweet place to stay.

This WINTER I will hopefully reorganize the basement and thin out CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS as I have no need of so much of it.  Gathering items to turn loose of.  The basement will be in order.  Hopefully.  My Office will be in order!!!!  That's my hope.  Then as the milder temps come the Carriage House will be cleaned out making plans to have the loft professionally cleaned due to Bat dung.  

The Cottage across the river will be next as the tiny garage gets a once over freeing it of junk and stuff that we no longer need.  Looks like we need to have a Spring/Summer Garage Sale.

So this wonderful thinning out will lead up to RETIREMENT within the next few years.  I have hopes of eating more organic foods and drinking Spring Water.  Losing some weight and walking about.  Sounds like a good plan that hopefully comes to pass.

Beyond time to pray for this country and people.  Tough to read this part.  Pray for eyes to be opened as much of what is going on in the world is designed to kill, steal and destroy innocent people.  I watched a news report with full video of a man that was minding his own business sitting in a car as a passenger and by the time the video ended he had been tased 11 times.  The officer tased him for how his body reacted to being tased.  When he reacted to the pain, the officer would tase him some more and told him to stop crying like a baby.  Young children were in the car crying and screaming for their Daddy that was being tortured by police officer.  This officer is still on the force after investigation.  The man was clearly innocent as the footage shows all.  The officer went so far as to pull this man's shorts down and tased this man's privates.  Completely cruel and sadistic.  If sitting in a car minding your own business is against the law, dear Lord help us all.  We need protection from cruel people.

Silence.  Pause.  Sit still.  Sigh.  Take a deep breath.  Look upwards. 

Onto thinking about good things.  There is HOPE for all.  There is HOPE.  Placing our trust in Almighty God is where to find that HOPE.  I'm not talking about religious organizations or false teachers and fraud preachers.  Read the Bible for oneself and be ministered to.  I have listened to hours of teachings thinking it was spot on and would find out it wasn't.  I can identify false teachers better these days that it hurts.  I remind myself that God delivered me from such darkness from false teachers' misinterpretation of the word of God.  When most high profile preachers and teachers are telling fake stories and twisting Christianity for their own gain, turn from them.  EXPOSE them.  

I went through a rough ride getting detoxed from it, but survived.  When the truth comes to light it sparkles.  The NIV scripture translation that says, you shall know the truth and it will set you free....is actually incorrect.  JOHN 8:32 King James Version says, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

There is a huge difference between MAKING you free compared to SET you free.  I choose MAKE YOU FREE.  You see SET is actually a name for an occultic Egyptian god.  So when we say SET you free it is actually giving this occult god credit for setting you free.  I would rather receive God's word as being MAKE free because He is making me free.

It does matter which Bible translation one uses.  Amen and amen.  King James for me.  

Praise God for another day.
Love,
d

Beautiful Day

Beautiful day outside with grey sky and rain this Monday.  The drizzlin' freeze came early on Saturday and by Sunday afternoon the car windshields were thawed from their ice coating.  The roads were clear and I drove to the cottage to work on laundry as it has been neglected.  It was still icy cold out.  Bundled up in my heavy coat.

While I was over at the cottage, I cleaned out the fridge.  Washed the shelves and pullout drawers.  Nice and fresh.  Stew Juice had made a mess inside my ice box.  The glass shelves needed soaked.  I worked on this and 7 loads of laundry.

Mercy...it doesn't take long to allow the laundry to pile up when not doing it every day.  I have more sheet sets to launder and sweaters.  Hopefully I will continue this coming week-end.  Still gathering the paperwork together to the new office.  After it is gathered, I will spend hours thinning out paper.  That's alright as I know a large window of time has to be available for completion. 

My Mom will come to visit again this week as she has to have surgery for removing skin cancer off of her nose.  Basal cell cancer.  Bless her heart.  The Guest room she will be staying in will get a once over tonight as I prep for her stay.  Fresh towels and sheets are ready for her stay.

Last Friday I ate out with friends.  The weather was so cold, but our hearts were warmed by conversation and friendship.  There is never a dull moment with these Ladies as the conversation flows.  GUSHES to overflowing laughter, sighs and lots of news.  No censorship required.  
My LUNCH was a Chili's Caribbean Salad.  Drank water!  After one of these dates, my head spins a little as I rewind all that was said.  Much to think on for months.   

I'm finishing my valentines to get into the mail today.  Some will be personally delivered and some mailed.  I need to make a mad dash to Target to get a gift card for one Grandson as his birthday is this week.  February is a birthday month for sure as three Grandsons celebrate their special birthdays.  Keeps me hopping.

I found out that my Aunt Valera passed early this morning.  She was 93.  I stand corrected...she was 94.  I was wondering if she would live forever as she was one active lady.  I am saddened that she will be cremated.  sigh.  I understand that there will be a viewing allowed then a funeral service before the cremation.  She made the best cakes you could imagine.  Very talented.

I do believe I earned myself a long afternoon's nap.  Rest is needed to face the rest of the day.  
God bless,
d

HOME

"A home is a kingdom of its own 

in the midst of the world, 

a stronghold amid life's storms and stresses, 

a refuge, even a sanctuary." 

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

Envious

On my bucket list of things to do while I still have breath in me....learn to can, make jelly, have huge food pantry full of goodness.

To think that this picture is beautiful is saying I am envious of such goodness in a pantry.  I would like to imitate this.  Functional and practical.  My pantry isn't as large as this one.  Working on increasing the food pantry.  

After we have gone to the store and restocked our supply, I usually am contented that there is food on the shelves.  Contented.

Much of the time the cans expire and I have to throw out the goods.  It is rather funny to see some of the dates printed on the cans because 2002 was a ways back there in the time tunnel.  I don't suppose the shelf life was this extended.  On the other hand items canned in glass have a much better chance of still being good.

Hubby came HOME early today as it is spitting drizzle and freezing.  We were placed in a WINTER ADVISORY zone where schools were not being held and activities are cancelled.  A joy in staying inside on such a bitter cold day is being HOME where it's warm and safe.

COLD WEATHER MONTHS are still here and I have plenty to keep me busy inside.  Thankful I am inside.


I unpacked some beautiful glasses that I transferred from the COTTAGE to our Prairie HOME and placed in the Dining room corner cabinet.  Ham in the crockpot.  I have plans of writing out bills and shuffling more paper at the Dining room table.  Clearing off the shelves of a metal rack presently in the KITCHEN.   

Hope to organize the food and place onto another shelving unit.
Today will be wonderful as I can stay HOME.  Stay warm.

HOME LIFE is for me,
d

Shall We Give It Some Thought

I slowed in blogging the last couple of weeks.  Much to think about in this day and age.  The controversial Reproductive Health Act in New York passed which made my jaw drop as the Governor smiled while signing the legalization of full term abortion.  The death culture is real.  A female can give the okay to abort the child she has carried for nine months even as she is in labor?  A few more minutes the child could be born and given to someone who desires to adopt.  Only a few minutes more.  Let the child live.  Let the child have the opportunity to develop their God given talents and bless others.  Let the child be allowed to live.  Murder does not come to some people's minds.

Harvesting body parts is not my idea of godly when a baby is torn apart to harvest body parts for another.  Not a good thing.  Please reconsider doing this.  I knew a woman who shared that her sister deliberately got pregnant to harvest body parts for one of her other children that was ill.  This is acceptable for some...not for me nor do I believe a Holy God would want us to do this thing.  Almost like cannibalism.  Murder one life to attempt to save another?  Please reconsider.  All life is precious. 
Saddened that full term abortion is acceptable.  Saddened it has come to this.  SMH.  Shake my head.  Please share your thoughts on this Act.

More on this later.  PAUSE.

Please pause.  Onto a lighter thought.

On a lighter note:  As the cold weather returned today, the week-end's milder temperatures were easy to enjoy at 60 some degrees.  Take a deep breath and go awe.  The weather was lovely.

I had a DATE DAY with Hubby last Thursday as he had a medical appointment.  Beforehand we went to our favorite THRIFT SHOP.  I purchased a couple of glass dishes and kerosene lamps.  I'll have to get a different chimney for one of these as it looks to be a Princess Feather Oil Lamp without a chimney that was paired up with dancers on a vintage chimney from the 1960s.

Not far from our HOME is a shop that sells parts for kerosene lamps at a reasonable price.  A frilly globe might come later as I believe it would add a pleasant addition to the lamp.  For now, a new chimney will be purchased and added to this old lamp that I believe has had a history.  Think a 12" chimney would be elegant. 

I had no idea that there were so many types of kerosene lamps before researching them for parts this week-end.  Rather educational.

Indiana Depression Glass with Pineapple and Floral clear pattern dish.
circa 1935

A glass plate that I bought for $2 had a familiar pattern that I recognized and at $2 that was a sweet price.  I also bought another glass tray that I'll place jewelry in.  So purdee.

I have a few pieces of this Pineapple and Floral pattern.  Really like it.  Will continue to pick up pieces here and there as I go.  Come what may...I will collect these if reasonably priced.  $2 is reasonable.

One day closer to SPRING.  Praise the Lord for SPRING!
Home Life Is For Me,
d

Shakin' N Me Boots

Bitter cold today as I shake in my boots due to the cold.  I did not want to get out in this weather, but the phone rang this morning to remind me of my 1 o'clock dental appointment which I had forgotten until the nice lady on the other end reminded me.

Bundling up to be outside is necessary.

I don't know why I didn't have this appointment on my calendar, but I didn't have it on my calendar.  I survived the cleaning and polishing of my teeth but my jaw was popping out of whack as the cleaning took place.  It must have popped out about twenty times.  This was the worst I have ever done.  OUCH.  

The x-rays were nothing, but the cleaning made me tense up.  My Dentist checked my teeth over and said I was fine.  So that's good.

My teeth feel wonderful now and I hate like heck to eat anything.  So I won't.

I have thoughts of SPRING WEATHER.  This week-end this arctic blast is suppose to go away where we have Spring-like weather.  This will be a slice of heaven.  Bring it on.

Yesterday, I met up with my Mom in Manhattan as she had a skin appointment.  We met up at the mall then went to TUESDAY MORNING in which I bought some Blue Willow dishes at a discounted price.  Off to GOODWILL where I bought a little boys sports jacket at 25% off.  Pretty sure it will fit one of the GRANDS.  Then we ate at DENNY's.  Had breakfast for lunch.




From their we went to Mom's appointment.  Afterwards we had coffee and stopped by my Daughter's so she could see my Mom for a little while.  Chinese for Supper then HOME to relax.  Bedtime was sweet.

Morning came and we ate cereal just like The Queen Of England eats, orange juice and coffee.  Then that phone rang with the news of my Dental appointment.  With this out of the way for 6 months, I will get the next appointment wrote on my calendar.  Swept the Kitchen floor and scoured the upstairs bathroom with a toothbrush.  Stripped the bedsheets to launder.  

My new bill book needed the days of the month wrote out, so I got that completed.  Slowly the paperwork is being gone through to thin out and file.  S l o w l y......and i do mean slowly.

Just about coffee time, but might skip it as I have such clean teeth I'm grinning.

OH SPRING....you are missed and so much wanted.  Still good to do some deep cleaning.  A must.
I'd better go do a few loads of laundry over at the cottage.  Supper with a small group of friends at the Mexican Restaurant.  Think I will have Chicken and Vegetable soup.  Water to drink.

This soup has rice in it along with chunks of chicken, avocado, beans, carrots, broccoli, corn, and broth.  Will warm ze belly and the soul.  

Blessings to you!
Stay warm,
d

51 Days Till SPRING

~51 Days Till SPRING~

I'm not sure I can hold out 51 more days until SPRING.  

I'm longing for the time where I can let fresh air into my house 

and hear the birds chirping on a quiet day in PRAIRIE HOUSE.

Today, the Kansas wind is howling where the temperatures

are chilly.  One good thing is that the sky is light blue and not steely grey.  

At times I love seeing the grey colored sky 
especially at one in the morning before retiring 
to my bed chambers.

Peaceful.

Today, I will be taking a drive to get some fresh air and then do a few loads of laundry at the cottage across the river.  I will be wrapping up some crystal drinking glasses and transporting them back to PRAIRIE HOUSE.  They are beautiful drinking glasses that will be displayed in the Dining room corner cabinet along with some crystal wine glasses.  

I seldom drink wine, but have acquired these pretty beverage glasses 
along the way of LIFE and like having them to look at.
  

Eye candy without calories.

I'm staying busy.

Deep cleaning takes place as I wait for Spring to show up.

Reading.  Writing.  Cleaning.

Thinking.

BLESSINGS to you this Winter.  

I hope your days are going well,

d

A Blast From The Past

HELLO FROM THE KANSAS PRAIRIE

When I came across these colored pics from the past I liked the color combinations and the interior design used for these illustrations.  Still useful for present day time.  

Maybe something in these will be helpful to you.

HOME Life is for me,

d

Time For Soup

SOMETHING IS JUST RIGHT ABOUT COMING HOME TO A HOT COOKED MEAL ON A LATE COLD AFTERNOON.  CROCKPOT ON and Chicken Vegetable Soup simmering.  I had made a food ministry run this afternoon to deliver some food to a family.  Earlier in the day I rummaged thru my pantry shelves grabbing some items to bag up that I knew we wouldn't miss.  I needed to thin out the 'best used by such an such date' getting close to expired items.  These items will help another family.  A head start on organizing our WINTER pantry.  One day closer to SPRING gets me through the WINTER.

Decorating, cleaning, organizing, thinking about what to do helps me get through the WINTER. 

I gathered cake mixes, boxed lasagna, bagged spaghetti, noodles, a couple small canned hams, uncooked rice, dried beans, corn bread mix, peanut butter, sugar cookie mix, oranges, prune juice, cranberry concentrate, pretzels, flour, ginger snaps, etc.  I made my run then drove over to the Cottage to do only one load of laundry.  Gathered up some Christmas boxes to bring over to Prairie Home later.  And while I was there I thinned out some other things.  A little here and a little there. 

Returning HOME driving slower than usual.  Raining and spitting snow.  Wet with slicker roads.  After a rain the oils on the roads surface making the roads slicker than normal.  Adds to the possibility of hydroplaning.  Didn't feel like flying through the air landing in a deep ditch lying sideways waiting for help.  

SO when I walked in the back door of our PRAIRIE HOME the aroma of Chicken Vegetable Soup was wonderful!  Crockpot goodness.  The weather has turned out wet with rain turning to ice pellets and now fluffy snow is falling as I sit in my HOME looking out the french doors.  HUGE fluffy flakes falling to the ground.  

Cold weather has sparked an impulse in me to do some cleaning.  The Office upstairs will get a hands on this week-end.  More shuffling for sure.  It will be helpful and satisfying to have an Office area where I can concentrate on all the paperwork needing to take place.  Sometimes I feel so geared up wanting things done and having to wait till it happens.  Vroom vroom.  So I will be a happy camper when this Office manifest itself in the Sunroom.  Tadaah.

This past week I did get some of my porcelain dolls relocated to the Living room where they are displayed in our antique secretary.  I have thinned out my dolls the last couple of years with occasionally buying a doll at the THRIFT STORE.  I've started moving the dolls around our house because I am getting more comfortable in our PRAIRIE HOME.  We have been here for a little over a year and a half.  Some of the places I lived early on were for a year and a half to two years and off we'd go to another community.  I'd get to where I would start thinking isn't it time to move after we had been in a location for two years.  Habit forming.  We had been in our ole rock house close to ten years.  The longest period of time for us during our marriage.

The need to stay put is on the back burner sort of speak.  As I continue to get better organized and thinned out, this is a lovely place to hang my hat.  

The snow continues to fall and is getting thicker as I type.  Perhaps we will receive 6 to 10 inches over night.  A very wet Winter.  Darkness is settling in as the grey skies turn to late afternoon early evening shades of pewter with night creeping in.

HOME LIFE is for me.  

I love it here.

Time for soup with croutons, 

d       

Until Next Christmas

The Christmas ornaments disappeared

until it was just the twinkle lights and shinny snowflakes.

Quietly the tree went bare and I said good-bye.

Saddened.

Until next Christmas 

where I will dress you in brightly colored ornaments,

d

Happy Times

SHE turned 12.

Birthday bliss.

Grandma loves you!

granny d nanny