SUMMER TIME SUMMER TIME SUM SUM SUMMER TIME SUMMER TIME mmmmmm

DRAUGHT....I did not have my camera with me and I'm not sure when this type of gathering will take place again.  My son and grandson went with me to visit my Mom.  We detoured our route due to a truck accident where the traffic signs called it a incident.  The traffic was stopped like the world's biggest parking lot.  Crawling at times.

We detoured the detour, drove the back roads to my Mom's.  We maybe added 20 minutes to our trip.  She had fixed lunch for us.  Red punch for our beverages, chicken and noodles, green beans, applesauce and bread with butter. 

We visited a tad, played tile rummi and went to the THRIFT SHOP.  I purchased a cute pair of blue jeans that fit and I justified buying them because the price was right and one must look cute even if FAT.  I must try to look CUTE even though I am a matronly WOMAN.  I will continue on my weight loss journey this week to come.  I think I can and I plan to work at it.  humdrum an all.

I love sparkles and these pockets do shine!  

LOVE INDIGO.  Similar to these.

Afterwards, we went to my Mom's storage unit and dug out an antique oak lamp table that Mom asked me if I wanted for a Christmas GIFT.  

Oh yes, please!  CHRISTMAS in JULY for sure.

SIMILAR TO THIS ONE.

She needs some furniture glue to stop the wiggle and I might have to stain her, but she's old and will be a nice addition to our estate.  An oak, antique two tier Parlour table.  A vintage side table.

TODAY, I'm doing my best to stay indoors where the air is blowing.  I put a pot roast in the slow cooker.  Started out with onions sauteeing in olive oil.  Added a salt and peppered roast to slow cook for an hour before adding purified water to crock pot.  Added baby carrots, new potatoes and celery.

Slow cooking all afternoon.  Hope this turns out delicious.  I did not do the vinegar soak for 24 hours this go round or add strong coffee before cooking.  This time is my old time way of not knowing any better about this tenderizing fashion. 

Staying cool.  May you have a peaceful and pleasant HOME.
Stay cool,
d  

Proverbs 31:25

Proverbs 31:25

Strength and honour are her clothing; 

and she shall rejoice 

in time to come.

Blessings to you today and everyday.

May you have a peaceful and pleasant 

HOME,

d

PSALM 61:2

Psalm 61:2 King James Version (KJV)

2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, 

when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Blessings to you today and everyday.

May you have a peaceful and pleasant 

HOME,

d

Thursday Thursday

Isn't she lovely?  She is.  Dressed so nicely.  Love the pearls and hairstyle.

THURSDAY.
I was born on a Thursday.  
Maybe this is why I like the day so much.  Anticipating Friday and then wammmmm the long awaited week-end.  There's a certain kind of excitement that comes to mind thinking about 
F R I D A Y!!!  FRIday......friDAY.

Time does pass by quicker the older I get.  
TODAY, the temperatures will hit high 90s low hundred.  Water and fans required if I get out in this.

Looked up where the word THURSDAY came from.
The English word Thursday is named after the Norse god of thunder, Thor. Thursday means Thor's day in Old English. Thor is represented riding a chariot drawn by goats and wielding the hammer. In most languages with Latin origins, the day is named after the god and planet Jupiter.
Hum.....THOR?

Question: Where did the names of the days of the week come from?

Answer: The Babylonians named the days after the five planetary bodies known to them (Tuesday through Saturday) and after the Sun and Moon (Sunday and Monday). This custom was later adopted by the Romans. Emperor Constantine established the seven-day week in the Roman calendar in 321 and designated Sunday and Monday as the first two days of the week. The other weekday names in English are derived from Anglo-Saxon names for gods in Teutonic mythology. Tuesday comes from Tiu, or Tiw, the Anglo-Saxon name for Tyr, the Norse god of war. Tyr was one of the sons of Odin, or Woden, the supreme deity after whom Wednesday is named. Similarly, Thursday originates from Thor, the god of thunder. Friday is derived from Frigga, the wife of Odin, representing love and beauty. Saturday comes from Saturn, the ancient Roman god of fun and feasting.

A Grandson is staying with us this week.  He's full of energy so it's important to keep him busy.  I did take a NAP yesterday and I don't usually takes NAPS.  grins.

Need to do some laundry this evening.  
Have a roast marinading in the fridge for a big meal for FRIDAY evening.  
Trying to have food that this Grandson likes to eat.

He told me that he likes carrots, broccoli and some other veggie for his vegetables.  I asked about fruit and he told me he likes apples.  I know he likes mac 'n cheese.

The week is getting away from me.  I've got to fix some mac 'n cheese sometime this week.  Maybe for supper tonight.  I could fix broccoli, mac 'n cheese and some kind of dessert.....ice-cream.  He loves ice-cream.  In honor of him, I'll fix two different types of mac 'n cheese.  Lots of broccoli for veggies.  Water to stay hydrated.

Word for the day is THURSDAY.
Peaceful and pleasant THURSDAY,
d

SPIDER-MAN Movie

Discounted $5 movie tickets on a Tuesday evening 
made purchasing popcorn affordable.

Giant screen treat.

We maybe make it to a movie theater with a big screen movie 

once a year.

Ticket shock on the refreshments.

AFTER WATCHING THE NEWLY RELEASED MOVIE 
SPIDER-MAN my legs were weak.  Haha.  Too much excitement for an old lady.  The special effects were out of this world good and convincing.  I'm not up on all the super heroes, but there seems to be a slew of them.  

I had to keep reminding myself that this movie is based off of a comic book.  A comic book that I never read.

Two of my Grands watched the movie with us as Hubby and I ate buttered popcorn.  THINK THEY HAD A GOOD TIME.  I let them pick out a candy of their own plus popcorn and a drink.
There wasn't any broccoli, cauliflower or green been snaps 
to snack on this go round. 
POPCORN has fiber so maybe this qualifies as healthy.

I drank from a tall cup of ice with diet root beer.  
Gosh...where's the chocolate covered raisins?

In my stomach.

ACTION PACKED EVENING,

d 

Making An Exception

AREN'T THESE CUTE?  PIE COOKIES FROM DAUGHTER.IN.LAW.

HOW I CELEBRATED MY 64th BIRTHDAY...
My celebration began earlier than on the 14th.  About a week earlier my Husband blessed me with gold earrings which I am enjoying wearing almost every day.  Received some greeting cards before the 14th which led up to my special day.  A few have physically come in the mail after the 14th,  Close enough and makes me LOVE having a birthday each year.  64 and there's so much more.

Earrings and coffee.
A big cold salad from a local restaurant in which I said I'd do this again.
Spaghetti meal from Olive Garden.
I ordered a beautiful blue lace blouse from Victorian Trading Post.  I like never order NEW clothing that I get in the mail.  I made an exception and did it anyways.

MAKING AN EXCEPTION this year as I enter into my 64th year of living as I truly am a matronly woman with a matronly figure.  I looked up the meaning of matronly and got a snicker out of this one cause it hit home to me.

adjective

adjective: matronly

1. denoting, relating to, or characteristic of a staid or conservatively dressed older married woman, especially one with a somewhat heavy build.

   
   

   "she looked matronly in a putty-colored tweed two-piece"

Hello.  Keep typing.
HUBBY mowed the lawn the day before company was to come over for LUNCH.
I felt for him as he was vehemently sweating in the SUMMER WEATHER.  A riding lawn mower will be in our future forecast.  I could not mow this large lawn with a push lawn mower if I had to.  I overheat entirely too easy and my ole body wouldn't be able to take the heat.  I overheat even when it's not so hot out.  Freaky scary. 

I learned that there are some countries that have canned hotdogs.  Well, I'm not sure these are for me unless I make an exception and I could do that because I am 64 now.

Hubby's birthday gift to me was a cook-out with hamburgers and all beef hot dogs, grilled cabbage, bagged potato chips, cold potato salad, regular salad with walnuts, root beer, chilled water and cupcakes with sprinkles from the bakery.  He pulled it off and it was a delightful FAMILY gathering.  He went to a lot of work pulling this off.  He made an exception.  HOME-made Mint Juleps.

At my old age I'M MAKING AN EXCEPTION.  
I have wanted to taste MINT JULEP for years and have never done so.  From the garden came fresh mint and my dear creative HUSBAND fixed chilled Mint Juleps with fresh mint sprigs decorating the glass.  This was a recipe from one of the lovely books I purchased from the Historic St. Louis Campbell House Museum in which this Mint Julep Recipe was served to Ulysses S. Grant.  In fact the Museum holds possession of his Mint Julep cup.  One of their prize possessions.

THIS IS NOT PRESIDENT GRANT's MINT JULEP CUP!

For SUPPER I placed the makings of Ham Sandwiches, bagged potato chips, and fresh Salad to be eaten off of Patriotic paper plates.  Even the napkins were PATRIOTIC.  Peaches 'n Cream reduced calories Ice Cream.  Yummers.  I made an exception and had some LATE AT NIGHT.  A big no-no. 

I stayed up late after everyone else went to bed and worked in the KITCHEN some then researched on the computer.  One of the things I like doing.  Right now I'm into health issues.  Thyroid Health, Diabetes, Fibroid Tumors, Sanitary Products.  I am stunned at what I found out about SANITARY PRODUCTS and what isn't publicized for all to read.  The toxic chemicals introduced into the HUMAN FEMALE BODY through personal area is shocking.

The sellers of sanitary products do not have to publish the ingredients of all the hazardous chemicals used or found remaining in their products.  They are allowed by law to use the wording MEDICAL DEVICES.  This wording allows a type of censorship to the customer.  CENSORSHIP.  What you don't know CAN and WILL hurt you when using the product.  

With sanitary products in use with so many chemicals interacting with the wearer, I am alarmed at what health issues they contribute to the human body.  With a history of having continual urinary tract infections I wore my brain out thinking what might be causing them and in the long run a medical doctor I went to in Texas mentioned what I had suspected.  After years of suffering he helped me get the right medicine to kill off the germs that were invading my body keeping me worn down and ill.  When I had called a sanitary product company their representative that visited with me was trained to pass the buck sort of speak.  There was no way that they would be responsible taking credit for helping cause urinary tract infections.  I was in my early 30s at the time and this was the start of not believing big companies that sold products to the masses.

I have fibroid tumors and have wondered what caused them.  I've gotten the run around when reading info about the mysterious fibroids.  You will read this is what causes fibroids, but we really don't know what causes fibroids.  HUH?  This causes them, but we don't know what causes them.  There are surely reasons for creating fibroids that the articles are not including.  HUSH HUSH.  SHUSH.  

I had wondered if sanitary pads caused these horrid fibroids.  I had wondered.  I still am wondering.  After reading about the chemicals in the pads I really think one should not use products like these including pads for people who need them for urinary incontinence.  Home-made pads made out of flannel is one option.  

I was checking on sites that sell these organic pads.  If the expense is an issue there are companies that make washable reusable pads.  Going to check into this.

Cotton is one of the most sprayed products besides corn and soy.  I can do without the soy.  Also GMOs are mentioned.  Certified Organic Cotton is something to check out.  

Dr. Mercola sells throw away organic pads.  Also found a couple of Mid Wives and others that make reusable flannel ones.  So they are out there if you look for them.  Think I'll make an exception and look for some.

SURPRISE!  The doorbell just went off.  There on the porch was a package from my Oklahoma Kids.  A Birthday treat for me!!!  

Four beautiful PIONEER WOMAN SPRING FLORAL KITCHEN Towel Set, 
a gorgeous necklace and 
SHELL's TASTY GORGEOUS SUGAR COOKIES DESIGNED OUT OF THIS WORLD PRETTY!  I ate a cookie right off because.....I was making an exception on my diet!!!  

Today is for living and 'I can watch it' tomorrow.  Amen.  
I can make an exception at being 64 years old PLUS one day.

HAVE an exceptional day,

d here on the prairie... 

...making important decisions and MAKING EXCEPTIONS

Embracing LIFE

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

EMBRACE THE DAY,

d

~LONG VERSION~
Started the day out a little slow.
A beautiful blue lace blouse from Victoria's Trading Post
arrived at my front porch this morning.  This is my inspiration to lose a few pounds.  

Yesterday I checked out TOPS on the computer and have plans to visit a couple of local chapters in the area.  Taking Pounds Off Sensibly may be my next attempt to lose some poundage.
The exercise bike is calling my name in the mornings.

Water with some lemon slices in it will be my treat.

NOT HAVING HAD MY COFFEE THIS MORNING, I think I am ready for an afternoon JAVA at HOME.  Meeting up with HUBBY for a healthy LUNCH, I dined with conversation flowing as best we could in a small dining area.  

We split a healthy sandwich on light rye bread with ham, red pepper slices, red onion and cheese from outter space.  Slices of green apples and BUTTER SQUASH Soup with mushrooms and kale.  Water to sip as we discussed why our house payment will increase $210.oo a month starting in September.  Not very happy about this and will go over paperwork tonight before the WEEK-end kicks in.  THIS IS A KICKER.  We've had a few of these in our day.

I remember after we located to our rock house in 2007 our financial cushion disappeared.  We had a cushion in our budget to allow for fixing rooms up.  Before we were in the house a year, the cushion vanished because the taxes went up.  Sapped us dry.  Here we go again thinking we have a cushion and the payments will go up.  Hubby wants to retire and I'm saying he will.  Determination comes rising up in my soul.  I believe we will survive. 

After LUNCH, I went to pay the mortgage payment then went to Aldi's for a few things.  Had some trouble with the shopping cart.  It didn't want my quarter.  A very nice lady offered her's to me.  Accepted and on to shop in leisurely fashion.  No hurry.  Extra nice slow pace.  

Lettuce, 

lemons, 

relish, 

ketch-up, 

celery, 

a step ladder,  

breakfast cereal, 

mac n cheese,

peaches and cream ice-cream,

and a nice size pizza.   

Onward toward HOME.  Ice-cream is melting.

The paperwork seems to be taking up residence here at my feet in a pile that doesn't disappear.  I will pick it all up, place it in my recliner so I can run the vacuum over the area rug.  The Powder room needs spot cleaned before company arrives on Sunday to celebrate my 64th birthday. 

64 on Sunday.  This number isn't soaking in.  I look at it and it's not soaking into my psych yet.  I suppose it will just before 65 happens.  Happy Birthday to me....64.  Some birthdays in the past have had kickers.  On my 55th birthday, the nurse from the endocrinologist office phoned to tell me the results of my biopsy.  I made up my mind that if they did this I was not going to answer the phone call.  Sure enough they did and I didn't answer the phone.  ID Caller comes in very handy at times.  I'd call them later to find out that cancer was found.  The nurse had already filed the paperwork in a different building so she had some foot work to do to get the results for me.  I wish I had made a bigger stink to the doctor about being called on one's birthday to be told you have cancer, but I didn't.  Come to think about it, I believe the doctor should have told me it was cancer.

Our dog, Sam died the next day after I was told about my cancer.  

Just because I have a birthday doesn't mean the world is going to stop turning.  LIFE goes on.  This is a fact.  

I hope to get the dining room painted after my birthday.  I can start by painting the new color around the window to see if we'll use the color we have been thinking about for over a half of a year.  The Kitchen cabinets will be shuffled and then I believe I can go ahead and paint the dining room all by myself.  Hope I can.

LAST WEEK we toured the Kansas University Gardens to walk about the Day Lilies.  Gorgeous splashes of warm colors took me by surprise.  Gosh, the day lilies were awesome.  So very cheery to look at during this HOT MONTH of SUMMER.  We will work over the area beside the Carriage House and make room for Day Lilies to pop up and splash with HOT COLORS.  What a beautiful place for them to be.  Splashes of orange, yellow and bright reds.  They'll look stunning by the alley.    

FORECAST FOR ESTATE:  

KITCHEN CABINETS REARRANGED.

The Dining room painted.

A new FLOWER BED started the latter part of July/early part of August.  The grass dug up along the fence will be replanted where the Irises are now resting.  The Irises will be moved and grouped with like kind in circles.  Can't wait!

A new Flowerbed made along the Carriage House grounds.  Day Lilies planted here.

TIME TO GET A SECOND CUP OF COFFEE.

Pizza from Aldis tonight for Supper.  Yummers and deep breathes...it's Friday.

May you have a pleasant day,

d

  

JULY Sparkles

Has been a week since the FIREWORKS took flight in the sky to be entertained and amazed at someone's genius in preparing fireworks.  All the colors take my attention and I can't help but think on days gone by where I ran down the sidewalk with a sparkler in my hand hoping to make it back HOME before the magic went dark.

Sparklers and charcoal snakes were my favorites.  The firecrackers were fun, but startled me hoping that they would not explode while still holding them in hand.  Sometimes I'd lay the cracker in a can, lite the firecracker and run to get away from the explosion.

I can't remember how old I was when I was staying with a cousin and a firecracker did explode in my hand.  I remained quiet that this had happened.  It smarted to high heaven but I was quiet.  Only once this took place.  Enough to learn my lesson.  I lost interest in popping firecrackers.  AT my age now I can enjoy the BIG SHOW and there's no need for the individual pops at my control.

My week has been a busy one and I am about to head out the door to do a few loads of laundry.  I want to go buy some Clorox bleach as my white nightgown looks more yellow about the neckline than it should.  I sweat so much at night that it's uncomfortable.

I picked up a twin size bedspread from the thrift store for extra bedding.  Nice spread and only a few dollars.  After Hubby needed a break from working on our old car, we took some time to go to TOPEKA to play.  Went to the thrift store, Tuesday Morning, SAMs, Sonic and visited PRAIRIE FIRE WINERY.

What a treat this was to go to this winery out in the country.  A very big surprise.  

We drove HOME then dined at OLIVE GARDEN.  Took advantage of buy one meal and take one meal HOME.  

My birthday gift this year is a pair of GOLD LOOP EARRINGS from Sams.   I got to pick them out and am so pleased with this purchase.  WONDERFUL DAY OF GOOFING OFF.

It's been years since I wore loops.  I have another pair in need of a jeweler.  For the life of me I have no idea where I hide them.  When I find them I will take them to get fixed along with my wedding ring. 

I have been researching THYROID HEALTH again.  I know about as much as I did before starting this go round.  Makes me extremely tired reading so much.  Also took some time to research Judy Garland as I want to see the movie starring Renee Zellweger in September.  DOWNTON ABBEY will be a treat to see when it comes to the theaters.  Then I truly enjoy looking at Historical Houses, interior decorating and reviewing information about NAR movement.  Another religious spin on making Christianity a practice of works and avoiding God's GRACE through Jesus's work on the cross.  P a u l a White-Cain practices and preaches false teachings.  I could go on and perhaps I will later, but our President likes her and considers her one of his spiritual advisers.  This is scary.  I did watch some videos about a Psychic who left this practice behind to become a Christian.  This has been very interesting to me.  Doreen Virtue is her name.  My study time on the computer has been time consuming.  I must be disciplined and use my muscles else where. 

I finally got the wood floors on the main floor dusted and the area rugs vacuumed.  It took me awhile as I had to crawl around some in some areas to wipe up the dust bunnies.

Still tinkering around in the KITCHEN and I won't get to rearranging the cabinets until company has come and gone.  July will be nearly gone when I get to this project.  Think it's better to wait until they have returned HOME then to get worn out shuffling before they come.  WISDOM SPEAKING.

Last night we took a drive to try out the car that Hubby has changed out the water pump in.  I pray it stays good as to take it to the shop will cost nearly $1200.oo to have the work completed.  Such a chore to do this.  My Husband does so much for us it hurts.

Someone decided to pull our flag down off of our house.  Aggravates me that someone is being mean spirited and disrespectful.  The culprit will be found as cameras are going up.  We had some issues last December where someone took my miniature decorative Christmas tree and vandalized it along with messing with a couple of miniature American flags that were in the urns.  

Security cameras will go up and I hope they decide to come again in which their image will be captured and I'll know who the heel is.  Lights, camera, ACTION.  Gotcha.  Please smile real pretty for me...I want to capture your image.  

Blessings and may you have a peaceful day,
d

HOME On The Range

THE FOURTH OF JULY blended into a long week-end where the fireworks were observed from our front yard with small town america having one of the best and longest FIREWORKS SHOWS in the state of K A N S A S.  Pictures later this week. 

A 30 minute presentation took place at dark topping off a day of walking in the City Park to view vintage automobiles and trucks.  We walked through the Museum as well as the Historical buildings opened to the public.  

ABIGAIL the Museum Buffalo 

was a sight for sore eyes. 

I did have a small amount of HOME-MADE STRAWBERRY Ice-cream to help cool off as I felt faint from it all.  This being a Thyroid Cancer Survivor has side effects that I was not told about.  The 'one day a pill for the rest of your life' doesn't highlight the other things that are going haywire in the body.  I have not stabilized on my TSH numbers the entire time I have been without my thyroid.  sigh.  It's maddening.

No carnival rides this year as I walked HOME in the heat. 

HOT DOGS for supper.  The all beef dogs still had corn syrup in them amongst other additives that are surely not good for you, but the plump up flavor of these dogs was outstanding in a bun topped with mustard, ketchup and relish.

OUR CELEBRATION MEAL was centered around the ALL AMERICAN HOT DOGS, potato chips, St. Clair's Potato Salad, Bush's Baked beans and a home-made cuc salad.  Root beer and water to drink.  Ice cream would come later and I'm still waiting to bake brownies to serve warm from the oven.  
The Potato Salad is awesome.  Creamy good.  The calories are outrageous for a 1/2 cup serving of this delicious stuff.  OUTRAGEOUS.



CURUMBA.  I must have had 5 cups of this stuff instead of a dainty helping.  BUT who's counting calories?  Well, I sorta am.  Unfortunately.  Still aiming for more vitamins and veggies.  

MY HOUSE KEEPING BLESSING TODAY is: 
Wiping down the Bathroom's sink and toilet.  Sanitized.  This afternoon I have got to crawl around on the floor dusting the wood floor then using the electric vacuum to suck up dirt from the area rugs.  My goal this afternoon is to dust and vacuum the Living room and Dining room.  The Kitchen needs a serious going over in the worst way.  Company is expected to come by next week and if I get after it I will have finished my HOME BLESSING in time to share with loved ones in the comfort of our HOME.

Hubby has been overhauling the water pump of the old car we have the privilege of calling our own.  He has put umpteen hours into working under the hood of our GOLDIE.  God help him be successful.  He gives it his all and it takes time out of our life.  Fighting to save money so the auto doesn't go to the shop.

I am sipping cold coffee after eating Chinese Food Leftovers that were decent.  Deliberately ate more veggies.  Only 2 slices of potato, a cup of long green beans and 1/2 cup of broccoli.  A slice of raw carrot.  My stomach is content.  I can enjoy the coffee and finish air drying my hair as I type.  

By 2 in the afternoon I will put my work clothing on and begin tweaking in the KITCHEN.  Dishes away.  The floor swept and items in the center of the room boxed and hidden until later when I can decide where they should go.  A quick fix doesn't always mean order.

Late in the evening I will watch the PBS series JAMESTOWN.  The costuming is spectacular along with the stage setting filmed in Hungary.  The scenery is very convincing to the layman.  Almost finished with season three.  As I learn about the characters of the show I become attached to JAMESTOWN of 1620ish. 

I am blessed.
I have running water and air conditioning.
Food on the table and clothes on my back.
Time to sit and type out my thoughts.  
HOME on the range is truly a 1883 house on the prairie in the year 2019,
d 

Happy 4th of JULY!!!!

In-LAWS enjoying the 4th of July.

A few years back.

Hotter than a firecracker.

Memories.

Both in heaven these days,

d

FOURTH of JULY!!!!!

Celebrating and rejoicing 

that I live in the United States of America.

Independence Day and well worth taking time to give thanks for my freedoms.

Thinking on the things of FREEDOM and Independence.

Praise God.

Fellowship and food then there's the FIRE WORKS at the end of the day.

God bless you and your family.

HOME, life and the pursuit of happiness,

d

How To Be Attractive - 1960's Guide for College Girls