IT HAPPENED

TODAY AT 2:50 PM, a alert came across my hubby's phone announcing that there is to be no social gatherings in the county due to coronavirus.  A case was identified.  One case.  By next week, there will be many more cases reported.  

From here we shall see where it goes.

HUNKERING DOWN at HOME.

Will this staying at HOME turn into months on end? 

Will this be the new NORM?

I'm guessing, but I believe it will be extended for months.

There will be no quick fix to killing the coronavirus completely off.  The 1918 Spanish FLU stayed for 3 years.  Coronavirus is not the flu.  Do the authorities really know what they are dealing with?  Not exactly.

Will our 2020 Presidential voting be affected by this?

I think so.

I will be cleaning every room of the house.  This will take me some time, but right now, I have time.  I vacuumed the dining room area rug and am getting ready to dust the chairs then dust the wood floors.  The tops of the curio cabinets need attention.  Hello.

I'm not moving very fast.  Slow as I go.  Steady and faithfully slow.

Hunkering down and praying,

d

 

SPRING 2020 ARRIVED

FIRST DAY OF SPRING with social distancing.  Making sure we are ready to stay HOME with soup to eat.  Reluctantly went to ALDI.  Quick trip in.  Quick trip out.  

They were practically O.U.T. of soup.  Was odd to see sparsely stocked shelves.  Some Tomato Soup, but no Bean With Bacon...which is what I wanted.  Picked up some and got out of Dodge.  So far the people are still civil.  No BUGGY RAMMING.  NO COUGHING.

Had disinfectant wipes on hand and wiped the cart handle.  Wiping hands frequently.  Once we got HOME the hands get a long washing.  Will gargle with warm SALT water.

I know that salt water may not kill the Coronavirus, but the salt kills a multitude of other germs.  So salt water gargle it is.

  

Soaking lettuce in salt water kills some microbes.

I THINK WE SHOULD.

Sounds like a very good idea.

This is a first for me.  I had no idea cart washer existed.

I am HUNKERING DOWN for now.  Staying HOME full-time.  Am ready now physically and spiritually.  Keeping 6 feet away from people and then some. 

When waiting in line to check out, I stand in front of my cart and distance myself from the person in front of me.  If my cart is behind me then I have some space between me and the person behind me.  I was at Walmart the other day and the guy behind me was way too close to me. This is when I thought of using my grocery cart as a barrier.

SPRING is here and I'm still deep cleaning 

at HOME.

Going to try the Mr. Clean eraser sheets cleaners on my kitchen cabinets as the paint that was used on them seems to attract dirt around the knobs.  A very ugly reality to see.  

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine.......

d

DEPRESSION ERA BREAD

GOOD TO KNOW RECIPE

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Pour flour into a large bowl.

2) Make a well in the center of the flour.

3) Add yeast to well and then add enough of the water to the well to dissolve the yeast.

4) After yeast is dissolved start adding more water and mixing in flour until you form a dough.

5) Knead dough in the bowl.

6) Let dough rise in warm place with a towel loosely covering the top.

7) After dough has risen double in size, punch the dough down and divide it up into 7 loaves.

8) Shape dough loaves and place in baking pan.

9) Let dough double in size about 60 minutes.

10) Make slits in dough for beauty.

11) Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

OR THIS RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups flour
2 cups warm water
2Tbsps. yeast

INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Pour flour into a large bowl and create a hole in the center of flour.
2) Pour the yeast and warm water in the center, then combine with the flour until you you form a ball.
3) Cover with a towel and allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
4) Knead the dough and split into two loaves then allow to rise one more time.
5) Bake at 300 degrees until golden.

Blessings to you and yours,

d

Matthew 4:4 King James Version (KJV)

But he answered and said, 

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, 

but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

REMEMBERING THE POLIO SCARE

SOCIAL DISTANCING

As a child I remember going to a small doctor's office in Liberal, Kansas to stand in line to be given a sugar cube containing the polio vaccine.  This was in the day that the doctor's office with a small lobby did not have the appearance of a health spa.  BASIC white walls with simple chairs in what was a small lobby.  A Nurse was the receptionist that led you to a long narrow exam room where the Doctor took a look at you.  There'd be a white medicine cabinet with a glass door front standing tall holding the supplies.  An exam table.  Lights.
  

DO YOU REMEMBER?  I was too young to see this.

During the POLIO SCARE we stood in the lobby, took our sugar cube and left on our merry way.  I did not see the horrific damage Polio did to humans other than one High School friend that walked with a limp.  I did not hear of people in Liberal that had suffered the disease.  Small Town Blessings in a big bad world.

I was blessed to not get POLIO.  Stricken with Rheumatic Fever at age 6.  Bed rest for three months and long after this pampering.  

This makes me think that my siblings and I have not been without many health challenges.  My oldest brother developed Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever as a child after a tick bite.  He was about 12 years old at the time.  High temperatures caused him to be admitted to a Hospital where he nearly died.  Say what you will but I believe this caused brain damage leading to other mental health challenges. 

My sister had difficulty conceiving.  She'd develop an disease called QUINSY which is a horrible throat infection that you may not have heard of.  Because there was another woman in the same town that she lived in had the same name, the attending Doctor did not want to see her as the other woman was a hypochondriac that continually sought medical attention draining the doctor's energy.  Sister was admitted to the Hospital receiving medical attention after my Brother in law visited with the doctor that his wife was not the other woman.  Also Sister had difficulty conceiving.  She would eventually conceive after much testing.  She'd have two babies 11 months apart.  Doubly blessed.  

Youngest brother is probably the healthiest of us all.  Some allergies, but no earth moving diseases.  He walked home in the cold once and nearly developed frost bite.  

TRAIN WHISTLE SOUNDING OFF IN THE DISTANCE.  Sitting in my living room getting ready to sip on some hot coffee.  Looking outside from my chair to see soft grey skies full of moisture for SPRING approaching on Thursday.

The first signs of SPRING.  Seeing OKLAHOMA daffodils, jonquils, and grape hyacinth this past week-end was refreshing amongst the overwhelming news about the C virus.  When I see these flowers appearing, I think of the first signs of SPRING.  Gives me a boost as it has been a very long WINTER.  Hubby retired, I fell sick in December.  Adjusting to NO PAY CHECK. Continued ill into January.  Water backed up into the basement.  Heater motor went caput. February, I wrestled with Asthma.  A brother in Law died from Liver Cancer.  Crown replacement on tooth.  March blew in with the Coronavirus.  So to see these vibrantly colored daffodils was a blessing and a half.  A cheery thing.

The Coronavirus is real.  This is a time like none I have experienced.  The world is closing up shop for a time.  As you all know, this is 2020 and we are facing something we don't completely understand.

We are hunkering down for the time being as best we can.  Taking Emergency-C in small amount of water. Started gargling with warm salt water.  Gummy daily vitamins.  Frequently WASH my hands with soap and extra warm water like never before.  Wash, wash, wash.  Pray.  Thought and continued cleaning.

Instead of getting out in the world, we're having our meds delivered to our HOME.  A first ever.  

I am staying HOME.  Are you?  Social distancing.  Talked to my Mom the other day. She's not staying HOME at 87.  When I talk to her again I will have to tell her if she gets ill I will not be able to come see her as I have horrible Asthma which makes me somewhat vulnerable to getting ill easier.  I have to take care of myself even if she doesn't understand why I am not visiting her every week.

She scolded me that I did not call her enough.  I call and she is not HOME to receive the call.  SO I get scolded even when I try to call her.  Makes for some frustration.  What I can do is never good enough for some folks and others want to criticize.    

NOW it is time to close my eyes for a few minutes and rest.
God Bless,
d  

SMILES ANYWAY

SUNDAY HUMOR

Love this image of a very dedicated woman singing with passion at a church service.  The young boy is amazed by what he is hearing.  Makes me smile when I look at this.

I recall many a time that I witnessed personalities that were inspired by worship music and got into the grove of things.  FEELING the beat and proclaiming the message of God's LOVE and HIS majesty.

What could be more invigorating than a middle aged women dressed in her best singing amongst friends and family the glories of God in the highest.

Speaking of little boys,

GRAND lost his first tooth 

and I was there to witness it.

How thrilling is that!

We went to OKLAHOMA to spend some time with FAMILY for a few days.  
Had a nice time.

Stocked up on toilet paper, paper towels and tissues 

while we were there.  Better safe than sorry.
Now we will hibernate and stay HOME 
to do our part in fighting this coronavirus.

Blessings,

d

ALMOST LIKE A SPRING DAY!

It was nice to wake before the alarm buzzed off.  
5 is early for me.  Took a SHOWER and shampooed my hair.  Waddled down the stairs, covered with a plush blanket and sat in my recliner to comb out my do.  Fell back asleep waiting for the sun to come out.

I thought this picture makes for a cheery door hanging idea.  I'd have to purchase two matching umbrellas and a bundle of fake tulips to make this jewell happen.  Not sure I want to spend my RETIREMENT MONEY this way as I need to count pennies for a bit.  We're still transitioning from a pay check to social security.  

My HEALTH INSURANCE has a hefty price tag to it until I turn 65 in JULY.  I think I will rejoice when I have crossed over from COBRA to MEDICARE.  COBRA is challenging to pay.  Gotta do it.  Will it be a sigh of relief to be on MEDICARE?  Thoughts.    

Tis almost the middle of MARCH and SPRING begins on the 20th.  I am ready to say the least.  This has been a super long WINTER from the start.  WEATHER started turning cold at HALLOWEEN. THANKSGIVING was flat cold then the middle of December I started sniffling with watery eyes turning into a full blown hacking cough.  Flu hit New Year's Eve and I was down for the count.  Asthma flared up and two rounds of anti-biotic were taken.  Still coughing and trying to not look obvious while coughing.  Staying HOME.

Tis sunshiny outside and I want to take in some fresh air.  I have an oversized pillow cover that needs returned to BED BATH and BEYOND so I will have to work this in later in the day.  Take an hour to get outside and see a change of view.  

BUT FIRST, I want to eat a SALAD for LUNCH.  Yogurt.  Strawberry Banana so creamy it's like a dessert.  

TIME CHANGE.
Saint PATTY's DAY.
SPRING.

I maybe ought to apply some make-up on my 'ole face and smile real BIG.

Last night we watched a 2016 comedy with Kelsey Grammar, BREAKING THE BANK.  Liked it.  Light hearted enough.  Will watch again.  Wish more movies were made like this as too many are murderous, killing, foul mouthed films. 

No NUDITY.
No foul language.
No killing.
May not be clean enough for the FAMILY.  
Some indication of mature subject matter.

BLESSINGS and all the BEST,

d  

Commit thy way unto the Lord; 

trust also in him; 

and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:5 King James Version (KJV)

MY PRECIOUS

CORONAVIRUS.

What comes to mind when you read this word 

OR hear it?

READ this on facebook,

d

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - CORONAVIRUS
Last evening dining out with friends, one of their uncles, who's graduated with a master's degree and who worked in Shenzhen Hospital (Guangdong Province, China) sent him the following notes on Coronavirus for guidance:
1. If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold.

2. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose.
3. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees. It hates the Sun.
4. If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.
5. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours - so if you come into contact with any metal surface - wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.
6. On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours. normal laundry detergent will kill it.
7. Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.
8. Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but - a lot can happen during that time - you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.
9. You should also gargle as a prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice.
10. Can't emphasise enough - drink plenty of water!
THE SYMPTOMS
1. It will first infect the throat, so you'll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days.
2. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.
3. With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.
4. The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you're drowning. It's imperative you then seek immediate attention.
SPREAD THE WORD - PLEASE SHARE.

TOMBSTONE

TOMBSTONE,

d

SPRING SHUFFLE

CHIRPING BIRDS can be heard today as I am resting.  Sitting in a quiet, darkened room with a table lamp lit.  Grey skies outside since we had a gentle SPRING RAIN throughout the night and into the rest of the day.  Watering the flowers that will begin to break through the grounds in hopes that SPRING is really near.  Makes me SMILE.

I worked at clearing HOLIDAY items off the dining room table reclaiming the large metal serving tray holding Easter Bunnies and colored eggs for decoration in past seasons.  I won't decorate for Saint Patty's Day this year going straight into Spring BUNNIES and eggs.  Somewhere in the basement are artificial eggs that will dangle from a tree outside in the yard.  HOPE we can find them.  

So very pretty.  I don't expect to do our's this elaborate, 

but this is beautiful.

My intense SPRING CLEANING continues.  

OLD DARK PIC OF MY MACHINE.

My HONEY and myself shuffled the HEAVY, old treadle sewing machine housed in a oak body out of the Victorian room into the hallway trying to figure out how we'd get her down some stairs, turn her and go up a few more stairs into the SPARE room which will become a television room by CHRISTMAS. grrrrrins.  

It may take us this long to make this room manifest.  We used two pieces of wood like skis and slid this heavy sewing machine down the stairs.  Like a skiing pro, she slid down the steps and back up another group of stairs.  Into the spare room she went.  Centered in front of some windows.  For the time being she will sit there with another sewing machine on top as we continue to shuffle boxes that have to be gone through.

It is taking some doin' to get settled in our 1883 PRAIRIE HOME.  A lot of doin'.  A lot.  I can see it completed in my head.  Forge ahead and eventually we'll get there?

IT'S SHUFFLING TIME as we continue to make ourselves fit into place in our HOME.  Our third anniversary of being here will be in May 2020.      

This past week-end, we moved two large Henredon arm chairs from the spare room and carried them into the VINTAGE BEDROOM.  This is where they will stay for now.  They were only being stored in the spare room until I could figure out where the heck they'd go.  Henredon arm chairs were out of my price range until we spied these at a THRIFT STORE at a super duper price that I found myself saying,  BUY THESE FOR ME!!!!  With them out of the Spare/Television room, it helps that they are out of this room so more shuffling can take place.  This felt so satisfying to have these huge chairs actually relocated.  I was trying to remember when we bought them.    

Tis March now.  I started out the new year sicker than I wanted to be with the flu.  Right before CHRISTMAS I was coughing which led to a horrible cold.  FLU.  Then asthma flared up.  The Impeachment trial was watched.  Nursing myself back to health, February came and a trip to Arizona to visit a dying brother in law.  His funeral service took place and we darted off to TOMBSTONE to relax.  Arrived HOME exhausted.  Beyond tired that caused us to miss our Grandson's Oklahoma birthday celebration.  He turned 13.  

I feel my age.  Slowly we are shuffling furniture and de-cluttering.  Deep cleaning is in slow motion.  A sigh of relief is happening as the bedrooms are taking on a character of their own.  Two of the bedrooms were switched.  Messes are still there.  Slowly they will disappear with each day a tiny bit of work happens.  Tiny. Etsy bitty teeny weeny progress.

GATHERING up pictures that will go on the walls.  As the pictures get hung, we'll see progress.

I must be feeling better as I rearranged two shelves where the encyclopedias sat and switched them out with framed pictures of my Grandchildren.  Dusted them and positioned them to smile back at me as I sit in my grey recliner looking across the room.

One day closer to SPRING!  11 days until the calendar declares SPRING is here.  It's been a really long WINTER to me.  By SPRING...I am hoping the Bedrooms are where they're going to stay.  Clutter gone.  Nice bedding on the beds.  Pictures on the walls.

Such small task...so little TIME.  
ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO.  Amen.
d

SWEET DREAMS

TIME CHANGE THIS MORNING.  Before I forget I wanted to jot down a dream I woke up having this morning.  Seldom do I remember them.  When I try to recall, they slip away from me as I am doing my best to remember.

I met an elderly woman named Carol a small, petite, grey headed lady.  We talked and then departed.  In the mail came a colored printed piece of paper with a short story she had written.  I was to meet up with her on a certain date to just chit chat.  On the paper were three different phone numbers without a physical address.  

I don't know why I didn't get her address from her when we were just visiting.  The day arrived that I was to go to her house in a very small town.  I tried telephoning her to find out her address. Why I didn't do this earlier, escapes me.

Two of my children are home and I explain that I am going to go visit Carol.  I begin getting nervous when I cannot reach her by phone.  I decide I will go to the town where she lives and ask around at the local store where she lives.

My children are old enough to be alone at home by themselves.  My son is creating something in the hallway as my daughter is creating something with glue in the living room.  I tell my daughter to bring her creation to the kitchen table and work there as the glue doesn't need to be on the living room.  She moves to the table.

I continue to get anxious as I do not know where Carol lives.  She doesn't answer her phone.

The doorbell rings and I answer the door seeing my older sister standing there holding a miniature cake.  She is nicely dressed in brightly colored flowing dress as I explain that I was just heading out.  She walks into the house.  I tell her she is welcomed to stay or very slowly I mention she can come with me as I am going to go see if I can find my new friend's house explaining that she isn't answering her phone.

This is where I woke up.
I haven't a clue what any of it means.  Maybe just a way to deal with anxiety about life.

Do you remember your dreams?  Seldom do I.

BLESSINGS to you,
d  

WE ARE AT HOME

I spend a great deal of time in my grey leather recliner these days.  Last year at the beginning of the new year, it was my knee aching so bad in which I would place a bag of frozen peas on it to ice it while resting in my chair.  After 3 months, I was all better.  Then in August 2019, my feet began aching.  Achilles tendons.  Still an issue, so I rest a great deal. Moving my arms and hands and fingers, shuffling my legs and wiggling my feet and toes.  I reach for the sky and wiggle my body as best I can.  Staying in motion.  God, please heal me and I will be healed.

Recliner motion in motion is a part of my daily routine.  Having hand weights is the next step to being in motion while resting.  Yes sir ree bob....I can do this thang.

Old women must remain busy.  Rest when needed and forget that we are no longer a High School Student.  Long gone.  Deep breaths and long stares, closed eyes and dream if you dare.  Give the thoughts an interesting twist.  Stay a while and never forget.  Life is a treasure. Don't ask me why.  God is a winner and I am HIS child. Together we'll weather all the things needed to be.  For we are together and will be set free.  Peace like a river, silence unfolds. Memories not forgotten.  We are at HOME. 

We are at HOME,
d