COLD FEET WARM HEART

LOOKING OUT THE WINDOWS I COULD SEE LIGHT ICY BLUE SKIES WITH SILVER LINED CLOUDS.  Though it didn't look cold outside, it was.  

9 DEGREES outside on the PRAIRIE this morning.  Terribly cold as my feet are 'chillin out' while sitting in my recliner.  I suppose I ought to put some thick socks on and bare with it.  No socks is my motto.  Sometimes I had best forget this motto and wear socks.  Seems simple enough doesn't it?

The small heating tower near my chair, isn't quite doing the job.  At the level my feet are raised off the floor, the air reaching them is frigid.  Like a cloud of frozen air surrounding my feet.  So put socks on...okay.  Just did.  COLD FEET WARM HEART.

Within a few minutes my frigid feet will be comfortable once again.  I get the feeling that our WINTER is going to be extremely cold this year.  

I'm not much of a cold weather person.  It mustn't slow me down so much. 

Hubby suggested that we go to the store 37 PINE over at St. Marys to get a chandelier for our Dining room that we had seen.  I believe the chandelier is a huge improvement over what we presently have.  I said, "OKAY!"  I have been eye balling this chandy since they opened their store last SUMMER.  We discussed how to go about it.

Off we went to St. Marys and had a bite to eat at SUGAR CREEK.  I got a #11 which is a veggie sandwich with two cheeses, lettuce, spinach, tomato and onion on Wheat berry bread that was grilled.  I wanted to try the wheat berry bread.  Liked it.  Didn't miss the meat. 

From here we went to 37 PINE, looked at the hanging chandy and decided that we wanted it. The sales clerk helped us and we left with a very nice chandelier for our Dining room.  With the color I will be painting the room, this chandy will look like it belongs.

  

Can't wait.  We brought her HOME and have plans of getting it hung this week.  What a boost this will be to encourage getting the room painted faster.  We didn't stay HOME, but went to dry two loads of bluejeans, go to two different locations to do business, went to pick up jeans and came HOME for the day.

TIME for a HOT MEAL.  

Relax the rest of the evening,

d  

   

SUPER SLEUTH

WELP...WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS.  This morning I took HUBBY to the eye doctor because he has been seeing a very odd floater in one eye.  He was able to get in this morning.  I decided not to go in this time to sit in the LOBBY.  Instead I went to $General for a few things needed.

After checking out I noticed a $15 mistake on the receipt so back inside I went to get this corrected.  Planning on from now on checking my receipts each time I shop since this seems to be happening more than I'm comfortable with.  $15 is $15 plus tax.

As I sat in the car, I filled out the monthly dates in a new bill book I purchased while I waited for my dear Hubby to finish his eye exam.  He doesn't have a detached retina, but instead the problem was gel in his eye causing troubles.  Relieved that it wasn't worse.  Back in a month.    

Because his eyes were dilated, I thought it best for him to not be out in the sunshine, stay off the computer and take a nap.  At 14 degrees this morning, the frozen snow crunched under my feet as I unloaded groceries and walked Hubby to the door of our HOME.  He's sleeping as I type.   

Eyesight isn't something we care to lose.  This health journey is challenging and always changing. The challenges are going to be there for sure.  In this LIFE there will tribulation.  Will be.  Even with taking great care of one's health there will be challenges.  Hopefully not as many though.   

I phoned my Sister to see how our Mom is doing.  She has a slight temp and her oxygen is a little low.  Sleeping.  Not eating nor is she drinking anything.  But she was sitting up while sleeping. Still concerned about my Sister and her husband's health.  They are not wearing mask while in Mom's tiny apartment.  A recipe for trouble.

I believe if we want to be Blessed by God then we have to honor and follow HIS counsel, advice, instructions and guidelines.  Praying scripture is helpful.

When HE gave the dietary guidelines HE said to not eat BAT.  I never have had an issue with this, but the giving up of bacon and pork will be an undertaking for me.  I believe I can do this with some prayer, making up my mind to not eat it and some time under my belt.

I wasn't raised in a HOME that was KOSHER or avoided PORK.  Never gave it much thought.  I eat pork once in awhile and bacon is pork.  I know that food doesn't give one eternal salvation such as getting saved.  This comes from CHRIST as one's personal savior, but I know now that JESUS did not do away with the laws.  He completed them.  So with that said, I want to honor better food choices for my personal journey while I am here on earth aging a little each day.  

I grew up thinking I was eating the right way.  The older I got, the more I depended on this way of thinking and continued purchasing canned goods that eventually would be heavy ladened with additives and chemicals.  Here comes the high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener and then chemicals to enhance the flavors of food so our brains want more and more of the product.  The brain can be fooled into thinking it loves a food so much that it can't get enough of it when in reality it's a chemical fooling you.  The brain can be tricked.    

READING THE INGREDIENTS ON THE LABELS will be something I plan on doing a great deal more.  When the ingredients are like a foreign language or difficult to pronounce than it will be up to me to find out what that ingredient actually is.  Sometimes the ingredients are a mystery and our government is alright with that.  So I will have to be a super sleuth and do my HOMEWORK.

NO BREAKFAST THIS MORNING TO BREAK THE FAST.  Sipped hot Pomegranate Tea until the pizza rolls were ready to eat for 

LUNCH and didn't allow the rolls time to adequately cool off before popping one into my mouth. Ouch.  It burned the inside of my mouth.  Now what?  I shouldn't be such a pig at any cost.

I'll do a few more loads of laundry and take a much needed nap.  It seems that when I have added stress that I don't handle it the best.  I get tired so easily these days.  

I will add a fruit smoothie this afternoon before evening falls.  Veggies tonight for supper along with vitamins and supplements.

Devotions today:  King James Version Proverbs 5.

1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

BLESSINGS TO YOU,

~d

 

        

 

Co V id REARS ITS UGLY HEAD

My 89 year old mom is down with this dreaded illness.  She is vaccinated.  Still got it.  Fainted last Friday, admitted to the Hospital, kept two days and let out to go HOME.  Got nauseated during the night and doesn't feel the best.  Back to the Hospital she went and was given an anti-nausea med.  She's resting at her HOME with my Sister taking care of her.  

I am very concerned about my mom AND my sister and her husband near by.  Debbie is fully vaccinated and has had her booster.  Still, I am concerned.  I believe my mom should have remained in the Hospital being taken care by professionals leaving my sister out of this.  Told to wear a mask in my Mom's very small apartment.  When  I was visiting with her on the phone, her husband was on his phone.  She found out that one of her best friends had died from injuries from a auto wreck.  Not good.  We quickly said our good-byes.  I'll be checking back tomorrow about my dear Mom.  

My St. Louis son is feeling better.  Co V id.  Thank God.  Thank you God.  He is staying HOME. He strongly suggest that Hubby and I get boosters.  

TODAY, hubby and I made our way to SUGAR CREEK DELI to eat LUNCH.  Once again, I had a RACHEL SALAD.  It was delicious.  Thousand Island Dressing to the side.  Lettuce, spinach leaves, cole slaw, turkey and some kind of white cheese.  Sipped on water.  

Bank stop.  Perhaps I shouldn't have gone to GOD's STOREHOUSE today, but I did.  Donations in a large box were given.  I didn't stay long.  When the parking lot is difficult to find a place to park I know they are very busy and overly crowded inside.  

Off to Starbuck's for a unsweetened Iced Green Tea for me.  Hubby got a coffee and told me that he is cutting back on coffee.  If I can quit so can he, he says.  

Paid the mortgage payment.  For efficiency and safety, I will start mailing this payment in instead of being the one to drop it off at their facility.  I'm old fashioned and I like to get out of the house making going to the mortgage company a priority.  I can change though.  We hope to have the mortgage paid off soon.  Won't that be grand.  Tried to avoid as much traffic as I could. I believe I have to do things differently once again.   

With the  Co V id  thing once again gaining ground, I think we had best stay HOME again and skip the meals out.  When we do have to get out, we had best use curbside service and begin avoiding crowded places.  I have begun wearing mask again and sanitizing my hands often.  

This evening after eating SUPPER and resting, I went upstairs to the media room that is being used as a junk room and worked at hauling things out of there to donate or place in proper places.  Hubby helped.  We're a team.  I am blessed to have him helping me.  We agreed that we will be doing this a little here and there over the months because of so much more we have to do. It's gotta be done.  

I'll be taking the CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS off of the big tree this week.  I so enjoyed seeing my children's childhood ornaments on our large tree.  No frilly ribbons this year or foo foo anything. Once again undressing the tree will be a little here and a little there.  Carefully wrapping the items.  I believe I need to get some new tissue paper to use when storing the ornaments safely.  

I believe if I am given the chance to decorate trees next year in the small Living room we will have at the COTTAGE, I will decorate with cranberries, pinecones, crystal and beads with some cranberry colored ribbons and twinkle lights.  The tree that will be in the Dining room will be decked out with twinkle lights, natural things like baked orange slices, pinecones, nuts, wooden beads, popcorn strands, apple slices, tin stars and what-nots.  Garland and pretty greenery picks will crown the tops of mirrors and pictures.  Faux candles in various places.  

A Nativity Scene will be placed either in the Living room or Dining room...maybe both. Nutcrackers in the Kitchen.  Santas in the TV room.      

The wreaths on the front doors will be grapevine wreaths with greenery, pinecones, cranberry picks and cranberry colored ribbon.  The porch will have posh garland, twinkle lights and cranberry colored ribbons.  Got it figure out so now as I put decorations away and also go through my stash in the basement of Christmas decor, I can downsize it even more.  

WASSAIL will be warming up on the stove top brewing an aroma to enjoy.  Cold Eggnog in fancy wine glasses will sit on the countertops for family and friends.  Mixed nuts in a wooden dish waiting to be snacked on.  Things to think about for future Holiday.        

With so much death about, sadness arises and I sense the urgency to get things done quickly and efficiently.  I should have been this way all along.  Wisdom finally speaks.  I have the will power to turn loose of things quicker than ever before.  Someone else can be BLESSED by these things given away.  

Another box for donations has been started.  

By the back door it goes,

~d

EFFICIENCY AND SIMPLICITY IN THE MAKING

WORD FOR THE YEAR:  SIMPLICITY holding hands with efficiency.  This word is my word for the year.  It's what I will be striving for.   S i m p l i c i t y.  Streamlining.  

Inching my way to making LIFE more efficient along with better use of time.

Mail Call this morning was full of bills.  I believe I need to write out all the expected bills having them ready to mail/pay the first week of each month so I am not writing out bills on different days spread throughout the month...instead it will be streamlined to one day.  Makes sense to me.  

Targeting the bill writing to one day instead of many seems better and easier on my older mind that is craving simplicity and ef·fi·cien·cy.  Less concern about did I pay such and such? Have I paid that bill?  The answer will be yes, I did already.  Rest my case.

Starting another donation box by the back door to go to charity this week.  Each week I hope to continue donating and thinning out much.  I did my closet a few weeks ago.  Hubby did some in his.  I purchased different hangers which means I need to switch out the hangers.  During the colder months I can spend some more time on the closets thinning out even more.  

The washing machine is swirling as I type.  I took a break from laundry and now I pay the piper. It piles up so quickly which surprises me having raised a family where now it's just me and my Hunny.  Same with the trash.  Two people do accumulate much waste.  

Tis terribly cold outside with the sun shinning bright in the light blue skies.  I'll be doing some laundry today.  Back to it.  HOLIDAY time was wonderful, but I wasn't doing laundry and it did pile up. 

During the outbreak of Co V id, our washer and dryer were still in the COTTAGE.  We were living in the Main House where the utility hook-ups are in the basement.  For the time being I wanted to leave the washer/dryer over at the COTTAGE.  Quick trips to the Laundromat made for an easy outing.  Then Co V id broke out and I didn't want to go to the Mat.  We purchased a miniature washer that hooks up to the Kitchen sink.  I'd wash clothing and hang them up to air dry on hangers.  Towels and undies were dried over at the Cottage.  This worked just fine, but two years later I am ready to leisurely have the use of both machines in the COTTAGE without all the drama.  I'd prefer to not climb up and down the stairs using the machines in the basement here.  I'm leaning toward having the utilities on the same floor with no steps to climb. RETIREMENT COTTAGE comes to mind.  60 is not the NEW 40.  60 is 60.  Bluntly speaking. 40 never was the NEW 20.  

This month we will continue gutting the COTTAGE's bathroom.  I'll wash the shelves in the Pantry while my Hunny guts the bathroom.  Then a fresh coat of paint will freshen up the Pantry.  Helping Hubby when needed.  Hopefully the Bathroom and the closet will be completed by the end of February.  

So as I slowly downsize our things I am having adequate time to say good-bye to this lovely old house and downsize into a COTTAGE.  We shall see how it goes.  I may be climbing the walls once we get into the small COTTAGE.  The adjustment period will take some time unless I have a huge change of heart and settle down right away.  Interesting time of LIFE.  To be alive is a huge blessing.  Given the chance to downsize is a LIFE LESSON in the making.  

I believe I will continue watching you tube videos on how to declutter, downsize, eat on $30 a week, continue researching about health issues, vitamins/mineral readings, etc.  My Jack LaLanne videos are waiting for me to watch.  I need to pencil this in and get with it.

LIL MISS IN THE OLD ROCK HOUSE DRAWING
One of my favorite pictures I took while providing Childcare from a few years ago.

TODAY  TWO OF MY GRANDCHILDREN HAVE BIRTHDAYS.  January 3rd.  May they each have a blessed one.  The NEW YEAR begins, two birthdays and then Epiphany on January 6th. The Grands received their birthday cards and gifts from me.  

The Christmas trees will remain up and lit until after Epiphany.  Snowmen will come out of hiding after I get the Christmas decor put away.  I may place some snowmen at the base of the smaller Christmas tree.  hum...will give that some thought.  If not that, then I'll place them around the fireplace. 

The Christmas Tree we used to display the HALLMARK TRAINS and HOUSES only has twinkle lights on it now and a red star.  I'm calling it my EPIPHANY TREE.  Slowly I will remove the ornaments on the other tree during this week.  Then the trees will be naked except for lights and tree toppers.  Eventually the trees will be removed from the room.  By the end of January I suspect.

I plan on making some fudge during the month since I didn't make any during the HOLIDAYS. Chocolate for sure.  A nibble here and a nibble there.  Very little thank you.

This morning I skipped Breakfast and had a mint instead.
Lunch was Pacific's Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with some Ritz Crackers.  Sipping Iced Tea.  Time for a HOT GREEN TEA.
Maybe munch on some nuts.
Not sure about Supper...best have lots of vegetables and small amount of fruit.  Very little meat.

Which reminds me to clean the fridge out.

  

Always somethin' to do.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR and may the year be a blessed one,
~d👵     

Monday:  Joining the fun over at https://familycorner.blogspot.com/2022/01/happy-homemaker-monday-01032022.html

WEATHER:  So cold and staying cold throughout the week.  Today the high will be 46 degrees with a low around 27.  

FEELING THIS MORNING:  Good and getting stuff done.

BREAKFAST PLATE:  A peppermint patty that I made for Christmas.  Not nutritious, but feeds my emotional health.

READING PILE:  Old decorating magazines that I am thinning out.

ON THE TELEVISION:  PBS's Around the World in 80 Days also Paramount's 1883.

MENU THIS WEEK:  Salads, salads, salads.  Less meat, dairy, grains, sugar, added chemicals.

CAMERA:  Remodeling.

LOOKING AROUND THE HOUSE:  Christmas boxes.

TO DO LIST:  Clean out the fridge.
Write Thank yous, put Christmas decor away, laundry by the bundle, donate more things to charity, rest and watch Jack LaLanne videos, hopefully get some primer on the Dining room walls.

FUN TO SHARE:  Life is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you're going to get.

TODAY's DEVOTIONAL: Proverbs 3.

NEW YEAR OFF TO A GREAT START

LACKED ENERGY TODAY.  Too many people I know have  ~co v id~  and it's bothering me some.  That's the only thing I can think of at the moment that could be causing this lack of zeal.  I had a blessed day anyways.  Had a nice long nap this afternoon.  Twas bliss to me.  Uninterrupted sleep.

I did very little today due to the fatigue.  My food intake went well.  No hunger pains.  Somedays, it seems effortless to eat the way I need to in order to lose weight.  Once in awhile I struggle with desiring stuff that I shouldn't eat.  Portion control is something I have to remind myself about often.  

Breakfast was Quaker Oatmeal.  Water.
Lunch was small amount of Pizza Bites.  Iced Tea.
Snack...Hot Green Tea.
Supper...a Vegetable Salad with 6 Ritz Crackers and small amount of Poppy Seed Dressing.
If I get hungry later, I'll decide where to go with this.  Perhaps an apple or popcorn.

When I phoned the Hospital this afternoon I was told that my Mother had checked out.  Phoned Mom at her HOME and she answered the phone.  Sounded good.  Clearing her throat some.  Dr. checked her heart, lungs and oxygen.  All good.  She had been at the Hospital since Friday after passing out.  Short stay.  I wonder if this is too short of a time?  I'll be telephoning daily to see how she is doing.

My sister is still in town with her.  I'm not sure what to think about this as Mom has  co v id  and would still be contagious.  Mom's place is quite small and people in the apartment are in close contact with her. 

Tomorrow is a new day and I have plans to be more active.  Better than today.  I did some dishes, took a nap and said good-bye to two of my large Mercury Glass SANTA Ornaments.  Downsizing.  Taa-taa.   

The downsizing continues.

Blessings,

~d     

          

JANUARY 1st

CAN IT BE POSSIBLE THAT THE NEW YEAR ARRIVED CHANGING HOW THE YEAR IS GOING TO LOOK FOR 12 MONTHS?  Yes.  Yes it did.  Straight up midnight to begin a new era.  The numbers add up so nicely.  

MANAGED TO STAY UP TIL MIDNIGHT and popped some Confetti Cannons that spit out gold and silver confetti.  At the strike of midnight we went outside into the cold twisting the cannons until they popped little puffs of gold and silver streamers.  Almost a fizzle, but hey that didn't matter...it was now the new year.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Too cold to stay outside.  Quickly we returned inside to where the heater was running.

DURING THE EVENING WE SNACKED and WATCHED LITTLE WOMEN then TRUE GRIT. Both are remakes and so very good.  Our Granddaughter spent the night with us.  She brought with her a beautiful sleeping bag to camp out on the Living room floor.  It turned off cold.

Had plenty of snacks for supper and throughout the evening.  My favorite were the Ritz Crackers with cream cheese and pepper jelly.  I ate some bean dip with Frito chips.  I cannot remember the last time I had bean dip or Peanut Brittle.  Had some of each.  Drank diet Sprite mixed with cranberry juice.  Hit the spot.  Organic celery with cherry tomatoes.  Some cheese slices with crackers.  We managed to have plenty to eat.

Earlier in the day, my sister called me to let me know that my Mom had fainted by her front door.  Sis and bro n law were on their way to pick Mom up to take her to Iowa with them. Ended up in the ER and she has co v id.  I tried calling her and the phone rang and rang.  Tried again today and she sounds wonderful.  She's in no pain.  Hoping she continues to feeling alright. She didn't know she had
co v id.  A little coughing.  No fever.  On the other hand my St. Louis son is pretty sure he has co v id.  Staying at home.  Checking up on him via phone.  I know he's a grown man, but as his momma I still get concerned.  

Woke on New Year's day to cold weather with snow flying.  The screened-in porch truly looks like a winter wonderland.  Out the window the skies are so grey.  Chilly.  A true Winter scene to keep in my memories of how the year started out.  Safe indoors where it's warm and cozy.

CAUGHT SOME OF THE ROSE BOWL PARADE.  Tis has been years since I watch this parade.   PLAYING GAMES in the afternoon, watching movies and staying warm on this horribly cold day by drinking HOT CHOCOLATE. 

  

NACHOS for supper.  Having a full stomach goes a long ways. 

ENDED THE FIRST DAY OF 2022 

WATCHING THE MOVIE 'HAMILTON'

Food for thought.

Tomorrow the Santas will start to disappear.
Hello and good-bye all in one breathe.

THE NEW YEAR HAS STARTED.  Praying it will be a blessed one.

What shall I do differently?

Will give it some more thought,

~d    

THE YEAR WINDS DOWN AND I AM THANKFUL

MY DAY GOT AWAY FROM ME.  I spent a good two hours typing up a letter and packaging White Chocolate with Peppermint covered Pretzel Rods to go in the mail.  They should reach their destination come Monday.  Putting some things away just about as fast as I could. Still prepping to paint the Dining room.  ha.  That's a big laugh as I am taking forever to get to it. I know the New Year will ring in before I get to it SOOOO after January 1st.  The first full week will have to do.  

Between this house and the cottage I will have a very full year.  Yes, I have something wonderful to look forward to in 2022.  The year of downsizing, getting better organized and working at being healthier.  Praise the Lord.  Being thankful for it all.

Off to go work on the COTTAGE before it snows.  I will clean a folding table before placing items on it that are from the pantry.  Clean the fronts of the Kitchen appliances.  Gather up some things to donate.  Sweep some floors and clean out the fridge.  That will be just about it for the day.  I'm slow, but thank GOD I'm still moving.

Day dreamed some about what to do with the interior of this humble Cottage that we are working on.  Gathering ideas.

No breakfast this morning.  Lunch was Five Bean Salad with black olives.  Supper was grilled chicken with green peppers, onions, tomatoes.  Water to drink. Snack was a sugar-free Russell Stover Peanut Butter Cup.

Checked up on my St. Louis Son who said he was weak.  Hadn't felt well since Sunday.  He's better today.  Fever broke.  Has a dry cough.  No chest pains.  Omicron?  Not sure.  He said he was going to get his booster on Monday then got sick on Sunday.  Not sure if he still will get the booster or not.

On the other hand, my Oklahoma family has had some change as my oldest Granddaughter has moved to a different state.  She is ready to spread her wings and try something different.  I wish her well and will continue praying for her.  Praying for all my family.

Praying woman.

This year is winding down.  Recalling the past 12 months in this chapter of 2021.  2022, Lord willing will be a time of more downsizing, remodeling a cottage and decorating the house we are living in now.   This will be my part-time job slash HOBBY.  I am hoping to get much done. Much.  I'd like to pick some recipes out of President Eisenhower's Mother's Cook Book.  I will return to reading the King James Version of the Bible.  Reading deliberately slow and steady.

Thinking back through the months...celebrated Grandchildren's birthdays.  We grew another year older as well.  So did our children.  A new grand baby was born on what would have been my Dad's 95th birthday.  A favorite cousin and her husband died in a tragic auto wreck and my oldest brother passed away in Kansas City.  I still have times that it doesn't register.  The making of my brother's burial plans was a nightmare that I need to put to rest.  

We visited President Abraham Lincoln's Home and Presidential Museum in June.  It was awesome.  A dream come true as I had wanted to visit years ago.  I would like to go back in pleasant weather and see more of the sights downtown plus the cemetery.  In August we stayed in the Presidential Bedroom Suite at Clover Cliff Ranch Bed and Breakfast outside of Elmdale, Kansas.  Then in November we visited Mary Todd Lincoln's childhood home in Lexington, Kentucky.       

We started the year out with finding out that my Husband has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Dr. is taking a wait and watch approach which means I have to research health issues.  So we decided not to wait to change how we eat.  Swooped down on organic foods, doing our best to avoid GMO foods, reading labels and dancing to the check-out line with organic fruits and vegetables, organic milk, organic this and organic that. The less ingredients the better.  Spring water to drink.  Cutting back on sugars, grains, dairy, breads.  Enjoying lots of vegetables.  Soy-free eggs now in the fridge.  Grass fed beef when possible.  Going to try organic chicken next.

In April I had the worst physical I have ever had.  High cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and am severely, morbidly obese.  I blinked my eyes and the wheels inside my head started moving.  I continued to research health issues and how to tackle them in a natural way.  The war began.

By August my A1c was down, but my cholesterol was up.  I had gone on the Mayo Diet where I could eat as much meat as I wanted.  This didn't pan out for me as I believe it bumped up my cholesterol.  I'd give it another go on food selections.  December's blood work was way better. Cholesterol was down in the area it needed to go down in.  A1c was down.  AND I lost weight by eating organic and cutting calories.

I decided that I will continue making different food choices and continue taking Vitamin D3 5,000 IU supplements, Ceylon Cinnamon 2000 MG with Chromax Chromium Picolinate 100 mcg and Apple Cider Vinegar supplements.

We spent many Summer hours over at the Cottage.  I went through many large boxes sorting through the chaos.  Hubby created three large flowerbeds, dug up and transplanted our beloved Irises.  A huge undertaking in the Summer heat.  

We'd turn loose of much, but have a ways to go to have completed this task.  Lord God, I ask for strength and endurance for us to get the remodeling completed, downsized and settled into the Cottage.

Snow is suppose to blow into town this Saturday.  After it snows, I will quietly observe God's nature through the windows of our HOME sipping on hot chocolate relaxing and praying.

Here's to a beautiful and blessed year.

To God be the glory.  Great things He has done.

~d     

 

 

  

WEDNESDAY

SUPPOSEDLY IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE IN THE 50s TODAY, but temps dropped to freezing temps where heavy coats came out.  When going to the doctor's I saw bits of teeny tiny spit balls of snow.  It never did anything else, but come Saturday it is suppose to snow and I think I'm now ready for it.  This seems to happen to me each year as I mourn the passing of Summer into Autumn into Winter.

If the sun is shining it helps ease me into chilly Winter weather.  Today the skies were grey and the sunshine stayed away.  It was Hot Chocolate weather and I should have worn bright red clothing to add some coloring to the landscape.  There's just something about red in cold weather that warms up my soul.

This morning I had a eye appointment checking to see how my eye is doing since hemorrhaging a week ago.  Yep, it is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage and I was told they look worse than they are. The eye should continue to lose the bloody red coloring and return to normal in 7 to 10 days. I'm hopeful it will and I hope I never have this happen again.  Dr. said he believed the eye hemorrhaged in two places.  Was I taking blood thinners?

No, I don't but I have used Ibuprofen before.  When I have a back ache, I have taken it.  Okay...I will switch to Tylenol or not use anything at all when my back hurts.  Making my yearly eye appointment in April, I'll be back.  

Hubby went with me so he could hear everything that was said.  Sometimes, I get nervous at Doctor's appointments and I do not recall very well what was discussed or asked.  I felt that between the two of us, that we'd have better recall.  A bonus for having a loving Husband that is willing to go along.

Lunch time.  We went by the Friendship House which was closed for the HOLIDAYS which meant if having LUNCH out we'd have to go someplace else.  Off to Saint Mary's where we'd eat at FROGGY's to have a salad with grilled chicken.  Water to drink.  It was pretty good.  I was glad that they were playing Christmas Music to dine by.

Off to their Lumber Yard and the local grocery store looking for cream cheese.  

While we were in the neighborhood, I finally made it to ZAPPS Health Food Store, the new book store they have and went to M.J.'s Coffee Shop where I got a steamer with Macadamia Nut flavoring.  It was awesome.  Hubby said his Latte was better than Starbuck's.  Again Christmas Music was playing.  Enjoyed this.

https://www.mjscoffeehouse.com/menus

Next to Family Dollar and stopped by 37 Pine.  Another Grocery Store in a different community for Pepper Jelly and went to a Dollar General for Bugles where I found their Christmas Storage boxes half off.  Picked up some.  Santa and Moose with the HoHoHo sign will go in a new box.

I will have to take inventory of my Santas and Nutcrackers.  Downsize these again.  As I go through the storage, I'll be able to see just what I have and need to turn loose of.  Christmas Wreaths and garland as well.  Later the trees that are out in the screened-in porch will be donated to charity except the trees we will keep for next years outdoor displays.  I will be making new Christmas grapevine wreaths with some pinecones and greenery with cranberry colored bows also known as garnet.  I can visualize the new wreaths so I hope they turn out as nice as I imagine.  

I'll see about making them during this new year and have them ready for Christmas 2022 at the Cottage.  I'll need to fix two of them for the front doors.  Once again we will be living in a place with two front doors.  I'd like to go with this old fashioned look and color scheme.  I can envision posh garland hanging from the porch tied with cranberry colored ribbon.

Making plans for New Year's Eve.  I will have to be sure to snack on vegetables as best I can.  Some treats will be allowed.  Some.  Not lots.  Available for all.  

SNACKS are as follow...Organic celery, carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes, etc.
Ritz's crackers with Cream Cheese and Spicy Pepper Jelly.
Sartori Bella Vitano Merlot Cheese, Wisconsin Hickory Smoked Cheddar Cheese and crackers
EATZ Chocolate coated Cashews and Almonds
Peanut Brittle
Bugles
Gardetto's Special Request Snack Mix with Roasted Garlic Rye Toast
Bean Dip and Chips to dip with
Ferrara Pan Red Hots and Peanuts

A nibble of this and that.  Have to put my foot down and choose wisely.  I can do this and eat slowly as well.  Veggies for me.  A few Bugles, Snack Mix, Pepper Jelly, Bean Dip with a few chips, some chocolate nuts, a nibble of Peanut Brittle.  Water to drink.

We'll ring in the New Year!  

My day ended with thoughts about tomorrow with what I need to do.  A load of laundry.  Shower to shampoo my hair.  Comb it out and let it air dry.  Think I will try to curl it differently.  Clean the bathroom toilets.  Put fresh sheets on two of the beds.  Write out some Thank you.  Call my Mom.  Vac the living room floor.  No need to put Christmas decorations away just yet.  I'll wait until after the New Year and then each day I will focus on one area to put away.  

First off the Nut Crackers and Music Box that are sitting in the Kitchen Garden Window.  With this cleared out, I think I'll paint a new coat of white paint in there so it is freshened up.  
Santa, a Moose and HoHoHo sign on the Fisher Fireplace Insert will go away.  I'll leave the garland hanging up for now.
Santas on the stairs will be put away.
Ornaments will be taken off from the smaller Christmas Tree, but will leave the tree up still lit until Epiphany, January 6th.
The bigger tree that is holding the children's childhood ornaments will be next... still leaving up the lit tree until Epiphany.
Christmas wreaths will remain until January 6th.
The Nativity Plate will remain for now.  
White Candles on the fireplace Mantle will stay for now.

Good thing to have this figured out.

Blessings,
~d

HELLO WORLD

TODAY WAS A GREAT DAY THAT HAD A SLOW START.  I like it this way as it allows me time to go through the mail, thumb through the newspaper, locate bills, write out correspondences to mail, scribble out notes for the day, etc.  I've been skipping breakfast this week.  Cutting back on calories on purpose.

I won't be making a New Year's Resolution this coming year about losing weight as I am continuing on this already and it is happening. 

When I stepped on the scales at the Doctor's Office, I was extremely HAPPY to see that I had lost weight.  I was so happy last August, I danced a jig.  Not every time I step on the scales do I cry, but I thought the cartoon was funny.  grins.  

Weighed myself this morning talking to the scales telling it, "It's time to loss another 10 pounds." No Breakfast.  Lunch was a Combination Salad with a Chicken Breast, some Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing  and water.  Supper was 2 cups of Pacific's Organic Butternut Squash Soup with a handful of croutons.  Dessert was a Peppermint Patty.  More water.  A grand total of about 780 calories today.  My stomach is full and satisfied.  Will sip water throughout the evening and not eat again until tomorrow mid morning.  That will be an intermittent fast of about 12 to 14 hours.     

This is on the lower side of the count, but much needed as I was over the top high last week as I ate extremely well at Kansas City Union Station Pierponts Restaurant on Tuesday, Country Plaza P.F. Chang's on Wednesday, and last but not least CHRISTMAS DINNER on Saturday with lots of Cream Cheese spread on Ritz Crackers with Pepper Jelly plus the Pretzel Rods and German Chocolate Cake with extra frosting.  

Oops, but it was worth every bite.  Stepping on the scales doesn't lie and I need to cut way back this week.  Will do.

This past year, I haven't had any trouble cutting out sweet beverages, pop, fruit juices.  This is a help.  Skipping the bread has gotten easier for me.  

I will have trouble cutting bacon completely out of my diet.  I haven't been able to do that yet.  Pork Chops are very rare these days to eat.  What else needs cut out of my diet.  No problem NOT eating BAT.  Never have had it and I don't plan to ever eat it.  No rabbit or alligator.  I'm good with turkey, beef, chicken and occasionally fish. Trying to eat more grilled Salmon.  Cookies haven't caused problems this past year.  Ice Cream is rare.  Potato Chips weren't the easiest to stop eating.  Occasionally I crave them.  When I eat potatoes, I try to cut the portions way back.  I don't miss cereal.  Seldom do I have alcoholic beverages.  Once or twice a year isn't over doing it.  

THIS MORNING my Husband and I had a talk about LIFE.  We decided that we'd go over to the COTTAGE and visit about what we need to do in each room.  We'd chat a while then go and actually look in the room jotting down what needs done.  We were at it about four hours. Mentally, it stimulated me, but not to the point of no return.  I wish it were already done and behind us.    

If I had the habit of working non-stop Monday through Saturday day in and day out, this task of remodeling the COTTAGE might not be so daunting, but I don't work on it each day.  I have had to have frequent breaks.  These breaks have helped me to be able to cope with the house fire where we lost so much and health issues.  I believe we will be all the better after we have thinned through more things, achieved godly order and continue on our journey about LIFE. 

Drove HOME in the dark placing more items in a donation box for the week.  I'm aiming for a box a week.  Just my speed.  Slow, but steady. 

This week, I need to gather more organic veggies and fruits.  Do some laundry.  Prepare for New Year's Eve.  Clean some in the house.  Make a trip to donate box of items for charity.  Put some more items in the donation box for next week's donation trip.  Go see the Optometrist this week to have him check out my left eye that had a Sub-conjunctival Hemorrhage a week ago.  Start painting primer on the Dining room walls.  Tidy more in my closet pulling more garments. Here's to having a successful week.

HOME LIFE is for me,

~d👸

~Joining in with the fun at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom~
Happy Homemaker Monday
https://familycorner.blogspot.com/2021/12/happy-homemaker-monday-12272021.html

The Weather:  It is unpredictable.  In the 70s one day then expecting snow on Saturday.

How I am feeling this morning:  Relaxed and ready to go.

On my mind:  Remodeling the Cottage.

On my Breakfast Plate this morning:  Absolutely nuttin'.

Reading Pile:  I actually placed my hardcover books that I hope to read soon in a Longaberger Basket and placed it over by the fireplace.  Magazines went into a different basket.  Books about cooking for Diabetics.

On my TV:  TV is off.

On the menu this week:  Loads of organic veggies, some fruit.  Salads, salads, salads.

From the camera:  Baby LOVE.

Looking around the house:  CHRISTmas decorations are still very much here and will be until after the New Year.

To relax this week I will:  Rest, write and pray.

Something I want to share:  Stay busy and remember to clean up after yo' self.  I am rejoicing that my cholesterol is down where it needs to be down and up where it needs to be up.  A1c is down.

On my prayer list:  I had a sub-conjunctival hemorrhage last week and it gave me a black eye.  Healing very slowly.  Appreciate prayers for healing.  I'm thankful I can still see.  

Blessings,
~d