SPEAK THIS BLESSING OVER YOUR HOME

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, 

a very present help in trouble.

AWE...SO PURDEE

TIS FINISHED.  LINED THE NEWLY PAINTED PANTRY SHELVES.  After changing my mind about the liner to use, it meant a trip back to the store JOANN to purchase the vinyl liner using a 40% off coupon from the phone.  Quick trip over and quick trip back.  More time was used driving across the Prairie and HOME again then time spent in the store.

Lined Pantry

Painted Pantry before lined.

Ten shelves altogether.

I finished lining the shelves AUGUST 1st.  I'm so very glad it is done.  Now to fill the PANTRY. Almost like playing house like when I was a kid.  Funny, but the idea of having a walk in PANTRY makes me giddy.  Just try going without one for a time and then get the chance to have one and it makes a huge difference to me.

She's painted Benjamin Moore Misty Gray which looks white with a hint of gray then to line the shelves with a white vinyl...I like the end results quite a bit.

I took a picture of the shelves so I could review the area to where I can decide what to place in it and where.  With the COTTAGE being small every inch of space matters.

Getting excited about remodeling the COTTAGE.  Where my pieces of furniture will go, etc. Looked over our HOME INSURANCE POLICY to make sure we have adequate coverage.  When jotting down what we have and it's value, it makes my eyes bug out how it adds up.  Very important to be properly covered.  

I know we need to be insured, but early on thought we'll never have to use it.  BUT WE DID.  We were under insured for the type of structure we had in 2016.  Native limestone...in other words stone/rock.  Replacing it was more than we were insured for.

We reviewed our COTTAGE INSURANCE for good reasons.  Be properly insured even if renting. Things add up quickly when replacing after disaster.  

As I move items to the COTTAGE I will be photographing the things and making a notebook with pictures.  Two copies.  One on hand and one in a safety deposit box.  Then there's the cloud. Have images in the cloud.

Now to get to filling the PANTRY with my Mason Jars.  Home Sweet Home includes a Sweet PANTRY Sweet.  Sheer joy filling it like a 1950s housewife.

Blessings,
~d

Scripture Draw:
~Psalm 121:7
"The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul."

Prayer:
Dear Lord, how precious is the assurance of your presence!  I love you, and I trust my whole life into your hands.

AUGUST

THE START OF A NEW MONTH!  Where did July go to?  So very busy... A time of healing was required as C O V I D hit our HOME early on.  We had been coughing since the middle of May.  Husband was treated for bronchitis and I thought I would tough it out by taking vitamins and minerals, drinking lots of water.

Continued working on the cottage and coughed and coughed and coughed throughout the month of May and into the month of June.  Coughed and coughed all through June.  After three weeks of coughing, I believe I should have gone to see my doctor.  

The cough didn't go away.  Finally on July 2nd while standing in line to check out at DOLLAR TREE, I felt faint and had to excuse myself to go sit in the car.  I was praying that I'd make it and not faint in the parking lot.  Hubby took over the driving as we went to get a 7-up because by now I was nauseated and my eyes didn't want to stay open.  Focusing was difficult.  My eyes didn't work together so well.  Went HOME and rested.

Took a   c o v i d   home test which indicated that I was positive.  My thoughts were, really?  With the 4th of July coming on, we had to let our St. Louis son know that I tested positive as he was already on the way.  With the 4th of July I knew the doctor's office would be closed on Monday. Phoned them on Tuesday to make appointment to get professionally checked on Wednesday. Hubby and I both tested POSITIVE.  He had been testing negative with the home test.  He was coughing just like me.

We rested for a week.  Slight temperature, oxygen levels were always good.  Started taking PAXLOVID which taste gross.  Is awful.  My heart rate dropped to being in the 40s so after visiting with a nurse, I went off of it.  Coughing fits were treated with cough drops, DayQuil and NyQuil.  Liquids.  REST.  REST and more REST.  Vitamin C powder drink along with capsules, Vitamin D3 and Zinc with Selenium.  Build up the immunity system.  Still believe that the immunity system needs build up.  Stay steady, babee.    

C O V I D  hit me and I would have bouts of heavy, HEAVY fatigue off and on.  From the start of when I started coughing in May until this week...11 weeks of coughing.  Almost 3 months of it.  Good heavens...what's a person to do, but to PRAY, rest it out, drink fluids and take vitamins.

THE MONTH OF JULY WRAP UP!  

Continued painting the pantry until DONE.  Sorting through papers and more papers.  Dealings with elderly Mom who cracked her pelvis after passing out at home.  Clearing out the large storage shed.  Going through huge boxes in the shed deciding what to do with the stuff inside.  Purchasing paneling for storage shed and tile for bathroom. Shredded thousands of pieces of old paper.  Gathering things to DONATE. Shopping for pantry liner.  Celebrated my 67th birthday, a son-in-law's and a grandson's.  Tripped and fell on the last day of the month making for a very sore body to start the month of August off with.  OUCH.

Stayed extremely busy for an old lady.

PLANS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST:  
⭐Line the pantry with nice vinyl liner.....finished this August 1st.  I like the way it looks.😃  
⭐Begin filling the pantry shelves this week.
⭐Clear out the remaining items in the Bathroom closet so I can wash the walls and ceiling before painting it.
⭐Make headway on the boxes of paperwork needing attention.
⭐Eat more salads.

As I type, I'm still coughing.  Having some coughing fits.  No fever. 

God bless and may this month be awesome!

~d    

Scripture draw from box:

~Zechariah 2:10

"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord."

Prayer:
O God, I want begin this day you have given to me in worship and dependence on you.

In Jesus name I pray, 

Amen.

IT'S 1993 ALL OVER AGAIN...ISN'T IT?

I WAS NOT PLEASED WITH THE LINER I BOUGHT FOR OUR PANTRY.  It will not go to waste.  After chatting with Hubby about the liner, we decided to use this in Husband's art studio to line some cabinets.

We located a 40% off coupon and went to the COTTAGE to refigure how much I really need to line the Pantry shelves.  Back to JoAnn's to purchase the liner I really wanted.  That is a better choice.  

Went to Menards to pick up some supplies going all over the store looking at building materials and day dreaming for future projects.  This is fun to me.

Drove over to the COTTAGE putting some laundry in the dryer.  I carried the newest shelf liner to the Pantry and decided the pole of vinyl that isn't going to be used can be moved to the Utility room.  This is when it happened.  As I was carrying the large pole of vinyl, I did not see a box of floor tile on the floor and tripped.

I landed on my right hip.  I have no idea how I injured my left arm as I don't remember hitting it on anything on the way down.  I sat on the floor making sure I hadn't broken anything.  Twisted my back, wrists hurt and so do my knees.  I will probably be sore.  

I guess I am now accident prone.  Since working on the COTTAGE, I have had a huge box come down on my head while I was in the closet, a stack of cabinet door fronts fell on my right foot and now I tripped on a box of tile landing on my right hip.  Please NO MORE accidents.  I need to pray for NO ACCIDENTS.  

It was nice to sit in the TV room watching a 1993 WESTERN and shuffling some books and paper.  I needed to sit.  Just sit.  Kenny Rogers was entertaining us as a bounty hunter.  

What was funny is that I also went through a box of old CHRISTMAS CARDS and some were from 1993.  29 years ago.  The movie was from 1993 as well.  I had no problem pitching CHRISTMAS CARDS from religious organizations that we had donated money to so long ago. What amazes me is how I no longer support these religious organizations and the reasons I no longer support them has been eye opening to me.  Some religious tapes went into the trash bin also from 1993.

That's a lot of 1993.  I would have been 38 years old, living in a tiny rental house in Marion, Kansas with three growing children, an aggressive dog, having huge debt that followed us around with a serious cut in Husband's salary, struggling to get back on our feet after a layoff in Texas.  I cried me a river over the financial challenges that didn't disappear.  I was working as a Teacher's Aid exhausted from all that was on my mind.  The weight started showing up on my bones.  1993 is a part of my past and I still have some good memories even though there was high drama from the locals that I would have preferred to have not experienced.  I did meet my best friend in Marion in 1993...she'd pass away later in 2008 at the age of 93.  I got to spend more time with my folks.

We recovered and I am amazed that this time in my life was what it was.  God looked out for us. Hubby worked a hard job.  The children got to experience life in a small town.  They learned to drive cars there, be a part of a small Church, play sports, sing and perform on stage.

1993.  I was the mother of three teenagers.  If I could go back in time, I'd change a few things that I wish I had done different.  I would have liked to have had Family Devotions in a relaxed setting and Family prayer together supporting one another more.  

I'm not Jewish, but I believe having SHABBAT meals where we spoke words of life over one another and read some scripture would have been huge blessing to all of us.  Light the candles and pray.  Share a delicious meal and have fellowship.  Lord forgive me for not behaving more like I believe I should have in 1993.

May I change my attitude and be blessed 

living in 2022,

~d  

Scripture draw:
- 1 Peter 5:7

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Prayer:

O Lord, help me to understand the reasons for your chastening.

JOINING THE PARTY AT DIARY OF A STAY AT HOME MOM.
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

https://familycorner.blogspot.com/2022/08/happy-homemaker-monday-08012022.html

WEATHER:  GOING TO GET HOT HOT HOT TODAY.  PROBABLY IN THE 90s.  TOO HOT TO HANDLE.

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE THE WINDOW:  NO WIND.  BLUE SKIES.  JUST HOT.

RIGHT NOW I AM:  DOING PAPERWORK AND PREPARING TO GO TO THE COTTAGE TO WORK ON LINING THE PANTRY.

THINKING AND PONDERING:  AFTER DOING THE BILLS, I WISH WE WERE ALREADY LIVING AT THE COTTAGE WITH EVERYTHING DONE.

HOW AM I FEELING:  SORE DUE TO TRIPPING AND FALLING ON SUNDAY.  OTHERWISE MY SPIRITS ARE HIGH.

ON THE BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND SUPPER PLATE:  NO BREAKFAST, V8 FOR LUNCH AND NOT SURE ABOUT SUPPER YET.  WILL HAVE TO SEE WHAT TIME IT IS WHEN DONE WITH LINING THE PANTRY.

WHAT I AM WEARING:  A SOFT HOUSECOAT.  WILL DRESS UP IN BLUEJEANS AND A T-SHIRT SO I CAN WORK AT COTTAGE.

ON READING PILE:  MAGAZINES TO BOOT.

ON TV THIS WEEK:  PROBABLY START A SERIES.

LOOKING AROUND THE HOUSE:  THE MESSES CANNOT BE IGNORED.

TO DO LIST:  LINE THE SHELVES IN THE PANTRY.  
FILL THE PANTRY.  
CLEAR OUT THE BATHROOM CLOSET SO THE WALLS AND CEILING CAN BE WASHED IN ORDER TO PAINT IT.
CONTINUED PAPERWORK GETTING THINNED OUT AND IN ORDER.

GATHER UP MORE ITEMS TO DONATE.

FROM THE CAMERA:  NOTHING.

DEVOTIONAL:  DAILY DRAWING A SCRIPTURE CARD FROM A BOX AND MEDITATING ON IT.

WHEN DID CABINET SHELF/DRAWER LINER GET SO EXPENSIVE?

WE WENT OVER TO THE COTTAGE TO WORK.  We will be doing this a great deal until the COTTAGE is ready for humans to live in it.  The interior is smelling better now that the icky Bathroom floor has been removed.  I imagine after the old carpet is removed that it will help even more.  We did ozone the interior and it did help for a while until some time passed then back was the sour smell.  The removal of the floor was what it needed.  With Hubby working out in the shed, the sub-flooring is airing out.  I know this is what it needs.

Hubby worked on redoing a window in the storage side of the garage.  After a long day, he accomplished overhauling the window.  Two more to go which will have to be worked over without the threat of rain.  He was exhausted after the day he put in.

On the other hand, I took measurements of the wood shelves in the pantry.  Scraped off some stuck on paper towel from the shelf then painted the bald spot.  Scraped the dried paint off the glass of the small window.  I thought this would be a breeze scraping the dried paint off the glass. Wrong.  The acrylic paint loved the glass.  Clinging on for dear life.  It was harder than I imagined.  Will return to complete the scraping.

I wanted to get some liner for the shelves.  I checked what inventory Wal-mart and Family Dollar had along with Menards on the computer.  Then I took off to go see in person what was out there.  Another eye opening experience of disbelief at how much liner prices have gone up.

Stopping at Family Dollar first, they had a nice selection, but the one I really liked was the wrong color and they didn't have enough to do the job.  I talked to myself...should I risk it, buy what they have and go to another Family Dollar in Topeka in hopes that they would have some more? Then I convinced myself no.  It was after-all the wrong color.  Walked away.

Walked over to HOBBY LOBBY.  Nothing.

Drove over to Wal-mart.  No one in the Sewing Department.  Went to Customer Service to contact someone.  The price tag on some of the liner I liked was $6.47 a foot and I wanted to personally ask them if this was the actual price as I needed 15 yards of liner making this liner more than I cared to pay for it.  A young man came over to help me and said it was $6.47 a yard. There was only 2 and a half yards.  Not enough.  Shucks.

Drove over to JoAnn's hitting the jackpot.  They had 25 yards of the style I liked, but it was $10 a yard.  Still too much.  I looked at a different vinyl liner deciding to go with it, but after I got it, I started having doubts.  Perhaps I should have bit the bullet and got the other that I liked.  There was a coupon on my phone that I discovered later that I could have used for the one I liked.  As I was checking out, the register rang up a completely different price that I will not deny was like shopping back in 1990 as the price was $1.19 a yard.  I figured I could cut the liner length wise and go with 7 yards instead of 15.  Winner winner...chicken dinner.

With the coupon I came out awesome at $5.45 for the entire 7 yards.  It should work alright.  I drove to the Cottage to drop the liner off, pick up my Husband and go to a restaurant as we were both too tired to cook.  Ate a nice meal and went home.

Rested the rest of the evening and will return to COTTAGE later so I can line the shelves and start filling the pantry with items that I want in it.  If for some reason I greatly dislike the liner, I will use it, stick it out and wait for the price to drop on the other liner I liked and purchase it... switching out with what I got.  I won't feel too bad knowing I only paid $5.45.    

Temps are rising and I am concerned about my Husband's health working in too hot of weather. He thinks he can work inside in the heat of the day remodeling the Bathroom.  The cooler temps will be for the garage windows.  I can stay inside where it is cooler and line shelves playing house.

I watched videos on lining shelves, decluttering, putting backsplashes up in kitchens.  I think I will just call it a night.  Wish the COTTAGE WERE DONE.  Wishful thinking.  Back to the real world.

Blessings,
~d

IS TODAY FRIDAY???

HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO ASK YOURSELF WHAT DAY IT IS THEN QUESTION THE ANSWER???  I do.  Lately it's more than not.  I look on the computer where there's a calendar and clock.  Rest assure, it tells me what I need to know.  The month has flown by.  The start of July was yesterday, wasn't it?

Today is FRIDAY!  The week flew right on by.  How quickly the time goes anymore.  Reviewing what I accomplished this week and what I'd like to get done this week-end.  

This past week, we continued working on clearing out the storage side of the garage to discover that the paneling hidden behind boxes had water damage and was ruined.  A trip to Menards was needed.  We purchased some new paneling and transported it in one of their rental trucks, unloaded it taking the truck back.  

During this cooler weather this week, Hubby took the old paneling down off the walls inside the shed and repaired a door that was in there.  He'll be installing new paneling in a few days.  The paneling on the ceiling needs replaced as well.  Repair around the windows needs done so there will be no more leakage.  After he gets that done then he'll hang paneling on the walls and ceiling.

A wall in the shed will be painted a color to match the paneling and the floor will get painted. About two more weeks of work before returning working on the Bathroom.  After all is said and done then the muscle racks will be transferred from our main house basement to the storage side of the Cottage garage.  It will become my SHE SHED storing my HOLIDAY DECOR and a exercise treadmill.  Wowzer...let it happen. 

THIS WEEK concerning remodeling and downsizing, I helped go through things in the shed. Finished painting the PANTRY!  Went and bought paneling for shed and pantry ceiling. Unloaded and handled the paneling.  Handled thousands of pieces of paper.  Shredded lots and lots of old paper.  Purchased tile for bathroom.  Day dreamed.  

Yesterday, we headed to Menards to get some wood to fix the shed's windows when I came across an unadvertised special on beautiful glazed ceramic tile that I thought would look lovely in the Cottage Bathroom on the walls surrounding the tub.  We bought them and hauled them HOME.  Had some time off from working on the COTTAGE.  Will return this week-end for more to do.  Hired Grand to pull weeds from the large flower beds.  Grouping items together making room for a bedroom set to go so we have a place to rest while working over there.

Next year the Cottage garage will need reshingled and probably painted after we get moved in and settled.  Eventually, I'd like to see a sliding barn door go on the storage shed wall opening into the garage.  Think it would be darling plus functional.  Hubby plans to turn the little garage into his art studio.  This will be revamped as it is in really rough shape.  We have something to work with though.

The COTTAGE BATHROOM will come together in AUGUST!  Praise the LORD.  Hubby has gutted the BATHROOM!  He's thinking the door may have to be moved over which means some extra work will have to take place.  New sub-flooring will go in, new floor tile, tile backer board hung around the tub area, new tile hung.  Something done to the ceiling.  The ceiling light needs moved.  It's a tad bit off centered.  A new light fixture hung.  Vanity put in.  Tub, vanity and toilet installed.  Something done to the rest of the walls.  The window will have to have hammered glass installed.  Window trim sanded and painted.  Whalaah...the bathroom completed?  

DOOR RELOCATED AND MOVED
✔VANITY PURCHASED 
AND INSTALLED
SINK HARDWARE PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
LIGHTING BY VANITY
WIRING
✔MIRROR
✔TUB PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
TUB
HARDWARE PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
TOILET PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
✔SUB-FLOORING PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
✔FLOOR TILE PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
✔TILE BACKER BOARD PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
✔TILE AROUND THE TUB PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
RELOCATE LIGHT FIXTURE
LIGHT FIXTURE PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
CEILING MATERIAL PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED

LIGHT SWITCH COVERS
HAMMERED GLASS FOR WINDOW PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
BEADED BOARD PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED
CROWN MOLDING PURCHASED
AND INSTALLED

MERCY SAKES there's a lot to think about when remodeling.

WEEK-END PLANS
We'll celebrate a couple of birthdays over at Daughter's THIS WEEK-END.  Our Son.in.law has a birthday today.  53.  Great age.  I'll have a nice meal, a steamer and CONVERSATION.  Will hold the Grand baby and talk BABY TALK!  I'll love talking to him...goo goo gaga.  

LAUNDRY worked on.  

MEASURING THE PANTRY SHELVES SO I CAN GET SOME LINER BOUGHT.  POSSIBLY getting it laid before August.  Can't wait.  Am excited to be able to start filling the pantry.

I'll be working on PAPERWORK!!!  Part-time clerk here.  I'll be so HaPpY when this is D. O. N. E.

That'll be the WEEK-END.  Pray it is a productive one with no incidents.

I have been giving it some thought about our three meals a day.  If we have a late breakfast allowing at least 14 hours between late night snack and the first meal of the day, then a brunch type meal would work.  Eat around 11 in the morning which is close to a usual lunch time.  That's a 14 hour intermittent fast if the last food is eaten at 9 at night with breakfast brunch at 11 the next morning.

Afternoon SNACK at 2 could be a handful of mixed nuts, an apple with peanut butter or celery with peanut butter.  

Eat an early supper around 4 in the afternoon.  That's 5 hours between meals.  Let this be a large meal with a large vegetable salad sprinkled with some fruits and nuts.  Maybe some seeds. Protein from chicken, hard boiled eggs, cheese, legumes like garbanzo beans and black beans.  A few croutons.  Allow salad dressing.  
OR
lots of steamed or baked veggies taking up half the dinner plate with at least 4 oz. of lean meat like grass fed beef, chicken, baked fish or turkey.  Water to drink.  Fruit for dessert.

If hungry at 7, 8 or 9, fix a protein drink or smoothie made of avocado, banana, kale, spinach, celery, berries, cocoa, cinnamon, raw honey, yogurt and almond milk, some ice.  
OR popcorn with real organic BUTTER.

That allows plenty of calories for a day plus nutritionally dense foods for health benefits.

Morning meds taken on an empty stomach with Spring Water.
Morning WALK.
Morning beverage.  
Hubby drinks his morning coffee and I can have hot tea.
Morning supplements.  
Take Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Krill Oil supplement and Garlic capsule with Spring Water.
BRUNCH.  Wait until 11 to eat.
Take mealtime supplements like Apple Cider Vinegar tablet,
Ceylon Cinnamon, Co-Q-10, Berberine, L-Tyrosine.
Two o'clock snack.
Four o'clock Supper.
Take mealtime supplements like Apple Cider Vinegar tablet, Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Zinc.
Seven o'clock Smoothie.

Getting there for a healthier lifestyle.

Scripture draw:
Isaiah 58:9
"Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry and he shall say, Here I am." 

Prayer on card:
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your plan of prayer.  We are glad you want us to keep in close touch with you.

May you have a blessed week-end,

~d

NOT A GOOD RECIPE

NOT SLEEPING WELL LAST NIGHT AFFECTED MY OLE SELF in a very negative way.  I can't hardly get through the day when this happens and if I take a nap too late in the evening then I have trouble shutting down at bedtime.  Not a good recipe.  

Think my mind has been racing and I'm not shutting down so I prayed most of the night.  I drifted off to sleep around 6 in the morning and slept till 9:30.  I could have slept more hours, but had a hair appointment at 11 in a different town that I'd have to drive to.

I arrived just in time for the hair appointment.  A new stylist for me in a new studio in a new town.  It's not the first time I have had a new stylist that I know nothing about.  I liked her and booked an appointment for in a month for a trim.  This time I got a shampoo and a blow out.

Now for overkill on pictures.  I don't take great selfies, but tried.  

My hair has significantly thinned out.  Seems like each time I comb it and shampoo it I lose so much it's scary.  Has been doing this for years.  Checking into vitamins about this.  My thyroid meds may be off and that can cause hair to fall out as well.

Hubby and I had a day time DATE and ate at LONGHORN Restaurant.  I ate some bread with butter, a salad and a sweet potato.  Water for beverage.  All so very good and we had a nice conversation over LUNCH.  We had some serious errands to run.  I knew that the day would be busy and at the end of it I would be tired.  My evening will be spent resting.

We went to Dillons to pay our Natural Gas bill and while there did some vegetable shopping.  Radishes, baby cucumbers, English cucumbers, red and orange Bell peppers, orange cherry tomatoes, a heirloom tomato, beets, lettuce, spinach, squash...can't remember what else.  While at the grocery store, I used their blood pressure and weight machine.  I did the weight thing wrong, but boy was I excited about what it said my weight was.  Hubby did his and it was 12 pounds off.  I did my again and I was alright about being off 12 pounds.  Seriously, if I can get so excited about the lower weight then I seriously need to get the weight off of me.  Seriously.  I don't like being FAT.  If I am going to lose weight than I have got to WORK AT IT.  If I want something then I have to make it happen and know that it's not going to happen on its own.

Off to Hobby Lobby to get a few supplies.  Staples for shredder oil to keep the paper shredder working.  Aldi's and then Menards.

It was while we were at Menards that I came across an UNADVERTISED SPECIAL on some glazed ceramic tile made in India that I thought would be beautiful in the COTTAGE BATHROOM around the tub.  At $8.90 a box with ten tiles, it was a heck of a great buy.  I had the money and we were pleased with the purchase.  Each tile has a variety of grays and white.  Staying in the grays and whites for the Bathroom.

MSI's Ceravi Blayton 12 in. x 12 in. Floor and Wall Tile offers a beautiful natural travertine look in an affordable, durable, and virtually maintenance-free ceramic. Gorgeous go-with-anything light gray hues and tonal veins lend timeless elegance to be enjoyed for years to come. With its classic looks and lovely matte finish, this stylish square tile works with nearly any decorative scheme. Use Ceravi Blayton on floors, walls, countertops, backsplashes, and other design features throughout homes and commercial properties and welcome the compliments.

Loaded up ten boxes.  Drove HOME and put the vegetables away.  I am now tired.  Having vegetables for SUPPER.  Red and Green Bell Peppers and Onions.  Deliberately not eating bread, meat, dairy or fruit for Supper since I had a large LUNCH with bread and butter, baked sweet potato, strawberry salad with grapes, mandarin oranges and raspberry vinaigrette.  

If I have a large LUNCH then my SUPPER needs to be a low cal meal or if my LUNCH is low cal then I can have a larger SUPPER.

All the talk about INTERMITTENT FASTING I can not ignore.  Then I heard about the OMAD diet.  This one I do not believe I can do.  One Meal A Day.  The meal can be huge, but think it might not be right for me.

Back to eating more vegetables and fruit.

Coming along on the paperwork....so wish it were all completely done.  I have to pace myself and know that this is a marathon and not a sprint.

Think I had best watch a movie, sip on some iced tea and rest.  Tomorrow is another day and I hope it is a good one.  

Scripture draw today is:
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
-Psalm 14:3

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord that I have my brothers and sisters in Christ who offer a consoling word when the tears fall.

That just about sums it up,

~d

HALLELUJAH THE PANTRY IS PAINTED

TODAY WAS THE DAY FOR ME TO APPLY THE LAST COAT OF PAINT TO MY LIL PANTRY.  I am HAPPY it's done.  So HAPPY.  The Benjamin Moore Misty Gray color truly looks white which is alright since it is my PANTRY.

I started this project by clearing out the PANTRY shelves, scrubbing and washing them, deciding on the color of paint, buying the paint. Painted the entire PANTRY of 10 wooden shelves, bracket supports, trim around the door, trim around the small interior window, baseboard trim, and walls.   I was pleased with being done painting! 

Eventually the floor will go from old linoleum to a soft gray tile.  The ceiling will have Vintage Woods Pallet Wall Paneling.  A electrician will add a light switch since the present light turns on by a pull string and a different light fixture will be installed.  My small, but highly functional PANTRY will be completed.  Such a great feeling.

I'll be lining the shelves in a few days and then I get to fill the shelves with organization.  I get my opportunity to arrange the PANTRY the way I want it to look.  Ready for this.

Next I'll clear out a floor to ceiling cabinet that has dishes in it at the present.  It needs painted inside and out at least two coats of paint.  This cabinet is going to hold all the small appliances I have grouped together.  Painting is what I will busy myself while Hubby works on gutting the garage shed.  

I think I will work at clearing out and organizing the small pink Bedroom and relocate my Victorian Bedroom set to it so we have a bed to rest on when we need it when we are over at the Cottage working.  Slowly items will be moved over to the Cottage one piece at a time.

I had a double victory today as I finished painting the Pantry.  As I sat to rest, I shredded old, old papers.  Checking statements and old checks.  I was overwhelmed at how many pieces of paper I have shredded.  I finished the pile of papers inside individual folders.  Hundreds of pieces.  When I finished shredding these, I was relieved that this was done.  So...I have victory.

I'll have to let this soak in.

Hubby came inside to cool off from working in the shred.  Mercy, we have made progress.  The old icky paneling is off the walls.  The new awaits.  The insulation is ruined.  That will have to be replaced with new.  The windows will have to have some work done to them so there's no leaking.  I'll help Hubby as best I can and then I will begin to line the Pantry shelves.

Downsizing in our case is taking time.  

~d  

ON OUR WAY TO THE COTTAGE

WE DECIDED TO GO AHEAD AND PURCHASE PANELING FROM MENARD'S FOR THE COTTAGE STORAGE SHED while they still have a nice selection on hand at the price they have.  On the way to the store we did a donation drop at GOODWILL, got a bite to eat, then went to Menard's.

For a storage shed, we needed paneling for three of the walls and the ceiling.  Knowing we'd have to rent a truck to haul our purchase, we went ahead an purchased Tile Backer Board for the Bathroom as we know we'll need it for the wall around the tub so we can apply nice tile and a sheet of paneling that looks like pallet wood for the Pantry ceiling.  Also plywood for the Bathroom for repairs.

That's 8 sheets of Tile Backer Board,
15 sheets of paneling,
2 pieces of 3/4" plywood for underlayment,
and a gallon of Kiltz. 

Loaded the supplies onto a Menard's truck and drove to the COTTAGE.  Unloaded it all and then Hubby returned the truck.  I stayed at the COTTAGE.  I thought I could get the last of the painting in the Pantry done, but by the time we unloaded the works off of the truck, I was done. I sat in a comfortable chair and watched T.V. and looked for words in a word search book.  Too tired to move.  Will try again tomorrow.

It was a great feeling to know we have the Honey Birch paneling for the interior of the shed. Hubby plans on ripping the old paneling out during this week.  I so hope I have the Pantry completely painted.  SO hope.  I will need to measure how much liner I will need then go get some all in one small swoop.

Beautiful skies as we traveled across the Prairie on our way to the COTTAGE.

Being an older person has challenges all its own.  Wanting to use my time wisely, I have to plan and make my trips count.  I saw a little break in the fuel prices today, but then I expected that would happen.  We will be conditioned to thinking the lower prices aren't as bad as the higher even though this new lower price isn't as low as they were before the prices started to spike.

The price of wood has really climbed since the co vid pandemic.  Makes my eyes bug out.  I can only imagine when we go to buy fencing what that will cost.  Building a new porch will be much the same.  The smaller porch will probably cost as much as when we rebuilt our larger porch on the rock house.  Shall see about this when the time comes not to mention when we get new kitchen cabinets.  We bought tile a few months back and thought the price was very good as a unadvertised special.  That was a plus.  Paint still is a great bargain.

Remodeling is interesting and a very expensive HOBBY to have.  Making a place to call HOME is extra special.  We are looking forward to having less to take care of, but getting there may break the bank.  This isn't what we want as we bargain shop, do the work ourselves and ask God to bless our endeavor.

HOME will be where we hang our hats and then some.  A peaceful place to lay our heads, eat healthy meals, groom, do our laundry, read, etc.  

Scripture draw today:
~Malachi 4:2
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings."

Prayer on the flip side of the scripture card:
Lord, help me to overcome my fears by filling my mind with positive thoughts and my life with positive actions.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

And may I add...Lord, allow your Holy Spirit to fall afresh on me to where I am not afraid in an unhealthy way.  Fill me with your presence and power.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen and amen.

Blessings to you,

~d

A TIME CAPSULE. HOW DO YOU SAY, "I'm emotionally attached..."

WE WORKED IN THE STORAGE SIDE OF THE COTTAGE GARAGE as the outside temps were mild.  Almost seemed like AUTUMN.  It was cooler with overcast skies. Made amazing progress.   I sat by the door going through BOXES of important papers.  It is an emotional endeavor going through these things as they have been on hold since we put them in there 5 and a half years ago.

On Friday, I was talking to my granddaughter about class rings and I had to tell her that I didn't know where mine was.  I absolutely could not remember where I put it.  That's not a good feeling.  Well, today I found my class ring in an old jewelry box that was gifted to me by my Grandparents.  I cried.  Didn't realize that I was so attached.

My childhood jewelry box holds childhood trinkets that have meaning only to me.  Like going back in time.  A TIME CAPSULE.  I'm emotionally attached to these trinkets.  I don't really want to pitch this jewelry box since I lost most all my gifts from Grandparents and other family members in the fire.  It smells, but think I can ozone it to get rid of the stinky smell.  

I came across another huge box filled with jewelry.  All in good shape except the beautiful velvet boxes that I had kept that originally came with the piece of jewelry were disgusting.  Smelly from the fire and also moldy smelling since being in the shed.  I will clean each piece.  My costume jewelry from the 80s was all there.  The Seiko watch my Husband gave me years ago was there.  I had kept the box, but it smelled so bad I pitched it.  There were several larger jewelry boxes beyond repair that I pitched.  I can do this thing.

As I sat there looking at the jewelry, I thought we didn't lose everything in the fire.  Praise the LORD.  Lots was lost, but then much is still in our hands.  I sat there thanking God that none of us were killed or injured.  Thankful.  It has taken me five and a half years to finally cry about the fire.  Five and a half years....  

As we continue working on fixing up this Cottage and Garage...it will take some doing to get to where we need to be.  This thinning out and downsizing of things...is emotional.  It's physical. Much thought is going into this.  I came across an article I had printed out about HOW TO DOWNSIZE.  I threw it away as I am on track.

This week we are going to work on the shed ripping old paneling off the walls as they have gotten damp and are beyond repair.  Hubby will make quick work of it if I know him.  When he gets fired up about something, he works rather quick.  He will have the old paneling off the walls and ceiling then replaced.  Maybe we'll go back with beaded board instead paneling.  Shall comparison shop and go the least expensive route.  When we get done with this...muscle racks will go in and I will have a clean place to put my HOLIDAY DECOR.  That will be nice.  Really nice.

I'll have to see how he comes along and if he doesn't need me, I'll return to painting the Pantry the final coat and be done with that.  Hallelujah and a half.  Praise the LORD.  

P r a i s e  the L O R D.

I hope to sleep well tonight,

~d

Scripture draw today:
"For the Lord shall be thine everlasting light,
and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."
~Isaiah 60:20

Flip side prayer:
Father, things can so easily get out of order.  
I don't want them to.  I need your help today.
In Jesus name I pray,
AMEN

How appropriate this prayer is for me as I go through all this stuff that hasn't been dealt with for so long.

A CHANGE OF PLANS

TIS MONDAY.  I had plans of continuing painting in the PANTRY, but the temps are down and the thought of working in the COTTAGE SHED comes to mind.  I would very much like to have this storage section of the garage cleared out before AUTUMN so I can get the walls and floor painted making a clean spot for Christmas and Holiday decor to be stored at the COTTAGE as we downsize from the main house.  

With the SUMMER temps usually so HOT it is unbearable to work in the shed with the heat index...the milder temps would sure help out.  CHANGE OF PLANS...I will be working in the shed instead of painting in the pantry.  I have got to stay flexible.

TEMPS are down and I need to take advantage of this to continue clearing out the junk in there.  Not sure how long the temps will be in the 70s/80s before climbing into the 90s/100s again.  This weather reminds me that AUTUMN will come and we will rejoice that we got through this very HOT SEASON once again.  The pumpkins and gourds will begin to appear for decorating.  

We have had some really HOT temps, but expect this for the month of JULY.  August hits in less than week!!!

Washed some underwear this morn and will dry them in the clothes dryer over at the COTTAGE. 

Yesterday, I painted in the COTTAGE PANTRY.  Felt pretty good about what I got done.  Hubby had an incredibly busy day as he started by mowing the main house's lawn, digging and shuffling a pile of dirt from the back yard of the COTTAGE to fill in some sunken ground in the front yard, and swept the floor in the gutted bathroom.  Shucks, all I did was standing on my head to paint the trim in the pantry.  grins.  When I have to do stunts getting off the floor in my old body, it is a work-out.  Thankful no cameras are around.

It rained durning the night.  I had trouble falling asleep as I was up until 4 in the morning.  I think I'm geared up about getting the pantry completed and moving onto the next COTTAGE PROJECT that I can do as HUBBY works on the BATHROOM.  I move rather slow having energy issues that have nothing to do with the mind field and everything to do with thyroid issues.

I was reminded that there is a sight on the internet that shares about getting blood-work done without a doctor.  I think I need to have my TSH checked to see if it is off the charts before waiting until September to have blood drawn for a thyroid appointment.  When I am extremely hypothyroid, my fingernails get brittled, I become more fatigue than usual, heart rate a tad bit slow, some trouble falling asleep, nervous, stubborn weight loss....all indicate that my thyroid levels might be too high.  So, I think I need to do an on-line ordering of test and go to QUEST for a draw this week.    

 https://www.walkinlab.com

Pretty neat huh?

CHRISTMAS IN JULY really does happen this time of year as the CHRISTMAS DECOR is beginning to show up on the shelves at HOBBY LOBBY.  I was in there the other day and blinked when I saw their inventory starting to show high up on the shelves.  For sure it is CHRISTMAS DECOR.  

4th of July decor was discounted.  Some AUTUMN STUFF was being placed out and whaalaah there amongst it all were CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS.  I blinked and thought of Christmas in July!!!  is for real.

It's Christmas ALL YEAR ROUND in some specialty shops.  These are fun to visit whenever.

Not sure how much I will get done today and that's alright...I'm sort of retired.  At least I will be in motion.

Well, I had better get moving and get after it as the day is getting away from me,
~d

Today's Scripture draw:  "I stand at the door, and knock:   if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
-Revelation 3:20

Prayer on the flip side of card:  Lord, teach me to listen.  Help me to creatively wait in thy presence.  May thy voice find mine a listening ear. 

MATTHEW 7:8

 

"Everyone that asketh receiveth; 

and he that seeketh findeth;  
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

-Matthew 7:8

Blessings to you,
~d

Prayer on the flip side of the scripture card is:

Heavenly Father, thou hast prepared things for us that we can have if only we believe.  

May we come to thee in our weakness and ask.