AUTUMN IS ON HER WAY

THANKFUL WE HAVE COOLER TEMPS this morning.  I opened the French doors to let cooler air inside the house.  I LOVE doing this.  Looking out into the yard, the large mature Locus Tree stands to where I can admire its majestic beauty.  A background of overcast gray skies provides a calming atmosphere for me.

I'm reminded that AUTUMN's cooler temps are on their way.  Temps in the 70s will be welcomed.  Hugging the idea with embracing thoughts that put a smile on my face.  Autumn.  

As I rearranged the basement boxes, I found my ceramic pumpkin I made when I was in my twenties.  HARVEST DAYS are ahead.  There will be wreaths on the front door.  On display will be a few pumpkins and gourds showing splashes of oranges and browns.  I need to get some brown ribbon to tie around the wreaths as they stick too far hanging on the door hooks.  If I tie ribbon around them, they will hang straighter...not so funky at an angle.

A trip to a store is needed.  I don't have any brown ribbon.  I found some miniature metal acorns that I will add to the Autumn wreaths.

As the basement is becoming more organized, I feel a surge of happiness knowing I know what we have down there and that it is tidy ready for the exodus to the COTTAGE's storage shed.  I didn't realize how much this being out of order was BUGGING me until I started tidying.

Harvest HOPEFULS are having the Cottage Bathroom completed, the storage shed done and filled with HOLIDAY decor.  As Hubby works on these projects I will be painting rooms in the Cottage, organizing important papers, and thinning out belongings.  Together we will get this remodeling done.

I've got to enjoy the journey as this adventure is LIFE right now.  Health issues tag along slowing us down some.  There are always obstacles.  Always.   Part of it.

Today, I will continue working in the basement and if things go well, I'll go to the COTTAGE to prime another cubby in the Kitchen cabinet.  6 or 7 of these cubbies, I forget, all need primed.  I know I am slow and my muscles get weak after awhile so it will be one cubby per day.  

As hubby works at other things and I rest, I go through old papers while sitting and listening to the TV that we get through an antennae.  The wonders of being old fashioned with no cable.  The antennae allows several tv channels to come in very well.  I may continue doing this even after we move into the COTTAGE to live full time.

Changing subjects...As a child, I use to watch the television program The Adventures of SUPERMAN with George Reeves as Superman. I loved this show as I know many children did as well.

When I watched the reruns while growing up, I had no idea that the actor playing Superman had died in 1959 by a gunshot wound.  SO he was already gone before I watched the afternoon reruns.  Look! Up in the sky...it's a bird...it's a plane...IT'S SUPERMAN!

Narrator: Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. 
Man 1: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! 
Woman 1: It's a plane! 

Man 2: It's Superman!  

As a child, when I had heard that Superman died by gunshot wound being called a suicide...it didn't register.  Why would Superman kill himself?  Later, others would speculate that he was murdered.  I WONDER.  

Last night we watched the 2006 movie HOLLYWOODLAND about the behind the scenes of Superman.  Some language.  Some nudity.  Some sexual content.  This movie is not for youngsters.  Mister Reeves was far from innocent.  I was totally naive to the way of the world as a 10 year old child, but as a 67 year old, I see.  George Reeves had an affair with an older woman, Toni Lanier Mannix that helped him get the part of Superman.  He was a KEPT MAN.  Toni called him her boy.  

Former Ziegfeld dancer Toni Lanier Mannix was married to MGM's FIXER Eddie Mannix that had ties with the mafia, but so did George Reeves.  Interesting twist to the real world of the Superman actor who wore a muscle suit appearing more manly in the series. 

As I learn about the television and movie industries owners back in the day, I'm not so naive.  Ungodly businessmen galore.  When we bring this to light and disagree with their practices, we might be seen as anti-simitic even if we disagree with their dark moral character for good reason not because they are jewish but because they are actually ungodly with ungodly behavior as their norm.

Toni Lanier Mannix confessed to a priest before she died that she arranged for Reeves to be murdered.  Make believe or real?  He died.

Pause.

It feels like Autumn outside.  

Almost sweater weather.  

Autumn is on her way.  

Look! Up in the air! It's a bird, it's a plane, no it's a beautiful leaf falling to the ground.  Tis Autumn.

~d

PRAISE THE LORD!

PRAISE THE LORD...this Sunday I did NOT fall.  I stayed HOME and worked here staying away from the COTTAGE where I fell two Sundays in a row.  I was very fortunate that I didn't break a bone.  The falls hurt my old body, but I didn't break anything.  Hallelujah. Jarred my back and neck.  Felling better today.  I see how easy it is to fall or lose one's balance. Not wonderful.    

TODAY, I will journey back over to the COTTAGE in small town America after grabbing some tea.  I gathered some items from the basement that will go with me today.  After shuffling about in the basement yesterday, I came across two train sets that I will put in see through plastic storage boxes for future playtime with the newest grand baby.

As I look at what is in storage and in boxes, I shake my head.  Most of the things are already in storage boxes sitting on the shelves.  Much is still in cardboard boxes that are losing their shape. Too many boxes are on the floor in the way of the walking path.  

STILL A MESS, but better today then it was the day before.  This helps me going.  Wish I were done, but am further along.  I can see light at the end of the tunnel as I make progress in the basement.  

One of the godliest things I can do is to take chaos and turn it into ORDER.       

GOING TO THE COTTAGE this morning.  I'll put some paint clothes on as I WILL begin to paint primer on the tall Kitchen Cabinet.  I can sit and rest ever so often if I need to as I am older and the physical part of painting takes an effort.  

Pacing myself...everyday I will get some painting done.  I remember a story about this man in Liberal, Kansas that was a share cropper who bought building materials a little at a time each pay period so he could floor a house he was living in.  He lived in a structure that had DIRT FLOORS. Not sure how you'd sweep that.  Little by little he'd purchase wood planks to create a floor for his house.  Eventually he had a wood floor.  Can you imagine living in a house with DIRT FLOORS? 

His story illustrates tenacity and perseverance.  Determination.

Bless this day, Lord and may I be all that you want me to be while living here on planet Earth as a HOMEMAKER and WIFE.  May I be productive.

~d  

 

MEMORY LANE ISN'T HARD TO FIND...

SNACKING ON COTTAGE CHEESE.  It's been awhile since I ate any and this sure taste good to me on a super HOT day.  Staying inside this afternoon and working in the basement shuffling Christmas tubs and other HOLIDAY stuff.  What a mess I have.

Had to take a break.  When dodging boxes on the path while walking down a aisle causes excessive bending, it's not good.  Back and forth in between the racks I go.  The basement pantry is no more.  On the shelf where the food was, the Christmas stuff is gathered so there is some sense to all of this.  A stepping stone to getting it all relocated to the shed across the river.

I have one muscle rack cleared off and started grouping boxes of glassware to donate.  I think at the COTTAGE, I will need a rack just for the dishes I will keep, maybe three for HOLIDAY decor. A rack for ice chest, luggage, odds 'n ins.  I so wish it were finished, but it's a dream in the works being manifested as we slowly get things done.  

There is a box of pictures and papers that belonged to my Grandma who is long gone.  Don't remember how I ended up with it.  I went through a baggy of pictures and newspaper clippings. I hated to pitch any of it, but I did.  Thinned it out really nice like.  My Grandma came from a large family of five boys and five girls.  This family was really dedicated to having Family Reunions, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.  Their social life was active amongst the loved ones. Believing I should have my own reunions to enjoy being social with my loved ones.  

Seeing the Anniversary and Birthday Cakes brings to remembrance that I had wanted to create some large cakes and never got to it. Placed that thought on a back burner.  

Now perhaps I will.  When I get settled at the COTTAGE, I'm going to play at creating cakes.  I have the cake pans and hope to have the time to experiment at making a stack of celebration cakes.  That will be an accomplishment for lil 'ole me.

Grandma and her sisters.  In the middle is Anna Fern.  She was well endowed if I do say so myself.  All nicely dressed and groomed.

Grandma and Grandad G. with their five girls.  My mom is the one in the center.  From left to right that's Aunt Lois, Aunt Eileen, Mom, Aunt Esther and Aunt Valera.  Not sure which Anniversary this one was.  Thinking maybe their 40th... making it the year 1961.

Grandma Anna Fern with her siblings wearing the dress with the white collar.  All nicely dressed and well groomed.

Grandma Anna Fern

Grandma and Granddad celebrating a Wedding Anniversary. 
Maybe their 30th.  1951.  The tall five tier cake was made by Aunt Valera, the Cake Lady.  Fine white cake covered with almond flavored frosting.  Her cakes were THE BEST evah.

Once again, I traveled down MEMORY LANE getting a treat.

Spending a couple of hours last night going through my Great- Grandma Alice's scrapbook that was in disrepair falling apart full of postcards she received from family members, some Christmas cards, a few newspaper clippings and photos was interesting.  I salvaged what I could.  More on that later.  I suppose Great-Grandma Alice would not have thought that one day a great-granddaughter would be doing this to her scrapbook.

Going down Memory Lane.  I still have to have a place for photos, scrapbooks, slides, and cards that came from my In-laws and parents and other Family members.  Last year, I pitched my In-Laws cards they had given to one another.  These ended in my hands after my Father-in-law passed away in 2018.  I looked them over, pulled the cards from their children and mailed them their cards.  It was sad to pitch the cards.  I just about couldn't do it. 

I have saved my children's cards through their childhoods.  I will turn lose of these and let them do with them what they want.  They can be the ones to decide to keep or pitch.

MEMORY LANE has it's place in our lives.  I mustn't stay too long or I get nothing accomplished in this day and age.  I have much I need to get done so I can proceed to COTTAGE LIVING in small town America. 

I didn't make it over to the COTTAGE today to paint as I am putting my energies into the basement here.  I found some things to take to the COTTAGE getting them out of this basement. Looking at all that has to be dealt with, makes me tired.  It's not only physically challenging, it's mental as well.  I spent so many years building up the estate and now I am having to thin it down once again.  I'd like to have a place for everything and everything in its place.  

Wherever you live, if the belongings are in order, it sure helps.  Knowing what you own and where it is... is half the battle.  

Handling the AUTUMN decorations led to the temptation of displaying it in the middle of August.  I suppose the thought of cooler weather appeals to many when the SUMMER TEMPS are so HOT.  100 degrees as I type.  I found a couple of Autumn wreaths downstairs and forgive me, but they are going on the front doors just about now...

This week has flown.  Tonight, we will watch a movie and relax as a couple of old people to regain our strength and goodwill.  Drink some water and munch on some popcorn is my kind of entertainment.

With all the chaos in the world, I am so blessed to be HOME.  Now to work some more on the basement.  Be of good cheer for God has overcome the world.

~d

Psalm 127:3

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

PLAYING GROCERY STORE AS AN OLD LADY

PLAYING GROCERY STORE as a old lady was such fun on Wednesday when I was putting groceries in the PANTRY.  Enjoying seeing the shelves fill up.  Relieved that this is taking place.  
All smiles.

I worked in the basement carrying more tubs of food up the stairs and out to the car.  After I emptied the food rack, I began shuffling Christmas items to where the food was.  I need to empty three muscle racks so they can be relocated to the storage shed at the cottage.  I will go through the tubs to thin down some more before taking decor to the shed.  The storage shed is being worked on so by the time I clear the muscle racks off, the shed should just about be finished. Can't wait to have this completed as well.  Kind of like a three ring circus juggling the details making it happen.  

Drove to the COTTAGE to put items away adding another haul of bottled juices and a few more canned goods.  I smiled looking at the neat pantry.  

This evening, I washed more Mason Jars and will take over to the pantry to fill with dried beans. Black Beans, Navy, Lima, Kidney, Pinto, some lentils and peas.  Should look like I want it to after the jars are positioned on the shelf.  

While resting, I went through another cardboard box full of smoked stained yellow envelopes that are full of this 'n that papers.  Everything was labeled.  I'll go through each envelope and see what I need to shred or place in a fresh envelope to file.

Baby announcements, wedding invites, obituaries, children's grade cards, letters, newspaper clippings, information about school activities, mercy sakes... what else?  Hair trimmings from when the kids were little.  Auto Insurance Policies and Insurance checks from as far back as 1986.  Information about all car purchases.  Will keep this folder.  Maybe I should have tallied how much we have paid on auto insurance through the years.  I'm guessing $50,000.  This should be entertaining as I rediscover HISTORY.  

AND away I go getting the papers organized to keep for awhile longer.  If I can sit while shredding, its really not so bad.  I have a shredder beside my comfy chair.  So I have enough paper work to do to keep me in business for a few more months if I stay at it.  Then I hope to be let go from this tedious job.  Fire me...lay me off...have a company buy-out...please let this come to a gentle stop so I am caught up.  Put this old cow out to pasture.  Let this old weary Clerk advance to something else.

    

Approaching the week-end.  Hoping to get a coat of primer on the Kitchen Cabinet that will hold small appliances.  Get this done, then the real paint will go on.  In a few days I could have this done and filled with the small appliances.

A Crock Pot.
Air Fryer.
Skillet.
Coffee Urn.
Waffle Maker.
Toaster.
Blender.
Grill.
Coffee Pot.
Electric Chafing Dish.
Iron.
Handheld Mixer.

When I can, I'd like to take photos of each appliance to have a notebook for inventory.  Won't that be nice?  Homemaker at your service.  

I started jotting down what books we have.  I will continue downsizing my personal Library and might as well have a notebook on that also.

Hubby continues working in our Bathroom.  This is a hard job gutting out the old.  Even with the Bathroom being small, it is a huge challenge.  A large pile for the trash service is ready for pick up.  Say bye to this mess. 

Had my TSH checked.  It is a tad bit high.  I will increase my dose of thyroid medicine then be checked again in 6 weeks to see where it is.  I knew I was a tad bit off as I was overly tired, hair tangling easier, fingernails brittle, slight weight gain, agitated, not as steady on my feet, dry skin, forgetful, foggy brained.  I don't seem to stay in my happy place for very long before the numbers do an about face and I am adjusting the meds.  It takes 6 to 8 weeks for the medicine to work.  So much time goes into trying to balance the numbers.  I'm one of  T H O S E  peoples.  Baah Humbug.

The floors and rugs need vacuumed.  Dusting isn't far behind.  Always something to do.  Never a dull moment.  As I have been going through boxes of paperwork, I discovered my hand written notes of a book I started writing well over 20 years ago.  I believe I will start editing it when I need a break from downsizing and decorating.  Should be fun to reread these as the book has been on hold for so long.  If I start now, I may be able to write one book a year.  No pressure there.

When I think about things to do or things I wish I were doing,  I need to pray about it and get my thyroid numbers where they need to be. 

Scripture Draw:

~John 6:35

"I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

Prayer:

Father, may we ever be found at your table.

Amen and amen,

~d

  

THREE BEAN SALAD

 One of my favorites every time,

~d

A SWEATY HOMEMAKER

AS I RELOCATE WHAT WAS IN THE BASEMENT PANTRY to the upstairs pantry and also the COTTAGE PANTRY, I will say that we had this one covered for a change. This is one area of LIFE that I will pat myself on the back and tell myself...you did it.  Your PANTRY was and is stocked.  

Just how long one should keep canned goods is something to keep in mind.  

I have an on going grocery list of what needs stocked, used up or given away.  To cut back on waste, the goods need to be looked over from time to time to stay up on the expiration dates. There have been times that something expired...oh I don't know....maybe 6 years ago and should have been used years ago.  grins.

I am having fun with NOT BEING PERFECT.  Exercising humor and grace.  Forgiving myself takes effort.  I hear voices in my head...telling me...blah blah blah.  Erase the noise and reset. Aren't we suppose to learn as we go?  Yep.  This journey called LIFE had better have some laughter or it gets too serious and rots the bones.

PITCH the aged cans and get on with LIFE.

Going back and forth between the COTTAGE and the main house is part of preparing for COTTAGE LIVING.  I'm hauling groceries to the Cottage Pantry and organizing my sweet 'lil pantry.  Another haul today of rice, pasta, beans, cake mixes, cookie cutters and oatmeal.  Most of this haul is in storage tubs that I two stepped up the stairs.

I saved my back by placing the tubs on the steps then lifting them a couple of steps up, taking a step myself and repeating until I had the tub up to the top and then I scooted the tub with my foot across the Kitchen floor.

Hubby will help me load it all into the car and then unload it in the COTTAGE.  I will spend some time playing grocery store as I organize the pantry.  If I do say so myself, THE PANTRY is looking like it ought to.  Like a little kid, I'm getting giddy over having an actual PANTRY once again.  Getting it set up has been like playing house when I was a child pretending to be a grown-up.

After today, the next haul will be bottled juices.  I know I know...some say NEVER DRINK JUICE because it has too high of a sugar content and your blood sugar level will SPIKE, but I say, "CARROT JUICE will not cause an issue and it's a JUICE!"  "V8 is my morning juice of CHAMPIONS.  So is TOMATO JUICE!"  The juice is stored in glass bottles verses cans.  I believe they will stay on the shelf longer without going bad.  Glass is way better than plastic.  Sometimes it's not the easiest to get the kind of juice I want in glass bottles.  I had quite a time finding Apricot Juice at all.  Finally did in all places...Peabody, Kansas at their tiny grocery store there, but THEY had some.  Just because you live in a small community doesn't mean you do without.  

A little pomegranate juice will be my friend.  GREEN JUICES will join the daily treat to benefit our health.

As for fruit juices...a little goes a long ways and that is what I'm aiming for.  MODERATION. SOoooo a little grape juice will probably greet my palette and be welcomed into my stomach rejoicing that it found its way to my gut.  

The juices have a shelf all to themselves.  Same with boxed and canned soups.  

I had hoped to start painting the Kitchen cabinet, but will wait until the PANTRY is a COMPLETE PANTRY.  In between hauls of canned/boxed foods and when resting from huffing and puffing, I work on paperwork.  I came across another box of important papers that are smoked stained that I need to go through and see what to save, file or shred.  

Today, I was sleeving obituary/life sketches/funeral brochures.  I am making a notebook for these and as I sleeve the paper, I reread them.  It's sobering.  SO many loved ones and friends along the way are gone.  Yesterday, a High School Buddy of mine shared that her Husband had died.  He was the LOVE OF HER LIFE.  It's sobering.

We are just passing through.  How one lives is important.  What is really important?  This time on earth is a time to decide and plan for one's future.  Where will you spend eternity and who is your God?  A time to reflect and slow down living life to the fullest.  Knowing that I am just passing through has given me courage to turn loose of so much that I have been holding onto.  I have been kind of a packrat.  In the near future I will go through all of my old Christmas cards...cards and letters in general and decide what to keep and what to say good-bye to.  I will probably sweat over the details.  

Why keep funeral brochures?  For now, I will have these in a notebook where I can think about the person and the relationship I had with them.  Just another way to be better organized having the notebook on a book shelf.  LIFE IS PRECIOUS.  People are precious.  Time is precious.  Live it wisely.

That saying don't sweat the small stuff...maybe there IS some wisdom in that after all.    

I am a HOMEMAKER.  I rejoice that I am a HOMEMAKER.  The world tells me I have no value because I don't have employment.  The world isn't my GOD.  

I manage the money that runs a HOUSEHOLD.  I have to know how to stretch the dough sort of speak.  I have to manage the nuts and bolts of things.  Sometimes it is a challenge to be successful at being THIS HOMEMAKER.  Smile and put some pearls on. Mist some perfume on. Shade-in some lipstick across the mouth.  Clean undies.  grins.  I will rejoice because I want to. I'd rather enjoy this journey than to dread it.  

As I continue downsizing and getting organized...I'm thanking GOD that I am a HOMEMAKER, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a mother-in-law, a sister, a daughter, a sister-in-law, an Aunt, a cousin, a friend, a Christian, a child of GOD, a woman, a person, a thinker, a creator, a decorator, an artist, an author, a junker, the list goes on.   

Can I NOT SWEAT the small stuff?  Working on that as I sweat in real life carrying and shuffling boxes of groceries, dishes, paperwork, and a multitude of other things.  I am a Homemaker making a HOME.  

I am a sweaty Homemaker...amen and amen,

~d      

Scripture draw:
~2 Corinthians 12:9
"My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Prayer:
Most gracious Heavenly Father God, help me to be aware of my limitations being willing and ready to ask for your help.
In Jesus name I pray,
amen.

~d

MAKE DIETING EASY

EASY.

What a nice word.
Simplicity.
Making it simple makes it easier.

When dieting make it easy.  
In LIFE so much is difficult.  
This needs to be as easy as possible.

~Easy Daily Menu~

~BREAKFAST~

Glass of Original V8
Stalk of organic celery
Tablespoon of Peanut Butter
1/2 of a grapefruit
Water to drink and/or HOT Matcha Green Tea

~LUNCH~
Large Vegetable Salad
Made with organic veggies sprinkled with small amount of fruit, chopped nuts, a couple of sliced soy-free hard boiled eggs
then drizzled with Salad Dressing
or Olive Oil and Lemon Juice.
Salad always begins with a base of Spring Greens, Baby Spinach and/or Baby Kale then add whatever veggies you want to make a robust Salad.

Water to drink 

~SUPPER~
2 to 4 cups of Organic Vegetable SOUP
Water to drink

~SNACK~
Popocorn
Water to drink

Be kind to yourself.
All the best,
~d

Scripture:
~Luke 6:23
"Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:
for, behold, your reward is great in heaven."

PRAYER:
Lord, help us to put a new joy in our living.

WHAT GOES UP...MUST COME DOWN

SUNDAY NIGHT.  I fell again for the second time in eight days.  Landing hard on my right knee, I had tripped on the COTTAGE'S steps.  Not sure what exactly happened, but as I was falling, I knew I was going down and down I went hard on my right knee.  Hurt my left hand on this one.  Elbows are aching.  Back is feeling it.  Knee's burning.  This fall hurt worse than when I fell last Sunday on my hip.  Ouch and ouch again.  What to do?

What exactly is going on, I'm not sure as I seem to be losing my balance more frequently.  Read that if you are hypothyroid and hormones are off women are more apt to lose their balance and fall.  Think I had better get my TSH checked.  I have noticed my fingernails are splintering too easily and my hair is tangling more than I'm comfortable with.  All tell tell signs of thyroid issues.

I should know better, but I seem to be ignorant.  duh.  

My plans have been changed and I have to be flexible.  How quickly everything can change.  I should know better that I don't always have power over what happens.  Mind over matter isn't the norm.

I'll see how the day goes and perhaps I won't be so sore as to not be able to get done what I had hoped I would.  I wanted to play HOUSE filling the PANTRY with groceries so I can move onto the next step...which is painting the tall Kitchen cabinet.  I can make plans, but then all can be changed.  

SO be it.  I must surrender, DOROTHY.

Okay, I will.  I won't give up without a fight.  A fight maybe to let go and lie down beside the still waters.   

    

~d

PROVERBS 31 DEVOTION

 

THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE.  I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!  Psalm 118:24

We started out our beautiful Sunday by watching on youtube SPEAK THIS BLESSING OVER YOUR HOME on our large screen television.  It is beautifully done with scripture spoken out loud, scripture printed on the screen and prayers said.  Very uplifting.  

I will watch this again as it is soothing and a healing balm to me.  The word of God does not return void.  

Today's DEVOTION is Proverbs 31.

May we have peace in our HOMES,

~d

PROVERBS 31 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

FOOD IS YOUR BEST MEDICINE

Loading some can goods into bags wasn't the hard part about thinning out my basement pantry.  It was the carrying of 5 bags up the stairs to the Kitchen one bag at a time.  I huffed and puffed as I held onto the stair rail while climbing the old stairs from the pit of darkness into the light.  Great exercise for an older woman like me.

Hubby placed the bags in a wagon pulling them to the car to load up.  I drove the car to the COTTAGE parking in the backyard so carrying the bags wasn't as far to carry indoors. Tomorrow I will play GROCERY STORE by filling the COTTAGE PANTRY.  

There's a method to my madness.  I will empty the basement muscle racks so these can go to the Cottage Storage side of the garage to place Holiday decor on in the near future.  I am moving forward with a plan.

While it is super HOT outside, Hubby is indoors working on the COTTAGE Bathroom and I am doing whatever comes to mind.  When we have a milder day, he will return to gutting the shed and repairing a window.  He has fixed two of the three windows already.  Between the shed and the Bathroom, he is busy.

We went shopping in Topeka in this heat.  It was a scorcher.  Way too HOT.  McDonald's $1 Iced Tea for the road.  Visited GOD's STOREHOUSE and treated myself to one of their peanut butter cookies.  Picked up some jewelry and a few pieces of clothing.  Next we went to NATURAL GROCERS.  Shopped SAM WHOLESALE then fueled the auto.  Man, were they ever busy with customers.  Gas prices down.  Waited for our turn.  A stop at ALDI, MENARDS and STARBUCKS.  Home before dark.  Unloaded and put away our spoils.  Now for a movie.  These shopping days are FUN to me.  I enjoy getting out and seeing some sights.  The drive across the PRAIRIE is relaxing to me and the shopping fun.  A formula just right.

THINKING BACK ABOUT WHAT I ATE FOR THE DAY.  For Breakfast, I drank a small amount of ORGANIC Grapefruit juice.  It was delicious.  Been awhile since I had juice of any kind.  
Lunch was a small salad of Golden Tomatoes, Baby Kale and Spinach drizzled with Raspberry Vinaigrette.  I ate a TBSP of Peanut Butter for protein.  
Snack.  Then of course I had a Peanut Butter cookie while shopping. Supper was late, so I snacked on cold Pork and Beans plus a small amount of all vegetable soup.  

Calorie count for the day: 717.  That's what I call a low cal day.
HAVE TO CONFESS...This count went up slightly when I snacked on Killer Dave's Multi-grained bread with small amount of organic butter while watching a late night movie.  Bumping the calorie count to 927. Still under 1000 calories for the day!    

My early morning reading was out of a book that I picked up while visiting my Mom from one of the Ladies that lived in the same apartment complex as Mom that moved into a Nursing Home. Much of her stuff was left behind for the others to take what they wanted.  This particular 1965 book, FOOD IS YOUR BEST MEDICINE was written by Dr. Henry G. Bieler.  It is a very well written book about how proper food, individually selected for your particular needs, will preserve your health and extend your life.

While I thumbed through the book, one paragraph jumped out at me when it mentioned a huge fibroid in a movie star's gut that disappeared after eating the way Dr. Bieler suggested.  She was told by one doctor that she needed a hysterectomy which led her to seek help from Dr. Bieler that counseled her to eat differently.  A miracle took place and the fibroid disappeared.  This caught my attention as I have fibroid tumors in the womb. 

She revisited the doctor that told her to have a hysterectomy to be re-examined to discover the fibroid was gone.  This baffled the doc.  She shared what she had done and this doctor said the fibroid would have disappeared on its own.  I wonder then why did he tell her she needed a hysterectomy in the first place if it would have disappeared on its own?  No, I believe her changing her diet did the trick. 

Since I have been eating differently with organic foods, the huge fibroid I have in the womb was not noticeable at my June Annual Physical.  Where is it?  I believe it has shrunk and is disappearing.

I have wondered why so many women have fibroid tumors.  Mainline doctors and the medical field conveniently say, we don't know what causes them.  Get a hysterectomy.    

If the foods we are eating are not really all that healthy, I think it affects our bodies in a negative way and I am no rocket scientist.  Also, I question the chemicals, bleaches and wood products used in sanitary products, toilet paper and chemically laced cotton underwear.  How can any of this be healthy?

Anywho, I am going to try Dr. Bieler's Broth.

There are quite a few chapters in this book that I will be studying which cover some health issues that I presently have.  One of the broths he shares I am going to try and see what happens. 

BIELER BROTH

A combination of lightly cooked string beans, celery, zucchini and parsley
are recommended for ones ailment.

Cook these then puree
making a broth to drink.

Even one correct meal aids a toxin-saturated body.

Through the years, many called Dr. Bieler a quack, but with the book being written in the 60s and the way health trends have gone, he was ahead of his time in many health areas.

More on this book later I'm sure,
~d

I SAW THE LIGHT!

BACK TO THE DOCS.  HUBBY CONTINUES TO HAVE VERY BAD COUGHING FITS. Back to the doctor's to get checked again for  c o v i d.  I think he needs an antibiotic.  Making the best of a tough situation.  Mine aren't as bad as his.

We drove to the side of the Doctor's office building, telephoned them to let them know we were outside their door ready for a 
c o v i d  swab, got swabbed, waited until they phoned back with results.  Then from there, I guess they'll tell us what to do.  He'd like to have an antibiotic this go round.  When his lungs get irritated, he needs some extra help.

UPDATE: He does not have c o v i d...Antibiotics prescribed as he has a history of easily getting bronchitis.

Read about what foods are good for healing the lungs.  To strengthen them as well, eat the following:

Anchovies

Apples

Barley

Beets and beet greens

Blueberries 

Cocoa   

Edamame

Green Tea

Lentils

Peppers

Pumpkin

Red Cabbage

Tomatoes and tomato products

Turmeric

Do your best to not smoke and avoid pollutants.  He doesn't smoke, but avoiding pollutants is ongoing.  Air Quality is what it is.  Perhaps we should run an air purifier all the time.

Trip TODAY to Doctor's, Charity Drop, Grocery store stop for eggs and butter, Menards stop for a few more supplies and a run to the COTTAGE to drop off some more Mason Jars.  Then I'll need to rest before Supper.  Veggies for me.  Thinking about Zucchini and Squash dish, V8 with grapefruit.  Boosting the low cal dishes this week.  

Hoping to sort through more paperwork to file this evening.  Getting there... just not very fast.  

HANK WILLIAMS. 

Watched the 2016 movie I SAW THE LIGHT about Country Western Singer and Song Writer Hank Williams who died when he was only 29.  Struggles with alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, infidelity and severe physical pain contributed to a challenged life.  

I did not know he wrote this song with a catchy tune, I SAW THE LIGHT, which I have sung countless times.  

I Saw the Light

Only God knows for sure if Hank really knew the Lord as his personal Savior. 

Scripture Draw today:

~Mark 8:35

"Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's shall save it."

THIS WEEK HAS FLOWN RIGHT ON BY.  Hard for me to believe that it's FRIDAY.  Tis true, the older you get the faster time goes.  With that in mind, I am determined to work every day on the COTTAGE making preparations for moving there.  There's a method to my MADNESS. 

THIS WEEK, I have been working on the COTTAGE PANTRY.  Painting.  Finished.  Lined.  Done.  Started stocking.  In the works.  

I'm boxing up and bagging canned goods also Mason Jars to relocate to the COTTAGE PANTRY.  In the next few days, I'll continue bagging up the goods, taking them over to the COTTAGE and arranging it in the PANTRY.  HUBBY worked at priming the walls and floor sub-flooring in our lil COTTAGE Bathroom.  He's thinking we should be just about done by the end of August if able to work on it non-stop.  Can't wait.  Start getting excited to think it will be up and going very soon.         

WHILE AT THE COTTAGE, I gathered books from the various rooms that were already there to place in a new pile against one of the walls.  There they should stay until the floor to ceiling book shelves are built.  Still going through old papers and receipts. Still shredding and STILL filing.  I WILL BE EXTREMELY GLAD when the papers are all gone through and dealt with.  This is beginning to get on my nerves.  I made headway, but it is only a small dent.  Being my own CHEERLEADER to encourage myself at staying with it.  I can't throw my arms up in the air and say I QUIT!!!...well, I could, but then where'd that get me?  I'd still have to deal with it since some of the remaining papers are needed for running our estate and for accountability as responsible adults.  Having easy access to receipts and statements makes LIFE SIMPLER at times, doesn't it?

AS THE WEEK-END APPROACHES...I'll hopefully continue on with what I have been doing. One day closer to being done.  It's important to have ORDER.  Thank you very much.     

Blessings to you and may God bless your HOME LIFE,

~d