A PLEASANT PLACE CALLED HOME

HUBBY FINISHING UP A PROJECT

RESTFUL, BUT PRODUCTIVE DAY.  I stayed in my pink, fuzzy house coat all day today.  Even took an afternoon NAP in it.  How refreshing that was.  

HUBBY finished attaching the back to the antique corner cabinet.  A surge of happiness flowed through me as I have wanted a back on this piece of furniture for.......about 17 years.  Can that be right?  Yep.  17 years.  We brought it with us when we moved from the rock house to our 1883 house that we recently sold.  From there we placed it in our COTTAGE's tiny Dining room propped up against the wall.  We purchased bead board on New Year's Eve, had it cut to fit the piece, hauled it HOME in our LIL CRUISER, carried it inside, hubby painted the bead board, installed it to the corner cabinet's back and attached the corner cabinet to the wall so it is secure and won't toppled over.

SO pleased with how she turned out.  I will polish the glass panels in the morning and begin to fill this piece of furniture with CRYSTAL.  Can't WAIT.  A sense of satisfaction is there. Contentment.

Started out with white bead board and painted it
BEHR's MOOSE TRAIL.

The corner of the Dining room looks more like how a civilized person's HOME looks.  Now to stay focused and get the rest of the room whipped into shape.  I can see in my mind a tidy COTTAGE where we live and are comfortable as two older peeps in a small town.

I wrapped the Nativity Scene figurines in bubble wrap and placed them and the stable into large storage boxes.  Gathering the faux candles I recently purchased from the AFTER CHRISTMAS SALES and a couple of polar bears, I set up a new display for the cold, winter months ahead. Pleased with how it looks.  Now the storage boxes can return to the cellar.

Taking a few pictures and looking at the arrangement, it didn't take me long to rearrange the arrangement.  CHANGE HAPPENS.   

 

The antique walnut chest that is being used will be the piece of furniture that will be used for seasonal decoration space.  LIVING IN A TINY COTTAGE has limited space for major decorations, but I will find a way to do this as I enjoy decorating for the seasons.  I can go ahhhhh and enjoy looking at the WINTER SCENE from across the room where I sit in the corner by a lace covered window.

I worked on bills today and smiled when an envelope was opened from the Natural Gas Company for the last bill from them.  We owe nothing and there is a credit of $220.00. That's great news, now to be refunded.  Hubby tried to talk to an actual human about the credit via phone.  Only recorded messages.  hum.  I may have to write a personal letter to them.  Hello.

A few loads of laundry were done today.  My utility room is in serious need of being tidied.  As we work at fitting into this small COTTAGE, there are things still waiting to be put in their new location and as long as I am doing the figuring, it is happening slowly.  

In my daughter's Christmas Letter she mentions the scripture Psalm 16:6.  I liked it so much, I think I will memorize this as the scripture for the year.  It touched my soul.  

Scripture for the day:  PSALM 16:6

We are one day closer to SPRING!  ABOUT 75 days.  I purchased a few packets of seeds that will be planted in MARCH. I may do some container crops.  I have some time to think about where a small GARDEN can go on this property.  There are a few larger pots that can be used for container pots for the yard and in the flower beds.

Small cherry tomatoes, miniature cucumbers, rainbow colored carrots, lettuces, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans...giving it some thought.

FOR NOW DURING THE COLD MONTHS, I will continue getting the COTTAGE arranged and tidied.  What a delightful task to do as we get settled.  

In a pleasant place called HOME.

💚d

SIMPLIFYING IS A MUST

MAYBE I SHOULD BOX UP THE REMAINDER OF THINGS that are on the Kitchen floor and just donate to thrift.  I keep telling myself, do not give up... just keep MOVING. Stay in motion.  Some progress is showing.

My day was busy, but a very good one.  It's a good day to have a good day as they say.

Woke early and did research as my hubby slept.  I like starting my days out by doing a few chores about the house and today it was laundry.  I'm laundering curtain panels.  They will hang on thick hangers until I know I do not need them for any of the rooms.  Next came a load of denim wear.  Jeans and shirts.  

If I do 2 loads a day, soon I will be caught back up and I love that feeling.  

I had to find a storage box in the pile of boxes to store the large, silver jingle bells I bought last week for little of nothing.  They managed fitting in a HOMZ BOX I had emptied earlier.  I so like order and neatness.  A new pile of CHRISTMAS things that need to go to the cellar are manifesting right before my eyes.

Snow is suppose to come Friday, so tomorrow will be a great day to go to the cellar and get the Nativity Scene boxes so I can begin to wrap the figurines up safe and sound to put away for the year.  I was going to leave this out until Epiphany and as slow as I am it may happen.  When the Nativity Scene is gone, I have white candles that are battery operated that will sit on the antique walnut chest on a red velvet runner.  I may place some greenery about the candles and enjoy the low flicker from the candles in the evenings of these bitter cold days that lie ahead of us.

With the runner being red, it will be a nice fit for the month of February.  I decided since the COTTAGE is tiny that this piece of furniture will be an area to decorate all year round. 

Hubby is making progress on painting the bead board that is going to be the back of a corner cabinet that does not have a back.  We selected a BEHR color called MOOSE TRAIL.  

He has two pieces of wood to paint two coats on each.  One down and one to go.  He's using the portable table in the Kitchen as a work station.  Coming right along.

This afternoon when we went to Menards for more storage boxes, he picked up some hooks that he will place on the outside of the Kitchen's floor to ceiling cabinet.  For years I have wanted to display COFFEE MUGS.  Years.  Probably 46 years.  Wow, is that possible?  I told him about wanting a special place to hang mugs out.  He liked the idea and decided that we will do this.  As we talked, I showed him some pretty hooks that I'd like to have hanging on the pantry door so I can hang aprons on the inside of the pantry.  I'll have to return to get a few.  I measured the pantry door once we got HOME and know that they will fit.

I'll keep dealing with the things in the Kitchen until I am finished.  Hubby is working on the corner cabinet and when he finishes with this, I will fill the cabinet with crystal.  Then the hooks for the coffee mugs will go up and also the hooks for aprons.  I'll catch up on laundry and move onto the next mess that needs attention.  When I come across a tea pot, it is being placed up on top of the Kitchen cabinets. They will stay there until a couple of shelves are made and placed above the Kitchen windows.  

Next week we have to install the new hot water heater we purchased.  Trying to keep the task easy for each day as I jot down an idea per day on my calendar.  

When I return to Menards for the hooks, I hope I don't forget to get some more large, flat storage boxes for Holiday pillows.  I forgot to get some when I was there today.  I did manage to get a few more storage boxes for other things though.  

I did some thrifting today at GOD'S STOREHOUSE.  For a very good price I purchased a coral colored bedspread that is in mint condition.  Extra bedding is alway needed.  For very little expense I can switch out the color theme of the Master Bedroom when we have it up and going. The room will eventually be painted a warm white to where every color will go well with the room.  It will be a while before we make it to this place as the Kitchen, Dining room and Bathroom have to be dealt with first THEN this bedroom.  Right now the room is FULL of books, pictures, dolls, and I don't even remember what else we put in there, but the mattress and box springs on up on its side waiting.

We are making progress, just at a very slow pace.  Keeping a good attitude is half the battle.

Another one of my High School Classmates passed away.  This hurts.  She had surgery last August to amputate part of her foot.  I'm saddened that she has died.  Maybe I shouldn't be so shocked that so many of my mates are passing as death can come at any time.  This reminds me to get my household in order once again.  This encourages me to want to have close relationships with family members, my children and grandchildren, brothers, sisters, my living mom.  This encourages me to want to do things that are productive.  What shall I do with my time?  Am I spending it in the correct way?  Simplifying is a must.

PRAISE REPORT:  We have started the month and the New Year out WITH NO house payment! There are no CREDIT CARD payments.  No medical.  PRAISE THE LORD!!!  

Our last utility bill from where we use to live came today.  There will be one more natural gas bill coming then we will have cut our ties with the big house across the river.  I am still adjusting to living in the COTTAGE.  It is a sensational place to be at 68 years of age.  I had previously thought that we would be out of debt and have our mortgage paid off at 50 years of age.  That didn't happen.  It took so much longer than expected.  I believe I need to embrace the freedom that has taken years to accomplish. Years.  Breathing easier as we live in the COTTAGE even with it being a fixer upper.  We are here at last simplifying.

💚d

BLACK-EYED PEAS AND CORN BREAD ON NEW YEAR's EVE

DAY TWO OF 2024.  Tis a Tuesday.  Know what that means?  A trip to TOP CITY.  An Almond Milk Steamer on the way to the city.  A few supplies need purchased.  Out of cottage chz, coffee cups and organic veggies, etc.  Heard that HAWTHORNE BERRY are good for dealing with blood pressure issues.  If your pressure is too low, the Hawthorne Berry raises it.  If the pressure is too high, it lowers it.  Sounds like something I will try so I'll need to go to Natural Grocers to get some.

  

AS PLANNED:  MJ's, LUNCH, Natural Grocers and Sams today.

Tis cold out, but the sun is shining.  Hearing birds chirping encourages me to recall that SPRING is coming.  Flowers will begin to pop through the ground as GREEN returns.  The cold weather months give me an opportunity to work in the house getting settled, make plans about landscaping, get better organized and have thoughts of how to get there.

It will be nice to get out of the house today.  I enjoy taking drives across the Flint Hills.  

Our New Year's Eve was a busy one as we made a trip to Manhattan to purchase some wood for the back of an antique corner cabinet.  Since owning this piece, it has not had a back.  WE went to Home Depot because they will professionally cut wood to fit the dimensions you want, but it means the bead board will have to be painted because all they had were white boards.  With the outside of the piece being a darker tone, I wanted the inside of the cabinet to be on the darker side.

Also went to MENARDS to purchase a few more storage tubs that are of a size and style needed. While we were there, I picked up some sweets for the evening as it was New Year's EVE.  We had a quiet evening eating a meal of Black-Eyed Peas and corn bread.  Black eyed peas symbolize having GOOD LUCK for the coming year and the corn bread GOLD.  Some eat them on NEW YEAR's DAY.  

Some say the tradition of eating black-eyed peas dates back to the Civil War. Northern troops considered the peas to be suitable only for animals, so they were one of the few edible things left behind by raiding soldiers. The black-eyed peas that were “lucky” enough to be left behind would make their way to Southern tables, especially the tables of Southern slaves who celebrated emancipation as ordered by President Abraham Lincoln on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1863. After the war, peas were always eaten on the first day of January.

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved, as many traditions do, into a number of variations – but most hold the theme of luck and prosperity that harkens back to the Civil War days when people felt lucky to have black-eyed peas to eat and help them survive the cold, harsh winter months. Some of these variations include:

• Serving your black-eyed peas with greens (collards, mustard, or turnip), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money.
• Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.
• For the BEST chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat exactly 365 black-eyed peas, no more or less.
• Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health.
• In some areas, actual values are assigned with the black-eyed peas representing pennies or up to a dollar each and the greens representing anywhere from one to a thousand dollars.
• Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some. When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year (unless they swallow the coin!!).

If you have trouble remembering those variations, just think of this old Southern saying, “Peas for pennies, green for dollars, and cornbread for gold”.

Since peas were not on my 2024 menu just yet, we ate them on the EVE.  Also chocolate covered raisins, M 'n M's, pop corn, etc. isn't on the menu in 2024.  I pigged out to say it politely allowing myself some sweets for the evening.  Detoxing will come in the morning and it did.  I did well staying on track on the new year's day menu. 

The evening was spent watching a movie I have been waiting to see, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON. 

I'll watch it again.  3 hours and 26 minutes.  For being a lengthy movie, it didn't seem like it as it kept my attention with the time passing quickly.  A very layer story of Oklahoman events.  

Having lived in the Tulsa area, Oklahoma Western interests me.  Before moving there, I had not heard of the TULSA RACE RIOTS.  After I heard about it, the news stunned me as I hadn't lived very far from the area where this horrid event took place.  Reading happened.  Same with the Osage Indian MURDERS.  Time has a way of covering up horrible events with newer generations not knowing about it.  However, the older I get, I understand how the fallen nature of people repeats itself and has not gone away as people are born with it.  

While watching the film, I couldn't help but be sad for Mollie losing her family as they were killed.  I figured out that William Hale was behind this disgrace.  How he pretended to be these people's friend then killing them meant nothing to him as he was after all their money.

He is portrayed as a FREEMASON.  From studying about their practices, the brothers turn a blind eye to wrong doing when one of them commits a crime.  Ever heard of someone getting away with murder?  They did.  William would speak of God and the good book to others promoting Christianity, but behind the scenes he was a MONSTER.  Not unlike many evil and wicked people behave. 

TV Chef and COOK BOOK AUTHOR Ree Drummond's family has ties to the ground that William Hale owned.  DRUMMONDS purchased the land while Hale was in prison.  Because the Indians were viewed by our government as incompetent to handling their money, they were given wealthy, white guardians to oversee their head rights.  The Drummonds were guardians to some of the Osage people which were known to be the wealthiest race of the area.  William Hale, the ring leader of the REIGN OF TERROR and his accomplice nephew, Ernest were both sentenced to prison time, but later paroled.  Ernest was pardoned by Oklahoma Governor, Henry Bellmon.  Osage Indians serious protested the pardons.  Convicted murderers pardoned.  humph.  Convicted murderers. Convicted.  SOUNDS DIRTY TO ME.

Justice wasn't served.  There are connections between the Drummonds and Hale ground.  How did HALE acquire the land?  Read up and find out?

My dear Dad told me years ago, that I should know how people get their wealth.  He knew full well the ugly deeds some do to achieve power to get their way.  

Still working at going through boxes, tidying the Kitchen, doing laundry.  Off to TOP CITY I go.  I ate my organic saltine crackers with mustard as a hunger saver.  Think today I will have a salad for lunch.  Needs some greens.

God bless us one and all that are working at getting healthier.  I desire to be healthier and that means being PROACTIVE in seeing this come to fruition.

BLESSINGS TO YOU,

💚d

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF @)@$

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF A NEW YEAR!  This one came about incredibly fast for an old woman.  So fast, I am amazed how quickly 2023 disappeared as it came to an end last night. Not only will I have to adjust my thoughts when dating a check or thinking about what day it is, I am reminded that 24 years ago, we entered into 2000 where Y2K was suspiciously going to do great damage to our world.

We eased into the new century with a bottled water stash in the garage, a full pantry, wicks and kerosene for lamps just increase we needed some light after the electricity went out.  We had our pile of wood to burn if we needed it to stay warm.  First Aid kits were ready.  Our medicine was well stocked.  ETC.  We were in our 40s and prepared as best as we knew to be.

Nothing went to waste that we had stocked up on.  Over time, we used it all up and lived to tell about it.  My survivor skills are still intact with some changes added.  I lean on the LORD for what to do.  He leads me beside the still waters.  Praise His Holy name.

I plan to continue downsizing and distressing as best I can with GOD's HELP and instructions that I must read about for myself.

WE ONLY HAVE SO MANY DAYS TO LIVE OUR GOOD LIFE.  What will you do with yours? What will I do with mine?  How will I handle this precious time that I have been given?

💚d

  

DIETING SEEMS TO BE A WAY TO START THE NEW YEAR?

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ALL THAT JAZZ

GOOD HEAVENS...am I really going to start ANOTHER DIET come NEW YEAR's DAY?  NO.  In reality, I will already be on it before the New Year begins!

I cannot eat the way I use to without gaining weight.  Slowly the weight creeps back on my bod when I do.  After being weighed at the doctors, I tipped the scales at a higher weight then I wanted to be. OUCH. 

I've been studying up on various food combinations as well as researching DIETS.  Basically it comes down to cutting calories and avoiding carbohydrates to lose weight if you are normal. I'm not normal.  Problem is, without a thyroid I am a challenged person.  Seems like I have to work harder than the average bear.  Knowing what I know about vegetables, I should bump them up.  BUMP THEM UP!  and lower the carbs.  Junk food out and plant based in.  Vegetables is the magic bullet.  End of story.

I'm going to add some things that I haven't used before in THIS DIET.  Such as rhubarb and buttermilk.  For three days, I will eat very LOW CALORIES then have two days of a higher calorie count, but not too high.  

SO THAT's 3 days on very LOW CALORIES and two days with more calories and BIG SALADS, but allowing REFRESHMENTS.  Then what?  THREE LOW CALORIE DAYS again and a couple of days with more calories with a variety of foods.  

My Intermittent FASTING will be how I start my day out after I take my thyroid meds.  Waiting an hour before fixing hot tea sprinkled with three shakes of CAYENNE PEPPER.  After this is finished, I will drink at least 8 oz. of COLD WATER with some lemon juice in it.  Sliding into HOME PLATE for LUNCH around 11 or 12.  Some would call it BRUNCH because I had no food for Breakfast.  

A bowl of clear soup like beef broth, 5 saltine crackers topped with mustard and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes or baked rhubarb.  Water to drink.  This should carry me until early SUPPER around 5.  

WATER throughout afternoon.

SUPPER will be cup of Cottage Cheese sprinkled with black pepper, 2 pineapple rings and a glass of Buttermilk.

SNACK will be like a salad consisting of lettuce or spinach and a boiled egg.

Looking at this with a CRITICAL EYE, this is very low cal and shouldn't be eaten for days on end, but it does have foods from all food groups and spices that supposedly BURN BODY FAT by speeding up the metabolism.

Spring Water
Cayenne Pepper
Tea
Lemon Juice
Beef Broth
Saltine Crackers
Mustard
Rhubarb
Cottage Cheese
Black Pepper
Pineapple
Buttermilk
Lettuce
Spinach
Cherry Tomatoes
Boiled Egg

BREAK DOWN of this DIET:

SPRING WATER.   0 calories.  Spring water is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can contribute to good health. Calcium, for example, helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve function.

HOT TEA.   0.  Many benefits from drinking tea.  Many.


CAYENNE PEPPER.  0   Three shakes from container of cayenne pepper is extremely low in calories so I'll say it has zero calories.  One of the main benefits of cayenne pepper is its ability to boost metabolism.  JUST WHAT I NEED.  Capsaicin has been shown to increase metabolic rate by up to 25%, leading to more calories burned throughout the day. This effect is known as thermogenesis, and it can aid in weight loss by helping the body burn fat more efficiently.

COLD SPRING WATER.  0

LEMON JUICE.   0.  Basically, the calorie intake from lemons is negligible because A small amount of lemon juice is used as opposed to eating the whole fruit, considering it is sour. The calories in lemon come from one gram of carbohydrate.  Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which is beneficial for health and may help you burn fat.  According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, those with appropriate levels of vitamin C burn 30 percent more fat during high-intensity exercises than those with inadequate amounts.  Known for their tart taste, lemons were shown to help with weight loss, improve insulin resistance, reduce blood glucose, and lower blood pressure.

BEEF BROTH.   @39 CALORIES PER CUP OR 8 OZ.  It is a source of dietary potassium and niacin-- containing 130 milligrams of potassium and about 2 milligrams of niacin in each 1-cup portion.  Bone broth can be a part of a healthy weight loss regime. It is loaded with protein—about 10 grams per serving—that can help you feel full for longer. This extra protein can also assist in building lean muscle mass, which in turn enables your body to burn more calories throughout the day.  One cup of beef bone broth contains:  

Calories 39
Protein 9 grams
Fat 1 gram
Carbohydrates 0 grams
Fiber 0 grams
Sugar 0 grams

Bone broth also contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.  Bone broth combines the richness of a stock with the drinkability of a broth. It can make a healthy addition to your diet and contains nutrients such as collagen, electrolytes, and various amino acids. Consuming bone broth can help reduce inflammation and build muscle when combined with daily exercise.

SALTINE CRACKERS.  60 CALORIES 5 PER SERVING.  Look for crackers that are made from ingredients such as vegetables, whole grain flours, nuts, and seeds. Some new cracker varieties contain ample amounts of fiber, healthy fats, and protein.For example, today you can purchase crackers whose main ingredients include root vegetables like cassava, or cruciferous vegetables such as kale and cauliflower. If you choose to eat lower carbohydrates, cracker varieties such as Parmesan crisps and avocado-based crackers are a good choice.

MUSTARD.  7-10 CALORIES PER TBSP.  Low calorie, cholesterol and salt free.  Mustard is a great choice as it has intense taste with minimal calories (about 7-10 calories per tablespoon for prepared or 7-10 calories per teaspoon for dry mustard powder. [Source: US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 27 (revised). Version Current: May 2015.]). Sodium content varies widely among mustard varieties, but a tablespoon of mustard seed has only 1 mg and is about 25% protein by weight [Source: Health Canada. Health Products and Food Branch. Food Directorate. Nutrition Research Division. Canadian Nutrient File, 2010 Version]. 
Great source of Omega-3 fatty Acids. Mustard is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which are proven to improve risk factors for heart attacks, such as: reducing blood pressure, raising HDL (‘good’) cholesterol levels, and reducing arterial plaque and inflammation. They also increase brain function, improve mental disorders and improve bone and joint health.

Dietary Fibre.  Mustard seed is an excellent source of soluble fibre in large part because of the gum on the seed coat of Yellow mustard. Early research seems to support the concept of using mustard gums to assist with lowering glycemic indexes. Incorporating mustard fibres may therefore aid in the management of blood sugar levels.

Protein.  Mustard seed has a relatively high protein content along with a number of amino acids. Mustard is rarely used in large quantities so it isn’t a protein replacement on its own but can be used to make nutrient-dense foods more flavorful and enjoyable.  

Essential Minerals.  Mustard’s nutritional profile boasts a plentiful supply of essential minerals including calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. In addition to being a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids it also supplies tyryptophan, phosphorus, iron and protein.

Mustard seeds are also a very good source of selenium. This is a trace mineral that research suggests affects cancer risk in a couple of ways. Selenium may prevent or slow cancer growth rates. In addition, as an anti-oxidant, it may protect against free radicals.

Mustard is considered a good source of magnesium. This trace mineral is connected to everything from reduced blood pressure, asthma relief to sleep relief for menopausal women. 

RHUBARB.  26 calories in one cup diced rhubarb.  On the bright side, rhubarb is a good source of antioxidants, vitamin K, and fiber. 

Rhubarb is rich in phenolic acid, an antioxidant that's linked to healthy skin and helps protect the body from harmful free radicals.  It's also known to contain high levels of polyphenol, which may even be higher than that of Kale.

Studies show that rhubarb helps lower your bad cholesterol levels as well as your total cholesterol. Lower cholesterol levels reduce your risk for heart disease and heart attack. The vitamin K in rhubarb may also aid in preventing the calcification of blood vessels.

Nutrition. Rhubarb is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanin (which give it its red color) and proanthocyanidins.  These antioxidants have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which help protect you from many health-related issues such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Rhubarb is  a good source of vitamin K, a key nutrient necessary for healthy bones. Vitamin K activates a protein called osteocalcin, which encourages bones to lay down calcium. Studies show that people with a higher intake of vitamin K were less likely to suffer from hip fractures.

I'll have to bake mine so I can stand to eat this.  

Rhubarb is a good source of vitamin K, a key nutrient necessary for healthy bones. Vitamin K activates a protein called osteocalcin, which encourages bones to lay down calcium. Studies show that people with a higher intake of vitamin K were less likely to suffer from hip fractures.SPRING WATER.   0 calories.  

COTTAGE CHEESE.  163 CALORIES per cup.  High protein.  One cup of low fat cottage cheese has a whopping 28 grams and only 163 calories.  High protein foods digest slowly which helps keep you feeling full longer and makes you less likely to overeat.  PROTEIN also helps keep blood sugar levels stable, and helps build muscle.  Cottage cheese is a nutrient-dense addition to most diets. It is relatively low in calories, yet packed with protein, B vitamins, and other good-for-you nutrients. People interested in weight loss and muscle growth may find cottage cheese especially beneficial.  Cottage Cheese is high in Selenium which has shown to increase antioxidant protection in the blood.  Cottage Cheese can help reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance protection.

BLACK PEPPER.  Next to 0 calories.  Black pepper for weight loss is a great choice for many because it includes a compound known as piperine that enhances metabolic performance and suppresses the accumulated fat in the body. Black pepper tea is one of the many popular remedies to also treat obesity.  Black pepper increases the absorption of essential nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.  According to preliminary research, it may also promote gut health, offer pain relief, and reduce appetite.

PINEAPPLE.  81 CALORIES IN 2 RINGS.  Bromelain, the digestive enzyme in pineapple, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This helps when you have an infection, like sinusitis, or an injury, like a sprain or burn. It also offsets the joint pain of osteoarthritis. The vitamin C in pineapple juice also keeps inflammation levels low.  Manganese is important for metabolism and copper helps maintain and repair connective tissues.  Pineapple contain flavonoids, carotenes and polyphenols, which help to neutralize and remove toxins from bloodstream and liver.  Your liver works hard every day to detoxify your blood, and the natural detoxifying agents in pineapples make that job easier.

BUTTERMILK.  1 cup has 99 calories.  Probiotics found in buttermilk help in fostering the development of healthy gut bacteria. This can ease bloating and constipation symptoms and promote digestion.  Lactic acid bacteria found in buttermilk can boost the production of antibodies, which in turn can serve to strengthen the immune system. Buttermilk is an excellent hydration source that can help replace fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating.  Calcium and other minerals vital for healthy bones are abundant in buttermilk. The regular intake of buttermilk can aid in the prevention of bone diseases like osteoporosis. Buttermilk contains probiotics that can aid in reducing inflammation in the body's intestines and other areas. This can lower the chance of developing chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Buttermilk is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for people who are trying to lose weight. Additionally, it aids in promoting satiety and reducing appetite. Potassium, which is abundant in buttermilk, can help reduce blood pressure by balancing the impact of excess sodium.

SPINACH.  7 Calories in 1 cup.  Spinach leaves have a long-standing reputation in folklore medicine for their diverse medicinal uses. Spinach has been used traditionally to address skin issues such as ringworm, scabies, and leucoderma (skin whitening). Additionally, it has been associated with potential benefits for urinary calculi (kidney stones) and may aid in controlling symptoms of urinary tract infections.  Spinach may decrease oxidative stress, improve eyesight health, and prevent heart disease and cancer.

LETTUCE.  5 Calories in cup.  A good source of fiber, iron, folate, and vitamin C. Lettuce is also a good source of various other health-beneficial bioactive compounds. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-diabetic activities attributed to the bioactive compounds in lettuce.

CHERRY TOMATOES.  @25 Calories in cup.  Cherry Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is great at fighting free radicals that cause disease.  Lycopene can also limit UV damage to your skin from sun exposure and promote better heart health.  They are excellent source of vitamin A.  

Boiled Eggs.  78 calories in boiled egg.  Boiled Egg Benefits Weight loss. Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of lean protein. Prenatal bone strength. The protein in hard-boiled eggs also works alongside vitamin D to promote prenatal development.  Reduced cholesterol.  Source of choline. Eye protection.  Increased mental energy.

I have to remind myself to take smaller portions of food, eat slower with deliberately chewing the food by moving it about in my mouth to where the teeth make contact.  Mindful EATING.  Perhaps lay the utensil down between bites.  Wait a minute between bites.  Don't sip beverages while eating.  Avoid LATE NIGHT eating.

WITH ALL OF THIS SAID...I will plan on being successful at DOING THIS.  

MY NEWEST DRINK OF THE DAY will be HOT TEA WITH three shakes of CAYENNE PEPPER in it.  I started this about two weeks ago and will carry it over into 2024.  DRINK OF THE YEAR!  The Cayenne Pepper gives the taste buds a kick warming the mouth and back of the throat.  I know it's there.  I'm getting use to it and now look forward to the KICK.  

Keeping what I eat as pure a form as possible next to GOD's creation is the best way possible and most nutritious.  Amen.  Praying for HEALTH.

I hope to continue walking more and stressing LESS.  Less is best.

HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

~d

WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM and A DISCOVERY

SIGH.  I managed to fix a TEA CABINET in the cabinet above the stove.   Finished this morning.  It looks nice because it's so organized.  WHAHOO.

Still so much to do with moving in and getting settled in this COTTAGE.   

A MULTITUDE OF BOXES ARE ON THE KITCHEN FLOOR full of things to deal with and the portable table that is being used as a work station is covered.  It seems to be breeding THINGS as I speak.  The never ending MESS.  

Taking shape is a CAKES, PASTA and RICE cabinet to the right of the stove.  Almost completed. Looking good and organized.

Vitamin and supplement cabinet up and going, but difficult reaching because of the work table.

THE FOOD PANTRY is in place.  Items neat and organized.  This took some doing.  SOME DOING.  I was playing GROCERY STORE inside my own HOUSE.  What a blast this was.  Clean up on aisle three, please.  I could imagine having employees to do this task because I am the Queen Bee and head bottle washer busy with LIFE.  Didn't happen.  No one showed up wearing an apron.  Not even me and there are so many CUTE aprons out there.

BUT THE SENSE of being satisfied springs forth with seeing my tiny KITCHEN take shape.  All the vacant spaces have to be used as efficiently as possible.  PRIME REAL ESTATE.      

I have the cookware, pots 'n pans, baking ware, and small appliances neatly positioned in the walk-in pantry.  BUT there are things on the floor to deal with yet.  sigh.  Working here and there.

Hubby and I visited about the area to the right of the sink.  MONTHS AGO, I had said I'd like three floating shelves to the right of the sink, but he mentioned building a hutch like cabinet which would store ALL my everyday dishes in it along with drinking glasses and coffee mugs.  It makes better sense to have this type of storage verses floating shelves.  We're kicking this one around.

WHEN WE GET TO THE PLACE of remodeling the Utility room, a floor to ceiling cabinet will be built for small appliances and a floor to ceiling book shelves built for cookbooks and sewing things.  The small appliances will migrate to the Utility room cabinet freeing up the walk-in pantry for the returning of a food pantry.  The pots 'n pans will migrate to the cabinet outside of the walk-in pantry.  Such a lot of morphing will go on.  Makes me tired thinking about this.  sigh. 

I have to remind myself that I need to breathe and relax about this process as it will take time that will not be finished in a blink of an eye.  Slow down and relax.  Typing the thought processes out helps stable my nerves when I can see a flow chart of how this is taking place.   

I will feel so much better about the KITCHEN when it is TIDY once again.  It has taken me the month of November and December fidgeting where EVERYTHING is going.  Not a fast activity by any means.  When I think I have it figured out, more things turn up and I have to rethink where things will go.  Having less things wouldn't solve the process as I need my KITCHEN to be a KITCHEN.  

WITH THE KITCHEN A COMPLETE MESS, trying to fix a meal has been a three ring circus. We're managing, but oh, have mercy, it's uncomfortable.  This downsizing assignment has challenges that were not mentioned before I actually, physically moved in.  What an adventure.  IT's A DISCOVERY.

ELSEWHERE IN THE HOUSE:  The duct work in the cellar is being worked on.  I pray HUBBY does NOT get stuck while doing this.  He flopped like a fish before when working on plumbing the house so he knows what he is in for with replacing duct work.  I have the easy job of pulling the duct piece through the vent hole in the Bathroom.  I say easy.  Hope it goes well.  UPDATE. It was a success.  No one got stuck.

We plan on going to Home Depot to purchase some bead board that will be cut to fit the back of our antique corner cabinet that's in the Dining room.  Hubby thinks it won't take very long to nail this piece of wood to the back of the corner cabinet.  I have waited YEARS for this to take place.  Y E A R S.  Then the cabinet will be secured to the wall so it does not tip over.  I'll fill it with crystal.  What a wonderful thing this will be to have this completed.    

WE HAVE PLANS OF PURCHASING SOME BISON MEAT this afternoon as well.  The Buffalo Ranch down the road sells BISON and I saw where they advertised their WINTER SALE going on. Called and made an appointment to go get some.  I'd like to get some ground Bison, Bison sausage, stew meat, and a few steaks for VALENTINES DAY celebration.  Into the freezer they will go.  If we get enough to WINTER with that would be awesome.  

  

In late SPRING when it warms up some, I believe we should go TOUR the ranch when the Buffalo are roaming the pastures.  We have lived in this area nearly 24 years and have as yet to tour a Buffalo RANCH.  Can you believe it?  That's terrible.

When I was babysitting LIL MISS years ago, I drove down their road to get a closer look at their grazing Buffalo on the prairie.  Their SAMSON was on a hill from where I was sitting in the car watching.  He began to run across the top of the hill with steam coming out of his nostrils.  It was one of the most magnificent sights I had seen on the prairie.  I observed his glory.

Buffalo's legs do not stay in motion as I originally had thought.  I got an education of this magnificent creature while he was running across the territory.  I believe I'd like to see him run again from a distance.  These creatures are not to be toyed with as they are MASSIVE ANIMALS that have a mind of their own.  I suppose if you raised them from calves they might take a liking to you and be somewhat gentle knowing you tend to them and take care of them.

If I lived in the country away from the maddening crowd, I might have a baby Buffalo and some small goats.  Hum.  Life isn't over is it.  Still have thoughts about living differently out there amongst the English, as the Amish say. 

I need to go to a place in the country and just sit a bit looking out at GOD's NATURE, collecting my thoughts and discovering something new about the quiet.  What's going on in my head with well wishes of the mind.  Life is a discovery.  How do I want to live the rest of my days?  Not knowing how many I have left, I must stay busy getting this place in order QUICKLY if possible so I can go on to doing other things.

RUN DOWN OF THE DAY.  We had what I would call a productive day.  Did a great deal of driving.  Will feel it tomorrow.  I braved it and as we were passing through the tiny town of St. George, I did a spontaneous stop at a small town beauty parlor where there was a sidewalk sign out that said WALK INS WELCOMED.  SO I stopped and asked if someone would shampoo and straighten my hair.  They said yes and so they did.  Liked the stylist.  After she shampooed my hair I sat there with a towel around my head, she asked if I'd like to have my eyebrows waxed?  I said yes and she did.  She was great and I was blessed to find a new stylist!  

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄worked on kitchen
🎄paperwork and bills wkd on
🎄out of debt!
🎄mail pkd up
🎄safety deposit box fee pd
🎄bison/buffalo meat purchased
🎄returned HOME to place in freezer
🎄stopped by a small beauty parlor to have hair shampooed and straightened.
🎄went to storage unit looking for a punch bowl
🎄lunch at Olive Garden
🎄shopped hob lob where things were 75% off.  bought some large jingle bells.
🎄Menards for  AAA batteries for candles
🎄went to a different storage unit looking for punch bowl and granddaughter returned Christmas Tree she borrowed.🎄quick trip to store for milk 
🎄home to unload things
🎄rested
🎄hot chocolate
🎄movie
🎄wkd on kitchen
🎄bedtime

AT THE PACE I AM GOING, nothing is quick.
Think I'd better go water my house plants in the Utility room and put a load of laundry in,

~d

I CAN SAY NO!

THINKING THIS WEEK ABOUT OUR EXPENSES AND MAJOR PURCHASES WE MADE THIS YEAR as if they are our CHRISTMAS PRESENTS to one another.  

A small chest freezer was bought with cash a few days before THANKSGIVING and I was so very thankful we bought it to store two frozen turkeys and two frozen hams.  I have wanted a chest freezer for years as we got rid of our tall, full size freezer years ago.  Had not replaced it. Because of space restrictions, a small chest freezer is ideal for me.  

Okay, that was a gift to our estate.  Then there is the matter of GOLDIE, our car.  We give our cars names.  GOLDIE is our Cadillac and PETE is our lil PT CRUISER.  The Lincoln Town Car we once had was named LILLIE and I wish I still had her as she had a soft gray leather interior and a gorgeous build that I LOVED driving.  Our Gray Cadillac was called, THE CAR.  Hubby's old work car was named WALLY.  PEARL was our sparkly black AVEO that was totaled years ago. Who on Earth names their automobiles and has fond memories of them like they were a living member of the family?  We do.  grins.      

We had our old Cadillac repaired as we plan on driving her until it will drive no mo.  The repairs were like purchasing a good used car at $4200.oo.  It may not seem prudent to spend so much on an old car, but this sweetheart has so many bells and whistles, still a beautiful body and leather interior plus she gets decent gas mileage, that we made the executive decision to repair her.  SO we spent this hard earned cash to make it happened.  We could have taken a vacation on this.  Didn't want a car payment right at the moment.  Perhaps we will be able to start a savings account for the NEXT CAR that will be newer, but until then...hey.

We paid OFF our CREDIT CARDS!!!  A HUGE PRESENT TO OURSELVES and have vowed to NEVAH get into so much DEBT EVAH AGAIN.  EVAH. How on Earth did it happen in the first place?  We carried a balance for years.  It snowballed and got away from us.  Though we were able to pay a minimum monthly payment on each card, it was a BURDEN and sapped much joy from my LIFE.  Such a heavy load to carry around.  We had HUGE medical bills when I went through surgery for a cancerous thyroid.  Two surgeries later with a multitude of other medical bills attached there were months that I had 7 active medical balances that the doctors and medical staff wanted PAID right now, and we had to juggle the expenses in order to stay in good graces with them.  We managed.  Then HUBBY had two thyroid surgeries due to a cancerous thyroid as well three years after mine.  Same playground with the same BULLIES.  

When you are on overload with medical bills but desire to pay your debt, it may weigh you down where you cannot stay afloat on other expenses.  It was difficult for us.  We GOT THROUGH IT. Praise the LORD.  We have been fighting a long hard battle that we may have a reprieve from debt.  Shall see.  I HATE DEBT.  HATE IT.  

LIFE IN THE COTTAGE will be different.  We'd like to pay CASH for all purchases and expenses AS WE GO.  I don't mind purchasing THRIFT items in the clothing department and other things such as decorating decor, dishes, pictures.  It's fun to me to go thrifting because I never know what I will find.  A surprise in every trip.  

I don't mind shopping at places such as GOD's STOREHOUSE, MARSHALLS, KOHLS, ALDI, TUESDAY MORNING for discounts.  I look for bargains wherever I go and find them.  NOW, I can say I don't need that even if it's a BARGAIN.  Oh HAPPY DAY...I can say NO.  It's gotten easier to say this two letter word.

~d

 

EPIPHANY

I bought some candles like this for my 2024 CHRISTMAS TREE.

LEAVING THE NATIVITY SCENE OUT UNTIL JANUARY 7th.  Epiphany is January 6th.  This will be a time to think about when the WISEMEN worshipped the LORD and brought the BABY JESUS gifts.  Epiphany is as much a part of the CHRISTMAS SEASON as any of it.  The reason for the season is celebrating JESUS.  His wonderful birth.  

I mustn't forget how majestic it all is.  The twelve days of Christmas concludes before Epiphany takes place.  This time of the season tis almost here.  

Like the Wisemen giving gifts to the LORD, we imitate gift giving to others at CHRISTMAS.  

How many of us would be better off waiting until the AFTER CHRISTMAS SALES takes place to purchase greatly discounted gifts that we are going to give to someone so the spending fits our budget?  It's not unheard of to purchase things at 50-75% OFF during this time.    

I did well this year and placed things back on the shelves saying and knowing, I do not NEED that.  This year, it felt rather good to put things back knowing I would LIVE not having to buy everything on a whim.  

I get excited when looking at what has been marked down.  This is usually when I purchase CHRISTMAS decorating items and small gifts for the next CHRISTMAS.  This year I purchased a decorative white Polar Bear that paired up with a smaller one I bought last year.  The small one has a baby cub at her feet.  I enjoy the battery operated candles so I purchased two sets of these that I will try out when I come across some batteries.  All 66% off.  I'll place these out somewhere in the COTTAGE now and use throughout the cold months for a warming affect.

HOBBY LOBBY had a box of miniature white candle sticks much like the picture shown at the beginning of the post that will be attached to a small CHRISTMAS 2024 tree. I would have gladly purchased more if they had any.  Fantastic price after the mark down.  Otherwise the price was way too high.    

I'll leave the garland out that I have placed about the interior of the house for at least during the month of January then they will begin to disappear with February coming.  I'm not sure I will get any sewing done where I could make stuffed hearts to dangle from the greenery.  The heart shape is one of my favorite shapes.  I've made small stuffed hearts before and found great contentment in making them and displaying them.

A BIG SPLURGE this AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE was a dollhouse kit that was marked way down.  Hubby said he was going to buy this for me for a late CHRISTMAS GIFT, but he was right on time.     

We have plans of having a studio in the new year where I can work on the dollhouse and leave it out not having to put away.  When I get it finished, I will display it in the small VICTORIAN BEDROOM since it is a Victorian House Dollhouse.  I have personally eyeballed this model for about 5 years.  Well, we did it and bought the dollhouse.  I enjoy miniature dollhouses and look forward to attending a Miniature Dollhouse Show in Kansas City this coming SPRING.  This will be A TREAT!

Today, I have rested, worked on the KITCHEN cabinets making a TEA CABINET, emptying some boxes, did paperwork, studied up on LIVING MORE WITH LESS book by Doris Janzen Longacre, thumbed through a Harvey House Cookbook, researched about nutrition and diets.  It has been a relaxing afternoon gray skies and all.  The weather is very cold and I need to stay inside to get rested. When I have a very busy day out and about, the next day is what I call a down day to rest up.  I know I cannot go at a fast pace each day.  I get weary.

Our 'lil CRUISER that a deer hit last October, has an appointment to have the windshield replaced.  I need to make my trip count while traveling from our COTTAGE to Manhattan so I will go looking for a new pair of bluejeans and some greeting cards probably at WALMART.  I pray they have a pair of affordable bluejeans that FIT so I don't have a FIT.

I did very well today on my LOW CALORIE DAY.  No hunger pangs.  Only once did I want to eat a tablespoon of peanut butter as I was shuffling food items about the KITCHEN cabinets because I moved the peanut butter containers.  I ignored the urge!  I will continue to have another low cal day on Thursday.  Three in a row then I add more calories for a couple of days.  Do another round of low cal days and more calories.  I wonder if I can just do this until the weight falls off?

Part of my LUNCH meal is eating 5 saltine crackers with mustard.  I liked it.  Who would have thunk it?  I forgot to drink some buttermilk.  Better luck next time.

With New Year's Eve coming, I will make some white chocolate covered pretzel sticks with peppermint dust mixed in for my HOLIDAY TREAT.  When the clock strikes midnight and the NEW YEAR officially begins...then I must respect this and return to a strict food intake.  My goal in 2024 is to give up BACON and other pork.  This will take a HUGE amount of discipline from me as I like BACON from time to time.  

I might have an EPIPHANY of my own if I successfully do this.

~d

  

THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS HAS COME AND GONE.  A peaceful Christmas with family.  Now the few days between CHRISTMAS and the New Year's shall be slow paced. Restful.  I will deliberately take time off resting to sit this week.  Let the world pass me on by.  

How will we celebrate the NEW YEAR's?  Perhaps quietly.  

I know I need to work on laundry and have a day doing paperwork.  I'd like to have the paperwork caught up before the New Year begins.  Same with laundry.  Scheduling this in.

Tuesday morning alarm was set, but I woke beforehand and didn't need the alarm after all. Quiet time happened when I sat in my chair.  With a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, I knew if I got around early in the morning I could go check out some AFTER CHRISTMAS SPECIALS.  

Work in a MJs almond milk steamer.  Over to Manhattan to HOBBY LOBBY and TARGET. Lunch at Panera Bread and off to medical appointment.

Doc will switch blood pressure meds to see if the persistent coughing stops.  I wasn't prepared to talk about going off Lisinopril/HCTZ switching to LOSARTAN, but when he mentioned changing to a different med, I told him I had planned on visiting with him about the HCTZ at my yearly physical.  I had read about HCTZ causing skin cancer and I have a pre-cancerous place by my eye that is being watched.

He said he hadn't heard about this medicine causing skin cancer then asked if I had read it from a reputable sight?  I hadn't gone to the appointment prepared to talk about the details so I wasn't much help there.  I will print off info and mail it to him about Hydrochlorothiazide being linked to skin cancer.  My frustrations come from knowing this medicine is linked to skin cancer and I'm taking it.  My mom has had skin cancer.  He said he has used this medicine for a long time without issue.  My thoughts are it won't be you getting skin cancer when I get it.  It will be me dealing with it.

We'll see how the new meds do and go from there.  I'd like to get off of these particular meds as they are known to raise blood sugar levels as well.  After getting the info pamphlet that comes with medicines, it does mention that HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE can cause skin cancer.  The new medicine of LOSARTAN with HZTC will still cause skin cancer and raise blood sugar.  What else could I take?  

I will read the entire print out I get with new meds and decide the next step.

After the appointment, we went to Marshalls to get some more faux snowballs.  Home Depot I purchased next year's Christmas Ornaments for my Grandchildren.  Happy about this.  BUT MY SPLURGE FOR THE DAY WAS THE WHITE POLAR BEAR THAT I BOUGHT FROM HOB LOB.  I eyeballed these last year and took the plunge with 66% off prices.  The 66% looks impressive, but I really know that with  c o v i d  inflation the 66% off is more like 35% off from a few years ago.

Then to the grocery store to purchase some rhubarb which is next to impossible to find this time of year unless frozen or canned.  I was so tired that I wanted to go home, but we'd go to another grocery store, the Pharmacy, a Dollar General and the POST OFFICE before going HOME. Unloaded, rested, took a nap and ate supper.  I tried to work in the Kitchen only to get frustrated that this new arrangement AINT WORKING.

Will rest tonight and continue on with REARRANGING THE PANTRY in the morning.  I've got to get some results soon so I don't come unraveled.  

STAYING HOME IS A MUST.  Gotta.

~d