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DEAD TIRED and DEALING WITH BEING OVER WEIGHT

MAKING PLANS TO WATCH A GOOD MOVIE TONIGHT.  THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN.  Starring Robert Redford. 

DO NOT KNOW ALL OF THE REASONS SOME CHOOSE TO LIVE A LIFE OF CRIME.  In this movie it shows the life of Forest Tucker, a career criminal and prison escape artist.  Mister Redford did a fine job as Forest.

Woke up from a 2 hour nap this afternoon.  Too tired to do anything.  Not going to get done what I had planned.  TOO TIRED.  Change of plans.  Will return to everyday living tomorrow.  My computer is on the fritz and until it is fixed, I will use my Hubby's which I cannot download pictures from my camera.  My son suggests making an appointment with an APPLE STORE to have them discover what is wrong with my laptop.  She's about 8 years old and it's time for a check-up.    

Long drive to St. Louis on Tuesday.  So many trucks on the highway.  Safe trip.  This week was spent with family in St. Louis, watching a grandson run his first High School cross country event coming in 11th, visiting Historic St. Charles, watched a movie, watched Kansas City Chiefs Football.  We drove HOME after late so we'd be back in our neighborhood to go to another Cross Country Meet in Kansas on Saturday morning.  Granddaughter came in first place achieving her Personal Best.     

After seeing pics of my big body at the Cross Country Meet, I just about cried at how large I truly am.  I'm beginning to wonder if my body is shutting down on me.   

Busy and exciting week.  I was dragging when we returned HOME on Friday night.  Rolled up to the COTTAGE at 1 AM.  Needless to say, I AM EXTREMELY TIRED AND TOOK A NAP in my recliner after the Saturday event.  I can tell I have changed as an older woman where I cannot keep up.  I am no longer young.  

Tonight will be a slow paced night and that's alright.  Tomorrow will come and it'll be back to doing the laundry, walking, etc. 

~d 

COMING UNHINGED and CAUSING PROBLEMS

MERCY SAKES.  TIME GETS AWAY FROM ME.  Into the month of September.  Beautiful September.  Yard work will pick up this month as the temps cool off some.

Made plans for how we're going to proceed in all of this mess.  Yellow mums are in the round containers on the porch!  That's good and they look gorgeous.   

I came unhinged looking at our back yard.  It's in need of mowing again, edging and the overgrown grass is out of control in the flower beds.  It is absolutely tacky and unkept.  With cataract surgeries in March plus healing in April, flu in May, Co v id in July, I failed to get things done.  Hubby's foot injury made things come to a pause.  He's feeling better and I hope to be.  We may have to hire someone to do the work if we keep falling behind. 

With the weather cooling off, it will be better working conditions to do yard work in.  It weighs heavily on me with so much needing done.  It's not the end of the world, but having messes around me that I am responsible for and not getting taken care of raises my blood pressure.  I know it does.  Even with knowing it takes time, but not getting it done... bugs me.  Having to get through it is difficult on my nerves.  

With so many projects being worked on, I'm looking for short cuts to get through this time in our lives.  Priorities are needed with taking deeper breathes so I don't stay unhinged and frustrated.  This period of what we are doing about getting downsized, better organized, and staying on top of home things is ongoing.  I have to relax about it all, but still work.

I finally talked Hubby into us using paper plates, throw away cups and utensils while we are working at getting the house remodeled.  I have very limited energy and I wear out incredibly easy.  Seeing dirty dishes in the sink does not get me excited.  Instead a heaviness comes on me and I get further drained than I already am.

My energy needs to be used at getting other things done besides hand washing dishes, glasses, pots 'n pans, utensils.  I don't have to feel guilty that I am using paper and plastic products to help lift the load of housework while remodeling.  I think we need to eat lighter meals such as soups, salads and sandwiches and maybe have a huge meal one day a week instead of having the meals that take hours to prepare and clean-up.  It's one way of helping.

Having a healthy balance is necessary.  TRUTH.  Also when not well, there has got to be some tricks up my sleeves to get things done.  Short cuts in assisting the way.

We finished clearing out one of the storage units we had rented and returned the key to the owner.  Made progress.  It was work to make this happen, but we stuck with it and got this taken care of.  We rented this unit close to a year ago.  We have to pace ourselves and continue making progress on all of this.  

TODAY, I will do some laundry, wash dishes, fix easy meals, shuffle some stuff about.  It'll make a difference.  

I've got to wrap up a Japanese Tea Set to give it to my St. Louis Son.  He's really big in being cultural, so I thought just maybe this would be something he'd like having.  I could be wrong and if I am, it doesn't matter.  I'll find someone else who would appreciate this great craftsmanship.

Continuing to gather things to donate.  Eventually, we will have a slimmed down environment and be functioning in a better way.  Down sized.  Right now, it's a hot mess. 

LORD WILLING THIS AUTUMN, the bathroom will be completely finished.  It has drug out for way too long.  
The CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS in the cellar will be gone through and thinned out.
The SHE SHED will be cleared out and the Victorian Bedroom set up.
The TV room made.
AND the front Bedroom set up. 
This all HAS to be done before CHRISTMAS. CHRISTMAS!  

One way to simplify CHRISTMAS, is to celebrate JESUS.  I agree.  Getting all worked up about this HOLIDAY causes so much stress and anguish.  I don't believe the LORD wants that for us.  The celebration shouldn't be a headache, but a joyous occasion.

I'm aiming for scaled down decorating, gift giving and baking.  I can do this.  I have had to fight inner demons to get to this place.  I know in my head that I should simplify, but in my real world there is a war going on to accomplish a simplistic environment.  DOn't sweat the small things has not been achieved.  It is a work out for me to simplify.  How much of this is a bad case of attitude? 

Each and every day I HAVE TO work on House and Garden projects so we have a comfortable place to call HOME and live.  Trying like heck to keep my cool and not fall apart.

I've had a tendency to get worked up and it causes peace problems within.  Still learning to do LIFE differently in a better way.  Lord help and I have to apply myself.

~d

ONE DOWN AND TWO TO GO

Yellow Mums symbolize joy and happiness.
In Victorian times: Chrysanthemums were used to convey good fortune, well-wishes, and feelings of friendship.

LABOR DAY WEEK-END.  We labored as we worked on clearing out one of our storage units.  We are so close to being finished with only a recliner, art canvases and trash boxes still remaining in the unit.  It will have to be swept out and the key returned before we are no longer using it.

Placing the over flow of our things in storage units is a stepping stone in the journey of having sold our big house and retiring to the RETIREMENT COTTAGE.  Turning loose of much is a journey.  Not bragging, but we have in use three units, a garage and a cellar yet to go through.  As for the units, one down and two to go.  It more than likely will take another year to have cleared out the other two units.  Seriously.

It is uplifting to me to have done so much on this one unit we worked on.  To see a nearly empty storage unit feels great.  Today, we will finish up and call it good.  The recliner and canvases will go to the she shed and the trash boxes will go in our back yard until trash day comes on Thursday.  

We ate lunch then took naps.  I was ready for the rest.  The temps started to rise and we waited until it cooled some before tending to planting the cheery yellow mums.  After thinking about which containers the coleus and the mums should be in, I decided that the coleus should just stay in the urns they are in and the mums could live in the big round containers that were upside down in the back yard.

Hubby helped me as the round containers were filled with new potting soil, lifting the mums out of their small pots placing them in the large round containers and tapping down in their new home.  I watered them well and then admired their beauty.  Decided to put them beside the already thriving coleus on the steps of the COTTAGE.

I figure that I will take cuttings of the Coleus early October and start new plants.  The Mums will winter in the round containers in the backyard.  I have to figure out what to do with the Geraniums and return the Schefflera to the Living room.  By the end of October, the TV room should be up and going and I might be able to winter some of the plants in there.  The small Living room will become my formal Parlor where it won't be so crowded and it will hopefully stay lovely all the time as we will use the tv room for messes such as piles of magazines and knick knacks.  

The rest of the evening allowed time to sit and relax.  I removed the figurine bunnies I have sitting around and replaced them with faux pumpkins and changed out the flowers in a vase I have on the small, antique chest by the front door.  Splashes of orange are coming out to enjoy.  No tele watching, but searched on the net, did some paperwork and ate supper.  The sun went down and I was ready to go to sleep.  

Plans for today are to finish clearing out the storage unit, do some laundry and paperwork.  We have a watermelon to eat and leftovers to use up.  No special celebrations today for Labor Day.  I probably won't go walking as the time will be used differently.

Salads to eat and water to drink.  

I weighed myself on the bathroom scales to record for the month of September and away I go on this journey to continue to reduce my weight.  The weight has climbed some and its got to go.  I have not set up a date to use as a marker of when I want to reach my ideal weight if ever.  Right now I am focusing on eating healthier and changing lifestyle practices with how active I am.  Staying in motion is a must.  I pray I can transform into a healthier me.

I found a JACK LALANNE audio cd that I listened to over the week-end.  I actually liked it as I attempted to do some of the activities he instructed the listener to do.  I figure this is a good place to start with him.  I can sit in my chair and follow along for now.  

We went to the time trials of the High School Cross Country team on Saturday as they get ready for the 2025 season.  They had a beautiful day for this as it wasn't too hot. 

The rest of the day, we had a very quiet one at HOME and fixed a gourmet meal for our 50th wedding anniversary exchanging greeting cards.  I still couldn't believe we have been married 50 years. 

Hubby fell asleep on the sofa so I watched FRIED GREEN TOMATOES on the laptop computer.  I had forgotten how good a movie this was.  Evelyn Couch is a timid housewife in her 40s in 1980s Birmingham.  Her husband Ed has an aunt living at an Alabama nursing home, where Evelyn meets elderly Ninny Threadgoode. Over several encounters, Ninny tells Evelyn about the long-abandoned town of Whistle Stop and its residents.

I don't believe I've ever eaten fried green tomatoes.  Think I should try some.
    

The week is in full swing. 

Waking early today, so I can get my chores started.  The house is extremely quiet.  I need moments like this.  

~d

DECORATING IN SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER is here!!!  The kids are back in school again.  Not sure where the time went.  Summer vacation is over and school activities are in full swing.  Somewhere along the way, they grew up.

Fifth Grade

Freshman

Senior

Senior

Freshman

MAY THEY HAVE A BLESSED YEAR.

The porch will get cleaned off and I'll make plans to decorate it with garland, leaves, and pumpkins.  I'd like to hang some garland above and along the sides of the porch columns.

I'll be transferring the Coleus plants into larger round containers and placing bright yellow mums in the urns they were in.  There's a urn with peppermint herbs in it that I will cut out and fill with a stack of pumpkins.  That should be lovely. 

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁 

Lingering effects.  CO V ID  did a number on me.  My sleeping habits have been affected.  The cough I had was tremendous and I had difficulty falling asleep at night.  About 6 weeks later, I  still tend to not want to go to sleep.  I find myself still awake at two or so.  I decided to shut down for bed no later than midnight and force myself to do my best to sleep.

The coughing has slowed way down and I am working at doing more chores.  Being fatigued plagued me.  I deliberately REST, drink fluids and pace myself.  

Today, I walked only 3/4th of a mile.  Even though my times were good, I was breathing too heavily and decided that I did not have it to give.  I'll try again tomorrow. 

PLANS FOR THE MONTH:

Plants transplanted.
Porch cleaned.
Porch decorated for AUTUMN.
Tidy Master closet.
Car Clinic for cold weather to come.
Flowerbed created in the backyard on other side of sidewalk and relocate two rows of Irises.
Winter clothes checked so they are ready to go.
Clear out the SHE SHED.
Relocate the Victorian Bedroom furniture to shed.
Set up the new TV room.
Work on front Bedroom.
Bathroom worked on.

Enough for September.

~d

50 YEARS AGO ON LABOR DAY WEEK-END WE TIED THE KNOT

50 YEARS AGO ON LABOR DAY WEEK-END, we exchanged marriage vows.  We got married and went from there on a journey to grow up.  NEVER enter a marriage lightly.  I strongly suggest and support receiving marriage counseling before tying the knot.

The counseling should allow the couple that is going to marry an insight into what wedded bliss has to offer.  The Minister should assist the couple providing scripture and loving advice on the rolls of Husband and Wife.  The Minister should provide teaching skills on dealing with one another to better equip you for being a married couple.  How to get along, forgiveness, how to deal with conflict, having children, money issues, keeping peace in the home, boundaries, Husband's roll in protecting and loving the Wife, Wife being a Help Meet to the Husband, responsibilities, Christ being the head of the home, praying together, etc.

Before we got married, we visited with the Minister ahead of time that would marry us, expecting to get marriage counseling.  He said he wouldn't as people tend to get married anyways with or without marriage counseling.  It didn't rest with me.  Years later at my Parents 40th wedding anniversary, I spoke with the Minister that married us and shared that I believed that couples should have counseling before marrying.  He remained quiet.  I had challenges that were difficult in marriage and I knew we should have had counseling before we married so we would have been better equipped for the Adult WORLD of marriage.

We were young when we married.  I was 19 and Hubby was 19 and a half.  I don't oppose couples marrying, but believe great thought needs to go into getting married and I believe the Minister marrying the couple has a godly responsibility to counsel the lovelies saying I DO.  Do not enter into the union lightly.  Know each others stances on marital responsibilities, thoughts on children, finances, do you know Christ, will this be a godly HOME, how to handle conflict, boundaries, beliefs.

It bothers me to this day that we received terrible advice from this guy saying no, he wouldn't counsel us.

As for which officiating Minister you are allowing to marry you in Holy Matrimony, you should check out their personal beliefs as well before having them marry you.  

Our officiating Minister had left his wife for his secretary.  I found this out later and was mortified.  I was ignorant and innocent to the point of being stupid about marriage.  My Dad and Mom neither one instructed me in what to look for in a Husband, how to deal with differences, financial health, etc.  

I believe children should be instructed what to look for in a spouse long before the wedding day.  There was no sit down and discuss the seriousness of marriage.  They married for love and felt like their children needed to pick who they wanted to marry.  That's fine, but I believe seeds of wisdom need to be planted along the way when growing up.  Not left up to chance.  Children need words of life spoken over them while they are growing up and words of wisdom concerning the details of LIFE especially marriage.

Waiting until the child is of marrying age to share important info about who to marry is late in the game and there may be a failure.  Don't want to be doomed for divorce before even getting married.

The day we married was a rainy one and I thought for sure we wouldn't get to marry outside as we had planned.  It stopped raining just before the town's bells rang with the sun shining through the clouds.  We married and then had a reception inside the Christian Church.  

I will look at our wedding pics later in the day and give THANKS that we are still together.  50 years is a very long time and I can hardly believe we married so long ago.  We tied the knot and with doing so, got tangled a bit needing a Savior to save us from ourselves.  

Happy Anniversary to us!

~d  

THREE DAYS AND KIDNAPPING MY HUSBAND

ON THURSDAY, I KIDNAPPED MY HUSBAND.  Taking by surprise, I started driving the car on a highway in which he asked where were we going.  It was very spontaneous and I knew we needed to go for an outing so we could discuss some challenging news we had received the day before.  The best thing I could do was to whisk him away for the rest of day.  

FIRST, we had LUNCH with our daughter, granddaughter and grandson eating a delicious salad at a quaint location.  Afterwards, I KIDNAPPED HIM.  We went for a drive to discuss some serious issues and needed time apart from what was weighing heavily on us.

It was best to get away for a few hours.  I decided that when we picked up our mail that we'd stop by a shop that had a cow's skull that would be used for HUBBY's artwork.  He'd been eyeballing it for some time and I told him, it could be his 50th wedding anniversary gift.  SURPRISE.

https://sweetgranada.com/products/chocolate-amaretto-swirl-fudge

Of all things, I was craving FUDGE from Emporia.  We talked as we traveled across the FLINT HILLS to Emporia.  Nice drive.  Stopped by a coffee shop to get some cinnamon tea to drink, went to supper and returned to the Candy Shop for that CHOCOLATE AMARETTO FUDGE.  I purchased one piece and that was it.  BIG pat on ze back.  Good girl.  A thin slice was shaved and I nibbled on it as a after dinner mint. We headed HOME before dark.  HUBBY thanked me for kidnapping him for the rest of the day.  

We talked quite a bit, prayed and talked some more.  You may know that when grieving takes place, a person goes through a series of emotions.  Same thing when processing shocking news.  An array of emotions surface and it takes time to deal with it all.  Be kind and understanding to yourself while this is taking place.  Don't jump through any hoops and let the dust settle.

When we got HOME, we received word that the serious matter had changed.  Hopefully for the better.  Shall see.  Still praying for the family this concerns.  Yesterday when I heard about this very serious situation, it was very upsetting.  Threw us for a loop.  By bedtime I recalled that a lot can happen in three days.  Amen.  A lot.

Three days,

~d  

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MAKING A HOME MORE COMFORTABLE

WHAT WILL I DO TODAY TO MAKE MY HOME MORE COMFORTABLE?  CLEAN and play the radio.  

Each day is a little different than the day before and this is what keeps it interesting around here.  I definitely have much to do.  What will I do today to make HOME more comfortable?

CLEAN and play the radio, tidy a bit, be a pleasant woman to be around, be helpful and attentive.  Do not complain and be sensitive to my Husband.    

I will be cleaning to make my HOME more comfortable.  It's a given that our HOME needs kept up.  Having an uncluttered place to call HOME makes it comfortable and when the rooms are clean and orderly, it goes a long ways toward making a HAPPIER HOME.  SO not only will I continue to clean and organize, I will pray for blessings in our COTTAGE.  I will pray that I have a healthy attitude and the peace of God be present in our haven.  Amen.  

Oh Lord, let it be so.

Having a relaxed ritualistic cleaning pattern needs established and exercised.  Taking the emotion out of the cleaning and just doing it, is a winning combination and technique.  

Continued cleaning is a must.  With our 50th wedding anniversary approaching at the end of the week, we took some alone time to celebrate before our actual date this past week-end.  We're both having disbelief that 50 years has passed since we said "I DO."  It's almost scary that this time on earth has passed so quickly when looking at the years gone by.  I want to remember the journey and be happy.

Coming HOME after two nights from the Elmdale, Kansas area at CLOVER CLIFF RANCH to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary early, has left a pile of traveling items needing put away.  Pics to follow later of our lovely time away.  I'm so glad and contented that we went the extra mile and experienced this just for us.

No Reception for our 50th.  Need some pictures taken for newspaper announcement.  We'll have a quiet evening at HOME with a gourmet meal next week-end.  Freshly brewed iced tea and spring water on ice.  Simple salad made of shredded Romaine lettuce, thinly sliced radishes, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, sprinkled walnuts with vinaigrette dressing made of olive oil and vinegar.  A large Sirloin steak, string green beans with almond slices, baked potato with butter and a chocolate cake for dessert.  Romantic with candles and gentle music in the background at HOME with the phone off the hook.

SO making HOME a more comfortable place is possible with our own touches and style.  Amen. 

God BLESS,

~d

 

Neil Diamond - Forever In Blue Jeans (Audio)

DO WHAT YOU CAN

JUST GOT BACK FROM WALKING MY MILE in about 75 degree weather.  I huffed and puffed all the way around the track with a small amount of trotting included.  I DID IT!  Worked up a sweat and sat in the car afterwards to cool off.  Poured water on my head and face to help cool off.  My stamina isn't so good, but I'm in motion.  Working at getting healthier so I need to continue being in motion and take my supplements.  Made the mile in 23 minutes and 55 seconds.  I'll feel a great sense of accomplishment when I can walk it in 20 minutes.  Even better at 15.  That'll be the day.  Not sure it's possible.  The fact that I am walking a mile is a miracle in itself. 

Doing housework is a beautiful way to stay active.  I praise all the homemakers that are doing this.  DO WHAT YOU CAN DO.    

Drove over to get the mail at the Post Office.  My Mom sent us a Ritz Cracker box holding the faux corsages she and my Dad wore for their 5oth Anniversary.  We'll have pictures taken next week for our 50th.   Inside the box, she included some pretty jewelry for my July Birthday.  I will telephone her and THANK HER acknowledging that we received the package in good shape. To be remembered by my 92 year old Mom means so much to me.  

The RITZ CRACKERS box jogged my memory that I should try to make a MOCK APPLE PIE with Ritz crackers.  Sounds down right delicious.

Plans today include folding more quilts.  Pulling boxes out of the closet so there is room to store the quilts on a shelf.  Making up the bed with fresh sheets.  Laundry.  Watering porch plants.  Reading some.  Exercise.  Putting the old cassette tapes in the messed up Bedroom to get them out of the Living room.  I finished wiping down old cassettes and found a nice cardboard box to place them in.  A little order was manifested.

AS I DROVE DOWN THE ALLEY BEHIND OUR HOUSE, I was eyeballing the flower beds that are seriously overgrown.  I need to wait until the weather cools off some more like in September.  My plans for the month of September is to finish clearing out one of the storage units, clear out the garage, tidy the she shed.  By the end of October, I hope we have a TV room set up in the pink room and the Victorian room relocated to the she shed.  The front Bedroom will be organized so we have a nicer Bedroom.  I have to be making plans now before the Thanksgiving Holiday arrives so we are ready.  

This shall be my HOBBY.  

KEEPING IN MIND THAT I NEED to be Walking, eating healthy, organizing the COTTAGE and property, praying and meditating upon the WORD OF GOD. 

Blessings,

~d