NO FLOWERS TO EAT, ON A MISSION and BEING REBELLIOUS ABOUT SHOPPING

HERE IT BE PRESIDENTS' DAY WHERE THE POST DOESN'T RUN NOR THE BANKS BE OPEN.  HAPPY PRESIDENTS' DAY TO YOU.  I forgot it was such a day, got up early to make the postal drop so a birthday card would get to a family member on time.  I was so proud of myself, then when I got HOME, my Hubby reminded me it is Presidents' Day and the mail doesn't flow.  Laughing, I said I had forgotten.  The card more than likely won't reach the one it was suppose to on time.  shucks.  That makes it an OH WELL kind of moment.

VALENTINE'S DAY was truly a nice one for me here on the prairie.  I had a  g o o d  one.  Hubby and I exchanged cards and gifts.  Our entire week leading up to Valentine's Day was focused on being VALENTINES.  The entire week.  Heavenly and relaxing.  It rained throughout the day though.  Nothing drastic.  Gentle rain fell and I did not hear THUNDER.  The chocolate in my mouth helped.  grins.

Our youngest grandson came over to visit.  Smiles on his face.  Then Lil Miss dropped by and eventually returned him to his HOME.  He played so well and our visit was wonderful. Wonderful.  Gave the GRANDS their Valentines.  I enjoyed my chocolates too much.  Sugar high and sweetness overload.  Once a year, I look forward to receiving this candy from a heart shaped box. Flowers are beautiful, but I don't usually eat them for the sweetness.  Sniffing, yes.  Eating, no. 

While on our Sunday Drive, we saw signs of Spring including faux flowers in front of a SHOPPE. These perked up the drab weather we had been having.  Ready for our Spring to be real.

On Sunday afternoon, we took a SUNDAY DRIVE across the prairie to see the landscape and accomplish some 'you got it' shopping.  I was on a mission to find some Cedar blocks that hang, return some storage bags that didn't work for the purpose I had in mind, purchase different storage containers and there was something else, but I can't recall right this second.  Oh yes, a thermometer that does not have to be sanitize before and after each time you use it.

IT WAS ALMOST A BUST.  The main thing I wanted to get were hanging cedar blocks that I can hang in the closet AND a thermometer.  I couldn't even find cedar blocks.  After two dollar stores, a Hardware store, Walgreens, Marshalls, Target, Home Depot and Menards...there were no cedar blocks to be found, but Walgreens had a thermometer that I bought.  Menards had a small box of cedar balls that I purchased, but the places I visited did NOT have the hanging blocks or blocks period.  What's up with dat?  Menards did have some moth balls.  I probably should have bought some after the HUNT I had.  It was frustrating to go to so many stores and not get what I needed.

When I went to Home Depot to look at 42" wall shelf, they said to order on-line for this particular shelf.  We tried.  Order off the internet?  Yep.  Brick and mortar store did not have what I was wanting.  Internet.  Alrighty then.

Hubby checked on the internet and ordered some hanging cedar and blocks.  They'll be at my door on Thursday.  At my door.  I suppose I should have just ordered on-line in the first place, but I did not think it was going to be so difficult to find what I needed.  Also ordered some supplements, checks and that wall shelf that I have been thinking about for half a year.  The internet can be extremely handy, huh?  Especially in the year 2026.  Coming to my door! 

 

Back to shopping in Manhattan.  I forgot when I was at TARGET to get my Husband's favorite TEA these days, Earl Grey.  I'll need to go back and purchase some plus some Vanilla Comoro. Not ordering on-line unless the store is OUT. 🙍 

I think high techie shopping where I use the internet hasn't been my cup of tea, but I guess I need to adjust and admit that I have to be like a pioneer at times and get my stuff off the Wells Fargo Wagon and a train stopped at the depot where I get the supplies I've been waiting for months to get.  I am spoiled for sure and I grew accustomed to simply going to the local store for this and that without any wait or hassle.  It was customary to do so.  With all the conveniences these days, I think we have gone backwards at times.  Keeping it interesting.

I don't like having to change at times.  I get use to doing things a certain way and I don't like the inconvenience of having to do it differently because the market says so.  Rebellion arises in me and I protest.  It doesn't get me very far at times, does it?

The convenience of ordering something from HOME on the internet and the item being brought straight to my door is fantastic.  HOWEVER there are times, we order something and it's dropped off at the POST OFFICE.  Not a huge inconvenience.  I am spoiled.  There are better things to do with my energy than complain.  Tadaah.  

I took the WINTER wreaths off of the front doors.  Time to place SPRING WREATHS there.  Not sure what I still have in storage, but I think something spring-like will go along ways in preparing my heart for the reality of SPRING approaching.  32 days!  March 20th.  Praise the LORD!!!  I believe I will start refreshing the house.

March 20th was my Granddaughter's expected delivery date for her first baby.  Presently she is in the HOSPITAL awaiting a C-section when the doctor believes it's an okay date to take the baby girl.  Probably February 24th.  Praying for so many involved with this baby.  This is a high risk pregnancy where the placenta split.  Extremely dangerous.  Baby and Mother are both at risk. Prayers appreciated.

I weighed myself this Monday morning.  Sure enough, weight gain.  I knew it before I stepped on the scales.  I cannot eat bread and butter from the LONGHORN.  I can't eat chocolate candy as if there are no consequences.  Back to eating better.  It is so easy for me to get sidetracked when Hubby fixes a gourmet meal.  Smaller portions when this happens.  Smaller everything.  I'm patting myself on the back because I seldom drink milk, seldom eat bread, rice, pasta.  After experimenting with what I do eat, I do better losing weight avoiding eating starchy foods and meats.  SOOOOOO, if I know this I must discipline myself ONCE AGAIN to eat mostly fruits and veggies.  Some nuts and seeds.  Some beans.

Smoking, soda pop, coffee and alcohol are not my problem.  My problems are many, but these are NOT them.  My thyroid issue is them. 

I do have a sweet tooth especially around Valentine's Day, Halloween and Christmas.  Easter as well.  I think I have been brain washed into thinking I MUST HAVE SWEETS AROUND THE HOLIDAYS.  OVERLOAD required.  

I may have to detox my thought life of being brain washed with mind control thoughts.  Did you ever think that you could be trained into eating the wrong things?  I know I was and did not question it until I was much older.  I have a rebellious streak in me that wants its own way and if I have been brainwashed then that's the way it wants.  Back talking the controlling mind sets has been a spiritual battle for me.  Truly it has been.  If I tell myself, I am not deprived because I skipped eating bread, pasta, rice, potatoes then I have an internal voice tell me that I am deprived.  Sulk.  Whine.  Complain.  

I have to talk back to myself to remind myself that I am blessed and not deprived that GOOD things happen when I strive to be healthier and that means I have to embrace healthy eating, not just eating.  

I may sound like I have a skew loose when I confess things, but I think sometimes we must lose the skews and become someone who does things differently than how we were raised or were forced into to survive.

I believe that my spending habits need an overhaul as well.  I have been enjoying my HUSBAND'S RETIREMENT going on 6 years.  AGAIN, we are overhauling our spending.  I'm calling it a PIP.  Profit IMPROVEMENT Program.  Today, I am working on our BUDGET to see where we can STOP spending MONEY.  What the basics are, etc.  As we downsize the belongings, I will be downsizing spending.  I like shopping the thrift stores, but even then one can overspend. I would qualify.  A text book example.

Remember MARY HUNT, the author who became well known after sharing her story of how she used credit cards until she practically put their house in foreclosure?  Her Husband suddenly lost his job.  She took ten years to get the credit cards paid off in 2014 when at that time she had debt to the tune of $100,000.00.  She went from a spendaholic to cheapskate.  I use to read her newsletter.  I may begin again.

I know when I was a young, married woman that I did the envelope system before I knew anything about Dave RAMSEY's way of saving.  I was ahead of the game back in the day.  I may return to this as well.  When the money is gone that has paid the bills, it's gone until the next pay day.

A CHRISTMAS SAVINGS ACCOUNT needs to return so Christmas isn't such a shock when giving gifts. 

UTILITY ACCOUNT.  Presently, I am paying off the arrears on the utility bill which we have because of being on the even payment plan.  Keeping this low pays off when at the end of the year the arrears has to be zeroed out before the new year starts.  Coming up with the arrears in December hurts as Christmas needs to take a priority.  Sometimes, I think we are suppose to be made out of money to survive.  Wrong thought.

~Lunch~

LUNCH was scrambled soy-free eggs, toast with real butter and Manuka honey also organic asparagus.  No Breakfast today, but HOT TEA.  So that would be intermittent fasting where I went a good 14 hours without eating.  Supper will be more veggies and fruit for sure.  Water throughout the day and more hot tea at break time.

Time to take a short nap/quiet time so I have energy to fulfill the rest of the day.  This afternoon, I have plans of refolding blankets and bedding then placing them in stackable bags for safe keeping.  This chore will all come together and I will be the better for it.  Amen.  I'm rounding up my large TEDDY BEARS and placing them in a sturdy storage box until I figure out where they are going to live.  sigh.  Something so simple becomes harder than I ever imagined when there's a lack of space.  My thinking skills need some help.  Help.

I can do this thang,
~d on the prairie

  

VALENTINE'S DAY AND MORE

TODAY WAS PRODUCTIVE! Journeyed to TOPEKA to shop and feast.  I seriously wanted my dear HUSBAND to have a nice size steak to help build up his red blood cells.  For FRIDAY, the traffic was heavier than I like and the stores were SUPER BUSY.

First was a stop in St. Marys for an almond milk steamer to sip on as we drove to TOPEKA.  We ate at LONGHORN and the Honeymooners were out celebrating Valentine's Day early.  That's what we did.  

He had a rather large STEAK with fries and a salad.  I had a Strawberry and Chicken Salad with a Sweet Potato.  Bread and Butter of course and our appetizer of mushrooms came out late.  The manager gifted us on this one.  That was very decent of him.  

I believe we have celebrated our love for one another.  The first time my Husband told me that he loved me was on Valentine's Day 1974?  Yes, I believe it was.  We were so young and in love joined at the hip as some would say.  When we found one another back in 1973, we were ready for a SWEETHEART.  We married the following August 31st in 1974.  What a love story we have. 

It hasn't been all a bed of roses.  The thorns were many.  God had to pluck us out of the garden and help us farm a homestead in unknown territory filled with rough patches that needed smoothed out.  We were to lean on HIM.  Grab ahold of the hem of HIS garment and trust HIM with all our hearts.

💔💋💓💔💕💖💗💘💞💝  

Fast forward to today and we are still sweethearts.

AFTERWARDS, we stopped off at Natural Grocers for Extra Virgin Olive Oil that was on sale. Off to MENARDS for hanging cedar blocks which they didn't have any.  Pooh.  I'll have to go to the HARDWARE STORE or WALMART.  I picked up a nifty knee brace that hopefully will fit Hubby's knee just right.  Then we went to the Grocery Store for butter, almond milk, peanut butter, orange juice.  HOME we went.  I was fading.  Stopped off at the Dollar General for a thermometer.  Hubby went inside to get it and I fell asleep in the car.

When he returned, I thought he had been in the store half an hour when it was just a little bit of time.  I went HOME and took a NAP.  I am exhausted.  We had supper and I tweaked at the messes in the Living room and Dining room.  Worked on paperwork.  Finished up the VALENTINES.  hurray.  Relocated my sweater stash and found a nice place to sit my small jewelry box in the Bedroom.  Placed a bunch of miniature stuffed animal toys in a special box placing it in the Utility room.  The gift wrap accessories are in a nice storage box sitting in the Utility room.  I think after I get the overflow of blankets refolded and placed in some MENARD storage containers that I will place the bedding in the Utility room as well which means the shelves I have small appliances will have to go somewhere else.  sigh.  Here I go again shuffling.   

I have hopes of making progress this week-end with the pile of boxes in the middle of the room that need removed to the cellar.  I still can see how this downsizing needs to take place in stages. It looks so simple in my head, but when reality hits, it's a different ballgame.  It happens so much slower in the real world.  grins.  The tread sewing machine will be moved and so will an Eastlake table.  

I have to find a nice place to sit my TEDDY BEAR COLLECTION.  I uncovered them laying in a laundry basket.  I'd like to have them sitting out in the Bedroom.  Not sure they will fit.  The room is tiny.  I'm not sure I can sit them on the bed.  Gosh, what a problem to have when there are HOMELESS people in the United States.  People struggling to feed their families and pay their electric bills.

I went over our utility bill and I know we need to have a PROFIT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM designed for our HOME.  Our heating bill wasn't so bad this month, but the electric and water bills were up.  We have an electric water heater, electric oven, electric clothes dryer.  I did a ton of laundry the last few weeks and I think the expense of it caught up with us.  Trash is a little higher.  We're on an even payment plan and arrears start to pile up.  I have to whittle this down during the year or at Christmas time, we are hurting to pay the balance off before the end of the year.  I'll start paying the arrears down in March. 

Looking things over when it comes to eating out, watching movies at HOME and shopping for HOME repairs.  WAYS to lower expenses and spending.  Maybe the month of MARCH ought to be a NO SPEND MONTH?  

After I get more settled in this retirement COTTAGE, I will move onto the next BIG PROJECT. Hubby will finish the front porch in the SPRING and hang a new garage door this month.  I will continue to declutter and downsize EVERYTHING in a neater way.  EVERYTHING.  

E V E R Y T H I N G. 

For VALENTINE's DAY, we will exchange Valentine Cards and kiss.  We already ate the box of chocolates, saw a movie and ate out.  A quiet HEART DAY will be just perfect.  

What a joyful thing to do.

~d

GROWING OLD IS LIKE TRYING TO FOLD FITTED SHEETS

WELP...THE FOLDING OF FITTED SHEETS TOOK PLACE.  Wowzer.  Got this done.  Finally.  I needed assistance as I worked at folding these cumbersome sheets.  Long story short, we figured out how to fold these just so-so SO the sheets fit beautifully into a sheet container box.  Perfecting what works for us.  I didn't scream at my Sweetheart or pull my hair out of my head.  We were very civil this go round.    

I probably should have ironed the sheets after I laundered them, but I didn't.  Later, I may.  I need to seriously get much done elsewhere in the COTTAGE before I do detailing like this.    

I did not know that at 70 years of age, folding fitted sheets would become such a work out for me and demand so much attention.  It never crossed my mind that it mattered so much until now.  I must be getting more senile as I age which does not comfort me. 

I rewashed a cotton top sheet to see if orange stains would disappear.  They didn't, not even with a strong dose of bleach on an extra long cycle.  The sheets could be dyed, but I won't be doing this as there are tiny holes as well.  I will recycle using it for picnic table coverings or covering plants outside when the weather turns off freezing to protect them from harm.  A sheet can also be used on the beach to sit on.

One set of my expensive Shabby Chic cotton sheets had circular holes bore through them with orange stains remaining.  The only thing I could think of that damaged the sheets were moth larvae getting ahold of my bedding and munching on them.  The larvae goes looking for dinner and I think they found it making my nice sheet set a diner.  I believe this happened at our big house in a different community.

I thought I was above their destruction, but I wasn't.  I had a beautiful dress coat hanging in the living room closet and when I went to wear it, it had been munched on.  It made me sick.  Today, to reinforce that the moth larvae has nothing to eat around here, I am going to go to MENARDS and purchase cedar blocks that hang in closets.  I'll place large chunks of cedar in the sheet containers, blanket containers, hang some in the coat closet, place chunks in all the closets and in places fabric is resting.  Don't forget inside the drawers.  Which reminds me to make a termite appointment so the house and garage are protected from these creeps. 

Thursday was a rest day.  I managed to walk my mile though.  It was a slow feat.  My energy level is way low and I felt it.  Popped some supplements at supper time and have plans of taking them on a regular basis.  I confess, I am one of those people that gets to feeling better and wham...I stop the vitamins/minerals.  My bad.  Shame on me.  Better do better.  

Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin D3 with K2, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin B12, Apple Cider Vinegar, Co-Q 10, Ceylon Cinnamon, Vitamin C.  Take a swig of Extra Virgin Olive oil each day.  Put cocoa and cinnamon in my oatmeal.  I might mix honey and olive oil with some peanut butter together as a snack.  

TODAY, I will go get some more extra virgin olive oil as we are about out.  Hubby needs a knee support to wear on one of his knees that was injured about 30 years ago.  I may have to talk to him about placing some cabbage leaves on his knee and saran wrapping it.  An old folksy treatment for injured knees.  Wouldn't that be a hoot if it worked?  Hoot hoot.  Need some other grocery items that we are low in like real butter, peanut butter, milk, almond milk, orange juice, and a new thermometer from the Dollar Store.  I'd like my Husband to eat a steak today so the nutrients nourish him to build up his red blood cells.  A good 'ole SALAD for me.  Hello.  

Back to it.  I've been walking around the house focusing on storage ideas.  What needs switched or rearranged so we fit in this residence?  It is a brain burner.  Trying to fit means change.  I have to look at things from different angles to make the best of a tough situation.  Packing and stacking in a different way comes to mind.  In this chaotic world, this is a problem I would rather have than something else.  

LIFE is hard at times and we have to choose our battles and choose our 'hard to do' things. Counting my blessings.  Praying.

Plans today?  Finish up the VALENTINES.  Tidy up the Dining room.  Trip to a few stores. Continue to figure out storage spaces.  

Praise the LORD!  

~d  

MID WEEK HARMONY IN FEBRUARY

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE.  I will rejoice and be glad in it. Making a personal decision to look for the blessings in life and praise God from whom all blessings flow.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

You know, sometimes life doesn't seem to be going very well and I do not believe we should ignore the issues causing problems, but we have to be a cheerleader at times and look for scripture that helps us put things in perspective and keep our chins up knowing that the problems shall pass.  Paraphrasing.  What was meant for evil will be turned into good to those who love the LORD and are called according to HIS purpose.  

My lab results were in my health portal.  Welp as I suspected, I am low in iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.  Waiting to hear what my HUBBY's levels are.  He's asleep right now so I am waiting for him to read his results.

The way I am presently feeling indicated that I needed to have some labs done and I'm not surprised that I am LOW on all of these.  I won't be surprised if HUBBY is as well.  We both have NO THYROID due to cancer.  It is a new thing for me to know that because we have no thyroid that the body does not absorb nutrients as it needs to.

I did not learn this from my ENDOCRINOLOGIST CONNECTIONS.  I now know that we should keep a close eye on our levels which means I have to have labs done more frequent than once a year.  This is a JOKE to me.  Once a year isn't enough.  As I find out which labs to have ran, I will continue to study up on health issues.

Also aging, certain meds, stress, poor diet are causes for the body to not absorb nutrients.

I had stopped getting vitamin B12 shots last July.  I'll be starting back up on these.  Vitamin D supplements and iron supplements as well.  Back to taking daily vitamins and minerals.  Daily Apple Cider Vinegar, Co-Q10 and Ceylon Cinnamon.  Selenium, Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium.

Issues that come from having a poor diet are magnified by eating foods that have been grown in poor soil.  Also the quality of the food plays a huge part in poor nutrition.  No fake meats or eating insects for me.

RED MEAT from cattle that are grass feed is a good source for building up one's blood.
Drinking some orange juice when taking iron supplements compliments the iron supplement.  I'll be going to get some orange juice today and sip some each day.  I did purchase some prune juice to assist with constipation.  Yummers.  Think I'll sip on it for an afternoon snack.  Who would have ever thunk it that I'd be having an afternoon JUICE BREAK of prune juice?  Not I.

I mustn't ignore that I am very human and can develop health issues because of poor nutrition, poor habits and poor decisions.  I am not a Super Hero and I know that I am not suppose to ignore healthy living.  Keeping a balance of what is good for me involves nutrition, less stress, exercise, prayer, trusting in GOD, and clean living.  Watching television programs and watching TOXIC movies and being around poor influences is a bad formula for a healthy LIFESTYLE. 

It's not just about taking supplements.  
We need to be concerned about absorption
AND CONVERSION. 

VITAMIN D info...

Spoiler ALERT:  Vitamin D is actually a HORMONE
and not a vitamin at all.

To optimize vitamin D absorption and conversion, 

take supplements with the largest meal of the day containing healthy fats (e.g., avocado, nuts, eggs, olive oil). Ensure the supplement is Vitamin D3, as it is more effective than D2. Regular, brief sun exposure and adequate magnesium intake also significantly boost conversion into the active form. 

Key Strategies for Maximum Vitamin D Conversion:

• Pair with Fat (Crucial): Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it requires fat to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Always take supplements with meals containing healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, or fatty fish.
• Take Vitamin D3: Choose supplements containing D3 (cholecalciferol) over D2, as it is more bioavailable and better at raising overall levels.
• Boost Magnesium Intake: Magnesium helps convert vitamin D into its active form. Ensure you are getting enough through diet or supplements.
• Optimize Sun Exposure: Get 5–30 minutes of sun exposure on large areas of skin (arms, legs) several times a week, ideally around midday.
• Improve Gut Health: A healthy digestive system is crucial for nutrient absorption.
• Take with a Meal: It does not matter if it is morning or night, but taking it with food improves absorption.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Body fat can sequester vitamin D, so maintaining a healthy weight helps improve its bioavailability. 

Foods that Enhance Absorption:
Combine supplements with foods rich in healthy fats, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, egg yolks, avocado, or nuts. 

1) VITAMIN D3 should be taken with K2 and fatty food.
2) Optimize midday sun exposure to large parts of the body without sunscreen for at least 5 minutes each day.  30 would be better.

I here by will be wiser about choices
and call upon the LORD for help and direction.

God BLESS you,
~d

UP EARLY TODAY.  Fasting for labs.  Sometimes I am not hungry until late in the morning, but for some odd reason, this morning I am hungry.  Have to tell myself to be quiet as I am FASTING!  LABS this morning.  I'll drink lots of water as to hydrate myself so when the techie draws blood it won't hurt as much.  Hopefully.

Afterwards, we'll make a date out of the trip to TOPEKA.  Tis Senior discount day at GOD'S STOREHOUSE.  We'll probably get a green tea and munch LUNCH.  I need to go to SAM's as well.  Need to visit MENARDs to check on special garage doors for our property.  Hubby will be replacing our's this month or next.  I think we'll keep the day simple and return to tidy on our HOME.

There's laundry to fold, dishes to wash, and boxes to put away.  The front steps of the porch need washed as birds have used them as a toilet.  The little darlings are aggressive this season.  Each morning I can hear them chirping very loudly.  Some geese just flew over the house.  Not sure where they are headed to.

Over the week-end, as we were driving through Bartlesville, Oklahoma a deer darted across the road as we were slowing down for a traffic light.  She wasn't hit by any cars, but it sure was a close call as she ran between automobiles.  This is something I don't see everyday.  Kind of scary, as I would not think that deers would be running across a city street causing issues for cars and peeps.

BACK TO OUR SMALL TOWN AMERICA.  Walking.

I walked a mile yesterday in the beautiful SPRING-LIKE weather at the track.  The temps hit in the 70s on Monday.  It was welcomed by many.  I walked then went HOME to cool off and clean up to go on a VALENTINE'S DATE with my SWEETHEART.  We went to see a movie, dine-in as we watched, do a little shopping afterwards and return HOME.

Enjoyed the movie very much as it was a GOOD MOVIE worth seeing and I was with my Hunny.  SOLO MIO.  
 

We had decided that we'd eat a hamburger at the movies for an early supper.  No clean-up.  I didn't eat all of my French Fries, but did snack on POP CORN and Raisinets.  I figured the raisins would be healthier than no raisins.  What say you?

Left the movie theatre with a smile on my face as it was a decent movie and as we walked to our car, the weather was so pleasant I couldn't help but smile.

Went to TARGET to purchase some more STORAGE TUBS.  Gonna get this downsizing thing under control.  Praise the LORD.

Tuesday...was a day to get labs, eat a healthy breakfast at FIRST WATCH and go to GOD'S STOREHOUSE where I purchased 3 Spring tops for me, 3 items for my youngest grandson, a KING size blanket, and a couple of cookbooks.

Went to SAMs and MENARDs.  I got swept away by a massage chair at MENARDs.  It was like a free massage for 30 minutes.  I left wanting one of these chairs.  No kidding.  Not sure where I would keep a chair this size.  It would be awesome to own one.

 

 

AT HOME.  I did get a bit frustrated when TRYING to fold a fitted bed sheet in our living room.  There's not much standing space to even fold a sheet while standing up.  I'm working at getting neater at this thing called being a HOMEMAKER.  

I rewatched some videos on how to fold fitted sheets.  They are as varied as they can be.  I believe I found a method that will work just fine for me in the year 2026.

With Wednesday being near, I will walk a mile, do some laundry, fold more sheets and place them in special sheet containers, continue to tidy the house.  Eat a large salad.  Lord willing.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  I shall not be in need.

Mid-week,
~d

MINI-VACATION ON A WHIM

NOW I KNOW I'M OLD when making a quick trip to OKLAHOMA and back HOME exhaust me more than I want, but this old Lady wanted to see her Granddaughter that is in the HOSPITAL and make a mini-vacay out of the traveling.  We had a pleasant mini-vacation altogether and got HOME on Sunday evening.  The weather was SPRING-LIKE and I loved traveling in it.  Awesome.

 Our Granddaughter is HOSPITAL BOUND as she waits for the birth of her baby.  We wanted to see her before she has surgery and we're not for sure how many weeks until this happens.  We made a special trip to see her.  So very glad we did this while we could.

It's about a 6 hour trip to our destination from Kansas to Oklahoma.  We headed out on Friday without telling anyone because we wanted to surprise her.  Spent the night in a very nice Hotel, ate a delicious Breakfast, cleaned up and went to the HOSPITAL with one of her favorite STARBUCKS to treat her.

Wonderful to see her and visit with her where we had her all to ourselves.  It was a treat for me.  Praying daily for her and the baby.   

We didn't stop by our Son's HOME as he was running a race and our daughter-in-law had the flu.  It was a little odd knowing I was so close to their HOME and didn't stop by to see them, but had to look at this as going to see our oldest GRANDDAUGHTER to check up on her.

After our visit, we headed to PAWHUSKA, OKLAHOMA to eat a EARLY special VALENTINE'S DAY MEAL just for us two SWEETHEARTS.  💝 We ate at the Mercantile.  

https://www.themercantile.com/pages/the-deli-menu

 I managed to stop eating about half of the steak and Mac 'n cheese for one of the sides.  I had a side salad with the meal and ate most of this and half a biscuit.  Hubby loves Chicken Fried Steak so we both had one plus a cast iron mini-skillet of Chocolate Sheet Cake with ice-cream for dessert.  Only a few bites of the ice cream and most of the cake serving.  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, Darlin. 

None of this, except the salad, is on the Daniel Diet, but I made an excuse as to celebrate.  I'll climb back on the wagon after this week-end. Labs in two weeks.  Giddy-up and do better at getting the A1c down. Lots of green veggies from here on out.  Period.  It's gotta be a way of life no matter what.

By the time we ate and walked about the Mercantile sales floor, I was feeling too tired to shop.  I bought nothing.  Nothing.  We did not go upstairs.  I've been upstairs before, but this time I passed.

Drove around Pawhuska.  The best part to me about this quaint community is the downtown area with small shops.

We checked into a nice HOTEL and slept.

My Husband has never been in a Casino, so we went to the one in Pawhuska.  He played one game and walked out with $17.  ha.

We headed back to KANSAS.
Braum's Ice-cream for the road.
I should be ashamed of myself after reading about the ingredients in this strawberry ice-cream, but I'll forgive myself this time and do better the next time.  I think I only have Braum's Ice-cream once every 5 years.

The weather was beautiful as we traveled, the food was awesome, the company was delightful and time together was heavenly.
This Valentine's week celebration, we're going to see a fun movie
in an actual theatre and eat a hamburger.

FOR NOW, it's back to the grind of decluttering the COTTAGE 
and making sense out of this messy place.  I'll be folding sheets, boxing more stuff up taking it to the garage.  Going walking TODAY!

As a LOVE gift to one another, we're going to check our Vitamin B12, vitamin D and Iron levels.  grins.  Now you know you're old when a lab is considered a LOVE GIFT.  During the month of February when we are not outside as often as we should be to get Vitamin D from the sunshine it is very common to run low on Vitamin D, so we're doing this thang in the middle of the WINTER to find out where we stand. 💝 hugs.

The month of February is passing me by.  
One day closer to SPRING!!!

Blessings,
~d

How to Fold A Fitted Sheet

https://youtu.be/IVmE7es-FQo?si=RdwlE5b2IbI_bOq1

I must have watched 20 videos on how to fold a fitted sheet.  None seemed to offer a easy technique on folding a fitted sheet.  I need SIMPLE/EASY.

I was looking for one that made this folding method quick and slim.  SO many of these videos only confused me.  Thinking it is best to use the technique that suits your lifestyle.  I won't be wading my sheets up, but they will be folded the easiest way I can get my hands on while folding them by myself as an old woman that doesn't want any fuss.

Here's to being a happier HOMEMAKER that doesn't want any fuss.

~d

GOING WALKIN' and EXPLODING HEAD SYNDROME

SUITING UP FOR A LONG WALK as the temps are in the 60s!  Praise GOD.  I am so glad it's spring-like weather.  It's been a while since I walked my MILE.  Here I go.  Waiting for 3 o'clock to suit up.  pause.  Take a very deep breath and go outside to walk the distance.

Thursday's notes on a Friday...

*I woke fairly early to the sound of birds chirping outside my bedroom window.  Twas so loud.  Amazes me that they chirp like they do in the WINTER TIME.
*Laundry is washing.
*Folding towels and putting away.
*Switching out two utensil drawers so the everyday tableware is further away from the stove and the larger cooking/baking utensils are closer to the oven.  Makes sense to me.
*Switching out some baskets so I have a nice LONGABERGER BASKET to place my supplements in next to my recliner making it easier to access while I'm sitting in my HAPPY PLACE.  I will give it a whirl to see if this is a better fit for me to use the supplements.
*Saddened to learn another one of my High School Classmates passed away this morning.  70 years old.
*Telephoned my MOM to let her know a Valentine's package is suppose to reach her on Friday.
*Researched EXPLODING HEAD SYNDROME.  I had never heard of this, but I think she is suffering from this condition.  She says when she is sleeping a flash of light wakes her up followed by a shocking sensation.  She's had over 90 episodes as she is counting and had a medical appointment about it today.   After talking to her, I typed in the computer to see if AI could shed some light on this condition.  I think I hit the nail on the head as AI overview mentions EXPLODING HEAD SYNDROME.  EHS is a Parasomnia which is a sleeping disorder.  Symptoms are being woke up by seeing flashes of light while asleep and feeling a shock sensation go through the body.  Bingo.  This what has been happening to my MOM.
*WALKED a mile.  Felt awesome to complete the mile.
*Hubby and I went to a car wash to wash our PT Cruiser named PETE.  The car sits under some trees and the birds have bombarded the car with their waste.  yuckola.  Lil Pete has never been so filthy with bird poo.  They are having a very happy and active year.  If you have a sense of humor it helps to get through LIFE.
*Back to surfing the computer after a simple supper of peanut butter, apple and celery.
*Savannah Guthrie's Mom's disappearance.
*Watched a 2025 movie, One Battle After Another, which left me upset and bewildered.  Raw possibilities as to how things in the U.S. are going.
*Worked on the VALENTINES. 💝
*More researching on the computer.  Big concern to me.  TOO MUCH INFORMATION TO PROCESS WHERE OUR GOVERNMENT IS GOING.  I cannot agree with renaming Dulles International Airport and New York's Penn Station after President Trump in exchange of releasing funds.  
President DJT offered to release frozen federal funding for the critical $16 billion Gateway Hudson River tunnel project, which connects New York and New Jersey, on the condition that Washington Dulles International Airport and New York's Penn Station if they are renamed after him.

According to reports from early February 2026, the Trump administration leveraged $16 billion in federal funding for the "Gateway" Northeast Corridor rail tunnel project to pressure Democratic officials into renaming major transportation hubs after him

. 

• The Proposal: Sources told CNN and NBC News that President Trump offered to release the withheld federal funds for the New York-New Jersey rail tunnel project if Washington Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station were renamed in his honor.
• Response: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly rejected the offer, stating he lacked the authority to rename these landmarks.
• Context: The funds were frozen by the administration during a government shutdown last year, and the project has been under scrutiny regarding potential job losses if the money is not released.
• Other Actions: This proposal was part of a broader effort by the administration to add his name to various landmarks, including the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace. 

While some Republican lawmakers have previously signaled support for renaming Dulles Airport to "Donald J. Trump International Airport," the exchange of federal funds for this action was termed "extortion" by some critics. 

Praying for my beloved country and for the President.

Time to turn out the lights and get some much needed rest.  
Hello week-end.

~d