'BER MONTHS

 

~d

DOWNSIZING IS A MUST!

SORTING THROUGH OUR STUFF IS LIKE A CHRISTMAS SURPRISE WITH GIFTS.  That's the upside of going through another storage unit.  The downside is the energy it takes to handle each item and decide just what the heck are we going to do with THIS???  

TIS LIKE CHRISTMAS discovering what is inside the cardboard boxes in the storage unit.  Have mercy, the things we are coming across as we tackle the unit is a huge surprise.  Oh that's where you were hiding.  
I sat in the shade while cleaning the large framed artwork covered in dust and uck.  Hubby shuffled the things in the unit making room for the muscle rack that will go in there in a few days.

By the time we got out to the storage units, the temps were in the mid 80s.  We worked until it got in the low 90s.  It would have been better if we had worked while in the low 70s.  Didn't get there in time and the temps rose.

Did what we could as quickly as we could.  Will return tomorrow to continue the task.  

FOUND large framed pictures, frames, expensive glassware from Belarus, other glassware, leather clogs, children's clothing, Wilton professional cake pan sets, Bundt Cake pan, old Singer Sewing Machine Head that belonged to Hubby's Grandma, Antique Cedar Chest that belonged to Hubby's Grandma, sewing cabinet, piano with stool, vanity with stool, tools, Antique Ball Jars, Model Trains, Milk Glass, Princess House Cups and Saucers, Crystal Glassware, Christmas Decorations, Pipka Santas, Family photos, Memorial Wreaths, tub of Metalware, my Grandma's Ironing Board, a wood base floor lamp that belonged to my Parents, Polar Bears, Frankenstein, a metal floor lamp that belonged to Hubby's Grandparents.  So much more to discover.  Tis a great deal to deal with.  

I'd love to be done with this task.  DONE.  Life goes on and I must do the same.  There is so much more I'd like to be doing than THIS.  Still it's our responsibility to deal with it all.  I do not want my children to have to go through this stuff EVER.  DOWNSIZING IS A MUST.

~d

'LIFE JUST GOT A LITTLE EASIER' DECORATING. SPRUCING UP THE INTERIOR OF YOUR HOME FOR LITTLE OF NOTHING

'Life Just Got A Little Easier' Decorating.
10 STEPS TO SPRUCING UP A ROOM.

SPRUCING UP the interior of your HOME for little of nothing can be a snap.  Do you hear that? A snap.

AFFORDABLE and inspiring.  

SUGGESTIONS.
1) DECLUTTER the room right off the bat.  
2) GAME CHANGER by vacuuming, sweeping and dusting.  A clean room is a GAME CHANGER, right?
3) PAINTING the room a different color is the number one thing to be done to create a different MOOD and cause an overall big affect.
4) HANGING DIFFERENT PICTURES.  Some Public Libraries allow pictures to be checked out for HOME use.
5) CHANGE THROW PILLOWS on the furniture and beds.  Pillows created out of placemats, bedspreads, handkerchiefs, tablecloths, old curtains and sheets are just a suggestion for recycled pillows.  Last I looked at the thrift store, they had an abundance of gorgeous throw pillows on the cheap.  SHOPPING THRIFT can be an outlet to embrace.  Hello THRIFT.
6) REARRANGING the room's furniture.
7) ADDING SLIP COVERS to the furniture or different bedding to the bed can change everything.
8) SWITCHING OUT different curtains, shades or draperies.
9) ADDING a new fragrance to a room.
10) MOOD MUSIC.  Turning on some quiet background music adds charm.

There you have it.  A spruced up HOME for little of nothing.  'Life Just Got A Little Easier'

I'm working on the decluttering part as I speak.  This is a work-out for me as we downsize and smile all the way to a thrift store for a drop.  GRINS.  

I have a large box of items by the front door to haul off.  Taking it to the GOODWILL.  I'll add some clothing that I have hanging in the Utility Room waiting to be dealt with.  Amen.

Plans.  The storage unit will be shuffled some to make room for muscle racks and then we'll begin to declutter the cellar and make sense of decorations and other items. 

Praise the LORD.  We're morphing into more organized peeps.  The chaos is downsizing.

May you have the best day,

~d 

AFRICAN VIOLETS

I HAVE 4 AFICAN VIOLETS to my name.  I repotted two of them into larger containers.  I believe I need to get two more different containers for the other two.  They seem to like being pot bound.  New soil was purchased.  I hope I don't kill them.

I love them. 💜

~d

I've got to unpack from our trip.
Do some laundry.
Rest.
I am so slow at dealing with things.
I spent the morning typing a letter to my Dentist about a financial charge on  2 crowns.  The receptionist did a Treatment Case/Treatment Plan where she put two crowns on the same tooth. 

There was a Dental Insurance Benefits mistake as well.  I don't know why I can't seem to be quick at what to say when it is their goof.  I made a copy of the Treatment Case page they sent me HOME with two weeks ago to be attached with the letter I wrote.
I probably should have waited to compose the letter until we worked on the storage unit in the cool of the day.  The temps have climbed and now we must wait until it cools off to work on unit.

Oops.

~d  

A RECIPE FOR DIVORCE

WELCOME THURSDAY!  Started the day early and felt awful.  Taking LIFE easy as I rest.  So tired.  Pretty sure the traveling caught up with me.  I was too tired to climb back into the car yesterday to travel to Manhattan for a Vitamin B12 injection, but I managed to do so.  Cranky as all get out.  Too tired to be around anyone.  Once I got to Manhattan and got the shot, I relaxed and enjoyed my tea and shopping at HOBBY LOBBY then the grocery store to get more veggies for our week to eat.

Already HL has their CHRISTMAS items for sell at 40% and 50% off.  I purchased ornaments for the Grands under 21 years of age.  I figure that after 21 they don't need ornaments from Granny. Plus the next generation has started so they are receiving FIRST CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS from us.  Then it will be up to their Grandparents to provide these for them if they desire to continue a TRADITION I loved doing each year.  My PARENTS treated my children with ornaments each CHRISTMAS as I did.  

I had hoped to get some more oversized red CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS for the porch, but even at 50% off they were pricey.  A few onion looking ornaments were purchased.  I think I have enough for the porch now.  I can see the porch decorated!  In September the porch needs another serious coat of paint THEN it will be ready in October/November to start hanging lights if we go that route.  

THIS THURSDAY, I stayed HOME over the noon hour with HUBBY out at the storage unit packing up tools from his tool chest that he is moving into our garage, I thought I'd rest up.  It didn't happen.  I am just exhausted from traveling on Tuesday and Wednesday.  After almost three years in storage, the baby tools are coming HOME so we can get our hands on them easier. 

He came in the house sopping wet from working in the heat getting to the tools.  He's napping right now and I'm playing on the computer.  He said he loaded the second cabinet and base of the chest in PETE, our PT CRUISER.  It is wonderful to make it this far.  He'll unload the parts into the garage after his nap.  This is progress for real.

The area in the storage unit where the tool chest was has a hole to fill.  Probably tomorrow, he will take apart the muscle rack that will fill the hole.  To assemble it will take time, some muscle and sweat.  

The CHRISTMAS BOXES I have in our Living room will be transferred to the unit.  This is the start of organizing the DECOR.  I have been thinking about what will go on the porch for CHRISTMAS DECOR.  Newer, oversized ornaments are in storage boxes stacked by the front door ready to go to their new location I re-boxed them a few days ago making progress on how to store them.  Looking good.

The things that will decorate the front porch will be grouped together in the storage unit. Making sense of all this mess will elevate some stress that doesn't need to be in my LIFE.  Lessening STRESS has got to help with high blood pressure. 

I'll have to move in slow-mo getting the other boxes out of the cellar 'cause I'll have to carry them as I climb the steps.  Great exercise.  I know I want to group all the Nativity Scenes together on a metal rack that will be waiting for them in the storage unit.  We have to clean out the entire storage unit first before the tubs can be stored on them.  Perhaps by the end of next week, we will be there.  Getting into September now.  That's a good thing.  Yes, it is.

👰👰👰👰👰👰👰👰

OUR 52nd Wedding Anniversary is fast approaching.  August 31st.  Trying to decide what to do to celebrate.  A good HOME COOKED meal.  Quiet time.  Watching a movie.  Looking at our wedding pictures.  It has been a life time ago we said I do and did.

52 years.  It's been a ride.  I'm ready to forge ahead.  When you are standing at the wedding alter exchanging vows and promises, it would be helpful to have in the wedding vows that you both need to forgive the heartache created while married AND it should also say that forgiveness does not give you the right to be TOXIC and continue being toxic.  Reconciliation cannot take place if both Husband and Wife do not change wrong behavior that's destroying the marriage to better behavior.  It is more than that.  

Simply saying, I'll try harder and then not correcting the wrong, will not create a HAPPY HOME. It is a recipe for divorce.  As the partner being injured by lip service when real change needs to take place or you're going along to get along no matter what, may cause additional emotional issues that injure you even further and destroy your self worth.  A walk down memory lane is not the answer.  Healing may take years to get at.  Years.

Working together for the betterment of the union should be a reality.  Give and take.  Take and give.  Because you are the Wife and the Husband the head, does not mean he gets his way all the time or visa versa with emotional and physical needs ignored.  You are not a door mat.  You are not his Mother either and he's not your Dad.  Neither ONE is a puppet or punching bag. Hopefully, the two of you are a couple partnered as one in a loving relationship of compassion and consideration. ONE.  Being respectful toward each other.  

Hubby is to love, protect, and provide for the Wife.  Wife is to respect her Husband and be a help meet.  Tis easier to do if we do not have hard feelings about being mistreated and abused.  Work together encouraging each other and be evenly yoked where you can flourish.  Amen.

God bless and be real.  
If you do not know what to do when living within a toxic marriage, 

PRAY and ask for wisdom.  You may need professional counseling and support.

If for some reason divorce has to take place,
know that God loves you and will be there for you in your time of need.

Sometimes marriages fall apart and end in divorce.  
Sometimes not, but are horribly difficult to stay in.  

My heart goes out to you,

~d

WEEK-END IN OKLAHOMA TERRITORY

MORNIN'.  Back to the grind of everyday living.  Out of pocket since Saturday.  We are now HOME resting and making plans for the rest of the week.  

Will download more pics later, but for now in a nutshell I shall share the last view days mostly in words instead of a bunch of pics.

On Saturday, we traveled to Oklahoma to celebrate a Grandson's 12th Birthday.  Like Birthdays were celebrated years ago, it was a Family Gathering.  Grandmas and pas, parents and siblings gathered to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY and eat CAKE.  So we did.  🎵🎶     

AND saw our 6 month old Great Grand daughter.

In the evening, we toured the BURNETT MANSION in Sapulpa for their 115th Birthday.  I had wanted to go to this TEA ROOM that use to be in the Mansion, but could not get the timing right to catch them OPEN.  Deliberately, the Mansion was having an event so the public could tour the house for $5.  115 years ago the house was built and is now being used as an EVENT CENTER. This is my cup of TEA for sure.  My bailiwick.  What turns my crank.  

Lots of Family TIME and movies.

On Monday, we journeyed to the Route 66 area of Tulsa and ate at the Velvet Taco.

Hit the road HOME on Tuesday and while we drove through Topeka, we stopped off at God's Storehouse for thrift and Natural Grocers for some CoQ10.  I had ran out.  Picked up an orange cauliflower, a purple cauliflower, a large box of Arugula (hard to find), a large bag of gorgeous carrots.  At GS, I bought a toy elephant that makes noise for one of the great grands. 🐘  

I found a small, hardback book by Sarah L. Delaney called ON MY OWN AT 107 for 75 cents.  I so admire the Delany Sisters.

Then there was Dolly.

While we were traveling, our son let us know that Dolly Parton, the prolific country-western song writer and singer passed away at the age of 80.  Through the years, her natural beauty would be transformed into something else with a multitude of unnatural face lifts, body tucks and breast implants too large for her small frame.  She monetized her breast and made a fortune wearing low cut, rhinestone clothing and wigs of various styles.  She stood taller in her 6 inch high heels and fringe.  She said, "It cost a lot of money to look this cheap." and then would giggle.  The well liked rags to riches performer had been ill and in a Cancer Hospital for 4 days before her death.  

She definitely was a very successful business woman and entrepreneur selling music, cake mixes, clothing, wigs, Dollywood and wine.  She was working on a Museum, Dog Treats and more before her death.  She made money hand over fist. ✊. You still have to manage it no matter how much you have or don't have.  Keeping it straight who your God is doesn't disappear from being in the spot light.
  

The Mark Seliger July 27, 2006 Photo of Dolly in the Grand Masonic Lodge in Nashville.  Of all the beautiful places she could have been photographed, this was the place she sat in a ritualistic, red masonic dress covered with masonic ritualistic, red roses.  Was she a freemason puppet?

I'm saddened that she left us.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀 

When getting HOME, I rested and elevated my feet as they were starting to swell.

HOME TODAY.  Figuring out what I hope to get done.  I'd like to go for a short walk, do a little laundry, unpack and stay awhile.  In the next few days, Hubby's tool chest will be moved to the garage from the storage unit and a muscle rack will fill the spot it had in the unit.  It's gonna take some muscles and sweat to make this happen.   CHRISTMAS DECOR in nice storage boxes will begin to be loaded on the rack and I will smile really big with the results.

As the clock nears noon, I feel a nap coming on.  I might close my eyes for a minute or two for a POWER NAP.  I can dream about a new hair do.  Maybe I should just buy a Dolly wig and call it good. 

~d

HOME-MADE MAYO

Home-made Mayonnaise
with the help of the internet

Boiled Eggs

Water

Lemon Juice

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt

 

 
Blend mixture until the desired consistency.
Pour contents into Mason Jar and refrigerate.

Mayo should remain good for 4 days.

I've never made mayo myself.  
Always bought it from the grocers.  
Surely I can try to do this and it will turn out creamy good.  
Shall see.

Mayonnaise please.

~d

FRIDAY THOUGHTS

One of the godliest things I can do 

right now as a Christian 

is to turn chaos into order.  

Making our COTTAGE into a HOME 

is my number one priority.

This is taking a huge effort to achieve.
Much thinking, praying and planning takes place.
I am in over my head.
This project has eaten my lunch as some would say.

I do believe if I stay with this, I will have VICTORY
and it will come to past.

How long it takes to get to the finish line,
only God and time will tell.

With an extremely low energy level,
I don't know if the health issues or mental exhaustion
are 1000% at fault as to why I cannot operate in a faster speed.

Speaking healing scriptures over myself
should be considered.

I'm plugging along.
Slowly I'm inching along.
Slowly.  Too slow, if you ask me.
I'm not ready to succumb to defeat.
Making the COTTAGE a functioning HOME
instead of being a messy warehouse
is taking a great deal of time.
I feel like I'm doing TIME
just waiting for the jailor to let me out.
Drama.

The progress I have made
goes unnoticed because there is way too much to do.
One day at a time doesn't ease the tension I feel.
I must toughen up and adjust my attitude.
All of this organizing and making room for what is important TAKES TIME.

Can I enjoy the journey?
I truly want to, but can I?

~d

TOO OLD TO BE TIMID

One of the godliest things I can do right now as a Christian is to turn chaos into order.  
Making our COTTAGE into a HOME is my number one priority.

IN AND OUT OF THE HOUSE.  Where'd the week go?  Doctors' Appointments and tires.  

Monday, I went to my Primary Care Physician about discomfort in jaw and lower case molars since I had my Dentist check finding nothing wrong as to why my lower teeth should be aching off and on the last 6 weeks.  Same with my PCP.  X-rays were taken to check the sinuses.  AOK.  

An EKG was done and I will be doing a treadmill stress test when arrangements are made.  Still waiting to hear from the Hospital.  Slow is as slow does.  Still I don't fully understand why my teeth have been aching.  Perhaps I have been clinching my teeth while asleep and it's causing issues?  Man o' man...tis a mystery STILL.  

With me being winded when walking, Doc finally listened about this. EKG ORDERED and STRESS TEST ORDERED.   

AS an older woman, I started to get agitated that I tell medical personnel about aches and pains and it gets overlooked.  Truly, I am too OLD to be timid or shy with the medical personnel. SPEAK STRAIGHT FORWARD.  Hear me now...believe me later.  

October Thyroid appointment will be coming and I will ask questions as I started getting winded after my thyroid was removed in 2010.  Ummmm 16 years ago.  Hello somebody.  When I ask questions, I don't always get addressed.  This time, I will be firm and take to continued asking until satisfied with answer.  Amen.  

TUESDAY.  A medical appointment for Hubby concerning his MRI and knee issues.  A few things will be tried before going knee replacement route.  

WEDNESDAY.  What did we do?  Oh yes.  New tires for the car.  While Hubby stayed at the TIRE SHOP, I read magazines at the Public Library and bought a $3 book about cupcakes.  I was throughly relaxed sipping a TRENTA unsweetened iced green tea while looking through FREE magazines at the Public Library.  I can't remember the last time I did this.  They have an oversized Reading Room for patrons.  I found a comfortable blue, leather chair to sit in with a small table beside it to sit my tea on while I thumbed through 6 Women's World magazines gathering ideas on how to be more domestic.  MY HOMEWORK for the day.  I left the Library relaxed and ready for Supper at a Mexican Restaurant in the neighborhood.

Chips and salsa first before eating two very small, walking tacos.  Water to drink.  Next door to the Restaurant is a coffee shop where I had a French Soda.  Hubby and I sat for a spell.  

One of these days very soon, I want to be on a slowpoke date with him and deliberately sip French Soda and stare at the ceiling where models of airplanes dangle.  An actual DATE where we sit and chat.  

Drove across the Kansas Prairie toward HOME to pick up some items for daughter.  She called and asked if we'd stop by so she could fix her Dad a coffee and I could play with my grandson. We went for a little while.  

Went HOME to relax and call it a day.  The large, round CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS that will be used for the front porch next CHRISTMAS have been stored in the SHE SHED.  They are being put into a large storage tub that will be taken to the ATTIC.  I worked on emptying them from small plastic boxes they were sold in and dump the ornaments into a large storage tub each time I passed through the Living room to go to the laboratory and back to the TV room.  This technique works for me.  I dump the ornaments into a larger storage tub as I go.  NOW, the large ornaments that were still in their plastic boxes that they were sold in, are emptied and the ornaments settled in a larger storage tub.  It feels awesome to see progress.  I have a few more ornament boxes to empty into larger storage tubs.  Perhaps tomorrow they will find themselves in the NEW ATTIC which is what the storage unit will be called as we get ORGANIZED.  Wordy. Long winded.

Long story short...it has to take place.  QUICKLY.  I am on the verge of screaming which would be a PRIMAL response to stay sane.   I do need to scream once in awhile.  It helps.  

Watched some tele and of course I fell asleep during the show.  WOKE UP for a spell.  It happened again.  Lights out.

Morning will come soon enough and I'll be right back at what ever it is I need to do such as launder some dirty towels and cleanup the Living room where the storage boxes are.  Another load of CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS will be tended to so they can go to storage and are out of the house.  I am aiming for a decluttered house before THANKSGIVING.  Why can't I get there???

AFTER the Holidays, we will begin remodeling the TV room.  Everything will have to be removed from the room and the filthy carpet pulled up to examine what shape the hardwood floor is in. For NOW, I am organizing CHRISTMAS DECOR.  The storage unit is on the agenda of being cleaned-up.  Tis very slow getting around to it.  

One of the godliest things I can do right now as a Christian is to turn chaos into order.  Making our COTTAGE into a HOME is my number one priority.

I can't believe that Friday is tomorrow.  

~d

NO QUICK FIX

😰💦WE WoRKED IN THE HEAT this week-end. I had hopes we wouldn't have to empty storage units in HOT WEATHER, but nature and health issues ruled a stern fist over us.  FORGING AHEAD.  💦In my fantasy thinking, we would be able to work in about 73 degree weather with a cool breeze so we'd not OVERHEAT.  This did not happen.  If we had waited until the temps were cooler, we'd still be waiting.

We started this go-round of emptying a second unit in early JUNE.  Temps rose and we continued to work off and on when we could then health issues, appointments and family gatherings were a part of LIFE.  We finished August 1st.  It was a hallelujah MOMENT. 📣  

Now, we are emptying a unit near by in which will become OUR ATTIC to fill with HOLIDAY DRAMA.  The garage is being shuffled, the SHE SHED is being shuffled and the cellar.  The house is being shuffled.  This is an ongoing activity until we are where we should be.  No quick fix to it.  Even if we hauled everything to the dump, labor and time would be required.  Same with an AUCTION.      

🛻Yesterday in the heat, there was no COOLER TIME OF DAY and we still managed to relocate two antique Morris Chairs (which I do not want to get rid of yet) AND a very worn leather recliner with ottoman using the PT Cruiser from storage to SHE SHED.  Our car PETE is a wonder to us and has made us a fantastic pick-up when not actually a pick-up.  Making 4 trips to get these four pieces HOME went really well.  With sweat running in my eyes, I had to sit in the car with the air on to cool off and wipe my brow. 

We both did.  Inside the storage unit, we made a small dent to where we can wheel the oversize metal tool chest out to work on and begin emptying the drawers.  Maybe in the cool of the day on a different day we will attempt to do this, but since there doesn't seem to be a cooler time of day we will just have to take it slow and cool off in the car from time to time.  FORGE AHEAD, Darling.

I brought HOME a torn up cardboard box holding miniature kerosene lamps.  They've been subject to the elements because the box is seriously caved in and the lamps were exposed to dirt over the last 3 years.  They should clean up nicely and then I will purchase a nice, small, vinyl storage box to hold these little gems for safe keeping.  I forgot I had these.  Surprise.

It is still SUMMER, but the tops of the trees are turning colors.  I find myself saying it's FALL. Amazing how quickly this SUMMER has played out.  It's still extremely HOT and sultry.  Some thunder storms are popping up in the evenings.  Still hasn't cooled the area down.  Some yellow leaves have twirled to the ground as a sign that AUTUMN has arrived early.  Perhaps I should start getting AUTUMN DECORATIONS out.  Mentally, it would fool the brain into believing FALL is here.  Kind of like MSG fools the brain that the food being eaten is the best around.  Eat some more.

There's a cardboard box full of Princess House Fantasia pattern crystal cups and saucers that have a poinsettia motif to them.  Next trip to the unit, I'll place the box in the car to bring HOME so they can be washed and decide what I can do with them.

When we continue to go through boxes in storage, I suppose there will be lots of surprises because I cannot remember where I got the items.  SENIOR MOMENTS are not a new thing. They are happening u' all.  

As I discover STUFF, I have to confess that I am an ADDICT when it comes to glassware. Curbing my appetite is taking place as I get older and am unwrapping items that are never used. The storage unit is FULL of boxes.  FULL to the brim.  This could get interesting and fast.

This morning, I transferred some small, curio figurines to a different plastic storage box that I thoroughly wiped clean.  Stuns me how much dirt settles on these boxes in a storage unit going nowhere.  I found a Hansel and Gretel plaster figurine pair that I have had for umpteen years.  A lovely Lady figurine that my Mom gave me.  Some MARY AND FRIENDS figurines.  Re-wrapping each item took place and then all were placed in a smaller, nice size box.

THEN, I came across a really neat VINTAGE three piece Swan Brand Cromalin Plate Carlton Pattern Beverage Service.  Love it.  Will KEEP.  Had to investigate what the larger piece was when at first I thought it was a coffee server with no lid.  From the pics I saw on the internet, this piece was not adding up to a coffee server or teapot.  The pouring lip on it isn't as large as the ones I saw.  I thought maybe it was for hot water and Hubby thought it might be a milk jug.  I think maybe I have a HOT WATER JUG instead of a TEAPOT or COFFEE POT.
 

 

I know Americans call a flashlight just that, but Britains call them a torch.  Different names for items from across the pond.  I call the service container that holds cream, a creamer not a cream jug and a sugar bowl isn't referred to as a sugar basin.  I've not heard of a HOT WATER JUG before.  I'm not sure what I have possession of, but I like it because it's shinny and vintage. 

When serving tea, some add milk first thing to their delicate tea cup then pour their hot tea into the cup.  Americans tend to use cream or half/half to their tea and coffee after the beverage has been poured.  I'll try pouring some milk into my tea first sometime along the way.  I usually drink my tea black and at present time I am not a coffee drinker.

 

Unwrapping from bubble wrap in an oversize storage box, I discovered some vintage POPE GOSSER Florence Pattern dishes with delicate roses on them.  Sweet.  6 dinner plates, a veggie bowl, a dessert bowl, 4 salad plates, gravy boat, sugar bowl with lid, creamer.  I found a smaller HOMES box to place these vintage items in.  Him hawing about it.  Do I keep these or bless someone else with them?  They would be really sweet in a FARMHOUSE THEME place.  

As I get older, I figure I need to have smaller size storage boxes for easier handling as my muscles grow weaker.  As I looked at the oversize CHRISTMAS storage boxes, I know I need to downsize their sizes as well.  Easy enough to do.  I found a large red storage box holding NUT CRACKERS. They will go into smaller boxes where I will have two smaller tubs instead of one large one.  NUT CRACKERS are used in the Dining room at CHRISTMAS time.  Can't wait! 

We have a stash of oversized CHRISTMAS ornaments in the SHE SHED that will be used for the front porch decorations come November.  They are still in the filmsy plastic boxes that they were sold in when I bargain shopped last year at the AFTER CHRISTMAS SALES.  I'll take them out of the plastic and group them together in a CHRISTMAS storage tub ready to decorate with.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON.  This Sunday afternoon, I'm working inside going through storage boxes in the living room and making decisions on what to do with this and that.  Mostly dishes.  I can turn loose of most of it.  Gathering my collection of MILK GLASS DISHES.  These will probably go bye-bye when I get them all grouped together.  

I came across a PIANO BABY boy figurine.  I know he is a reproduction.  No longer need this.  Is it a relief to be able to say I no longer need this?  Yes, it is.  Maturity of old age has kicked in.

When the temps cool off, we'll go to the storage unit and begin boxing up tools making an attempt to locate the tool box chest to the garage.  Hubby is out in the garage right now shuffling to make room for the chest.  We morph along making room for everything.  This has been quite the move for us.  Trying to fit what we had at the larger house with full basement, 4 bedrooms and a garage into this petite HOMESTEAD has been a work-out.  Mental gymnastics and real muscle power.   

THIS HAS BEEN A SEASON of upheaval.  I have to work at it quickly.  Mercy sakes.  It's a headache.

WEEK TO COME.  On the sideline, I work on laundry and I have been printing out pictures of children, grands and greats.  Running out of photo paper happens.  Pause.  I've mailed some prints to family members.  I need to get some pretty boxes to hold the pics I want to keep.  More to do.  I will frame a few and sit them out to look at.

I have a medical appointment this week with primary physician about aching teeth.  With the dentist saying nothing is wrong with my teeth, but wanting to do a crown anyways makes me question what to do.  I'll ask my precious M.D. about a sinus infection.  I THINK MAYBE I HAVE ONE.  This may be why my lower teeth are aching from time to time.  I need help!  Perhaps with an antibiotic an infection will clear up taking the fatigue with it.  That would be splendid.   

🎂🎨 Our Grandson turns 12 this week.  We hope to attend his Birthday party.  I purchased a Book about drawing that I will give him as he is showing an interest in drawing.

Welp, I'm getting excited about the progress we are making on our ATTIC and getting better organized.  I pray we will actually get there SOON so we can shift gears doing other things that need done making our small COTTAGE a comfortable HOME.  

God Bless,

~d 👵  

MORPHING COMES WITH A PRICE

HAVING SO MUCH STUFF TAKES A LOT OF ENERGY DEALING WITH IT AS YOU GET IN ORDER.  MORPHING RIGHT ALONG AND it comes with a price.  It takes a toll on me and has slowed me way down.  THIS IS MY HOBBY FOR THE TIME BEING.  There is so much out of order, it cannot continue this way.  Eventually it all has to be dealt with.  We're dealing with it and it drains me.  THERE HAS TO BE MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS.  

I have to get in order and know what all we own.  I can no longer ignore it.  Putting it off is a mistake.  A BIG MISTAKE.  How I handle MATTER matters.  My attitude makes a difference.  It can either break you or benefit you.  This can drain me of all energy or just a little.  Attitude can create mental exhaustion.  A true handicap to live with.

I have seen the light and it has opened my eyes.  I must get in order quickly as I am getting older by the second.

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HERE WE GO.  The week-end is here.  An antique Morris Chair that has been in storage made her way to our property.  Hubby will unload her from the back of the car placing her in the SHE SHED then we will go get the other one from storage and do the same.  A sense of satisfaction will come when this task is done!  Let's go.

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Next, an over size TOOL CHEST will be relocated to the garage from storage.  Hubby has to clean the chest out so we can handle the weight of the chest.  If we get this far along, then we will have made a dent in the storage unit that is becoming our ATTIC after all the other STUFF is cleared out of there.

  

We have an oversized, wood Frankenstein that HUBBY made a few years back that will remain in storage as the unit will HOUSE our HOLIDAY decorations.  The unit will become our ATTIC.  Let's see, Frank is about umm 14 or 15 years old.  Time flies.  How could he possibly be that OLD?

I AM IN HOPES OF THE LIVING ROOM BEING A LIVING ROOM AGAIN AND NOT A WAREHOUSE.  I made some headway going through some storage boxes in the Living room.  I forgot where I got some of the stuff.  Like Christmas, surprise!  I found my faux fruits and veggies that I want to make some large wreaths out of.  Bingo.  There you are together again.  I will transfer the faux beauties into a clear box so I can quickly identify what's in the box.  No more guessing.  I have collected individual pieces of fruit through the years from a thrift shoppe. Trying to keep the price down and I did, but they went into hiding.  Not anymore.  Praise the LORD.  We will actually be living better when we get this place in order.  A much needed way to LIVE.  

I think I need to have a yard sale in September and turn loose of more stuff that I no longer need or donate them to charities.  I'll be alright not having them anymore.  I can do dis thang.

By the end of August, the Living room should be empty of all the storage boxes and I'll move onto the Dining room.  Time is getting away from me and I shake in my boots that the holidays will be upon us before I am in a good place with the items.  

TAKE A DEEP BREATH.  Exhale.  I'm about to lose it.  This shuffling has been going on for far too long and being at a loss about where to go with STUFF.  My life has been stuck in a rut.  I have to move forward.  I know that I need to be finished with this phase of a move in.  It's been A nightmare.  

SINCE WE MOVED HERE, we turned loose of my Husband's first car he owned (we dated 53 years ago in this car), our black bedroom suite, an Ethan Allan sofa, mattress and box springs, two Henredon chairs, 6 Dining chairs, a Dining table with 6 chairs, dishes, pots 'n pans, bedding, dolls, books, clothing, stuff, stuff, stuff.  How do I feel about it?  Odd.  I know we've gotten rid of a lot and yet we have a bunch more to unload.  We could of had an auction, but then you still have to know what you're going to sell.  

Toughin up.  Work quickly.  Pray more and be hopeful.  Just like the other storage unit we finished clearing out August 1st, it eventually came to fruition and the goal was met.  It was a very long, drawn out project, but we got 'er done.  Seems like a dream.  We did it and have hopes of getting more done so we are organized.  Because I want to be organized so badly, it seems to take longer, but causes me to have a drive in me to stay on track til it's done.  A force within me as an old woman that needs order.  Thinning down our belongings is a must.  Hanging onto so much has a price.  Cha-ching.  The process can be difficult or easy peasy.  Do we decide?  In some cases, yes.  The attitude has to be in the correct mode.  Mine keeps slipping out of gear. Back you go.  Crack a whip and carry on. 

My brother-in-law told me it took him 3 years to downsize his things.  I believe it now.  At the time, I was thinking it could have happened sooner.  HA...I was a doubting THOMAS.  I need to work at not being so judgmental.  Every case is what it is and takes time to navigate.  Things happen that slow down the progress.  I should know.  Now I do! 

Be still and know that GOD is GOD and I am not.  Be hopeful and dedicate this mess to the LORD.  He'll see me through.  Amen.

~d

IN DISBELIEF and SHOCK ABOUT DENTAL EXPENSES

OFF TO SEE THE DENTIST.  Not looking forward to it and yet I am.  I have a gnawing ache in lower mouth.  I suspect it'll be root canal time?  I've got to get around and shampoo my hair and take a bath before appointment.  Do a few chores and off I goes.  

POT ROAST FOR SUPPER.  About 9, I took the pot roast out of the fridge where it has been marinading for two days in white vinegar, garlic sprinkles and onion salt.  This morning I knew I needed to get it into the crockpot to start baking.

I start out by covering the bottom of the crockpot container with extra virgin olive oil, sliced onions taking the roast out of the bag I used.  I let it bake for an hour on high then add a cup of STRONG COFFEE to bake for another hour.  I forgot to add seasoning AND Hubby caught me pouring Avocado oil into the crockpot instead of olive oil.  OOPS!  Next is spring water (NOT FAUCET) to cover the meat and bake for another hour.  

The avocado oil may be one big happy accident.  After I realized that avocado oil was used, I added the EVOO.  SO we shall see what it does to the flavor. 

Time to peel some carrots and potatoes to add to crockpot.  Gotta get around and get this done because I need to shampoo my head to get ready for afternoon dental appointment.  Time is getting away from me.  

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MANAGED TO GET MY HAIR SHAMPOOED.  Aired dried it.  We sat in the dentist office and filled out paperwork.  Earlier in the week I tried to fill out the questions on my husband's phone and it turned into a mess.  The system was defunked.  Hubby was first for appointment and I stayed in the lobby.  

I couldn't read his body language when he was checking out then he frowned at me as he walked toward me and shared some about the work he was suggested to get done.  Conversation would continue in the car later.  I was called in and followed the assistant into a smaller room where their stand up x-ray machine was for a full mouth pic.

Some more x-rays were taken as I lie on their reclining exam chair.  Mister DENTIST came in and asked some questions.  I shared that the lower left side of my mouth was aching off and on.  More questions and he began picking around the area comparing with the other side of my mouth.

He said he didn't know what was wrong as everything looked good.  Since it was on the lower part of the mouth, I suspected that it would be sinus infection causing the pain if it were on the upper part of the mouth, not the bottom.  He agreed, but when I was visiting with Hubby about it he said our HOUSTON FRIEND who's a dentist told him that sinus pressure can cause the lower part of the mouth to ache as well.

When the doc pick around on left side of mouth it was extremely sensitive.  He picked about the right side and there was no discomfort, BUT he explained that I needed work done on two pre-existing crowns.  Odd, the side of the mouth I went in for to have checked out, hurt when picked on, but he couldn't find anything wrong.  The right side of the mouth that seems to be alright is the side he wants to work on.

He mentioned that after I have my teeth cleaned it might help with the pain.  Might.  We're going to have our teeth cleaned in September.  In the mean time, what do I do about the pain?  Ibuprofen.

As I was checking out, we were given copies of the expenses for future treatments.  Today NO CHARGE.  It was covered.  Together, our future OUT OF POCKET expenses would be $9009.00 if we have him do the work.  God heavens.  

I found out that our dental insurance works the opposite way then our medical insurance.  Once you hit your deductible on medical, the insurance company starts paying more of the bill.  Our dental insurance does it the opposite way, when we use up the $2000 available for dental work then we have to pay out of pocket.  

We did not have a clue it worked this way.  $9009.oo for services.  I don't think we can do this.  I am in shock tonight.  I have NO words.  Hubby has an infection in one of his teeth and the dentist didn't give him an antibiotic.  WHAT?  I suggest that he go to our regular doc and get an antibiotic for the infection.  If you know you have an infection in a tooth, why wouldn't you give an antibiotic???  The dentist said that he wouldn't give the antibiotic until after the tooth is worked on.  Sounds to me that he is expecting the tooth to increase in pain and dental work will be needed.  

I sat in the car and stewed.  THEN, I sat at home and roasted when looking over the papers with the detailed expenses that come with the dentist handiwork.  Prayers needed.

In October, we can switch dental insurance.  Think we had better and also find a less expensive dentist if there is one.  I was wondering if a dentist school would take patients in to work on by their students?  They do.  It's an option.

~d