FOOD FOR THOUGHT, NUTRITION FOR THE BODY and GRANNT NANNY JOY FOR THE SOUL

BLESSINGS ON SUNDAY!   I could hear the local church bells ringing this morning.  A beautiful sound to my ears.  With the sun shinning, this should be a day with pleasant weather.  We've had way too much rain as of late.  Drying out is desired. Lord, Bless our day.  

I typed in verse of the day and this came up:

Today’s scripture is Philippians 1:9–10: “That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight… so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”

Then I typed in verse of the day.com and this came up:

First time for me to use https://www.verseoftheday.com/

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

—Proverbs 27:1

I liked it and think I will use it more often.  There's a recorded message for you when you tune in.  A short devotional for me. 

PLANS.  A long soak in the tub.
I'll be shuffling through boxes and bubble wrapping some beverage glasses that were found in a cardboard boxes in the storage unit.  I'll wrap them and place them into new see-through storage tubs. They'll be stored in the cellar later this week.

FOOD PROGRAM.

This is my 4th day on the BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY food plan.  I'm aiming for taking at least 20 minutes to drink my 2 Premier Protein drinks for Breakfast.  I was able to stretch this out to 40 minutes this morning.  Proud of myself instead of gulping the drinks too fast, I made it last a tad bit longer.  First, I drank the chocolate flavored one then a Cafe Latte which taste a tiny bit like coffee.

Each carton has 30 grams of protein and 160 calories.  This morning meal totals 60 grams of protein which is excellent and 320 calories which is about right for someone cutting calories.

Praying I can stay on this plan for at least a month.  Lunch and Supper are extremely simple due to having  6 to 8 oz of chicken and a half plate of at least a cup of non-starchy veggies like Brussels Sprouts. 

Already, I substituted the chicken with turkey for one of the meals.  Knowing what I know about foods, it's safe to have chicken, turkey and fish.  Skipping BEEF, eggs, legumes, seeds, nuts, grains altogether.  The veggies can be anything from brussels sprouts, green beans, wax beans, lettuces, spinach, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, green peas, carrots, asparagus, celery, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, zucchini, beets, tomatoes, sweet potatoes.  Can you think of any other veggies?  No potatoes (too starchy) or corn (more than likely GMO'd).

HEALTH.
With having NO thyroid, my body does not lose weight like someone with a healthy thyroid and this is difficult for me to appreciate.  Yes, I am thankful for being alive after having thyroid cancer, but I do not thrive at feeling good.  It's also a mental battle field convincing myself that I am happy about carrying way too much weight on my bones and gaining.  The exercise more and eat less to lose weight is a heart breaking theory because this is about a hormone imbalance.  I have one.  I'm learning that vitamin D (a hormone) has to be in an optimal range and not just the lower end of the chart to me to do any good.

In order for D to be in the range where it helps, magnesium, selenium, zinc, K2 must be in a good place.  Magnesium jump starts the D.  You want K2 when taking Vitamin D3 supplements as the K2 helps pull the D into the bones and cells where when you do not have K2 with the D, the calcium stays in the arteries roughing them up.  

Okay.  Alrighty then.  Moving right along.

GRANNY NANNY CHRONICLES.

Yesterday was fun and relaxing.  We watched a soccer game that our youngest grandson was playing in.  Chatted with family members afterwards.  Went over to a Grandson's home to hold his newborn baby.  So sweet.  So very sweet.  Baby smiled at me!  Love this when this happens. Took a drive and decided to go to a different community to shop for chicken and veggies, but was disappointed that their chicken was overcooked so we drove over to Manhattan.  On the way, Hubby called LIL MISS to see what she was doing for lunch and we made a date to eat together. Wonderful to visit with her and her HUNNY.  

I ordered a smoked turkey sandwich without cheese knowing I could just eat the turkey with lettuce and tomato.  Instead of French fries, I ate some brussels sprouts and drank H2O.  Right on track for the BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY food plan to lose weight.  I was able to avoid the bun altogether and I did not crave it.  No desire to eat bread.  That's not like me.  humpf. Maybe I'm catching on.

THE REST OF THE STORY. 

We had a great visit, said our good-byes and took a drive.  Went shopping for veggies at Aldi.  We stocked up on canned tuna and chicken.  Bought fresh lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower.

Drove HOME and rested.  Driving alone does make me tired for so many reasons.

Time to go.  Not sure I'll work in a walk or not.  I really need to.  Kick my attitude.  Another day on the Better You Better Society meals.  I weighed myself this morning and nothing has changed on the scales.  Keep going, child.  I have it in me to keep going.  Keep going.  Don't quite.

Whatever hurdle you're trying to get over, remember you have worth, are loved by God and not alone.  Being a BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN where you have the HOLY SPIRIT in you to guide and direct you is a heavenly assistant and we all need this.  ~d

~d🩷 

SPARKY GUARDS THE PORCH

Sparky the concrete dog.

Does this concrete dog look like a THREAT to you?

I named this puppy, SPARKY and placed it on the front porch.  

We had it at the other house we lived in before coming to 

the COTTAGE.

The neighbor's cat seems to think it is something to fight with.

Hubby heard some noise on the porch where he thought it was me sweeping the porch.  He glanced outside to see what the ruckus was.  It wasn't me.  It was the neighbor's old grey cat batting at the dog.  Sparky wobbles a little bit when pawed at which makes a noise.  So far, the cat has attacked SPARKY 3 times.  I have to laugh because the cat must think it is winning a fight with a concrete dog.  haha.

The cat's pride must puff up when the dog does not bark or run away.   Still laughing that so far the cat has attacked the dog 3 times on different occasions.  Entertainment.

WE STAYED HOME TODAY after being on the go a couple of days.  The weather was cooler today with NO rain.  Wednesday and Thursday we had medical appointments and chores to run. Both days we were caught in down pours where it was difficult to see while driving the interstate.

We had a serious hiccup at Quest Diagnostic when we went to sign in to have labs done.  For some reason the computer kicked our Topeka appointment to the Manhattan location.  Not a good sit up for us as we made the appointment for Topeka so when we signed in there were no appointments in their system.  Oops.  Things got straightened out and our labs were done.  We both had our Vitamin D levels checked.  I had my A1C checked as well and Hubby had his B12 checked.  They are fast at getting the results in the health portal.

My A1c is climbing, but still in a good range.  I'll be working on lowering it by losing a few more pounds and not eating bread.  Our D levels were better and Hubb's B12 much better.  

Saw an old friend at God's Storehouse.  Nice to visit with her.  Walmart and Natural Grocers as well.  Drove HOME through the heavy rain and took a well deserved NAP.

Baked chicken breast, green beans and rice for supper.  It was October 1st and an opportunity to start BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY diet.

Better You Better Society focuses on helping people lose fat, build muscle, and improve overall well-being through structured programs and guidance. 

I know I talk a lot about diets and losing weight.  I know.  I know.  This particular DIET is super simple and I will do it for a month if I can.  

TOTAL CALORIES FOR DAY = 1218

BREAKFAST = 320
2 PREMIUM PROTEIN DRINKS = 320 CALORIES
WATER

LUNCH = 328
LARGE BAKED CHICKEN BREAST = 240
2 CUPS OF GREEN BEANS = 88
WATER

SUPPER = 570
LARGE BAKED CHICKEN BREAST = 240
2 CUPS OF GRILLED BRUSSELS SPROUTS = 112
1 CUP BROWN RICE = 218
WATER 

No snacks.  No fruit or dairy.  No potatoes, pastries, pasta.  

The baked chicken breast is hiding under the brown rice.  It was really tasty.  I know if I do this everyday with only chicken it will get boring.  I'll switch out the chicken breasts with chicken thighs also with turkey patties and roasted turkey.  Some fish like salmon and tuna.  The side dish of vegetables will be non-starchy veggies where I will switch out with a side salad no dressing, baked carrots, kale, squash, zucchini, cauliflower, green peas, onions, bell peppers, etc.

I'll see how my body responds and go from there.  If I stay in the realm of 1200 calories, I should reduce some body weight.  Praying this works.  Pray and stay thankful I'm not starving.  One month.

Supposedly 40 pounds will come off in 4 months.  This is a long time to eat this way.  It will take discipline.  Can I do this?  If I can take this off in 4 months, I would be ever so grateful.   

🥗🥬🥗🥬🥕🥕🥕🧅🧅🧅🍅🍅🍅🥒🥒🥒🥗🥬🥗🥬

☔Thankful for NO rain TODAY!  I purchased a couple of WALMART MUMS for under $7.00 each.  Gorgeous colors.  After we finish admiring them for the season, they will be planted somewhere on the property.  I may see if HUBBY would consider planting them on the outskirt's of the front flowerbeds.  I love the color they have and HOPE they come back next year.  Cheers me up to see such pretty shades of nature.

TODAY, I went through an old beat up cardboard box that was brought HOME from the storage unit.  Inside was a glass cake plate with an aluminum cover.  I suspect it's from the 1950s.  Mid-century goodie.

Looks a lot this one.  I debated getting rid of it, but decided for now I will keep it and store it in a nice plastic storage box and keep it in the cellar.

I emptied the box and went through another tub full of old receipts, bank statements, old checks, etc.  I started feeling a sense of HOPE that I managed to empty a couple of boxes! A good feeling.   

One of the boxes held old record albums from our High School and College Days.  I thought they'd fit in an old wood crate of my brother's, but they were too wide.  I switched out my Bill Book, Calendar, Address book that I had in a LONGABERGER BASKET into the wood crate that now sits on an end table to the right of my recliner.  

My brother passed away 5 years ago this month and it belonged to him.  I didn't want to get rid of it, so I did the switch-er-roo.  I came across a letter he mailed us before his death.  This one made me tear up.  I didn't do enough for my brother while he was alive.  Knowing this, I must do better for those that are still alive.  

A third box has old bluejeans my children wore.  I was going to make a blue jean blanket out of the jeans, but have decided I will launder these ancient pieces of denim and recycle them.   

Not today, but tomorrow, I will begin the laundry and finish the task by placing them on hangers for a SPRING RUMMAGE SALE.  They will season through the WINTER on a clothing rack and be waiting for their SPRING debut.  

BLOOD PRESSURE
This good reading is rare for me, but I was surprised last night.  I usually have higher BP than this.  Something went just right for me.  PTL.

Wish it were this good all the time.  Perhaps in my future?

Love,

~d

I DO NOT CARE TO BE WISHY WASHY

I'M GUILTY OF BEING WISHY WASHY.  I believe there are times that everyday living can get in the way of one's FAITH bearing fruit.  A newness of having one's spiritual health refreshed is needed.  Leaning into the realm of health, prosperity, peace and goodwill needs woke up at times.  We need CHRIST.  The HOPE of GLORY through Christ Jesus.

Reasons why our Christian FAITH needs a jolt to get us going in the right direction can vary.  Mine needs refreshed.  I hit some kind of wall stopping me from being a better me.  Through all types of challenges, we all need rest.  A SABBATH.  We can run on fumes only for so long and then we stop.  Can't move.  Stuck.

Meditating on the word of GOD is fuel for growth.

If we didn't need a day of rest once a week then God wouldn't have set the example for us.  Take that REST BREAK and forget about being on the go all the time.  We need refreshed.

~d

WORKING AT HOME TO BE BETTER OFF

TIS A RAINY DAY OUTSIDE, but in my thought life I'm having a sunshiny day.  How does this happen?  

I work awhile, I sit awhile, I work awhile, I sit awhile...repeat.  I'm seeing progress on fitting into this COTTAGE by serious downsizing and decluttering.  This has been a very slow project for us due to health issues so when I see progress, I celebrate.  Let out a joyful noise.  

Hubs is turning the storage unit into our ATTIC for HOLIDAY DECOR.  I do what I can along side of him.  Together we share ideas and get after it.  He's more muscle than me.  There's a great deal to handle in the ATTIC as there are still so many things that needs emptied from the unit.  A little at a time each piece will be dealt with.

Inside the COTTAGE, I am grouping together boxes of items of like kind.  There's a pile of books by the wing chair, boxes of glassware are in front of the corner cabinet in the Dining room that will go to the cellar, a stack of empty storage tubs are by the front door ready to be filled for safe keeping, empty cardboard boxes in a pile, etc.  I'm going to move the dining room table up against Grandma's Sideboard so the area in front of it is used for stacking boxes of this and that of the things that will go to the cellar or turned loss of.

It's a waste of time to take too long to dwell on this matter.  Make it happen quickly if possible. 

I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT I DO NOT NEED SO MUCH STUFF JUST TAKING UP SPACE 

AND IS SOMETHING FOR DUST TO COLLECT ON.  Giving to others that need these things is a far better way to live while I am ALIVE.  Nothing can be taken with us to a heavenly realm.

~HEALTH~

Soon, I will receive a Vitamin B12 injection.  Sometime in the near future we will go to Quest Diagnostics to have our Vitamin D levels checked.  Maybe B12 and A1C as well.

The more I research the more I am aware of how Vitamin D deficiencies are present in ill people.  It is a hormone that seems to be ignored by allopathy docs.

Instead of checking for vitamin, mineral and electrolyte deficiencies, one is put on a medication where you still don't fix the root cause of illness.  When you can be healthier by getting your levels at optimal levels, it is ignored unless you get wise to the deficiencies 

and insist doing something about it.

Then there's the thyroid circus.  I've learned that you need zinc, selenium and iron to be in an optimal range or high blood pressure can be a problem.  There' magnesium and potassium issues that add to health problems of high blood pressure.

So at the time, I am engrossed in thyroid, vitamin, mineral and electrolyte issues.  Working at raising Vitamin D and B12 levels.

Be as healthy as you can be.
GOD Bless,

~d

DECORATING ON THE PRAIRIE: PLAYING HOUSE AGAIN

 

Playing HOUSE once again.

This particular one is cozy and inviting.
I could embrace this one for a while.

LOVE THE COLOR USAGE.
How pretty.
Neutral Earth tones.

Enjoy the tour,

~d

Ready.

Lovely.....This is a nice thought about soaking in the tub with a gentle breeze blowing over you as you bathe.  Fantasy tells a different story.

Except in Kansas there would be too many insects flying inside.
Part of the charm?

This room is part of playing HOUSE again!

It's nicely decorated.

~d

BEAUTIFUL CLOSET AREA

Twin Edit created this closet from pallets.

Neat idea.

My clothing closet needs an over haul.

Will keep this in mind!

Just gathering ideas for possible future use.

~d

  

AUTUMN FLOWERS BRING SMILES

MUMS in early AUTUMN seem to add some charm to our small estate as well as everywhere I see mums adding color to the landscape.  I stayed in the purple range for color and am not disappointed.  The urn had been in the backyard ready for some color to be added.  Up on the porch she went.  Lovely.

I may decorate the front yard bench with more mums and a scarecrow.

I have a pumpkin and another small mum on the porch as well.  We're getting ready for the HOLIDAYS.  October's AUTUMN, November's THANKSGIVINGS and December's CHRISTMAS all in a row.  

I won't be decking the porch out with full blown AUTUMN decorations, because the porch is going to receive another coat of paint in October.

Planning on doing something special for CHRISTMAS though.  I've been sketching ideas for CHRISTMAS as to what we'll attempt to do for the house's exterior.  Gathering garland, twinkle lights, and oversized ornaments.  I hope we pull this off in November before it gets too cold to work outside.  First the garland and lights will be hung and then the week-end before the Holiday Decorating contest, the ornaments will be hung on the garland.  grins.

WALKING.  I started walking again.  Did alright.  Only walked a half of a mile though.  It's been 7 months since I last seriously walked due to a bum hip.  After receiving chiropractic treatments, she seems to have healed up!  I am so grateful.  So very grateful.  I have to ease back into this walking program.  If I can, I'll walk everyday 1/2 mile then begin to add some more distance as I go.  Keeping it simple.

We had an extremely busy last week with so many medical appointments and just overall running about.  This week to come has got to be a slower paced one.  Back to working on creating an ATTIC at the storage unit.  The end of the month is drawing near and I had hoped we'd be done.  I really don't think this is going to happen.  We'll creep into the month of OCTOBER.  I'll continue to go through boxes determining what to do with stuff.  

We'll be cashing in the change we've collected over time this year.  Hubby and I have made guesses as to how much the change will come to.  I figure this money will be used for our outings when we buy coffee or tea for refreshments.  What's your guess?

Mom will get a pumpkin pin from me this week.  It'll be mailed tomorrow.  I bundled up a onesie in a mailing envelope for my Great Grand baby to mail as well.  A gift to my Brother-in-law was mailed with an extra fee attached to it because of the energy increases.  This one surprised me.

Prices at the GAS pumps have taken a jump.  I suspect that just before the mid-term elections the prices will suddenly lower some to encourage voting republican.  THEN after the elections, the prices will jump again and be blamed on something other than what the real cause is.  Am I prophetic?  

Utility prices will climb due to the political scene.  Living in a small house has advantages.  Grocery prices have climbed.  We shopped at Dillons the other day.  Stocked up on beans at 88 cents a can.  I'll be buying more canned tuna and chicken from SAMs to stock up for our pantry.  

As we cut back on meat in meals, the beans will add fiber and nutrition our way.  With our working at lowering our A1Cs, the legumes will help with that.  Snacking on nuts and seeds as well.  Less carbs and more veggies.

As the world turns, I'm praying.  

~d

OUR SENIOR MOMENT OF FORGETTING OUR MEDICAL APPOINTMENT AND BEING A CONSPIRACY THEORIST

SURVIVING THE DUAL ISOTOPE STRESS TEST on treadmill was a challenge for me.  PAUSE.  Very hard for me.  I made it through the test without stopping.  I got light headed, but I made it.  Heart rate was up over 137 beats per minute and blood pressure was 221 over 90 something.  I have not been sore from the fast walking!  Which amazes me.  I really thought I would be sore.   

The test was on the first day of AUTUMN and the resting test the next day.  I was relieved when this was over.  So relieved.  I felt like a pin cushion on Tuesday when the technician tried 4 times to get the needle in my left arm with no success then the nurse tried three times on the right arm before it took.  On the REST TEST, the techie managed to get it in on the first try.  Praise the Lord. 

Early Thursday, we journeyed over to TOPEKA to have labs done in preparation for our yearly Thyroid appointment.  Sonograms were scheduled for in the early afternoon and this is when we both had a SENIOR MOMENT.

After the labs, we went to eat at FIRST WATCH.  We'd been fasting.  We had a nice hardy breakfast/lunch.  Stopped by Dutch Brother's for our iced green tea.  Cheaper than Starbucks. We went to God's Storehouse.  Went to SAMS.  Bought a gorgeous lavender colored mum. Shopped a bit then went to Menards to look for a dehumidifier.  Found a great one for a decent price.  Enjoyed looking at CHRISTMAS LIGHTS and decor, etc.  THIS IS WHEN OUR SENIOR MOMENT happened. 

As I sat behind the steering wheel to leave, I looked at the car clock reading that it was 2:30.  It felt off.  I asked my husband what were we suppose to do this afternoon?  He realized that we had missed our scheduled sonograms at 1:30. I was stunned that I had overlooked this and had forgotten that we had an appointment.  Completely ZONED out.  Hubby and I both FORGOT!  

He called to explain and to reschedule new appointments.  It'll be two months before we can get in!  Two months.  Which also means we have to reschedule our October Thyroid Follow-up appointments that we have been waiting for a year.

I was stunned that we had FORGOTTEN our sonograms.  In all of my 71 years, I have NEVER forgotten a medical appointment.  NEVAH.  I suppose one forgotten appointment in 71 years is super good.

We both couldn't believe that we had forgotten.  THIS IS A BIG OOPS.  A big one.  This will give us fodder to talk about in years to come.  Remember the time when we forgot our appointments? I was slightly embarrassed and slightly stunned.  

So much for a SENIOR MOMENT.  Funny, but not.

Read the STRESS TEST report in my HEALTH PORTAL and will have my doctor go over this with me probably next week.  It said that I did pretty good for my age.  There's some things I need explained to me though.

I think that I have way too much on my mind as of late.  Too much.  Six medical appointments in one week is too much for me to try to keep track of.  Having a calendar is a must, but I have to remember the dates when they come, right?  Right!

I am a SENIOR for sure.  I am ELDERLY.  That one is still soaking in.

POTASSIUM.  
When having high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels and I do, one should consider taking POTASSIUM.  4700mg of Potassium.  I will go to town this week-end and get some Potassium and Vitamin K2(MK-7) to take with my high dose of Vitamin D3.  K2 and D3 go together like peas and carrots.

So that there isn't too much calcium left in the blood stream, the K2 helps direct the D3 from the arteries so you don't have calcium build up in the arteries and goes into the bones.  Does that make sense?  Too much calcium in the arteries causes other health issues with the heart.

🩸Whenever there is high blood pressure, it would pay to check the Potassium levels and make sure there's not a deficiency before sticking someone on Blood Pressure MEDS.  

KNOW if you have vitamin, mineral and electrolyte deficiencies before going on medications!!!

I'm older now and have been around the block a few times.  It's a gut reaction I have.

I have LOW Vitamin D and Vitamin B12.  Keeping tabs on these by going to QUEST DIAGNOSTICS.

Deficiencies in Vitamin D is so very unhealthy.  I've been fighting deficiencies for years and I know I would be healthier if my numbers were around 60 instead of 30 something.  Having deficiencies in D and B12 are very common when you do not have a thyroid.  The older we get, the easier it is to have a deficiency in these two vitamins.  

Off to the store to get some Vitamin K2 (MK-7) to take with my Vitamin D3.  When I was on a lower dose of D3, it had K2 within it, but I have gone to a stronger dose of D3 IN HOPES of getting within a better range QUICKER.  I may visit with my doc about taking vitamin D3 injections that are Methylcobalamin as well as switching B12 injections to this.  The type of B12 injection I get right now are synthetic.  The synthetic is cheaper than Methylcobalamin, but the synthetic Vitamin B12 is Cyanocobalamin.  This is cyanide.

CYANOCOBALAMIN. Ummm...I don't think cyanide of any amount is healthy for you.

I CHECKED AI and this is what it said about Vitamin D deficiencies:

Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to forgetfulness and cognitive decline by affecting brain function and memory processes.

How Vitamin D Affects Memory

Vitamin D is not only essential for bone health but also plays a critical role in brain function. It acts like a hormone in the brain, regulating neurotransmitters, controlling inflammation, and providing neuroprotection to neurons, which are vital for memory and learning lonestarneurology.net+1. Low vitamin D levels can disrupt these processes, leading to brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness helpdementia.com.

Evidence Linking Deficiency to Cognitive Issues

Research shows that individuals with vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL are more likely to experience slower processing speed, short-term memory problems, and cognitive decline eurekahealth.com. For example, adults with a serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D level of 15 ng/mL were found to have memory scores that dropped significantly, with increased difficulty recalling recent conversations and more frequent “tip-of-the-tongue” episodes eurekahealth.com. Studies also suggest that correcting vitamin D deficiency can improve memory and cognitive performance within 8–12 weeks, provided other factors like B12 deficiency or sleep issues are addressed eurekahealth.com.

Symptoms of Vitamin D-Related Cognitive Impairment

• Forgetfulness and short-term memory lapses
• Brain fog and sluggish thinking
• Difficulty concentrating or multitasking
• Mood swings and fatigue verybigbrain.com+1

How to Address Vitamin D Deficiency

• Sunlight exposure: 10–30 minutes daily to stimulate natural vitamin D production
• Dietary sources: Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy, and cereals
• Supplements: Vitamin D3 supplements, often 2,000–5,000 IU daily under medical supervision verybigbrain.com+2
  Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels supports neuroplasticity, healthy nerve cell communication, and overall cognitive function, helping reduce forgetfulness and improve mental clarity lonestarneurology.net+1.
  In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency can indeed cause forgetfulness, and ensuring sufficient intake through sunlight, diet, or supplementation is important for preserving memory and cognitive health.

Are CHEM-TRAILS causing Vitamin D deficiencies?  Yes, I believe they are.  I also believe that CHEM-TRAILS are not condensation from aircrafts.  Oops...am I a nut?  I'll take a colorful elderly person that is a little nutty, but I am not crackers.  Say what? 

Since I'm on a rant...did you know that the year fluoride was added to the water system that it came out that you should drink 8 glasses of water a day.  Sounds innocent enough, but studies on fluoride share that fluoride hardens the pineal gland in the brain amongst other things.  Is someone wanting humans to depopulate the planet by helping make peeps ill?  I think so.  

With age, we all can have a moment of forgetfulness, but to what degree should we just lay back and let a system plow over us?  I said it, A SYSTEM.  Oh, I could really sound like a conspiracy theorist if I got wound up.  Unhuh.  Here on the Prairie we do that sort of thing.

~d

A DOLL OF MY OWN

Porcelain Cabbage Patch Doll

When my daughter was young, the Cabbage Patch Doll craze was all the rage one pre-Christmas Season.  In our neck of the woods, they were very difficult to get your hands on one.  They were selling out store after store.  There were rushes on them.

My In-Laws got their hands on one for their Granddaughter.  

Her Christmas was very Merry!

I forget her name.  Dara Ilene...yep that's the ticket.

Yesterday when thrifting at God's Storehouse, they had a porcelain Cabbage Patch Doll and I fell in LUV with her.  She was hiding down on the lowest shelf amongst other dolls lying in a pile.  Digging her out of the mess, I purchased her to clean up and add to my dolly collection.  She is on a bookshelf in the TV room now smiling down on me.  I smile every time I look at her.  She's so cute!

Some of my other dolls.

Who says that old ladies cannot have dolls?

Now at 71 years of age, 

I have my own Cabbage Patch Doll to look at safe and sound.

I think I'll call her Dee Dee.

HaPpY FiNd.

Score,

MIDDLE OF THE WEEK ALREADY and A STRESS TEST!

TOMORROW, I WILL DO THE 'REST TEST' PART OF THE DUAL ISOTOPE STRESS TEST that I did on the treadmill today.  I made it through the walking part of the test!  I was extremely nervous about doing this test.  My blood pressure was very high before I did the walk like 181/85.  This is high for me.

I avoided caffeine for two days before  this test so afterwards, I drank a green tea.

During the test, I pretended that I was being chased by an evil person so I could walk fast for the entire time.  grins.  It actually helped me stay walking fast.  Though I got light headed, I made it through the test and did not STOP.  Blood pressure got up to 221 over 90 something.  

With this being the first day of AUTUMN and walking on the mill, I took it as a sign to start my walking program again.  This was the START.  My HIP did not complain one bit.  PRAISE THE LORD.  THANK YOU GOD.  It's been since February that I walked my miles.  Close to 7 months.  I'm so happy to be getting back to it!

The nurses had trouble getting the needle in my arm.  The veins were rolling.  4 tries on the left arm and several on the right before the thing worked.  I have to go through this again tomorrow for the rest test.  I hope it goes better than today.

After I walked, I drank some water and ate some Ritz crackers while waiting for the pictures to be taken of my heart.

I was really glad to get out of there!  Hubby took me to LUNCH at THE COFFEE PLANT in Manhattan.  I had the BEST SALAD I've had in a very long time.  I'd do this again for sure.  We took our time eating and talking then went to HOBBY LOBBY.  I was a little light headed, but overall felt like shopping and walking.  Enjoyed looking at the CHRISTMAS DECOR.  Tis coming.

Later we drove HOME and I had a 3 hour NAP.  SO tired.  I suppose tomorrow it will be difficult to walk.  Probably will be sore.  Shall see.

We spent our evening hauling CHRISTMAS TUBS to the storage unit.  Ran into a problem.  The boxes were smelling musty.  We will have to OZONE the contents.  Tomorrow we're going looking for a dehumidifier for the cellar.  We have to stay on top of this.  I had questioned as to why the storage boxes were so dirty looking when I had them wiped clean when we moved from the big house to this COTTAGE?  

I know it gets dirty around here, but I thought the storage boxes were dirtier than they should have been.  

We're making slow progress on getting better organized.  Now I had best get to bed.  I need my rest.  Hubby is already snoring.  

Last night I did not sleep well at all.  I think I was wired over the STRESS TEST.  AT about 3 in the morning I was shaving my legs.  I figure since I couldn't sleep I might as well shave!  GRINS.

Tonight, HOPEFULLY I will sleep just fine.  
Here's to sawing logs.

~d 

AND THE WEEK BEGINS

FULL DAY ON SATURDAY.  A fun run for our youngest Grandson then a Soccer Game to watch.  Sitting in the out of doors was pleasant with a gentile breeze blowing.  Getting some Vitamin D for sure.  Lil guy came in 2nd at the FUN RUN for the boys and he played well at soccer red faced and all.  These kids are in learning mode.  Fun for me to see first hand.   

We did not work on the ATTIC PROJECT at all on Saturday.  Back to it today.  Going through boxes of goodies to get rid of.  Will proceed on this.  If I change my mind set to this will get done when it gets done then perhaps I won't care so much that it isn't done yet.

Horrific wind storm yesterday evening.  Horrific.  I could hear the storm BLOW into town and begin to shake the house.  Checked the weather on the TV and computer after hubby received a STORM ALERT on his phone.  Daughter called to make sure that we knew about the storm.  Gust of 85 miles per hour possible and tree damage.

We stayed inside until the storm blew over quietly binge watching LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE series.  I really liked it.  It isn't anything like the TV series of long ago with Melissa Gilbert.  This show is more like the actual books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Beautiful scenery to view of the wide open spaces.  

Today, I'll drive about town and see about storm damage, etc.  This morning the neighbor lady was outside looking at the damage on her property.  It impresses me when women are quick to tending to their affairs.  Impressive.  I'm so slow these days, it hurts.

Okay, I woke thinking it was MONDAY and started making plans for the day when Hubby reminded me it is SUNDAY.  ha.  This is good as it gives me time to get prepared for the week.  I was suppose to receive a phone call on Friday from the Hospital to inform me of what to do before a STRESS TEST.  No call.  I was going to call them today, but then they won't be open because it's the week-end.  grins.  Will try on the actual MONDAY.

I'll be having a STRESS TEST and REST TEST on different days this coming week.  I am curious as to how this will go and what it will reveal.  I'll need to find my walking shoes, huh?  Some loose fitting clothing I suppose.  No caffeine or chocolate for 48 hours.  Can do. 

ON THE HOME FRONT.  SO if we can get some CHRISTMAS TUBS hauled up from the cellar and transferred to the NEW ATTIC at the storage unit, then the project gets worked on.  Let it happen. 

IDEAS.

Lovely WHITE PUMPKINS!

Next year, we'll attempt to grow WHITE PUMPKINS so it won't be so expensive to decorate the porch and bench in the yard.
The porch will be done and I can decorate it with a lot of white pumpkins and pinecones. 🍁🍂

Gathering CHRISTMAS IDEAS.

I like the garland above the table with the orange slices, twinkle lights and beads.  hum.

Climbing back on the wagon of eating clean.  If one falls off, climb back on and forgive yo' self.  Eating more veggies becomes a lifestyle to embrace.

I'll be striving to eat some blueberries and an apple everyday.

WEIGH DOWN.

Remember Gwen Shamblin?  I ordered a thrift copy of her book, WEIGH DOWN.  Like it were yesterday, I remember how popular she quickly became for her weight loss program.  Somewhere along the way she denied the Holy Trinity and started a church, went bonkers divorcing her husband of 30 plus years after preaching no divorces ever, and married TARZAN.

I'd confidently say she became a cult leader.

I disagree with her starvation to holiness idea.

I missed out on the movement she created before her Remnant Church was formed, but I remember watching one of her videos at my sister's house back in the day.  I ordered her book WEIGH DOWN the other day and I'm waiting for my thrift copy to reach me this week.  I am curious what she says, so I shall read it.

By 1998, her program had 250,000 participants in 21,000 classes.  Her popularity sky rocketed and she became quite wealthy purchasing a mansion in Tennessee.  Something went haywire with her theology as her hair was teased and stacked on her head higher than ever.

Alright...enough already.

I stepped on the scales this morning and recorded the number.

My personal weight struggle continues and it is what it is.

Think I'll go for a walk!

~d