DECORATING ON THE PRAIRIE: FANTASY PLAY HOUSE

I LUV THIS TINY HOUSE that could easily be a play house.  If I could only have one on my property.  Our property is too tiny to house one of these on it.  shucks.  

This particular tiny house is sheer fantasy as it is bigger on the inside than on the outside.  Oh well.  MAKE BELIEVE has its place in LIFE when it comes to FANTASY.  This can be a great stress reliever.

Growing up in the family I did, meant spending time with cousins in various communities.  Some of my German cousins had a play house in their back yard.  I was in awe of it.  Oh my, if I had had one, I would have been in hog heaven.  I didn't even have a miniature dollhouse.  To this day, I admire miniature dollhouses, dolls and tiny houses.  I cannot recall what the play house looked like, but I remember they had one.  I was envious.  Very.

My cousins that lived in Marion, Ks were far superior to me in my thought life.  I just about worshipped them.  They were special and I wasn't, so I thought.  Marion was at the time a lovely community with luscious trees and gorgeous flowers when I lived in a community across the state that had telephone poles for trees.  

My cousins were above reproach, so I thought as a child.  If they were two years older than me, they were extremely old and I was out of their league.  So I thought as a kid.  I learned a lot as I aged.  THANK GOD, I learned.  

Making this dream come true of having a doll house and a play house would mean I'd have to apply myself and work at decorating a dollhouse on the dining room table.  I started buying miniature items like a family of rubbery people, some pans, and a miniature of a miniature dollhouse.  I think I have 2 of these.  I stash them in a drawer in my Victorian desk that sits in our dining room.  After we get the house decluttered, I will begin creating a fantasy world in a dollhouse.  I have the kit of a house that has to be built.  Tadaah...I am that far along.

As for a play house?  Well, I'm not sure how to pull this one off.  I can admire the virtual ones.

I believe I will stay a little while in the fantasy play house
and think HAPPY THOUGHTS about LIFE.  Join me?
d

ADDICTED TO A MID-TERM MODERN MARVEL: BOOPIE GLASS

GLASSWARE GALORE.  Hubby is bringing into the COTTAGE cardboard boxes full of my Depression Glassware that will need identified, rewrapped and placed in better storage boxes.  It has been an exciting time for him to show me what's in the boxes!  LIKE CHRISTMAS. SURPRISE! 

More Anchor Hocking BOOPIE GLASS, some Indiana Glass #618 Pineapple and Floral design plates, some misc.  

Hubby and I have an ongoing JOKE.  I memba' telling him that the Boopie Glass Iced Tea Glasses were hard to come by.  I have 34 and still counting.  grins.  Each time I saw an Iced Tea glass, if it were a good price, I'd buy it!  Over the years, I FORGOT just how many I had stashed away. grins.  Okay, keep plugging away.

I placed the Boopie Glass in with what I already had wrapped in nice, new see-through tubs. A mid-century modern MARVEL. 

~Anchor Hocking Sherbet Boopie Glass~

Boopie Glass
A Mid-Century Modern Marvel

Produced by the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation from the 1950s to the 1970s, Boopie was a line of glassware that mimicked another more expensive, extremely popular line from Imperial Glass Company called Candlewick. Candlewick launched in the mid 1930s and by the time Imperial Glass closed its doors in the 1980s, they’d produced every item for Candlewick you can imagine, from candle holders to large platters to punchbowls. 

By the 1950s, Anchor Hocking must have seen an opportunity to create a similar, yet different pattern originally called The Berwick, later Boopie. With the mid-century modern era’s clean lines, simplicity and affordability of mass produced items, Boopie glassware did really well. While Candlewick was handmade and more expensive, Boopie provided the same element of fun and style at prices average households could afford. 
THEN THERE's the Indiana Glass #618 Pineapple and Floral Glass.  I love it. 

Historical Context

Produced during the Great Depression, Indiana Glass made this pattern in affordable Depression glass, which was widely sold in department stores, discount outlets, and as prizes.  The design’s cheerful floral and pineapple motifs reflected the optimism of the era.

Hidden away was a three legged cake plate by Lancaster Jubilee Yellow Topaz.  I have two of these.  Grouping like-kind together.
 

AT ANY RATE, I've learned some about DEPRESSION GLASS and how it was promoted.  Some pieces were used as a reward and a prize.  If you buy a gallon of oil, you were given a piece of glass.  Shouldn't there be something like this when you fill up your car tank with petrol?  

As we go through these boxes, I recall the pieces and do not want to part with just at the moment.  All will go on the cellar shelves for overflow glass items inside a nice storage tub!  I'm getting good at this.

Noticing that I've leaned toward Depression Glassware, I found something pretty that was affordable and bought it.  I cultivated an interest in this glass and learned along the way something historical about it.  

Will we have another Depression in our country?  That could be depressing to think about.

Back to researching and packing the pretties.

~d 

SLIPPING SOME

I AM HUMAN.  After some time flows when I'm rereading my post, I always find typos needing fixed.  Oops.  I have to laugh at some of these OOPS.  How'd I miss that one?  grins.  I really did miss it and away I go to edit it.

There are probably mistakes that I completely missed.  Mark that one up for experience. chuckle.  I've gone back to read old post and find errors.  These make me salute an invisible Editor that I apologize to in their office of make believe.  I am slipping some.

I cannot recall names at times.  Words come out of mouth that have no connection to what I thought I was speaking.  So long as I catch myself and can correct it, I have some peace.  It's those words I don't catch that cause embarrassment.  Hello again...I am human.

AND MY MATH is really BAD.  I have lost some recall on what such and such adds up to or multiplication has escaped my memory.  There are times I am thinking about something and it fades away.  Like heck I try to grab it bringing it back to the thought arena and poof it's gone. Perhaps, it'll return at 3 in the morning.

Sounds like the start of something.  The need to have less on my mind or plate  is a must. Simplifying would be helpful, if I can get there.

Having a simple PLAN for the day when I wake up gives me some direction and hope to achieve a goal.  Hello simplicity.  Good-bye planning too much for one day in which I cannot possibly achieve getting everything done on that list jotted down early in the morning hours.  

Simple meals. Quick clean-up.  Simple chores that might need to be spread out through the week.  Plan on QUIET TIME everyday in which I can hear myself think and pray to get refreshed. We all need time to get refreshed.  Being overly active causes a great deal of exhaustion at times with a bad attitude.  

When I spend so much time on the computer, I call it DOING HOMEWORK to make life at HOME better.  HOMEWORK. 

I study up on health issues, some politics, current events, housekeeping tricks, home interior decorating, recipes, psychological mind sets, religious issues, marital help, relationship repairs, weight reduction, natural ways to deal with ailments, gardening tips, etc.  

This kind of HOMEWORK is more enjoyable than when I was in school umpteen years ago. Sometimes, I think I'm still in High School, College and early marital days.  At my age, I am having a multitude of thoughts about my younger days.  A song comes on the radio and I start singing.  Remember that one? Who sang it and what year was it popular?  You too?  Perhaps you're still too young to have entered into this phase of LIFE.  Perhaps not.  Never mind.  

May you have a blessed LIFE,
~d 

  

SELF-PRESCRIBED ASSIGNMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING

LITTLE BY LITTLE,  we'll get to where we are going.  I desire a organized and tidy HOME in good repair where I know where things are when needed.  De-cluttering takes TIME when it is a 2 person crew doing the work.  We are elderly and have health challenges.  I am SLOW as molasses and about as sticky.  

I confess that this is not what I want to be doing in my old age.  I'm dragging my feet and rebelling.  Pretty sure that's what you'd call it.  Being responsible means I have to do this in order to move forward and be able to do other things in old age.  I am requesting that after we get done with all of this decluttering and organizing that I get a MONTH of doing NOTHING but sitting and doing NOTHING.  No demands or obligations.  71 is old enough to know better.

If it should go this way...I do not want my children to have to deal with a bunch of stuff they do not want.  I do not want them to have to cleanup junk of any kind after me.  This is the mission I am presently on and this should get me fired up keeping me on track.

After my oldest brother passed away, I was not asked if I would help get rid of his earthly belongings that were stored in the basement of the facility he was living in.  The facility had emptied his apartment due to co vid.  Not sure why they did this to him.  He would pass away 5 years ago on Halloween.  It took days before his body was released to the Funeral Home.  The week of his funeral, Mom, my brother-in-law, sister, hubby and myself were on clean-up duty.  I was expected to do this task, which I did.  He did not have very much which made our job easier.  

I am anxious to get our personal stuff in order.  The driving force is knowing it should be done, my age and a brother-in-law deathly ill whose household is a mess.  If by chance he passes, his wife will be at a loss as to what to do.  She'll be grieving and upset with what she was left to do after a death of a husband.  Sharing with her that her household should have been in order before now, will bring no one any comfort.  No one. 

SUNDAY.  Devotions were done at HOME instead of attending a brick and mortar church today. I may be doing this more due to a weak and weary body having issues with strength.  Tis debilitating.

I do plan to leisurely walk to the Convenience Store which is a half of a mile from my HOME.  I think it's a decent distance to walk while I do my best to building up my body with walking. Amen.

I am weary.  Physically and mentally.  The walking and getting fresh air should help me in some way.

Last week, I made it to my medical appointment where I visited with my Physician about the results of the DUAL ISOTOPE STRESS/REST TEST.  Results were favorable.  Put a smile on my face.  It came to mind that when I twist and reach that my rib cage seems to lock up and have a pleurisy pain.  Mentioned this to the doc.  Going to try a new med for asthma.  Expensive. Sticker SHOCK!  I am leaning heavily on natural remedies more and more.  HEAVILY.

Health issues are in abundance.  IMHO...I believe additives, GMO foods, eating highly processed foods are a huge contributor to these health issues.  Some of the problems stem from eating HYBRIDIZED WHEAT, using seed oils, eating GMO substances, and consuming way too much HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, sugar and food additives with chemicals.  

Lab created flavorings called NATURAL FLAVORINGS are made from chemicals.  The NATURAL part of the word seems innocent enough, doesn't it?  Biblical Nutritionalist Annette Reeder calls us LAB RATS.  She encourages eating foods made by God and not manipulated by people.

All the chaos in the world designed to berate the underdog makes me somewhat bewildered. STUNNED.  Regrouping with my LORD.  

After studying about projects that our beloved government has done on our own civilians, I am a bit skeptical about what they call good.  The horrors used on civilians as guinea pigs causes me very uncomfortable feelings.  My own government.  sigh.  pause.  I can only trust the LORD. People are human with the fallen nature of mankind in their DNA.  So much more could be said about this.  Later.

Next. Needing to go to MENARDS again to get yet ANOTHER storage box to store my cup and saucer collection.  Getting this box allows for the collection to go to a shelf  FOR NOW.  This PHASE we are doing by going through STORAGE and boxes allows me to get like kind items grouped together THEN I can proceed with this BIG ADVENTURE called GETTING REAL.   

Hubby told me he found two more boxes of BOOPIE GLASS.  More wrapping to do.  I can do this.    

I have already bubble wrapped 22 tea glasses and 37 cordial.  When the new ones have been brought HOME, I'll bubble wrap them and place them in the vinyl storage boxes.  All will go to our overflow glassware in the cellar.  

My SLOW PACED morning is needed.   

I have a couple of old fashioned checks to write out and drop in the mail.  After HUBS gets to a stopping place in the heat of the day at the storage unit, then I will drive over to drop the bills off and journey on over to Manhattan's Menards to get more storage tubs.  Mission accomplished.

A HEALTHY personal assignment for me that I self-prescribed is to get out of the house for at least an hour a day each day.  It gives me a boost of energy seeing something other than the four walls of my tiny COTTAGE.  Amen.  Because when I stay HOME all day long, I see everything in the house that needs done and it mentally exhaust me.  It becomes a Mental health issue.

PLANS THIS WEEK?  Continuing on creating the ATTIC at storage unit, going through cardboard boxes and doing something with whatever is found, going to the laundry-mat to wash children's clothing.  COME WHAT MAY.

I don't want to take on anything else as my plate is loaded.
~d on the prairie

COMING ALONG ON DECLUTTERING AND WALKING TOWARD THE LIGHT

WAKING EARLY AND REFRESHED was a warm greeting to the beginning of the day.  I managed to get a half mile walk in and I felt awful when I finished.  I sat at the convenience store sipping an ice cold water to cool off and rest a bit.  Not sure why this walk hit me so hard.  I deliberately walked at a slow pace not trying to beat a time.  

Last year, I walked 6 minute laps at the Football field.  Hubby timed me recently and I was doing good to make the lap in 8 minutes.  It'll take a bit of time to get back to 6 minute laps if ever. Perhaps by CHRISTMAS, I will be back to my old self.  If not, if I'm moving then I shall be thankful.

Today for Breakfast was a small bowl of oatmeal sprinkled with blueberries, sliced almonds, cinnamon, cocoa, maple syrup and milk.  I have sipped on water today.  Having a 4 o'clock cup of BLACK SILK COFFEE for afternoon pick me up and today I need it.

I walked a half of a mile then worked on things at the storage unit called OUR ATTIC.  Thumbing through a cardboard box with my name on it were old photos of my Dad and Mom.  Some childhood photos of Dad were in the box.  He had so few pictures of himself.  They need to be put in a photo album or framed.  I was going down Memory Lane with tears and getting choked up. Dad will have turned 100 years old this November.  100.  pause.  He's been in heaven almost 10 years.

Hubby shuffled boxes out of the unit so he was able to open up the left side of the unit for more muscles racks to go in.  The center of the unit will be open so we can get around easily.  Heaven knows we have a plan.  

A bag of baby clothes went into the car.  They will be laundered later.  Another box we found some sweaters and jackets that I am not sure how they made their way into a cardboard BOX. Just the way this messy move went.  Surprise! 

With my brother-in-law deathly ill and family members no longer with us,  I know this earthly LIFE is short and should be taken seriously.  What is my earthly mission?  I have no need anymore to hang onto so much of these earthly items.  I have been foolish in so many ways.  I can work faster and longer at getting things whipped into place around here.  

🍵🫖My small Tea Cup and Saucer Collection is bubble wrapped ready to be placed on a shelf in the cellar along with overflow glassware and small appliances.  I have about as many sets that will be turned loose of to the ones I'm keeping.  Saying good-bye to some then I'll be working on something else.  

Gathering and grouping ALL the CHRISTMAS decor including garland and twinkle lights to store in the ATTIC.  A tub here and a tub there.  All the extra glassware overflow will go to the cellar.  Hubby doesn't know it yet, but what we are doing with the ATTIC will speed up decorating the COTTAGE when the time comes.  Having decorations grouped, in colored coded storage tubs, etc. will make for an easier task of getting the house decorated for a special HOLIDAY.  Praying it is soon.  

Small appliances and overflow on glassware.  When we need a small appliance, we'll go to the cellar to get the item that will be kept in a box for cleanliness.  THIS getting organized is so slow, I hurt.  Gotta keep it interesting and fun.  

When we are finally done with this task of relocating and shuffling, repacking our stuff, it will be awesome and I will rejoice that it is done.  It's like being employed and never getting a day off and retirement will never take place.  What a drag so I must change my attitude for the better.  I don't want to have nothing, but a little less of it would be more practical and functional. Realistically, it would be well suited for someone such as myself that is 71 and doesn't need to pretend I'm any younger.  

This evening after the weather cools down some, we will be unloading some area rugs that are rolled up in the back of our cruiser.  I need to unroll them to look at their overall appearance. They've been rolled up for three years.  3 years.  Imagine that?  Two of them match.  Not sure if we'll use them in this house or not.  May want something else instead of these.   

I will be ever so contented when our home is in order.  I never dreamt that we'd have so much to deal with when it comes to the items we have.  Time to turn loose.  Where's the light at the end of the tunnel?  Somewhere in the future.  Can't be sure of when it will be seen, but when we do, I'll let ya know.

I've got to get a shampoo in.  I will visit with my primary doc about the Dual Isotope Stress/Rest tests.  Appointment made.  Will keep.  Better write out my questions now so I am not rushed. Between eyes, teeth and the rest of the body, our social life is tied down to medical appointments.  

Blessings,

~d

WALKING and TIME TO THINK BIG THOUGHTS

I GOT A SHORT WALK IN!  Easing back into a walking program after a 7 month sabbatical due to my hip giving me a fit and a half.  I stayed busy with doctors.  There was a Primary Physician visit, x-rays, MRI, a visit to an Orthopedic Surgeon, a series of visits to a Chiropractor.  The Chiropractor did the trick!  One leg was longer than the other.  5 visits later, I was walking so much better.  The hip pain was nearly gone.  Praise the LORD.    

Just about as soon as I was walking again, my left foot and right shin did a number on me and I sat it out.  No serious walking.  The months passed and I was in disbelief that the months passed so quickly and I had not been walking.  I started over a week ago easing into a walking program. Only a half of a mile at a time.  

The other day, I slipped my $4 sweatpants from Walmart on that I caught on clearance and a long sleeved sweatsuit type blouse with a pumpkin design on it.  🎃Making a HOLIDAY STATEMENT as I walked in the fresh air.  I walked a 1/2 mile around noon and then again on a different course in the late afternoon.  

Yesterday, I walked a half of a mile then Hubby picked me up in the car.  We went to the storage unit to work for a short time then he suggested that we travel in the heat of the day to Manhattan to get some more tubs for CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS and my cup and saucer collection. Agreed and away we went, ate a salad and did some shopping for tubs.  Some more foot traffic took place.

Home we went and like clock work, 💤 a nap happened.  Refreshed for the rest of the day.  I sat on the porch while taking the new Christmas 🎄 ornaments out of their plastic store boxes and dumped the red ornaments into the new storage tub I bought from HOME DEPOT.  This is a very sturdy storage tub with a see-through body and hefty red lid.  I bought an orange one as well for AUTUMN 🍂 decor when the time comes to put the decor away.  The see-thru bodies are a bonus to me as I like being able to see the contents inside without taking the lid off.  Less energy and effort goes into this system, huh.

The new tubs are in the back of PETE, our cruiser ready to go to the storage unit.  I'll walk part of the way to the storage unit on the edge of town to get my steps in and then hubby will pick me up for the rest of the way.  I will pat myself on my back for having walked.  If I have any energy left after working in the ATTIC, then perhaps I will walk HOME.

I am doing better about turning loose of STUFF in the COTTAGE.  Life goes on and so must I.  I don't want to be held back by stuff.  I am, but I don't want to be.  Getting our household in order is a priority right now.  So badly needed and taking a very long time with aging bodies to complete this simple task.  I think my blood pressure would go down if I had this load off my mind.  Okay.  I'll do it.  I can and will declutter, down-size and free myself up.

Keep on keeping on.  Take care of ourselves as best as we know.  Eat better, exercise better, rest better, be better.  

I've been up since 6 and studied on the internet.  I heard the neighbor's cat on our porch swatting our Sparky, the cement dog.  Grins.  The dog is not going to fight back or play with Toby the cat, but does wobble on the porch boards when swatted.  This would make a cute cartoon scene. 🐈😼

Had breakfast and I am getting ready to go through my cup and saucer collection sorting through which ones to keep and which to turn loose of.  Have faith that these will venture out of here and land a new HOME somewhere else.  Lord, I know you will assist us in downsizing in a great way.   

I'll go walk after I work a little on the collection.  I need to wash my bluejeans, go through the bills and visit with my Mom sometime today.  I hope to catch up with my SISTER and find out how things are progressing with her Husband's health.  He is doing chemo and things are not going well.  

We have got to hurry and get in order.  I pray, we get this done quickly and efficiently.

~d

TOTO IN THE FLINT HILLS

WELL I'LL BE.  

On TUESDAY, I arrived early for my eye appointment.  I checked in.  A few minutes later, a very mild and gentle lady told me that they had me down for 1:45.  Problem was, it was 11:45 as I checked in.  I laughed and said for once I was early.  Really early.  

I'll see you later.  We'll go do something.  Hahaha.  

🥪 We went for a sandwich and a drive through the park admiring nature.  AUTUMN has arrived and we can enjoy it.  Wamego has an oversized Toto dog statue.  15 feet tall.  Toto, you never looked so good.  A recent addition to Wamego.  I think the community made a good decision to add him to their town.  Once a year they have OZtoberfest and now they have a neat addition to brag about.  There will be lots of photos with him, TOTO the 15 foot Wizard of OZ star here on the prairie.

IMPRESSIVE, to say the least.  I like him very much.  Bow wow.

Drove some neighborhoods then went to the Doctor's appointment arriving on time.  Good appointment and off to Walmart and Hobby Lobby.  COFFEE Break.  

I spied red berry picks for our CHRISTMAS TREE at Walmart.  Early shopper.  A RED TREE this year.  Bought a dozen berry picks.  

AT Hobby Lobby with a 50% off Sale on CHRISTMAS DECOR, I purchased some new shatter-proof red ornaments.  I have some red ornaments in my stash already to add to today's purchase.  Should be pretty. 

Pretty sure, our CHRISTMAS TREE will be decked out only in red.  Last time I had a red tree was back in about 2017? 

~d 

FAILING AT THE BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY FOOD PROGRAM

HAVE I SAT MYSELF UP TO FAIL?

The DAY 4 of BETTER YOU BETTER SOCIETY food program I'm imitating DID NOT end well. I got through the day alright, but then came the night time with battling HABITS that got the best of me.  I did not have my rice with supper which led me snacking on pop corn during MOVIE TIME.

This didn't discourage me very much as it is a grain, but the cravings for chocolate brownie with raspberries got the best of me.  I dove into some baking chocolate making an excuse that it has magnesium in it!  Excuse me.  I did have a small glass of milk as well.  My calorie count was high for the day.  Still under 2000 calories, but when aiming for 1000 it's too much.  

I will continue the plan on DAY 5.

Monday, I started out with my 2 Premier Protein drinks and did great.  Come LUNCH TIME, I will gobble up veggies and a source of protein such as chicken, tuna or turkey.  Probably tuna. Asparagus for the vegetable.  Sometimes SIMPLE is simple.  SIMPLE MATTERS.

Would I be better off eating smaller portions of everything and calling it good?  I am frustrated that the scales are STUCK.  This is MONDAY so I will weigh myself.  🏋

THOUGH I AM OBESE...LIFE is still very good.

ON THE HOME FRONT.
Hello! Tis the beginning of the week.  I am repacking some glassware that is already bubble wrapped, that's been in a cardboard box.  Transferring it and taking inventory of the BOOPIE GLASS that I have had for sometime.  I need to know just how many pieces I have, so I can sell it, give away or keep?  

After I get a stacked pile of these beverage glasses, they will be relocated to the cellar to a muscle rack and out of the house.  Less boxes in the way.  Praise the LORD.

Have Peanut Butter Glasses packed.
 

After, I get the Boopie Glass done then I'll move on to a different area.  I'll move boxed glassware from the Dining room closer to the front door so Hubby can take them to the overflow shelving in the cellar.  One more step closer to being civilized and living like we are humans not crawling amongst the boxes in HOARDERVILLE.  

I believe I have gone through my GLASSWARE PHASE and can let it go now.  It's a matter of gathering and grouping like kind together so I can take inventory and be done with it.  I will be able to part with it along with a lot of other things.  

PLANS for a trip to the ATTIC.  The creation of the ATTIC was not completed at the end of September.  Disappointed, but will aim for OCTOBER.  

HEALTH.  Waiting for it to warm up just a notch as it is VERY COOL outside before going for a short walk.  Craving a pair of sweatpants for this cooler weather.  Thinking WALMART has them for $7 or so.  I'll go tomorrow to get a pair.  

Imagine that 2 weeks ago, we were cooking from high temps.  I have to focus on my exercise which means I need to walk and talk to GOD.

HEALTH.  What I can tell, my STRESS/REST TEST had pretty good results.  I guess I'll have to make an appointment to have my MD read to me the results for the STRESS/REST TEST that I had 2 weeks ago.  Better get after that by messaging my Doc's nurse.  I need some things explained.  Get this out of the way and forge ahead.  Truthfully, I think this COTTAGE move and forging through our STUFF has been too much for a peaceful existence.  It stretched me in an uncomfortable way.  Still, we need to be in order knowing what we have.  Amen.  SO be it. 

~d

 

DECORATING ON THE PRAIRIE: PLAY AREA

I could so easily see this as a little girl's play room 

or an area for play at a daycare center or church nursery.

A doting grandmother could very easily spoil her grands 

by having such a posh play area.

Oh my.

The ideas are endless.
I'll take a few.

~d 🩷

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