MY HEART IS A LITTLE HEAVY TODAY 💔

💔 

WHAT WERE YOU DOING 31 YEARS AGO TODAY IF YOU WERE EVEN ALIVE?  I was 39 and holding.  I felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders due to what was going on in my marriage when 31 years ago, the OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING TOOK PLACE. 

I was employed working as a Teacher's Aide known as a PARA close to two school seasons.  I had just resigned because we were planning on moving to UTAH.  A move.  Hubby had a new job in UTAH and I remained HOME with our three children attending school in Marion, Kansas.

I was free to go shopping in the middle of the day since I resigned.  I was not tied down to the job.  I went to Hillsboro to the ET CETERA SHOPPE and I remember hearing Mennonite women talking about an explosion in Oklahoma City.  Returning HOME, I sat on my sofa for a rest break before the kids came HOME from school.  I know that Hillsboro and Newton have ET CETERA SHOPPES that I go to when in the area.  Thrifters DELIGHT.  In 1995, the Hillsboro shop was in a different location than this image.  It was a much smaller store back then, but have continued to grow.

Hillsboro is a small town so this shop is a plus to the locals that are thrifters and in need of help.

Back to the Oklahoma City Bombing.  It was horrible and the talk of the town.  The mystery unfolded.  Marion had been affected by this event.  Nichols lived nearby and he used the fax machine in the grocery store where my oldest son worked in preparation of the planned explosion.  The FBI visited our little community. 

31 years later, the Oklahoma City Bombing event isn't front page news and barely anything is said.  
~d  

TAXES DONE, LOOKING FOR GOOD WALKING SHOES AND CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENTS

HUBBY FINISHED THE TAXES ON TIME !!! Praise the LORD!  Each year is different.  I was so pleased that our taxes were figured early last year just to receive a couple months later a chewed up envelop with all the paperwork missing and the check that was sent to the IRS.  We had to go to TOPEKA and visit with the IRS to explain and have the check reran. All worked out, but this makes me think that you can really try to do the right thing and get kicked in the teeth anyways.

This year, HUBBY got the taxes finished and stamped on April 15th.  We're coming out fine.  I can relax and get on with it.  Later, we'll check to see if all is on track.  What the status is.

In April so far, amongst a multitude of medical appointments, we traveled to the Tulsa area to meet our great granddaughter and see family to celebrate Easter, travel to Iowa to celebrate my Mom's 94th birthday and see family, visited the TITANIC EXHIBIT in Kansas City, then babysat our youngest grandson.  I am fading.

Tomorrow, I have my second chiropractic appointment for my hip.  Planning on having 4 or 5 treatments and we'll see how I have progressed on this hip thing.  I felt pretty good after the first treatment with the effects lasting about 3 days and then the aching started again.  I need to ice my hip and forgot.  OOPS.  My memory is slipping.

I'd like to try some glucosamine chondroitin.  Walking is challenging.

After my appointment, I'll be on the look out for some comfortable walking shoes.  I want some slip ons so I'll be trying on some SKECHERS.  Praying for a healed HIP so I can return to walking my mile.  If the chiropractic appointments doesn't do the trick, I'll be asking my Doctor for physical therapy or just do some exercises at HOME using YOUTUBE videos.  

I'm disappointed in what I have been eating.  We ordered some chicken tenders for a trip to eat while we traveled.  When I got HOME and started reading about the ingredients used for the breading, I blinked big ones and frowned.  It was so bad, I gagged.  You know you can think you are eating so healthy and then learn, nay that chicken you were eating was bleached and the wonderful crust has MSG as yeast extract in it, NATURAL FLAVORS (chemicals made in a laboratory), DEXTROSE (sugar from corn or wheat), MODIFIED CORN and POTATO STARCH (both GMO altered).  Have you ever heard the term, GOY SLOP?  Just recently I did and had to look this one up and why it is called goy slop. More info later.

Saddened, I decided to read about the lettuce used in the salads I often get... thinking I am eating healthy just to find out that the lettuces have been heavily sprayed with pesticides.

Gosh what's a person to do?  Grow your own stuff.  Don't eat out.  Read the labels and know what you are eating.

Be kind to yourself.
HUGS,
~d

  

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

OKAY.  HERE I GO.  I just got back from celebrating my Mom's 94th birthday last Thursday.  We stayed a couple of days with my mom and traveled HoME on Sunday.  Rained all the way HoME.  

RESTED on Monday and on Tuesday I'm getting ready to go to a Chiropractor to see if he can adjust my back and leg to ease the terrible pain I have been plagued with since the middle of February.

LORD, I pray that this will help me and improve my stride where I can walk again.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.  Just that simple to ask for help when in a tough place.  What does the WORD say about HIM being a help in times of trouble?

Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble," emphasizing His constant presence and support during life’s challenges.

Understanding the Verse

Psalm 46:1 highlights that God is both a refuge and a 

source of strength, meaning He provides protection, safety, and empowerment when we face difficulties (Psalm 46:1). The phrase "ever-present help" conveys that God is always available, not limited by time or circumstance, ready to assist in moments of fear, uncertainty, or danger. This assurance encourages believers to 

trust in God rather than be overwhelmed by anxiety or despair.

MORE LATER,

~d

MEETING MY GREAT GRANDBABY AT EASTER TIME

2026 EASTER SERVICES WERE EXPERIENCED AT LIFE CHURCH IN BROKEN ARROW, OKLAHOMA with my Hubby, Oldest Son and Daughter-in-Law, grandson M, granddaughter A, her Hubby and their new baby MY GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER.  

Hubby and I drove in from Kansas and met the family at the church for a Saturday evening service.  As I walked into their facility, I said out loud that this is a religious factory.  The lobby was very open with high ceilings.  A refreshment station was conveniently present to provide iced water and tea for everyone.  Bags of small snack chips were available.  It was a nice way to enter a modern, christian place of worship.

We ushered into the sanctuary to sit in comfortable chairs and then the service began with dimming of the lights, pumping up the smoke, white and blue spot lights were surveying the room and with oversized screens up front displaying the lyrics to the rock band JOURNEY's song DON'T STOP BELIEVING before the loud music was cranked up playing.  I paused in my seat and laughed.  Don't stop believing is about two strangers smiling at each other to spend the night.  humph.  Ungodly beginning to an easter service.

The music was entirely too loud that I could feel it in my chest knowing this was not the HOLY SPIRIT, but a manmade creation used as a drawing card to entice others to join in the fun before the christian message be given.

I hunger for a service delivery where the preacher explains why we need Christ as our savior. Why we as humans need Christ when we are not humanly born with the spirit of God in us and we cannot understand the things of GOD until we are born again and filled with HIS Holy Spirit.  Share what happens when we have the spiritual birth and we are BORN AGAIN through Christ.  Share and explain why. 

I left the service and decided what it was missing.  

If you don't have hearing problems when you got there, you will when you left.  GOD ISN'T DEAF and HE can hear us just fine.  Praise music to me is on a different scale than DON'T STOP BELIEVING.  This musical program lacked peace and wasn't soothing to me.  I experienced a new kind of gathering in the name of the LORD, but I disliked the loud music where the sound is in a decimal that hurts people's ears.  God gave me hearing and I don't care to damage it.  There I spoke my piece.  Others may not understand.  I do.  BE STILL AND KNOW HE IS GOD.  How can you hear HIS quiet voice amongst the electric instruments that are blaring?  HOW?  

JESUS IS RISEN.  HE is risen indeed.  Death couldn't hold HIM down.  He's alive forever more.  He's the same yesterday, today and forever.  He is the LIVING GOD.  He is real and I love HIM.

It was wonderful to see family, to sit with them and to have some photos taken afterwards.  I got to meet my GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER.  Praise the LORD.  She is sweet.

We stayed with my Son and Daughter-in-law overnight.  Shell prepared a delicious Easter feast. Again, I know I ate way too much.  Pleasant visit with family.  I held the baby for about an hour as she slept on me.  To think my granddaughter has had a baby of her own is magical.  Life goes on and I'm so thankful it does.

We traveled HoME on Monday in time to rest to get ready for more medical appointments this week.  In the last ten days, we've had 5 medical appointments.  I am feeling it.  Next week is another one.

TODAY, I visited the orthopedic surgeon to tell me what my MRI and X-ray are saying.  I have a good hip with moderate arthritis.  I can get a shot to see if it helps with hip discomfort.  If it doesn't then he's talking a hip replacement.  I decided I will visit my Chiropractor and get an adjustment.  I'll get some better walking shoes, use an infrared blanket and stretch before I ever consider hip replacement.

I am praying for continued healing with my hip and Husband's knee.  I am a praying wife and mother.  BOTH SON's situations are better.  Praise the LORD.  Our COTTAGE situation is a growing time for me.  I am still turning loose of belongings.  Wish the weight came off as easy.  

~d

NEAT THING !!!

~ENTERTAINING WAY 

TO GIFT WRAP A MONEY GIFT~

 Simple,

~d

GOOD FRIDAY

 

Blessings,
~d

EASTER TREATS COUNT

YET ANOTHER OUT OF TOWN MEDICAL APPOINTMENT.  sigh.  That's three this week.  Shazam.  With the week-end coming, I will hopefully get a nice break.  I got up early, cleaned up and got ready for appointment.  Off we went out the door around 11.

Appointment went well and afterwards, I treated myself to the thrift store and left with a beautiful African Violet, a couple of books and movies.  Thrifty THURSDAY.  When we got HoME, a nap happened.  Imagine that.  Afterwards I fixed a EASTER BASKET for daughter and son-in-law plus an easter plate for my youngest grandson.  Took these over to them before supper.

My grandson's nick name is BUGG.  He was wired about the easter treat.  Earlier, he let it be known he wanted a chocolate bunny for easter, so he got two and a coloring book.  grins.  It was great fun seeing him so excited about the treat.

I gave my daughter a couples treat, plus her birthday card/gift early.  For once I am early.  

Tonight and early tomorrow, I will make some more treat plates for grands and hand them out in person.

A spring-green colored paper plate receives some easter grass then a boxed chocolate bunny is placed on it, a marshmallow treat, three plastic colored eggs with jelly beans inside the eggs. Cellophane wrap the treat and call it good.  A simple treat can go along ways.  At least I'm thinking about them. 🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰

Easter snuck up early this year.  Wham.  I can rejoice that I serve the risen LORD everyday, so I am part of the remnant that loves the LORD and celebrates HIS goodness each and everyday. NOT a one day celebration.  All the time.  My redeemer lives.  Amen.

Supper tonight was a hamburger patty with ketch-up, mashed potatoes with butter, asparagus and onions with bell peppers.  Very filling.

As I type, I am sitting here with a very full stomach.  I think it would be better to have our large meal at lunch time so our body has time to burn the calories.  I'll be working on that.

~d

NO FOOLIN'. IT'S APRIL 1ST

IS THIS REALLY APRIL FIRST?  April 1.  My goodness.  A new month with new plans.  I didn't accomplish all of my MARCH PLANS.  I shall give it another whirl this month. I'm feeling better so I am hopeful that I will get more done.  The flowerbeds need cleaned out and the garage contents dealt with while the weather is cooler.

APRIL FOOLS.  

No foolin' March was challenging and I was forced to slow down due to intense hip and leg pain. It got my attention.  I feel like I am on the mend.  Feeling so much better.  Still a small amount of aching pain, but way better.  I'm walking more and plan to pick back up on the planned walking program around the track.  I've hit two years of walking.  Tis my anniversary.  The very first day I walked, I remember it well.

When I go shopping I walk a great deal, but walking around the track is different.  I'll give some grace and just pick up where I left off when I can.

EASTER/RESURRECTION SUNDAY is fast approaching.  Got my Cards written out and will drive over to a different community's Post Office to mail as their mail goes out this afternoon. Our tiny community's mail goes out early in the morning.  I'd like these cards to reach family/friends by Saturday.  If I mail them here, they probably wouldn't get them on time.  I messed around and didn't get these cards filled out until today.  Shame on me.  Time gets away from me too quickly and when I am busy going to out of town medical appointments, my energies goes there.  By the time I get HoME, I am exhausted and don't get much else done.

My daughter's 46th birthday and Easter are on Sunday.  Cards and gift ready to go.  I'll be working up some small Easter plates before the week-end and deliver them in person.  

HOBBY LOBBY had these plastic chocolate bunny easter eggs and I just had to get some.  SO cute and needed them.

THIS AFTERNOON.  A quick trip to the community across the river to get a few supplies.  I need MRS. MEYER'S dish detergent from the Hardware Store and some chocolate eggs from the Dollar Store.  A couple of stops before returning HoME.  The weather is cool with grey skies.  

Will be making up some Easter plates today and tomorrow.

Tried on my NEW dress for Easter.  She fits!  Happy about that. 

LABS are in my health portal.  I will be reading up on what they are saying to me about my Thyroid health. 

SAD.  I sipped some tea soon after I took my morning meds and I think it has changed my mood to somber.  Don't like the feel so I will stop drinking this type of tea and see if I perk up.

Have to pay attention to this.  I don't need sadness in my day.  NO FOOLIN'

I'd like to get a lot done this month before extremely HOT weather comes to stay for a while. Working in the yard and in the garage would go so much better if the weather were pleasant. Amen.  We're to have threatening weather over the next three days.  Not looking forward to this. Lord, Please hear my prayer.  No ugly weather this way.

~d

A NEW DRESS and NO OARS IN THE WATER

I KNOW THAT CRACKER BARREL GETS REALLY NICE LOOKING DRESSES EACH SEASON.  Thinking it is SPRING TIME, the SPRING dresses shall be out.  I guess I'm running behind on the season because the SPRING DRESSES were 65% off already.  That's a plus for my BUDGET.

I picked up a very nice dress for $20.oo.  I looked at it on the rack and thought for that price, I had best get it.  I can't hardly buy material for this price.  HOPE IT FITS!  When I held it up to my frame, the length was nearly to the floor which I liked.

Going HoME today with a NEW DRESS for EASTER.  

I had FASTING labs this morning for TSH, T4, T3, reverse T3, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. Waiting for the results.  QUEST DIAGNOSTICS has a very good record of providing the results super fast.  I'm thinking by tomorrow I will have the results in my health portal.  I need to know if my levels are optimal or not considering the way I have been feeling. 

Being out for the day, my hip is hurting some.  I'm hoping arthritis does not become a THING for me to have to deal with.  

TEMPERATURES today were like SUMMER in the high 80s.  It's not even April yet and our temps are wonky high.  DO you ever wonder if SOMEONE is toying with the temperatures?  Am I becoming more of a conspiracy theorist???  Probably.  Can I get away with it at 70?  Not sure.  It isn't difficult to make someone sound like they don't have all their oars in the water.  

I had never heard of G W E N  T O W E R S before until last night when I watched a Jesse Ventura reel where he mentions these towers.  At first, I questioned such a thing until I typed in G W E N   T O W E R S  in Kansas.  Guess what?  There are 2 and one of these isn't very far from where I live.  After having had two types of cancers and my Husband had 3, I would be a fool to not question why.  

Is it the quality of food, is it radiation, is it electro magnetic fields, radio frequencies causing cancers?  Are electrical pulses doing a number on people's health?  What's in the sprays from aircrafts that is being called contrails when it is actually chem-trails?  The polyester fibers in our clothing, bedding?  Grooming supplies?  Vaccines?  Are drugs, smog, graphene in injections, sound waves causing health issues?  Maybe it's the toilet paper.  What is causing so many cells in the human body to go haywire?  

I have a closer picture of what it is, but if I tell you, I'll be a conspiracy theorist and I'm not sure I want that or maybe it just doesn't matter.  New dresses MATTER in a complex world.  It's been a while since I had one.  When I think of all the chaos going on in this world, a new dress seems rather shallow, doesn't it?  I'm diving deep.

~d 

WHAT TO DO WHEN DOWN AND OUT

SUNDAY WAS A SAD DAY FOR ME.  Not being able to get my chores done has a sad effect on me after being run down for 6 weeks or so.  My bum hip has improved, but it is still not quite right.  Still waiting for appointment with orthopedic surgeon to hear what they have to say about the MRI I had done.

I don't plan on surgery, but want to hear their interpretation of MRI.  I'll give the office until Wednesday, then I'll contact them if I haven't been contacted.  

Today, I'll be going to get labs done.  TSH, T4, T3, reverse T3, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12.  I have to know where these levels are.  I am very run down and struggle for energy.  If it's all in my head verses elsewhere, then I have to be willing to bow my knee to reality and forge ahead in a way that is productive.  I know not being able to get what needs done done is bugging me to the place I wonder if I'll bounce back to being upbeat.

I have been really tired and find myself reclined in the chair.  Next thing I know, I'm asleep.  I found myself getting depressed that I am in the shape I am.  I managed a slow walk around the track where I only walked one lap.  Better than none.  The fatigue is debilitating.

This move to the fixer-upper COTTAGE isn't going so well in the health department.  Talking myself into being a cheerleader has about ran its course.  That saying it's never too late doesn't apply to everything.  Another adjustment is needed.  I think a reality check needs to be taken.  I know that sometimes it is too late and accepting the reality of LIFE is necessary.  We're to count the cost before undertaking things.

When into the middle of things, it may be necessary to change course and go a different direction.  My dreamer is down.

So what is one to do when down and out?  Pray.  Rest.  Be good to yourself.  Do your best to keep stress down.  Seek medical help.  Say you're sorry?  Sorry.  

~d

'NO CANDY TODAY'

IN THAT MOMENT OF TIME between sleep and waking up, I couldn't remember what day it was.  Recalling what day it is seems to be happening more frequent for me.  It doesn't take long to remember when I check the date on the computer and compare it to my miniature calendar.

Sleeping Hygiene is a new term for me.  Oh well.  

What shall I do today?  Banking business where I activate my money card.  A load of laundry in the machine.  Gather some small boxes of books to start a stack.  Look through my stash of bluejeans to see if I have a pair that will fit me NOW.  Continue on the paperwork that is by my TV recliner.  Take a short walk around the block before noon to get some sunshine and stretch my legs in a good gentle way.  Locate the SPRING DOOR WREATHS and some plastic Easter eggs in the cellar to bring upstairs.  Work on Easter Baskets.  Purchase some Easter cards. Simple things needing done.

NO CANDY TODAY!  I ate Milk Duds last night until the cows came HoME.  Umm, had quite a few chewy ones that didn't melt in my mouth, but lingered.  My bad.  Today, I will deliberately make the effort to nOt have any candy at all.  I seem to go in spurts where I do pretty well avoiding the sugar and then nOt.  Pushing the veggies and some fruit seems to be easier for me these days, but then I still eat too much sugar.  shucks.

It's going to be a gorgeous day so I must get out in it and soak in the sunshine.  Perhaps I'll drive over to get Hubby's meds, go the extra mile and return a Walmart purchase and stop in at the GOODWILL to see if they have a pair of bluejeans that will fit me for $5 to $6 instead of spending over $30 for Walmart jeans that do not fit right.  The last pair I purchased was cut to where the back swooped too low on the backside.  I could get these to zip, but then why pay so much for something that doesn't really fit?

I have never sewed myself a pair of bluejeans with a zipper.  Never.  I'm not sure I could do this. I did sew a pair with a drawstring when I was a young momma with two kids.  This comes to mind. I think I will do some sewing this SPRING and stop making excuses as to why I'm not sewing at all.  The treadle sewing machine will be moved back into the Dining room to where I can actually use it.  Where it is at in the Utility room, I cannot sew on it.  I'll need some help getting it out of there and placed in the Dining room.  The machine is very HEAVY.  I'm not sure I can muscle it.  

THE OTHER DAY, I was craving all beef HOT DOGS.  While out shopping, we went ahead and got some.  It's been a while since we had dawgs.  Tasted really good and we weren't at a ballgame either.  

  

I had 2!  One with ketch-up with pickle relish and one with mustard with pickle relish.  Warmed, they were delicious.  My bad.  A small amount of potato chips to the side.  Wait a few days then go round two with the left-over dawgs that remain in the fridge.  

Sipping on HOT Vanilla Comoro TEA.  I've been starting my mornings out this way as I figure out my plans for the day doing some paperwork and blogging some.  Maybe I should do some morning exercises before eating.  I'm not always hungry in the mornings.  

Mornings generally start out by taking meds with spring water on an empty stomach waiting an hour before food or drink.  Put a load of laundry in.  Put away the dishes in the drying rack. Figure out the day plans.  Sip TEA, Groom and get dressed.  

Being the week-end, I'll be babysitting my Grandpup.  Last time we puppy sat for her, she perked up.  She'd been depressed as our Granddaughter disappeared to college and Doty didn't understand where she was.  It was heart warming to see her perk up.  She's getting old, but there are times she acts like a puppy.  I think she's about 13 years old now.  13x7= 91 years old in doggy years.  That's strikes a cord in me.  

~d

   

SPRING CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING

MY BUM HIP IS SO MUCH BETTER THAT I PERKED UP.  Oh my goodness, it was a horrible thing to go through.  Still babying it some.  My MRI indicated some arthritis, but nothing indicating needed surgery.  My doctor believes in order to move forward that I can get a consult from a different facility or get a cortisone injection.

I WILL NOT BE DOING A INJECTION.  I will not.  I'll go to the consultation and hear what they have to say and go from there.  My daughter is bringing me her infrared blanket that she offered me to try.  I'm willing.  If my HIP and GROIN continue to improve I will be ever so appreciative to GOD that this injury healed.  Praise the LORD.

With a busy day yesterday, I am pacing myself today.  I moved a ceramic plant container that's called a fish bowl and a wooden stand into the Dining room for now.  Sweeping up dried leaves off the carpet and running the vacuum will take place soon.  I think I am feeling more energetic today.  Glad.

I talked myself into donating some items.  The sooner the better.  LIFE passes us by and I don't want to be stuck in a rut not being able to get this decluttering job finished.  It's a huge task before us and I know I cannot get it all done in a day.  This is a process.  

My mental health means more to me than a few dollars that I might get from selling the items I'm getting rid of.  The clutter needs to be removed from the house.  Having order return to our HoME would mean more peace.  

Hubby carried the heavy box I had full of stuff and bedding to the car.  A couple of nice lamps went as well.  I have been stuck not able to move on with this decluttering bit.  It seems like it will never end at times.  I purchased a long storage box to store the high dollar greenery garlands I had hanging over the Living room windows.  They have been there for two Christmases as I left them hanging up.  They will find their way to the cellar later.  

Finally felt like they could go into storage.  The curtains look new again.  I'll need to disassemble the curtains in a couple of weeks to launder them and freshen the room up some more.  When the curtains are down, I can clean the windows.  SPRING CLEANING in gear.

Decorating ideas flood my mind.  The colors I will use come to mind.    It's taking some time to figure this one out, but I'm getting there.

THIS SPRING, I hope to get the house and garage uncluttered.  I already know it will take time and effort to achieve this doable task.  Getty-up and get this done.  I seem to wear out before I start.  This isn't the way to be.  So don't be this way.  Amen.

Will this help?

Baby LOVE.

Can't wait,

~d