Greetings: It's been a while since I posted, but here goes.
I started a new diet today, the SCD diet, specific carbohydrate diet. This diet eliminates ALL starches. I've been thinking about starting this diet for a while now but had to start really feeling bad to do it.
Most people won't do anything about their diet unless they're forced to. This is the case for me. I've been having problems with digestion for over 25 yrs. now. I was diagnosed with Candidiasis way back when and have been dealing with it ever since. If you read my previous posts, you'll see where I'm coming from.
To make a long story short, the SCD diet is very restrictive. I'd been eating mostly grains and veggies - no dairy, wheat, sugar, fruit or meat; I'm a vegetarian. Of course, I deviated from this diet from time to time and really messed up my digestive process. Digestion is everything. Improper digestion is the underlying cause of all illness; I do believe this.
I won't be eating any grains, but I will be eating some dairy in the form of home-made yogurt. I ordered a yogurt-making machine today and a small food processor to help with the kitchen work. I'll be spending more time in the kitchen now, which isn't making me too happy. Although I have trouble digesting the lactose in milk products, as do a lot of people, fermented organic milk can be digested by most people. I hope I'm one of them.
To begin with, I need more good bacteria in my gut and yogurt will provide this. Also, I can eat certain cheeses, such as cheddar, monteray jack, swiss and hoop, or farmer's cheese. I haven't eaten dairy for years, so this will really be a treat for me. The reason I went off of dairy is that milk products did a number on my sinuses. When I stopped eating dairy, all of my sinus problems disappeared.
I also will start eating a little meat. I really don't like meat, but I'll try it again, because I have to have something to eat. I've been hungry all day. For breakfast I had a fruit salad with orange slices, apple and very ripe banana with lemon juice on top. It was so good, but it doesn't stay with you.
I got on the computer this AM and found a recipe for pumpkin muffins. I made these, even putting organic raisins in the batter. Fruit isn't supposed to be eaten with anything else but fruit. I did notice a few twinges, but, all in all, they digested pretty well, as well as being delicious. (Update: I do feel a few twinges. I shouldn't have put raisins in the batter, but thought it would be okay - NOT)
For lunch I had 2 organic eggs cooked with chopped zuccini and 1/2 slice of cheddar cheese; this digested well, also. Now, at 4:54 PM, I'm still hungry even after eating another pumpkin muffin. Now, I've got to find a recipe for something to eat for supper. I do hate feeling hungry all of the time, but at least I don't have bloating, gas and stomach pain.
This diet isn't that hard for me, as I was already a vegetarian and had eliminated a lot of foods from my diet. Still, it's pretty hard to give up grains. I do not feel well after eating grains. I ate Quinoa pasta last night with a raw salad and pizza sauce (just a drollop) and three hours later my stomach felt tight and very funny. I could tell it wasn't digesting well.
We all need to listen to our body and it will tell us what to eat and what not to eat. You know what I mean, we'll be able to tell what we should and shouldn't eat by the way we feel after we eat it.
Enough about diet. I'm still beading and having a lot of fun doing it. Beading totally relaxes me. I think about the pattern I'm going to do and this keeps me from thinking about stressful things, and people.
I truly hope all of you have the most wonderful Christmas ever. I'll post a month from now and let you know how I'm doing on the SCD diet. Later, Nana
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Things That I Love
Greetings Readers: I hope this entry finds all of you doing well. I wrote a blog a while back discussing things that I hated and this entry will discuss things that I love.
There are many things that I love. Number one is spending time with my chidren, grandchildren and great-grands. Of course, family comes first. I do believe the number one thing that I love after my family is reading. I do love to read and spend several hours a day doing so. You may be asking yourself, at this point, how can she spend several hours a day reading? I can, because I really don't have the energy to do much of anything else. I arise fairly early in the morning, get my basic chores done, eat lunch, get a good book, go back to bed and read until suppertime, clean up the kitchen, go back to bed and either read or try to find something decent to watch on TV; usually, this is a fruitless effort, as there is a lot of junk on television. I finally have to resort to watching National Geographic or the Animal Planet; I love animal and nature shows.
I'm now rereading Luanne Rice's books and just ordered nine more from Amazon.com. This will complete my set of Luanne's books. I do love her books. A lot of her books have a beach genre and I love books about the beach. I live only two hours from the Atlantic ocean but really don't get down there too often. I don't like to swim, but love to sit on the sand and watch the waves wash ashore and, hopefully, see the sun set. The sunsets are just beautiful here in the Mid Atlantic region.
Right now, I feel the urge to see the ocean again, so maybe my daughter, grandson and I can take a trip to the North Carolina Aquarium at Nags Head. This is a very nice aquarium that houses lots of interesting fish, reptiles and mammals. It's such a fun place to visit and not too long a trip there and back.
Another thing I love is listening to good music, especially rock and roll! Yes, I'm a fifties girl and still love that style of music. I also love opera, classical, contemporary Christian music and some latin music. There's a lot of music genres out there that I haven't listened to yet but hope to. Just give me something with a great beat and I'm happy.
I love feeling good, but the older I get the slower I seem to be, ability wise. I'm trying to do more exercise and this has made me feel a lot better, plus I'm giving myself a B-12 shot once a month. As we get older, our bodies find it harder to assimilate B-12. Also, I'm going to physical therapy twice a week for pulled neck and shoulder muscles, which have caused me a tremendous amount of pain.
Even though I have had better health, I really could be a lot worse off, so I shouldn't complain so much.
Be blessed all, Nana
There are many things that I love. Number one is spending time with my chidren, grandchildren and great-grands. Of course, family comes first. I do believe the number one thing that I love after my family is reading. I do love to read and spend several hours a day doing so. You may be asking yourself, at this point, how can she spend several hours a day reading? I can, because I really don't have the energy to do much of anything else. I arise fairly early in the morning, get my basic chores done, eat lunch, get a good book, go back to bed and read until suppertime, clean up the kitchen, go back to bed and either read or try to find something decent to watch on TV; usually, this is a fruitless effort, as there is a lot of junk on television. I finally have to resort to watching National Geographic or the Animal Planet; I love animal and nature shows.
I'm now rereading Luanne Rice's books and just ordered nine more from Amazon.com. This will complete my set of Luanne's books. I do love her books. A lot of her books have a beach genre and I love books about the beach. I live only two hours from the Atlantic ocean but really don't get down there too often. I don't like to swim, but love to sit on the sand and watch the waves wash ashore and, hopefully, see the sun set. The sunsets are just beautiful here in the Mid Atlantic region.
Right now, I feel the urge to see the ocean again, so maybe my daughter, grandson and I can take a trip to the North Carolina Aquarium at Nags Head. This is a very nice aquarium that houses lots of interesting fish, reptiles and mammals. It's such a fun place to visit and not too long a trip there and back.
Another thing I love is listening to good music, especially rock and roll! Yes, I'm a fifties girl and still love that style of music. I also love opera, classical, contemporary Christian music and some latin music. There's a lot of music genres out there that I haven't listened to yet but hope to. Just give me something with a great beat and I'm happy.
I love feeling good, but the older I get the slower I seem to be, ability wise. I'm trying to do more exercise and this has made me feel a lot better, plus I'm giving myself a B-12 shot once a month. As we get older, our bodies find it harder to assimilate B-12. Also, I'm going to physical therapy twice a week for pulled neck and shoulder muscles, which have caused me a tremendous amount of pain.
Even though I have had better health, I really could be a lot worse off, so I shouldn't complain so much.
Be blessed all, Nana
That Time of the Year
Greetings, All:
Well, it's that time of the year, again. It seems that it's coming around sooner and sooner and that means birthdays are getting closer and closer, too.
Everyone anxiously awaits the arrival of Christmas, especially my little great grandchildren. They're so excited about Santa Claus. Isn't it a shame that they think of Santa before they think of that fact that we're celebrating Jesus' birthday?
I was thinking the other day about things we all should be thankful for. Of course, Jesus is the first thing. After Him comes the family, husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc. Next, comes the arts. My favorite is music. What would the world be like without beautiful music? When I sit here in my living room and listen to some of the music I've downloaded on my computer, I just marvel at the mystery that's music. How in the world did someone create written music? I am a musician so I know how long it takes one to learn to read music, and to understand music theory.
I took piano lessons for seven years when I was growing up and I've thanked my parents many times for the sacrifices they made so that I could learn how to play the piano. I always loved the piano, and when the preacher at my church offered an upright piano to the first person that called, I was thrilled. Of course, I got the piano and started taking lessons. I wouldn't take anything for my ability to play the piano. I think it's the most beautiful instrument, with the violin being a close second. Through the years I taught myself to play by ear as well and this has been a great source of joy and comfort to me as well. I can play almost anything that I hear, with a little practice.
The next thing I'm thankful for is nature. Nature certainly has the ability to soothe and calm and feed ones soul. I marvel at the change of seasons here in the Mid Atlantic region. I don't think I could live in a climate that never changed, like Florida. I love spring, summer, winter and fall. I think fall is my favorite season. I like cooler weather and love to watch the turning of the leaves. And, in the winter, trees have a beauty all their own without their leaves. Then one can really see the shape of the tree and their limbs.
Of course, spring is a favorite of most everyone. It's so nice to experiece warm breezes, watching the grass turn from brown to green, seeing spring flowers starting to bloom, having a longer day when we "step up" to spring, starting the flower and vegetable gardens.
Summertime is probably everyones absolute favorite time of year. Being able to go barefoot in the grass, going swimming, picnics, riding bikes, cooking on the grill, vacations. I could go on and on.
Another thing I'm very thankful for is animals. I love animals and have had quite a few around in my lifetime. We've had many types of dogs, a cat, an African Pygmy Hedgehog, a gerbil, a hermit crab and maybe some more that I can't think of right now. My favorite animal is dogs. They're so wonderful and loyal. We've had hunting dogs, a German Shorthaired Pointer, labrador, feist, rat terrier, beagle, springer spaniel, boykin spaniel and a Yorkshire terrier. Of all the dogs we've had, the Yorkshire terrier was the worst. This dog would wee on anything, anywhere. We finally had to give him away.
Be blessed, Nana
Well, it's that time of the year, again. It seems that it's coming around sooner and sooner and that means birthdays are getting closer and closer, too.
Everyone anxiously awaits the arrival of Christmas, especially my little great grandchildren. They're so excited about Santa Claus. Isn't it a shame that they think of Santa before they think of that fact that we're celebrating Jesus' birthday?
I was thinking the other day about things we all should be thankful for. Of course, Jesus is the first thing. After Him comes the family, husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc. Next, comes the arts. My favorite is music. What would the world be like without beautiful music? When I sit here in my living room and listen to some of the music I've downloaded on my computer, I just marvel at the mystery that's music. How in the world did someone create written music? I am a musician so I know how long it takes one to learn to read music, and to understand music theory.
I took piano lessons for seven years when I was growing up and I've thanked my parents many times for the sacrifices they made so that I could learn how to play the piano. I always loved the piano, and when the preacher at my church offered an upright piano to the first person that called, I was thrilled. Of course, I got the piano and started taking lessons. I wouldn't take anything for my ability to play the piano. I think it's the most beautiful instrument, with the violin being a close second. Through the years I taught myself to play by ear as well and this has been a great source of joy and comfort to me as well. I can play almost anything that I hear, with a little practice.
The next thing I'm thankful for is nature. Nature certainly has the ability to soothe and calm and feed ones soul. I marvel at the change of seasons here in the Mid Atlantic region. I don't think I could live in a climate that never changed, like Florida. I love spring, summer, winter and fall. I think fall is my favorite season. I like cooler weather and love to watch the turning of the leaves. And, in the winter, trees have a beauty all their own without their leaves. Then one can really see the shape of the tree and their limbs.
Of course, spring is a favorite of most everyone. It's so nice to experiece warm breezes, watching the grass turn from brown to green, seeing spring flowers starting to bloom, having a longer day when we "step up" to spring, starting the flower and vegetable gardens.
Summertime is probably everyones absolute favorite time of year. Being able to go barefoot in the grass, going swimming, picnics, riding bikes, cooking on the grill, vacations. I could go on and on.
Another thing I'm very thankful for is animals. I love animals and have had quite a few around in my lifetime. We've had many types of dogs, a cat, an African Pygmy Hedgehog, a gerbil, a hermit crab and maybe some more that I can't think of right now. My favorite animal is dogs. They're so wonderful and loyal. We've had hunting dogs, a German Shorthaired Pointer, labrador, feist, rat terrier, beagle, springer spaniel, boykin spaniel and a Yorkshire terrier. Of all the dogs we've had, the Yorkshire terrier was the worst. This dog would wee on anything, anywhere. We finally had to give him away.
Be blessed, Nana
Spring's Just Around The Corner
Greetings All: It's been a while since I"ve posted but am ready to get back into the groove of things.
There's been a lot going on here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Of course, hurricane Irene slammed into us in August; that was really a trip. We didn't receive any damage, other than a tree in the swimming pool, limbs and pine cones everywhere, but other neighbors certainly did. The clean up took a while and some folks are still dealing with insurance companies that try to weasel out of their responsibilities. There's just no accounting for the greed and dishonesty in this country.
Now, it's time to start thinking of approaching spring and all it entails. I love spring; new grass coming up, trees budding out, hyacinths, forsythia, dogwood, azalea, daffodills, all blooming, and presenting our eyes with their wonderful beauty and fragrance.
Of course, we've had some spring-like days all through the fall and into the winter season here in the Mid-Atlantic region; we always do. There's always a few days in February when one can don ones' bathing suit and sun bathe. I don't do that anymore, I quit sunbathing at thirty-five years of age. I'm so glad I did, too, because peopel are alway telling me what pretty skin I have, and I'm seventy-one years old. Of course, they can't see the skin that's either sagging, bagging or dragging. I guess that part of ageing is inevitable. That doesn't make it any easier to deal with, though. I really think that growing older is one of the hardest things that I've had to deal with in my lifetime. I have always been a vain person, caring what I look like and what I wear, and I always will be; it's just my nature.
Be blessed, Nana
There's been a lot going on here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Of course, hurricane Irene slammed into us in August; that was really a trip. We didn't receive any damage, other than a tree in the swimming pool, limbs and pine cones everywhere, but other neighbors certainly did. The clean up took a while and some folks are still dealing with insurance companies that try to weasel out of their responsibilities. There's just no accounting for the greed and dishonesty in this country.
Now, it's time to start thinking of approaching spring and all it entails. I love spring; new grass coming up, trees budding out, hyacinths, forsythia, dogwood, azalea, daffodills, all blooming, and presenting our eyes with their wonderful beauty and fragrance.
Of course, we've had some spring-like days all through the fall and into the winter season here in the Mid-Atlantic region; we always do. There's always a few days in February when one can don ones' bathing suit and sun bathe. I don't do that anymore, I quit sunbathing at thirty-five years of age. I'm so glad I did, too, because peopel are alway telling me what pretty skin I have, and I'm seventy-one years old. Of course, they can't see the skin that's either sagging, bagging or dragging. I guess that part of ageing is inevitable. That doesn't make it any easier to deal with, though. I really think that growing older is one of the hardest things that I've had to deal with in my lifetime. I have always been a vain person, caring what I look like and what I wear, and I always will be; it's just my nature.
Be blessed, Nana
Summer's Finally Here
Greetings All: How's your summer going?
It's really been hot and wet here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Today, the temperature reached 96 degrees and it is very humid. Walking outside is like taking a bath with your clothes on.
Last night, I finished the last episode of LOST, season 6. The ending was truly surprising and unexpected (is that redundant?) I highly recommend this series. The only negative thing I can say about it, is that is has consumed my life for the past month. I watched six seasons, one day watching it for eight hours, breaking only to eat and visit the bathroom. In a way, I'm glad it's over so I can get back to a normal(?) life.
I went out of town today to buy groceries, but all I could think about was LOST. I've searched online for answers to questions I have about some of the episodes and found a very good site, can't remember the name of it, that offered theories about a lot of the episodes, especially the last one of season 6. I've got to start watching some other TV shows that I've downloaded from ITunes, just to get my mind off of LOST. Can you believe, the thought actually crossed my mind to start watching it all over again? I must be nuts. I never thought a TV show would so consume my thoughts and actions. I'll make myself watch something else, starting tonight, probably Downton Abbey.
The store I went to, to buy groceries, was Harris Teeter. I went there because they have an abundance of organic products, including produce, frozen entrees, fruit, etc. I found a lot of great produce and my refrigerator is full. The reason I bought so much produce is that I want to start juicing.
I read an article online yesterday, written by a Japanese doctor, stating that cancer was actually a fungus and only thrived in an acidic environment. By flooding the system with alkaline juices, the cancer can't survive and dies off. The die-off produces toxins that can make the body feel pretty bad for a while, but eventually the body will heal itself. I've always believed that the body can heal itself if given the proper foods, supplements, etc. ( I believe there's always been a cure for cancer, but the doctors won't make any money from it, so they don't want us to know about it.) I'm hoping that helping my system become more alkaline will help my arthritis and fatigue. If I only had more energy, I could do a lot more than I'm doing now.
I'm trying to find some interesting recipes. I'm a vegetarian, and eating only vegetables and grains gets a little boring. I do like Indian food, though, and have tried a few Indian vegetarian recipes which were pretty amazing. My new favorite spice is Garam Masala. This spice is composed of several different spices, including turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and cardamon, I think. (I really don't want to get up from the computer and read the label, so if I'm wrong, so what?)
I'm still beading and have progressed to the point that I'm now considered advanced, according to me. I don't bead as much as I used to, but like to read beading patterns to keep my mind active. Keeping the mind active is very important, especially as one gets older. I read, bead, read beading patterns, play the piano, peruse the internet and write scathing emails to all of the liberal media.
I am an American Patriot. I love my country and am very concerned about the path our political system is taking. America has truly become a police state. If you don't believe me, go to www.mercola.com and read some of Dr. Mercola's articles. He is a doctor with an alternative point of view and he tells it like it is. Our government has become so intrusive in our lives that we don't have any privacy or that many rights any more. When is it going to stop? We need less government and more states rights.
Well, I've got to drink two glasses of water and rest awhile before I try to put up the rest of my groceries. Then, it will be time to fix supper. Wouldn't it be nice if we could take a pill that supplied all of our body's nutrituonal needs? That would certainly leave a lot of time to do more fun things.
Be blessed, Nana
It's really been hot and wet here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Today, the temperature reached 96 degrees and it is very humid. Walking outside is like taking a bath with your clothes on.
Last night, I finished the last episode of LOST, season 6. The ending was truly surprising and unexpected (is that redundant?) I highly recommend this series. The only negative thing I can say about it, is that is has consumed my life for the past month. I watched six seasons, one day watching it for eight hours, breaking only to eat and visit the bathroom. In a way, I'm glad it's over so I can get back to a normal(?) life.
I went out of town today to buy groceries, but all I could think about was LOST. I've searched online for answers to questions I have about some of the episodes and found a very good site, can't remember the name of it, that offered theories about a lot of the episodes, especially the last one of season 6. I've got to start watching some other TV shows that I've downloaded from ITunes, just to get my mind off of LOST. Can you believe, the thought actually crossed my mind to start watching it all over again? I must be nuts. I never thought a TV show would so consume my thoughts and actions. I'll make myself watch something else, starting tonight, probably Downton Abbey.
The store I went to, to buy groceries, was Harris Teeter. I went there because they have an abundance of organic products, including produce, frozen entrees, fruit, etc. I found a lot of great produce and my refrigerator is full. The reason I bought so much produce is that I want to start juicing.
I read an article online yesterday, written by a Japanese doctor, stating that cancer was actually a fungus and only thrived in an acidic environment. By flooding the system with alkaline juices, the cancer can't survive and dies off. The die-off produces toxins that can make the body feel pretty bad for a while, but eventually the body will heal itself. I've always believed that the body can heal itself if given the proper foods, supplements, etc. ( I believe there's always been a cure for cancer, but the doctors won't make any money from it, so they don't want us to know about it.) I'm hoping that helping my system become more alkaline will help my arthritis and fatigue. If I only had more energy, I could do a lot more than I'm doing now.
I'm trying to find some interesting recipes. I'm a vegetarian, and eating only vegetables and grains gets a little boring. I do like Indian food, though, and have tried a few Indian vegetarian recipes which were pretty amazing. My new favorite spice is Garam Masala. This spice is composed of several different spices, including turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and cardamon, I think. (I really don't want to get up from the computer and read the label, so if I'm wrong, so what?)
I'm still beading and have progressed to the point that I'm now considered advanced, according to me. I don't bead as much as I used to, but like to read beading patterns to keep my mind active. Keeping the mind active is very important, especially as one gets older. I read, bead, read beading patterns, play the piano, peruse the internet and write scathing emails to all of the liberal media.
I am an American Patriot. I love my country and am very concerned about the path our political system is taking. America has truly become a police state. If you don't believe me, go to www.mercola.com and read some of Dr. Mercola's articles. He is a doctor with an alternative point of view and he tells it like it is. Our government has become so intrusive in our lives that we don't have any privacy or that many rights any more. When is it going to stop? We need less government and more states rights.
Well, I've got to drink two glasses of water and rest awhile before I try to put up the rest of my groceries. Then, it will be time to fix supper. Wouldn't it be nice if we could take a pill that supplied all of our body's nutrituonal needs? That would certainly leave a lot of time to do more fun things.
Be blessed, Nana
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Summer's Nearly Here
Greetings, all: Well, summer is just around the corner. I just can't wait for "snake time". That means I have to be careful where I step and look, look, look, every time I walk out of any door of my home.
It really isn't that bad. Last year I didn't see even one snake. Hallelujah!!!
I'm already praying that the good Lord will keep us North Carolinians and Virginians safe from impending hurricanes. Of course, I want everyone to be safe, but especially we here on the East coast; if that's selfish, so be it.
Spring has come and gone, a month early here in the Mid Atlantic region. Now, the dogwood and azalea blooms are waning and I feel sad. It's been a beautiful spring, and the azaleas, which are still blooming, have been just beautiful. I really hate to see it get very hot; I can't deal with too-hot weather at my age. This has also been the windiest year I can remember. We sure could use a windmill in our yard. I'd love to get off of the electrical grid, but the time for that has come and gone.
The hot weather will be nice for my great-grandchildren, though. Hopefully, the vitamin D that they'll get from the sunshine will perk them up. They've been sick with earaches and congestion most of the winter. My granddaughter has had to take them to the doctor several times, which means she has to leave work and drive an hour there and back with sick children. She's a very strong girl and seems to take things in stride. It certainly pays to have children while you're young.
I haven't been doing much beading lately; I just don't feel the desire to. I had someone take pics of my jewelry, hoping to build a web site and sell some, but I just don't have it in me. I'm just too old to start this. The bookkeeping alone would be overwhelming, not to mention packaging and mailing. I'm only one person; I'd definitely need some help, but there's none available.
I have been doing a lot of reading, which has always been my number one hobby. I love romance and mystery, my two favorite genres. I've discovered Karen Slaughter and Fern Michaels and have read most of their books. I hate to read all of them because then I'll have to find another author I like.
My mother will be 91 yrs. old next month. She hasn't been doing very well lately. It's very hard to have to watch ones parent's health start to decline. It also has to be very hard for her to see this happening to herself, her loss not only of her health but also her independence. She has a sister that will be 98 this month. There is definitely longevity in the family, so I'd better take good care of myself which means eating right and exercising.
I started walking on the treadmill last week. The treadmill was in my husband's room. I had it moved to the dining room, in front of three windows, so I can walk on it and look outside. I'm walking for 7 minutes at the time. I know this doesn't sound like a lot, but it's all I can do right now. Eventually, I'll work up to at least 20 minutes. Walking on the treadmill also builds bone mass in my legs and hips. The quadricep muscle is the biggest muscle in the body. I also do Yoga, which I've been doing for 50 yrs. This has kept me extremely flexible and also helps protects from injury. When your muscles are tight, you're much more prone to injury.
I have to watch the movie, The Descendants on iTunes. By the way, you'll be surprised to hear that I've found a singer whose music and voice I really like - Lady Gaga; can you believe it? Also I like Savage Garden and David Archuleta.
I bought my great- grandson a Yamaha keyboard for his birthday. He really has some talent in this area, in that he learned a song in a short length of time on the piano, from the notes he'd learned in music class at school. He also can really keep a beat when he puts the drums on and makes up a tune to play with them. I'm so happy that some of my family, other than my daughter, who is a great singer, and myself, has some musical ability.
Well, readers, it's time to close; I have to read some more and get ready for bed. Be blessed, Nana
It really isn't that bad. Last year I didn't see even one snake. Hallelujah!!!
I'm already praying that the good Lord will keep us North Carolinians and Virginians safe from impending hurricanes. Of course, I want everyone to be safe, but especially we here on the East coast; if that's selfish, so be it.
Spring has come and gone, a month early here in the Mid Atlantic region. Now, the dogwood and azalea blooms are waning and I feel sad. It's been a beautiful spring, and the azaleas, which are still blooming, have been just beautiful. I really hate to see it get very hot; I can't deal with too-hot weather at my age. This has also been the windiest year I can remember. We sure could use a windmill in our yard. I'd love to get off of the electrical grid, but the time for that has come and gone.
The hot weather will be nice for my great-grandchildren, though. Hopefully, the vitamin D that they'll get from the sunshine will perk them up. They've been sick with earaches and congestion most of the winter. My granddaughter has had to take them to the doctor several times, which means she has to leave work and drive an hour there and back with sick children. She's a very strong girl and seems to take things in stride. It certainly pays to have children while you're young.
I haven't been doing much beading lately; I just don't feel the desire to. I had someone take pics of my jewelry, hoping to build a web site and sell some, but I just don't have it in me. I'm just too old to start this. The bookkeeping alone would be overwhelming, not to mention packaging and mailing. I'm only one person; I'd definitely need some help, but there's none available.
I have been doing a lot of reading, which has always been my number one hobby. I love romance and mystery, my two favorite genres. I've discovered Karen Slaughter and Fern Michaels and have read most of their books. I hate to read all of them because then I'll have to find another author I like.
My mother will be 91 yrs. old next month. She hasn't been doing very well lately. It's very hard to have to watch ones parent's health start to decline. It also has to be very hard for her to see this happening to herself, her loss not only of her health but also her independence. She has a sister that will be 98 this month. There is definitely longevity in the family, so I'd better take good care of myself which means eating right and exercising.
I started walking on the treadmill last week. The treadmill was in my husband's room. I had it moved to the dining room, in front of three windows, so I can walk on it and look outside. I'm walking for 7 minutes at the time. I know this doesn't sound like a lot, but it's all I can do right now. Eventually, I'll work up to at least 20 minutes. Walking on the treadmill also builds bone mass in my legs and hips. The quadricep muscle is the biggest muscle in the body. I also do Yoga, which I've been doing for 50 yrs. This has kept me extremely flexible and also helps protects from injury. When your muscles are tight, you're much more prone to injury.
I have to watch the movie, The Descendants on iTunes. By the way, you'll be surprised to hear that I've found a singer whose music and voice I really like - Lady Gaga; can you believe it? Also I like Savage Garden and David Archuleta.
I bought my great- grandson a Yamaha keyboard for his birthday. He really has some talent in this area, in that he learned a song in a short length of time on the piano, from the notes he'd learned in music class at school. He also can really keep a beat when he puts the drums on and makes up a tune to play with them. I'm so happy that some of my family, other than my daughter, who is a great singer, and myself, has some musical ability.
Well, readers, it's time to close; I have to read some more and get ready for bed. Be blessed, Nana
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Spring's Just Around the Corner
Greetings All: It's been a while since I"ve posted, but am ready to get back into the swing of things.
There's been a lot going on here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Of course, hurricane Irene slammed into us in August; that was really a trip. We didn't receive much damage, other than a few pine tree limbs in the swimming pool, limbs and pine cones everywhere, but other neighbors did. The clean-up process took a while and some folks are still dealing with insurance companies trying to weasel out of their responsibilities. There's just no accounting for the greed and plain old dishonesty in this great country of ours.
Now, it's time to start thinking of spring approaching and all that it entails. I do love spring. I love the new, green grass coming up, trees budding out, hyacinths, forsythia, dogwood, azalea, daffodills, all blooming, and presenting our eyes and senses with their beauty and fragrance.
Of course, we've had some spring-like days here in North Cariolina every since we moved here, nearly fifty years ago. There's always a few days in February, you can count on it, when one can put on one's bathing suit and lay out in the sun. I used to do this, but stopped at age thirty-five. I'm so glad I did, because I'm always being told how pretty my complexion is. I'm so glad that people can't see the part of me that's either sagging, bagging or dragging. I guess that part is inevitable as one grows older.
This had been one of the windiest years I can remember. I have to stay inside when it's too windy because any cold wind hitting my head or sinuses inevitably gives me a sinus infection and cold. I'm just getting over one of those now. I've been coughing and blowing my nose for over two weeks now. As I look out of my living room window, I can see, and hear, the wind just howling. It sounds like Irene all over again.
I'm so ready for warm days, spring breezes and clear skys. ( I was going outside, sitting here at the computer with my coat on, and pick some greens for supper, but I think it's just a little too windy for that.)
My husband planted some rape, canola oil is derived from it, that he's going to till under this spring as it kills nematodes. I hope it works, because the roots of most of our garden plants were ruined last year due to these parasitic worms. Our garden, last year, was one of the worst we've ever had.
My great granddaughter will be one year old Friday. I can't believe she's growing up so fast. It seems just like yesterday that she was born. My other two great grands will be nine and three, respectively, in March. I have four birthdays in that month; a great month for births.
My grandson will be twenty years old in February. He lives with me and is such a great help and certainly a great joy in my life.
I'm still beading, of course. I live to bead. I'm trying new designs, of my own, and ideas that I've found on the internet. There's just no end to what one can do with a needle, thread, and lots and lots of tiny seed beads. Beading is very calming to me and I love to see what I'm going to create. I don't have a definite plan in mind when I start, I just pick a focal bead that I like and see where it takes me.
I wanted to have a web site to sell my jewelry on, but don't think that's for me. I want to design and make jewelry when I want to, not when I think I have to. When I have to sit and make jewelry for other people, it cuts into my design time; designing is what I really love. It gives me great satisfaction to see something beautiful that I've created.
Well, my stomach is telling me it's time for lunch. I think I'll have left over spaghetti and marinara that we had for din din last night; it was so good. I love pasta and could eat it every day; I do eat a lot of it, since I'm a vegetarian. Pasta, grains, beans and veggies are all that I eat.
I hope all of you, my readers, have a wonderful day, and God Bless. Nana
There's been a lot going on here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Of course, hurricane Irene slammed into us in August; that was really a trip. We didn't receive much damage, other than a few pine tree limbs in the swimming pool, limbs and pine cones everywhere, but other neighbors did. The clean-up process took a while and some folks are still dealing with insurance companies trying to weasel out of their responsibilities. There's just no accounting for the greed and plain old dishonesty in this great country of ours.
Now, it's time to start thinking of spring approaching and all that it entails. I do love spring. I love the new, green grass coming up, trees budding out, hyacinths, forsythia, dogwood, azalea, daffodills, all blooming, and presenting our eyes and senses with their beauty and fragrance.
Of course, we've had some spring-like days here in North Cariolina every since we moved here, nearly fifty years ago. There's always a few days in February, you can count on it, when one can put on one's bathing suit and lay out in the sun. I used to do this, but stopped at age thirty-five. I'm so glad I did, because I'm always being told how pretty my complexion is. I'm so glad that people can't see the part of me that's either sagging, bagging or dragging. I guess that part is inevitable as one grows older.
This had been one of the windiest years I can remember. I have to stay inside when it's too windy because any cold wind hitting my head or sinuses inevitably gives me a sinus infection and cold. I'm just getting over one of those now. I've been coughing and blowing my nose for over two weeks now. As I look out of my living room window, I can see, and hear, the wind just howling. It sounds like Irene all over again.
I'm so ready for warm days, spring breezes and clear skys. ( I was going outside, sitting here at the computer with my coat on, and pick some greens for supper, but I think it's just a little too windy for that.)
My husband planted some rape, canola oil is derived from it, that he's going to till under this spring as it kills nematodes. I hope it works, because the roots of most of our garden plants were ruined last year due to these parasitic worms. Our garden, last year, was one of the worst we've ever had.
My great granddaughter will be one year old Friday. I can't believe she's growing up so fast. It seems just like yesterday that she was born. My other two great grands will be nine and three, respectively, in March. I have four birthdays in that month; a great month for births.
My grandson will be twenty years old in February. He lives with me and is such a great help and certainly a great joy in my life.
I'm still beading, of course. I live to bead. I'm trying new designs, of my own, and ideas that I've found on the internet. There's just no end to what one can do with a needle, thread, and lots and lots of tiny seed beads. Beading is very calming to me and I love to see what I'm going to create. I don't have a definite plan in mind when I start, I just pick a focal bead that I like and see where it takes me.
I wanted to have a web site to sell my jewelry on, but don't think that's for me. I want to design and make jewelry when I want to, not when I think I have to. When I have to sit and make jewelry for other people, it cuts into my design time; designing is what I really love. It gives me great satisfaction to see something beautiful that I've created.
Well, my stomach is telling me it's time for lunch. I think I'll have left over spaghetti and marinara that we had for din din last night; it was so good. I love pasta and could eat it every day; I do eat a lot of it, since I'm a vegetarian. Pasta, grains, beans and veggies are all that I eat.
I hope all of you, my readers, have a wonderful day, and God Bless. Nana
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