Greetings, All:
It's really been a while since I posted on my blog, at least a couple of years. Actually, I've been so busy, I just forgot about it.
A lot's been going on in my neck of the woods, the Mid-Atlantic region. The last time I posted, I'd gone off the SCD diet. I'm actually on this diet, off and on, still, since I don't seem to have proper digestion. The reason for this, as I've found out, is that I don't have a gallbladder. ( The doctors don't tell you when they take it out that you need it for proper digestion. That would be one less boat, car, private school, house, etc., payment that they wouldn't have.) I really don't have a very high opinion of doctors, since I've never found one that could actually help me. All they offer are drugs, surgery, or drugs and more surgery. Forget it. I go on Google, type in symptoms, and diagnose myself. I've had more success with this than with any doctors' diagnosis.
I'm still making jewelry; if I didn't, I'd be even crazier than I am. Making jewelry is my therapy. When I put the needle into the bead and out the other side, I'm a happy camper. I can even calm myself by watching someone bead on uTube. I didn't get into sculptural peyote and I didn't enter any bead shows as posted before. I'm just not interested in having someone critique my work; if they had something bad to say about it, I'd get mad. Don't take criticism too well. As for sculptural peyote, it's just too complicated and I can't deal with that at this point in time.
I still suffer from depression, but try to overcome it with positive thoughts and actions (I don't do too well in this area), beading and reading. I love to read, which was my first passion. I have so many books, I don't have room for all of them. I did sell $2,000 worth of to-do books on Amazon, but have bought that much, and more, back, mostly beading books. I'm so thrilled when the doorbell rings and it's the UPS guy with my new beading book. I peruse it for a while then toss it aside and see if I can find another one on a different aspect of beading, or with totally different ideas and patterns. Some things never change.
This past winter was one of the coldest we've experienced in my area. We had several snowfalls and we're just not used to that here. I actually stayed in the house for two straight weeks and nearly went crazier. I swore that when summer came, I wouldn't say anything bad about the heat; so wrong. I've already been griping about the extreme heat this summer. It's been in the high 90's since the beginning of June, temps that we usually don't have until August. Of course, that means that I still have to stay inside, as the mosquitoes just love me. When I go outside for any length of time, I have to put on socks and make sure I have my arms covered. No fun, when it's nearly 100 degrees out there.
Our garden has been very strange this summer. We have tons of blooms on the cucumbers and squash but very little produce. We do have bees, a lot of them, but something else is going on that we can't figure out. I've gotten exactly three yellow crookneck squash, and it looks as though the vines are dying already.
My husband planted the tomatoes in hay bales this year, to avoid the destructive nematodes. There are 10 bales, in a row. In the top of each bale he drilled a hole, filled it with dirt and planted the tomatoes. Then, he put fencing wire around each tomato and also built a frame on each side of the wire, the length of the 10 bales, for added support. What a lot of work. The vines are very high and we have right many tomatoes, but they are small; tasty, for sure, but not that big. We still eat a lot of tomato sandwiches; YUM!
I pulled up my Iris plants as they were blooming mostly purple and they were supposed to be all different colors. I did learn, from Google, that if you don't cut the stalk once it blooms, the bees can cross pollinate and you'll wind up with mostly purple, which is the dominant color. It's been two summers since I pulled them up and I'm thinking I'll replant them as I do miss seeing them bloom and they do last quite a while in a vase, at least three days or more.
I did get in the pool this summer after a four-year absence swimming. The reason being that I was concerned about the chlorine soaking into my skin. Well, I swam with the great-grands for three days straight and the fourth day went to bed, for two days. I was so tired I could hardly function. I think it was a combination of chlorine and too much exercise, which I haven't been doing lately. I don't think I'll be going swimming again any time soon; it's just not worth it. I'll do something else, like walk on the treadmill and do yoga.
Haven't seen a snake for a couple of years but they're out there. They've been spotted by other members of the family, though. We have seen an abundance of other wildlife: 2 fawns, turkeys, bear, fox, rabbit, turtle, deer, and lots of birds, my favorite. We also had a mother opossum leave 4 babies in the recycle bin. When she didn't come back for them, I took them down to the edge of the woods and gently let them go. When I turned around, they were gone. We have an abundance of Cardinals, which are so beautiful. They come out at dusk and I recognize their little cheep-cheep song. Of course, the Wren, one of the smallest birds, has the loudest song. I don't see many Bluejays, which I consider one of the most beautiful birds. I need to ask Google how to attract more. We have seen, of course, lots of hummingbirds, attracted by the Echinacea and Periwinkle plants.
I have to admit, I'm ready for fall, which is my favorite time of year. My grandson is also ready for fall. He goes on a walkabout every day from two to three and then from five to six. He so enjoys the outdoors and comes in to tell me all of the different wildlife he's seen on his walks. My husband told him to be very careful if he saw any bear cubs, and to run the other way, as the mother would definitely attack if she sees anyone with her cubs. We do have a lot of Black Bear in our area. They've been seen walking down the middle of Main Street, downtown. A bear is something I don't want to see. My neighbor had one come up on his back porch, captured by his outdoor camera. The bear also destroyed his beehive he had at the edge of the woods. The deer have completely destroyed his summer garden and he's threatening to kill any future invaders; I hope not, I do love deer.
Well, I guess it's time to bring this post to a close. I didn't intend for it to be this long, and probably no one will read it anyway. To those of you that do, thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of the summer. Be blessed, Nana
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Another Year Has Passed
Greetings,
The last time I posted I was just starting the SCD diet. I did the diet for three months and it really helped my digestive system. When I stay on it, I don't have any problems with gas, bloating, etc. Of course, I don't exactly stay on the diet. It's so boring I have to deviate once in a while. When I do, my system get totally skewed. Oh well, it just shows that I'm human after all, although some would argue that.
I've been busy with my usual household duties, cooking, cleaning, etc. and I've been selling some of my jewelry. Today I put on Facebook that my jewelry will no longer be for sale as it takes up too much of my time. I want to delve into sculptural peyote, which is making sculpture with beads. I'm tired of doing jewelry and want to try something totally new. I do believe I can do this, it will just take some patience, which I don't have a lot of. I'm also considering entering some beading competitions but have no doubt about my winning anything; I just want to do it to see if I can. I like to challenge myself.
I've been busy just living from day to day. Some days are better than others. I get very depressed some times, especially when it rains. I hate rainy days. They didn't use to bother me but it seems that the older I get the more they bother me. Just something else to have to deal with; there's always something, isn't there?
I had a very beautiful flowering season last summer and am looking forward to it again this year. My Dill and Fennel plants were over four feet high and the Swallow-tail butterfly laid many eggs on them. I did get to see one emerge, but always manage to miss most of them.
My Iris plants were spectacular last year. I had moved them a couple of years before and last summer they outdid themselves. I had so many I cut a lot of them and put them in a vase. They really did do well, I'm surprised to say. They bloomed for several days before I had to start replacing them.
I plan on having more herbs this summer. We use Basil a lot in Spaghetti Sauce and I need more of these plants. There's really nothing as wonderful as fresh Basil in Spaghetti Sauce. I use two large cans of Organic Fire Roasted tomatoes ( I order them from Amazon.com), olive oil, Basil and onion. Just cook it down a little and it tastes delicious. It's also good to use on pizza.
I bought some semolina flour, combined it with regular flour and made my own pizza dough. It is pretty complicated to make, with the kneading and all, but totally worth it. It is the best pizza I've ever eaten.
We now have curly Kale and mixed greens in the garden that are doing well. The curly Kale is yummy. I put it in some vegetable soup the other day and it really added to the flavor of the soup.
I can't believe my Begonias, that I put on the front porch to protect from the frost, are still blooming. I also brought my decorative lime green Sweet Potato Vine inside and it's growing like crazy in my kitchen where I have eight south-facing windows. I love having plants in the house in the winter time. It makes it seem much more cozy and keeps reminding me that summer is just around the corner.
I really hate the heat and humidity of summer but do enjoy the sunshine, flowers, swimming pool and garden. Can you believe it was 80 degrees here today? Too hot for this time of year.
Can you believe that after three years of not seeing a snake, my grandson saw one laying on the pine straw beside the fence the other day while riding his golf cart around. It was in the 50's but I guess still warm enough for the black snake to take a sun bath. I don't harm black or king snakes as they kill other poisonous snakes. I don't believe in killing anything that won't kill me.
I spent over two hours in Belk's today just looking and doing some last-minute shopping. They really had some fantastic sales. I'm glad it's going to be in the 40's Christmas day. I do hate a hot Christmas.
Well, readers, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and please, do remember the reason for the season, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, Bright and Morning Star, King, etc., etc., etc. Nana
The last time I posted I was just starting the SCD diet. I did the diet for three months and it really helped my digestive system. When I stay on it, I don't have any problems with gas, bloating, etc. Of course, I don't exactly stay on the diet. It's so boring I have to deviate once in a while. When I do, my system get totally skewed. Oh well, it just shows that I'm human after all, although some would argue that.
I've been busy with my usual household duties, cooking, cleaning, etc. and I've been selling some of my jewelry. Today I put on Facebook that my jewelry will no longer be for sale as it takes up too much of my time. I want to delve into sculptural peyote, which is making sculpture with beads. I'm tired of doing jewelry and want to try something totally new. I do believe I can do this, it will just take some patience, which I don't have a lot of. I'm also considering entering some beading competitions but have no doubt about my winning anything; I just want to do it to see if I can. I like to challenge myself.
I've been busy just living from day to day. Some days are better than others. I get very depressed some times, especially when it rains. I hate rainy days. They didn't use to bother me but it seems that the older I get the more they bother me. Just something else to have to deal with; there's always something, isn't there?
I had a very beautiful flowering season last summer and am looking forward to it again this year. My Dill and Fennel plants were over four feet high and the Swallow-tail butterfly laid many eggs on them. I did get to see one emerge, but always manage to miss most of them.
My Iris plants were spectacular last year. I had moved them a couple of years before and last summer they outdid themselves. I had so many I cut a lot of them and put them in a vase. They really did do well, I'm surprised to say. They bloomed for several days before I had to start replacing them.
I plan on having more herbs this summer. We use Basil a lot in Spaghetti Sauce and I need more of these plants. There's really nothing as wonderful as fresh Basil in Spaghetti Sauce. I use two large cans of Organic Fire Roasted tomatoes ( I order them from Amazon.com), olive oil, Basil and onion. Just cook it down a little and it tastes delicious. It's also good to use on pizza.
I bought some semolina flour, combined it with regular flour and made my own pizza dough. It is pretty complicated to make, with the kneading and all, but totally worth it. It is the best pizza I've ever eaten.
We now have curly Kale and mixed greens in the garden that are doing well. The curly Kale is yummy. I put it in some vegetable soup the other day and it really added to the flavor of the soup.
I can't believe my Begonias, that I put on the front porch to protect from the frost, are still blooming. I also brought my decorative lime green Sweet Potato Vine inside and it's growing like crazy in my kitchen where I have eight south-facing windows. I love having plants in the house in the winter time. It makes it seem much more cozy and keeps reminding me that summer is just around the corner.
I really hate the heat and humidity of summer but do enjoy the sunshine, flowers, swimming pool and garden. Can you believe it was 80 degrees here today? Too hot for this time of year.
Can you believe that after three years of not seeing a snake, my grandson saw one laying on the pine straw beside the fence the other day while riding his golf cart around. It was in the 50's but I guess still warm enough for the black snake to take a sun bath. I don't harm black or king snakes as they kill other poisonous snakes. I don't believe in killing anything that won't kill me.
I spent over two hours in Belk's today just looking and doing some last-minute shopping. They really had some fantastic sales. I'm glad it's going to be in the 40's Christmas day. I do hate a hot Christmas.
Well, readers, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and please, do remember the reason for the season, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, Bright and Morning Star, King, etc., etc., etc. Nana
Monday, December 17, 2012
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
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
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
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Fall Beginnings
Greetings, All: Well, it's beginning to get cool here in the Mid-Atlantic region. I do love this cool, fall weather. Of course, we have some warm weather interspersed with the cool weather, but that's okay. I can deal with warm, not hot, and cool, even cold. I really don't mind the cold weather as I feel alive and I have more energy than in the summertime, which can be so very hot here in North Carolina.
It was a pretty hot summer, and quite dry, except for Hurricane Irene who barrelled through our small town in August. (I mentioned this in my last blog, but I think I need to elaborate.) It was pretty scary for a while. The winds did not stop blowing for over 24 hrs. We were without power for over five days. We have a generator but it won't run the whole house, just the refrigerator, freezers, washing machine, dryer, etc.; the important things, like AC, were non existent. I had to use my son's large floor fan, trained directly on my body, in my bed, to get any kind of relief from the heat, which was pretty intense. Our stove didn't work so I found a small Toastmaster cooktop in the attic, with two burners, and we used that. We had drop cords running all over the house, which made it pretty hard to navigate. I, being pretty clutsy sometimes, was constantly tripping over them.
We were very fortunate. We didn't have any damage except a lot of hugh tree limbs in our swimming pool and lots and lots of pine cones and downed tree limbs all over the yard. Our lot across the street was a total mess. It's full of pecan trees and it looked like most of them had lost most of their branches. I do know we lost thousands of pecans from this storm, but that's okay. There's still debris sitting on the side of the roads in our town from Irene, and over a lot of the state as well. I'm so tired of looking at a 12-ft. pile of debris sitting on the lot across the street. One day........
It got up to 82 degrees in my home, which was pretty unbearable, as I'm used to keeping my home temperature at 72 degrees. My granddaughteer suggested we all, she, her three children (her husband's in Iraq) my grandson, who lives with me, and I, get into her jeep and go to a hotel for a couple of days. This is exactly what we did. We went home, hurridly packed inside our boiling homes and got the heck out of Dodge. We went to another, bigger town, about an hour and 15 minutes away. I think we got the last room. Thank God, AC!!!
It felt so good to lay down on a nice, plump mattress and just enjoy the cool air and being away from the constant drone of the generators (ours and our neighbors) and the chirping of the cicadas. I love nature, but enough is enough.
That first night, we went to eat at the Cracker Barrel, three adults and three (adorable) children. The food was pretty good, although I didn't have much to choose from, being a vegetarian. That's okay; I ate lots of good vegetables and had a glass of water. We all went back to the room, had baths, etc., watch a little TV and went to bed. We were supposed to have two queen-sized beds, but had two regular beds. My grandson and I slept on one, and my granddaughter and her THREE children slept on another. I don't know how they slept, but I do think they could sleep on a bed of nails.
The next morning, we all slept in, until at least 8:00, piled in the car and went to get breakfast, I don't remember what we ate. After getting back to the room, my granddaughter and her children all got their bathing suits on the went down to the indoor pool. My grandson and I stayed in the room; he watched TV and I read. Not long after, the swimming- pool group traipsed back into the room saying it was just too cold to swim. It had gotten very cool during the night, which felt great, but definitely not swimming weather, evern in an indoor pool.
Although I had paid for two nights, hoping to stay three, the kids started getting restless so we packed up and left. I surely dreaded having to come home to a hot house, but as the weather had turned cooler, it was actually cool in my house with all of the windows up when I got home.
On the way home from the hotel, my youngest great granddaughter, 7 mos. old, decided she had to fill her diaper, to overflowing. She went so much it was all over her, her car seat, her clothes, and her hands. We stopped the jeep. My granddaughter took her out, seat and all, and set her down on the side of the road. I got some distilled water, doused some tee shirts and cleaned her car seat out while the baby was washed and had her clothes changed using some baby wipes and distilled water. I don't know what we would have done without the water. We bundled all of the offensive clothes and diaper up and laid it in the ditch and drove away. What an adventure! It will be quite a while before I'm ready for another.
All in all, it was a good summer and a super-good fall, so far. Until next time, be blessed, Nana
It was a pretty hot summer, and quite dry, except for Hurricane Irene who barrelled through our small town in August. (I mentioned this in my last blog, but I think I need to elaborate.) It was pretty scary for a while. The winds did not stop blowing for over 24 hrs. We were without power for over five days. We have a generator but it won't run the whole house, just the refrigerator, freezers, washing machine, dryer, etc.; the important things, like AC, were non existent. I had to use my son's large floor fan, trained directly on my body, in my bed, to get any kind of relief from the heat, which was pretty intense. Our stove didn't work so I found a small Toastmaster cooktop in the attic, with two burners, and we used that. We had drop cords running all over the house, which made it pretty hard to navigate. I, being pretty clutsy sometimes, was constantly tripping over them.
We were very fortunate. We didn't have any damage except a lot of hugh tree limbs in our swimming pool and lots and lots of pine cones and downed tree limbs all over the yard. Our lot across the street was a total mess. It's full of pecan trees and it looked like most of them had lost most of their branches. I do know we lost thousands of pecans from this storm, but that's okay. There's still debris sitting on the side of the roads in our town from Irene, and over a lot of the state as well. I'm so tired of looking at a 12-ft. pile of debris sitting on the lot across the street. One day........
It got up to 82 degrees in my home, which was pretty unbearable, as I'm used to keeping my home temperature at 72 degrees. My granddaughteer suggested we all, she, her three children (her husband's in Iraq) my grandson, who lives with me, and I, get into her jeep and go to a hotel for a couple of days. This is exactly what we did. We went home, hurridly packed inside our boiling homes and got the heck out of Dodge. We went to another, bigger town, about an hour and 15 minutes away. I think we got the last room. Thank God, AC!!!
It felt so good to lay down on a nice, plump mattress and just enjoy the cool air and being away from the constant drone of the generators (ours and our neighbors) and the chirping of the cicadas. I love nature, but enough is enough.
That first night, we went to eat at the Cracker Barrel, three adults and three (adorable) children. The food was pretty good, although I didn't have much to choose from, being a vegetarian. That's okay; I ate lots of good vegetables and had a glass of water. We all went back to the room, had baths, etc., watch a little TV and went to bed. We were supposed to have two queen-sized beds, but had two regular beds. My grandson and I slept on one, and my granddaughter and her THREE children slept on another. I don't know how they slept, but I do think they could sleep on a bed of nails.
The next morning, we all slept in, until at least 8:00, piled in the car and went to get breakfast, I don't remember what we ate. After getting back to the room, my granddaughter and her children all got their bathing suits on the went down to the indoor pool. My grandson and I stayed in the room; he watched TV and I read. Not long after, the swimming- pool group traipsed back into the room saying it was just too cold to swim. It had gotten very cool during the night, which felt great, but definitely not swimming weather, evern in an indoor pool.
Although I had paid for two nights, hoping to stay three, the kids started getting restless so we packed up and left. I surely dreaded having to come home to a hot house, but as the weather had turned cooler, it was actually cool in my house with all of the windows up when I got home.
On the way home from the hotel, my youngest great granddaughter, 7 mos. old, decided she had to fill her diaper, to overflowing. She went so much it was all over her, her car seat, her clothes, and her hands. We stopped the jeep. My granddaughter took her out, seat and all, and set her down on the side of the road. I got some distilled water, doused some tee shirts and cleaned her car seat out while the baby was washed and had her clothes changed using some baby wipes and distilled water. I don't know what we would have done without the water. We bundled all of the offensive clothes and diaper up and laid it in the ditch and drove away. What an adventure! It will be quite a while before I'm ready for another.
All in all, it was a good summer and a super-good fall, so far. Until next time, be blessed, Nana
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Summer's End
Greetings, All: It's been a while but a lot's been happening here in the Mid Atlantic region. Of course, hurricane Irene just barreled though and left a lot of devastation in its wake. We had a lot of downed tree limbs, pine cones and detritus on the ground, and especially in the swimming pool, which is now avocado green. I suppose we'll just cover the pool, drain, clean and refill it next summer. It's too much to even consider fixing at this point in time.
It's' been a good summer and a fleeting one. My main goal this summer was to have an organic vegetable garden. I went on line to Seeds of Change and ordered tons of organic seeds. When the seeds came, I got my neighbor to plant them for me, as bending over for any length of time hurts my hips and legs.
I decided not to have the conventional row garden, and planted the garden in small squares. After the garden was planted, I went grocery shopping out of town and when I returned and glanced at the garden, I saw our yard man walking all over my newly- planted seeds. I ran outside, screamed at him, and asked him what in the hell was he doing, walking all over my organic seeds. He, of course, was shocked, as he said he didn't know there were seeds in the ground. I had told my husband earlier that the garden had been planted and to please be careful when he had his tomatoes planted in the space that I had left him. He said, when questioned concerning the stomping of my seeds, that he didn't know there were seeds there. What, are you deaf, I said. Actually, he is a lot deaf.
It took me quite a long time for my ire to be assuaged, but I finally accepted the fact that the seeds probably wouldn't come up and most of them didn't. I did have some carrots, corn, squash and bush beans, but not many and they hardly produced any vegetables. My garden was a failure, after all of the time, money and effort that had been put into it. After a while, I just didn't care any more. One thing we did have was lots and lots of Roma tomatoes. These had been started indoors from seed and after they got their second set of leaves, then their third set of leaves, and had reacthed a height of approximately eight inches, I planted them outside my kitchen door and they thrived. They grew to six feet and produced and produced and produced. In fact, I had my last tomato sandwich for lunch today. Oh well, maybe next year.
I've spent most of the summer inside, as the heat really does a number on me. I've never been able to deal with heat. Any temperature over seventy-five makes me feel like I'm going to lose my mind - really. When I was a teenager, I remember trying to mow the grass in the front yard, using a push mower, and nearly passing out when I was finished. I don't know why, but my body temperature gets too high with a certain amount of exertion.
I have enjoyed spending time with my great grandchildren this summer. They're growing up so fast, it's hard to believe they're eight, two, and seven months now. They're such beautiful and wonderful children. I sound like a true grandmother, don't I?
I have tried to sew a couple of dresses for the girls but find that my heart just isn't into sewing any more. I makes me nervous and I certainly don't need that. I think my sewing days are long gone. It's a shame, because at one time I really loved it and did a pretty good job making clothes for my children, myself and my granddaughter.
I guess I'll just grow old making jewelry and reading. I really love to read. Right now, I'm rereading a book by Rosamunde Pilcher entitled September. All of her books are good, set mostly in Scotland. The best book I've read by her is The Shell Seekers. If you're a reader, don't forget to read this one. You won't be disappointed.
I'm still making jewelry but have branched out into other aspects. I'm working in metal now. I like to hammer metal into shapes, stamp it and use it for bracelets, earrings, rings, etc. I really enjoy doing this and I feel it might be an inherited talent, as my Dad customized cars and was a welder, as well. I could hammer and stamp all day.
I certainly am dreading winter this year with the gas prices being so high. My husband and I are going to try heating our home partly with wood. We have a fireplace insert with a fan that will heat at least one half of the house so we'll use part wood and part propane. Propane has gotten almost cost prohibitive. We spent around $2,000.00 last winter for fuel, not counting the electric bill to run the house. Our electric bill this summer has been at least $450.00 a month. Of course, the pool counts for some of that and I've kept the AC at around 74 degrees. I don't know how people are going to live if things get too much higher.
Well, it's time to go beddy bye, so I'll close until next time. Be blessed and safe, Nana
It's' been a good summer and a fleeting one. My main goal this summer was to have an organic vegetable garden. I went on line to Seeds of Change and ordered tons of organic seeds. When the seeds came, I got my neighbor to plant them for me, as bending over for any length of time hurts my hips and legs.
I decided not to have the conventional row garden, and planted the garden in small squares. After the garden was planted, I went grocery shopping out of town and when I returned and glanced at the garden, I saw our yard man walking all over my newly- planted seeds. I ran outside, screamed at him, and asked him what in the hell was he doing, walking all over my organic seeds. He, of course, was shocked, as he said he didn't know there were seeds in the ground. I had told my husband earlier that the garden had been planted and to please be careful when he had his tomatoes planted in the space that I had left him. He said, when questioned concerning the stomping of my seeds, that he didn't know there were seeds there. What, are you deaf, I said. Actually, he is a lot deaf.
It took me quite a long time for my ire to be assuaged, but I finally accepted the fact that the seeds probably wouldn't come up and most of them didn't. I did have some carrots, corn, squash and bush beans, but not many and they hardly produced any vegetables. My garden was a failure, after all of the time, money and effort that had been put into it. After a while, I just didn't care any more. One thing we did have was lots and lots of Roma tomatoes. These had been started indoors from seed and after they got their second set of leaves, then their third set of leaves, and had reacthed a height of approximately eight inches, I planted them outside my kitchen door and they thrived. They grew to six feet and produced and produced and produced. In fact, I had my last tomato sandwich for lunch today. Oh well, maybe next year.
I've spent most of the summer inside, as the heat really does a number on me. I've never been able to deal with heat. Any temperature over seventy-five makes me feel like I'm going to lose my mind - really. When I was a teenager, I remember trying to mow the grass in the front yard, using a push mower, and nearly passing out when I was finished. I don't know why, but my body temperature gets too high with a certain amount of exertion.
I have enjoyed spending time with my great grandchildren this summer. They're growing up so fast, it's hard to believe they're eight, two, and seven months now. They're such beautiful and wonderful children. I sound like a true grandmother, don't I?
I have tried to sew a couple of dresses for the girls but find that my heart just isn't into sewing any more. I makes me nervous and I certainly don't need that. I think my sewing days are long gone. It's a shame, because at one time I really loved it and did a pretty good job making clothes for my children, myself and my granddaughter.
I guess I'll just grow old making jewelry and reading. I really love to read. Right now, I'm rereading a book by Rosamunde Pilcher entitled September. All of her books are good, set mostly in Scotland. The best book I've read by her is The Shell Seekers. If you're a reader, don't forget to read this one. You won't be disappointed.
I'm still making jewelry but have branched out into other aspects. I'm working in metal now. I like to hammer metal into shapes, stamp it and use it for bracelets, earrings, rings, etc. I really enjoy doing this and I feel it might be an inherited talent, as my Dad customized cars and was a welder, as well. I could hammer and stamp all day.
I certainly am dreading winter this year with the gas prices being so high. My husband and I are going to try heating our home partly with wood. We have a fireplace insert with a fan that will heat at least one half of the house so we'll use part wood and part propane. Propane has gotten almost cost prohibitive. We spent around $2,000.00 last winter for fuel, not counting the electric bill to run the house. Our electric bill this summer has been at least $450.00 a month. Of course, the pool counts for some of that and I've kept the AC at around 74 degrees. I don't know how people are going to live if things get too much higher.
Well, it's time to go beddy bye, so I'll close until next time. Be blessed and safe, Nana
Monday, August 23, 2010
Summertime Is Nearly Over
Greetings, All: Well, here it is August already. Where has the summer gone? It seems that the older I get, the quicker times flies by.
It has been a great summer here in the Mid Atlantic region, although it's been the hottest summer I can remember. Some days when you step out the door, it feels like stepping into a wet oven. The humidity has been unbearable. It was pretty dry the first part of the summer, but now we're having some nice thunderstorms several times a week. Thank the Lord, this nice rain keeps me from having to water all of the plants in my yard, which takes several hours, and since I can't do it anymore, I have to pay someone to do it. Oh well, that's what happens when one grows older. Someone else has to take over and do what you used to do and you have to pay them for it.
I've been under the weather for a few days with throat and sinus congestion. I really am surprised, as I take enough vitamins to sink a battleship. It's been nearly a year since I've had something like this and it really hasn't been too bad this time. I got it Friday, and today, Monday, I seem to be a lot better. One thing that came along with this is inflammation of the upper and lower eyelids. I thought, at first, I had pink eye and that I'd gotten it from my great-granddaughter. If it doesn't get a lot better by Tuesday, I'll go and see the eye doctor; it could be pink eye.
I'm planning a bracelet project. I haven't done any serious beading for a month now; I just haven't wanted to. The bracelet I'm going to make will have an oval-shaped, lime green and aqua, lamp worked bead in the center. On each side of the bead will be a herringbone-stitched tube in two shades of lime green. This will be something new for me and I'm eager to see what the bracelet will look like. I hope it works out, as I have tons of lamp worked beads I bought on E-bay and need to do something with them.
I ordered two shirts from Eddie Bauer that will be here Wednesday. One is lime green and the other is lavender. I hope they fit so I can wear the lime green bracelet with one, and the lavender bracelet I'm planning to make with the other.
My grandson-in-law is in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and will be there for one year. This is something that he absolutely wanted to do. He'll make enough money that he and my granddaughter can pay off everything that they owe and have a lot of dough left over. I think it takes a very strong person to be able to do this. I know I couldn't do it. I just couldn't be away from my children for one whole year. While he's gone, another daughter will be born but he'll be able to come home when that happens. He gets to come home for a couple of weeks every three months. I pray for his safety every day; he's in a very dangerous region of the world.
In January I'll be welcoming my third great-grandchild into the world. It's a girl and her name is going to be Emma Paige. I just love that name; it sounds so old fashioned. I hope she's as sweet and as good as
my other great- granddaughter, Maddie. Maddie is one of the sweetest children I've ever seen. She's always going up to someone, grabbing them around the legs, and giving them a hug. How cute is that! She's fifteen months old now and will be twenty-two months old when the baby is born. I also have a great-grandson who's seven. Ethan is a beautiful child. He has white hair and big, blue-green eyes and is very precocious. He loves to come to my house and "rummage" through my "stuff". I have lots of things he likes to look at and always wants to know if he can take something home, which, of course, I let him do. My grand and great-grandchildren have been a great source of joy in my life and I thank God for them.
Well, I've got to go and do some cleaning, which I really don't want to do, but needs to be done. I'll just take my time and not try to wear myself out. Eventually, I guess I'll have to hire someone to do this for me as well.
I pray for blessings for all of you. Until next time, Nana
It has been a great summer here in the Mid Atlantic region, although it's been the hottest summer I can remember. Some days when you step out the door, it feels like stepping into a wet oven. The humidity has been unbearable. It was pretty dry the first part of the summer, but now we're having some nice thunderstorms several times a week. Thank the Lord, this nice rain keeps me from having to water all of the plants in my yard, which takes several hours, and since I can't do it anymore, I have to pay someone to do it. Oh well, that's what happens when one grows older. Someone else has to take over and do what you used to do and you have to pay them for it.
I've been under the weather for a few days with throat and sinus congestion. I really am surprised, as I take enough vitamins to sink a battleship. It's been nearly a year since I've had something like this and it really hasn't been too bad this time. I got it Friday, and today, Monday, I seem to be a lot better. One thing that came along with this is inflammation of the upper and lower eyelids. I thought, at first, I had pink eye and that I'd gotten it from my great-granddaughter. If it doesn't get a lot better by Tuesday, I'll go and see the eye doctor; it could be pink eye.
I'm planning a bracelet project. I haven't done any serious beading for a month now; I just haven't wanted to. The bracelet I'm going to make will have an oval-shaped, lime green and aqua, lamp worked bead in the center. On each side of the bead will be a herringbone-stitched tube in two shades of lime green. This will be something new for me and I'm eager to see what the bracelet will look like. I hope it works out, as I have tons of lamp worked beads I bought on E-bay and need to do something with them.
I ordered two shirts from Eddie Bauer that will be here Wednesday. One is lime green and the other is lavender. I hope they fit so I can wear the lime green bracelet with one, and the lavender bracelet I'm planning to make with the other.
My grandson-in-law is in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and will be there for one year. This is something that he absolutely wanted to do. He'll make enough money that he and my granddaughter can pay off everything that they owe and have a lot of dough left over. I think it takes a very strong person to be able to do this. I know I couldn't do it. I just couldn't be away from my children for one whole year. While he's gone, another daughter will be born but he'll be able to come home when that happens. He gets to come home for a couple of weeks every three months. I pray for his safety every day; he's in a very dangerous region of the world.
In January I'll be welcoming my third great-grandchild into the world. It's a girl and her name is going to be Emma Paige. I just love that name; it sounds so old fashioned. I hope she's as sweet and as good as
my other great- granddaughter, Maddie. Maddie is one of the sweetest children I've ever seen. She's always going up to someone, grabbing them around the legs, and giving them a hug. How cute is that! She's fifteen months old now and will be twenty-two months old when the baby is born. I also have a great-grandson who's seven. Ethan is a beautiful child. He has white hair and big, blue-green eyes and is very precocious. He loves to come to my house and "rummage" through my "stuff". I have lots of things he likes to look at and always wants to know if he can take something home, which, of course, I let him do. My grand and great-grandchildren have been a great source of joy in my life and I thank God for them.
Well, I've got to go and do some cleaning, which I really don't want to do, but needs to be done. I'll just take my time and not try to wear myself out. Eventually, I guess I'll have to hire someone to do this for me as well.
I pray for blessings for all of you. Until next time, Nana
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Summertime, and the livin' is easy
Greetings, All: It's been a while since we've talked, but that's the way it goes during the summer. I, like everyone else, have been busy doing, doing, doing, since it got a lot warmer; hotter, I should say.
It's been one of the hottest summers I can remember. The temperature today is over 100 degrees, and the humidity is probably eighty percent. I've been in the house, exclusively, for over a week now. I only venture out to go to the bank, the grocery store or the post office. My life sounds real exciting, doesn't it?
I've become interested in Indian cooking. I happened to see a cooking show on the cooking channel, entitled Spice Goddess, and watched as the hostess cooked Indian cuisine. I was totally amazed at how easy she made it seem. I was also very interested in all of the spices she used. I have two turntables in my kitchen cabinets, full of spices. I know some of them are probably years old, but they still have a pungent smell, so I'll keep them for a few more years. Spices are very expensive, especially the ones that are used in Indian cooking.
After looking at my spices, I found I have most of those that are used in Indian cooking. I found one spice, Garam Masala, at Food Lion, much to my surprise and delight. I also ordered two Indian cuisine cookbooks from Amazon.com today, one with meat, and one vegetarian. I can't wait until they arrive so I can try some of the recipes. Being a vegetarian, it will be nice to eat something that's entirely different from what I've been eating.
When I got home from the grocery store, it was time for lunch. I fixed a rice pilaf, Uncle Ben's, that you put in the microwave for ninety-seconds. The rice used is brown rice and it's absolutely delicious; I was pleasantly surprised. I also opened a can of Progresso Lentil soup to which I added garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, a dash of tabasco, a dash of dill weed, a dash of Italian seasoning and a dash of Garam Masala. This tasted awesome! Garam Masala is a combination of spices containing coriander, black pepper, cumin, cardamon and cinnamon. It has a very unusual taste and smell that I like, although some might not.
I've really gotten into cooking now that I have to be on the alkaline/acid balance diet for the rest of my life. I'm beginning to feel a lot better than I have been feeling. Food makes all of the difference in ones sense of well being and is the absolute key to good health.
I also ordered a gluten-free cookbook that uses almond flour, agave nectar with grapeseed and coconut oil. My grandson and I both have problems with gluten. When I get all of my ingredients together, I'm going to make a BIG CHOCOLATE CAKE. I've been craving chocolate cake for months. It will be wonderful to finally be able to indulge my taste buds and I know my grandson will be happy.
I'm still beading, of course. I haven't been doing much lately, as I've been busy trying to get three meals on the table every day. Believe me, when you're on a special diet, this takes some planning, but it's well worth it. I feel good eating "live" food that's not processed and so acidic.
I've started going to church again. I've been out of church for a while and it is so nice to go to church again and praise the Lord. I go to a church that is free in the "Spirit" and that allows you to raise your hands, move around, clap, say Amen, etc. Once you start praising God this way, you can't ever go back to a conventional church service. Being free to express yourself in worship is one of the most satisfying experiences I know. The Word says..."God inhabits the praises of his people."
Well, it's time to eat din din. I don't know what I'll have, but I'm sure I can whip up something delectable in a short amount of time. (?)
Au Revoir, Nana
It's been one of the hottest summers I can remember. The temperature today is over 100 degrees, and the humidity is probably eighty percent. I've been in the house, exclusively, for over a week now. I only venture out to go to the bank, the grocery store or the post office. My life sounds real exciting, doesn't it?
I've become interested in Indian cooking. I happened to see a cooking show on the cooking channel, entitled Spice Goddess, and watched as the hostess cooked Indian cuisine. I was totally amazed at how easy she made it seem. I was also very interested in all of the spices she used. I have two turntables in my kitchen cabinets, full of spices. I know some of them are probably years old, but they still have a pungent smell, so I'll keep them for a few more years. Spices are very expensive, especially the ones that are used in Indian cooking.
After looking at my spices, I found I have most of those that are used in Indian cooking. I found one spice, Garam Masala, at Food Lion, much to my surprise and delight. I also ordered two Indian cuisine cookbooks from Amazon.com today, one with meat, and one vegetarian. I can't wait until they arrive so I can try some of the recipes. Being a vegetarian, it will be nice to eat something that's entirely different from what I've been eating.
When I got home from the grocery store, it was time for lunch. I fixed a rice pilaf, Uncle Ben's, that you put in the microwave for ninety-seconds. The rice used is brown rice and it's absolutely delicious; I was pleasantly surprised. I also opened a can of Progresso Lentil soup to which I added garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, a dash of tabasco, a dash of dill weed, a dash of Italian seasoning and a dash of Garam Masala. This tasted awesome! Garam Masala is a combination of spices containing coriander, black pepper, cumin, cardamon and cinnamon. It has a very unusual taste and smell that I like, although some might not.
I've really gotten into cooking now that I have to be on the alkaline/acid balance diet for the rest of my life. I'm beginning to feel a lot better than I have been feeling. Food makes all of the difference in ones sense of well being and is the absolute key to good health.
I also ordered a gluten-free cookbook that uses almond flour, agave nectar with grapeseed and coconut oil. My grandson and I both have problems with gluten. When I get all of my ingredients together, I'm going to make a BIG CHOCOLATE CAKE. I've been craving chocolate cake for months. It will be wonderful to finally be able to indulge my taste buds and I know my grandson will be happy.
I'm still beading, of course. I haven't been doing much lately, as I've been busy trying to get three meals on the table every day. Believe me, when you're on a special diet, this takes some planning, but it's well worth it. I feel good eating "live" food that's not processed and so acidic.
I've started going to church again. I've been out of church for a while and it is so nice to go to church again and praise the Lord. I go to a church that is free in the "Spirit" and that allows you to raise your hands, move around, clap, say Amen, etc. Once you start praising God this way, you can't ever go back to a conventional church service. Being free to express yourself in worship is one of the most satisfying experiences I know. The Word says..."God inhabits the praises of his people."
Well, it's time to eat din din. I don't know what I'll have, but I'm sure I can whip up something delectable in a short amount of time. (?)
Au Revoir, Nana
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Summertine
Greetings, All: It's been a while, and a lot has been going on in my life.
My father passed away April 8th at the ripe old age of 90. He would have been 91 on 5/7/10. He lived a long and happy life. He worked at the Norfolk Naval Base until he retired when he was fifty-five, or there about. He was retired longer than he worked.
We have a garage behind my parents home where my father customized cars, welded, painted and did general body work on cars. He was a very talented man who could do and fix anything. He also was an inventor; he invented lots of things to help around the yard and house, one being an Okra- seed planter. He made several things for me: a wrought iron etagere with glass shelves, a wrought iron gate with the letter S in the middle, a very small coal shuttle, etc. On my mother's mantle sits a pair of solid brass candlesticks that he made; they're beautiful. He was an artist.
My father also loved the yard and his garden, which he tended faithfully until the last few years of his life. He was especially proud of his collards and gave away lots of them to the neighbors. My mother froze and canned most of the garden's bounty. One of the things I remember most about my childhood is the wonderful food my mother always had on the table. She was, and still is, a great cook.
My dad was cremated and there was a memorial service at the funeral home in Norfolk. Many of his friends and family were there. After it was over, Mama said "...your Daddy would have loved this." It was very nice to see people I hadn't seen in years and years and to reconnect with family members who live out of state.
My son had a hip replacement yesterday and is doing well. I called him this morning but he was too groggy to talk. He should be home in a couple of days. He has rheumatoid arthritis and will eventually have to have to other hip replaced. I know he's going to have a much better quality of life with his new hips.
I found out yesterday that I'm going to be a great-grandmother again next February. This will be the third great-grandchild. We're all very excited about the news; grand and great grands are truly a blessing from God.
I'm still beading, making rings and bracelets like crazy. I'll never be able to make all of the ideas I have, but I'll give it my best shot.
I'm still selling books on Amazon.com. I'm up to over $2,000.00 now. I still can't believe my success.
I hope I keep selling until I get rid of all of the books I have listed. The money I'm making each week is paying my grocery bill.
Well, it's time to eat lunch. Today I'm having stewed potatoes and onions with Texas Pete and Italian Seasonings - YUM!!!
Until the next time, Nana
My father passed away April 8th at the ripe old age of 90. He would have been 91 on 5/7/10. He lived a long and happy life. He worked at the Norfolk Naval Base until he retired when he was fifty-five, or there about. He was retired longer than he worked.
We have a garage behind my parents home where my father customized cars, welded, painted and did general body work on cars. He was a very talented man who could do and fix anything. He also was an inventor; he invented lots of things to help around the yard and house, one being an Okra- seed planter. He made several things for me: a wrought iron etagere with glass shelves, a wrought iron gate with the letter S in the middle, a very small coal shuttle, etc. On my mother's mantle sits a pair of solid brass candlesticks that he made; they're beautiful. He was an artist.
My father also loved the yard and his garden, which he tended faithfully until the last few years of his life. He was especially proud of his collards and gave away lots of them to the neighbors. My mother froze and canned most of the garden's bounty. One of the things I remember most about my childhood is the wonderful food my mother always had on the table. She was, and still is, a great cook.
My dad was cremated and there was a memorial service at the funeral home in Norfolk. Many of his friends and family were there. After it was over, Mama said "...your Daddy would have loved this." It was very nice to see people I hadn't seen in years and years and to reconnect with family members who live out of state.
My son had a hip replacement yesterday and is doing well. I called him this morning but he was too groggy to talk. He should be home in a couple of days. He has rheumatoid arthritis and will eventually have to have to other hip replaced. I know he's going to have a much better quality of life with his new hips.
I found out yesterday that I'm going to be a great-grandmother again next February. This will be the third great-grandchild. We're all very excited about the news; grand and great grands are truly a blessing from God.
I'm still beading, making rings and bracelets like crazy. I'll never be able to make all of the ideas I have, but I'll give it my best shot.
I'm still selling books on Amazon.com. I'm up to over $2,000.00 now. I still can't believe my success.
I hope I keep selling until I get rid of all of the books I have listed. The money I'm making each week is paying my grocery bill.
Well, it's time to eat lunch. Today I'm having stewed potatoes and onions with Texas Pete and Italian Seasonings - YUM!!!
Until the next time, Nana
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Spring Has Sprung
Greeting Readers: Well, it looks like spring has finally arrived. It's obvious by the daffodils, tulips and saucer magnolia trees blooming everywhere. My weeping cherry tree is absolutely gorgeous this year. Maybe all of the cold weather we had affected its bloom. If we could only get rid of the wind. It's blowing now like crazy and it's blown all winter. It would be really warm if not for the wind.
I've had seven family birthdays this month, including aunts, cousins, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter and great-grandson. Whew! I've spent the whole month eating birthday cake; consequently, tomorrow is D-Day - diet day. I've put on at least six pounds since Christmas and must get it off before summer so I can get into my summer clothes.
My niece, my sister's daughter, came down for the weekend and we had a very nice visit. She was really interested in my jewelry. She bought five rings and gave me orders for some other things, as well. We had fun looking at beads and seeing what looked good with what. She's on her way home now and the last of the birthday parties is over. I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet and relaxation next week.
I've sold a lot of books on Amazon.Com. I'm close to the $1,000.00 mark now. I can't believe I've sold this many books, and I've still got a lot to sell. I finally got them all listed and it took quite a while. Hopefully, I will sell most of them; it's just going to take some time.
I keep wondering where all of the money I've made has gone and I've decided that most of it has gone for groceries. I can't believe how many times I have to go to the grocery store now that my grandson is living with me. He's just turned eighteen and only likes certain foods so my trips to the grocery store have become more frequent. But, I am very thankful that I have had this extra money to spend on food as the cost of food has skyrocketed. I don't know how large families can feed themselves. What's it going to be like a year from now?
Hopefully, the American people, who are very resourceful, can hang on until Obama is out of office and the newly- elected Republicans can make the changes needed to turn things around.
I haven't had much time to do any beading lately and I've really missed it. I'm going to try to bead some tomorrow. I have a few orders to get ready. I'll get these out of the way and then I can concentrate on doing something that I really want to do - design.
I've got to rest for a while now; I'm totally exhausted. Later, Nana
I've had seven family birthdays this month, including aunts, cousins, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter and great-grandson. Whew! I've spent the whole month eating birthday cake; consequently, tomorrow is D-Day - diet day. I've put on at least six pounds since Christmas and must get it off before summer so I can get into my summer clothes.
My niece, my sister's daughter, came down for the weekend and we had a very nice visit. She was really interested in my jewelry. She bought five rings and gave me orders for some other things, as well. We had fun looking at beads and seeing what looked good with what. She's on her way home now and the last of the birthday parties is over. I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet and relaxation next week.
I've sold a lot of books on Amazon.Com. I'm close to the $1,000.00 mark now. I can't believe I've sold this many books, and I've still got a lot to sell. I finally got them all listed and it took quite a while. Hopefully, I will sell most of them; it's just going to take some time.
I keep wondering where all of the money I've made has gone and I've decided that most of it has gone for groceries. I can't believe how many times I have to go to the grocery store now that my grandson is living with me. He's just turned eighteen and only likes certain foods so my trips to the grocery store have become more frequent. But, I am very thankful that I have had this extra money to spend on food as the cost of food has skyrocketed. I don't know how large families can feed themselves. What's it going to be like a year from now?
Hopefully, the American people, who are very resourceful, can hang on until Obama is out of office and the newly- elected Republicans can make the changes needed to turn things around.
I haven't had much time to do any beading lately and I've really missed it. I'm going to try to bead some tomorrow. I have a few orders to get ready. I'll get these out of the way and then I can concentrate on doing something that I really want to do - design.
I've got to rest for a while now; I'm totally exhausted. Later, Nana
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A Change of Seasons
Greetings, readers: Well, spring is in the air; the temperature approached fifty-five degrees the other day. This has been one of the coldest, windiest, wettest winter that I can remember in my sixty-nine years of life.
The wind has been blowing here in the coastal region of North Carolina for months. I wonder what March is going to be like? It certainly can't be any worse than January or February.
I just heard on the news that an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chili early this morning and that the force of it was five hundred times that of the one that struck Haiti. That's very hard to believe and amazing. Now, they're warning the entire Pacific Coast of an impending Tsunami, especially the Hawaiian Islands. I pray that, even though conditions are perfect for a tsunami, no tsunamis strike any inhabited islands or coastlines.
It seems that earthquakes are becoming commonplace these days. It reminds me of what the Bible says about earthquakes and floods becoming numerous in the latter days. I do believe that we are in the latter days and that Christ's return is not far away. I just want to be ready when that day arrives.
As usual, I've been beading, beading, beading. I've found a few beading blogs and have seen some of the beading done by others and know, without a doubt, that I will NEVER be that good; I don't have that much time left to practice. I wish I'd started beading when I was younger, but I didn't have as much patience then and with children to rear, beading would definitely have been put on the back burner. Oh well, I don't have to be the very best; I'll just do the best I can and enjoy the beading process, which definitely relaxes me and when I make up my own designs, I'm using the right side of my brain, which is supposed to make one smarter.
It is a beautiful day here in North Carolina; sunny and still windy but not too cold. I can't wait for some spring-like weather. I can remember, in years past, that in February we would have a couple of days that were warm enough to sun bathe; not so this year. My gas bill has been stupendous this year. I got my propane tank filled up the other day and I haven't even looked at the bill, for fear of it being too high. If I didn't have to pay gas bills, or grocery bills, I would have lots of money to buy more beads. Ha.
I'm waiting for my granddaughter and great-granddaughter to arrive. They're coming over for a little visit. My great-granddaughter is walking now; so cute. I can't believe that next month she'll be one year old. Time really flys by, doesn't it? It seems like it used to take a long time for Christmas and summertime to come around, but now it seems as though all we have is Christmas and summer. The days are going by too fast for me. It seems as though as soon as I get up in the morning that it's time to go to bed again.
Well, readers, it's time to close for now. My grand and great-grands are here and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. Later - Nana
The wind has been blowing here in the coastal region of North Carolina for months. I wonder what March is going to be like? It certainly can't be any worse than January or February.
I just heard on the news that an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chili early this morning and that the force of it was five hundred times that of the one that struck Haiti. That's very hard to believe and amazing. Now, they're warning the entire Pacific Coast of an impending Tsunami, especially the Hawaiian Islands. I pray that, even though conditions are perfect for a tsunami, no tsunamis strike any inhabited islands or coastlines.
It seems that earthquakes are becoming commonplace these days. It reminds me of what the Bible says about earthquakes and floods becoming numerous in the latter days. I do believe that we are in the latter days and that Christ's return is not far away. I just want to be ready when that day arrives.
As usual, I've been beading, beading, beading. I've found a few beading blogs and have seen some of the beading done by others and know, without a doubt, that I will NEVER be that good; I don't have that much time left to practice. I wish I'd started beading when I was younger, but I didn't have as much patience then and with children to rear, beading would definitely have been put on the back burner. Oh well, I don't have to be the very best; I'll just do the best I can and enjoy the beading process, which definitely relaxes me and when I make up my own designs, I'm using the right side of my brain, which is supposed to make one smarter.
It is a beautiful day here in North Carolina; sunny and still windy but not too cold. I can't wait for some spring-like weather. I can remember, in years past, that in February we would have a couple of days that were warm enough to sun bathe; not so this year. My gas bill has been stupendous this year. I got my propane tank filled up the other day and I haven't even looked at the bill, for fear of it being too high. If I didn't have to pay gas bills, or grocery bills, I would have lots of money to buy more beads. Ha.
I'm waiting for my granddaughter and great-granddaughter to arrive. They're coming over for a little visit. My great-granddaughter is walking now; so cute. I can't believe that next month she'll be one year old. Time really flys by, doesn't it? It seems like it used to take a long time for Christmas and summertime to come around, but now it seems as though all we have is Christmas and summer. The days are going by too fast for me. It seems as though as soon as I get up in the morning that it's time to go to bed again.
Well, readers, it's time to close for now. My grand and great-grands are here and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. Later - Nana
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
What's New?
Greetings readers (or reader), It's been a while since I wrote on my blog. There's been a lot going on in my life.
The new year is here and I haven't kept one resolution - yet. I still plan to exercise every day, eat better, lift weights, read my bible every day, etc. Actually, I forget to do these things. I get so involved in everyday events that my resolutions completely slip my mind.
I used to be very disciplined - when I was younger. I can remember getting up at 5:00 AM every morning to do Joanie Greggins who had an exercise show on TV. She's probably dead now; she was pretty old when she was doing her show and it's been at least 25 years since I did the exercises. Consequently, everything on my body is either sagging, bagging or dragging. And, you know the sad thing is, I don't really care. I never thought I would reach this point - not care about how my body looks. I used to be a fanatic about my looks. Oh well, I guess that's what age does to ones mind and determination, etc.
Since I last wrote, my grandson has moved in with me. He'll be eighteen Sunday. He needed a change, so he decided he wanted to live with Nana and Poppa. He's a dear boy. He has Asperger's' Syndrome, which is a type of Autism. He's had it since he was eighteen months, when he was diagnosed. He was fine up until that time when he started making lots of hand motions and wanted to play with cooking utensils instead of toys. I have to get up at 6 AM to get ready and to get my grandson's lunch fixed, take him to my granddaughter's house by 7:15AM and she takes him to school, as she's headed that way for work. I, in turn, take my great-grandson to school five minutes from her house, as he has to be at school later than my grandson. Can you figure that out? I also have to pick my grandson up every day at school, which is thirty minutes from my house. It sounds crazy, but I actually am enjoying getting up and out that early. I hope my attitude doesn't change.
I am a reader so, of course, I had to read everything I could find on the subject. We chose to implement several unorthodox treatments for my grandson, one being Auditory Integration Training. This involved going to another town, two hours away, every day for two weeks. While there, my grandson had to put headphones on his ears and listen to music - different kinds of music. These sessions were supposed to help my grandson sort out different sounds, so he could learn to communicate. He really didn't like this, at first, but eventually he adjusted. We had an hour session in the morning, had to wait four hours and have another session the same day. It was very trying to have to find something to fill up those four hours. I even resorted to renting a motel room so we could eat lunch and rest a bit. Eventually, we went to my mother's house, an hour away, after the afternoon sessions, and spent the night there. This was a lot easier than having to drive two hours home every afternoon.
Anyway, the sessions were completed and after the first session, my grandson said a whole sentence. It was incredible. We were driving home and he said, "I see a deer". We started screaming and crying; it was wonderful. I do believe that this "unorthodox" treatment for Aspergers started my grandson off in the right direction. Today, he is a caring, loving, Christian, sweet young man; we all adore him.
I'm still beading. I've made a lot of " bling-bling" rings. They're really big rings that truly make a statement. I love making these. I start out with the base beads I like and just wing it from there. I don't have a plan, I just let the design ideas come as they will. I love to design; this is my passion. I've said many times to my husband..."I wish I had a passion like your fishing passion." He does love to fish.
Well, now I have a passion. The problem is, I don't want to sell any of my rings. Everyone says, make two of each ring and sell one of them. If I make two, that means I'll be making two of the same thing when I could be designing something entirely different. Does that make sense?
I just got through eating my "no-no" breakfast - a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit with a diet coke. I only eat one of these about once a month, if that often, as they're chock full of calories and all kinds of bad stuff, mainly fat. But, they're soooo good, and I was soooo hungry.
I'm sitting here typing this blog trying to decide if I'm going out of town today, or not. They're having a big bead, trunk show an hour from here and I'd like to go, just to get out of the house. We've been pretty housebound in the mid-atlantic lately because of all of the snow, sleet and wind we've had. I can't remember a winter that has been so crazy. We usually have pretty mild weather here in NC, but this year has taken the cake. It's not supposed to get above 45 degrees today. Yesterday afternoon, it was 60 degrees and 32 degrees last night. Is that crazy, or what?
Well, I guess it's time to close down this blog; I've got a lot of things to do today. I hope all of you have a blessed day. Ciao, Nana
The new year is here and I haven't kept one resolution - yet. I still plan to exercise every day, eat better, lift weights, read my bible every day, etc. Actually, I forget to do these things. I get so involved in everyday events that my resolutions completely slip my mind.
I used to be very disciplined - when I was younger. I can remember getting up at 5:00 AM every morning to do Joanie Greggins who had an exercise show on TV. She's probably dead now; she was pretty old when she was doing her show and it's been at least 25 years since I did the exercises. Consequently, everything on my body is either sagging, bagging or dragging. And, you know the sad thing is, I don't really care. I never thought I would reach this point - not care about how my body looks. I used to be a fanatic about my looks. Oh well, I guess that's what age does to ones mind and determination, etc.
Since I last wrote, my grandson has moved in with me. He'll be eighteen Sunday. He needed a change, so he decided he wanted to live with Nana and Poppa. He's a dear boy. He has Asperger's' Syndrome, which is a type of Autism. He's had it since he was eighteen months, when he was diagnosed. He was fine up until that time when he started making lots of hand motions and wanted to play with cooking utensils instead of toys. I have to get up at 6 AM to get ready and to get my grandson's lunch fixed, take him to my granddaughter's house by 7:15AM and she takes him to school, as she's headed that way for work. I, in turn, take my great-grandson to school five minutes from her house, as he has to be at school later than my grandson. Can you figure that out? I also have to pick my grandson up every day at school, which is thirty minutes from my house. It sounds crazy, but I actually am enjoying getting up and out that early. I hope my attitude doesn't change.
I am a reader so, of course, I had to read everything I could find on the subject. We chose to implement several unorthodox treatments for my grandson, one being Auditory Integration Training. This involved going to another town, two hours away, every day for two weeks. While there, my grandson had to put headphones on his ears and listen to music - different kinds of music. These sessions were supposed to help my grandson sort out different sounds, so he could learn to communicate. He really didn't like this, at first, but eventually he adjusted. We had an hour session in the morning, had to wait four hours and have another session the same day. It was very trying to have to find something to fill up those four hours. I even resorted to renting a motel room so we could eat lunch and rest a bit. Eventually, we went to my mother's house, an hour away, after the afternoon sessions, and spent the night there. This was a lot easier than having to drive two hours home every afternoon.
Anyway, the sessions were completed and after the first session, my grandson said a whole sentence. It was incredible. We were driving home and he said, "I see a deer". We started screaming and crying; it was wonderful. I do believe that this "unorthodox" treatment for Aspergers started my grandson off in the right direction. Today, he is a caring, loving, Christian, sweet young man; we all adore him.
I'm still beading. I've made a lot of " bling-bling" rings. They're really big rings that truly make a statement. I love making these. I start out with the base beads I like and just wing it from there. I don't have a plan, I just let the design ideas come as they will. I love to design; this is my passion. I've said many times to my husband..."I wish I had a passion like your fishing passion." He does love to fish.
Well, now I have a passion. The problem is, I don't want to sell any of my rings. Everyone says, make two of each ring and sell one of them. If I make two, that means I'll be making two of the same thing when I could be designing something entirely different. Does that make sense?
I just got through eating my "no-no" breakfast - a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit with a diet coke. I only eat one of these about once a month, if that often, as they're chock full of calories and all kinds of bad stuff, mainly fat. But, they're soooo good, and I was soooo hungry.
I'm sitting here typing this blog trying to decide if I'm going out of town today, or not. They're having a big bead, trunk show an hour from here and I'd like to go, just to get out of the house. We've been pretty housebound in the mid-atlantic lately because of all of the snow, sleet and wind we've had. I can't remember a winter that has been so crazy. We usually have pretty mild weather here in NC, but this year has taken the cake. It's not supposed to get above 45 degrees today. Yesterday afternoon, it was 60 degrees and 32 degrees last night. Is that crazy, or what?
Well, I guess it's time to close down this blog; I've got a lot of things to do today. I hope all of you have a blessed day. Ciao, Nana
Monday, January 4, 2010
The New Year
Greetings All - Well, a new year is here and I've already broken some of my New Year's resolutions; I broke one the very first day. What else is new? This, of course, is an ongoing habit of mine. Talk is cheap.
I'm glad the holidays are over. It was nice, but there's too much temptation concerning food. I gave in this year; I succumbed to my taste buds and, consequently, ate a whole pecan pie. God, it was good! It's been years since I've baked a pecan pie, mainly because of the calories. Of course, I could have ignored it, but that was just about impossible to do when it was sitting there, staring me in the face, daring me to partake.
I also indulged in dark, chocolate-covered peanuts, which were absolutely wonderful. I ate so many I thought I was going to be sick.
I'm back on my acid/alkaline balanced diet, which takes a lot of determination and a lot of cooking. I made some Cannellini- bean soup yesterday which was delicious. I added chicken broth, orgainc, tomatoes, tomato paste, celery, onion, carrot, bellpepper and one-half can of mild chilies, plus salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. It's one of my favorite soups.
I was going to have some for lunch today, but my granddaughter wants me to ride with her to take my great-grandson to the doctor for a checkup. I'll sit in the car with my great-granddaughter so she won't have to be exposed to all the germs, and sick children, in the doctor's office.
It's very cold here in the mid-atlantic region. Last night it was below twenty degrees. I really don't mind the cold weather, but it's a little too cold. I'm actually looking forward to spring, when I'll be able to view my lovely Iris once again; my favorite flower. I planted some new ones last year, one of which was a beautiful pink one. I hope it does well this year. The only problem with Iris is that they don't bloom very long.
I've been reading voraciously lately. I have spells when I read a lot and then slack off and do some beading. I'm rereading some of my John Grisham books. I think he is a great writer and I do love a good mystery. I've recently heard of an author that I want to read; her name is Margaret Atwood. I think she writes books that are about the end of the world, survivors, etc. I do like this kind of story. Did any of you ever read Stephen King's The Stand? This was one of the best books, ever; I've read most of King's books.
Speaking of beading, I haven't done too much lately, but I'm gearing up to do so; the urge to create is becoming very strong as of late. I want to learn as many beading techniques as I can. I love it when I put the needle into the beads and create something beautiful. Now, if I could just part with some of my creations.
Well, I've got to run some errands. Have a good one. Nana
I'm glad the holidays are over. It was nice, but there's too much temptation concerning food. I gave in this year; I succumbed to my taste buds and, consequently, ate a whole pecan pie. God, it was good! It's been years since I've baked a pecan pie, mainly because of the calories. Of course, I could have ignored it, but that was just about impossible to do when it was sitting there, staring me in the face, daring me to partake.
I also indulged in dark, chocolate-covered peanuts, which were absolutely wonderful. I ate so many I thought I was going to be sick.
I'm back on my acid/alkaline balanced diet, which takes a lot of determination and a lot of cooking. I made some Cannellini- bean soup yesterday which was delicious. I added chicken broth, orgainc, tomatoes, tomato paste, celery, onion, carrot, bellpepper and one-half can of mild chilies, plus salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. It's one of my favorite soups.
I was going to have some for lunch today, but my granddaughter wants me to ride with her to take my great-grandson to the doctor for a checkup. I'll sit in the car with my great-granddaughter so she won't have to be exposed to all the germs, and sick children, in the doctor's office.
It's very cold here in the mid-atlantic region. Last night it was below twenty degrees. I really don't mind the cold weather, but it's a little too cold. I'm actually looking forward to spring, when I'll be able to view my lovely Iris once again; my favorite flower. I planted some new ones last year, one of which was a beautiful pink one. I hope it does well this year. The only problem with Iris is that they don't bloom very long.
I've been reading voraciously lately. I have spells when I read a lot and then slack off and do some beading. I'm rereading some of my John Grisham books. I think he is a great writer and I do love a good mystery. I've recently heard of an author that I want to read; her name is Margaret Atwood. I think she writes books that are about the end of the world, survivors, etc. I do like this kind of story. Did any of you ever read Stephen King's The Stand? This was one of the best books, ever; I've read most of King's books.
Speaking of beading, I haven't done too much lately, but I'm gearing up to do so; the urge to create is becoming very strong as of late. I want to learn as many beading techniques as I can. I love it when I put the needle into the beads and create something beautiful. Now, if I could just part with some of my creations.
Well, I've got to run some errands. Have a good one. Nana
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Things I don't like
Greetings all....there are a lot of things that I don't like. I don't like knowing that roaches are crawling over the dishes in my cupboard, on my stovetop, on my cabinets and everything else that is anywhere. I detest the critters but once they get into your home, they become entrenched. I've just had to let the aversion of these nasty insects go by the wayside and trust my immune system to deal with any germs I may come in contact with. I have my house sprayed once a month, but I really don't like having to do this. I know the chemicals are bad for you, but what else can I do? I do open all of my windows for several hours after spraying and I'm sure this helps a lot.
I also hate having to intensely look all around for snakes every time I open any doorway going outside my house. I've also had to learn to live with this aversion. We had a snake in the house once last summer for three days and when I finally found it, and my husband shot it, I realized just how tensed up I was. I can remember breathing deeply for the first time in three days.
I also hate it when we have a very dry, hot summer. I'm getting to the age that having to water plants is a real chore. I have to hire someone to do this now and even to weed my flower beds, as the heat really bothers me; hot flashes and 90 degrees just don't go together. I really don't like summertime because of the heat. I usually have to stay inside most of the summer in the air conditioning.
There are a lot of other things that I hate, but the list is too long to iterate.
On my next blog, I'll list the things that I love. Farewell all, Nana
I also hate having to intensely look all around for snakes every time I open any doorway going outside my house. I've also had to learn to live with this aversion. We had a snake in the house once last summer for three days and when I finally found it, and my husband shot it, I realized just how tensed up I was. I can remember breathing deeply for the first time in three days.
I also hate it when we have a very dry, hot summer. I'm getting to the age that having to water plants is a real chore. I have to hire someone to do this now and even to weed my flower beds, as the heat really bothers me; hot flashes and 90 degrees just don't go together. I really don't like summertime because of the heat. I usually have to stay inside most of the summer in the air conditioning.
There are a lot of other things that I hate, but the list is too long to iterate.
On my next blog, I'll list the things that I love. Farewell all, Nana
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