A wonderful extended weekend with family and friends! Good food, good fellowship, and great times. It has taken me a few days to recover, but that is age not infirmity.
I thank my daughters for straightening and cleaning after the fact and giving me a chance to recover without all that on my mind. I so enjoy having the family gather here for Thanksgiving and hopefully they enjoy coming.
The broke warm and sunny and provided the perfect weather for the kids to enjoy the outside and many to eat on the porch and patio. The counters and tables were filled with good food and everyone ate their fill. Dad stayed with us for four hours and went home to sleep it all off and get some rest. He called to make sure I was going to do it again at Christmas. The man does enjoy his food. He will celebrate his 87th birthday in January, so each year we are thankful he can still join us in celebration and thanksgiving. His health has gone down rapidly in the last three years, but he keeps on trucking. Mom moves a little slower than she once did, but don't we all. She doesn't look as if she has aged a day.
I am thankful for my family and the blessings I receive from each and everyone.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Time for Reflection
The week before Thanksgiving is always my time of reflection. There is always so much to be thankful for, but there is also so much that I feel I could have done differently. Not a time for regret, just a time of adjusting ones thinking so that in the coming year my actions and reactions can be more positive and fulfilling.
With only a month and a half left in this year, there is not much time left to accomplish great things, but today is the first day - well you know.
I have made new friends and reconnected with old friends this year - there are two that I have spoken with but not really re-established a relationship with and that is a project that I hope to rectify soon. It has brought my heart joy and comfort to see these people again; to remember the joys of youth; and to take many strolls down memory lane. Forty plus years ago we all parted and started on our life journeys. For twelve years our journeys were focused on each other and then we were declared ready to start our life without instruction. It is interesting to see what paths each chose to follow and the changes we have all been through. It is a sad fact that we, as a whole, have not been a healthy group and many have been lost in that 40 years. Dear ones, know that you were missed at our great reunion. Thank you Dawn for bringing much sunshine, smiles and joy into many lives this past year.
Every day my faith becomes deeper and I am in awe of the works of God. God is far from being dead as I am witnessing daily, but the pull of the world on our youth is a frightening thing. Our youth must be guarded and guided to follow in the steps of our Lord. Pray for our youth which is our tomorrow.
Hubby and I have had a healthy year without any major calamities. We experienced the loss of hubby's father this year, but by the grace of God it was not a long, drawn out sickness. Missed by family and friends, his loss had a sobering effect on his family.
We also had two marriages in our family this year which is always a celebration. I am now looking forward to hearing of upcoming births from some of our younger ones. Nothing brings joy like the birth of a child! The first of the grandchildren are entering their teen age years and that is always an interesting time. There are so many changes that a person goes through at this age. It is a most difficult time and one of great change. I love to hear the sound of their voices changing. I know it is frustrating to them and sometimes embarrassing, but it shows they are in transition from childhood to manhood. We have four boys in our group and five girls and I can't wait until these girls reach their age of maturity and the changes they will go through. I am so glad they all have stable parents to guide their thoughts and actions. So much to look forward to!
The families will all gather next week to catch up on "what's happening" and to fill their stomachs with every one's favorite recipes. I look forward to seeing and visiting with each and everyone. My wish for you is a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!
Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
With only a month and a half left in this year, there is not much time left to accomplish great things, but today is the first day - well you know.
I have made new friends and reconnected with old friends this year - there are two that I have spoken with but not really re-established a relationship with and that is a project that I hope to rectify soon. It has brought my heart joy and comfort to see these people again; to remember the joys of youth; and to take many strolls down memory lane. Forty plus years ago we all parted and started on our life journeys. For twelve years our journeys were focused on each other and then we were declared ready to start our life without instruction. It is interesting to see what paths each chose to follow and the changes we have all been through. It is a sad fact that we, as a whole, have not been a healthy group and many have been lost in that 40 years. Dear ones, know that you were missed at our great reunion. Thank you Dawn for bringing much sunshine, smiles and joy into many lives this past year.
Every day my faith becomes deeper and I am in awe of the works of God. God is far from being dead as I am witnessing daily, but the pull of the world on our youth is a frightening thing. Our youth must be guarded and guided to follow in the steps of our Lord. Pray for our youth which is our tomorrow.
Hubby and I have had a healthy year without any major calamities. We experienced the loss of hubby's father this year, but by the grace of God it was not a long, drawn out sickness. Missed by family and friends, his loss had a sobering effect on his family.
We also had two marriages in our family this year which is always a celebration. I am now looking forward to hearing of upcoming births from some of our younger ones. Nothing brings joy like the birth of a child! The first of the grandchildren are entering their teen age years and that is always an interesting time. There are so many changes that a person goes through at this age. It is a most difficult time and one of great change. I love to hear the sound of their voices changing. I know it is frustrating to them and sometimes embarrassing, but it shows they are in transition from childhood to manhood. We have four boys in our group and five girls and I can't wait until these girls reach their age of maturity and the changes they will go through. I am so glad they all have stable parents to guide their thoughts and actions. So much to look forward to!
The families will all gather next week to catch up on "what's happening" and to fill their stomachs with every one's favorite recipes. I look forward to seeing and visiting with each and everyone. My wish for you is a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!
Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Plants
Finally, last week we had our first frost here in middle Georgia. Summer just kept hanging on and frankly, for a change, I was very tired of it. This week has brought another round of warm temperatures but after the weekend we should be back to the mild seasonal temperatures this area is known for.
The temperatures changed quickly and I was "caught with my pants down" in that I had not prepared any of my plants for their transition to the inside. Before bringing my pretties in, I like to clean the top of the dirt, add more soil if needed (we all know soil settles as it sits and when it is watered) and trim dead or damaged leaves from the plants. Cleaning the outside of the pots always makes me feel better, too. Well, I didn't have time for any of that to happen. They are in, though in a cluttered fashion, and thriving well.
I have several cuttings in process of putting on roots which will have to be potted soon. I harvested the babies from my chandelier cactus and probably have over a hundred little ones now growing fast. I put a layer of small gravel, followed by a layer of potting sand and topped with potting soil in a fish bowl (the 10 inch size) to start my cactus. The little florets can be sprinkled over the top of the soil and evened out with a wooden skewer. These thin little skewers have many uses in my indoor garden and have become my favorite tool.
I have collected many candle jars for growing my little plants. The glass allows better viewing of the moisture content of the soil and also holds the moisture to aid in the growing process. It means transplanting again after a month or so, but I have lost less starters with these little jars. Once the plants get big enough for transplanting, they are much hardier and have a better chance of survival. I have already separated some of the cacti and will get to the rest this weekend.
Another trick I have learned is to transplant into peat cups and place in an inverted plastic tray. I have two - one is a meat tray container from a get together. Placing the peat cups in the top of the tray and covering provides a greenhouse effect and keeps the cups, soil, and plants from drying out in the arid climate of the house. I can lift the whole container and place outside on the warm and sunny days for a treat for these small plants. This has worked well for me over the years and I carry more plants to spring.
These little plant filled jars are also great for gifting. For plant lovers, they make the perfect hostess gift and are a great thank you gift also. An unusual plant and one that is hard to find the chandelier cactus is perfect for someone who has everything. I know I sound like a salesperson, but I have developed an interest in these cactus. Each plant grows differently. Some grow tall and slender, tall with a thick stem, some drape over the side of the container and then swoop upward, some just hang over the side - they are all unique.
I have 7 or 8 slips from the banana trees that are thriving since coming inside. These little beauties don't like the cold. I thought I had lost three, but on bringing them in, they have greened right up and seem sturdy. i hope in a month I am not writing that I lost them all. I still have to get my Sago palms in, but they can withstand short term cold. They will come in over the weekend also, but it may mean we have to move out, as the plants are really starting to take up space.
Thank for dropping in and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
The temperatures changed quickly and I was "caught with my pants down" in that I had not prepared any of my plants for their transition to the inside. Before bringing my pretties in, I like to clean the top of the dirt, add more soil if needed (we all know soil settles as it sits and when it is watered) and trim dead or damaged leaves from the plants. Cleaning the outside of the pots always makes me feel better, too. Well, I didn't have time for any of that to happen. They are in, though in a cluttered fashion, and thriving well.
I have several cuttings in process of putting on roots which will have to be potted soon. I harvested the babies from my chandelier cactus and probably have over a hundred little ones now growing fast. I put a layer of small gravel, followed by a layer of potting sand and topped with potting soil in a fish bowl (the 10 inch size) to start my cactus. The little florets can be sprinkled over the top of the soil and evened out with a wooden skewer. These thin little skewers have many uses in my indoor garden and have become my favorite tool.
I have collected many candle jars for growing my little plants. The glass allows better viewing of the moisture content of the soil and also holds the moisture to aid in the growing process. It means transplanting again after a month or so, but I have lost less starters with these little jars. Once the plants get big enough for transplanting, they are much hardier and have a better chance of survival. I have already separated some of the cacti and will get to the rest this weekend.
Another trick I have learned is to transplant into peat cups and place in an inverted plastic tray. I have two - one is a meat tray container from a get together. Placing the peat cups in the top of the tray and covering provides a greenhouse effect and keeps the cups, soil, and plants from drying out in the arid climate of the house. I can lift the whole container and place outside on the warm and sunny days for a treat for these small plants. This has worked well for me over the years and I carry more plants to spring.
These little plant filled jars are also great for gifting. For plant lovers, they make the perfect hostess gift and are a great thank you gift also. An unusual plant and one that is hard to find the chandelier cactus is perfect for someone who has everything. I know I sound like a salesperson, but I have developed an interest in these cactus. Each plant grows differently. Some grow tall and slender, tall with a thick stem, some drape over the side of the container and then swoop upward, some just hang over the side - they are all unique.
I have 7 or 8 slips from the banana trees that are thriving since coming inside. These little beauties don't like the cold. I thought I had lost three, but on bringing them in, they have greened right up and seem sturdy. i hope in a month I am not writing that I lost them all. I still have to get my Sago palms in, but they can withstand short term cold. They will come in over the weekend also, but it may mean we have to move out, as the plants are really starting to take up space.
Thank for dropping in and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Teeth Gritting Pain
There are many causes for teeth gritting pain, but nothing can compare to the pain of gout. Yeah, it sounds like an old fashioned ailment old men once complained about, but it is very real and very painful - - AND it doesn't just effect men. Gout can occur in women after menopause.
Not being a doctor or connected to the medical field I can only relate what I have been told and what I have read. Gout is caused by a high level of uric acid in the body. I have been told that the uric acid causes small crystals to form in the joints which results in severe pain when these crystals rub against bone, tissue, and cartilage.
I have mixed feelings on how to avoid and treat because one article says gout is not caused by diet, yet the same article says that high purine foods, i.e., beef, seafood, some vegetables, beer, etc., cause a "flare up" of gout. So, I am left to wonder if this is not another pill pushing article. Those of you that have read some of my articles know that I hate pills and pill pushers. If that is the only treatment, fine, let's do it; but if there is a natural way, let's take that road first.
A close friend has been through all the prescribed medications only to get worse rather than better. His answer to this painful malady is celery. Two ribs of celery a day keeps the gout away! This past weekend, hubby started experiencing severe pain in his right big toe (usually the first place gout rears its ugly head). Overnight the condition worsened to the point of nothing could touch his toe - not the sheet on the bed or a sock on his foot. There was redness around the joint of the toe and the pain was severe. Hubby is not a pill taker either but was begging for ibuprofen. Our friend happened to stop by and confirmed that hubby had all the signs of gout. I pulled out the celery (which is definitely not one of hubby's favorites) and prepared myself to shove it down his throat if needed. Didn't have to do a thing but mix a little sour cream and Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix together and he ate as if there were no tomorrow.
I wish I could say it was instant relief, but it took another day of ibuprofen and several more ribs of celery. By Sunday night, he could rest without pain and could hobble a little faster with a loose shoe on his foot. Monday found us at the Medical Clinic where they confirmed it was gout. He is now eating 2 - 3 ribs of celery a day and doesn't even need the ranch dressing mix to get it down.
I can't begin to tell you what the celery has in it that works, but work it does. I have also read that celery is good for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, muscle spasms, and a host of other common ailments. Long known as an effective diuretic, celery is a common vegetable readily available and simple to prepare. I love celery. Plain, stuffed with pimento cheese or peanut butter (which is a no no for gout sufferers), or dipped in your favorite sauce, celery is a much better alternative to pills.
I know one of the medications prescribed for gout is a poison and when taken must be closely monitored when prescribed to prevent damage to your body. I don't want to knowingly put poison in my system. There are some people allergic to the oils in the celery and must avoid even contact through handling. But if you are not in this category, eat celery! It is nutritious, tasty, and stops pain in the big toe!
More information and uses can be found at http://www.herbs2000.com/.
Happy reading!
Belle
Not being a doctor or connected to the medical field I can only relate what I have been told and what I have read. Gout is caused by a high level of uric acid in the body. I have been told that the uric acid causes small crystals to form in the joints which results in severe pain when these crystals rub against bone, tissue, and cartilage.
I have mixed feelings on how to avoid and treat because one article says gout is not caused by diet, yet the same article says that high purine foods, i.e., beef, seafood, some vegetables, beer, etc., cause a "flare up" of gout. So, I am left to wonder if this is not another pill pushing article. Those of you that have read some of my articles know that I hate pills and pill pushers. If that is the only treatment, fine, let's do it; but if there is a natural way, let's take that road first.
A close friend has been through all the prescribed medications only to get worse rather than better. His answer to this painful malady is celery. Two ribs of celery a day keeps the gout away! This past weekend, hubby started experiencing severe pain in his right big toe (usually the first place gout rears its ugly head). Overnight the condition worsened to the point of nothing could touch his toe - not the sheet on the bed or a sock on his foot. There was redness around the joint of the toe and the pain was severe. Hubby is not a pill taker either but was begging for ibuprofen. Our friend happened to stop by and confirmed that hubby had all the signs of gout. I pulled out the celery (which is definitely not one of hubby's favorites) and prepared myself to shove it down his throat if needed. Didn't have to do a thing but mix a little sour cream and Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix together and he ate as if there were no tomorrow.
I wish I could say it was instant relief, but it took another day of ibuprofen and several more ribs of celery. By Sunday night, he could rest without pain and could hobble a little faster with a loose shoe on his foot. Monday found us at the Medical Clinic where they confirmed it was gout. He is now eating 2 - 3 ribs of celery a day and doesn't even need the ranch dressing mix to get it down.
I can't begin to tell you what the celery has in it that works, but work it does. I have also read that celery is good for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, muscle spasms, and a host of other common ailments. Long known as an effective diuretic, celery is a common vegetable readily available and simple to prepare. I love celery. Plain, stuffed with pimento cheese or peanut butter (which is a no no for gout sufferers), or dipped in your favorite sauce, celery is a much better alternative to pills.
I know one of the medications prescribed for gout is a poison and when taken must be closely monitored when prescribed to prevent damage to your body. I don't want to knowingly put poison in my system. There are some people allergic to the oils in the celery and must avoid even contact through handling. But if you are not in this category, eat celery! It is nutritious, tasty, and stops pain in the big toe!
More information and uses can be found at http://www.herbs2000.com/.
Happy reading!
Belle
Monday, November 8, 2010
No Way!
There is no way I see myself as "old". That is why when putting all our treasures out on Friday morning for a yard sale this weekend, I jumped on the stationary bike when challenged by my granddaughter. She was tearing up the CardioGlide, so I was trying to tear up the bike. Every time I tried to stop, my little angel wanted just a little bit longer Nanna. Oh what a bad mistake! I rode like the wind and it actually felt pretty good.
Oh my, after all the treasures were set out and I settled on the porch with a cup of coffee and a book to wait for our first customers, the knee started feeling just a mite tight. Then I tried to stand - it didn't work! The pain was horrendous, the knee wouldn't bend and all I could manage was a hobble.
Thank goodness for ibuprofen. I took a couple and settled back down. Thank goodness my daughter was there to help because I couldn't have made many trips up and down those steps nor sit in the yard with the cold wind blowing. I hobbled and griped for the rest of the day, sure it was a temporary thing and caused by the lack of exercise. Well, here it is Monday and while I can hobble faster once I get started, the knee is still a mite swollen and tender.
Have you looked in the mirror and wondered who the person was looking back? In your mind do you see you as you actually look or do you see the person that was? I don't think any of us see ourselves as we are, but as we were at a younger age. Some days I feel almost 60 and others I feel 35. I am learning, sometimes the hard way, that I can't do what I use to do and sometimes it is better not to try. Am I giving in to my old age - no way! In fact, I put the stationary bike on the porch and intend to ride every day - not a lot, but some. I think I can limber that knee up after it gets over the shock and probably ride as long as the granddaughter by Spring.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Update
I only told part of the story in the above post, so here's the rest of the tale. On Saturday, some girls I graduated with planned a get-together. There were several people that couldn't make it to our class reunion in June and we all really wanted to get together. Help was coming to relieve me and to help daughter with the yard sale, so I was really looking forward to some fun and memory recall. When the time came for me to get ready, however, I could not walk without a noticeable limp and getting in and out of a chair was impossible. Yes, my kids laughed at me, but there was no way I was going to see the girls from school, when all I could do was limp around! Already feeling ancient, I couldn't limp into the restaurant where everyone looks years younger than me anyway. Vanity is silly I know, but that is what kept me from an enjoyable afternoon with old friends. Hopefully we can all get together again and this time I will sit on my duff so I will be prepared.
Now I have set the record straight. Girls, forgive me for missing what I am sure was a fun time. Let's try again soon.
Love to all!
Belle
Oh my, after all the treasures were set out and I settled on the porch with a cup of coffee and a book to wait for our first customers, the knee started feeling just a mite tight. Then I tried to stand - it didn't work! The pain was horrendous, the knee wouldn't bend and all I could manage was a hobble.
Thank goodness for ibuprofen. I took a couple and settled back down. Thank goodness my daughter was there to help because I couldn't have made many trips up and down those steps nor sit in the yard with the cold wind blowing. I hobbled and griped for the rest of the day, sure it was a temporary thing and caused by the lack of exercise. Well, here it is Monday and while I can hobble faster once I get started, the knee is still a mite swollen and tender.
Have you looked in the mirror and wondered who the person was looking back? In your mind do you see you as you actually look or do you see the person that was? I don't think any of us see ourselves as we are, but as we were at a younger age. Some days I feel almost 60 and others I feel 35. I am learning, sometimes the hard way, that I can't do what I use to do and sometimes it is better not to try. Am I giving in to my old age - no way! In fact, I put the stationary bike on the porch and intend to ride every day - not a lot, but some. I think I can limber that knee up after it gets over the shock and probably ride as long as the granddaughter by Spring.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Update
I only told part of the story in the above post, so here's the rest of the tale. On Saturday, some girls I graduated with planned a get-together. There were several people that couldn't make it to our class reunion in June and we all really wanted to get together. Help was coming to relieve me and to help daughter with the yard sale, so I was really looking forward to some fun and memory recall. When the time came for me to get ready, however, I could not walk without a noticeable limp and getting in and out of a chair was impossible. Yes, my kids laughed at me, but there was no way I was going to see the girls from school, when all I could do was limp around! Already feeling ancient, I couldn't limp into the restaurant where everyone looks years younger than me anyway. Vanity is silly I know, but that is what kept me from an enjoyable afternoon with old friends. Hopefully we can all get together again and this time I will sit on my duff so I will be prepared.
Now I have set the record straight. Girls, forgive me for missing what I am sure was a fun time. Let's try again soon.
Love to all!
Belle
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed my "Girlfriends in God" devotional this morning. It sent me to my Bible to read the last chapter. It reinforces all the promises of God and yes, it tells us everything ends as God has promised. If you get a chance today, visit "Girlfriends In God".
Big yard sale this weekend with goodies from multiple households. Hope people find the treasures among what we consider our junk. I am a pack rat and so are some of the participants of our sale, so there is no telling what you will turn up that you can't live without. I really enjoy "yard sales". I get to visit with neighbors who are too busy with their own lives to visit and I always meet new friends. It will be cold this weekend so the coffee will be flowing.
It seems to get further and further between visits of my daughter and her family. I get needy after a few weeks and sometimes my heart pines to touch my grandchildren. They still have that great child smell when you hug them and your chin hits the top of their heads. Their little arms - some getting longer- wrap around your waist and squeeze - it is the best feeling in the world.
I am once again getting in the sewing mood, so I hope to be turning out "something to die for" in the next few weeks. Hopefully I will get creative between now and then. Daughter has already gotten her customized Christmas stockings going and has received several orders. The year has flown by and it is closing on the end of another year.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I am so excited to see all the family once again. As time passes we seem to move hither and yon and don't stay in touch as we go about our business. Nephew is gracing us with some new recipes again this year and I am delighted to test his creations. There is so much to be thankful for this year. It has had its ups and downs, but as in the Bible, everything turned out okay.
Feeding a bunch of bikers a pot of chili for dinner, so I must get to it. Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
Big yard sale this weekend with goodies from multiple households. Hope people find the treasures among what we consider our junk. I am a pack rat and so are some of the participants of our sale, so there is no telling what you will turn up that you can't live without. I really enjoy "yard sales". I get to visit with neighbors who are too busy with their own lives to visit and I always meet new friends. It will be cold this weekend so the coffee will be flowing.
It seems to get further and further between visits of my daughter and her family. I get needy after a few weeks and sometimes my heart pines to touch my grandchildren. They still have that great child smell when you hug them and your chin hits the top of their heads. Their little arms - some getting longer- wrap around your waist and squeeze - it is the best feeling in the world.
I am once again getting in the sewing mood, so I hope to be turning out "something to die for" in the next few weeks. Hopefully I will get creative between now and then. Daughter has already gotten her customized Christmas stockings going and has received several orders. The year has flown by and it is closing on the end of another year.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I am so excited to see all the family once again. As time passes we seem to move hither and yon and don't stay in touch as we go about our business. Nephew is gracing us with some new recipes again this year and I am delighted to test his creations. There is so much to be thankful for this year. It has had its ups and downs, but as in the Bible, everything turned out okay.
Feeding a bunch of bikers a pot of chili for dinner, so I must get to it. Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
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