Sunny Tuesday sometime in January

I had a post on FB by a friend that asked for you to post the last picture on your phone.  I posted a picture and then posted the post to my page.  It was fun seeing my FB friends posting their pictures.  My girlfriend I grew up with who is building a home in the small town where she and I grew up/went to school...she posted a pretty picture of a rock with their last name and a light on it.  She said she got it for her husband's Christmas gift.  I said, huh, great minds think alike...as I had just admired and posted a picture of my rocks framing our driveway.  These we made ourselves, using silicone adhesive to glue on the numbers/letter and solar spot lights.  

These pictures right after we "installed" the rocks.  It was actually one big rock that broke in half - otherwise, DH and I would not have been able to get them into our truck!  You can see the small bushes that are next to each, they are growing nicely and we have since planted some decorative grass behind them as well.  This is them the other night.

We think they turned out nice.  Enjoy making the yard look pretty.  What projects are you working on?  I need to clean all my blinds.  Maybe next month or so I will start doing a room at a time, lol.  I actually cleaned my windows last spring and noted that by mid summer they were already needing washed again!

Speaking of quilt...I wish I could quilt...maybe I will learn that after I slow down hiking, lol.  But I do crochet.  I have 2 hand crocheted afgans on my Poshmark closet for sale...the green and burgundy one is 35 x 58 inches and the red, white and blue one is large...52 x 60.  This gal offered me $22 for them both, plus a blanket scarf I have listed!  I was like, not only no...but I immediately raised the price on both.  Geez.  Last fall I sold this sunflower one for $35.  That is more reasonable.  There are hours involved in making a nice afgan.  Come on, people!?

Still slowly purging and selling, little by little.  Have several "home goods" things listed, but they are very slow to sell.  Still mostly selling clothes I don't wear anymore.  I.e. dressy work clothes.  I have spent a couple years hiking, deciding what gear I need.  I just bought my warm mid layer coat, a used Patagonia...set me back $140!  Used!  Bought a new with tags day pack on Poshmark, for $80, would have been $120+ at the store.  Love to hear stories of what you are saving up, planning for.  

I was able to go on an impromptu "hike" with some of the women in the club Sunday.  It was in Bella Vista and was mostly on pavement, but I had not explored this area yet, and it was a pretty sunny (albeit windy) day, so I was grateful to get to go on a Sunday, since that is my only day off.

We walked under the new by-pass that goes north on I-49 and connects Arkansas to Missouri, going around Bella Vista.  That was pretty wild.  

I find the concept of through-trails fascinating, and perhaps this can be an area I explore more of as I retire, second time around - God willing.  God willing, that I am still healthy and able to do some through-trail walking.  I always toyed with the idea of backpacking, but I am afraid that ship has sailed.  You really need to be able to carry 30-35 pounds and do 10-15 miles a day.  We shall see, I guess.  Also, the problem of finding someone willing and able to go with me!

My DH is not terribly well, health-wise.  Although, he did have a televisit with his nephrologist today, his kidneys/related lab counts are looking good.  2 years ago he was feared to be Stage 4 kidney disease (probably diabetes related), but that was later adjusted to Stage 3.  Stage 5 is dialysis.  DH diabetes is currently being treated and responding well to medication.  

So nephrologist was very encouraged and happy today, so that makes us happy.  DH needs to be more active, but he gets angry if I push too much.  On the other hand, if he plans anything or finds someone to walk with, he forgets.  Our big concern right now, is his memory - he is forgetting everything and it is scaring us both.  More on that in the future...

Eventually I want to walk the entire 30+ miles Razorback Greenway from Fayetteville to Bella Vista.  I will do section at a time!  

Have a great evening!

Good Time to Catch Up

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I posted.

My favorite uncle passed that week and so I went to the city and stayed with my aunt for a week helping her get services ready and keeping her company.   She is doing ok.  I worry about her.  Losing my uncles income will tighten her budget.   She has a big family and support system.  I hope they keep it up.

I saw my elderly Granny day after her bday couple weeks ago.   She was good.  Now they are not having visitors for the time being.  My Granny is trying to stay positive.

Last week our internet was out for 5 days.   I went ahead and went on a trip (I drove) about 4 hours south with my hiking club to a lake and couple state parks.  There were 20 of us.  We had a good time.  I like the women in the group.

When I got home Thursday I was sick.  So of course I have worried a bit.  But I am pretty sure just allergies and my chronic condition.   No flu symptoms.   I have been getting lots of rest.

Saturday we stocked up on groceries.  Bought pantry stuff and also lots of fresh fruit and veggies.  We are just staying home as much as we can next 2 to 4 weeks.  Yesterday and today was dreary and gray/drizzling.  I walked anyway.  Going to try to stay active and enjoy some solitude. 

I am eager to get my plants outside and plant some veggies...wont be long!

Until then we are enjoying chilly evenings and a fire on our wood stove and projects inside.

Stay well!

When I Think I Know, I Don't

I have had some highs and lows this first month of 2019.  I will blog more about it later.  But for now, this is where I will concentrate.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

I was gone all day for a class reunion Saturday and I got run down and stressed, then upset.

I was better yesterday,  yoga helps.  But today I am still struggling.   So I am trying to relax, get some inspiration and take it easy.

This is a good day for slowing down and taking it easy...it is 14 degrees!

But I do have to get out and go to birthdays dinner for niece and BIL.  I will prob just have soup and salad.

Hope you are staying warm and have pet to cuddle with

Playoff Hope Gone

Well, we watched our team lose last night.  It was depressing.  My DH also had a sore back.  He was rude and snapped at me and i snapped back.  Oh, but I do understand chronic pain...I just try different things to feel better.  And even during my trip to AZ I felt pretty good, by maintaining all my little steps I try to feel better and eat healthy.

At Sams Saturday while DH was picking out his new eyeglasses, I cruised for samples because it was prime time sample giveaway crowd and I was starving.  This one gal was giving samples of Kombucha and they were pretty good.  I cannot find Kombucha in my town, so I order it - $40!  for six from Amazon.  Hers was $14, on sale for $11.  Sold.  She laughed because she said usu no one is excited about Kombucha and hardly anyone likes the taste.  It really is an acquired taste, and I has probably taken me a year.  But I cannot eat yoghurt, so this is my way of adding some good bacteria (plus a good probiotic capsule).  Lot of good ways to boost our immunity.  Stay healthy out there everyone!

Today is a new day.  I am not going to let yesterday affect today.  Still pretty cold, but just warm enough to take the pup for a quick walk yesterday.

Happy MLK day to you.  Hopefully you have the day off too.

I can't believe it is the 18th already

When I posted I thought it was the 16th.  I stop all the time and have to really concentrate...what is the date today?  What day of the week is it?  We have been retired 2.5 months and are starting to see a natural schedule evolve.  But we wanted it to be organic and not something that we arbitrarily came up with out of fear or other weirdness out of our emotions.

I pray that I may not worry over the limitations of my human mind. I pray that I may live as though my mind were a reflection of the Divine Mind.
Hazelden Foundation

My emotions are tied to my past, I feel like.  So, since I have never been retired before, I wanted to approach it out of honesty and not a picture of what others had told me or what I felt was right because of competing emotions I might not fully understand.  After getting our house, finances, cars and paperwork like insurance, licenses, property taxes, bank accounts, address changes all sorted out...it has been our goal to take it real easy this winter.  Essentially work on our mental health...and physical.  DH has lost about 15 pounds and I have lost just a few, maybe 5 pounds.  But we are trying to focus on eating a balanced diet and not eating too much.  I specifically am trying to eat more vegetables.

For a week now, after we drink our coffee we don't eat till 11 or 12.  Look up the effects of intermittent fasting on our bodies and how we make more HGH if we stop eating at night and don't eat again for 12-16 hour later.  I swear this is helping us immensely.  DH and I both have inflammation type chronic conditions.  I have researched vitamins, herbs and minerals I have been so sick in the past during my working years that I did not know how I was going to keep working. 
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, smaller meals, no dairy and at times full elimination diet have turned my health around.  I take a very expensive probiotic that made the biggest single impact.  I also take a digestive enzyme.  DH does not take this, but he eats more veggies than I ever have and he is taking cod liver oil, vitamin C and D with me and he is seeing results in his cholesterol and has stopped the omeprazole.  Thank you Jesus.  That stuff is linked to many issues and they are even saying possibly dementia.

It is nice to be able to make a fresh home cooked meal at leisure at least once a day from fresh ingredients.  Yesterday I roasted in the oven 1 large butternut squash, 2 acorn squash, 2 onions, 1 sweet potation and 1 regular potato.  I spread out about 6 - 10 garlic cloves and drizzled with olive oil.  Sprinkle with sea salt.  Bake at 400 for 45 - 60 min.  I also separated all the seeds and roasted them with salt and pepper.  Then I let the vegetables cool slightly, scooped all the insides out, put it all together in a soup pot and simmered with about 6-8 cups of broth.  Then I added sprinkle of cayenne pepper and double sprinkle of curry powder (not sure how DH would like this) and some black pepper.  Then I pureed it with my immersion blender.  I use this gadget all the time.  mostly to blend soups.  But you can also whip cream, make pudding and smooth gravy with it.  He LOVED this soup!  We did garnish with the toasted seeds and some vinegar

Just holding steady is a victory for me, given my activity level and stress are way down.  But this will be 3rd week of 2 yoga classes and I will be golfing today.  I used to just force myself to do yoga or workout classes right after work.  It is much harder going after a day relaxing at home.  But I am adapting.

What are you going to do today to take care of yourself?

Challenge during my Challenge

Today is buy yourself flowers.  I bought myself some new yoga bras instead.  Yesterday was go the entire day without complaining.  Pretty sure I never complain!  Yeah, right.  So, I will give myself credit for that challenge.  Today I have to send off my phone to be replaced.  So I will have no phone for several days!!!  What?  Crazy.  DH is taking it harder than I.  I am actually sort of curious.  Think it will be mixed blessing.

Day 18 is make time for a wholesome breakfast.  I don't have breakfast.  But I will adapt by having a smoothie each day for lunch.  This will be my first entire week to do so, and I am noticing.  Feel great!  My test from specialist came back normal and he is agreement that I can continue to treat through diet and not take medicine!  So awesome!

Day 19 is do one thing you have been putting off.

Day 20, the last day is Don't Overthing, practice being present.

I will try to post every day still.  From my laptop.  But tomorrow is golf.  So, might be Wednesday.
Have a great week.  This is the last full week before Christmas.  Easy for me to say, I do not have kids.  But I buy for friends, friends' kid and children in the family.  Enjoy this week.  Stop and just be.  Be mindful.  Be present.  I am going to be asking God to help remind me of priorities and be grateful!

Selling!

I have 45 pair of shoes and boots of my friend's sister listed...not a single sale yet until this week.  Then I sold one pair of boots and 2 jeans.

It is funny how it sort of cascaded once it gets started.  Can be Amy project.  Clearing out clutter, organizing, rearranging,  selling, even giving away.  Once I get started, it flows.

I also went through box of photos of my neice and nephew.  Kept just few and plan to photo and transfer to electronic storage and otherwise incorporate into my current photos.

Then I divided them all up to give to neice and nephew.  Thus freeing up a large box.  I also went through a big pile of picture frames and prepared for donation.

While DH is away at deer hunt, I will declutter even more.  He did agree to donate 2 huge speakers...so that is great!

This morning, I worked on clearing out some cabinets and I am going to store some glassware in more long term way...if I dont find myself using, I will donate.  Then I dusted and watched birds till DH got up.

We have to drive to other side of the county for his lab and my dr.  My dr appt I set back in May or so, funny how the lab got put on same day, conveniently.  I hope my new specialist is good, I will miss my doctor in the city, but not the huge medical facility challenges that came with her.  But with huge medical facility comes cutting edge knowledge and strategy?  Will I be giving up quality for smaller practice?  We shall see.

I am grateful for my health.   It us generally very good, at least I seems to be something I can engage in and affect holistically.   My body allowed me to complete a pretty challenging class last night.   Today I feel it!

Our Last Monday

Before the Israelites arrived in the Promised Land, they spent decades wandering the desert. That’s where God cared for His people so much He provided manna in the morning and quail at night. (Exodus 16:12) But God only provided food six days of the week. Moses said, “Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none” (Exodus 16:26, ESV). And, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD … ’” (Exodus 16:23a).

Yesterday was a day of blissful rest.  We went to a friends to watch football.   We took a pizza.  My friend sent us home with enough pulled pork for 3 sandwiches!

Even last night I slept great.   But I sure am grouchy today.  Still fighting this site throat going on 3 weeks now.

But my thoughts this morning are on two things.  How God has always provided for me and how quickly time marches on, making me want to relish in gratitude this morning.  Even as we are counting down the days, we are still aware just how much grace in our lives we have received. 

So, even when I am grouchy.  I have to laugh because I know I need to reign in my inner 5 year old, when things don't go my way.  After all, I did not get bronchitis or even a sinus infection. 

When I read this post I paste above, I had to knock on wood mentally, because while I assume we will have good health the next 3 months (with more rest, relaxation, less stress, less eating out) I certainly could be wrong.  So it is with God's will, we have good health.  And my wish is for any of you who read this to also have good health.

We drove by our old neighborhood yesterday, our favorite neighbors had some mail for us that had not been forwarded.  We got to catch up with them real quick.  We just love these people to bits.  Then we lounged at home and talked about our plans this week.  We decided after dinner wed night we will do the bulk of our room pack up.  Which leaves me time to sleep in Friday, since Thursday is my last day at work. 

What are your plans for this week?

Friday Finally

To stop and smell the roses this week, I went to bed early every night (except last night), went to yoga twice and visited my DGM.  Yoga last night was just my friend T and I with our instructor.  He has been teaching us since 2012.  Last night he told us how well we  are doing.  I was shocked, he is not a talker  I replied that I felt and saw changes in myself that I know are from yoga and that is all I need.  It was good doing yoga twice this week, I want to walk 4 -5 times a week and do yoga 2-3 times when we retire.  I told DH that while I was on break yesterday I went through and did a draft of our new post retirement budget.  This week we both changed our addresses most places we could think off - banks, investment, professional licenses (4), utilities, work, insurance...I also put in the mail forwarding order for post office.  So, now all we have to do is turn in his paperwork, finish our 3 months work (pay off NYC trip off my credit card) and then next week our house will be paid off from the equity in our city house we are selling.  I have been really aware of getting rest and eating right, so physically I am doing well, but dang I am weary.  P.S.  I am well today, but yesterday i had a flare of epic proportions.  I had forgotten just how sick i can get, I had been feeling so well for so long.  Then BAM - out of nowhere...I know DH is tired and weary too.  But this weekend, we essentially unload the pantry/misc stuff (clocks, step ladder, other kitchen stuff) and plants go to MIL house and we are pretty much free to relax Saturday in our new space.  We will just have to try to ignore the ruined, partially torn up hardwood floor in the kitchen.  My pantry is in the utility room, so I can work in there and not worry about the torn up floor.  Oh, and I do have to move a shelf that is currently in utility room to garage so they can install flooring in there too.  But those two things are pretty minor compared to some of our recent work weekends of the past 3 years..  Sunday we will come back and clean where some furniture has been moved while we were gone and coordinate giving away few more things (another briefcase - this time to BIL, a sturdy for-sale sign for their yard, large TV, Armoire) and some stuff to purge (radio that does not work well, exercise ball that is going flat some more clothes and some old sheets) and then we just have to move stuff to extended stay hotel Tues and Wed night (and work a full week).  The buyer of our CH came over last night to measure a few places, she said she is really excited and we are excited for her to take it over and off our plates!

Cheat Days

I am finally getting a handle on my tummy troubles.  I have cut back on my prescription - my gastro dr would kill me.  But it has serious risks and was not working for me, even though a scope showed I was in good shape.  I question a lot of the timing of this test because this last scope was while I was on steroids - so could that be what was working?  Regardless day to day I was feeling worse on the strong prescription with the high risks.  Plus side effects included a hard bloated midsection, more hunger and loss of hair...plus rashes.  I decided I can't do this and started working on a few supplements/vitamin/minerals and have really tried to watch my diet.  I have implemented a couple of anti microbials (Pau d'Arco and grapefruit seed extract).  And I really think between them and the digestive enzyme and probiotic, i have a balance that is really working together.  There are sources out there that caution against GSE but they also call into question whether candida is real.  I know from symptoms and blood work testing that it is a real dysfunction and I am cutting sugar, dairy and processed foods to minimize it.  My next step will be to reduce meat consumption and when i do have it  - only locally sourced meat (when I do have it - maybe once a day) and organic foods.  This is not just to feel better emotionally, but to try to heal my body.  Sometimes I get overwhelmed at the implication that my health is in my power, but the results prevent me from denying it.  Thank goodness for cheat days!

Rest

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/?m=1
My friend at work has a funny saying "crank daddy out a hit".  We were just talking this morning about activity level, health and how sitting at work all day 8 - 12 hours a day is not good for us.  It takes years to build up strength and endurance.  I walked with my girlfriend last night, T.  We were reflecting how long it has been since it was nice enough outside in this long Midwest winter.  Our usual 4 miles was harder last night.  We also discussed our yoga over the past 6 years and how we see progress being made.  But it has taken 6 years!  And this morning my work friend and I were talking about how just the last year of overtime has sapped us!  Years to build up, months to lose.  But, the important take away is that it is NEVER too late to start.  If nothing else, working out benefits my state of mind.  I think it will be more easy to fit in and more important than ever to continue this in retirement.  My DH has been eating a little bit better and walking more with golf and he has lost 12 pounds in 3 months.  Funny thing is, our doctor told him his sodium was low, so to drink less water.  What?!  That is crazy, but makes sense because he and I have been obsessed with water and I think it is because of 3 things:  1)  our Y*@i tumblers.  I love them!  2)  we gave up diet soda and 3)  this sort of goes together, but I think he and I both are more sensitive to salt/medications may be making us thirsty.  Either way, good news...unless there is some underlying problem I need to worry about...too late, I worry proactively.  We are really focusing on getting our required sleep every night with these last couple years of hard work on both houses, at our jobs and with my health condition.  So, here's to not worrying...not worrying that this weekend will AGAIN be cold and rainy and so we still will not be able to paint our deck...not worrying that my dogs health is tenuous and they will get sick again...not worry that my DH has underlying health issue...not worrying that I will soon be moving away from my 99 year old dear grandmother...not worrying that we won't sell our house soon enough...or fast enough...No, I refuse to worry.  I will focus on gratitude, rest and turning it over to Him...and lunch and a movie with my 2 aunts on Sat.  Life is good!

C for Choices

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/?m=1
I got my labs the weekend I was out of state for a wedding.  My numbers all look really good.  It made me think about personal choices.  I have been improving my eating slowly and sometimes too slowly, out of a desire to be more healthy and stay trim, but also because of all my stomach woes.  In my search to find answers about my stomach problems, I fluctuate between the hope that I can find medicine that helps and being able to find a lifestyle/eating formula that helps.  If medicine helps, then I don't have to be personally accountable and I don't have to feel like I have failed.  But, the longer I travel this journey, the more I am understanding that what I put into my body affects me, just like it affects anyone - our health.  But almost immediately I can feel horrible and be sick for hours or days.  So, I keep trying to tweak it.  My cholesterol, good and bad are good, my glucose is good.  My blood pressure good.  My vitamin D still on track going on 2nd year in a row.  My weight is good.  I am going to keep trying to put one foot in front of the other.  After all, isn't it better that I do have accountability and realize how I feel is in my own control and directly related to the choices I make?
Here are some of the changes I have made over the years to improve my health.  I exercise (walking and yoga).  I eat at home mostly.  I limit carbs and processed food.  Carbs i eat are potatoes, quinoa, rice and home made bread/biscuits.  I eat more vegetables, fruit and lean meat.  I have pork or beef maybe once a week.  I cut dairy 2 years ago.  I limit sugar, but when I have sugar I have a small amount of what i crave.  I eat my potatoes i love, but switch to sweet potatoes half the time.  I stopped drinking soda 2 years ago.  No artificial sweetener.  I have been doing intermittent fasting since Nov and feel it is working for me - i skip breakfast.  For the past year or so, I have been eating very small evening meal - sometimes broth (google bone broth) or smoothie only.  In my smoothies I put bunch of spinach, ground flaxseed/chia seed, vegan protein and fruit.  I blend with almond or coconut milk.  Only caffeine is 2 cups of coffee in the morning.  i put a mix of nutrients in it that include cacao, lacuna, collagen, maca and coconut sugar - along with spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom.  I enjoy it so much, it has helped me cut back to almost no more artificial powder creamer (i know, i know).  Every day i have 1 green tea and take vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements and after much research and trial and error, have found a combination that helps me feel my best (including vit C, vit D, B chewables, probiotic, digestive enzymes, fish oil, calcium, zinc, magnesium and special eye supplement).  On Friday and Saturday I pretty much eat what I want.  The rest of the week is pretty regimented. 
What are you doing to be healthy?

My Dear (Male) Dog

I have a dear (female) dog too. 

Our Boy was much better after we got off work and got home yesterday.  Compare first to second photo, you can tell a difference.  He seemed to be almost his old self again.  Vet cannot find anything wrong, other than heart murmur/enlarged heart - we have know about this several years.  He also has some arthritis, but nothing to clearly explain sudden bursts of pain.  She wants me to bring him back today for 2nd film to see if he has a kidney stone.  He did fine all night last night, except in the middle of the night had another episode of about 7 to 10 seconds of yelping.  It was horrible.  So, we are a bit bleary eyed today, but hopeful he improves.  I was convinced he was declining.  Now, maybe not. 
Weather here is gloomy and gray.  Forecast the rest of the week is chilly.  One never knows in the Midwest, even up to Easter.  I am driving my kitty down to my friends house about an hour from RH.  She is gracious enough to foster my kitty until October when we will be moved completely and out of the monthy extended stay hotel we will be in for 3 - 4 month after city house sells.  DH going to stay home and keep Chico calm.  I am taking a load of small stuff I can unload myself and one large antique I will swing by my sister's after RH on my way to my friend's house Sat to drop off kitty.  That way, I can get my new truck licenced in new state (and avoid the higher taxes here) and clean up the tile mess and put books away/clear clutter in RH Fri night.  I will pop in on my Father in Law, as he is having some health issues too.  At least my DGM here in the city is doing well right now (she is 99!).
Have a wonderful Wed.  What is the weather like where you are?  Any fun Easter plans?  I just thank God so much for his grace and blessings.  I need to slow down and remember to check in with him every day.  Let that guide me and keep my mind at peace.  Know that all this busy-ness can be a way to avoid thinking about what really matters.  Peace to you.

A Cold January Type of January

Have sold a ton.  Bought 4 flannel shirts 1 on sale and 3 thrifted, wool cardigan  on sale and thrifted never worn hiking boots!

Spent the day yestersay at hospital with my cousin.  She learned she has lung cancer that has spread to her brain in the last 24 hours.  A lot to process.  She is 59.  Her son is 27.  Her mother (my DGM sis in law/best friend) is 95 in march.  They are taking brain tumor out tomor. 

Next they will biopsy the cells and/or lung tumor cells and confirm dx, tx and px.  I am numb today.  Think i will hang out at the hosp tomor.  Lot of this is going on around me.  That is our environment, that is old age, that is living longer and knowing more, that is life.  Life is precious and fragile.  Thanks for reading.

All Souls Day

11/1/17
I dedicate my post today to my mom, God rest her soul.

I cannot even believe that it is already November.  It is cool and gray outside, but not as cold and windy as Halloween.  I did manage to bundle up and take a walk after work.  Next week ends daylight savings time, so will be too dark for me to walk after this week.  I will still walk on Sundays though.  I do not walk in the dark.  I live in a nice suburb of a large Midwestern city and probably would be safe walking even in the pitch black, but my husband and I just do not think this is a good idea, so I avoid it.  My husband walks with me sometimes, but I cannot depend on him to walk with me.  So, I guess I will increase my yoga to twice a week and walk weekends. 

I have walked regularly since I graduated from high school in the 80's.  I used to do it just to keep my weight down, but over the years the benefits have become so obvious, that I do it to stay active and healthy.  Perhaps more important even still are the benefits it has on my psyche.  I feel better mentally and my mind shifts into a relaxation mode when I walk regularly.  I listen to podcasts, books or music and I just really enjoy it.  I have a beautiful walking area on a parkway at my CH (city home).  It goes in between 2 golf courses and so I find balls all the time and it is also in between to cow pastures so we see lots of wild animals, along with the cows.  There is a stream and a pond that is a constant source of animals.  We have seen (or heard) owls, an eagle, hawks, ducks, geese, kingfishers, egrets, cormorants, coots, herons, cranes, bitterns, all manner of other migratory birds, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, beavers, otters, muskrats, possums, skunks, deer, turtles, frogs and...I think that about covers it. 

I hope it stays nice enough today to walk again when I get home.  Last night after my walk we pretty much lay low while the kids trick or treated, we have 2 small dogs that go crazy, so we don't turn our light on.  I hate it, but I feel like our neighbors would be disturbed by the barking because we are the middle unit in a patio home.  Then, we both wanted to watch different shows, so my husband ate his fish meal in front of the TV in the living room and I enjoyed my pumpkin smoothie in the bed room.  We hardly ever do that, but I enjoyed catching up on one of my shows.  I think tonight I will fix him either left over pancakes from Sunday morning or a taco salad. 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot...yesterday was the last day of overtime for me!  I have been on overtime since June and I am tired of it.  I added it all up and I have done an extra 182 hours of overtime and I am ready to wind down a little.  Next week I have a colonoscopy on Monday and I have decided to just take the rest of the day off!  That is a rare thing for sure.  It will be sort of like a reward.  I am going to eat lunch with my aunts and then putter at home.  I dread it so much, I just want to get it over with.  I have had like 8 in the past 5 years, but I am doing a lot better between diet, medicine and supplements.  And I just have to accept that I need a lot of rest, esp while I am working full time.  My stress over the years has been reduced since I changed careers and I hope to downsize the stress even more when my husband retires.  Stress is a killer when you have a constant medical condition like I do.  Have a great Wednesday, I hope you get to enjoy what ever thing reduces your stress and gives you some joy!

November, yoga, exercise, golf balls, birds, animals, nature, dogs, CH walking, health, career, stress

Two Steps Forward

One step back.  At least that beats one step forward, two steps back. 

Some great strides in decluttering and saving, then I see something shiney.  Oh well.  I had saved up some money for a couple of things and so I feel ok as long as I try to stay away from impulse buying.  I had planned to get something nice for DH retirement and now that is out of the way.  I can work almost a year trying to add back to my savings to make up for that. 
 

Lots of festivals this time of the year and that is so fun!  Yesterday we went to an art show and a car show.  We had a great time, even though it was in the 90's and humid!  We also went to a great meal out Friday night and they serve family style, so LOTS of leftovers!  Also 3 friends have given us fresh produce, so I am not going to the store until late in the week, we are working on our pantry and freezer. 
 

Today we are going to a movie which is a rare treat.  We almost always do matinees due to keeping cost down.  Then we go pick up our used car that has been very challenging with all the repairs we had to shell out within months of owning it.  But I look at it like, now the vehicle has basically been rebuilt, so should last us several years. 

My DH also sold his newer truck recently so we could put that money in the bank to be able to pay off RH when we sell our CH.  It should happen still.  I also recently did a small financial assist for a family member and gave to Red Cross for hurricane and bought a shirt to help animal shelter.  So, that makes me feel really good.
 

This weekend, I thoroughly cleaned master bath everything!  Lights, doors, baseboard and floor.  I will finish up tonight with scrubbing the grout.  I also caulked a place around front door window panel and repainted that trim. 

I read another blog who recommended you hire an inspector to go through and point out stuff you can address beforehand.  I may just have BIL who has built houses do that.  I also have a friend who is really good at staging and when she was here last month, she gave me lots of ideas that I wrote down on a list.  I did not get rid of much this weekend, but now that we will have our big SUV back, I can take a giant lamp to my aunt (A2) and I am taking a large houseplant and 2 giant planters to my SIL2. 

I wish I had started blogging sooner so I could remember all the stuff I have sold, given away to family/friends and given to thrift stores.  It has been pretty substantial.  Here are a few examples:  clothes, shoes, jewelry, collectibles of certain name brands sold.  I have used Facebook market place, ebay and Poshmark.  Furniture: FB, garage sales and Craigslist.  Plus I have given plenty away.  Sentimental stuff goes back to where I got it, or on to younger people in my family.  Sporting goods, expensive small items mostly ebay.  I had a freezer that we called bulk item pick up and I have put several large things we don't want, that have little value that I have sat by the curb with a "free" sign during our neighborhood garage sale.  I will do a whole post on Poshmark sometime.  All these things I have probably make over $5000 in the past 2 years.  I also gave away some large houseplants free on Craigslist. 

The older I get, the more I think about cleaning and maintaining certain things.  I am getting tired of houseplants, but I still keep a few.  DH and I really hate to kill houseplants.  I would rather give it away.  My health condition is cooperating with me great this weekend, feel great!  I walked yesterday before it got warm and I will walk later today again, AFTER the NFL game!
 

Hope you are getting a lot of fall projects tackled!