Survival After Seventy-Five

 Christmas Dinner, 2022

 Happy Holidays

      I have been busy preparing for Christmas by baking Oatmeal Raisin Cookies this morning.  I will freeze some of these cookies to take along to my granddaughters on Christmas Day.         There are an assortment of cookie recipes in the Freeman Family Cook Book.         Happy Holidays!

 When invited to a Christmas dinner, bring gifts for hosts and family.

     Take some time to read, write a note to a loved one or simply relax during this busy holiday season.  

      Before stepping out of the shower, wipe tiled walls down with a wash cloth to eliminate mold and mildew.  It only takes about two minutes and saves time and expensive product.  Use tile cleaners about every six months to thoroughly clean and disinfect.

       Use cleanser and a mop to scrub bathtub, and then, rinse tub and mop thoroughly with water.  There will be less stress and strain on your back.

   Visit my YouTube Channel: @grandmafreeman6618 where I post about food and cooking.  While you are there, please Subscribe and Like.  You will be glad you did.

      Save on gas when doing your errands by planning the shortest, most logical route possible.  For example: I go to the bank before I go grocery shopping, use cash, and then, I fill up on gas while I'm out.  In other words, start at point A, drive to point B, on to point C, and then back to point A using the least amount of  gasoline resource.  Do your shopping locally on the same day instead of randomly on impulse.

      When decluttering a room or area, take one thing at a time and decide whether you want to keep it, sell it, give it away or toss it.  If you cannot part with an object, visualize where to store it or where to display it.  If it has no value to you, decide how you could get rid of it.  If something you can live without has monetary value, think about how to sale the possession.  If it has little value, yet is still useable, plan to give it to a charitable organization, a family member or friend.  Be realistic, if it is worn out, broken, or shabby, mend it or toss it in a recycle ben or garbage can.        When you make a decision one way or another, make an effort to put it where it should be or pack it in a box, bag, or toss it immediately.  Things you aim to give away, do it as soon as possible.      Less stuff, is less stress.  I practice decluttering on a regular basis and when it's gone, I rarely miss things.

     As you update you pantry supplies, don't throw away Cream of Tartar from years-gone-by.  Use it to bring back a sparkle to your sink.

This little puppy is James who needs a good home.  He is being fostered by my son, Paul and his family until he finds a home.  If you would like to adopt James, please contact Three Little Pitties Rescue.  

 

      Recently, I went to a follow-up appointment about the results of a bone density scan.  I have osteoporosis and this year's 360 physical checkup has reviled more bone loss in my spine and upper thighs.       Seems, every time I have a physical checkup, there is always something else physically wrong with me.  I had better get my affairs in order before I take a permanent leave-of-absence.  Anyway, the bad news is I could suffer a fracture in my spine while simply by standing; and then, I would not be able to continue with my lifestyle, already limited due to age and other health problems.      Terry, a nurse practitioner who is assigned to my physical exam, told me, bone loss is generally caused by age and lack of estrogen.  She advised me to take a medicine, Alendronate Sodium, 70 MG Tab once a week and then, go in for another bone density scan during my next year physical examination.  Terry went on to tell me about the side effects of taking Alendronate Sodium.  Stomach pai

I have gotten a new Dell, Inspiron Laptap!  Woo Hoo!       Last April 2022, I set a goal to purchase a new laptop computer; and finally, after months of wishing and hoping, planning and scheming, my dream (goal) came true.  But not without a price and one year of debt to pay off.  The American dream scheme--twelve months of easy payments with no money down.  If you want it, you can get it; that is, if you have the  collateral for credit.       This goal is costly, and it took me a while to find the right laptop for me.  After, extensive online research, I chose a Dell Inspiron because, I was told some years ago, Dell computers are the best on the market.  And after researching my options, I was convinced Dell is the best laptop for me.  I'm conservative; therefore, I chose a medium-priced laptop, Inspiron which happened to be on sale at Best Buy on Labor Day.  I saved $200 which brought the price down from $799 to $599.  Plus, with frosting on top, it came with a six-months free an

   In an attempt to fill up a flower bed in my garden, I have added four more Mum plants along with three that I had planted last year.  Mums seem to do well in this spot which only gets full sun in the late afternoon.      I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping my little  plants will survive through the rest of this year on into next spring.  And, perhaps, those blooming annuals will seed and come back again next spring.      Last year, I scattered a lot of water crest seeds in this area, and it should fill in again soon with all the rain we are getting lately.      When I get back to this section of my garden, I would like to add more plants.  Another planting project would depend on my finances and if I could afford more plants or seeds.  I might have to wait until next spring to continue planting.  Perhaps, garden maintenance, i.e., weeding, trimming, and watering will be all I'm able do for a good while.

Peach Cobbler with a Cup of Coffee         Recipe: Bring a large kettle of water to a rapid boil and add 7 or 8 ripe peaches.  Boil for about two minutes and then, turn off heat and let peaches set in water for a few minutes.  Drain water off peaches and let cool until able to handle.  Peel off peach skins and remove pits.  Slice peaches and place them in a bowl.     In a bowl, mix together 1 T. spoon of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tsp. almond extract, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg.      Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of margarine with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon until light and fluffy.  Add 1 cup flour, 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1 cup milk and mix until smooth.      Coat bottom of  a glass baking dish with shortening or cooking oil.  Pour batter into greased baking dish and spread evenly over bottom.  Spoon peach mixture evenly over top of batter.      Preheat oven to 350F degrees and bake peach cobbler for one hour or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and

 

Homemade apple cake,  fresh from my oven!   

ZINNIA SPLENDOR

 

Birthday Gift for Brianna                My grand-daughter, Brianna is turning twelve (12), a tweenager this month; therefore, I sewed her a lovely, nightshirt for her birthday.  Notice the pink rosebuds on the left shoulder opening.                 See, I sewed my signature label on inner, neckband.        No, she won't model it on my Blogspot.

 

 

 

Burnish Orange Sunflower with a bee in South East Texas.

 

 Sunflowers

         Asparagus Cheese Quiche

     June blooms along an old fence.

     My Blogspot mission is to share my story as candid and authentic as time and memory allows.  As a mother, I am dedicated to my family.  As I strive to make my dreams and ambitions become reality, I hope to be an inspiration to others who are approaching their senior years and/or those whom are already over the hill and sliding down the other side too.

     This is my spring herb and flower garden I have been tending.  It is florishing even though we have had less rain this spring.  I water it lightly every few days and I'm not sure how much water it needs here in South East Texas.

      I spent today taking care of my two years old grand-daughter, Evelyn.  Her two big sisters, Olivia, eight, and Brianna, eleven-tween, are away at summer camp this week.  My son, Paul was home today taking the day off.  I was there by 7:15 a.m., to find Evelyn up and sitting all alone on the sofa.  She was happy to see me as I walked in through the back door.  We let Paul sleep-in while we sat watching Coco Melon on Netflix.  Evelyn has her own special TV package called "Kids" so it's easy to find all her favorite cartoons.      I came home a little while ago, about 7:30 p.m.  It's been a long day and I need to go over there again tomorrow at 7:15 a.m., to watch more cartoons with little Evelyn while her daddy goes off to work.      Her sisters Brianna and Olivia will be back home next week and Evelyn will go back to preschool on the days their mother, Rebekah is scheduled to work.  And then, I will go over to their house to watch  Olivia and Brianna when their p

"Where flowers bloom so does hope."               --Lady Bird Johnson      

     Yesterday, two air-conditioning technicians came to inspect our outside AC unit which is a 2008 model.  It has not been cooling up to standard because we have a Freon leak in the system, and it has been slowly seeping out for a long time.  I'm afraid our old AC unit needs to be replaceed.  I was told air-conditioners generally lose their efficiency after 12 years.      I would like to have a new, energy efficient air-conditioner installed; but, need to wait until I have enough money or find a way to get the job done.      Therefore, we had three pounds of Freon added, plus, the capacitor replaced on our old AC unit.  There goes the money I've been saving to buy a new Dell laptop.      The AC is cooling the house and it seems to go on less often now.  We have been keeping the thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit for the most part because the temperature outside is rising as summer approaches.      Seems, we will have to use our old AC unit until it breaks down.  Hopefully, i

Groceries for my Mayo Clinic Diet plan are mainly vegetables and fruit, whole wheat bread, less meat and dairy products, and few condiments.

     Carbohydrates, also known as carbs, are a healthy source of food energy.  In case you don't know much about carbs, there are two kinds: Simple and complex carbohydrates.  Simple carbs consists of sugar and/or sugar based syrups found in many processed foods at supermarkets these days.  Complex carbohydrates are plant based foods.      Carbohydrate foods includes grain products, such as breads, cereals, and pasta; also, starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn.      The Mayo Clinic Diet book emphasize choosing whole grain foods in limited amounts.  On my diet plan, for example, I should only eat four servings of carbs per day.  One serving could be 1/2 cup of rice or one slice of bread, etc.  At times, I find this difficult during meal planning because I am used to eating plenty of carbs.        However, eating carbs at breakfast works out better for me because I do most of my physical work during morning hours when I need high energy.      My diet plan differs from other

      I'm on the Mayo Clinic Diet mainly to lower my cholesterol.  By losing weight, I'm lowering my low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL).  And then, with moderate exercise my chances of losing weight increases.  Eating more vegetables and fruits while eating less meat helps me to lose weight faster.      Reducing the amount of sugar and salt in my diet has been a huge factor in my weight loss journey.  I'm using artificial sweeteners in my coffee on a daily basis and trying to iliminate granulated sugar completely.  By the way, alcohol is counted as sugar--no alcohol!  At my age, salt intake should only be 1/2 teaspoon or about 1200 mg daily.  Using less salt helps me lower my blood pressure and prevents water weight gain.      Another important factor in weight loss and lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL, is fat intake should be not more than 30 percent of total calories.  Lowering fat intake could reduce my cholesterol levels by 20 to 15 percent. I have seve

Bacon and Spinach Quiche with California Medley--it's worth the time to prepare this delicious dish.

     I have been thinking about writing a mission statement for my blogspot.  It needs to be sincerely written about what it is I hope to accomplish now and in the future.  First of all, what is it I'm aiming for and how will I go about reaching my goal(s)?  Maybe I should list some of my goals: 1- Practice my writing skills to express my thoughts clearly, concisely, and coherently. 2- Write about things I like and enjoy including hobbies. 3- Express how I try to keep up with my daily tasks and duties around home. 4- Write and vlog about cooking and home economics. 5- Sell my cookbook, "Freeman Family Cookbook," good old fashioned American home cooking. 6- Keep my blogspot about my life as a senior citizen with everyday challenges and struggles. 7. Enjoy life and live as long as possible and prosper.      That about sums up what I'm trying to do at Google; although, I'm not finished composing my mission statement.  I need more time to think about style and authent

     This morning, my son, Jim helped me trim bushes, and weed-out the little circles of ground around a pecan tree and citruses, etc.  At this time of year, everything grows like crazy in South East Texas.  This region is considered simi-tropical and could become jungle if not attended often.  Before Jim trimmed (bushed) the tree at our mailbox, it was completely covered over with leaves.  We didn't plant it; however, it grew in a planter where our mailbox sets.  Now, the post-person will be able to read our house number on our mailbox.     Tomorrow, I'm planning to plant two Poblano peppers I have gotten free at our local hardware store.  Sometimes, they offer free starter plants or seeds to their customers.  I also wish to plant several dill seedlings, after I weed-out my little 6×6 feet herb and flower garden.

 My diet has been a bit and miss project; yet, still I lost about 10 pounds in about two months.  I have more to lose because I'm over weight and am determined to stay on the Mayo Clinic Diet.  When I was able to zip up a pair of jeans I couldn't wear a month ago, my ego was pleased.  Yes, I wear jeans in Texas because I'm that kind of gal.  I would also say, I'm a blue jean Queen around home.  Before I retired, I wore skirts and jackets to work everyday.  Now, I need to wear my same old clothes because I'm saving my clothing allowance to buy a new Dell laptop.

 Recently, I found my Mission and Mission Statement written by me in June 14, 2009.  As I read it after over a decade, I realized what a driving force it has been in my lifetime since then, and how much my life changed.  Mission statements are important to business organizations and often displayed on walls in offices of executives or CEOs.  My mission is private and was written only for me; therefore, I will not share it publicly at this time.  Perhaps I will write a mission statement explicitly for my Blogspot.

     Blueberry Muffins baked in Ninja Foodi., XL Pro Air Oven saves electricity because it uses less than 220 Watts; plus, it doesn't heat up my South East Texas kitchen during hot and humid days.

      This morning, I was in my back garden planting some seedlings I started in pots last March.  I spent an hour pulling weeds and transplanting Marigold​s and ? seedlings along one side of my house.  I had to wear knee-pads and use a garden pad because I kneeled down on my knees on a concert walkway to get the job done.  I spent another 30-minutes watering to prevent the hot Texas sun from drying everything up this afternoon.  Hopefully, the lawn-mowing guy won't weed wack my flowers like he did last week.      This afternoon, I had to mail out my monthly payment to Consumer Cellular so I could keep-on blogging.  While I was out after lunch, I went to CVS because I had a coupon for my Beauty Reward, about to expire; plus, a 30% coupon for my total purchases, 35% on my CVS card for one item, one Extra Buck, and another $1.03 Extra Buck on my card.  And then, there was a $1 manufactures coupon for Finish Rinse Aid.  Altogether, I saved 47% off my purchases.  That didn't includ

 

     Earlier today, I created another Kroger Grocery Haul video on my YouTube Channel.  I've been trying my best to connect my Channel "Survival After Seventy-Five" to this Blog Site.  Because I'm computer challenged, I didn't have any success yet.  I subscribed to another blogger with know-how and I hope to learn how to connect my videos from YouTube.  My mind is mush at this point of the day so it might take some time to get connected.      What I'm trying to tell you: Go over to YouTube and take a peek at my Channel, "Survival After Seventy-Five" and watch my latest Kroger Grocery Haul for May 12, 2022.  Perhaps, you will be glad you did it!      Compared to 50 years ago, I  couldn't buy much for the same amount of money.  Most of you wouldn't know how much inflation has been climbing over our lives and times.

     Today, I stuck to my plan to finish cleaning my kitchen, and it took me about one and a half hours.  I spent most of my afternoon, meal planning, choosing electronic coupons at the Kroger Website to add onto my Kroger Plus Card and then, I wrote a tentative grocery list.  Maybe, I should take a calculator with me tomorrow to keep a tally of everything I put into the cart.  I would like to keep this week's groceries and cleaning supplies under $50; except, I have a feeling the cost will go over, if I purchase everything on my list.  I better take my Kroger, Master Card with me just in case.  I'm not ready for all these higher prices yet.  All this buy now and pay later is eating away at my budget.

    This week, I'm working in Zone 2: Kitchen, a procedure in the Flylady Method of housekeeping.  It's not really exciting; but, it is necessary to get into the real nitty-gritty at least once a month in that area of my household.      First, I dusted a Venisan blind above the sink and washed the inside of the window the best I could while standing on a step ladder.  Sometimes it's best to put safety before perfection.      Then, I began taking out stove trays to soak in a sink full of soapy water for 15-minutes and then, I took an, on the hour, rest period.  After a short rest, I got up again and scrubbed all the stove trays.  One of my stove trays had a bit of tough residue which wouldn't come clean.  I tried soaking it with vinegar and baking soda while I cleaned rings of gunk off the stove around the tray openings with baking soda.  After thoroughly cleaning my stove top, I tried to scrub off stubborn residue from that one stove tray.  It wouldn't come complete

     When I was younger; although, I didn't look forward to retirement, I thought about the possibility of living a longer life.   As years passed, I began to prepare for retirement.      Although, not rich, I'm able to live comfortably on a small, retirement fixed income.  My fear of the future is loss of income to maintain my living standard.  How could retirees run out of funds or income?      There are an assortment of circumstances which could take place: 1- Extreme inflation--rapid rises in the cost of living.   2- Financial collapse--Stock Market crash.  3- Another Great Depression--run on the banking system to withdraw savings or possibly, Governmental imminent domain.   4- Lack of Federal funds to pay senior citizens their earned, Social Security allotments.   5-  Corporate failings, thus depletions of pension funds, i.e., business shutdowns.   6- World War III--nuclear bombings which cause utter destruction of major cities and/or highly populated regions.   7- Rampage

     By 10:00 A.M., I was up, dressed to shoes, ate breakfast, took meds, did my chores, and waited for my son, Jim to take me to Home Depot and Burlington.  It seems we need another pint of touch-up paint and silicone caulking for the main bathroom, Jim painted yesterday.  He also wants a new shower curtain to redecorate!  I put a stop to new shower rod and rings because the old ones are galvanized steel and we can't do better than those things for durability.  I told Jim, we could clean and polish the shower rod and there are nothing wrong with the rings.  If it doesn't need fixing, let it alone.      "Totally do, I have to skedaddle."

     After a light breakfast, I pared vegetables for my lunch and dinner salads.  First of all, I chopped ends off celery and carrots, soaked this in the sink with water and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar.  Then, peeled carrots, cut it into sticks, cut celery into 2 or 3 inches of sticks and put it all into a plastic container with a lid.  After taking off outer leaves from a head of Iceburg lettuce, I tore fresh leaves into bit sized pieces into a bowl.  Outside, I gathered a couple of stems of flowering Dandelions​ from my garden along with two other varieties of lettuce.  I brought this in and put it into the same water and vinegar rinse.  After adding the leaves into my salad, I chopped up a tomato, peeled and sliced a cucumber to add.  After tossing everything together, I served myself a heaping bowl of fresh made salad with two table spoons of Wishbone Wine Vinaigrette and a handful of celery and carrot sticks.  I topped my salad with one sliced, hard boiled egg.  That was my lunch

Good afternoon, This morning, I went grocery shopping at Kroger Supermarket, and got away with $57.29 worth of food, and saved $13.70.  I found an Electronic Coupon offer, on the Kroger Website, to save 10% off Kroger brand food.  I can't pass up a bargain; plus, it gave me a chance to stock up on sugar, flour, fat-free powdered milk, powdered favored non-dairy creamer, liquid flavored creamer, and just about everything else I bought at Kroger today.  Just so you know.

      I woke up early this morning with a choking cough.  As I was barely awake, I stayed in bed thinking about my feelings.  Last night, my throat felt clogged as though there was something in my airway.  As I lain there, regaining my senses, I could feel nagging aches in my lower back, around my elbows and shoulders.  This reminded me of my arthritic condition and suffering I went through while taking care of my Gary before he passed away.  My head was stuffy and ached a little.  Wandering whether I had another cold coming on, I thought about what to do to relief my chest pressure? I got up out of bed before 5 A.M.,  made a hot cup of decaf, green tea and prepared myself a non-alcoholic tonic.  This tonic consists of tea, honey, lemon and fresh, grated Ginger root.  It has a warming effect with a pepper sweet, tart flavor which relieves congestion.      After drinking my hot tonic, I went back to bed and fell asleep until around 8:30 A.M.  When I got up, I took my blood pressure and

      Yesterday, I spent my day with my son, Paul and his children to help watch them, especially his two year old, Evelyn.  Their mother, Rebekah was working in Houston all day at the Woman's Hospital and Paul was left in charge of their three girls.  Paul needed to grocery shop and then, cook his lunches for his work week so I went over to help him.      Shortly after I arrived at their house, Paul's daughter Brianna, an eleven, tween-ager came out of her room while I was looking for the channel changer.  She quickly found it and turned on their television to watch a Netflix show titled, "Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous."      It is an animated, action packed, PG rated, scientific fiction serial featuring a small group of young campers.  They were stranded on an island where dinosaurs roamed and robotics equiped with lasers patrolled restricted areas.  The campers broke into a facility and stole a laptop and then, a chase began.  They ran into an invisible wall which

    Good morning!      Yesterday, after researching laptop computers, I decided to postpone investing in a laptop this week. It's the end of the month when I calculate my expenditures and review my budget.  Therefore, I need to coordinate my financial situation to see how I might be able to fit a new laptop into a tight budget.  In other words, how much could I afford to pay and how long will it take to pay off a loan?      I want a laptop, but could I safely afford it and do I actually need one?  What I really want is a reliable, cost effective laptop made in America.  I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for a high tech machine which will breakdown within one year.      Compter manufactures whose startups began in the USA, either sold it to a foreign company or have been out sourcing their work to other countries.      Seriously, I need to approach my spending with caution and consider my most important existing obligations.  At this time in my life, I'm getting my hou

     Early this morning, my son, Jim and I were out back planting shrubs bought yesterday at a Walmart with my gift card.  We carefully tried not to disturb surrounding wild flower seedlings.  Two of our Oleanders which we planted earlier this spring, were looking withered and losing leaves.  Because I had a chance to replace it, while at Walmart yesterday, I found a potted Oleander with two in one.  We separated the plants from the pot, split it apart, pulled out dead stems from the ground, and transplanted. Now, we have a row of little Oleanders growing along a side fence.  We also planted a Carnation shrub outside of the dining area window.  I found it on sale at Walmart for $5, and thought to give it a go.  During August, I hope to see it blooming.      I'm a minimalist at gardening mainly due to lack of funds for plants; also, hard freezes during winter, freeze plants too.  Surviving plants are often near gone by spring and need trimming.  I have had some good luck with many s

Woke up early this morning, sometime before 5 A.M., and while I was slowly regaining consciousness, I remembered my plan for today.  It was closer to 6 A.M., when I decided to get up out of bed and get myself ready to go to Walmart.  Shortly after 8 A. M., I was out the door, driving down the road because today is my 'errand day'.  First of all, I went to the Post Office to drop off mail, and then, I headed onto Walmart in Pearland. I had a $50 gift card with Walmart written all over it.  I entered at the garden center where I planned to spend part of my $50 on shrubs and/or perennials.  Spring time in South East Texas is a breath taking sight, which always brings me outside with spade in hand. Moving along inside, I began to realize changes have been made at Pearland Walmart, it's​ different now.  I felt as though, I was walking into a maze.  It took me a while to find the stationary section where I looked for a meal planner.  I couldn't find one so I settled for a two

     Yesterday, I called Consumer Cellular and talked with Kimberly.  I told her I want to get a laptop and asked whether there is anything needed to connect the laptop with Consumer Cellular.  She confirmed that I'm already a cellphone​ customer there. I told her, I called in January and talked with a young man whose man I cannot recall now.  He told me to look for a laptop computer with a portal to 'teleport' with Consumer Cellular, in other words.  That was it--portal was the something, in yesterday's blog, I could not remember then. Kim told me, laptops do not have SIM card portals.  She said, to use "tethering" to connect my laptop to my current cellphone, Consumer Cellular service.  Plus, when I actually have a laptop, if I have any problems with connection, I can call Consumer Cellular again, and someone there will help me go through the process, step by step over the phone. Oh, how do I use "tethering?" Kim said, turn on "mobile hot spot

      I'm planning to purchase a laptop computer; except, I have a limited budget and I want find a good one under, say $500.  I've been thinking about getting a Hewlett Packard; although, my mind is open to other manufacturers mainly made in the USA.  If I continue with my endeavors at Blogspot and my YouTube Channel, it is necessary​ for me to upgrade from my cellphone, at at least to a laptop. At some point in time, I need to research the capabilities and details of laptops made by several different manufactures.  Shopping for big ticket items isn't something I often find myself doing and I need to think about it before I jump into debt. I went to Best Buy in January and looked at their modest priced laptops, and then, an eager salesman tried to sale me one of the top-of-the-line computers.  When I told him, it had to be compatible with 'something' in order to get connection with Google. (Wish I could remember the something's name.)   I'm hooked up with C

      First day of the week, Sunday is a day to renew our spirits and set goals for the new week ahead.  It is also the day to worship and give thanks for all we have and/or achieved.   Although, the days ahead may seem hopeless or doomed, remember we have power to control our future.  You may ask, how? Each one of us has special gifts and talents to build on, to improve and work with each day.  Whether, in school, at a job or in our own businesses, we have tools, resources and the power to change or improve upon our destiny.  Some may think it is wishful thinking--it is so far beyond our imaginations and comprehension.  Yet, all things are possible to those who believe and take action to use whatever is available to achieve their goals. I could think of at least one hundred examples, but I think you already understand what I'm trying  to explain. As an exercise, this week, take a moment to think about your goals, perhaps, write your main goals down on a piece of paper or in a  not

     It is a quite, Saturday morning here and I slept in for a little while.  I'm up now, bathed, dressed to shoes and ready for my day.  Sticking to the Mayo Clinic Diet Plan, I ate 1/3 cup of homemade granola with 1/2 cup fat-free milk and 4 ounces of orange juice.  And that is equivalent to one carbohydrate, one protein and one fruit serving.  I also drank coffee with sugar free, powdered creamer, French Vanilla flavored Coffee Mate which has only 15 calories so I'm not counting it. My diet plan is basically whatever I want to eat within limited amounts of food, up to 1200 calories.  Vegetables are unlimited, at least four servings a day and at least three servings of fruit.  However, potatoes and corn are categorized as carbohydrates.  To meet my limit of 1200 calories a day, I'm allowed only four carb servings, three protein servings of 2 ounces each, only three fats and occasionally sweets, but sugar is off my food list for the time being.  It's complicated accept

     This morning, I was out back for nearly two hours in my garden pulling weeds, trimming bushes and tying back plants.  A blooming Daisy plant was hanging over a walkway and needed to be tied to a pole.  A heavy rainfall caused it to droop over.  My labor, yet not in vain, is only for a season. Gardening is part of my health, and weight loss program; although, I need take it easy and not over work.  I have many ideas, much to do with limited time and little money to spare for my garden.  Every year, during hard freezes, some of my plants withers​ away.   I'm learning to plant quick growing flowers from seeds for less money since most won't last past fall.  There are hardy Texas shrubs which might last through hot summer days and winter freezes.   There is a beautiful garden with plants native to Texas at Stevenson Park where I go to walk.  I should take note of the names of those plants before I shop for any more. I checked today's weather and it is supposed to get up to

First thing this morning, I stripped my bed and threw my sheets into a repaired washing machine.  I work to stay on top of things which needs to get done around my home.  I keep an inbox on my dresser where all important mail gets stacked until I can get around to it.  Since Jim moved back home again, I had to vacate my home office which was in is his bedroom.   I have been sorting through a stack of paperwork to think about what needs to be done with each piece of paper.  For example, I received an official ballot from the Clear Creek Independent School District for Trustee Election.  That is something I need to take action on soon.  That's where my children went to school, and we have been paying taxes to Clear Creek Independent School District for many years.  There are three candidates and I do not know anything about them.  Therefore, this afternoon or by Sunday at the latest, I will Google their names to see if I could find  their profiles.  It is important not to randomly gu

     Today, my son Jim and I spent close to five hours driving all the way up to Spring to buy a sensor for my washing machine.  Jim drove through Houston and then some to get there.  At first, we tried to find Sears Appliances Parts Store on Highway 517; however, when we got there, we saw the store was vacated.   We turned to plan B and went far out of our way to another appliance parts store.  Jim called Reliable Parts (The House Of A Million Parts) before we went and they had six of the kind of sensors we needed.  We probably should have called Sears first before driving to an empty location.   When I told the sales clerk in Spring how far we drove to find the part, he looked up two or three locations, on the internet, closer to home.  That was kind of him. I paid $54 with a credit card and then, we drove I45 through Houston all the way back home.  If you have ever driven through Houston on I45, you would understand why I insisted we go to the Sears Store first.   What's up with

 Good Morning! This morning while I was folding towels, my nose started bleeding.  I mean it was really dripping blood, and I had to sit down, with my head back, stick a tissue up my nose and wait for bleeding to stop.  The same thing happened to me last Thursday while I was getting ready to go grocery shopping.   I think my nose bleed has something to do with a sinus infection.  This past winter, I was sick with a virus which developed into a sinus infection.  My little grand-daughter, Evelyn was sick with a runny nose off and on most of the time.  I think we were passing a virus back and forth between us.  She goes to daycare where she probably became sick. I took my blood pressure and it was normal; also, my nose is not as stuffed up as it has been.  Think I will wait to see if it starts bleeding again.  Hope it's nothing serious such as Ebola.   My break time is over so I had better get back to my vacuuming.  After lunch, I'm going over to my son, Paul's house before Ol

 Good morning!      I had a pleasant Easter afternoon and a delicious dinner yesterday with my son and his family.  I'm so blessed to have a loving family to spend time with, especially on holidays. This morning, I got up, made up my bed, washed my face, and dressed to shoes.  Actually, I dressed in an old pair of blue jeans and a faded cotton blouse. Today, I cleaned my bathroom and it took me about an hour to do a good job.  I follow the Flylady method of house cleaning and this week, I'm working in Zone 4: Master Bedroom, Bath, and Closet.  It's hard work, but somebody has to do it.  I have always been the one to have to do it since I was a teenager.  My mother told me learning to do house work would prepare me for marriage--oh yeah. That's not what I really want to talk about today, but I had to get that job out of the way quickly.   The thing that is on my mind is my diet which went haywire last week because of Easter Holiday weekend.  I started The Mayo Clinic Die

     I'm remembering to set my alarm for seven a.m. because it is important I wake up early in the morning to spend Saturday with my grand-daughters.  Their mother, Rebekah is working tomorrow, and my son, Paul needs my help with their girls, Brianna, Olivia, and Evelyn.  Brianna is eleven and Olivia is eight and they aren't any trouble at all.  They can basically take care of themselves, but someone needs to be there for safety reasons.  Evelyn on the other hand, turned two in February and she needs to be looked after.  Over a year ago, I volunteered to go over to their house after school to be there when they came home.  It is how I can send time with them.  After school duty soon included Saturdays and sometime Sundays or both depending on Rebekah's work schedule.  Rebekah is a registered nurse in a supervisor​y position at the Women's Hospital in Houston, Texas.  Her work schedule is subject to change from week to week.  She works long, ten hour shifts about four da

     At my age, getting started, and then keeping up are not​ easy; however, once it becomes a habit, I could possibly get used to it.  Habits are developed over a period of about three weeks or twenty-one days so I've learned.  Over the years, I developed many habits--some good--some not so good.  I've had to break my bad habits by teaching myself to quit doing whatever it was that was bad.  Therefore, if this Blogspot turns bad, I may have to give it up.  Then again, if I keep writing about my life after seventy-five and people become interested in reading my blogs, it could become a habit.  We will have to wait for three weeks to see whether I am able to stick with it until I'm habitually writing to anybody out there.  Habits can sometimes become so habit forming that one could continue without total recall of why one wanted to do it in the first place or of what it was one did in the second place.  Does that make any sense to you?