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I am not able to continue blogging. 

Mary

Life's Reflections - 2010

Thursday, March 11, 2010  Love Is In The Air  

I have always heard that life can change in the blink of an eye! Of course, I understood the phrase, intellectually. BUT, for my life to change in this manner and at this age, especially after being single for a very long time is nothing short of surreal! Since the first of the year, I have felt ridiculously happy as the result of a wonderful and special man in my life. Yes, I was very happy with my life but this is so much more happiness than I could have ever hoped for. His friends and family like me and I really like them. And, get this, my dog - Lily is so enamored with him that she consistently bypasses me to get to him when we return to my home after being out 'n about. What more is there when your dog gives her approval?  Just pure and simple happiness.

Wishing All Of You Love.

Mary

Pineapple Express Arrived

"The West Coast storm is colorfully called the Pineapple Express. That's "a river of moisture in the atmosphere that basically originates around Hawaii, and it's like a fully loaded Super Soaker that just unloads on California for a couple of days straight," said Ari Sarsalari, a meteorologist for The Weather Channel."

What an afternoon we had yesterday starting about 3 PM with heavy pour down rains. Kind of like hundreds of big buckets dumped from the ski along with loud thunder and lightning. Lily highly reacts to these weather conditions. And, there isn't much that will console her. At about 4 PM we had the loudest - longest thunder I believe that I have ever heard. The lightning seemed very close and the house vibrated with the force like I have never experienced. The heavy rains continued on about 2 hours but not so much thunder. For the most part it rained for the remainder of the day and all night.

In order to help Lily at times like this I have some prescribed medication that really helps her. In addition to her agitation she refuses to go out in the rain when it is this heavy. At bedtime I put a diaper on her and that helped. But, then she was so uncomfortable because she had to do her other business. So, about midnight I was outside with her in the heavy rain with a super size umbrella trying to give her some protection from the rain. But, of course, she had to wonder all around for the "right spot". After her success, the two of us who were very very wet took refuge in the house where she eventually settled down for a nights sleep.

Oh, how we love our animals. But, just think about how much love they give to us!

 I am so fascinated with some of the animated photos on the Internet. This is one I really like. Fun!

The storm is continuing today but the heavy rains are more sporadic. However, more of the "Pineapple Express" is forecast for tomorrow and thereafter!

I hope you are having a good Weekend.

Mary

Staying On My Pathway

Last evening, I attended my group of Grief Recovery. The program is helping me and the the people are wonderful.  It is a good feeling to recognize the positive changes that I see in myself. I believe that getting my blood pressure managed is a huge part of being able to better cope. Also, I have had wonder support from my church, friends and neighbors.

Today was a beautiful sunny warm day. However, a large rain storm is predicted for the weekend. And, that is great because we really need the water. 

I hope your week is going well.

Mary

Is This Puppy Love Or What

You bet it is. I am not sure who loved who more.

Is there anything better than a nice afternoon nap? Lily would say yes - with all those doggie treats she successfully begged for and got. Yum, yum!

Hope your day is good. Mine is going well.

Mary

It Has Stayed With Me

And, never stopped blooming through the very cold days. It was so nice to look out to the patio table and see it continuing to delight me. It is interesting and so wonderful that the Cyclamen has been blooming since last May 2014 when I purchased the plant at the grocery store.

Isn't it looking beautiful and healthy?

The sun is shining and  my patio is clean. Filled five trash barrels with leaves, pine needles and twigs and branches. I like it when it is tidy! Now, just if my indoors looked like that, I would like that too!

I hope your week is going well.

Mary

What A Difference A Week Can Make

It was just around a week ago that I was so ill and confused that I wasn't making much sense most of the time. I will never forget going to the gas station because my gas tank was showing the empty warning. I wanted to drive myself to the Grief Share meeting the next evening which was only four miles from home. Well, anyway about a week ago when I went to get the gas I was not able to do the simple activity that I have probably done hundreds or more times. My brain was so scrambled in that a good person nearby observed and offered to help me. I was so appreciative! And, then I headed home which was very nearby.  My blood pressure was still in the "danger-danger zone" at 172/107.

Today, is a really nice day. My blood pressure this AM is 139/88 and has been in the normal range for a few days and I am starting to feel like the self that I know. I am continuing to closely monitor my BP readings and my current medication dosages.  I am so Happy and Grateful with this very noticeable improvement

My response and recovery with the Grief process is going so much better. And, I will be going to my weekly Grief Share meeting. The weekend was good but I still have to limit what I do and where I go. I have been able to start to take care of lots of things here at home, like sorting stuff and organizing. And, very short periods of time in the yard. You know those leaves keep falling! But, I can't do anything to demanding. Friends have been so very helpful with their emotional support and offers of help.

My heart and body are filling with peace. Progress - but a long way to go. I am beginning to think "You can't keep an ol" gal down for very long".

I am hoping to start planning with others, A Tribute To The Memory of my friend at our church for our little community and church family. More on that as it evolves.

This little sign hung in Bud's home office!

I would like to share a little poem that I recently came across in my continual search that is driven by my intense curiosity about most every thing.

Gone Fishing 
I've finished life's chores assigned to me
So put me on a boat headed out to see
Please send along my fishing pole
For I've been invited to the fishin' hole

Where every day is a day to fish
To fill your heart with every wish
Don't worry, or feel sad for me
I'm fishing' with the Master of the sea

We will miss each other for awhile
But you will come and bring your smile
That won't be long you will see
Till we're together you and me

To all of those that think of me
Be happy as I go out to sea
If others wonder why I'm missin'
Just tell 'em I've gone fishin'
                       by Dalmar Pepper

2011-2013

A Tired Happy Fisherman - Not bad for 85 - yes, that is years!

Wishing you a Warm and Cozy Day - especially if your weather conditions are harsh!

Mary

What Does Nursing Have To Do With It

Spending so much time at the hospital lately reminded me of so many of my nurse life experiences. And, importantly, it certainly helped me to be the best I could be, especially when "my nurse mode kicked in" at times that were extremely difficult with damaged family dynamics and unwanted outsider involvement which my friend chose to ask to "graciously bow out and leave". However, the presence of a spiritual advisor from our church was fabulous. Together we were able to "calm the waters" with God's guidance.

I am so blessed to have had my past nurse life experiences and the support of others!  

*Written during prior week* My emotions are still very raw and I am very sad, feeling alone and devastated. I am trying to put as many pleasant memories in my thinking as possible. But at the same time I am trying to be patient with myself. It seems that I have had so very many losses in my life. At the present time my lovely Granddaughter and family are the only family that are involved in my life*.

But, there is great joy in my heart that my friend was able to make peace with his life and behaviors through the guidance of our Church Pastor-Spiritual Advisor.

Blessings.

Mary

What's Happening

Every day is so different from the other. But, the last two days have been good for several reasons. First of all, I think I am getting my blood pressure under control. Last week when I went to urgent care clinic, I was advised that I should go to my Primary Care Doctor.  Wouldn't you know it, at the time of my visit, my blood pressure was normal. However, for the past two months my blood pressure has continually floated around 200/100. My BP monitor records the readings. Needless to say, it has caused me to feel very very ill, especially with all the recent stress. However, I am very blessed to not have had a stroke, especially considering all of the care and support I was providing for my friend prior to his passing! 

For years when I go to the doctor for erratic BP they order a new medication (usually expensive) and reschedule me to return in 30 days. It has been like running in circles and my bank account can not be stretched any further.

So, recently I have studied a lot of the details about the five BP medications currently prescribed for me. And I monitor my BP morning, noon and bedtime, more often if I think necessary. I have made medication adjustments (increased) on some of the current medications and so far I am doing much better. At present time (7 PM) my BP is 145/80-pulse 68. Hope and pray this trend will continue. I have appointment scheduled with Primary Care Doctor to review new lab work and clinical status.

Importantly, I started a new activity on Tuesday evenings. The first meeting of an eight week Grief Recovery Support Group sponsored by Griefshare International started this week. And, it is only four miles from my home. I was very impressed and believe I will benefit greatly by attending.

My church has been providing me with cooked meals as needed and the food has been wonderful. It really is a help when you are not hungry and absolutely everything is too much effort because of weakness and sadness.

But, LOOK, I cooked soup today! Lots of chopping and sauteing. I made a similar Tomato and Bean Soup for us in November for supper.

The kitchen may not get cleaned for a day or two. Oh well!

Take Good Care Of Yourself And Others.

Mary

Positive Thoughts

My plans for today were to go to church and enjoy “A Grass-Fed Gospel” by Rev. Dr. John Randlett who is leading the worship this week with a wonderful complement of musicians with a Bluegrass Service.

However, that won't be happening because a couple medical issues are prohibiting it. My right lumbar back is very troublesome (it is usually the left side) and Blood Pressure of 185/119 which explains my "fuzzy thinking" this AM and lack of desire to be around anything except quiet music! I have been working especially hard lately to monitor and control this chronic idiopathic hypertension. So, this is disappointing. Went to clinic last Wednesday. More on that and grief recover status later. That's about it for now. I must lie down. Prayers welcome.

Blessings,

Mary

It Is Sunday - - - Again

And, I don't have much to blog about. So, I am going to take a break until I have recovered a little more from the recent losses in my life. I may stop by with an affirmation from time to time.

Blessings.

Mary

It Is Sunday

Have a Wonderful Day.

Mary

  

Sweet Surprise

The last time I went to my knitting group to work on Prayer Shawls I was surprised with a gift of a Paperwhites Narcissus Bulb that was just about to open. In two days the delicate white petals popped open! What perfect timing and so very nice! I really like the simplicity of the design. The star vase and rocks are a nice touch.

When I gifted  my friend with a coffee cake a couple weeks back I included a card that simply said "Just Because". When she handed me this little surprise she whispered in my ear "Just Because". Aren't friends great?


I am feeling very slow today. So, I will again say Happy New Year.

Mary

New Beginnings

I don't think there are very many people that are more happy than I am to be starting a New Year. At least that is what I am thinking at the moment.

- - - - - Even though today has been filled with very highs and very lows associated with the events of the past few days. I am a person that strongly desires harmony and as little conflict in life as possible. Unfortunately, I have been on the receiving end of behaviors and words that are despicable and so preposterous that it leaves my head spinning. I ask for nothing and I really mean nothing - but PEACE.  Just leave me alone to grieve and to have compassion for those who seek less than honorable behaviors and words! Materialism is NOT my game! Please love one another!

My friends (near and far) and the phone have been a tremendous blessing and comfort for me today. THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU.

And, I thank God for the strength I have been given to endure the disrespectful and horrendous situation at hand.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.  Tomorrow is a new and beautiful day!

Mary

Peaceful Still Waters

Less than two months of intense medical care and we had to say goodbye after five years. A peaceful passing closed the final chapter of a fully lived life of 86 years.  Yes, a handsome man who acted and looked younger than his years and was in excellent health most of his life. It was special to be "The Love Of His Life" even with the rough edges of life's demons that came to haunt us so often. Look at that beautiful smile, he was so happy when he could be with me!

Rest In Peace

3/22/1928-----12/30/2014

I am a different person and perhaps better for having known you at this time in my life. Thank You!

PEACE AND LOVE.

Mary

Happy Holidays 2014

Wishing Each and Every One of you Happy Holidays and A New Year Filled with Lots of Excellent

 Days.

Some of my favorite Holiday Ornaments.
    

Mary

One Potatoe Two Potatoe Three - - -

Since my time is very flexible at this time I thought this would be a good time to try a new recipe and prepare a side dish of Buffet Mashed Potatoes that can be made ahead of time, refrigerated or frozen and then baked just prior to serving time.

I am also going to use a ricer that I have had for a long time but never used. Can you imagine that? An unused kitchen toy!

Scoop the baked potatoes out of the skins.

The ricer worked very nice and is suppose to make the potatoes smoother. The only thing I will mention is that my hands are not as strong as they were in the past and it takes quite a bit of pressure to push the potatoes through the ricer.

Sour cream is blended together with the potatoes until smooth.




Then add some finely diced onion, 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons flour, kosher salt and (white) pepper into the potatoes-cream cheese mixture until smooth.

At this point the potatoes can be placed in a casserole or two or three. And, either refrigerate or freeze until you are ready to use.

Looks pretty good to me! Nice and creamy with all that cream cheese. This will be the first time for me to use cream cheese in my mashed potatoes.

Before you bake in a 325 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes place some pieces of butter on top.

This is a little picture of the author's (Polly Clingerman) baked Buffet Mashed Potatoes. I am optimistic that the flavor will be as good as the comments claim.

I'll let you know how they turn out -  after the holidays.

            

Have a Happy Day.
   

Mary

Do You Like Celery

Boy Oh Boy! Do I have a recipe for you!

I have made this several times and always receive lots of positive comments. I think the recipe has been around for a long time. It 
is something a little different. The water chestnuts give it a nice crunchy texture.

Celery casserole with toasted almonds and water chestnuts

4 cups sliced celery, (sliced 1-inch)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup diced pimiento, drained
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted*
2 tablespoons melted butter

Cook celery in salted water until just tender but still a little crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain and combine in a bowl with water chestnuts, soup, and pimiento. Pour into a greased 1-quart casserole dish. Combine bread crumbs, almonds, and melted butter; sprinkle over the casserole. Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Serves 4 to 6.

*To toast nuts, spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in a 350° oven, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes. Or, toast in an ungreased skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden brown and aromatic.

I hope you try it and that you  like it.

Happy Cooking.

Mary

Too Many

Are you eating too many Christmas cookies?

Yep, I thought so!

Have a Beautiful Sunday. I am on my way to church. All I have to do is walk across the street and down the road just a little. I am blessed!

Mary

German Pancakes

So easy to make and so good to eat.

Just a little sinful indulgence! And, especially good on a rainy Saturday morning.

Hope your day and evening are Fabulous.

Mary