Bringing the Outdoor In

 The heat has broken (though not the humidity)

and I got outside to do some yard work today.

The yard is all trimmed.

And these flowers called me.

Many people believe that gardening should be practical.

Gardens should provide FOOD!

While I enjoy a fresh tomato from the garden rather than from a hothouse,

and the first spring peas,

and a carrot right from the earth,

I also enjoy beauty.

I love looking outside as I wash the dishes to see my flower garden,

the butterflies and hummingbirds it attracts,

and the finches resting on the tall flowers and feeders

or bathing in the bird bath.

God gave us so many things to enjoy.

Provision of Protection

 As I went about my work today on this Thankful Thursday,

I couldn't help but be thankful for God's provision.

He has always provided.

But today, I was thankful for the blessing of an energy-efficient home.

I was thankful for a/c in my car.

When we married, our first 2 apartments did not have a/c.

Our next 2 trailers had poor insulation and even weaker a/c units.

Our next rental rarely needed a/c but when we did, it too was weak and not up to the challenge.

This week, I am thankful for a cool home.

I have been able to leave the a/c off until about 2 pm when it reaches 80 inside

and then it responds quickly to cool the home.

I am thankful that it cools well so that sleep comes easy.

I am also thankful for cool meals.

Hubby and I have committed to eating a green salad each weekday for lunch (unless we have leftovers) for a little while.

They are healthy, easy, and don't heat the house.

They also make my meal planning and shopping easier,

Tonight we also had a salad -

a beautiful Italian Chopped brussel sprouts Salad.

Don't knock it till you try it!

And it provided enough for tomorrow's lunch as well - 

That's a win in my book!

Planned By the Weather

 There are times when my work is dictated by the weather.

High temps and higher heat indices help me decide what I should do this week.

This time of year, much of my work needs to be done before 9 in the morning.

Today was no exception.

I did get my second run of the week in at 6.

From there, the lawn needed watering.

I needed a batch of muffins for hubby's snacks.

And there was a little weeding in the last adjoining lot 

(if I get rid of the weeds before they lay sod, perhaps they won't encroach on my lawn as much).

Then, it was wise to stay in (except for a trek to the mailbox).

So this week is a good time to organize closets,

to go through drawers and files,

to do the little jobs that take time and are less inviting - 

but it is the perfect week because the temps outside are not inviting at all.

And this heat makes me more thankful for the coming of fall.

Next weeks temps in the 80s look so inviting!

Simply 21

 Yesterday was anniversary #21.

It was a simple day, but a good one.

It began with an extra hour of sleep :)

The alarms went off and hubby reset them.

We enjoyed the extra hour and then had our Bible time and breakfast.

Hubby headed to work,

but God had different plans.

The power went out here and at his work,

so he came home for a couple of hours until after lunch.

What a pleasant surprise!

I did not have to cook dinner.

Our favorite pizza place was having a 1/2 price promotion all week,

and we took them up on it.

Pizza and Greek salad.

Blaze Pizza allows as many toppings as you want with no upcharge (except the gluten-free crust)!

Gluten-free crust, dairy-free cheese, and LOTS of veggies!

Then a nice quiet walk in the cool of the evening.

Hubby said it was one of the best anniversary celebrations.

I guess we both are becoming more and more simple (in a good way).

Lifestyle Medicine

 Many times, hubby and I are asked why we eat as we do,

why we walk as much as we do,

why our life is rigidly structured

After a time away,

I am reminded that sometimes a healthy lifestyle is the best medicine.

Medicine is sometimes necessary,

but there are many health struggles that are helped by routine, diet, and exercise.

It is hard to be away from my kitchen and exercise habits.

Following our NY trip, I was tired, stiff, anxious, and moody.

I was so glad to get home to the things that make me feel great.

I am glad to be back to my comfy bed and restful room.

I am glad to be back to the couch where I do my morning Bible reading.

I am glad to be back to a schedule where I can make time for walking, running, or strength training.

I am glad to be back to my Vitamix to make nutrient-packed smoothies.

I am glad to be back to a refrigerator full of dark greens and veggies.

And what smoothie did I make first?

This has become a regular for breakfast.

3/4 c Greek yogurt (plain, no added sugar)

3/4 c orange juice

3/4 c frozen strawberries

1/3 c rolled oats

1 scoop coconut protein powder (again no sugar)

And then for lunch ...

Tuna, white bean, and dill salad

and 

a green drink

1 c water

1/2 lemon

1 or 2 handfuls of spinach

a squirt or two of pureed ginger

honey to taste

I am feeling much better today after being back to some "lifestyle medicine."

Two Celebrations

 Back from a road trip to NY.

It was a family get-together for a wedding of a nephew.

It had been quite a while since so many of us were able to get together at once.

Unfortunately, we were missing 1, but all in all, it was quite the mass.

While we traveled to celebrate the marriage of our nephew and his new bride,

Aren't they adorable?

hubby and I also enjoyed a little "getaway" as a sort of early anniversary celebration.

We stayed at "The Wedding Chapel" in Cherry Creek, NY.

Cherry Creek is a little "hamlet" (yes, that is their title) in western NY.

Cherry Creek is also where we visited my grandparents during their life and where my parents lived for many years.

It was a step back in my history.

The Wedding Chapel was an adorable little church that had been converted to an airbnb.

   

While the chapel was cute,

we especially enjoyed the hammock outside.

It was so restful.

We didn't spend much time at the chapel,

but the time we did was special.

And yes, we will celebrate again on Thursday.

21 years together!

That is a cause to celebrate.