Getting Ready to Give

It is the season of giving,

and hubby and I will do just that tomorrow.

We try to donate blood as often as we are allowed,

but we had taken a break during a time when we needed to stay strong

and a time when we tried to keep our ability to fight sickness at its peak.

Giving blood is easy, but it will leave us weak for a day or two.

The week we donate, I specifically tailor our eating toward increasing hemoglobin.

You cannot give if your count is too low.

We have never been turned away, but I don't want to start now.

So the week we donate, we avoid coffee and tea - 

both inhibit the absorption of iron.

This morning, I made my smoothie with both vitamin C oranges and iron-rich pea protein.

The vitamin C helps to absorb the iron.

I also included spinach for folate which increases hemoglobin production.

We enjoyed leftover cranberry meatballs as a grilled sandwich for lunch.

Meat is the best source of iron.

And then for supper,

I boiled up some turkey bones and made this Harvest Turkey Soup.

Instead of frozen spinach, I used Kale

and I threw in about a cup of lentils.

The turkey, lentils, and kale will all boost hemoglobin or iron levels

and the tomatoes have vitamin C for absorption.

It is a powerhouse soup that we will enjoy again for lunch tomorrow before giving blood.

Oh, and to drink for a snack today...

a brown cow ...

A glass of milk with blackstrap molasses in it. 

It is good hot or cold.

Oh - and we were thinking about the donation even on Christmas day.

We had a beautiful beet salad.

The raw beets were a beautiful color for Christmas Day!

Beets are known for increasing blood flow.

That's pretty helpful when you are trying to fill your bags during the donation.

Let's Roam!

 On Saturday, hubby and I used another "experience gift.

I had seen some digital scavenger hunts advertised online

and there were a number available in towns around us.

So we purchased one.

The idea was good,

we enjoyed walking around a different town,

but I feel as if the company that was producing them could have put a little more into them.

We "explored" Franklin, KY.

the town square was decorated beautifully

Franklin is well known for horse racing,

but had a few more historical locations.

The hunt gave small maps that led primarily to "historical" place markers.

Then the hunt asked questions that could be answered from the markers

and asked for silly pictures of team mates doing activities similar to things mentioned on the markers.

Our scavenger hunt was produced by "Let's Roam."

I felt as if they were overpriced at even the reduced online price.

We had upgraded to a "date package" and could see nothing that would distinguish it as romantic or couple-oriented.

It did create a fun way to explore historical markings

and it did provide a lot of "steps."

 

My Favorite Gifts

 Many years ago, hubby and I stopped exchanging large physical gifts.

This is a bit hard for my hubby whose love language is physical gifts,

but I can only wear so much jewelry, right?

In their place, we gift EXPERIENCES!

We make memories together and they are my favorite gifts.

When we lived in Seattle, we attended the Messiah 3 times for Christmas.

In North Carolina, we were not able to see the Charlotte Symphony because they often performed on Wednesday nights, but we did see it once at Bob Jones University.

We made it to one performance of the Messiah by the Portland Symphony before Covid took outings like that away.

Last year, life just got away from us and the tickets were sold out before we got to them.

But this year ...

we got on it early.

We heard the Nashville Symphony this year.

Hubby bought the tickets and bought me a new dress

and we greatly enjoyed a trip into the city (our first to downtown Nashville since moving).

We also shared the night with 2 families from church.

The music of the Messiah is magnificent,

but the text ... pure Scripture praising our Savior whom we celebrate this season.

Hubby has also spent many evenings this year trying to find Christmas lights in town with me.

Downtown B.G. is lit up and tonight we will look around some neighborhoods for some more displays.

So it looks like some folks try to visit as many National Parks as possible,

and maybe I am trying to hear the Messiah at as many different cities as possible.

Maybe next year, we will try the Louisville Symphony :)

We are trying one more experince gift tomorrow.

Stay tuned ... I don't know when I will post about it,

but I will share ... I promise!

Fun Discoveries

 The past 3 months have had a lot more travel for us than usual.

About half of the time, I was traveling by myself,

but hubby made about half of the trips with me.

On one of our last trips,

we were going to need to stop for dinner.

While many people wouldn't think twice about that,

with an allergy or two, it is not as easy as stopping at any Mcdonald's.

With a lot of travel, we have also tried to limit the stops to Chick-fil-A.

So on the last trip,

hubby asked me to look around a certain exit for a gluten-free pizza place.

Well, I looked and ran across something that I knew hubby would like even better.

The restaurant was called CoreLife Eatery.

It specialized in healthy eating and balanced nutrition.

Each dish had veggies and protein and grains.

There were probiotics and prebiotics.

The dressings were hand made.

So we stopped.

It was delicious.

I revamped an Asian-inspired Sesame Ginger Tofu bowl by switching the tofu to chicken.

Hubby had a bowl that had kimchi, cabbage, and Korean Chicken.

...and we splurged for special drinks.

I LOVED the Vanilla Cinnamon Apple Fig drink that tasted like apple pie in a glass.

Hubby tried a beet lemonade that was also very good AND beautiful.

See the beets, broccoli, kale, carrots

look at that beautiful beet lemonade

So ... if you are traveling or happen to live in a town with one of these establishments ...

give it a try.  (Yes, Vestal and Indy both have one!)

I recommend ordering online so that you can see all of the options for changes and substitutions ...

and definitely try the Vanilla Apple Fig drink!

On The Second Day of Hanukkah...

... the homemaker made for supper ,,,

8 yummy latkes!

 Not only does Christmas celebrate a miracle,

but Hanukkah does as well.

The Jews celebrate the miracle of a one-day supply of oil that lasted 8 days.

They often celebrate with many fried foods.

While I would love to celebrate with sufganiyot (jelly donuts),

we decided we would celebrate tonight with latkes and lox.

It is "fast food" night, so some fried potatoes will be excused 😉

And we did break Jewish tradition with a green drink on the side!

It's the Most Wonderful Time ...

 I don't know if this season is the most wonderful time of the year,

but it does have many fun and enjoyable aspects.

We took the day after Thanksgiving to decorate.

I love the glow of candles in the window

and twinkly lights around the living room windows.

I do love the songs of the season that chronicle the birth, death, and resurrection of our Savior.

Sunday, I enjoyed playing an offertory that combined "Claire de lune" with "O Holy Night."

Hubby and I will sing a duet of "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" this Sunday.

And of course, there are additional practices for an upcoming Christmas program in which I can sing, play organ, and even accompany a choir with a piano duet!

I love giving out little gifts and tracts all season and watching tired workers smile at some pleasant recognition.

Hubby and I have tried to take in some of the local events as well.

Last Saturday, we went to a Christmas parade.

The parade lasted nearly 2 hours.

Numerous bands played and did very well.

Of course, it was fun to watch the children chasing candy.

Tomorrow, we hope to stroll through town at night to see the town lit up.

Next Friday, we hope to be in Nashville for the "Messiah."

Yes, I am thankful for this season with particular emphasis on the miracle of Christ's birth.

I am thankful that God's miracles do not end there - 

they are still available today.

It's OK to Change it Up

 Thanksgiving 2023

This year, we did not start our Thanksgiving Day with our own personal Turkey Trot.It is a little tradition that we enjoy that prepares us for what is normally a more sedentary day.

But this year, we changed it up.

We are in a different season of life anyway,

so we removed some of the busyness of the holiday by simplifying the day.

On Wednesday,

I made a turkey.

Yes, just a turkey - no gravy, no stuffing, no mashed potatoes, not even a pie!

And today,

we trekked to the Cumberland Falls - 

also known as the "Niagara of the South."

We enjoyed turkey sandwiches outdoors with an apple and some chopped veggies.

Then we hit the trails to hike the day away.

As always, we expressed thanks to God for our family,

our health,

our friends who are like family,

and this year we were surrounded by God's beautiful creation

and were even more thankful for His power, design, and creativity.

Life is Short

I just got out my cards, stamps, stickers, ...

I do this weekly.

There is such joy in the action.

Who can I encourage this week?

Which card will arrive "just at the right time?"

But today, it is a little bittersweet.

I began sending weekly cards in early 2020.

It began when a friend in our church started cancer treatments.

I had no idea what to say, I didn't know her well at the time, 

so I sent her a card containing a verse each week.

Sometimes I commented on the verse, 

but often times it was just a verse.

She became a good friend as I helped her navigate a small part of what was going on.

We became friends as we cleaned her house, traveled to appointments, and navigated city streets.

We became friends as we enjoyed piano duets when she felt well.

Soon I added more people to my verse card list -

the sick, the shut-in, and those facing trials.

The list grows, and the list shrinks.

People get well,

and people reach the end of a trial.

For 3 and 1/2 years,

her card has been in the weekly stack.

This week has been a reminder that we are not promised a tomorrow.

I have one less card to write today.

My dear friend is whole,

is not in pain,

is not balancing appointments,

she is "home."

Just a reminder that life is short -

a reminder that God left us in His Word.

James 4:14

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Off Plan? Don't Make Assumptions!

 One thing that I am trying to work on is not making assumptions.

While it may be fun while people watching ...😊

(see, there is Matilda, she is a grandma from Texas entering Walmart to buy fruit snacks for her 80 grandchildren

or there is Annabelle, she is a teen entering Walmart to buy press-on nails and a cola),

it is not fair or helpful when critiquing others or assuming I know their motives.

I can easily assume the worst in others instead of giving the benefit of the doubt

or asking for clarification in a kind way.

Go not forth hastily to strive, 

lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, 

when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 25:8

A silly example happened this week as I made my meal plan.

Friday - fast food night at home (nuggets and french fries with a green drink)

Saturday - Spaghetti

Sunday - Corn Chowder

Monday - Chicken Jambalaya

Tuesday - TATER TOT CASSEROLE

Hubby stopped at Tuesday and said, 

"So we are going off plan?"

Why would he say that?

Ground beef

condensed soup

cheese

green beans 

and tater tots

would not typically be a weeknight meal.

Usually, we save these "comfort" foods for a Friday night.

But he assumed I was making the familiar,

when in fact,

I was making a vegetarian Tater Tot casserole.

Onions

mushrooms

red lentils

green beans

peas

corn

red pepper

and yes, the more processed tater tots on top

It was not far off plan.

Some of the rainbow - green beans and peas, yellow corn, red pepper, white mushroom and onion

lots of fiber and protein with the red lentils

and still gluten and dairy-free!

His assumptions did not hurt anyone.

In fact, he was just supporting me to help me make good decisions for our meals,

but my assumptions about others can be hurtful.

And not only can they be hurtful to others,

but they can bring shame and embarrassment to me!

Fill 'er up

 I challenged myself with the rainbow challenge.

It has caused me to drink more spinach!

It has caused me to grab a handful of crudites with any lunch

(a radish, a cherry tomato, a mini cucumber, a mini pepper, some baby carrots).

With just a few mini veggies - I can get most of my rainbow.

I started the challenge with a balance that leaned toward more fruit,

and ended up getting more and more veggies!

So how about some habit stacking?

Hopefully, you have been practicing the rainbow of fruits and vegetables

and it is becoming second nature.

Fruits and vegetables are a powerhouse of fiber.

The skin and seeds in the "rainbow" are great for the body!

How about looking for even more fiber?

Fiber boosts metabolism,

fiber lowers cholesterol and blood sugar,

fiber keeps things "moving",

fiber feeds healthy bacteria in the digestive tract boosting immunity and aiding digestion,

fiber keeps you full for longer (less snacking).

So start looking at your meals.

Are they empty?

What can you add to your fruits and vegetables?

How about some oatmeal or granola for breakfast?

Whole wheat bread or even sprouted grains for a sandwich?

Corn tortilla chips instead of potato chips? 

(neither is stellar, but the tortilla chips have more fiber)

Brown rice instead of white rice?

A meal with beans at the core instead of meat?

Whole grain pasta and noodles instead of white pasta?

Could you throw brown rice or barley in a soup you are already making?

How about trying a new grain like quinoa or buckwheat?

What about sprinkling some ground flax on your yogurt or blending in your smoothie?

Try nuts on your yogurt or with your cereal or granola.

When the Engine Breaks ...

 Visit the Giants

We were planning to take a "leaf peeping" train ride on Saturday.

That was the plan.

On Friday, we were told that our ticket price was refunded because the train engine was not working.

So, we made another plan.

Instead of driving east,

we headed north ...

to the Bernheim Forest just south of Louisville.

The arboretum is known for its "Giants" sculpted or constructed of wood.

We followed the short path to see the 3 giants

and then found a few other paths to follow and enjoy.

One path was called the Iron Ore Loop - but felt more like the Iron Man Loop.

We followed that with the Meditation Loop which was much easier.

And we ended with the Nursery Trail which also was a storybook trail (my personal favorite - who wouldn't want to read a story about a polite garden slug while enjoying a walk?)

The day was just beautiful.

While the "main attractions" were man-made,

we enjoyed the work of our Creator in the forest around us.

We enjoyed the pleasant breezes,

the warm sun,

the scent of warm pine trees and hardwood leaves,

and wandering new paths.

ZZZZ

On this Thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for rest.

I am thankful for sleep.

Aren't you glad that God made the lesser lights at night?

Aren't you glad that God gave a day of rest?

Aren't you glad for a body that recharges on rest?

I think that the shorter days and

the changing seasons

have made me feel a little more tired.

It takes awhile to get used to the early setting sun.

And I am glad that there is time to take physical rest.

Sometimes, we have to listen to what our body needs.

Maybe the alarm can go off 30 minutes later in the morning.

Maybe the workouts can be a little simpler, and less demanding this week.

Maybe "lights out" can be a little earlier.

And that's all ok.

In fact, many times, God wants us to just rest.

He gives physical rest and also wants us to rest in His strength.

He wants us to rest in His Word, to rest in prayer, to rest in meditation.

There are problems and concerns all around us,

but our strength comes in resting in Him.

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; 

In returning and rest shall ye be saved; 

in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: ...

Isaiah 30:15

Taste the Rainbow

There are some people who can forget about eating.

Some folks don't feel hungry in the morning.

Some folks can get so busy that they forget to have lunch.

Not in our house ...

I just put another batch of Peach Blueberry muffins in the oven.

They complement a breakfast smoothie,

can be a healthy mid-afternoon snack,

or provide a breakfast on the go.

To me, food is a comfort,

it is social.

I suppose that is normal in our society.

I am trying to enjoy it more for its value to my life and health.

What is my food doing for me?

So while one of my siblings is assuming that my blog post today is about Skittles,

I am referring to a challenge to "Eat the Rainbow."

Each color in our food provides different vitamins and minerals.

We do not eat all of the colors every day,

but we definitely try to throughout the week.

Yesterday was a travel day,

so I didn't do too well on my colors.

I got red - strawberries (on my peanut butter sandwich) and an apple

orange - pumpkin in my gingerbread muffins

green - peas in my soup (they weren't in the recipe - but they were so good)

white - onion and potato in my soup

Today I did much better

red - strawberries (smoothie), red pepper (casserole), tomato (on casserole), raspberries (just a snack)

orange - orange juice in smoothie (whole fruit would be better)

yellow - lemon (drink at lunch), ginger (drink at lunch)

green - spinach (drink at lunch), green pepper (sauteed on hummus sandwich), zucchini (casserole)

avocado (on casserole)

blue - blueberries (smoothie)

purple - onion (sauteed on hummus sandwich)

white - onion (casserole)

So here is how I got them today:

Morning smoothie

1/2 c oj

1/2 c almond milk

3 oz tofu

1/3 c oatmeal

1 scoop coconut protein

1 cup blend of blueberries and strawberries

Lemon drink (for 2)

1 1/2 c water

a handful or two of spinach

1 lemon peeled

a squirt of honey

a squirt of ginger (I buy my ginger pureed in tubes)

Hummus Veggie Sandwich

toast

spread with hummus, any flavor

peppers and onions sauteed in olive oil sprinkled with italian seasoning and garlic salt

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Quinoa Casserole

Are you up for the challenge?

Give it a try.

Let me know what colors you got today.

You can even give me a challenge of your own -

or wait for another challenge next week.

 

Take a Hike

 Saturday was solar eclipse day,

but we had a cloudy day and were not able to see it.

Saturday was also men's prayer breakfast at church.

Prayer breakfast is at 7.

So we need to leave at 6.

So we sit down to Bible study at 5.

So prayer breakfast days mean we get up like a normal work day.

Because of this, it is sometimes hard to get motivated to support it ...

... but we try to "habit stack."

We link another activity with it.

Last time we had a prayer breakfast,

hubby finished the prayer meeting and we went to the greenway right near the church.

This time, we planned to go to the Greenway in "local" Springfield, TN.

We had hiked it last year on October 15.

It was a warmer day, and I was still recuperating from surgery and lugging around a new cast.

This year, though not as sunny, was more pleasant.

The path is marked in 1/4 miles.

We hiked the 3-mile path out,

wandered Springfield a bit,

hiked the 3-mile path back,

and then enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch in the park at the trail head

(well it was lovely to be together, but it was a bit cold).

About the time we sat to eat,

it got quite dark behind the clouds,

so I think that we did experience a bit of the eclipse :)

The Scarecrow Trail

 Last year, we discovered a local fall activity.

It is not really large, but does pull a crowd.

It is a scarecrow walk.

Some local businesses get advertising by decorating a scarecrow in a theme that matches their business.

They line a local walking trail that we enjoy from time to time.

The walk started October 2 and will run through October 22.

Not knowing what else we would find to do in the coming weeks,

we visited the walk today.

It was a beautiful sunny day with temps around 65.

I think the sun warmed us a little more than that,

but it was a pleasant day for a stroll.

Here is a sampling of some of the "ads" we saw.

Parker Lord deals with industrial parts and made their scarecrows out of those parts.

I didn't know DIXIE products were made by Georgia-Pacific in Bowling Green!

This display was so traditional and celebrated fall so nicely.

Just a cute display advertising a farm that is a local venue for events.

It Just Makes Me Smile

 There are just some things that make me smile,

Recently, green grass has made me smile.

I am excited to see that the yard has filled in and is looking healthy.

It is encouraging when an investment of time and money pays off.

These little fruits - Rambutan - made me smile in the store.

They look like little little monsters or critters.

I saw them in the store ... and I just needed to try them.

They were yummy,

probably not worth the price,

but definitely an experience.

This little chubby scarecrow has been cheering me as I do the dishes.

Just a cheap Hobby Lobby trinket, a little piece of fall that makes me smile.

And of course, an essential oil for fall.

This "Autumn Wreath" oil smells like apples

and fills the house with such a pleasant scent.

When the Duds Have a Date

I am a homebody!

Truly there is no place that I would rather be.

My home is a sanctuary to me.

Because I love home so much,

we often have dates at home.

That could possibly give me the title of "a dud."

But home dates save money,

I get to bed on time,

and all of the food is gluten-free!

When we do go out on a Saturday,

we are usually home before dark to rest and to relax at home.

BUT...

On Wednesday or Thursday,

I heard that the builders of our home were sponsoring a "Symphony Stroll" in a "neighboring" town on Friday night.

(The town was about an hour and 15 minutes away.) 

The Owensboro, KY Symphony would have a few small symphonic groups performing down on the river's edge.

I asked hubby if we could go.

It might be great, it might be a bust.

He said "YES!"

We went and we were so glad that we did.

The riverfront park was simply beautiful,

we enjoyed walking along the river,

and we listened to beautiful music as the sun set and the moon rose.

It was a clear night, with a full moon

and the bridge would change colors.

An epic success!

When You Must Adapt

 Hubby just got back from more training.

This time, he was in Davenport, IA to learn about combines.

As is my custom,

the house got a more thorough cleaning while he was gone.

More focus on corners,

closets,

all bedding ...

and repurposing.

After a year in our new home, 

it has become obvious that a home office for hubby was a little more important than a second guest room.

Hubby's office at work has no windows,

and he has recently had to "share" it with a coworker.

When both employees are on the phone,

it can be a little distracting.

So hubby has been working from home sometimes.

He graciously uses the garage,

but that can be cold in the morning

or hot in the afternoon.

So out went the little bed,

and in time ...

I will move the desk from the living room

and he will choose some artwork for the walls.

With an air mattress,

a fold-out chair,

or a murphy bed,

it can still be used for guest overflow ...

but so far that has not been a big issue.

I am thankful for the space in our home that allows hubby a place to work with fresh air and bright sunlight!

Mums the Word

 Last week I mentioned that the front of the house just needed some mums.

They have been purchased and planted.

And in true "If you give a wife some mums ... " fashion ...

"... she'll want asters and pansies too."

The front landscape bed was just "green,"

so the pansies brighten it up between the phlox and bushes.

And the asters and pansies just brighten my morning workouts on the patio.

The blueberry bushes are still small enough to share the planter box.

When it gets just a bit cooler, 

I am sure we will add a nice pumpkin or two under the shepherd's hook.

Welcome Fall!

 The calendar said that we entered fall on Saturday.

In honor of the season change, hubby and I attended a local Fall Festival.

Pumpkins, mums, corn stalks, crafts, ...

we wandered and just enjoyed the outing.

I had intended to attend the same festival last year,

but I never made it because I made my own "fall" fest last year.

Saturday was the anniversary of my wrist break.

My wrist is a constant reminder of God's goodness,

of the ability of our bodies to heal,

of the need to think before I act.

After the fall fest,

hubby and I did a little shopping for the house - 

some little things to add a little touch of autumn.

It was just a pleasant day-

a great way to start a new season

and a great way to celebrate an inauspicious anniversary 

and the healing that has occurred.

Success

The weekend's projects were a success.

God provided beautiful weather for the task.

The patio project was begun on Wednesday with a power wash.

Then Thursday, it got a coat of stain and one coat of sealant.

Friday morning it got another coat of sealant.

Then we waited 24 hours and put it all back together.

At about the 28-hour point, a brief rain moved in -

sealant had cured well and nothing was harmed. 

The color was not as dark as I had hoped,

(in fact, to look at the before and after pictures, you really can't see the difference)

but it is a little more "finished" looking

and the patio is sealed so hopefully it will age better.

Then ...

since the tree ring went so well,

hubby used the same pavers to outline the front landscaping bed.

It went well and we are both pleased with the results.

Now, I must get off to the cleaning.

It is awfully nice to clean with the windows open this morning!

And this afternoon, I will put some mums in the hanging planters

and within the tree ring!

Thankful Thursday: There is Always Something to Be Thankful For

 Do you look for the good,

or just dwell on the bad?

There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

I do not have a ministry with children as much as I would like,

but this week, I did get to teach in children's church!

I am thankful for the times when I get to pour something into the lives of others,

perhaps to support a parent who needs backup,

perhaps to introduce a bus kid to love and structure in balance.

I am also thankful for the differences that make us stronger.

I am thankful that not everyone is like me.

This is most often seen in a home.

The difference can drive us crazy,

or they can show us how each person contributes in a unique way.

I am thankful that hubby has different strengths and abilities than I do.

We can balance each other.

I am not the most organized (or neat) by nature,

but to serve hubby, I try to be a little more so.

He is by nature an all-or-nothing type of personality.

While this gets things done quickly and efficiently,

sometimes our health, or time, requires a more moderate approach,

and I can balance that with him.

Hubby gets things done as soon as they are on the to-do list.

Often this is a GREAT skill because unfinished tasks do not pile up.

But sometimes things need to be thought about for just a little while longer

and I can balance in that area.

You can see where our differences could drive the other crazy (and sometimes may)!

Perhaps you are having an interpersonal struggle.

On this thankful Thursday,

why not try seeing the good in the other person?

Why not look for the the way that person helps you, balances you?

And then why not tell them the good that you see?

Footnote:  Hubby and I are not in the middle of a struggle 😊

We are enjoying this season of life and hopefully using our strengths to help each other!