Blogger Break

Pulled my bad shoulder yesterday while putting on my jacket.   Will be taking about a week off to recuperate.  Hopefully it will be better sooner.  Will continue to visit your blogs.  Just can't do too much typing.
 

Thursday Odds and Ends

The scrambler.   Used to go on this all the time when we went to Bertrand's Island.  It was the first ride when you entered the park and the last ride when you left.  One of my favorite all-time rides.  Still is.  This and the whip are the only rides I will go on at Coney Island.

My son's girlfriend gave me this beautiful Angel.

I Think this was my 56th birthday.

A spice lover's dream.

My dad on the left.  An Elvis Presley look alike.  Word has it that he was considered the best catch in town.  

Made this little fairy garden a couple of years ago.

Spooky looking.  The Old Settler's Burial Ground in Lancaster, MA.  Several of my Prescott ancestors are buried here.

My three grandchildren.  I have a 4th, but no one in the family sees her. 

Tuesday Ramble

And a happy Tuesday to all.  I'm still feeling a bit under the weather, but not enough to keep me from the chores that must be done--banking, picking up a couple things at the supermarket, stopping at Walgreens for some Tylenol Arthritis.  

Yesterday I'd planned on heading to the supermarket, but changed my mind.  Rubbed Vicks on my chest and stayed in and rested.  Used nutrition to heal this cold.  Lots of vitamin C fruit, veggie soups, and homemade ginger tea.  And sleep.  Lots of sleep.  Sometimes we have to stop our running about and take care of our bodies. So hubby and I had a quiet Memorial Day. He wasn't up to par yet either.

 Red, white, and blue treat for Memorial Day.

Made this necklace on Friday.  I want to make a pair of earrings to go with it.  That was one of the things on my agenda this long weekend, but with this cold I didn't feel much like doing anything.  The earrings can wait.

 Some of my jewelry making class.

My best friend at the center.  She is making those bracelets for her church which puts together gift packages for children and teenagers.

My other friend.  Very professional jewelry maker.

And that's that.  Nothing else new.  When you're sick, not much to talk about.

Have a good one.

Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day.  A day we remember those  that died while in the service, and for many, it is first unofficial day of summer celebrated with cookouts and family get-togethers. Be safe and be sure to take some time to remember and honor.

No plans here today.  First of all, I have come down with a nasty cold.  Haven't been getting much rest and feeling like crap.  I really don't get sick often, and when I do, I don't handle it well.  But, aside from yesterday when I went to bed all afternoon, I keep myself busy, hydrated, and my belly filled with healthy soups and vitamin C fruits.  

I am disappointed because I had so much I wanted to do. There is a necklace I really wanted to make and I wanted to continue with my decluttering.  My house doesn't look like it used to.  It's not filthy, but with my chronic pain I can only do so much before I have to rest, and I thought a 4 days off would be the perfect time to dig in.  Wrong.

I did go to the fruit stand yesterday to stock up on fruits, veggies, and the ingredients for homemade ginger tea.  Made a huge pot and have it in containers in the fridge.

Fresh ginger,  a whole lemon then quartered and tossed in pot, cinnamon sticks, and honey when served for sweetness.  Bring to a boil and simmer.  Sometimes I add cloves as well, but I don't have any right now.

I find many different fruits there that I have not seen and I usually buy a few to see if I like them.  This time it was apples.  They have SO MANY varieties it's hard to know what to buy.  This time I saw something new.  Karu apples.  So I bought a few to try them out, and they were delicious.

The Karu apple was a fluke of nature that was discovered in flower garden in New Zealand.  A few Fugi apples that had gone rotten were tossed into a rose patch and from there they grew into a new variety.  DNA testing indicated that it is a cross of Fuji and Braeburn.

It is absolutely delicious--sort of a mixture of honey, orange, spices, and vanilla.  Not too sweet with just enough tart for balance.  An incredible apple. 

Have a wonderful day.

Sunday Selections

The focus of April's Awakening box was Honoring the Earth.  (Sorry I am a bit late).  Awesome box for the price.

 Lots of goodies this month.

Seftonite.  A crystal I didn't already have.  Seftonite is the name given to a specific type of Bloodstone that comes from Africa.  It is known to have powerful healing properties.  It can ground negative energy and cleanse the body.  Sorry for the blurry picture.

Pyrite.  Pyrite is a stone of luck.  It helps to attract abundance, wealth, and prosperity and encourages you to follow your dreams.

 Axinite.  Another crystal I didn't have.  Axrite allows you to submit to changes and provides grounding in all situations.  Aligns the energies of the physical with the energies of the earth.

This bookmark is amazing.  It is not only beautiful, but embedded with wildflower seeds.  Plant under a thin layer of soil and water daily.

Feeling Good Flower Tea.  Chamomile, Rose Petals, Orange Peel, Oatstraw, Lemon Balm, and Lavender.

 Gorgeous picture as usual.

Hand Engraved Palo Santo Sticks.  Blessed with Reiki.

Not bad for $14.00.   A subscription box worth keeping.

Saturday Quote

Wherever snow falls, or water flows, or birds fly, wherever day and
night meet in twilight, wherever the blue heaven is hung by clouds,
or sown with stars, wherever are forms with transparent boundaries,
wherever are outlets into celestial space, wherever is danger,
and awe, and love, there is Beauty, plenteous as rain, shed for thee.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday Roundup

Happy Friday.  I had a pretty good week despite a couple setbacks.   On Monday I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Food for Life class was still being held.  The agency found some extra money to hire the intern at least until July.  Then, if they can come up with more funding, they will hire her permanently.  Keeping my fingers crossed.  I really like her.

One positive note on Monday.  It was the first time in a long while that I was able to go without my back brace.  Pain was at a minimum, and I felt so good.

On Tuesday I had wanted to attend a Sciatica lecture, but noisy neighbors interfered with sleep, and I just wasn't up to going out.  Took a nice long nap in the afternoon.  But first I made a huge pot of veggie and bean soup. 

Carrots, celery, a package of fresh mixed veggies, lots of chopped onion, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a little spiciness, 5 packets of no sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, bay leaf, and black pepper.

On Wednesday I had to wear the back brace again.  I told hubby that I am going to cherish each day that I have a let up of pain.  It's not easy waking up and going to bed with pain.  But I keep myself going because I have to.  The busier I keep myself the less I concentrate on the pain.

Mindfulness class was awesome again.  I absolutely love that quiet time.  As with the first time, after the Reiki, the ringing in my ears was less.  Another thing I cherish.  Those days when the ringing is low.

Sadly, I came home Wednesday feeling fine, but within two hours found myself doubled over with stomach cramps and running to the bathroom.  By the time I went to bed, everything was cleaned out of me.  

When I went to my WW workshop on Thursday, all I had in my tummy was one slice of dry toast.  Really thought I would do well on the scale, maybe even back under goal, but I only took off .2 pounds.  Still have 1.4 pounds to go to get to goal.  I'd best do it next week because after that, they are going to charge me for the etools as well.  Grrr!!!  This maintenance stage is so much harder than the weight loss stage.  I think it's because when I was losing I had a goal to look forward to.  Now the only goal with maintenance IS maintenance.  Does that make sense?

Have a wonderful weekend.

Thursday Odds and Ends

Took this picture of the clouds covering the sun as hubby and I were traveling along the BQE.  It was about 6 pm in the evening, and we were headed out to eat.  I love getting pictures of the sun over the water.

My two great aunts from England.  I never got to meet them, only heard stories.  One of them was blind and had clothesline throughout her yard which she would follow to get around.

I used to go here when I was kid.  Loved riding the roller coaster.

 Mmm!!!! Strawberries and cream.

 Bastet statue.

 My little hand carved owl.  

 My great great grandfather.

They were talking about putting this up in my neighborhood, but it must have fallen through.  

My son and I holding special Christmas gifts from my daughter. 

Just some of my beads.  I have been donating them to the Friday class.  I just had too many.  Multiply this bunch by 4.

My granddaughter and her husband, grandson on the right, and 4 of my great grandchildren.

My goddaughter's confirmation.  That's me in the flowered dress. My goddaughter stands next to me.

Two of my sons at Great Adventure when they were young.

 My large family.  Two sons are not in the picture.

Me and hubby 30 years ago. 

Tuesday Ramble

Tuesday morn.  Another busy day ahead.  Do I ever have anything else?  I love being busy though.  I worked for 50 years so I am used to it.  There was a winter a few years back that was constant snow and ice, and I was stuck in because I was afraid of falling.  I got so depressed.  My cat was still alive and I found myself focusing on her every move, worrying that she was going to pass.  She was almost 20.  Fortunately, I had her for a few more years.  She lived to 23.

I got a pleasant surprise yesterday when I went to the center.  Food for Life was not canceled.  They found some funding to hire her, at least until July.  Hopefully, by then they will get the funding to keep her.  Yesterday we made this delicious Two Bean Salad.  

Black beans, pink beans, corn, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, and Mrs. Dash seasoning.

I am missing a package.  It was a very important package to me--a book with an autograph from the author.  I waited so long for it, and now, who knows where it is.   The super viewed the cameras to see who took it as it was scanned at our address,  but as per the video sent me, it doesn't appear it ever made it into the house.   When he enters he is only carrying envelopes.  His full attention was not on delivering the mail. 

He was on the phone and walked right past our building, then left the cart out of view, and came back to the building still on the phone. Talked a good 2 minutes when came entered. Then he opened our boxes and stood there looking at them like he didn't know what to do. Put half the mail in then back on the phone again. He finally finished with the mail and closed the doors on the boxes. Started to leave, then came back to retrieve the outgoing mail. Left again and was met by another mailman who told him he had to come back and scan the boxes before he left. What a mess!  My feeling is that he scanned my package and was so busy talking on the phone, that he forgot to bring it inside, and since the cart was out of view, someone walked off with it.

So I got a call last night from the post office. They found my package.
They said the wrong address was on there--865 rather than 864. I have to question that. I ordered through PayPal and like Amazon, my address is on record. The tracking even said 864 so I have to wonder. I'll see when the package is delivered today.

Today I am off to the center.  I don't usually attend on a Tuesday, but this afternoon they are having a class on Sciatica 101.  Would not miss that....or the turkey dinner they are having for lunch.

Have a good one.

Monday Morning This and That

Good Monday morning.  The weekend is over and time to begin anew.  And such gorgeous weather.  Finally.  Got that old spring fever and finished packing away the rest of the winter clothes this weekend.  

Friday was one of those lazy days for me.  Went to the center.  No morning class anymore. Probably going to be a bit boring now that all the interns are gone.  Only a couple of classes left.   Lunch was veggie lasagna, and they make it so good I ate the whole thing....and it was a lot.  Ended up being too sleepy to make anything in jewelry class so I just sat around and socialized.  The iced coffee I bought was delicious, but did nothing to help with my energy level. 

Saturday I decided to do my food shopping.  Felt like making some soups.  The Brooklyn half marathon was on, but I looked it up, and it was nowhere around me so I figured it wouldn't effect my bus route. Wrong.  Waited 45 minutes for a bus.  Yikes!!!  But, the weather was nice and I enjoyed the fresh air.   Problem was, because I got to the store late, I was one of the later deliveries so my food arrived too late to make the soups.  Looked in the freezer and didn't have enough room to store two different soups anyway.

Saturday night when hubby went to work I tore apart my drawers, digging out all the winter and putting in the summer items that had been washed and folded on top of the dresser just waiting for a spot.  Problem was that the weather was so strange I was afraid to get rid of the winter.

Yesterday was a busy one.  Got up early and headed out to church.  Came home and made this delicious Lentil and Collard Green soup.  Yummy.

 1 can lentils, 1/2 package frozen collard greens, carrots, celery, onions, 1 can fire roasted tomatoes, 4 packs sodium free chicken broth, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and bay leaves.

Hubby had mentioned on Saturday that we would go to Olive Garden on Sunday, but he was definitely not feeling well even though he wouldn't admit it.  He kept saying he wanted to go, but I would not enjoy my dinner knowing that he wasn't well.  Have to be so careful with his emphysema. 

So USPS has lost one of my packages.  This one was special, an autographed book that I'd really been wanting.  I had ordered the book early in May but had to wait for the author to sign it for me.  Was so happy when he did and the book was sent out.  Now, who knows where it is? 

Have a good one.  I'm off to the center for Wellness Group.

Sunday Selections

The focus of this month's Inked Goddess box was animal spirits and totems.  What an awesome box.  It seem like each month is better than the previous month.

The box was stuffed with goodies.

 I didn't know where to begin.

Porcupine Quill pen.  Porcupine helps you stay positive during troubled times.  

 Animal Magic Meditation Balm. 

Raven Animal Magic Votive.  A blend of Dragon's Blood, Sandalwood, and Ginger.  Smells amazing.

Hand Dipped Ceremonial Stick Incense.  They are handmade by Enchanted Quills.  It smells so good. Will definitely be lighting these when hubby goes to work.  Can't burn them when he is home because of his COPD.  

Gemstone Animal Carving.  Carved from soapstone.  The animal that chose me was the Stingray.  The stingray reminds you that blending in and standing your ground can be the best play for you.  If you feel lost, the stingray can help you find your direction, and lets you know when you have all the tools to move forward.

Familiar Protection Bottle.  Complete with everything needed to create a protection bottle--glass corked bottle, black candle, quartz gemstone chips, protection charm, herb blend of mugwort, catnip, fennel, and rosemary.

 Animal Spirit Knowledge Cards.  Gorgeous deck of 48 cards with animal paintings on one side and symbolism of the various animals on the other. 

These cards are gorgeous. 

Next month will be Sacred Grove.  Tree magic.