Kindness...

So many people have been kind to me.

Today an uplifting day

trip to orthopedic doctor, the best and left with a smile on my face and no pain in left knee

this knee 12 years ago with cartilage repair - nothing more will be done as could not stand

more pain.  Told eventually a shot in shoulders with rotatory cuff injury now both shoulders.  Also told
I go month's - like 6 months with these shots for pain and few people go this long.

I have a good plan, reasonable and one I can manage.

Was told how good I am doing on such little medication and to continue all I am doing.
Do not like these words, that arthritis is increasing at a fast pace and really no way to stop this.

I will stop stressing over future since told so healthy at this time because of life of healthy lifestyle
just pain I did not expect and some limitations which will increase.

Can hardly wait until Spring when I can sit on the deck and eat my breakfast and lunch outside

Told "you are not handicapped just limited ability in some area's and I like these words."

Thanks to my many online supporters......and so many I come in contact with daily.

All of you have become family....

Yesterday with 2 of girls visiting, made this peach pie, so easy...posted recipe several days ago.

Gave, Jamie 1/2 to take home...

A Joy Each Day

A bright spot on this cold rainy and a few flakes of snow morning in the country.
My Orchids now sporting 22 blooms and 8 buds.

In my past years maybe one Orchid plant that survived a short time but on my chop block
where I do not want them they are thriving. Evidently just the right amount of sun and shade and I use once a week while watering and an Orchid Spray from Lowe's.   Nice that they sometimes bloom for 3 months.

A lot is done in two hours this early morning with pain  and then the pain is so severe I have to stop, thankful for the 2 hours and will check again
with Rheumatoligist and back to the Orthopedic doctor to see if anything different then I have been told..

So weary of going to these doctors but once again want to make sure this is just advancing Arthritis
and Sjogrens like I am told.   I am still not sure this is it and really do not care what it is just want to be correctly
diagnosed and not just the suggestion of more pain pills which I will not take (only Tylenol 8 hour pain pills take the edge off)  also the 10's unit helps and Arnica Jell  If this is what it is I will accept and just
continue doing all I can with exercise, rest and diet.

May as well share as may just stop writing but it seems writing is an addiction :)

New pain in arms, always in shoulders and cortisone shots but now in arms also legs, lower back
and now knees.  This sounds pitiful and forgive me.  Cane used a lot in my home and always
when I have someone take me to grocery.   My best walking at grocery holding onto cart and asked
if I could buy one, they said no and horrible thoughts of taking my truck and bringing one home
as many times I see them all over town where people have taken them.

I cannot fall, thankful for help driving me and do not like it and hopes of driving next week
but want to be wise,  fine driving just difficult getting out of car.   I never planned on being
this helpless.   Thankful for help one morning a week, home therapy that insurance covers and soon
will stop, cannot use vacuum any longer or put contoured sheets on my bed, reach high cabinets and high rod in closet to hang clothes.

I share and then when in waiting room of doctors see those much worse then me and feel ashamed.

Thankful for limited help and all I can handle, never want to leave this home which is like a nature retreat.  Thanks for listening...

   T
t

Young Talent

On this cold day
will share
my young granddaughter's art work.

Looking for this image that Jamie sent I kept downloading a picture I took on this property
in the past : )

This one continues onward
learning all she can about Sjogrens Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis
 guess it is what it is , I always believed in miracles but not happening at this time.
Ever thankful for a little help, Arthur the Therapist  and it did not begin until age 78,  Just never thought with my healthy lifestyle that I would be dealing with this.   Was not thinking
realistically as we will all have to deal with some health issue as time goes on.

Really like the small hot water bottle I ordered from Amazon, a perfect size to fit at your

back or shoulders.

Thankful that my Jamie and a young granddaughter visiting tomorrow
and that my son will be arriving from far over the ocean in the weeks to come :)

My Hot Water Bottle and Not Good Morning

Just read an article in the New York Times Magazine section
that made me smile.   It was about using hot water bottles and that the Sanger brand from Germany
is the best.

Night after night on these cold damp nights I fill the bottle with hot water (being careful)
and put at the foot of my bed, so comforting in this home by the damp woods.

After reading the article went on Amazon and did not realize they made a small personal size one.
Just ordered as this size great to put at my lower aching back as I read or watch the horrible news.    Some use an electric blanket at night but not this one as drying to your skin.  I smile as oldest granddaughter in cold N.Y. uses a hot water bottle.   Have read that in England they are placed

at the end of the bed in Inns and Hotels....

An awful morning, new small mixer using and the mixer blades came loose and spattered dough

everywhere, was making banana bread and so upset I forgot the Black Walnut flavor which adds
a lot to this bread, still so good.  Also it did something to the breaker box and finally corrected and restored
current. My Janie said "mama it could have been worse"  I know but a lot to handle this early morning

So  mess has been cleaned up in my kitchen and  Cabbage soup simmering.
Trying to eat healthy and chopped Cabbage, chopped carrots, onions, celery and small potato with an addition of  chopped Turkey Polish Kielbasa add about 4 cups of water and I simmer about 1 1/2 hour
 will be tasty with   Fresh Mozzarella cheese I like and hearty bread..

Today and a New Friend

Early morning yogurt and fruit and was going to make Cabbage soup.
Plans changed, absolutely beautiful outside so I decided to see if I could drive to market solo.
Need to walk and the only place now except in the house is at the market holding on to the
cart and I walk through the store many times.

Took off with 3 large bags of trash hoping nice man was there to unload for me as I cannot reach
the high dumpster at this time  He was not there but thought I will try and immediately
person behind me stepped up and said let me do that.   Seems like with this cane a lot of help
is offered and I am ever thankful.

Headed home and will little by little bring groceries up the stairs into the pantry.  I never gave a
thought to these steps when building 8 years ago.   I can handle with 2 banister now installed
and going slow.

Too late to begin making my soup so in one pan sauteing mushrooms and broccoli, in another
a slice of bacon and then putting all together with egg poured over and topped with cheese.
Very tasty and the best part was sitting on the deck in the sunshine in this 70 degree temperature
on a January 2l, 2017 day.   Unusual and much colder weather expected end of the week.

Family has urged me to get this new friend and I have refused as always have phone in my
pocket.   After having another fall and seems one bad fall a year for 3 years now so thankful
never have broken a bone.

I decided to order what is hanging around my neck.  At night while this is charging have a
bracelet I wear and this unit is not for just the home but anywhere I go in U.S.
Of course I do not go anywhere but local but was a nice extra.
I really feel quite comfortable wearing it and safe.   Every now and then the operator
will come on and say "are you having a good day, what's the weather like there"  I smile
and feel like I have a constant companion :)

Peach Custard Pie

PEACH CUSTARD PIE - Shared from a friend and so good

Unbaked 9 inch deep dish pie shell

3 1/2 cups peaches - slice shared with me was from can and if fresh, peel and pit.
if from can drain peaches

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 large eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

1 to 3 tsp of lemon juice

1/2 tsp cinnamon
dash of nutmeg

Streusel Topping

1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp chilled butter

Preheat over to 425 degrees

arrange peaches in pie shell
combine sweetened milk, beaten eggs, butter, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg
in bowl, beat until smooth and pour over peaches.

Bake 10 minutes
Sprinkle on Streusel topping, reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional 55 to 60 minutes
or until knife inserted in center comes out clean
Cool on wire rack

Warm Days Continue and The Best of Wishes to a new young couple....

My Wednesday morning visitor, Lana and always so welcome, last week brought me a slice of
Peach Pie, so good and soon will make and share recipe.

Now this young woman goes back a long way in my life.  After relocating 40 years ago from the big
city to this small rural community, at one time I taught a women's Sunday school class and she
was part of it.   Married and 4 wonderful children, she shared some pictures of her son's
recent marriage.   I like the way it was done, just this couple on the porch of an old farm house
they will remodel.  Simple and so beautiful and not like so many big weddings today.    Samuel farms like his father and his bride a nurse, married and local minister
was there.   I remember when Samuel was born and now I wish for them the best life and happiness.

All continues the same in this cottage by the woods, soon therapist visits will stop for a while
and this saddens me as it helps with pain.   Have been told I am not eating enough, but never a
big eater but have to push food at this time.

Made vegetable soup from a lot of leftovers in the freezers with an addition of some frozen roast.
Also made a corn bread so now this will last a few days and have a container for my Jamie when
she visit.

Computer was down a number of hours and seems I became in contact with someone from India
long story, did not use them and was able with nice young man at Verizon to get back online.

When computer does this it truly makes me anxious as this is the main way family and friends
contact me.   So the thought, what did I do for years without a computer :) but sure cannot now...

Spring Reminders

From the sale table at local market and after I enjoy will be planted in my smaller garden.
On this rainy day
a spot of pleasure
by the bare woods..

New Orchid bloom

Life at This Time

So much is going on in my small world, those I know in the area I live seems a death monthly
and many of those who write online have sorrowful things happening at this time

You wonder at times whether to keep sharing or stop.   With me, writing my thoughts
on the computer helps me and maybe might help someone else.   If no one reads or comments
it is helpful for me to write.  When I have thoughts of stopping I am urged on by many
keep writing it is good for you.

What I am experiencing at this time is nothing compared to others who share and some I know.
 we each go through much personally it is our personal battle and sometimes many choices
we may have to make.   I love my isolated cottage by the woods and this is where I want
to stay and I belong as long as I now have some help.   So thankful for those who drop in and Callie always alerts me
they are approaching down the long gravel drive, I think it pleases her also :)

Cold, snow and now rainy days and want to drive but  still not comfortable
so will wait for awhile.  I will know and no there as of yet.

I smile at a phone call just received from a young school boy I know, he has helped me in
the past with outdoor chores, he asked is there anything he could help me do as he is now
getting out of school early?

Now this an answer to prayer
as he can go to grocery with me, bring items up the stairs to the pantry and keep my bird
feeders filled (a must for this one as she looks out the big glass windows)

So many needs being filled and this one is truly sorry that when busy children call
she shares too many details and their lives are full to the top with their work and families.

My children and grandchildren have always seen me super busy, going nonstop
and independent, now it is not that way and may not return to the way it was in the past.

Therapy for 2 more weeks and oh how I enjoy them coming, going and their smiles
and encouragement.

Today cleaning drawers, came across some stationery I had made in the past.

Many homes I have lived in and sometimes  made stationery
I smile at a small card my Laurie had made for me 20 years ago
with the statement
Home and Garden Consultant....

So many wonderful memories I have in my heart

I Smile

Yes, I smile as I read something my daughter sent to me on this 5 degree morning in the country.

I changed the words

" All I ever wanted to do was build an insignificant small home by the woods on my country
property, fill it with my favorite things and surround it with gardens."

I did succeed and now the problem of upkeep - but will do it.... and still want more flowers :)

On This Day

Another warm day is beginning and then turning cold tonight.

Chicken soup in the crock pot and using my Beth's information she received from butcher
at Whole Foods, use chicken thighs with the bones.


 Remove skin and bone from thigh after it has cooked with veggies for a couple of hour
I use about 6 cups of water
and chop chicken meat and add back to the crock pot.    A bone broth is simmering with an
addition of chopped carrots, celery, onions and I always add a small potato and my herbs Provence
may add a handful of good pasta.
Will be ready for my second meal, tomorrow and can freeze a container

A morning of errands and hopefully last time using a driver, hair appointment and then on to
grocery.  Have 3 errands for driver as I have hair washed that hopefully can figure out a new
way to do it.    Realizing I am a creature of habit and like my old ways and now have to change some of them,

Why has this not been shared in the past with this one having a balance issue.  Arthur my healer
is scheduled by insurance for a few visits.   Shared that inner ear problems a part of aging
and gave me some eye exercises that will strengthen the inner ear. Hopefully helps some of my balance problem.

Early morning call from over the ocean and bless him
he always tells me he will be calling at 7:00 and phone rings on the dot.

So now back on the mat, yogurt, fruit, waffle with more fruit, my supplements and no pain
pill this morning - Yeah.    Then will dress and be ready for driver.

A picture I came across yesterday
I was 2 months pregnant with my Jamie
we are all dressed for church
one frowning as sun in her eyes...

This one Jimmy a toddler and a cousin was visiting, Laurie missing from photo.
The young girl in first photo is the one I raised until divorce and also in second image.
Many times dressed Laurie and Beth alike, seems I never could find another dress I liked.
As they grew older they told me they did not like me dressing them alike :)