2015 Comes to a Close

Rosie says , Ho-hum - as long as the food is out and the pets are available all is good in her Domain. We could learn a lot from our animals, like to live more in the minute and appreciate what we have, to be grateful for our good health because there are others not as fortunate as each of us are and to know that it can always be worse. How can we deeply appreciate our life if we have not seen hard knocks in our life and in those around us. We are blessed.

I had a Lovely Last day of 2015. My best sewing buddy/mentor Lynne picked me up and took me to her house for a day of sewing. We had one project from 4 years ago (before my hubby passed away)that we had cut all the pieces out and then bagged them all up and they were still together because I knew they were above my level of sewing knowledge. Why in the world I "cursed " us with that project I will never know -looking back now?

We started on it at 11AM and when we quit at 6pm - it was still not completed. I had a feeling it would go that way. It seemed to have a Million pieces to it and all of that bonding the stabilizer to each little piece took time and you know how it is when it comes to fitting things together.

Then I had got the wrong zippers -but Lynne so graciously gave me the zippers and really the zippers are going to be the prettiest part of the purse. Then when my eyes gave out she took over and sewed and sewed and sewed and then we both were whipped. That is what you call a true friend -when you have got yourself in "over your head" and they come along and Save your project! All that time she spent on this just for me.  She ended up with a terrible headache for all of her effort. So, I hope God really had some "brownie-points" lined up for her along the way.  But, it is amazing as you watch something like that , " come to life". A simple piece of flat fabric and it takes on a life of its own with the help of a little magic-err- a lot of magic.

I am Pooped too and she was the one who did 98% of all the work . OOO, she also made me a Christmas gift that I absolutely Adore. She is sooooo Gifted; Let me show you.

                                                                  

Now isn't this the absolute cutest -one little pouch fits neatly into the second one. I am totally NUTS about the fabric with the little koi fish and the two little zippers match the fabric so sweetly. There are tiny little clips to latch together those stubborn things - a precious little lady bug Needle threader with a light and the little owl is a flash drive! I thought it was a key chain. Boy was I shocked and tickled plum to death! Isn't friendship just the sweetest thing ever.

So, for now my lovely little critters and I want to wish you the best ending to our 2015 and hopes for the Best 2016 that you could ever imagine. Now If I can only remember to write 2016 instead of 2015 when paying those bills. LOL   Love and Hugs to each and all from my corner of the world.

Pink and Orange Size Medium Weds.

Where in the world is this week going to ??? The last one we have in this year-never to have it again in our life-times and it is already HALF Over! Like wild children , running free - it is leaving us. Plus, we have been having really NICE , warm , rainy weather and it is calling for that to change Friday night -down to freezing. YUCK - I HATE freezing.  I wanna go to Australia or New Zealand .

I worked on this pair of Cloud Booties today. They are a size Medium and I REALLY worked hard reminding myself to NOT CROCHET SO TIGHT - soooo - they might really be a medium??? Isn't that the way it is - every project you tackle is a learning process. But, they say that is really good for our brains - it keeps challenging them -so mine get plenty of challenging because I always make lots of mistakes and have to go back and refigure.

                                                                         

Well, they are holding their little heads up today, but I am only getting just enough food in them to get their medicines down them and that takes Lots of Coaxing.

It was nice and muddy as I was tromping around outdoors doing chores. Of course I got lucky and the minute I poked my head out the door and headed up the hill - it started rainy. Of Course It Did. lol Timing is everthing. Then when I was feeding Yukon the donkey I lost my shoe in the mud - yea- this county life????

Four little chickens were taking their time going to bed so I could lock them up -so I took the opportunity to take my walk up the hill . I had not got to do that for quiet a while. Deer season got in my way and my DH used to never let me go during hunting season for fear I would get shot. The ground was very soggy as I walked but the exercise was good. It just makes me so sad that I have tried to keep my body healthy but my eyes are fading? You would think what is good for one is good for the other. I stopped at the top of the hill and had a little "boo-hoo" and that seemed to help. By the time I got back down the hill -the chicks were headed to bed. Yea. I wanted to be in the house before total darkness.

I had ordered a new toilet seat recently and was quiet happy with it - to look at it. BUT- when you used it was a different story? I had a friend tell me one time If you do not tell them - they will not know-so I decided to write and tell them?  I explained that once you sat on it -it would start to sink in the center and "funnel " you into the toilet.  I explained I was not a large size person either. I received a note back this morning saying maybe the seat was defective and would I like a replacement. I replied , Yes - if they did not mind -then in parenthesis - I asked was I detecting a smile from someone imagining a granny funneling into the toilet? lol

To which he replied , "

You must be a psychic - of course I smiled! A replacement is shipping out tomorrow" - to which I just died laughing!  Isn't life grand??? lol

Lavender Tuesday

Well, I did not get to go to my acupuncturist today. He shot me a message early saying she had the stomach flu and did not want to give it to me - so I REALLY appreciated that. I wanted to stay home but I forced myself to get ready and go to town to spend my Walmart Gift Card my daughter had given me. I was out of everything so I wanted to get it accomplished before the cold weather sets in this weekend, plus calling for rain tomorrow?? I had a list and I would fill my buggy and then figure the prices and say well, I could put this back and get that? Do I need that more than I want this???? It is truly amazing how fast money goes? But it was a deeply appreciated gift and one that I can get a lot of use out of.

Boy this picture sure turned out weird - it is suppose to be the size large lavender cloud bootie and the funny part is there is an extra top on this one. lol
My printer had downloaded only what it wanted and left that part off.

I can't decide which way I like them the best? Plus, I cannot decide if I consider this large a real Large?????

                                                              

I did get Rosie a new dollar toy and she seems to be enjoying that. lol

OK, this is better. Now it looks more lavender and you can see that extra row of stitches???  I am pondering how to "spiff" them up??? Maybe a pompom or maybe a jingle bell?? Maybe a button??

A Busy Monday

Seems like the days always start off with roller skates on and Off you go. I hurriedly did all morning chores and then took off to my older son's house for him to install the brand new car radio he bought me for Christmas since the original one in my car had quit playing the CD's . I had been in the process of listening to some good alternative medical practices when it decided to just up and die on me. I even bought a cleaning CD, but that did nothing but get me a couple of sentences and it was gone again. Since I made that hour drive once a week for my acupuncture treatments I really was lost without it as I wanted to hear what was on those CDs.

Now I have a Brand New -Spanking Clean- shiny - pretty Radio, CD player and Clock too!  Just as we checked the clock we discovered that my WATCH was not working right - GREAT! NOT MY WATCH! I am HOPING it only needs a battery, since I have had it a year now?

Cory is quick and efficient when he does something so we were in and out of his garage in two blinks of an eye - maybe three. As the garage door went down - I said, "Oopps - we forgot to check the antifreeze because we both had smelled something when he pulled it into the garage. I have been Faithful at keeping oil in it as my car is my independence but not thinking about the antifreeze. He said he had checked it a few weeks back when he had put the new brakes on for me . Well , low and behold my radiator is leaking . Great? But, she is like me and has a few miles on her so he filled her up and loaded me up with two containers to take with me and said he would look online to see how much radiators cost now a days.

It was a dark, rainy day so driving with my not so great eye sight is not fun. It's not I cannot see - it is just things seem to be getting smaller and darker. Still holding on to hope though. I even got an alternative eye doctor upset with me. I had ordered his kit with holistic eye medications and a 6 hour urine test for heavy metals as metals affect the macular in your eye. The test had come back Very High -but with no instructions from him as to what to do with the information. I showed it to my acupuncturist and she called the poison control center and they throwed off on the lab and said they had had trouble with them before???? Next came the blood test and the water tests-both of which have come back low. So I thought he should know IF he was an honest person what the people in my area were saying . I told him IF that lab was just giving out false results then I felt like they had stolen my two hundred dollars that I could have used for Christmas on my family.

Well, I must have hit a sore spot because he responded -that he was disturbed with me for saying that -that the lab has a perfect reputation in the Alternative field and that I did have LEAD TOXICITY and needed chelation therapy. He said that lead would go into the bones and that way would NOT EVEN SHOW in a blood test and you could actually be dying from lead poisoning?  So, I am taking the note to show my acupuncturist tomorrow and see if this might affect our Lead treatment?? Some where there has to be answers and I know my sight is getting worse and the traditional eye doctors do NOTHING to help you. I have always believed the body can heal itself so I am just missing something somewhere and I do think this doctor holds some of the answers. He is just too far away from me to get to him and too expensive to afford. That was one reason I was surprised he did write to me . He has SAVED many people's eyesight and I wish I could be one of them.

I did get another pair of the cloud booties made - this is a size medium and I think they are neat. They are so darn soft they do feel like you have a cloud on your feet.  I will have to try a size large next as the sizes run kinda small.  They fit me but I am a 7 1/2 but my granddaughters are larger - and friends. But the yarn is a BLAST to work with as it runs through your fingers - so soft and soothing.

                                                               

 I said, "What the Heck?"  As I had just finished up the booties and were getting ready to thread the tails in - this happened. I had the needle in my fingers and was just AIMING the yarn AT the needle -not even touching it yet - the darn needle popped right into!  Talk about eyes getting crossed???? ONLY ME!

Well, it's getting dark - I got to go run and let the donkey out from where I lock him up as he has his supper so the sheep do not take it away from him. I hope you guys have had a wonderful day and I send my love to you.

Nite , Nite Christmas Tree

Well , poo - can't even see the little twinkling lights that I turned on just for the picture. O well, back to bed to you till 2016. Time will fly by, but it has been nice to see you so pretty.

                                                                          

I had a discount coupon for today at JoAnn's so I went and used it for some yarn for the new projects for Christmas 2016. I love to do things that people can get some use out of and with my macular degeneration getting a little worse I wanted to get right on them - just in case. These are called Cloud boots by The Lavender Chair and they are made with baby yarn and they do feel Heavenly on your feet. Something so soft that you really want to take your shoes off and slip "into something comfortable". lol

Gonna go see if I can get another one done while I am having good luck. Love to All.

Things are looking a little rough around here today

This is Cocoa and she feels so "rough " from this darn doggie flu. This breaks my heart and makes me feel so incompetent at caring for my babies - so helpless.

Canine Influenza in Dogs

The virus that causes dog flu, Influenza Type A (H3N8), was first identified in Florida in 2004. It primarily infects the respiratory system and is extremely contagious. A vaccine was granted full license by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2009 (Nobivac® Canine Flu H3N8). Some dogs can be exposed to the virus and fight off infection without showing clinical signs.

Symptoms and Types

Dogs that are infected with the canine influenza virus may develop two different syndromes: 

1. Mild – These dogs will have a cough that is typically moist and can have nasal discharge. Occasionally, it will be more of a dry cough. In most cases, the symptoms will last 10 to 30 days and usually will go away on its own. 
2. Severe – Generally, these dogs have a high fever (above 104 degrees Fahrenheit) and develop signs very quickly. Pneumonia, specifically hemorrhagic pneumonia, can develop. The influenza virus affects the capillaries in the lungs, so the dog may cough up blood and have trouble breathing if there is bleeding into the alveoli (air sacs). Patients may also be infected with bacterial pneumonia, which can further complicate the situation.

General signs of these syndromes include:

• coughing
• sneezing
• anorexia
• fever
• malaise

Red and/or runny eyes and runny nose may be seen in some dogs. In most cases, there is a history of contact with other dogs that carried the virus. 

Diagnosis

Besides a physical, the veterinarian will want to perform a complete blood count and clinical chemistry on the dog. Usually, increases are seen in the white blood cells, specifically the neutrophils, a white blood cell that is destructive to microorganisms. X-rays (radiographs) can be taken of the dog's lungs to characterize the type of pneumonia.  

Another diagnostic tool called a bronchoscope can be used to see the trachea and larger bronchi. Cell samples can also be collected by conducting a bronchial wash or a bronchoalveolar lavage. These samples will typically have large amounts of neutrophils and may contain bacteria. 

Detecting the virus itself is very difficult and is usually not recommended. There is a blood (serological) test that can support a canine influenza diagnosis. In most cases, a blood sample is taken after initial symptoms develop and then again two to three weeks later.

                                                         

Not just Cocoa - this is her Mom - Blondie and she feels "rough" too.

                                                       

You KNOW this one feels "rough" because it is Mocha and she is my Parlor Princess and Never leaves my bed and yet when I could not find her - she is hiding in the closet? I think she has the highest fever today because her little head is really hot to the touch.

                                                                  

Bandit is just plain hiding and does not want to show his face . Heading back to his bed since he cannot get in "His Closet" since Mocha is in there.  I did get their meds down them this morning and only a few bites of their breakfast doggie meatloaf. This is going on Two long "rough" weeks.  The only reason I am sharing it and some of the information is for you other dog owners -so you can see how serious it is. Blondie is the oldest and has the worst heart so I am worrying about the possibility of pneumonia ? I had Never heard of it Before now and after we get through this I hope I NEVER hear of it again!

                                                            

To console myself I have started on my First brand new project for the 2016 Season of Christmas gifts. This baby yarn is SOOOO SOFT this slipper so far really does feel , "like a cloud". With my fibromyalgia I HAVE to have soft things as Normally every yarn and every thread that touches my skin feels like it is burning a brand into my skin. But just working with this yarn is nice and comforting so I am hoping the finished product will be something special to me and to the gift recipient.

We are still having our BEAUTIFUL weather - 60 degrees- to you Aussies - that is WARM!  Some are complaining about the rain - but they do not consider IF it were snow - it would be up to our car doors - so I am so grateful for RAIN. I know it has to be good for our under water tables for our wells. So, I am so grateful for a beautiful Warm day -the love of my pets - and the ability to See to accomplish another creative pondering.

Love and hugs to all!

Like a bandit

This is the gift I had saved for today. It is from my online buddy from Tenn. It had arrived for my birthday but I wanted to save it for today. I opened the box and gasped at those lovely colors. Now I have some beautiful fleece to play with .

The rotary cutting machine was wrapped for my birthday and entices me. I have never even heard of one so I have something new to learn. What a beautiful gift and so deeply appreciated.

My daughter is just like Chris from Diet Coke Rocks -they live and breath Coke, no matter how bad I tell them it is for them, so when I found this Coke shirt I knew it would be a surprise for my daughter. Sorry Chris, couldn't find two of them. lol

Then my handsome grandson. He is a Dr. Who fan . Boy, they sure do grow up fast. He was one of those babies with the most beautiful blue eyes- at least they are still Blue. lol

Then late this afternoon my oldest son and beautiful wife and two

babies they are raising as their own arrived and the babies went at it. The older kids did not show up and I was a little disappointed not to see them. I wish my house was bigger - I know it is hard to cram everybody in such a tiny space that only raised 3 and their family has blossomed to 13 I think, last count.
                                             

We wait all year long for this special event and then it is over in a matter of minutes. Amazing-hopefully the memories last longer.

                                                     

I spent about an hour making treats for my furbabies . This is the oldest , Blondie who I am trying to "tempt" but she was not too impressed at the moment. I think she was still stuffed from her breakfast meatloaf I made for them. The homemade food seems to stick with them longer and their poop is smaller so I am guessing there is not as much "waste" with no extra preservatives or junk added in there???  Of course she is still recovering from the doggie flu that that have all shared. I have never heard of it before and I hope I never experience it again . They have been just like sick kids laying around , running fevers and not eating. It sucks.

Well, Merry Christmas one more time- I hope everyone's was a happy one. Now, time to start new projects for next year.  ~smiling~

Christmas Eve 2015

Hard to believe it is really that time of year once again. I have just finished wrapping all of the gifts but one. But I did get my daughter-in-law's kitchen towel holder finished.
            

She likes a lot of color in their home and is always splashing new color somewhere. She is one that definitely does - let her light shine. ~smile~

Now that it is too late I am wishing I had embroidered something on the towel. A Little too late now- isn't that the way it always is.

I have worked all day long and still have more I hope to  accomplish. Where does time go to? I heard a horn blowing and it was the mailman. He Very rarely comes up the driveway, but I was glad he did .

                                                                    

I had been needing a new toilet seat for quiet a while now as the old one was one of those that had cracked and "bit" your butt every time you sat down. lol  I had looked at the big box stores but all they offered were the plain jane ones , so I looked online and found this one on Ebay - cheaper than their plain janes- so poo on them. I wanted butterflies - so now I have butterflies. I just wish they lasted longer.

I had just made a new night time smoothie . I wanted one to quench my thirst and this one seemed to do a good job of it and take away those aggravating cravings for SOMETHING ???? I'll share it with you.
4 apples
2 lemons-peeled and quartered
2 teaspoons ginger, peeled and quartered
1 cup fresh spinach
4 tablespoons agava
1 cup water
1 cup ice cubes.

I only halved it and only used 1 little  slice of lemon. I mainly like the lemon to hide the taste of the greens.

I have the reggae Christmas music going , the tree is one and I am ho-ho-hoing.  Happiness to everybody! Big hugs too.

Another Gift

Today is a nice rainy day but my little dog Cocoa is not feeling good. She has had the "doggie-flu" for the past two weeks and been on meds but she refused to eat or take her meds this morning. I told her that would mean another trip to see the doc if she could not eat.

Since it was calling for rain I trotted outdoors to do all the outdoor chores and went Just in time for the rain. But the temperatures are warm and the rain was light so it was not a bad thing at all. As I went from place to place I called constantly for Cowboy, my missing kitty.

I had to take a cup full of corn to the garden to the poor turkey who is confused and sitting??? (She thinks it is Spring and I wish it was?) While I was there I noticed that dumb weed I have been fighting (in the Winter-time here????) was sneaking around my strawberry plants again-so - NO YOU DON'T - BE GONE BAD WEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hack, hack!

Then back up the hill to take care of the chickens in the building(where the predators can not get to them) Then as I came in the door way - LOW and BEHOLD - there sat Cowboy -big as Butch like he owed the place. I Had to do a double take and look twice because I REALLY thought he was dead somewhere. I snatched him up and carried him to the house and put him in a carrying cage while I finished my chores. I did not want to get so excited that I would plum forget to feed the last few.

Then a quick shower and loaded Cowboy in the car . I could smell an odor from that ear and I was so grateful to have him contained. Then back in the house and grabbed a dozen eggs for the vet and loaded Cocoa up in a little carrying cage too. She got the front passenger seat of course , although she was not impressed.

I always pray for help driving with my poor eyes . The sky was gray and the rain was light and there was very little traffic. Big advantage to living in a rural area. Cocoa was running a fever so a shot and new pills were in effect for her. Then it was Cowboy's turn- I was afraid how he would act because he goes wild when I try to restrain him at home . But in a strange place and strange people -he acted like a gentleman for the assistant. I was So grateful. So he got a shot and a liquid med that I can HOPEFULLY poke in his mouth. We will see?? He is definitely being locked up in the bedroom so I can keep up with him. Oooooops - I forgot a litter-box- Better do that before I forget and regret it.

Ok, that is accomplished and he is not too happy-but that is life. For my supper I have made a Sweet and Spicy Cauliflower Curry. I did not think I liked curry but cauliflower is so good for you I just decided to try it and it is good. Here is the recipe :

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon sweet curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 small onion - diced
1/2 of a large red bell pepper - diced
2 Garlic cloves -diced
1 teaspoon red  pepper flakes
1 Head cauliflower - finely chopped
1 pack tofu
1 can organic coconut milk
1/4 Cup nutritional yeast
3 Tablespoons maple syrup
Salt and Pepper to taste
Chives to garnish

1. In pan over medium heat -heat olive oil, cumin, curry powder and turmeric until sizzles

2. Add onions and allow to cook 3 minutes.

3. Add red bell pepper , garlic and pepper flakes. Sauté

2 minutes . Add cauliflower . Stir and cover pan and cook 8 minutes.

4. Press water out of tofu and cut into cubes. Add tofu and coconut milk and nutritional yeast and maple syrup and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 10 minutes.

I had to "fudge" a little tonight as I do not have the tofu and the canned coconut milk was too expensive so I substituted canned evaporated milk.

The big day is almost here so I completed this crochet towel holder for my neighbor. I normally do her a crocheted towel for her with the towel cut in half and the crochet topper on top of it that you hang. They are pretty but I get so mad at the commercial towels for just pushing the water over your counter top instead of soaking it up and preventing a bigger mess. Well, I Finally found a towel that does that. It is  just a plain white cloth like the old time baby diapers used to be. So I wanted a simple crochet towel holder now to just run the cloth through and this is what I came up with. I found the idea on Facebook and changed it out just a tad and now I am happy with it and think it will do a good job. I quickly wrapped it and the towel together . I had already wrapped her crocheted ruffled scarf and a pretty garden stake for her flowers. I just cannot come up with a man's gift - I keep wondering If it is because I am not a man ???? But, I did find a cute grill lighter that looks like a big wrench , since he is a car mechanic, plus a flashlight that looks like a bullet . Something that they can get some use out of . I hurried it down the road before they got home from work and then scurried my little "elf" self back to my little burrow. lol

So now I hope , all of my "friends" gifts are made and delivered and that just leaves the kids and grandkids and great-grandkids. Whew! Almost over and take a big sign of relief and then start new projects for the next Christmas. If I did not work on them all year long - I would never get it all pulled off and people are so important to me - to let them know that they are special and thought of . The gifts are not big because there is no way I could afford big gifts for big numbers , but they come from my heart and wish I could do more.

Plus, it helps keep my brain working good-always searching and trying to understand ideas? That is why I am trying to hard to defeat this macular degeneration - losing our freedom and the ability to create -well, it would be heart-breaking.

I hope each of you are in a good place with your holiday.
hugs to  all - linda

Pincushion Day

I call Tuesdays that because that is the day that I go to the acupuncturist to have my treatment to help my eyes. No this is not a shot in the eye like the eye doctors give - this is a acupuncture treatment for the needles to line up with the right meridians to let the chi flow. At least that is my "layman's terms" for it. The eyes need good blood flow to get the nutrition that they need and the liver controls the blood so you want to keep it nice and happy.

One Nice treat from going this path was the fact that I had TMJ-it was Horrible when it hit last Summer-the pain was unbearable. I went to the clinic and they referred me to a "Expert" in the field. He reworked my denture and said that was what started it-but it was something I would just have to live with. He said there was a 20 thousand dollar surgery -but it did not guarantee anything would be any different. A week later I was in so much pain again. That was when I happened to read a post that one of my acupuncturist's clients had posted thanking Marcie for treating her TMJ- so I ran and begged for a treatment. It took about 3 but now I am out of pain. The only time I get in trouble is if I crunch down on something really HARD and for a long time-other than that I am good to go! Thank God for my little Acupuncturist-she is a God-send.

 After I left my acupuncturist I headed back to town away from the mountains where she is located. I wanted to make my pups a doggie treat and it called for two bottles of beef baby food , so I stopped at a little grocery store in Christiansburg as you go into town. Would you believe there was No baby food in the store.

I had made this pillow and a hot pad for a friend who lives in this town so I called him to see if he was near his home and he said he would be in about 20 minutes and we agreed to meet there. I decided to stop at a Kroger store which was just around the block from his house and I could not find the baby food. This store was SO CRAMMED full of people and the line was running to the back of the store that I gave up that search also .

 My friend has a beagle who loves the couch so I thought a nice lap quilt just big enough for Tommy to sleep on might be nice and easy to wash. I also made him two warm pair of mittens from the sweater video floating around on the internet.

When I arrived me offered me a bowl of chili beans and I gladly accepted as my green breakfast smoothie had ran out quiet a while back. I washed our two bowls and gave him a hug and headed to the country before dark could fall on me , as I cannot see to drive in the dark.

As I pulled in to the driveway there was a pretty white truck was there and it was one of my sweet neighbors. She had been making cookies and brought me a Christmas sample and some fruit. Yea, dessert after a free meal - I was sitting in  high cotton, wasn't I. LOL

We only live not half a mile apart and it took Christmas to bring us together. We might end up being walking buddies -that sounds good to me. I am counting my blessings.

What A Mess

I did not plan on getting into this mess until AFTER CHRISTMAS - But - you know how it is??? My pups have been having so many health issues and not wanting to eat their foods. I had switched from every kind of dry dog food on the planet to canned dog food and was still losing the battle. The only way I could get their medications down them was to wrap it in raw ground meat.

So, last night I was searching for a crochet project on YouTube and happened upon several videos about Dog Food. Some of it was sickening - can you imagine feeding our beloved pets ground up OTHER dog and cats??????????????? Puke -puke!  Not all of it was that bad -but then not good either.

So, I decided I would take my Christmas money my girlfriend gave me yesterday (talk about timing) and go to the grocery store and get the ingredients to see what I could come up with. Before I could go though I had to wait to capture a stool sample from Mama dog (Blondie) . Her tummy has looked distended the last couple of days and I wanted to make for sure that those worms had no showed back up. While being "secret stool stalker" I did discover WHY I could not get any samples from the other 3???? We have an old trailer that is right up against the back of the house that DH had always planned to add onto the house -but never got around to it. It is Very Handy for the pups when they have to go potty when the weather is inclement as they just pop the doggie door open and fly up under the trailer- YEA Right - Up under the trailer. I will never get a sample now?

But, Mama was good to go so I grabbed my hard earned sample and took off to town. The vet was closed for lunch so I stopped at the Good will -then dropped in at Jo-Ann's , our local fabric store because I had this 50% off coupon and I had wanted this particular yarn for the start of next years gifts. I got my yarn and also a yard of flannel on sale and went to pay for my treasures. Then the young man told me I could not use my 50% off because the yarn was already on sale - :( -and definitely not 50% off.  He had already rang me up and for some reason did not see my one dollar pair of gloves so he had to ring them up and when he did that 50% came off THEN????? I wanted to save it until tomorrow -but o well, too late now. So, they gave me a WHOLE .50 - cents.

Then off to the vets and tried to turn in the stool sample but nobody would listen to me so I had to just wait my turn on the list and when I was called I had to tell the doc I was not trying to see him - I was only trying to get a stool sample run-so he ran it himself and said there were no worms -why was I worried because he had just seen Blondie last week. I told him about her distended tummy and he thinks it might be fluid so I can increase her fluid pill for the next week and then take her back.

Meanwhile I have been looking for my run-a-way cat since Sat. night and he still has not shown up? I know he needs to see the doctor after that cat fight and the clinic will be closed Thurs, Fri, and Sun. I live out in the country and Cowboy normally just uses the doggie door to go potty and to follow me around to do chores so for him to disappear is totally out of character. IF ONLY that other cat had not showed up??? I don't like for my cats to be outdoors - I prefer for them to stay inside all the time - like Rosie does.

Well, now I have rested my back for a bit I need to crawl back up under that sink and put in a new liner and grab the baking pans I have not used since DH passed away and cook dogfood.  (Plus, then there is the argument about NOT cooking it??? )  We'll see how this goes? Have you guys tried this?

Here is one of the stories -you should check it out for yourselves if you have dogs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZT9IBFA_sQ

Now it is up and on to chickens treats to help them get through cold weather.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=h3XsLmhcjIU&index=3&list=PLTAXPTAcufzH6irDr4OAC_CFX-rnwca0Y
Here is the link for that and the lady is really sweet.

Saturdays fly by

My day has certainly flown by. This was one of my little treats so I considered it a "birthday gift" from a little flower that I love. I have had it for Many years and dearly love it. It seems to thrive on abuse as it is stuck in the front window on a little shelf in a tiny little pot (which is a kangaroo - see I dream of seeing them alive in Australia) In the Summer it survives the hot sun and my ability to forget to water it properly and then the cold air hits that window in the Fall and Winter and yet , still she survives and then does this??? This bloom can stretch out as far as almost 12 inches and the little pot is only about 5 inches tall?

Then I accidentally found another kangaroo pot at a yard sale (mixed in a pile of junk). My heart could barely believe what my eyes had rested on and the treasure came home with me. Now my beloved plant has a twin taken from its own stems and together they grow and put up with me. Not Grow Fast though-not to overwhelm you . See how compassionate these two beauties are. They really do take care of us humans who mean to do good to them - but are just forgetful -or neglectful. If these were humans we treated this way they would have disowned us a long time ago. But, these babies take us for how we are and put up with us anyhow and then even treat us at times-like now for my birthday. ~smile~

                                                         

This is some more of my buds that I share time with. These particular 3 are a mystery. I have some chickens (chooks) called Belgian d'Uccle . I started out with a rooster and 3 hens . Two hens were browns and one was black and white. Through  Summer of 2014 and then this past Summer new colors presented themselves. I have fallen in love with them. Then these 3 showed up - they are built entirely differently and they lack a tail. I tracked their history back to the 1800's and were crossed with another breed for different features.  Of course I am AMAZED to have been treated to their visit.

It was very cold here today and all of their water had frozen so I cleaned the containers and gave all fresh water. They all are spoiled and look for their daily treats and today was Napa cabbage from the garden . They were hoping it would be apples -but they pecked at the leaves I hung up in their runs.  Now they will NOT look at them if I place them on the ground - I had to hang special wire hangers  to Hang their treats on. I guess they do not like them to get dirt on them.

By the time I got all of the chores completed it was time to get ready for my grandson to come pick me up to take me out for a birthday dinner at a local Hunan House. His Mom met us there as she was getting off from work at the post office. We had a lovely visit as it has been a month since we had seen each other. Mom paid for our meal and Dakota brought me home.

I checked the mailbox and a new supplement/pain helper had arrived. I am very hopeful that this one might help my fibromyalgia. It is called Heal-n-Soothe by Livingwell Nutraceuticals. It's ability to help comes from proteolytic enzymes which break down protein and pain -and stiffness-causing fibrin.. This is something new to me but I am So tired of fighting Pain. I had came off of my fibromyalgia medicine because research showed it could hurt my macular degeneration and I am doing everything I can to save my eyesight. But, the pain has taken over my life to where I could not sleep , think , or function. If this will help I will be So grateful -beyond grateful . But, I will just take it one day at a time and see what happens.

I am writing this all bundled up in several layers because my thyroid is unhappy with me since I have been off of my thyroid meds also for several months now. I just got a doctor lined up-where I had that blood test done this week for the lead- But - you can only be seen for ONE THING per visit? So now I have to make a new appointment for my thyroid? Our "new medical system" just befuddles me.

Then I just read this interesting bit of tidbit and thought I would pass it along . It is from a holistic doctor that I like:

 In early November, I spoke with a client in
her early 50s who was going on about 6 weeks of
experiencing chronic nausea and diarrhea without a
clue as to why.

In reviewing her daily dietary and lifestyle choices,
we realized that the onset of her symptoms coincided
with regular purchases of pre-marinated chicken from
her local grocery store - her sister-in-law out west
had suggested this as a way to make healthy cooking
easier after long work days at the hospital.

My hunch was that her local grocery store marinates
older cuts of meat to mask bacterial slime and odour -
a colleague in California told me about this practice
many years ago.

Thankfully, within two days of doing away with
pre-marinated cuts of chicken from her grocery store,
the nausea and diarrhea stopped.

I'm open to the possibility that there were other
variables at play, but this experience strengthened
my belief that it's generally best to avoid pre-
marinated raw meat.  There have been a number of
news stories over the years where former grocery
store workers have revealed the pressure that is
sometimes applied from those looking just at the
bottom line to extend best-before dates on raw meats
and baked goods.

Raw meat shouldn't come with slime or objectionable
odour.  Colour isn't always a reliable indicator
of quality and freshness, as some suppliers have
been known to soak their meat in solutions that
impart a richer colour to their raw products.

Isn't it amazing what they are doing to our foods?