tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74316029881522727952024-03-13T03:09:50.599-05:00Simply Memories and MusingsReflections and snapshots from life ... my life
Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.comBlogger338125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-27626446415500745842023-08-26T18:23:00.003-05:002023-08-26T18:23:43.148-05:00challenges perspective gratefulness <p>It's been forever since I wrote on this little blog. I guess I express myself differently these days. A little bit on Instagram. Even less on Facebook. I keep more to myself. I may be more guarded or less open... but heck who am I kidding, I'm usually an open book. Especially to my poor family and friends who I tend to dump on when things get too rough for me ... but I do keep more tucked safely inside. The joys and also the sorrows and struggles. Why? Because most people either don't understand or definitely don't want to hear me whine. I'm learning. And I'm leaning into the dailies of life that get thrown my way. </p><p>But even with the challenges and struggles I am still very grateful. How could I not be?</p><p>I do take the time to feel my feelings. The ones that bring pain or confusion or resentment or self pity. The things that make me feel I've been given too much to handle. I validate those thoughts.... all of the things. I see the truth in them. Pat myself on the head and say, "you poor girl, it's hard isn't it?" and "you shouldn't have to go through that at this stage in your life" blah, blah, blah... and then I move on... and just keep doing what I need to do. Things that I am chosen to do because it's so very important. And how can I be anything but grateful for it all.... because .....</p><p>Perspective. </p><p>Keeping perspective is so important to mental and emotional health. Remembering and seeing the positives, the enormous and incredible blessings I have in my life. We can't control everything that comes our way, but we can make choices in how we deal with those things.</p>Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-28657264842383374722021-10-13T11:17:00.000-05:002021-10-13T11:17:20.686-05:00little wren<p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's nice to have this forum for writing. I've always been a writer... I love to blog, but as my life has progressed it often gets too personal to choose an open public forum. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But, well, here goes....</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The last few years I have enjoyed feeding my backyard birds. And they love to splash and drink in the birdbath I keep furnished with clean water. I know all the names of the birds, but the Carolina Wren is my favorite. They are so freindly, joyful, vocal and curious! I have had several "batches" of babies born in my backyard over the years... in wreaths, flower pots and birdhouses I have hung. I just love them.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Well, I have recently had an issue with some rats living under my back patio. Not a problem really, but I've explored ways to get rid of them (except to eliminate their food source which I'm sure is the bird seed)... anyway to make a very long story short.... I caught something in the rat trap a few days ago... and to my horror it was a wren. Just the thought of it again could bring me to tears...</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">After yelling "NOOOOO!" I picked up the trap and released the dead bird into a hole I dug in my flower garden, covered it with dirt, and placed a lawn ornament rock with the word "Love" on top of it. Then I went inside.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">And I cried and I cried and I cried. I cried because it was the last thing I would want to see dead... by my own fault.... I cried over the innocense of the sweet curious little bird. I cried because I'm close to positive it had a mate that would be looking for it. I cried because it was just so sudden, so unexpected, so unfair. And as I cry now while writing I wonder if my intense reaction, though warranted, may be deeper. There is a deep place in me that still greives. For my husband, Edd, gone too soon in life to cancer after we found each other later in life and were beginning to build a beautiful life full of love. For my mom, my greatest support and cheerleader who always told me "You'll be okay" dying suddenly one year after Edd. For my 37-year-old daughter whose addictions have basically ruined her life, taken away her potential and made her days full of pain, negativity, failure, mental illness, and sadness... all reasons for her to continue using her drug ... All of these things have effected me.... and the daughter with addictions continues to do so. It's just the gift that keeps on giving.... and giving.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So I cried for my wren and I continue to weep for the consequences brought on to the lives of those I love. It's hard to let go. It's hard to set boundaries so my own life isn't destroyed and I am brought down with her. This 37 year old child who just can't seem to correct and make the behavioral changes that would facilitate her child, my granddaughter who I now care for full time, being placed again in her home... in her care. So in her mind it is MY fault her daughter is with me.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I don't like the feeling of something being my fault. Something that I didn't cause or intend... something I can't fix. Something that just happens, because it is not a perfect world.</p>Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-41404853000135376312020-12-23T13:43:00.006-06:002020-12-23T13:57:14.129-06:00Christmas 2020<p>Christmas. This year sure is different. It's been a tough one. Many people and families have suffered this year. </p><p><br /></p><p>Life changes. And if you can't change with it... if you always want things to be the same... you will not survive very happily in this life. I have a family member who has not faired well with the changes that come with aging and losing loved ones. He refuses to see anything worthwhile in today's events or his experience with life. He doesn't see how important his life is and the input he could have in others' lives. I understand in many ways, but it's still very sad.</p><p><br /></p><p>My earliest experiences and memories of Christmas are full of cozy warm family times. For so, so many years I woke in the night to see my stocking hung by the fireplace. I was allowed to get up and open it so I would usually bring it back to my warm bed and look at each item with delight! Often the chocolate was a little melted because, well... the fireplace! Christmas morning my brother and I opened our gifts and then waited for my grandparents and uncle, another aunt and a cousin to arrive. I can still see them trudging up the usually snow-covered driveway with boxes and bags of items... presents and food... We would stack the gifts according to the recipient and take turns opening each gift. Then of course would be a breakfast or nice meal.... and lots of cookies and baked goods!</p><p><br /></p><p>I do remember my mom having to pick out gifts and put them on layaway every year. The store would hold all her items until she could pay in full. That was usually a week or so, maybe even a few days, before Christmas. She would pay a little at a time making payments for a couple months before Christmas. She didn't have the money to buy everything all at once. I'm sure my parents lived from paycheck to paycheck. She also opened up a Christmas Club account at the bank every year that she contributed to all throughout the year so she would have money saved for Christmas presents. I remember this very clearly. Mom was always a planner and budgeter and it wasn't until much later in life.... after I was out of the house and on my own... that my parents had more spending money to enjoy traveling and doing more things. Mom was a stay-at-home mother until we were much older and then she went back to school. She earned her college degree, then her Master's degree and became a teacher and children's librarian/media specialist. I think she earned a pretty decent paycheck then.</p><p><br /></p><p>But ... not when we were little. Dad's conservative income is what we lived on and I sure didn't feel deprived. We lived on a country dirt road and there was always something fun to do. Christmas included lots of cookie baking, mom doing some kind of artistic project like making tissue paper and foil snowflakes for the big picture window in the living room... putting up the Christmas tree and lights outside. For me as a kid I found it wonderful... but I'm sure the memories looking back now are magnified and even happier than they were at the time... because it was a time I felt secure and safe and surrounded by family... and lots of love.</p><p><br /></p><p>As life changes some of the people who made the happy memories we look back on are no longer here. They are only in our hearts. Mom has been gone for almost eight years. My grandparents have been gone much longer. We depended on them to bring the Christmas spirit each year. To contribute to our happy experience and joy. I hear people my age talk about how Christmas isn't the same anymore and they are sad because those people who made it "the good ol' days" are missing. I feel that way sometimes as well, but I also know that my grandparents and parents must have felt that way too, even when they were making the wonderful memories for me.... so it's my responsibility now... my time.... to help create loving and sweet memories for the younger ones in my family... and it will be theirs to do one day as well.</p><p><br /></p><p>We must never stop living. Never stop being involved in making others feel and see the joy that loving experiences can bring. Never stop contributing.</p><p><br /></p><p>Merry Christmas!!</p>Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-67628763446928239672020-08-01T15:20:00.007-05:002020-08-01T16:41:39.620-05:00be true to who you are<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImuahTaMACAHioZuI0tbL-H4KICsND1xRA8JswIVfrP2obR7Mqv-ToQTaUwYGaIaBwz0-AkrPSwjzr37h8ETLXOm6XwDSffn0h1UzGqLGngCvBPlKculAoFPofft929JAkF5gTgV9Jvbc/s488/be-yourself-quotes-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImuahTaMACAHioZuI0tbL-H4KICsND1xRA8JswIVfrP2obR7Mqv-ToQTaUwYGaIaBwz0-AkrPSwjzr37h8ETLXOm6XwDSffn0h1UzGqLGngCvBPlKculAoFPofft929JAkF5gTgV9Jvbc/s0/be-yourself-quotes-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been thinking about this lately. Thinking about how much of myself I choose not to share because I think maybe it won't be embraced or accepted by someone else. We all do it. Many of us want to be accepted and feel as though we are on the same page as others right? .. but I think about all the times I choose to remain quiet and don't want to be disagreeable .... and even though that's okay... I mean, who wants to be around someone always challenging your opinion or disagreeing? ... but I think for the most part we need to be our true selves, expressing what matters to us... and stating who we are</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">... but in a gentle humble way. Without the edge of superiority or putting someone else down. Knowing why we believe what we do is super important too... and takes work... soul-searching and often time-consuming intelligent work.... often challenging ourselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently I was receiving messages from someone who continued to send videos and articles that I did not agree with. In fact they were offensive to me. They were her beliefs, not mine. So I said so. Why? Because I did not want that person to think that was my opinion or belief. And if they cannot accept what I believe they are not really a friend.... because they do not know the REAL me. I want people to know and like the real me... Not the me they think I am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maybe this comes with age. I think I'm mostly likable and still want to be liked. If we aren't no one will listen to us anyway.... but in some ways I don't care if I'm not liked if it's not for who I really am. I still try to find common ground, common opinions and topics that bring us together... peaceful interactions... and I always will, but sometimes..... most times... we need to speak our truth... and be true to ourselves... the core of who we are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a lot to give when we do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-71273112245648500092020-05-24T13:27:00.000-05:002020-05-24T13:37:35.047-05:00spring garden in photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-27662600944605973222020-05-23T16:56:00.004-05:002020-05-23T17:18:18.363-05:00home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVzl6iwz-4gG6oFh6yV7R3Adv7_NjocFpgEo2FwcnuVKHF_YXr53wkz5sSQiJtSthCmNTIxX_10Tb5CWbm4A3nAjQjyf83iDGhGjWihvEs2irGIasjCvZNmZFYZDJbH2HQ0Ulf-TLlsXd/s1600/IMG_0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVzl6iwz-4gG6oFh6yV7R3Adv7_NjocFpgEo2FwcnuVKHF_YXr53wkz5sSQiJtSthCmNTIxX_10Tb5CWbm4A3nAjQjyf83iDGhGjWihvEs2irGIasjCvZNmZFYZDJbH2HQ0Ulf-TLlsXd/s400/IMG_0793.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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So much going on in life today. Covid-19. A global pandemic. Damn. Which basically effects everyone on the planet. I guess each person interprets the data according to their own biases and understanding and prejudices. Hopefully seeking TRUTH. For me, I just make decisions that will cause me and my loved ones to be safe. I can't always control what others do though and that sometimes puts me at some risk.<br />
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Alas.....<br />
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My heart is just so broken ... concerned and sad. Not in a dangerous-let's-everyone-worry-about-Kathi way, but broken none the less. I doubt I'm alone in this place. I want to make the world stop. I want to quiet so much noise and voices. I need to retreat and just do what I need to do to be healthy, emotionally, physically and spiritually. No one needs to understand... except me. I've learned it's impossible to make others see all that's in your own heart. And honestly why should they want to? They have their own problems and concerns that need tending to. But I need to make decisions that make sense for me.<br />
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This morning I was brought to tears. It just came upon me. I was thinking of words. Words that are packed with meaning for me. Words that are powerful. And you know what the most important word was for me? The one that made my eyes fill with tears? The word I felt everyone in the whole gosh-darned world should be able to see the value of and find security and comfort in.... experience peace and refuge and safety in??<br />
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Oh, Jesus....<br />
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home<br />
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Home<br />
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HOME<br />
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HOME!!!!<br />
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Without it... we are doomed.<br />
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Home. Nurture and care for it. Love it. Love those who enter its door. Keep those out who will not value the same things you do. Make it beautiful. Make it your refuge and safe place. PROTECT IT. Keep it clean and preserve its purity. Speak love there. It doesn't need to be a mansion... in fact, the simpler the better. But there must be loving upkeep and tender care for each and every room. We must work to make it full of love and kindness ... and peace.....<br />
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Sigh....<br />
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Home.<br />
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Everyone needs one and should have one. Oh Lord, may it be. May we all see its value ....<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-34993448349556340272020-02-09T17:32:00.000-06:002020-02-09T17:32:44.288-06:00a new yearLooks like my poor little blog bypassed my favorite time of the year. Fall came and went. Christmas too. Life just moves along doesn't it?<br />
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Here it's February already and I'm thinking springtime thoughts, planting and watching things grow again. And I can't wait!!<br />
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But as I reflect I have such a strange mixture of joy and sadness. Joy from all all the things in my life that are just so GOOD. Sadness from things I can't seem to change or rise above. Ways I feel "stuck".<br />
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My motto for 2020 though is "If you can't climb a mountain, climb a hill." Simple. Just do what you can, but do something to help yourself, to help others, to make things better. We can't solve all of life's problems, but we can move in the right direction.<br />
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Here are a few photos from the end of 2019... and grateful for a new year to experience more of the good stuff.<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-56440108244210161632019-09-16T11:06:00.003-05:002019-09-16T11:06:54.049-05:00carolina wrenI have at least 12 different kinds of birds that regularly visit the feeder and bird bath. I can't adequately express how much I've enjoyed seeing them eat the seed and drink from the clean water during this hot summer. They are all fun to watch but I especially like the carolina wren.<br />
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This little bird built its nest and had its babies in a birdhouse(box) that I put up in the springtime. When a bad storm blew through and destroyed the tree it was attached to I carefully put two of the babies back inside, unattached the house from the tree and set it on a stand. The mother and father bird continued to feed the young ones. One of babies died during the storm when it was thrown out onto the ground. I buried it in my flower garden.<br />
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This little friendly bird hangs around. I understand it's not the same bird since I've seen many of them. A couple of times it has come into my house when the back door was opened for too long and I had to gently shoo it out again. They seem very curious. I've learned that they generally eat bugs and snails and spiders so they don't frequent the bird feeder very much. I don't see them in the bird bath either the way I do so many other birds, but they definitely stay around my small back yard. I guess they are finding what they like among my plants and flowers. </div>
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A few days ago one was making the biggest racket for a few hours on my back patio. I don't know what was wrong. Whether it was calling an alarm, claiming its territory, whether it was scared, or calling for its mate, I'll never know. I do have an idea though after looking at the photos I took. I think it may still be a young fledgling by the look of its fluffy feathers protruding... so maybe it was calling for a parent for assistance.</div>
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Last night the little bird endeared itself to me even more when I saw it sleeping in the corner on the eaves of my porch. I always wondered where these little birds go to sleep and I was happy that one felt safe enough to sleep in this place. I think it was the young one I saw on the porch a couple of days ago.<br />
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The carolina wren will always be one of my favorites. It's a gentle bird that lets you get to know it. It made a nest in a flower planter outside my dining room window at my previous home and I was able to get a close view of all the nest preparations and feeding of the babies after they hatched. </div>
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All the birds visiting my yard are beautiful, but I have a special fondness for the carolina wren.</div>
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-58738267330597103282019-07-24T14:04:00.001-05:002019-07-25T01:34:54.686-05:00good for body and soulHow good it feels to get outside. We are experiencing rare cooler July weather for Texas and this morning I took full advantage of the beautiful breeze, dry air, and cooler temperature. It really does feed my soul.<br />
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Early this morning I turned on the TV... News... and immediately began watching some political testimony going on. I found myself annoyed as I listened to the arrogant grandstanding and decided shutting it off was my best choice. Going out into the yard... gardening.... was my next decision and I spent the following three hours working outside.<br />
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I usually work in the back because it's such a private space and very tranquil, but today I spent lots of time in the back AND the front. Pruning, weeding, cutting off dead debris, removing a rose bush, planting a different plant in its place that needed more room, breaking up the soil, watering, fertilizing, rearranging. I've learned not to be afraid of cutting back bushes and flowers since they bloom even more abundantly and grow more fervently afterwards. So that's what I did.<br />
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I love the back yard because it's alive with life. Birds are feasting on the seed and splashing in the bird bath. Hummingbirds come and go.<br />
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New to my experience this year has been the numerous sunflowers I planted in the spring. They've grown so high and pretty... but now are looking less than attractive. As much as I might want to cut them down, I just can't. Not just yet. The finches love to sit in their branches and peck at the leaves. I learned that they feed on the plant material and especially enjoy sunflower leaves. They peck holes in the large leaves making them look like ugly doilies... but it's their food and I hate to take it away from them. They are such pretty birds. A friend told me, "As gardeners we need to balance the needs of the wildlife around us, with our need for visual perfection." I agree.<br />
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I feel especially satisfied that I was able to get outside and work hard today. Not only did my yard benefit, but my body and soul did as well.<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-27977954675366304932019-07-07T12:15:00.003-05:002019-07-14T19:33:16.832-05:00a year of changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a whole year since I was able to move into this house and begin to make it my home. I've done quite a bit to the inside and I was able to put some photos side by side of the changes I've made to the outside as well. The before photos were taken when the house was at its best... when it was up for sale. When I moved in, it was a property full of weeds and stripped soil. Many areas had no grass at all. The only flowers on the property were annuals that were dead by the time I moved in.</div>
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I'm happy with a year of changes.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa5JkQ-equqHTspR9pVJV_L7LGFJlxXXJspwP6Sbz2Rv39pesX38btqaT5_KYoEkUpBEPpH01gXUHSZvg5kbwwAsGIIwhcxAHq2AUl4MpdAtvBFBRHr16542ITJ9a9xri_A_puRM8Olsx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+10.57.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="1311" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa5JkQ-equqHTspR9pVJV_L7LGFJlxXXJspwP6Sbz2Rv39pesX38btqaT5_KYoEkUpBEPpH01gXUHSZvg5kbwwAsGIIwhcxAHq2AUl4MpdAtvBFBRHr16542ITJ9a9xri_A_puRM8Olsx/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+10.57.56+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I installed river rock where standing water occurs during heavy rain... and a flower garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6Qj1hbO-7020FPC0_lLYi527mYmT2iTdjsv0CqYYuzxkJesBw91fVOaYk9HGI4uLtv8McxwuUB65B6iPnfOgNR8Txkm-_5PKLYFx5THKddaWzC_tbW7DQLyG2lnYWYyaK5lEdteoG3Cc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+10.59.11+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="1298" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6Qj1hbO-7020FPC0_lLYi527mYmT2iTdjsv0CqYYuzxkJesBw91fVOaYk9HGI4uLtv8McxwuUB65B6iPnfOgNR8Txkm-_5PKLYFx5THKddaWzC_tbW7DQLyG2lnYWYyaK5lEdteoG3Cc/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+10.59.11+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the driveway leveled and installed new grass. Also flowers next to the house and stepping stones.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4SmmT5WNRllBSjdvocKtEwuZXOzRjBKOngy31utkZGtcPzNWEUUthDebHbI9XpxDYhez3WaTtuZr4H2jcFvWSux_m3iJGWFt0CDglDJU9-HrqgBOqS3FKABkmGKmbOO1IJgSRy-MH1xH/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+11.01.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="1311" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4SmmT5WNRllBSjdvocKtEwuZXOzRjBKOngy31utkZGtcPzNWEUUthDebHbI9XpxDYhez3WaTtuZr4H2jcFvWSux_m3iJGWFt0CDglDJU9-HrqgBOqS3FKABkmGKmbOO1IJgSRy-MH1xH/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+11.01.59+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower garden view off the deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxVumB36hm3pP-L5vG3bamTY6JKccpVvDsskIscxaWRzvgxbdmaA15fhU6x9zVmvcFQ1FoVoLs__YNW_cUkj_VlTCYRBqYWbM_F9qu8z1M3wf3gLiiyGLs0Z5nC8dqnjoOXVIeZWMFRig/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+11.03.36+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="1297" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxVumB36hm3pP-L5vG3bamTY6JKccpVvDsskIscxaWRzvgxbdmaA15fhU6x9zVmvcFQ1FoVoLs__YNW_cUkj_VlTCYRBqYWbM_F9qu8z1M3wf3gLiiyGLs0Z5nC8dqnjoOXVIeZWMFRig/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+11.03.36+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had laminate decking installed over the concrete and some planting next to the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7_n0RdrQrIbUr2pChQ9Z193h4zYas1Y5dLe5FKAf9Tqo47JLPtP1nw20qwPPuiCq0BpLs-D5JS8EK6OREPDj4kMnxUe7Gt387DX6H02NN92RyviJfjp3Ni60pd-jHYnHmmUEcWnS9Mv2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+11.08.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1314" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7_n0RdrQrIbUr2pChQ9Z193h4zYas1Y5dLe5FKAf9Tqo47JLPtP1nw20qwPPuiCq0BpLs-D5JS8EK6OREPDj4kMnxUe7Gt387DX6H02NN92RyviJfjp3Ni60pd-jHYnHmmUEcWnS9Mv2/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+11.08.19+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripped soil replaced with river rock. Also tree blew over in a storm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY1-36Sj96VgeUWuubIacFyQ4r8FsGlVplz3pGtiCFMb4OnFRADCggauzVhwL5AftbkwnLN4ql4qOhj5iVexpbMWRsaTt_azp0oOJSJ1ickyommE1XQG5pQLB4ZutpDjO81gQJNNGSO12/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+12.07.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="1297" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY1-36Sj96VgeUWuubIacFyQ4r8FsGlVplz3pGtiCFMb4OnFRADCggauzVhwL5AftbkwnLN4ql4qOhj5iVexpbMWRsaTt_azp0oOJSJ1ickyommE1XQG5pQLB4ZutpDjO81gQJNNGSO12/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+12.07.44+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of patio decking built out further next to the photo with just concrete.</td></tr>
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-91076610081992627502019-04-13T15:31:00.005-05:002019-04-13T15:41:00.112-05:00changes come a little bit at a time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last month (wow, was it only a month ago?!) I had my kitchen cabinets refinished and painted white and I couldn't be happier with the results. The look is more up to date and fresh and bright. I think I'm finished with the kitchen for now so I'm exhaling a bit and feel good. It's very satisfying.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIadoc3zZIfTYd3iVRYtGAP0NJAIX-U5aQWS7IUhDBzeNfddA0F-bdv-_A1vVyMUEAxKIvwwYK0WzF8BRSCOAcgOO_Du4Cp6eE1siR26iAFRN4f2TMpk_p27NdYMXgPke1C2jsfgdN_Pu/s1600/IMG_8456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIadoc3zZIfTYd3iVRYtGAP0NJAIX-U5aQWS7IUhDBzeNfddA0F-bdv-_A1vVyMUEAxKIvwwYK0WzF8BRSCOAcgOO_Du4Cp6eE1siR26iAFRN4f2TMpk_p27NdYMXgPke1C2jsfgdN_Pu/s640/IMG_8456.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen After cabinet refinishing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2icbKKP79U7boYRUYaUPXuhdo1O44kS_9YAcLiAmiXgA02ks-iOVrpG6Bns2f6RoRmsJEQOPG4i0cjIaUs7fGZ4ikIvK8o1l7MC5Yr3DJyRKBz0s9cFRs8uYPNcfUXfNEnHjRtsAPxsh/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2d34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2icbKKP79U7boYRUYaUPXuhdo1O44kS_9YAcLiAmiXgA02ks-iOVrpG6Bns2f6RoRmsJEQOPG4i0cjIaUs7fGZ4ikIvK8o1l7MC5Yr3DJyRKBz0s9cFRs8uYPNcfUXfNEnHjRtsAPxsh/s640/fullsizeoutput_2d34.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After refinishing and painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa2xSoA5dGTKR77Ctg8YCCwDFrdKHofTaS7V0refv6Pii5jkcEhZM096Bwdevrf6p41xs4EQO1JFnM0SnVw2Bt-rigE8La0B56meUAqftDw_VGsEO7m5stX2TSz_c4WjHnEZPdRMFBMT5/s1600/IMG_8379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa2xSoA5dGTKR77Ctg8YCCwDFrdKHofTaS7V0refv6Pii5jkcEhZM096Bwdevrf6p41xs4EQO1JFnM0SnVw2Bt-rigE8La0B56meUAqftDw_VGsEO7m5stX2TSz_c4WjHnEZPdRMFBMT5/s640/IMG_8379.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Before photo with original oak cabinets</td></tr>
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I've been in this home for nine months now and I feel pleased with the way I've transformed it from a nice sound structure to one that is now more beautiful and has much more evidence of TLC. The yard, front and back, had zero thought put into it and really was a disaster. When I bought the property there were pretty flowers planted in the front, but they were annuals that were dead by the time I moved in over a month later. Weeds and the lack of upkeep was all I could see.<br />
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I really thought my "job" or work here was to make this space more beautiful and comfortable and one of peace and comfort. And so far I think it is!<br />
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Here are some garden photos just taken. There was absolutely NOTHING of beauty in the backyard before I moved in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of spring flowers and buds ready to open!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY8Lb3DmWCe6or1GQl_Y6v40dBk7F9Nz0bzvYIx_qK4yGlgAs6PeylRtWHxDVOpWXORcmWEZjbErMmmYM4G2HAoeDoVWwiYVfv6fa7MLvk33S4vxpzgHPQkO46U09hXJCLCYr7krbim88/s1600/20190413_144942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY8Lb3DmWCe6or1GQl_Y6v40dBk7F9Nz0bzvYIx_qK4yGlgAs6PeylRtWHxDVOpWXORcmWEZjbErMmmYM4G2HAoeDoVWwiYVfv6fa7MLvk33S4vxpzgHPQkO46U09hXJCLCYr7krbim88/s640/20190413_144942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cucumber and tomato and spinach and peppers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM_p6x7jB56F4nMLiRCnvOeolB1EOHqjA1Y-gEtQ-DFgfVSbtpH5NRZI-9HyAqgTmkMbenBJI5Rar5GnD49RAvoSOA5Mx8lM7F9LArZ0nf73p8PHZqTHWzwuDoGYMlK3VqDXPDePi6Fh3/s1600/20190408_101220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM_p6x7jB56F4nMLiRCnvOeolB1EOHqjA1Y-gEtQ-DFgfVSbtpH5NRZI-9HyAqgTmkMbenBJI5Rar5GnD49RAvoSOA5Mx8lM7F9LArZ0nf73p8PHZqTHWzwuDoGYMlK3VqDXPDePi6Fh3/s640/20190408_101220.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be it ever so humble....</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1503223367"></span><span id="goog_1503223368"></span><br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-18775267077816468252019-03-10T09:46:00.001-05:002019-05-09T12:17:15.109-05:00more home projects getting done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Still working on projects at my new home. I guess I can still call it my new home. I've been here for eight months now. I updated the living room fireplace by using a lime wash and was very happy with the results. One thing often leads to another and I bought a new rug to blend the existing colors throughout the room.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9mKEDB-_YfC1plz5cmAWjCIFbZ2svlPhTKfI1SzQIJ4UUPKdLNVdOmKiUW3aPD9uQGltxteMCSwQk8E5gfkzF0EQgf2yryFjqovSFAHYYNS3i06MMNjUqMnq02ZICf5vVsehi47b9GTh/s1600/20190208_132232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9mKEDB-_YfC1plz5cmAWjCIFbZ2svlPhTKfI1SzQIJ4UUPKdLNVdOmKiUW3aPD9uQGltxteMCSwQk8E5gfkzF0EQgf2yryFjqovSFAHYYNS3i06MMNjUqMnq02ZICf5vVsehi47b9GTh/s400/20190208_132232.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before lime washing the red brick fireplace</td></tr>
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Next project is painting the kitchen cabinets this week!!</div>
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Here is a before photo. They will be painted white.</div>
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I can't wait to have it done... </div>
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Having fun!</div>
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-42205294474766689762019-01-05T17:16:00.001-06:002019-01-17T09:10:35.833-06:00new year 2019, new home.... so thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes I think of the large home I sold and remember how nice it was to have that big house and yard, but this house is really what I need and what feels right for me at this time in my life. It's been fun to make it my cozy abode and I know I made the right decision to downsize. Here are some photos around the house.... master bedroom, guest room, living room, dining room, kitchen, grandchildren's playroom, office, etc..... in no real order. :)</div>
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Thank you for visiting! Let me know what you think. Should I paint the kitchen cabinets white? Should I limewash white the brick fireplace? It's still a loving work in progress. </div>
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I love HOME, don't you?</div>
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I'm very happy here and so, so grateful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWPJeIra8xWEq1FRucLoMCCAy4Kx_0firkPeXZYfA6bnaQXudMEgl2Cbi9GE9VXTkFSOD-9cZIcfIaWRAG8bzAuTrIdGrsoYSTx6fKzLV9rVAIGOcD-9hQxavDX_CneNNAcGt2RIRYKAV/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2cc6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWPJeIra8xWEq1FRucLoMCCAy4Kx_0firkPeXZYfA6bnaQXudMEgl2Cbi9GE9VXTkFSOD-9cZIcfIaWRAG8bzAuTrIdGrsoYSTx6fKzLV9rVAIGOcD-9hQxavDX_CneNNAcGt2RIRYKAV/s400/fullsizeoutput_2cc6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimH0k9yU1Q1pNYcWvpDbuxz8RiPKRq1F0-nSqllMDPey6PDyzxYYjuy9376wg1QoDKzxhiM-WqrFo6GYvbtx2sxoI-WCUTL3QAFlKOP_1zbgtmTXiZDqkbtBvTr7sLownIP3x4l5H1Yw2/s1600/IMG_8263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimH0k9yU1Q1pNYcWvpDbuxz8RiPKRq1F0-nSqllMDPey6PDyzxYYjuy9376wg1QoDKzxhiM-WqrFo6GYvbtx2sxoI-WCUTL3QAFlKOP_1zbgtmTXiZDqkbtBvTr7sLownIP3x4l5H1Yw2/s400/IMG_8263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZXP4et66gtrPu_f0h8NaQCqFhT11egHlzfIZbyAH40Bh4G0io1A3ZUj-n3Tc6DNMv3CeZNCnuoEEhyphenhyphenQkBL7-1ugM8zlIgjBxzEzYudMlPOIwec8bY1ThQoMuwgEeFQW6NAY93e6EU-dG/s1600/20190105_143557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZXP4et66gtrPu_f0h8NaQCqFhT11egHlzfIZbyAH40Bh4G0io1A3ZUj-n3Tc6DNMv3CeZNCnuoEEhyphenhyphenQkBL7-1ugM8zlIgjBxzEzYudMlPOIwec8bY1ThQoMuwgEeFQW6NAY93e6EU-dG/s400/20190105_143557.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back patio</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbyB_JRQ0_nFxML9PQK1ZaYdiWE2X-3XnwUdTlImmN9APtXls6AHk8CEfgnzBjuzkKg2b-xMAmajNLCpLr9SBosMwen8msawEwfB7cqSSvvn2VmYLkHkVsD7wWaqYR-4Kl0uPMWfsl0tw/s1600/20190105_144358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbyB_JRQ0_nFxML9PQK1ZaYdiWE2X-3XnwUdTlImmN9APtXls6AHk8CEfgnzBjuzkKg2b-xMAmajNLCpLr9SBosMwen8msawEwfB7cqSSvvn2VmYLkHkVsD7wWaqYR-4Kl0uPMWfsl0tw/s400/20190105_144358.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dW47oAGFgF4ORy-XUDGowD9JDCOWdcC7BRVKm2mIkvybXNyXVhdPdhgafcMAjYosJroHJBL0g3iXIXRlX3As3fR1L8HPJr-48Vx-8iPT-JpwCD7axZ5HDgn4-C3-b2ffvd_x5rZqKEvy/s1600/20190105_144528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dW47oAGFgF4ORy-XUDGowD9JDCOWdcC7BRVKm2mIkvybXNyXVhdPdhgafcMAjYosJroHJBL0g3iXIXRlX3As3fR1L8HPJr-48Vx-8iPT-JpwCD7axZ5HDgn4-C3-b2ffvd_x5rZqKEvy/s400/20190105_144528.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2-m7Oy8QJzv7_-a5ngjrh3S7N_aSFTwqhgUjeYxW0AxybGyiqZngyNYf8bMsUqHc2UhlES4an2TCEL3nT1xFtPop0KZDL0C1SGb2UGReJeJ1U9bVcsISD97_Dfq0jp4L9_wwAlBlJ_SJ/s1600/20190105_144644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2-m7Oy8QJzv7_-a5ngjrh3S7N_aSFTwqhgUjeYxW0AxybGyiqZngyNYf8bMsUqHc2UhlES4an2TCEL3nT1xFtPop0KZDL0C1SGb2UGReJeJ1U9bVcsISD97_Dfq0jp4L9_wwAlBlJ_SJ/s400/20190105_144644.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdqJSE2z5hyphenhyphent5kLpzvkix7ulSZLjqhz7Mu-HK-TY6oA24rQFJ_5smnUO9-reXma2-MkrQNqVARCDXuopDmTDg0HZ6c3zisFVFHnue6ahvUR3h9OAOYRgB5_lyRus5_xYSK1YHeWnxb_eE/s1600/20190105_145046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdqJSE2z5hyphenhyphent5kLpzvkix7ulSZLjqhz7Mu-HK-TY6oA24rQFJ_5smnUO9-reXma2-MkrQNqVARCDXuopDmTDg0HZ6c3zisFVFHnue6ahvUR3h9OAOYRgB5_lyRus5_xYSK1YHeWnxb_eE/s400/20190105_145046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest Bedroom/Office</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_4_yzrDExK8yTfRIcTFWcGHahh5XpAlMWnAN0EukXULa0BzejLxduFE8LPjuKbSI3_L6Cjy4EirB_nxDijiFcq0JpSwnnWmxpb2ZEs4Cx5b_cRxTplB5t-5RBwKPr5GoNrhdoYS-SJZM/s1600/20190105_145348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_4_yzrDExK8yTfRIcTFWcGHahh5XpAlMWnAN0EukXULa0BzejLxduFE8LPjuKbSI3_L6Cjy4EirB_nxDijiFcq0JpSwnnWmxpb2ZEs4Cx5b_cRxTplB5t-5RBwKPr5GoNrhdoYS-SJZM/s400/20190105_145348.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office/Guest Bedroom</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8lnnK8TSXuR41tvOheXCYdtJhBSkjD_fg0gZBOlUUSfO2NWSV9s_Y5eJbx1DV4JoDcyaKXCuybWHLtHnftzWOXOxC0lA2jZLOq-eGtydW7nrQiJHjc5kXQvGYI6NDIzr4tUcveMseyj5/s1600/20190105_145459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8lnnK8TSXuR41tvOheXCYdtJhBSkjD_fg0gZBOlUUSfO2NWSV9s_Y5eJbx1DV4JoDcyaKXCuybWHLtHnftzWOXOxC0lA2jZLOq-eGtydW7nrQiJHjc5kXQvGYI6NDIzr4tUcveMseyj5/s400/20190105_145459.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office/Guest Bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2KgGwsc1TKLVzStxc7ALbS4LKnoN98b-8EkBRplhJhye5VpE1MUqGiltCt11oWkN3Xfzeo2bwkMIIF9l7VTA6k2ChuGzOQlt3l6khxPkeq-C4XQLQmdYVwqf7XZnzZeYm7enMu3uGliG/s1600/20190105_145909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2KgGwsc1TKLVzStxc7ALbS4LKnoN98b-8EkBRplhJhye5VpE1MUqGiltCt11oWkN3Xfzeo2bwkMIIF9l7VTA6k2ChuGzOQlt3l6khxPkeq-C4XQLQmdYVwqf7XZnzZeYm7enMu3uGliG/s400/20190105_145909.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Entry</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OAi3wQRJZpFT18qcBRRaLv24lBXXIO4xB2mA2RSBZP85YcTehEiVmXDQEsjJE30eTg_6AQtryOK_tzWIH9mvaIkpOD_mDNrdBuQWhuFPpKNViPuPgmqBizRMU3FEt2k0pxOwAt4Z9tzR/s1600/20190105_150213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OAi3wQRJZpFT18qcBRRaLv24lBXXIO4xB2mA2RSBZP85YcTehEiVmXDQEsjJE30eTg_6AQtryOK_tzWIH9mvaIkpOD_mDNrdBuQWhuFPpKNViPuPgmqBizRMU3FEt2k0pxOwAt4Z9tzR/s400/20190105_150213.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining Room</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-r5dfEafOYm-evg8nhEjNvgbSYxsgtJwj8j8J7Yi-XHU9pV1556XBDtAIUqzHEsA7VEWyJNSqbQDJPBxUFQ_wz1JJ2issNVcJFT8HYot6NCH09U9fqf3qVR-IFJXI8RSCzhufwfTnfv9/s1600/20190105_150909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-r5dfEafOYm-evg8nhEjNvgbSYxsgtJwj8j8J7Yi-XHU9pV1556XBDtAIUqzHEsA7VEWyJNSqbQDJPBxUFQ_wz1JJ2issNVcJFT8HYot6NCH09U9fqf3qVR-IFJXI8RSCzhufwfTnfv9/s400/20190105_150909.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzx5EvDLdagije7xTDzhG9YrRWNAHvo4UeM6-meX50DkR2YTq5u25EdjiTnEGBLN-BMpAJRGfng3Q8hdpTCCrEpA4qBH1ZHEEGbl8zJeAW6gEfynkbatOblLZEOjmOLXmwttMA-ezsl72g/s1600/20190105_152450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzx5EvDLdagije7xTDzhG9YrRWNAHvo4UeM6-meX50DkR2YTq5u25EdjiTnEGBLN-BMpAJRGfng3Q8hdpTCCrEpA4qBH1ZHEEGbl8zJeAW6gEfynkbatOblLZEOjmOLXmwttMA-ezsl72g/s400/20190105_152450.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast room/back door</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest/Children's play room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest/Children's play room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKpbrVJwXNUH6qQXm9h8OJUTqrTioNR05IrSa_-3bvAjQUCZjewebZ8uVf_H-ZdfUzABkRB-VHxKB1HMuBEEgyFTYX_J0gUhQE_TS5TzlWLgLPEYr1AOwetQVDe5pK3EPgAmnTe3SjMho/s1600/20190105_153253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKpbrVJwXNUH6qQXm9h8OJUTqrTioNR05IrSa_-3bvAjQUCZjewebZ8uVf_H-ZdfUzABkRB-VHxKB1HMuBEEgyFTYX_J0gUhQE_TS5TzlWLgLPEYr1AOwetQVDe5pK3EPgAmnTe3SjMho/s400/20190105_153253.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez5opxrPuFkvhnSJmIxQg3mcZf2jLXnqJj1H6gJ8PXth9LD52UYWZwWIUPZINhMuDq_nvJHa6-X-moyyHWenBC0W0kuDe_AqYUsungEZrmNDg7yZftFXYsE9yIKIRvJbP9lmkScDaIMi2/s1600/20190105_153328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez5opxrPuFkvhnSJmIxQg3mcZf2jLXnqJj1H6gJ8PXth9LD52UYWZwWIUPZINhMuDq_nvJHa6-X-moyyHWenBC0W0kuDe_AqYUsungEZrmNDg7yZftFXYsE9yIKIRvJbP9lmkScDaIMi2/s400/20190105_153328.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Entry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foyer</td></tr>
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-32163949037260724212018-11-08T14:06:00.000-06:002018-11-08T16:38:03.981-06:00things I love that bring joy ... gratitude<div>
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This list could go on indefinitely but these are in my thoughts today....</div>
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yoga stretching.... feels so so good</div>
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a clean organized non-cluttered home (but not too neat because then no one is comfortable!)</div>
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a walk on a crisp fall day</div>
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a hot bath</div>
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memories to linger over .... preferably with a cup of coffee or glass of wine</div>
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deleting, cutting off or eliminating negative people and noise from my life</div>
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doing something kind for someone</div>
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receiving kindness from someone</div>
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meaningful conversations with friends<br />
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a hug from my granddaughter<br />
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hearing from or meeting up with an old friend<br />
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balance in my life .... something I want to think a lot more about....</div>
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Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-32604761539950571532018-09-24T17:16:00.002-05:002018-09-24T17:19:32.762-05:00more home improvementsThe last week was busy and work continued. The initial landscaping, for now, is finished. New sod was installed in the front and new decking was built on top of my cement patio in the back. The indoor living room window shutters turned out especially nice and now I have more privacy... and it's beautiful.<br />
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I had to purchase a retractable ladder to be able to reach an air filter placed high up on the living room ceiling. Changing that was scary and I don't think I should be doing it alone. I did want to get a ladder that would reach it since I had no other way to get up there. Sometimes doing things like that really get to me though and I'm reminded I have to figure out how to do things by myself. This one was especially hard. Sigh.<br />
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Except for some new doors and cabinet painting I am getting to a place where I'll rest for a while and just take care of things as they are. I'm content.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5cqpttnpVp2G8zjBWoRIjpricPeMwAmrwFac7MZViqyS3-qUNyOT4AI9wSdWKVUuYMgeeVPJLMSm9Ghj4GqfsLX4cg1AAPmlMDzSF5aRTnw2U8FuHkPDYsQVGUfgkv-FB-e4x4DyRTR2/s1600/20180918_150414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="560" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5cqpttnpVp2G8zjBWoRIjpricPeMwAmrwFac7MZViqyS3-qUNyOT4AI9wSdWKVUuYMgeeVPJLMSm9Ghj4GqfsLX4cg1AAPmlMDzSF5aRTnw2U8FuHkPDYsQVGUfgkv-FB-e4x4DyRTR2/s400/20180918_150414.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">living room window shutters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWXT8ATw23hkCSLsnh6AGLMxB3o6oPBdrUv6aRsrXX2b_UDkirIiXw1P3L8hPRay2Yy5pRM2sDKrXD8PlxfiUXo9VP74zAsT3ziVCsz00COg77g4Ja6pA87H2Ptpyjw3X5Em-cSOjNQG6/s1600/20180919_153859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWXT8ATw23hkCSLsnh6AGLMxB3o6oPBdrUv6aRsrXX2b_UDkirIiXw1P3L8hPRay2Yy5pRM2sDKrXD8PlxfiUXo9VP74zAsT3ziVCsz00COg77g4Ja6pA87H2Ptpyjw3X5Em-cSOjNQG6/s400/20180919_153859.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new sod installed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">outdoor patio decking</td></tr>
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-67544526384543755322018-09-17T13:51:00.001-05:002018-09-17T15:28:04.791-05:00Phew!<div style="text-align: center;">
I officially moved into my new house on July 9. That's the day the movers came and I no longer had furniture left in my old home. When I sit down to take inventory of all I have done since then it's really quite a lot! It was only 2 1/2 months ago. There are still big things happening this week that I will post about in a few days, but I'd like to post some words and photos of what has been done so far.</div>
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There has been tree trimming and removal. New paint. New fence gate and inside blinds. There has been driveway leveling and sealing.</div>
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Granite countertops and backsplash was installed. I still plan to have the cabinets painted. Off-white... I think.</div>
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I removed the glass sliding door in the bathroom (by myself!) and replaced it with a rod and curtain.</div>
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The backyard tends to flood when we get excess rain.... which we did the last couple of weeks. It didn't seem as though grass would grow so I replaced the ugliness with river rock and extended it down the fence line where the water would gather. And I had a little garden plot installed!! Just enough to begin planting! Not sure what's going in there yet!</div>
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There are so many other things I've done like making the laundry room area more cute and functional, installing some brick stonework under the outside trash containers, working and planting in the front flower bed, and applying a peel and stick tile in the master bath. And not to mention figuring out how to use the reciprocating saw (scary!) to remove a shelf under a cabinet so my kitchen trash container will easily fit!!</div>
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Right now the landscaping in the front of the house is being worked on. The guys just kind of tore up the the soil and removed the weeds and grass that was there. New sod will be installed and old tree stumps are being ground up. The flower bed will be more defined.</div>
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As a side note, I assembled an Ikea play kitchen for my grand daughters. I can't tell you how much I hate to assemble things, but I will do it for them.</div>
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I'm still (impatiently) waiting for my front entry door to come in... and some interior bifold doors for my laundry area, but tomorrow the shutters will finally be installed on the arched living room window. </div>
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The second phase of work by the landscaper will also begin this week. Composite decking will be installed on my back patio and extended out just a bit more. It will look nicer than the painted concrete and I think add a fresh new look to the outdoor space. I will post picture when it's done!</div>
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So this has been my life. Between navigating this move, downsizing my living space and fixing up my new home the way I like, I have been busy. There have been friends visiting and daughters and grand babies to love on. There have been lessons learned about myself, my own challenges to overcome, many prayers said for struggling friends and family I worry about. I'm always trying and often failing to take the best care of myself by eating right and getting enough exercise. </div>
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I haven't missed the old house. Memories and love and people are always carried with you in your heart wherever you go.</div>
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But I think this... below... is what I tend to strive to do on a daily basis and I will continue to do.</div>
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As much as possible....</div>
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MORE TO COME!!!!</div>
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Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-46909453274489449822018-08-17T11:28:00.003-05:002018-08-17T11:35:14.995-05:00New homeSo much has gone on since I last wrote in my little space here three and a half months ago.<br />
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I bought a new smaller home.<br />
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I sold my large home that I had lived in for the past 10 years.<br />
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I basically moved the contents of my home little by little, day by day, in my Honda CRV for a few weeks until the movers (three wonderful strong and nice men) came and moved the big items!<br />
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I made countless trips to Goodwill to get rid of stuff... so.much.stuff.<br />
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My body hurt every day due to arthritis, etc., but I got it done!<br />
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My house sold quite a bit over the asking price so I could not be happier with how everything turned out.<br />
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I've learned through this experience that there is no perfect house. I decided I just had to DO IT... move to a smaller home in a good location... because I was always finding reasons NOT to. And now I am fixing up this space that is my own with numerous projects going on.<br />
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Saying goodby to the home Edd and I shared was a process that lasted a few years. What once made me feel secure and safe was now making me feel swallowed up and anxious... somehow losing myself within its walls. There was space not being used. Space that didn't go with my personality anymore. Too much upkeep and work.... I wanted a home that enveloped me... yet one that was a cozy, warm and inviting space.<br />
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I am making this one just that....little by little.<br />
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I heard that the new people will move their belongings into my old house this weekend. It will have a new soul... just like this home I live in now has a new soul and energy. Mine.<br />
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Home is a word packed with meaning for me. I'm grateful that it has always meant something good. Something safe and warm and filled with love. I seek to make my new home a continuation of all the homes I've ever lived in or made my own... a refuge and a place where peace and contentment dwells.<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-40012266763722640542018-05-08T17:21:00.002-05:002018-05-08T17:28:49.568-05:00a new home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just bought a smaller house nearby. Well the closing will be in the next week or two. So now is the time to think and reflect and remember the last ten years I have had the privilege of living in this wonderful home. It's big. Bigger than I need. I always hoped it might be filled with family. Visiting from out of town or coming for holidays. That never really panned out. It has made me sad, but I won't dwell in the sadness. I will dwell in the reality of what is and all of the goodness that makes up my life. Imperfect as it is.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was my home with Edd. The memories here are bitter and very sweet. In some ways it reminds me of all that could have been ... but never was. So much hope lived here. And lots of joy... and probably even more pain. But above all else love... commitment, loyalty and compassion. The kind that will do whatever it takes. But also ... the eventual end of a dream (with you Edd).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Am I reflecting and being introspective? I am. Is it all part of living and growing and changing and learning and being oh, so very grateful for such wonderful life moments and days and years in spite of the greiving and pain? Yes. A million times...yes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have done it many times in the past so I will once again have the job of making</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> a new house a HOME. </span></span></div>
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Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-61443129627636937362018-04-09T17:08:00.004-05:002018-04-09T17:08:32.923-05:00life as it isAhh... emotional detachment is tough. We can't let the hurts and challenges and struggles of those around us bring us down. Life can be really hard sometimes as we watch those we love struggling with some really huge, sometimes life and death, issues. Drug addiction, divorce, step families, aging parents, death of a loved one... or even the agony of the death of a dream....<br />
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Life hurts. Sometimes a lot.<br />
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I turned on the news this morning and saw horrible photos of people... children... in Syria... hit by a chemical attack and I just froze. Literally froze and inwardly wept. The suffering and horrors people are faced with can tear your heart right out of your chest if you have any amount of compassion and empathy at all.<br />
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Sometimes, I must admit, it's way too much for me. My heart feels broken over the things I cannot fix or make better. The choices people make that have obvious horrible consequences. I strive to surround myself with peace and serenity, making my home my fortress ... I strive to be positive and hopeful... but I have experienced hurts and I know there isn't always a happy ending.<br />
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So, I do what I can. I love. I try to be available. I WANT to be available. I give what I can without neglecting to care for myself. I hate to say 'no' sometimes, but I have to. That's hard too. But necessary.<br />
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Sigh... just putting it out there tonight.....<br />
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On the bright side.... I talked with a couple local business owners today who were so great. The plumber who came to replace my faucet chatted with me like an old friend. He also helped me with other issues I had in my home and gave me a warm (not creepy) hug when he left. They live locally and I got good vibes from him and his wife instantly and knew they were good people. I texted with his wife about how happy she was with the refinishing of her front door and she shared with me some photos and the local business that helped her out. I'm 57 years old and I must say I have always been a good judge of character... I don't know why, but I just always KNOW. I'm thankful for people like that.<br />
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As much as I hurt over the suffering I see in this world ... I am equally, if not much more, GRATEFUL for what is my life.<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-40394210005726257072018-03-25T10:26:00.000-05:002018-03-25T10:28:10.889-05:00focus<div style="text-align: center;">
I have pinpointed a definite problem area in my life. When you live alone there are quite a few since there is no one, except the dog, to hold you accountable as far as your actions and how you spend your time.</div>
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It seems when I have a good thought, it disappears before I can act upon it, because there are so many other good thoughts out there!</div>
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So, back to my problem.</div>
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FOCUS.</div>
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I read this morning that without focus you will find life becomes a blur.</div>
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There is so much noise in our society today. While it's true that we are the ones who open ourselves up to it, it's still hard to not get sucked in. It may be especially hard for a deep thinker since they tend to want answers to all the questions that get thrown around..... all the problems. My need for order makes me want to figure things out and come to definite conclusions. </div>
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Oh, boy, does that never really work. Not for everything anyway.</div>
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I often feel distracted... like Norman does outside. Though he follows his nose there are so many different things to check out.</div>
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So what do I focus on? Without being completely specific and transparent.... mostly being the best me I can be. I've learned that I have no control over what someone else does. The time I've spent trying to solve another's problems has been a waste of time it pains me greatly to say.</div>
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I'm realizing I have enough problems of my own... and I need to spend more time focusing on things I CAN change.</div>
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Gonna start now.</div>
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-8138994098234318572018-02-23T15:56:00.001-06:002018-02-23T16:16:21.552-06:00meEver see a picture of yourself and just want to say "Ewww" or something equivalent?<br />
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I do.<br />
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Are my wrinkles showing? Are the dark circles especially dark today? Are my lips and hairline and eyebrows thinning? How about that double chin and neck?<br />
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I remember my mom receiving a new driver's license photo one year and expressing her displeasure in it. Afterwards she said that probably 15 years down the road she would think it was pretty good.<br />
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How true.<br />
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This is me, today, now.... and it's okay. More than okay really.<br />
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Embrace who you ... we are all just fine.<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-4233671037174340752018-02-23T13:06:00.000-06:002018-02-23T15:16:20.135-06:00yearnings<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Sometimes I stumble upon a quote that fits exactly how I feel. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">But sometimes there are none.... and our own words, our own voice, our own expression is what we need to work on .... and figure out. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">To think and mediate and work to understand what's unique to us, discover where our own heart is, and what our soul is yearning for... and what our needs are at the moment.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Is it peace? It is safety? Is it reassurance? Is it connection? Is it rest? Is it trust? Is it faith?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">I yearn for healing in the world. I yearn for people to be whole. I yearn for myself to be whole. I yearn for a way to communicate love when I fail so often. I yearn for a way to make a difference and be a force for good ....but I often fall short. I sometimes mess things up even though I have the best of intentions. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">But for now I just feel sad. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont";"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">I've lived long enough to realize that the sad will pass. It comes and it goes. We can count on life's ebbs and flows as much as anything in this world. It's a sure thing. Keeping our balance during the changes is the challenge. Especially when a wave hits you and knocks you senseless for a </span></span></span><span style="font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont";"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">little while.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont";"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">So, we do what we can, love with all of our heart, but also be true to ourselves, and not set our own self on fire to keep someone else warm... meaning.... take care of yourself too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif , serif , "emojifont";"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span></span>Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-14289573646195368892018-02-20T16:36:00.000-06:002018-02-21T09:59:38.008-06:00TodayAhhh. I did some stretching yoga today, two sessions on my favorite DVD, and also 30 minutes on my elliptical machine at home. It felt sooo good. I found that I didn't struggle as much so that tells me my muscles have made some progress and my strength has improved. Little steps in the right direction. That's the way to go, right?<br />
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Gosh I can be lazy though.<br />
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Sigh. I fell "in like" with a house that I seriously imagined myself moving into after going to see it with my realtor last weekend ....but it suddenly went off the market before the open house with a pending offer. I seriously need to downsize and find something more "me". One floor. Less yard maintenance. Less tax burden. I will find it. Although I am so grateful with all I have, I'm feeling less and less like this house is a future home for me.<br />
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Maybe I shouldn't, but I'm enjoying some FitVine Chardonnay now. It's a wine lower in sugar and calories that I found. I was not impressed with the Cabernet Savignon but the Chardonnay is pretty good. I would buy it again.<br />
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I am grateful and at peace and content right now.....even though there are numerous reasons why I might let the circumstances around me ruin all that. It's always the struggle to live and let live.<br />
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Hope you, whomever might read this, let yourself be at peace too, no matter what the circumstances. If you are in that place, we could seriously be friends.<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-54666761048115045532018-02-10T14:18:00.001-06:002018-02-10T14:26:01.993-06:00needed changeI have needed motivation. I've been feeling old and out of shape. I have put too much weight on these aging bones and joints and I know it. I feel it. The scale has been inching up again.<br />
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But it stops now. I have a plan. And it includes healthy diet, new recipes, PORTION CONTROL, mindfulness, and exercise. And I'm making it a priority, not an afterthought.<br />
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For the last few days I've decided to reign it all in and do what is good for me. I have become lazy and full of excuses. But I've run out of excuses or else they're just not working for me anymore!<br />
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The only way to get where you want to be is to change something you do daily. What is your daily routine? How is it not working for you?<br />
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I know I have to make some changes, but I also know I can't deprive myself of certain food groups. I have to make mealtime enjoyable. Eating well is a form of self respect. I've made realistic goals. One is to create healthy habits not restrictions, although that includes portion control. It takes time to get where you want to be and I'm realizing what an impatient person I am. So.... I have a plan.<br />
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I have a plan to lose one pound a week. If it's more than that fine, but my goal is one pound. If I do that for 20 weeks, I'll lose the 20 pounds I want to. Sound simple? Sound easy? It's only as simple or easy as I make it.<br />
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For some people motivational quotes get old, but for me they often keep me going. A word aptly spoken cuts to the quick and can change my perspective in an instant.<br />
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So here are the things I'm going to dwell on and remember.<br />
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First and foremost FOOD IS FUEL, NOT THERAPY!<br />
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Note to myself: When I eat like crap I feel like crap.<br />
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A little progress each day adds up to big results.<br />
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"What I know for sure is this: The big secret in life is that there is no big secret... There's just you, and this moment, and a choice." Oprah<br />
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Three months from now you'll thank yourself! And actually you'll thank yourself each day, because you'll feel better about the choices you're making.<br />
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Eat for the body you want, not the body you have. This doesn't just mean outward appearance. It means healthy organs and bones, and joints, and muscles. We only get one body to hold our spirit and soul. Treat it with care.<br />
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What have I done so far?<br />
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I made a chart. I'll weigh myself every Friday. One pound a week. Very doable. Sticking with a 1200 calorie diet.<br />
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I signed up to receive meals from HelloFRESH. The portions are large. One can easily be halved and eaten for another mealtime. But I keep track of all calories. HelloFRESH is just for fun and convenience and to give me good ideas, not to purchase all the time.<br />
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I'm looking at websites and InstaAcounts that have great ideas and motivation and recipes.<br />
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I've exercised. Walking is one of the best for me right now. I've walked for an hour the last few days. When I set out I didn't have any expectations, just to walk. The more I walked the more I WANTED to walk. If I have too high of expectations for myself I am less inclined to begin.... so I'm just concentrating on BEGINNING. I read that "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."<br />
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I must say that I haven't figured anything out yet. I'm on a journey and it's not a sprint to get and stay in shape. All great achievements require time. Mostly, the people who look like they have it all together are not even close to being motivating to me. They are irritating. I guess I'm a bit rebellious.<br />
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So I am leaving myself with one more thought.<br />
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"Stop letting food (or anything) be the boss of you".<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431602988152272795.post-52594307985664644212018-01-27T15:00:00.000-06:002018-01-27T15:06:25.073-06:00mid-winter thoughtsWell, hello there again little blog of mine. It's been a while.<br />
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I skipped over the whole holiday season without checking in and now here it is the end of January. Winter has been a tough one here, but I guess not half as tough as most of the country. We have gotten snow on three separate occasions... and that's something for Austin.<br />
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This winter is also a horrific one for the flu. Numerous cases of the disease all over the place and very severe in many cases. It's been a bad winter for me as far as colds and viruses. I seem to get a different strain every few weeks with a stomach virus or norovirus thrown in as well. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2734242/ASK-THE-DOCTOR-Why-I-laid-low-grandsons-sniffles.html">I read a few articles today </a>that indicated that grandparents often get a worse case (and more frequent) of what their grandchildren are exposed to. The kids bounce back quicker and the parents often fight it off. Seems to be what's going on in my world. I sure love my grand babies, but have not liked being so frequently sick this season.<br />
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It's refreshing right now as I sit out on the back patio. This morning was foggy and soggy and warmish for a change, but now clearer, cooler, fresher air has blown in. The wind chimes are gently tinkling and it all feels peaceful. The herbs have survived the cold night temperatures that plummeted down into the teens thanks to their plastic dome covering. Tiny seedlings and bulbs are eager to meet the warmth that so far doesn't want to stick around for long.<br />
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I have continued getting rid of unnecessary stuff around my house, in the closets, in the drawers, in the attic.... and it makes me feel more free and lighter. Less bound to things. I heard it said, "If you want a cleaner house, own less stuff!"... and it's true. How I love when I can clean up an area and make it feel more calm.... with less busy energy surrounding it. Maybe I'm just looking for serenity wherever I can find it these days. Trying to create it where I can in a world that seems wounded and bleeding in so many ways. My prayers lately seem to revolve around healing. Physical, emotional, spiritual... healing... for so many. It's a crazy world. Maybe even more so for introspective types. But I'm learning how to let go of things that aren't mine to worry about, or are too heavy to carry.... and yet to help where and when I can.<br />
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Just some mid-winter thoughts....<br />
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<br />Kathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160991705866488182noreply@blogger.com0