Like being home

Here I sit at brother's home, can't use my laptop, no close wifi connection. So managed to get on with his computer. Trip was great. Did about 450 miles both days.
Have been calling all my customers that I had phone no. on today to let them know I was closing the store on the 29th. I feel like a telemarketer. The gal thats been running the store is clearing all her stuff out. Boy she had alot of stuff in there. I will breath a sigh of relief to just have the store back to myself for the duration. The plan is to let my customers who have credit from bringing in books will get to spend the credit on books with no money exchange. Then for anyone else I am discounting the books to garage sale prices to just clear the stock. Not sure what I will do at the end. Something will come to me. As a last resort I will box them up to take to an auction. Then I plan to cut utilities and just let the building set for a time and see what happens. I won't cost much to pay the ins. and taxes. If someone comes along with a good offer. (ha ha) I would just go ahead and sell it. So will see.

Been out walking a few times. Seems good to be walking these hilly streets and looking at all the overgrown yards and trees. Rather sad to see so many houses that are vacant and falling down.
Hey I even went to church with little brother today. Will be busy from here on out.

Here we are back in Kansas, Toto!

I headed out this morning at 6:30 and now I sit in a motel in Kansas. Will make it on in tomorrow to Mo. Sort of tired, but I enjoyed the trip. Taking a different route that is more direct, should be less miles, but alot of 2 lane highways. Traffic has been sparse, everyone must be on the interstates. I really enjoy driving thru all the little towns. What catches my eye: the real old stone buildings, whether they are old court houses, school houses, or what ever. I saw the marking on one that said 1888. Saw some in fields, all vacant with no windows. How sad, if only the walls could talk huh? Maybe someday I will do a slow road trip and stop and take pictures of old buildings. Would make a cool album.

I am sort of avoiding thinking about what I have to do when I get to Mo. It sort of breaks my heart to dismantle my little books store, but then I try to think that something else is in store for me and I just need to move on. Right? At least thats what my head is saying.

Been trying to stay true to my health cleanse, at least the best I can do on a trip. I won't bore anyone with anymore details. I do just have to say that I notice since I have cut sugar out I don't seem to be as hungry. thats a good thing,

Come on Toto lets get out of Kansas tomorrow. Woof, Woof.

Day 5

Looks like the end of my health cleanse. Hubby came home a little early, not that I'm not glad. But I plan to stick to most of it. Wheat (onlly whole) will get added and small amounts of chicken, I think. Will try to keep sugar and caffeine out. This has felt good and makes you get out of the habit of snacking. That's my biggest problem. I am a grazer!! I know Moooooooo!

New developments. After I told hubby that the gal wasn't running my store anymore he suggested that I head back right away before the weather gets to hot and take care of my business. I know he is right. I have to contact all my customers and let them come in and use their credit up that they acquired when they brought books in. I will let them use it across the board. Its not fair to shut down and technically I owe them. So will be fun to be in my store if only for a couple weeks. Then I will find a local place to sell the remainder books if I can. I may decide to sell the building rather than let it sit empty. Just don't know at this point. Maybe someone will come along while I am there and want to rent it or buy it. Who Knows.

Talked to brother there in Mo. and they are waiting out a big storm that is to hit tonight.
Talked to sister who is in the hospital yet and she is doing pretty well post op. She will be there for a few more days. So I will be at her home probably when she gets out, so maybe it will work out well and I can be of some help to her too.

Heading out Fri AM. My state job I am working on will probably not be ready for me for a few more weeks anyway. Will take my computer with me and hope I can find a signal somewhere and log on from time to time.

Thought for the day: Change your thoughts, change the world---Norman Vincent Peale

Day 4

So far so good. Alot more energy today. Same thing for breakfast. Had a soy protein shake with a banana, 1 tlb. peanut butter and used chocolate soy milk. Yummy. Then got busy during afternoon and didn't get to eat till after 6pm. So just warmed up some more beans and rice and added a little of the vegy soup to it and a few blue corn chips. Then for snack did some air popped popcorn and drizzled a little olive oil on it. It works just as good as butter believe it or not. Bought a jug of decaf green tea. Not to bad. Had one glass with supper.

Got a call from hubby, and they are on their way home a day early so will be in tomorrow evening. Poor guy, he hates to travel with his sisters 2 little dogs. They drive him crazy. Will be glad to have him back home safe and sound.

Talked to my sister on the phone, she had major surg last Fri. and is now in a private room and doing pretty well. Not sure if she will remember much of our conversation but it was good to hear her voice.

Thats it, I am going to bed after I soak my sunburn in the shower.

Day 3

Feeling a little draggy today. I think its the lack of caffeine. Stayed true though, did the oatmeal thing again for breakfast. Did a protein shake with a banana and 3 big fat strawberries for lunch. Yummy. Got a little sun on my legs, then went shopping. Found a receipt on the back of a can of cannellini beans (A white kidney bean). I used left over brown rice, the beans and a can of diced tomatoes, and a teasp of Italian seasoning. Was wonderful. A slice of toast. A few grapes and strawberries. I probably snacked on to many almonds though. OOPS. Almost made a pitcher of ice tea. But don't have decaf so just filled my water bottle and said what the heck. Its all water anyway right? Oh, have lost 2 lbs. too.

Hubby and his sis are doing OK in Nv. Finding out things are never like you remembered. 3 of her favorite stores have closed down. Another huge Walmart on the other end of town. Construction is really down and people reporting no work. I guess thats all over. I feel so lucky to be looking at a job coming up real soon.

Day 2

So far so good. Day 2, enjoyed a bowl of usual oatmeal, walnuts, and ground flax, but added the strawberries and soy milk. Quit good and kept me full all morning. Took a brisk walk and painted on a cabinet I am doing for SIL while she is away. For lunch I had a slice of toast with peanut butter. The bread was as close as I could get to gluten free. It is Ezekiel bread made from sprouted grains. Really good. I added a can of cannelli beans to the vegetable soup I made yesterday and a few almonds for snack. I forgot to mention the soup I made. I cooked fresh green beans, yellow pepper, celery, carrots, and green onions about 10 min. then put it juice and all into a blender to make a sort of cream soup, but no cream, Added some seasoning. Not bad.
For supper tonite I had brown rice, a little more veg soup and a salad. Have been drinking lots of water, no soda. Drank the last one Fri. LOL. I got out my small coffee maker and just made one mug of decaff this morning. No headaches! Yeah.

I know this sounds really boring and nuts but I think I am enjoying having control over what I eat and to eat with planning and not just snacking so much. Anyone interested the plan is from a book called Quantum Wellness Cleanse by Kathy Freston. I already know what I will have tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Spent a very quiet Mothers Day, just me and the dog. Got messages from both kids, so that was nice to be remembered.

Called to check on sister who had major surg Fri. She has been up in a chair and doing well. Her hubby said when the Dr. came in to see her she cried because she was so happy to finally have the surgury after being put off so many times. I think she will heal up and be OK

Health Cleanse

OK here is the scoop>
I have been reading about a health cleanse. It doesn't really sound to far out there. There are 5 things that you don't eat for 21 days. Well I am shooting for a week and then see if I can commit to more. The purpose is to rid your body of toxins, and things you might be allergic to and don't know. You know how some days you go around feeling draggy, bloated, You get the picture.

So here are the 5 things.
1. Caffeine
2. Alcohol
3. Gluten
4. Sugar
5. Animal products

I know some may think gee what is there left to eat. Well first of all I went thru the cabinet and read labels. The hardest for me will be the caffeine, so I have been diluting my coffee for a couple days with more decaf so that I won't get such a head ache. Starting tomorrow it is her tea. The Alcohol is no problem, The gluten means no wheat products. So thats fine, I can live without that. But if it is made with corn, or oats its ok. Sugar, I will try to get used to the taste of my oatmeal with strawberries in it with some soy milk. Maybe throw in a few walnuts. I have soy yogurt and soy protein powder too, so can make shakes with lots of fruit. I just made up a batch of soup with all kinds of fresh vegetables and then whizzed it in a blender and added some Mrs. Dash. Not bad. Had a few corn chips with it.
My big problem is not drinking enough water, so the water bottle goes with me and will try to deliberately drink several a day.
As for the animal products, that is just for the cleanse, later I will add eggs, cheese, and white meat.
So I will report here daily how I do, what I eat, and how I feel.
The thing that will help for this first week, is that hubby is out of town so its just me to please. The dog doesn't mind, she will have what ever I have, well maybe not the fruit.

/Thought for the day: (I saw this on a sign this morning) Only dead fish go with the flow!

What a wonderful bird is a Pelican.

Remember that old rhyme? What a wonderful bird is a Pelican, He can hold more in his beak than his belly can, And I don't know how in the hell he can.


This picture is a view about 5 miles from the prison. The white things you see in the middle is a flock of pelicans. On the way back when I passed this spot they were flying in a big circle over the river, just riding the wind currents.


Got to meet the big boss from Denver today. She was at the prison where I will eventually be working and they asked if I would drive over to meet her. I feel very encouraged. The medical facility is better organized and equipped than the large on I worked at in Nv. You can see that a small staff makes a big difference in pride. Shouldn't but I think it does. The next step is one day of "prison" training required since they will be using me for a few weeks thru a staffing agency and I won't have my official 3 weeks of Prison "camp" done yet. The one day should be a week from tomorrow.





So looking at a week home alone while hubby drives his sister to Nv. to visit friends. I have a plan for my self that I will talk about Sat. So if I put it in writing I can't back out of it. Right?





Looks like summer is here, getting hotter and no rain in the forecast. In fact it was mentioned that we are probable heading into the dry period now till fall. Wow, we didn't see much rain for the spring. They measure rain in the 1/100 increments here. But the clear blue sky is awesome.

Is it really May?

To my daughter: I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself. (That is a silly quote, from my little guy to the right here)

To my son: Happy Birthday big boy! (well almost)

I passed my little drug test yesterday for work, No surprise since I don't even know what half the stuff is. Will be meeting with the big boss this week and if all goes well start working soon under the local staffing agency, till the state gets all their stuff done to hire me on. But thats government for you.

Hubby got his knee injected with cortisone again Monday and it sure feels better. Still waiting for a follow up with the halter monitor that was done over a week ago. He is getting ready to head out Sat. to drive his sister to Nv. to visit. She wants to see some old friends before it gets to hot to travel. So I will have a week to myself. Think I will try the wellness cleanse that I read about. You cut out most everything from your diet and eat only fruits, vegetables and whole grains. (no wheat though) I think I can do that. Coffee will be the worse, but I know I drink too much of that anyway. Might get in the habit of drinking more water, I think I drink coffee when really I am just thirsty.

Thought for the day: The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: "Decide what you want.">>> Oliver Wendell Holmes

Short Joke

A 3-year-old boy examined his testicles while taking a bath.

'Mum', he asked, 'Are these my brains?'

'Not yet,' she replied

Hello

Hello, is any one there? I think I am all alone here and no one comes to visit me any more. (sad face) I write here for me mostly but would be nice to know that someone else is listening.

Hello..............Hello......................

Am I impatient?

My horoscope for today is interesting considering I have been feeling impatient about this retirement thing and working on getting back in the work force.

AquariusJanuary 20 - February 18
There is a slow, lethargic pace to the day that might leave you feeling a bit frustrated, dear Aquarius. It may seem as if situations are not progressing as fast as you would like. Don't get seduced by the thought that everything needs to be done faster. Faster is not necessarily better. Today is a great time to focus on quality and efficiency of movement. Examine parts of your life that may be considered wasteful action. Streamlining certain areas of your daily routine may be necessary.

Oh, the Rockies

I know why they are called the Rockies: driving thru the canyons between Gunnison and Canan City is beautiful. the highway follows the Arkansas River thru these beautiful rock walls. You can see the layers of different colored minerals with many areas that you can just imagine the pressure that was exerted thousands of years ago to push these canyon walls up with the layers standing almost on end. Guess I have been watching to much National Geographic on TV, but we really need to take some time and appreciate our world.

Look at me, I'm on WiFi

The big leap, I brought my lap top with me and have managed to hook up to the motel's wifi. Now I see my battery is gettin low. So will be quick. I drove 240 miles yesterday for an interview (investigative) for this job I am looking for. Think all will go well, I have confidence. I guess no one wants to work in a prison, it is the best kept secret in nursing! but don't tell anyone. Gotta run, sun is shining and need to get out and take a walk then get ready for the interview. I typed a nice blog entry on my word pad last nite but now don't know how to highlight it without my mouse so I can transfer it to here. Duh!! Sometimes it the little things that can mess you upw

Looks like her Mamma

This is a picture I finally found of myself in 1989 with my grand daughter. She is the mother of the baby in the last picture. Quite a look alike huh?

Just have to post this picture!!

Isn't this a precious picture?? She looks sooooooooo much like her Mamma!

Need a new loom

I want a new loom. Like a big one that I can make rugs 36 in. wide at least. I currently have a table top one and can only do 20 in. wide. I think I can make room now in this house to put up a big one. If I can make it to Iowa this year, by buddy there will help get me fixed up, but will have to haul it home. Maybe I can find one closer to home.

Here is my baby loom and the warp frame with warp (thread) set up ready to wrap. With the small one you have to wrap new warp pretty often, I can make about 6 or 7 rugs before I have to rewrap. It is pretty labor intensive and wasteful of the warp.

Google yourself

Ever try to do a Google on your own name? I found it interesting that I found myself 3 times in the first 2 pages! Yea, does that make me famous?

Got my nursing license for this state in the mail today so guess I am legal to work if I get a job offer. Won't know for a while, so just biding my time. Been making lots of rag balls to work up into rugs. Just trying to get my clutter cleaned up.

Here is a picture of my BALLS

Food for thought

Our sun is one of a 100 billion stars in our galaxy. Our galaxy is one of billions of galaxies populating the universe. It would be the height of presumption to think that we are the only living thing in that enormous immensity"
– Wernher Von Braun


A great website to visit and spend hours: world-mysteries.com

Happy Easter

All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from the Easter Bunny


Don't put all of your eggs in one basket.
Walk softly and carry a big carrot.
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
There's no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention.
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
Some body parts should be floppy.
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell.
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.