100 Mile Challenge!!!

Well as you can see, I did 100 miles on my stationary bike this month. Starting at 2,506.1 and ending at 2,606.1. My challenge started August 4th and finished yesterday, August 29th......it took 26 days to reach  my goal of 100 miles. Doing 5 miles a day, sometimes 3 miles or 4 miles and a couple of 6 mile journeys.

The challenge was initiated by www.mybizzykitchen.com a blog I like to visit everyday to see what she has cooked up for the day. Biz is from the Chicago area. She tells alot about her life, what she is doing, how she is handeling her diabetis, what she is cooking, how many calories etc., how she is exercising, how far she is running, what she is reading, watching and where she goes out to eat and what she makes with those doggie bags she brings home. Her husband even answers questions on her blog.....he is a real hoot, you will find yourself laughing out loud many times while reading her blog.

There were many others that took the challenge also, Biz has put their names in a bowl (or whatever she is using). At the end of this month one person will be the winner of 2 jars of salsa and 2 jars of grilled cherry salsa that Biz made and a case of Chobani Greek Yogurt from Chobani. I will let you know who won.

Well, I am closing here for now, need to get dinner ready for JP and get some more bike riding in. It seems my blood sugars are usually down in the morning when I ride my bike in the evening..........on to another 100 miles for September.

The Green Bay Packers won tonight.....YAY!!! Go Pack!!! Mitt Romney spoke tonight along with Clint Eastwood and Marco Rubio........what a speaker, he will go far in Politics....maybe President someday??? I sure hope Romney wins the Presidential Race.....down to earth and much easier to look at!!
You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption is drawing nigh. Cheers ~ Louise

Wordless Wednesday Only Because......

Going boating today and so have to get ready and there is no time to play around on this blog..........so I am hiding, don't try to seek me out, I won't be here or there!!! You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption is drawing nigh!!!!    Cherio mate!!! Louise

39 Years of Marriage - 100 Mile Challenge

 The 100 Mile Challenge..........this was the odometer reading the beginning of this week. When I first started this challenge the odometer read 2,506.1. I now have about 14 miles more to go.........probably will keep going and see how far I get to the end of this month. Turned up the tension about 9 notches so it has been a bit of a challenge the last couple of rides....but I shall keep it at this level till it starts to feel easier for me, then turn the tension up a notch or two down the road a bit.



 Here is my lovely new Pink Hibiscus. Bought her at Shopko a couple of weeks ago and paid $5.00. This past week I transplanted her into this white urn. Hopefully she will enjoy her new home during the winter months. She has a few more blooms that will probably open up in a few days. Below you will see a close  up of her, pretty huh? No, I have not named her as yet.....do you have any ideas???

 On Monday JP and I will be celebrating our 39th wedding anniversary. JP got the day off from work. So, we will just "play for a day". I think we might go to the "Outback" on College Ave. Get the special "a 4 course meal for $15 a person" if there are any left-overs, which there probably will be, we will have another meal or two for later on. Haven't decided what else we'll do, maybe hit an antique store or two. We like to check out prices of things we have ourselves. One of these days, we will sell a few things, but I like the antiques I have and find it hard to part with them.

Another thing I would like to do is sit by some body of water.......that is very relaxing to me, would love to stick my feet in some water. Maybe find a light house and take some pictures. Hummm, guess that would be Kimberly Point in Neenah..............here we come!!!!

Finally got an appointment at EyeMart. Guess what, my old glasses were actually too strong for me, I found myself squinting quite abit and having to take my glasses off so I could see up close....bifocals just were not working..............Now I can see!!! Being pre-diabetic, eyes need to be checked once a year. Guess when the last time I had my eyes checked, are you sitting down??? Ready? 2001, yep that is right!! Now with having medicare maybe I can keep up with these eye exames. Next eye appointment will be for JP, I think his last time was about 6 years ago. His glasses have broken quite a few times and have been glued back together. Time for new ones.

Speaking of JP, he is now going to a chiropractor. Something we thought we would never experience, but it seems his arm pains are connected to the neck. JP had x-rays taken and Dr. Matt could see right away what the problems was. We should have gone to him in the first place, but who knew??? Dr. Matt said at least with all the tests done, the heart, stomach and a few other things could be ruled out. And now, at least we know from where the problem is coming from. Now hopefully with the manipulations on his neck will help. He has had less pains then he had, so that is a plus. JP used to drive race cars and got jolted around alot, probably had whiplash a couple of times. Sooooo, in his old age he is now paying for things he did in his youth.

Well, it is time to close this blog for a while, you all keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

PS.........how do you like my new look on my blog.....felt I needed a change, like buying a new top or a pair of shoes, maybe even a purse!!! Happy Days!!!

Some New Cards for My Etsy Store



Made a card like this and gave it to someone who gave me a bunch of vegetables. I liked the card so much, made another one. I actually had this stamp set for over a year and never used it for anything. As the lady gave me some vegies, thought it apropos to giving her "My Vegie Card" Was fun to do and very easy. Lots of stamping and some coloring with copic markers. I am putting this card in my Etsy store today and will probably sell it for $3.75 + shipping and postage as it is a larger card measuring 6.00" x 4.75" and will come with an envelope.



A pretty little Thank You. Dandelions embellished with liquid pearls, a bow and butterfly. The inside of the card will be left blank so you can write your "thanks". The card measures 5.50"x4.25 and will come with an envelope. Price of the card will be $3.00 + shipping and postage.

Butterflies and buttons Happy Anniversary card. This card measures 5.50" x 4.25" and will come with an envelope. I can leave this card blank, but can stamp it with a lovely verse blessing this special day. The card will go for $3.00 + shipping and postage.

"If you close your eyes while eating, the Calories Never Count ". This card was alot of fun to make and just sort of evolved into what it is. First I colored the picture, then placed it on the blue cardstock then layering it on a card and flowered paper. embellishments are the butterflies and sticker brads. The card is priced at $3.75 + shipping and postage and measures 6.00" x 4.75" and will come with an envelope.

To get to my Etsy store just follow the link to the left of this post or you can go to: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com

So there you have it, four new cards that will be in my Etsy shop in the next few days. Remember, you saw them here first. (except for the above card as it is already in my etsy store). You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh. Cheers to you all ~ Louise

A Word of Warning~~~ObamaCare, very Scarry!!!

The following is an email I received today.................
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear God, What are we in for. Please give those people in Washington the courage and intelligence to know what they are doing to our United States of America. Amen

What does this word mean?

The word "Dhimmitude" is found in the new health care bill; so what does it mean?

Thought this was interesting and worth passing on.

Dhimmitude -- What does it mean?

Obama used it in the health care bill.

Now isn't this interesting? It is used in the health care law.

Dhimmitude -- I had never heard the word until now. Type it into Google and start reading. Pretty interesting. It's on page 107 of the healthcare bill. I looked this up on Google and yep, it exists.. It is a REAL word.

Dhimmitude is the Muslim system of controlling non-Muslim populations conquered through jihad. Specifically, it is the TAXING of non-Muslims in exchange for tolerating their presence AND as a coercive means of converting conquered remnants to Islam.

ObamaCare allows the establishment of Dhimmitude and Sharia Muslim diktat in the United States . Muslims are specifically exempted from the government mandate to purchase insurance, and also from the penalty tax for being uninsured. Islam considers insurance to be "gambling", "risk-taking", and "usury" and is thus banned. Muslims are specifically granted exemption based on this.

How convenient. So I, as a Christian, will have crippling IRS liens placed against all of my assets, including real estate, cattle, and even accounts receivables, and will face hard prison time because I refuse to buy insurance or pay the penalty tax. Meanwhile, Louis Farrakhan will have no such penalty and will have 100% of his health needs paid for by the de facto government insurance.

Non-Muslims will be paying a tax to subsidize Muslims. This is Dhimmitude.

I recommend sending this on to your contacts.

American citizens need to know about it --

www.snopes.com: Health Insurance Exemptions

Apr 13, 2010 ... Dhimmitude is the Muslim system of controlling non-muslim populations ... The ObamaCare bill is the establishment of Dhimmitude and Sharia ....

www.snopes.com/politics/medical/exemptions.asp

We need to get him out of office!!!

While the media is asking for more tax info from Romney, why are they not asking Obama to explain this?

Continuing education is imperative for all our citizens.
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I received this as an email today and wanted to pass it on.........I heard this once before and it scared me then, and still scares me now. so I am passing it on. If you don't believe these words check out www.Snopes.com. and type in "Dhimmitude" what is it?

I am not a very political person, but I know what is right and what is wrong (or on the left) and this ObamaCare plan of Obamas is not going to help the American People but only usher in Sharia law, which does NOT belong in this country. WE ARE AMERICANS and not muslims. I am having a hard time understanding how and why the American People can be so brain-washed into believing that what Obama is doing for this country is good.

I for one will give my vote to the Romney/Ryan ticket November 6.

In the mean time, keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh and even more so as we see the signs of the times drawing closer to the soon return of JESUS CHRIST!!!!!! Cheers to all ~ Louise

In a Mood to Make Things AND God's Healing!!

Made this special drink just a little while ago. Got the idea on www.pinterest.com Helps a person lose weight. Using lemons, (also added my left over limes), mint leaves and water plus a packet of stevia for a little sweetness. Mix together with ice cubes, a very refreshing drink.

This great Zucchini bread was made yesterday..........gosh is it ever delicious. Here is the recipe.
3 eggs, 2 cups sugar ( I used 3/4 cups) 1 Tbls vanilla, 1 cup oil ~ Beat eggs until fluffy.  Add sugar, vanilla and oil. This is where I stirred in 2 cups shredded Zucchini, 1/2 (or more) cup of nuts and a handful or more choc. chips and mixed well.
Mix together, 1 1/2 cups white flour and 1 1/ cups whole wheat flour, 1 tsp. salt, 3 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. soda and mix into the liquid mixture. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans and bake at 325 for 1 hour.

"My Excellent Dill Pickles" Gosh are they ever good, they almost taste like "Clausen Pickles"! I started making these in a plastic container and they seem to be working out well. Used to do pickles in  a small jar and let them sit on the counter........but for some reason, I could not get the right taste I was looking for. On a whim and a few cucs I made a batch of pickles in a plastic container and they turned out great!!! Anyone for a dill pickle sandwich????
Here is all I did to make these pickles. Soaked them overnight in water and canning salt, maybe 2 tbls and enough water to cover the pickles. Next day, take the pickles out of the brine, (don't rinse) cut length wise and place in a large plastic container layered with fresh dill (you can also use dried dill maybe about 1 tablespoon if no fresh dill).
Heat up 4 cups water, 1-2 tbls. canning salt, 2 large garlic cloves, crushed, heat water up to just a notch away from boiling.
Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar over the pickles, then pour the hot salt, garlic water over the pickles. Let sit till they cool down then cover and put in frig. You can adjust the amount of salt, vinegar and garlic anyway you would like till you get the taste you are looking for.
 I think these pickles will be an on-going thing during the winter months, as Copps usually carries small cucumbers and fresh baby dill all year long.

Now for the news you have been waiting for.......God's Healing!!!
JP has been dealing with this terrible upper arm pain for about 4 years. Sometimes the attack will come 10-12 times a day and last anywheres between 1 to 3 minutes and be anywheres from a 2 or 3 to a 10 on the pain rector scale. If you have had a "charlie horse" in you legs or arms, that is how painful they are in his arm.

JP went to the family Doctor, he in turn referred JP to a orthopedic Dr. who ordered a stress test then referred JP to a cardiologist who did a cauterization (no blockage), but gave JP heart meds and antacid pills. Then JP went back to the family Doctor who then referred JP to a stomach Dr. who did a scope down the stomach. They found an ulcer.........different meds for antacid????? I have failed to see the connection between the arm pain and the stomach and wondered why he was given antacids. As he still got the arm pains and all 4 Doctors didn't seem to be concerned about the arm pains.

Saturday and Sunday JP was getting so many pains in his arm that it was driving me CRAZY!!! We ended up not going to church because of the pain. In the early afternoon we were actually arguing about his arm pain. Finally, I pulled out a book that lists Doctors that Medicare pays for and I said, go to a chiropractor here are some you can try! So JP picked one out and was ready to call first thing Monday. JP had 10 attacks Sunday, all of them before 1:07 pm.
We usually watch the 6pm live service at www.jsm.org down in Baton Rouge. Jimmy Swaggart had a special speaker last night, his name is Daniel Nalliah from Australia. Danial should have been killed a couple of times by the Muslims because of his stand against Muslims and their Sharia law. Our beliefs as Christians and "free speech" are slowly evaporating. Daniel is winning the war in Australia. His message was tremendous last night. He has seen many healings, people saved plus the dead rise to life. At the end of the service he wanted to pray for America, because what is happening to Australia will happen to America if we don't take a stand for Jesus, we will lose our freedoms and Sharia law will take over.

Jimmy Swaggart said Daniel had a word from the Lord that he should pray for healing for the people there and those watching on the Internet and TV, radio, where ever people were getting this message. He said to raise your hand, and stand where you are......I said, raise your hand JP and stand up!! Daniel said, "put your hand on your heart" we both did, plus I put my other hand on JP's arm and Daniel prayed for healing................................JP has not had any pain in his arm since1:07pm Sunday afternoon. It is now 31 hours and no PAIN!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

I believe God saw our desperation and our faith!!

JP left for work 45 minutes ago............will be interesting to see what he says when he gets home. I will let you know in my next blog! Until then, take care and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!! Cheers to all ~ Louise

A "100 Mile Challenge" for August

I have taken on a "100 mile challenge" to ride my stationary bike. As you can see, starting miles on the odometer is 2,506.1. Ending miles will hopefully read 2,606.1 by the end of this month.

Beth from www.mybizzykitchen.com put out this challenge and I responded by email. I have been following her blogs for about 6 months and have enjoyed reading them very much. She has given alot of hints to losing weight with healthy meals. She counts calories adding exercises and inspirational thoughts with using lots of different techniques....(I don't mind saying this as I am a "technique freak" who is always looking for new and insanely different things to do). Plus....I have a feeling, she knows how to enjoy life and make the best of everything she does!!!! That's a good plus :)

When dieting and exercise are involved I am finding it helpful to get little incentives doing it along with other people. (www.fatsecret.com  refered by Beth) is a good place to start. I have been trying to lose a few pounds with no real success (I think). But as I look back on my stationary bike riding since October ~ 1) didn't gain those ugly 10 lbs in the winter, 2) and maintained my weight, 3) blood sugars are usually low in the morning when I ride my bike the night before, 4) have noticed lately more endurance to ride straight through the 5 miles non-stop, 5) when I miss a night, I am very sluggish the next day. Those are just a few of the benefits I have found for this 65 year old body.

There maybe about 36+ other people on this challenge, today is the last day to sign up, so if you want to join in on the fun, let her know either by email or leave a comment on her blog www.mybizzykitchen.com Another great incentive is that all the people that took the challenge will be entered into a drawing for a prize and the winner will receive from Beth, 2 jars of her homemade Baja Fresh Salsa and 2 jars of her Grilled Cherry Salsa....PLUS.....a case of 6-16oz Chobani Greek Yogurt that will come straight from Chobani. I am trying the Chocolate vanilla chip yogurt..mmmmmmm good! Beth made Blueberry muffins using the Chobani blueberry yogurt, which I will need to try. Go to: www.chobani.com for free coupons lots of recipes and info on this wonderful greek yogurt.

Well, I am making some Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup in my Dutch Oven. A few people have given us some tomatoes, so I thought "IT'S SOUP TIME" a cold front is coming, so soup just might taste good. Don't think the cold front is going to be very cold, maybe just cool things down a bit and that will be fine with me, low 70's.....great!!!

Here is the recipe for the soup:

2 cans diced tomatoes with juice (14 oz each) or fresh tomatoes
1 cup each finely diced celery and finely diced carrots and 1 onion finely diced
4 cup chicken broth (4 chicken bouillon cubes)
1/2 bay leaf, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbs dried basil
1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup flour
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, 2 cups half and half, warmed, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper

In a large crockpot or dutch oven, combine tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, bay leaf, oregano, and basil. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours, until flavors and blended and vegetables are soft.

About an hour before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup from the pot. Add another 3 cups soup and stir until smooth.

Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for another hour until ready to serve. Serve with fresh hot bread. Makes about 2 quarts. 6-8 servings

Enjoy!!

Think I will close for now (computer is driving me nuts and that is just a short putt for me) and finish the soup, water my plants outside. Maybe I will do my guitar lessons tonight and I need to make a card for the lady that has given us all these tomatoes. OH, OH, OH, and ride my bike 5 or so miles, lift some weights (3lbs each) and do some stretches with the rubber band. So you all take care and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

Olympics, Pinterest and a Recipe 4 You

Another puppy picture for you. Whenever I see a puppy picture, they seem to always make me smile. Hope this one does for you too.

Been watching the Olympics on TV this past week, guess blogging and making cards have been put on the back burner for a while. Have some cards in the making but they are not finished as yet.

www.pinterest.com has been taking up alot of my time lately. But it is something I can do while watching the Olympics. Just love all the fascinating recipes you can find there. If you get a chance check out Pinterest and go to my Boards, I think you would just type in Louise Langefeld Gatti and be sure to "follow" me and do check out my stuff I have pinned. I tried a recipe out today, gosh was it ever good and very simple too!!! I love stringbeans so this caught my eye (and stomach), here is the recipe.

"Spicy Stir-Fried String Beans"
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1-2 teaspoons Asian hot sauce, such as Sriracha
1 tablespoon  canola oil
1 pound green and/or yellow wax beans, trimmed
4 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

1. Whisk water, soy sauce, cornstarch and hot sauce to taste in a small bowl.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beans, ginger and garlic: cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sauce mixture: cook, stirring frequently, until the beans are tender-crisp and coated with the sauce, 4-6 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Nutrition: per serving, 97 cal, 5 g Fat, 0 g Sat, 3 g Mono, 0 mg Cholesterol, 12 g Carbohydrates, 3 g Protein, 4 g Fiber, 285 mg Sodium, 208 mg Potassium,
1 Carbohydrate Serving, Exchanges: 1 1/2 vegetable, 1 fat

There you have it, really a great side dish to serve with fish or chicken (which is what we had tonight). Well I shall close this blog for tonight, you all have a great weekend and see you Monday, maybe I will have a card or two for this blog.

Cheers to you all and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Louise