What Can I Say............It's Monday!!



What can I say...........................

Another week is going to pass us by, don't blink. This is "Garage Sale Week" for me, hope I am ready for it. Almost have it set up, now the pricing begins.....UGE! We bought some sealer for the driveway, didn't want to see anyone trip and fall entering the garage. Guess in order to make a little bit of money, you have to spend a little bit of money.........$16.00??????

JP also put some cedar chips down around the house. We had heard that doing that, keeps the bugs and varmints away from the plants.....possibly a little late in the season, but it is worth a try and something that will happen for sure next spring. I have this squirrel that likes to visit and dig holes in my planters, he doesn't even care what is planted, just as long as he get HIS stuff planted and does he ever make a mess........darn squirrel!!!! but one plus is that the cedar chips smell wonderful to me, maybe it reminds me of Christmas!!!

JP hasn't had any arm pains since 7:30am this morning.....well that is about 17 hours of freedom for him. We never know when the attacks come. Sometimes he can have as many as 10-15 a day and now like today, nothing. Hard to figure it out. Sure gets tiring to watch him suffer. When he goes to the chiropractor things seem to calm down a bit, cause he stretches those muscles so the nerve isn't resting on the disks. Although the disks are degenerating (whatever that means).

So JP has to correct his posture by sitting on a round pillow between the chair and his back. He also does exercises for his back. All this stuff is from the Physical Therapist. The chiropractor has JP putting a heating gizmo on his neck and then exercising his neck back and forth.............well, we will see which of the two works the best PLUS a little bit of prayer helps too!!! JP has appointments with the Physical Therapist for the next 4 weeks, twice a week at $30 a shot for Co-pay. The Chiropractor is $20 a week, these co-pays are going to drain us financially, for sure!!! Plus we need to get JP in for an eye appointment.

Well, I need to go to bed, been a little tired today and this may be a busy week.............May be???.........I think it WILL be!!!

You all have a great week and keep looking up for your redemption draws closer and closer!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

Pretty White Flowers from My Garden and a Garage Sale

Don't even know what these are called, but they have taken over the whole side of my front porch.

Beautiful white Rose!

A Pretty White Zenia!

Almost all white with splashes of blue Morning Glories!!!

This is just the beginning of my beautiful blooms this summer. With Fall almost upon us, the flowers are showing all their glory....God is so creative, there is no way that "Man" can duplicate God's handiwork!!!

Well, I have been diligently working on my garage sale. I thought possibly I would get one day this week to sell, but no, just not finished bringing stuff up from the basement. Do I have that much stuff??? Goodness, I need to have a garage sale every 6 months to get rid of the things I just needed to have but don't need now?????? Does that make sense? Still have to mark everything with a price. Going to sell  161 cards, Happy Birthday, Thinking of You and Seasonal Cards for $1 each. I have some stamps, CD's, DVD's, cooking stuff and glass ware, some exercise stuff, a rocker, bike rack, dog kennel and a lot of misc. stuff.

I am hoping that I will make a good hunk of change, as I am needing a new computer before this one conks out on me. The Home Depot guy said my computer is way over due. Computers last maybe 3-4 years. My computer is over 8 years old. It is running VERY slow, so maybe it is time to replace it. SOOOOOO a garage sale is needed to unload and renew!!!!

Well, I need to close for today, get some work done on my Garage sale. The sale will be next week, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.....that would be long enough for me. Will probably place an ad on www.craigslist.com as the ads are free and maybe just maybe I might get lots of people to stop by.

Need to make a run to WGR for my free whisk and Salvation Army for free bread (got a box of banana's to dry too)........so need to close. You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption is drawing nigh!!! Cheers to you ~ Louise

Coffee and Taxes and Garage Sales

NOT!!!!!

Now that will get your attention......hahahahaha!!! So how is your day going? Just by reading Facebook and a few blogs today, I have noticed a few people have already been out running or baking or resting. ME, just contemplating what I'm going to do next, after doing this blog. {Well, as you can see, I changed the look of this blog, for 1 thing. Do you like it, looks a little antiquey, like me!!!}

Going to have a garage sale September 20th and 21st, am hoping the weather will be fine, if not I am sunk. I could try for this next week-end I suppose, but would really have to hustle to get stuff marked and set-up. Much depends on the weather, no one will come in the rain, I wouldn't.

Retirement has been very busy for me.......don't know where I would fit in working if I was still doing that. And, how in the world did I do it all those years of working and keeping a house and all the other things I was involved in......just don't know. I didn't even have "kids" added to the quota. Just a husband and lots of animals along the way. I guess we do what we have to do at the time we are doing it!!!! It all works out in the end like the wash on Monday mornings!!!

Well, I better get going if I am even going to accomplish a few things today, like try at least getting the garage cleaned and ready for the Garage sale. See ya' later and have a great day in what ever you do today and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!! Cheers to all ~ Louise

Beautiful Butterfly ~ Freezer Corn and Cards

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY!!! It was fluttering around Sunday Morning and I just had to run out and take a picture. First it was keeping it's wings closed then suddenly it's wings opened in all it's Glory.....what a beautiful sight. I have never seen a butterfly like this one before.....oh please do not tell me it is just a moth!!!! Do you know what it is or where it comes from???? I like to think it came from afar and stopped by to say "Hello Louise, God sent me by to make your day and to say "I love you" in a special way"
Such a beautiful, intricately designed and colorful butterfly. Black, gold and blue, nice color combo. Maybe I should make a card with those colors, something to think about.

Now for my tried and true "Freezer Corn." I got this recipe up in Ladysmith. Don't know from who, but it sure came in handy for the amount of corn we had growing on our 20 acres years ago. (as you can see the recipe is well worn) I had a big freezer to fill......so it was a great joy, to open that freezer, pull out some freezer corn, a hunk of meat and garden potatoes or squash and make a simple home grown meal!!

First: cut the corn off the cob.

You will need 8 cups of corn for one batch (that could be about 7-8 cobs)

Put corn in a fry pan (I use my electric wok) heat to 350 to 370 and simmer 3 minutes.
Add 2 tsp. sugar (I use 1 tsp.)
2 tsp. salt
1 cup water
1 stick margarine (I use 1/2 stick butter)

Stir for 3 minutes. You can see the steam rising here.

Cool in the fry pan or wok. Pack in seal-a-meal bags (which I used years ago)
 Otherwise, just use containers then freeze.

There you have it, my no-fail freezer corn that will taste like fresh corn in the middle of winter. I have been a fan of this recipe for 36 years and it has not failed me yet.

CARDS: Made some cards to put up in my Etsy store. Hopefully tonight I will get them downloaded and place one of the cards into my Etsy store tomorrow. At least that is my goal.

Well you have a great day and keep looking up for  your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

Boat Ride & 100 Mile Challenge & Doggies



As this is the 1st day of September, and such a beautiful day it is. (My gosh, where has this year gone to???) I am going to look back at the last few days starting with Wednesday, August 29th. It too, was a beautiful day. Went for a boat ride, with Sandi, Shirley and Tyler. We had a great time on Butt de More Lake, dropping anchor and having a snack of cheese, salami, bean dip, crackers, celery, zucchini bread, cookies and chips. Should have taken a picture, of the food, but I am sure you have seen these munchies before. It was just fun to rock back and forth with the waves and eat. What a life, I could get used to this life style very easily!!



Here the geese are passing by the Seagull that was sitting on the rock in the above picture....such a peaceful day!! This is actually taken with my "zoom in" on my camera, we were pretty far off from these geese.



Here we were throwing chips and crackers out for the seagulls to catch.....started with one bird and he must have called in his friends, because then we had at least 10 birds flying around. Surprised they did not swoop down onto the boat and help themselves to what we were eating!!! All and all it was a beautiful day to take a boat ride, no cares in the world at that time, that's what I call a VACATION of sorts. I vacated my home to go on a boat for a ride!!! That is what vacation means to me.



As you can see I made the challenge of 100 miles for the month of August. But alas, out of the 32 + women that entered the challenge......I did not win the Salsa and Chobani yogurt, Carol did...........(sob, sob, sigh). "But I shall continue on" in my quest to ride my stationary bike every night, as my journey continues for however long I can go. Hopefully it will be a part of my schedule from here on in until the return of Jesus!!!



Here's Kylie, my lovable little "schnoodle" a cross between a Schnauzer and a poodle. I think she is more Schnauzer though cause she is always smelling something with her nose. She also uses her nose to move things, like doors, cabinets, her bed, garbage cans, leashes, just to let us know she is there or she wants to go for a walk. She moves blankets and whatever else she can get her nose to do....she is a very talented puppy! Kylie has been with us since 2005. We got her at the OshKosh Animal Shelter. She was brought in as a homeless dog wandering around, fending for herself. Someone must have dumped her and left her. Kylie suffered rejection....how sad.



Here's Hyko a bolegnese from Italy, he has been with us since 2003. Hyko was in an abusive home for 4 years then taken to the Animal Shelter. We had just lost our sweet Poppy and it seemed sort of lonely without a second dog. Anna, our little black poodle mix was depressed and so were we. Then along comes Hyko to shake things up a bit. He has been a very good dog, but you know, he is getting old, human years he is going on 13, doggie years his is about 85 years old. In this picture he is comtiplating going down the stairs, we still try and let him do it himself, but lately he has been needing some assistance going down the stairs and going up too.

Yep, even I need assistance, grabbing on to door knobs, ledges and banisters to go up and down the stairs.....No one ever told me it would be this hard to get old....honestly, thanks alot!!!!

Well, I think that is about all for today, need to get some things done around the house. I am planning on having a garage sale this month, so if you don't see me blogging that is where I will be, working on the garage and gathering all the things I thought I needed these past years and stopped using for whatever reason.

Take care and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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

A Busy Week-End 4 Us

Hi everyone........well today is Monday the 30th......where in the world did this month go????? Thought I would add a few pictures of our busy weekend....not too adventurous....but busy for a couple of 65 year olds.

KYLIE....KYLIE she is such a happy dog. Here she is asking me, "can we go for a walk?" I said, "maybe later, when it cools down". We got Kylie from the shelter in Oshkosh, I am not sure if Kylie picked us or we picked Kylie, either way it has worked out fine. Kylie is a mama's girl and sticks pretty close to me....but just like any little girl, does not always listen to mama. Kylie has alot of likes and dislikes. She mostly dislikes the mailman and any other man that comes to the front door until I tell her to "STOP" and then she backs off. Some man must have done her mean before she knew us cause it takes her awhile to like any man that come to the door.


 Following are a few pictures of the weekend. We did have a surprise on Sunday.....a big storm came through around about 6:10pm. The rain came down pretty heavy and around 6:30 the power went off.....I become so lost without the power, gosh we sure do take the "power" for granted don't we??? The "Power" of the Holy Spirit is taken for granted too, for that matter!!!!

Flower box petunia's and flowers in front of house. Did some weeding and got rid of some flowers that look like weeds when growing but when they bloom, they are the cutest little blue bells that last a few weeks. When they begin to dry up....down they come. I have no fear that they will return next year, even during a hard winter. My daisies keep popping up in different places, I like them where ever they decide to show their pretty faces. Someday the front of the house will be all perennial flowers, right now I have to plant to fill in empty places.

Here is JP fertilizing with his new fertilizer cart. 39 years we have been married and this is his first little fertilizer cart. You can see how dry the grass is and only the weeds seem to grow. This picture was taken Saturday......Sunday afternoon it rained..........oh well, JP can fertilize again. Hopefully the weeds were served notice that they are not welcomed here.



JP added a little color with some of the red chips we had left over after I redid the patio and flowers next to the patio. I should take a picture of the patio. Looks really nice, but the squirrel seems to think that is his domain and has been making holes in the chips trying to find a place for his nuts.....darned squirrel. Anyways, the yellow and orange marigolds are trying very hard to survive this drought.....been watering them, but not as much as I should. They should have been a little bit larger by now. Well, there still are a few more months of growing weather yet. I really need to paint my porch again.....it's due, can you see the paint chipping? And the steps and porch need to be stained again. I keep threatening every year to do that, but the summer comes and goes and there sits the stairs and porch, still needing to be stained and painted. I procrastinate very well don't I?


Going to close this blog for the day........this blog is #260......wow that is hard to believe. It's been good therapy for me. Not really sure where or who reads my blogs, if anybody does for that matter. But, it has been fun to do. I have a few blogs that I like to visit on a daily basis.....they may not realize it, but they become a friend that I enjoy visiting and seeing what they are up to and do miss them when they take a few days away from their blogs.


I am hoping that my next blog will be a few cards that I have been working on. I had a big sale last week and was busy working on that special order. Would be nice to have a few more orders like that...will have to just wait and see and promote more.


You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers ~ Louise

Patiently Waiting...........for Jesus!

Waiting..........Waiting, watching and waiting. Don't you just love when you come home to see your dogs or cats waiting for you??? Like as if you have been gone for days and weeks.........but it was only for a few short hours. Gosh they are so happy to see you, they are just beside themselves because you have returned home!!! That's the way we are supposed to be as we wait for the return of Jesus.

I am looking forward to the return of Jesus, more each day. When things happen, and life gets tuff. When we get pushed around and tugged and pulled in every different direction, yeah, I look forward to the return of Jesus more each day.

Yesterday I went for a lovely boat ride on Lake Butte de More. Weather was beautiful, but changed every 5 minutes, cloudy, sunny, breezy, overcast, warm, then chilly, but never rained. There are some beautiful homes on the lake, would be nice to live on a lake, would be like a mini-vacation every day. So in the mean-time, a ride on the lake, in the pontoon is my mini-vacation. After the ride, we docked and went for lunch then made some cards. Each one of us brought a card with the fixings and showed the others how we made that card. I will have to take pictures of them and post them in my next blog.

Well, I am going to shut down this blog, my computer is acting up.....must be too hot. You all take care and take Jesus and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers to that.....Louise

Sadness in Aurora



Sadness in Aurora.............what can a person say to heal a heart. Only God can fix that. IT'S HIS BUSINESS YOU KNOW. You might say, "well, if it is God's business to fix what happened in Aurora.....why did it even happen?????? Why did some live, and some die, why did some have plans to go, but at the last minute change plans???? And, that woman who was about to open the door to James Holms's apartment...."something told her not to open the door." And, WHY in the world did James Holms even do what he did????

I am not even sure why, some die at an early age, or some die at an old age. And, how one dies is a complete mystery to me. Why do some get killed, die of cancer, heart attacks, malfunctions of the body, freak accidents (like that boy who was swallowed up by sand), earthquakes, volcano's, wind storms, hurricanes, tornado's, heat, cold, and the list goes on.

So, why do some, die in their sleep, here today and gone tomorrow. Why do some kill themselves? (when the Bible says, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13)???? So many questions, I know I am missing many more questions. You might even have alot of questions yourself.  There might be some who think they can answer your question......but if it is coming from a worldly perspective it is just a guess on their part.

But if by chance, you read the Bible, and Jesus IS your Lord and Savior. You'll know the answer to why James Holms did what he did............."SIN".........bottom line!!! His belief system was in Satan and he was doing the work of Satan. Satan wants that ALL men and women and children die without knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. He hates mankind you know, and he hates you and me, whether we are saved or unsaved. Anyone created by God is a # 1 Target for Satan!!

I hope and pray that through this tragedy that many, many people will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior............He is the only way we can make it in the SIN-SICK World!!!

If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, ASK HIM TODAY! Because you may never know what will happen tonight or tomorrow even.............it may never come for you. Many of those people that died in that Aurora movie theater thought they had a whole life to live. Unbeknownest to them, Satan comes to steal and to kill and to destroy (John 10:10) and devour our souls.

Jesus came, that we might have life and that we might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

When I asked Jesus into my life, all I prayed was, "Jesus I've made a mess of my life, please come into my heart and take over from here, make everything new again." Then, sit back and watch what God will do for you. Everything will look new, even the sky and clouds will be different, you'll even smile more. But take care, "Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Start reading your Bible, beginning with the book of John and get to know who Jesus is. Find yourself a Bible believing church, not just any church, but a church where Jesus Christ and Him Crucified is preached. The best place for me has been at http://www.jsm.org/ Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. You can watch the Wednesday and Sunday services plus get preaching, teaching and wonderful music all week long, 24/7.

Going to close this blog for today, you take care and take Jesus and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh. Cheers ~ Louise

♫♪♫ Monday, Monday ♫♪♫

Do you remember that song by the "Mama's and Papa's????? Monday, Monday, so good to me.....(must find the words for this blog)

Yeah, it was a little hard to wake up this morning. This cute kitty says it all, took this picture off  Facebook today.....just made me laugh!!!

Well it was a quiet and busy weekend. Went to a paper sale at PaperCuts and  an "Amuse" stamping party and open house at Betty's place. Made 2 make n' take cards at the paper sale and 3 make n' take cards at Betty's. All very good ideas to use for future cards. Spent a little bit of money but, is that not the idea?????????

After my field trip of sorts, JP and I went for a short date to the antique store and looked around at all the old things that I remember as a child and are now ANTIQUES.....oh if only I had known as a young kid, to start collecting, would have been rich or would I have been called a hoarder and pack-rat???? Who knows, maybe if I sold some of our old stuff, I could make a few bucks, but it is hard to part with some of my "stuff".

Didn't make anything special this week-end. We were just basically trying to keep cool.  Friday, was half a chicken in my Nu-Wave which keeps the kitchen cool and a stir-fry of vegies. Saturday, JP ate left overs, fruit bowl and pannais for supper. Sunday, BLT pannis, beans, left over stir-fry vegies, ceaser pasta salad and fruit. Simple, simple, simple.

Trying to figure out why I took so long to write a blog.....it's been a week since I last wrote, must have been on a "blog vacation" or something. Actually been playing on Pinterest alot lately.........sure can be addicting. Guess, I am vacationing there...........no I did not vacate, (that's where vacation comes from, when you vacate one place to go someplace else). Maybe I just got side-tracted. So listen, if you feel like it, go to http://www.pinterest.com/ and type in Louise Langefeld Gatti and check out my boards, you can see some of my favorite things, cards, crafts, water fountains, places to visit, diets, food and more food and lots of refreshing drinks!!!! Check it out, you will be glad you did.

Guess it is time to close, this computer is acting up. I threaten to take it into Office Depot for a cleaning but I just know they will say..........."oh you need a new Windows 8 computer" or just try to sell me an older computer just to get it off the floor to make room for the new ones. But then, we both need our eyes checked and it looks like another used car is in our future. Soooooo you all take care and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers to you ~ Louise



Flowers from my Garden in this HOT Weather!!

My perennial daisies are still doing well. Took this picture yesterday and was surprised to see they did pretty well during those hot days last week. I watered once or twice, giving them a little drink during those hot days. Their roots must go deep, they are planted in a low spot in the garden, so maybe the ground is still damp from the spring rains. Whoooooo knows, they are still looking good!!!

My Easter Lilly, sweet isn't she?? Planted her a couple of years ago and she has been faithful every year since to show herself off in my garden. I do have another Easter lilly that needs to be planted, probably will plant it in the fall or maybe in August, that will give it a good start. We will be sure to see the lillies next year around this time.

Below are my "maranda's" Looks like a choir of flowers, doesn't it? We sure did not plan it this way. They sure are amazing all at different levels so they all get the sun.

I got these flowers a couple of years ago from a lady here in Appleton. She has a beautiful flower garden with so many flowers.....she happened to be digging up these "Marandas" their other name is "Bee Balm" as they attract alot of bees, butterflies and humming birds. Both of which I have not seen much of.  They are starting to spread now and probably is time to thin them down....hope they take over the weeds so the weeds don't grow as much. 

Well, I am going to close this blog for today, I have some cards in the making, so I shall probably post those in the next few days. You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.
Cheers to you this night ~ Louise

An Etsy Order and Keeping Kool!



Just got a special order from my Etsy store the other day. This should keep me cool in this scorching heat or at least thirsty....lol! The lady lives down in Florida and is giving a 1st birthday party for her daughter. The color theme is pink and yellow and lemonade and cupcakes. She wants 4 lemonade cards to put gift cards in for prizes. She wants the pink lemonade with a pale yellow border and I shall add a yellow straw with no "relax" on the lemon or a "1" if I have a decent stamp around and is not too small, but just right.

 When I am finished with the cards I will take a picture and download them so I can show the finished product on this blog. I will probably make some extra cards to add to my Etsy store at a later date. already have a set of 6 cards in my store, I marked them down $2.50 per card ($15.00 + postage) After I am done here I am going downstairs where it is cool and start working on the cards again. Started last night and have some more work to do. I want to get them all ready for mailing so they can go out as soon as the lady pays for them and is cleared by paypal.  It has been quite a dry spell in my Etsy store, this will help boost my moral.



Are  you Keeping Kool?????? It has been pretty warm these last few days.....uge, I am not a warm bodied human....I like the 60's and 70's maybe even low 80's but not this 90's and 100's with high humidity.....no, no, no!!! To think this is only July........August is also a warm month!!!!
We have a window unit air-conditioner in the kitchen, the two bedroom doors are closed, so all the air-conditioner has to do is cool the kitchen, dinning room and front room if it can make it that far. So we have a fan on the floor in the dinning room pushing the cool into the front room. Shades are pulled and no lights on, so hopefully it is cooling off here. When I step outside and come back in, I can actually feel the difference..............so I guess it is working.

The above card with the stamp "Keep Kool" and the "lemon" was my first attempt at making my first stamps. It was kind of fun.....a little putsey, but fun.

Well I hope you are enjoying this "4th of July".........going to be lots of fireworks celebrating our "Independence" but in a way we are losing our Freedoms everyday.....The White House politicians are trying to take our freedoms away and trying to wipe away "In God we Trust" from our lives. I wonder how much more God will take before he says, "Enough is enough........Jesus go get my children" I guess, time will tell.

You all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh. Cheers ~ Louise

Ah......Monday - Health and God's Healing

Yeppers, it is Monday. I found this cute little picture on facebook yesterday and just had to add it to my blog today.

It's been pretty warm these last couple of days, too warm for me, I like 60's and 70's, but that is me. Do  you wonder why it has been so warm? Guess the "Global Warmers" would say, "See, we told you so." But you know.....I think we are under judgement from God. He is very angry and when you hear of earthquakes that deffinently speaks of God's wrath (Psalm 18:7). He loves us very much, but He is angry, because we think "WE" can run things.....nope, we can't. We need God in our everyday lives, we just can't do without HIM, and that's for sure. Has HE got your attention yet???????????

I found a neat website a few days ago and it is FREE. It's a community of dieters called http://www.fatsecret.com/ you can journal, type in what you ate and it adds up your calories, see what other dieters are doing, go on forums, find recipes. An array of things to do. I am still looking around trying to get acculmated. I actually have lost some weight, it has been tough though, but finally am seeing a few pounds come off. "God did His part, now I must do mine."

What I mean by that previous comment is this: These last 6 months, my health has not been up to par as I have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. I've asked God to help me lose weight many times (Psalm 18:6), but never realized it was the meds that might be the problem. Having to keep tabs of my Blood Sugars since December 13th, I've found it VERY difficult to diet. I have been on blood pressure meds for over 20 years. When the Doctor perscribed diabetes and colestral medication, suddenly my liver levels went up. So he first took me off the colestral medication. Blood test and no change. He then took me off ALL medication. Blood test and still no change. Had an Ultra sound and blood test. Finally, liver levels were normal, but they found a gall stone. Have not heard what they are going to do about that. But the Doctor wants me to lose weight. Finally, I my weight is coming off, a pound here and a pound there, I have been trying very hard.

I need to tell you, that when the Doctor took me off all medications, I was really frightened. Blood pressure medication for 20 years????? I thought for sure I was going to die, (the pharmasist told me I was a walking time-bomb, so I really needed to take that blood pressure medication). So naturally I was scared........did the Doctor REALLY know what he was talking about????? I sure did not know, but I did stop taking all meds, including vitamins...........who knows what was causing my liver levels to go up. Well, after about a month of no meds, I actually started feeling better and my blood sugars seemed to go down alittle.

My last blood test, last week, came back and my AC1 is 6.8 = controlled, so that is a good sign. Finally, my body is getting into a normal mode, could it be that God is healing my wretched body. I would like to believe that. So after a couple of months of this roller-coaster ride, things are leveling out......God did his part, now I must do mine......It is God's business to keep us healthy and whole. I am so glad I have God to lean upon. We sure can wrack up our bodies with bad living.

So this is all good news ~ that I am very happy to report on this warm day on July 2nd. Maybe I can truly celebrate Independence Day by saying "Yes, I am on my way to losing weight and feeling free and healthy, the way God meant me to feel!!!! Whole in HIM!!!!!

Have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh!!! Cheers - Louise