Saturday, March 30, 2019

Saturday 9 - The Fool on the Hill


Saturday 9



Saturday 9: The Fool on the Hill (1968)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

Chosen because Monday is April Fool's Day. 

1) As an April Fool's prank, Taco Bell once announced they had purchased The Liberty Bell and renamed it The Taco Liberty Bell. Describe your perfect taco.

Image result for tacos with lettuce and cheese

I want mine pretty plain, just meat, lettuce and shredded cheese.

2) Similarly, as an April Fool's prank, the Ford Motor Co. was supposed to wipe out the national deficit by purchasing the naming rites to a beloved monument, renaming it the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial. What model car do you drive? 
Image result for 2018 gmc tahoe

I drive a 2018 white Tahoe.  It's big, roomy, has a great ride and I love it.

3) In 1998, Burger King got in on the April Fool's Day fun by promoting a special "Left-Handed Whopper," designed to be easier for a leftie to hold. Describe your perfect burger.
Image result for hamburger

I want Chipolte mayo, lettuce, purple onions, dill pickles and sometimes cheese but NEVER, EVER  tomatoes. ~I know, weird~

4) In 1962, when color TV was still new, a Swedish station pranked viewers by telling them they could convert their black/white sets to color by cutting up a nylon stocking and stretching it across the screen. Of course, in 1962, more women wore nylons and screens were smaller. How big is your TV? Are there any nylon stockings in your home?


The TV in our fireplace room is 60" and it is a wall mount as are all TV's in our home. Yes, there are definitely nylon stockings in our house.  I still wear them whenever more than just a little bit of my legs will be seen. I have always thought that legs with hose look a whole lot better than bare legs. ~just my opinion~  It's sort of like makeup, most women's faces look better with it than without it. ~chuckle~

5) In 1957, the BBC ran an April Fool's story about how the Swiss were enjoying a "bumper spaghetti crop," with spaghetti literally growing on trees. Viewers who called the station, asking how to grow a spaghetti tree of their own, were told to place a sprig of spaghetti in a can of tomato sauce and hope for the best. Have you ever fallen for an April Fool's prank?
Image result for April fools day



If I have it's been so long ago that I can't remember.


6) When Crazy Sam was growing up, her mother would surprise her on April Fool's Day by slipping a rubber worm or plastic spider in her lunch box. When you were in school, did you more frequently brown bag it or buy your lunch in the cafeteria line?
Image result for school lunches

I generally bought the cafeteria lunch and I have such fond memories of the delicious hot rolls and we could always have two if we wanted them.  I would eat my lunch and then eat my roll with good ole sticky, sugary sweet honey.  I don't think the school lunches today include a hot roll. ~such a shame~

7) This week's song was an international hit for Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66. Because of the song's bossa nova arrangement, everyone assumed the lead singer, Lani Hall, was Brazilian. She was a folk singer from Chicago. Sergio Mendes discovered her at a charity benefit. Can you think of a time when doing good really paid off for you?
Well, not in the form of a job but I'm pretty sure in other areas that "doing good" has definitely paid off for me.

8) In 1968, when this record was popular, Pierre Trudeau became Prime Minister of Canada. Today his son holds that office. When did you most recently visit our neighbor to the north?

We live in the Northern section of Louisiana so I guess pretty much all my neighbors are to my North.  ~that may not make sense but I've never been good with north, south, east or west~ Just sayin' ~

9) Random question: Name three websites you visit every day.
My blog
Facebook
Amazon
AND, more than once a day too. ~smile~

NOTE: If you are bothered by Acid Reflux and did not read my blog post yesterday then you definitely need to.  You can find it here.

Friday, March 29, 2019

Bothered by Acid Reflux?





I know, I know, what an odd subject for a blog post.  But, I'm betting over half of the folks that are reading this suffer from Acid Reflux. If you don't suffer with it, I bet you know someone who does.   It seems that it has been rampant for the past 12-15 years and before that time, I had never even heard of it.  I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux about 7-8 years ago and in the past 2-3 years it has been awful.  I've had it so bad that I have almost lost my voice at times and I have had periods of time that I needed to clear my throat almost continually. (Yes, AF can and does cause those types of aggravating responses)  And, that along with the gurgling feeling in my throat and general discomfort in my upper abdomen.  My Gastroenterologist started me on Nexium, one to two a day, about 6 years ago and I've been taking it pretty much ever since until about a month ago.  I have not liked taking it but I couldn't live with all the issues it was causing, so like a million others, I just continued taking it.  The long term effects of PPI's (Proton Pump Inhibitors) is not something I wanted to risk, so, in the past couple of months  I began searching for a way to get off of them.  Plus, the cost was insane, almost $500 a month taking 2 per day.  That's what I call "highway robbery." 

I have a friend that is also bothered, rather severely, with AF too and I knew that a couple of years ago she started using an Essential Oil formula with much success.  We have the same EO rep and health coach, so I called her and discussed the situation with her.  I have been using EO for about 3 years and have had much success in other areas with them so I was more than willing to give them a try for my AF.


For the formula, I needed Veggie Caps and Fractionated Coconut Oil and I had both of these items on hand.  I use mainly Doterra oils but any pure therapeutic oil will work.


I also needed Fennel and Lemongrass oils for the formula and did not have them in my stash so I ordered them immediately.  I ordered them from Eden's Garden, another reputable EO online company.  Once they arrived I was able to concoct the formula.


I had a supply of dropper bottles and  big droppers which make dropping a whole bunch of drops a whole lot easier.  These items can be found on Amazon.  Here's the formula:
3 drops of Fractionated Coconut Oil
2 drops of Lemongrass
2 drops of Fennel
Drop these into one of the gel caps and then swallow it, just as you would any other pill.  I am taking one in the morning and one before dinner at this time.  You cannot make these capsules up ahead of time as the oil will eat thru the capsule, so they have to be made up just before you take them.  But, I do make up a lot of the formula in one of the dropper bottles and that makes it very easy.  It's also easy to travel with.  I just put a few of the gel caps in a tiny ziploc bag and that bag with the dropper bottle in another ziploc and you are ready to go. 


In addition to the capsules my rep told me to put two drops of Lemon oil in water at some point of the day.  I drink water all day long so that was not a big deal at all.

Within 48 hours I could not believe the relief I was feeling.  I was not clearing my throat, and the discomfort in my upper abdomen had subsided.  After 3 weeks the only issue I was still having was the gurgling in my throat.  My rep told me that after 2-3 weeks if I was still having any issues to give her a call and she would tell me some other things to try.  So, that's exactly what I did. 

She told me to add to my regime,  6-8oz of room temperature water with 2 drops of lemon oil in it the first thing in the morning.  BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE!!!  Of course, the first thing I drink in the mornings is a cup of half and half coffee but I knew that I could drink the lemon water while I was waiting on my cup to brew and have it over with.  She told me that it would normalize the acid level in my stomach for the day and then when I drank my coffee it would neutralize it.  That makes perfect sense to me. She also told me to add up to 10 drops of lemon oil to the water I drink throughout the day but no more than 10 to keep the acid neutralized.  (And, if you do not suffer from severe AF then you should not have that much lemon oil in one day.)  Well, I am thrilled to report that almost immediately the gurgling feeling in my throat was gone and I am symptom free!  

After a few weeks I will not be as careful with my diet and as I add such things as pepperoni, tomato products, soda, etc. I will see how it goes.  Of course, I will be on the regime for a long while before I try to stop it and see how I do.  I will cut the evening capsule out in another week or two and see if just one per day does the trick.  

As I said, I wanted to share this via my blog so that others who deal with this might know that there is a more natural, safer and much less expensive way to deal with AF.  I promise, it is not that big of a deal.  After a couple of days of doing the regime, you will get the hang of it and dropping those 7 drops into a capsule from the dropper bottle is "easy peasy."  I  make the formula about every 2-3 weeks and that doesn't take but just a few minutes.  The hardest part of that is paying attention to counting the drops.  I generally put 240 drops of the fractionated coconut oil , 160 drops of the Fennel and Lemongrass for that 2-3 week period.  

I am so glad that I was introduced to essential oils and I so wish that Doctors would recommend their use, but that is not going to happen.  I do intend to share my relief with my Gastro Doctor the next time I see him.  And, the oil and supplies for the formula cost less than $75 and I have no idea how long these two bottles of oil may last but it will be a very long time. 

If you have any questions or didn't understand something, just email me or ask in the comments and I'll sure answer.  I want any and everyone to experience this natural remedy for AF.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Wednesday Medley - National Joe Day,

.

Well, Terri has found another good one for us today.  I have never, ever heard of National Joe Day. I have decided there is a day for absolutely everything. I assumed it was referring to a "cup of Joe" but obviously, I was wrong.  It's referring to the name, Joe. Meanwhile I'll get on with the questions regarding this "special" day.

National Joe Day - March 27

1.  Who is your favorite "Joe/Jo" and what can you tell us about him or her? 

This is my sweet mother in law whose name was Billie Jo.  She was definitely a favorite of mine.  She passed away 11 years ago but will always be remembered as a true Southern lady and I loved her dearly.
2.  Who were you named for and do you or did you know that person?
I was named after Leah in the Bible, Leah and Rachel, the sisters.  But, somehow with all the excitement my parents forgot to put the "h" on the end of it and I've been called "Lee" a lot.  It's okay, I learned early on to answer to either one. ~smile~
3.  Do you have a middle name and do you like it/use it?
Lea Beth
I do have a middle name, it's Beth.  I went by Lea Beth until I married and for some reason the Beth was dropped and I began going by Lea.  I like it fine.  I've never, ever heard of another Lea Beth in my life but I'm pretty sure there is bound to be another one across this big ole world. 
4.  Have you ever named your car?  Tell us about it, please!
Image result for rambler station wagon

Tommy and I have never named a car but my Daddy always did and the one I most remember was named Lizzie.  It was a Rambler Station Wagon and he talked to that car just like it was a human.  Remembering that brings back a lot of fond childhood memories.
5.  Tell us the name of a fictional character you have never forgotten and why you remember it so well.

Image result for paddington bear


Paddington Bear - what's not to love about a bear in a duffle coat and a floppy hat. When our son was a little tike this was his favorite stuffed animal.  Paddington had a lot of wear and tear by the time Brandon was about 5 years old.  I have no idea where Paddington ended up but I will always hold dear the images of him and our son's early years. 

6.  Share something random with us about your week.

Today is Hubby's 72nd birthday.  This picture depicts him perfectly!  This picture was taken on our Alaskan Cruise 12 years ago. He loves the outdoors and was once an avid hunter.  He enjoys feeding and watching the birds and loves sitting outside and enjoying our beautiful landscape and pond.  He's all about the journey!  He's been my "main squeeze" for almost 48 years.  We'll celebrate on Friday.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

A Bit of This and That



I knew you all were wondering what all I had been up to lately so thought I'd fill you in.  Inquiring minds want to know, right?  

I have always gotten a certain amount of enjoyment out of  being creative with my hands.  I have crocheted and have done counted cross stitch over the years.  But, it has been a very long time since I have done anything remotely connected to hand work.  But, that all changed about a month ago. 



What is known as the "no sew throws" became popular several years ago.  I have seen them and often thought that I'd like to make one.  But, I never acted on that thought until about a month ago.  I went to You Tube and watched a video on how they are made and then got the needed fabric and started one.  I enjoyed making it so much that I decided to make another one.  I made the two above for my two Grandsons.  



And, then I made the two above for my two Granddaughters.  I gave them to the Grans about 2 weeks ago and they were all thrilled. Who knows, I may make some others for gifts. 

~~~~~

Last Wednesday Tommy and I left for Branson, Missouri to attend PraiseFest.  Beverly, pictured with me above, is the reason I even knew about PraiseFest.  I met Beverly  about 5 years ago at a blogging/writing conference. She blogged about the PraiseFest a couple of times on her blog and since Tommy and I love Branson and we do enjoy gospel music, we decided we would attend this year.



We had such an enjoyable time with Beverly and her husband, Jim.  We had not seen each other since the conference 5 years ago and we had never met each other's husband's.  But, it was as though we had known each other for years.  They are just a delightful couple and we look forward to the next time we see each other.  You need to go over and check out Beverly's blog, His Heart, My Desire.



PraiseFest hosted quite the lineup of gospel artists and there were 3000+ folks in attendance. It started on Thursday evening and was followed by two sessions on Friday and the closing session on Saturday morning.  We enjoyed some groups more than others and left before each session was over as 3-4 hours at a time is just a tad much for us, especially since our seats were directly in front of the speakers.  Oh, my, LOUD took on a whole new meaning. ~chuckle~  On Saturday evening we attended a Guy Penrod concert to end our time there in Branson.  The concert wasn't a part of PraiseFest but Guy (pictured above)  is a favorite of ours.  We had different seats (thank goodness) for his concert which made it more enjoyable.  The only thing that would have made it even better is if he had sang more.  He tends to talk A LOT between his songs and, while what he said was powerful, I wanted to hear him sing, not preach. ~wink~  We left Branson Sunday morning with a  heart full of great memories and the delight of making new friends. 
~~~~




Spring has arrived and I am a happy gal!  Spring and fall are my two favorite seasons and I  especially enjoy celebrating spring by decorating for Easter.  And, notice in the above photo my two tiered tray and how cute it looks all decked out for Easter.  I'm so pleased !



If you look close you can see the cute bunny planter with the ivy in it on my pretty beaded table runner.  I saw the planter just a couple of days ago and couldn't resist getting it.



And, you know I love adding some seasonal touches to our front porch.  I think it's those type touches that say, "welcome."



Our landscape is even beginning to have some touches of spring.  Our Redbud tree is loaded with buds, the grass is greening up and things are looking alive instead of so "dead" looking.

Okay, I'm outta here for a few days.  My youngest brother and his sweet wife arrive tomorrow for a few days and we'll be enjoying family time.

Thanks for stopping by!!





Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Wednesday Medley - Good Samaritan Day





These Wednesdays roll around so quickly.  And, once again, Terri has come up with questions for us and this week it's all about National Good Samaritan Day.


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NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY – March 13

NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY – March 13

NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY

National Good Samaritan Day is observed on March 13th.  This day is also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day. This is a day for unselfish actions to help those in need and to celebrate kindness.
The term “good Samaritan” comes from the Bible parable where a Samaritan helped a stranger who had been robbed and beaten and left to die by the side of the road.  The Samaritan not only cleaned the man’s wounds and clothed him, but took him to an inn where he paid for the man’s care.
The term is used today to describe those who perform acts of kindness for those in need, especially those who are strangers.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Make an effort to help someone who is struggling or having a problem. Use #GoodSamaritanDay to post on social media.
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1.  When did someone come to your rescue and can you tell us about it?
Image result for listening ear
The most frequent way that I am rescued is through a "listening ear."  It might be a family member or a dear friend that provides it, but, often, it is just what I need.  And, often, they have such great words of encouragement or wisdom.  

2.  When did you help someone out of a jam and can you tell us about it?
Humm.....one that stands out in my mind is my spear heading getting financial help for a young couple that had just had their 4th child.  They had 3 daughters and this was a son and a couple of days after he was born they found out that he was totally blind and also had other issues.  They were in a sad state of affairs and I was able to gather some contributions from some generous folks to give to them.  I am still in contact with this couple and I pray that our act of kindness still speaks to their hearts and that they felt and saw the love of God through our generosity. 
3.  What are your thoughts on being a good Samaritan?  Some states (like Florida) have even passed Good Samaritan laws so you don't get into trouble with the law for trying to help someone.
I have no doubt that the world situation has definitely adversely affected folks being good Samaritans.  We may see a situation that tugs at our heart and we feel that we cannot stop or reach out due to our own safety.  It's a very sad state of affairs.  There are still some safe situations and I feel that we should  take advantage of those every chance we can.  
4.  Thursday is National Pi Day.  It's a fun play on the date 3.14.  Will you have some pie to celebrate?
Image result for slice of pie images
Well, I just might as pie is my favorite dessert and Hubby and I will be somewhere where I'm sure I could get a slice. 


5.  Did you know that Pi is the most studied number in mathematics?  Are you good with numbers?
Image result for images of pi

In the use of everyday Math I am very good.  But, if you get into geometry, algebra or anything more advanced, I'm as "lost as a goose."  But, thankfully I can't think of a single time I have needed to use any advanced math in my life and I've managed just fine with my basic skills.  
6.  Tell us something random about your week.

Image result for praisefest branson 2019
Hubby and I will be leaving early this morning to attend PraiseFest in Branson, Missouri.  We have heard so much about this event and decided that we wanted to attend this year.  It's Tommy's birthday month so this is his birthday trip.  We know a few other couples that will also be attending and I'm especially excited about seeing a blogging buddy from Texas.  I'm sure I'll have lots to share when we return.  In the meantime, have a great rest of the week!










Saturday, March 9, 2019

Saturday 9 - Up On the Roof

Saturday 9

It's the Saturday 9 and Up On the Roof is the song.  I am very familiar with this song and I was a big James Taylor fan "back in the day."  



Saturday 9: Up on the Roof (1979)



Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.


1) JT sings that, when the world gets him down, he goes up on the roof to find peace. When you're "feeling tired and beat," what do you do to cheer yourself up?
Image result for clip art of homes

It would be HOME, there's just no place like it and our home has always brought peace and solace to me.  I can get in my favorite chair and have quiet music playing and feel so content and the longer I'm there the more refreshed I feel.  


2) He sings that, at night, the stars put on a show for free. Are you economizing, or sticking to a budget?

Image result for clip art of money

Well, if shopping a sale counts for economizing them I'm all in.  But, I know that just because something is on sale doesn't mean I need it.  I often have to remind myself of that fact. ~chuckle~   Budget, certainly not every dollar but there are some things that have been budgeted forever and will remain that way.  So, I guess a little of both.


3) In addition to recording this song for his album, Flag, James Taylor surprised the song's composer, and his good friend. Carole King by performing it the night she received her Kennedy Center Honor (see link above). Tell us about a good turn a friend has done for you recently.
Image result for arthur court tongs

I have been blessed with a lot of thoughtful friends and most recently one of them bought me a "happy package."  It was for no special occasion, it was a " just because."  It was a set of beautiful Arthur Court tongs. I have the Arthur Court salad bowl and these will go perfectly with it.  "Just because" gifts are the BEST!  


4) James Taylor and Carole King have been good friends for decades, but they have never been romantically involved. Do you have platonic friends of the opposite sex?

No, I do not.  Any males that I am friends of is generally because I am friends with their wives. 

5) James was born in the Boston hospital where his father worked as a resident physician. Are there any doctors or nurses in your family?
I do have a cousin that is a Radiologist in Alabama.  He has been a good source of advice to me on a couple of occasions.

6) When James was young, his family moved to Chapel Hill, NC. James has vivid memories of how beautiful the area was in all four seasons. What's your favorite time of year?
Related image

It would be Spring with Fall a close second.  I am always looking forward to both of them. I like everything about Spring, the burst of colors that begin to show in the landscape, the warmer temps and the longer days.  I can hardly wait!  It's only 11 days until March 20th, the first day of Spring. 

7) In 1979, when this recording was popular, ESPN launched. Do you often watch that cable sports channel?

Image result for espn images

I would would not even know what channel ESPN is expect that Hubby does watch it.  I have little to no interest in any sports.  

8)  Also in 1979, the Voyager spacecraft sent photos back to earth that revealed Jupiter's rings. Without looking it up, can you name all the planets in our solar system?

Image result for solar system

Well, I'm afraid I can not, I could probably get half of them.

9) Random question: Our Saturday 9 Wizards give you a choice -- you can be 20 years old and gorgeous, 30 years old and brilliant, or 40 years old and rich. Which do you choose?
Image result for brilliance



 I would choose 30 and brilliant over beauty or money.  Brilliance has more lasting effects than beauty or money.  But, truth is, I have never been and will never be brilliant. 
~it's the truth~  I do have a lot of common sense though and that has made all the difference. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Wednesday Medley - National Oreo Cookie Day



As I've stated before, I do believe there is a day for everything under the sun.  Terri used today's celebration of the Oreo cookie to base all our questions on.  Below will give you a little of the history of the Oreo, should you be interested.  If not, well, you can skip right on down to the questions and answers. ~suit yourself~



NATIONAL OREO COOKIE DAY

Be ready to observe by having your glass of milk handy as it is National Oreo Cookie Day.  This day is recognized across the nation each year on March 6th.
The Oreo sandwich cookie is made up of two chocolate disks containing a sweet cream filling and is loved by millions.  Since it’s introduction, the Oreo cookie has become the best-selling cookie in the United States.
The National Biscuit Company (today known as Nabisco) first developed and produced the “Oreo Biscuit” in 1912 at its Chelsea factory in New York City. Today, the block on which the factory was located is known as “Oreo Way”.
  • The name “Oreo” was first trademarked on March 14, 1912.
  • The first Oreo cookies in the United States sold for 25 cents a pound in clear glass topped novelty cans.
  • In 1912, the Oreo Biscuit was renamed to “Oreo Sandwich”.
  • In 1948, the Oreo Sandwich was renamed to “Oreo Creme Sandwich”.
  • William A. Turnier developed the modern-day Oreo design in 1952 to include the Nabisco logo.
  • Nabisco’s principal food scientist, Sam Porcello, developed the modern Oreo cookie filling.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Grab a glass of milk and a handful of Oreos to enjoy and use #NationalOreoCookieDay to post on social media.


1.  Are you able to pass by a plate of cookies and not take one or are you a bit of a 'Cookie Monster'?
Image result for cookie monster

Well, I can pass by a plate of cookies but why would I do that? I LOVE cookies but I can be satisfied with just one so that's why I don't pass by a plate of them very often.  No, I would not call myself a cookie monster at all.
2.  Tell us about your favorite cookie. Have your tastes changed since you were a kid?
Image result for cowboy cookie

My favorite cookie, hands down, is Cowboy Cookies.  Not sure about the name but they have chocolate chips, pecans or walnuts, oats and coconut.  Oh, my goodness, think I may have to make some one day soon.  They are so, so good.  And, if baked correctly, they are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.  The perfect combination!  

My Mom usually baked Oatmeal Cookies whenever she baked cookies and we thoroughly enjoyed them.  Not so sure my tastes have changed all that much.
3.  Enquiring minds want to know if you are a dunker and, if so, do you dunk in milk, coffee, or tea?
Image result for dunking cookies in milk

Well, I am NOT a "dunker" in any shape, form or fashion.  Now, I prefer to have coffee with anything sweet, but to drink, not to "dunk in."  
4.  It is that time of year and they are selling them on every corner and in front of every store!  Do you buy Girl Scout cookies and if you do, which is your favorite?
Image result for girl scout caramel delite

I have bought Girl Scout cookies a whole lot over the years.  I haven't bought in the past couple of years but if I did, I would buy the Caramel deLites.  Love them!

5.  Raw cookie dough.  Yay or Nay?

Image result for raw cookie dough

Oh, it would be a yay for sure!!!!  I restraint myself from eating very much as I'm afraid of the raw egg deal.  But, I do lick the spoon and could easily eat several spoon fulls but......

6.  Please tell us something random about your week!!
Image result for spring

Can I just tell you that I am OVER winter and more than ready for Spring.  We have had cold, cold temps this week, unseasonably cold for us at this time of year.  It was 25 last night and high today is going to be 50 but the past couple of days have been low 40's.  I'm sure those of you up north are chuckling at this but, this is the south and we don't do COLD very well.  But, Spring is coming, I just know it!