Journal for Friday, January 26, 2018

Happy Friday!!!! Hope you are all feeling good and ready for a little fun and relaxation this weekend! I will be working on my handmade Valentines for the little exchange group I joined. I woke up this morning ready to get started on them and I now have my design drawn out on paper as my guide. Funny how I still get excited over Valentine cards even at the age of 57! There is something so sweet and child-like in those pretty hearts and flowers done up in the colors of red, pink and purple; even the thought of them makes me smile. 😊💜💖
I had just finished my morning toast and coffee and got the urge to get in here and post my daily journal. I am enjoying this, even if I get busy some days and forget. It is giving me something different to do and it does get me back to some form of bloggery...is that a word??? LOL!!! Oh well, here we go for today...
What's Happening:  Today I have my regular housework ahead; sweeping, a load of laundry to fold, a little light dusting. As I have mentioned in my intro, I am also starting to work on my little Valentine cards. 

What's For Supper:  Tonight I am planning some kind of good soup. I am not sure right now but am leaning toward homemade Chicken and Noodle. Last night's Salisbury Steak was a HIT!!! My hubby had two plates!!! Makes you feel good when what you cook is really appreciated! 

What am I Reading or Watching: I watched Kelly and Ryan this morning. I plan to read a devotion after while and maybe a little poetry. I have put Little Women down for a while. I do that a lot; start a book and then grow weary of reading it. I will probably pick it up again in a couple of weeks. 

Today's Weather: I am truly looking forward to today's forecast!!! High: 60℉ !!!; Low: 38℉ ;Partly Sunny ;Wind: Northerly 9% Maximum; Chance of Rain/Snow: 0% in other words: GORGEOUS!!! 

Fibro and Arthritis Update: I am feeling no where nearly as stiff and sore as yesterday.  Fibro Pain: Low to Moderate, Arthritis Pain: Low to Moderate, Energy Level: Moderate, Brain Fog: Low to Moderate

Chores for Today: Folding a load of laundry, light dusting, a few dishes to rinse of and put in the dishwasher and sweeping the kitchen floor with a broom. No vacuuming today.  

Phone Calls and Visits:  My sweet granddaughter Tamika called last night to talk a bit. That made me so happy! No calls yet today. 

Drives, Walks and Outings:  None planned for today...

Pretty Picture for Today:   A little (very early) Vintage Valentine just for you all. This was given to my dad by my mom the first year they were married in 1955!!! They had only been married a few days as their wedding date was February 11th of that year. I just always thought this card was so cute! 💗💖💝💓

Hope that you all have a super "sweet" day!!!

Stay Cozy, 

Charlotte 

Running Behind: Journal Post for Thursday, January 25, 2018

Good morning sweet blog friends! 

I am running a bit behind with my journal posts this week. I have been doing some "catch up" chores around here and have been hit with a couple of migraine headaches on two different days since my last post. I don't know if they are weather related or what; all I know is they put me out of commission during their duration and then I feel "fuzzy-headed" for a while afterward. I used to get them quite often when I was younger and before I went through menopause. I stopped getting them for a long time and thought that I was done with them for good! I am suffering with some depression and my seasonal affective disorder is really bad right now. It always gets worse right after the new year, but this year it really seems to be hitting me full force. Anyway, that might have some bearing on the cause of my headaches. I plan on letting my doctor know that I am having them just to keep her informed.
I do want to get back to my posting here and told my husband that I was going to get this done come heck or high water so here it is...
What's Happening:  I am participating in a little Handmade Valentine Exchange with a group of friends and am going to make mine this weekend to be mailed out by the first of February. I have planned a simple design that will be pretty simple to put together. This year we only have a handful of friends participating but in the past we have had as many as 40! I did not participate that particular year as I hadn't heard of it, yet. Can you imagine?!?! I believe the most I have ever sent out was 15 one year. 

What's For Supper: Salisbury steak and gravy with mashed potatoes and peas-n-carrots. Robin will be helping me get this ready. The Salisbury steak bakes in the oven and this makes it a pretty easy meal for us. I mix one can of Mushroom Soup, one package of beef gravy mix and one can of mushrooms to make the gravy and pour it over the seasoned hamburger patties and onion slices before covering it with foil and putting it into the oven at 350℉ for one hour. The peas-n-carrots are canned and the mashed potatoes are the instant kind. My days of peeling, boiling and mashing are sadly over. 

What am I Reading or Watching: I haven't been reading much at all this past week due to my migraines. I have managed my devotions and a little poetry. 

Today's Weather: We had some snow fall yesterday. Just a dusting but at one point we had those lovely large, feather-like flakes coming down. I love those! Today: Sunny  High: 40℉  Low: 26℉ Wind: 0 mph Chance of Rain/Snow: 0% 

Fibro and Arthritis Update: I am really feeling stiff and stoved-up right now! Fibro Pain: Moderate to High Arthritis Pain: Moderate, Energy Level: Low, Brain Fog: High 

Chores for Today: Not much planned right now. I might try to putter around the kitchen a little today. 

Phone Calls and Visits:  So far a call from our Kidney doctor confirming Robin's appointment for Monday. I do wish for more sweet phone calls from our children, friends and family members. It seems we don't get enough of these kinds of calls. 😩

Drives, Walks and Outings:  None planned for today...

Pretty Picture for Today:  A photo of the beautiful flowers in my mother's yard back in 2005:

I pray that you are all having a peaceful and lovely Thursday! Remember, we only have 53 more days until SPRING!!!

For Now: Stay Cozy,
Charlotte 💝

What's Happening Today, January 17, 2018

Good afternoon blog friends!!! Boy, I am getting a late start on writing my post for today! We had a lot of getting ready going on around the house this morning so it kind of did me in for getting on the computer until this afternoon. I have been thinking about what else I might add to my blog in the way of interesting reading material for your enjoyment. I have decided on adding a recipe once a week or so, telling about some entertaining story or event from my week and keeping you all updated on some of our family news. This is helping with my cognitive thought process and is also helping me feel more connected with you all again. Anyway, here is My Daily Life post for today:

What's Happening:  Just happy to be here in my little corner of the world! I just got back from an appointment with my family doctor and she gave me a pretty good report. I do have to go for an A1c test next month. She had started me on a higher dose of Metformin back in December and she wants to see if it is helping my blood sugar level. She was glad to hear that I have started walking some and doing light exercises at home, too. 

What's For Supper: We are having homemade Chili tonight. Another good meal for a cold evening! 

What am I Reading or Watching: I read my two favorite daily devotional books this morning. I plan to read more pretty poetry after while and also a few more pages of Little Women. 

Today's Weather:  We got more snow last night which brought us to about 2-3 inches total on the ground. The forecast for today is: High: 19℉ Low: 12℉ Wind: NW 3mph Chance of Rain/Snow: 0%

Fibro and Arthritis Update: Having a pretty good day, so far. Fibro Pain: Low to Moderate Arthritis Pain: Moderate, Energy Level: Moderate, Brain Fog: Low to Moderate  

Chores for Today: Dishes, Folding Laundry and some light Dusting  

Phone Calls and Visits:  Robin made a few calls this morning concerning household matters, but that is about it for now.  

Drives, Walks and Outings:  Outings: We took Caleb to work and then headed to my doctor's appointment. I am not sure about taking a walk today. We will see. 

Pretty Picture for Today:  A picture of our Chicken and Dumplings from supper yesterday:

Doesn't that look yummy?!? Believe me, it was~MMMmmm!!! I hope you are all doing well and staying warm wherever you are. Hope to meet you all here again tomorrow. 

Stay Cozy!!!

Charlotte 

My Journal Entry for Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Good morning to you all!!! I am toasty and typing on my laptop in our family room this morning because this room is always so much warmer than my office which tends to be a bit drafty. I had intended to go out to my Tuesday morning Bible Study group but decided to stay home due to the weather. I am not good at getting out on cold, snowy and icy days~bbrrrr! I am presently sipping on a cup of Cinnabon flavored coffee! YUM!!! It is an International Delight flavor and is really GOOD!
With all that being said, here is my journal entry for today...

What's Happening:  It is currently 7:42 AM here; we have snow falling outside and it is cold, but not as cold as yesterday morning! It is currently 30℉ outside. I had a good session with my counselor yesterday. My visits with her really do help me greatly with my battle with mild depression. She is such a good listener and so compassionate. It is wonderful to have someone who is totally neutral to discuss things with. She also shares some wonderful relaxation exercises that are helping me deal with my anxiety attacks. I always look forward to my monthly appointments with her.

What's For Supper: Well, we had a very nice surprise when we picked our Caleb up from work yesterday! He treated us to supper out at a local Mexican Restaurant that is close to the Walmart store where he works. That means that the chicken and dumplings I had planned for yesterday will be moved to this evening. It is still a good day for them with all of this snow fall. 🙂

What am I Reading or Watching: Watching Good Morning America right now. This is how I start my mornings most every days. Reading: Still working on Little Women, Bible, Ideals Poetry It takes me forever to finish a book. I tend to only read about 10 pages at a time and really mull over what I have read.

Today's Weather: SNOW! High: 30 degrees Low: 7 degrees Wind: WNW 6 mph, Chance of Snow: 90%

Fibro and Arthritis Update: This morning my Brain Fog is Moderate, my Fibro Pain is Moderate, My Arthritis Pain is Moderate and my Energy Level is Moderate. Nothing is hurting any worse than usual and I do not consider today a "Flare Day". I would still prefer gentle hugs and no hard pats on the back, but that is my norm now and has been for the past few years. My days of tight holding hugs and strong hand shakes from friends and family is now a thing of the past. Those who knew me when I was most involved in congregational worship and when I sold Home Interiors and Gifts know what I am talking about. There was a lot of big hugs and handshakes back in those days and how I loved that. It took me a while to get used to the notion of giving soft hugs and handshakes but I had to do it because of my pain levels. 

Chores for Today:  Just a bit of light straightening up today and dishes, always dishes...heehee. 

Phone Calls and Visits: None so far but who knows what the day will bring. 

Drives, Walks and Outings: I will not be going anywhere today unless I decide to take a little walk around the block in the snow.

Inspiring Quote: "What a severe yet master artist old Winter is...No longer the canvas and the pigments, but the marble and the chisel."~John Burroughs, "The Snow Walkers" 1866
Pretty Picture for Today:  Wine Cellar Park here in Dunbar in winter a few years ago:

God bless and hope that you are all having a beautiful Tuesday!!!

Stay Warm and Cozy, 💐
Charlotte

My Daily Life for January 15, 2018

Good Morning Y'all!!!

     I have been up since around 6:00 AM, got our son off to work, made coffee and toast with apple butter for my hubby and I and am now ready to blog a bit! I had a very relaxing Sunday yesterday and enjoyed just watching Charles Stanley and old movies on television. My morning Brain Fog was terrible but improved by afternoon. We snacked around all day on left-overs, snacks and just what we had in the fridge so I didn't even have to cook~YAY! I gave some thought to my new feature here and decided that it needs to be only a Monday through Friday thing; kind of like a job...heehee! 😀 I think that I will do my journal before I get onto any other Social Media outlet in order to give this my priority and remain consistent. Sooo, here we go with Monday's entry...

What's Happening:  It is currently 9:10 AM here; still snowy outside and COLD! It is currently 18℉ outside. Our son, Greg and his family were over last night and he finally finished working on their car. He got it up and running again and drove the family home in it. We are all very happy for them! On another note, we had word that one of my husband's oldest friends had passed away early yesterday morning. They hadn't been close for a number of years but it is still very sad to hear! 

What's For Supper: Right now I am planning Chicken and Dumplings. This is my hubby's favorite supper so he is excited about the menu! 

What am I Reading or Watching: LIVE With Kelly and Ryan. I watch them most every morning Reading: Still working on Little Women, Bible, Ideals Poetry 

Today's Weather: SNOW! High: 39 degrees Low: 18 degrees Wind: NNE 0 mph, Chance of Rain: 40%

Fibro and Arthritis Update: This morning my Brain Fog is Moderate, my Fibro Pain is Moderate, My Arthritis Pain is Moderate in my legs, but High in my fingers and my Energy Level is Low to Moderate. I do have an appointment with my Counselor later on today so I will have to muster the energy to get ready for that. 

Chores for Today: Fold more clothes that I washed yesterday. I try to do a load a day if I can to stay ahead of "Mount Laundry", hahaha. I would like to dust a bit, also. 

Phone Calls and Visits: None so far but who knows what the day will bring. 

Drives, Walks and Outings: Going to Charleston for my doctor appointment this afternoon and also riding along with my hubs to pick up our son, Caleb from work. 

Inspiring Quote: "If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you to go on in spite of all. And so today I still have a dream."~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Pretty Picture for Today:  A lovely little cottage in winter...

     I hope to post another journal page tomorrow. If you like these prompts and want to use them for yourself, please feel free to copy them. I made them up and there I have no problem sharing them with you if it will add a little measure of order or joy to your day, also. I hope you are having a marvelous Monday!

Stay Cozy, 💐
Charlotte

My Daily Life ~New Blog Feature for 2018!!!

     Hello dear friends!!! I hope you are all having a wonderful January and that 2018 is treating you well so far!!! I know it has been FOREVER since I have written anything here on my little blog but am hoping to correct that this year. I used to love writing here and sometimes even twice a day at one point. Little by little, Facebook and other social media sources began to take the place of composing posts on my blog(s); at one time I had three!!! I contribute the change greatly due to the fact that on FB and the others my average posts could be much shorter or simply a small comment above a pretty picture and didn't require my poor fog-filled Fbro mind to come up with anything creative. It also meant that I didn't have to be as concerned with my sentence structure or grammar when composing a quick little comment. 

     As I begin this year, I am hoping to stretch my creative mind a bit and return to writing longer and more regular posts here on my blog again. I am no longer a homeschool mom, our son is now working, though still at home for now. I have more time to call my own and am learning to live with my Fibromyalgia with greater acceptance, better regulated medications and am better at pacing my activities in accordance with my pain, fog and energy levels. It is time to return to being the best me that I can be! I am very excited about the prospect! 

     One thing I have been doing since the first day of this new year has been taking time each day to write in a little day book which was given to me some years ago. I changed the daily prompts to ones better suited to my particular style and daily life. I have been enjoying this activity and thought that it might be fun to post what I write here on my CHC blog. This would give me a quick little daily post to write and might inspire longer postings during the week. I am calling it My Daily Life and will begin with what I have written for today: Saturday, January 13, 2018:

What's Happening:  Not much this morning. I had Cheesy Garlic Grits for my breakfast this morning along with a really good cup of coffee! Our son, Greg has been working on his car in our back yard for the past few days, but I think that is will be too cold and snowy for him to get anything done on it today.

What's For Supper: Potato Soup; so good on a cold, snowy evening.

What am I Reading or Watching: HGTV: Love It Or List It, Mansion Revival, Fixer Upper, Stone House Revival. Reading: Little Women, Bible, Ideals Poetry 

Today's Weather: SNOW! High: 25 degrees Low: 9 degrees Wind: NW 9 mph, Chance of Snow 90%

Fibro and Arthritis Update: The past couple of days I have been in the middle of a MAJOR flare!!! OUCH!!! Today I am not quite so pain ridden, my brain fog is not as pronounced and my energy level is up a bit. 

Chores for Today: Unload and re-load the dishwasher, fold a few clothes.

Phone Calls and Visits: None so far at 3:16 this afternoon. 

Drives, Walks and Outings: None planned for today. Robin will be taking our son, Caleb out to work this evening, though.

Inspiring Quote: Liberty is not in any form of Government. It is in the heart of free man; he carries it with him everywhere. ~Rousseau

     I hope to post another journal page tomorrow. If you like these prompts and want to use them for yourself, please feel free to copy them. I made them up and there I have no problem sharing them with you if it will add a little measure of order or joy to your day, also. I hope you are having a beautiful Saturday and are staying warm and cozy wherever you are!!!

Until Next Time, Stay Cozy, 

Charllotte 💓