Tag Archives: massage

December 12, 2025 · 12:38 am

Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

@dailybunnies.bsky.social

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Tenor

I went to the gym, ate breakfast, then went for a terrific massage this morning. Ahhhhhhh!

Be Secure Locksmith

A locksmith came to add new locks to Brian’s and my doors – ones that use the same key – for security and to bypass the keyed doorknob on mine that is a pain. He got the lock installed in Brian’s, but needs to come back tomorrow to do mine, after he discovered he’ll have to modify the hole to make it larger before he can install mine. I’m happy that (1) my swollen door has been planed and repainted, and (2) that tomorrow the lock will be one that locks and unlocks my door easily. It’ll bring peace of mind that Brian will be able to get in here, should an emergency occur. 🔑 Being able to use the doorknob to simply open and close the door will be so good!

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Soon we’ll go to the cafe to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. I have my sketchbook and supplies, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt ready to go. I’m looking forward to doing some sketching, and then I’m starting Book 3 of ‘The Lost Bride” trilogy by Nora Roberts, “The Seven Rings.”

I’m hoping to get ‘my’ favorite seating place by the front window where I can watch the amazing traffic go by. There are two official lanes in both directions, with vehicles steering around each other when the opportunity occurs (or they can MAKE one occur), plus a gazillion motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles who have brought weaving in and out between vehicles on both sides to an art form, plus the pedestrians walking up and down the street on both sides, or trying to cross the street. Good luck! 🤞

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This is ‘my’ chair. We have passed it a couple of times in our travels, and I love it more every time I see it. I can just picture it in one corner between my dining and living areas. It would look absolutely GREAT. The fact that it will take me winning the lottery in order to buy it, and then pay to have it delivered to my place are annoying ‘details.’ When we passed it recently, there was a white cat asleep on the cushion! As I looked at it, assuming it was a stuffed animal, it opened one gorgeous blue eye and yawned and stretched. I. WANT. THIS. CHAIR!!!!

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December 5, 2025 · 12:46 am

A Happy Friday, Dec. 5th – 2025

Avera Health

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I have had a really special day.

I went for my massage. My therapist was back and I received a fabulous massage. I gave her the Christmas card I painted for her. She smiled and seemed very happy. The other massage lady was busy with a client, so I’ll check back later to see if I can give her her card then.

After my massage I went out to the garage of the building and gave the garage attendant his card. He seemed quite surprised and had tears in his eyes as we bowed to each other. I then found the lady who brings us chairs when we have to wait a while for a GRAB ride. She is also one of the housekeepers in the condo building. She took one look at her card and hugged me!

About half an hour my doorbell rang. The nice lady was there, handing me a roll of bamboo full of something I gathered was something to eat. We smiled, bowed and hugged each other again. 🙏🏻

I texted Brian and he came to my place. He thought it was some kind of a Thai desert. We ate it and found it to be wonderful. It had rice, coconut and something else – sweet and delicious. Brian looked it up and sent me this YouTube video of what is called, “Bamboo Sticky Rice” –

Bamboo Sticky Rice

She speaks no English, and I speak no Thai, but we had a beautiful exchange nonetheless. I will thank her for her beautiful gift the next time I see her. 🙏🏻

We will leave to go to the cafe soon to get out of Khun Nong’s (my housekeeper’s) way while she cleans my place. I’ll take my sketchbook, drawing supplies, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt. I will give a Christmas card to one of the servers there.

So my day has been a happy one, of thank you’s, Christmas cards, happy smiles, hugs, and more. What a beautiful place this is!

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November 28, 2025 · 10:21 pm

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

stelar.pl

Today is special for at least two reasons: we will be attending a wedding this afternoon; and I’m having the ‘great window opening.’ 😁

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I about froze my parts off going to the gym this morning. It was 50 degrees F. and there was a light wind blowing. I wore my hoodie, so it was better than it could have been. It might have actually caused me to put a bit more ‘umpf’ in my walking on the treadmill – trying to warm up!

It’s supposed to get to 77 degrees F. by 2 this afternoon – and that’s when the ‘great window opening will occur. I am now able to open 4 of my large windows – two in the living area, one in the art alcove, and the last in my bedroom. I’m going to turn off my air purifiers – not wanting to cause them any stress – and will open the windows (sliding the screens into place) and enjoy airing out my place for a few minutes (and cheering, knowing these won’t LEAK, either!) before returning things to normal. My place looks bright and airy, welcoming, and I love it. 😻

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The Knot

Later on this afternoon is the wedding of one of my adopted family’s nannies. I’ve never been to a Thai wedding, so it will be a sight for the eyes and heart. They will be moving to Germany soon after the wedding, so have requested no gifts. I will follow the lead of the other guests on whether it is okay to take some pictures or not. I couldn’t be happier for them!

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I’m working on my sketched Christmas cards. These are the ones I’ve finished so far. I’m hoping people will enjoy them.

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Dogs in Motion Canine Rehabilitation

I had my massage yesterday morning by the different massage therapist. It turned out to be the older lady who is there each time I come, so I immediately relaxed and told her I was grateful she was giving me a massage. Her touch and techniques were different, of course, from Khun Weaw’s, but I had a really great massage nonetheless. I discovered that there was death in the family, and that was the reason Weaw was out of town. I’m trying to see if I can bring a small bouquet of flowers to each of them next week.

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We went to the cafe to get out of my housekeeper’s (Khun Nong’s) way while she cleaned my place. I did several sketches and finished the first book (“The Inheritance”) of a trilogy by Nora Roberts, called “The Lost Brides.” I’ll start Book 2 (“The Mirror”) today. I wish I could have seen Khun Nong’s face when she saw all the new windows! (The above pics show some of the decorations at the cafe.)

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I’ve been neglecting my jigsaw puzzle lately, due to errands, our having to be out of my place, and work being done ON my place, so I’m looking forward to putting in some time on it today.

I hope your Thanksgiving (if you celebrate it) was good, and that you’re either still there enjoying the love, or have a safe trip back home.

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November 27, 2025 · 8:30 pm

Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

Giphy

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and relatives in the States! I hope you’re stuffed full of good food, with a big smile on your face as you try to find a comfortable position in which to relax.

We celebrated last night with my adopted family. There was a house full of noisy celebrational activity – lots of people, some I met for the first time, others I knew, and of course my new family. My new grandson really seemed to like the dinosaur/dragon I painted for him and hung it on the wall in his room. Both he and his little sister, who just turned 1 recently, are warming up to me more each time we see them. My grandson took delight in making me a ‘sandwich’ of a small slice of round crusty bread and a pickle. He smiled as I thanked him. We ate our sandwiches together. He then made me another with a humongous pat of butter on top. I managed to cut the pat WAAAAAY down – and his, as well – before we enjoyed the rest of the ‘meal’ he had prepared. We had a truly wonderful time. (New fact: you cannot import uncooked turkeys into Thailand. You CAN import COOKED ones. So our turkey was delivered so it could be re-heated in the oven for an hour and a half before our dinner.)

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Today I’m having a massage with a new therapist. MY therapist is out of town. A man stopped us yesterday to tell us that and ask us if it were all right if another therapist handled my massage today. I thanked him and said, “yes.” I think it’s amazing that they didn’t simply cancel the appointment. Instead they found someone else who agreed to handle it. I have confidence that although I can fully relax with Khun Weaw, my therapist, I will get a good massage with this other therapist. I’m thankful that they hurried around to try to make me happy.

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We will then go to visit my husband in the nursing home. I’m hopeful we’ll get a glimpse of the man I married over 56 years ago. Maybe a special look, maybe a smile, a squeezing of my hand, a question, a memory… Each visit is different, so we never know what to expect. I’m hoping he is comfortable, not hurting, able to eat and drink a little in addition to having the nasal tube. I’m thankful he has such good, loving care.

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We will spend time at the cafe when we come back from the visit, to be out of the way while Khun Nong cleans my place. I wish I could see her face as the door now opens easily and there are all new windows and frames since the last time she was here!

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I have started painting the group of Christmas cards I have sketched. I will try to get some painted each day, trying to finish the 25 cards by the middle of December. I’ll then carry them with me so that when I meet people who have gone out of their way to be nice to me, I can give them a small token of my gratitude and hopefully brighten their day a bit.

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I hope you are feeling happy.

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November 7, 2025 · 9:08 pm

Saturday, November 8, 2025

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My day started with walking a mile on the treadmill at the gym, then breakfast with Brian, followed by a glorious massage. I look forward to my massages each week. I will NEVER forget Lynn Moody, and my wonderful massages in Arkansas🙏🏻, but I’m grateful I found another really skilled massage therapist I can trust here.

It occurred to me that I might not have left a review on Google about the place I go, so I checked this morning and I had NOT! So I rectified that just a minute ago, basically telling people my life has changed since finding a beautifully run, clean, caring place that has experienced people who care about their clients. Khun Weaw has her work cut out for her, dealing with a 78-year-old with a lot of stress. She knows just how much pressure to use to give me relief, but not ‘break’ me! 😁 🙏🏻

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I got back to my place, changed clothes and Brian and I went to visit Harvey at the nursing home. We had to pay an upcharge and long wait time to get a Grab, but I guess that was because of the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng celebrations. A lot of shops close, and maybe Grab was short of drivers with people going home to be with family. Also, people come from all over the globe to see these remarkable celebrations, so demand was probably very high for transportation.

Harvey was more alert than he was the last time we saw him. He wasn’t making a lot of sense, though.  I was talking about something about the condo, and he asked “When did you move?” He said to Brian, “I thought you lived on Earth.” He talked about starting an import/export business, and then wanted us to bring ‘a dozen’ things from the grocery so he could sell them at the nursing home… He did acknowledge we were leaving and said, “See you soon.” He seemed comfortable, wasn’t hostile, and seemed glad we were there. 

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By the time we got back, it was already time for my terrific housekeeper, Khun Nong, to be cleaning my place. We didn’t need to bother her because I had taken the things I wanted to take to the cafe to Brian’s place when we shared breakfast. We grabbed our stuff and left.

I enjoyed making some more sketches, read more of my current book in my Kindle, people and traffic watched – since I got my favorite seat by the front window – while enjoying an iced mocha and later a lemonade.

My housekeeper did a stellar job as usual. There isn’t a particle of dust anywhere, and everything is scrubbed. Things on tables are straightened and all is neat – not one of my strong suits! Today I sat down at my computer to catch up on email and saw this! The white flowers are in a shot-glass size glass vase and were left on my computer table. I just couldn’t stop grinning. I’m so grateful to have found her.

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We were gone from just after 11:00 until about 5:30. Then we had dinner and visited awhile. When I got back to my place and had caught up on email, I was so tired and sleepy I just didn’t write any posts for the blog. Apologies.

I hope you’re having a really nice day/evening today.

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October 30, 2025 · 9:13 pm

Friday, October 31 – 2025

Wat – Ki. – BestinDogs on X

Today is “Pampered Friday” for me. I’m grinning just thinking about my day.

I went to the gym and walked my mile on the treadmill like a good girl. I’m going to add some more balance exercises to my day, thanks to a URL on balance videos that my friend, Marsha, sent.

At 10 I have my weekly massage. How lucky I am to be able to do this! A total luxury, I leave the place almost week-kneed with relaxation.

This afternoon, my housekeeper comes to make my place spotless once again. I do a number of things to get ready for her each week: I change the sheets on my bed, gather and take out the trash, try to get my laundry in and put away if it’s dry, and generally straighten things. She makes me feel like a slob, though, because she not only cleans everything, she lines things up. She even dries the soap in my shower!

I’ve never had the luxury of a housekeeper before and I truly love it. I can keep things picked up and reasonably neat, but the scrubbing she does of the balcony floor, the scrubbing of the shower floor, the getting every bit of dust that dares to come in here off the baseboards, off the floor, off every shelf, tabletop, or counter, is something that will become more difficult for me, no matter how fit I try to get. MUCH appreciated and NEVER to be taken for granted.

While she is here cleaning, Brian and I go to a cafe where you can stay as long as you like, nursing a drink of something, feeling very welcome and at home. I take my sketchbook and drawing supplies, my Kindle, and a sweatshirt to put on if I can’t get my favorite spot at the front window. (The rest of the place gets quite chilly.) If I’m lucky enough to get my favorite spot, the temperature is mostly comfortable and I can pass the time sketching, reading, playing on my phone, and watching the amazing traffic outside.

Soon after we come home, Brian calls me up to his place for dinner. He orders something and has it delivered, a luxury I’ve never enjoyed before. We lived too far out ‘in the sticks’ in Arkansas to get food delivered. Our driveway was also steep enough that many people would just refuse to even try to drive up it. Even Amazon would leave our packages at the bottom of the driveway…

We get ‘Western’ dinners a lot of the time. These are lower in carbs and don’t have a lot of hot spices. We are gradually eating more Thai food. We had what they call, “Stewed Pork Leg and Rice” the other night. It had a sauce to go with it. It wasn’t hot, tasted delicious, and cost about $3.00 US money for both of us!

Finally, after I prep for Saturday, I’ll sprawl on the lounge part of my sofa with my headphones and enjoy listening and watching music on YouTube on my TV.

I will never be able to thank our son enough for wanting us to come here to retire. He handled all the details, and is STILL taking care of both of us. It’s so wonderful to be part of his life now. We have such a good time doing things together!

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October 24, 2025 · 12:42 am

Friday Thoughts 10-24-2025

Father Time – Mikki Life – Pinterest

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I asked Brian if I could leave another review for each of the two shops from which we bought the crocheted carriers and smaller, zippered bags. He said he thought that Google Reviews only allowed one review per customer.

Happily, I discovered that, though he was right, I COULD ‘edit’ my original review. I did that, adding a paragraph about the second purchase and the fact that the carrier and pouches washed just beautifully. 😃

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We got a good report from Harvey’s nurse this morning. They had to suction him again to clear his lungs (and hopefully avert pneumonia). That, and the supplemental oxygen allowed him to sleep well last night. Although he is still using a nasal tube for most of his nutrition, they are starting to give him small bites of fruit and crackers in addition. He was in a good mood and talking. HOORAY!!!

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I had a fabulous massage this morning. For some reason, I was really stiff and sore when I got up today, even after I walked my mile at the gym. Now I feel absolutely GREAT. Thanks to Khun Weaw for her caring expertise in making me functional again.

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Since it looks like I may actually finish my current jigsaw puzzle in the near future 😋, I’ve started looking for another puzzle to order. As I’m finding each, I’m bookmarking the page with the puzzle I’ve chosen and putting it into a folder on my computer. It’ll be fun to choose my next challenge.

I’m going to have Brian take a picture of the finished puzzle -when it’s finished and being shown off in all its glory on my puzzle table – so that we can order a glass print of it, as we did with the owls puzzle, so I can keep it on my special treasures shelf in my living area.

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Later today we’ll go to the cafe to spend time while we wait for Khun Nong, my cherished housekeeper, to do her thing to make my place shine. I’m taking my sketchbook and drawing supplies, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt, because it tends to be cold in there.

About half of the blossoms are gone from the spectacular bouquet she left for me last Friday, but I think it still looks great, and I smile every time I see it!

I hope that this day is a fun one for you, full of family and friends.

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October 16, 2025 · 8:59 pm

Full Friday

I’ve been to the gym, showered, eaten breakfast, and will soon go to get my Friday massage. This is truly a gift that I am giving myself. Khun Weaw is a master. She knows without words where I’m sore, where my tensions have settled, how much she can do to help without breaking me me each week. I consider her time and care part of my new health regimen.

The image above is the card I painted to show her in a small way how much I appreciate being able to come to her each week. I know how to bow and SAY “Hello “(and best wishes for a blessed day for you) and “Thank You” now – in awkward Thai, and say these each time I go, but I have no idea how to WRITE “Thank You,” so just had to write that in English.

Brian told me something I hadn’t realized before. He said that when I give someone a gift, I should bow 🙏🏻 and present the gift with BOTH HANDS so that the person understands it’s a gift, so I’ll be sure and do that this morning. I hope it makes her feel special.

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When I finish my massage and get dressed again, Brian and I will go visit my husband in the nursing home. I’m hoping he’s alert and more comfortable than the last time we saw him. He’s having more trouble eating. There are various options, none of which we like. We’re taking this one visit at a time and making decisions as we go. Going to visit him is a 3-hour round trip.

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When we come back from visiting my husband, we will gather the things we need from Brian’s place and prepare to spend the rest of the afternoon at a cafe where they make you feel comfortable to sit as long as you would like. I get an iced mocha, and sometimes Brian and I get a fresh lemonade for the last bit of time we’re there.

I take my sketchbook and supplies, and sit there happily trying to draw images I find on my phone that I’ll paint later on in the week. I also take my Kindle, where I’m in the middle of a book from an author new to me.

Finally, if I’m lucky enough to get the seat at the front of the cafe, I can watch the activity on the big street outside. I’m fascinated to watch the many lanes of vehicles – cars, buses, trucks, Tuk-Tuks, a gazillion (give or take one or two) motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles zipping in and out of the lanes of traffic almost without slowing down or stopping. Finally, the pedestrians walking on both sides of the street, crossing the road (some carefully, using good sense – others waiting, then RUNNING full speed, hoping they make it to the other side.)

It’s intelligent chaos. Everyone is used to the flow. They know what to do and not do (except for the runners.) I’m fascinated, and VERY glad my husband and I don’t have to try to drive in this.

(Brian and I use Grabs for wherever we go. It’s amazing how fast they come and how expertly they drive, using their GPS’s to take you right where you want to go, whether they have been there personally before or not). PLUS, I get a lot of practice trying to say “Hello” and “Thank You!”

We’ll get home around dinner time, and then I’ll end the busy Friday lounging on my couch, wearing my headphones, and listening to and watching YouTube before bed.

I hope you have a fun time today. Make yourself a priority for at least a while during the day, doing something you truly enjoy. It’ll fill up your heart and have your smile spilling over onto all around you!

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October 2, 2025 · 11:51 pm

Beautiful Breakfast Sight

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Brian was making our tea when all of a sudden, bubbles started floating up past his balcony! The sun made beautiful iridescent rainbows around them. I started to laugh in delight and caused Brian to turn. He came over to the table to watch them for a few seconds. We didn’t figure out who was causing them, but they sure made us smile.

The other beautiful sight this morning were swarms of white birds flying together across the sky and in front of masses of green treetops. They caught the sunshine just right as they flew, making the white glisten.

Bubbles and birds. A beautiful way to start a day!

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I just returned from getting my Friday massage. Khun Wey-o really understands what I need now. She zeroed in on my neck and shoulders today, giving them extra attention. I was really stiff and sore from all the towel wringing and hanging them to dry this week after the heavy rains. Guess who is loose as a goose NOW! I’m SO, SO lucky to have found a sweet, caring, competent massage therapist to make me feel good every week.

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I have to vacate my space this afternoon because it’s Khun Nong’s afternoon to clean. I’ve changed the sheets, gathered and put out the trash, put out clean towels and taken the sheets and towels for Brian to launder in his machine, so I’m ready for her to come. The laundry I did this morning is out on my balcony drying. I’m hoping everything will dry so that I can fold it up and put all away before she gets here. Brian and I will go to the cafe to stay out of her way. I have my sketchbook, Kindle, and sweatshirt ready.

I wish you a happy day or evening!

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August 29, 2025 · 12:19 am

8-29-2025

@wholesomememe.bsky.social

We’re having a nice day today. The sun is shining. I’m having some time to myself before my wonderful cleaning lady comes, so I’m going to put in some time on my puzzle. 😁

My laundry is actually out on the balcony, rather than inside on the rack with a sheet under it today! There’s a good chance my stuff will get dry and I can bring it in and get it put away before I need to leave.

I’m looking forward to reading on my Kindle and doing some sketching while Brian and I are making ourselves scarce while Khun Nong cleans.

Did I tell you I really like my life here? I had my weekly massage this morning, the cleaning lady comes this afternoon. Puzzles, sketching, reading, napping, playing on the computer, going interesting places with Brian, working out at the gym, eating good food, or making plans to get out and explore my neighborhood some make up my days now.

We visit my husband at the nursing home every three days when things are going well. I’m so relieved he seems to be past danger with the pneumonia and low blood oxygen. The nasal tube is out, he is able to eat and had good appetite yesterday morning when we visited, and was sleepy from getting his tummy full. The staff there tries to arrange an outing in his wheelchair on all days the weather will permit, so he can get fresh air and maybe see a doggie or two.

I have a wonderful son who is doing everything he can to make sure things are going as well as possible for both of us. The latest challenge of leaking windows from the last major storm may be addressed as early as next week if the handyman can send crews. We’ll keep our fingers crossed they can at least improve the situation until it can be fixed more permanently when the weather dries out.

So this happy camper is very spoiled and counting her many, many blessings. I hope that things are going well for you, as well.

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August 8, 2025 · 1:39 am

A Bit of Disappointment

Pixabay

Yesterday Brian and I found a craft shop where I wasn’t excited until I turned around and saw an embroidered piece on the wall that looked like stained glass. It was really stunning. Colorful, with silky type material used. Just wonderful.

I thought about it the rest of the afternoon. I told Brian I wanted to see how much it cost. We went back today. I was afraid it would be gone, but it was still up on the wall. When I asked her how much she wanted for it, she said it was not for sale.

To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I could “SEE” the piece on the wall above my computer, making me smile each time I saw it.

We went for a chocolate – our go-to place when we’re needing a pick-me-up, so the trip wasn’t completely wasted. Brian said he will look for other similar shops that we can visit. (Sigh)

On the good side, I had a wonderful massage this morning. We will vacate my place in about an hour to let Khun Nong perform her miracle while I’m gone.

Susy suggested that I install some apps on my phone that will help in my efforts to eventually become more independent here. I already had Google Maps, but Brian also installed “Friends and Family” so he can see where I am if I take a walk. We also talked about the fact we have a chat program on which we communicate all day long if I need him, plus I have his phone number. He basically said that the Google Translate app is not as good as one would hope. He is always available, and he pointed out that people have stopped and helped us when I had a problem before and probably would again, if needed.

He again talked about crossing streets, and I assured him I wasn’t planning to throw myself under a bus or get creamed by the 4 lanes of traffic plus motorcycles all moving like bats out of Hell in the busy street. I promised him that if I fell, I would arrange to fall INTO the buildings, NOT into the street…

I don’t feel pressured to go out by myself. I just don’t want to let my natural cautiousness curb my ability to enjoy going a few places on my own.

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August 1, 2025 · 9:23 pm

More Pampering!

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I had a lovely day yesterday with a massage in the morning, time in a cafe sipping an iced cappucino while drawing in my sketch book or reading a book on my new Kindle while my housekeeper (woo HOOO!) made my place spotless. These were topped off by a trip to a street market and beautiful dinner.

Brian had bought the new Kindle for Harvey to use in the nursing home. My husband has always been a voracious reader, reading paperbacks plus books downloaded on to his Kindle at the rate sometimes of a book in one day. Since his stroke, the old Kindle was too much for him to handle, so Brian ordered a new, simpler one which only had the reader without any other bells and whistles. It turned out that the simpler one was too much for him, as well, so we brought it home with us last time. Brian wiped the books off, downloaded all of MY books onto it, listed it on Amazon so I can continue to download books from Kindle Unlimited, and synced it to the Wifi in my place, as well as an alternate if needed. Is my son a keeper or what! 🙂

And the pampering continues today! Two months ago we found a hair stylist who looked at a picture I brought in on my phone and tried his best to emulate it – taking into account that my hair won’t do ANYTHING on its own. It’s thin, fine, and totally uncooperative. I came out looking as if ‘someone had a plan,’ rather than an exploded mushroom. I’m hoping he can work a miracle again today.

After my haircut, fingers are crossed that Brian will be able to find some tennis shoes to replace the ones he is using now which have the tread totally worn off. I hope he finds something he is happy with today at the big mall.

I hope that YOU are being pampered, too, or that you figure out things you can do for yourself that make your face explode into a wide, wide grin today.

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July 31, 2025 · 2:57 am

The Last Day of July, 2025

@weskrntz.bsky.social

When we left to go visit my husband this morning, there was a cat sleeping on some of the packages on the pick-up table in the condo building. He isn’t as cute as the one here in the picture, but his coloring is similar. Apparently he comes and takes a nap here often.

Today’s visit with Harvey was sad, as my husband is quite frail and was essentially non-communicative today. The only thing he said was we needed to buy a hospital bed. After many questions, we finally figured out that his bed squeaks when they crank it up or down.

Two concerning issues – 1) we bring him a no sugar grape drink he likes. He would sip some, then just hold it in his mouth. We told him to swallow, and eventually he would, but only partially. His mouth was still full of liquid. After a lot of coaxing, he finally swallowed it all, taking about 5 minutes per sip. We did this several times before deciding he/we had had enough.

2) He needed to spit soon after we got there. We found that he had been holding a pill – or maybe more than one – in his mouth. He spit it out. We have spent lots of time getting more affordable pills, and we have seen him do this once before. Brian wrote to the management when we got home. They said they would now crush the pills. Less pleasant for him, but at least the meds will get down his throat. We’re also worried about him choking with the pills, since he isn’t being cooperative.

One nice thing – he did pat Brian’s arm at one point, almost making me fall apart.

Tomorrow will be a better day for me, with a trip to the gym, a massage, then my place getting a thorough cleaning. I’m almost ready for her to come. I’ve changed the sheets, changed the towels, gathered the trash, and straightened up a few things. Her money and thank you card are out and ready.

Saturday I’m getting a haircut! I’ve ‘gone to seed’, it having been two months since the new person I found cut my hair. Another really pampering thing coming up is a mani/pedi. It’s been two months there, too, and my nails have grown out. Amazingly, the gel polish they use still looks good, though there is about 1/4″ bare nail between my cuticle and the polish.

If things work out right, we’ll get Brian some new sneakers. He has worn all the tread off the pair he wears to the gym daily. He’s doing some research, reading reviews, etc., before he decides what he wants.

We’re going to try to take advantage of a promotion that the hearing aid group we like are starting tomorrow. I’ve had a hearing problem ever since my hospitalization in February, and hearing better will be a very welcome thing. I hate that the hearing aids are all so expensive, but I’m hoping they will essentially last me the rest of my life. I won’t wear them all the time, though – basically wearing them when I’m out with Brian. I’ll leave them off when I’m at the gym, and at home alone, especially in the evenings when I wear my headphones to listen to YouTube on TV and not bother my neighbors.

Brian and I are making a gradual switch to eating more Thai food. We’ve been eating “Western” type stuff because I’ve been trying to avoid carbs in an effort to lose my lard. The Thai meals also have a lot of hot and spicy ingredients that are a bit difficult for me to handle. This switch is a good move for us, though, allowing me to learn to love the cuisine here, improve my tolerance for the hotter stuff, and also save money. We had a bad experience earlier in the week and both suffered through digestive problems, but we’re over that now and ready to experiment again.

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July 11, 2025 · 9:01 pm

Busy Day

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Yesterday we were gone most of the day so I didn’t have the energy to write any blog posts.

My day started with the treadmill at the gym. I came back, showered, dressed again and had breakfast with Brian.

Then I had my glorious massage with Wey-o. I felt like a limp noodle when she finished with me.

I came home, dressed again for running errands with Brian. We got him a new set of sheets at one place and then went to a store in the large mall where we had found clothes for me before. I bought some shorts with elastic at the waist and the material is light and airy. I also got some tee shirts to go with them, or to just wear any time. Brian got some shorts and tees, too.

We stopped for coffee on the way home. We got home just in time to grab supplies for spending time at the cafe next door to our condo building so we would be out of the way of Khun Nong, my housekeeper, while she performed her miracle in my place.

We got home in time to order and eat some dinner.

By the time I got back to my place the rest of my energy was used up getting tags off my new things and putting them away and prepping for this morning.

This is one of the latest paintings. I found this wonderful image on the net. It is not my design. It’s part of my effort to try to learn to draw what I see better. I loved the drawing when I saw it and wish I knew whose design it was so I could give the artist credit.

Anyway – BUSY – HAPPY day!

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June 28, 2025 · 12:30 am

Bull in a China Shop

cookie_studio – Freepik

Yesterday was Friday, so I went for my massage with Wey-o. Mostly, it was the exquisite massage I’m getting used to – but NEVER taking for granted.

About 2/3 of the time in, a man came in the door of the small, quiet shop, asking in a loud voice if he could get a massage. No, he didn’t want an appointment. He wanted it NOW. A foot massage.

How did I know all this? Wey-o and I were in the cubicle at the far corner of the shop, but there are only curtains between the cubicles and it is assumed people entering will be quiet and respectful. This man obviously didn’t care about anyone but himself. He had to be asked to take his shoes off, when there is a sign and a rack of slippers right at the front of the shop.

The masseuse told him the cost and he started grousing. “The man he had talked to last week had told him 50 baht. She had told him 70. ‘Wellllllll, allllll right!!!!!!!'”

The other lady in the shop agreed to do his foot massage ‘now.’ As it started and continued, he kept up a running commentary on the massage, why he needed it, the fact that he was going for a pedicure across the street when she finished. When she didn’t reply, he said it again, louder, 4 times! He asked if the shop was open every day…

At this point, Wey-o was turning me over on my back. I pointed out to where he was, mimicked a duck quacking with my hand in front of my mouth, put my hands to my ears and shut my eyes. We grinned at each other. She doesn’t speak English and I don’t speak Thai, but no translation is needed when someone is being the epitome of the “Ugly American.”

He got on his phone in the middle of the massage, talking to someone named Mark!

I came out when I had dressed from my massage. I drank my tea and turned to bow and thank Wey-o for a beautiful massage (only managing a probably badly accented, “cawp coon kah!” (thank you.) The other lady stopped the massage, stuck her head out of the curtain and we repeated the thank you and bow and the confirmation for next Friday.

This man embarrassed me. I thought about confronting him, but decided it was probably a waste of breath. If he was boorish enough to ACT that way, my quiet words would have no effect. I’m sorry that he makes it worse for all other Americans or other foreigners, making Thai people cringe at “having to put up with rude foreigners” in order to make a living.

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June 27, 2025 · 6:11 am

Busy Friday

The Dodo

We had a very busy day. I’ve been out since 5:30 this morning and am just home with dinner coming shortly.

I walked my mile on the treadmill at the gym, showered, changed clothes, ate breakfast with Brian. I had a beautiful massage from Wey-o, who takes such wonderful care of me. I came back to the condo, changed clothes again, and Brian and I went to visit Harvey. We came back in time for me to grab my book, sketchbook and pencil supplies and my jacket – we had to vacate so that my wonderful housekeeper, Khun Nong, could come clean. (I’m still thrilled when I say this. I may never get ‘used to’ having help.) We went next door to the cafe, where Brian worked and I did a combination of drawing, reading, and catching up on my phone.

I came back to this –

This was left by Khun Nong. Aren’t they lovely? AND I have a spotless place!

I left her my usual thank you painted card. The cards are always gone when I come back,. I’m not sure she actually likes them, or just takes them so as to spare my feelings … She has also made my fake green leaves that usually live in this pot disappear once again. Do you suppose she might be trying to send me a message about them?

Brian will call me for dinner any minute now. I think we’re both tired from a really full day. Mostly a really good day. Lucky, lucky us!😁

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June 20, 2025 · 8:12 am

Mostly Nice Friday

Science photo library

I had a mostly wonderful day today, starting a 6am on the treadmill in the gym, followed by a fabulous masssage by Khun Wey-o.

I quickly changed my clothes and Brian and I went to see Harvey at the nursing home. He was full of gripes and impossible expectations, conspiracy theories, etc., and we’re having to make some difficult decisions going forward. He did tell us that he missed us just before we left, but the rest of the time was very challenging. We are talking with the owner of the nursing home and changing some things with her help.

We got back just in time to grab my book and my jacket and we headed for the coffee shop next to the condo to make ourselves scarce while my wonderful housekeeper (!) was in my place cleaning. 😃

We had dinner and now it’s almost time for bed. (Getting up at 5am changes your seriousness about bedtime and trying to get enough sleep.)

Thankfully, we have a pretty quiet weekend ahead.

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June 13, 2025 · 10:16 pm

New Food And Drink Friday

Brian and I shared a breakfast, then I went for a glorious, healing massage by Khun Wey-o. I changed clothes and we went to visit Harvey at the nursing home. It is our 56th wedding anniversary today, so I was hoping we would have a good visit with him. He was upset, making baseless accusations, unhappy with everything, saying ‘they were out to kill him, and that if we left, he would die.’ Not the best way to celebrate a marriage… We did contact the management to ask if there is anything else we can do that might brighten his mood. He has good days and bad days and no one can predict which will be which.

When we came home, I immediately grabbed a hoodie and my book and we headed for the coffee shop next to our condo building to be ‘scarce’ while my wonderful new housekeeper, Khun Nong, cleaned my place. (I’m trying to say this casually, but I’m simply thrilled to have help at all – first time in my life!) AND with the things I’m having trouble doing these days, such as scrubbing floors, dusting the things I would rather ignore because they are up too high, down too low, or I’m just lazy and would like to ignore them). When I come back, everything is shining brightly. Ahhhhhhhhh!

While at the coffee shop, we tried a new thing – orange coffee. I don’t know what all is in it – I just know it tastes fabulous. I made mine last as long as possible, wanting to prolong the pleasure.

And then Brian ordered us Thai Beef & Noodles for dinner. They kindly put the hot stuff in little bags with rubberbands rather than dumping it into the dish. I was very appreciative as I’m a wuss as far as spicy or hot, and if I manage to get some hot stuff down, I pay for it late at night. This was absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed every bite. Too many carbs, but good for us otherwise and my taste buds danced a happy dance. 💃

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May 29, 2025 · 4:42 am

Thursday in Chiang Mai

Here is my haircut – after getting caught in two separate rain storms and one stretch of hot sun and lots of humidity after I came out of the salon. At least I have gone from “dandelion gone to seed” to “someone has a plan.” I need to learn how to use the mousse we got at a drug store a bit ago.

I looked out my window this morning at 5am and thought, ‘Good. It’s not raining.’ By the time Brian and I were going to the gym, the rain had started. Not enough for the rain suits, but enough for umbrellas.

I washed my hair, cleaned up, and had breakfast with Bri. Later we went to my hair appointment. Of course the man didn’t speak English. I showed him a picture I had gotten from the net about the basic idea I had in my mind, but had Brian tell him I wanted him to use his expertise and do whatever he thought would look best.

We then went to visit Harvey after two days of not going – to see what happened. Short version, he had not missed us, he had very little to say to us today, was not happy to see us. He just was concerned about food and drink, and wanted his phone so that he could email his mom and dad, both of whom have been gone 20 years or so and never had computers or email. I had brought him an old magazine, and he was happier about that than anything else. He did recognize me, but didn’t say anything in particular. Disheartening to say the least, but we did learn that he was calm, hadn’t pined for us, so our plan going forward is to visit less, hoping he’ll get with the program there more and more. We’ll plan to bring him the strawberry drink he likes, magazines, books, etc. each time we go, and will try not to agonize. He seems comfortable and is not hurting. We took coffee that you just heat up some water for and asked if he could have one cup of coffee a day. What is is what is.

Tomorrow is a busy day for us. I have the gym at 5 and then breakfast, taking sheets and towels for Brian to wash in his machine. I have my massage at 10:00. Then I get ready for Kuhn Nong to come clean from 2:30 to 5:30. Somewhere between 2:00 and 3:00, the movers are supposed to come and remove my people swallowing sofa. We’re hoping it will be closer to 2 so they’ll be gone before Nong arrives. Brian and I will ‘disappear’ while Nong is here to give her peace and quiet while she cleans.

The new sofa will be delivered sometime on June 5th, so I’ll be a bit uncomfortable for 6 days. We ordered a sofa that has the same L-shape, with a lounge part on the dining area end, and nice quality, so it will definitely be worth the wait.

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May 16, 2025 · 9:18 pm

Changes

The old, rickety, crunchy bed was removed yesterday morning. I left for my massage 😊 when they guys were still taking it apart. Brian was there for supervision.

When I came back the bedroom was empty and Brian had put the computer table together! He proceeded to get the TV working AND get my computer up and running while we waited for the new bed to be delivered and set up PLUS my new cleaning person to arrive! (The bed was supposed to be delivered at 1pm so we would have plenty of time to get the new sheets on the. bed and things cleaned up, but you know how THAT goes…) They both arrived at about 2:30.

Nong, my cleaning person, is little bitty and cute as a button. She took charge immediately, getting organized while the men put the bed together. She would not allow me to help put the sheets on, and, very politely asked us to get lost and go elsewhere while while she worked. The place was spotless when when we returned 3 hours later. 🤗

We had so many things to get accomplished yesterday that we just couldn’t get out to visit Harvey. We will leave in a few minutes to go see him today. I feel bad that we missed, but the round trip and visit take 3 hours. He was griping because he didn’t have strawberry pop, so I’m taking him a bottle today. (While we were still in the air bnb, Brian found a brand that has 0 sugar, so he can enjoy it as he likes.)

When the day was almost at an end, I played on my computer for several minutes😊, then turned on the TV and watched YouTube for about half an hour, wearing my newly charged headphones so I could listen without bothering anyone, and then had the best sleep I’ve had since we moved to Thailand on my new firm bed with satiny sheets and light duvet.

Is this one spoiled lady, or what!!!

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May 16, 2025 · 5:27 am

10,158 Steps

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I can see my SIL sneering a bit over this, since I think she said she routinely walks 5 miles a day, but this is the very FIRST time I have logged this many steps, and I am pleased to be able to toot my own horn to tell you,

Brian also told me while we were walking home from the gym that I am “more agile” than I was. 😊

SO – two indications I am improving. I will try to keep this up, improving on it as I can.

I’m also loosening up with my yoga stretches. When I first get down on the floor, I am really stiff and sore, but I feel pretty good by the time I finish.

On another note, the movers came and got the old bed this morning. I cleaned the room out the best I could, putting the old pillows in the closet for the moment. They came right on time and the old bed was gone.

I went to get my massage while the movers were taking that bed apart. By the time I returned, the bed was gone and the computer table had been put together!

Brian got the computer up and running and we plugged all in to recharge while the computer did an update. When we get the right cable, I will be able to make a backup of the system once a week AND a backup of everything on my phone, too!

He got the TV going, as well! I’m looking forward to listening to music on YouTube with my headphones on tonight. 😛

I’m planning to take some pictures soon to share them with you. I hope this will be a wonderful day for you.

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December 16, 2024 · 5:04 pm

A Truly Glorious Morning

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I have rarely enjoyed a morning more.

When I arrived at the retirement place for my massage this morning, the lobby was jammed full of people, so I waited in the parking lot in my car. My massage therapist, Lynn, and I waited for several minutes, discovering that the reason for the ‘jam’ was local school kids singing Christmas carols to the residents! As they came out, there must have been over 100 of them. What a wonderful idea for the teachers to have and carry out. The kids were obviously pleased at the reception they got and learned how important it is to give joy to others.

I saw my dear friend, Linda, and her son, Jeff, who had flown in for a visit from The Villages, FL. I hugged both of them, relieved to see that Linda recognized me and was able to stand and be thoroughly hugged – several times. We healed the broken parts of each other. She liked the personalized bookmark I had made for her. I also gave her a hand-painted memory box to store her keepsakes. I left, not seeing her again after my massage, not wanting to encroach on her time with Jeff.

Lynn gave me a wonderful massage, as usual. She handled the parts I told her were hurting, and found several others I didn’t know I had, and fixed those, as well. I was limp as a noodle when she finished. If she had let me, I would still be asleep on the table there. I gave her a bookmark and a special check, and she gave me a beautiful, delicate glass flower and butterfly piece which is sitting beside my keyboard on my computer counter as I type. It makes me happy each time I look at it. She also gave us a gift certificate for our favorite restaurant in Greenwood.

I talked to the lady who runs the retirement place, explaining that I wanted to give the bag of memory boxes I had brought to the residents, putting them on a table so people could choose one they liked. She was really pleased with the idea. She said they were having a Christmas party next Wednesday and that she would make sure the boxes were put out at the party. :0)

While I was talking to Linda and Jeff, a lady complimented me on my tee shirt. I told her I had painted it. I also had to admit that, since I was a slob and tended to spill things on shirts and then couldn’t get the stains out, I had started painting my plain tee shirts. (Embarrassing, but true.)

When I got home, I found a package had been delivered by UPS. I didn’t remember ordering anything, but opened the package. I knew in a second that this was a gift from my wonderful sister-in-law because it was a painting of sandpipers on a beach.

It’s called, “Rockhampton Sandpipers Beach Ripples” and is by artist P. Brent. Can you see me grinning as you read this? I AM THRILLED. My cheeks hurt I have grinned so much. I had to decide where I wanted to hang it. I wanted to be sure to be able to enjoy it every day, maybe even several times each day. The decision was between my office and my art room. I opted for the office because there are days I don’t make it up to my art room and I spend about half the day, on and off, in my office, as I am now, typing this to you.

It’s on the wall to the left as I sit at my computer. I’ve been grinning ever since I opened the package. What a great present! An instant trip to the beach for me. Instant memories of when we drove down Highway 101 and I got to stop and watch the sweet birds skittering across the sand on their long, long legs, moving super fast, making me laugh. Instant memories of the nice video she took when she was at the beach, trying to give me vicarious enjoyment of her vacation. I kept the video and play it again each time I need an escape. THANK YOU, MARYLOU.

So, it’s 5:01 pm now, and I’m just writing my second blog post of the day. Sorry for being late, but I’ve had such a good day. I wish you could have been here to share it with me.

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December 16, 2024 · 9:19 am

Fun Morning! 12-16-2024

Everyday Health

I’m having my December massage this morning. AHHHHHH! I’m taking my massage therapist a gift. One of my good friends lives at the retirement place where my therapist does the massages, so I’m going to try to visit with her after. I removed memory boxes from my Etsy site recently and am taking a big trash bag full of them to the retirement place with me to ask if we can let the residents there choose the ones they would like to keep.

When I get home again, we’ll have lunch, gather our trash and drive it down, get our mail, and that’s it for outside errands today.

I told you about the smart bulb my husband couldn’t get to work. That made a light bulb go off in my head this morning. :0)

My smart watch stopped working a few days ago. I remembered suddenly that I had downloaded a software that came with it onto my phone and that maybe I could use that to make my watch “come alive” again. I THINK the watch is now recharging after showing signs of life. :0)

I am going to see if “I” can get the light bulb to work on MY phone this afternoon. It’s worth a try. I called the company this morning and they refused to give me an RMA#. Since we’ve already paid shipping once, I’m teed off. If I can make it work on MY phone we will ‘win.’ If not, I’ll add this company to my list of people who stand behind their products. Wish me luck. I’m NOT a tech-person – smart watch, smart light bulb, dumb person…

Need to get ready to leave on this rainy morning in Arkansas. It’s quite warm, at 66 degrees F., with a cold front coming with the rain. Roller Coaster! Hold up your hands and scream! :0)

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November 25, 2024 · 8:35 am

Monday 11-25-2024

Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota

I’m going for my monthly massage this morning. My body is creaking a “thank you.” My massage therapist (the best one on the planet) is Lynn Moody. If you’re lucky enough to be in our area, you can reach her at 479-629-7601 to arrange an appointment. She will find sore places you didn’t even know you had and fix them, plus handle the ones you tell her need special attention. Ahhhhhhhhh!

I’ll do other errands while I’m out. My husband and I will gather trash after we eat lunch and drive it down to the bottom of the driveway.

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Tanglewood Moms

I’m looking forward to working on a couple of orders from my Etsy shop this afternoon. It brightens my whole day to be creating something that a nice person has ordered. I simply can’t keep the grin off my face!

Please remember that the last date to order custom hand-painted Christmas cards for this year is December 10th. They can be personalized. A package of 6 is $14.00 with Free Shipping. See the designs using this link on HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.

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I tried the recipe for “Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Bacon and Cheese” (low carb and keto) by Kasey Trenum two nights ago. It was really good. My husband pronounced it “Yummy!” and already wants me to make more. We’ll put this recipe on our “keeper” list and I’ll include it in our rotation. I did this recipe with 3 chicken breasts and we had enough for some leftovers. I’ll use 4 next time. Here is a link to the recipe plus Kasey Trenum’s website.

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HDRcreme

It’s 60 this morning and quite cloudy. I can’t find any of my weather sources saying we’ll get rain, but it sure looks like it. It’s 8:30 and is quite dark. What they DO say is that we’ll have a series of cold fronts coming through today. We’re at our high for the day and it should be in the 40s with gusty winds by this afternoon with freezing temperatures overnight. BRRR!

I hope the weather is manageable where you are and that your day has lots of fun in it!

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October 24, 2024 · 8:43 am

Mini-Avalanche

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My husband heard a loud noise yesterday afternoon. He went outside to check it out, but couldn’t find anything. I went in my art room to put the new key chain blanks away later and found the source of the loud noise.

One of the shelves that goes along the back wall was hanging half-mast, having dumped most of its contents on the counter below and the floor. It was a real mess. I asked my husband to come up and help me pile the fallen and soon-to-fall stuff elsewhere and we moved the wood for the shelf onto the floor. We will have to replace the shelf supports and I’ll rearrange. Obviously, I put too much heavy stuff on the shelf!

I’ll have to rearrange almost EVERYTHING in order to have the heavier stuff only on bottom shelves, and spaced around. I’ll also put some stuff in the shelves in the guest room and the closet. This will be a huge project with lots of bending, lifting and hauling and re-arrangement to make sure this doesn’t happen again. We’ll go out later this afternoon or tomorrow to get new shelf support thingies from the hardware store to get the shelf back up.

Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota

Meanwhile, my miracle-worker Lynn Moody, 479-629-7601, my massage therapist and friend, will try to undo the knots I have accumulated, so I can start making new ones, re-arranging the stuff in my art room. :0( / :0)

I hope you have a terrific Thursday.

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September 27, 2024 · 8:58 am

Friday 9-27-2024

Ontario-Andrii Frolov-@kznsq On X

I had a wonderful slothful day yesterday.

My talented, caring massage therapist, Lynn Moody 479-629-7501, found all my sore and stiff parts and healed me, at least for the rest of the day. Ahhhhhh! After Lynn made me feel loose as a goose and happy, I went to visit my dear friend, Linda, who lives at the retirement place where Lynn’s business is now.

(Kay on the left and Linda on the right at Linda’s retirement center.)

Linda has been a long-time friend here in Arkansas. I really believe she is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. Her memory is mainly in the moment now. She recognized me, but didn’t remember that SHE was due for a massage at 1pm. Thankfully, Lynn comes and gets her so that she doesn’t miss out. She said she hasn’t seen or heard from Kay and Bud, our other Lunch Bunch core people, either. I saw our Lunch Bunch waitress at Walmart recently, and she said that she didn’t think Kay recognized her the last time they were in the restaurant. It’s sad when times change, but I’m thankful to have so many wonderful memories.

I dragged the trash can up to its spot and got the mail when I came home, then fixed lunch. When my belly was full and I was comfortable in my chair, I stretched out and enjoyed a long nap. I cooked dinner, but that was really the only other thing I did. I’m a GOOD sloth.

Today my husband and I will try to get the fluorescent bulbs in my closet changed out. The ones I have have been dim for quite awhile, so it will be good if we can do this.

Otherwise, I’ll do my exercises like a good girl today – the ‘fit sticks’ videos (warm up plus at least two more) today plus my yoga. My eating plan and exercise are finally yielding good results. I’m less than a pound away from an interim goal now. Maybe I’ll reach it tomorrow.

Fun At Home With Kids

I plan to spend time in my art room today. I have some things almost finished and a couple of things ready to start. :0)

We may get gusty winds and some rain this afternoon and evening. So far, my friend in Florida is safe, and my SIL outside of Charlotte in North Carolina, are safe from Hurricane Helene. I’ll be keeping up with news from this today.

Stay safe.

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September 26, 2024 · 8:18 am

Thursday 9-26-2024

Healing Hands

I have a massage this morning. I’m really looking forward to Lynn Moody’s healing hands, finding and easing all of my sore or stiff parts. I’ll also try to visit with my friend, Linda, while I’m at the retirement place. My husband forgot to get the trash can when he drove down to get the mail yesterday, so I’ll do that when I get home.

Yesterday I did the ‘Fit Sticks’ warm-up video plus two more in the series. Each series of exercises features a small group of women using drum sticks on elevated exercise balls, moving to the beat of a nice song. Since I don’t have an exercise ball, I just moved with them, doing basically the same moves, holding 3-pound weights. By the end of the third video, I was tired and didn’t want to overdo, so stopped. I plan to do them again today. It was fun. I followed that up with my yoga, so the weights and the stretching seems like a good combination.

lolagain.org

I’m seeing good results (for me) on the scales lately, getting closer to my interim goal. I’m hopeful I’m on the right track for this to continue.

I finished this set of 4 wooden painted Christmas ornaments yesterday.

This is the back, waiting for personalization before I spray them for protection.

I’m having a lot of fun in my art room, working on various things. It’s good to have some time to myself, doing something fun and challenging.

We bombed out on putting a new innards kit in the toilet tank yesterday. My husband isn’t strong enough to get the new part ‘stuffed’ into the inner front of the tank. I’ve called our plumber, asking him to put us on his list for whenever he can work us in.

Our project for this afternoon is changing out some fluorescents over the entertainment center in the living room today.

People in the path of Hurricane Helene are in my thoughts today. I hope everyone comes through this safely.

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August 22, 2024 · 8:46 am

Thursday Thoughts 8/22/2024

Fitdognation.com

I’m having a wonderful massage this morning. Ahhhhh! Then I’m hoping to have a good visit with my friend, Linda, who lives at the retirement place where I now get my massages. It’s a great combination of seeing two good people and easing all of my knotted up parts. :0)

I am 2/10ths away from my interim goal of 35 pounds down. I’m hoping I’ll reach that tomorrow. It would be a nice spur to my motivation to continue trying to lose the lard.

Today is the last day of super-nice-weather-for-August-in-Arkansas before the ‘intense heat warnings’ start in again. We’ve had about 3 days here of amazingly cool days and evenings with a soft breeze. We actually kept the car windows open on the way to our errands yesterday, thoroughly enjoying how beautiful it was.

I finished my latest wood burned piece yesterday afternoon. I’ll show you a pic later and I’ll try to get it listed on HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy this afternoon, as well as do another session of trying to clean up my art room.

I hope you have a joyful day.

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July 24, 2024 · 9:16 am

Wednesday 7-24-2024

Paul Bunton-Pinterest

I’m again trying to distract myself from the completely nuts world we live in, filling my days with pleasurable things, since my magic wand is on the fritz and isn’t working, no matter how hard I wave.

I had a truly wonderful massage yesterday from Lynn Moody, my massage therapist who listens to what I KNOW is bothering me, works on those, PLUS finds the spots I didn’t know about, and works on those, as well. I could truly fall asleep on the table when she finishes, thoroughly relaxed and loose. She laughs when I say, “Good night,” before getting up and getting dressed.

After I had paid for my visit and had a new appointment scheduled, I gave her a small ‘thank you’ for what she means to me – this plaque I made. She seemed to like it.

I was going to try to get up to my art room to start a new piece yesterday, but two things got in the way – THING ONE – I was on the phone trying to get the replacement credit cards that I was supposed to have received in 5 business days, but didn’t, and THING TWO – my husband wanted me to come out in the yard and help him deal with getting the new tach he put on the generator set and working.

I was pleased that my husband asked for help. He had gotten dizzy trying to work bent over, realized it before he had a more serious problem, and came and got me. I was able to get the tach set and tested, and I praised him for not trying to ignore the problem he was having, wish it away, work through it doggedly, or any of the other things he has done in the past.

Today we’re going to replenish our grocery supplies and get the mail. I THINK that’s all on our list for the day.

I fixed Suzanne Ryan’s “Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Chicken” recipe from her Simply Keto recipe book last night. The last time I tried it I used Ranch dressing and didn’t have fresh mushrooms. This time I did have the mushrooms and switched to using honey mustard instead of the Ranch. My husband pronounced it ‘delicious’ and we have enough for one more meal from the leftovers. :0) Tonight is spaghetti, where I’ll fix spaghetti for him to have with his sauce while I have zoodles (zucchini noodles.)

I’ve told you that Jet (aka Monster Cat) likes to play in an empty open box, sneaking around it to attach a catnip mouse, and jumping in and out of the box. My husband added another box to the mix to see her reaction. I didn’t think she would get in, but she jumped into the top of the inner box, rooted around, and then exploded out again in dramatic fashion. I went to get the camera, but she was already out by the time I got back. :0(

Make this a wonderful day.

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July 23, 2024 · 8:45 am

Tuesday 7-23-2024

Ruiu Marjorie-Pinterest
Daily Paws

My massage therapist texted me that she needed to change my massage day and time, so – happily – I’m going this morning! Between my massage this morning and my yoga stretches this afternoon, I should be a happy camper!

Yesterday I finished two wood-burned pieces. One is a gift for our hair dresser and the other a sign I listed on Etsy –

I’m having a great time in my art room. I learn more each time I work on another piece, and I’m enjoying the challenge. I’m brimming with ideas, so that makes me greet each day with anticipation. Hopefully, I’ll get another piece started today.

I hope you find something fun or satisfying to do today.

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June 25, 2024 · 8:34 am

Ahhhhhh!

freepik.com-user 3969442 3k assets

I’m leaving soon for a much-needed massage. My body is whimpering with joy in anticipation. Will write more when I’m home again.

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