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Sunday, April 2, 2017

The Joy of Ordinary

Hello dear friends!  Hope this post finds you all safe and sound.  First, I 'd like to thank Leslie and Ran for filling in for me last week, March has been a difficult month for me and truth be told, I'm not sad to show it the door. My thyroid has been bothering me for the last several months.  Although the tests come back normal (with medication) I was feeling like a zombie.  My get-up-and-go got up and went!  Plus I was starting to gain weight in spite of only eating 900 calories a day and walking between 3-6 miles daily. To say I was not a happy camper would be an understatement.  Well, no help from the doctors, they just look at the numbers and assume you are not telling them the truth, so Ran and I had to do our own research on the matter.  It pays to have a scientist for a husband, because my brain was so foggy I couldn't comprehend what I was reading, but since Ran has been doing research for his entire life, it was a piece of cake for him.  After doing research, he set me up on a regime of various vitamins and minerals and almost immediately I began to feel better and I started losing weight (five pounds this week).  But the best thing is that I now feel alive again!  There's so much joy in just waking up and feeling rested.  Once I felt more with-it, I did further research and discovered that many of the vegetables that I love and eat daily, such as broccoli, cabbage and kale are all big no-nos for people with thyroid conditions; they inhibit the thyroid.  Who would have thought such healthy things would be so bad for you?

HOMEMAKING

Anyhow, in the meantime, we've been working on making our home function better.  Once again, I rearranged the living room to make it work for us.  You see, this room must serve many purposes; sitting room, guitar studio, sewing room, dressing room and on occasions a guest room.  That's a lot to ask a little 12 X 14 room!  We figured out a way to have a sitting area and a place for the guitars, plus enough open space  for one of those air beds for guests.
We brought furniture down from upstairs and took some from downstairs up.  At the end of the day, there wasn't a room that  hadn't been untouched.  To me, making a house a home is such a joy!  BTW, the pretty hyacinths are a gift from our dear friend Mary.  She stopped by last weekend, just as I was finishing up a big baking spree.  We love to "take tea" in the evening, it's one of our little rituals of our marriage that  we enjoy.  In the evening having a cup of tea or coffee and perhaps if we aren't being to stringent on our diet, some little treat, we sit and discuss the day, politics and plans.  No TVs going, no outside distractions.  Do you know that the average married couple only talks to each other 17 minutes per day?   I think a lot of marriages could benefit from taking tea!

BAKING

So I had the idea to bake up a lot of tea goodies and freeze them in tins, then when someone stops by it would just be a matter of popping a few things out and defrosting them in the toaster oven (we don't have a microwave). 
I baked lemon tea breads, Spanish bar cake (without the frosting), fruit squares, and a lovely almond tea cake.  The plan was put to an immediate test, as I just took the last loaf from the oven, Mary stopped in, and we all tested out the new seating arrangement and goodies. It was so nice to have something to offer, as I try not to keep too many sweets in the house (and when I do, they don't last long).  Keeping tins of teatime treats in the freezer is something I will definitely continue to do.

 Almond Tea Cake
1 C. butter
3/4 C. sugar
1 egg, separated
half of one of those 8 oz. packages almond paste (found by the pie filling in the baking aisle)
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. butter extract
2 C. flour
handful of slivered almonds

Cream the butter, almond paste and sugar together,  (you'll need a mixer for this).  Add the egg yolk and extracts.  Add the flour and mix until just blended.

Spread the mixture (it will be very thick) into a lightly greased 8" round cake pan.

Beat the remaining egg white until frothy.  Spread over the cake batter and sprinkle with the almonds. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool and cut into wedges.

This is a very heavy substantial cake, but oh boy!  does it ever taste like almonds.  Would be good served with some fresh fruit. Maybe for Easter brunch?

Our little tea and coffee repasts are so important to us, that we even have a little coffee station set up in our kitchen to make it easy to prepare a cup of coffee or a pot of tea.
Everything we need is located in that one spot.  Makes for simple impromptu tea parties.

GARDENING

Well, we have our first sign of Spring, the rhubarb is starting to come up!
Good old rhubarb, if ever there was a dependable plant, this is it.  I think it was put on Earth just to make us gardeners feel good about ourselves.  And here's a peek at how the lettuce in the cold frame is coming along:
As   you can see, we just slit the bags and planted the seeds.  Now anyone can do that!  And when the lettuce is through, we'll just pull it and throw the soil into the compost bin.  It never ceases to astound me that these little seeds  sprout and flourish in the cold weather.  Today is the first day the temperature has climbed over the fourty degree mark!  Feels so good, we've been outside without a jacket on.  Ran and Jamie are working on cleaning up the flower beds while I write this.  Inside, we transplanted most of our tomatoes and cauliflowers to bigger pots and soon some of the perennial flowers will need repotting.
CRAFTING

I spotted this cute craft on YouTube.  I wish I knew where, to give them credit, but you know how it is when you're clicking on one thing and soon you wonder how you arrived at the channel you are on.  Macrame is popular again.  Who would think that fad would ever make a comeback?  But apparently young hipsters haven't lived through the 70s so they don't have the hindsight to know that the 70s were really an ugly era,  they think it's groovy (we actually never used the term "groovy" in the 70s, we said beaucoup).  Anyhow, I thought it was a pretty way to display yet another doily.
You simply take a doily and attach it to a branch, then add tassels of cotton crochet thread.  Decorate the branch with sprigs of greenery.  I have mine hanging a my very dark sewing cupboard to give it some lightness.  I'm conflicted with what to do with this cupboard.  It's an antique and made of quarter-sawn oak, which is not my bag, baby. Ha!  It has pretty Art Nouveau carvings on it, and as I wrote it is antique, but it's so dark.  I've thought of painting it, I only paid $50 for it at a garage sale, but on the other hand, you don't see too many pieces from this period, so maybe I shouldn't.  For now, I guess I'll just leave it alone.  When in doubt, do nothing, is my credo!

THRIFTY THINGS WE DID THIS WEEK

Ran fixed my medical problems by doing research on the internet.  A few dollars in vitamins and some red meat, and I'm feeling a million times better!

Ran sold two of his guitars that he never played on Craigs list.

Made a decoration from a doily I had and a stick from the yard.

Continued to eat from our pantry and freezer, except for fresh vegetables and the red meat, we haven't shopped for groceries in months.

Knitted some more on my temperature blanket using up more of my yarn stash.

Cleaned out my closets and gave four bags of clothes to charity.

Tonight we'll put some things up for sale on Ebay.

Used our points to get a free sub from Subway.

Entertained ourselves by visiting with neighbors (the snowbirds are coming back)

Basically, just stayed home, ate what we had and made do or went without. There is joy in ordinary days.

Well, that's it for another week here at the old Zempel boarding house.  I hope that all your days are sunny and filled with joy!

Hugs
Jane













75 comments:

  1. This was a very interesting post. What vitamins are you now taking? Glad that you are feeling better. I do understand how you were feeling
    thank you again for your blog.

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    1. Hello dear anonymous. I hesitate to write which one because there are always those that will find something wrong with it. But one thing I would say that if you are feeling yourself, dragging, give B12 a chance. It comes in liquid form and if you hold a dropper full under your tongue for a 30 seconds, so that it absorbs into your system more quickly, you might find amazing results. Hope that helps. And don't forget to get outside and get yourself some vitamin D!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  2. An enquiring brain and mind are so necessary these days, even when an MRI shows no damage, and the pain persists, or the Dr says all tests for you are in the right levels?? how can a person not doubt the results? So interesting for those green veges, as they are so good for eyesight that is not great. Some doctors seem to think that if we have researched, even with the aid of Dr Google, we have no right to query what they are saying. Ran, you are a diamond, and Jane, thanks for the recipes, seed growing and as always your lovely words on my blog. If I don't get to send an answer, believe me, I so, SSOOO appreciate them.Hugs from a wet NZ where daylight saving finished last night ( How can you save when the 24 hours are always consistent, )

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    1. I know how you feel, Jean! I had something wrong with my shoulder a few years back, and because the x-rays showed nothing, the doctor insisted nothing was wrong with me. Clearly felt like something was wrong, but how can one argue with an x-ray? In my case, it was a matter of nutrition, and I find doctor's know nothing about that, unless they can give you a pill or operation, they are pretty useless.

      Glad you weathered all that horrible weather and welcome to daylght savings time!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  3. Dear Jane, I love this post. You have such a way with your writing.....I almost felt like we were sitting at tea and discussing things! So glad you discovered what was hindering your health. Keep writing!

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    1. Thanks Mary Ann! I truly appreciate your kind words. It was good to be able to connect with you all again.

      HUgs
      Jane

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  4. Hi Jane,
    So glad you are feeling better. Love the way you are starting the lettuce. Even I might be able to do that! You are lucky I am not your neighbor - I would be showing up at your house at tea time. A lovely ritual.
    Have a good week.

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    1. I wish we were neighbors Sheila. I would gladly share tea with you and you could show me all your lovely quilts and advise me on why mine never turn out. Ha!

      HUgs
      Jane

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  5. We plant our lettuce like that also Jane. Isn't it fun? I wish I knew what minerals and so forth you are taking. Hopefully I would have more energy! I love the thoughts of sweets in the freezer too for company -smart! Have a great day!

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    1. Well, Vickie, I think vitamin B12 is a good place to start. PLanting lettuce like that certainly is easy, there shouldn't be any excuses for not doing it. Isn't the weather lovely today?

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Thanks Jane - I'll try the b12. The weather sure did turn but this weekend it will be nice they say!

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    3. You're welcome Vickie! Hope it helps!

      Jane

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  6. Hi Jane! I'm sorry you felt so poorly, but glad Ran fixed it! And good to know about those veggies and the thyroid as I have hypothyroidism. Yours must've really been out of whack to not let you lose weight (not to mention gaining) on those calories and walking!

    I used to re-arrange my home so much! It always felt like having a new home after! Your baking looks so good, and that recipe looks good! Your tea/coffee cabinet looks so inviting. Such a smart idea for the lettuce planting!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs, Andrea

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    1. You could do that on your deck (maybe in a prettier planter) and the deer wouldn't be able to get to it, Andrea. Yep, all that idea about green smoothies being so healthy and it's the worst thing I could be doing. Anything in the cruciferous family inhibits thyroid function. Thankfully tomatoes, spinach and peppers isn't on the list.Guess it pays to do a little research!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  7. So sorry to read that you have felt heavy and tired and ill. My DIL is dealing with a similar issue, so I will pass along your findings.
    Spring does bring on fits of rearranging and decluttering--never mind that come autumn we may shuffle things about for winter coziness!
    In our very mild winter weeds have been evergreen--gardening chores look over-whelming.

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    1. I can commiserate with you there, Sharon. Looking at all the dead leaves and twigs the job does seem overwhelming. But just like the saying goes,"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time" we just have to take one little area and work on it, then move on to the next. If I were starting all over again, I wouldn't have planted flower beds, just big masses of daylilies or irises and called it a day. Something that outgrows the weeds.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  8. I have a treasured collection of doilies from my Gramma, Mom, & Auntie. A lot of my collection are beaded doilies; I've never met anyone outside these ladies to crochet beads into their work.
    I LOVE that macrame is back in fashion because I need more plant hangers & it was easy to find a how-to video!

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    1. It's actually kind of pretty, now that I look back on it. Maybe just not in burnt orange and avocado. Ha! Don't think I've ever seen any crocheted doilies with beads, sounds pretty. One of the hangings with the beaded doilies would be very pretty in a window to catch the light, I think. They kind of remind me of those dream catchers. Warming up there in Canada?

      Hugs
      Jane

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  9. Hi Jane! Isn't it something how we supposedly have the best medical doctors ever, but often have to get help elsewhere. I'm so glad your husband was able to help you with his own prognosis and prescriptions. :) Ha, Dr. Ran!

    Oh my, I made macrame purses back when. Your branch and doily is cute though.

    I need to set up a coffee station! Coffees are us. I have bags and bags in the freezer, but I'm not as organized....yet. Thank you for the inspiration.
    Hope you have a terrific week!
    Toni

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    1. I'm coming around to macrame, Toni. Think those little macrame purses are kind of cute. I draw the line at 36 inch bellbottoms though. That's a little too 70s. It was a fun era. I still have and wear a pair of Candies sandals. Those were some cute shoes! I get compliments on them. Ha!

      Everyone needs a coffee station! Makes mornings easy and it's cheaper than going to Starbucks. Have you tried those latte creamers in the spray can? What a great new product that is. Together with my favorite brand of coffee, Gevalia, it tastes better than anything I've had at any coffeehouse. Plus I get to drink it in my jammies!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Well, I had no idea there were spray latte creamers (no TV here), but I just looked them up, and they do look fun to use. Thanks for the tip. We don't go to coffeehouses, theyre too expensive and the coffees don't taste good, either. When we're around people that say they love Starbucks we just look at each other and shrug. Never had a good coffee there.

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    3. There used to be one around here, run by a charity. Very hippie dippy. It was a lot of fun. I refuse to pay Starbucks prices, plus I'm not fond of their politics. Guess you don't spend as much time in the creamer section of the store as I do. Ha! Maybe I'm the only person on Earth that gets excited when the companies bring out their seasonal flavors. Doesn't take much to make me happy!

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  10. I'm so glad you are feeling better.

    I remember learning to do macrame when I was Brownie Scout a few million years ago. (At least it feels that far away.). It's funny how things truly do cycle in and out. A lot of the vintage sewing patterns are back in vogue now, too.

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    1. Well, I'm so old that macrame wasn't even a thing until I was in High School! Ha! No wonder my kids asked if they had bicycles when I was little! I think some of the vintage patterns are pretty cute. I have some old Betsy Johnson (back in the day she sold under the Alley Cat label)ones that I keep just because the illustrations on the envelope are so adorable.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  11. Sorry you were feeling that low. Glad, Ran and you got yourself back to you. Sometimes I fret that it is me not explaining my issue correctly to the doctors. It took a lot of research to stumble on magnesium for me. As soon as I started taking it, it was a major difference in feeling "normal" again. My levels were normal before I started taking it, and have remained normal after. (Thankfully)
    Will this change what you plant this year?
    The tea confections look delicious. Smart idea to freeze. Although, a day after the freezer I might be pulling out a tin especially if it had something with lemon in it.
    Love the dream catcher. It figures I just let go of some doilies from my grandmothers hand. Next time.
    Have a wonderful week! Hugs, Jen

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    1. It's amazing what a little insufficiency in a mineral or vitamin can do to a body. What we discovered that thyroid meds only take care of T3 and T4. So we had to figure out how to activate that. They always say if you start to get eye twitches or charley horses to check your magnesium levels. Jamie used to get a lot of Charley horses before he started taking it, now he rarely has a problem with that.

      I'll still be planting those veggies, just won't be eating them. Just because I can't have them, there's no need to deny Ran and Jamie them.

      That happens to me all the time. Just after I decide to get rid of something, I find a use for it! You have a wonderful week too!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Meant to say it doesn't take care of T4, just in case someone is reading the replies trying to glean some information. I'm sorry, but I can't write exactly what I'm doing as I don't want to get in any trouble for dispensing medical information without a license. Once when I wrote about taking turmeric for arthritis, someone wrote and complained because they had gallbladder condition and couldn't take it. So since then, I'm very careful to now say too much. As always, I advise people to do their own homework.

      Jane

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  12. Glad you've got above 40 temps and rhubarb! I often like to have an afternoon cup of tea... now if I can just convince J. I never knew those foods affected thyroid either. Good to know. I'm happy things are moving in a more positive direction for you. Enjoy your week!

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    1. Hi Laurie! You'll have to entice J with promises of a tea cake to get him to enjoy tea. Ha! Taking tea is an old-fashioned concept but one that should be revived. We all need to slow down and relax and having a spot of tea is a very nice way to do it!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  13. I'm glad you are feeling better and have lost some weight. It would be so discouraging to eat so little and walk so much and be stuck! Hopefully, you will continue to feel better and better!

    Sometimes the ordinary weeks are by far the best:)

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    1. I tell you Becky, it worked almost instantaneously and truly felt like a miracle. Ordinary week are the best! No drama, no worries, no rush-rush-rush!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  14. Hello Jane, I have been absent from the blogosphere because I have been feeling rotten, took myself off to the doctors last week and got the results today, I have hypothyroidism and very low levels of vitamin B12! So your post interests me very much. I have to go on medication for the thryoid and have B12 injections every week for a month initially. When my head is clear I will do research. Love the look of your baking anbd a good idea to freeze it. I ndo love what you did with the doily too! Hope to be blogging soon, I have posts written in my head but haven't the wherewithal to actually type them, lol!

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    1. Oh dear Sharon, I was hoping you were missing because you were having too much fun on your scooter! I certainly do understand. Doesn't it make you feel like you are not quite alive? Hopefully medication and B12 will do the trick for you. Hopefully you'll be able to take the real thyroid meds and not the synthetic ones, they do nothing for your T4 levels, I've discovered. Let me know how you are doing after taking them for a while, and if you are still feeling sluggish, I'll send you a list of the other vitamins and supplements I'm taking.
      Hope you are feeling chipper soon!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  15. Dear Jane ~ So glad Ran helped your heath issue with his research. Who would have guessed those 'wonderful for you' veggies can be bad for some.

    I need to take my vitamins and supplements more regularly.

    I love reading about your frugal ways, your living in a small space, decorating, making things work, your gardening, etc.

    Have a great week ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thanks Rainey! It truly is miraculous how vitamins or the lack of them can affect a person. So don't forget! Ha!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  16. Dear Jane,
    I'm sorry you were feeling poorly and very glad that Ran is such a super-sleuth! I hope you continue to feel better.
    Sincerely,
    Dana

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    1. It's such a marked improvement, Dana, I'm sure by the end of the month I'll feel better than I've been in years. Thank you!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  17. Hi Jane, I am so sorry that you were struggling so much with your thyroid issues and I had no idea that those veggies, which are also favorites of mine, were a big no no for those of us with thyroid issues. (((((HUGS)))) I am glad that Ran was able to help figure out a solution though and that you are now feeling better my friend.

    I'm loving what you did with the doily. It is so pretty! And you guys are just geniuses with the cold frame and starting the seeds right in the bags. Makes me think I may want to do the same with the huge bag of potting soil that I just bought. Hmmmm....

    Be blessed my friend and be well!

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    1. Thanks Debbie! That's what I call a two second garden, and you don't need a cold frame either. Just a sunny spot! Hope you are doing better also!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  18. Sounds fabulous to me, Jane!

    as ever.. m

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    1. Everything always is, Matty! Hope this week is a better one for you.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  19. Oh, I do understand your recent thyroid struggle! Doctor after doctor told me I was in the normal range, and "tut, tutted" me out the exam room door. Finally went to see a holistic doctor, and my life was forever changed! I do avoid large amounts of those veggies, although I enjoy eating them. I also add elemental iodine to my supplement, to help support my thyroid.

    Those baked goods look yummy! What a fun ritual for you and Ran, a long marriage is a great gift.

    Here's to Spring!

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    1. Wish I would have found a doctor like yours earlier, Anne. For 20 years I knew something was wrong but couldn't get any of my doctors to listen. Then finally a physicians assistant helped. They were shocked when the blood tests came back. ANyhow, through the research I believe I'm on the mend. Feels good to actually be able to think! Ha!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. I don't want to discourage anyone from seeing a doctor, but my advice would be that YOU know your body best. If the doctor doesn't listen, fire them, and find one who will listen. Sadly, bulldog-like persistence is key in the tangled world of healthcare.

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  20. Hello Jane,
    Ordinary days are my very favorite kind of days.
    I'm glad you and Ran were able to find answers to help you feel better. Who would ever think broccoli and Kale wouldn't be the healthiest things ever to eat?
    I like your evening tea routine and your treats in the freezer. My aunt Bernice also did freezing like this. She had a tall upright freezer and she kept it stocked with homemade cookies, mostly stored in reused metal coffee cans that she covered with pretty contact paper. I can just see her lifting the lids to see which one was she was planning to serve. She was the best hostess 😍

    Your comment about a thrifty stick and doily made me laugh out loud even after I had already seen and read what you did with it. I did make macrame plant hangers in the 70s and my son just asked me to make him some now. I guess everything that goes around comes around.

    I am slightly sidelined with another cold. I'm not sick in bed but I'm just in slow motion.
    Have a good rest of the week, Jane.

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    1. Sorry that you aren't up to snuff, Rhonda. With all the wee ones around your home, I suppose cold keep being passed around.

      That's too funny about the macrame. Still can't believe that they would make a comeback. Isn't it funny that things of our youth have come full circle? I remember my mom being surprised when I started collecting jadeite. She was like, "You want that junk?" Ha!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. I forgot to add, I was in a home furnishings store today and these two young women were fawning over lucite chairs. I was thinking I remember them from the laundromat. I can't believe anyone would want to put them in their house!

      Jane

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    3. Oh Jane, yes I remember the lucite chairs in laundromats. You made me laugh out loud again. They were always orange, yellow, brown and ugly green. I don't want those either.
      Although with all the kiddos around here, lucite chairs would be easy to wipe clean.
      Nope, I still don't want any.

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    4. Guess they do have their practical side. I think I'd prefer those plastic covers that my grandmother had to lucite chairs, though. There must be a lot around, every laundromat had them.

      Jane

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  21. Glad to hear you are feeling more pep since tweaking your diet. We've had to do the same thing for my husband. He can't have many dark greens due to the vitamin K (it clots the blood). He also watches his carbs to avoid diabetes. Well, "an ounce of prevention..."
    Love the tin of frozen goodies idea. I will follow your lead. We like to give baked goods as thank yous for clothing passed on to us or a kind act. So having them at the ready in the freezer will make things easier.
    Funny, we also have a "tea time" as you call it. Nearly every evening of our marriage we tuck the kids in bed and sit down with hot drinks and each other. Sometimes we both read, but still make the occasional comment to one another. I love to crochet or work on mending at this time. We have not had a tv in 18 years. We do watch DVDs on a monitor. This affords us freedom to have movie night or the kids to watch a movie in the afternoon when the weather is bad.

    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    1. Hi Leslie! I think one of the best things a family can do is get rid of the TV, don't you? We haven't had one for several years, and now when I'm around them I notice how noisy and distracting they are. My mother used to have hers on from the moment she got up until she fell asleep. She said it was too quiet without the background noise. Funny thing was, she always said she slept better when she was out camping where they didn't have a TV.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  22. Jane, so glad to read that you've figured out what to avoid eating and what combination of vitamins and minerals you need to take in order to feel better! I'm taking a couple of supplements, myself, on doctor's orders, to counter the side effects of some of my medications. I loved macrame, so I'm glad to hear it's coming back! It's already too hot here to grow lettuce! 85F, today! It's a cool weather crop for us. Hope you continue to feel better, every day, Jane. Take care.

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    1. It's amazing how different our weather is. It's a big country. Yesterday it snowed all day, fortunately, the ground was warm so it didn't stick, or else we would be shoveling out aboout ten inches of snow!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  23. Hi there Jane, so glad you are feeling better and have energy returning! I would never ever EVER have thought cabbage, kale, broccoli etc. could possible be BAD FOR SOME OF US?? LOL I am a thyroid patient as well, and those are some of my most favorite foods. wow, just wow. So in moderation okay or just a big no-no on those vegetables, do you know? gosh yes!--sure do remember the macrame......remember all the big long macrame plant hangers in everybody's windows and corners in their homes? They were so popular. Oh, we DID SAY GROOVY where I grew up---ha ha LOL----and "far-out!" alot too. And "cool". I love jadeite too, it's so pretty. Those old plastic chairs.....yep, think they are a "thing" now, isn't that funny?

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    1. Hi Debbi! If you are trying to lose weight, I'd say avoid them completely, but if you are just trying to maintain healthy thyroid levels, I'd say eat them in moderation. But those kale smoothies everyone raves about, I'd say you'd be doing yourself a big disservice. I plan to eat my beloved cheddar cauliflower when it ripens, but now I know not to eat it for my main meal and every day for weeks. Ha!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  24. P.S.--love your cozy coffee/tea station!!

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  25. I haven't been on the computer much but this morning it miraculously started acting normal again. I had been slower than molasses in Jan. and not worth my time to wait for it to respond. Anyway, glad you are feeling better. Looking forward to a weekend with our 7 year old granddaughter our here at Breezy Hollow. She is so excited . I've got some outdoor projects in mind that she'll love to help with, one of them is planting some peas :) I love the ordinary days too and one time this granddaughter said to me that we don't go shopping or other places with her but she is never bored. I took that as high praise :) Take care and keep feeling better. Nannie

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    1. I'd take that as high praise also, Nannie! I was wondering where you've been! Glad to hear that it's just a slow computer. Although that can be aggravating! We're finally going to get some warm weather, can't wait to get out and clean up the flower beds. Thursday it snowed all day! Fortunately it didn't sticck or we'd be shoveling out! Hope you have a wonderful visit with your granddaughter! Happy Spring!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  26. So glad you are starting to feel better! Glad that Ran was able to do the research and find out ways to help. Who would have thought that good foods were bad for your thyroid. Thanks for the info.
    Yum on the recipes. I think putting some in the freezer is a great idea; that way my family won't eat them all in a few days.
    Hope you are having a great weekend.
    Kathy

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    1. Hi Kathy! Sorry for the delay in responding to your comment. I'm sort of taking a break from the computer. Hope your weekend is great too. The weather has been lovely here.

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Enjoy your break the computer! Hope that you have a blessed Easter! I had to get away from social media for a while as I was letting it steal my peace. Sending hugs to you.

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    3. I understand completely, Kathy! Hope you have a lovely Easter also!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  27. Hi Jane,
    My daughter suffers from type 1 diabetes and Auto immune Hypothyroidism. Recently she felt like a slug...looked puffy and felt like she had marbles stuck in her throat. Went to the dr. and he wanted her to have a thyroid ultrasound to check the actual gland. Had a slightly enlarged nodule. Her dose was adjusted for her meds. Her numbers were fine too. I would ask for an ultrasound from your doctor for piece of mind. Happy Spring.

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    1. Thank you dear anonymous for the information! I will definitely ask my doctor about it. This is why I love blogging, friends sharing information!
      Hugs
      Jane

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  28. Thanks for help with my mystery flowers!! Everybody agrees they are a type of roses! Hooe yall had a real nice weekend!

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    1. Hope you have a lovely Easter, Debbi!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  29. Thinking of you and your family. Hope you all are doing well.

    I so enjoy your posts. I am enjoying a beautiful day here. Hope you get outside and soak up some sun!
    God bless,
    Kim

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    1. Hi Kim! Doing well, thanks for asking! We're having some beautiful weather here, in the 70s. Hope you are having a lovely week and Happy Easter in advance!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  30. I have heard so many people say that you can have the right 'numbers' in your thyroid tests but it depends on what your own doctor wants to make of it. Lots of times the numbers are in the right range but there IS a problem anyway. Sounds like this is true.
    Jane...this is wayyyyyy off this blog post...but I was watching the second show of the PBS Home Fries 2017 and have a question. I thought you watched it too. The husband was killed in the automobile accident but I saw a women who had evidentially been tossed from the car that looked dead too..did she die too,.. and who was she???? I heard no mention of her..but I saw her shown on the ground at the end of the first show. Was I seeing things???? ;-))) J/ Jody

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    1. Hi Jody! That was the husband's secretary that he was having the affair with and had the son with unbeknown to his wife. They didn't make it very clear in the show did they? I ordered the second season of Home Fires and have to wait since it hasn't been released yet. Hope the woman with the abusive husband gets out of her marriage. Interesting show!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  31. About the the PBS show Home Fries. :: So now what twists and turns with a child without a parent now..that is if the child is still young. From the ad for the next show is seems she speaks up to her husband when he tries to belittle her. How that will work out we will have to see. With her falling for the soldier there could be trouble for her if she is not divorced. Which was not so usual then and on what grounds would she get one? Also being a soldier the towns people are very leery of 'foreigners' being German spies.... You can see what the ease dropping telephone operator would do with such information! Thankfully she knows about this girl! I also like Midwives. I found the book used but don't know if the author had a series of books on it. I will have to check this. Book and movie follow each other with of course the edition of more people. Of course they had to add more and newer stories as time went on. I have not looked for the book Home Fires is based on. I do love the U-tubes and such other PBS shows about those times..and of course our beloved books. :-) Thanks so much for the information. No show about her family burying her or her death in the show...so far that is. J/Jody

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    1. I won't spoil what happens next for you, Jody. INteresting turn of events coming up. I came in late on Call the Midwife. ONce I'm finished with Home Fries, I'll start from the beginning watching that one. Lots of people have recommended it. Don't know if I will like it or not, as sick people/nursing doesn't interest me very much. Did you watch Lark Rise to Canndleford? That's another series I missed when it first came on and now have to do catch-up on. Only watched a few episodes of Downton Abbey and The Crown too, British aristocracy bores me (said like a proud member of the DAR). Sometimes I feel so out of sync with everyone. Have a blessed Easter!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  32. Hubby found out on the net that Home Fries may not come back for season 3. When the news got round people started on twitter or whatever to voice their opinion it should stay. I guess there is a place to vote somewhere. The producers and writers hoped for a third season and say they ended season 2 with a real cliff hanger and would have done it some differently if thy knew its might not or will not be back. They actually told in an interview hubby read to me what the ending was. So vote it you want where ever. you can. I do hope it comes back!! Midwives is not just nurses and such..it has a good story line. Candleford...Yea! I have the series on dvd! Love it!! The bee lady is now on Midwives. I forget her chapters name in that show. J/Jody

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  33. *** FINAL*****Please send me your email address at (eversmanfamily@gmail.com) I would like to keep in touch every so often. I'm new to your blog. So thankful to have your arvhives to spur me on to good deeds, as the Bible says. Just remember, YOU are created in HIS image. The world did not accept Jesus'ways and they will criticize ours as well.

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