Going to Visit Family ~How We Got There

The trip we have been waiting for,

planning for months, preparing for weeks,

and packing for days.

It was finally time for smiles and hugs

with our grandchildren.

And of course,

Enjoying a little after-dinner screen time…

…and sharing bedtime snacks.

We boarded early.

Thanks to good friends for driving us to the airport

in the wee hours of the morning.

‘Tis the Season for De-icing,

before saying goodbye.

It was a smooth flight and a quick layover in Minneapolis.

And then this, week together to do what we like,

with those hat we love.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Furry Friends ~Lizzie Goes to Great Grandma’s House to Stay

Pets make our house a home.

When preparing to travel, we make

accommodations to assure our Lizzie is well cared for.

In addition to packing my own bag,

I packed a basket full of Lizzie’s possessions.

Her Hut, her Toys, her Dish and Food…

… and her Favorite Pillow.

Of course, her litter box is perhaps the

most essential item to take along.

Great Grandma looks forward

to having the company of our Furry Friend.

They get along well.

They are good for each other.

It’s a win-win situation.

Lizzie looks a little concerned, but she will soon remember that

 Great Grandma spoils  her while we are away.

Take care,

~Natalie 

Looking for the Blog Worthy ~Physical Therapy ~A Birthday ~Packing my Bags ~In the Kitchen ~Valentine Decor

 

Sanford Physical Therapy, twice a week,

brings much relief…both physically and mentally.

In addition to the strength and endurance exercises,

this week we focused on stretching, as much of my discomfort

 may be from very, very tight muscles.

On a Happier Note,

this little guy turned two!

And we get to see him and our whole family

at the end of this month!

So we are preparing for our trip.

If you know me at all, you know that

I don’t travel without some kind of project.

These Valentine Hearts are ready for some hand stitching,

packed, and stowed away in my carry-on.

What’s the first thing you put in your suitcase?

When traveling to visit our daughters,

 I usually treat myself to a new pair of house shoes…

The first thing that goes into my suitcase.

I was in the mood to bake cookies.

Or maybe I was just in the mood to eat cookies?

Remember this tip…

Use your butter wrapper as a disposable spoon rest.

My mother also used these wrappers for greasing her pan.

And when I was a little girl, my mother let me use the fork

to press our Peanut Butter Cookie Dough.

Sweet Memories!

Here’s our Emotional Support Cat curled up with her

Emotional Support Mouse.

Do you decorate for Valentines Day?

I hung the heart ornaments on my Bathroom Vanity Tree.

A week had passed since my last post here.

I looked through my photos to see where the week went?

Every day seems the same,

a comfortable, familiar routine of

physical therapy, house chores, and projects.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Friday Finds ~Five Fabulous Destash Items ~Looking for a New Home ~Prices from $10 to FREE

THIS ITEM HAS SOLD

please keep scrolling 

This Jersey is perfect for Wild Card Weekend,

Vikings vs Giants on Sunday at 3:30

Pick up this Sz large Jersey for $10

Back to School in the New Year

Teen and Women’s Jeans, Sizes range from 0 to 10…

And everything in-between

$1.00 per pair

Plastic Glasses, perfect for a Patio Party.

Margaritas, Frozen Lemonade, Slushes, Desserts

12 glasses for $2

Three Ring Binders.

Various sizes and colors. About 15 in all.

FREE to anyone who can use them.

Royal Blue lined Jacket. Size Small.

You might need this at Central’s first Outdoor Track Meet.

Pick up for $3

If you are interested, please leave a comment.

Have a Great Weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie’s 

Sanford Report ~Missing the Tree ~Focus on Strength and Endurance ~Baking Something Sweet ~My Motivation

The big news out at Sanford is that the Christmas Trees are gone,

packed into storage until next year’s Holiday Season.

The Lobby looks pretty bare, doesn’t it?!

Last week I took this Selfie with the Pretty Blue Tree.

There will be no more of these photos.

It was a therapy day.

I now spend most of my time here,

working on strength and endurance exercises.

Yes, I am sore…

So, I guess it’s working.

The day before, I had an appointment here.

Can you guess where I am?

There’s a bigger hint in this photo.

That’s right, the Dentist. I was overdue,

as I couldn’t sit in their chair for months

while wearing this neck brace.

Good News…No Cavities.

Just sensitive gums.

This aging is not for the weak.

Sensodyne Toothpaste should be an easy fix.

When I’m not at an appointment or doing PT exercises at home,

I stay busy with house chores and projects.

I ordered this pretty lace to put finishing touches

on some Valentine Creations.

Overripe Bananas prompted me to bake Banana Bread.

I tried a new recipe that uses Sour Cream.

If you have a hand held Immersion Blender,

it works well to purée the Bananas.

Let me know if you’d like the recipe.

You could substitute Greek Yogurt for the Sour Cream

to boost the Nutritional Content.

I prefer Walnuts or Pecans in my Quick Breads. 

Remember, Papa and Gigi have plans

to go see our family.

I have been working hard so I can

keep up with everyone.

Our trip is fast approaching.

Soon we will be spending time with these guys,

getting some of those early morning cuddles.

Stay tuned as we prepare for our travels.

Take care,

~Natalie 

Saturday’s Work ~But First, There’s Fun ~Lunch and Shopping ~The Great Cookie Debate ~Goodbye, Christmas Tree

Where the Week Went…

I enjoyed a Lunch Outing with Girlfriend, Wendy.

She picked me up, as I don’t drive yet.

The Marketplace in Malchow’s Plaza was our Choice.

The perfect place for good food and even better conversation.

The Protein Bowl was our Menu Choice,

Delicious along with healing power.

My new luggage.

It is tradition for Hubby’s Mother to gift us with cash on Christmas.

She can no longer go out to shop, so gives us money

to purchase something we need.

We do own this same suitcase in the largest size.

However, it is too big and too heavy for me to manage.

Especially now.

Remember the Cookies I baked for Christmas…my favorite.

Thanks to all who responded with what you call them.

Receiving the most votes,

Russian Tea Cakes

A fellow FACS teacher pointed out that Name in

the Betty Crocker Cookbook.

And if Betty says so,

It..is..so..

“What do you mean, we have to take the Tree down?”

I join the many who believe

 we keep it up through Epiphany.

This is the weekend ours goes back into storage.

Lizzie, we all are going to miss

the lights of the Christmas Tree in the evening.

Take care,

~Natalie

Sanford Visits ~My Recovery Report ~Photos of my Motivation to Get Strong

Here’s an aerial view of that big beautiful tree

in the Sanford Lobby.

Yes, I am still going there twice a week.

Maybe some of the folks out at Sanford

think I work there now??

Last week, one of the visits was for my Prolia Injection.

I’m sure it’s no surprise, that I have osteoporosis.

I’ve gotten Prolia injections for years, and the good news is

that there is evidence of improvement in my bone density.

The tree up in that Center was decorated beautifully with

pink and gold ornaments.

And this is where I had the view of that lobby tree from above.

My other appointment last week was with my Orthopedic Physician.

He did not mention what yard line I am on this time,

but I do think, by his comments, I may be within field goal range?

(Remember last time, I was on the 50 yard line.)

The tree in the Orthopedic Pod is a Snowman.

They can probably leave that one up until March

 here in the Dakotas, at the rate we’re getting snow.

This week’s appointments are for Physical Therapy

and for my Covid Booster.

Plus, I am doing my PT stretches and exercises twice a day at home.

It is a full time job. But I am determined to be stronger for our trip…

…So I can play with these guys.

No, I’m not going IN their bouncy house,

but it will be fun to watch!

And then there’s this smile…I can’t wait to

snuggle with this little princess.

Take care,

~Natalie