Bits of This and That

 

Good morning:

I hope all is well with you and that you are looking forward to a good week ahead.  I am well and looking forward to this week.  But first, let's talk about the weekend.  

On Thursday, I had an appointment with a cardiologist to talk about the results of an echocardiogram I had in December.  My primary care doctor advised that I had a heart murmur (which I had been told before) and she decided I should have an echo done.  Then there were some things found that she thought I should see a heart doctor.  So a month later, that's where I was on Thursday afternoon.  First of all, I really liked this doctor.  He explained things very well, plus he had a good sense of humor and I really like that.  Anyway, I have some stenosis of the aortic valve and there is a good chance that in 6-10 years, I may have to have the valve replaced.  My mom had to have that probably about 10-12 years ago.  It was pretty terrible, but she came through it.  However, since then, they no longer have to crack open your ribs and have such a terrible recovery.  He said now they go through the groin and recovery is pretty quick.  So, I'm hoping if I come up in the future and need this, who knows what they will have discovered by then and it will be even better than that.  But he also recommended some life style changes.  The biggie is to change my diet.  Like, eating lots of veggies and fish.  Do away with all the sweet stuff.  Donuts and candy and cakes are not my friends.  Also, exercise 30 minutes a day.  Walking is good he said.  And along with this, hopefully lose some weight.  So, I think I will be following through with these suggestions and possibly, I will never have to have the surgery.  I know this may seem bad, but to me I'm thankful it wasn't worse than this and I'm thankful to have the chance to maybe reverse or at least keep it from getting worse.  

So on Friday, hubby and I went to Outback for lunch and I had a Cobb salad, which was absolutely delicious!  And I'm sure I will be having a lot more of those in the future as the doctor suggested a big salad for lunches.  I have also done my 30 minutes of exercise every day this weekend starting on Thursday when we got home after my appointment.  

Saturday we ran some errands and watched part of a Hallmark movie and enjoyed the evening at home.

Sunday we had both services and I had a nap in the afternoon and took the dog for a walk.  Below is the pre-recorded version of the Sunday morning sermon.

This has been a good weekend and I hope yours was too.  We've had some beautiful weather with some blue skies and sunshine.  We had some rain and gray skies too, but I still think it's been a really good weekend.

The view from one of the walks with Lucy

Love this little bird enjoying the blues skies too.

  

Cathy

Currently - February 2024

Today is the time for the February edition of Currently where we are talking about what we're currently loving, looking forward to, doing to be romantic, changing, and celebrating. I hope you make plans to join us! Jennifer is our host and you can link up here.   

Loving - I'm loving crocheting...sometimes I get a little tired of crocheting, but right now it's one of my favorite activities while watching TV in the evening with hubby,  Here are a couple of pictures of what I'm currently crocheting.  I started this a long time ago and have set it aside several times to work on other projects.  I have another project in mind, but decided to put that off for at least a few more days as I'm enjoying making this one grow.

 

Looking Forward To - I'm looking forward to our upcoming 35th Anniversary on February 18th.  I love my man and I'm so very thankful for our years together.

Doing to Be Romantic - I think one of the most romantic things I can do for my hubby, is to be kind to him.  I think most everyone responds well when kindness is given.  I know kindness, when shown to me, makes me very happy. And kindness and happiness with my hubby can be very romantic.  

Changing - Maybe my attitude...I'm working on being less critical of others and accepting them as they are.  I'm also trying to be less critical of myself and remember that God made me the way that I am and He loves me, so I should love myself.  Not that that gives me free license to quit trying to improve myself in areas that need it.

Celebrating - Retirement for a former co-worker this past week and our upcoming anniversary as I mentioned above.

Thanks for visiting.  There is a link up above if you'd like to participate.  It's the first Wednesday of every month.

Cathy

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

The link is above.

1. Something you've waited for recently?  I waited for hubby to come out from his doctor's appointment.  Speaking of doctor's, I'm waiting to see the cardiologist on Thursday, to see what he's sees from the echocardiogram I had last month.

2. What's something you loved to do as a child? I loved playing on the swing set and swimming and bike riding and the hula hoop, and reading.

3. Something you learned from a grandparent?  I can't think of anything specific.  But my mom's dad was a singer and I think I learned my love of singing and hymns and southern gospel music from him and my mom and dad too.  My dad's dad also sang and he was a preacher and I know all of my grandparents showed me Jesus in their lives. 

4. The most visited cities in the world last year (according to this site) were-Bangkok, Paris, London, Dubai, and Singapore. Have you been to any of the cities mentioned? Which would you most like to see? How do you feel about international travel in general these days? I have not been to any of these cities.  I really no longer have any desire to travel outside the states.  There are still so many places here I'd love to see.

5. February is the perfect month to celebrate 35 years of marriage, which for us is February 18. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

The above quote is something hubby often reminds us of.  It really helps when God doesn't answer my prayers the way I want or when we have problems and sickness, etc.  I just remember this and it helps me to let go of what I think things should be and just step down and let God be God and do it His way.  Life is so much better that way.  Hubby also reminds us along with this that we should strip that big red "S" off our chest, because we are not Superman and just trust God!

Thanks for visiting.

Cathy

Tuesday 4 - You and Your Books

 

You and Your Books

 

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4... Let's jump right in.

1. Which books never grow old for you?  Most any of them written by my favorite author, Lori Wick.  I wish she were still writing and publishing books.

2. We will make a movie from your favorite novel.  Which actors would fit the parts well? My favorite novel is "Pretense" by Lori Wick and I really have no idea who I'd want to play the 2 main characters.

3. Do  you find yourself daydreaming and thinking about the books you read? Yes, sometimes.

4.   When you get ready to sit down and read is there a ritual to it? Do you assemble a drink or snacks? How do you make yourself comfy?  I really have no set ritual.  It's just whenever I have the time and inclination, I'll pick up and read.  Of course, now after answering these questions, I think it's about time for me to read "Pretense" again.

Thanks for visiting.  Click on the phrase, you and your books, at the top for the link up.

Cathy

Bits of This and That

 

Good morning!

We had a nice weekend. We spent quite a bit of time at home, but we did get out every day for a little while.  We've actually seen some sunshine, which just lifts my spirits a lot!  In fact the sun is shining right now as I'm writing this.

On Friday morning we both had chiropractor's appointments.  It was a very good thing as I've been having some minor issues with my sciatica.  It's feeling quite a bit better now.  Hubby's doing a lot better too as most of his neck issues are completely gone.  After that we came by the church to finish up a few things and then went out to lunch and ran some errands and then home for the evening. I watched a good movie called, Finding Forrester.  Some pretty harsh language, but the story was pretty awesome.  

Saturday we went to Outback for lunch.  It's been months since we've had Outback and it was very delicious!  I watched another movie called, Queen Bees.  I enjoyed this one too.  It was just so funny!

Then that evening, I went to a retirement party for a former co-worker. He is such a great guy and I'm so happy for him. I worked with him for all of his career, except the last 2 years.  He is one of the kindest men I have ever known. It was so good seeing so many friends that I hadn't seen for quite awhile.  Here's a photo (from FB) of the retiree as, of course, I didn't take any pictures.  Thanks Chris for your 25 years of service.  

On Sunday, we had 2 services with a nice nap in the afternoon.  Always, my favorite activity on Sunday afternoons.  And it's just not because I'm old, as I've always loved a Sunday afternoon nap.

Below is the pre-recorded sermon, which is the last in the Jonah - Outrageous Grace series.

Thanks for visiting.

Cathy