Doing it right

What are you besides a bunch of nerves? Chemistry. That is fact that you cannot ignore, and it is not going to go away.

Here we are in the valley, where all the pollens rush down as if in a bowl. The month of May for the most part is green pollen, due to the amount of foliage we have here, mainly from grass and maple trees. I always can tell the difference when I'm on the coast of Maine taking in the fresh air of the ocean. You can taste the salt in the air, a clean and healing chemical.

I had suffered from allergies for so many years, I believe I have stumbled on the reason, "Chemistry." I have shared my findings with my doctor, friends and family. Unless you have a PhD they take it as a grain of salt. I feel badly watching you suffer. Okay, with that said, each person's health needs are unique. What works for one is not necessarily going to work for someone else. Maybe it will work for you.

Here are some of the reasons that I agree with the statements found in Dr. Jensen's book.

1. All diseases involve a chemical deficiency
2. This deficiency encompasses all age groups
3. It precedes or follows every disease
4. One of the benefits of this chemical element is that it has been known to reduce air-way inflammation and more

One of the biggest problems with allergy sufferers is tissue irritating histamines and inflammation, which can cause sneezing, itching, watering eyes and nose, itchy throat and ears.

Everything that the body consumes is chemical and nutrient. A brilliant man by the name of Dr. Jensen wrote a book in 1908, which is a guide to body chemistry and nutrition.

A clinical nutritionist, talks about what is in the heart of every cell's energy system and names magnesium as a very worthy chemical element, vital to cell operation, in his book.

Food sources cannot be well assimilated without the master chemical element, magnesium.

Interestingly, my doctor, after an illness told me I was deficient in this vital chemical element. I started looking for natural food substances and finally ended up taking the supplement before bedtime to check on and assimilate the calcium in my body. The rest is history. I no longer suffer from asthema, and do not have hayfever type allergies any more.

Your diet is key to the resistance of all disease and aging. Do what you can to slow down the process by good nutritional habits and a healthy lifestyle.

Allieviate other symptoms, such as rashes and itching, by keeping the body cool, and refraining from overheating. Staying out of the sun helps. A cool towel in the folds of the body relieves the heat. Keep dry using baby powder. It may help with preventing rashes and itching. Molasses in tea helps with the inflammation in the throat and chest areas. (Don't expect it to taste good.) Place tea bags in the freezer and apply to areas over the eyelids, to reduce swelling. It is a good natural remedy for bug bites.

We wait all winter for our treasured days in the sun. Ironic how we forget the pollen, bees, and bugs. The morning Wren is up early singing and preparing her nest, soon the tree toads will be out, I forgot how noisy it is this time of year in the valley. Soon it will be mosquitoes. Oh the good life.

So remember to eat your leafy green and yellow vegetables to help strengthen you in the onslaught of allergies.

Mission accomplished

It may have taken me most of the day, but I found my family tree, and cleaned up the stock room. It was a perfect day for it, as it was cool and cloudy.

The nice part is that it is just in time for recycling. I see the problem. My mother-in-law will not keep anything, so she gives it to my husband, who when I'm not looking makes a deposit on the floor. Other things, typical for this time of the year, pots and boxes which took very little time to clean up.

This was a general cleaning but the work is still ahead. I need to get rid of the yard-sale items, and because we painted the rooms upstairs, bought new drapes and accessories the old ones which just don't match but are perfectly good, remain to be forwarded somewhere. Also, we now have baby furniture to dispense with. That sure sounds funny, but it's not. Cycles, we are going through another cycle.

Lets face it, I'm a neat freak and it'll be gone before you know it. I feel so much better tonight, having made a great difference, visually.

Now to get rid of the stuff I will not be using and giving it to someone who can. Pictures, mirrors, lamps, and rugs. Any takers? Don't be shy.

I'm sitting here having a good laugh for myself. Must be getting late, or I'm really tired. Have had a great time looking at one side of my family tree. My mom was right, my grandmother was one of 18 children. As there were only seventeen names, one must have died as an infant. Let's see, born in St. Luke, Canada, Louis was about 6'2" I'm told and she was a little doll, from Lacolle, Canada. She died at 59 the same age as my mom.

Can you imagine calling all those kids to dinner, let's try: Emma, Frederick, Delina, Joseph, Rosanna, Leo, Adelard, Arthur, Frank and Louis, Rose Alma, Florina, William, Valida, Mary Angel, Isabelle and Roland. That may be why they invented the dinner bell. I can see it now, whose turn to do the dishes?Poor Exilda, had to live in the kitchen and bedroom. Not much else to do in those days, I guess, time restraints.

Twelve settled in Woodstock, CT while Louis and Exilda came to town along with four of their siblings. Louis lived to be 88.

My grandmother, Valida, had only eight children. The four boys did not survive. Leo the only son raised was adopted. She also had a set of twins Doris and Dorothy. Rita and then, Irene.

Times are sure different now, I can't even fathom how hard they had to work. Grandma used to grow and can everything. She made jelly, root beer, and special pickled and corn relishes. The best apple pie, Polish golompki and chicken dumplings you ever tasted. Oh ya, and every Christmas, her special cut-out rolled cookies and spice cake. She won many awards for bake-offs and I still have some of her printed recipes, like the Red Velvet Cake.

The family tree is a wonderful idea, it brings back many wonderful memories of wonderful people who are my family.

Junk collector

Years ago when someone would ask me where something was I would have "instant recall". One reason for that, I believe, is that not only did everything have its place but I was not a junk collector at that time. Tonight I was looking for the family tree that was done by my aunt several years ago. I just couldn't seem to lay my hands on it. You bet tomorrow I will be going through stuff as I know it is here somewhere. The magnitude of paperwork and things which have been deposited in the stock room, unlabeled, has caused me much distress. Years ago each box would have been carefully managed.

How did it happen? I have become soft. Instead of saying No, I cannot take other people's junk off their hands, I take it in. Sound familiar? Can't get rid of that, it belonged to ..... Or, maybe we will be able to use this at a later date. Perhaps, those toys that I got will be nice for Nathan to use someday, meanwhile, I can't even move down here anymore. Ridiculous.

Last year I promised myself I'd go through the junk and do something about it. This year, so far, I haven't. Does anyone have a clue as to how to motivate me into doing something I just detest. On a positive note, I found something that I thought I gave away, as I have not been able to find it for years. What a surprise! Couldn't wait to bring it upstairs and place the flower arrangement on my table. Sure is springlike with daffodils, forsythia and white lilac. Trouble is, I bought a replacement for it. I have so much junk that I have become a junk collector.

I made a beautiful straw hat with colorful flowers for the door, perhaps I gave that away for a yard sale. Can't find it. Maybe that will be incentive enough to sift through the junk tomorrow? No need to rush, I've replaced that too! But it sure would be nice to have a change, if I could find it. Just can't remember where I put it, that is if I still have it.

And, there again, is the stuff the kids, who are no longer kids, have left behind. I guess I should not be so hard on myself. I have been recycling items for years and given so much away. The problem is just saying NO, giving things the heaveho and having the ambition to get going on it.

Savoring the Day

The sun is out, but I really should stay out of it today as I got more than my fill yesterday at the parade and South Charlton Reservoir, (previously referred to as the lake). We were in the sun all day. Tonight, the prediction is for more rain, thankfully, as I really need a break from all the gardening work.

The holiday's are wonderful, this was one of the busiest three-days of activities that I can remember in some time. Cooking and baking for two family pic-nics, shopping and planting both at home and at the church on Saturday and visiting the graves on Monday. Dinner and a concert, lunch at Dresser Hill on Saturday, and the parade on Monday. To top it all off, Thompson Speedway for a night of thrills and fireworks, last night. Except for Sunday's, early evening rain, which still allowed for grilling in between storms, the weather was perfect.

It has been our tradition for many years to attend the parade and review stands on Memorial Day. Steven has always been a part of it, initially in the high school band, and more recently for the the fire department. This year, he was wearing a white hat instead of a blue one. Lt. Steve was carrying the firemen's ax.

It is a day for honoring those who stand at the ready for us, and because of their duty have made this a better place. We are grateful for their service and can only say thank you, you are appreciated more than you'll ever know.

Your middle name is bravery and your courage goes before you and make us proud to know you. Those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, we pray that you will find eternal peace, we are grateful for your sacrifice. To all who served in this great nation, especially the veterans, we will never forget you, your honor, our flag and our country.

Activity in full swing

This is the time of year when there isn't a wasted moment, with parties and activities everywhere. Planting takes time and there are the pots to consider for the graves. Along with that are family gatherings, and tonight the races begin at Thompson Speedway. It's been a while since I've been and it's always a good time.

Last night we were at our favorite pub, 12 Crane Street, where after a good appetizer and dinner, we went to see the Flamingo's. A group of very talented men, who are known for their ability to sing Capella. Age has not affected their performance one bit. We got to hear the number that afforded them the Hall of Fame music award three times. A must see, if you haven't had the privilege yet.

Hopefully the nice weather will continue the rest of the day, first a pic-nic and then, the races. Tomorrow, parades and a cook-out at the lake with the family.

We are blessed to be certain with more than enough to do this time of the year, and hope your long weekend will be a wonderful start to a great summer ahead.

Flowers for the brave

Linda and I were buying flowers a short time ago and an elderly man who was in front of me at the register turned at said, "pray for our soldiers."

It occurred to me that he was probably in a war many years ago, but I was silent, knowing that if a complete stranger had gone out of his way to talk, then I would listen to what he had to say. He continued with, you know, prayers are heard. Yes, I believe they are I said. He continued that our men have it tough over there right now.

How true. How true it is that we still do not have peace on earth and good will toward men. Someday our prayers will be heard. It just was not meant to be like this. Memorial Day will be upon us soon. Parties are being planned. People will visit grave sights of loved ones and bring potted plants. My dad was a veteran and my first husband as well.

No one wants their little boys to grow up to be soldiers, not ever. Soldiers translate to courage for which we will be ever grateful. Facing the enemy, whether in combat or just having served during a time of war overseas, required all the strength these men could muster and we are the better for their service.

The acts of bravery are not all recorded but it goes without saying that "Thank You" will never be enough for what they did for their brother. I will stand and applaud your spirit and whether your still here or gone to your rest, remain eternally grateful remembering all you did for the cause of freedom. Freedom comes at a price.

The old man had a message for me. God hears prayers, so don't forget, they didn't. The world is a better place because these men had the courage to stand up to the enemy at all costs. I won't forget.

Dan's the Man

Sometimes it is fun to take the quiz on face book just to see what there reply will be. The one about how many children I would have and what they will be, amazingly turned out right. I have two boys. Now, they have a way you can retake the test to see if in fact, you would get a different answer. So, today I took the one that says the name of the man I will marry. Not once but three times. I also answered the questions differently each and every time. Yet, each and every time Dan is the man. I don't know anyone by that name.

The funny thing is that for the most part, they hit me pretty accurately. You wonder how they come up with questions that can apply so broadly to so many? The fact is, I don't care to publish all the findings. Interestingly enough, I did like the car they chose for me. A cute little thing for around town. I wonder if my husband would approval of it though? Looks like a very efficient automobile, small and easy to park. I don't like to speed so it is ideal for me.

They also got my political party right, which surprised me. The man's initial that I'm supposed to marry is "P," wrong, I'm married to a "J".

If your like me, I like to have fun, the sun has become so hot now, that I'm going to play on the computer, because I enjoy it so much. Gardening is something I do early. Today, I've already put in my Marigolds and some herbs. I bought a lovely Australian Impatiens plant. It will be fun to maintain my garden, while drinking coffee and getting slowly tanned each morning. I've created pockets of color all around my brickwork and iron trellises utilizing hugh pots in and around the red Barberry bushes. The rose bushes already have buds, imagine!

Now if I can just get along with the bees. Oh yea! they said I should live in the USA, that's funny, I think so too. And, in the Northern part where it is cold. That's real funny! So, I guess it's bloom where you are planted.

Wherever you are, I hope your enjoying life as much as I am here in my own little corner of the world. Did you ever see those little spirally things falling from the trees like helicopters? We called them noses when we were kids. In fact, we opened them up and they would stick to our nose. We were so silly then. I forgot about the noses until, lo and behold, there they are. Just like all the wonderful things that are coming forth from the ground, unexpectedly, along with the pollen.

So, drink it all in, for life is a constant miracle, you never know what joy is in store for you just around the corner, right where you are.