Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
These few pretty days that we have had has had me wanting to work in the yards a bit. I have been re-potting several things and cleaning up my potting table getting it ready for more flowers and herbs to sit on.
I just love these pretties. I have two planters attached to the two windows on my she-shed and I always have such good luck with these flowers. They seem to grow abundantly. So much that I actually had some in the winter months that didn't look half bad.
I absolutely adore asparagus ferns. I have several. I have a large one that sits in my yard in a bird bath and two that sit on the ledge of my carport. The one that sits in my bird bath was HUGE at one time and one of the hurricane's we had one season done some major damage to that beautiful fern. However, I manage to save some of that fern and re-potted and it has been beautiful once again. I use them for fillers in floral vases, decor and well, just to look at. They grow so easy and last forever. I have thinned them out on many occasions and re-potted for others to enjoy. *Tip* The larger your pot the bigger they grow.
I even got a batch of potatoes from the garden.
We planted some cucumbers, squash, peppers, tomatoes, and a few different kinds of flowers over the weekend. There is just something about this time of the year that makes me want to get my hands in that dirt. How about you? Do you have a garden? A veggie or flower garden? Do you enjoy working the garden? We have a veggie garden on a very small scale. Just enough to piddle in as my husband calls it. I like to harvest enough to share with my three daughters and put a little up in the freezer. But, my days of standing in the kitchen for days canning and freezing...well, let's just say it isn't priority for me. And, I could not not find my knee thingy when doing some weeding outside over the weekend and it liked to have killed me! My knees ain't like they used to be! I still have more planting to do. I love planting from seeds and though I have gotten a late start I do plan on tossing a few flower seeds in a few pots. My favorite spot at Walmart in the garden section is the clearance section. I LOVE finding something that has lost it's spunk and trying my best to bring new life to it. It's almost like a challenge for me or something. Ooh...that sounds like I might need to write a devotional on that subject...
I enjoy different kinds of herbs too and often cook with them. What are you planting in your garden this season?
So, once a month I would like to do a blog post called, "Girl Talk". Some of these posts may be things that other's have asked or conveyed as an interest. Some of you may be like me and are simply interested in what other's has to say on a particular subject. Sometimes the tips or advice from another is great. Sometimes, not so much. The good thing about advice is you can take it or leave it. The subjects may vary and I am up for you giving me next month's Girl Talk topic. Your name will not be posted unless you tell me that it's okay to post your name. If you have a subject that you would like to hear other's opinions on, simply chat about it, get ideas regardless of what that subject may be send it to creationsbycindy@nefcom.net. Ladies, it can be about finances, makeup tips, health, travel, depression, marriage, social media, gardening, Bible studies, or whatever. Girl talk can be anything we want it to be. There may be topics that do not interest you at all but then there may be a topic that you would love to participate in. NO, I am not doing a linky and you do NOT have to post this on your blog site for other's to participate in. I want this to be simple, fun, encouraging, eye opening, interesting, and maybe a way to sit down, grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy. I want to create a safe haven for us with our "Girl Talk". I also encourage you to reply to others that may participate if you feel led. That's what Girl Talk is all about....GIRLS TALKING! And, with all due respect I want to keep our conversations clean, healthy, respectful and I hope fruitful for us all. So our subject at hand for our first monthly "Girl Talk" post is...
DIETS! Oh my! Yeah, the first three letters of that word says it all huh? I couldn't believe how many "Diets" are out there to be honest. Oh my mercy!
Disclaimer: I am not being paid by any branding of diet that may be mentioned on the blog should I choose to speak of any said diets.I am not supporting or supporting any said diet that may be talked about on this post. I will only speak my opinion which by definition is "man's mere idea" and can only base my opinion on my personal thoughts and experience.
Is there a "diet" per say that you feel has helped you if it was needed? What worked and what didn't? Maybe there is something that you can share that can help another in some way. Maybe it's not a per say "Diet plan" but words that may carry way more meaning than a plan ever could....
Now let's share ladies and encourage one another shall we?
I hope that you all have a wonderfully blessed week and that our Lord will meet you right now, at this given time in your life, to give you what you need that only HE can give.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
P.S. Next months "Girl Talk" will be around May 27 so send me a few topics you'd like to see posted and I will pick one.
I love periwinkles, too, Cindy, and my asparagus ferns I've kept since last year, and even split some up. When it gets really cold, I put them in the garage.
ReplyDeleteAs far as diets, I have done the Zone Perfect diet for going on 20 years and have made it a life style. It's about watching your carbs, proteins, and fats, although I don't pay attention to fats. I eat about 21 grams of carbs per meal and around 30 grams of carbs per meal, and it seems to work for me. I also eat a chopped cabbage salad everyday at lunch, with meat, cheese, nuts, avocado, strawberries, and homemade balsamic dressing. I always have a dessert then, because of the salad. You know me and my desserts!! I chop the cabbage and put it in a covered glass container and it keeps all week.
I have been enjoying being outside and working in the dirt, too! Love and hugs to you, Cindy!
We didn't really have a lot of cold winter at all so mine outside done fine. Of course the one in the bird bath is under a tree and others on a covered ledge. Zone has been out for a long time too. I have a friend that made zone a lifestyle change many years ago and still does. I love salads with fruits and nuts and I love raspberry dressing on it. Now I am hungry for a salad. LOL! Thanks Kitty for sharing with us.
DeleteI love asparagus ferns too. Can you keep them outside all year round where you live? I haven't started doing too much gardening yet. My veggie patch looks overgrown with weeds!! I need to get on that soon but it's still a bit chilly here some days. Potatoes sound like a GREAT crop wow!!
ReplyDeleteHeather, I keep them all year round. They are easy to maintain too. Of course we did not have much of a winter but I have never had any problem with these ferns. That weed pulling is a pain in the back! LOL!
DeleteCindy, I have planted some tomatoes in buckets and a few banana peppers in buckets. I buy most of our veggies from a small little store not too far from us every year and they are fresh, right out of the garden. You always have done good with herbs. Me, I tried last summer and couldn't get anything to live! I need your herb love I guess. Connie Royals
ReplyDeleteI have got to grow more herbs too. I re-potted a few that I was about to loose due to me NOT taking care of them but they have come back to life! My rosemary has really bushed out. A few years ago I decided to stick them in the ground and they went to town on the growing. I need to harvest some of it but I love the smell. I have one granddaughter that loves to rub her hands in the bush and then smell her hands.
DeleteI have not been able to get outside to work in our flower beds yet. Our inside projects have consumed all of my time. My hope is to get out there in the next couple of week to start planting some flowers. We don't have room for a garden, but the hubster wants to put a few things in pots, so we will be doing that. I love the girl talk idea...such a great way to get to know others and share. I have found that diet plans don't really work for me. What works for me is watching my food intake by controlling portions, not depriving myself of the treats I enjoy and getting plenty of exercise. I also drink a lot of water. Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteMy tomatoes have always done well in pots Benita. Actually better than when I had them planted in the ground. I have a friend that lives about 35 miles from me that she doesn't have room outside for a garden per say but she has a back porch with quite a few pots and wooden boxes with her veggies in it and she does really well with it. She places some flowers here and there around her veggies and she loves it. Thank you for sharing about controlling portions and exercise. I love drinking water. Every now and then I add a little lemon for something different.I carry a bottle at night to go on my dresser in case I want some water during the middle of the night. My granny done that too so I am quite sure that began as a "copy my granny" but it soon became a lifestyle for me.
DeleteIt seems like we are on the same page about playing in the dirt! That's what I did all day on Thursday when I was off and again on Saturday. I guess you saw my dirty hands pic on Facebook...lol! I have a mission to rescue those clearance plants as well...only our Walmart is absolutely horrible about marking them too high! My favorite place to go is Lowe's and let me tell you I have gotten some real bargains...some for a buck or two! I will end up rescuing more, I have no doubt! Got me some maters planted and trying a few cucumbers this year for a change! I love your idea about having a "girl talk" series! Lord know we all love to talk! And in regard to today's subject...well, just let me say that it has taken almost 40 years for me to get rid of this weight...it's called the "sick pancreas diet"...I know, it's not funny. That has been the only plus side to this, however, I am able to eat and enjoy food again and refuse to gain any of the weight back. Thank the Lord that the steroids haven't put any weight back on me too!
ReplyDeleteOur Walmart doesn't start out with the best prices on the clearance rack of plants/flowers either. But if you keep watching they will go down. However, most often by the time they go down to the price I really want they are either TRULY DEAD or sitting in another's buggy! LOL! I asked Home Depot last year if they had this section and was told no. I will check out Lowe's next time I go. You had to loose the hard way my friend and I wish that on no one. Praise the Lord that the steroids has not caused you to gain weight. Most people it does. But if it meant helping me versus gaining weight I will have to opt for gaining weight part. So thankful you are doing well. Still wearing my bracelet! And just for the record...you look awesome and I know you feel so much better.
DeleteThree ugly words ~ diet, exercise or life style. I use to diet with no luck due to the health issues and battling to even cook meals that I needed to be eating. Exercise cause it makes my body hurt so much and life style change cause lets face it, thats a title do cover up the word diet! haha.....okay, so I am not much help on this girl talk thingy! I worked in the flowerbed a bit yesterday, planting seeds I had saved and put back from last yr. Still not feeling the ump I need to get a lot of things done. I have never waited this long to weed my flowerbeds or plant seeds. Plus, I am not even buying any flowers to plant out, sticking with what comes every yr.
ReplyDeletePam, you crack me up. I know that you struggle with ongoing health issues dear lady. When you don't feel good it's just hard to have the want too or the get up and go. The weather for us sorta caused my late getting to some garden needs. Cool nights there for a while and rain. But I did enjoy piddling with garden stuff though I thought for sure I would not get out of the bed the next morning. LOL!
DeleteHello Cindy, i always love reading your post. It brought me sunshine and warmth all the time. I cant wait to go home and experience gardening too. Have a lovely walk.
ReplyDeleteThanks lady. Speaking of sunshine and warmth it's a pretty day here in Florida. I wanted to sit out in the sun a little today but not happening doesn't look like. I hope you have a great week.
DeleteI love asparagus ferns too and have some gorgeous ones as well. And, we always have periwinkles, they love our Louisiana heat and sun. Cute idea on Girl Talk, I bet you will get some more than interesting topics. Happy week Cindy!
ReplyDeleteAsparagus ferns are my favorite. Always pretty to me. I snipped quite a bit a few years ago to use to decorate for a bridal shower and it sure makes for pretty little decor.
DeleteCindy I used to diet on and off all of my life but it never worked. Until I was diagnosed with diabetes last year and I stopped consuming sugar cold. Since then I've dropped 20 lbs without even trying. And I did it very slowly and painlessly. It was all a matter of making one lifestyle change. Now I am off the insulin and feeling like a kid again with tons of energy. I also got a job away from the computer screen that has me running up and down the aisles of a retail store. Oh to get paid to exercise. ;)
ReplyDeleteMary, that is wonderful news about your sugar. I have a friend that had problems with her sugar. Her Dr. told her that since it was caught early she more than likely could control her sugar without medication with a change in eating habits.She got under a nutritionist and lost 25 lbs and that was 8 years ago. She said she would never be skinny but she opted for healthy. She has kept her sugar intact. My grandfather was diagnosed as a diabetic late in life and first option was change in his eating habits. Until he died at age 88 he never had to take pills or shots for diabetics. So glad your sugar is under control Mary. What a praise.
DeleteSpring is one of my favorite times of the year simply because I get to play in the dirt! I’ve planted several natives in my flower gardens but the soil has been too cold to plant any veggies or seeds here yet. I have my tomato and pepper plants, though, our local FFA group and my Master Gardener group both had their plant sales so, I’m ‘hardening them off so be planted hopefully next week.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the diets go, I have to say I’m a fan of Weight Watchers (WW). I love fresh fruits and veggies and chicken and most all of these are highly encouraged. During the last year and a half, I’ve lost and kept off 15 lbs. and would like to lose another 5 lbs. or so. As an “almost 60 year old,” I don’t envision myself transforming into a tiny cute thing. It would be nice to get into size 12s again and just be healthy. I’ve dropped a size already and have retrained eating and cooking habits. This summer, I’ll work on the last leg. For me now, dieting is more of a change of lifestyle. Have a great week!!
Nothing like playing in the dirt! As my husband said once, there's something about the feel of the dirt on your hands and feet that makes you appreciate God's creation. True! Girl, you keep up the good work for a healthier you.I know you must feel better too. Girl, my days of being that tiny little thing is over but I do desire to be a healthier me and that's hard some days. Especially for someone that loves recce peanut butter cups! LOL! I know how the old WW used to be but have no clue how they do things now. But years ago I did learn that WW seemed to teach healthy eating and not a lets loose it fast and eat like a bird. That is my personal opinion. Cheering you on sweet friend.
DeleteHow great you are beginning to work outside in your garden and getting some flowers going. Your ferns are beautiful. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
Thanks Kris. I enjoy them. Matter of fact thinking about buying a few more to sit out by my pond. Thanks for coming by to visit Kris.
DeleteAs much as I love flowers, I have no passion for gardening, I don't like to dig in the dirt! I admire you for growing vegetables! I do like to keep fresh herbs growing, and tend to plant begonias because they are hardy and low maintenance! I think portion control and balance is the key, along with healthy choices, with a little nibble of chocolate!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Gotta have a little nibble of chocolate for sure Jenna! Chocolate solves world issues! LOL! Portion control is a huge aspect. I am not much at depriving myself, especially when it comes to recce peanut butter cups! But I have surely learned that I can't sit there and eat 6 of them! Ha! I like low maintenance anything girl.
DeleteCindy, we have common ground in our love of gardening. My flower garden is where I love to be, but it is back breaking work. Whole30 is a diet plan that we have used, it really cleanses the impurities from your body and takes away that bloated feeling. I highly recommend, you can research it on line.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Whole30. Maybe some of my readers would be interested in checking that out. Thanks for sharing Pam. I am wanting to plant some more peppers but our gardening space is small but as soon as we harvest the rest of the potatoes more peppers are going down. Especially some jalapeno's. We love them and nothing about the way I cook them is healthy! LOL! Lordy.....
DeleteI was watching a show yesterday that was telling about a new diet called the Miquito (spelling?) diet, and then we have a Keto diet...the best diet is a "noeato" diet. lol I love those flowers too, they are so easy to grow and so pretty to look at.
ReplyDeleteMiss Mary, I have laughed out loud! Ain't it the truth! Ha!
DeleteHey Cindy ... I love gardening too... and can relate to wanting to seed and probagate flowers and veggies ..Your impatients look so pert in happy in their little boxes( ha ha) ... We still in clean up stages here.. so I'm so happy that you have so many lovely photos for inspiration. .. as far as diets, the cabbage soup diet works best for me ...because I love soup... Other diets just frustrate me so I just eat less, more protein and veggies, cut put the breads. ... You're an inspiring ladies...Big Hugs
ReplyDeleteOoh I love soups too and all year round. And I love cabbage. About anyway that it is fixed. Speaking of seeds, I bought 4 packs of flower seeds and now I can't find them! GRR....bet I tossed those things right in the garbage that has been already been taken out. Oh well...guess that means I will go and buy more huh? LOL!
DeleteI don't have much of a green thumb so I'm always amazed when the plants in my tiny garden return after a long winter! Our spring weather hasn't been the greatest (cold and rainy), but the weeds manage to thrive.
ReplyDeleteThe Girl Talk is a fun idea. A few years ago, I had to go on a low-fat diet because of gallbladder problems. It was only for 5 months and I did lose some weight, but I was so miserable! I was happy when I can return to my regular diet. I'm a firm believer of enjoying food in moderation. I also need to be exercise more, but that's a different topic!
Weeds have no problem growing at my house Margie . Matter of fact if weeds could be sold , girl, I’d be rich ! I love what you said about enjoying food in moderation . I enjoy trying g different types of food . Exercise? Oh yes , another subject and one i need help with 😬
DeleteI love flowers and like to garden but can't work as long and hard as I've done in the past now. I plant a few annuals like pentas that attract butterflies and the rest of my plants are perennials that come up year after year. Weeds are my biggest problem.
ReplyDeleteGirl talk sounds nice. I enjoy tips about everything.
Those weeds sure seem to grow faster than anything Bonnie . I’ve seen pictures of your beautiful tablescapes outside around your pretty garden area . 😊 I’ve gotten some great tips from blogger friends over the years.
DeleteI get the urge to garden in spring and even though we have too much shade to grow decent vegetables I still try. Flowers are more forgiving and grow a bit too tall but they still bloom.
ReplyDeleteInteresting comments on weight and diets. I couldn't figure out why my middle was thicker even if I hadn't gained weight. Turns out I have shrunk 2 inches. Not good news.
I sure would have liked to have started a little sooner and especially when planting seeds but it didn’t happen . But, I’m still gonna toss a few seeds in some pots 😊 i have shrunk in height too . My gyno told me that the older we get we usually loose height 😞 I’m already short so that doesn’t give me much to look forward too . I’m already buying the petite pants that sometimes needs hemming 😬 well , at least we can roll our pants up now girl cause it’s in style .
DeleteBeautiful photos for de garden and wonderful pink flowers. Have a happy week. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra. Happy Hump day!
DeleteI'm new to your Girl Talk and I love the idea.
ReplyDeleteDiets? Well, I've tried them all or so I think. The one that I did very well on was, Whole Thirty. Eating whole foods for 30 days. I felt great and lost weight! I can do that diet for 30 days but then the hard part is keeping the weight off.
I also enjoy digging around in our garden.
Christine , just doing it once a month . Thanks for your input . You may be 2nd person to comment on whole 30 . Thanks for sharing . I know there’s several ladies enjoying the different names mentioned as they are searching for best options . I bet your garden is pretty too .😊
DeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and for your well wishes and prayers for my surgery which went well. I am home and doing okay. I can not take the Stronger meds that contain oxycodone for pain as they cause me to vomit so I am only taking Extra strength Tylenol and Tylenol #3 with codeine for pain. But I do know each day will be better. Diets and me have been the story of my whole life being that I was such a chubby kid....I a a stress eater too so I do hope to replace food with more exercise when i am stressed out now that my surgery is over....
Hugs,
Debbie
I’m so glad to hear from you and that surgery went well . I will pray for a total and quick recovery . As active as you are girl , i see a full recovery on its way .❤️
DeleteHello I love Your nice pictures. Hugs Nina
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Nina.
DeleteI love coming here to visit with you...you are always full of good ideas and some kind of mischief...good kind! I also planted some pretty little "vinca" flowers last week. I always thought they were periwinkles, but these are different colors, and I love their pretty little springy attitudes...they are growing nicely and they like my too sunny/hot western front yard. So that was my gardening experience. I don't do veggie gardens here because of the deer, rabbits and bears. We have a good vegie man at the flea market, so he makes it simple for us to have fresh vegies. Diet...I've never been a dieter because thankfully God has blessed me with a decent metabolism and I try to stay "active" as much as possible for my old age. However, my secret to dieting is that I don't drink SWEET tea, just plain iced tea w/no sweetener, I drink water the rest of the time...no soft drinks...and I eat very few sweets. I try to eat a salad every day, usually for lunch, and the rest of the time I just try to eat a well balanced diet. I do use real butter, and I like eggs a few mornings a week...but I have to watch my cholesterol, even tho I am on a statin. Mine seems to be genetic. Stay away from fatty and fried foods and sugar, (and I NEVER use artificial sweeteners). And take a walk every single day. That's all I know. Have a blessed day and thank you for making this a fun place to visit!!
ReplyDeleteYes those I have are Vinca's too. They grow so easy. Love them. Oh I do love a little mischief! LOL! A lot of stores now carry frozen, already shelled and shucked veggies too. Farmer's market is always a great place to go and get veggies. Speaking of tea. I have always loved sweet tea but some years back I got in the habit of drinking more water. I carry a bottle to my night stand at night. Sunday dinners and outings is about the only place I drink sweet tea. I take a statin at night but it's not for cholesterol. It is to keep that blood flowing good. When I had the little mini stroke specialist put me on it. We eat something fried one night a week and it's usually over the weekend. I much rather have broiled, baked or grilled. But every and then I sure have a hankering for fried chicken! And I get it! LOL! Been praying for you and your family. I know your brother is rejoicing in heaven.
DeleteAsparagus ferns are so lovely, I always had a preference to them, specially when we lived in a farm and planted my fav flowers and plants. We did veggies too, so much fun it was. Enjoy it sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteAround six years ago I lost 20 pounds kept them off around 13-14 of them, which is just fine. I stopped eating all CARBS and sweets; I only focused on Proteins only and I did better than any other diet I have gotten from professional nutritionists.
Now it's a way of life for me, but when I travel then I have desserts, bread or pasta, but not in a big way. That's all and I am very happy and all my clothes fit, even though I am not a skinny girl either.
Also, when I do want to cut 'completely' on something I offer it to God and it works wonders !
I've taken long in answering you, but we are moving my mother to a new apartment right in our building for which I feel very blessed !
Happy Mother's Day to you and all your lovely daughters.
Fabby
Thank you Fabby . I loved what you said about offering it to God .❤️
Deleteasparagus ferns are delicious and healthy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing beautiful photos