Categories
Snow Removal Clothing

Snow Removal Clothing

Mittens

I buy Thinsulate or another brand of insolated mittens. I wouldn’t say I like working with gloves, but I wear them occasionally. I buy waterproof mittens that are good to -25 below as they are handy when shoveling or blowing snow. You get what you pay for when it comes to mittens or gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry. I replace them about every four years as the lining tends not to warm your hand anymore after that length of time.

Warm Coat

I buy a coat with a hood on it, and that has an excellent heavy lining. I’m not fond of jackets as they do not keep you cozy and warm when you are out in the elements. I try to buy a coat with a metal zipper as they tend not to wear out. I have had nylon zippers wear out in three years, rendering the coat useless. I do not like down coats, as you tend to sweat a lot when you work in those. I buy a coat two sizes too big so I can wear a vest under it and any other clothing such as a T-shirt and a heavy flannel shirt.

Insulated Pants And Boots

I buy LL Beans insolated flannel blue jeans, which keep me cozy and warm. I also wear waterproof slip-over pants that I purchased from a farm store if I run the tractor or snowblower outdoors in – -20-degree weather. I buy waterproof-lined boats from a shoe store or farm store so my feet stay cozy and warm. I also wear -20 below wool thick socks to avoid frostbite on my toes.

Flannel Shirts And Heated Vest

I own a variety of different kinds of flannel shirts; some are thin, some are thick, and some are lined. I love a quality flannel shirt as it will withstand many washings; it looks new and wrinkle-free if you put it on air fluff in your clothes dryer and let it dry on a hanger. I purchased a heated vest last year that runs off a battery pack. That vest is a lifesaver as your inner-body core is nice and warm while you work out in the elements.

Covered Flannel Or Knit Head Hoods

I own a flannel hood that slips over my head so my eyes are visible. I love that head cover, as the cold snow does not get into your coat, and your face stays nice and warm. I also own two knit covers where your nose, mouth, and eyes are visible. They are like fancy full-head cover stocking hats. They pull over your neck, also. I stuff them into my jacket so all the snow stays out of my coat.

Coveralls And Snowmobile Suits

I used to own some heavy-lined coveralls, but I did not like them that much. They kept me warm but not warm enough to suit me. Snowmobile suits keep you very warm outdoors, and they are waterproof. I hope you stay cozy and warm while you are braving the elements.

Copyright 2024. Not to be reproduced in any form.

 

Categories
Life Has Lots Of Options

Life Has Lots Of Options

What Options Are You Using In Your Life?

Do you work hard for your money, or do you expect free handouts? I would rather work hard for my money than get free handouts. It is okay to ask for a handout if you work hard and still do not have enough money for food, a roof over your head, and other necessities. I have seen people at charities taking way more than they need. Only take what you need and leave enough for other people. If you have some addiction, such as a shopaholic, stop buying things that you do not need so you will have money for necessary items. One tenant told her landlord she could not pay her rent because she spent all her money on her daughter’s birthday party. Spend money first on bills, rent, utilities, food, and necessities, then you can spend what is left over on extra items. Think before you spend your money on things that are not necessary in life.

Education

Get a college degree if possible, as jobs such as technology will require a college degree due to all of the components and coding involved. Some people do fine without a college degree, and others barely make enough to live on. Overall, a person with a college degree makes more money, and with the cost of living, you must consider that for your and your children’s futures. Your dream job might become available just because you visited with the right person at the right time. Your education stays with you forever, and it will take you farther in life. You will have money to travel with, relax, and enjoy yourself in your old age.

Take The High Road In Life

Do not follow the herd, so to speak, because a stampede will eventually happen, and you do not want to be tied up in that. Just because your friends are doing something does not mean you must join them if you know it is wrong. Ask God for guidance when you don’t know which way to turn, for he will lead you back to the high road.

God And Church

It is essential to attend church services in person or online. By listening to your minister’s sermons, you understand the scriptures better. And how the Bible relates to today’s living. Being with like-minded people is good for your soul. Read daily devotions and think about how they apply to your day.

We Have All Kinds Of Options To Take Advantage Of Everyday

We choose what color we want to paint our living room, what kind of coffee we want to drink and go out to lunch with a friend. We may choose the color that we want our car to be. If we go to a pet store, we choose what kind of pet we want to care for until the pet dies. I hope you will be the person with a kind heart and soul that will help someone or talk to them if they are lonely. Do not just walk by people. Ask them how their day is going, and make their day brighter.

Copyright 2024    Not to be reproduced in any form.

Categories
Some Of My Favorite Coffee Places That Have Lunch

Some Of My Favorite Coffee Places That Have Lunch

Java 18

Java 18 is located on Hwy 18 in Garner, Iowa. Their coffee is excellent, and it is not overly strong. I love their lattes, blended drinks, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate. The staff is amiable and accommodating to your every need. I took several of their homemade pumpkin cream cheese muffins home after I had eaten part of one there. I love their breakfast egg sandwiches, which have ham or bacon in them, along with your choice of cheese and bread. Their sandwiches are large and come with homemade chips and a pickle. I generally share a sandwich with a friend. They serve breakfast sandwiches until closing. I had a large turkey sandwich loaded with sliced turkey, a slice of cheese, a tomato slice, and lettuce for lunch once.

Rustic Brew

Rustic Brew is located on Main St. in Hampton, Iowa. I meet the owner on the night before her opening. She was very nice, made two lattes for us, and bought them in our car when she found out we had driven there, especially for her coffee. She made time to welcome a new customer before she was officially open. I have been a regular customer since she opened ten years ago. She has homemade cookies that melt in your mouth. My friend had her Panni and homemade chips, and I had her homemade meatloaf, which was excellent. Her soup is nice and thick and is full of meat and vegetables. Last time, I had half a chicken salad sandwich on marble rye bread with homemade chips, a bowl of hamburger cheese soup, and a large mocha coffee. She is very generous with her servings and reasonably priced. When you finish your lunch, you can shop in the fine stores in Hampton, Iowa.

Block 10

Block 10 is located on Main Street in Sheffield, Iowa. I love the sandwiches and soups at Block 10. Their baked goods are delicious, and I especially love their chocolate eclairs and large muffins. I generally order a large latte and a sandwich. I love the old fireplace in the building and the old antique fire engine. They also serve ice cream and shakes. After one has lunch, there are many stores you can shop at.

Black Sheep Coffee Baa

Black Sheep Coffee Baa is located on Main Street in Greene, Iowa. I love their sandwiches and the lovely and tasty soups they serve. They had a fish soup on Friday that tasted amazing. The tomato bisque soup and the broccoli cheese soup are nice and thick. I love their wraps and their turkey sandwich. I love their almond sticks and generally take 8 of them home with me. I had one of her Danish rolls the other day, and it was perfect and moist, just the way I like it. I purchased a loaf of her sourdough bread, which I devoured quickly. She also sells a variety of homemade cookies and muffins. I want to shop at the hardware store in town. Support your small-town coffee shops, as their food is excellent.

Copyright 2024.   Not to be reproduced in any form.

 

Categories
Put Your Heart And Soul In It

Put Your Heart And Soul In It

Do Your Absolute Best

When someone tells you to put your heart and soul into it, you do everything possible to accomplish what they want. Do not do a task unless you can put your heart and soul into it. When I paint something, I ensure I have a clean surface so that all the old paint is scraped off. Color will not adhere right if the surface is dirty or not scraped correctly. There is no need to start a job and then stop because you did not want to do it in the first place. When I start something, I see it all the way through until it is completed promptly and to the best of my ability.

God Forgives Us For Our Sins

Jesus died on the cross so we would be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life. You cannot be forgiven for your sins unless you start with a clean surface. We are like painting a building. We must clean off our old surface and scrape off the old us if we are to repent for our sins and come back to God indeed. God knows if we put our heart and soul into our relationship with him. Be a blessing to people and uplift and comfort them in turbulent times.

Relationships With God, Friends, And Family

You must put your heart and soul into your relationships to make them work. Relationships grow over time, and they become dearer as time passes by. You will be left alone if you do not build on your relationships with others. You must tend to your garden, or your plants will die, and the weeds will flourish. It would be best to work on relationships; the excellent fruit or people will disappear, and the weeds will take over in your relationships. Be mindful of what you say and how you act around your friends, family, coworkers, etc. Work on your relationship with God daily and make it as strong as possible because you do not want the weed of the Devil in your life.

Be Kind, Caring, Giving, Faithful, And True To Others

Be kind to everyone you meet. Be faithful and true to God and others. Be a good Samaritan whenever and however you can. Help when help is needed. Give money to worthy causes or charities that will help enrich the lives of others. Share it with someone if you have extra food or anything of value. Help someone mow, weed, get groceries, and much more. Lend a hand or a listening ear. Care for people who are sick, tired, hungry, and oppressed. Put your heart and soul into everything you pursue; others will significantly thank you. I hope you put your heart and soul into everything that you do in your life. Praise God every day without ceasing.

Copyright 2024. Not to be reproduced in any form.

Categories
Exercise Keeps Your Body Going

Exercise Keeps Your Body Going

Exercise Helps Keep Your Joints Functioning Correctly

Walking is the best exercise, along with physical labor. I get a lot of exercise when I weed-whack around the trees and bushes at my place. I love to plant a garden, and gardening is an excellent form of exercise. Plus, you can eat fresh vegetables with rich nutrients that help keep your body in peak condition. If the weather is fit, you can also walk outdoors in winter. I have a treadmill with an orthopedic belt, which helps your feet and back as you walk or run away unwanted pounds. I love my electric bike as it assists you with pedaling and is a beautiful form of exercise. If you don’t use it, you lose it, as the old saying goes, which is true.

Exercising Your Mind

Get out and socialize with people often. Read books on subjects that you love. I love to read history books on the history of buildings and towns and ancient history. Games to play include crossword puzzles, word find puzzles, or just putting puzzles together. Get out an old math book from your past and see how long it takes you to solve the equation. Doing bookwork and adding up figures keeps your mind active. Read magazines, books, newspapers, and much more to keep your mind thinking about what you have read. If one stays actively involved in all areas of life, many problems will have to be solved, and decisions will have to be made quickly.

Pain And Exercise

If you have a lot of pain when exercising, take it slower and see if it helps; otherwise, consult your doctor before continuing your exercise regimen. If you cannot tolerate one kind of exercise, try a less aggressive exercise. There is plenty of good exercise that can be done while you sit in a chair. If your feet hurt when you exercise, try a different pair of shoes or put soft insoles in your shoes and see if that helps. Back pain can occur if you have done too much heavy lifting or lifted something incorrectly, or you may need a new bed if it is ten or more years old. I have gone to a chiropractor and gotten results. Consult your doctor if your back pain persists, as you may have a compressed spine or degenerated disk, such as no cartilage between the bones in the spine or your back is out of alignment.

Pain In Your Hands Or Joints

As we age, fingers are not as nimble as they used to be. Our hands may take a while to warm up, so we can sign our name to a document after being outdoors in the winter. Cold weather can make your hands look glued to the steering wheel. Wear thermal gloves that will help. Come indoors for a while and get defrosted. You can continue shoveling or moving snow with a tractor or truck after your hands have warmed back up. Wear wool socks on your feet and heavily insulated boots to keep your feet nice and toasty. Have lots of layers of clothing on.

Copyright 2024.    Not to be reproduced in any form.

Categories
Broken

Broken

Broken Items That You Ordered

I have ordered two new litter boxes, and each got broken in shipping. One man returned my money immediately after he talked to the shipper that damaged the item. The shipper would have never told him, except I kept asking when the litter box was coming. The company I  ordered the other litter box directly from, and the shipper delivered it to my door. The box looked bet up, but I did not see any damage on top of the box. When I opened the box and started to remove the plastic, it had a large fracture in the plastic globe on top of the unit. I ordered a new furnace that had been crushed to pieces by a forklift. Two different shippers and the company I ordered it from were involved. I had to get documents from them and copies of receipts before I finally got a full refund. I ordered new speakers for my old TV set, which did not work. Ebay is helping me get my money back since that seller will not work with me even though he admitted they had many issues with them. Never give up and get your money back, even though you may have to jump through many hoops. If they take advantage of customers, they will keep on doing so. Put an end to their devious ways and methods.

Broken In Many Different Ways

Your car could get in an accident, and you would not be able to use it anymore because it got damaged to a degree where it is unsafe to drive. A relationship could fail and leave you with a broken heart, which will take a long time to recover. If you have a horrible fall, you can end up with fractured bones that will take quite some time to heal, along with lots of physical therapy. A broken man is a man who has suffered more than he can bear. He has suffered emotional pain that has changed the way he lives and sees life, which is generally the result of a very unpleasant event to several events too close together. Broken agreements can be devastating. You should always have an agreement in writing to set it in stone. If an agreement is oral, it could be broken at any time, and you would not have any legal recourse whatsoever. Broken promises can hurt for a long time. If you were going to meet someone and they promised they would, and they did not show up, you wonder if you were the cause even though you are not.

We Are A Broken Society

We have sinned, and no one in this world is perfect without flaws. Jesus died for our sins so that we may be forgiven for our sins and live again after death. Church attendance is broken, as I remember years ago when my church was full of people worshipping God. The church had full pews, a balcony, and folding chairs in the aisles. Remember, God is your best friend, and he is there for you 24/7. Without God in your life, you are nothing. Go back to church or watch a sermon on Facebook. Honor God today and always.

Copyright 2023.    Not to be reproduced in any form.

Categories
Surgery And Your Feline Friend

Surgery And Your Feline Friend

Preparation

Please do not feed your cat after dark, as they will most likely have scheduled surgery early in the morning. Sanitize the area that your cat will be recovering in. Talk gently and tell your cat everything will be okay on the ride to your Vet, as they know you are worried about something. Clean the bedding for your cat, and ensure the area is warm enough, as they will be very cold after surgery. Check on your cat often. Ensure the wound has not opened, and they are not trying to remove their stitches or staples.

Place Your Cat In An Area Where Your Other Cats Cannot Hurt Them.

Put your cat in your bathroom, as they should not move around too much for at least two weeks after surgery and two weeks after having the stitches or staples removed. Keep the area quiet, warm, and an area where they can get plenty of rest to make a full recovery. Check on your cat often.

Pain Killer

My Vet used an ointment that goes back on their shoulders like flea medication with a four-day painkiller. I was glad he used that, as trying to give pain pills to your cat every day for a few days can be very challenging. They try to fight it tooth and nail.

Place Your Cat In A Clean Bed

Lay them carefully in the bed. Please do not leave a heated bed plugged in the first night after surgery, as it might burn their skin since they will not be able to move around for a while after surgery. Do not feed your cat yet, and have a tiny water dish out so if your cat passes out, they will not drown in the water dish. Food is not advisable yet as they might choke to death on it as they will not be fully alert until the next day.

Surgical Suit For Cats

They come in various sizes and colors. If your cat is persistently licking or trying to remove stitches or staples, buy one of these suits if your Vet thinks it will work for your cat. They also make a cone that fits around your cat’s head, which might help.

Do Not Hesitate To Call Your Vet If Something Does Not Seem Right With Your Cat After Surgery

If the incision is bleeding or smells terrible, your cat may need antibiotics for an infection. The wound should heal without a horrible smell or a lot of bleeding. Too much blood loss could kill your cat quickly. Call your Vet after-hours number if any unforeseen issues arise, such as your cat not walking right, breathing right, eating, using the litter box, or anything out of the norm. God bless you and your cat after surgery. May you have many more Happy and Healthy years together. I hope your cat has a full and speedy recovery and is his old self again.

Copyright 2023. Not to be reproduced in any form.

Categories
Difficult Cats

Gifts

Gifts For Babies

I like to give them baby clothes and baby toys. I provide the parents with a gift certificate so they can buy what they need for the newborn.

 Gifts For Young Children

Make sure you buy age-appropriate gifts. Never buy toys with parts that come off that a small one could shallow and possibly die from by doing so. Buy them a talking book so they can learn to read along with it. Buy small kids toys that they will learn something by playing with it. I would buy them books their Mother could read to them at night. As they got older, I purchased books I knew they were interested in, such as a book about horses. Kids like to play with toy cars, bouncing balls, and interactive toys. Stuffed animals are always a winner. I always preferred a stuffed toy cat. I loved playing with a spirograph that made drawings of circles in many different patterns. Toy ovens, soldiers, Tonka trucks, dolls, and more make good gifts. Try to learn what the child likes before buying a toy.

Buying A Gift For A Teenager

Buying gifts for teenagers can be very difficult. I would ask them what they might want. Gift certificates are your best choice so they can get what they want with them. Books are okay if they are on a subject that they like. I loved to read history books, and I still do today. Never buy clothes for a teenager since they are very fussy about what they will or will not wear. You could not go wrong with an Amazon gift certificate.

Buying Gifts For Adults

I think buying gifts for adults is the easiest. Buy a gift card to a local restaurant. If they are older, do not buy items that most people already have in their homes. Buy something everyone can use, such as a gas certificate, grocery store certificate, and many more. If the party you know lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, buy them toiletries, food snacks, candy bars, etc. Take them out to eat at a nice restaurant or take them on an outing, drive around, see the sights, and have a cup of Java.

Buying Gifts For The Pets

Pet owners constantly need new toys and beds for their pets as the toys can get chewed up quickly or lost. I like the latest GPS trackers that they sell for pets. Plush dog and cat beds are a must-have item. My cats love cat hammocks, and they do wear out after a while, so they will appreciate a new one now and then. Pets love food treats, particularly wet kinds of canned or foil-packed food.

General Gifts For Tenants, Workers And More

Please give them a gift certificate to show them you appreciate what they have done for you. Leave a gift for your mail carrier in your mailbox, or give the FedEx, UPS, and other delivery people a fancy candy bar or more, depending on your budget. Happy gift-giving.

Copyright 2023.    Not to be reproduced in any form.

 

Categories
Sharing Is Caring

Sharing Is Caring

Share Your Good Fortune With Others

If you excel at something, teach your knowledge in that area to others. Never hide your hidden talents. Teach what you know to others and help them excel. I once knew an older man who did not want to teach any of his abilities to others. He said he wished to die keeping his knowledge in that area to himself. I thought to myself, what a waste. If all of us felt like that, no one would learn anything. Books would have never been written as no one would have known how to write a book. If you have extra vegetables in your garden, share them with others that do not have vegetables to eat. Never leave food just lying on the ground rotting away when it could have fed many people. If you are blessed with monetary wealth, share it with those who need the bare essentials. Give your time to people and help them free of charge for one day of cleaning or shopping. Take time to visit with people, as we all like to talk with others. Please send a card or flowers to someone to help brighten their day.

If You Have Too Many Of Anything, Share It With Someone

If you have furniture you are not using, give it to a charity to sell. Sell your items at an auction and donate that money to your church. Donate extra clean coats, hats, mittens, tools, furniture, and more to worthy causes that help people regain their feet. Order a large pizza, bring it to a friend’s house, and share it with them. Buy some coffee or candy and share it with someone. Donate bedding, beds, cleaning supplies, and much more to a homeless shelter. We all have something we could part with that would help others, as no item is too small or too large.

Help People With Snow Or Lawn Needs And More

As we age, we need help removing snow and mowing our yards in the spring. We may need windows caulked or someone to help us with a leaky faucet. We might need someone to get something down from a high shelf. Many people cannot afford to pay $35.00 an hour for these services when they only make $5.00 an hour.

Stay Overnight With Someone That Just Got Out Of The Hospital

If you just had surgery and are not feeling well, you need someone to stay overnight with you. A good friend or family member should be able to stay overnight with you until you feel more stable from your surgery or illness. One should never charge for this; it should be a caring act of kindness from your heart. Share your walker or anything that they might be able to use with their recovery. Share a nice meal that you cooked with them. God loves people who share their bounty with others and do not hoard things themselves.

Copyright 2023. Not to be reproduced in any form.

Categories
Cats Christmas Presents That They Love

Cat Christmas Presents That They Love

New Cat Toys

I purchased some cat tooth-cleaning toys for my cats that are filled with catnip for my cats. The toy’s exterior has little spots that stick up, which will help clean their teeth when they chew on the toy. I gave it to my cats early; they love it and will have pearly whites for Christmas. I purchased more catnip mice, singing birds, balls, and crinkle toys. My carts next door use their exercise wheel, and I see cat prints on it, and some of them have shed those unwanted pounds. All cats seem to love the circle ball toy. They bat the ball around the circle for some time before they rest.

New Litter Boxes

I purchased two Famree litter boxes, and my cats love them. The litter boxes tell me the weights of my cats and how long they were in the litter box. The waste is easy to remove as the plastic bag fits on top of the unit, and you pull out the old bag and place a new bag in it. I found an Elspet on the internet that was marked down in price considerably. I hope my cats will like it. I have a LitterMaid box that has been working perfectly for at least eight years, along with a PetSafe one. I have a couple of litter robots that lasted four years before I had to have them rebuilt.

Heated  Cat Beds And Cozy Beds Cats

Cats love heated beds and nice, plush, cozy beds to curl up in as the weather gets cold. I like the round or rectangle-shaped beds that are extra plush for my cats as they seem to be their favorite ones to curl up in. When the weather is quite cold, my cats next door go into their little heated buildings and snuggle up together. I have a round plastic bed in my house that Conrad and Cali love to sleep in. Garfunkel prefers the cozy rectangle bed. My cats next door have heated windowsill beds and boxes with soft towels. I have purchased new towels for them and also a new heated little building.

Hammocks With Scratching Post

I ordered three of these, and they already use two. They love these as they can curl up in the hammock in a little ball. The hammocks have little balls that hang down that your cat can bat around for entertainment.

Cat Towers

Cats love cat towers. I love the tall ones, as my cats can look out of the windows at the birds and anything that piques their interest in the great outdoors. Most cat towers have hammocks, scratching posts, and an area they can hide in.

GPS Tracker

I purchased two of these to put on any cat that wants outside for a while. Your cat can take off running even if you are watching and hide from you; with the GPS device, you should be able to find him quickly, and he will be glad you did, and so will you.

Cat Food And Treats

Buy your cat some of his favorite wet food, some cat treats, and maybe a cat treat ball or two.

Cat Computer Games

I put a cat game on my smartphone, and Cali and Garfunkel kept touching the mice, and they would vanish until a new mouse appeared. Put that app on your phone, and your cats will have a Merry Christmas or Birthday and keep playing that game.

Copyright 2023.   Not to be reproduced in any form.

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