Author: Laura Weers

In All Things There Is Always Some Sunshine

In All Things There is Always Some Sunshine

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date October 25, 2024
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Even In The Darkest Of Days, You Can Find Some Sunshine

On a dreary morning, you may not have much ambition. I try to find an excellent book to read or do some household chores as doing something makes me feel much better. I may watch an old TV program from years ago. I may call my friends and visit them on the phone, as friends can make the darkest days bright by adding laughter and joy into your life. Never sit and let heartache and despair take over your day. Life is short, and live each day to its fullest potential. You cannot change certain situations in your life, but you can at least make them bearable. Sometimes, you have to be your cheerleader. Never let what someone may say to you define you as a person; if they say something to hurt you or bring you down. The person who will put you down has very low self-esteem, and trying to put you down boosts their low self-esteem. The person who would do this will never support you or be your friend, so walk away if you have lost anything. You will be blessed by many good friends who will stand by you and lift you to new heights on your darkest days. Keep these friends close to your heart; they will stick with you until the end.

Days When Things Seem To Go Wrong

We all have days when almost everything seems to go wrong. Think about all of the people who have helped you these days. One winter morning, I was stuck in the ditch, and about 5 of my neighbors had offered to help me. I thanked them and told them a tow truck was coming to pull me out of the ditch. As a child, I lost my billfold in a clothing store. I was sure I would never see it again, along with the money I had in it. Later that day, a woman in the store turned it into the main office, and I got it back and the money as I had my name in the billfold. There are many honest and decent people in the world. One day, my pet goat, cat, and dog had wandered onto the blacktop, and an older woman chased them back to my place with her car. I thanked her and was glad no one or animal was hurt. Naturally, the cat returned when it felt like it, as you cannot herd a cat.

God Brings Sunshine Into Your Life

If you are feeling down, pray to God for help and guidance in what you are going through or may be facing down the road. God will help you in ways that you may never have imagined possible. God will bring the right people into your life at the right time. You may make a new friend who is like a guardian angel. God can turn any day into sunshine, a day with friends, laughter, and love. God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Praise be to God.

Tags a new day has dawned, Inspirations with Laura, Rejoice

Vintage Toys

Why We Collect Old Toys That We Had When We Were Young

Perhaps the toys from our past remind us of our youth’s carefree and happy days. One day, I found a Doctor’s kit I had as a child at a rummage sale. It reminded me of when I used to play Doctor and write out prescriptions for pills to make my Grandmother well. Childhood treatments were always effective, and my Grandmother would put up with my pretend ailments and my prescriptions for her, which made her OK again. I always loved toy cap guns, so I purchased one at a rummage sale that somebody had hardly used. I also found a chicken that would lay eggs when you hit the egg on her stomach with a toy gun that shot out suction cup arrows. The vintage chicken toy looked brand new.

Sometimes, We Will Collect A Toy That We Wish We had As A Child

As a child, I always wanted a Lionel train, but I never had one, so I have some now. If we played with a toy at a friend’s house and loved it, that is why we might want a toy like that now in our older years. I never liked dolls and traditional girls’ toys; I always preferred the toys the boys played with. I loved to play marbles with the boys when I was in first through fifth grade. I loved to play baseball with boys at recess and catch the ball with my catcher’s mitt. I would dress up my cats in doll clothes, and they would sleep in a shoebox for one to two hours. Then, I would remove their doll dresses, and they would go back outdoors to catch mice and do their own thing. I thought it wasn’t brilliant to play with a plastic doll and pretend it was like a baby, as to me, it was just a piece of plastic. My cats were alive; I could easily pretend they were babies. I had stuffed animals of various kinds that I played with. One day, I found a stuffed toy dog I had fond memories of years ago. I purchased that old toy dog at a rummage sale as it looked clean and well-preserved.

Toys Bring Back Fond Memories From The Past

You may collect a toy car because you remember riding in one in childhood. My parents had a good-looking 1952 Chevy, and I liked riding in that car with them. I saw a car that looked very similar in color, and it was a 1952 and reasonably priced, so I purchased it. I used to have some toy steam engines, and it was fun to see them move and operate from the steam as they worked, just like the old steam engines they used on the farm and other places years ago. Toys remind us of the happiest times in our lives, the fun times and the beautiful memories of feeling safe and sound with our parents, and the fun family vacations that hold Dear memories in our hearts. Memory Lane is priceless as it is full of God’s blessings.

Tags Antiques, childhood toys, tips

Timing Is Everything

Be Patient And Wait Until The Time Is Right

Never talk to someone about an important matter when tired or worn out. Wait to speak to someone after they have had time to rest and relax. If worn out, they may be mad at you for no reason except they are plain worn out. If someone is wide awake and has plenty of rest, they will listen to you and be receptive and open to discussion on the matter at hand. Never buy a car until you have thought it over and can afford the car payments. Going into debt is never a good idea, as interest rates take forever to pay off, and you will probably pay for the car at least twice because of the exorbitant interest rates. Buying a house on time makes sense as you are not paying rent. You are making house payments, and you will own the house eventually. When starting in life, buy used as you do not have to have everything brand new. Save money for your old age as you will need a good amount to retire on and for the Nursing home eventually. Plan as timing is everything. If you put off things too long, you may not be able to do it in the future depending on your health or other things that may come up that you did not expect.

God Knows When The Timing Is Right For Us

God leads us on different paths in our lives at various times. He has things he wants us to do at certain times, and that is the path you are on at present. Some people are led on the path or mission God wants them to follow later in life. God knows when we can complete the path he has set out for us to accomplish. If we were younger, maybe he figured we did not know enough about the area he had planned for us. We may have many missions to complete on Earth before getting the ultimate mission God has always intended for us. God knows timing is everything and will never lead us on a mission we cannot complete without his guidance. We must always listen to what God calls us to do and be patient. Complete your mission with compassion, kindness, love, and understanding of other people’s feelings.

Golden Opportunity

If you see a golden opportunity, go for it and do not procrastinate; the next person may grab it immediately. Golden opportunities do not come along very often. If you have the money, health, and time to travel, do it now, as timing is everything. Do not wait until you retire, as your health could change quickly. If you are offered a dream job, take it and be happy. There is no use in working at a job that you dread as you do a disservice to yourself and others. Life is a golden opportunity as you can learn something new daily, enjoy other people’s company, and be out with Mother Nature. Remember, timing is everything; it has to be in the correct order and at the right time.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, timing matters, tips

Cats Love To Hide From You Now And Then

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date October 14, 2024
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I Think Some Of My Cats Get A Thrill When They See Me Calling And Looking For Them

Winchester loves to go outdoors occasionally, but the other day, he would not come when I looked and looked and called his name. He had watched me frantically looking for him the whole time, and he heard me calling his name, but he would not come to me. I think he wanted to see if I loved him and was also having fun watching me. I had a cat that would run when I was near him, ready to take him back into the house. He would finally give in and let me catch him. I had a purebred Siamese cat with all her claws; she knew how to defend herself against any attacker. We had to go to town one day for an appointment, and she would not come out from under a big evergreen tree. I told her it would rain and she would be soaking wet when we returned home, and she was, but she never tried that again. I looked for one of my cats; she had climbed high in the tree and would not come down. I returned to the house, and she was ready to come in.

Cats Who Do Not Want To See The Vet Or Want A Private Place To Sleep

Years ago, some of my outdoor cats would hide in another building if they thought it was time for their Vet visit. My housecats tend to hide if they think I will give them medicine. I have found them on a shelf, in a box, or behind the washing machine or drapes. My grandmother could not find her Siamese cat years ago. Her cat had gotten the lid off a shoebox and somehow got the lid back on with her in it. A woman who helped her with things found her cat as it was purring away inside the shoebox. I saw one of my housecats sound asleep in a Christmas decorations box. Once, the linen closet door was open, and my Siamese cat had fallen asleep on the nice, clean towels.

Dangerous Spots Where Cats Will Hide

Cats love to lay on warm car engines in the winter months, and depending on where the cat is resting on the motor, it could be killed when the car is started. Cats will also sleep on top of warm car tires; if they do not jump off, their nine lives will be over. Always look in buildings you hardly use to see if your cat might have snuck in the last time you entered, as they may starve to death if you do not find them in time. One cat jumped in a chest of drawers the day her owners were moving. They found her one week later still alive, luckily but much thinner. Cats are very clever and sometimes too clever for their own good. God bless our feline friends and let them live out their whole nine lives.

Tags Cat Antics

What's On Your Horizon?

What’s On Your Horizon?

A New Day

I look forward to a new day and to what it will bring. If yesterday was not a good day for you, do not assume that today will be like yesterday or that it will turn out like yesterday because that is your mindset. A new day is a day with no mistakes. Plan your day, relax, and enjoy yourself, and always reach out to someone and make their day a little brighter. Bring sunshine into the lives of those you meet on life’s Hi-Way. I love to work outdoors and enjoy nature at its best. Life has a lot of joyous adventures if you take the time to have a few adventures with those you hold dear.

The Horizon Holds Something Different For Everyone

Your age makes a difference in what the horizon may hold for you. As young people, we focus on college and a career, meeting the love of our lives, getting married, and having children and pets. Parents raise their children to the best of their abilities, hoping they will succeed and have a better life than they did. In your forties, you should have a job, family, or life that brings you happiness and joy. You will begin to slow down a little in your fifties, but that is OK. Life should not have quite as many things that need to get done. When you turn 60, you know that retirement will be coming soon, and hopefully, you have saved something for your Golden years. Relax, enjoy yourself, and do more things that bring joy to your life.

I Hope Travel is On Your Horizon

I have enjoyed almost every trip I have taken. The scenery was breathtaking, and the food from the different countries was delicious. Make sure travel is one thing on your horizon that you can look forward to. If you can only travel a short distance, plan out day trips, and I am sure you will enjoy yourself and have a wonderful time exploring and shopping.

Sickness

Do not let sickness define or empower you; you must empower your illness. All of us will get some sickness or disease that will slow us down somewhat. Do what you love doing, and never let anything break your stride in life. On down days, pray to the Lord to help lift you and get you back on the right track again.

Time To Move or Down Size

If you live in a huge home and are now an empty nester, you may want to downsize to a smaller home that is easier to maintain and clean. Our large homes may be too much for us to manage as we age. Depending on how we get along, we must decide whether to buy a smaller house, rent or go to assisted living. We do not like to leave our home of many years filled with happy memories everywhere we look, but it might eventually be a necessity on our horizon. Make sure that whatever area of your horizon you are in, you always look forward to a new day with joy, hope, love, peace, and laughter.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, positive thoughts, uncertainty

Household Projects To Get Done Before Winter

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date October 7, 2024
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Roof And Foundation Repair

It would be best to repair your roof before winter, as you do not want ice dams that will eventually leak into your home and cause costly repairs. Foundations settle and crack, allowing rodents and insects to enter your house quickly. Hire a professional to repair any cracks in your foundation. Your foundation may have to have braces put in so it will not continue to shift and cause larger cracks down the road. You may want to call a foundation repair company.

Caulking And Weather Striping

It is a good idea to check the caulk around your windows, as you will lose a lot of heat if it is dried up and falls out. I had new caulk put around all of my windows this spring. Ensure your weather striping is good, flexible, and tight around all your doors. Attaching a door sweep to the bottom of your doors is also a good idea, as that will keep out the draft.

Have Your Furnace Checked

At least have your furnace checked every two years to ensure that there are no cracks in the heat exchanger and that all the motors are quiet and functioning normally. Also, make sure the ignitor is in good shape, or your furnace may not start on a night with a blizzard. If you use propane tanks, ensure you have booked enough for the entire winter. It takes at least two months to get a new furnace, so plan early.

Make Sure Your Back Up Generators Are In Good Working Order

Start Your generators at least twice yearly and ensure the oil level is up. I always run them out of fuel when I store them. That way, you will not have stale fuel in them; they should take right off when needed.

Snowblowers

Start your snowblowers and make sure they purr like kittens. Most of the time, if you put a new spark plug in, it should take right off if it did not earlier. I add seafoam to the gas, keeping them operating with no troubles. If your snowblower was on its last peg last year, trade it off soon so you will be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

Appliances of All Types

Make sure all of your appliances are working smoothly. You do not want to have to move a new refrigerator into your house in the middle of the winter. The last time I purchased a new refrigerator, it took nine months. If your washing machine sounds like a trashing machine, replace it now.

Vehicles

Get your cars and trucks winterized and start shopping for new tires. Tire traction makes all the difference on ice. I like tires with good thread patterns to help you through the deepest snow. Make sure your car battery is at its peak performance, or some wintery night, your car may not start, and you will get very cold in a hurry. Have all of the necessary winter supplies in your vehicle, and you will be happy if you get stranded in the winter. Plan ahead this winter and stay safe and warm.

Tags household repairs, Maintenance, tips

Boredom

Waiting For Appointments

Waiting for appointments can get boring. After you have been using your phone to access social media platforms and cannot stand to look at the screen anymore, you may become bored and anxious. I hate waiting for trains. One time, I had to wait for a train for two hours because the other roads were closed for road construction, and there was no way to get around the train. One time, my family had a doctor’s appointment, and it took from 7 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon before we could finally see our Doctor. I am sure I read every magazine I could find in their waiting area. The Doctor had an emergency, but no one told us about it until we finally got in to see the Doctor. I waited one hour for three people to show up for an appointment, but no one showed. I was bored, angry, and frustrated over the matter. Airplane delays can be very annoying when all the vending machines are out of food in the wee hours of the morning, and the airport waiting area is dark.

Living In A Facility Without Any Activities That Interest You

You may have to attend their activities, but you are bored and silly, so you close your eyes and sit there, waiting for time to pass. They should ask people who live in facilities what their interests are so they would not have to be bored. We all have different things we love to do and enjoy, but that does not matter once you get into a facility anymore. You have to dance to the beat of their drum. In a person’s golden years, you should have choices and be able to do what you desire.

People Need Things To Stimulate Their Brain

You will become bored if you do not have people to visit and communicate with. Talking with people helps calm and relax the soul; without that, you are like a ship anchored in the Ocean. I have seen people placed in front of a TV all day while sleeping. It would be kinder to let them sleep in their bed. I would go mad if I had no one to talk to. Life-long learning classes are perfect for seniors as they stimulate their minds and make many friends there. If you love to travel, you will not be bored.

General Boredom

Some people love to sit and relax, and others find work in its self-relaxing. If I am bored, I will watch TV, read a book, work, or go to town and buy a little something to eat at a restaurant. I love to sit with my cats and watch them play with their cat toys. I love to blog about my cats and inspirationswithlaura. I am never bored if I am writing, with my friends, or with my feline friends. If you are bored, find something to lift your spirits. This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Tags boredom, lack of interest, tips

Cats And Fights

I Have Witnessed Cats Fighting With Various Kinds Of Animals Over The Years

Years ago, I had a female cat in a fit with a giant rat. The rat bit her on the face, and she healed up rather quickly. The worst fight was a female cat in a battle with a skunk as the skunk bit her face significantly. Luckily, I put salve on it, and it healed without too much of a scare. She had her rabies shots up to date since skunks are known to carry rabies. One of my house cats was in a fight with a bat. We installed new shingles on our house, and the bat got in that way. My cat was 15, but she wore out the bat, and I was able to get it outdoors. My poor cat was huffing and puffing toward the foot of my bed. One of my outdoor cats got in a fight with our dog. Our dog kept chasing him around the house, and then suddenly, he turned around midway and lunged at her nose with his claws fully extended. She never attacked any of our cats again.

Tom Cat Fights

Years ago, I had three Tom cat brothers who patrolled the farm. If a stray Tom dared show his face on our farm, the three brothers would gang up on him, and he would never return. One time, my housecat snuck out, and the three brothers went after him; luckily, he managed to wiggle himself deep into the bales of straw stored in that building, and he was delighted when I took him back into the house unscathed. Tom cat fights can be brutal as they bite the tips off their ears or leave terrible wounds or scares on each other.

Never Try To Separate Cats In A Fight

If you see outdoor cats fighting, don’t think you can separate them. You may be scratched or bitten and need to see your doctor for rabies shots. If you throw a bucket of water between them, one will run away, perhaps. Sometimes, if you have cat food, you can call them. They may forget about the fight and want to eat. If cats are in a battle for their territory, they will fight until one is the victor. Cats do not back down easily.

Female Cat Fights

One time, my purebred Siamese cat went outdoors and beat up one of my outdoor female cats. My Siamese was a nasty fighter, and I felt so sorry for my outdoor female cat. Siamese cats think they rule over all other cats. Female cats do not fight nearly as much as the males do. They fight mainly to ward off Toms and protect their kittens.

Treating Your Injured Cat

If the wound is not too bad and the rabies shots are up to date, you can put an ointment on it for cats, and it should heal up fine. If it is a deep wound, take your cat to your Vet ASAP. If it smells or looks terrible, seek the help of your Vet. I hope your cats do not get into any nasty catfights.

Tags Cat Emergency, Cat Fights, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

Mind Set

If You Think You Are Beaten, You Most Certainly Will Be

Your mind is mighty, and with the wrong mindset, you will not be able to achieve your goals in life. If you believe someone who tells you you will never succeed in life, you will not. You must believe in yourself and strive to do your best every day. If you are in a race and are short with all tall racers, do not think you cannot win as some may be overweight, have flat feet, and not be as determined as you are to win the race or to be sure of themselves for their good. Keep pushing forward in life even if the odds are against you, and never have an attitude that I am beaten before you even try, as it is all in a person’s state of mind. Push yourself to the limit and be committed to what you want to get done, and you can take it to the finish line. If you are waiting for a job interview and you see 100 people in front of you, do not leave and think you will never get that job, as you may be the exact person they are looking for to fill that position. A positive mindset makes all the difference in the world. You must be like the little engine that said I think I can, I think I can. Never tell yourself I won’t be able to complete the tasks at hand. Think of everything you want to accomplish as if you were a gladiator fighting a giant Lion with a mighty sword, and you took down the Lion.

God Wants You To Have A Positive Mindset

Be a cheerleader for people and praise them for their accomplishments in life. Never be jealous; you do not know what they have endured to get there. If you had followed their path, you would want to be praised for your accomplishment. Always put the shoe on the other foot before you open your mouth. Nothing is generally handed to people on a silver platter. They have worked hard and earnestly. Never be afraid to get your hands dirty when working various jobs such as farming, renting property, pottery, mechanics, etc. God wants us to be good shepherds and help people in multiple ways so that they will be happy and healthy and they, too, will serve the Lord. Attending church puts you in a positive mindset as you gain a stronger connection to God by attending church with like-minded people who live by God’s teachings. A group of people praying for you has more effect than just one person. Attend Bible study groups, read daily devotions, read inspirational items, help missions, volunteer, and help in your community and abroad. God has a positive mindset, as he always sees the glass half full and not half empty when it comes to us. God gives us a second chance in life as we all have sinned, and he forgives us for our sins if we repent from them.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, You Can Achieve Your Goals With The Right Attitude

Household Appliances Upkeep

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date September 23, 2024
No Comments on Household Appliances Upkeep

Small Appliances

I regularly empty my toaster’s crumbs and check the elements to ensure they are intact. Also, check all your appliances’ cords to avoid fraying. I take my blender apart and ensure the blades are clean and move freely. Check your mixers to make sure the whips are not bent and that they are operating correctly. If you have older toaster ovens, ensure they are heating to the proper temperature. They may be heating too high; if they are, it is time for a new one.

Washing Machines And Clothes Dryers

Please do not overload your washing machine, as this will make it wear out much faster and may damage the agitator and the gasket. Clean your washing machine with a cleaner to remove all the gunk and grime that collects inside and outside the drum. If you start getting oil on your clothes, the seal and gasket have failed, and you might as well buy a new washing machine. You must remove the lint after each use with clothes dryers if you want them to operate efficiently. Never overload your clothes dryer as it will run too long and may overheat. Ensure the outside vent is clean, as many clothes dryer fires start because the lint catches on fire, and no air can circulate with a plugged vent. Clothes dryers tend to last a long time with maybe only a new belt around the drum or a new ignitor in gas dryers.

Refrigerators And Freezers

Do not overload your refrigerator or freezer, as air needs to circulate freely to keep everything cool. Do not place significant things next to the door, as they may fall, and you will come home to an open appliance door and lots of spoiled food. If your appliance needs R134a, you might as well buy a new one, as your bill will be at least $400.00 for the appliance coolant. Keep the air vents clear in the freezer section of your refrigerator so air can circulate freely and your refrigerator will last much longer. You may need a new seal on your appliance if the old one becomes dry and brittle.

Dehumidifiers

Clean out all the vents on your dehumidifiers, as they will run more efficiently and last much longer. Ensure you buy a dehumidifier large enough for your house; if you do not, it will run and run and probably overheat. If it runs out of coolant or needs a new fan motor, buy a new one, which will be cheaper in the long run.

Air Purifiers

When your air purifier’s filters need to be cleaned, do it immediately. This will make your air purifier work correctly and efficiently. I had to oil the cylinder in mine, and then it was quiet as a church mouse. Remember to replace the charcoal filters when necessary.

Portable ACs

Always clean the vents of your portable ACs and make sure the drain is clear. When storing them, ensure all the water is out so mold will not grow in them the next time you need them. Always plug them directly into your socket, and do not use an extension cord or a surge strip.

Tags appliances big and small, Cleaning, Repairs