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Make Time For You

Make Time For You

Take Time To Reflect On How God Has Helped You

Think of how many times you might have died if God had not intervened in some way. Perhaps you called a friend right before they turned their phone off, and another friend took you to the hospital. Also, think about the fact that God sends the right people into your life at the right time so that you get diagnosed correctly and end up with a team of doctors who can save your life. I once hit a high wire with a paint scraper, but luckily I used one that day with a plastic handle because I could not find my old one with the wooden handle. God will help you get on the right path in life to achieve your goals if they are worthy goals that will support and educate others in some way.

Have A Day With Your Phone Off And Talk To No  One

You will be surprised how relaxing it is to talk to no one and catch up on things on your to-do list. One does not need to be distracted by constant pop-up ads and scammers. You do not have to respond to emails, and you can read, relax, and take an afternoon nap with no distractions whatsoever. I do not like it if I am in the middle of something and someone calls me. I have to give one of my cats a treatment for her kidneys, and if someone calls me, then I get angry as my cat takes off and I have to try to catch her again. We need a day now and then with no distractions.

 

Go For A Relaxing Bike Ride

Everyone should have a day when they listen to the sounds of nature and watch God’s creatures frolicking around in the great outdoors. I love going for a bike ride as it is a good way to burn off unwanted calories and build up your leg muscles. One day, I had a wonderful visit with one of my neighbors, who was out riding his bike as well.

Always Take Time For You

We help others out when we can. We may volunteer or provide car rides for people. If we wear ourselves thin, we will be no good to anyone, not even ourselves. If I get too worn out, I generally get sick, which is bad. If you don’t take time to relax after you have worked hard, you will pay the price down the road. A worn-out body cannot function eventually, and you could end up in the hospital. Do not let people goad you into doing more than you can. People will lay the guilt trip on you, such as you don’t know what you can do until you try. People have no idea whatsoever of your health; only you know that, so tell them no firmly, no matter how much they hem and haw. Relax and enjoy your life, as life is short.

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Fuzzy Cats

Fuzzy Cats

Cat Litter

Cats can be very particular about their cat litter. Some cats prefer a specific brand of litter. One of my cats did not like scented cat litter because he had allergies to it, which made him sneeze when he used the litterbox. Never put out a new cat litter without having your old brand in one of your litter boxes, as it will help prevent accidents if they do not like the new litter. Some cat litters clump, and others do not. My cats prefer the clumping kind. You can change your cat’s litter often, as cats do not like to use a dirty litter box.

Cat Food

Cats get used to a particular brand of food, and cats do not like changes. If you need to change your cat’s food brand, put out one bowl with the new food and leave the old brand in the other bowl. Please don’t hesitate to let me know. Your cat’s stomach may not be able to handle the new brand of cat food. You may have to stick with your old brand, but you could try switching to a different variety or flavor, perhaps.

Cat Toys

Cats can be very fussy about which toys they like to play with. I cannot go wrong with catnip mice, as my cats always love playing with them. Singing cat toy birds always seem to be a winner. From my experience, my cats never seem to like the pop-up ad cat toys. My cats may look at them for one day, and then they ignore them altogether. Cats do not like large toys; they want ones that are easy to carry around. Never buy the cheapest cat toys, as they can fall apart quickly, and your cat could ingest part of the toy and perhaps die.

Cat Relationships

Your cat will remember you forever if they have been around you for at least 3 months. Male kittens will have a close bond with their Mother forever if they are not separated from her. Introduce new cats to your household slowly and behind a closed door to begin with. They will be able to smell each other from under the door. Cats can become friends with dogs, birds, goats, other cats, squirrels, rabbits, and other creatures. Once in a while, even your well-mannered cat will disagree with another cat in your household over attention, as cats are very jealous creatures indeed. Cats will mourn the loss of a cat friend or other animal friend. Cats will mourn the loss of their human caregiver for a very long time. Our cats have mourned the deaths of family members over the years. They tend to isolate themselves more and eat less. Cats have been known to travel to the cemetery where their owner is buried and lie at their grave site.

If Your Cat Is Fuzzy, There’s A Reason For It

It is your job as a cat owner to figure out why your cat is fuzzy. Your cat might not be feeling well, which is why he is so moody and out of sorts—your cat tries to communicate with you to the best of his ability. Cats let you know if they do not like their food, kitty litter, or a new person in your home, etc.

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Coffee And Food

Coffee And Food

Coffee That Impresses Me

I like a mild-tasting coffee. I do not want a robust or overly strong coffee. I once tried a coffee that had a hint of chocolate, and it was a perfect combination of flavors. When I ask my barista to put a lot of froth on my cappuccino, I expect a lot of froth.  Several times over the years, I asked for a lot of froth, but my cappuccino had only two teaspoons, which was very disappointing. Once a barista asked me if I knew what a cappuccino was, I replied yes, as I had had several in Italy. The funniest experience was when a barista made a cappuccino with dry coffee cream. The capouichino was undrinkable, so we asked for our money back. Once I ordered a latte in France,  I got one cup of hot tea and one cup of hot coffee. I could see how she thought I had ordered tea, but I could not figure out why she bought out a cup of coffee as well. I ordered a hot latte on a cold winter’s day, and my barista brought out a Frappee. I drank it and said, ” Can I please have a hot latte now. I want a barista who is fully trained and knows what she is doing, as that makes for the perfect coffee drink. I prefer coffee shops that sell food along with their coffee. Coffee shops should be clean, and you should be able to hear each other while you visit. If they play music, I want it playing softly in the background.

Restaurants And Food

I have ordered food at a restaurant where the soup was almost cold, and blood was running out of the steak. I told our waitress to reheat the soup and bake the steak until it was well done. One time, I went to a restaurant, and they had run out of almost everything on the menu. I ended up ordering a salad. I want a restaurant with a pleasing ambiance, and I like one where I can watch them preparing the food. It’s nice to go to a restaurant and have them remember what you want to order. It is nice when the waitress brings out fresh water and more bread without having to ask. I have eaten at five-star restaurants while traveling, and that is indeed a wonderful experience. The waiter comes to your table and asks if you need anything else, offering more coffee or hordevers. I have ordered duck, lamb, oysters, Virginia ham, and other remarkable, mouthwatering foods over the years. Eating on the French Riviera was one of my favorite places to eat. How the meal is prepared and presented at the table tells you in advance if the food will be good or bad. Treat yourself while on vacation, as memories last forever and other things fade away over time. You only go around once, so make the moments memorable.

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Cat Food Over The years

Cat Food Over The Years

Feeding Outdoor Cats

Our outdoor cats have eaten a variety of cat food brands over the years. We started out feeding our cats  Friskies dry cat food. We then switched to Purina cat food, and our cats seem to do much better on it. They seemed to gain more weight and did not get runny eyes or respiratory illnesses as often as those on the Purina brand. Our cats loved Meow Mix, which a Vet told me to buy for them.

Co-op Brand Cat Food

I would go to different co-ops in the area and try their cat foods. I found several other brands that they loved and thrived on. I saw Kent’s  dry cat food, which was their favorite by far. I could not find it for an extended period, and I finally located some in a small town not too far away. Our local grocery store carried it for some time. I purchased the more expensive one, and pir cats loved it. I hope I can find Kent cat food again. I found Kent cat food @chewy.com.

Specialty Pet Foods

I have found some specialty cat foods that cats absolutely love and others that you end up throwing in the field as fertilizer. I found one flavored with catnip, and that was definitely a winner. I am feeding my indoor cats a specialty cat food now, and then, as a snack, it is pure freeze-dried turkey with no by-products or fillers.

Cat Food My  Cats Will Not Eat

If a cat food has a lot of ash or byproducts, my cats will try one piece and then never go near it again. Cats seem to instinctively know if a cat food is good for them right away. My cats hate the Hills Science Diet brand dry cat food and some of the more expensive dry cat foods.

Ace Hardware Cat Food

My cats like a brand that they carry at Ace Hardware that has Venison in it. I buy that once a year as it is expensive. I buy it when it is on sale, or I use my reward points to buy it.

Hartz Squeezes Ups Delectables

My three indoor cats love the chicken-flavored ones, and my cats next door like the fish-flavored ones. Hartz squeeze-ups are made from real meat products with no byproducts or fillers, making them a healthy snack for all your dear Feline friends.

Online Feed Stores

I purchased some cat food from an online feed store until they started a separate cat food business, and you had to join a club and promise to order a certain amount. Cats can get finicky all of a sudden, so I did not join the club.

Purina Indoor Weight Loss Formula Cat Food

My cat Faith, in the house next door, will tear the weight-loss formula cat food bags with her claws if she feels everyone needs more food. She has precision cutting skills with those claws, and she is very determined, no matter what I try to do to stop her from getting at the unopened bags of gold in her mind.

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How To Fix Old Items

How To Fix Old Items

Fixing Clocks

If you have an old clock that stopped working and you know which part is bad, buy another clock on eBay and make sure that part is good before you buy it from the seller. I purchased an alarm clock like mine that had a broken crystal. All I needed was the main spring, and I had my old alarm clock up and running again. My works had worn out on my Grandfather’s clock, so my clock guy ordered new clockworks for it. If you have bent or broken hands on your clock, order some from a clock catalog or eBay. I purchased a mantel clock with a beautiful case, but the movement was faulty. I ordered the parts it needed on eBay, and it keeps perfect time.

Appliances

I purchased another used refrigerator, but it had the part I needed to fix mine, which I had in storage, and now mine works well. The one I purchased had a bad seal, but the part I needed was in good shape. Always try to find a bargain on an old appliance that has the parts you need to fix yours, no matter what kind of appliance it may be.

Autoparts

Try to go to a junk yard and get the parts you need for your vehicle. I once got a battery that was only 6 months old because the car had been totaled. I have found wheels, tires, a hood spring, and more at junkyards.

Fixing My Bike

I had ordered my bike online, and one of the nuts fell off the left side. I finally found out why a new nut wouldn’t work for it: it had left-handed threads. It took me quite a while on eBay to find a left-handed nut that size, but I finally did, and I got the last box they had, or my bike would have been junk, as no one else had any.

Restore

We have a restore not far from where we live. I have found light fixtures, toilets, hammers, gas cans, office chairs, paint, and other parts for fixing minor home repairs. I found towel bars, light bulbs, electrical parts, a nice ceiling fan, and an old clock. If you need old doors or windows to match those in your old home, go to a restore. The money goes to Habitat for Humanity.

Old Item Repair In General

Look high and low for the parts you need, and you will be happy you did. I like things to look like they did when they were new. Persistence pays when you want something to look original. If you do not know where to look for what you need, ask people or ask Google. I do not like to throw away an old, favorite item, because you will never be able to buy a new one as good as your old one. Originality is essential to me, as you keep the integrity and quality of the item intact by replacing it as it was in the beginning. Keep looking for the old parts you need, and you will be happy you did for many years to come.

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God And Your Life

God And Your Life

Your Most Important Relationship Is With God

God is your constant teacher and cheerleader in life. Without God in your life, you are like a ship adrift in a big, vast ocean. God helps you navigate all obstacles in life. It may take a lot of time for your prayers to be answered, but they will be answered when God knows you are ready to receive them. God will help you whenever he can. Nature is unpredictable, and storms and fires will happen, as that is just part of nature. God has helped me through many storms in my life. I have been blessed to have the right people in my life at the right time.

God Helps Make My Life Brighter

God adds sunshine to your life even on the darkest and dreariest of days. I have seen Cardinals singing in trees on a day when I  needed cheering up. I am sure that one of God’s angels had something to do with me seeing a Cardinal singing up high in a tree on that particular day. I enjoy riding my bike, listening to frogs croaking in the morning, and seeing a big buck run through our yard. I love the fresh morning air and the smell of fresh-cut alfalfa and freshly plowed soil.

God And Your Friends

God puts friends in your life that will add laughter and years to your life. God knows that your friends will be an extension of his love sent to you. God knows who your friends will be in life, as he has helped pick them out for you. Sometimes the wrong friends may be picked, but God will let you see what is truly in their hearts when he knows you can handle it. Remember, when one door closes in your life, another one will open eventually. All of us want a forever friend that will be by our side when we take our last breath on earth. No one wants a rainy-day friend; all of us want a friend who is like a solid tree with roots that run deep with kindness and compassion. God has more love and compassion for us than we can imagine. He gave his life, the ultimate gift for our souls to live on forever, when he died on the cross for our sins.

God Never Fails

God knows what we will do with our lives the minute we are born. Some of us may drift away, and he will try to direct us back to him again. God forgives us many times, and hopefully,   we learn from our mistakes and never repeat them. No one on earth is perfect, as we all fall short. We should try to be more like God and bring joy, love, Peace, and hope into people’s lives. Be kind, considerate, and compassionate, and try to lift people. Give someone a special treat, take a meal to someone. Be one of God’s shepherds. God bless everyone with love, kindness, and the joy that God brings to everyone who believes in him.

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What I Like To Do On A Cold Winters Day

What I Like To Do On A Cold Winters Day

House Cleaning

Over the past several days, I have cleaned out all of the kitchen cupboards and drawers and put fresh paper in them. I cleaned out the corner china hutch and washed everything in it with dish soap and water. I took down all of the curtains in the bedrooms and washed them. I hung up the curtains wet, and by the time they are dry, there are no wrinkles in them. I took all the books out of the bookcase, dusted them, and placed them back on their shelves. It is a wonderful feeling when you get a room completely clean. I find winter a perfect time for cleaning, as there are no outdoor chores to do as there are in spring, summer, and fall.

Weeding Out Clutter

If you have not used something for one to five years, your chance of ever using it again is slim to none. Getting rid of old paperwork makes room for paperwork that you do need. Make sure you clean out those catch-all drawers or other places that seem to collect too much stuff. If you keep looking at the same old clothes in your closet and do not wear them, give them to someone who could. There are lots of used clothing stores that benefit many people in your area.

Curling Up With A Good Book

I love reading history books, devotional books, magazines, biographies, and more. I love reading a book that keeps you enthralled so you do not want to set it down. I do not like fiction books, as I want to learn about something that actually happened.

Talking On The Phone

I love visiting with people and carrying on an actual conversation with them. I do text, but  I prefer to talk to a human being. I do not like trying to get a robot to understand what I need help with, as most of the time it seems to be impossible. Once I get a human on the phone, the problem gets resolved ASAP.

Writing A Blog Post

I love to write a blog post on a cold and blustery day. Writing relaxes one, and it is a great way to share your ideas and knowledge with others across the World. I love writing about my cats, travel, and inspirationswithlaura. My experience with cats will also help others who have and love cats. All of us need something that positively inspires us, and I hope my inspirationswithlaura inspires others to grow closer to God and be good shepherds. I love sharing my travel adventures with you so you can experience the joys of traveling, such as exploring new areas, eating new foods, and learning a lot about the area’s history. Keep your mind and heart open to learning something new every day. I hope you will find things that you enjoy doing in the cold winter months that will warm your spirit and soul.

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Life Has Its Ups And Downs

Life Has Its Ups And Downs

Smooth Sailing

When things are going our way and we are feeling well, we may forget to thank God for our many blessings. We should never get so comfortable in life that we forget to thank God for what he has done for us, helping us have a happy life. We should not become complacent and think things will be fine without thanking God every day for our home, family, health, happiness, and what he provides for us. Not all days will have sunny skies. Some days will bring rain, but that is a blessing as it helps crops, trees, and vegetables grow that sustain us. Blizzards are common in the winter months, and the melted snow helps replenish the soil’s moisture for next year’s crops. All things have a purpose and season in life, and it is our job to see the purpose in what goes on in our lives. We can help each other when the storms of life get turbulent and seem out of our control. Always remember that God knows what you are going through, and you are never truly alone in life.

Travel

I love to travel, see new places, and experience new things. I love eating the various foods that each country specializes in. I love Greek baklava, Italian pizza, and many more mouthwatering foods. Travel delays are never fun, but try to make the best of them. If you have to stay an extra night in a town, go to a concert or play and have a wonderful experience that will stay with you forever. Go to some of the stores in town, and I guarantee you will find a treasure to take home.

Life Can Be Full of Fun Surprises

Life has a new adventure every day. We should never waste a day; we should make it count. Reading is a good pastime in the winter months. I like to read devotions and see how they apply to my day. Call someone on the phone and have a pleasant visit with them instead of texting. The human voice can be very soothing and healing if it is the voice of someone who truly cares about you and loves you. Have a spontaneous day with a friend where you don’t really have any plans, and I am sure you will have a very memorable day. You may discover a new restaurant, bakery, or coffee shop that you want to return to later. I got stuck in an Amish driveway one winter, and he put hot ashes under my tires, and I got unstuck right away. He was very friendly and kind, and I still go there to buy eggs, baked goods, and more.

Life Will Have Ups And Downs.

How we handle ups and downs is up to us. We must not let the down times keep us down, as there will always be blue skies again after the storms. God helps us weather storms, as all we have to do is pray to God without ceasing, on our journey through life. God heals us; we are all God’s messengers; and he cares for all of his flock.

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Snow Removal Tips

Snow Removal Tips

Pace Yourself

If you are shoveling snow, you should pace yourself and rest in between if you feel exhausted. You may suffer from a stroke or a massive heart attack. Going at things too quickly in cold temperatures can be disastrous soon. Slow and steady gets the job done.

Snowblower

I like electric-start snowblowers because you do not have to struggle in the cold weather to get them started. I like Simplicity and Toro snowblowers. A small snowblower by your house is perfect for clearing snow from your deck or driveway. If you have a large area to clean with a snowblower, buy one with an auger and plenty of power to get through those high snow drifts.

Tractor With A Bucket

If you have a small utility tractor with a bucket, make sure it has 4-wheel drive so it can easily get through deep snow drifts. Make sure your battery is in good working order before winter so it starts when you need it most. Cabs are nice, as you will be warm and cozy. If you do not have a cab, dress in layers for extra warmth.

ATV With A Blade

I like an ATV with a snow blade because it maneuvers easily in most areas and has a lot of power. I put a little heater in the cab of our ATV, and it keeps it warm and cozy. I also have a windshield wiper and antifreeze to keep the cab window clean.

Pickup With A Snowblade

I love to drive our Four Wheel Drive pickup that has a snow blade. The cab is extra warm, and it clears the snow easily. You can buy a blade at least as wide as your pickup, or you will get stuck. Make sure you have outstanding-quality deep-thread snow tires on your pickup, as you will get stuck easily with ordinary snow tires. I have used a blade on a pickup for many years now.

Tractor With Snowblower Attachment

I used a tractor with a snowblower for many years because it blows the snow out of the way. It is dangerous getting on top of the snowblower to clean off the rear window, even with the snowblower shut off, as you could easily fall and hit your head on the snowblower. The shear pins would always break if you hit a hard drift, and trying to get them back into the exact location again was not an easy task.

Whatever method You Use For Snow Removal, Work Safely

Watch out for snowplows on the road when you are driving and give them plenty of room to maneuver, as they have blind spots and may turn right into your car and damage it. Never put your hands in a snowblower until you are sure it is turned off. One man thought it was turned off, but it was not, and he lost three of his fingers. Dress warmly so you will not suffer from frostbite. Stay safe while moving your snow.

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Pray Everyday

Pray Everyday

Make Time For Prayer Everyday Of  Your Life

Thank God for all of the many blessings he has bestowed on you. Pray to God to help those in need with pain and suffering. Remember, there is always someone out there that is worse off than you are. Do not have a pity party, and remember God is helping you the best he can. Make friends with people, and thank God that God has blessed you with wonderful friends. Listen to Gospel or Religious music for inspiration.
Reach out to others and let them know how God has helped you. Read your Bible and devotion every day. I always think about how the love I have read applies to my day. Make friends in church, and then you can pray together for those who need extra prayers.

Prayer And Faith

Prayer and faith go hand in hand. Blessings increase your confidence, and faith rises your prayers. I have faith that God will answer my prayers to help heal and strengthen those I pray for daily. My prayers get answered. Many people were praying for my recovery when I was sick, and I know I would not be here now without those prayers. If you do not have faith in yourself, you will not have faith in God, as they go hand in hand. The more you pray, the more your prayers get answered. Make sure your prayers are always to help people, lift them, and heal them of their afflictions.

Pray And Help Those In Your Community

If someone has a house fire, give money to them or good quality used and new items to help them get back on their feet. Pray for those that have lost everything in their life all at once due to a terrific accident or tragedy. Always put yourself in the other guy’s shoes, and then you can see how they must feel. Bad things happen to good people as it is part of life, and you never know when it may knock at your door. Pray to God how you can best benefit someone who has lost everything. If family members are killed in a car accident, fire, army, and other ways, pray for them without ceasing and support and uplift them in all ways that are possible for you to do so.

Pray For Peace And Harmony In The World

If you were in a country at war and went out for the necessities of life, you may be shot in the back or run over. The stores may have no food on the sleeves in a war zone. The power source could be knocked out, and you would be shivering from the cold for days with no end in sight. War can happen in any country at any time. Pray for peace and promote peaceful relations with other countries. God bless and protect us with your many blessings, and we will pray together for people to have a good quality of life.

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184Fans
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184Fans
81Followers
338Followers