Cat Tales with Laura and Inspirations with Laura

Taking The Road Less Traveled

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date September 4, 2020
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By taking the road less traveled, you will find little hidden treasures on your journey through life. The side streets are not as busy, and there is much scenery to enjoy. Roads traveled by the masses lack majestic scenery as it has been destroyed to help move the traffic along quickly and efficiently. The Interstates are the quickest way to get from point A to point B, but you will miss out on a relaxing and scenic journey.

Small Towns

I like to drive through small towns and shop in their stores. I have found many small-town furniture stores, drugstores, hardware stores, appliance stores, bookstores, antique stores, clothing and shoe stores, and more. They are always very friendly and accommodating to your needs. I love to eat at small-town restaurants. I have been served many mouthwatering specialty dishes at small hometown restaurants. I have a favorite hardware store that specializes in old tools and more. I have made a lot of purchases at that beautiful old hardware store over the years.

Youthful Years

In my youth, I always had my parents stop at a small metal building by the side of the road: a pop-up candy store. I would order their Milk Duds or a Sugar Daddy Milk Caramelized Pop and eat it on our way home. I would buy popcorn from a little metal shed by the side of the road in another small town. In adulthood, I would order alfalfa shots and watermelon juice. I would also stop at a roadside store that sold delicious fresh Bing cherry juice.

Blaze Your Trail In life.

Don’t always follow the masses, and do not be afraid to blaze your trail in life. Following the herd can lead to danger. To find beauty and scenery, do not follow the herd. Think for yourself and do not do what the rest of the group does to fit in or be famous. Civil unrest can happen with herd mentality. Sometimes when one person sees someone destroying something, the group will follow suit, and it keeps escalating out of control into utter chaos.

The Road Less Traveled Leads To Heaven

God Will Lead You On The Road That He Wants You To Travel On

Do not be afraid to carve your trail in life. Jesus said The road less traveled is the road to heaven. God said you could not take shortcuts to get to the other side of the mountain. Follow God by faith and have peace with God through Jesus. God will lead you on the roads that he wants you to travel in your life. Keep your faith, hope, grace, peace, joy, and more by following God whenever and wherever he leads you throughout your entire life. Remember, always take the road less traveled, and you will be content and find joy in your life.

Scripture Matthew 7: 13-14

Enter ye in the strait gate: for wide is the entrance, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, Travel

A History Lover's Guide To Lincoln By Gretchen M. Garrison

A History Lover’s Guide To Lincoln By Gretchen M. Garrison

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 31, 2020
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To facilitate my review, I was provided a copy of her book: A History Lover’s Guide To Lincoln by Gretchen M. Garrison. All thoughts are 100 % honest and my own.

Lincoln, Nebraska, is Gretchen’s hometown. She has done an outstanding job of telling the history of Lincoln. I am very impressed with her book as it means the vast history of Lincoln. I could not lay the book down once I started to read it. I love reading history books and knowing what buildings used to be years ago. I love the pictures she included in her book, as you can see the great pride people took in constructing their buildings years ago.

Lincoln, Nebraska, was initially known as Lancaster. The salt flats in Lancaster elevated the village to capital status. In 1867 the first lot sold for 25 cents in Lincoln, and the next day, the lots were selling for $40.00 to $150.00 a lot. Lincoln’s population increased over the years. The people started with 30 settlers to a city of 300,000.

The History of The Buildings In Lincoln

I love the fact that a lot of the buildings in Lincoln have been re-purposed. Different businesses have gone into the buildings over the years. The second floors of a lot of the buildings are now apartments. I wouldn’t say I like it when they tear down historic buildings. Some of the buildings in Lincoln have been a family business for many years and are still operating as they were years ago. Leon’s is still in business, selling items as they have for many years. The first thing I do when I go into an old store that I am impressed with is to ask them about the history of the building over the years. Pershing Auditorium opened in 1958. Johnny Carsen and Stecher-Horowitz were duo pianists. General Pershing’s hometown was Lincoln. Charles Lindbergh went to the Nebraska Standard Flying School. Because he went to Flying School in Lincoln, he could move on to more aviation experiences. Lincoln National Bank was robbed, and the robbers took off with a sizable amount of cash and bonds, even by today’s standards. Learn more about the robbery in the book. Gene Bedient started the Bedient Pipe Organ Company in 1969. The masterpiece Bedient organs are in many Lincoln churches. I loved reading about the history of the churches and schools in Lincoln. Churches and schools help build and hold a community together.

I highly recommend reading A History Lover’s Guide To Lincoln by Gretchen M. Garrison. You can purchase A History Lover’s Guide To Lincoln on Amazon .com. Click on my link above.

Tags Book Review, Lincoln, Nebraska, Travel

Living A Holy life

Living A Holy Life

Holiness

Holiness builds a relationship with God and builds spiritual strength and stability. Holiness makes us useful for God’s purposes. Holiness in your life helps us be adequate for God’s purposes. Holiness in your life causes people around to glorify God. Holiness builds peace with God. Piety pleases God and produces fruit. Holiness sets us free and draws us close to God—scriptures: Readings in Psalms, Timothy, Peter, and Ephesians.

Holy

Holy is anything directly connected to God, such as your house of worship, the Bible, and more. Obey God’s laws to be considered holy to God. Holy means clean and pure and is held sacred. Living by God’s standards is considered to be blessed. When we work hard, God wants us to enjoy the benefits of our hard work, for it is a gift from God. Have a sincere heart and speak the truth. Do not live a life that is in between holy and unholy, for God wants you to live a truly blessed life. God wants us to be blessed to be free from our sins. Glorify God by being holy and living a righteous life. Let your beacon shine in the darkness that will lead people to God.

Ways To be Holy

Keep the Sabbath day and worship and honor God for everything he has blessed you. Tell others about your relationship with God and how he has helped and inspired you to become better. Help other people whenever and however you can. Live a life that you and God can be proud of. Keep the Ten Commandments and follow the Golden Rule. Always be kind, compassionate, caring, loving, joyful, peaceful, hopeful, and bless others. Be grateful for other people’s accomplishments and do not try to do them out or keep us with the Jones, Be thankful and appreciative for all God has given you to enjoy. Remember to glorify God every single day of your life.

Remember, On Christ, The Solid Rock You Stand. All Other Ground Is Sinking Sand

Keep a pure heart and soul, and mind. Be a person that inspires others to do the right things in life. Live your life as Christ intends you to live your life. Do not attend church just to be noticed. Attend church to grow closer to God and help him spread his good works. God has a purpose for all of us. Before you do something you regret, say to yourself is how Christ would want me to act. Give with a cheerful heart, not expecting anything in return. Make every day that draws you closer to God and helps many other people with all their struggles, trials, and tribulations in life grow closer to Goo. Please go out and fulfill God’s purpose for you in this World and do it in a Holy manner. God bless you with your spiritual growth.

Tags Inspirations with Laura

Spot Chomp! Pet Odor & Stain Carpet Cleaner

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 24, 2020
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I purchased Spot Chomp! Pet Odor & Stain Carpet Cleaner from a local store in my area. You can also buy this product on Amazon.com.

Spot Chomp! Removes stains and odors and keeps them from coming back. Spot Chomp has professional cleaning power, obliterates colors, keeps them from returning, and leaves no tacky residue on your carpets. Spot Chomp has neutralizing odor molecules. Their formula contains no artificial scents or irritants. Spot Chomp is environmentally, pet friendly, and bio-degradable.

Test a small area of your carpet for color fastness. Some pet stains may cause discoloration permanently depending on the carpet fibers. Remove the residue with a clean white cloth. Saturate the area of the paint with Spot Chomp. After ten minutes, blot with a damp cloth and gently rubs toward the center of the pet stain. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum to restore your carpet’s nap; for maximum results, use immediately before the paint has set. For stubborn stains, repeat the process. Spot Chomp can be used on carpet, wood floors, tile grout, and any porous surface.

I have also used Spot Chomp to clean any messes from my cat’s bedding. The dreaded hairball and cat vomit are easily removed from their cat’s beds with this fine top, quality product. Always check your cat bed for color fastness before use.

I like that Spot Chomp is made in the USA and uses a hypoallergenic formula that contains no artificial scents or irritants. I have had excellent results every time I have used Spot Chomp. I try to clean up any pet carpet stains the minute they happen. Sometimes we are away from home when our cat throws up on our carpet. I have even had excellent results with Spot Chomp after the pet stain has set in for a while. I always use heavy-duty white paper towels to clean up cat messes and have had excellent results. I would highly recommend Spot Chomp! Pet Odor & Stain Carpet Cleaner. My cats and I are always happy with the cleaning power of Spot Chomp. My cats and I like an odor-free carpet, floors, and an immaculate home.

Tags Hairballs, Signs of a Sick Cat, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

What I Value In Life

I Value Spending Time With Friends And Family

I value spending time with friends and family. We all want a happy family, a good home life, and a fulfilling job. Encourage people and try to make a difference in the world. Help people out even if you give them some of your time. You will put a smile on their faces. Treat people kindly and respect them and be considerate of their needs.

I Value God In My Life

Without God, my life would have no meaning or purpose. God has a sense for all of his Children on earth. We should share our knowledge of the Bible with others regularly. Treat people with integrity and the utmost respect. As God is with us, we should be trustworthy, faithful, merciful, sound, and kind to others. Make a positive and everlasting impression while you are around and helping people with their everyday needs.

I Value God’s Creatures, Large And Small

Animals bring great joy into my life. I have had many pet dogs and cats over the years. I had a pet goat that lived to be 16.3 years old. I had three horses in my life. I have been around livestock in my younger years. We had cattle, pigs, and chickens. Pets are excellent companions as they naturally know when you need them by your side. My cats are like family to me. Each cat has its distinct personality. Some cats are introverts, and some are extroverts, just like people are. Some cats tend to meow a lot, and others are pretty—another thing they have in joint with humans. I love to watch various birds eating out of my bird feeders.

I Value The Beauty That God Has Created On Earth

I love to look at majestic mountains. I love to hear the pounding waves of the ocean. Each country has a beauty that may be uniquely its own. I love looking at the national parks and flora and fauna. The national parks help make it possible for future generations to enjoy looking at the same things that I want to look at today.

I Value People With Old Fashioned Values

I like people that treat each other with respect and common decency. Being kind and compassionate to people should be a given. I want to be around a genuinely good person with outstanding values. Everyone should be held accountable for their actions, and their efforts should be reasonable. I like people that take pride in their work. If you borrow something, return it in the same or better condition than when you borrowed it. I have found that common sense is not so common anymore. Be generous, treat people fairly, be loyal, and always thank people for what they do to help you in life. An excellent relationship with God is a must that allows people to have the correct values in life.

Tags Inspirations with Laura

Shopping and Discovering New Things in the Small Towns in Iowa

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 17, 2020
1 Comment on Shopping and Discovering New Things in the Small Towns in Iowa

I like to drive around in the small towns in Iowa and shop at their stores. I have discovered a lot of great treasures in the small towns in Iowa over the years. I like to shop at hardware stores and buy tools, pyrex dishes, garden equipment, lawnmowers, dehumidifiers, appliances, etc. I like that their stores are not crowded, and you get service after the sale.

I have purchased a lot of furniture at family-owned furniture stores for my rental properties over the years and for my home. I have found beautiful recliners, bedroom sets, couches, and lamps. I have stopped at carpet stores also and purchased their end rolls of carpet and beautiful wood flooring.

Northwood, Iowa

The other day, I drove around on the rural roads in Northwood, Iowa, and discovered many Amish and Mennonite homes. I found a wonderful Greenhouse owned by a Mennonite family. They had wonderful mums, trees, garden supplies, and more. I purchased some Deer to stay away from the powder and will return for some of their mum plants later. I also discovered a Mennonite family selling tomatoes and farm-fresh brown eggs. I purchased two dozen of her wonderful-looking brown eggs. I drove further down the road and saw an Amish man headed to the field with his two young sons.

St.Ansgar, Iowa

I like to shop at Home Sweet Home in St. Ansgar, Iowa. I have purchased beautiful blankets, cards, dish clothes, baking dishes, Christmas cards, home decor, and more. They have a lovely, clean store and are very friendly and accommodating to your needs and wants. I like the local hardware store in town. I have eaten at The Blue Belle Inn over the years and stayed at their Inn. The rooms are nicely appointed, and their food is excellent. I like to look at the white albino deer displayed in a glass building in town.

Clear Lake, Iowa

I love shopping at Larson’s, Wilcox Furniture, Ralhpene’s, and The Red Geranium and eating at the beautiful Clear Lake, Iowa restaurants. All of the stores have amiable and accommodating employees. It is effortless to maneuver around downtown Clear lake, Iowa. I love to sit next to the Lake and watch the boats on the water. Walking while you spend your day at Clear Lake, Iowa is fun. There are many parks to see and drive through.

Kalona, Iowa

I am very familiar with Kalona, Iowa. I love eating at the Tuscan Moon Restaurant, which features Italian food in Kalona, as their food is always perfectly cooked. Kalona is an Amish and Mennonite community. I love to see the horse and buggies pull up to the stores. The Amish and Mennonites are excellent cooks and bakers. I was invited to a Mennonite home that served food to a group of eight or more, and I must say that that was the best meal I have ever eaten in my entire life.

Keosauqua, Iowa

Keosauqua is located on the big bend of the Des Moines River in southeastern Iowa. The towns in the area are called the villages of Van Buren County. The Hotel Manning is a very historical hotel. I have stayed at the Hotel Manning and was impressed with the historical architecture of the building. I loved the room, and their food was excellent. The oldest courthouse in Iowa is located here and was built in 1843. It is a must-see for everyone. The Lacey Keosauqua State Park is a beautiful park to drive through. I would recommend going to all of the villages of Van Buren County for their historical significance.

Various Small Towns In Iowa

I have found beautiful treasures in Pella, Vinton, New Hampton, Farmington, Bonaparte, Bentonsport, Hampton, Traer, and other small towns in Iowa. Always remember there are still some stores left in the small towns across Iowa where you will find a wonderful treasure of your own.

Tags Travel

How We Rise Above Disappointments And Set Backs Makes All The Difference In Our Lives

How We Rise Above Disappointments And Set Backs Makes All The Difference In Our Life

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 14, 2020
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Faith

If you do not have faith in yourself, you will not have faith in God, as they go hand in hand. When large unexpected bills appear, have faith that you will find a way to get them paid. All of us will fail with certain ventures in our life. The key is moving onto the following experience and not dwelling on the failed one. Staying faithful with God by your side will take you very far. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.

Self – Pity

If we wallow in self-pity, we cannot help others or even help ourselves. We become self-absorbed in our troubles and consume our every waking hour. The evil one loves it when you wallow in self-pity. Always pray to God to help you get through the storms of life. We must never forget there is always someone worse off than we are. Be grateful for the things you have and hope things will get better.

Disappointments In Life

All of us will have some disappointments in our life. You may be worried you are unprepared to go out in the world and get a job when you are young. You may have to go back to college and further your education to get the position of your dreams. You may miss out on specific golden opportunities in your life. Remember, another fantastic option will come if you put yourself out there and show your attributes and talents to others.

Set Backs In Life

You may have health setbacks in life. You may not be able to do all the old familiar things you used to do in your life. All of us have to find a new you now and then. Life will throw many curve balls at us over the years. We must remain focused on what we can do and run with them. Reach out to others, comfort them with their problems, and keep busy with what you can do. If you think you are beaten, you genuinely are, as it is all in a person’s mind.

Don’t Let Anything Break Your Stride In Life

Do not let negativity into your life; it will want to take up residence. Positive-minded people are the people that keep the world moving full steam ahead. Negativity will swallow you up like a vortex, and you will control getting sucked down daily and see no light at the end of the tunnel. Always think of your glass as half full and not empty.

Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People

Uplift and praise people for a job well done. Go to church and praise God for all the wonderful blessings he has given you in your life. God has always been there for all of the storms in my life. Pray to God without ceasing to help you get through the batteries in your life. Surround yourself with people that have a positive attitude toward life.

Tags Inspirations with Laura

Growing Up On A Farm In The Midwest

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 10, 2020
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I loved growing up on a farm. When I was young, we had chickens, pigs, cattle and corn, soybeans, and oats. I would follow my Grandfather all over the farm. My Grandfather found a tiny gray and white kitten in the field one day. She was beautifully marked, and we named her Flossie. She was an excellent mouser and had many lovely kittens over the years. I would watch my Grandfather do his daily chores and ask him about what he was doing. My Grandfather died when I was about eight years old. I missed him and my Grandmother very much.

Watching And Learning

I started to follow my Father around the farm after my Grandfather died. I would watch him and the neighbor makes many repairs to farm machinery, lawnmowers, etc. My Mother worked in town as a Young Adult Librarian during the day. While she was working, I spent time with my Father. I would gather the eggs from the chicken house. As I grew older, I would put oats in the oat seeder for my Father. My Mother would run the baler with our 560 tractors, and my Dad and I would stack the bales.

My Farm Pets

My cats and our dog would follow me all over the farm. I had a swing set, and one of my cats would lie nearby while I was swinging back and forth. My cats would always wait with me in the morning for my school bus to pick me up. We had an old heated milk house that I waited in for the bus in the winter months.

Raising Runt Piglets

I helped raise two runt little piglets, Ann and Jerry. Ann was a Hampshire, and Jerry was a red Duroc. I ensured they were fed, watered, and tended to their needs. They increased, then went to the market, and the money they sold went into a savings account for me.

Helping Out With Things On The Farm

I have always loved to walk around on the farm. When I was about 11, our pigs broke out of their yard. I noticed them and got them back where they belonged after fixing the broken fence board. I could not find a longboard, so I spliced two panels together by nailing them from both ways and bending the nails over. My Father never did replace the board that I fixed. The pigs never escaped again.

Working With Farm Equipment

I would empty the wagons as a teenager and watch the corn dryer to ensure it did not overheat. I also combined 80 acres of corn on a farm my Father rented. I loved running the combine and watching the hopper fill up with grain. I would auger the corn from the combine into my Father’s grain truck.

I Am Very Blessed To Have Been Born On A Family Farm

I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up on a family farm with loving parents and Grandparents. I still love the farm dearly and always try to make sure everything looks good as an honor to my parents and Grandparents. God Bless all of the farmers and all of those who help them.

Tags Farm Life, Inspirations with Laura

Light And Darkness

Things always look brighter in the light of day. When bright and sunny, you feel alive and regenerated and want to accomplish many things. In the darkness, things seem more foreboding and frightening. We feel like our battery has run down on dark and dreary days.

A Bright And Sunny Day

I want to get many things done on a bright and sunny day. I work outdoors, go for a drive and do something with friends. I consider a sunny day a perfect day. Go for a purpose with your family or explore new places you have never been to before. You could take food and have a family picnic in the park. Take a walk in the garden and follow the marked trails, and you will see a lot of wildlife, flowers, and trees of various kinds. I loved walking in Lime Creek Nature Center, Mason City, Iowa. The trails are marked, and multiple trees are identified.

Darkness

Places seem scarier when it is completely dark out. In scary movies, it is generally dark when the monster comes out to attack someone. On dark and dreary days, I like to read a book or do things in the house that need to get done. Getting together with a friend on a dark day is a good idea, as you will both feel uplifted at the end of the day. It seems many severe storms happen in the middle of the night, magnifying their power. We do not have to fear darkness; God is always by our side.

Evil And Darkness

Darkness is a symbol of evil and fear. Darkness is like a scary monster that is waiting to devour you in the absence of light. The devil loves darkness as he seems to do his evil deeds in total darkness. Do not have dark thoughts, as the devil loves to have you think about dark thoughts. Remember to always come out of the darkness and look to the light of God to guide you on the right paths in your daily living. You always have a light to help you find your way out of the darkness. We have lights on our streets, homes, cars, signs, and more, so we will find our way around even though it is dark out. Jesus is the light that helps protect us from evil one.

Light Illuminates Your Path In Life

Without light, we would be in total darkness. Pray to God to let you always see the light that shines through him. God will be your beacon in the night for all the days you feel a little darkness. Light makes us feel better, and light helps our crops grow. Remember the song – ” This little light of mine I am going to let it shine.” Let the light in you shine upon those you love and the people you meet along life’s Hi-Way.

Scripture: James 4: 7

We can have victory over the devil by knowing the word of God. God is light; in him, there is no darkness.

My Cats And Their Favorite Cat Toys

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 3, 2020
2 Comments on My Cats And Their Favorite Cat Toys

Kohl continues to have a passion for toy plastic frogs. Yesterday the only cat toys out of my cats toy box was two plastic frogs. Kohl can occupy himself all day long by chewing on and tossing the toy frogs across the room. Conrad must have his toy mice to carry proudly throughout the house. Conrad also likes the toy birds. He carries them with his tail straight up in the air as if to say look what I caught for you today. Conrad loves to play with his circle game toy that has a ball that he can spin around in the track. Garfunkel plays with toy balls and toys filled with catnip and toy birds. My cats love to eat cat treats out of their cat treat dispensers.

Catnip Toys And More

Small beanie babies, toy balls, mice, catnip toys, toy birds and small stuffed animals seem to be what my cats next door love to play with. Everyday that I enter the house next door I see mice that squeak on the floor. One day there was a toy lion on the floor along with a catnip filled beaver for cats. Maggie likes One Fast Cat. Maggie figured out how to use One Fast Cat ASAP.

Cat Trees And Hammocks

My cats next door love their cat trees with perches that have built in scratchers and balls attached to them that they can bat around. They have scratchers that are on the floor along with cat hammocks that have rope that they can scratch away at to their hearts content. They also have a game that they press their paws on and small animals pop up.

What Cats Find To Play With

I used to have a Siamese cat that would gather up the old used small sponges. She would then toss the sponges up in the air and then she would pounce on them when they hit the ground. My house cat love to play with my old scrubbers that I used to scrub the dishes with. My cats also like to play with wine bottle corks and old wooden spools. My cats also like to play with medium sized rubber or plastic balls.

All cats seem to love catnip filled toys, toy mice, balls, cat hammocks and small stuffed animals and things that they discover on their own. I hope you enjoy watching your cats at play and relaxing as much as I do. God bless our feline friends.

Tags Benefits of Having a Cat, cat Toys, Picking Out A Kitten