July Hodgepodge

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1. What's an adult problem nobody prepared you for? 

Adulthood certainly brings its share of challenges and problems, and it's natural to wonder if we're ever truly prepared for them. For this question, I will zero in on how quickly time passes.  Time is a commodity, and it is so easy to waste it if we get caught up in too many frivolous activities that amount to nothing. I'm sure I was told about it, but it went in one ear and out the other. 

In our youth, we often carry an optimistic belief that time is an endless resource, stretching out before us like an uncharted horizon. Days feel long, filled with myriad possibilities, and the future appears to be an abundant tapestry we can weave at our leisure. However, as the years accumulate, that perception shifts dramatically. The minutes and hours slip through our fingers like grains of sand, leaving us breathless at how swiftly life unfolds. Each birthday serves as a reminder of this relentless march, reminding us to cherish moments before they become mere memories.

2. How tuned in are you to all the recent food related health news?

My middle son is a dietitian for the elderly in a Care facility. I affectionately refer to him as Foodie on this blog. He frequently discusses food, its quality, health, and additives. He loves to eat, but at times, he can be a buzz kill when you're wanting to eat a hot dog! 

 Have you gotten rid of your scratched cookware? 

 It’s really just a matter of common sense that when your cookware gets scratched, it’s time to replace it.

Did you pay attention to food additives before they made the news?

I was always cautious about food dyes and additives when my boys were young in the 70's and 80's. I breastfed and made my own baby food. 

 What's one healthy eating/cooking/food shopping habit you need to adopt? 

My son goes with me to the grocery store a few times each month. While we're there, we review food labels, and he suggests healthier options. I may or may not take his advice.  As a result, I've started paying closer attention to the labels and making more informed food choices.

3. What's getting worse and worse as you get older? How about better and better? 

As I grow older, I'm finding it frustrating to realize that there are things I used to do without a second thought that have become more difficult.

For the Better? I've noticed that strangers are really kind to me. I often encounter those who go out of their way to help me, such as opening doors without me even asking. - it must be my white hair. I often receive warm smiles from people, and I hear them use sweet names like "Dear." I've heard that smiling can change the world, and while I wouldn't go that far in making such a proclamation, I truly believe it has the power to make someone's day a little brighter. When you smile at someone, it often encourages kindness and a smile in return.

* Only Jesus can change the world. 

4. Are you more of an indoor person or an outdoor person? Elaborate. 

I really enjoy spending time outside, but the hot weather sometimes makes it difficult to be outdoors in the afternoons. So, I stay inside where it's nice and cool and do all my outside stuff before noon. 

We're also dealing with wildfires, which bring a lot of smoke. Early this morning, I had to cut my usual walk short because the smoke was so thick that it was difficult to breathe. I don't like breathing in smoke. I’ll have to dig out my N95 masks if I want to go for a walk while the smoke is around.

5. If you had an expert personal assistant today, what would you have them do? 

Okay, a personal assistant, not a maid - a big difference. 

I would have her call my dentist to reschedule my August appointment due to a cardiologist appointment I can’t miss. Other than that, I’m good. 

At one point, I worked as a personal assistant. I enjoyed helping with errands, and it was nice to get paid well for it. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We're currently dealing with some wildfires here in Shasta County. Thankfully, many of these fires are in areas that have burned before, which helps slow their spread. Fortunately, there haven't been any losses of life or homes since the fires are mostly in tough, mountainous regions. The largest fire so far is known as the Green Fire, located approximately 8 miles from Montgomery Creek, and it has burned around 2,548 acres.

We are expecting dry lightning in the weather forecast, so I'm hoping there won't be any more lightning strikes.

Thank you for visiting! 

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

Debby