Today's Scripture

James 5:14-15:
"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven."

June 30, 2026

Ulcers

 My apologize, I've been unable to do much on the computer this past couple weeks. I've been trying to post more often, but my health has been a challenge. 

I thought it was heartburn and I was treating it like heartburn. Only to realize that heartburn for almost a month straight, isn't usually heartburn. 

Progressively getting worse daily, I finally inquired with the medical professionals. I am now scheduled with an appointment for some tests. The suspected culprit - ulcers. Possibly infection. 

Step One, change the diet! I used to easily drink coffee all day. I had reduced my intake to a couple small pots in the morning (about 5 cups). To now I'm lucky to get 2 cups in the morning. I've made iced coffee so I can have 1 glass later in the day. Reducing the caffeine has proven helpful, however, it's reduced my ambitions. 

The lag in energy has also been compounded by the pain and attributed symptoms of the 'ulcer' suspicions. The fever was the major pivoting point to determine; it wasn't just heartburn.

Step Two has been the changes in types of food eaten and the amount of eating in a day. It was getting to where every time I would eat, I would double up in pain and bloat to the point of feeling like my guts would explode! The fever was alarming, again the pivoting point to look into other possibilities.

Step Three has been to 'stop' taking my medications for a few days. The possibility that after being on so many prescriptions for so long, may have contributed to the irritation in the gut system. I still take the most important of the pills and have only cut out the multitude of 'extras'. Making pain more noticeable and thus making it harder to move around and function. 

Step Four will be the actual doctor's appointment to go through the tests. Apparently, I'm due for some cancer screening as well, so we'll hope it's 'just' ulcers and not anything more serious. Even though ulcers themselves can become serious. 

There's been a fair amount of stress lately, which I contribute to the overall cause of things. The divorce will be final late July, and I will be completely reliant on my own resources. Past experience has taught me that they change after the finalization of the divorce and all the 'I'll still help you' promises become extinct. 

So, help, is not to be expected. I'm available for Notarizing anywhere in Washington. I love to drive so traveling around the state is an open opportunity. Being self-employed my schedule is pretty flexible and I'm able to work with your needs, not just within the 9 to 5 zone. Weekends and evenings are available. 

I've added more jobs to my monthly schedule; I no longer work with the compliance inspections company. So, I've signed up for more merchandising and mystery shopping to replace the income there.

I have also found some new resources to earn extra pennies. I love Avon and have been selling it off and on for over 40 years. I recently found the Creative Memories for scrapbooking supplies and love the products. Wax warmers have kept my house not smelling like wet dogs or cat boxes for years, so Scentsy was worth hooking up with. Look to the links on the right for Avon, Creative Memories, and Scentsy shops. All purchases contribute to the ability for me to pay the bills.

I do have discounts and coupons available, if you order through my email directly. 

I'm hoping this health issue will soon be brought under control, so I can go back to being more active. Summer is finally here and the dogs and I are looking forward to some adventures and new explorations. I would like to get more riding in with my horse this year as well. She's getting older and I'm not sure how many more years of riding we'll have together. Recently diagnosed with Cushing's, I understand she could start experiencing some issues of her own. Her medication is about $100 a month which is another reason I had to find more sources of income to compensate. 

On the upside of life, I became a great grama again earlier this month. That makes 4 great grand babies now. They grow up so fast! Not so long ago my grandbabies were little, it's so amazing to see them grow up into such amazing adults. I never imagined my family getting so big! 4 kids, 9 grandkids and now 4 great grandkids... Such a blessing to have lived to meet them all and enjoy being a part of their lives. 

I hope to be able to post more often going forward. I've been deeply involved in some wonderful Bible studies; I've added some recommendations in a list that will grow as we go along. The links to purchase are available on the right over there. If you have done any of them, I would love to hear your feedback. 

You can click here to comment. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and we'll chat again soon. 
Blessed by God
Life's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn
Thanks for Stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

June 21, 2026

Summer has Arrived!!

The temperature has been fluctuating. Some days hitting near 90, other days in the mid 60 's. It's officially summer, so hopefully the days will stay warmer, and not have such drastic changes.

I think that's why we get those spring/summer colds. We get so hot one day and then chilled the next. I wouldn't mind a little rain at least once a week. I love the smell of a good summer rain. The grass could use it for sure. 

I'm looking forward to a couple trips to the ocean. There are some lighthouses I hope to go see. I was surprised when my son sent me a picture of a lighthouse they found on their vacation. In the middle of the state, no less. I believe it was along the Columbia River. 

It was nice to be thought of, they know how much I enjoy lighthouses. I'll have to share some of the photos of my previous visits to the few I have explored on our coastline. 

I'm not really into camping but a vacation with a hotel, would do me fine. We'll see what happens. I need to get an oil change on the Jeep already. I drive a lot! Take it to the car wash and then I should be ready for a road trip! 

I finally sold the car, I pick up the check from the dealership tomorrow. A bit of a relief, I really dislike the process of selling vehicles, and all the different types of inquiry's. It's done, prayers answered again. Thank you Lord. 

What are your summer plans? Doing anything special or exciting? 

Blessed by God
Life's relaxing @ the Bright Side of the Barn
Thanks for Stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe & Happy Trails.

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