Seeing good in all things.

What a full life I live. Rich with opportunities for gratitude.
Update on the cellular R. It was a wonderful visit! Often I am left feeling very embarrassed over the complexity of my health issues. The P.A. was so thoughtful and patient. Inch by inch we went over all the symptoms and the history. A good 45 minutes were afforded in doing this. After a while the specialist came in and he was really very insightful. Due to the holes in my immune system he is running several test on blood drawn right there at the site. He felt that fibromyalgia was a contributing factor but not the only issue. He said that most people are on a sort of continuum of it. For some we are so far over on the spectrum that we become disabled by the pain. So for now while the test are being done the sleep issue is priority. He gave me a type of mild muscle relaxer for bedtime. Yoga is to be done and stress is to be addressed. So for now I have slept two nights and feel less pain than what has been the norm. Sleep deprivation due to the pain makes the pain progress. I learned that the memory issues may well be a part of having fibromyalgia due to the PTSD. The stress disorder itself can cause the condition. Always having tense muscles.

I have yet to get my car back. The engine has a lot of work to be done. It bent the rods when the timing chain snapped. I will not see it until after Friday it looks like. $1300 to $1500 he thinks. Man that is a lot of money. Today I did the budget and last month I did not spend all of my budget so it looks like it will not be too bad of a hit. It is so amazing and wonderful how things work out. No savings or travel on vacations, but the money will be there to fix the car. No debt thank God! All I will owe them is to pay em and love them. We all owe but to love one another really. So I pray for the mechanic.

Yesterday I went to leave for yoga and the other car refused to start. Later speaking with Hubby, I went to start it and it lit right up. He had left a key that only works on the doors on a key ring. So I was then able to go fetch my son from his sleep over. When we got back to the house the car was over heating! Hissing and boiling over. The radiator cap had broken. Think on it...if it would of started I would of broken down across town. It turned out to be was a $7 radiator cap.
Once again God kept me off the hot roads and safe. It will always be my heart of gratitude that gets filled up. Even those small annoyances can be blessings. I was where I was suppose to be.

Saturday I had Infusion, it was uneventful. In fact I slept through most of it. No side effects however, just fatigue on Sunday.

I slept now two nights. YA! Unfortunately no yoga yet, but Thursday my nurse is joining me. The owner of the yoga studio asked me to bring in some of my jewelery to sell in her shop. Think on it, even a way to pay for the yoga. God is so GOOD! I will make works based on stones and the meaning of them. Just got to smile.

I remember many of you, and think of you often. My strength is better today as is my concentration. It is a wonderful thing to sleep. I am really gaurding sleep practice right now, and it is late I need to close.

May all of you see those little things so often overlooked, and remember that you matter. God sees you. You are loved more than you may ever know.

Trusting in Love

Rhumatology
I have been awaiting an appointment with a cellular specialist. After several weeks tomorrow is the day. I need to be checked out to make sure leukemia is not at issue. The myofacial pain issue is more likely I think.
I have been loosing the use of my arms. After several mri's that show joint issues that do not measure up to the level of pain that is constant for me this is the next step. I am not sure how willing I am to do any major spinal tap, muscle biopsy and the like. I know that this sleep deprivation due to pain has to be addressed. I am apprehensive to place myself in the medical arena again. It took them 48 years to discover the CVID with all that indignity I am just really not at peace
I need wisdom

If your heart is so inclined please pray for this project.
Thank you.
dance like I am full of courage

Protected and given all I needed

On the way to yoga this morning my car broke down. Ya know what that car coasted a good 1/8 th mile just up to an abandoned driveway that had a bar and chains across it. I was on a MAJOR street. Folks travel in excess of 50mpr. Just as my car stopped rolling I looked up to see two men in a big truck. They pulled over and pushed my car right into the driveway.
I took my yoga mat with me and walked the half mile home. It was so hot! Over 100* It was at 10am. I made it home just fine. It was a bit close to overheating for me.
A tow truck came and got me and we went to get the car. The traffic was so crazy fast. I stood on the sidewalk and signaled cars off of the right land. The tow truck driver was laying on the street! a car with a punk brat kid almost hit him. When I called on the name, that wonderful name. JESUS he just missed the man.
I was so happy to be in the rig and back on the way to the shop.
We found a wonderful, honorable mechanic and have used him a few time.

So I find myself grateful, at peace. Seeing how well I am taken care of. The car died within a safe walking distance. I had a travel cup of water with me and made it home alright. It is a wonderful thing to have a car problem and PEACE at the same time.

It looks like it might have been the timing belt. Whatever it is though I have beautiful peace.
I slept the heat off and cooled down.

Smiling at the present

My New Moto

In the midst of pain comes a swing. From the endless sleepless nights with each movement lighting a fire of mortality, to the focus of spirit to spirit she swings. The 'when will this end imaginings of leaving this frame' turns to a simple ' thank you for life' breadth. It is then the storm becomes rain. Oh that I dance in the rain.

Many years before motherhood my home was a safe house on the street (as it still is). All the neighborhood children came and visited me while I worked in the yard. One sweet child told a tale to me.

He was with his Grandmother on a trip to the grocery store. It was raining heavy. The Grandmother pointed out to the child a woman dressed in shorts, barefoot with an umbrella splashing in the puddles. "look at that crazy woman"; to this the child replied "thats not a crazy woman that is Mrs. J. (Donetta).

It is good I remember his story.
I dance.

Putting up a 6 month supply of burger

 My freezers have been empty of beef for some time. Not purchasing pre-ground beef now for years has recently been proven out. The Pink slime issue. Well after a long stint out of action and an empty freezer it was time for a meat order.
With Fathers Day coming many stores are doing beef sales. Safeway was having a pretty significant sale. As I laid awake wondering just how I was going to grind the beef up I asked for God to help me out with it. Early morning visit to the store proved Him out. Walking up to me was a butcher and as he approched I told him how I did not want to clear his shelve of the meats. Telling him my intentions of grinding up the bottom round roasts he said that he had large 20+ pound muscles uncut. Telling him I was going to purchase at least three of them he suggested that he grind it for me. He was the manager of the department the head butcher. He assured me the grinder only did beef, that he would triple grind the meat and keep the muscles separate from each other! All these years grinding it on my own girls. He had it all ready in twenty minutes.

I thanked him telling him that had never been offered to me before. Telling him of how he was an answer to prayer and how I had done this on my own for 30 years, he said..."I love God too, I am a Christian". What a cool thing to occur. The harder part of the job was done for me. Dove helped me unload it to chill down while I went off to Physical Therapy.

 Our 25 year old refrigerator is doing great out in the garage.

Remember do with out or by the best you can afford, it will pay off in the long run.

 Chicken was also at .99 a pound any cut. So go for the more expensive cuts or what you will use most.

 Spent $211. 

saved over  $300! 

Plus 20 cash coupons for the next visit.

 Get ready to put up burgers.

Cover your scale with plastic wrap

and set to tare

 Most scales will have this function, it zeros out the scale.

 Each quarter patty is 4.oz

After a while you almost get the exact amount each time. 

KEEP MEAT COLD 

work fast

 This is my method of using a large box of wrap. 

Once cut the tail is the right length to wrap up over.

 This is the first meat order I have done using my new freezer inside. It is so wonderful to freeze it here, then move it out to the deep freezer. This refer has a temp control it was set real low to flash freeze.

 A word about food handling. Use gloves, change them when you would of normally had to wash hands. Do not contaminate the kitchen by touching anything with the gloved hand. Yes I use several of them for a job like this.

 There are two more of these just goes to show the savings here.

 Once frozen peel off the plastic on top and invert the pan, the patties will fall with the plastic that was on the bottom exposed. Peel it off and use a kitchen mallet to knock apart. Freezing in patty form is so convenient. Look to commercial sales for ideas. I loved using the re-purposed muffin bag.

 A good 20 pounds of steaks are also put up to par freeze. 

I think there are four trays of these.

 Putting up one pound bags

 Use a rolling pen to flatten out and they thaw in just a few minutes.

These are the steaks and 10 of the 15 one pound bags.

Summer morning

Dash has a room for teenage years to come. The dark blue sheets and new blue blanket ($5 at Wally's) All of his toys are sorted into the bins on the shelves. Steve and I found a full 8" mattress and put it on the top of the car to drive it home. What an adventure.
We have an extra kid today. Dash still has one of the old twin mattresses (to the right) and we were able to fit it on the floor. Good for sleep overs. The air mattress did not work for the kid was a bit to heavy for it. Makes me consider keeping it for sleep overs.

The last of early childhood. Little coat hangers were all removed from Dash's closet. Bitter sweet passage in life. HE even decided he had enough sorting and just gave away some lego toys and such.

 At last my car is back in the garage. We had the contents of my boys room out here. We found a family in need of the beds and the toys are all sorted now. We invested $160 and had limo tinting put on the back of the Saturn. The front windows are lighter for legal reasons. This car is so much cooler now. The AC cools it fast. Now that it will again be garaged for the summer the quality of auto transport will be greatly improved. Our cars here can get deadly hot inside when parked in the sun. They get heat soaked and take a very long while to cool down. When in a garage and limo tinted summer trips will be much more pleasant. So the 1996 Saturn looks like a cool car now, not a granny car any longer.

We have not taken many images this year. Perhaps it is the camera lack luster. The replacement is just not a clear image taker.

 We have two bunnies. Steve walked out to see this little fellow. I had watered the apple tree. It must of been cool to lay there. We did a rigged up cop  and enclosure a real joke of sorts the critters all get out.

Poor mans style. WE will someday have a better fence I trust.

 That is my bunny, Sable. She is so sweet. Fast little thing.

 With our temps in the triple digits the windows are closed to help keep the house cooler. We shut down at 1p.m. for the electrics go up almost double.

With the pain syndrome an issue my study into aromatherapy has taken more of an effort. Some used to help with stress, sleep and even pain. Through air and massage I hope to help myself and my family through the study.

God is my healer and has provided everything i need. Therapy is including some Eastern methods of acupuncture and dry needling to stop the muscles from referring. The PTSD from my youth has left lasting issues. It may be an influence to the pain.

 This is also an interest of mine. Stones do have properties that change or influence. God created the world and has an infinite love toward us and all that he created. It is easy for some folks to blow this off but the more I bead and handle these stones it has really convinced me. The Indians and ancients understood this.

 Sporting a summer pedicure

My day began

Mom Muffins with egg, sausage and cheese. No Mayo for this one No egg for another. Apple juice, grape juice for me please. We have a mid day switch over for me to go to therapy and the kids to friends houses.

Speaking of friends, a good idea for summer is to have a list of phone numbers of friends for the kids to call. Then they can just independently reach out. Something I have not been very good about lately.

 My infusion came this morning for tomorrow. It is getting so hot and I told the lady ice it good. The ice was almost thawed out. I got the phone number of the delivery diver, she changed the timing of delivery. It was always at 8 a.m. but she is new and has to do the paperwork and office duties so now I know if not by 9:30 to call her. Peace of mind knowing that it is ready and safe from the heat will give peace.

Life is good. Tomato plants are thriving.

The heat is hard on them and the watering being a bit irregular has caused them to split.

 The old umbrellas help.

That is all there is in the garden. Perhaps next year it can flourish. Steve may want it dismantled because keeping up with it on my own is just too hard now my strength is limited. HE really hates yard work. I just need to be rich and hire a gardener assistant to do the physical work I once did. :)

On death and dying

Tonight was a holy night

We were called for days in heart to go to him. Tonight we did so. Our Uncle B. was dying. With family around the air was charged. He is in Hospice a non profit group that provides care for the dying.
Yet still I could hear him and he me for as I spoke he would respond. We sang some hymns and he responded although all but comatose. He was in that place between both realms. His shell no longer easy to response. Yet he could furrow his brow or raise a hand. He reached for me and for his daughter too when we rose.
With several of us there the love that filled that room was rich.
When at the 11th hour P.M., it was time for us to return homeward bound to tend our children. I said my gratitude of heart to him. Thanking him for the honor of the journey and telling him of the wonder and the gift of knowing an honorable man. Telling him not to be afraid or fear, kissing his cheek . Asking of him to remember Steve and I and the children when he is standing beside that thrown. I told him that I will see him on the other side.
For the only and first time of the evening...he whispered in front of three of his daughters.

"I love you.".

 They heard it and saw his mouth move.I was honored to experience a special gift. 

When his mother passed a special gift was also given me. It is a holy thing to touch the heart of the dying.

Our Dear Uncle B. is to the far right. 

Peaceful flight dear friend.

Image take in 2004 at our Indian wedding

Myofacial Pain Syndrome

Yesterday the ortho surgeon expressed a possible diagnosis of a thing called myofacial pain syndrome. It differs from fibromyalgia (non inflammatory) due to the inflammation being a big factor. I will see the rhumitoligist. No surgery on shoulders. YA! He put me on steroids to temporarily dull the inflammation.

My immunologist also days pryer wants me to see a special rhumatoligist. He thought that perhaps I might be facing an issue with fibromyalga. I have an appointment with him on June 28, so until then I must do my best to endure the pains.
My Ortho doc sent me on to regular MD to manage the pains.
I saw my regular MD this morning and she started me on Lyrica a med that I had used after my knee replacement.  I started the med to get the brain function to stop with the pain signals. I will need to begin therapy my left arm is now unable to lift up. It has become impinged.

The theory is that the brain is miss fire-ring and causing the muscles all over to go into spasm. That is the best I understand so far. The testing to rule out the big C will be done, but I am beginning to see relief it is a real gift. Although the joints show issues  and damage the pain is out of balance as to what it should be for it. My shoulders both have non surgical issues as the wrist is still in limbo with a bone on bone issue. So after several joint appointments and MRI's this is what is deduced out of it all.

Sometimes it takes a ruling out of things. I do hope that the ruling out season is short for all of you dear hearts. That you will not suffer indignities. God is there, here in the midst of the suffering. In the midst of all.
Last year the same medication was given me under my knee surgery.It helped a lot then, perhaps it will again. Perhaps the Myofacial pain syndrome thing caused the intensity of the pain then and now.

All I have need of...

As I oped the door to step out of the car my eye caught the glint of the coin. Then the penny beside the dime. The I AM, there speaking to me in our decades old way.

After we fetched Dove from her day with a friend we drove off toward our side of the city. We were along a freeway that passed old town Tempe. Casa Laveha, a building a century old houses the BEST steak house in town came to mind. Steve turned off the freeway as I was iffy about such an expense. Tomorrow is my Birthday. It was a gift to me.

As I think of that penny and dime reminding me of the wonder of God and His provision. No guilt, on.y gratitude and satiation. Staying true to my Eating for my Blood type, I took NO temptation to eat those old tasties that are so hard for my body to assimilate. Kind of empowering to walk into the discipline.

Between infusion today and the good prime rib supper I feel the strength returning to me. No potato or sour cream for me. I enjoyed a salad without dressing and asparagus. Club Soda and lime was so refreshing. After blowing out my candle Dove was given my ice cream treat. NO dairy for me. OH that horseradish was good. Everything eaten was on the list of beneficial for my type O-.

With a confrontation from my nurse I went ahead and took some of the left over pain medication from my knee. I have resisted any and at this point my left arm will not raise above my head without my other hand lifting it up and holding on to it to lower it. By taking one earlier I was able to enjoy the evening with my kids and husband. I will have on in me to try to grab a few hours sleep. I have been in a recliner/bed back and forth throughout many painful nights now. We also used benadril for the inflation. It puts me out to sleep but really seems to help.

The MRI went well on Friday. I'll be getting in as soon as I can. Dove and Dash have just ten more days of school. They are both on honor roll, I have done a real good job as coach for them and feel proud of the accomplishment. It has been hard work for all three of us. Best job in the world for me. Hard but wonderful.

CVID Not defineing who you are

It was a wonderful service last weekend. A message on not being defined by diagnosis. That can be and has been a real challenge. I think I have had 18 infusions now over the last year and a half or so. It is now more normal in my life.
Facial Masking in public here in the US is not a common sight. It provokes stares. Having a 14 year old daughter is a heart breaker seeing her concern of being embarrassed.

I am not Common Variable Hypo-Immunoglobbulin, it is what I have. This road of courage to go back out into the public with such risk of illness seems to define me. It is how I respond to it perhaps better said that is my defining moment. HOW I respond to it.

My numbers are now in the safe range for three months. YA! Yet I do have the low IgA that puts me in harms way at any air borne illness, or ingested factor. NOT who I am? It is hard to have something that puts a need of special precautions.

"the girl with the mask", will that be the descriptor?

As I begin to venture out and be out in public more it falls on ME to take care of the needs and limitations of what I HAVE. It is not who I am. Who I am or will be is the woman who takes seriously the responsibilities to keep this vessel living and thriving.

It take 800 blood donations to draw off the plasma that keeps my month of infusion available to me. That is a huge debt of gratitude. The plasma is the clear stuff that floats to the top of a vial of blood. I get a 400 mg infused every four weeks. A six hour ordeal, attended to by a nurse. At the cost of $24,000 a month! My Insurance receives as per a deal and the wright off $4000. a month. This is a huge investment into LIFE, my life.

Who am I? One who is grateful. An artist, Mother, Wife, Keeper of the home and finance. I am a vivacious soul, full of life. A gardener on hold awaiting the relief from the limits of pain.

Living life with pain, it may or may not have parts effected by the CVID. Living in pain also tries to define me. It takes me to bemoan life at times. With what courage and endurance I face it...well that is WHO I am. That is who I choose to be.

I am full of life that will not be robed me! I will find ways to press on and into the truth of WHO I am. Not letting WHAT I HAVE take ME out. One way is through eating for my blood type. I am a type O- with the RH factor. So I will avoid those things my blood can not process and eat all of the things that will benefit me most through ease of assimilation. I will learn to love Kale and those foods that love me. Supplements can look like a meal, I will look at them as a starving man glad for the sustenance. Exercise will recommence once I get this next round of injections in my joins. I will not let the pain in my arms and shoulders stop me from doing what I love any longer, yet I will respect the limits imposed as to not bring on harm to mind body or soul by provoking more pain.

I will not let the enemy of my soul, heart and life lake me out! I will not through negligence comply toward my demise.

NOW THAT IS WHO I AM!

Just needed to see myself say so.

Gathering of Women

Taking responsibility for our hearts and the heath of our souls can take courage. Knowing when it is time to reach out and risk fellowship can save us. When living in seclusion find you suffering, holding all of the stress within it can only last for a season. Constraining in courage holding on takes a tole on strength and endurance.

Reach out ask for fellowship, support or friendship tenaciously. Empower your soul as others hear the heart and share the burden lightening the load.

Standing in the place of love, being in the presence of the Divine love can build courage up. There in that presence fear can take flight as confidence replaces it. In that place we can gather, regardless of any effect toward judgement. Looking at that reflection of love, seeing as we are seen in the divine removes the threat.

Then we can sit together, seeing into other hearts peacefully.

There sat I last evening, today refreshed. No insecurity, for seeing my true reflection  is all that matters. Hoping to be seen by others well that is the desire of every heart.

a pup will find a den to go hide in and lick it's wounds

Good Morning'
Life is so full of opportunity. Some of them we would rather not have. There are always folks that have it worse off than we do. That is the thought that I often lean into to console myself. It is better than the alternatives of pain medications, drugs, booze or shop-aholism. It sure beats the idea of terminating the problem in a finality that leaves wake of the loved ones in our life being ruined. It is however as easily a fix to avoid the stress of living in pain.

To avoid speaking of the pains of these bodies we hold it in afraid that if we speak that we will sound like someone judged. Judged as everything other than just some soul in pain of body.

Speaking is important however, as I have recently had impressed upon me.
Last night I spoke, just saying it as it is to a safe friend. I feel lighter. My nurse confronted me that my voice has become strained with the frustrations created through the pursuit of getting the pain issues resolved. She encouraged me to speak about it. Holding in the effects, thoughts and loneliness of chronic pain is a real energy zapper right when one needs all the strength they can find.

She reminded me of the blog. How it helped to have others to speak things out too. This is the last topic. One that actually stopped my blogging. No one want to hear about the frustrations or pains of others.

My left arm is almost out of commission. An MRI will be scheduled on it now. The injections in my shoulders of three months back are fading. The injection on the left one never took because when he gave it he hit bone. It has been so many many months of pain. The injection helped my right shoulder. A Partially torn rotators cuff, well as the doc explained it the bone is crushing the tendon that goes over the top of my shoulder.

My left wrist was to be cared for but after all the work and wait to get in, three visits, a run of steroids, then two injections it is little better. The P.A. will not let me get through to the specialist. I am going to another hand specialist, starting at ground level again! At least I have the MRI on it showing the issue. Three things, a hole in the cartilage, inflammation of tendons and bone on bone on the back of my hand. That may need to be fused.
This is a cascading issue with my low back, and foot also in pain.
Sounds like whining! I am in PAIN. No whine just an exhalation of a constrained breadth. As I hold my breadth in pain.

Woke up without the searing pain, rather stiff and moderate pain, but better than it was in my shoulder.
Thanks to Steve and the kids putting the reclining chair in our bedroom. It really helped me through the night.
It has been a busy morning here. The Pharmacy called for the  order regarding the infusion, then after two intense emails from Becca's teacher she called. Spoke at length with her and settled stuff amicably. (no stress here:) ha!
So 9:30 and we are on a role.
Dove could still get honor roll with B's. So the plan for her for the rest of the year is set. Dash is set as well. They will both graduate honor roll.

Thought I would try my hand at some interest today, there are so many dishes and tasks begging attention too. Better pull up the muster and begin.
I think of you I have walked away from in all of this. It is me not you.
I think of how a pup will find a den to go hide in and lick it's wounds.
Loving you so, Donetta

watching the times for simplicity

These are the best days of my life. Each morning my son greets me. The school days this week are short and the lessons are no self directed on line. They are so independent compared to years past. We have worked until eleven each morning then rested and finished up chores until we leave for the civic center to do the A.I.M. standardized testings. The children are both confident each day and show no test anxiety all all! Dove is in a special small group setting that I set up with the school under her 504 or special needs contract. That is working out wonderfully. The first day was a challenge but all that melted away and she is so happy to have the special setting.

The day is simple, sitting around for several hours awaiting the completion each day. Each hour the school year wines down and the days of sleeping in or playing all day get closer. Our chores are light for we have worked well to lighten our loads. Household chores are so much easier now. We have spent the last year removing extras that were just shifted from place to place. Donations to charity have lifted our daily work load. Less to take care of is a wonderful thing. We have the life, chickens, rabbits (2 babies) and our dear dog.
Our garden is not heavily planted right now just a few tomato plants, blueberries that is about it.

We all spend time with art, writing and just relaxing. We have found a new church and so with the beginnings of new relationships we are devoting time to family. My children will be grown in the flash of a star. Walks in the evening listening to Doves heart is the wealth of the ages. We are home bodies, just loving each others company. It is our home that we are equipping to be our refuge and fortress, our safe place in the times of the coming storms. It is our relationships that we are investing every ounce of heart, mind and soul in. These are the simply riches the priceless treasure that nothing can replace. My husband and I are trying to escape together each week to just rest without interruption. Even a short trip to the store or a ride in the car any opportunity we get.

I am looking into getting a few things like yard games for the summer at home. Public pools or day trips are other options. We will make efforts to save up for those.

It is with a struggle and efforts of heart mind and soul that my physical being is tended too. I falter in this but weight loss and strength gaining is a greet gain in my sights.I still stress overeat, but my mind is fixed to learn and practice better tools. My health is priceless as is the health of my family. This is important to us that we work on health for all of us. Dietary needs and physical needs are at focus. Making sure we are all healthy and staying healthy through good nutritional care. That has been my other big focus in my parenting of self and children as well.

I am happy, our children are happy. My dear husband has daily frustrations with a horrid software program at his work, but other than that his heart is happy and content. We are in love and loving each other.

Watching the signs of the changing times

A moment WOW! Few of them these days.

Over the last few months my efforts are split between home school and the economy.

We have been on a long term financial goal. This spring we have entered into the next phase of it with successful results. Maybe this just might inspire others to watch out and get out of the way of the changes coming to our nation.

We sold the camper this spring and were able to enter into phase one. Getting rid of property that is a liability. It is a liability in that the time will come when you will not be able to sell. No one will be able to buy much cash will be strapped so tight. For us we owned it free and clear but the cost of travel and the efforts of doing camp trips had become an issue. With our forest being fuel for fire season the thought of the selling was at issue. With decidedly open palms I let go of my cabin on wheels. I spent the day detailing it and even putting new elastic in the valences to make it look prettier than it ever had.

It was a choice with benefits. 

We met the  most wonderful little family who now have the camper and will use it well. 

We used the funds to purchase a little Saturn car. It gets 23 miles per gallon.

Here it is...

a 1996! Yes 1996!

We woke up at 4a.m. and drove 50 miles away to a retirement community to get it. We had been searching for a Honda Accord or a Civic. The Honda cars on Creigs list were being flipped, purchased on day and resold the next. Over and over we were there to buy a car and it was sold out from under us.

We knew somewhere inside that it was for our good, but it was very frustrating.

Then we saw the add for this one. The owner had just passed away and the heir was in town to sell and close out the estate. We met him just before sunrise.

 This car had been garaged, use very little. Reported to be a good investment in all the research I had done. It was said to be right up there with the Honda Accord except not as lush inside.

 Our Accord is a nicer car for long trips. The Saturn is more of a basic car. So easy to park compared to the Pick up truck.

 Now look at this! 50,000! original miles, remember it is a 1996! It cost $35. to register for 2 years. The insurance is less than half of the truck. No longer is the trailer costing us the $50 a year to insure and $40 a year to register. We got the Saturn for $3600. The left over change from the camper registered it, insured it for a year and took us all out to dinner. It also purchased me some much needed new clothing.

 Next up on the list.

The Silverado was sold to a wonderful young man who with the help of his father earned and purchased his first vehicle. It was a wonderful experience. The mom knowing that her son was wrapped in a tank of a truck felt so happy to see him get it.

The truck had grown hard for me to drive for the rotators cuff issues and my wrist. It is a relief not to have to fill that tank anymore. Thus $$$ big savings in fuel. Big savings in INSURANCE, REGISTRATION cost as well. No more vehicles in the driveway either. The Saturn is now garaged, cool for us to get into.

With the proceeds of the truck we replaced our 25 year old refrigerator with this high end, best rated by consumer reports unit. I love it! It is so much easier for me to use. No more pain in my back from having to bend at the hip (remember the total knee replacement).

 

It has 2 ice makers, a special Loyalls exclusive.

We have never had an ice maker before what a wonderful new tool!

The other old one from the garage was picked up and we were sent a $30 check in the mail. My other kitchen one replaced the side by side in the garage.

We moved the shelving and freezer down. Now the garage is next up. With the camper out of it we will be fixing it up for a shop for Steve and a place for a future men's group perhaps. The only down side is the loss of a truck. We decided we could always rent one or even borrow if need be. It is the first time in our married life we do not have a four wheel drive truck. We will be fixing up the other side of the garage, continuing to sell or give away excess possessions. The little Saturn fits nicely.

Letting go we were able:

• to cut our auto insurance in half
• cut our auto registration by 2/3
• save and set aside one months income
• reduce our fuel budget by over $100 a month
• replace our old refrigerator for a low energy use unit that is 5 cubic feet larger than the old one
• open up our space for a useable work shop
• gain peace in the goal one step closer to it
• a garaged vehicle come 100*+ summer
• easier to drive car
• two ice makers! :) We use a lot of ice here. Every day we would fill the trays. It was the topic of much annoyance for the Daddy man.