Uncategorized

Scorching!

Posted by

0

Earlier in the year, it seemed to rain every day and our garden was a soggy mess of drowned plants. My kale washed away completely and the Swiss chard looked pathetic. But we’ve traded the rain for scorching heat and dry weather. So now the garden is baking in the sun, the ground is cracking, and the mosquitoes are out in droves.

And with summer fully here, let’s think about all the outdoor activities. There are the barbecues, the summer soft ball games, golfing, swimming, hikes in nature.

We all love doing things in the summer without the cold and rain or snow of winter. But there are dangers here, too.

Make sure you stay hydrated when you’re outdoors. It’s easy to get busy and forget to drink. But over heating is a dangerous thing. I find it most difficult when swimming. Since you’re already wet, you don’t notice that you’re also sweating, making it a tricky combo.

Also, sunscreen is a thing. I know most of us know this, but a little reminder won’t hurt.

If you’re going out into nature, please cover up. I see people all the time walking around through the woods or meadows, up mountain trails, in shorts and sandals. Between the bugs, the rough terrain, and brush and brambles, a lightweight over shirt and lightweight pants would keep you protected. And don’t forget some decent shoes.

As for me, I’m editing another book right now, after releasing my latest shifter romance in June. If you’re a fan of paranormal romance and fantasy, check it out! Look for Old Flame at Amazon.

Better yet, go on over to my author blogs and see what’s happening in my writing world!

You can find me here, at MellieMiller.com or my other pen name, SultonnaNadine.com

Enjoy your summer, stay safe, and I’ll meet you again later!

And as always,

Stay safe, be healthy...

but most of all, be kind.

Thoughts on Judging

Posted by

0

Have you ever thought about judging? I’m specifically talking about judging other people you might meet while shopping or traveling. This is a subject which has been on my mind lately.

I suppose what I’m really talking about is condemning, or judging to condemn. It is looking at someone, judging something about them as inappropriate, or a bad choice, and possibly evil, and then condemning them out of hand.

We currently live in what is known as the Bible Belt. You would think people would be kind and forgiving, what with a church on every corner. But you might be wrong.

As I go about my business in town, I see the glances one person gives to another, because they don’t fit into their idea of what is right or acceptable. Or the person who is friendly to your face and then talks down about you behind your back.

I don’t know about you, but I have enough problems of my own. I don’t need to take on anyone else’s troubles, or worry about what they wear, how they fix their hair, or what color their hair is.

First of all, I don’t know where that person is coming from. What is in their past? What culture did the grow up in? Is there a significance to whatever it is one might condemn? Maybe you don’t like tattoos. I’v seen that look on faces in the store. Ooh, tattoos. Obviously ungodly, unchristian. Hot pink, purple, or blue hair? Probably a drug user. Avoid at all costs. Buying alcohol? Sinner! Oh, no! They vote for the other political party! We can’t be friends.

Can we just give the person a chance before we condemn them out of hand?

I don’t believe I was put on this Earth to condemn anyone else for their life choices. I don’t have to follow their example and do what they do. I don’t have to approve what they do or don’t do. I don’t have to look askance because they are atheists or gay.

And I do not have the right to judge and condemn them for following their path. They will have to answer for their own actions, as I will have to answer for mine. And who knows? They may choose to make changes later in life, which is an option up until death.

Folks, sorry for the rant, but it has been on my mind. I see it so often when I’m out, directed toward people I consider friends–even though we see some things a different way.

We can agree to disagree and enjoy those things we have in common.

So, if you’ve read this far, think about it. If you are Christian, take a look at what you’re doing, how you’re acting, and decide whether your words and actions are truly Christian. Would Jesus treat these people the way you do? After all, scripture tells us, “Judge not, lest you be judged.”

If you aren’t Christian, or religious at all, think about how someone else might view and condemn you. What is there about you someone else might condemn, as you condemn others?

And how would you feel about it?

That’s all for now. If this makes you think, I’m glad. If you agree, fantastic.

If not, you are free to have your own opinion, as are we all.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings!

Remember,

Stay safe, stay healthy, but most of all, be kind

Last Week in August?

Posted by

0

Already?

Where has the time gone? It seems summer just began and now we’re heading into September next week. Monday is Labor Day. Can you believe it?

Goodness me…

So what has been happening in your world this summer?

For me, my husband had shoulder surgery, so we spent a lot of time back and forth to Physical Therapy earlier. Since then, we’ve been trying to catch up on things around the house–yard work, home repairs, replacing appliances… You know the way it goes.

As far as my writing–you did know I’m an author, didn’t you?–I published one book as Sultonna Nadine earlier in the year. If you like a bit of magic and humor, go check out Whiskey Jug Genie.

I’m currently working on final edits for another book in my Gambler’s Folly series. So watch for Old Flame. It’s a mainstream sensual shifter story, with a bit of second chance in the mix, as well as a fantasy world somewhere in the galaxy.

I’m hoping to get back to this blog a bit more, with summer coming to a close and things not quite as busy.

In the meantime, remember to…

Approach each day with gratitude and wait for the magic to begin.

Sugar is Everywhere

Posted by

0

It seems everyone is watching their diet these days, some of us more than others due to health concerns. Since I’m a Type 2 diabetic, I’m careful to watch for hidden sugar.

But it can be tricky. The stuff turns up everywhere! I’m not talking about places you would normally expect, like desserts, but places a lot of us don’t think about.

Here are some of the ones I’ve found.

Condiments, such as ketchup, salsa, and relishes tend to have sugar. I may have found one salad dressing without sugar in it, but I usually make my own vinaigrette at home. If I’m eating out, I get the oil and vinegar to add to my salad. Even dressings I wouldn’t expect to have sugar, such as bleu cheese, can surprise you. I have found one or two brands of ketchup without sugar, but they tend to be expensive. Salsa can go either way. Just check the label before you buy.

Summer is a great time for Barbecues! But beware the sauce! While sugar of some sort helps moderate and balance the tang of the vinegar, it does horrible things for my blood glucose. I found a recipe I could modify to make my own. Experiment a little!

Particularly watch out for sauces and seasonings in the Oriental Foods aisle. All those lovely things tend to have sugar in them, even some of the chili sauces and pastes.

Seasoning Blends are another gotcha if you’re avoiding sugar. That season salt my husband loves is loaded with sugar. Garlic pepper, most rubs, and seasonings for steak and seafood can all have a hidden sugar. Most of the spice blends at the grocery store contain at least some sugar. And if you’re diabetic, starches can be a problem also and are added to help the blend flow well. Maybe a shake or two of season salt wouldn’t matter, but I prefer not to take the risk.

One I recently discovered is dry roasted peanuts. The local grocery store where I do most of my shopping has a store brand of dry roasted peanuts. The salted and lightly salted versions both contain sugar of some sort. The unsalted are just peanuts. Other stores can differ, so watch the labels.

Stewed Tomatoes were a surprise for me. The whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and petite diced are fine. But all the stewed tomatoes I’ve checked contain sugar. So does tomato soup, as do several other types of prepared soup at the grocery.

Also watch out for canned peas and carrots. Why anyone would sweeten canned carrots is beyond me, but then again, no one asked my opinion on the matter. Kidney beans are one more item to watch. A few companies don’t use sugar, but most do. I don’t know why kidney beans in particular, since most of the other beans are fine.

Of course, all manner of chili beans and baked beans have sugar, but you kind of expect that. I have found one or two brands of chili beans which are sugar free, but you really have to search.

Hope this helps you out a bit. These were just some of the things I would never have thought to look at. It pays to check all your labels when you’re shopping.

Have trouble reading all that fine print? Grab your mobile phone and snap a picture of it, and then enlarge it so you can find out exactly what is in your food.

That’s it for today.

Stay happy. Stay healthy and enjoy your summer.

April is Right Around the Corner

Posted by

0

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Spring is beginning to show herself in the woods around here. Tiny flowers are making an appearance, leaves beginning to test the air. The Carolina Jasmine hasn’t bloomed yet, so I’m hesitant to say it’s planting time outside.

And of course, I’m stuck in the house on light duty while I recover from surgery. I hope my doctor will have a good report later this week and I can start getting back into the swing of things. All right… I take it slowly.

In the meantime, let’s all enjoy the beauty of spring. I know there will be more rainy days, but we need those to bring all the little growing things out of the ground. Just like in life, you need a few little problems along the way to help you understand more fully the wonderful times.

Speaking of wonderful times, today marks the 48th anniversary of being married to a most wonderful man. It doesn’t seem like it could possible have been that long ago.

Have a wonderful week and remember,

Appreciate the beauty which surrounds you.

User comments

Ready For a Break?

Posted by

0

If you are, come with me to a Japanese spa, or maybe a hot spring. Feel that wonderful mineral water as you soak and relax, letting your cares drift away.

All right, I know. You’re like me and can’f afford the journey.

But you can help set the mood in your own bath with a new candle from Mythologie Candles. Inspired by Fantasy, their candles offer unique scents reminiscent of myths and legends. The new Onsen Bundle captures the feeling of the Japanese spa.

Not ready for the spa?

How about St. Patrick’s Day? The new St. Paddy’s Day candles are ready! You can choose the Angry Leprechaun or Emerald Isle. Or take them both in the St. Patrick’s Day Bundle!

Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Just go on over and shop! Since I’ve discovered these candles, they have become my favorite scents. I particularly like the Camelot candles, The Blacksmith, and Dwarven Forge. But I’m dying to try the Onsen candles.

Go on over and, once you’ve experienced them, drop me a comment and share your favorite!

In the meantime, don’t forget self-care is not an option. It is a necessity. Do something good for yourself.

Now go out and spread a little sunshine with your smile.

‘Cuz everyone could use a little sunshine.

On a Completely Different Note…

Posted by

0

Do you love to earn money back on your purchases? I know I do. And between grocery shopping and pet food shopping, plus all the stuff my husband finds at Amazon, I like to save everywhere I can.

Which is why I’m writing to you today!

Our daughter recently introduced me to the Fetch App. And even I can figure it out! Once you install the app, you just use their camera option to snap your receipts, submit them, and earn points towards awards, including gift cards.

If you’d like to give it a try, just go to Fetch and install the app. Then snap your first receipt, using the code T7ATCA. That way they’ll know I invited you.

And start earning some of your money back.

Fetch was also recommended in the latest AARP magazine we get, so I felt it to be a safe thing to try.

So go out and snap those receipts!

And have a wonderful, happy, and safe weekend!

On Saying Goodbye

Posted by

0

Why is it so hard to say goodbye?

Fogg, one of the kitties we’ve had for twelve years, passed away Sunday night after a brief illness. He seemed fine, then was off his food for a little bit, and then just gave up and crossed over. As hard as it can be, sometimes we have to say goodbye.

But on the same weekend, we had another arrival–a little eight week old puppy who is just starting out. We don’t have a name for him yet, but he is a cute little thing.

And so in the cycle of life, there are beginnings and endings. One life gives way to another and the cycle continues on.

Mr. Fogg, we will miss you so very much. The front porch where you liked to sun in the afternoon seems much emptier without your presence there. And I miss the little chirp of a sound you made when you said hello.

Little pup, whatever your name will be, you liven up the household with your sunny, happy personality.

In the meantime, I will get back to more regular posts, and back into Gregor Thayne. If I turne my back on him and Caela for too long, there is no telling what they’ll get up to.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Mellie

Long Time, No Write…

Posted by

0

I know, I know. I’ve been away for a while. But I’m back now! How have you been?

A while back, I had a page on another site which sort of shared some of the information I would write about here. And it was too much to keep up with. Besides that, I am a writer of romance novels, and the writing for that has been eating into my other activities.

So what’ s going on in my world?

Misfits Market, for one!

I discovered this online and decided to give it a try. Due to my diabetic condition, I have a restricted diet and eat a lot of fresh green vegetables. And I prefer to eat organic foods when possible and affordable. Since my first shipment, I’ve been buying my produce from them.

How does it work?

Once you sign up, you can order online from their featured products that week. There is a minimum purchase price and once you reach that, you’re all set for the week. Since I buy a lot of fresh foods, I have no trouble meeting the minimum.

What do I order?

I usually get tomatoes of some sort, curly kale, salad greens, cauliflower and broccoli. blueberries, and strawberries. And then whatever else suits my my fancy, be it potatoes, eggplant for Baba Ganoush, apples, or avocados

How much do you get?

One order is usually enough for one serving for two people. But you can order more than one! Since my husband loves broccoli and kale, I can order enough for us to have two meals with no problem.

So check out Misfits Market!

For a discount, use this code when you order! COOKWME-FM5GAPNSBAC

What else?

As you may know, a friend of mine introduced me to the L’Bri company several years ago. And I love their products! They have taken the alcohol out and replaced it with aloe vera! And it does wonders for my skin. They have a full line of face and body products, hair products, and cleaning products for your home. All of them with more natural ingredients than the run of the mill types you buy over the counter at your local store.

My favorites?

Aloe Vera Gel, the minty rejuvenating foot cream, body butter, and their muscle rub.

Do you need fragrance free? They have it!

Love to experiment with different scents?

You can do that, too! I particularly love the Mandarin Fig.

So check out L’Bri for their Pure and Natural products! There is a monthly special each month, and right now they are having a 2 day sale. So if you hurry over, you can take advantage of this sale for some of my faves!