Catching up!

I have had a pretty amazing morning!

I am seeing definite improvements in normalizing my blood pressure again, and am very thankful. All is not well yet, but every day that I have a good reading, is one step closer to that end. I cannot believe that one month of a substitute drug (by insurance company decree, just a generic for the Crestor that I take usually) could cause such a problem. I had been on it for about 4 years and the name brand had never affected by blood pressure detrimentally, and lo! one month on the generic and here I am, almost 4 months later, still trying to work to get my body back to rights! It is not a journey I'd wish on anyone!

Earlier today, one of my friends posted on Facebook about watching a programme, on the telly, last night. She's still in England, so I searched for the title on youtube and found it. I LOVE it! I've always been interested in history, and social history from the 1800s onwards is my favourite time period, so (for me) this is a must watch, as it takes a family "back in time" to live, for a while, according to the rules and ways of a long gone era. these types of shows have also helped me broaden my understanding of how my ancestors lived, as I delve into my family history.

Today, I've actually learned a few things I didn't know! My nan was born in January of 1908, one of the years featured in the above episode, and it was apparently a year of the Olympics, and in fact, of them being held in London where Britain won the most medals, of those Games. It was also a time when there were more women entrants. Obviously, I shall look deeper into all of that later.

Being that the family, in the show, is purportedly middle class, they have a maid, and it's pretty neat, as a friend and I were discussing domestic service on Facebook only a day or so ago, and I had mentioned that one of my nan's aunts had been in it. The conversation had veered off  from one about Downton Abbey, and in talking I'd mentioned that not all "in service" occurred in big country homes. This programme highlights that and shows the routine that a young woman working for a single family as an all-purpose maid, might have.

I like the insights from those taking part, as they compare their lives today with how things were back then, and their opinions. I'm also crazy over the Edwardian ladies' fashions, I have always loved those buttoned through, high-necked, beaded blouses with leg-of-mutton sleeves!

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So, over the past few weeks, as I've struggled to stabilize my body again, I found this resource

Foods that lower blood pressure naturally
and have added a banana, a kiwi fruit and a peach to my daily diet, and it definitely seems to be making a difference. I am thankful to be able to say that! Added to which, fruit is always good, and the roughage (does anyone use that word any more, LOL) helps digestion.

The weight loss is going well too. I only weigh at my doctor's office, at appointments, so have almost 2 weeks before my next visit, but I can feel the difference in myself, and am consciously aware of everything I choose to eat, and the activity that I do. it is hard, being disabled, to exercise, since I cannot walk well, or stand properly unaided, any more, BUT I have figured out a way to get some in whilst seated! They say, "where  there's a will, there's a way!" and that's true. My "exercising" may only be in snatches of a minute or so, but, throughout the day, they all add up!

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I spent some time this morning writing a post in my AVON blog, as with this one, it was affected by my ill health, so getting back to it was a good accomplishment, for me! Then I spent some time sharing it on Facebook and Google. Facebook is bad for me right now, I just can't get on there and see all the negativity. It pushes my blood pressure up and just makes me feel sad.

So many things people could be doing, to improve their lives and those around them, but would rather be snippety, and hateful. I guess I'm getting old, LOL, because I'm like "nah, give it a rest, please".

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Hubby and I are still working on our 2 year plan, and are some 7 months into it now. This year, I am trying to pay down bills and clear some (they have a never-ending ability to repopulate, LOL). No sooner do I pay one medical bill, for instance, than another pops up. Ah the joys of senior living!

We did splurge somewhat over Christmas, but with an added benefit that will save us money over the next few months. We took our cable box back, and said goodbye to Charter for another service. All we have now is the internet. Christmas 2015 we said goodbye to our landline through them, and simply stuck with our mobiles. It was slow, yes, we are older and weren't sure if we'd be ok or not, but really, it was freeing!!!! And has saved us beaucoup $$$ each month! That, of course, is a blessing and definitely not to be scoffed at.

We did get a Firestick, and a Roku box, and we have an antenna to pick up local channels, and it must be a good one as those little rabbit ears give us a better quality picture than the cable did! Isn't that something?

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Just fed ye animals, all except for "she-who-no-longer-listens", who refuses to come in until her daddy gets home from work. Hers is ready and waiting for her. I love her dearly but she is such an obstinate brat now. She has always been strong-willed, but being 13, she now feels like she doesn't have to do what she doesn't want to. Physically, I can't make her come in either, if I could walk, I'd go out and put the leash on her, and bring her in ... but being unable to walk that far means that's never going to happen, and believe you me, she KNOWS it too!

Look at that cheesy smile, when she was getting fussed by my friend's daughter and hamming it up for the camera!

I hate in rainy and cold weather, when she refuses to come in. I can just imagine people driving past seeing that "poor neglected dog out in all weathers" and not knowing that there is a nice cosy blanket and heat inside for her and the rest of ye 4 leggeds, that SHE chooses not to come in for! LOL.

At least today is sunny and bright, all 4 canines are out there catching the rays right now.

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Well, have an awesome afternoon, my friends. Please leave a comment below so I know you stopped by :)  Thanks!