Sundry Sunday: Father's Day

Jamál (Beauty), 11 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Sunday, June 15, 2014 about 6:24 am Pacific Daylight Time

Happy Father's Day!
Is the message I would send
Today to Daddy.

I am not sure I ever wished my father a Happy Father's Day. If I did I was so young that I do not remember saying the words to him. I do not remember saying "I love you, Daddy." either. My parents were divorced when I was quite young and I do not have that many memories of my father. I do not remember seeing him after the divorce.

I miss you Daddy
As I write this and I cry
I say a prayer.

My father died on April 14, 1998, but I did not hear about it until I did an Internet search for him and then it was too late to contact  him. I regret that I did not get to see Daddy one last time before he died. I regret that I learned about his death through an Internet search. The only way I can wish him a Happy Father's Day is to open my prayer book and say a prayer for the departed, which I did before beginning this entry.

I miss you Daddy
I want to say I love you
Kiss you on the cheek.

What do I remember about my Father? I remember Daddy carrying me on his shoulders. I remember Daddy holding my hand when we walked down the street or up the front steps. I remember the scent of Old Spice. I remember random words and sometimes I hear his voice in my mind.

Foodie Friday: Happy Friday the Thirteenth

Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Friday, June 13, 2014 about 10:22 am Pacific Daylight Time

Happy Friday the Thirteenth or perhaps I should say have a lucky Friday the Thirteenth. There are lots of superstitions about Friday, food, and the number thirteen. Some of these superstitions are amusing and some of them cause a person to stare blankly into space shaking his or her head in astonishment.  One of the food superstitions that I grew up with concerned eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day.

Every year I remember Grandma fixing black eyed peas. On December 31, Grandma Mary put the black eyed peas to soak and then, on the morning of January 1, she would put them on to stove to cook. Before turning on the burner, she would add salt, a table spoon of white vinegar, and either pigs feet or fat back. The peas were always cooked by the time the family was ready to eat in the afternoon.

Another superstition I was brought up with concerned salt. If either my sibling or I inadvertently spilled the salt then Grandma or Grandpa would tell that person to throw a pinch of salt over his or her right shoulder. I remember seeing my grandparents and parents do the same thing when they spilled the salt.

A superstition my family never had to worry about was having thirteen guest at the dinner table. I doubt that we could have fit that many people at the table anyway because there was barely enough room for the eight people at our table much less thirteen. Still it is considered unlucky to have thirteen people at a dinner table or a dinner party.

Does Not Work for Me Wednesday: This does not work for me

‘Idál (Justice), 7 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Wednesday, June 11, 2014 about 7:27 am Pacific Daylight Time

It does not work for me when you refer to momentary memory issues a A Touch of Alzheimer's. I find this reference offensive because I have dealt with someone who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and I know the devastation it can cause to the sufferer and the family. I you think you may have a problem with Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia then ask your doctor for a referral to a geriatrician or neurologist, either of which are capable of determining if you are suffering from the early stages of these diseases.

I realize that you do not intend to be offensive when you use A Touch of Alzheimer's in a conversation, but the comment is offensive none the less. I watched my gentle and beautiful mother waste away from this disease. I felt her hit me when she got angry, which is something she never did before the disease begin to eat away at her memory, emotions, and personality. So please consider the feelings of those who have had personal experiences caring for family members suffering from Alzheimer's disease and do not use the term lightly in a conversation.

Meditation Monday: Begin the Week with a Positive Thought

Kamál (Perfection), 5 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Monday, June 9, 2014 about 11:28 am Pacific Daylight Time

It is Monday, the beginning of a new workweek. If you have a job that requires you to leave your house and work for someone else take a positive thought with you as you walk out the door. I read somewhere or someone told me (probably my mother or grandmother) that if you begin the day with a positive thought then every situation you encounter goes better and everything runs more smoothly.

I have found that the best way to begin the day and the week is with prayer, meditation, and a strong cup of coffee. After that the rest of the day flows smoothly even if sometime during the day you encounter rapids. When you do encounter rapids then take a deep breath, say a prayer for assistance, and attempt to steer yourself through the rapids. One thing about rapids is that they do not last forever, eventually the situation smooths and you get a chance to rest before encountering the next group of rapids.

Summary Saturday: Sunshine and Triple Digit Temperatures

Jalál (Glory), 3 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Saturday, June 7, 2014 about 4:42 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It is the end of the first week in June, I am sitting in a cool apartment trying to decided what to fix with the chicken I have in the microwave. Every few minutes I glance out the window at the beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine.  Every thirty minutes or so I check the local temperature on one of t he news website.

According to the website, the temperature is 102 degrees right now. It is supposed to drop to 101 degrees about 5:00 pm. I will check the temperature again about 5:30 to see if it dropped. I am planning to go grocery shopping on Sunday morning because I have to purchase some supplies for work on Tuesday.

It has been a warm week here in Las Vegas. The temperatures climbed into the triple digits almost everyday. So I have had to run t he air conditioner during the day, but I do not run it at night. I have a remote control that allows me to turn the cool air on and off at will. I hope it keeps the electricity bill down this summer.

Thankful Thursday: On Thursday, June 5, 2014 I Am Thankful

Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Núr (Light), 171 BE - Thursday, June 5, 2014 about sunset Pacific Daylight Time

On Thursday, June 5, 2014 I am thankful that...

01. ...Nevada has early voting because it makes it easier to vote when you can do it while you are out shopping or running errands.

02. ...I received a jar of peanut butter with my June senior food allotment. I can now have peanut butter on my hot cakes.

03. ...I stopped at a full service gas station this morning for gas because the tires on the passenger side were low.

04. ...I was able to vote this morning before going the pick up my senior food allotment because now I do not have to worry about finding a pace to vote.

05. ...I have an Internet connection because I can earn some money to help with my bills.

06. ...I received a can of chicken in water with my senior food allotment, so now I can make my owe recipe for sloppy joes.

07. ...I only need 100,000 Gift Points on writing.com to extend my premium membership to the end of December.

I know that I'm supposed to list ten things I am thankful for, but for some reason today I can only think of seven, but I'm going to post it anyway.

Tuesday Ten: Summer Activities

Fiḍál (Grace), 18 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Tuesday, June 3, 2014 about 3:51 Pacific Daylight Time

These are the things I plan to do this summer.

01. Survive the triple digit temperatures in Las Vegas

02. Participate in I Write June-July-August on writing.com

03. Get my hair cut, I'm not planning on dying it because I'm starting to like the gray. I do want it shorter because I can't stand long hair in the summer time.

04. Write a wikiHow article wikiHow. I set up an account under the name of Prosperous Snow.

05. Get a pair of new athletic shoes so that I can workout at the gym without my feet hurting.

06. Write a my own recipe for fresh fruit summer salad.

07. Take an MIT OpenCourse MIT Open Course.

08. Do a "bill reduction" The One Hour Project: Cleanse Your Monthly Bills

09. Read the book, Harley-Davidson 100 Years, that my friend gave me.

10. Make a blog entry on each of the items when I do them.

Those activities, working, and the housework should keep my mind and body busy this summer. Since I want to complete all of them and prove to myself that I can do ten projects in three months, I need to get going. I will post how the project are coming along on Saturday or Sunday.

Sundry Sunday: Thank God It's Sunday

Jamál (Beauty), 16 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Sunday, June 1, 2014 - about 6:04 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I know that it's normal to say Thank God It's Friday, but I'm glad for a new week and a new month occurring on the same day. Last week was confusing and there were days that I wasn't sure of the day or the date. I'm better today, I know the day, the date, and the time. I've caught up on two or three things that I was behind, all though, I still have to go to the laundromat.

I don't want to think about last week, but I'm going to have to face the fact that I still may have a couple of more items to catch up. I know I'll have to take some trash to the alley in the morning when I roll the laundry to the car. I'm not looking forward to going to the laundromat, but I have no other choice. I'm not looking forward to doing anything that I have to stand up to accomplish because my shoes hurt my feet. I need a new pair of shoes.

I'm not going to complain any more because it's a new month. June is looking like it will be a nice month; at least, I'm starting the month with a positive attitude. I don't have anything to complain about this early in the month. I haven't checked my bank account in a couple of day, so I suppose I should check it tonight before I go to bed. I should also balance my books for May, but then I didn't do much book balancing all through that month.

Foodie Friday: Apple Chicken

Istiqlál (Independence), 12 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Friday, May 30, 2014 about 11:16 am Pacific Daylight Time

I tried something new this week, I put two chicken thigh a casserole  and then added two cups of apple juice. Next I put the cover on the casserole dish, placed it in the refrigerator, where I let the apple juice marinate the chicken for a couple of days. This morning, I took it out of the fridge, sprinkled some Buffalo hot sauce over the chicken, and then placed it in the microwave for twelve to eighteen minutes. I like the taste that the apple juice gives to the chicken. If you want the chicken browned then place it in a fry pan for a few minutes before putting it in the Microwave.

For my lunch I will warm some of the green beans I have in the refrigerator up in the sauce from the chicken, to see how the apple juice make the green beans taste. I receive apple juice in my senior food allotment every month, so I need to find creative ways to use the juice and cooking with it make using it much easier. I like apple juice, but not every day unless I can find different  ways to cook with it.

I will continue to work on this recipe until I have it perfected. I know that the next time I make it I will have to add more hot sauce. I also my add some celery or some other kind of vegetable besides green beans. I enjoy cooking as long as I can do it  creatively.

Works for me Wednesday: Apple Juice

‘Idál (Justice), 10 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Wednesday, May 28, 2014 about 5:44 am Pacific Daylight Time

I have three jugs of apple juice in the refrigerator that I have to use in a recipe or dink. Since this is my least favorite juice, I do not drink much of it; however, I have to use the juice so I am going to use it in cooking. That being the case, I am going to use the juice in cooking. This morning, I can think of only two options  (1) use it to marinate chicken thighs and with my hotcake mix instead of water.

I know there must be other recipes for the apple juice, but his morning I am too sleepy (because I woke up earlier then normal and could not get back to sleep) to think of them. As soon as I wake up enough to surf the internet safely, I will search for recipes using apple juice. I think the only way for me to use it is in cooking because three jugs is just too much for me to drink.

I could also try mixing some apple juice with cranberry juice. That might taste good and it would be a bit different, I just cannot drink that much apple juice without mixing it with something. Next time I go to the store I will get some ginger ale because I know that taste good mixed with apple juice. Right now, I will post this because I am having a difficult time typing while I am half asleep.

Meditation Monday: Memorial Day Poem

Kamál (Perfection), 8 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Monday, May 26, 2014 about 5:25 pm Pacific Daylight Time

My Grandmother made crepe paper rose
Each rose was meant for a hero's grave
My Grandfather would drives us from cemetery to cemetery
On Memorial Day to find the veteran and family member
I remember seeing flags other kinsmen had left
And I wondered what stories the deceased had told about the war
Listening the wind blow through the trees echoing my curiosity

Days have passed into years
And years into decades, but each
Year I remember them on Memorial Day.

Sundry Sunday: A Warm and Beautifu Sunday in Las Vegas

Jamál (Beauty), 7 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Sunday, May 25, 2014 about 11:33 am Pacific Daylight Time

It is a warm and beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas. I had the door to my apartment opened earlier today and heard birds singing in the palm and pine trees scatter across the front lawns of the apartment buildings in my neighborhood.

It is a beautiful and warm Sunday morning in Las Vegas and I am making chicken soup. I do not use a whole chicken to make soup because I do not like to cut up chicken. I use only the thighs, legs, or leg quarters to make the soup. That way I do not have to cut up the chicken and I do not have very many bones to take to the trash.

It is a warm and beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas and I hear the neighbor's dog barking at something. I do not know what caught her attention because I do not hear anyone knocking at any of the doors in this building.  I know something must have upset her because the only time she barks is when something catches her attention. She wants to let every one know that the cannot enter he apartment without permission.

Thankful Thursday: May 22, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 5 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Thursday, May 22, 2014 about 12:53 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

1. ...for homemade chicken soup make with hot sauce  and fresh vegetables.

2. ...for iced tea.

3. ...for iced coffee.

4. ...that yesterday was so cool that I did not have to turn on the cold air.

 5. ...that the sparrows are sing in the pine tree across the street.

6. ...that today is a beautiful day in Las Vegas.

7. ...that I received my sample ballot so that I can vote in the primary election.

8. ...that we have early voting here in Nevada, so I can early vote and go to the mall at the same time.

9. ...for Hostess Twinkies, which make a good First Breakfast.

10. ...that I can open my apartment door on cool days and let the fresh air in.

Tuesday Ten: Ten Reasons to Get Out of Bed on a Summer Morning

Fiḍál (Grace), 3 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Tuesday, May 20, 2014 about 7:54 am Pacific Daylight Time

The reason I get out of bed on a summer morning is...

1. ...to open my prayer book and read my morning prayers.

2. ...to eat Hostess Twinkies for breakfast, since I live alone I do not have to be a good example for anyone at breakfast.

3. ...to drink iced coffee made from freshly brewed coffee.

4. ...to access writing.com.

5. ...to make chicken soup from a chicken thigh with the skin still on and either fresh or canned vegetables whichever I have in the refrigerator on any given day.

6. ...to carry the trash to the alley after I have cooked the chicken thigh and fresh vegetable in either the microwave on top of the electric range.

7.  ...to listen to the morning noises of my neighborhood, so that I can use them in a short story or poem.

8. ...to read my e-mail to see if anything important is waiting for a response.

9. ...to compose a blog entry on a beautiful summer morning.

10. ...to write a short story, poem, novel chapter, or essay so that I can post it in my writing.com port or blog.

Sundry Sunday: At the Beginning of the New Week of May 18, 2014

Jamál (Beauty), 2 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 171 BE - Sunday, May 18, 2014 about 9:11 am Pacific Daylight Time

It is the beginning of a beautiful new week in May 2014 and I am looking forward to warm seven days here in Las Vegas.  I have checked the seven day forecast on weather.com, it shows the highest upcoming temperature as 98 degrees. This means I may not have to worry about triple digit temperatures until next week. This is not very much comfort because I still have to turn the cool air on or I cannot work on-line, but I guess that is the price I have to pay for living in a beautiful place like Las Vegas.

I have set my writing and housekeeping goals for this week and began making my To Do List. I check the local news every hour or so to see what the outdoor temperature is so I know when to turn the cool air on to keep me and my computer comfortable. I considered working on-line at night, when it is cooler, and doing housework during the day, but I would still have to turn the air conditioner on while I am doing housework.

Since I need to get a little sleep, I cannot do housework all day and write all night. I cannot write if I am too tired either mentally or physically, so I have to get some sleep. The power bill is not that high in this apartment, but it still causes me worry. I think I have spent so long worrying about the power bill or something else that I cannot stop worrying without focusing on something else. When my mind is busy I do not worry.

Foodie Friday: Leftover Beef Stew

Istiqlál (Independence), 19 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Friday, May 16, 2014 about 11:38 am Pacific Daylight Time

“The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.”

Calvin Trillin 

 I am eating leftover beef stew this weekend. After considering all my options, which was the vegetable I purchased at the Farmer's Market on Wednesday and the canned good in the cabinet, I decided that before going to the grocery store I needed to see what was in the freezer. I found the beef stew I made in April (I think that is when I made it). I had to get the beef stew out of the freezer because I needed the container to store cheese. I think I need to get more storage containers.

When I made the stew I used canned carrots and green beans for the vegetables. However, I did not use stew meat for the beef; I think I used either round steak or flat stake. Since I did not write the recipe down I do not know which one I used. I have to go to Smith's Food & Drug store on Saturday to pick up a prescription, so I will purchase  a package of chicken (which I need to go with  the vegetables) and maybe a box of frozen fish sticks. I do not need any canned good because I have everything in the cabinet I need.

I know I will not get any beef because I have a package of some type of steak in the freezer when I want to make another batch of beef stew. I think that may be all the beef I purchase because I am considering eating only chicken for my meals because I have to cut down on the beef and there is no use having it in the freezer when I do not know when I will use it.

Works for me Wednesday: A trip to the Farmer's Market

‘Idál (Justice), 17 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Wednesday, May 15, 2014 about 5:15 pm Pacific Daylight Time

This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the Farmer's Market to spend the $18.00 in coupons I had left. The Farmer's Market was in the parking lot of the place I picked up the commodities, so I had to make only one trip. I plan my trips to the grocery stores, library, and gas station so that I have to make only one or two trips in a day. I especially like going to stores that are in the same section of town because I use less gas.

I have not checked everything I received in the commodities, but I do know one of the bags contained a small jar of peanut butter. Now all I have to do, when I go to the grocery store tomorrow, is get some bread so that I can have a peanut butter sandwich. I also need to get some spices and maybe a jar of honey. I have to check to potassium content of honey before I purchase any. It is difficulty enough figuring out what items I can eat and if I have to cut the serving size to make sure the potassium content is on the low side.

Fortunately, I have access to the internet. I can search for the potassium content in foods. I also have two website on my favorites list that I can use to check the potassium content in my food. It takes a while to do this, but if I plan my menu two to four days ahead then I can keep my potassium intake low.This approach to my diet works for me most of the time.

Meditation Monday: Be Still

Kamál (Perfection), 15 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Monday, May 12, 2014 about 2:25 pm Pacific Standard Time

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalms 46:10 The King James Bible

 
It is beautiful Monday here in Las Vegas. I woke up when the alarm went off this morning and pressed the snooze button because I stayed up later then normal last night. After pressing the snooze button a couple of time I finally got up, took my first morning medication, put the dishes away that I washed last night, and made a carafe of coffee. I could not think of an entry for today's theme, so I did some other work on-line before fixing myself something to eat. After eating, meditating, and I think a short nap, I turned the computer back on to do some more work.

As I was waiting for the computer to boot, the verse from Psalms 46 popped into my mind. The only part of the verse I could remember was "Be still, and know that I am God;" I could not even remember in which book it was located. I found several different translations, but chose the King James because that is the version I prefer to read. Every time I read it, I remember growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and going to Vacation Bible School and memorizing this verse.

Meditation Poem

Breath in
Exhale

Silence surrounds the peaceful mind
Tranquility comforts the lover of God
In stillness and silence my soul
Listens for the music of the spheres
Listens for the whispers of faith

Sundry Sunday: Mother's Day

Jamál (Beauty), 14 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Sunday, May 11, 2014 about 7:28 am Pacific Daylight Time

On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
with a hot cup of Café Mocha
made with Rich Chocolate Ovaltine©
and remember Mama's smile
the first time
I made it for her.

On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
I open my prayer book to read
a prayer for the departed
and remember Mama's favorite prayer
was the one for protection
that she read
before going to work each day
at the old Showboat.

On this second Sunday in May,
I celebrate Mother's Day,
by calling my sister-in-laws
to wish them
a Happy Mother's Day.

Thankful Thursday: On May 8 I am Thankful for

Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Thursday, May 8, 2014 about 1:07 pm Pacific Daylight Time

On May 8, 2014 I am Thankful...

1. ...that I have $20.00 in Farmer's Market coupons to use before June 30, 2014.

2. ...for the beautiful and pleasant spring weather we are having here in Las Vegas.

3. ...that I receive a spring savings packet from Smith's Food & Drug store yesterday, which contains coupons worth over $11.00 on products I purchase most often.

4. ...for the environment merit badge I received on writing.com for my poem We Need Green Cities, which won second place in the Earth Day writing. contest.

5. ...that someone came to my apartment last night and unstuck the flatware drawer because now I have access to all of my silverware.

6. ...for the pigeons and sparrows I hear cooing and singing everyday.

7. ...that I earned $20.00 from doing on-line surveys. The money was deposited into my checking account yesterday.

8. ...for the sound of the Harley-Davidson I hear almost every morning. When I moved from my house I thought I would never hear that beautiful sound again.

9. ...that the savings package from Smith's Food & Drug store contained a coupon for a free container of 1 dozen large eggs.

10. ...for the step stool that allows me to reach the top shelves of my cabinets.

Tuesday Ten: Ten Cloud Shapes I Have Witness while Living in Las Vegas

Fiḍál (Grace), 9 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Tuesday, May 6, 2014 about 1:34 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today, Tuesday, May 6, is wind, cool and partly cloudy. The white clouds stand out against the blue sky, I can see them change shapes as they float by. This brought to mind some amazing cloud shape I have witnessed since moving to the city a few decades ago.

1. I once saw a could that look like a huge archangel, with his wings outspread.

2. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a flying dragon, which the winds in the upper atmosphere transformed into a walking oak tree.

3. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a windmill that became a wisp of gray smoke as the wind blew it apart.

4. I just saw a cloud in the shape of a baby dragon chasing another cloud in the shape of a unicorn,

5. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a pig running on chicken legs.

6. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a whale floating across the morning sky.

7. I just saw a cloud shape like a bearded person looking toward the west.

8. I once saw a cloud in the shape of a castle.

9. I once saw a cloud in the shape of an oak leaf.

10. I just saw a cloud in the shape of a small fuzzy dog.

Sundry Sunday: A Beautiful Day to Pray

Jamál (Beauty), 7 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Sunday, May 4, 2014 about 8:18 am Pacific Daylight Time

It is Sunday morning in Las Vegas. The temperature is about 78 degrees and it is supposed to get up to around 9:00 am. The temperature has not gotten into the triple digits yet, but I do have to turn on the cool air between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. It also means I have begun drinking iced coffee instead of hot coffee of a morning or any other time of day.

It is a beautiful Sunday morning in Las Vegas. It is a good morning to pray; to say other prayers besides my normal morning prayer. I opened my prayer book to Detachment. The page that it opened to contained a prayer revealed by The Bab about taking refuge in God and putting your whole trust in Him. I read the prayer aloud and felt the spirit of God flowing from the words into my soul.

It is a beautiful Sunday in May.
It is a good day to pray,
A good day to take refuge in God.

Foodie Friday: Three Greens Soup

Istiqlál (Independence), 5 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Friday, May 2, 2014 about 6:56 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Yesterday, a neighbor informed me that when you make soup you have to have at least three greens in it. Therefore, tomorrow I will put the spinach and the asparagus  in the celery soup I have in the fridge. I will finish the soup after breakfast because I am making a spinach omelet for breakfast. I usually make a three egg omelet, but this time I will make it with only two eggs.

After I cut the spinach for the omelet I will put the rest in the soup and then cut the asparagus up. I think I will fix the soup in the electric skillet tomorrow. I will fix the omelet and then finish making the soup, which should last me three or four day. I also need to start my grocery list for Monday because I did not purchase everything I needed today.

Works for me Wednesday: How do I cool down on a hot Las Vegas Summer Day?

‘Idál (Justice), 3 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Wednesday, April 30, 2014 about 1:44 pm Pacific Daylight Time

How doe I cool down on a hot Las Vegas summer day? I put my canned fruit in the refrigerator to get cold before I open it for a noonday snack or desert. When I open the fruit it is cold, so I can eat it right way without having to put it in the freezer to cool down. If I want the desert frozen, then I open the can and put the fruit in a baggy or some other storage container to let it freeze.

In summer, the temperatures in Las Vegas rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. On those hot days, it is nice to have a cold fruit snack already waiting in the refrigerator or freezer to help cool me down. Since I am on a low potassium diet, I can no longer have ice cream to help me cool down, but I can still have some types of canned fruit as long as I watch the  potassium content per serving.

Meditation Monday: Refilling the Well

Kamál (Perfection), 1 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Monday, April 28, 2014 about 6:33 pm Pacific Daylight Time

"I learned never to empty the well of my writing,

buty always to stop when there was still something

therin the depp par of the well,

and let it refill at night

from the springs that fed it."

Ernest Hemingway

How do I refill the well of my writing? Thought sleep, meditation, and prayer. I know that there is always more inspiration in the deep part of my well - which is my soul - and that it is through prayer and meditation that the water of inspiration refills my well.

Oh, my Beloved!
I open my prayer book:
Praise and gratitude.

Praise, gratitude, and healing prayers always refill the well of my inspiration. When I fell ill, I open my prayer book and say  a healing prayer. Most of the time I chose the long healing prayer, but it does not matter which one I chose because the prayer always refreshes and renews my inspiration.

Summary Saturday: Review of April 20 to April 26, 2014

Jalál (Glory), 18 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - April 26, 2014 about 2:40 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It's summary Saturday and, according to the note I wrote myself about today's  theme, I'm supposed  to summarize the week with a focus on what I learned.  What did I learn this week? After contemplating this subject I decided that I learned the following things.

1. I do not have enough hangers in my closet to hang up all my clothes. Therefore, I have to clean out the large Tupperware© container, that is sitting in the bathroom, to hold my t-shirts.

2. I need to do my laundry every Friday morning because the laundromat has fewer customers, so I can find a place to sit while waiting for the clothes to wash and dry.

3.  I need to purchase four more wash clothes because I only have two in the apartment.

4. It is difficulty, but possible to write 750 words without stopping.

5. I have more room for canned vegetables in my cupboard if I store the canned fruit in the refrigerator.

6. I need more storage containers of different sizes because I do not have enough to hold leftovers because I cannot cook for just one person.

I think that is about all I learned this week, which I thin is enough for one week. It is getting warmer here in Las Vegas, so I think I am going to like having a cold can of fruit in the refrigerator. The only problems is that I have to figure out different ways to fix applesauce. How many ways are there to fix applesauce before a person gets tired of eating it?

Thankful Thursday: April 24, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 16 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Thursday, April 24, 2014 about 10:55 am Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

1. ...that I was able to extend my premium membership on writing.com another three months from June 30, 2014 to September 30, 2014;

2. ...for the new broom, dustpan, and mop I was able to purchase on Monday, April 21 because now I can sweep and mop the floor;

3. ...that I still have an internet connection so that I can work online and earn some extra money;

4. ...for the six ice cube trays I was  able to purchase when I went to the store on Monday because now I will not have to buy ice this summer.;

5. ...that I joined 750 words on Wednesday, April 23, because it is a fun challenge to type 750 words in one setting;

6. ...for ginger ale because it makes sweetened and unsweetened apple juice taste a whole lot better;

7. ...that, because of the cool temperatures in Las Vegas, I did not have to turn the cool air on at all yesterday;

8. ...for the beauty of a sunshiny spring day in Las Vegas;

9. ...that I have $10.00 coming to my PayPal account from one of the survey groups I joined;

10. ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah and the Bab.

Tuesday Ten: The Haves and The Have Nots

Fiḍál (Grace), 14 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Tuesday, April 22, 2014 about 1:05 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Ten things I have in my studio apartment...

1. ...one small mop bucket and one large mop bucket;
2. ...one new sponge mop with an extra mop head;
3. ...one new broom;
4. ...one dustpan with small brush to sweep up crumbs or coffee grounds;
5. ...six blue ice cube trays;
6. ...one toilet brush and one plumber helper;
7. ...one manual can opener, which is not helpful in opening the tight lids on jars;
8. ...four wooden stand alone T.V. trays to use as tables;
9. ...four sponges to use to wash dishes and counter tops;
10. ...one magnet pillow to sleep on.

Ten things I do not have, but need in my studio apartment...

1. ...one shower curtain with small adjustable shower rod;
2. ...one trashcan for the bathroom;
3. ...seven more refrigerator magnets;
4. ...five more spoons with two being serving spoons;
5. ...one office chair with both rollers and arm rests;
6. ...one jar opener or something to open the tight lids on jars;
7. ...one reading lamp to sit by the love seat;
8. ...one set of various sized storage containers to use in the refrigerator and freezer;
9. ...one set of dishtowels so that I can dry my dishes instead of letting them sit to air dry;
10. ...one or two 16 oz. tumblers made of glass for my ice tea and coffee this summer.

Summary Saturday: The Good, The Bad, and The Painful

Jalál (Glory), 11 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Saturday, April 19, 2014 about 10:24 am Pacific Daylight Time

I'll start with the painful, which occurred on Thursday night. I had another episode of stomach pain which caused me to get offline early, curl up in the fetal position, and attempt to get some sleep. I didn't get much sleep because of the pain, so I sit up and slowly said the long healing prayer, which helped more the curling in the fetal position. The pain eventually subsided and I was about to get a little bit of sleep.

I know the pain was caused by something I ate, but I can't figure out what. The last doctor I talked to about it suggested that the problem was eating fat; however, I hadn't eaten anything with fat or even any red meat for over a month. One of the condiments I ate could have caused the problem, but I don't know which one. I'll just have to make sure I don't eat all three condiments on the same day and see what happens.

The bad occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, I had a panic attack and was unable to do anything for a two or three minutes perhaps more. On Wednesday night I dealt with a bout of insomnia and could hear every strange noise that my apartment makes as well as those coming from the apartments on either side. The weird thing about that is that one of the apartments is empty, so there shouldn't be noises coming from an empty apartment.

The good concerns a new library card and shoppers' card. On Monday, I went to Von's and got one of their shoppers cards. After that I went to the library, got a library card, and checked out a book of poems by an author I'd never heard of. I like reading poem and stories by unfamiliar writers. On Wednesday afternoon, I gave away the chocolate Easter bunny I had in my freezer because I checked the potassium after I purchased it and found out that the bunny wasn't on my low potassium diet plan.

Thankful Thursday: Spring Gratitude

Istijlál (Majesty), 9 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Thursday, April 17, 2014 about 2:46 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today I give thanks for the spring
and for the birds that sing.

Today I give thanks for the vegetables
that lay on my kitchen table.

Today I give thanks for the sunshine
 which makes me happy in springtime.

Today I give thanks for the oak tree
whose leaves cast their shadow over me.

I have so much to be thankful for on this bright and beautiful spring day. It is April when showers water the garden preparing it for May flower. So far this month, we have experience very little rain in Las Vegas, but there is always hope.

Travel Tuesday: A Trip Down The Aisle of a Supermarket

Fiḍál (Grace), 7 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Tuesday, April 15, 2014 about 4:16 pm Pacific Daylight Time

A trip up and down the aisles of a supermarket is always an adventure. I know where some of the items located, but others I have not idea how  to find because they  do not  list  them on  the signs at the beginning and ends of each aisle.Today, after finding the items I went in for, I decided I needed a jar of prepared horseradish. I thought it was located in the same aisle as the mustard and salad dressing, but it was located in the section with the packaged cheese and stuff; which I suppose makes sense when you think about what taste horseradish is used to enhance.

After finding the horseradish, with the help of a customer service agent, I went to the produce section. There I purchased an individual watermelon and a package of individual red, orange, and yellow peppers. I like to use these peppers in my soup because they add a  slight sweetish taste to the chicken soup. After returning home and lugging the bags into my apartment, I was tired.

I think I have to take a different approach to grocery shopping because it making two or three trip up and down the same aisle looking for something wears me out. Therefore I will take a more methodical approach to grocery shopping. That way I will get everything I want or went into get without tiring myself out.

Spiritual Sunday: Am I doing enought for Mother Earth?

Jamál (Beauty), 5 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Sunday, April 13, 2014 about 2:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Am I doing enough for Mother Earth? When I lived in the house I attempted to recycle by putting cans, glass, newspapers, and plastics in the recycle bins and carrying them to the curb every-other Saturday. Now that I live in an apartment, I recycle only the aluminum which I either sell myself or give to one of the people who checks for aluminum cans in the dumpsters.

The approach of Earth Day (Tuesday, April 22) caused me to ask two questions: (1) Am I doing enough for Mother Earth? and (2) Does the way humanity treats Mother Earth have an effect on our spirituality? The first question I can answer easily with a "No!" because there are probably other things I can do to help the planet. The second question I don't have an easy or a clear answer for and I'm not sure anyone does. It is a question that takes more research then I have done at present.

Foodie Friday: This Week's Chick Soup

Istiqlál (Independence), 3 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Friday, April 11, 2014 about 10:38 am Pacific Daylight Time

This week's chicken soup contains

1. Four chicken legs boiled with meat removed from bones
2. Two green onions
3. Two 2 inch long spears of asparagus
4. One large green bell pepper sliced into bite sized chunks
5. One small package of carrots sliced but not peeled
6. Five or six small orange or red bell peppers sliced.
7. Several dashes of hot sauce
8. Water enough to cover the chicken when it is cooking, with more water added as needed while the vegetables are cooking

 This makes enough soup for one person for several days. I also fixed a green salad with Roman lettuce, daikon radish, and some other type of green vegetable (I don't remember what the person at the Farmers' Market called it). I still have to fix a vinegar and oil dressing for the salad, so I'll have to look that recipe up on the internet because I have not made this type of dressing before. In fact, this will be the first time, in my 67 years, that I made dressing of any type and I'm looking forward to the experience.

Workout Wednesday: Will Today's Workout Happen?

‘Idál (Justice), 1 Jalál (Glory), 171 BE - Wednesday, April 8, 2014 about 9:00 am Pacific Daylight Time

It's Workout Wednesday, but due to financial issues, finding some business items, and business calls I won't get to my 11:00 am class. I didn't go yesterday, so I should go this afternoon sometime if I can scrape up the money to purchase some necessities, so that I can go into the gym. I ran out of money and specific necessities earlier this month then I did last month. Right now it's a choice between doing laundry and getting the necessities required for me to go to the gym and other places.

The only workout I may get today is taking the trash to the alley and going to the mail box. Carrying the trash to the alley is a good workout, but going to the gym is better.  Perhaps if I take the trash out of the bathroom first and then later carry the trash out that is under the sink. I need to do more walking anyway, so that is as good excuse to get me walking as any.

It's workout Wednesday
a beautiful day to walk
out to the alley.

Right now, I need to fix me something to eat, so that I have the energy to take the trash to the alley. I warm the food I had left over from yesterday and I think I'll take the chicken down from the freezer so that I can fix that this afternoon or tomorrow.

Meditation Monday: Difficulty Meditating

Kamál (Perfection), 18 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Monday, April 7, 2014 about 5:56 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but I find it difficult to quiet my mind when I focus on nothing. In order to stop my self-talk and flying thoughts I have to focus on something. When I chant God's Most Great Name using the prayer beads to count, I can focus on the chanting and this calms my mind. I have also found that when I focus on the action of washing dishes I can calm my thoughts and quiet my mind. I need a point of focus for me to quiet my mind.

I'm sure that washing dishes isn't encouraged while meditating. I always thought that you had to sit in a comfortable position and focusing on nothing. When I chant the Most Great Name, I usually sit in a chair or on the love seat and face east. The chair is more comfortable because I can simply turn it in the proper direction. If I sit on the love seat then I have to turn only my head toward the east, unless I left legs off the floor and place them on the love seat's arm.

I recently found a photo that I can focus on, so I may try that for my evening meditation instead of standing at the kitchen sink and washing dishes. It is difficult for me to stand up for long periods of time without one of my legs going to sleep. At least with the photo, I can sit on the love seat while focusing on the picture. I'll give this thirty days before I attempt to change my method of meditation again.

Summary Saturday: An Interesting Week

Jalál (Glory), 16 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Saturday, April 5, 2014 about 4:05 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It has been an interesting week, I went to the gym three day, I did one load of laundry, and I received $30.00 in coupons for the Farmers' Market. Yesterday, April 4, I made green bean and asparagus soup, but did not use any chicken because I forgot to take it out of the freezer. I warmed up some of the broth for breakfast and for lunch I added some leftovers to the soup when I warmed it up. I have not decided what I am having for supper.

I did not go to the gym today because I was not feeling well, I am feeling better this afternoon. If I feel well tomorrow then I will go to the gym, actually I may go anyway. I have two load of laundry I have to wash tomorrow, I can do the laundry either before or after I go to the gym. I should do the laundry before because after I get out of the gym, I do not want to do anything except come home and eat something.

As I said, it has been an interesting week. I would say stressful, but then most of my weeks are stressful. Since I been going to the gym on a regular or semi-regular basis my weeks have been less stressful and they will become even less stressful as soon I can earn enough money to pay my bills. However, all in all it has been a nice week.

Foodie Friday: Coupons for the Farmers' Market

Istiqlál (Independence), 15 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Friday, April 4, 2014 about 1:41 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I have $30.00 in Farmers' Market Coupons, a partial list of locally available produce, one location, and dates of upcoming Farmers' Markets.Next week the Market will be on Monday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 8, I am planning to go on one of those dates. The produce that (I know) will be available are asparagus, cherries, greens, lettuce, peas, radishes, rhubarb, strawberries, spinach, and Swiss chard. I know that I want to get rhubarb and either asparagus or Swiss chard, but before I decide on which I have to check the potassium level in those vegetables.

I can determine the potassium level in each of those vegetables by going to foodfacts.com and searching for the ingredients by product name. This is a big help when it comes to following a low potassium diet because once I find out how many milligrams of potassium a vegetable for fruit contains, I know if I can eat it and the amount I can consume at one meal.

This will be my first trip to a farmers' market since my doctor put me on a low potassium diet, so I am looking forward to see what I can find that I can eat. I am looking forward to seeing what else they have and then figuring out how to cook it. I have only two recipe books in  the house (apartment) and I think both of those are microwave cookbooks, which is not going to help since I will be using the electric range.

Thankful Thursday: April 3, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 14 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Thursday, April 3, 2014 about 12:49 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

1. ...for the $30.00 in Farmers' Market coupons I received when I picked up my April Senior Food allotment.

2.  ...that I still have a working Internet connection.

3. ...for the jar of peanut butter I received with my Senior Food allotment.

4. ...that I am still able to drive my car across Las Vegas.

5. ...for the bottle of grape juice I received with my Senior Food allotment.

6. ...that I still have a bag of rice in the cupboard so I can make Spanish rice to go with the ground turkey I have in the freezer.

7. ...for the nice sunshiny day we are experiencing here in Las Vegas.

8. ...that I am over the Spring Fever I suffered from on Wednesday.

9. ...for my family and friends both on and off line.

10. ...that I was able to attend my grief counseling group yesterday.

Midweek Reflections: Giving up Chocolate

‘Idál (Justice), 13 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Wednesday, April 2, 2014 about 6:59 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I have to give up chocolate! I purchase a milk chocolate Easter bunny on Monday, March 31, when I went to the store to pick up a prescription. I read the nutritional facts on the back of the box, since it did not give the potassium content I figured I did not have to worry about that issue. Today, I did an Internet search for the potassium content of chocolate.

I discovered that milk chocolate has 625 mg of potassium for one cup of chips. The chocolate bunny contains about 16 oz. of chocolate, which means the potassium in the bunny exceeds my low potassium diet. Dark chocolate has 158 mg and white chocolate 243.1 mg of potassium, this means I cannot eat chocolate Easter bunnies or any other type of chocolate candy. I have not checked the potassium content of hot coco mix, but I suspect the potassium content in that product excludes me from drinking hot chocolate or cafe mocha.

I think I will miss the cafe mocha the most, but I could be wrong. I might miss chocolate ice cream or chocolate candy more the cafe mocha. I will just have to see and write about what I miss most. I know one thing for certain, I will have to do an Internet search for potassium content in food and make a grocery list accordingly.

The Last Sunday in March 2014

Kamál (Perfection), 11 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Sunday, March 30, 2014 about 7:41 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It is after sunset on the last Sunday in March. This morning the wind blew so hard that it sent litter blowing down the street and making all sorts of weird noises. The wind woke me up, so I suppose it means that March is going out like a lion.

the lion of March
howls through the streets knocks on doors
rude awakening

According to weather.com, the wind was 10 mph. I think it sounded like it was blowing faster then that, but I did not go outside until about 11:00 am and the wind had calmed down a little. According to tomorrow's forecast the wind is supposed to reach 26 mph which should make carrying trash to the alley interesting.

Summary Saturday: Summerizing the week of March 23 to March 29, 2014

Jalál (Glory), 9 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Saturday, March 29, 2014 about 7:07 am Pacific Daylight Time

It's been an interesting, educational, and stressful week. This is the third week in a row that I have kept track of weird, odd, and intriguing news stories. I keep the links to these stories The Snowflake Chronicles, a journal I have stored in my writing.com port. This week I also kept notes on activities I did each day because I didn't want the stress to produce "senior moments" if I decided to blog about those activities.

Sunday, March 23: Remained in apartment.
Monday, March 24: Went for colonoscopy follow-up, the doctor said he removed two polyps, and he want me to have another colonoscopy in three years.
Tuesday, March 25: Went to doctor & started new poem.
Wednesday, March 26: Decided to day to use the 5 lb. weights in my silver & fit class
Thursday, March 27: The class for clerk so that I can work the polls on election today
Friday, March 28: Went to Lutheran Social Services to pick up 20 lbs. of food.
Saturday, March 29:  I have to fix myself something a bit more substantial for my second breakfast then Greek yogurt, zucchini nut cake, and coffee.

I'm not sure about my plans for this coming week because I have to check my April calender and decide on which day to go the the laundromat. As you noticed in the above summary, I didn't do that this week and that means I have at least two loads of clothes to lug to the laundromat sometime between March 30 and April 5, 2014. I think the best thing to do is just plan two trips to the laundromat instead of just one.

Thankful Thursday: March 27, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 7 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Thursday, March 27, 2014 about 5:12 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

1.  ...that I had enough gas in the car to get me to the Election Board Office so that I could take the class for clerk.

2. ...for the watermelon I purchased at Smith's Food & Drug Store last week. I ate part of it when I returned home this afternoon.

3.  ...that I have a Brita© pitcher so that I do not have to drink the water straight out of the facet. The water tastes so much better after it has gone through the filter.

4.  ...for the beautiful sun shiny afternoon we are experiencing in Las Vegas.

5.  ...that I still have an Internet connection so that I can access writing.com and other websites.

6.  ...for the two jugs of apple juice I have in the refrigerator because I can heat a cup of apple juice in the Microwave and have a warm refreshing snack before I go to bed.

7.  ...that I have not had to turn the cold air on in my apartment yet this month.

8.  ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha.

9.  ...that I do not have to worry about my writing.com membership until June 30, 2014.

10.  ...for the purple windbreaker I wear when I leave the house. I do not have to put my wallet, keys, or cell phone in my purse because the windbreaker has pockets.

Midweek Reflections: On a Nontraditional Breakfast

‘Idál (Justice), 6 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Wednesday, March 27, 2014 about 9:05 am Pacific Daylight Time

It is Wednesday, halfway through the last full week of March 2014. This morning I am eating a nontraditional breakfast of chicken, spinach, and celery soup. I made the soup myself at the end of last week, so I have to finish it off today because I want to make another batch of bell pepper chicken soup.

When I went to the store on Saturday, at least I think it was Saturday, I bought a package of chicken leg quarters and a steak. At the time, I was not sure whether I wanted to make beef stew (I never use stew meat for beef stew because other cuts of beef are tenderer) or chicken soup. After checking my refrigerator and the cans I have in my pantry, I decided that chicken soup with celery and spinach would be a better choice. I will use the steak for something else, perhaps get some barbecue sauce to marinade the steak.

I like the soup I made, but it needs something. Therefore, before I make the bell pepper soup I will check the spices I have on hand. I do not keep salt in the house because I would rather cook with spices then with salt, besides sometimes I use canned vegetables in my soup and those have enough slat in them.

Unpacking the Gray-Blue Suitcase

Jamál (Beauty), 3 Bahá (Splendor), 171 BE - Sunday, March 23, 2014 about 9:09 am Pacific Daylight Time

On Monday, my sister brought the blue-gray suitcase I packed and put into storage in her garage. I found four dress, which (with  the three I already had here) gives me seven dresses to wear this spring and summer. This is nice because now I do not have to wash my dresses more then once a week. In addition, to the dresses I packed a pair of slacks with a matching blouse.

The only problem with the slacks and the blouse is that every time I bend over the slacks ride down and show areas of my backside I would prefer to remain concealed. This means I cannot wear the slacks and the blouse to the gym. If I have to wear the slacks to the gym, I will have to find a long t-shirt to wear. I hope there are other t-shirts in the suite case because I have only three I could wear with the slacks, if they matched.

I have two more problems with the clothes in that suitcase. First, I need more hangers because I have used almost all of the hangers I brought with me. Second, I do not think I have enough room in my closet to hang everything up. I will have to leave some of the stuff in the suitcase or give it away. I think giving it away would be the best option because then I would not have to open the suitcase every time I wanted to find something to wear.

Thankful Thursday: March 20, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 19 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Thursday, March 20, 2014 about 10:42 am Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

01.  ...that today is the first day of spring because now I can turn off the heat and turn on the cool air.

02.  ...for the chicken thighs I have in the refrigerator because I can fix them for lunch.

03.  ...that tomorrow is Naw-Ruz and I get to go to a Naw-Ruz party tomorrow evening.

04.  ...for the different colored bell peppers I have in the refrigerator because now I can make bell pepper soup with the chicken thighs.

05.  ...that I decided to stay home this morning and gets some writing accomplished. I have already written over 1,500 words today.

06.  ...for the beautiful sunshiny day we are experiencing here in Las Vegas.

07.  ...that I have a box of cherry cordial ice cream in the freezer.

08.  ...for the love seat I sleep on because if I did not have it I would have to sleep on the floor.

09.  ...that when my modem took a nap a few minutes ago I did not loose this entire post.

10.  ...for everything I have to be thankful for that I have not listed.

Travel Tuesday: Places in Las Vegas I want to visit - Part 1

Fiḍál (Grace), 17 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Tuesday, March 18, 2014 about 11:54 am Pacific Daylight Time

This is a list of local museums in want to visit,,,

1. The Neon Museum

2. Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas

3. The Mob Museum

4. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

5. The Nevada State Museum

6. The National Atomic Testing Museum

I think six museums is all I am planning to visit in the near future. After I visit these attractions and write poems, stories, and/or blog entries about them, I will look for six more place in or around Las Vegas to visit. The first thing I need to do is check the prices and the days the museums are open or for any special events occurring within the next nine months. After that, I just need to decide on which days I can go because the only type of vacation I can take is a staycation.

Spiritual Sunday: Cleaning out My Coffeemaker

Jamál (Beauty), 15 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Sunday, March 16, 2014 about 4:56 pm Pacific Daylight Time

As I write this, vinegar water is running through my coffeemaker to clean it out. I do this once a month to make sure that the coffeemaker last longer and the coffee taste good. As I was pouring the water into the tank, I realize that tests and difficulties doe the same thing for the human soul that vinegar water does for a coffeemaker.

Tests and difficulties clean our souls, when a person encounters a tests and turns to God that person's soul is cleaned. The person is prepared so that he or she can better serve God. The soul is cleaned of the dross that daily living deposits, which comes between the Divine Essence (God) and the individual.

If the person prays daily, instead of only turning to God in times of crises and tests, the person will have a smoother ride through the tests. However, no amount of prayer or scripture reading will prevent the soul from confronting tests and difficulties.

Foodie Friday: I like Turkey Sausages

Istiqlál (Independence), 13 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Friday, March 14, 2014 about 11:29 am Pacific Daylight Time

I like turkey sausages! I tried them for the first time this morning and I realized that I like them. When I went to the store yesterday, I decided I needed some kind of meat to go with breakfast. I knew I didn't want beef, pork, or chicken, so I purchased two packages of fully cooked turkey sausages. I fixed them this morning with my hotcakes and eggs.

I don't know why I didn't try them before today, maybe because I wasn't raised eating anything except pork sausages. I purchased the link sausages because I can't eat the patties (not in the pork sausage anyway). The next time I get this type of meat, I'll purchase the turkey sausage patties and see if I can eat those better then the pork sausage patties. I may even purchase the turkey sausages that are not fully cooked and see how I like those.

I have to change the way I eat by cutting down on the beef  and the pork. Since I don't want to cut meat out entirely I have to start eating chicken and turkey. I think the next time I make Spanish rice, I will purchase the ground turkey and see how that works with my recipe. I prefer to have a little bit of meat in my diet, so poultry is a good substitute for beef and pork.

Workout Wednesday: An hour long exercise class at the gym

Idál (Justice), 11 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 about 3:22 pm Pacific Daylight Time

This morning I went to the Silver Sneakers Fitness class at 24-hour Fitness on South Eastern, just past the corner of Sahara. I enjoyed the class, all though I think when I go next week I'm taking water with ice. As I was drinking my water (at a short break) I decided I didn't like to drinking it at room temperature. Drinking cold water winter and summer is something I picked up in my childhood, I don't like  the taste of tepid water.

I got a good workout this morning and decided to come home after the class instead of going to the grocery store or the bank. I was tired, but it was a good tired because I wasn't exhausted. My mood was and still is positive despite the fact that I have financial worries. The exercise appears to decrease my depression, while causing me to feel better.

happiness increased
by an hour of exercise
a bright sunny day

Meditation Monday: Random Thoughts on Meditation and Exercise

Kamál (Perfection), 9 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Monday, March 10, 2014 about 5:46 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It's Monday and I'm not feeling well, which has affected both my exercise and meditation. I have to force myself to concentrate. I don't know if something I ate last night caused my "illness" or if it's a side effect of the time change.

I had to force myself to go to the gym this afternoon and once I got  there my body didn't want to cooperate. Specifically my left knee, it hurt when I attempted the leg stretch and when I was on the bike it make cracking or popping sounds. The only machine I was able to work on was the cardio machine.

I like the cardio machine because I can repeat prayers, affirmations, or scripture verses while I'm on it without slowing down the workout.  When I'm on the bike or the treadmill, I have to focus on what I'm doing and not let my mind wonder or I slow down. Unfortunately, I couldn't seem to focus on much of anything today.I hope and pray that tomorrow I will be able to focus on the exercises.

Summary Saturday: Looking back over the week

Jalál (Glory), 7 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Saturday, March 8, 2014 about 5:30 pm Pacific Standard Time

I just finished eating a grape sucker for my snack today. I know that isn't a good snack, but it was lying on my desk and I didn't want to throw it away. I got it when I went to the bank on March 3, to withdraw the money for the rent. At the time I didn't think about the type of snack it would make or anything else because it reminded me of my childhood.

This has been an interesting week, I went to the gym on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and today. I worked out  on  the  treadmill, the stationary bike, the cardio machine, the machine  that lets you do leg stretches, attended an hour long exercise class, and I did balancing exercises.  Today I planned to attend a yoga class but got confused about the time. I thought the class started at 10:30 instead of 10:00 am. I worked out on the machines for an hour and then went to the grocery store.

On Thursday morning, I went to the laundromat. On Friday, I stayed home and remained in the house almost all day. I did go outside twice to take trash to the dumpster in the alley. I ate only one meal Friday, so I ran out of energy before I accomplished everything I wanted to do. I went to bed early on Friday and I overslept this morning, which may be one reason I thought the yoga class started later in the morning.

I like going to the grocery store on Saturday after my gym workout. The reason is the free food sample, which I think count as a snack. The samples were good, unfortunately I couldn't purchase the products because most of them aren't on the diet plan my doctor gave me. However, I doubt the samples had very much potassium in them because they were all small and less then bite size.

Well, that is about it for  this week,  tomorrow Day Light Savings Time begins. Since I haven't plugged in the clock radio, I have only two clocks to sit ahead. I have to manually set the clock on the stove and the microwave.

Thankful Thursday: March 5, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 5 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Thursday, March 6, 2014 about 9:23 am Pacific Standard Time

This morning I am grateful...

01. ...for the blueberries I received when I picked up food from Lutheran Social Services on Friday, February 28. I fixed blueberry pancakes for my breakfast today.

02. ...that I still have a complete roll of quarters for laundry money. It cost me $3.00 to wash one load of clothes and $1.00 to dry them.

03. ...for the five bottles of water I received from Lutheran Social Services on February 28, 2014. I still have one bottle I can take to the gym with me this afternoon.

04. ...that I only have two bags of trash to take to the dumpster in the alley because two small bags of trash is all I can carry at a time.

05. ...for my portfolio on writing.com and the ability  to keep my premium membership by reviewing the work of other writers.

06. ...that today is Thursday because I need to find something to give thanks for at least once a week.

07. ...that I was able to join a gym so that I can get fit or at least as fit as my health will allow.

08. ...for a connection to the Internet so that I can stay in contact with my family and friends.

09. ...for a free senior cellphone with 250 free minutes each month.

10. ...that I know how to cook so I don't have to go to a restaurant every time I get hungry.

Travel Tuesday: I'm staying home until this afternoon

Fiḍál (Grace), 3 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Tuesday, March 4, 2014 about 10:46 am Pacific Daylight Time

This is travel Tuesday, which means an entry about traveling somewhere. Today, the only traveling I'm planning are a couple of trips to the alley with some trash and a trip to the gym this afternoon. On Monday, I went to the bank, to pay the rent, and then to the gym. On Wednesday, I will make another trip to the gym in the morning and then to a grief counseling meeting in the afternoon. On Thursday, I plan to go to the laundromat in the morning and then to the gym in the afternoon. Friday is grocery shopping day, so I will pick up some senior food in the morning and the stop at the grocery store on my way home. I will go to the gym again on Saturday, but I'm not sure whether it will be morning or afternoon.

Those are the extent of my travel plans this week. I could complain about not being home, but since it's my choice to do these things I can't complain. The two projects I'm focusing on this week going to the gym and attempting to organize my apartment. Since I can't let these project interfere with writing 2,000 words a day, my life is full, but at least I'm not bored. Happy traveling to everyone who is getting out into the world or just traveling the Internet.

Spiritual Sunday: Thoughts on Spiritual Life

Jamál (Beauty), 1 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 170 BE - Sunday, March 2, 2014 about 11:19 am Pacific Standard Time

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. 

Buddha 

I am a candle
lit by the will of God,
my flame burns bright
when I pray.
meditate,
and fast.

Today is the first day of the nineteen day fast; unfortunately, I am on medication and cannot abstain from food and liquid between sunup and sundown. My physical condition does not prevent me from praying and meditating; therefore, my spiritual life moves forward though prayer, meditation, and abstaining from those things that create veils between God and me.

In order to find out what comes between my creator and me, I read the Baha'i scriptures and I write in a pen and paper journal. My journal entries consist of letter to Baha'u'llah and to my Mother. The letters to my mother are new, I did not begin writing her until this year. The letters help me focus on what is important in my life and on what I can do to advance my soul spiritually. I know I am only on this earth for a short time and that I will spend eternity in the next world. The only thing my soul will take with it when it separates from my body are the spiritual attributes it develops in this world.

After Sunset

Jalál (Glory), 4 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 170 BE - Friday, February 28, 2014 about 6:37 pm Pacific Standard Time

After sunset
damp air penetrates my bones
is it still raining

Its rained off and on all day here in Las Vegas. On days like this I don't want to do anything except huddle under a blanket.

I'm tired of winter
tired of the dampness and clouds
I want spring to come

I decided to stay home this evening and finish up a few things. I sit down to say prayers and took a short nap, which lasted longer then I planned. Maybe I should set an alarm when I take a nap.

Thankful Thursday To Do List: February 27, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 2 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 170 BE - Thursday, February 27, 2014 about 6:58 am Pacific Standard Time

1. Post Gratitude list on Poet 999's Thoughts about Writing and other Stuff.

2. Go to laundromat and do laundry.

3. Check g-mail inbox for surveys.

4. Check Cox inbox and respond to any mail from family.

5. Post updated status to Facebook.

6. Make entry in pen & paper journal.

7. Go to gym at 3:00 pm

8. Check bank accounts

9. Respond to prompt "What is the kindest thing someone has done to you this week?"

10. Check writing.com inbox.

11. Answer question "What else do I have to do today?"

Making Changes in my life

‘Idál (Justice), 1 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 170 BE - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 about 3:21 pm Pacific Standard Time

Two days left in February 2014 and then March begins. March the month of winds; will it come in like a lamb or a lion? I am making some drastic changes in my life and attitude. I have decided to go the the gym four days a week to work out. Right now my workout schedule is Monday and Wednesday at 1:00 am and Tuesday and Thursday at 3:00 pm.

I have two doctors appointment scheduled in March. The first is on Tuesday, March 11, at 1:00 pm and the second is on Monday, March 17, at 1:00 pm. I also have a grief counseling meeting on Wednesday, March 5. at 4:00 pm, and another on March 19 (also a Wednesday) at 4:00 pm. The other things I have to do, is go to a couple of the food banks to pick up food and do laundry, either once a week or twice a month. I don't know what the laundry schedule will be as yet because it depends on having quarters for the washers and the dryers.

My finances are going to be tight again in March, but I think this may be a continuing theme. I have to find a way to make some more money, so I need to schedule time to do paying online surveys and submit some of my stories and poems for publication. I wish I could get a part time job outside the house, but that may have to weight until I've had several gym sessions and built up my ability to walk for more then a few feet before becoming winded and tired.

Before I go to bed tonight, I'll set up my March calendar with the things I know I'll be doing. It's the unknowns that usually throw the schedule off. No matter how busy I am in March, I still have housework and writing to do, so I'll need a schedule rather then just taking thing hit or miss.

Tuesday Anternoon Thoughts

Fiḍál (Grace), 19 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Tuesday, February 25, 2014 about 1:29 pm Pacific Standard Time

It's Tuesday afternoon and I spent most of the morning out of the house. I went to see the dentist about some issues I'm having with my gums. He can do something for me, but it's going to cost a good amount of money. I'm not ready to say how much yet because I have to pray about this situation. Prayer always helps me make a decision about anything I do. Prayer also helps me find the money to accomplish the goal.

After I left the dentist, I went to the gym. The last time I saw my regular doctor she said I needed to lose weight. The problem is that I won't lose weight unless I have some assistance, which is one of the reasons I went to the gym to see what they had to offer. The other reason was that I could get a free membership, which will help me lose the weight, but I'm still going to need a physical trainer.

I'm going to go back to the gym tomorrow to talk to a trainer and see how he can help me. I know what the gym I went to has to offer in equipment and stuff like that. I still have to purchase some shoes and the appropriate clothing. I also need to go to the laundromat to do some laundry. I think I'll put the dirty clothes and laundry detergent in the car before I leave the house, that way I can stop at the laundromat after I leave the gym.

At the beginning of a New Week

Jamál (Beauty), 17 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Sunday, February 23, 2014 about 9:35 am Pacific Standard Time

It's Sunday again, a day that reoccurs every seven days on schedule and without any huge announcement. Ayyám-i-Há begins on the evening of Tuesday, February 25 and ends on the evening of Saturday, March 1. At that time ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) begins and last for the next 19 days until the evening of March 20, which the year 170 BE comes to an end. On Naw-Ruz (March 21) a New Year begins, it will be the year 171 BE.

Today, Sunday, February 23, I begin a new pen and paper journal along with my new week. I realized, as I was sipping my coffee, that this also marks the true beginning of my New Normal, which I though begin on January 1, 2013. The truth is that my new normal begin when I moved out of the house my mother and I shared. I'm living in my own apartment and it's frightening because taking care of only myself is much more difficult then taking care of someone else.

I'm responsible for everything and not just material resources. I have to make myself get up in the morning with no one for me to get up except myself. I have to get out and go to the laundromat at least once a week. I have to attempt to shop for one  person instead of two, when everything is geared toward families of three or more. I have to... there isn't any sense in going on with that thought because I have to do everything myself.

Today I start a new pen and paper journal, I think I'm going to experiment with the entries. I want to make each entry interesting and slightly different from the last. This means that one day I may write a letter and the next a poem or I may write letters to a different person each day.  I know one thing I have to do right now and that's to fix me something to eat.

Grocery Shopping on Friaday a Family Tradition

Istiqlál (Independence), 15 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Friday, February 21, 2014 about 3:47 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went grocery shopping this morning about 11:45 am and returned home about 1:45 pm. When I returned home, I parked in front of the apartment building so that I could unload the groceries. Then I drove the car around to the back of the building and parked in my spot.

When I came into the house, I put the groceries I purchased in the National Consumer Panel scanned and then put the groceries away. After I put the food in the refrigerator, I sliced a small tomato and ate it with a little mayonnaise. I'm still hungry, but I don't think I want another tomato. I still have some peanut butter from the senior food allotment I picked up the first of the month. A peanut butter sandwich sounds good and it would hit the spot this afternoon.

I realized, as I was putting the food away, that my grandparents always went to the grocery store on Friday afternoon. Grandpa would get off work, change clothes, and they would go to the store every week. Then on Saturday, if they did not go to the Lake, Grandma Mary would do laundry. I still have laundry to do, but I don't think I'm going to the laundromat this Saturday. Instead, I think I'll go either on Wednesday or Thursday.

Midweek Refections on telemarketers

I've had it with telemarketers who call and won't let me get a word in edgewise. I know they probably get a commission on every thing they sell, but no matter how fast they talk I'm not going to purchasing anything from anyone who won't at least listen to what I have to say. For the past two and a half weeks I've been getting calls from an injury lawyer and a dental  plan. I don't want that type of lawyer (even if I did need an injury lawyer I'd find one locally). I have a full set of denture, so I don't qualify for whatever dental plan the telemarketer is attempting to sell.

Another thing is that every time I get one of those calls, it sounds like the same woman calling. The unsolicited call I've responded to in the past couple of weeks was a telephone survey. A nice young man called asking my opinion on some sort of voters' survey. At least, with voter surveys, I'm sure that the person is getting my number of a voter registrations list and probably dialing the number himself. I don't my voter surveys because the people are pleasant and they listen to me.

I don't like telemarketing calls where the people sound pleasant and polite, but are not polite enough to listen to me. I may be 67 years old, but I assure you I know what I want and I don't purchase from telemarketers. If I need any type of similar product then I will search for it locally rather then purchasing over the phone. I've gotten to the point, that if the person talks so fast that I can't get in a word edgewise then, I hang up.

It's Amost Sunset and I'm Almost Caught up

Kamál (Perfection), 11 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Monday, February 17, 2014 about 5:33 pm Pacific Standard Time

 I was ill for nearly four day, I started getting ill on Wednesday afternoon and it progressed to the dry heavies on Thursday afternoon and most of the day Friday. On Friday I went to the grocery store for supplies and on Saturday evening I went to a fund raiser. I spent the day Sunday attempting to catch up on projects between bouts of sleep.

I'm almost caught up on everything except reading e-mail and doing surveys. I think the best thing to do is stay home tomorrow and finish catching up, at least on the surveys because some of them pay cash, while the one that don't pay cash offer useful items for the point I earn. I've already received a 15-piece cookware set and am working towards a flatware. I have over 20 piece of flatware, but from several different sets and I only have about three or four spoon (if that). While I live alone I can use more spoons especially if I would have a visitor, so I'm either going to have to purchase spoons or earn enough point for a new flatware set to replace my mismatched pieces.

Fortunately, it should take me only one more day to get my schedule back to normal, if I'm not interrupted. I can just hope and  prayer for another non-interrupted day sot that I can plan a trip to the laundromat, to the doctor, and to one of the local food pantries this week. If I were younger those three items would be easily accomplished in one day; however at may age I can do only two of them in one day. I also have a grief counseling meeting this week, which gives me four items to complete in three day.

If you want to read more about my illness and its difficulties see After four days of whatever is going around I back on a writing schedule.

Thankful Thursday: February 13, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 7 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Thursday, February 13, 2014 about 3:13 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

1.  ...that my telephone is next to my computer so that when I'm on hold and listening to pleasant and tiring hold music, I have something to do.

2.  ...that I accomplished the monumental task of changing my address at several websites and customer service line.

3.  ...that I feel much better this afternoon then I did this morning. I'm not sure, but I suspect I have a cold as a results of the stress of moving.

4.  ...that the sun is shining this afternoon so that I can look out my window and see the beautiful blue sky.

5.  ...that I was able to change my address at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles without the necessity of going to one of their offices.

6.  ...that I received coupons in the mail today for $2.00 of two bags (10 oz. size or larger) of Starbucks® Coffee. I can now replenish my backup coffee supply, which is now down to a jar of instant coffee.

7.  ...that I have the second laundry basket empty in order to sort the laundry so that I can plan my first trip to the laundromat either this weekend or next Tuesday.

8.  ...that I now have a plug for the tub so that I don't have to stuff a washrag in the drain to keep the water from running out when I take a bath.

9.  ...that I have a large plastic container empty to use as a file cabinet until I get my regular file cabinet cleaned out .

10.  ...that I'm a member of writing.com..

Midweek Reflections on Settling into My New Apartment

Istijlál (Majesty), 7 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Wednesday, February 12, 2014 about 7:21 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It's after sunset here in Las Vegas and a new solar day has begun. I'm not feeling well and I'm not feeling ill, I don't know what's causing my problem. I fixed myself a couple of cups of hot, hoping that would solve this issue, but it hasn't. I'm still feeling sluggish and blue.

Perhaps it has something to do with settling into my new apartment. I haven't accomplished as much as I wanted to this week, but I did receive four checks in the mail. Two of the checks I expected; however, I didn't expect them this week. The other two checks were refunds because I moved out of the house and closed those accounts. They will help me settle into my new apartment, especially with upcoming bills.

I have a basket full of laundry waiting for me to take it to the laundromat, which I'm not looking forward to doing. I have to plan a day next week to go before I run out of clothes. When I hung the rest of my clothes up this morning I found that I have over a dozen top, but only one skirt, and six pairs of slacks. I also have three dresses, two of which I can wear out in public. The third dress I'm not sure about, so I'll have to check it out tomorrow to see if I can fix it so I can wear it out or if it just a house dress.

Maybe I'll feel better in the morning after I take the trash out. I'll drive the car around in front and load some of the stuff I have to give away in it. I have to leave the trunk empty because I'm going somewhere on Friday morning and I'll need an empty trunk.

I Need a Schedule

Fiḍál (Grace), 5 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Tuesday, February 11, 2014 about 2:41 pm Pacific Standard Time

I either need a schedule or to set the alarm clock, maybe both. I can't seem to make myself get up of a morning. I used to get up at 4:00 or 5:00 am, but for the past week I've gotten up at 6:00 am. I can't seem to make myself get up earlier and I'm not sure why. Perhaps it;s the new surroundings or my body is just tired from moving and going through boxes. I still have stuff to go through and send off (when I get the money) to siblings in Colorado and California.

I don't know if setting the alarm will help because usually I have to move the clock about every other day or I turn it  off and go back to bed. It could be the chilly mornings that make me reluctant to get out of bed. I don't sleep under heavy blanket or quilts, but the ones I have over me are warm and the morning air is chilly.

Another reson could be that I don't  sleep well at night and when morning comes I'm just getting to sleep. I could try staying up until 10:30  or 11:00 pm.  That way I don't toss and turn for as long, but I don't know if that would help. I think my biggest problem is physical and the type of bed I'm sleeping on. I'm sleeping on a love seat instead of a couch. It's better then the couch, but I still don't think I'm sleeping comfortably. I think I'll see if I can find a recliner, maybe I could sleep on one of those better then on the love seat.

I have so much work to do that I need to get up and get it done, but instead I just want to stay bundled  under the covers. If I don't get to work I won't have anything accomplished before mys sister come into Las Vegas next Monday. I have some things to give her and some stuff she can put in storage (if I decide to put it in storage).

I need a Tea Kettle

Jamál (Beauty), 3 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Sunday, February 9, 2014 about 3:56 pm Pacific Standard Time

I need a tea kettle! I heated the water for my hot tea in the microwave because I don't have enough space on the kitchen counter for the electric hot water pot and I don't have a tea kettle to heat water on the stove. I don't have enough room in my cabinets to store the electric can opener or the water pot. Right now, those items are in the same cabinet as the sauce  pans, which means that when I use the sauce pans, I have to move the other things out of the way to get to the pan.

I think I'll purchase a tea kettle and a hand operated can opener that way I won't have to worry about storage. I can put the can opener in the drawer with the silver wear and t he kettle can sit on the stove. That will solve one storage problem. That way I won't have to worry about moving things off the kitchen counter when I want to open a can or heat water. I also won't have to move something out of the way every time I want a sauce pan.

It's going to take me a couple of weeks to get everything straightened and arrange in a way that satisfies me. I'm just going to have to take it a little at a time and keep moving stuff from place to place until it's arrange properly. I'm sure I can be comfortable in this apartment, but it's going to take a while  to get things arranged properly.

In my New studio Apartment: Part 1

Jalál (Glory), 2 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Saturday, February 8, 2014 about 4:34 pm Pacific Standard Time

In my new (new to me anyway) I have clothes hanging in my closet and CDs sitting on one shelf of my computer desk. I still have boxes to unpack and stuff to send to my brothers, but I'm getting settle. Tomorrow is Sunday, so I'll probably start the week out  by going to the store because I have to purchase a $10.00 phone card and I want to see how many miles Smith's Food and Drug store is from my present location.

I have a working electric range, but I can't remember where I put the three sauce pans I brought with me. I  think the may be in a cupboard behind my electric can opener and electric water kettle. There isn't much room in this apartment to store things and most of the storage is above my head, so I have to have a stool to put things in the top shelves. I have a small step stool, but I'm not sure it's enough to reach some of the upper cabinets.I may have to purchase something a little sturdier and tall to get to the top shelf in the bathroom.

I know I'll eventually get  everything organized, of course it may take me six months to do that. I hope I can get it organized within the next couple of weeks, but to do that I need more money then what I have because it  costs to send stuff to Colorado and California. My sister can drive into Las Vegas from Searchlight to pick up the stuff I need for her to store, which I hope isn't very much more  then she already has in her garage.

Two frist in my new apartment

Istiqlál (Independence), 1 Mulk (Dominion), 170 BE - Friday, February 7, 2014 about 3:10 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today, for  the first time, I made jello in my new apartment. I had  to boil the water in my Microwave because I don't have a tea kettle  to use on my electric stove and I didn't have room on my counter to use my electric kettle. At the moment, I have only three sauce pans I can use on the electric stove (which is now working) unfortunately I don't remember where I put them.

Anyway, I got the water boiled, the jello dissolved, and put a can of mixed fruit in it. The mixed fruit has only 75 mg of potassium, so it is on my new diet. I'm just waiting for the jello to set so that I can have a small bowl for a snack.

For lunch I made a three egg omelet with ham, cheese, and mixed greens (and no, I don't know how much potassium was in the omelet). After I cooked the omelet I put  hot sauce on it, but I think the next time I make it  I'll put the hot sauce in while the omelet is cooking. I used my electric skillet to cook my lunch because I don't have a nonelectric fry pan of any type. I doubt I could have make the omelet  in one of the sauce pans even if I could find them.

Thankful Thursday: February 6, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 19 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Thursday, February 6, 2014 about 4:25 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am Thankful...

1.  ...that I have finally moved out of the house and into my own cramped studio apartment.

2.  ...that someone else carried everything into the apartment for me.

3.  ...that I had assistance organizing some of the cabinets in my kitchen.

4.  ...that I received some frozen sliced fully cooked ham with senior commodities today.

5.  ...that I was able to tell someone about the Baha'i faith and read a healing prayer for her.

6.  ...that the sink in the bathroom of my apartment did not overflow today.

7.  ...that my sister bought me a large canister of coffee when she was in Las Vegas on Monday.

8.  ...that I received a jug of grape juice with my senior commodities today.

9.  ...that I have a working computer so that I can rest between bouts of organizing my apartment.

10.  ...that I have three whole days of organizing and writing to look forward to without worrying about something to eat or coffee to drink.

I'm beginning to question my sanity

‘Idál (Justice), 18 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Wednesday, February 5, 2014 about 3:41 pm Pacific Standard Time

I'm beginning to question my sanity! This, of course, could be one of those minor issues that comes along with moving from a six bedroom, two bath house into a studio apartment with one bathroom.This question arose in my mind when I returned home from loading stuff from the house into my Kia Sephia. I was sitting by the computer sipping water from a mug (I don't have any glasses) and I realized how insane it was to attempt to keep all the stuff I'm lugging from the house.

The problem is that I don't or I think I don't have any other choice. A lot of the stuff I can send to my brothers or sister because it's family heirlooms. It will remain with me only until I can save enough money to ship it to whoever I decide to ship it to. That's going to take a while because some of the things are family pictures. I'm just tired from moving and attempting to get situated in a studio apartment.

I just have to keep plugging away. I have to get up when I wake up, rather then sitting under the covers thinking I'm cold. It isn't cold in this apartment, so the problem is me; the problem is physical.  I'll just have to deal with it. Perhaps start the day off with a cup of hot water when I take my morning meds. I may even start heating water or apple juice in the microwave to drink in the evening rather then drink just cold water.

I'm tired, but it's too early to go to bed. There for I think I will take another stab at doing something with my clothes. I'll have to fold them and lay them on  one of the televisions stand I brought until I can get some more hanger from the house so that I can hang them up.

Day Two In my New Apartment

‘Idál (Justice), 18 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Tuesday, February 4, 2014 about 8:10 pm Pacific Standard Time

It's late Tuesday evening and I'm attempting to catch up on the writing and reviewing I didn't accomplish yesterday. Since I had no internet because of the move I couldn't get on line yesterday or half of today. I'm not sure how much I'll catch up tonight or tomorrow because I still have somethings to move out of the house and then I have some business to attend to before getting back to my apartment or going to my grief counseling meeting tomorrow afternoon.

I'm tired because moving is hard and painful work. I think the move this time was more stressful then the last because I had to downsize and Mom wasn't there to encourage me.  My sister helped, but the move was still stressful. The pain was mostly in my knees because of the osteoarthritis, but even with that this move seemed harder then the last. I have other health issues so that could have cause some of the problem.

I'm in the new apartment now. I'm getting used to the noises of a new neighborhood. The newness of the neighborhood and living in a studio apartment should give me some new subjects for my writing. I know I'll have to increase my income. I know I'll have to get used to living in a small apartment. I've started a list of the things I'll need if I ever get the money to purchase them. Sometimes I wonder how I'll get by financially; however, I can't let worry interfere with finding a solution to my financial problem. The only thing I can do is pray and work.

Tomorrow is moving day in Las Vegas

Jamál (Beauty), 15 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Sunday, February 3, 2014 about 1:20 pm Pacific Standard Time

Tomorrow is moving day, so when I go offline tonight I won't be back on until late Monday or Tuesday . At least, those are the days I hope to be back online; however, God or the Fates have a sense of humor and I may not be back on line until Wednesday or Thursday.

One day is going to put me behind in my writing, submission, and blogging goals. I can't help that because I have to move. I have be out of this house this week, so there is no choice but to get offline until after I get the computers and the internet connections going at the apartment.

I have a mammogram appointment in the morning at 9:15, so I can't begin moving until after I keep that appointment and pay the first months rent. Maybe I'm worrying over nothing, which is normal for me. It's just that I want to get into the apartment, get my equipment set up so that  I can plan  the rest of my moth. I still have to come up with the money to cover a couple of things coming out of  the bank account. I'll deal with that when I get into the apartment.

This may be the last entry I make for a couple of days, so everyone have a happy week.

Thoughts on Moving

Jalál (Glory), 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Saturday, February 1, 2014 about 4:17 pm Pacific Standard Time

I'm finally going to move into my new apartment (I think I mentioned this in yesterday's post), which means I have a lot to do on Saturday and Sunday. I put my four wooden television dinner stands in my trunk, but I think I left the trunk open after I put the last one in. I'll have to go out and close it in a few minutes.

I look out the living room window and realize that this is one of the last sunsets I'll see in this house. I will miss viewing the setting sun. The window in my apartment faces north rather then south, so I do not have a good view of the sunset. Watching the sunset is a good way get ideas for writing. All I have to do is sit and watch the sunset, while I mediate on t he sunset ideas come to me.

 I have a lot more work to do online and in the house before I go to bed tonight (actually I'm sleeping on a love seat). I haven't slept in a real bed in several years and I probably will not sleep in one for a few more years. I'm taking the love seat because its shorter and will fit better in the apartment then the couch.

I'll attempt to make another entry on Sunday, but with so much work to do I don't know if it will be possible. This may be the last entry I make for a couple of days because I'm not sure how difficult it will be for me to connect the computers and the modems. I've never moved computers from one house to another, so I don't know how difficult it's going to be.