Can you believe it's already that time again? Time to get the old garden equipment out and get those seeds ready for some serious plantin' here in the country!

Last year we planted our wildflower seeds a bit too late in the season. This year we plan on not making the same mistakes as today we officially finished planting all 15,000 + wildflower and deer forage seeds. We do not hunt nor condone hunting... we believe in caring for all creatures both big and small. Today's blog pretty much shows our love for creating a natural, yet beautiful, habitat for the deer as well many other animals through out the year.

YAYYYYY! Or... YEEHAW!  

With time and plenty of experience... I continue to do my best moving forward with life. Life may not be what I could have ever predicted it to be with so many unforeseen and unfortunate changes with my health. But I'll be damned if it's going to stop me from doing my best to continue living and enjoying life to the fullest! Amen. I wasn't able to do everything that I would have liked to do in helping Eric with all of the spring planting as we continue making the most happiest place for our little family. But I got up, got dressed and got on my nifty respiratory mask and did the best I can with what I've got!

If I could bottle up all of my super woman determination and sheer mental strength to continue pushing forward through any given situation and every given obstacle... there wouldn't be one single person suffering that would ever think of giving up on life. I can only hope by continuing to share our journey... that it helps someone else struggling in their own personal journey. 

We can't wait for the beginning of this summer to see all the amazing and quite colorful wildflower and deer forage blooms! Life is what you make of it as we continue to make ours the most happiest yet!  :)

Here's wishing everyone a most B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L, magical and memorable weekend~

This is too gosh darn SCARY FUNNY as I once again get Eric when he least expects it... BOO!!!! Hahahahaha!!

Yep... I am right back at it again with the same old scare tactic shenanigans all for a good laugh or two or three or four depending if you are the scare'er or just plain old SCARED! Eric's facial expression says it all as we are still laughing! Hahahahaha!

We were really hopeful to at least get a bit of a break at yesterday's appointment as far as limitations that had been placed over a month ago due to latest medical complications. But there were no breaks nor any changes as I still remain under the care of my critical care specialists and cardiologist. A continued set of rules to abide by for the time being while doing their best to get me stable enough to not be under such strict care. All of the respiratory medicine already leaves me feeling beyond Jazzed-Up so to speak. I still have three more tests to undergo which hopefully they can get me scheduled in with the hospital one and done no later than early next week.

Just when I thought I was reaching the top of this Mammoth Mountain... here goes another obstacle placed in my way before I can get back to somewhat of a normal life... not being under such strict medical care. We have so many amazing plans that were already underway. That includes our final Big Move out west. Yet... here we are once again stuck waiting and wondering.

With so many obstacles that continue to remain in our way... one has to remember that there are things in life that will be out of your hands and out of your control. So in the meantime... I might as well have a little bit of fun while being stuck at home.

Life is far too short so if you can't say something nice... make sure it's either scary or funny.

In Eric's case... SCARYF-U-N-N-Y!

More appointments, more testing and more bad news that doesn't make things seem very promising.

It's hard to comprehend one organ after another beginning to fail me. It's even worse to find out today that fast-track, maximum course of 3D radiation therapy from almost 2 years ago has caused another complication. Another reason for concern as radiation therapy has now been blamed for causing the lower lobe obstruction. My Critical Care Specialists have now isolated everything as far as two separate issues with my lungs and a connected issue with my heart. This really has been a life long struggle with what they know now as serious autoimmune issues that also play an important role with upper lobe scarring in both of my lungs. My body has continued going after its own organs which has caused a slew of problems when we thought ovarian tumors (cancer) was a big enough concern. We might as well forget gastroparesis because that seems to now be the least of my worries. 

At the end of the day as I set my cell phone alarm for two additional times to take more medication than I could have ever imagined to be on in this lifetime... just to be able to breathe. I look forward to embracing another good day. Far happier days that mean plenty of smiles and a whole lotta laughter that literally takes your breath away... but in a good way!

It's been another day coming to terms with more unforeseen permanent changes in my life due to medical reasons. Another day realizing why it's so important to embrace the little things in life that bring the most happiness. The little things that we all take for granted.

"The secret to reach the butterflies is not to run after them, the best secret is to take care of your garden with love and patience so that they get to you. Normally the things that have cost you the most to achieve are the ones that are most enjoyed."

Tomorrow marks another start to a bit more serious of a day at the hospital while meeting with my Cardiologist and Critical Care team. Needing to still get the old lungs and heart back on track and finally somewhat stable.

In the meantime...  there's always room to make some funnies!

Today's recipe by Little Ole Me is something quick, easy and a whole lot healthy! An earthy heart-healthy little treat for anyone on the go that needs some extra energy... a little pep to the old step! 

There really isn't much to throwing this little healthy mix together. All you need is a few minutes and a couple of plastic or Tupperware containers. It most definitely beats all the unhealthy stuff that sure isn't good to snack on throughout the day. Gastroparesis for me means a lifetime of trial and error. There are recipes that I have created over the years that actually do pretty well for me! Like this super easy earthy to-go treat. Set your clocks for a few minutes... actually less than five because here's all you need:

2 plastic or Tupperware containers

One box of Very Berry Cheerios

One box of Kashi Organic Blueberry Clusters cereal

One box of Sun-Maid Golden California Raisins

For those wanting extra fiber to help cinch the old waistline during this upcoming bikini season... Kashi Go-Lean cereal pretty much says it all! It will lean you out really quick and then some! Hahahahaha! After last night's episode of both of us trying the Kashi Go-Lean... I think I will stick with the lower fiber content of Kashi Blueberry Clusters Organic cereal! 

All you need to do is get your containers ready and add a little bit of all three ingredients to your liking. Snap that lid on tightly and give it a few good shakes! 

Not only is this a super healthy, high-fiber and low-calorie quick snack on the go... but it's super easy to make and to store in any size container. I personally like to use the smaller containers that fit in my purse.

Bon Appetit and enjoy today's funny and informative recipe video located at the link below! 

"Earthy To-Go Treats"

By Little Ole Me

We all know that this gal likes a good ole belly laugh or two or three or four!

Poor Eric... yep! I got em again and funnier than ever! 

Oh come now all you tight britches... even YOU toot! 

Hehehehehehe!

**I forgot to mention that our trip to the Middle East had to be postponed until next weekend... stay tuned!

There are times when my gift tends to become a bit silent. Then there are times like this evening where the ability to connect still never ceases to amaze me. More like... amaze us as a huge flashing light flew past us in the hallway and instantly disappeared. I saw it. But the bigger question was did Eric see it. 

Oh yes... he most definitely saw it as if almost literally jumping out of his skin, "Did you just see that?!"

 I have never lived a boring life... I doubt that my life will ever get boring while still being blessed each and every day. Celebrating the gift of life. I take great faith in knowing that one day I will finally have the long awaited answers and the reasons to have been given such a special gift. A gift that had been given to me at a very young age. The ability to connect.

Another time another moment and another opportunity caught on camera. Instead of taking down the Easter decorations. We decided to leave them be for a little while longer. No need to explain because there will always be those who believe... and there will always be skeptics.

Our loved ones may leave this earth in the physical sense. However their spiritual connection and love for us always remains in many ways shapes and forms.

A true gift from Heaven. 

50 cents a bottle?! Get outta here!

If you as well drink Core Organic beverages... then you are also well aware that this little healthy organic drink runs close to over $3 a bottle at your local grocery retailers and health food stores. This can get to be Mighty expensive!

This weekend while you are out and about and live near a Big Lots store... I highly suggest making a quick pit stop to stock on up on the good stuff! $0.50 a bottle goes a long way folks! It also leaves extra money in the old pocket book to go towards other major accessories and repairs such as our fourth time around plumbing issues... pffff! 

More of that to follow because we have far more important things to worry about as we trek our way to the Middle East...

1. comfy - providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (`comfy' is informal); "comfortable clothes."

The above describes me perfectly... especially today! 

The attached is totally what a bit too much of that comfy feeling looks like over a decade later... HA! My favorite pair of comfy shorts that need a bit of stitching TLC this weekend. Oh come on now... we all have that one article of clothing that still stands the test of time. Even with now built-in waist air holes to boot! HAHAHAHA!

Eric absolutely hates these super comfy shorts of mine that I refuse to part ways with in this lifetime. It's no wonder he earned today's Podcast~Blogcast video! Hehehehehe!!

These are my ultimate go-to comfy shorts! My single one comfy clothes item that means my a*s ain't going nowhere today... literally! Hahahahaha! Unless... I plan on sharing the color of my drawers! BAH! Eric said one of these days they're going to magically disappear... POOF! But I say, "No way!" These shorts are here to stay!

There's nothing wrong with keeping a favorite article of comfy clothes that hopefully will last for a lifetime if you take good enough care of it.

For me... it's my SUPER comfy shorts! Just in time to add my big fluffy sweater and plug in my electric blanket to watch the first episode of Jersey Shore Family Vacation... YAYYYYY!

#MyHappyPlace

www.gastroparesisawareness.com 

You know what today's blog is all about?

It's totally all about how to really annoy the bejesus out of your husband when your not feeling well... COOKIE MONSTER! HAHAHAHAHA!

I am finally starting to feel the pain with both of my lungs and the lower left lobe obstruction. This really made for a not-so-great night of sleep. My Critical Care specialists were finally able to control the inflammation a bit with an addition of another medication which somewhat helps. All of the latest medical findings really still has me baffled and quite concerned with how the end of my journey is going to unfold as far as suffering. Just when we believe I am done with another organ failing me... I am met with the next great challenge.

My life has not been an easy one as far as medical struggles which started not long after my birth. With recently having my care  now being taken over by an advanced team of Critical Care specialists means finally receiving those long overdue answers with regards to my health continuing to decline. What we now know is unfortunately the majority of what I have gone through in this lifetime is due to autoimmune issues which have now greatly advanced as my body continues to attack itself... my organs.

With far more understanding means having the ability to figure out how I will live the remainder of my life. One which I have decided it to be lived out peacefully and very happily.

I have grown... and I have learned through out my journey. I no longer feel the need to subject myself to snarky comments by those who will never, nor would they ever... understand.

Hopefully by continuing to write about my journey, it will also be of great help to others whom may also be struggling in their own personal Journey.

Myself and Eric were hopeful that they would be able to place me on the lung transplant list. However now that we know everything is coming down to a major autoimmune issue... they can not place me on any type of transplant list due to the realization that my body would also go after any type of transplanted organ. This leaves my Critical Care specialists in a position where there is not much else they can do for me. Some days are good and of course... some days are going to be bad. 

I have been down the same road through out my journey since the beginning of birth and it hasn't been an easy one. But at the end of the day... I keep going. God could have not given the greatest battles to a far stronger person... me.

If there is any silver lining out of learning that my condition continues to advance with no end in sight... is the realization that each and every day there is still a reason to smile and OH MOST DEFINATELY a reason to laugh!

 And of course... when you're not feeling well and really in the mood to just annoy the bejesus out of your spouse... just remember the COOKIE MONSTER! 

Hehehehehehe!!

You know what I'm going to do with all the recent bad news? 

Why of course girl!

I'm going to get myself to COOKIN'... and I'm going to do so with a huge smile and plenty of laughter! So I've been asked more than a few times or two... will I be posting recipes to share with everyone? You bet I will!

Behold... this evenings first of many upcoming cooking blog episodes with Little Ole Me~

The first cooking episode is all about the little ole crockpot... or the BIG OLE CROCKPOT.... depending on which size you may be in possession of in your kitchen. 

Cookin'with Little Ole Me~

VEGAN STYLE SOUTHERN GREENS DE'LISH

One package of Gardein classic meatless vegan meatballs

2 cups of white rice-Minute Rice

2 cups of water

1 can-27 oz of seasoned southern style mixed greens-Glory brand

You can season to your liking with a little mild or go a little WILD with the following...

Kikkoman Stir Fry & Sweet and Sour Sauce

Black Pepper

Sriracha HOT Chili Sauce

If you're using the Crock-Pot we all know everything eventually cooks together in a slow... simmering... manner. Cook meatless meatballs on high in Crock-Pot and crumble with fork while stirring in 2 cups of white rice and two cups of water.

You can then add your can of mixed southern-style greens, pepper and Kikkoman sauces.

Cook on high for 20 minutes. 

Turn down to a warm simmer while adding your Sriracha HOT Chili Sauce to your liking. Remember if you're going for mild... a little goes a long way. If you're going for WILD... a lot goes a heck of a long way! Hahahaha!

Once everything has been stirred then set your Crockpot on warm to simmer for 10 additional minutes.

Now turn off the Crock-Pot and get yourself a little taste of the good ole HEALTHY stuff! This dish is high in protein, low in calories and packed full of flavor!

VEGAN STYLE SOUTHERN GREEN DE'LISH

Recipe by... Little Ole Me~