Author: Kathy Harriott

My husband, Mike, and I moved from NJ to Southwest Florida in September 2006. I currently work for the local county Facilities Dept. and fill my free time with crafts, reading and my experiments in the kitchen.

Father’s Day

Wishing all the fathers and father-figures a very happy Father’s Day. I hope your people celebrate you today and every day.

My dad passed away peacefully about 25 days ago. I am going to miss him, especially on his birthday and Father’s Day.

I was going to post “happy heavenly Father’s Day” on Facebook but I recently had someone make nasty comments about people who write those things. Normally I would say something like “let people mourn the way they mourn” but with all the hatred and animosity going on in this world right now, I don’t want to add to it. So, I will mourn the way I want to mourn. I just won’t share my thoughts and feelings with people who don’t treat others with kindness.

Miss you, Dad.

Have you had the cold?

Down here on the SW Florida coast, there is a cold, virus…crud going around. Mike came home with it two Friday’s ago. Two days later, I started with it. It was weird. The symptoms were exactly the same for us both, just two days difference.

They were:

  • Sore throat
  • Extreme sinus/nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Exhaustion
  • Body aches
  • Cough (starting as non-productive then becoming productive)

I started with it on Sunday. I spent Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in bed. No appetite. On Wednesday, I saw the doctor and he put me on antibiotics. Thursday, Friday, Saturday showed much improvement. It is now Sunday and I am feeling a lot better. We both still have the cough but that will go away soon, I hope.

I am susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia, so I was lucky this time. This all started with someone coughing all over him at work.

Things I ask, without infringing upon your “freedoms”:

  • Cover your mouth when you cough
  • Cover your face when you sneeze
  • If are sick and you can, STAY HOME
  • Wash your hands
  • Use hand sanitizer

Good luck out there.

Thanks for reading.

For Mom – the little yellow notebook queen

In the hush of dawn, where the robins sing,

I hear her hum—a quiet, joyful thing.

A thread of song spun from kitchen light,

She made the world feel soft, and right.

She walked with wonder through the trees,

Studied deer tracks, whispered to the breeze.

A cardinal perched, she’d smile and say,

“Nature’s blessing us again today.”

She loved her Richard, hand in hand,

Built a life both strong and grand.

Her children grown, with love she’d sew

New stitches into hearts she’d know.

Grandkids, great-grandkids—each one dear,

She held them close, kept memories near.

And in her bag, so oft unseen,

That little yellow notebook queen

Would jot a thought, a joke, a list—

The smallest details never missed.

She knitted warmth, she stitched delight,

With tiny chairs tucked in just right.

A dollhouse world within her care,

Where love was nestled everywhere.

And oh, the songs! The kitchen tunes—

About lost keys and spoons and moons.

I laugh, remembering the silly flair—

A melody made from thinning hair.

Camping nights with stars above,

We farted loud, then laughed with love.

A bond unique, just hers and mine,

Our secret joy, our shared sunshine.

I miss her voice, her gentle hands,

The way she’d always understand.

But in the birdcall, breeze, and sky,

She’s with me still—and nearby.

So here’s to her, forever seen—

My heart’s own yellow notebook queen.

–Today is my Mom’s birthday. I miss her!

My Lingo CGM is bossy!

Today, after indulging in some candy to see how it would affect my glucose count, my CGM (I shall call her Lingy) got bossy and told me I had to do 20 squats! What a bossy pants. I moved into a corner near my desk and completed all 20 squats. Kind of proud of myself!

The harpooned whale

So, my Lingo CGM (continuous glucose monitor) arrived. I prepped my arm and placed the sensor. It did not hurt at all. I did, however, bleed like a harpooned whale.

So far, my levels have been between 76 and 110. I can’t wait to see how it goes tomorrow. Here is a photo of the sensor showing the needle.

It’s been a while.

I can’t believe it has been almost 8 months since I last posted. Where have I been? To be honest, no where. I’ve been in quite a funk lately – mentally and physically. I recently decided I needed to do something about that.

First, I started reflecting on my mental health. What is keeping me stressed and depressed and what can I do about it?

With the current state of the world, it has been hard to think positive about the future. It doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you are on. I have friends and family from all walks of life and I love them all no matter what. What I don’t like is the amount of hatred that is out there. I’ve decided that I am going to spread positivity. It is amazing how people react to an unexpected smile or a kind gesture from a stranger.

I’ve been dealing with family health issues on both my side and my husband’s side of the family. I find myself stressing. We are so far away from both sides of the family. Sadly, there is nothing I can do. So, I just pray. God must be up there thinking. “Oh no, not her again” LOL. Not really, He has been good to me.

I’ve also started to invest in my physical health. I looked into vitamin B12 shots and, after extensive research, started getting weekly shots. Well, it’s only been 2 shots so far, but it seems to have made a difference. Both my brain fog and severe exhaustion have lessened. If you ask my husband, he will say my energy has exploded. (I haven’t been caught singing and dancing in the passenger seat of the car in years. Today, I had a ball).

I’ve also been interested in how my body reacts to different foods and activity. I am awaiting my first CGM (continuous glucose monitor) delivery. They should be here on Monday. I plan to wear one for the next month and track how different foods affect my glucose. This will help me choose foods that are less likely to spike my blood sugar. More on that journey in a future blog.

I am feeling better and have more energy. I am hoping to share some insight and tips with anyone interested.

Please share any tips that have helped you.

Thanks for reading!

GOALS!!!!

Goals have been set.

Check off those goals

I met with the registered dietitian last night. I think it was a good session. We came up with three doable goals for the next two weeks.

Goal 1: Since my step totals have fallen off and I haven’t been hitting 5000 steps lately, we decided to set a goal for 5000 steps each day. I hit 5105 yesterday. Today, at 4:45 PM, I already have 5135 steps.

Goal 2: Since Physical Therapy is helping, my second goal is to continue with it AND to do my PT home exercises every day. So far, so good.

Goal 3: Continue tracking my food and posting pictures on the Nourish. Easy, peasy.

I’m feeling pretty good about those goals.

Thanks for reading!

I am ready for change!

I’ve been working on eating healthy and moving more. I am currently having physical therapy once a week to help with my lower back arthritis.

I have been so frustrated with my goal of getting healthier and moving better. I often feel like the rusty tin man. My joints don’t want to unlock. I’m tired of feeling this way and I am working on a plan for change.

Besides physical therapy, I have been getting massages again. Not the nice, relaxing massages. These massages have improved my flexibility so much. My therapist, Wendy, has found a way to unlock my knees. It hurts like hell while she is doing it and for two days after, but it is working.

I will be meeting with a nutritionist tomorrow after work to get some assistance. I will share what I learn and give updates on my progress.

Thanks for reading.

Frugal Fun Friday – How to have a good time without breaking the bank

Embracing Frugal Fun: Creative Ways to Enjoy Life on a Budget

In a world where entertainment often comes with a hefty price tag, finding joy in simple pleasures can be both liberating and rewarding. Embracing frugal fun isn’t just about saving money – it’s about discovering creative ways to enjoy life without breaking the bank. Join me as we explore the art of frugal fun and uncover how you can make the most of every moment without spending a fortune.

Why Embrace Frugal Fun?

Before diving into the practical tips, let’s reflect on why embracing frugal fun is worth it. Living within your means not only reduces financial stress but also fosters a mindset of gratitude and resourcefulness. It encourages us to prioritize experiences over material possessions, connect more deeply with loved ones, and appreciate the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Frugal Fun:

  1. Picnic in the Park: Pack a homemade lunch, grab a blanket, and head to your local park for a relaxing picnic. Enjoy the fresh air, soak in the natural surroundings, and unwind without spending a dime.
  2. Explore Nature Trails: Lace up your sneakers and explore nearby hiking or biking trails. Nature offers a wealth of beauty and serenity, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.
  3. Host a Movie Night at Home: Skip the expensive movie tickets and popcorn. Instead, host a cozy movie night at home with friends or family. Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy a film marathon from the comfort of your own couch.
  4. Attend Community Events: Keep an eye out for free or low-cost community events such as festivals, concerts in the park, or art exhibitions. These events often showcase local talent and provide opportunities to connect with your community.
  5. DIY Arts and Crafts: Tap into your creative side with DIY arts and crafts projects. Use materials you already have at home to create handmade gifts, home décor, or personalized keepsakes.
  6. Visit Local Museums or Libraries: Many museums offer free admission days or discounts. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore art, history, and culture without breaking your budget. Libraries also often host free events, workshops, and book clubs.
  7. Cook Together: Plan a themed cooking night with friends or family. Choose a cuisine, gather ingredients, and cook a delicious meal together. It’s a fun way to bond, learn new recipes, and enjoy a homemade feast.
  8. Volunteer in Your Community: Giving back doesn’t have to cost a thing. Volunteer your time and skills to local organizations or community projects. Whether it’s cleaning up a park, assisting at a food pantry, or mentoring youth, volunteering enriches both your life and the lives of others.
  9. Plan a Game Night: Dust off your board games or card decks and host a game night with friends or family. Games encourage laughter, friendly competition, and bonding – all without spending a fortune.
  10. Enjoy Free Educational Resources: Explore free online courses, webinars, or workshops on topics that interest you. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and TED Talks offer a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.

Benefits of Frugal Fun:

  • Financial Freedom: By embracing frugal fun, you can allocate your resources towards savings, investments, or other financial goals.
  • Creativity and Resourcefulness: Finding joy in simple pleasures cultivates creativity and encourages you to think outside the box.
  • Quality Time: Frugal fun emphasizes experiences and relationships, fostering meaningful connections with loved ones.

Final Thoughts:

As we navigate life’s journey, let’s remember that happiness and fulfillment don’t have to come with a price tag. Embracing frugal fun allows us to appreciate the richness of life’s moments, cherish the company of loved ones, and explore the beauty of the world around us – all while staying true to our financial values. So, whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the park, hosting a movie night at home, or volunteering in your community, savor each experience and treasure the memories created along the way. Here’s to living life to the fullest, one frugal adventure at a time!

On Fridays we will discuss being frugal – covering anything from saving money on fun, books about frugality, budget recipes, podcasts about budgeting and frugality, personal budget and frugality stories, and much more. I hope you will join me.