OGT Curtains

Denny started to drive tractor for Larsons'.  I headed to OGT before 8.  Larson's had him wait until the dew was gone.  After OGT I called Just and we shopped at Dollar Tree, ate a sandwich at Subway, and she gave me a tour of the $1 house.    At home it was 80 and I stayed inside and worked on the LR curtains.  I cut them the right length, cut hemmed, pressed and put them back up.  GOOD ENOUGH.  In other words not perfect at all, but do able. Denny worked over 9 hours.  I had Mexican sausage tacos ready.  Another nice night in the bunk house.  I ordered some snap dragon flowers from Jake and Small growers.

Keenagers Soccer

I was up and heading to Denison for Keenagers.  I played with Peggy and her sister Donna and Margaret.  It was fun.  We shot a 37 and were out of the money.  The flowers I took were lovely.  At home Denny cleaned the basement and went to PT.  He told Larson's that he could work, but they needed to get ready.  I left for Cherokee about 3:30 and visited with Mandy at their place before heading to the soccer game.  Denny found out the Larsons didn't have the work ready and so he drove up to the soccer games also.  Fun to watch.  Cooks had us for pizza afterward.  Great day!!

Show case

 We went to the Westwood Church 10:30 service.   Home for a rest/lunch and then to the piano show case of the year.  It was fun!!  Rose and Lincoln did a great job.  We headed home to Iowa about 3 and got home around 8.  I went out to the CSA and put together flowers for golf using the Hydrangeas fro Karen and llisianthus with baby breath and eucalyptus. 

Minnesota Aborium

 Fun day!! Lovely slow morning.  Luke fixed eggs on the  deck, kids jumped, on trampoline and we headed to Minnesota Arboretum.  WOW!!!  That was fun.  Denny's comment after only one garden.  "Well, that was fun... (now he's ready to head home ;) A neighbor invited the kids to swim so I went to watch.  Matt and Kane came for supper and visit.  Yummy!  So good to visit with them.  At night we finished watching Swiss Family R.  Fun day!!!

Heading north

Denny had PT at 8:30.  I got some tylenol, toothpaste and sandwich meat and tortilla for the trip to Excelsior.  We contacted Barb and Scott, but they were already in Texas, so we didn't stop to see them.  We walked to the parade, Karen took stools from the swimsuit shop she works at for Denny and I to sit on.  Fun parade.  Lots of sports teams that were riding on BIG boats.  Impressive.  We had a pizza and movie night and started watching a personal favorite,  Swiss Family Robinson.  We ended watching it for 2 nights.  The 2 cats get lots of love and the trampoline gets lots of action.    

Clean bunkhouse and golf

 Denny started getting the 2 vacuums out to take to the bunk house.  I helped by moving furniture before he vacuumed.  He was amazed that I helped.  I left for Cherokee about 1:30.  I stopped to get the lawn mower tire from Carlyle and the lawn mower bearing from Builder in Cherokee.  Fun afternoon.  Jan joined us at hole 2.  We searched  for balls on 3 and 5, then went to hole one to wash the balls before heading back for supper.  Mandy sent tacos home with me for supper and Denny and I thought it tasted GREAT when I got home.   

Olive Branch

 I was up and headed to Alta by 8.  The dummy light flat tire was on so I had to stop inArthur and get some air.  I enjoyed helping at OB.  I did not enjoy sorting socks and picking out the ones with holes.  Really people, just throw them away.  I hung clothes, sorted baby clothes, hung more clothes, unloaded donations. and left about 4.  We had my favorite Orange Chicken for supper.  Denny sprayed for clover in the yard.  Happy Birthday Craig!!! It was so nice of you to make the trip to Kiron to see Jensen's the end of July.  How very kind of you.  thanks!  Lord, help me find the bag with Haley's sweaters in it that Anabel borrowed for her pictures. Uffda!!!

OGT

Denny was so happy that he did not have to set an alarm for getting up this am.  I was at OGT until 11.  At home we put up the rod for the LR curtain ... NO EASY TASK.  I worked out in the CSA, filled the tubs with clean water, rolled up 4 garden hoses, and hauled 2 soccer nets to hole across the road.  We fixed pork steaks and salad for supper.  President Trump expressed perhaps link of Tylenol and autism.  Lord, grant those in leadership roles.  

Andrew-Kelli Fras 

22hLet’s talk about the Tylenol in pregnancy thing.

Here’s the truth: when you take acetaminophen (Tylenol), part of it is converted into a toxic byproduct called NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine). Your body can only clear that toxin with glutathione — your body’s master antioxidant.

In pregnancy, your glutathione supply is already lower.

Babies in the womb have almost NONE to spare.

Result? More oxidative stress in a rapidly developing brain.

And that matters:

- Studies measuring acetaminophen in cord blood found higher exposure was linked with autism and ADHD later on (Ji et al., JAMA Psych 2019). Another found those same babies had higher oxidative stress markers (Anand et al., Brain Sci 2021). To put this in perspective: acetaminophen is already the #1 cause of acute liver failure in adults in the U.S. — because when glutathione runs out, damage happens. Why would we assume it’s 100% safe for a developing baby? Not every study agrees, however — a Swedish sibling study didn’t find a *causal* link (Ahlqvist et al., JAMA 2024). HOWEVER, the biological mechanism is real, and enough evidence exists consuming acetaminophen during pregnancy deserves a second thought. And yes— acetaminophen (Tylenol) does cross the placenta. Studies using both human and animal models show that acetaminophen and its metabolites pass readily from maternal circulation into the baby in utero. “But ACOG says it’s safe…” Yes, they do. But let’s not forget: • The AAP was sponsored by Coca-Cola until 2015. • The AMA struck a multimillion-dollar deal in the ‘90s to endorse Sunbeam products — and had to backtrack after lawsuits. • ACOG itself publishes conflict-of-interest disclosures because industry ties are so common. So “because ACOG recommends it” is not the slam-dunk people think. ACOG, AAP, AMA- they’re all made up of fallable men and women who are subject to their own biases and able to be influenced by their sponsors. Moms — please hear this. If you took Tylenol in pregnancy because your doctor told you it was safe: you do not need to carry guilt. You made the best choice with the info you had at the time. But let’s also remember: every single drug ever pulled from the market was once stamped ‘safe and effective.’ Approval does not equal risk-free. Bottom line: there is a time and a place for Tylenol, but it isn’t harmless. It carries side effects and risks like EVERY.SINGLE. PHARMACEUTICAL on the market. The safest path? Use it only when truly needed, at the lowest dose, for the shortest time. Don’t assume “safe” means zero risk. Did your OB ever mention glutathione, oxidative stress, or the mixed research behind Tylenol?

Chelle Ya

Rose House in all due respect it's now one in 30. When I was growing up, this was never heard of. And there weren't a bunch of undiagnosed kids running around flapping their arms. No, one has any other ideas they're willing to act on. I mean, at what point in time do we get to the point where we say we need to do something. Is it one in twenty one in ten one in five. Can it really hurt to say it?Let's just take a pause and see what happens. Big pharma has their hands and absolutely everything. When I worked for a pediatric office, everything in the office had a pharmaceutical name on it. Drug reps were in the office about every hour. It's a huge money making machine.

Doctor, Doctor

Denny had a a appointment with Dr. Bissel in Holstein at 9.  We killed time before his PT appointment at Horn.  We shopped at Holstein Grocery, visited with Pete.  got a rod for living room curtain at IG Hardware, ate Mexican and then headed to the hospital.  All that killing time really made us tired, so nap time.   So many happy connections.  Mugs and budlitemike.  Now that's fun!!!

Charlie Kirk Memorial

Church and SS.  After church we watched Charlie Kirks memorial on Fox.  Amazing!.. Lord, I pray for revival across the world.  I heard Denny shoot at a couple of squirrels.  (Wonder if he got them?) I went to play pickleball 4:15-7.  And had a good  conversation with Karen M. P.   We headed out to the bunkhouse and I watched th rest of the memorial while Denny went to sleep.

Fun Day!!

I picked up Mary Kay about 8:30.  What a  day!!  We headed to Anthon  Make and Take.  We met Jeannie M and walked around with her most of the morning.  It was so fun to look at all the venders.   I bought mini donuts and enjoyed the coffee from home and root beer that Mary Kay bought.  We stopped at Oak Grove.  It was really nice.   I dropped her off at Paulsruds before they went to DM for a Republican get together.  At home Denny and I ate leftovers pesto and crackers.  I pulled some weeds, and we rocked on the porch before heading to bed.  

Friends ... nothing better.

Slow morning (like I remember ...  Ha ha.)  I just know that we don't get around too much/too early.  PT for Denny at 10.  I stopped at the winery to get the vases.  Flowers there are so pretty.  At home I weeded just a little.  The rain makes pulling weeds allot easier, but the bugs are bad.  Around 6 Sherry and Nikki came for great grilled steaks. mushrooms and onions all fixed by Denny.  Nikki / salad.  Sherry/ fruit.  I can not express how great it was to visit with them.  Praise!!!

Day with sisters

Gail and I left for Indianola around 7.  We were at Trader Joes when it opened.  Got some good stuff.  We got food for lunch, but then when we got to Jeans she had planned for us to go to her church for lunch.  I made the salad for the lunch.  Gail sewed on 2 quilt tops.  Then we sorted/ organized a table in the basement that had gift wrapping/bags.  After lunch at the church we headed back for Gail's Dr. appointment.  I napped.  When she got back, she played piano and I joined her on the treble cleft.  We went to New Hope and I got black out curtains and a gray pair of pants.  Denny had been cleaning the house after the guest left.  

To Atlantic

 Slow morning.  We went in for Denny's PT and coffee afterwards at the  Farmacy.  I left about 3 to get to Carroll and pick up my purchases that I left at Motor Inn.  When I got to Atlantic I met Gail at the golf course.  They were having an end of the year meal.  Nice friends of Gails.  At Henderson they played Jeopardy and I looked at the Battle Creek Newspaper book that Gail got for me.  Good day!!

OGT

After OGT I headed home.  I decided to cancel my Dr. appointment because my BP probably has bee elevated the last 3 days because I took it right after taking the lisinopril.  The noseeums drove me crazy, so after putting away stuff in the CSA I stayed in the bunkhouse out of the way of biting nostrums.  Uffda! Nice day doing nothing.  

Luv my SS class!!

Church and SS.  After church was a quarterly business meeting. We came home and napped.  I am taking the challenge and not having screen time on Sundays.  Lord, help me.  I did put together flowers for golf tomorrow.    Well, I can easily get used to do nothin days!  Thank you for the Sabbath, Lord,  

Gals's golfGolf

I left about 8 for golf.  I played with Sarah from Sac.  We played with Twila and Linda G.  We shot a 44.  I took lunch to go and headed home so Denny and I could drive to Cherokee.  We stopped at Tiefentoalers and got $300 worth of meat.  It was fun to spend time with the Cooks.  Jan met us at the game and we all joined cooks for supper.  We got hame about 8:30.  

Relaxin'

I got up and started the sister phone call.  Working on the blog and pictures.  I think we were home all day just relaxin'  Around 6 we went to the winery for pizza and music.  Craig and Sue came there too.  I took pretty pictures of flowers there.

Charlie Kirk

Today, our hearts are heavy. A voice for freedom has been taken from us far too soon.

He faced attacks, criticism, and false accusations—but he never wavered. He stood firm for truth, faith, and the values that define us.

In a world that often forgets courage and common sense, he dared to speak, to inspire, and to lead.

His spirit will live on in all who refuse to be silent.

We will support the fight for freedom and those brave enough to speak truth—and you can join us.

PT

While Denny was at PT I went to Old Town and put together some flowers for their Sat night get together.  I got iced coffee to go. I had bfs at noon.  Great visit sharing with believers. After doing not much of any thing I DID finally get the tiller out and the ground worked and the tilled soill covered with carpet paths.  And I did finish planting the pretty irises that I got from Jake = small flower growers.  My friend Michelle got her naturalization.  

Happy birthday, Diane

I was home all morning.   I went to Teresa's for study.  At night we sat on rocked on the porch. 

A picture from a month ago Famrmer's Market in IG.  Pete and Ukranians getting some flowers

Such sad news about Charlie Kirk's death.

We went to IG for PT.  Afterwards coffee at the farmacy.  At 5 we headed to Lakeview to talk to Craig and Sue about using #407.  I brought guac and pesto.  We ate on their pontoon cruising around Black Hawk Lake.  Nice night!!

OGT and beyond

 What a blessed life I have!  Thank you , Jesus.  I washed dishes and made coffee and toast to take upstairs to Denny, but he came down first. OGT until 11 when I headed north to spend lunch with Dear friend, Susan before they heat to the great Northwest for 3+ weeks.  SO good. We just ate a sandwich at the gas stop, but time together was sweet. Next to volunteer at New Leaf.  Sherry and I did a lot oof moving around  A truck load of furniture came in and the place is quite full.  I deposited the glasses at the store and a man took 10 of the plastic pitchers.  YES!!!  At 3:15 I picked up the boys and we went golfing.  Kind Andrea let us use her cart AND she paid my green fees.  Uffda!!! I wasn't expecting that at all.  Simplify because it was on my mind, and it was okay with Denny. I drove to Lake view to play PB with some gals.  Twila, Irene,  Val, Jennifer and Fay.  At home Denny had cleaned, cleaned, cleaned.  The upstairs in ready for Airbnb Monday night.  Such a blessing to sit on the rockers at night and chill.

                                        

Golf at Sac

 I was up and in the house.  I left for golf about 8.  I played with Maureen, We shot a 43.  Nice round.  Stopped taking SLEEP.  I took my lunch and went to Carroll to get the Prius serviced.  My goal was to get back home in time to go to Cherokee and watch the boys soccer.  We ate a bite at Cooks after the games before heading home.  I decided NOT to complicate my life by staying home rather than going to Clay County Fair.  Riots are happening in Kathmandu.  Lord, I pray for protection and Your leading.

Sinday/funday!!

No real change in not taking SLEEP last night.  So good to be in SS.  Nice prayerful bunch of ladies.  After church we came home and fixed sandwiches with the left over meat, naps, finished cleaning the Prius, and I made a bouquet for golf tomorrow.  The rest of the night we sat on then porch and rocked.  

There’s something really special about having a big age gap between your kids.   It’s not always what you planned, but somehow, it’s exactly what your family needed.    You get the baby cuddles and the big kid conversations.     You’re packing school lunches while also packing a diaper bag.     Cheering at a soccer game on Saturday… and pacing the living room with a teething baby by Sunday.    It’s chaotic, yes. But it’s magic.     Because when that older sibling walks in the door and the baby lights up you realize this wasn’t just about you getting another baby…   It was about them finding each other.    The big one becomes a helper, a protector, a hero in tiny eyes.     And the little one? They remind the older sibling what it’s like to slow down, play, and be someone's favorite person.    They learn from each other in the most unexpected ways patience, responsibility, silliness, trust.   It’s not always easy having one in diapers and another learning pre-algebra…  but it’s beautiful.   Because one day, they won’t remember the gap.   They’ll just remember growing up with a built-in best friend.     And you’ll remember the beautiful in-between, where both your arms (and heart) were always full.

Go State!!!

Slow am. Sister call.   We showed the airbnb guys around the place.  Denny showed me how to run the small chainsaw.  We watched the ISU IA game upstairs in the bunkhouse.  Hurrah!!! A win for ISU! Around 5 we headed to Old Town.  Nice evening listening to music and visiting with Maryann and Kenny N.  Nice day.  

Home most of the day

I sorted stuff in the kitchen to get ready for airbnb.  I went into IG and Melissa helped get a sample ready for the lab.  Lord, Grant wisdom to restore my health.  After I got home I rehomed the rest of the plants from the youth building.  Uffda!!! This was not fun.  I headed to study,  Bless Susan for having study at her home even tho she is not feeling the best. Rested after getting home after study.  (fell asleep during the news).  Finishing up repainting roof on the machine shed.  

PT and coffee at Farmacy

Nice slow am.  Denny (& I)  cleaned the upholstery in the Prius.  Uffda!! Dirty!!!  While Denny was in PT I started my Zoom with BSF.  Good to see the gals again.  Loved coffee and visit with Denny at the Farmacy.  I went out to putzt around  in the CSA and dream about CCF flowers.  Uffda!!  Denny fixed supper.   Gail and Bruce said we can use their timeshare.  Report from Lab said no c.diff, more info to follow from Sanford next week.