What is the one routine you have that makes you feel content and satisfied?
Why do you value it so much?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
Month: March 2024
Fibromyalgia Thoughts #12-Celebrating
This post is really more of a celebration of my Fibromyalgia staying under control or flare’s have been lighter. This year my other health issues have taken center stage, and I was lucky to avoid a total flare.
Some days I wake in a fog, I don’t fight it and go lie down. How productive is staring at a computer screen or out the back window? I’m more forgiving of myself now and know I’m blessed to be able to focus on my health. I can’t imagine how hard it is to have Fibromyalgia, or any chronic illness, and work, care for kids, or other family matters. My hat’s off to those who manage daily life.
Don’t overdo it!
I have Bursitis in both hips and receive steroid shots to manage the pain. The shots start to wear off in two months but I have to wait until the three-month mark. This is when my hip pain elevates, and having a flare on top of is excruciating. Some days it’s hard to walk, especially the stairs, these are the days my husband jumps in to help me manage the day.
I send well wishes to everyone who has Fibromyalgia, remember towmorrow is a new day.
You’re not alone and talking to someone could change the mood of your day.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Dump Cake
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannie’s pecan pie.
What you need
9 x 13-inch baking pan
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 can Cherry Pie Filling
1 yellow cake mix
1 cup pecans
How To Make
Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan
Add pineapples, cherry pie filling, and yellow cake mix
Combine well.
Spread evenly over the fruit
Melt a stick of butter and pour over the dry cake mix
Sprinkle 1 cup pecans over the top
Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour
Enjoy!
Melinda
Caregiver to Grieving in Four Days
Originally posted in 2010
Each day was a roller coaster of how he felt and how exhausted I was. I learned so much being a caregiver to my grandmother and grandfather. As the population ages, many of you will take on the responsibility. One of the most difficult changes was going from granddaughter to caregiver. Even at 92 my grandfather had a strong mind and felt he didn’t need help. I prayed for strength every day.
My grandfather died in 2010 at the young age of 92 years old. I spent more time with him in 2010 year than I spent at home. I cherish the time we had together, no matter how painful. They are my memories and my life changed forever with his death. His health declined so fast that for two days
I did not realize that he was dying now, not in a couple of weeks. He was at home under hospice care and would not get in the hospital bed until two days before he passed. He fell out of bed that morning, he was so weak it was difficult for me to get him back in bed. I don’t think we would have been able to talk him into moving to the hospital bed if he had not fallen. For him the bed meant death and he was still fighting.
My grandfather had End Stage Kidney Disease. An emergency trip to the hospital for his AFIB is how we learned he had about two months to live. We knew his kidneys were losing function but I was not ready for a timeline. His doctor had not given me that impression on a recent visit so I asked her to review the hospital records. I was not surprised but very saddened that she agreed with the prognosis. It took a couple weeks for my grandfather to believe the doctors were right. Kidney failure is a silent killer and luckily for some, it is not a painful one. You start sleeping more until you sleep yourself into a coma.
I arrived on Sunday afternoon after two days of relief of duty and he didn’t look any different. Monday morning I knew he was out of it by the things he was saying but thought it was a bad day. Tuesday I knew he was weak when he fell out of bed and felt like dead weight. It took everything in me to get him back in bed.
My grandfather died on Thursday. What the doctors did not tell me is the older the patients die faster. The end came weeks sooner than we thought. I’m so thankful that my grandfather and I had time together to say what we wanted to say, cry about the loss, and enjoy the memories. I have no regrets.
Cleaning out the house was so hard, years of memories were everywhere. My grandmother left notes on everything, it was like mourning her death as I found each note. Notes on the back of photos, on little pieces of paper, and even on masking tape. I knew all the notes were there, we had looked at them many times but it was different this time. Everything was packed up this time and the house cleared out. My grandparents raised me so I’ve lost my parents, they were the best you could ever pray for. The house is empty but I see my life in every room, the great memories with my grandparents are everywhere you look. I am starting a new chapter in my life. It’s a long journey ahead.
Xx M
Blogger Highlight-Grace of the Sun
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Grace of the Sun.
Grace of the Sun
My true intention
is to share,
what brings me joy
because I care.
If what you see
brings on a smile,
then follow me
read for a while.
We have followed each other for the past year, probably more. Her words flow and are soothing. You must check out her blog and read for a while.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Pound Cake
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
It’s super easy to make and the rewards are high.
What You Need
2 cups sugar
1 cup margarine
4 eggs
2 1/2 TSP. vanilla
1 cup Butter Milk
3 cups flour
1/2 TSP soda
1 TSP salt
Like many recipes, they are old and faded and my Granny made items enough that she didn’t add instructions. This is one of the recipes. I’ll try to read her mind.
Who To Make
In a large bowl add sugar and margarine
Mix eggs beaten well
Add vanilla, buttermilk and salt
Add flour and soda
Combine all ingredients
Cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 1/2
I winged it on the instructions, if you’ve been backing a long time it might make sense to you. If it tastes bad you can say it’s because it had no instructions.
Cooking is fun!
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Quick Fudge Frosting
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 TBS Cocoa
2 TBS butter or margarine
1/4 cup milk
1 TBS light corn syrup
Dash of salt
1/2 to 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1 TSP vanilla
How To Make
Mix sugar and cocoa in a saucepan
Add buttermilk, milk, corn syrup and salt
Heat to boiling, stirring frequently
Boil vigorously for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally
Cool and beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla
I love chocolate everything and Granny’s frosting was always so creamy.
Enjoy!
Melinda
Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?
Asbestos: the word itself carries a weight of danger, a whisper of caution in its syllables. But why exactly is this substance so feared, so notorious? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the depths of asbestos, uncover its origins, explore its dangers, understand its symptoms, and shed light on the process of making a claim with asbestos lawyers if you’ve been affected.
What is Asbestos?
Let’s start at the beginning. Asbestos isn’t a single entity but rather a group of naturally occurring minerals that boast impressive resistance to heat, fire, and electricity. This made asbestos a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from insulation in buildings to components in automotive brakes.
The key types of asbestos include:
- Chrysotile – Also known as white asbestos, it’s the most commonly used type.
- Amosite – Known as brown asbestos, it’s often found in cement sheets and pipe insulation.
- Crocidolite – This is blue asbestos, known for its extremely fine fibers and is considered the most dangerous type.
Why is Asbestos So Dangerous?
The danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibers. When disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition work, these fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled. Once inside the body, they can cause serious health issues over time.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
- Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Asbestosis – A chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue.
- Lung Cancer – Asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
Recognizing Symptoms
Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to manifest, making early detection challenging. However, being aware of potential symptoms can prompt timely medical intervention.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Making a Claim
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal advice from experienced solicitors is essential to navigate the complex process of making a claim.
Steps to Making a Claim:
- Consultation – Schedule a consultation with a reputable solicitor specializing in asbestos-related claims. They will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
- Gathering Evidence – Collect any relevant medical records, employment history, and documentation related to asbestos exposure.
- Claim Submission – Your solicitor will help prepare and submit your claim to the relevant authorities or asbestos compensation schemes.
- Negotiation and Settlement – Your solicitor will negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Legal Proceedings (if necessary) – In some cases, legal proceedings may be required if an agreement cannot be reached through negotiation.
The Importance of Asbestos Awareness
Key Steps in Asbestos Awareness:
- Education – Providing comprehensive training and information to workers and the public about the risks of asbestos exposure and how to safely handle asbestos-containing materials.
- Regulation – Enforcing strict regulations and standards for asbestos management, removal, and disposal to ensure safe practices in all industries.
- Regular Inspections – Conducting routine inspections of buildings and infrastructure to identify and address any asbestos-containing materials promptly.
- Safe Handling Practices – Implementing protocols for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos to minimize the risk of exposure to workers and the surrounding community.
FAQs About Asbestos Claims
Q: How long do I have to make a claim?
A: The time limit for making a claim varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case. It’s best to consult with a solicitor as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.
Q: Can I make a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one?
A: Yes, if a family member has passed away due to an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to make a claim on their behalf. Again, seeking legal advice is crucial to understand your options.
Q: Will making a claim affect my employment?
A: It’s illegal for employers to discriminate against employees who make legitimate compensation claims. Your employer’s liability insurance typically covers compensation payments, not the employer directly.
Conclusion
Asbestos may have once been hailed as a miracle material, but its dark side has left a trail of devastation in its wake. Understanding the dangers of asbestos, recognizing symptoms, and knowing how to make a claim are essential steps in protecting yourself and your loved ones from its harmful effects. If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing symptoms of asbestos-related illness, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and legal advice. Your health and well-being are paramount.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-German Chocolate Frosting
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 TBS. flour
1 1/2 milk
1 stick butter
8 oz bag angel flake coconut
1 TSP vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
How To Make
Bring to a boil, add the butter and angel flake coconut
Cook on low heat for 7 minutes or until thick
Add vanilla, chopped nuts
Cool and frost cake.
This is one of my favorite types of cake. She would make it for my birthday.
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 