January 4, 2023
I have to tell you two things, well maybe three…First, my parents did not raise a quitter. My mother will be the first one to give me “that” look (even now) and say to me, “Bena, where there is a will, there is a way.” Second, I blame Chris. If he didn’t have so many fun tractors and teach me how to use them all, I probably (maybe but I doubt it) wouldn’t be so deliciously independent. I said what I said. Who wants to have to ask for help all the ding dang time? Being able to do something by yourself is as wonderful as a warm cinnamon roll on a cold day. S/NS. Third, while my mother may have passed on her determination, my father gave me a sly smile and a mind that looks for creative ways to get the job done. Ingenuity, if you will. Years back we called this the “more than one way to skin a cat” philosophy. I used to wonder why anyone would want to skin a cat until I got older and realized it was in reference to a catfish and then it made perfect sense because, well, there is more than one way to do that. You cram a human being full of determination, ingenuity, and add a heaping cup full of know-how and POOF, you get something that looks like me. A relatively small human with big ideas who can accomplish just about anything she sets her mind to. It’s a blessing and a curse. Long story short, I used a backhoe to move a small tree into my house. Yep, I sure did.
This week I have tried to help you gradually work within my current schedule of making your bed EVERY day and unload the dishwasher every morning. I realize now that I should have probably prompted you to start the dishwasher last night so the dishes would be clean today, however, I hope you caught on to that on your own. If not, unload in the AM and run them in the PM so you can unload them in the AM. Wash, rinse repeat…Today we are going to add one more step to my daily routine and that is the starting of a load of laundry. My morning routine looks a little like a short dance, if you will. First, start the coffee; second, unload the dishwasher, third, begin to drink the coffee; next, load the washing machine and hit start. If there is a load sitting in the drier you can set them aside while you wait for the coffee to kick in and bring you back to life. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping coffee, reading my blog, and folding a load of laundry all at the same time. As you wander off to get a shower and start your day you’ll see the bed is made, the sink is empty, and you have clean underwear folded in your drawer and you’ll smile, maybe give yourself a mental high five and feel accomplished. Hey, it could happen!
I’ve been working on a few things lately. I’ve been refreshing my memory on The Family Manager Takes Charge and setting up some great items for us to dive into. Thus far I have decided that we shall use the book to slowly gain control over our lives by introducing one concept from each of the three sections per week. The book has three parts that cover home, meals and entertainment, and money. In the home section I plan to expand a little. The book was written before cellphones and apps made certain tasks easier, it also doesn’t cover anything farm and garden related so I plan to include those things on a small scale as we go along. In the meals department we will work through easy canning, freezing, and food storage to get you started. Even if you don’t have a big garden, there will be info for you I promise.
I’ve also started making plans to work on a few projects around here while I save up for the studio next steps. It just so happens that I have a pile of stuff around here that I can use to build things with and a gift card to Lowe’s with $40 still on it. Pinterest truly is my cryptonite, so I have a couple of ideas to choose from. One being, a box I can assemble on a bed of concrete block and lined with fire bricks so I can have a place to cook over a fire. The images on Pinterest look so cool! It’s either that or something to do with dirt and plants. I’ll let you know when I decide. Obviously, I can’t build anything this fancy and on this scale but I bet we can still do something to be proud of with what we have.
Well, it’s time for me to get busy. I have FINALLY taken the dough out of the fridge that I made last week. It has come to room temp and I am about to attempt to make cinnamon rolls out of it. I hope this turns out well. Wish me luck! I promise to give you a fair and honest update when I get them out of the oven. The laundry is humming, the sink is empty, there’s a man in my bed so I can’t make it up yet but I will later on. Now it’s your turn. Let’s get busy! I hope you have a great morning and I’ll catch up with you soon.
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Y’all be sweet,
Bena ❤️
20 responses to “On this day…”
Love your site..,,so inspiring 🩷😘
Thank you!
I really enjoyed your blog and your determination
Thank you!
Hello Bena, I am so inspired by your ‘no can’t do’ attitude. How I wish I were blessed with your energy. Unfortunately, being in the ranks of the elderly, my body no longer enjoys the flexibility it enjoyed in the past so I muddle through as best I can. I’m learning to come to terms with my physical restrictions, but acknowledging my limitations leaves such a bitter taste in my mouth. It gives me extra cause for celebration when I accomplish what doesn’t come easily, especially when arthritis wants to stake its claim on my comfort. LOL Today as I get busy buzzing around my own house, I do so with the attitude that whatever I do, in word or in deed, I’ll aim to do it as unto the Lord. Thank you for being a marvelous source of inspiration. Your beautiful faith shines very brightly through your actions and words. God be with you throughout your days!
Thank you so much for your comment! You have blessed my day with your words. I hope you have a fabulous day!
Thank you for inspiring Busy 🐝
Absoutly loved!!
After working almost 30 years on night shift, I still don’t make my bed, and at age 75, I don’t intend to start! LOL However, I do usually straighten it so it is ready to crawl into for a needed nap or at night for sleep! I do see your point, though and growing up, my Mom tried very hard to instill bed making into me. I did have to do it, with no ifs, ands or buts while in nursing school, so I did it for 3 years! As for a dishwasher, I don’t have one and at present can’t use my kitchen faucet, so dishes get washed as needed in the bathroom sink. Not ideal, but it works for my daughter and I. I am very limited on what I can do around here, so I do try to do most of the dishes. I love reading what you write, no matter what it is about, and I keep you, your husband and your Mama, as well as the rest of the family in my daily prayers. I lost my husband a little over 5 years ago after being his care giver for half of our married life I took care of him for 24 years (stroke survivor) and we almost made it to our 48th wedding anniversary. I was so blessed to have all those years with him, and so were our kids. You stay sweet and take care, dear Bena! <3
With love and prayers,
Susie Gillick
Ms. Susie! Sweetie if you don’t want to make your bed that’s alright with me. 😉 You just keep doing you!
I’m not a spring chicken like you are dear Bena. I’m going to follow you through your journeys. It’s amazing how you get so much accomplished. I love your videos teaching us how to cook and clean. I love your stories about your Mom and your life. . Also, I’m glad Jesus is part of your life. Love and blessings.
Thank you!!
Bena you brighten my day,everyday.I’m 65 and still work outside the home.I’m going to continue to work as long as I have the energy and willpower. Your my inspiration to keep moving. Many hugs and prayers to you and family
Love reading your daily activities every day!
I always get bed made before I step out the door. Usually unload dishwasher while coffee is making.
You are inspiring and encouraging to so many who read your Facebook posts and/or follow your blog. But your followers are equally inspirational in their willingness to share their Christian faith and values.
I don’t remember how I stumbled into your 🐝 bee-z self, but you have encouraged me to return to a version of my younger, bee-z-er version of me and I very much LIKE the new, old bee-z me.
I do think we may be adrenaline junkies!
On a side note, I am sole caregiver for our 90 year old Mom. Your devotion to that topic alone is a full time job – an important and rewarding role.
In my Mom’s case, I found low sodium, low magnesium, or low hemoglobin contribute to her bouts of confusion. It has taken me two years to begin to recognize the source of each new affliction. The latest challenge was solved by changing her sleeping position to never wake or rise from lying flat. What a blessing to solve that mystery.
Wow! I’m impressed by your attention to the details in your mother’s care! Thanks for the kindness and encouragement. Bee blessed! And stay bee-z! It’ll keep you young 😉
I’m with you, do not like asking for help all the time!
I enjoy your blog so very much! And each time I read one I also pray for you and Chris. May God abundantly bless your family!
I am 100% with you on making the bed when I get out of it. And the times in my life when I’ve shared a bed with someone, which I have for the past 21 years (husband who travels a lot during week, but not always, and that travel might be partly responsible for the issues I have with him and the bed making). My husband is normally very much a “pleaser” and would do anything I asked if it made me happy. Butany mornings, when he is in town, I get up and there “is man in my bed” (just like you said). That man, as much as I love him, is NOT going to make that bed. He might pull the covers up, but he isn’t going to straighten them nearly it out the pillows/shams back on the bed. I do that to keep the cats off of his pillows! He has allergies. 🤦♀️ The cats LOVE to sleep in our bed during the day so it really does need to be made first thing. Who wants to disturb the cats?? 😜
We won’t even start on how he takes the trash and recycling to the road for pick up day. I SO appreciate his help but …….
Oh how I love him though 🥰
I can’t make my bed until my husband gets dressed in the morning because he sits on the bed to put on his socks even if it’s made. Then I’d have to come back around and smooth his rear impression back out of the comforter! I save myself the frustration and just wait lol. Men! The Forrester Sisters had the perfect song on that topic 😂