JUICE ON!

Hello!  Long time... no write.  Sokay, here am I ... and hopefully someone is still with me here... reading what I have to say.
This is me ... April 7 2013.  Fat, sick and nearly dead.  Funny, but that is the name of the documentary I had the good fortune to view yesterday on the Food Network.  And, sadly, that is the state of my health.  Has been for a long time.  BUT, the good news is I CAN CHANGE.  (so can you if you need to)
I purchased a fairly good juicer a couple of years ago and seldom has it seen the light of day.  I juiced quite a bit at first and loved it.  But, somehow, I didn't really GET how much good I was actually doing for my body/health.  And I stopped.  Pity that.  Anyways, now the juicer has been brought out to a new home from the pantry to my counter where it will stay and be used on a daily basis.

I am in bad shape folks.  Severe arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholestrol, morbid obesity, pre diabetes and the doctors are checking me for cancer.  Feels like I am talking about someone else, but no, I am talking about me.  It is almost as though I am teetering on the edge of a cliff.  I need to take action now and hopefully, it is not too late.
As I watched the film yesterday, I was so inspired by the journey of not only the producer Joe, but also of the trucker Phil, who, at over 400 lbs seemed doomed to a painful, early demise.  Joe encouraged Phil to take back his health by juicing fresh fruits and veggies on a fast for a 60 day period.  And Phil met that challenge and then some.  Not only has he lost his weight and gained his good health, but now he has embarked on a new career to help others.   And he helped me via this film and the wonderful example he set of a man who was literally at death's door and is now enjoying robust health.
It is my intent to use this blog as encouragement to any of you who need it as I record my journey to good health.  I will first ask my doc for the ok.  I am thinking that I will start by replacing one meal per day and then move to two.  Eventually, I would like to accomplish the 60 day fast, but baby steps is the way for me.   There is alot of information on the Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead documentary online.  Please check it out if you are so inclined.
So, dear reader, here's to a new and healthy road in life.  Believe me, if I can do this, anyone can!

PINTEREST

HELLO!!!!  Sorry it's been such a long while since I've posted.  I have been busy pinning on my virtual pinboard over at Pinterest.  LOVE IT and I am totally hooked!
If you aren't familiar with it, Pinterest is a site where you can view pictures of everything and I mean everything from all over the planet.  "Pinners" can post their pictures of interest on their pinboards and can actually categorize them.  You can get a very good idea of what a person likes and their personality traits.  It is endless fun.
There have been changes here at the bungalow.... firstly, Betsy, my old Mazda truck finally died and has been replaced by "Kevy" the Chevy.  A snazzy little truck with lots of PIZAZZ...  Also, a new bathroom that is all tiles and glass and Martha Stewart accessories... and soon I hope there will be a new puppy coming...but more on that later.
So, dear readers, if you would like to view my pinboard...hop on over to pinterest and check out Cheryl Martin (bungalowonbank)!

BARN SALE PART TWO

Well, the barn sale was a bust.  I came home with three birch logs from the firewood pile.  And I forgot my camera!!!!  Ugh.  But my buddy Sharon got herself a fabulous old iron sink from the 100 plus year old farmhouse!  SCORE....and it was only 10 bucks!  It will look great in her log home on the lake and right in keeping with the rustic kitchen decor.
It was such a beauty day and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.  The drive round the lake was just beautiful and we would get glimpses of the blue water shimmering through the birch trees.
Maybe you are wondering about the birch logs??  Well, I plan on using a spade bit and drilling some holes in them to accommodate my votive candle holders.  I will place them in the faux "fireplace" with greenery and berries for a Christmasy look.

BARN SALE!!!!

Hello dear Friends!  Hope you all have been well since your last visit to this little spot in the blogosphere.  We are fine here at the bungalow and as busy as ever.  Renovations are taking place and the bungalow is getting a new look.
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, my friend Sharon and I are heading out to the south shore area of  Lake Nipissing for a "barn sale".  I cannot wait!  The excitement and anticipation are an important part of the experience,as well as the possibility of finding "treasures" or maybe something which I can re-sell.  Sharon loves antiques as much as I do, so I know she is excited too.
I will look forward to posting some pictures and maybe a little tale or two tomorrow here on the blog.

RUSTIC TABLE

My television currently sits atop a baby's dresser.  Now, it is a cute dresser FOR A BABY, but just doesn't cut it in my living room.  Then, I happened to see this.....

Beautiful no?   My neighbor Wendy has a talented husband who can build many things and he said he would tackle this little number for me.  I cannot wait!!!!  After examining the finish on this table, I figure it will be a fairly simple process to replicate.  Of course, I will have to bash the wood up a bit too.  I will post a picture of the finished project.....
For those of you who are not fortunate enough to have a neighbor to build stuff for you, go to Ana White.com and check out this brilliant woman's blog.  She is kind enough to share building plans, cut lists etc so you can build for yourself.
Have a wonderful happy day everyone!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.....

I happened upon these beautiful words whilst looking at Pinterest today.... they inspired me so much that I wanted to share them with you...

Remember to be gentle with yourself and others.  We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun.  Care for those around you.  Look past your differences.  Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices no more easily made.  And give, give in any way you can, of whatever you posses.  To give is to love.  To withold is to wither.  Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.
-Kent Nerburn

Make today a masterpiece dear reader.

FAREWELL DEAR DOC

My dear doctor is retiring.  After 42 years of service, he is hanging up the ole stethescope.  BUT, he is not going to be idle.  He has decided to "work smart" and devote his time to helping others with the vast knowledge and wisdom gleaned from his years of practice by promoting wellness on-line.  I sat in his office this morning really taking in the surroundings and listening intently to his gentle voice as he discussed his new direction in life. I must admit I felt more than a tinge of sadness that this would be our last office visit. As he spoke, the word "flexible" came up more than once.  We talked about the futility of clinging to anything in this life and of the importance of having faith in something bigger than ourselves.  Being thankful always, and optimistic and hopeful about what may come.
I cannot speak of my doctor without mentioning the fabulous woman who is his assistant/right hand.  Denise, is someone I have come to love and admire for her strength and cheerfulness.  She provides a warmth and homey - ness to the office with the wonderful little plants and pictures and bric-a-brac carefully placed for the patient's enjoyment.  I will miss her too.
The Doc has been a wonderful caregiver and I know our paths will cross again.  I am thankful to have known such a caring and gentle man.
All the best, dear BERNARD.