NEWSTART Update

Katherine at Yellow Rose Arbor suggested that I "share some of your progress with us!" and asked, "How are you feeling now?"

Well, I am feeling much stronger. The stroke (even though it was not a severe stroke) left me weakened and frail. It affected me both physically and emotionally. I found that the daily walks in the sunshine on the Half Mile Loop road strengthened my legs and my whole body. I started out dragging my affected left leg and foot, but little by little, was able to walk more naturally.
The Half Mile Loop had a lot of slopes, up and down, so it was reasonably taxing. We were also taken to other trails such as the Flume Trail, which ran beside a waterway. Here is one shot I took on this tree-shaded trail:


Each person was assigned to one of three medical doctors who monitored our health and made changes as necessary. I was taken off my cholesterol medicine and one of my blood pressure medications. My diabetic medicine was reduced to once daily since I stopped having supper. The whole food breakfasts and lunches were satisfying enough so we were not hungry in between meals and did not miss supper. Since being home, I have continued skipping supper as I work to have substantial breakfast and lunch meals.

Wednesday lunch and Saturday breakfast was held in the Cooking School Kitchen and consisted mainly of whole food dishes we prepared ourselves in cooking class:

The rest of the meals were in the NEWSTART Dining Room in the Cafeteria building

Hydrotherapy and massage sessions helped my muscles relax and helped me toward
an overall sense of well being.

Perhaps you are wondering, "What does NEWSTART mean?" Well, here is a brief explanation of the acronym:

Nutrition
Exercise
Water
Sunlight
Temperance
Air
Rest
Trust in Divine power

A much fuller explanation is found here online: http://www.newstart.com/what_is.php

Here is my NEWSTART water bottle. We were each given one upon arrival and kept it filled from the water cooler in the Lodge lobby. We were to drink 6-8 glasses or more daily, beginning with two glasses upon awakening. We were also encouraged to eat lots of fruit and vegetables – especially leafy green vegetables.

In the 18 days I lost about 4 pounds and one inch off my waist, though the first week I actually gained one pound due to trying out too much food from the cafeteria menu! But with portion control, I was able to turn that around. We were advised not to to take in more calories than we were expending in our daily activities.

Visiting Empire Gold Mine State Park

The area of northern California where I was (see last post) had been a gold mining region. So one of the excursions we had as part of the NEWSTART program was a visit Empire Mine State Historic Park. The site includes a museum and Visitor’s Center with a scale model of the mine’s below the surface workings, a gift shop, mine shafts, the owner’s mansion, called "The Cottage," the mine superintendent’s house, a club house and beautiful grounds. For this post, I’ll focus on the beautiful outdoor views that I photographed while there on July 4, 2010.

Here is a view of the fountain across the lawn in front of the mansion

Two stately planted urns frame the approach up to The Cottage:

The Cottage, home of the owner of the Empire Gold Mine, William Bourn, Jr.

Façade of The Cottage

Roses in front of the mansion

Side view of the front of The Cottage Floral beauty in white at the side of the mansion

Light fixture on a side porch at the mansion

Another light fixture in front of the ornate front entrance

Stately Italian cypress across the lawn

Formal sunken garden on the grounds

Towering Ponderosa pines

Textured bark of a Ponderosa pine

Closer look at the bark of a Ponderosa
Yellow flowering ground cover. (Sorry, I did not get the name of this plant)

This post is linked to the following blog events:

My World Tuesday, hosted by Klaus.

Outdoor Wednesday hosted at Susan’s blog, A Southern Daydreamer

Getting a New Start On A Healthy Lifestyle

I’ve just returned from a stay at Weimar Center for Health and Education. I was a guest for the 18-day NEWSTART Lifestyle Program. I felt this would help me get on a healthy diet and exercise program, since I was diagnosed with diabetes the day aftter my stroke in April. The program promises to:
Reverse Diabetes
Restore Hearts
Relieve Arthritis
Renew Immune Systems
Shed Pounds
Lower Cholesterol
Increase Energy
Enhance Vital Capacity

We had private rooms with bath, (and fresh towels and bath mat daily) hydrotherapy and massage, health lectures, cooking school, walking along trails, getting to know the other guests, many of whom became wonderful friends. We encouraged each other, and celebrated when anyone lost pounds, lowered cholesterol, lowered blood sugar, etc. Our delicious meals were made from "whole foods eaten whole." We were happy to take home a thick recipe pack prepared by the cafeteria staff, the Newstart Cookbook, and other recipe handouts.

The Weimar campus is in northern California and I enjoyed the beauty of the setting – towering trees, shrubs, and flowers. It is truly a haven with the stately Ponderosa pines and other tree varieties, many types of shrubs, and bright flower beds.

The first mosaic below shows:
The flagpole (2d photo) stands in a circle where guests walked round and round. There were also twelve miles of walking trails.
The Gazebo was site of early morning Stretcherizes. This was followed with a walk around the Half Mile Loop.

The second mosaic shows
Sections of the Half Mile Loop Road

The final mosaic includes:
Magnolia tree in front of Weimar Inn
Sequoia tree
Daylilies on right front

Today’s post is linked to Mosaic Monday hosted by Mary at Little Red House. Go there for links to other shared mosaics.

Thankful for Multiple Providences

My current illness has given me many, many things to be thankful for:
When I had a small stroke early on Friday April 2, I was able to reacheach person I called – something that rarely ever happens, no matter what time of day. I reached my brother two states away, the head nurse at my primary care physician’s office, and most importantly, my youngest sister, who lives 50 miles away. Having the day off, my sister came and took me to the hospital Emergency Room, and stayed until I was installed in the Intensive Care Unit, as a new stroke patient.
There, the doctor, all the nurses and other staff were very caring and helpful, as they worked to bring my synthoms under control.

In a few days I was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. The doctors, nurses,aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists and others, made me feel in good hands. I concentrated on cooperating with everything - a dozen medicines, 3 hours a day of therapy, lots of needles, hospital food, etc., etc.

I was very thankful that the stroke was a small one, affecting my left leg. Soon I regained strength on my left side and my overall balance. I was happy to see my middle sister, who took off a few days to take care of me my first few days at home. She flew in from Maryland the night before I was discharged. So both younger sisters came and got me at the hospital, stopping for groceries on the way to my home.

So while this is still a difficult time, I am thankful for many blesssings which God provides such as friends from church who've helped out with errands, laundry and other needed tasks.
Many thanks ot Martha at Martha's Favorites for including me on your prayer list. Thanks also to Terri at Artful Affirmations. and Katherine at Yellow Rose Arbor for your kind support.

WordFilled Wednesday – Isaiah 53:5

But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 KJV

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV

For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV

It is amazing to consider that God would make a sacrifice for us. We do not even know what He gave up to give us the opportunity to live with Him eternally. However, the Scriptures assure us that when He comes again He will happily receive us and take us then to heaven!

For more Word Filled Wednesday visit this week's hostess, Amydeane, at The 160 Acre Woods.

Tuesday Events

Tea Cup Tuesday, co-hosted by Martha at Martha’s Favorites and Terri at Artful Affirmations.

The teacup I’d like to share for Tea Cup Tuesday is "Summer Beauty" by Roslyn, fine bone china made in England.

The gilt edged cup and saucer has a floral motif in pinks, white and yellow with green leaves. The cup has the floral motif on both sides of the cup as well as on the inside.

The saucer has gently curved edges:

I've set this break-time vignette with a few items from thrift stores. The floral picture in the oval wood frame is19" tall x 16" across. The cost was $3.00 plus tax.

Enjoyable browsing is right at hand with two Mary Engelbreit Home Companion books, "Collections" and "Plates." They were $4.98 each.

The Roslyn teacup and a salad plate from Heinrich & Co., made in Germany, provide for a leisurely cup of tea and a scone.

The teal cloth is one of four 19" napkins from a thrift at 25 cents each. They have a pleasing pattern in a tone on tone -- a square in the center and a wider border.

I am also linking to the following blog events:

Table Top Tuesday hosted by Marty at A Stroll Thru Life and Nifty Thrifty Tuesday hosted by Linda at Coastal Charm .

Teatime Tuesday, hosted by Lady Katherine at Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor.

Tea Time Tuesday, hosted by Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage

Tea Party Tuesday, is hosted by Rhondi at Rose Colored Glasses

Second Time Around hosted by Diane at A Picture is Worth 1000 Words



Please visit other participating bloggers from the lists at each hostess' blog. Thank you for stopping here today. Please leave a comment if you wish.

Napkins in Rings

I found photos of tablesettings I’ve posted about in the past year or so, and decided to put them into a Mosaic for Mosaic Monday hosted by Mary at Little Red House. Go to Smiling Sally for more Blue Monday posts

It was fun to review all the table settings from past posts and see the napkins and napkin rings I have used.

FIRST MOSAIC

The pink napkin in porcelain calla lily napkin ring is from my most recent tablescape.

Below it is a cream napkin with lace corner in a daffodil napkin ring, set on a blue and white plate.

A white with blue napkin is fitted with glass Avon "Cape Cod" napkin ring for an Independence Day setting.

A soft pink napkin is in a gold-plated napkin ring for a Mother’s Day table.

Below blue and white napkins are set on blue and white dinner plates and glass salad plates.

A SECOND MOSAIC

A ceramic banana napkin ring holds a white napkin with a colorful geometric print.

Under it is a Lenox "Holiday" napkin with matching porcelain napkin ring.

Bottom left a simple silverplated ring holds a green and white napkin.

An off-white napkin embroidered in brown is held with a ridged wooden napkin rings.

The daffodil rings are used with light gold napkins.

I am glad you visited today. Please come again. I would enjoy reading your comment.