Social Distancing in the Oregon Outback

This whole thing seems ludicrous as we live distantly here every day. Then the governor of Oregon has claimed that the people in Eastern Oregon aren't taking the virus serious enough. All I can do is roll my eyes and tell myself that as usual, she's doesn't have a clue how we live here in her state.

Livestock need to be fed...calves are being born everyday, and they need to be branded and vaccinated. The United States and the world still needs food!!! Are we just to let our farms and ranches go to ruin with dead animals and crops?!? That's not how we live out here.

OK...I'm off my rant...well, except for the selfish people who go to the stores in our only shopping (without having to travel 3 hours) and proceed to HOARD everything on the shelves. This happened yesterday...I went for my weekly shopping and couldn't buy half the things on my list...because of hoarders!! Yes, I was pretty p!ssed off and had to let John finish with the check out before I totally lost it at the cashier (not that it's her fault). People have no respect for others...they only look out for themselves. OK...not everyone is bad...as we have many people offering help and service to those in need. But what happened to common sense?! This world needs God more than ever.

Finally...I'm done ranting.

Bert's enjoying the sun...and is oblivious to any chaos in the world! Wish I was a dog!!

Spring is starting to poke her head up here...the day lilies are 6 inches high, and I found some tulips coming up!! We had 4 inches of snow last week, and it really spurred the grass and spring plants!!

My Man and I will take a ride again today to get our ponies legged up...the first branding for us in this coming Thursday. BTW...My Man has a new ranch horse that he's really excited about. The sad news is that we lost Whiskey last winter to a bad injury, and Boone has arthritis so bad in his front knee that he can't work anymore.

My Man and his new mount Snap!

Colt is doing great, and I'm going to focus on Cowboy Dressage again this year.

We still haven't sold our ranch, but we've re-listed it with a new real estate company, we have high hopes this time 'round!!! And we still are motivated to be Montana bound!

I pray for blessings and health to all of you my dear friends and followers~

In Health & Love~

#DoLifeBetter

 

gtyyup

Garden Visitors~Snakes in the Grass!

Look close!

#MLAChallenge day 8

How's your summer??!! 

Full Strawberry Moon tonight and the Summer Solstice on Friday!

We have 1st cutting done!! Yahoo!! Movin' on to irrigating 2nd.

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 8 ~ Get Every Little Bit

First things first...My Man has been busy today as usual...first it was the Escape, then the Dodge pickup...and now the tractor!!! He says that the big horse trailer is next!!! What a guy!!

OK...on to the challenge!

Last week, Dr. Perlmutter focused on nutrition for the brain. This week is exercise and movement. 

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The assignment for today was to pick a friend to join me on a short workout. Short is better than none at all...and for some, it's better!

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I chose my dear husband John...and all four dogs!! We broke out the cruisers for a back road country spin! We can't go too fast when Mindy Mae is with us...her little legs can't keep up!!

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But, great fun was had by all. And I always feel energized by getting outside in the fresh air!

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What is your "go-to" lack-of-time exercise?

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 5, 6 & 7!

Hey...been busy...I'm catchin' up!!! So, who all is putting Dr. Perlmutter's suggestions into action? Maybe just one suggestion? Maybe they all are calling to you?!?

#SummerBrainChallenge ~ Day 5

Eat With The Season

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Now that's easier said than done in the high desert, Great Basin, of SE Oregon! Planting anything before June is a death sentence!!

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Living in a remote area has it's challenges and rewards. The bounty in the photo is from a prior year, but with persistence and patience, it's well worth it! The down side is that we have a very short growing season.

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We are blessed with a produce truck that comes to town beginning mid-summer. They bring us regionally grown fruits and veggies that we so much appreciate!

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Frozen veggies may hold the nutrients, but the flavor and texture are just lost. To me, there's nothing like fresh veggies for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

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I'd show you a pic of my tomato plants that I put in 4 days ago...but, I prefer to think of what they're going to produce this summer!

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#SummerBrainChallenge #getyoursummerbrainon #ketoforlife #cleaneating #healthybrain #healthybody #eatrealfood #selfcare #goingseizurefree #cancersurvivor

#SummerBrainChallenge ~ Day 6

Master Your Blood Sugar

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Dr. Perlmutter writes: "Added sugars and high glycemic index foods are everywhere. Try to cut added sugar from your diet completely for the rest of the challenge period - keeping your blood sugar stable will make you feel amazing."

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Sugar really is everywhere! Today was grocery day...label reading day...just to buy bacon without sugar is impossible in our small town. It's so frustrating!!

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I make all my condiments and baked goods to get the right ingredients. It's worth the effort! .,.,.,

Sweeteners are sweeteners, and are a treat, not a staple. So these applesauce muffins use honey, and are wonderful, but are made on a limited basis 😉

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#SummerBrainChallenge #getyoursummerbrainon #ketoforlife #cleaneating #healthybrain #healthybody #selfcare #goingseizurefree #cancersurvivor #sugarfree #grainfree

#SummerBrainChallenge ~ Day 7

How's it Going?

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Yes, week one is in the books!! Actually, I'm feeling better; more energy and purpose.

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I've been carb cheating for the past few months. My husband decided that it would be easier on me if he ate what I ate...isn't that sweet of him?!? Well, he lost 20 pounds...and he was already skinny!!! With my nutritionist's help, we determined that a low carb diet wasn't the best for him...he's extremely active with a high metabolism. So, we added organic white potatoes and organic white rice (cooked then frozen before eaten) back into his diet. Well, I would have a small portion myself too 😉☺!! But, not this week!

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I'm working toward strictly Keto, so this was as good of a time as any!

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Breakfast salads are one of my favorites!!! This is my super-sized BLT with the works! Yes, I broke my egg yolk LOL!!

It's a wonderful Friday, I hope everyone has great plans for the weekend!!!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 4 ~ Eat For Your Mental Health

Dr. Perlmutter writes: “Pay attention to how you mentally feel after you’ve had an indulgent meal. That regret isn’t just sociological - processed and fried foods full of sugars and refined carbs can cause your mental health to suffer. If you’ve got an indulgent meal coming up this week, take note of how you feel after it.”

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For me, it’s been so long since I had an “indulgent meal” that I can’t really remember what I felt like mentally…but, I do know that my “brain fog” has lifted over the past year of not eating any processed foods!! Duh, probably why I can’t remember!! BTW, I literally threw everything in my pantry that was not “real food” into the garbage!

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Being petite, I’ve never had a weight issue, but more depression and mood. After getting off the “after cancer” medication, eating “real” food, hydrating myself and getting enough sleep, I’m slowly finding purpose again.

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Everything is connected…eating real food brings better health to every area of your life!

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Love your family and friends…4 legs or 2 legs!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 3 ~ Get those greens!

#SummerBrainChallenge ~ Day 3

Get those greens!
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And I LOVE my leafy greens! It can be just a side salad like this Strawberry & Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette, or it can be a full lunch or dinner...stack on your favorite toppings...the more the better, right??!!

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Here's the easy recipe for today's photo:

Strawberry & Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

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1 bunch fresh organic baby spinach

1 cup sliced fresh organic strawberries

1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola (I also like Feta) cheese

1/2 cup raw pecans (or almonds, pine nuts or whatever you like)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Stir the balsamic vinegar and honey together in a bowl; slowly stream the olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

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I make a full batch of dressing and there is enough for another meal or two! Enjoy!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~ Day 2 ~ Cut the Gluten

When I started my journey to a healthier lifestyle over a year ago, I never dreamed I would be reading EVERY label!!
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Just because the package says it's gluten-free or healthy doesn't make it so!!! Doritos are gluten free...and they're not fit for human consumption IMHO.
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There are MANY options...this is a cauliflower rice crust, but my home made almond/coconut/tapioca flour pizza crust is truly gluten free too...and they both taste delicious!!! I LOVE knowing what's going into my body, and my body appreciates it!
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Join me, a survivor, in celebrating #nationalcancersurvivorsday today!!! Thank you!!!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Summer Brain Challenge ~Day 1~ Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Instead of focusing on getting your best body for the summer, 

spend the summer getting your 

Best Brain for Life!!

#SummerBrainChallenge Day 1

Add an anti-inflammatory food to your diet!

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I chose fresh organic strawberries in my cold-pressed whey protein shake this morning! Yummy!

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Try turmeric, ginger, fatty fish or any in-season berries.

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Good Monday...Spring Has Sprung!!

 Happy Monday everyone!!

A new find from the landfill...who would want to through
away a perfectly good flower pot?!?

Spring is rolling fast and furious around here. What little varmint reduction we got will just be what it is, the fertilizer is on, the irrigation is running, and the hay (along with all the weeds) is growing!! 

We seeded orchard grass into more of our alfalfa last fall, so we'll have a lot more alfalfa/grass mix to sell this year.

Alfalfa, orchard grass...and a few weeds. It'll make good feed this winter!

My trip to Paleo f(x) in Austin TX was exceptional...the number of speakers, vendors and events were "brain exploding!"

My Team! #PFX19

The main stage with a panel of health professionals talking
about how the brain and the gut biome are connected.

Did you know that the brain and the gut are connected? It's actually very facinating...and having a healthy gut changes your whole body!!!

Ryan, me and Sprinkles...yep, I'm short!!!

#PFX19

So, how's your gut? Consider taking the free health assessment!

#JTTA

I hope everyone has a very blessed week!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter

 gtyyup

Self Care ~ Animal Care ~ Everyone is Important!

I'm almost afraid to say it...but I think we're past any chance of snow...well, that'll jinx us now!! But it's been the longest, coldest, wettest spring anyone can remember. In the high desert here we should never complain about precipitation in whatever form it comes in...but it's been hard on the ranchers and farmers.

My Man is dragging the hay fields...Rastus is a bunch of help of course!

Tax day has come and gone (thank goodness that's done with for another year!), and another year of poisoning the ground squirrels (we call them sage rats) in the hay fields. Because of all of the rain, we couldn't get the bait out in a timely manner, so the percent of dispatch wasn't as good as other years, but we got what we got.

Easter too has come and gone...but the memory of the sunrise service is fresh in my mind. It poured rain the day before, and we wondered it we would need to shift to plan "B"...but the day broke with some clouds...just enough to get a beautiful reflection as we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. It was perfect!

Easter sunrise service in Crane Oregon...it was spectacular!! Fitting for our King~

This week I'll be flying to Austin Texas for a huge event...Paleo f(x)...I'm so excited to be selected to go with my team and learn a ton of new stuff...building my knowledge on Paleo and Ancestral Health. I'm pretty sure I'll have a bunch to share when I return!

Until then...have a quick listen to my latest FB live video.

Self Care~You're Important!

In Health & Love~

#DoLifeBetter

gtyyup

Throwback Thursday~March 2014

March 5 years ago...great memories!!!

Awwww...the newborn calves! How I miss them.
We sold our little herd two years ago in preparation of moving.

Red Dog & Rastus...running and chasing each other as spring is coming.
Not much has changed with these two! 

Sweet Martha Jo~we adopted her so she could live out her life with love.
She wasn't with us long, but it was a very special time.

What precious memories do you have in your heart from 5 years ago?

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Wordless Wednesday

In Health & Love~
 #DoLifeBetter
 gtyyup

Happy 1st Anniversary to ME!!

Hello again!!

Yep...it's been a year since I stepped forward and started making changes in my life for the better.

The goal...to NOT let cancer come back. Cancer sucks! 

And I was blessed by God that he gave me a wake up call.

Sunday evening sunset...driving home from church...just gorgeous!

If you have followed along over the years, you'll maybe know that I have posted many sunrises, but very few sunsets. Where our home sits, we have a huge rim rock to the west and south...no sunsets from our place! 

Today, I read a story that used this:
Winnie the Pooh famously said, “If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”

You know, some of us (including me) just take longer to "get it!"
We have fluff in our ear!

What I would do all over (if I could) is be concerned and proactive about my health and my finances.

Why wait until it's broke to fix it?! I sure don't do that with my truck...or my horse!

So, what it comes down to is...help yourself now not later!!

Below is my Facebook live from today...thanks for following along!!
(not sure why there's just a gray screen, but it's me!)

Your Health Assessment is FREE! Let's find Solutions!
#JTTA Just Take the Assessment!



  

I'd love to hear from you...leave a comment or find me on Facebook!!!
We can "do life better together!"

In Health & Love~

 #DoLifeBetter   #JTTA    #Solutions

 gtyyup

Two Steps to Improve Your Health Goal Success! #JTTA

Right after I got back from Hawaii, I hopped on another plane and headed to Allen Texas for a Health & Wellness convention...and it was amazing!!!

Have you come to a plateau with your health goals? It could be weight, exercise or lifestyle diet...or something else? Have you tried everything and NOTHING works for you? 

This video outlines our latest health goal tool. 

Step #1 is great and accurate.

Then add step #2 and it's dynamic!

#JTTA Just Take The Assessment! It's free...it's HIPPA compliant...it's a report with a health score...it's a tool for you to know what's best for YOU!!! 

We are all individually designed, so why would one answer fit all?!?

Leave me a comment or message me on Facebook!

I LOVE helping people!!! We can #DoLifeBetterTogether

In Health & Love~

 #DoLifeBetter

 gtyyup

Summer Transformation Challenge!! Enter to Win Up to $1000!!

Must Enter by March 6!!

Looking at the piles of snow…are you thinking of SUMMER???!!! It will soon be here!!!

Everyone has a reason to improve their health…what’s your story??

There’s no better time than NOW to start thinking about getting into that summer swim suit or just tone up, and what better way to do it than to win some money getting in shape!

Set your goals and get ready to work hard! We’ll be selecting the top five men and top five women that have shown the most progress toward their goals during the 90-day contest period.

So get ready to submit your BEFORE pictures. Submissions are open now till March 6th, 2019 so don’t wait!!

PRIZES: ($3500) The best Slim+ transformations within the contest dates will win:

$1000 – 1st Place Male & Female Transformations

$500– 2nd Place Male & Female Transformations

$250 – 3rd Place Male & Female Transformations

Follow My 3 Easy Steps!

#1 Tell me you want to be added to our Private Facebook group Bedrock Your Body. If you’re already in the group…you’re ahead already!!! There you will get support and accountability all rolled into one! No purchase is necessary, but if you want to get ahead of the competition…just sayin’!!

#2 Comment on this post or send me a FB message that you are ready to Take the Challenge!!!!

#3 Email your “before” photos to show a good representation of where you are today. Fitted cloths are best, not baggy.

That’s the easy part 1, 2, 3…then work, work, work, to become the Best You in 90 days!! The challenge ends May 31.

Join me on this fun challenge and Let's #DoLifeBetterTogether !!!

In Health & Love~ 

 #DoLifeBetter 

 gtyyup

Travels for the Gal Who Doesn't Travel Much!

Ahhhhhhhhh...Hawaii...a place I never thought to go...BUT!! When my younger brother and his soon-to-be-bride decided to get hitched there on February 14th, all that changed!!

It ended up that my older brother couldn't take his wife, and I left My Man behind. That was a bit weird! But, it worked! Another single gal and the two of us roomed together in a huge condo at Waikoloa Village on the Big Island.

Beautiful sunsets!

We were there for eight days, but I also had two extra days to get to and from Portland.

There wasn't enough time to see and do everything, but we did a lot!!

Amazing foliage and flowers everywhere!!!

The most memorable church service at Living Stones Church with the ocean at our back.

A day of sightseeing in the Hilo area. This is Rainbow Falls.

Ate amazing food...lots of fresh fish and seafood!! We ate twice at this place "The Fish Wagon." It was my fav!

I got to snorkel for the first time! This was the most beautiful little cove.
I got to see at least a dozen different fish and a Moray eel...wow!!!

The Voyagers of the Pacific luau was spectacular!! What yummy food and talented, authentic performances!

I thoroughly enjoyed the self-guided tour at the Parker Ranch!

Amazing history with hands on displays!

And the highlight if the trip...the wedding!!!
Congratulations Darrell and Michelle Jackson!!
It was a wedding to remember...may all your dreams come true~

The wedding site background.

Me and my brothers Darrell and Larry. Love you both!!

Will I go back...YES!! Next time, My Man must come with me ;~)

In Health & Love~

 #DoLifeBetter

 gtyyup

Wordless Wednesday

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

GTYYUP

Random 5 Friday & Other News

1.  There's a tiny bit of feel of spring...lots of showers, both snow and rain...sunshine and clouds...I've seen the first Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle is the true sign that spring is coming...the sage rats will be running soon (food source for the eagles)!

2.  The husband is going the the men's sportsmen's dinner tonight...but he doesn't hunt. So, I'm sending him with a hot dish of roasted onions and sweet potatoes. They should eat something besides meat...right?!?!

3.  I keep telling myself that I'm going to hop on my cruiser bicycle and take the dogs for a run...OK...tomorrow!!

4.  The poinsettias are heading to the compost...unless you can tell me how to revive them!

5.  Oh, my...seed catalogs!! It's hard to plan a garden when you are thinking you'll be moving. I may do a mini garden again this year.

Well, I've made it through the first 8 days of the 21-Day Live Video Challenge!! I even made the leader-board...I'm happy!

Hey...have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Big Town...Little Town?

#MLAChallenge Day 6

Are You Involved in Agriculture?

#MLAChallenge Day 7

Bail Off the Sugar Bus!

#MLAChallenge Day 8

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

Aging Photo Challenge ~ 2008 to 2018

This has been going around, and I'm really enjoying everyone's photos! Do yourself or a critter...it doesn't matter.

So here's my once-in-a-life-time horse Colt! Hmmm...well, I guess I'm doing both Colt and me...since we're in both pics!! LOL!

2008 as a 3 year old I had competed with him in the Harney County Reined Stock Horse Futurity and we placed 2nd I think...gosh, I can't remember! This photo is from November that year when we helped the neighbors gather and load their cow/calf pairs. Colt was trying to "cut" all the cows!

2018 this past summer, we participated in a three-day Cowboy Dressage clinic. From cows to Cowboy Dressage...he can do it all. Well, that's what the American Quarter Horse is supposed to do!

And...my 21 Day Live Video Challenge...

3 Steps to Success 
#MLAChallenge Day 5

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter

I Didn't Cry Today!!!

OK...this 21 Day Live Video Challenge has be hard! Not in the way that I have a hard time pressing the "go live" button...but it's been hard telling my story about my journey with breast cancer. It's emotional! This crying thing totally took me by surprise!

If you've watched the videos, 1-3, you can see that I've been able to get my emotions toned down so I can talk...but I'm still weepy underneath. I had plans for this...like for weeks...to tell this story...and NEVER did I think I would break into tears.

What I think is that I stuffed my emotions into a box inside my heart and didn't look into or open the box...for a few years now. And when I began speaking about it all...BOOM...breakdown!

But, it was all for the good. I got the story out and the reactions and comments from people have been so uplifting! When people say that you are helping them...I've succeeded!

Are You Ready for the First Step?!?! #MLAChallenge Day 4

Here's the link to my FAV Dump Ranch Dressing!

If you want to get connected...leave me a comment or find me on Facebook HERE!

With much LOVE,

#DoingLifeBetter