2016

What a year!  I've read some people are going to stay up, just to see that 2016 goes away!

I must say, it's been challenging.  It's been 15 months since I was in the accident at Texas Roadhouse. If you are reading this, and are interested -- September 2015 --a waitress backed up so quick, all I could do was back up, too, and my shoulder hit so perfectly on the corner that it dislodged my S C joint.  I ended up in emergency 3 times until I was admitted to ICU for 10 days.  I had 3 different infections, and I couldn't tell you 1 thing that happened in those 10 days.  I had a feeding tube and IV lines in both of my arms.

I spent another 3 weeks in the hospital.  I had to do physical therapy, speech therapy and had a wound vac inserted into my neck-shoulder to relieve the infection building up in my body.  

I was on an IV medication that had to be administered every 8 hours.  My hubby had to do it for a few weeks after I left the hospital, too.  We did this for a couple of months.  I also had to go and have the wound vac dressings changed every three days.  

Thinking back a year, I am in much better shape now.  I am very blessed that so many great people have taken such good care of me. Heavenly Father has watched over me and blessed me so much.

I have been in massage therapy since I ran out of visits with a physical therapist.  The massage therapist has done wonders with my left arm and hand.  I had hair past my shoulders which I chopped off so I could try and take care of my hair.  

I slept so much when I came home from the hospital.  I know I'm getting better because 6 hours of sleep gives me what I need. Sometimes I still need to sleep a little more.

I've been back to work for this whole year, mostly 40 hour weeks. I'm almost normal.  (LOL)

So . . .  good-bye 2016

Welcome 2017!!  May the best things happen to you this year.

Good health to us all.

My sister-in-law has given me the best & easiest bread recipe.  It doesn't even need to be kneaded!

Artisan Bread

1 1/2 cups water
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon - or 1 package yeast
1 tablespoon salt

Optional
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon sugar

Mix this all together and cover your pan or bowl with plastic wrap.  Let it rise at least 3 hours.  This dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 14 days, but it will become more sour-dough like each day.

When the dough has risen, you can divide it in half and make two small round loaves, or use it all to make a large, long loaf of bread.  
Put some cornmeal on a pizza stone and put shaped bread over the cornmeal.  Let rise 30 minutes.

Add a pan of water - like a cake pan - in the bottom shelf of the oven.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  When the dough is light and ready to bake, bake 25 - 30 minutes or until golden, and sounds more hollow when you tap on it.

If you want this bread to be crusty, put it in a paper bag.  If you want the bread to have a soft crust, put in in a plastic bag when it has cooled off.

The people at work love this with butter and jam and beg me to make it every day.  

This bread makes the BEST French toast.

Today I prayed for three things . . .

1  - That I could find my keys that had been lost since Monday.

2  - That Al (my hubby) could be well enough to go to my auntie's funeral with me (she was 95, and Al had a cold).

3  - And that I could talk to my sisters who I haven't spoken with for over a year  (family problems).

Heavenly Father answered all three of my prayers!!  It may not seem like much to some people, but I feel like Heavenly Father knew my problems and answered every single prayer.  I know He loves me - and He loves you too.  Give your problems to the Lord and He will lighten your burdens.