How To Improve Your Immune System

Carol 15 Comments

“Our immune systems are complex and influenced by many factors. Vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, build immunity against specific diseases. Some additional ways you can strengthen your immune system are eating well, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol use.” CDC , 6 Tips to Enhance Immunity

In October I had my annual flu shot. Mid November, I had the latest COVID booster. I slept a lot for several days afterwards. In December, I will have the RSV vaccine. Now I’ve been told I should get the new pneumonia vaccine which is highly improved over the old. That will be in January. I want to have these helpful vaccines to try and stay healthy this coming year. I have lots of allergies and almost any illness can lead to a respiratory infection. Winter will arrive this month.  The colder seasons are usually related to an increase in colds and flu. It’s not the temperature that causes illness, but being inside with others that leads to the spread of infections.  Today I would like to review ways to improve our immune systems and be healthier in the coming year.

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A Glorious South Florida Sunset

Carol 20 Comments

Today’s photos are courtesy of my friend Beverly.

Life is very hectic this week as I try to please both the requirements of selling my house and the actions necessary in buying the condo. Almost daily I review and initial addendums or changes to the condo contract. Yesterday I spent the morning having two inspections of my house for the buyer. I have driven 2 hours each way to Lakeland last Saturday and again Tuesday. Tuesday I attended the inspection of the condo. To say I’m not taking photos is an understatement. Thanks to Beverly for sharing her incredibly colorful sunset. Enjoy!

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Slow Cooker Ham

Carol 14 Comments

When I was growing up, one of my favorite meals was my mother’s baked ham. I still love the flavor of ham, but also love the simplicity and ease of cooking it in a crock pot. This 2-ingredient dish has all the flavor without the work. Crock pot ham is juicy and delicious with a no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for holiday meals or special occasions. The only ingredients you need are brown sugar and a bone-in picnic ham.

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I Sold My House & Found a Condo

Carol 31 Comments

Friday I signed the contract to sell my house. Saturday I drove to Lakeland, Florida, to meet a real estate agent and visit 4 condos. Today I am reviewing online my offer for one of the condominiums. (For my UK friends, a condominum or condo is an apartment you own.) The reason I am moving to an apartment/condo? I am tired of maintaining a home. There for a monthly fee the buildings are maintained including landscaping, maintaining & painting the outside of the building, & paying water bill, trash, internet, and cable. In effect I only pay for my electric bill. I am closing on my home on January 10th in the morning. In the afternoon I am closing on my new condo (if offer is accepted). It is exciting to think I am starting a new leg of my life in a new home in a new small town. Life is full of changes.

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Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Onion

Carol 18 Comments

I love sweet potatoes. Research has found that sweet potatoes have several health benefits like fighting inflammation, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting weight loss. I’m always looking for recipes for them. Today’s recipe is a naturally sweet side dish that is perfect for holiday meals and makes every meal special. If you have family members who don’t like many of the popular sweet recipes for sweet potatoes, give this savory sweet dish a try. Sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection with chunky onion wedges and garlic, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a tasty, easy dish.

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