Saturday, January 8, 2011

Some good news...some sad

Only one today!

Cutting back on sugar consumption is one of my goals for this year.   I've only had one Pepsi today and very few this week.  That's good, right?  And I just love my Pepsi!  What's bad is that my sweet iced tea consumption has quadrupled.  One of these days I hope to develop a taste for unsweetened tea.   Hopefully soon.  I make the best iced tea.  Here's how I make it for us:  Place 1 1/2 cups sugar in a medium saucepan and add water to cover.  Place 6 regular sized tea bags in the water.  Bring to a boil and remove from heat and let cool.  Mix in a gallon pitcher of water and serve over ice cubes or chill in the refrigerator.   Delicious!  But I will be cutting the sugar back soon...I will!  (I'll let you know how this works out.)

In other news...
This has not been the best start for a new year.  My husband's uncle died unexpectedly and we've attended the visitation and the funeral this week.  One of the songs that was beautifully sung at the funeral has been playing in my mind ever since.  It was Vince Gill's song, "Go Rest High On That Mountain".  It always brought a tear to my eye in good times, but hearing it at the funeral was tough and I doubt there were many dry eyes after it was sung.  I remember the song came out a year or two after my older brother's death and thinking then that it would have been perfect for him.  Then again, sitting there listening to the song made me think of my younger brother whose birthday would have been on the day Uncle died. 

So that has been my week so far.  A bit of good news and some bad news.  But that's life I guess.  We never know what the future holds.  But we know Who holds the future!  I thank Him for the good memories and the lives of those loved ones and friends who are no longer with us.  Tell those you love "I love you".  You may never get another chance. 

Until next time...

14 comments:

  1. I send my condolences to you both on the loss of your dear Uncle .
    I also find a funeral will evoke memories of a loved one ,your advice to tell our nearest and dearest that we love them is so true.
    This year had an unhappy start for you but I hope the rest of the year will be positive and full of joy.

    I like iced tea,but without the sugar.!! I have never taken sugar in any drink ever.
    Take care, Carolyn.

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  2. I awoke just now and turned on my computer. It must have been so that I could read your post and learn of your grief. I'm praying for you just now. Death is our enemy and always so difficult to face with those we love, the parting. I've been there. Yet, the very best news is that death is our last enemy. No more parting or sorrow beyond that...not when we know Who holds the future as you said! My love...and hugs for you tonight.
    Prayerfully, Gwen

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  3. I wish you the best of luck with that sugar fettish of yours.

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's uncle. My husband sings at many funerals. He sang "Go Rest High" at a funeral of a very close friend whose life had been very troubled. I believe it was the most difficult thing he has ever done.

    Have a wonderful day. The wind seems to have settled down a bit out there.

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  4. I first learned to like less sugar in my tea, using lemon, lime, or mint as a "distraction" from the sweet. I then moved on to Splenda, not trying to match the original sweetness, but giving it a little sweetness, still distrated by the adds. I did it for so long I now can use a little of the yellow packet and think it's good. Yeah, I play mind games.

    So sorry for your family's loss; music is truly a comfort, isn't it. Like a warm blanket for your heart. Hugs.

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  5. Yes, it's good to cut back on sugar... Have you tried using splenda or one of the other possibilities? We like the Crystal Light sugar free lemonade and orange drink. We use the Walmart brands and mix them --making a gallon. It's GOOD.

    Sorry about your hubby's uncle. A sudden death is always the hardest for the family and loved ones. My prayers are with the family.

    We have LOTS of snow up here this morning. Glad we don't have to get out!!!! It's pretty and the birds are feasting at the feeders and bath.

    Have a great weekend.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  6. So very sorry for your loss. It is always a good reminder to us that although in this world, we are not of this world, and this world is NOT our home.

    I know I too often forget that fact and get too involved with the earthly.

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  7. So sorry to hear about your hubby's uncle. I love that Vince Gill song, and yes it's a tearjerker anytime, but especially at a memorial service. We saw Vince Gill live and in person several years ago at the "famous" Montgomery Co Fair. It was just when he was getting his start, and I've been a huge fan ever since! Good luck with the sugar project. Thankfully, I love Diet Pepsi, however... I am sure all that chemical stuff is worse than the sugar! I will hide your tea recipe from my husband, a huge tea fan.. lol! It sounds particularly yummy with all that sugar! -Tammy

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  8. I am so sorry for your loss...
    On the tea We are sweet tea drinkers here. But I have found its better to forgo the caffiene then the sugar. I switch it to half and half Caff and lessen the sugar some. I quit drinking coffee because of the caffeine and all the sugar I put in it and I have felt so much better. I have replaced it with herbal tea, fruit juice and a little milk(we arent milkign right now). It makes a big difference.

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  9. Hi Cheryl,

    So sorry to hear about your uncle - I know that it is very difficult when it is so sudden. My prayers will be with you and yours. I have always liked Vince Gill, and loved the song sung at your uncles funeral. He wrote the song for his brother, who died.

    I have never been much of a sugar addict. I drink diet Pepsi, my favorite is Pepsi Vanilla. I usually use a sugar substitute. In the past they were so yucky, but I really to like Truvia, it even resembles sugar, and does not seem to have that bitter after-taste.

    I so agree with telling those you love that you do love them, and tell them often! We truly can't take even one day forgranted, can we.

    Warm hugs,
    Barb

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  10. I'm sorry to read that the year has begun this way. We considered playing that song at my grandmother's funeral and then decided that we wouldn't be able to make it through if we did. It's a beautiful song.

    Oh dear. Now I want to try your iced tea recipe. Perhaps Deb's suggestions will help me since I don't need all that sugar either.

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  11. Sorry to hear of your loss. My mother-in-law went home on Dec. 23 and we have been through much the same thing. The song in her service that meant so much to me was Chris Thomlin's Amazing Grace/My Chains are gone version. I take comfort in knowing I will see her again.

    On the tea front....well,I live in the South. Need I say more? Sweet tea it is. I will have to try your recipe.

    Thanks for the comment concerning snow in my part of the world. I am very grateful for those linemen who risk their lives to provide warmth and comfort for me. Give him a big thanks from us!
    Carolyn

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  12. Good Morning Cheryl. So sorry about your Husband's Uncle. I have never heard the song you mention, I will have to google and listen. You are so right about telling the people we love and care about how we feel right now, everyday. The sweet tea recipe is interesting, I have always wanted to know how to make it. As in How SWEET? It would be a nice treat, but we mostly drink water around here. No soda. I bet I haven't had a soda in over 20 years. Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies, now that's another thing! So I am wishing you good luck on your cutting back on sugar project.

    The SNOW is coming! Yikes!

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  13. I’m sorry for your loss. That Vince Gill song always stirs my heart. I think of my daddy and all my loved ones who’ve past when I hear it. Good luck with the sugar reduction. It is so hard but I’m sure you can do it :)

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  14. Oh I hate to hear that! I'm praying for you all in this sad time. And I think you are doing great. When my daughter got here, I started missing the gym, eating worse and I slammed a 2 liter of Rootbeer in a day and a half! But I've cut out fried foods.
    Keep up the good work!

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