Topeka, KS Capitol | 101 in 1001

kansas capitol

Topeka, KS Capitol | 101 in 1001

Hi, I had the fun experience while running an errand for my son. This errand took me to Topeka, KS. This city holds a special spot in my heart. First and foremost this is where my daughter and her family call home. Topeka is a city of history as well. #15 of my 101 in 1001 can be checked off!

While in Topeka I decided to visit the state capitol. The dome was my interest on this trip. For many years the dome was a lime green color. After the restoration, the dome is a dark brown. I wanted to get up close and see the changes.

This is how I remember it looking.

green dome

This is how it looks now.

copper dome

Notable Kansans

Charles Curtis
Charles curtis

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dwight d Eisenhower

Walter chrysler
Walter Chrysler

The images of Notable Kansans and of First Peoples were hanging on stone walls.

stone walls

Briella, Brynlee and I were successful in climbing all 296 steps to the top of the dome!

To see images of us while climbing the steps to the dome and other pictures, click Kansas Capitol Gallery
We discovered after this climb, Brynlee is afraid of heights. Regardless, she was a trooper!

Take Care. Best wishes, Debra
Gma’s photo

Coincidence or Divine Intervention?

coincidence or divine intervention

Is it coincidence or divine intervention?

Hi, on Sunday I made good on finding a good Bible based church and Bible study. This is my #50 of my 101 in 1001 goals. I personally do not believe in coincidences. Let me explain why.

During my cancer journey, so many coincidences happened at just the right time. Coincidence 1: Commercial construction had slowed down. Kevin had been laid off from work. He had just returned to work and three weeks later I was diagnosed with cancer.

Coincidence 2: With the lack of work prior, Kevin did not have his 700 hours in to qualify for his insurance premiums to be paid. We had to pay the premium out of pocket for 2 months, still less than the chemo I was getting each month. There was plenty of overtime work for Kevin to reach the 700 hours.

Our family went thru a dark time. It was during this time more coincidences happened. Our son was self medicating. The doctor said it was not a concern of being addicted to ‘drugs’ rather a mental issue.

Coincidence 3: Adam had the same therapist and case manager for 2 years (our darkest). Since then, he has had new therapists about every 6 months. Same with the case managers.

The featured image above was taken at the church I went to this past week. Part of my #50 of my 101 in 1001, attend Bible study. A new church for me. When I walked in, I actually knew several of the members. I felt immediately welcomed, like I was meant to be there.

These were the biggest coincidences with so many more that I have experienced. Too many to ‘not’ believe in God.

For this reason, I say I experienced divine intervention.

WW Update:
Since Start Date; -27.2 lbs

Take Care. Best wishes, Debra
Gma’s photo

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The Empty Basket

the empty basket

The Empty Basket

Hi, this weekend I began my Christmas shopping. Rather I needed to replace an earring I had lost and did not want the piercing to close. My earring go-to store is Claire’s. While in the store, Claire’s had an item that was on both of my grand-girls Christmas gift list. This post is a story of what happened prior to me walking to the store. I parked in front, just a few parking spots down from the front door. As I was taking the keys from the ignition, I saw this pink basket like piece.

the empty basket

Next, there was a man walking down the sidewalk. My imagination perceived this man to be ‘homeless‘. The basket caught his attention as well. He ventured over to it to see what was inside. It looked like he picked something up from the basket. I couldn’t tell what it was. The man then went on his way. By this time the pink basket had really intrigued me more. Getting out of my car, I walked up to the basket and it was empty.

After seeing the contents of the basket was empty, I made my way into Claire’s. Bought my earring and a gift for each of the girls. The empty basket never left my thoughts. I Google’d, ‘is there a meaning to an empty basket‘ and found this link, The Miracle of the Empty Baskets.

Take what you like and leave the rest. However, I do believe our Good Lord shows us the way, bring people into our lives, as well as place us into other’s lives for a reason. We do not know this reason, but a reason never-the-less. By the way, my favorite color is pink……..

My interpretation of this empty basket has made my 101 in 1001 goal #64, Go with my husband more when he helps feed the homeless, all the more important.

WW Update:
Since Start Date; -28.6 lbs

Take Care. Best wishes, Debra
Gma’s photo

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Give a Stranger a Smile | #40 101 in 1001

Give a Stranger a Smile

Give a Stranger a Smile | #40 101 in 1001

Hi, Saturday I was brainstorming on what I would share with you today. It was while I was standing in line at Casey’s (a nice gas station with drinks and food) the 101 in 1001 idea came to mind. So I instantly knew what I would do for the day and share my experiences.

After pulling up to a pump to fill the car with gas, I went inside to pay. Never do I pay at the pump. There was two at the counter and then two ahead of me. #40 of my 101 in 1001 came to mind. So I said out loud to the two people in front of me that one of my 101 in 1001 is to give a smile to a stranger. One of the two was looking at me, I gave her a smile. The second person turned to look at me and I gave him a huge smile too. Both laughed and we engaged in more small talk that ended up being fun too. As the person paying at the counter was finished, he turned and gave me a huge smile. We all then laughed. It was a spontaneous moment that was a complete success, one I will remember.

WW Update:
Since Start Date; -29.5lbs

Take Care. Best wishes, Debra
Gma’s photo

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Practicing Gratitude 31 of 31 | 101 in 1001

Practicing Gratitude 31 of 31

Practicing Gratitude 31 of 31 | 101 in 1001

Hi there! It’s funny how I can go from frozen favs to hot favs. Today I am grateful for my little Mr. Coffee and hot chocolate! I don’t do coffee but use my pot for hot chocolate, hot cider and hot tea on cold days.

Take Care. Best wishes, Debra
Gma’s photo

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October in review:


Practicing Gratitude 30 of 31 | 101 in 1001

Practicing Gratitude 30 of 31

Practicing Gratitude 30 of 31 | 101 in 1001

Hi, today I am grateful for humor. Humor can certainly lighten the mood! A friend sends daily emails with inspiration. And today she sent the following image.
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humor

I had just gone over to my thermostat and considered adjusting it! Then I got this email 🙂 We keep our thermostat around 62 – 64. Normally Kevin will light the wood stove to supplement the furnace heat. Today I pulled out the sweatshirt, and layered with a t-shirt, sweatpants, socks and slippers. I kept comfortable. Getting a tease of colder weather and not liking it.

WW Update:
Since Start Date; -25.6lbs

Take Care. Best wishes, Debra
Gma’s photo

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October in review: