newsletter
Well Hello There!
There were 5 posts this month. In case you missed some or all here they are...
What I'm Reading | May '25
Notes from Tina | Monthly Newsletter №21
How's everyone doing?
Welcome to 'Notes from Tina' my monthly newsletter where I share a behind the scenes look at whats been happening at MapleStone over the past month. So grab a drink, get comfy and enjoy!
Besides changing my website, again! I've made tiny changes to a couple of my regular posts, which I may change back!
This is everything we have been working on this month.
Life Lately
My brother's stemcell Transplant was May 20th! It's has taken a little over a year since his AML diagnosis to get to this point.
Did I mention we had a single car garage built? We have a double car garage, but needed another. There have been several delays, i.e. sickness, inspectors not showing up on the days they were supposed to, and rain, but it will be finished the first week of June...
How was your Mother's day? Did you do anything special? Nothing exciting here, just grocery shopping and ordered dinner.
Did you have a get together for Memorial day or did you go somewhere?
Our daughter celebrated her 38th birthday this month!
I decided back in November to grow my hair out...BUT...I changed my mind and cut it off. I've had short hair for 37+ years. Every blue moon I'll get bored with it and try to grow it out; BUT I forget what a pain it is and I cut it off!
Our middle grandkid Jacs will be here to visit for a couple of weeks in June 🙂
One of the books I've read this month (and didn't mention) was
'American Cozy: hygge-inspired ways to create comfort and happiness' | Author: Stephanie Pedersen
I thought I would share this
Try a social media fast for two weeks—or indefinitely! A social media fast entails taking a break from Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, chatrooms, and any other virtual arena where people come together to connect, brag, gossip, tear others down, seek validation, show off their bodies or wealth, boast about their kids, complain about their bosses, and so forth. Social media is a wonderful way to connect with people who aren’t in your everyday life, but it comes with a dark side. Studies have shown that daily use of social media detracts from face-to-face relationships, reduces personal investment in meaningful activities, increases one’s sedentary behavior, encourages internet addiction, and weakens self-esteem through unfavorable social comparison. In one recent study, published in the February 1, 2017, issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers recruited 5,208 adults and tracked their Facebook activity for two years. Among their many findings are that individuals who consistently “liked” others’ content or clicked links found in Facebook posts showed a significant reduction in self-reported physical health, mental health, and life satisfaction. If you think you cannot live without social media, try two weeks without it. I can tell you from experience that stepping away for a bit will leave you feeling calm, centered, empowered, and very comfortable.
Have you ever tried going without social media? I have, it wasn't planned, I just stopped. Of course, I only have 2 social media apps but it really didn't bother me!
Around Our Home
- (Slowly) removing the rock, soil, and raised beds from my old garden in preparation for my new garden area!
- Some finishing touches in the dining room
- I had an epic fail in the redecorating of our bedroom! I still love the wallpaper! But what I thought was going to look right...fell flat! It really does irk me when this happens! So, it's back to the drawing board 🤔
Around the Web & Did You Know
- I own 3 pairs of REEF sandals, ❤️ them! Thinking about grabbing a pair of these and bought these slip-on shoes
- Need help decorating your patio? Check out these Ideas and Inspiration from Country Living UK
- Want butterflies in your garden? Here are 16 plants that attract them
- What do you think about bringing back these 10 Old House Features? I say YES!
- Check out these Wreath Ideas from Country Living
- Beautiful Farm in Australia
★ Did You Know? May 14th is National Buttermilk Biscuit Day.
On the Blog
What I'm Reading | May '25
Notes from Tina | Monthly Newsletter № 20 (April)
xoxo Tina
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Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Did You Know
How many of you know the history behind the red poppies veterans hand out when you give a donation?
You see, it all started in 1915 with a poem written by John McCrea:
Did You Know | Red Poppies & Memorial Day
Many people don't and many have probably never thought about it. (Repost)
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| "REMEMBER...Freedom has a price A Poppy, in tribute to all the brave veterans who risked their lives in past and present, so we might have a future. |
Red Poppies
So, in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day, I am going to pass on a little info about how those little red flowers and Veterans came together.
"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields."
A woman by the name of Moina Michaels responded with this:
"We cherish too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies."
This gave her the idea of wearing poppies on Memorial Day, to honor those who have fallen. She began selling them to her family and friends. The money she raised would then be given to those service members in need. Some time later a woman from France, Madam Guerin, while visiting the U.S, heard the story of the red poppies.
When Madam Guerin returned to France she adopted Miss Michaels idea, she made faux poppies and began selling them. The money was then used for orphans and widows of fallen French service members. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League was founded; the selling of poppies spread throughout France and Belgium. However, the league disbanded almost a year later. Madam Geurin contacted the VFW, hoping they could help. Just before Memorial day 1922, the VFW agreed to help and became the first veterans group to sell them nationally. In 1924 the selling of poppies made by disabled veterans, known as "Buddy Poppy" program, was started and continues to this day.
So, the next time you see a poppy in the hand of a veteran, remember the people above and give thanks.
Memorial Day Facts
- Memorial day, originally Decoration Day (NOT to be confused with Veterans Day) was started after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers. It was originally celebrated on the 30th of May. No matter what day of the week it landed on.That changed in 1971 with the inception of the National Holiday Act.
- 2004 Washington DC held a Memorial Day Parade; it had been over 60 years since the last parade.
- There are over 260,000 flags adorning the graves at Arlington Cemetery, and since the 1950's the 3rd U.S. Infantry has been responsible for placing and maintaining the upright position of the flags. They patrol day and night for the full three day weekend.
- This day is to remember and mourn the sacrifices of those who served our country in the military, but those who served our country in other ways. (i.e. congressional members)
- More information: Memorial Day | History of Arlington Cemetary or Here | Visit Arlington
Enjoy your day,
♡ Tina ♡
Holiday tv/movies & music
xoxo Tina
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Sounds of the Season | 25 Patriotic Song Suggestions
Do you need a playlist for the upcoming Patriotic holidays? Well, whether you need one or are wanting to add to your existing list I've got 25 suggestions for you. 🇺🇲
25 Patriotic Songs:
(A few of the songs listed are instrumental)
- God bless the USA - Lee Greenwood
- America the Beautiful - Ray Charles
- Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem) - Whitney Houston
- Ragged Old Flag - Johnny Cash
- Only in America - Brooks & Dunn
- Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue - Toby Keith
- American Soldier - Toby Keith
- Livin in America - James Brown
- Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles fly - Aaron Tippin
- Red, White and Blue - Lynyrd Skynyrd
- America, My Country Tis of Thee - United States Army Field Band
- Arlington - Trace Adkins
- Made in America - Toby Keith
- The Stars and Stripes Forever - John Philip Sousa
- Some Gave All - Billy Ray Cyrus
- Your a Grand Ole Flag - George M Cohan
- American Woman - Lenny Kravits
- Mr. Red, White and Blue - Coffey Anderson
- This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land - Woodie Guthrie
- Surfin USA - The Beach Boys
- God Bless America - Celine Dion
- America - Neil Diamond
- R.O.C.K. in the USA - John Mellencamp
- Color Me America - Dolly Parton
- Battle Hymn of the Republic - Charles Gerhardt
Looking for more? You can search Patriotic Songs on Pandora, Apple iTunes, or Spotify.
Happy Listening!
How-to|tips|organization
xoxo Tina
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15 Ways to Keep Your Home Happy and Healthy
Keeping your home happy should be on everyones to-do list. No, I'm not talking about paint or decor. I'm talking maintenance. There are a lot of first time home buyers that don't realize the cost and time that comes with owning a home. So I put together a little list to help you out.
Love your Home!
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The above advice is also good to remember for your vehicle and health!
Here's 15 ways to keep your home happy ... (some may be on your spring cleaning list)
- Heating and cooling system checkup. Heating/cooling systems should be checked every 6 months, fall/winter and spring/ summer. *Make sure to change air return filters every 30 to 45 days.
- Crawlspace/foundation checked. You can do this every now and then for leaks or unusual cracks.
- Attic (if you can access it): you're looking for any kind of roof leaks, insulation depth (it degrades over the years), and ductwork that may need some tlc. You can ask your A/C company to check ductwork yearly when they come to service your unit.
- Smoke detector batteries - check and replace. Every 6 months
- Window screens - spring is a good time to check your screens for holes and repair them. *While you have them out, you can give them a good cleaning with the hose.
- Outlets that are acting up - could have a loose wire or the outlet needs to be replaced. If you are knowledgeable about messing with electricity you can do this yourself. But IF NOT PLEASE CALL A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN!
- Replacing burned out bulbs. Most people do this immediately, but it can be overlooked if it's not a regularly used light.
- Dust your ceiling fans. During the warmer seasons this can be done monthly.
- Change/wash stove exhaust fan filters. Every 6 months or yearly
- Fix any leaky faucets inside and out. Please call a plumber if you don't know what you're doing.
- Vacuum floor/ ceiling vents
- Clean the siding: Every year (if we get alot of rain it's done twice a year) in spring/ summer DH uses this to clean our vinyl siding.
- Clean out gutters (if have). Please be careful when standing on the ladder when doing this!
- Clean exterior windows, window seals and doors.
- Dont foget about your hot water heater. Make an appointment with your plumber to have this checked every several years.
- Toilet tank continuously running after flushing - adjust the chain on the float or replace it.
- Grass/weeds growing in cement cracks - kill them, pull grass/weeds. When finished you can seal the cracks to cut down on having to do this.
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| Shelby catching some rays! |
- Clean sidewalks, driveways, decks, etc.
- Touch-up exterior paint, i.e. shutters, trim
- Pest control: having your home inspected & treated for creepy crawlies, rodents (especially after winter), and don't forget to get a termite inspection (I think this is recommended every 2 years, but don't hold me to it).
- When weather permits open your windows and let the fresh air in!
How many of these are on your home maintenance list?
Reading Nook
Welcome to What I'm Reading.
What I'm Reading | May 25'
*I've made a few changes: when the posts are published, the name, and books I will read instead of ones I've read.*
This is where I will 5 share books; from true crime, who done its, historical, and other genres that I'm reading this month. My hope is you find a new book, author or genre to add to your reading list.
xoxo Tina
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Happy Reading!
May is going to be busier than April so I may not get all of these books read this month, but I am going to try!
1. Anthony Horowitz has a new book being released on the 13th that I pre-ordered. Can't wait to read it! Available Here
2. Ina Garten has written her memiors, which I figured I would listen to/read. Available Here
3. I hope this next book is as good as it sounds! Available Here
4. I subscribe to Kindle Unlimited which offers free books. This is a good way to find new to me Authors or just to read. This is one that I wanted to read but not buy. Available Here
5. The final book for this month is also a Kindle book. I love books on WWII and I hope this one is good. Available Here
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