Walking Way Overrated. Vlog. Uncut & Unedited Another Morning After A Night Of Indoor camping

 After another night and I'm trying to camp out in our living room. While Craig sleeps soundly, I foolishly get distracted trying to communicate with others. Have you ever tried to do that when you're completely exhausted and falling asleep. But so determined to do it but you don't give up and before you know it sun is rising and you still haven't successfully sent any texts or messages. I definitely need to do some soul-searching to try to understand why I would forfeit so much rest in order to worry about that

VlogVenture. Spring Is Finally Springing. And A Big Surprise

 Hi guys! Finally finally finally, we can see the yard and the White Mountain has been annihilated. Here's a short vlog that also includes a big surprise for us!

Watch Below

Walking Way Overrated: Trimming The Verge. Sitting Down

Watch and see how Craig trims down overgrown 

grass sitting down! Stay tuned to see a precarious 

scary moment too!

Watch Him Below...

Thanks for stopping by!

SHARING LIFE! Have A Bite! This Is A Cake Walk...Fun Life Events - Sharing Time!

Wish you could taste this cake....The best I can do, is share the photos. Since this blog is about our life, then hey, sharing the besets birthday cake place ever, Dagwood, makes sense.
Sit back and drool! Never thought I  would love strawberry. You have to watch the  video below to find out how I discovered such a delectable delight! And to see some very pretty photos. Getting hungry just writing about it!
Watch The Video Below!

My husband had this cake delivered by the lady who so beautifully decorated it. She wasn't given a lot of notice, and still made the perfect turquoise icing and feminine floral motif. Beats Cake Boss Buddy by far! Up for the challenge Buddy ;0)

Thanks for stopping by.

LAST VIDEO- Part 3: View From Above : This Canadian's Rant About The USA 2016 Election

Here is the final part of my thoughts as  Canadian watching all the 2016 US Election shenanigans...

2016 Copyright - Illustration by Anita Berglund

ASSSISTIVE DEVICES - From Jumbo Computer to Moderate Tablet

 Hi guys. It has been a while. The iMac 27 inch computer that we had/have has been dying a slow

death. Thankfully,  it hasn't died completely. It began flickering off  and on and then crash to a black screen. I panicked, believing it was all over with. But then, for the last few weeks it has  miraculously continued to work and not work. Giving me time to back up documents and research what to do. Which has resulted in the  decision to not purchase another phone computer, be an iMac or PC.  However, after using an Apple iMac for about  seven years from morning until night, I have concluded that I would prefer to stick with Apple products. But wanted to reduce cost and try something new.
 iPad Air 2
 I am sitting here  dictating into our new iPad air number two. It is doing a pretty good job at typing out what I am actually saying. Must say,  I am very impressed. No it is not as fast as my old quad core processor. If that's what you call it. But, considering what I needed for these days, this 9 inch lightweight  Device, meets my needs. Something I recommend, is to order a iPad case that folds Into an easel type stand.  Because my muscles are weak, it is easier to touch the screen when it is propped up. Besides, this thin tablet  feels too delicate for clumsy me hold without a case. Cases on eBay.ca can be purchased for under $10 Canadian. I will let you know the quality In 4 to 20 weeks. It is coming from China after all. Cheaper than $50-$80 from Apple. Yes, you get the fans bitten Apple logo, but I would  rather save the money.
Our iMac was 27 inches on purpose, because it was also our  our TV too. We only watch whatever is on like YouTube and Netflix, as well as television network website programs. No longer having the iMac,  meant we had to buy a new flatscreen smart television. According to a young friend our actual TV was ancient or antique.  It was about 1 1/2 feet deep do you know the old fashioned televisions. So we were able to get an iPad air device as well as a new smart TV for half the price Of a iMac 21 1/2 inch screen. Kind of a  relief. This is my first blog using verbal dictation so I am going to end it now. Stay tuned because we have a new log to make, about Craig's  New quickie wheelchair!!

Exciting to see what we can do with this new device. Not just the wheelchair, I mean the iPad which is streaming from our handheld devices. We only had to sign up for Google Cast! That was free!

See you soon!

OUR WEDDING STORY- Almost There... Part #4

Now, The Rest Of Our Story...

...(Continued from part ONE, Part TWO, and Part THREE (Click each number to go to it's corresponding part in out story)

Sharing our wedding story is quite an enjoyable thing to do. Wanting to share this story in a more personal way, I decided to make a video telling this part of the story.
It is never a bad thing to reflect and remember wonderful events in our lives. And for me, all events, good and not so good, are all a blessing. Without all the aspects of our lives, we wouldn't have lessons learned and our lives changed, changed forever...forever, for the good.
Telling the ongoing story of the incredible life God has blessed me...us with, is also an opportunity to give honour to Whom honour is due. Who is that you may ask?  If it wasn't for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and His saving, life giving work in our lives, we wouldn't be here. Not only would there not be a wedding story to share, there wouldn't be any "us" to speak of.

My Grandpa E, My Sister and Me...even this young,
my heart was to be married one day!

Before I continue on with the last segment of our "New Beginnings" together, it is important to me to share the state of heart God brought us to, in order to prepare us for marriage. You see I had spent my entire life believing that being loved and having someone to love would fill my heart to over flowing. That I would be so happy, I wouldn't be able to contain myself. Over and over, mistake after mistake....well click the video below to hear what I am trying to say....

Below is the link to a Video article to the Next Part of Our Wedding Story 
(Click the image to watch it). 

May the our lives be a testimony to all that our dear Lord God has done and is always doing in my life and I know Craig's too.

Subscribe to find out when the final PART FIVE is posted!
Thanks for stopping by, like and share :o)

My dear sister in Christ Jan, who is in Heaven....

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CRAIG'S QUICKIE XTENDER WHEELS - What's New As Of Right Now With Craig's Xtender Wheels....

Watch The Video right below- What's New As Of Right Now With Craig's Xtender Wheels....

So far, Sunrise Medical/Quickie, has been doing pretty well in addressing the ongoing troubles Craig has had with all three sets of Xtender wheels. The best communication has been my exchanges with Quickie's Twitter site. It has helped a lot to know that I have someone I can communicate with when I have questions or concerns. We did receive our first personal communication from someone at Sunrise Medical a couple of weeks ago, outside of Twitter. And we want to say that our intent in documenting everything about Craig's Xtender experience publicly, was never intended to say anything negative about any of the companies involved with these wheels. If we presented anything that way, please know we didn't mean to.

What's New?
To know the history, you would need to check out the Xtender Wheel articles on this blog. So I don't sound repetitive, I will say what's new. Watch the video above, that pretty much covers the last two weeks. ....like I said just look back at the articles. Sunrise Quickie sent a set of replacement spokes. On April 15th, 2016 the dealer tried to replace the broken ones but they just kept breaking. (The night before, a 3rd spoke just snapped in the exact same way.) So, Craig was given the demo pair of wheels by the dealer.  As you will see in the above video, the demo wheels looked like improvements had been made to the spoke installation and quality. All a good thing.

I was hoping that he might then get this new and improved set of wheels or his would be made to be like these ones, minus then rubber coated hand rims. .n fact the whole two weeks that he had the demo pair, there was no clicking. When he first tried a demo pair almost 2 years ago, for two whole weeks, there was no clicking either. All has been perfect with demo wheels. Makes sense, because it's clear how the spokes are crossed over in a better way and are more flush in the hub, looking much better. We let the companies involved, including the dealer know about the improvements and how we assumed Craig would be getting the improvements.
Well, no so far...
We were told a couple of days ago that Sunrise replaced the motors in set number two and there was no clicking when they checked them over, that all looks and sounds good.  We pray that they are right and all will be well. We are concerned that nothing was mentioned about spokes. But, we will trust that Sunrise has it taken care of.

Stay Tuned.
Hopefully, our next article will be another "Woo Hoo!" all is working and quiet!increased his pain. So even though we are not sure how all this will end up, he loves using P.A. wheels.

CHOOSE LIFE: HUSBAND'S BATTLE WITH ALS EMPOWERS WIFE TO LIVE

As Canada's new government apparently seeks to legalize assisted suicide, my heart breaks at the thought of folks supporting such ignorance that devalues human life. It is why if I find great example such as this couple, I want to share them. Hopefully, through awareness, education and a miracle, those who believe the lie, that to die by taking your own life through the hands of another because you have a life altering disease or such, will open their eyes and see the value of all life.
As well, I pray that the blind will see that living with diseases and disabilities is a part of life for many of us and by supporting assisted suicide and Euthanasia, it sends a very negative message to those who live with dignity no matter how tough it may get.
Psalm 139:14-17
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them. 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

WOOHOO! FIFTY AND LOVING IT!

According to a dear family member, I have been informed that I am the only person who was ecstatic to be fifty. Funny, they were implying that it was almost as if it wasn't "normal"to feel that way about reaching the half century mark. Well, I am here to testify and confirm what I had already anticipated, that yes, after two whole days since the big event, I really do love being able to say, "I am fifty!" Seriously, saying it,  with great honour and privilege, actually moves me to tears. Ya, I know, it may sound corny to many, but not for me.
I encourage all friends and those who I may never meet, to not fret or allow vanity to ruin the momentous event. Aging for me is an adventure that I really thought I wouldn't get to experience. More on that another time.
So woo hoo, yay, fifty!!! Thank You Lord for this grand adventure called life!

JOY STICK TROUBLES? HERE'S A COOL SOLUTION...SUGRU

I love working with Polymer Clay and watching tutorials about using it. On one of my favourite channels, "Polymer Clay Tutor" I learned about a really cool new product/invention called Sugru. What does Polymer clay have to do with Walking Way Overrated you ask? Well, this is my blog and it is one of my favourite things to create with. Aside from that, I discovered today when I went to purchase some of this amazing putty like stuff that the product helped this beautiful young lady use her joystick on her power chair.
Joy Stick?
A joy stick is not just a gaming device, it is what we use to control and drive our power wheelchairs. And joy sticks can just fall off. Years ago mine fell off far from home, on a street. I am not able to reach the ground so I left assuming it would be long lost. My husband surprised me days later, when he went and retrieved it, it wasn't lost. To be romantic :o), he put it on a special wire to make it look like some kind of a special ring. He knew how much it meant to me to get it back, because I had assumed that I would never see it again! It has been falling off again! Lo and behold, I saw this video today as I was on the Sugru website buying their product to check it out. What were the odds I would see a video about how Sugru was used to help someone like me! Take a look!

What Is Sugru and Other Sugru Uses

Here is the link to the SUgru Website as well as the original video from the polymer clay tutor, where I learned about this cool fix it putty!
Polymer Clay Tutor and Sugru Hack

What Is Sugru and How Can It Be Used Videos

Shared Experiences

Experiences Many Persons Who Use Wheelchairs Have.  
Click the title to check out this interesting list of commonly shared experiences amongst those of us who happen to use wheels for legs. My husband and I both have had similar experiences and more. 

The one regarding parking in accessible spots, well for us, twice, we were yelled at with extreme prejudice and ignorance. And both drivers were the ones parked beside our lift vehicle, not actually in a wheelchair accessible parking spot. In fact, we were parked in one. Instead of not being able to park, we were blocked from being able to get back into our van! It was crazy and unbelievable to experience such behaviour! 

Do you have any interesting experiences, good or bad due to the fact that you use wheels? We'd love to hear from you. Just write it below. 

Anita :o)

I Stand In Awe...

If it wasn't for the Lord Our God, I wouldn't be able to be on this earth. Today, we were watching a debate, while I worked on a polymer clay figure (3rd attempt). This debate was with Kent Hovind a fellow believer and a University Professor named Dr. Rainbow. I wanted to share this because of how I was moved as I listened and was reminded how Awesome and Wondrous our God is. I really do Stand in Awe, even if I sit down literally. The question of creation versus evolution theory for us, is

not up for debate. However, when people try, God's Truth shines even more brighter. The arguments for a Godless creation/evolution makes no sense, even when I once thought God evolved it all. He really makes all things possible and I wanted to share the link to this debate and God's Mighty Word.

Walking would not be way overrated for us, if it wasn't for HIM!

[Psa 33:1-9 KJV] 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is comely for the upright. 2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings. 3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. 4 For the word of the LORD [is] right; and all his works [are done] in truth. 5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9 For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

[Psa 4:3-5 KJV] 3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

An Unexpected Christmas, errr, Journey?

Christmas, An Unexpected Journey!

We joined Bilbo Baggins and crew, on his Unexpected Journey. Little did we know, we'd have our own unexpected event just trying to leave the theatre! Watch below to find out what it was!

By the way, we love The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey, just as much the second time. And this time, we both stayed awake, so it was as if we saw it for the first time! (no, we weren't fighting heavy eye lids because the Hobbit was a drag, it's what happens when you are dead tired, sit in a dark room and tilt your wheelchair back like a Lazy Boy.

Easy Pizza Making Time With Craig!

Watch the Video Above

If you are anything like me, I love home made bread and all other yeast doughs, that includes pizza. But because my hands and arms have never been strong enough, kneading was not something I could do. Tried to convince Craig, that if we owned a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, that comes with a dough hook, then we could save a lot of money making our own bread. After all, it is only three hundred bucks at amazon.ca! Oh well, instead I was blessed, when I stumbled upon my most favourite food blogger, Chef John at,  Food Wishes. Turns out there is a phenomenon called “no knead” dough! It seemed too good to be true, but we tried it and it worked! Who cares if you need to plan twenty hours ahead, it is so worth it to be able to finally make our own doughs! You will love this, if you too have wanted to make your own artisan style breads or just bread, or some simple pizza dough - this is it!

I can definitely say, that ‘no knead” doughs are a physically adaptive aid of sorts because we can all stir this. Just make  sure you stir it well with no flour pockets, or you will have some dry surprises in your finished product!

Now, let’s cook!

Ingredients

This is just one of a few variations. If you want to add more whole wheat flour or all white flour, it is up to you. As well, this dough, once stirred should be rather sticky and gooey but not runny.

Please check out Food Wishes  to watch a great video demonstration and for the original recipe of where we first learned this. I love cooking videos, and Chef John's are great, because he provides awesome narration and close-up shots of what he is doing. And it helps, that he also has a great sense of humour! We have of course, provided our own “tweaked” version, to make it our own. But we also recommend whatever Chef John does, after all we aren't chefs and he is. 

2 cups of white all purpose flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 1/4 cups of room temperature water

1 teaspoon of kosher salt or any salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1/4 teaspoon of active instant yeast

This recipe should be cut in half if you only want two pizzas. Otherwise, this makes enough for 3-4, depending on the thickness you prefer.

Mix dry ingredients together and then pour in all the water and oil. Stir until well incorporated, if the dough is too dry, add extra water, one tablespoon at a time or do what we do, just wing it. If you are making pizza dough, you do want it a bit wetter than the bread dough.

Once combined we turn it over into an oiled (or not) deep bowl, and we cover it completely with tin foil. This dough will rise to at least double or more, so make sure you have enough room to allow for that to happen. You don't want your dough to hit the roof!

I do try to avoid causing fresh cut mushrooms from losing their water and creating watery puddles on my pizza. So on top of everything seems to help avoid that!

Now let the science happen! The dough sits in a warmish place for 16-18 hours. When you are ready, this is what we do... turn the sticky gluey risen mixture on to a very floured surface. Using the back of a big knife or a dough scraper (those cool rectangular metal devices that have a handle to grab along one side - click here to see what the heck I mean) to divide your dough up evenly.

If you can't use the dough right away, we just oil up a pieces of plastic wrap and form each section into a dough ball (pulling the sides down and tucking them under) and wrapping completely, with the oiled pieces of plastic wrap. Tuck them away in the fridge until you need them (or knead them, get it!! :o). 

I wouldn't leave it in the fridge for more than one night and a day. But, you can always experiment! When you are ready, take out your dough and preheat your oven to 500 degrees fahrenheit. Prepare the toppings. If you are using fresh tomatoes, I suggest, gently squeezing out excess juice to avoid soggy deposits on your pizza. And put them and fresh sliced, mushrooms on top of everything to avoid the watery, oozing, icky puddles that they can create, when steamed under a heap of cheese and toppings!

Roll out your dough on a floured surface. And generously oil the pizza pans and then spread and stretch out your dough onto the pan. If you want extra crunch and slide, you can sprinkle cornmeal or semolina on the oiled pans. When you are happy with the thickness and such, add sauce, pesto or nothing! We add olive oil and sprinkle dried or fresh Basil and Garlic Powder. Then add the cheese and toppings, or depending on what we are using, we may put some under the cheese and like I said the mushrooms and tomatoes, for sure, on top.  

*For added flavour you can mix cheeses, such as cheddar mixed with mozzarella and top with parmesan. The options, like the toppings, are endless!

Place them in the oven and stay close by. At such a high heat, the pizza will cook fast. If you are putting two in the oven then rotate them every 4 minutes or so, to ensure even cooking. When the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling, you are ready to eat! Well, let your pizza set for about 4-5 minutes before cutting it. If you dove in right away, you can end up with a mess, not to mention the dreaded, roof of your mouth, cheese burn!!

Pre-Cook Crust Option

If you want to have pizza options available to you without having to plan 18 hours ahead of time. We have cooked the pizza crusts without the toppings and then after cooling completely, layer wax paper between each one and cover snuggly with plastic wrap and tin foil or a freezer bag. When you want pizza, just take out your crust, place them on an oiled pizza pan and top as you wish and bake off at 500 degrees, but not as long because your crust is cooked already.

As well you can always freeze cooked/topped pizza slices between wax paper. Just reheat in an oven. Or if you don't care about crunch, you can always microwave them on a paper towel. (I hate microwaved pizza, but again, your choice!)

Eat up and have fun!

Warning!!

P.S. Remember to never let doughs rise in drafty, cool areas. And also be careful to not use hot water for the yeast part, because it can kill it and there will not be any rising! Because the dough sits for so long, it is okay to just use tepid or slightly warm water.

What is This V-Blog About?

Watch the  video above

Be Encouraged!
Anita and Craig

Life, Not Up For Debate -Part 2

Welcome to Our World!!

Hi, I'm Anita and my husband is Craig! We love life and most of all we love life because of Jesus Christ, it is He who gave us new life in Him,  body, soul and spirit! Why would anyone want to hear about my life? Well, just as God used the lives of others like Joni Eareckson Tada, to inspire and encourage millions, including me (I strongly suggest you check her out here - link to the right of this page) For years now, there has been a strong desire to write a book about the many unique challenges, trials, lessons and joys, victories, and eventually total peace that has been my life, well His life, because it isn't mine to claim but a gift from God. And he had made it clear that because this life is not mine, and because He has blessed me with a vast array of life experiences from trauma, to joy - a life that no one else has lived (trust me, if you stick around you will find that out!), that I am to testify to all He has done to glorify Him, and to encourage anyone else who may be where I was at over thirty years ago. Help and support wasn't a click away back then and now it is!

Walking, Way Overrated is intended to be a place of support and encouragement for anyone, especially anyone who has a child or loved one, friend, or colleague who lives with, or is facing a disability or illness and they aren't sure what to do to help them. Or if you are someone who has just been diagnosed with a progressive disorder or disease such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and you are terrified of the future prognosis and are actually toying with the ideas presented in recanted news reports about assisted suicide. You are tempted to believe that to choose the date of your demise would be more dignified than to endure until God decides when you are to leave earth.

Maybe you are in a hospital, recovering and are in rehabilitation after the trauma of a spinal cord or head injury and you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or asking your friend to help you "check out" because you believe there is no point if you will never walk again, you feel alone and forsaken. Or maybe you are like me, born with a disability, a life you have always known as "normal." That was until, you would hear family members refer to you in a way that seemed to get them attention as whoever they were talking to felt sorry for them. Meanwhile, you are the one they are talking about...you feel rejected and "different" and it was proved when at school one day, it began, a handful of your fellow students started bullying and teasing you. Because of the foundation laid by what you heard at home about yourself, deep down you believed that you deserved that treatment, so you didn't tell or haven't  told your parents. In my case by age eleven, I was sent away to an institution and the bullying stopped but, how I viewed my self didn't and it fertilized my mind causing the rapid growth of some very self destructive behaviours. (More details on all that in the future)

If any of the above persons are you, or if you are just interested in hearing about one amazingly transformed life - one that went from death and darkness to joy and light, then make sure you subscribe so you can hear  the entire story.

This Little Light of Mine...
"Hide it under a bushel, no, I'm gonna let it shine!"