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Tuesday, November 27, 2018

No heat Tuesday

Today was the free lunch. They served Shepherd's Pie with pickles and onions on the side. However, the stew had biscuits on the top and mashed potatoes on the side. I just had a biscuit and mashed potatoes and a piece of cake. Can you say carbs? I did not want to eat peas or beef, so that was it for me. What I had for dinner was not their fault!

We went to Publix and got four half-gallons of e2milk because they were on special. One gallon cost $7 instead of $9/gal.

I went around town cutting from public property pieces of foliage with glossy leaves, red berries, and huge thorns. It is for a table centerpiece for lunch next week.

My universal remote quit again, so I had to take it back to WM so the guy could make it work again. Last night, I could only turn the volume up or down and mute the sound. I am getting so tired of this. Thankfully, it was on a channel I like. Plus, this TLC TV is failing again.

Tonight, it felt like someone punched me in the side of my throat as I immediately became ill. By morning, I will be ready for something to stop all this. Now, I know why I have felt so tired all day.

Monday night, I roasted three turkey breasts in one oven bag and transferred each to a gallon bag. Today, I was going to put Tommy's into quart freezer bags. I felt so tired that I gave him the quart bags and told him to tear off chunks and divide his 7+ lbs. turkey breast into the gallon and four quart bags. I made the green bean casserole and sent the whole thing home in the aluminum pan it was cooked in. I promised him dressing and gravy and sweet potatoes next week. Ha! We had dinner at the church on thanksgiving, so this is a little extra.

He took home milk, bread, and raisins.

 I have not had heat since Thursday! I do not have $140 to spend on a  service call from an electrician. I may freeze to death tonight,,,,brrr, Now, I have to get my hands under the covers.

So, there was nothing exciting or important today.

Monday, November 26, 2018

More Money in My Purse, Neither Luck Nor Skill Nor Chance

Another $50 in my pocket is due to a decision. I had bought various things and decided I did not need the items. So, by returning items, I recovered $50.

I love the luck involved in winning $100. I love winning with my skill like when I won $100 and a trophy for winning the Senior Spelling Bee. I love winning when I only get bragging rights.

However, this Friday when I thought about what I had spent money on, things I did not need and really did not want, I faced another win. I got a refund and instantly "won" that $50 and put it back into my purse.

I could have justified spending--I deserve it. It's Christmas. I will cut back somewhere else. I just won groceries, so I will not need to buy lots of groceries. But, it is so pretty.

It is so easy to justify spending. I am quite sure many of the people in major credit card debt justified their spending.

My smart decision in returning things and recovering money counts as a $50 win/gain for me.

Do you ever justify spending and get into trouble? Do you ever come to your senses and return the item, recovering the money? Do you ever count this as a win in your financial life?

Sunday, November 25, 2018

The Incident

On Tuesday night I went to the store and bought three things. As I was coming to the front of the store and turning in front of the endcap, I heard things falling. Thinking I was the cause of this, I steered further out to stop hitting whatever. However, things escalated and bottles fell right on top of my head and shoulders. I could hear glass breaking. I gunned the electric cart to escape.

Remember, this is an electric grocery cart, the slowest in town. It goes maybe 1 mph. So, gunning it was not a great thing. It just goes less slowly.

People were yelling in alarm and moving about and I could not escape whatever was happening to me. I actually thought the others were in distress, too. Finally, a guy loudly told me to STOP because I was hooked to the rack!  What rack? Since I could feel glass shards in my thin coat and on my skin, I got off that cart faster than I ever have. I was so upset.

So, picture this. At this store all the electric carts have arms that can be raised or lowered into place to allow entrance and egress, access to the cart. When I get into the cart, I have had employees lower the arms. When I object, I am told they will keep me from falling out. Okay, imagine my reaction.

Tuesday night, I got into one of those carts with the handle/arm down. However, it appears someone did not raise the arm because the arm was pushed outward about ten inches to the side. This allowed the arm to hook into the metal rack that had at least four dozen bottles on it. The combination of a rack in the floor right at the corner and an arm in the wrong position caused the catastrophe. I DID have the cart far from the rack as I rounded the corner.

At least a half dozen employees and the manager rushed in to clean it all up and leave an empty rack. In the meantime, I was shaking from the fright of bottles crashing down on me. I removed one shard from my arm above my wrist and shook my coat. At home I found more sand-size glass in my arm and coat.

Whew!

As I left, I signed my receipts from that night and stuffed them into a box for a drawing for the $100 certificate. (I made one purchase and went back for another item before I left the store.) This was about 9 pm. At 8:30 the next morning, Wednesday,  I received a call from the store. I was confused, thinking I was in trouble. No, I won the $100 gift certificate.

Thinking about it later, I am surprised they did not just draw another name since they know who I am.

It took several hours before I calmed down after the terror of trying to escape falling bottles and causing more to hit the top of my head!!!

(By the way, I tell this better than I write it. People are  in stitches when I tell this.)


Friday, November 23, 2018

What I Bought With a $100 Grocery Gift Certificate

"s"--things on sale.

s bag onions 3 lb, $1.50
s celery $.99 head
s Kraft shredded cheese, 8 oz $2.00
s real butter, 2lbs $6.00
Ragu Spaghetti Sauce w/Mushrooms $1.89
Kraft Parmesan in Shaker $4.29
Minute Maid 32 oz. OJ $2.89
2 Philly Cream cheese, 8 oz ., 2 x $2 each = $4.00
s Zeigler bologna, 12 oz. $1.50
s 2 Kraft Medium Cheddar Chunk 2 x $2= $4.00
bananas, $59/lb., $1.14
Lysol Reg Liquid cleaner 2 x $4.49= $8.98
Fruit Cocktail 2 x $1.69= $3.38
Pet Ritz deep pie crusts 2 in each pkg, 2 pkg @$2=$4
5 Dromedary diced pimientos, 5@ $.89=$4.45
Apple Pie filling $2.89
6 Lime Jello, 3 Cherry, 3 Strawberry, 12 x $0.99 = $11.88
Hershey's Kisses Christmas hats $3.99
Full Circle Maple Syrup, organic  $6.99
cayenne pepper, $1.49
Matchbox car, $1.00
Guarnier Color Me Happy Shampoo, $2.99
Dove Soap original, 2-pack, $3.59
Dr Pepper diet, $4.99
Dasani 24pk $5.99

"s" indicates sale price.

I bought $102.25 worth and owed $2.25. She offered to take something off, but I elected to pay $2.25 since it was ten minutes past their 1 pm closing time on Thanksgiving Day.

I bought no meat because I had no room in my tiny freezer. It is full of meat and blueberries. The refrigerator has 3 turkey breasts thawing. Tommy's freezer is full, too. If I had my regular freezer, I would just buy all the amount in turkey breasts. Seriously, I would have.

Some explanations:

The reason I bought so much Jello is that if I bought six packages, I would get a free Christmas mold. I know--so silly. There were two different molds, so I had to buy 12 pkgs of Jello. I do not eat this much in a year, but I want to make Christmas Jigglers. Jigglers are Jello so stiff you make it shapes that can be picked up and eaten in hand.

I offered Tommy Dr. Pepper. He does lots for me, but will never buy boxes of soda for himself.

The Cayenne pepper is to sprinkle on things to keep animals away. My garbage is turned over right now!

I have never used pie filling to make an apple cake, but Tommy likes apple pie, and I am not peeling and slicing apples!

For a month or more, I have been wanting bologna since I love it so, but since it is not good for me, I have left it alone...until now. I may eat a couple of pieces and freeze the rest.

At Christmas there is always a little boy somewhere to buy a gift. The car and some candy should do the trick. It is easy to find things for little girls cheap or on clearance.

There is little fresh produce because I have kale and lettuce in the crisper now. Any new would spoil before I can use it.

I should have gotten more Ragu with mushrooms!

Dromedary is the only brand of pimientos that are from US and packed here. And, this is the only store in town that sells it. Now, I want Chicken a la King. Or turkey.

I "needed" the Hershey's Kisses!

Lysol cleaner, the brown liquid is my favorite floor cleaner. I was glad to get this free. I don't know another store in town that carries it. People tease me about the smell when I clean the bathroom floor. PineSol or a lemon scent makes me ill.

AHH! I need Miracle Whip! Right now! Else how can I eat a turkey sandwich?

This was a lot of needs met and wants fulfilled for $2.25.



Thursday, November 22, 2018

Thanksgiving

Thursday was a beautiful day, blue skies, no precipitation, and few pretty white clouds, 63F degrees. Tommy came around 9:30 am as usual. I had a plan.

Back in July I purchased an item for $20 and lost the receipt. I could not return it since I have returned too many things over $10 without a receipt. So, I wanted Tommy to do it. Each driver's license can only have so many returns over $10 without a receipt. Usually, I find the receipt as soon as I get home.

So, he did, taking two other small items with receipts. I recovered $28. I can use that elsewhere!

We went to the church and I put on my makeup as we waited for the lunch time. I had time to put on nail polish.

I went through the line and someone carried Tommy's plate out for me. We had the usual--turkey, dressing, gravy, green beans and sweet potatoes. I collected tea and pie. I left most of my pie since I was not feeling it. I don't think I have ever been served such a huge helping of turkey! I put all the dark meat on his plate and he allowed me to take some of his white meat.

I planned one more thing to do--spend my $100 grocery certificate that I won. The store closed at 1 pm., so I tried to hurry. One clerk offered to help. She took things off the shelf and actually helped me find things I wanted. Tommy trailed in another cart writing down prices and figuring how much I had spent. I ended up with $102.25. I paid the extra.

We were there until about 1:10 pm. And finally had the cars loaded by 1:20. I felt bad about keeping the employees. Tommy gave me tip money to give the guy who loaded the groceries. The store was locked, so I will do it this weekend.

Tomorrow, I will list what I bought.

Before I left in the morning, I discovered the outlet for my 220 heater was smelling like it was burning. It did not burn the house down, but I will not use it until it is repaired. I lost the back off the wireless mouse. So, I had to tape it to avoid losing the battery. The tv remote quit working! I can mute it, but I cannot change channels or turn it off! I cannot find my glasses. lol I hope that is the end of these fails, all on Thanksgiving!.

After I put the groceries away, I went back to WM to get refund for the broken remote, bought a new one and had someone read and write down how to program the remote. The readers I have still cannot help me to read the fine print.

Lowe's was closed, so I could not get another outlet so someone could replace it. I am perfectly capable of changing a 220 outlet. Just the fact I cannot get so low is the only reason I will not do it myself. Yes, I will turn off the breaker for the heater.

The person who could help me with the remote had not come into work at WM, so I had to wait over an hour.  Then, she had to do other things. While I was waiting, Black Friday was ramping up. It started at 6 pm. I found my way to the deli where they were serving free coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies. I had offered to bring some back for two employees. Since it was 5:15 pm, I thought I would wait and watch the towel fight. It never happened.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Wednesday, And the Money Keeps Coming. . .


Fitz and Floyd Yuletide Holiday Collection Salad Plate, White



. . .out of hiding. I was cleaning receipts from my purse and came across two receipts that each had a $20 folded inside the receipt and cancelled check. This inattention to my money is the result of the 10 days or so that I was feeling so ill.

Later, I found a $5 bill in the car and a quarter in the washing machine and three dimes in my bed.

I was actually looking for three receipts to return things. Mission accomplished there.

Do you find misplaced money? Isn't that a beautiful salad plate? I love Fitz and Lloyd.  However, I don't have any. I saw these at Belk's. The picture does not do the plates justice.

CAN I SHOUT THIS?
 I was awakened at the ungodly hour of 8:30 am this Wednesday morning by an employee of a store where I just put my receipt in a box to be drawn for $100 Gift Certificate. I WON! $100

Every day this week I have had money wins or finds. Today or Friday, I will get a haircut, a book at a used bookstore, and go buy 40 lbs of sweet potatoes and see if I can find a pair of shoes since I don't have any. I splurge so. lol! Okay, I wrote this in the middle of the night and awoke to the $100 win.
 this morning. I got the haircut. I did not feel like going to get sweet potatoes from the farm. I really don't have enough money for shoes.

Then, the mail came. I get a "rebate" about every three months, usually $6 or about $12. Today, it was $42.45.  It seems I cannot lose. Then I had a fender bender type brush with a vehicle. I will tell you about that later.

So, today, Wednesday, I found my $45.55.  I won $100 worth of groceries. I have a $42.45 rebate.

So, how long can this streak last?




Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Money Save, Lunch, Opossums

As I was tidying up on Tuesday, I picked up a plastic bag with plastic bags inside it. For some reason I pulled out all the bags. Inside one of the bags I felt something. It was a check and receipt from a purchase. AND, two $5 bills. $10!

This was more of a save than gain. But, it could have been a loss. I am counting it.

My garbage and recycling have been the target of animals. I find recycling under the house! Saturday night, garbage was strewn all over the yard, front and back. Thankfully, the mower guy picked it up without complaining. He says it is 'possums and not raccoons. He says that his yard is overrun with 'possums and is sure that is what is getting into my trash.

Last Sunday, I set the trap for raccoons with strawberry. Monday morning, both the pieces of strawberry were still there. It is surprising that a ground squirrel, tree squirrel, or something did not fall for the bait once it was daylight. Tuesday, the strawberries are still in the trap. Okay, Tuesday afternoon both pieces of strawberry were gone, but the trap was not tripped.

Animal Control might give me hints for what I should put in the trap. And, the Internet could help me. If you have had 'opossums and successfully gotten rid of them, how did you do it? I don't need a link. Okay, he said tuna or sardines. I will catch cats with that!

Today was supposed to be lunch day, but they cancelled it. The moved it back to last Tuesday!

What has worked for you when you caught a 'possum?


Monday, November 19, 2018

Monday, More Money for Me Today

Today was MRI day. Tommy came up and drove me. I have been feeling woozy and did not want to drive so far. I packed a snack-y sort of lunch to keep from buying fast food. We each had three good sized strawberries and a large pineapple spear, cheddar cheese and chunks of chicken. I packed a tiny pack of goldfish for him, and we had water. My intentions were to make a sandwich, but I could not find the bread after a ten-second search.

At the MRI office, I received a $10 gift card and another for the last time I went for an MRI. There was a basket of snacks. I ate cookies and took cheese peanut butter crackers to Tommy. The lady gave me a Coke. There is a cooler full of drinks for customers. It is a very nice facility. The tiny dressing rooms are well-appointed. It all feels so luxurious.

Before we left for my appointment to the north, we drove 7 miles south. We each purchased a turkey breast for $0.95/lbs. The three are in the refrigerator. Hopefully, all three will fit in a turkey bag. I will cook all three and slice one for him, keeping the other two in my freezer, sliced and ready to serve.

The temps were fine until a chilling rain turned the day uncomfortable. Tommy said it was strange hearing me say I was cold because I rarely complain about the cold in such mild weather as we had today.

The two gift cards bought gas. $20 did not even fill the car 3/4 full. Gas is $2.12 here.

I had one of those frozen meals, raw and ready to cook. Yesterday, I cooked that in the crock pot, took out the pork roast, onions, and peppers. Then, I added potatoes and carrots to the crock pot. The carrots were organic and four different colors. This all went home with Tommy. The mojito seasoning is just too hot for me.

Now, I wonder what money will come my way tomorrow.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

3 Financial Wins Today

1) My friend mowed today, picked up a five gallon bucket of hickory nuts, hauled huge limbs to the road, and put grass cuttings in the chicken pen for Bette. Oh, he also hauled Cher's carcass to the garbage. She died one day last week. She had been looking ragged in the feathers for a few days. Anyway, he refused any pay. He is one of the most conscientious mowers I have had in a long time.

That saved me $30 today.

While I was at the road, I checked the mail. There was none there on Saturday when I looked, so the mailman must have been late. Today, Sunday, there was one bill and two letters from a credit union, and some address I did not recognize. 

2) One envelope from the credit union was my statement. The other was about car insurance. On a whim, I called the number.

Present insurance per year without full coverage--$1,216

New insurance per year with full coverage--$ 756

Savings per year--$460

When I opened the envelope with an address I did not recognize, I gasped and could not believe my good fortune today. A program for survivors of cancer is offering me a chance to participate in a study. I immediately called and left a message saying I was interested.

It seems I will get $500 in seeds, raised beds, garden utensils and free help with labor and knowledge about raising plants. The objective is to determine how raising one's own food impacts physical and emotional health. The catch? I have to give them two Tbsp of blood three times, answer questionnaires, and be paid for doing so. This will last two years.

When I called Tommy with all this good news, he was laughing and happy for all this good news and on one day. He said that the only thing that would complete this fortune was a call from the government saying a wealthy relative had left behind millions for me.

Sunday was a $1000 day! Oh, I received a packet of tomato seeds! And a lot of hope.

I was so happy that I had a little cry. 

10 Ways to Shave 1200 Calories off Thanksgiving Dinner

At first, I thought that this would be unreasonable with suggestions to use artificial sweetener. But, no, I approve of each of these suggestions.  I do like a good roll. Who eats ice cream at Thanksgiving? However, choosing one starch is not for me. Why not eat a bit of the three starches they show? No alcohol at my house means one thing I will not have to cut back on. These ten ideas are perfect. Do you have any other suggestions? Do you disagree with any of these?

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Food

I went to a food bank Saturday and got some good things.

fryer
gal milk
eggs
bread
can of strawberries
3 pieces Halloween candy--Twix, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger
mac n cheese
yellow cake mix
baked beans
can green beans
can corn
goldfish
peanut butter

There must be about 10 other things that I did not have to bring in and that I did not even look at.

Then, I went to Farmer's Market and found sandwich bags of shelled pecan halves for $5. Squeal! This is a good price. The bags were stuffed full. In order to have pecans for a long time, I ration them and only eat four halves each day. However, I do want to make a pecan pie. I have Karo syrup and eggs. I just need a pie shell.  NO. I am not making a crust!

When I have had pecans in the shell, Tommy refused to shell pecans, saying he would not shell them for me since he did not like pecans. Grrr! Today, I told him I had pecans and would he like some. He does not know they are shelled. He said he did not like pecans much but he would take two. When he figures out they are shelled, I'll bet he wants more than two.

Funny story--a friend who had gotten a divorce asked me if I knew how to make a pecan pie. He had a huge bag of pecans in the shell. I did know. I bought pie crust and Karo. He reimbursed me. When we were discussing the pie, he told me he had all these pecans, and he and teen son wanted a pecan pie. So, I could shell the pecans. I refused. He begged. I told him what kind of Karo and what kind of crust to buy and they could make it themselves as the recipe was on the bottle. So, they relented and shelled the pecans in order to have me make it. I am not a fool! I laughed through the discussion and negotiations.

At the Dollar General Market, turkey breasts are $0.95/lb., limit one. Later, I will go there.

Right now, I need a nap. I awoke at two am and could not sleep at all and had to leave early this morning.

Okay, it is two hours later, and I cannot sleep because my stomach hurts.

Have you started baking yet? I have everything for pumpkin, mincemeat, and pecan pies, but I may not make any of these before Thanksgiving. What are you baking?


Friday, November 16, 2018

"God is Punishing the People of California with Fire!"

That is exactly what he said. I really don't like this guy. The mood he put me in tonight has caused me to resolve to never talk with him again. My Happy Trip to the Dollar Tree was ruined! Jerk!
@#$%!

He interrupted my telling him about a thumb that does not work from the accident to tell me god was  punishing me. I said, "OH, he is paying that much attention to me when people in CA are dying. So, he said god was punishing the people of CA. I went a tiny bit ballistic. Ok, just and oxymoron.

I then told him I am not into that kind of mumbo jumbo or something like that. And, that I am sure many of them were praying as they burned. That was when he reiterated his belief God was punishing them.

Last time I talked with him, he got very angry and frightened me by saying how I should not be "dating all those guys on the internet." Oh, I was giving him a ride because for some reason he does not own a car or drive. I imagine his license was taken from him. Someone solicited a ride from me for him. But, after the rage he showed, he will never get in my car again.

So, just pleasantries on the sidewalk,  and I obviously invited him into my mind and I started shaking with anger. NO MORE! My gaze will go right through him as though he did not exist.

Do you have a nut in your life that you must or should avoid?

Snow in Alabama

Thursday morning, I awoke at 3 am after 4 hours of sleep, maybe less. Tommy had told me to look for snow while I assured him there would be no snow. Well, it did snow but not much. At 8:30 he excitedly asked me if I got snow.

It appears he had a dusting and a little more that was still on the ground at his house. At 11:30 I looked out and yessiree, there was snow, just a bit. But, SNOW! This is the earliest snow in a long time--forgot how long. I have never seen snow before Thanksgiving.

I wonder if the French Toast People got all the bread, milk, and eggs. I was going shopping Thursday afternoon, but I needed sleep! It is almost 1 am. I was going to go shopping, but I feel sleepy again...uh.  I slept from 5 pm until midnight.

That pot is ruined! I bought a new one, but may return it. My cast iron is too heavy for me to lift, and this one is equally heavy.

One package of chicken is cooked and in the freezer. Now, the other goes into the oven with seasoning--Maple Apple something, I think. The sprinkled seasoning is for beef, but is great on chicken.

There are cheap turkey breasts in one store, so I need to get out early for that and all the other specials that I need.

It is about 23F degrees right now, but the house is too warm. How is your weather?

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Thanksgiving Fails

This is not about food failures or the stove burning out. This post is about the most basic elements of Thanksgiving--food, food not present.

If I have turkey, dressing, gravy, and cranberry sauce, the other food does not matter. I can have green beans or Brussel's sprouts; white potatoes or sweet potatoes; jellied or whole cranberry sauce. Just give me the basics I require and the rest of the menu is your choice.

One year about 35 years ago, a friend new to the town invited me to Thanksgiving dinner. Her husband was the head of the Walmart Distribution Center and they were fresh from Arkansas.

She said not to bring anything, just come. But, I brought a pumpkin pie. She said to come about 11 am, so I figured we would eat around noon or maybe as late as 2 pm. Well, the turkey was barely thawed and was not ready to go in the oven when I arrived.

When she finally got it in the oven, she proceeded to baste it. She would open the oven door and fiddle around trying to find potholders. She slowly basted and let the door hang open as she talked. I was so frustrated. She assured me she always basted, and no, leaving the door opened did not matter since she left it on.

I was sick with hunger. Husband was drunk. Finally, the two of us sat and ate around 4 pm.. He might have, too. Then, the worst thing happened--no cranberry sauce of any kind. It turns out they did not like cranberry sauce. They also did not like gravy. So, I gagged it all down, reminding myself to either ask about cranberry sauce and offer to bring some next time I was invited out.

As it turns out, some people do not serve turkey on Thanksgiving, and I can live with that. But, don't tease me.  Have you ever gone to Thanksgiving dinner and discovered one of the basics was missing?

It turned out as the years passed I discovered people who do not serve either cranberry sauce or gravy. What kind of world is that? What kind of bad person am I to have simple expectations? Will I have to resort to carrying a can of cranberry sauce in my purse?

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Armistice Day and Weather

Well, that is what I called it until it was changed. As a matter of fact, it was called Armistice Day even after that by some people.

My brother, Gary, was born exactly 14 months after I was, so November 11 was always a "remembrance" for all of us, a day to celebrate. Since he died on 12-12-2001, Nov. 11 will forever be tinged with sadness since I lost my brother so young--52.

My mother was also a veteran, a WAC, making it a double meaning for me that day.

Weather reporters said we would have no sun until Friday. Plus, the continual rain is depressing. The temps are 10F degrees below normal for this time of the year. I am not happy about this. It should be in mid 60s here, so at least give me sun.

I don't know if anyone remembers when I washed my two coats with Kleenex or napkins in the pockets. But, I had fine tissue all over the house. I finally got sick of that and stuffed both into a plastic bag and threw the bag into the laundry room. All summer, I told myself that tomorrow I would take them outside to shake them.

As often happens, "tomorrow" never comes. But, finally, I needed these due to the chill. These coats are long, halfway down my thigh and dressy looking. They are one layer and appear to be a nylon waterproof jacket. Not so. Water goes right through them and I am soaked. However, even a light sweater keeps me warm if there is no precipitation. The jackets are windproof!

Saturday, I took the plastic bag to the porch, took the jackets out and shook them over the side. Big Mistake! I now had white pieces all over the porch, steps, ground and me. So, I stepped down to last step and shook more. This is the kind of exercise that has no end. So, I brought both in to put in the washing machine but just laid them down to cut more tissue that had attached itself to the inner facing. What a nightmare.

An insult--one day a year of so ago, a woman I know said to me as we met, "Oh, I see that shiny coats are back in style." I was stunned as she looked me up and down. "I have no idea. This coat is about 20 years old, so I guess I AM just out of style." Then, I walked away. Can you believe her gall?

By the way, I still wear the coats!



Monday, November 12, 2018

Hilarious Animal Video.

This is so funny!  This video is really loud, so you may want to save this for home if you are in an office or someone in your home is sleeping. I love this so much. It helped my SAD.

I have been feeling so awful for a week. So, this is it.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

SAD and Free Things Last Week and Onions

Sunday was mid 50s and damp feeling and sunless. I was not comfortable at all. The lack of light greatly affects me, more so lately.

Last week, I saw a shelf full of free books. I chose a Dean Koontz book, not knowing anything about the author or book. I have heard of him, but I don't remember what. I read fourteen pages and have not picked it up since. It is in the car, so I may read it there when I have a few moments to waste. 


I planted twenty yellow onions Sunday. Thinking I could just pull out the weeds from the pot of bought soil, I did not wear gloves. I ended up with dirt under my fingernails as I had to put my hand in the dirt and pull out the roots. This pot has the free iris given to me. Now, it has onions, too. I hope onions and iris are compatible. I don't mind my hands being dirty, but I hate dirt packed under my nails.

The bag said these onions are to be planted during the fall for a head start on spring vegetables, but people tell me I should not plant now, to wait until spring. So, I have another 100 onions to plant somewhere.

At the lunch this week, I was talking to the woman who gave me the succulent, asking her about it. As we left she asked me if I liked to read. I assured her I did as she opened her purse to half a dozen books. When she asked if I like romance or mystery, I assured her that I like anything other than romance. I received Debbie Macomber's  "The Trouble with Angels."  I may not read this and give it back to her. 

Then, she asked me if had gotten cards as she shuffled though a bunch of cards in sandwich bags lying on a table. No, I had not, so I brought home four Christmas cards that someone had left for us to take home. 

So, now I have a bag of four cards, a ham and cheese sandwich from lunch, and two books. I ate the sandwich, will use the Christmas cards, and may dump the books!

My ear has been hurting all week. Doctor said nothing was wrong with it. ??? I suppose it could be a tooth, but I have been pecking the tooth--nothing. Plus, the other ear is starting to hurt.

Why are free books always boring or horrid books? Have you ever planted onions?--the little tiny onions?


Saturday, November 10, 2018

Anne's Christmas Card Swap.

Anne in the Kitchen is having a Christmas Card Swap over at Cooking and All that Jazz. I participated last year and enjoyed the interaction very much. I had the flu this time last year and could not have baked cookies for a cookie swap.

Friday, November 9, 2018

Two common/popular items I will not use for my Thanksgiving dishes

There is no Pumpkin Pie Spice in my kitchen. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are included in my pumpkin pies, all made from my mother's recipe. Yes, I measure out each from their own little spice bottle.

Many people use Poultry Seasoning for their turkey dinner. Rubbed Sage , salt, and pepper are rubbed onto my turkey or other poultry at aThanksgiving meal.  Mama did it this way, and it suits me, too. I have no need for all the ingredients in McCormick Poultry Seasoning.

I must check the dates on these spices to see if I need to replace them this year.  I would suggest You check your spices early in order not to be running store to store at the last moment to find what you need. In the past, I have been caught short.

Someone expressed surprise that I would use my mother's exact recipes instead of making them my own. Well, all the time I read recipes that belonged to someone's grandmother or mother.

Plus, my children loved pumpkin pie and turkey and dressing. Mama did say I used too much sage, so I cut back on it the next time.  She did not volunteer her opinion as I asked her the first time she ever ate my stuffing and gravy with sage. The sage was not as subtle as it should be!

Do you follow and cherish your family's recipes? Do you use Poultry Seasoning and Pumpkin Pie Spice or pumpkin spice or do you use the separate seasonings for pumpkin and poultry?

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Wednesday: Making Thanksgiving Dinner Plans

Wednesday, mostly I slept. I was exhausted from Tuesday lunch and voting. It really does not matter which 8 or 14 hours during the day that I sleep except when Tommy is coming here at 9:30.

Today, I did decide what I am having for Thanksgiving. It is all traditional with nothing new.

*Some sort of poultry. A boneless turkey breast is what I am aiming for. We will see. I refuse to spend $10+ for a 3 lb. breast. Even bone-in is expensive. I might put sage on chicken breast and call it good. As a matter of fact, I will season the chicken in the crockpot tonight with salt, pepper, and sage. yum

* Cranberries. Last week, I bought two 1-lb bags of cranberries for $0.79 each! I will cook at least one of those with only a bit of sugar. NO ORANGES! I have a can of jellied Ocean Spray, too. I will have both on my plate.

*Green bean casserole. I have the beans and mushroom soup. I need the onions for the topping. At the price in the store, I might have to get a bank loan.

*Sweet potatoes. The Beauregard are so sweet, I just take them out of the skins after baking in the oven. Tommy prefers then plain like that. I absolutely detest sweet potatoes with marshmallow. But, sweet potato casserole is delicious. We like plain.

*Mashed potatoes, maybe.

*Stuffing. Home made  cornbread dressing by me or from box.

*Gravy with boiled eggs in it.  I have eggs.

*Field peas. We love field peas, so maybe?

*Pumpkin pies.

I am tired already.

We do have a place where we are eating Thanksgiving Dinner. So, I might make my dinner before or afterwards. I need leftovers, lots of leftovers!

I have poultry, fresh cranberries, canned cranberries, canned pumpkin, stuffing, potatoes, and eggs.

I need to buy sweet potatoes, fried onions, field peas.

Maybe I have been too ambitious?

What is on your Thanksgiving menu? Or, are you going away?

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Tuesday: I Voted and Bocephus

After lunch I voted. I was able to get the closest handicapped parking spot next to the door. So, that was a win. I was going to vote before the Tuesday free lunch, but I would have to had to park the furthest from the door, almost in my own yard! 

When I got in the room, there was a holdup because of a guy. He was the only person in front of me. I had to lean on the table for so long that I finally just went behind the table and sat in the worker's chair, telling her I could not stand any longer. She was very pleasant and assured me it was okay.

The front page of the ballot was easy since I was only voting for one party. The back was easy since the referendums were easily understood and things on which I had a strong opinion. I was out in just a few minutes. I suppose I was out and in the car in fifteen minutes. 

Lunch at the pretty church was also on Tuesday. Lunch: soup, sandwich, brownie. The soup was in a huge container, maybe about three cups. It had cheese, bacon, hash browns and was delicious, but I left some in the bottom. The sandwich was a grilled cheese and ham. I ate three bites, brought it home, and had it for my dinner. The brownie I did eat at the lunch. The meal was very substantial. It was not fancy  but very delicious. It is all homemade. I went to a free dinner for a long time that was boxed potatoes, canned green beans, and dreary patty of some sort of meat that was not even warm. 

Two women sang two songs. A woman from Christmas Child boxes spoke less than five minutes. THEN, came the fun. 

The group of five women is called raps and taps or something like that. They were all in overalls, some short, all decorated with red, white, and blue bandanas and patches. All instruments were home made--plunger, washboard played with thimbles, toys with bells, Bundt cake pan and other things.

There was lots of booty shaking, dancing, marching through the audience, wrapping the red feather boa around the necks of guys. And, one woman specialized in the knees movement of the Charleston. Only, she used no hands. Yep, all in church. So funny.

For "Cawliga" one woman was the Wooden Indian and  another the Wooden Indian maid he fell in love with. It was a hilarious skit. Another skit danced to "I want to be a cowboys' sweetheart" had another woman who actually knew how to swing a lasso, going about the audience threatening to lasso men. Another skit was with a woman with a red feather boa wrapping it around the necks of all the guys and cuddling up to their faces. I cannot remember any other songs or skits, but it was all fun. Then, the women started a conga line with everyone in the building.

Kawliga is the name of the wooden Indian at Lake Martin in AL. The song was released by Hank Williams in 1953. Hank Williams sings the song. Hank Jr. (Bocephus) lived in Cullman for a time.

That was Tuesday. I missed a doctor's appointment because I fell asleep and also slept through a meeting that night.

Are you a fan of Hank Sr. and Jr.?

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Monday

Monday, I was going to cook chicken and freeze some. I picked up what I thought was a knife, but it was a fork. Not to be deterred, I used it to open the packaging on the chicken. I could see the package of chicken was puffy. But, what happened next was a shock.

The fork broke through the puffy package alright! Raw chicken "juice" squirted right up my nose and into my mouth. I gave a little screech and realized it was all around my mouth, too. Grabbing the Dawn, I got it on my finger and poked it up my nose and sort of into my mouth, spitting and rinsing with water. That chicken was so GROSS.

The chicken went straight back to the store and I traded it for fresh. I decided to go to WM. While there, I realized the pharmacy was still open. The pharmacist told me the germs had to get into my stomach. It can take 12 hours for me to get sick. Well, I was going to go to the doctor on Tuesday morning. Tuesday--it is about 1:30, and I am not ill.

Tommy was called for jury duty. I hoped his condition would exempt him. He did not even want to try. His voice gives away his happiness for this venture. He saw a high school friend at court that he had reconnected with while at Sam's. Monday was the first day, and he made it to the chosen 30.

 After I fed my chickens, as I rounded the corner where I could no longer see them, I heard what could have been an egg song except it did not last long. I did not want to go back and fight them for an egg.  Of course, it was such a short sound that it could been Cher beating up Bette for looking at any of the food. Cher is very bossy and dominates the food.

Knowing better, I bought Christmas hat Kisses for myself Monday night, telling myself I would not open them until after Thanksgiving. Who am I kidding? So, I am going to seal them up in several boxes or bags and put them into the trunk. Maybe that will keep me out of them. Tuesday--still have not even touched the bag!

That was my Monday except for two naps. Since the weather is going to be bad, I have the energy to stay up if necessary. I doubt anything will happen, but before any bad weather gets here, I need to change batteries in a few flashlights.

Have you ever gotten chicken "juice" in your mouth? Do you like or dislike jury duty? I cannot be trusted with chocolate. (Ask my kids.) Can you?

Monday, November 5, 2018

Little Things Here and Rhizomes

*It was silver with a blob that had remnants of hands and feet. I found a painted rock on a shelf in a store as I was browsing the shelf. I almost moved the rock to see what was behind it. Finally, I focused and realized I had found a Halloween rock. I believe it was a ghost. Cute. This is my fourth rock. It really makes he happy to find one of these painted rocks.

*Finally, someone helped move things so I could turn on the heat. It has not been so cold in here as it has been damp to the bone. I hung up a pair of pants in a doorway, and four days later the pants were still damp. Now, it is comfortable in here. The heat is as low as it will go.

*On Thursday, I saw a tree that had turned. It was the most brilliant yellow. Since then, a few more around town have turned. Mine are still greenish.

*When Tommy was here on Tuesday, he asked me about my having caramel corn and where I got it. Since I don't have any caramel corn, I got up to see what he was talking about. It was a bag of onions to plant. We had a good laugh. I had started out the back door to plant them and went to bathroom and did not go outdoors to plant them.

*Stupid little chipmunks! They eat anything. I will have to leave all pots of flowers and Hosta on a table to keep them from have lunch on my plants. Maybe I will have to plant things in a combination of dirt and gravel. 

*My reduced mums were doing fine and blooming. Then, I fell behind on the deadheading. If I did not deadhead, I would not have more flowers. I just grabbed my kitchen scissors and gave the whole thing a haircut, cutting about four inches from the whole plant. Then, I watered it. Maybe this will work. What do you think?

*I spotted a "free" box and looked into it. I had to ask what was in the box. It was just a lot of dirty looking stuff. It turned out they were iris rhizomes. The guy told me it was flowers. I got two and he told me to take more, take all I wanted. I grabbed a handful and it turned out I had six rhizomes. They are now planted and greening up on top. I just pushed them down sideways and pushed a little soil over them. It worked. I really do know iris rhizomes, but these had the tops cut off, the roots still attached, and just a bunch of trash from the yard. I did not lean over or touch the rhizomes before I asked.

*Have you ever wondered what was the difference between bulbs, roots, rhizome, and corms? I know I have, but this article will help.


Sunday, November 4, 2018

My Gene Test and Medical Stuff

If you remember, the breast doctor had me spit in a tube for a gene test. The piece of paper I signed had several things to test for listed. I noticed the BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests were listed.  These are for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Any medical types can correct me.

BRCA1 is pronounced: "brackuh one" like "cracker" but with "uh" on the end--BRACK uh.

Someone from my doctor's office called and said the test results were back and I did not test positive for either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 which cause ovarian or breast cancers. She said I was absolutely safe from those two cancers! Now, I won't feel compelled to have someone whack off  both my breasts.

Someone from the orthopedist office contacted the MRI place and someone from there called me to make an appointment. Obviously, no one in the ortho office got the message about my preference for the open MRI.

Sunday, a week ago, I accidentally discovered how to stop the atrial fibrillation very abruptly. Monday, I made an appointment with the cardiologist to confirm what I think. Why didn't he tell me to try this? Thursday, he listened to my story. Now, I have to wear the harness again.

Maybe this is not considered to be frugal by some. The gene test was paid for by a grant that I suppose anyone can apply to get. Not dying from anything is frugal to me. However, living in a state where a person is "less than" and needing care is certainly not frugal by anyone's estimation. Taking care of a problem instead of letting it become worse is certainly financially sound.

Do you take care of health problems before they cause you to be less healthy? Or, as someone said, "We all die from something." She meant she was not going to address her health problem. Insurance is not a problem. Do you make appointments for problems or hope for the best?

Saturday, November 3, 2018

What is in this chicken?

I just wrote a whole post and lost it. ACK! Now, I am highly discouraged.

When I buy chicken breasts, I just get the lowest price at WM, lowest in town usually. When I put a half cup of water in the crockpot, the breasts were eventually floating. The broth is nasty. So, I ventured into Save A Lot and bought Sanderson Farm for $2.19 instead of the WM $1.99 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts.

The results were amazing. The chicken tasted like chicken instead of salty chemicals. This week, Sanderson Farm at the same store was $1.59 per lb. I bought two packages for a bit more than I pay for one at WM.

Breasts in the crockpot are rather colorless. They are seasoned, so they taste delicious. However, a little color would help. In a sandwich or casserole, color is not really necessary. One day, I opened the cabinet and grabbed a newish acquisition--McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Apple. Maybe I mentioned this and used it before. But, it tasted much better on chicken than it has before. This seasoning, of course, makes sandwiches taste much better.

Even though I bought two family packs to cook now, I will be getting at least one more family pack to freeze raw. If only I had more freezer space...

Can you tell the difference between chicken breasts with no additives and the treated stuff.  The packers do not say "treated" on the packaging. There is no packaging for me to read right now, but it sounds innocuous which I doubt it is.

I wish I could raise my own chicken!

Do you notice the additives pumped into chicken you buy?




Friday, November 2, 2018

Long Day; Hard Days

When Tommy came Tuesday, I did not have enough sleep the night before. So, Wednesday was spent doing absolutely nothing. Still I was not rested. By the time Wednesday came around, I was still somewhat tired. I had a doctor visit and then shopped as many are wont to do after the first of the month.

At Publix, the a2milk that is usually $4.79 was 2 for $7. I bought 5 half gallons. One of those was chocolate. In my refrigerator are those five, two half gallons of regular milk for Tommy, one half gallon I bought the day before, and a half gallon of orange juice. So, that makes nine (9) half gallons stuffed in my small refrigerator. I got the ads to see what else was on sale and to find coupons for them.

Before the ad goes off next Wednesday, I will buy another two half gallons of the a2milk for coming weeks. It does not go on sale often enough for me to have the opportunity to keep buying it on sale. Oh, after buying this about 3 pm, I left it in the car until 9: 30. This is why I shop more often--because I cannot make many trips from the car to the house without great pain and exhaustion.

Of course, half the town was at Walmart. Besides buying groceries, people were wiping out the 50% off Halloween items. I bought a pair of pumpkin earrings for next year--$1.50. I forgot what else I bought at WM. Of course, not thinking about the milk still in the car, I did buy more perishables that had to come into the house at 9:30 last night.

When I was ready to leave WM, rain was so heavy that a foot from the ground was in a fog of bouncing rain. I had to spend another 45 minutes until it stopped or slowed down. ugh Just turning around to stay there made me tired thinking of even being there.

After I talked to the cardiologist, he said he needs to see me again Friday. I dread another trip. It makes me tired to think about it! Plus, I need to get bscb on sale and see if butter is cheap.

My back and shoulders are hurting and my arms are numb. I could barely get out of the car and out of the wheelchair! Someone had to open a water bottle for me. I cannot imagine the aftermath of a car wreck that leaves a person with grave bodily injury, plus all this pain. Once again, I had to pay someone to wash my hair at salon.

Nothing but complaints? Well, the sun is going to shine today! My one goal is to plant red onions, yellow onions, tulips, daffodils, and one other thing I forgot, maybe garlic. This will only take poking a hole in the pots of dirt with a stick and poking in a bulb and covering it with soil using a stick. The fresh soil poured in there in July is still very soft.

The iris I planted the other day have not been dug up by the little demons we call chipmunks. So, I have hope. As a matter of fact, the are greening up a little.

I have been up since 4 am, so I will need a nap. Getting a jump on Friday shoppers, I will go to the store by 8 am. There will be no editing today.

Are your days long and hard or just long or just hard?  What do you have planned for today?

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Spooky Halloween




My photo that won a white ribbon at the Fair a few years ago. Do not copy this picture or anything on my blog without permission. You know to whom I am speaking.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Terror here--Flames in the kitchen

Earlier in the night on Monday night, I boiled eggs. I put the hot pot of eggs near the sink instead of in the sink because the crock was in there. I used a round potholder I made to shield the counter from the hot pot.

At 3 am, I brushed my teeth and was ready for bed, but the boiled eggs needed to go into the refrigerator. Done. Then, I decided to heat water on the stove. I put water in the pan, put pan on burner, and turned on the eye. I had to wipe up water where I spilled it on the counter, so I did. Seconds after I turned on the stove eye, I looked over and the whole pan was covered with flames.

Besides being utterly shocked, I was confused. This was a pot full of water! On fire!? I picked up the pot and was going to move it to the sink. As I did, the burner/eye was on fire and so was the bottom of the pot. Bits of fire were floating above my head and starting to float around the kitchen. That frightened me more than the flames from the pot bottom and the eye!

I finally figured the potholder had stuck to the bottom of the pot and was still there when I transferred it to the stove and turned on the stove. AND, flaming bits were flying around when I moved the pot.

It has been thirty minutes and my heart is still pounding in my ears. Although I am terrified of fire since I witnessed our house burn to the ground when I was four-years-old, I am calculating when dealing with fire. Even though my instinct is to panic, I do keep calm and do the right thing so as not to spread fire.

One thing--a piece of potholder fell to the hot eye, still with burning potholder on the eye. I took a pointy knife at hand and shoved the fabric off the eye/burner, still holding the flaming pot. Then, I speared the remnant and put it in the pot of water.  I was well aware I had on a sweat shirt on and did not catch it on fire!

Now, I keep guard, making sure the little embers do not burn the house down. The embers probably went out. I cannot see them. No fire, nothing smoldering. This potholder is obviously not the smoldering type as it flamed up immediately.

About 30 years ago, I did the same thing, so I do not have much of a history with starting fires in the kitchen!

It was about 5:30 the last time I looked at the clock, and I got up at 9 am. So, I am beat.

And, this is just another reason not to leave things on in the kitchen!

Have you had an accident in the kitchen? How much damage?

Monday, October 29, 2018

Losses

For some reason I made my semiannual trip to FB this weekend. As I read one friend's posts, I noticed she never said anything about her SO. When I guessed what happened, I googled his obit. He died two years ago.

Missing events on FB is okay, but this is the third friend I have lost that took me two years to figure it out. These were people I saw all the time until I sort of disappeared due to disability. He moved away.

Since they lived on St. George's Island off the Florida coast, I wonder how she made it through Michael.

My friend was a professor at UAB as was her SO. I never had her for a prof but at the end of my UAB experience, I took an education class from him. People were in awe that I knew professor so well as we discussed his apartment and things she owned, and got me to ask him if we could have a take-home test. He allowed it.

They lived in a loft, one of the first in downtown Birmingham. He died so young. All my friends die young! He was two years older than I.

I tried to hang clothes on the line this weekend, but due to wreck injury, I could not. Same with washing dishes--large things. The dryer takes so much electricity. However, since neither the heat nor ac are running, this month should be an all time low energy use month, I will be happy.

Although I have said I was going to plant onions, I did not until today.

I still have more garbage in the back yard to pick up. This activity calls for disposable gloves. When the garbage is strewn, I cannot get it all up at once.

Do you or did you ever have animals drag your garbage all over? I have a picture somewhere of my neighbor's garbage all over their yard, my yard, and the street. I cleaned my yard and street in front of my house. Neighbor's garbage stayed in their yard until time and weather and the wind made it appear less. Of course, the wind put lots of it in my yard, so I picked up neighbor's trash forever as it became my trash.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

One Million +

As of Saturday this blog has had 1,021,069 page views. That is over 1 million! This blog debuted in mid 2010 and has been here off and on until now, 2018. I spent a solid year not blogging and a few months another year. That is about six years of solid blogging.

I think over a million page views is success. Of course, other blogs have reached a million views in less time.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Chicken Oysters?

Did you know chicken oysters are delicious? Have you ever eaten chicken oysters? Have you ever heard of chicken oysters?

I have eaten chicken oysters. I knew they were delicious even though I had never heard of them.

When I first heard of chicken oysters, I was thinking "Rocky Mountain Oysters." I knew this part was removed from chickens in the dressing of chickens. So, I was confused. Of course, I have never dressed a chicken, so I was not sure.

This VIDEO explains how to cut a roasted chicken and where the oysters are located. Do you throw this part out? Make soup with the oysters?

I like saying and typing "chicken oysters."

Friday, October 26, 2018

Invasive Plants and Potatoes

At a church lunch, a couple in their late 80s related their adventures in yard work. They were clearing out wisteria and a plant that was also invasive. They did not know what the plant was, but it had many sharp thorns. They complained how bad the thorns hurt! Their daughter had dug it up for them to take home several years ago.

My ears perked up. "Is it a vine with glossy leaves" "Yes" Are the leaves dark green?" "Yes." "Are the leaves longish and sort of heart-shaped?" "Yes."

I informed them their daughter had dug up thorns and they introduced them to their yard! They were a little shocked.

Rule of thumb--when anyone offers you a plant and guarantees it will be hardy and not die on you, beware because you are being given an invasive plant that will be almost impossible to eradicate.

When thorns invaded my yard, they could not be eradicated by cutting or pulling. Just before I quit battling the thorns, I dug and pulled them from underground. Eventually, I pulled a very tough root exposing a giant root about 10 inches long and 3 inches in diameter, shaped sort of like a sweet potato. The huge root was ten or more inches below the surface. The vine I was pulling on was half an inch in diameter and strong as a any rope. I was much stronger then!

Thursday, I meant to plant potatoes in pots in order to take advantage of the afternoon rains predicted. But, I was too cold and tired. In order to avoid watering with a hose, the rain would have been perfect. I am not worried about the amount of water I use raising my bills, since I use about half the minimum anyway. I just think rainwater is better for plants than water treated with chlorine and whatever else is in the hose water.

Have you ever transplanted an invasive plant or have grown them from seed? Has anyone ever given you a plant for your garden and assured you it will thrive without much help?

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

The Orthopedist Office Made Me Cry

When I was talking on the phone to the person making  appointment, she was talking x-rays. I emphatically told her I was not having x-rays, just MRI because I had had cancer and doctor did not want me to have x-rays. She challenged me and said, "Did the doctor say that??" She said I could not have MRI until I had x-rays because that is the way it is done. I felt like I was going to cry.

I told Tommy I wanted him to come in the exam room on Monday. He agreed. I felt like I would get respect for my decision if a man were there. I also felt like they would not pressure me.

As I sat in a wheelchair in the waiting room, a woman called my name and I raised my hand. She asked me if I were ready to come. I said I would if someone pushed me. She mentioned something about my friend pushing me. I told her it would be hard for him to use a walker and push my wheelchair. He was struggling to get to his feet. He definitely did not move like a man who could push me.

She came over and talked to me in a high voice like I was either mentally incompetent or a child. (I suppose the wheelchair gave me away.) In a high voice she said, "Okay, let's get you back here and get x-rays." I started crying and talking in a loud, whiny/shrill voice at the same time--"No, No, I am not getting x-rays. I have had cancer and do not want to get it again" Or, something like that. She was going to try to convince me, and I shrieked, "NO! I have had cancer. I cannot have x-rays!" And, tears flowed copiously again.

When we got out of this huge waiting room, she started in again, telling me the guy, forgot his name, a nurse practitioner would "talk to you about the x-rays." I started crying again, saying, "No, he won't talk to me about x-rays!"  This time I was in another huge room with nurses at desks where they check out patients, make appointments and schedule surgeries. Surely someone must have asked about my crying. If she had to say anything that made it about my choice, she should have said I could talk to him. But, no, he was going to talk to me!

I made sure Tommy was coming and could see where they took me. We went into the exam room, sat, and waited. I told Tommy he could speak up at any time anyone wanted me to have an x-ray. The physician's assistant very wisely said they would schedule an MRI.  Oops, I still need to do that. Tommy did interrupt him to say something, but I forgot what it was.

On Saturday or Sunday I was talking long-distance to one of my followers, a retired nurse, saying I was afraid I would cry if they kept pressuring me to have an x-ray. She said it might be good if they saw some emotion (think that is what she said) about my need. Well, I did not plan a cry or wailing. I cannot cry on command.

So, Monday was a traumatic day for me. But, Tommy stopped and got me my favorite Quizno's sandwich. Still, I was drained when we arrived home. Well, my home; he still had another 1.5 hours to home.

(I did have uterine cancer and had it removed two years ago. In 2003 I had half my thyroid and a huge growth removed. The growth was the kind that always becomes cancerous eventually. This is what the doctor told me, I was also told at that time to avoid x-rays. Since then when an x-ray was scheduled, I made them give me something to cover my thyroid, usually a glove. My refusal  of x-rays and wariness is not a new thing. But, no one has ever pressured me to have one. They back off.

I suspect that some of you have had to deal with the emotions of trying to protect yourself. Sluggy has one wild story of a bad doctor, but I am not sure how emotional she had to get to protect herself from a doctor who almost killed her.  I felt like I was being killed with all the x-ray talk. Seriously.

I still cannot open all blogs on my blog roll.

Okay, got a story to tell?

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Learning More Spanish, Lunch, Crying

My goal is one word a day. I can and often do learn more. I have a process for learning.

Monday, I saw the word "Insurance" with the word "Seguro" underneath. When I got back to my computer, I looked it up to see if the word was correct. It was. Then, I read all the sentence examples and read the sentences aloud. There is a little button that, when pushed, has a native speaker repeat the word each time the button is pushed.

This word was easy to learn and will not have to be repeatedly practiced. From Spanish in ninth grade, I think, we had a phrase repeatedly used in the text book.

"Para estar seguro" was a section in each chapter. "In Order to be Sure." It was a weekly exercise, a practice.

I don't watch a lot of Spanish TV, and I should. Maybe I can ramp this up.  I really want to grow and stretch my brain.

Tuesday, I went to church dinner. Tommy did not come since he had taken me to the doctor, putting about 220 miles on his car and body. He was very tired. A guy who wanted me to help him with a job was coming with me. But, this is the fourth time he has not showed up, so I was not surprised.

Lunch was Chicken and dressing, peach slice with cottage cheese or sour cream and shredded cheese, pickle spear, and unsweetened tea. Dessert was an assortment of pies, cakes, and cupcakes. Two tiny cupcakes were at my plate and brought home. Each person had a little Halloween bag with various candy inside.

The lunch was a good chance to socialize.  For some reason, ATT has been not receiving payment as my bank sends back the autopay request. So, my internet is going to be turned off. I can get part of my blog and part of various things on the internet. I have no idea why my bank would be returning the autopay request. I will have to deal with that this afternoon. There is no reason to pay again and for whatever reason to have it rejected once again!

So, I will not be reading blogs or commenting. I cannot open them or comment. When I can blog again, I will tell you about crying at the orthopedist's office about 4 or 5 times.

Monday, October 22, 2018

My New Comforter


Mainstays Circle Ruched Solid Microfiber Comforter




I had no intention to buy anything. However, when I saw this comforter reduced to $8, I was sold; at home, I was not thrilled with the construction. However, there is a lot of fabric in this item for only $8.

As I pulled it from the zippered bag, I could feel clumps of batting and could see right through the front and back! The ruched areas are not connected to the back. However, the only thing that holds the front and back together is stitching in a two-inch diameter circle which are between the ruching. 

My plan: purchase batting for the inside of the comforter. Remove all the little sewn circles. Take out stitching from about a foot, maybe more, of one of the four sides, borrow a cutting table in a shop to put batting inside. Use a safety pin to hold the circle where stitching was front and back. Straight pins will not stay in place as this is moved about. 

When it all is smooth and reattached with batting in between, I can hand-stitch the circles of stitching. I may have to remove stitching on all four sides to attach the batting to the back of the comforter. 

I could not believe the batting shifted even before it was washed! This will only be difficult because of the size. The technique/process is easily done. 

Why won't the picture not center when I clicked on "center?"

This comforter is such a pretty color. I bought a comforter last year, took it out of the packaging, and put it right inside a garbage bag and returned it. It was pretty but not so pretty. The batting was loose just like this one. When I returned it, one of the employers claimed it as hers and put it away to purchase.

Until it is really cold, I can use it. It's soooo pretty. When I get through, I will have less than $30 in the comforter. 

Have you ever undertaken this sort of project to make something you bought usable?







Sunday, October 21, 2018

Making Cheese

A great deal of the evening and part of the night was spent watching videos about how to make mozzarella cheese. One man made cheese using dried milk. Another woman called her definitely- pitted aluminum pot "stainless steel."

When I read or view something that is ancient but with modern things that did not exist, I begin to wonder how they did it. How did Romans make cheese without stainless steel pots? Were their pots non-reactive? What did they use instead of going to Kroger to get rennet tablets? I already knew the answer to the last question, but have no young calf freshly slaughtered.

Then, I found an article that tells where in the Iliad that Homer mentions fig branches curdling milk. I suppose I was too young to notice that passage the several times I read the Iliad. At any rate, the ARTICLE was enlightening.

Maybe I will make some cheese...at least once.  I am not hung up on making mozzarella as that was just what was in the list of videos.

Have you ever made cheese? What kind? What kind of milk did you use? Do you have any tips or recipes you have tried?

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Unbelievable

The second doctor I went to wanted to up dosage on a med. So, he "increased" a dosage of 850 mg three times a day to 1000 mg twice a day.  ???

850 x 3 is 2550 mg
1000 x 2 is 2000 mg

So, he is actually reducing the dosage!

And, he forgot to give me a meter for finger pricks.

Nice man, good bedside manner.

I certainly do not want to be unconscious with medical people making medical decisions for me.

Two huge tubes of blood were drawn. It took one woman to not find a vein, a second to show a third where to stick me.  It is very hard to find my veins.

Friday, I had to go to salon to get my hair washed since I cannot wash my hair due to shoulder issues from the wreck. When I described what was happening, the nurse practitioner said these were classic whip lash complaints, and yes, they do show up months later. I thought I was over the worst of the repercussions from the shoulder injury. And, they are talking surgery!

I immediately felt much more healthy after my hair was washed. I felt run down and depressed before my hair was clean. It has been over a week since I could wash it.

Nuts are going to be the death of me. Do you ever slide along after stepping on acorns on concrete? Now, the hickory nuts are falling, nuts larger than a golf ball. Sometimes, squirrels bring pecans from the neighbor's yard. My yard is a hazard area for me. Tommy always picked them up for me, but now it is hazardous for him and he cannot pick them up.

Do nurses have a difficulty finding your vein to draw  blood? Do you have nuts that cause walking to be hazardous?

Thursday, October 18, 2018

A few things forgotten

I had something to say, but I forgot it in a little nap. I went to doctor yesterday who denied I knew what was wrong with me--written instructions were go to ER or doctor. !!! That was less than helpful.

I saw a different doctor in same office who did not want to hear about the last doctor, but I just kept telling him. He denied also, but gave me meds for the bladder infection and diagnosed a big problem. sooo, now I am referred to another specialist.

After coming home exhausted and napping, I forgot what I really wanted to say. So, this will have to do.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

A few things and so cold and wet

First of all, Oui comes in very strong glass pots. I dropped a bag of groceries while I was trying to transfer the bags from one hand to the other. I heard the Oui land with a crack on the concrete step. There seemed to be no doubt that it had broken. Nope. Those glass pots are sturdy.

Then, I took a can of tuna from the shelf and dropped it right on my big toe that was hurting anyway. The can of tuna landed right at and above the cuticle. That hurt SO. A few days later I dropped something else on the exact same spot. Yes, it is very much discolored. I was going to a podiatrist anyway, but it will be fine.

No, I don't drop so much. But, dropping the Oui reminded me of my dropping things on my toe.

Yesterday, we went to another free lunch. We had a beef patty with delicious gravy, huge sweet potato, green beans and two very thin slices of buttered bread, unsweetened iced tea, and cookies.

We also brought a meal home. Tommy was glad to get a meal for home, especially since I cooked nothing for dinner.

I went to Publix and WM and bought a few things. I left the milk in his car and my car for six hours. It was still cool when I brought it in from my car. Tommy told me I left it in his car, so I went out to get it and put it in my car while I helped him. Then, I forgot it in there. No, I did not forget it. I was cold, just hurting so much and went to sleep.

He called me shortly after I got back in the house after putting food in his car. His car would not start since he left the lights on when he came into the house. I think my lights go off after a bit.

It rained all day, sometimes a drizzle and sometimes steady rain. So, I was already feeling damp. I went to Auto Zone to borrow jumper cables. Of course, I am drowning and my sandaled feet are cold and wet. He had to use two canes while hooking them up. He had on a rain jacket, socks and shoes which I did not! Then, I had to take the cables back. I was so exhausted I was dizzy.

Jumper cables are something I used to have. Where did they go? They are a case of something someone asked to borrow, promising to bring them back. NO! The person would not give them back.

Cold and wet? Yesterday I was the wettest I have been in ages. Since the weather was around sixty, it was numbing. Remember, it was in high 80s two days ago.

This past week, I have finished my Christmas shopping. Of course, every last thing was reduced. So. that is a bit of good news for me.

Does anyone have one of those things to keep to jump off a car without needing cables and another car? Have an opinion of how they are to use?

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Dictionary Day--October 16th

When I was a child, I liked to read the dictionary. It was as fascinating as any book.

Even now, if I were to look up a word in the dictionary, hours later I would still be looking around for words, just to read and for no other reason except to learn something new.

Being able to look up words on my laptop is much easier than have to pick up and handle a dictionary.

One site lists WORDS added to the dictionary the year in which you were born. The other lists weird new words just added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

I have fond memories of dictionaries and using them. Books are like friends. Well, books are friends.

There are several dictionaries left in my books. They were not a part of the 800 I purged.

What is your relationship with dictionaries? Do you, like I, have fond memories of reading the dictionary? Even with the internet available widely, do you keep a dictionary on your bookshelves?

Monday, October 15, 2018

Coughing is Difficult

Coughing is important when you have Chronic Bronchitis! Now, I have to hold back when I cough because it hurts my shoulder so much. And, my back/spine and arm. My chest is getting tighter and congested!

I called the doctor and complained I had not had an MRI of shoulders. Well, I left a message. The doctor did not call. The nurse practitioner did not call. A nurse with whom I have never spoken called. She said the doctor will look at the MRI tomorrow. He thinks my shoulder and back pain is coming from neck.

This all annoys me.  I can barely get out of the bed. But, I do. I ate cereal all day long. When have you ever heard me say that? I ate cereal all day Friday, too. Or, was it Saturday? Saturday night, I found a can of mini ravioli and ate that.

To top things off, I have lost the remote again.

The mail is still in the box. And, I don't care!

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Where is Autumn?

I went to Birmingham twice this last week and then north about 25 miles plus two little trips out in the county. There is absolutely no change in foliage. A couple of trees might have been fading a bit but still green. There is not a tree in town that is any color but green.

I love the heat, but right now, it comes and goes. I have yet to wear a sweater, but I have felt a bit of chill that almost calls for a sweater. As far as I am concerned, this warm weather could go on another two months or more. It just needs to be a bit colder for Christmas.

I do miss the vibrant colors of the trees!

As for the pain, it is strange and almost gone. After breakfast, I decided to lie down again. I always lie on my left side. The right shoulder, arm and back were hurting, anyway. As I lowered my body onto the left side, I felt and HEARD a rip between right shoulder blade and spine. The pain and ripping sound took my breath away. Most of the pain went away after the spooky event.

I still hurt, but not so much and not in such excruciating manifestations. Every footstep makes my shoulder and back hurt. It is weird, but no matter how lightly my foot touches the floor, there is excruciating pain. I suppose the shoulder bone is connected to the foot bone or something like that.

How are the temps where you live and where do you live? Does your weather suit you? I am in no hurry to have to wear a sweater, and  love my sandals!

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Banking Change and Pain

When I wanted to pay the cell phone by AutoPay, I could not because I needed a bank card. Since I did not want a card, I had to decide if getting a card was worth saving $10 each month. I decided I wanted to save money.

Once I obtained a card and figured out how easy it was to slide the card, I feared I would be overdrawn since I never wrote down the purchase like I knew I should.

Plus, I still do not have my laptop back and did not want to put my banking info on someone else's computer. Therefore, I can never check my bank info like I have for years.

On TV there is a commercial about getting a card from an online bank. This service reports to your phone each time the card is used and gives you transaction amount and new balance.

Yesterday, I asked the drive up teller if my bank had this service. Since they do have the service, I hobbled inside and signed all the paperwork.

Now, I get texts with each transaction. There are problems with what I want and what I got.  The transmission about the transaction is not as immediate as I want. But, it works for me.

Right now, I am in so much pain, all from the wreck. When I swallow food, my back at lower shoulder blade hurts. Moving my left hand to type does not hurt, but moving my hand to mouth to cough is painful for arm and coughing. My shoulder was sore, but now it is unbearable.

The only thing I could eat on Friday was cereal. I ate a whole box. Eating anything like chicken or bread hurt my back so it was excruciating.  I figured that out on Thursday. I did eat a banana, but I knew I could neither cut or chew an apple.  It is weird to swallow and have my back at spine to shoulder blade to hurt. It feels like I am being stabbed.

Your turn
Does anyone have the feature on their checking account where the information is sent to your phone when you use your card? Does it report in a timely manner?

Friday, October 12, 2018

The Cat Two Doors Down Redeems Herself

This cat is a beautiful HUGE gray cat. Other than her size she is rather nondescript. When she first moved here, she would try her best to get into any car or house. I have had to shoo her away so many times she quit trying when she saw my door opened.

However, she has knocked a plant over so many times and spilled the dirt from the pot that the plant gave up. Before that, she knocked off huge pots of Hosta, one on each side of the path.  However, I think the rodents got those since all the Hosta in the ground was killed from the root up.

Last week, Tommy said that as he waited for me in his car  that this cat rubbed her head on all four corners of my trap set to catch raccoons. I suppose the raccoons smell cat since I have not caught a raccoon.

One morning this week, Tommy informed me that he saw her sitting and watching the shrubs. Then, she pounced and caught a ground squirrel, ground chipmunk, or whatever. She played with the capture for a bit, then set about eating it. He told the guy who lived next door who said he finds the carcasses all over his porch.

Hopefully, the cat can eat enough of these pests to make my Hosta safe. I have one on a table that these pests have not gotten to.

So, now I love the cat two doors down. Before, I just tried to avoid it. Of course, I still don't want it in my house or car. Now, I never shoo her away when she is sitting like a Sphinx facing the shrubs.  Would you?

Maybe she will kill rats, too. I don't like spending money on rat bait or traps!

Do you have animals around that eat pests or chase them away?

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Spit in This.

After finding that I did not have breast cancer, I was relieved but in shock. She said I did not have breast cancer, that there was nothing wrong. She told me how happy people in the office right then would be if they got the news of no cancer. Well, she misread my reaction. I was working with two or three hours sleep.

So, I told her I was sooo happy, just could not figure it all out and was very tired.

She told me I was eligible for gene testing. Okay, will do it. I am not sure why she used the word "eligible."  Do you? Insurance will get the charge, and if not paid, I signed a paper to get a grant or something.

It took me over an hour of spitting to fill this tiny space that was about 1/2 inch high and less that a half inch across. It was in a round tube. I spit for ten minutes before I could see any in the tube! It was like I dried up! Have you ever had to spit in a tube for a gene test.

If I ever have to do this again. I am going to practice. Is there a technique to producing saliva when you cannot suck a lemon?

I was not all out spitting like you would spit a watermelon seed in a contest. I sort of held the tube to my lips and pushed it out. The woman warned me not to make bubbles. I did a double take. How do I know if I make bubbles. She said, "Well, not too many bubbles."

My lips hurt from pressing them against the tube. And, they were dry!

So, here I am trying to find spit in my mouth, trying how to make more form, and now I cannot make bubbles. It was a long, hard hour. Tommy laughed.



Have you ever had gene testing? Did you have to produce saliva and spit in a tube?

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Bugs/Insects/pests in the Grocery Store

Several times at Walmart, I have noticed pantry moths in the dog food and birdseed areas. One day, there were about 20 moths flitting around the dry dog food. Of course, these are being spread to other bags that did not have a moth problem. These will get into packages without food. Eventually, they can be in the grocery area of the store. GAH!

Have you ever noticed pantry moths in your store near dog food or anything?

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Good News and Michael Traffic

Monday, I went to Gynecological Oncologist and was told my six-month visits could be moved to once a year because I am still cancer free two years later. YAY!

Today, I went to breast doctor and received good news--I do not have breast cancer. Double YAY! I was stunned when she told me that my problems were from my diet. 

Both days, Tommy came up from Hueytown and took me to the doctors. Then, he brought me home and went back to Hueytown. That is 220 miles each day. 

As we headed back, the interstate was congested in the northbound lanes. People are evacuating. It seems half the people on the road had tags from Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan. There were quite a few people from counties in South Alabama.  It took us an hour and a half to go 25 miles. I am about 4 hours from the coast. 

While heading northbound we watched as at least 30 utility trucks headed south. They will be at the ready and close by when they are needed after Michael hits. 

I told Tommy I would fix him a meal for Monday and he could take it home. Well, I was just too tired on Sunday. I gave him a package of hotdogs and wished him luck...lol. He said he had vegetables that I had frozen for him.

When I got here on Monday, I rested a bit and put a chunk of frozen ground round into the crockpot along with half a cup of water, dehydrated celery, garlic, salt and pepper. When the chunk of ground round was done, I put a can of Dawn Fresh Mushroom Steak Sauce over the meat. Around this I put carrots. When the carrots were done. I went to bed and left the crockpot on low. 

Tuesday morning, today, I put potatoes in the crockpot.  When he got here, I dished up beef, carrots, and potatoes for his lunch while he waited for me in the car. According to him, the meat was especially delicious. When we got to my house, I gave him enough for another three meals. Once again, I forgot to put in onion!

The crockpot will soon have carrots and potatoes for me, all cooked in the beefy juice and Dawn Fresh. 


Monday, October 8, 2018

A Chicken Breakthrough, Freebie, Farmer's Market

The first day when I brought the chickens home, they were so terrified of me and the whole situation. Then, having obviously witnessed the slaughter by a raccoon of their companion, they shrieked and ran for three or four days, maybe more.

I talk to them as I approach their pen. When I dump their food, I say, "Delilah" in a very high voice. They still ran to the farthest place, just not so panicky. Finally, on Friday, Cher came to the door to greet me. When I came in, she moved away a bit. Bette still moved far away, but not in a panic.

When I dumped their food, Cher stood back about one chicken step. It makes me happy to see them relaxed around me. They no longer display terror when I approach. Of course, I am The Bringer of Food, so would like me.

Sunday, they were very relaxed and did not wait for me to move away from their food. Monday. Cher came right to my feed, looked up and jumped and snatched food from my hand!

Friday night at the Freosk, I got a good freebie. A little package of Belvita chocolate cookies were dispensed. They were delicious. Plus, the little chocolate snack in the store kept me from wanting a snack to eat in the store or to bring home.

I cannot go to the Farmer's Market. Octoberfest activities are occurring, so the street it blocked off. I cannot walk two or more blocks to shop. Bummer.

The temperature reached the 90s Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with blue skies and little breeze. However, this has been a wasted Saturday for me. My head is still stuffy with aching eardrums. I feel crummy but it seems not to be worse.

Sunday, October 7, 2018

A Great Deal



Do you remember when I bought the Veggetti Spiralizer? Well, I took it back shortly thereafter. After looking at the gadget, I decided that the handle to turn would keep me from using it. So, I returned it.

On the Internet I found the one that is electric powered (Veggetti Power) and set my sights on that even though it was right at $40. At Walmart  Saturday night I saw the electric one and decided to get it, leaving off something else.

At the register I used a card where I had returned something without  receipt--about $16 on the card. So, I did it. When I owed about $4 more, I asked the clerk how much the Veggetti rang up, I was surprised--$20, just a tad more than the manual one. I am pleased as punch that I found this. It was not even marked down! I got the last one.

I have carrots, potatoes, apples to try this out. Tomorrow, I can get zucchini and squash. I am excited and cannot wait to try this.

Do you do a Happy Dance when finding something you really want so cheaply? What good bargain have you found lately or ever?  Do you love a happy accident? Do the Happy Dance with me?

Saturday, October 6, 2018

I don't understand the anger.

When I had my first baby, within three months, I weighed ten pounds less than when I got pregnant. So, I was almost 5'8" and weighed 130 lbs. I did nothing special, nothing. People did not like how fast I lost weight and was svelte again.

Okay, I lied. I ate these things like chocolate caramel to lose weight. I would eat a month's supply in a few days because they were delicious.  I quit that because it was expensive and would have caused me to gain instead of losing weight.

I sort of watched what I ate, but I was never starving. When we went out, I ate heartily. At church dinners, I did not hold back. I may have had one dessert in place of two. But, my plate was full. Okay, sometimes I had two desserts...lol.

One of my ex's college classmate said to my husband "your wife got her girlish figure back." In our group of friends, several had babies older than mine, and I was the only one not wearing extra weight. I was mindful of what I ate, but not obsessive.

While I was pleased with my weight, I never mentioned it to these other women, nor did I boast to others. Well, maybe to my mother. My form of "bragging" consisted of "I could get back into my white shorts today." Every day, I tried on all my clothing! Every stitch! This was not about how much weight I lost, I could not afford to buy anything to wear.

Now, I read condemnation of Kate Middleton in this Article. In other articles, I read complaints about women whose shape comes back easily. Well, that was me. Now, if I could just lose weight so easily...lol. Not happening.

After my third child was born on a Saturday afternoon, I decided on my own to walk to the nursery to see her. On the way back, I wondered why someone did not answer their phone. I realized it was mine and ran to my room and threw myself across the bed to answer the phone.

A nurse came in immediately. I complained of missing a call. She said that was my doctor calling to see how I was. "I told him you were running. He said to stop running." lol She could see me running from the nurse's station.

Early the next morning, I was up, showered, hair washed, dried and curled, and sitting on my bed. My doctor walked in and said I looked well, and why was I running.

On the Friday before, I had gotten out of the car and waddled through the lines of cars to talk to someone. On Monday, I delivered and picked up my daughter from dance lessons. I called one mother over to show her my baby. She was more concerned that she had seen me on Friday and now I was out driving. I told her I was in active labor on Friday.  She was shocked!

I do know women who almost died in labor and were not out running in the hall four hours later. Things happen that I did not experience. I also know the Duchess of Cambridge had people with her and around her to help look so great. I understand. But, why the anger?

Why the bad attitude of those women who do not recover so well. I cried in the hospital after my second child was born because I had gained 50 pounds and she only weighed 6 lbs.! But, I effortlessly lost the weight. Eating one sandwich instead of two and only eating one candy bar instead of a whole bag of candy just seemed logical instead of extreme dieting. Sometimes, I was a pig.  I exercised on the floor, but not often. I rode my bike but not often or far.

I must admit I faced outright hostility from people. That always puzzled me. During one of these pregnancies, my friend had a six month old baby when mine was born. Later, she would not go places with me because I had a three-month-old baby and was skinny while she had nine-month-old and had not lost one pound since it's birth.

Did you face hostility or complaints about losing weight after pregnancy? Or, maybe you faced hostility or complaints about having extra weight. What was your experience with post pregnancy weight? Did you have to try hard to lose the weight?