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Saturday, December 21, 2024

The Last Decoration

 I found two items I bought on sale last year. Tommy will install one tomorrow, Saturday. This is the little stake in the yard with a projector that puts scenes on the house. We only have room for one. It is Santa and a sleigh that will run across the brick front of the house. The other is a blue sparkly globe that we will save until another year. 

Today, we had been out. I sat or a bit and maybe snoozed a bit when we came home. We were going out again. I raised the chair and looked for my shoes. I only have one pair of shoes in the living room. So, it should be easy to spot shoes. Tommy was walking by as I said, "Tommy, Tommy, where are my shoes? Do you see my shoes? Help me! Are they under the chair?" He said something as he walked by, and I asked him what he said. 

He said, "I see shoes on your feet."

Usually, I take my shoes off because they are too tight. Today, my shoes were so loose that I could not feel them on my feet. Okay, so I was half asleep, too. However, I am thrilled my feet are not so swollen anymore, even after riding in the car. Maybe I am losing my mind not being able to see shoes on my feet. 

The wind is biting, brisk today. The prediction for Christmas is mud. Really, the weather forecaster said so.

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Christmas is Near

 We got lots done today. Of course, police, insurance, car rental and attorney made no contact as promised. 

Cleaner came today. She helped by getting junk from living room, threw away sweet potatoes. We store them in decorative boxes in living room, the best temp for storing sweet potatoes. 

Last summer, I had neighbor cut a Christmas wreath in half. My intentions were to put the pieces on the red mailbox. Cleaner fluffed the two pieces. I just stuck them on mailbox, hoping they would stay at least until morning. It looks beautiful! I have made a bow to go on top. I thought I needed more greenery, too, but after fluffing, it looks great. 

Tommy wrapped three tomato cages with a hundred-strand string of lights each. He got them hooked up to the electric with deers. Now, they look great. All we need to do now is clear off a couple of tables.

At 7:30 tonight, I received a call from nurse wanting to come by about 1:30 on Friday. I told her we had to be somewhere at 1 pm.  acted like I was being uncooperative. Really, I don't know how this company decides to make an appointment the night before. We actually do have things to do. She said she would call next week for an appointment. They won't make an appointment now before we get things lined up on our calendar. When I called nurse to talk about this, she has been a week without responding. I am puzzled. 

I refused to worry about this or deal with it.

Today, I decided I had better get cards addressed.  The few I got addressed just need a stamp. So, there.

The living room looks so much brighter after dusting! 

I keep remembering things I have for Christmas decorations that I cannot find. I tell her to stay on the lookout for these things. She does. She found two new phones, never out of the package. I told her last week I had them and sort of wanted to sell them and thought this would be a good time, so she wants to know price. Hopefully, they sell. I will charge half of price they were. 

She is also good at finding boxes I need to toss. She even goes out and breaks them down. Of course, I do pay her for helping. 

Christmas Day is near. It makes me happy.  However, the weather is not Christmas weather, warmer than most Southern Christmas Days. 

I still need to find my postage stamps! Is there any little thing you need to do or find that could become a big deal?

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Chicken al Pastor

 I thought about Christmas meal and had no idea. We will have to thaw turkey breast or eat some of the chicken we are thawing. I will make the green bean casserole that he loves and baked sweet potatoes. There is Stove Top Stuffing and canned cranberry sauce and maybe some I cooked from fresh cranberries. 

So far, the attorney, car rental, police and insurance do not respond to repeated calls. This is very demeaning. And, I am still sick! 

One night, we had chicken al pastor. It was too hot for me, but I scraped off lots of the coating. I will finish it tonight but will never have it again. It helped that I ate it along with a salad. It was frozen chicken nuggets/chunks. I need to read labels better. Have you ever had chicken al pastor? What is your opinion? 

-We got ads and a few groceries. The Kleenex was on back of list and not gotten. We really need those! We only creep around in this car close to home.

Tonight, we are having the rest of chicken al pastor, salad, and baked sweet potato. We will share one huge sweet potato with neighbor and keep two for us. They surely weigh a pound each. I would love sweet potato casserole, but Tommy likes plain sweet potatoes. So, I won't make it. 

That's it.

It is so close to Christmas Day. How are things going for your plans?

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Pool Noodle Lollipops

 I had plans. But, the heat this summer, pain in my hands, all sorts of excuses slowed me down. So, it did not happen. Maybe the next year will see if I get it accomplished. 

It was a good idea. In the past I had some sort of project going all the time. I rarely failed to succeed. For outdoor decorations we have--three deer, three trees from tomato cages, wreath, mailbox wreath. Plus, mailbox is painted red. 

Missed cardio appt, party will be missed. I wonder if we will have a car in time to make the other dr appointment. 

We picked up accident report by creeping along in car, hoping we won't make it worse by driving it. The accident report is wrong. And, the police can no longer arrest anyone who is a hit-and-run. Since when?

I have contacted attorney. 

Monday, December 16, 2024

Monday Nothing

 

I have a new Amaryllis, not this one. 

Today, we both spent over two hours on the phone, trying to rent a car. No such luck. At midnight, I asked him when he was going to get a car. What car? He said if I wanted to rent one, get it. So, no doctor trips this week and no Christmas party.

PT person was an hour late because she forgot the time to come. That meant she and cleaner were both here, and Tommy was paying cleaner. So, I tended to Tommy, cleaner and pt person. It was a wild, to me, occasion. Tommy and cleaner hooked up lights to deer and electricity. 

There are four candles on a gold deer antler, but I only had two batteries, just enough for one candle. Oh well. We will buy more. 

Four people with two lift chairs and one chair not available (stacked too high) made this room so crowded.

PT hurt lots, but they were easy exercises...like raising leg 20 times. She did not tell me to do them every day, but I will. 

I lost another 4 pounds today. That makes 32 lbs in last three months or so.  I don't think I have noted the four pound loss yet

PT person was trying to hold onto me. I had a time making her stop touching me! It makes me feel off balance! I do not want to fall. She was about five feet tall, not enough to keep me from falling. She put together my Ellipse. I tried it a bit. It seems very fast even though it is slow. And, I had it on the slowest speed. 

I did have cleaner dust in living room, shake bathroom rugs, and vacuum hall, my bedroom, and kitchen. I told her to vacuum, not move things, so this was a middle of floor vacuum. She did little, but it was not her fault there was someone here. I told her to leave rugs outside for Tommy to wash, but she did not, and he did not. I was too distracted by PT. 

It was 67F degrees today. I finally had to turn on AC. It has been so hot at night I may turn it on tonight.

The coughing and sneezing are somewhat less. I find it hard to believe I will be well by Christmas. However, I am making progress. Since I cannot find all decorations since last cleaner moved them somewhere, the three tomato cage trees will be te last of decorations.

News of lollipops is upcoming.

Are your Christmas plans coming along? 

I have not gotten any cards mailed. How about you?

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Sunday Stress

 

The guy opened his window before leaving the accident, saying "burro, burro" as he pointed to Chicago Bulls patch on his sleeves. Meetsy enlightened me as to what he meant. The only thing I could think of was calling us an ass. But, he said burro when pointing to bull. So, I thought I was wrong.  I was not far off. 

Meetsy said, "burro/burra is Spanish slang for "you're dumb, a dunce, dumb-ass". It's lower class, street slang, meant to be aggressive. So it wasn't a friendly comment."

Today, after a rough night in bed, maybe sleeping, maybe not, but hot. About 2:30 pm, I decided Tommy should get up so we could continue our car solutions. Screaming ensued. He was okay with being wakened. What to do next was raising his ire. 

He is making notes on pieces of paper, all sizes, not stapled together. That makes me nuts. I will not describe the rage and time spent trying to get things going in a cohesive direction. He made the call. Everything is in a notebook, just a cheap spiral notebook that he refuses to use!

We decided to chance a three mile trip, six-miles roundtrip, to Lowe's. I gathered what I needed and went to self-check. I asked a woman to help me. She said NO, it is self-checkout. Do it myself. I told her I cannot reach it. Should I just go home? A man behind me said the problem was me. He loudly told her I was too lazy and fat to get off the scooter. 

I told the woman that I had torn rotor cuffs, and other injuries. She said, in his defense, "Well, I almost died."

Stunned, I started comforting her. Stupid me. She came nowhere near death as it turned out. Why was I comforting her? The guy was at another register and kept harassing me. I called him a bad name but not bad enough. 

I regret not pointing out his 5'5' stature and less that 100 lb size and his possible other Shortcoming.  My hands were shaking so that I could not find the cc. I had Tommy come in. That guy sure had the Christmas spirit. 

Tommy headed to BK at my request. We spent 30 minutes in line, burgers were wrong. My Whopper was delicious once they made it right and we got home.

We are watching Home Alone for the third or fourth time this year. 

Hopefully, my sleep won't be interrupted by heart pounding so tonight. I thought we could get a car lined up today, but there is always next week! I hope I don't have to cancel cardio next week. 

Now, I need to get Tommy to get carrots peeled so we can add it to chicken to roast. He said he forgot. sigh

At least I am home, warm, and free of outside stress except for getting a car. 

Have you ever had anyone attack you for a disability and just not give up insulting you? 

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Nerves are Shot

 This is the third post today--Friday, and SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT came first. Read about the car crash in the last one.

We have found out nothing about the other driver. We have questions and cannot find out. Did he have a DL? Drinking? On drugs? Was he a citizen of US? Was he still speeding when police nabbed him around the corner? 

When I was nagging Tommy about getting insurance that would give us a rental car in case of an accident, he said he did only because I nagged him. Now, he tells me he did not get the coverage. Can I say--urge to kill?

We were on the way to the Christmas Parade. Policeman said, "What parade??" Well. the parade was last Saturday! grrr I got up early for nothing.

Cleaner's daughter put color on my hair, using about an inch of color in stead of whole 3 inches. So, my hair looks like nothing was done. I am going to a Christmas party and this is disappointing to me. And, I paid her. And, paid mother who watched!

The car is not drivable, but Tommy disagreed. Yes, guy at a garage said it was. Finally, Tommy could hear it. We have two trips across town and on interstate, plus a trip out of town. Tommy sits. No call to the insurance or body shop before any closed. I am so disgusted with inaction.

I am woozy because I am famished, blood sugar down. Tommy is bringing me milk, one piece of candy, and banana. I ate that with small piece of pork loin and big salad. 

Okay, I reminded him until he called to check to see if he had rental. He does! Now, he is using ten times the words he needs and not expressing what he wants to say! Now someone says he does not have rental! Okay, now someone says he does have coverage. Whew!

I found the perfect bag of Christmas candy today at Publix--Holiday Candy Dish, chocolate candy assortment with Reese's peanut butter cup miniatures, Hershey's assorted Miniatures, Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolates, Rolo Candy. All except Rolo are favorites. With this bag a person does not have to buy several bags, just one. This is the limit to our Christmas candy. For two people it is not much. Years ago, I would eat half a dozen of the single candy bags would be my choice. I am fatter, sicker and smarter now. 

Ah, Christmas lights, Kisses, and Miniatures. This wreck stressed me!

Bedtime will be early tonight.  

SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT

 We had a wreck!  A car slammed right into front side and fender. The driver was going fast, entering the roadway from our right. He hit side front and ripped around front of the car, dug his way into median, crossed road coming from opposite direction, went off the side of the road, dug out the shoulder, turned and came back up across the median behind us! 

Whew! Then, he came limping up by Tommy's window, still in the median, said something fast in Spanish, indicated knee he was holding and went back to his car. He drove up onto the road and stopped by my window. He said something and pointed to Chicago Bulls patch and said "Burro, Burro." Then, he his the gas like a bat out of Hell, sped away and ran the red light ahead and continued speeding. 

We called police. Tommy said there was a policeman right around that corner watching for speeders. They got him! We only know he got a hit and run. What else? We have no idea. 

The car will drive. But, wheel or something scrubs. I have to fight my way out of the car and try hard to close it. Oh, Nerves are shot.

I was warning Tommy about his encroachment into our lane, but it all happened so quickly. 

Friday

 I cannot reply to recent comments and don't know why. Later I will figure that out. 

Thursday night, we decided to go to Cullman last night. We did, went to PO and Chicken Salad Chick. I always ask Tommy if he wants a can of popcorn. He says No. Today, I said I would buy him popcorn for Christmas if he wanted it. He said Yes, make the flavor a surprise. I bought the can of popcorn with Santa. I bought chewing gum because I wanted some...lol. I bought two other things that I don't remember.

When we came home about 4:30, I told Tommy I might be asleep when he got into the house. I went straight to be and heard nothing. I awoke at 8:30.

Oh, yeah, I bought a red sweater and a red jacket. 

Thursday afternoon, a physical therapist called for an appointment on Friday. I told her I had plans, but if we got back in time, she could come. Well, she did not get to come. She said she would call next week. I questioned why did not make appointments the week before instead of waiting until my date book was full because if I had appointments, I would be busy. She said okay and said a time hurriedly. 

When a nurse was here, I commented out of frustration that I needed to be able to wash my hair and cook. She jumped on that. Well, making my back hurt less is the solution, so wonder what kind of treatment I will get. ???  There was talk of exercise...lol. 

Cleaner cannot come because we want to go to the Christmas Parade. 

I am too tired to think.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Reindeer Munching in the Front Yard

 This will be short. I am about to go to sleep. 

Therapist or someone came. Cleaner came and put together the three reindeer and changed my bed among other things. 

See, I told you that it would be short. I am so sleepy. 

I think I have the three cutest deer in my yard. No, they are not munching. That was just click-bait thought up by Tommy. By the way, Jan, Tommy loved the birthday card.

Anyone baking for Christmas yet?

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

 Cleaner came today. She put away Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. She started bringing out red boxes of decorations. Took 3 ft tree out and fluffed it nicely. Tommy and I have a royal discussion about this, and it takes him days to do it. She did it in 3 minutes. I had her do something else. She asked if I wanted her to put the ornaments on. YES! The tree has lights. Now, it has an abundance of red, round ornaments. 

She had come and left to go to a doctor appointment, then came back. The ornaments were the last thing she did for me. 
She took all the boxes off the air return in that room, thankfully. 

As I took out decorations, I gave her some--four Santa hats (has three children), set of Christmas cupcake papers picks and tags, and other things. She left with a bagful of things for her kids who were waiting in the car. She got out the wreath and hung it. 

She said she now has to learn to bake. At 43, she has never baked one cake! 

When she left, Tommy cut up about 10 boxes and put in trash. The room is more spacious. 

Daughter failed Algebra at UAB, so I volunteered to tutor her. 

Cleaner will return tomorrow. Then, she can change my bed and put together the reindeer. 

Coughing is still wearing me out. Tommy is recovering nicely. 

The Christmas season is better for me.

How is your holiday going?



She left to go to doctor and physical therapist came for an hour. When he left, she returned. 

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

I Have Bananas!

 No editing!

We did get out today to do favors. Those involved picking up food for people who cannot. One woman had a stroke last year and cannot drive to get her box. Another is a young family with two children. Tommy is in pain. I almost fell backward down the ramp. That was scary. Falling would be bad, but falling on the ramp with sharp ridges would be excruciating. 

The nurse was to come at 11 am. Tommy did as I told him and woke me at 10 am. He did not know I had slept little and that was in my chair.   Thankfully, I did not keep him up with violent coughing and this continual sneezing. 

She was supposed to come at 11 am

called at 11:15 , said she was running late and would be here at 11:30.

She arrived 11:45.

She said she would only take 30 minutes. She took over an hour. We were pressed for time to do what we needed to do which we told her about. 

Her attitude when she arrived was very rough. I asked Tommy just now how he would describe her attitude when she arrived. "Rough,"

I could barely talk. She acted like she was going to find what I was doing 'wrong.'  For instance, she asked my allergies and then meds I took. I am allergic to aspirin. When I said I take one baby aspirin every day, the way she said," I thought you were allergic to aspirin?" sounded like I was deliberately trying to make myself ill or something. I had to explain to her that I told the cardiologist I was allergic and he explained that he had to consider what was best for me--not taking the aspirin or taking the aspirin to protect my heart. She lost her suspicious look and said, "Ooooh." She should know these things!!!

So, I have home nursing and a physical therapist. Between the two of them, they come three times a week, I think. The physical therapist has a Phd. hmmmm There was talk of him wanting me to exercise!

Fifteen days to Christmas. There is still Halloween and Thanksgiving stuff out and no Christmas. Tomorrow, new cleaner comes. She has an appointment, so will leave here and return. I do appreciate that. If it is not too damp and cool, she will put together three reindeers and nail them to the yard. 

We stopped by Publix and bought a few things--half gallon of milk for me, 2 lbs of carrots, Oui, 2 bananas, candy. I had sent Tommy in because there was no cart available. When a cart became available, I went in too. He had chosen the bananas, so I did not get more. Two will last me four days, so enough for a while. The candy is Russell Stover, the boxes that are bogo. There is a nice and helpful Amazon man, so he gets one. There will be other people who need a gift. 

Tommy is eating a pizza, frozen one from store. I ate a Black Forest ham sandwich with lettuce. 

We will have fruit and one piece of chocolate between ELF and America's Funniest Videos. 

It is 65F at 7 pm in December.

It is not at all like Christmas.

Well, in my head and heart it like Christmas, just the weather and decorations in and out my house are not like Christmas.

By the way, I am strongly considering contracting out this bathroom myself. I know guys! I can ask advice or let one contract it. Why would anyone pay $30K to have a shower installed? Then, I have to find people to do the rest?

Think I can find people to do this whole bathroom for less than $30K?

Anyone have snow yet? 

Monday, December 9, 2024

Not My Choice

 " Happy Birthday" to Tommy. I may try to find some of his presents for him to open. I am not much better; he is steadily getting worse. Today, I asked him if he could get some Kleenex stock. 

Last night, I thought I broke a rib coughing. Today, I think I pulled a muscle. It really hurts! 

I am exhausted from coughing. I caught this first. It appears that he is not going to be as ill as I was and still am. 

Luckily, we had chicken, salad, and baked potatoes from Sunday. We have one more breast which is largest of the three and 'plenty' of potatoes, according to Tommy. 

My vibration mat came today. It is so heavy; it needs a permanent position. We cannot move it about each day.

New cleaner comes Wednesday and until last one recovers and comes back, she will help me. 

I have not had a banana since last Friday. That adds to my misery. There is plenty of fruit, but it not a banana!


Tommy's Birthday

 It is the middle of the night. I am having trouble breathing. My lungs make horrible noises as I breath in and out. The rest of me might be getting well. However, now Tommy is ill. 

I sang Happy Birthday to him after midnight. We are sort of postponing any birthday (71) for him since he will have to go in and collect cake and ice cream. I hope I can find his gifts wherever I put them. 

A therapist called Sunday night wanting to come at 9:30 in the morning. I explained that time would never suit me. And, that the nurse had not visited to enroll me because I was ill. So, he has to call office now. 

Tommy is going to call bath guy who insists on 15 more minutes. Tommy and I are both too ill right now to 'discuss' anything. 

I put the wool blanket back on the bed and have not gotten too hot again. I believe I was running a temp when I awoke soaked. I love the blanket!

Today, we had to cook! BSCB and potatoes were all we managed. I had that and something else. Tommy had the last of the green casserole and the last half of piece of pecan pie. 

If we can get it done, I want to make the bedroom next to living room into a 'gym.' We have several devices we both could use. It is a monumental job, but needed. It maybe be a silly idea and futile, but I intend to try. 

We are struggling but will make it. 

How are things with you?

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Cancelled Week

 I managed to go to one dr appointment. Then, one by one I cancelled appointments and things to do all week. We have been planning to go to the Christmas Parade. It is happening now as I attempt to cough up a lung. 

Last night, I lay in bed, I cough, sneezed and spent until 3 am tossing and coughing and sneezing . Finally, I got up to sit in living room, fearing I would wake Tommy. I did not cough or sneeze once, thankfully. 

One of the bath guys insists on 15 minutes of our time for a new deal. He will be annoyed, I am sure if we cancel. I have not been able to talk since Tuesday. My whole body is trembling, sort of surface skin trembles. 

The food Tommy was given has been handy, no cooking, no thinking, just dip it and microwave. 

I did manage to find someone to clean until my cleaner comes back. So, Yay!

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Wonderful Surprise Gift for Tommy

 My new wool blanket went on the bed last night. It was so cuddly. About 3 am, I awoke in a pool of sweat. It was gross and cold. Thankfully, I slept until 11:30. When I got up, I went to bathroom and then to the living room, while Tommy was puttering in the kitchen. Finally, I asked him if he was getting breakfast. No, he was not.

Do you remember when I said a man he worked with was sending him something? He came and brought. Neither of them woke me with loud guy talking. 

The guy had brough a huge box full of Honey Baked turkey breast and sides--green bean casserole, sweet potato souffle, Macaroni and Cheese and a pecan pie. It was all frozen solid as a rock. We had two slices of ham at lunch. 

Finally, around 6 pm, he brought the food and my plate to allow me to get what I desired. I am sure I got less of everything than he would have served me. He is too generous with food, not selfish at all. 

We had taken the frozen puck of pie from the metal pan and heated pie at lunch in the microwave. I took the empty but still clean pan of pie crumbs and filled it for our neighbor. He said, when I called him, "Oh, you don't have to do that." Of course, I did. When Tommy took it out to him, the neighbor said, "I was wondering what I was going to fix for dinner," I forgot to give him pie. I can do that tomorrow. 

This guy gives good gifts to Tommy. He handles Tommy's retirement account. He can work for Tommy forever. The meal we got was worth almost $200. Yes, I checked on the price.

I am cancelling the pecan pie I was going to bake because one is enough for one year. I had told Tommy that next year I wanted a $69 Thanksgiving meal from the grocery. Now, I want a $200 meal from HoneyBaked. 

Earlier. I shopped with a list Tommy made from the ads. I did well at Publix. I did not get some things that were out of stock on bogo. I was so tired and forgot to get a raincheck. I had to go home. 

It is now night. Even though I was too hot last night, I will put the wool blanket back on tonight.  I think the problem is I did not take off the smaller wool blanket. Plus, the sheets are cotton and do not breathe. If I had wool sheets, I would be better off for cooling and heating. 

I saw the lymph specialist on Tuesday. On Wednesday someone called me about getting help at home to put the legs on. Today, two people called Now, I have an appointment for assessment at home. Then, by Monday, someone should start. This moved quickly. 

It is thrilling to know I don't have to cook for at least three days, and there will be sandwich meat for another two after that unless we have a turkey sandwich for next two lunches. We could happily do that.

Tomorrow, I get my first haircut since 2018 or early 2019! Hallelujah!

I have had HoneyBaked turkey sandwiches, HoneyBaked turkey at other's houses, but I have never had a whole meal like the one Tommy received. Have you had HoneyBaked ham or turkey?

Do you like sleeping under wool blankets?

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Packages on the Porch

 Today was my second visit to lymphedema specialist from the vein clinic. I kept questioning where we were going. Tommy kept explaining. Finally, he said, "Watch for the blue railing." \

"Noooo, wrong place." He was going to the wrong place, so he turned around. I thought what if he is right. So, I asked him to pull over while I checked at the dr office. Yes, I was right. We had a good laugh and got there ten minutes before appointment. 

My favorite person ever to answer the telephone answered! Once, after multiple tried and people who were no help, she answered to phone and took care of everything with no stress to her or me. 

Two people came to get me in with a wheelchair. The woman kept grabbing me and she kept saying, "I'm just trying to help you!" When I am being nudged forward, I keep getting off balance. She could not seem to understand. The guy kept sticking up for her. I got inside, was left by the door with no idea how I was to communicate. Little did I know that the annoying woman had told the proper person.

Eventually, I was taken to check in. Gloriously sweet woman helped me. 

Then, a grumpy-faced woman looked out the doors and beckoned to me. The nice woman who checked me in, told her to come get me. 

As we went down the hall, she roughly interrogated me--how did you get here, how did you get out of the house, how did you get into car? I walked down the ramp as I held onto it, took one step to car, and got in. 

"Why don't you push yourself?" Because both rotator cuffs are torn plus one muscle across my left chest, and both hands have suffered a great injury, and I have carpal tunnel. That seemed to incense her. She said in an even meaner voice that--don't you know that the longer you do not do something, the less you can do it. I did not say a word. Please don't tell me she is right or explain it to me.

She snatched the wheelchair around and started to take blood pressure and pulse. I told her I imagine my pulse would be higher than usual. "I am not calm, and you keep asking me to talk." She said she would wait a bit and kept talking. So, she let up for 30 seconds and started again. 

She seemed to want to challenge me about every medicine I take and even named some I took 20 years ago. Dealing with her was very stressful. She may have been angry that she, a professional, had to be a wheelchair pusher. 

Finally, the vein specialist came in. She is unfailingly sweet. She straightened up some things I needed to know. Her patience is endless. She is the person who had something torn in her knee and on crutches. I told her how Tommy did not want to and did not like to put the legs on me. She said she could get me a home health nurse or someone to come three times a week but not seven. That is three days Tommy won't have to struggle.

The same guy and another woman pushed me out. I know how I can get from chair, but these helpers seem to think slammed against the car door is the way to do it. But, I tried my best to overcome their help. They were still nice. 

Tommy wanted to get Chic fil A, so we did. That is the best flavor! We stop by a Vet Motel. Sometimes we see dogs in a big fence. That's fun. 

As the day wore on the brilliantly sunny skies changed to thick clouds. Finally, near dark the clouds were thick and black although no rain is predicted until tonight. 

We collected all three store ads. 

On the porch were packages. One was the wool blanket. I was disappointed it was rather thin and like a waffle design. We will see. Tonight, will be low 20's, so this will be a test. It is king size and will cover me better than the twin size will. 

Then, there were the extender seat belts. The seat fits just fine, but we have to dig out the part in center of car. Now, I can reach it with my injured hand and maybe push it together. I hope it is safe.

Finally, something that came that I declared I would never use. Only the ground wire carries a current. One will be surprised. 

I asked the vein specialist who said it would be great for me, that she uses one, too.

Today was a good day before and after I was with grumpy nurse. 

Do you ever use the seat belts that extend the seat?

Do you use a grounding mat? What size? Does it work?


 

A Few Things

 When the second guy was here, he was very insecure. He wanted to close the deal, that's all. I asked him the measurements of the teak bench attached to the wall. He held up his hands, measuring out a an indeterminate length and width. I spoke up and said, "That is not a measurement. How about giving me inches instead of an estimate. That showed me a real lack of professionalism. 

Him suggesting that they put in shower and we hire a handyman to tear out the tile and put in sheetrock annoyed me. Instead of putting in a block to make grab sturdier, he did a wag of his head, demeaning me say that they would attach it to a 2x4 as though I had never heard of a 2x4. The right way is to add something sturdier than one board. 

I talked to a young woman who works for a church, asking if she could find someone I could pay to help me. I did not want her to think I was just looking for free help. She asked what kind of help. Tommy said picking things up! So, maybe I will get help soon.

It is so cold! My blanket comes tomorrow. I wish I could use it instead of washing it first. We will be gone tomorrow, so I will get neighbor to rescue it from the porch. I don't want it stolen. 

Tommy walked past me and I noticed a tag on the bottom of his tshirt, two tags. Now, I have never seen a tag on te bottom of a t-shirt. It is white and V-necked. So, I had him take it off for me to examine. It is a Brooks Brothers t-shirt. I wonder if they still use tags at the bottom of their shirts. Someday, I will investigate this. Have you ever seen a t-shirt with a tag at the bottom? Tommy said the shirt is at least 30 years old.

Time for leg therapy. It really hurts when it is happening. But, it makes my legs feel better and less tight.


Monday, December 2, 2024

December is Upon Us

 The Jello and fruit salad for me is setting up in the refrigerator. There are no more leftovers of any sort. So, finding something to eat is on the agenda. 

We have another bathroom remodeler coming at 5 pm. Hopefully, it is less than $31K. I am still settling a dispute with another company. They won't even meet with us because we cancelled three times as they came to our house and we were not home. No, they never showed up as we waited an hour for a rep to come. So, we cost them money? All lies. There is more to this bizarre tale. 

Sunday night was well below freezing. But, we are very warm as long as I keep a house jacket on and my feet covered with a throw. Tommy has a throw and jacket, too. 

The second bath remodeler just left. Actually, all they do is the tub or shower. It is $13K to take out tub, put in shower. AND, it will be three months before parts arrive. We will be left with a half-done bathroom when they collect the $13K. Argh! We have to hire other people to do the rest. 

We have one more company to talk with. I doubt we will go with them. You would recognize the name. Do you have a company you can recommend? Or, warn us about?

There was nothing on last weeks ads that we wanted. We saved money. 

I think I can sleep all night tonight



Saturday, November 30, 2024

Orders

 We still have some leftovers and are enjoying them immensely. I never made a pie, but we will soon. I have pumpkin and pecan pie in mind. I will call neighbor and see if he eats either and deliver some of both if he eats those pies. 

Today, I received several orders from Amazon. My boombox in the bedroom will no longer play my cd. Everything else works! The one in living room no longer has the cord or remote. Remote does not matter. At any rate, I now have another to listen to radio station with Christmas music. 

Plus, I ordered silicone lids for Oui. Tommy loves these little storage glasses. He puts everything in them. I rarely buy Oui, but we still have quite a few.  A friend gave me a blender for smoothies. Somehow, I lost the electric motor blender part. So, I bought another. The whole thing is gone! So, I ordered a Magic Bullet Blender and this one will stay here and together. Tommy and one cleaner have been tasked with keeping an eye out and doing a one-time search. I might misplace something temporarily, but never lost anything, seemingly for good. 

All these things were bought on Black Friday deals. It was money I had to spend. There were frivolous things I deigned not to buy. My much-needed wool blanket and a grounding mat are yet to arrive. The ellipse is so heavy, but we must tackle unpacking and setting it up. 

I am not sure what happened to the turkey breast I cooked several weeks ago and froze. It was watery. It was as if I had soaked it in water and then froze and thawed. The piece we ate after it was cooked was really a nice texture. After freezing and thawing as I do other poultry, this just was wet, not juicy, just wet. Have you ever frozen baked turkey and had it end up wet? Water pours out with each cut of knife and bite.

The night before Thanksgiving sleeping was difficult. The night after Thanksgiving sleep was almost impossible. Hopefully, it will be easier tonight. 

The salesman who came for bathroom remodel left us with a price--over $31,000. Gulp! We have two other companies to contact for an appointment. I love the bathroom I got to design. 

I am ready to put my reindeer in the yard. Halloween and Thanksgiving are still evident! I need help. I also need a new cleaner.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving

 

The meal is almost ready. I have done things for the last two weeks, but not much each day.

The menu:

turkey breast

cooked cranberry sauce

jelled in a can cranberry sauce

baked sweet potatoes

deviled eggs

giblet gravy with chopped boiled eggs

green bean casserole

2 Jello salads (Tommy hates bananas)

Wheat roll

I will make a pie someday.

I cannot wait for dinner!

The turkey breasts for $1.69/lb. were finally in the store this morning. So, we went out for that. Then, about 4 pm, I realized we had not bought milk for me. Tommy had plenty. We went out again. It was wild in Publix. The parking lot was packed. Tommy got milk for me because I knew there would be no electric cart for me. 

We are exhausted. Oh, we went by the window at CVS pharmacy and bought Neosporin with pain relief. It is wonderful! 

What is going on in your world?


Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Tuesday-I Thought it Was Wednesday

 Tommy told me he was annoyed with the valet service losing our car and told the guy in charge. I thought he was just talking to the guys. He told them he was tired, hungry, and annoyed with the wait. I wondered why the guy apologized so profusely as we were ready to drive away. So, I was wrong. 

While I was sitting patiently, he was complaining. I think I was still in shock from the pain and just grateful not to be in the exam room anymore. 

We went grocery shopping again today! I had Tommy go into store with the turkey breast for $1.69. They will be in tomorrow. 

We took neighbor dinner--pork loin, slaw, sweet potato. When I called as we were in the car, he said he had made dinner. I told him he could eat it tomorrow night. When he came to our car, he said he was going to get out a small lasagna.  Teasing him, I said this dinner might be better. We left him laughing. 

Tommy is shocked he has to cook the rue for my giblet gravy. Right now, I have the eggs boiling to put in giblet gravy. This dinner may take until Friday to get done. He hates gravy, so this is not important to him.

I lost one more pound. YAY for me. I suppose I can put it and more back on with Thanksgiving. 

I have burns and huge lumps where I don't have burns! Remember, all this happened from collar bone up. So, it seems very visible. But, I have a prescription of Mupirocin for the burned and raw places she made. I actually look like I have been hit in the face multiple times. I am glad I am going nowhere where people can see my face. Thankfully, my mask hides it when I go out. Usually, the blasting only hardens the skin. This time, it is a raw, open sore on more than a few. And, there are lumps. 

Last night, I slept from 11 pm to 7:30 am. I hope this good pattern continues. I just had to have a nap today after all the busyness of the morning. Hopefully, I can still sleep early tonight.

I just discovered a new show--St. Denis Medical. I think this is the second season. It is hilarious. The mother from the Goldbergs is so funny. Have you seen this? 

There is so much still to do. Right now, Tommy is exhausted from carrying in groceries and two cases of Dasani.

How is your Thanksgiving dinner coming along?

Monday, November 25, 2024

Valet Lost Car!

 Today, the weather was beautiful. We left early, well 10 am is early to me. We both had appointments with our dermatologist. Tommy's face has been red, something entirely foreign to his face since I have know him. She gave him tube of med for Rosacea. I thought she should test. Plus, his face has had huge flakes of dandruff stuck to his face. I have mentioned both these to him in the past and he exploded. But, now he meekly heeds my suggestions to have things checked. As the doctor was close to his face, she looked at his chest and took a biopsy, saying it looked precancerous. 

I had several growths on me from collar bone up, all of which she blasted/froze. One eyebrow has a growth near the outer edge. She took her freezer-blaster in hand and said, "Maybe the brow will grow back."  So, I maybe only have one eyebrow in the future. She blasted about ten areas on head! She really hurt me! My former derm gave the blaster a little pst pst pst. She gives it a long Pssssssssssst while I am in severe pain. 

Nothing hurts Tommy. I want her to hurt him! 

Yesterday, Tommy said in alarm, "What is wrong with your lip?" I was eating a Nathan's teeny hotdog in a blanket. After the first bite, I tried to drink, and a huge, clear blister had risen on my lip. Now, my lip is raw, so it is one more thing I am allergic to consuming.

I accidentally found out from her that wart remover will do the same job. I will certainly not return for torture. She is very nice, and I trust her. 

While there, the valet who parked out car lost it. Everybody was looking for it and apologized to us. It took an hour to find it. He parked it somewhere in the parking deck where it was not supposed to go. 

On the way home we stopped at Publix to buy Cokes b2g2, so a 12-pack carton cost $4.65, better than $9.29 for 12 Cokes. The place was packed at 2 pm. 

Saturday, I bought 6 pair of house shoes. I am trying them on at home. 

Tonight, I finally cooked the pork loin chops. I forgot what seasoning I used, but they were delicious. The sweet potatoes were Beauregard, my favorite variety, slaw was good. Tomorrow night, we will share with neighbor. 

Tonight, I ordered a washable, wool, blanket from Woolroom. I won't be cold this winter! I hope it is good one. Have you ever had a blanket from Woolroom?

If you have anything frozen off, does it hurt you? 

Have valet parking ever lost your car? 

Friday Fun and Saturday, Too, and Sunday

 As usual lately, I slept early Thursday night and was up at three in the morning on Friday. I finally woke Tommy about 10 am so we could go the Home Depot to get a door. At 11 am, we were off. He insisted we go to nearest HD over my objection. We went to store in poorer part of county. I wanted to go to a more affluent neighborhood because the item we wanted is a high value item. I thought the item would not be in the store where he wanted to shop. Of course, I could be wrong. But, I was not. Demographics count!

It did not turn out well. First of all, we were directed to far end of store. Poor Tommy followed me down there only to find out we had to go most of the way back to find the storm doors. The woman was not very helpful. She only briefly explained what I asked or said she did not know. Plus, she told me Andersen did not make a certain door that I had just seen on the internet. I had read about the two door closures, but she said there was only one kind. So, we left the doors. 

We needed a new, cheap lamp. I had bought two already to go next to my chair and both quit working. As we were leaving the house, it appeared the last lamp was tearing up like the first one did. So, we bought a new one. When we arrived home, the light bulb was the only problem this lamp had. So, we can take it back. I really need to get all my antique lamps ready to use here. Two need rewiring. 

I wanted to go to Sam's but we were waylaid by the offer of a free plate and two rolls of Christmas gift wrap. That proved to be dinner, the plate of food, not the gift wrap. 

Tommy helped me with therapy for legs. 

So, the day is over for us. Tomorrow, we go to Sam's. We will see about getting glasses. 

Saturday, we did not get glasses. I tried to buy a sweater. No luck. Finally, someone deigned to help me. I don't think I have ever had a more helpful salesperson. Plus, her friend who was shopping helped me, too. I found a sweater. In the paper goods, I finally found the day planner I need. It is the best ever--See it Bigger, by Plan Ahead. I wanted a colorful one, full of flowers front and back, but I suppose they don't make those anymore. Not only is it pretty and pleasant, I can find it by the front and back covers. They only had it in black and boring beige. I took the beige as it is more visible.

We both became exhausted early, so decided to go home. Several cars on the interstate were driving dangerously, passing on shoulder, cutting in front of us and almost hitting front bumper. The worst was when Tommy was pulling out of Walgreens into traffic and a car almost hit us. He said he "did not see it."

I talked to neighbor about someone to cut my hair. She gave me the name and number of her beautician who does her hair. The beautician was not taking new customers. That is a good sign, I suppose. I mention neighbor's name and she said she would take me. The best part is she is only a half mile from the house. This will be my first professional haircut since 2018!

It is Sunday. Tommy informed me yesterday that he is too tired to go anywhere today. Today, I will cook pork loin chops and give two to neighbor who takes our garbage to road and returns can. He will get slaw and baked sweet potato along with two chops. That will be our dinner, too. Nope. I am having chicken, green beans, and slaw. He is eating baked chicken, potatoes, carrots, green beans, slaw.

Our endocrinologist has been emailing Tommy to make an appointment since we both cancelled one appointment. I am her patient, too, yet she never contacts me. His next appointment will be his last there. 

Tonight, I put on two 12 oz packages if cranberries. It is almost done. Tommy may have some with his dinner. I will. I will store part of it for Thanksgiving and give some away, and we will eat the rest before Thanksgiving. 

This afternoon, he took me to see his childhood home because I asked him to take me there and to houses of his aunt and grandparents. I also wanted to see his school. In the 90s I worked at his school. By then, it was an inner-city school. Not so when he attended. His childhood home was empty and boarded up. His grandparents' house burned to the grand. His uncle's house was in good repair and occupied. He pointed out things a places on his daily walk to school. I think he enjoyed the memories.

I casually picked up info on one of my meds and read it. Everything I am suffering could be because of two meds' reactions. RATS!

Okay, too tired to think. 

I thought I posted this Sunday night.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Too Much Thursday in Thursday

 


I needed this cup years ago. One in particular thought nothing of her daughter sleeping around because she had so much fun when she was young. And, this fifteen-year-old was sleeping with the youth pastor with mother's blessing. I finally told her what I thought and we never spoke again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A short list for Thursday should be easy to do. Right? Not necessarily. 

We had three things to do.
*Tommy get car tag.
*Go to pick up free food for Thanksgiving, including a turkey
*Shop at Publix. 
We had a fourth thing to do--pick up two grocery store ads. We forgot about this one.

I rarely wake Tommy because I figure he knows how much sleep he needs, but I did on Thursday. He needed to get his tag. I thought he would go the courthouse about three miles away. When we had been on the road for about ten minutes, I asked him if he was going to get his tag. He was. When he got on the interstate, I asked where we were going. To Hoover. That is at least twenty miles from here. 

Last night, I asked him why he chose to go to the annex in Hoover that was so far away. He said he did not want to walk two blocks and navigate the courthouse, that he would rather drive twenty miles. I understood. It is a store front facility.

Then, we came home, I washed my hair which was filthy from not being washed for over two weeks. When we arrived at the food giveaway, we were shocked we were so far back in line. We just sat and talked and listened to Christmas music. Amazingly, we were out by 3 pm.

While we were sorting what we wanted from the food box, neighbor came to car to talk. Well, we waved her over. She took one of the two turkeys. Then, she came back for the sorted food we did not want. 

We were off to Publix. I had a list and told Tommy he could pick out two smallest turkey breasts to get it done faster. Plus, I cannot lift even the turkey breasts. He objected strongly, saying we did not have enough room in the freezer. I explained we could thaw and cook both and store them cooked in smaller packages. He saw frozen broccoli on the list and said he was not paying for food we could not store. 

That irritated me, so I told me to give me his credit card and go sit in the car and eat his chicken finger. He calmed right down, handed me his cc, and left. Silly man, I will spend his money if he won't. I could not help laughing inside. But, I kept a straight face. He hates it when I laugh at him.

All the cheap turkey breasts were gone. I did get two frozen broccoli packages. I got most of what was on the list. 

At home, we both had work to do. I labeled each can on top and front. He carried everything to me and then to kitchen.  I asked him what was coming on tv that we wanted to watch. It's a Wonderful Life. 

Between 6 and 7, I told him I was going to bed and not to wake me. I had not had dinner, nor had he. There were plenty of leftovers, so did not want to make the rice-chicken-broccoli casseroles for us. 

I woke up about an hour later, went to bathroom and back to bed. All night long, I did same. At 3 am, I had slept over 8 hours and got up. It is almost 7 am. We will be going to Home Depot for the storm door, Andersen. 

One thing may be too much today. I do want to go to Sam's Club, maybe not. I am sure we will both fade fast. At least, there are still lots of leftovers.

Tommy bought the two pair of pants and wore one pair yesterday. They seem too big around legs. I suppose buying four inches larger in the waist will do that. He does not have heavy thighs though. His legs are skinny guy legs. So, there is no need for all that thigh room. I asked him if he washed them. He said, "Yes, you made me!" I managed to keep a straight face. 

Lately, he has been sleeping in the pants he wore all day. That seems so uncomfortable. I have been saying I could hem pajama pants that I could buy him. He had said nothing. So, last night, he was digging around in his clothing and came up with Auburn pants. I have no idea if they are sleeping pants, "just regular sweatpants," he said. So, he slept in those last night. I do know there cannot be elastic in the bottom of the legs as he cannot get his feet through and cannot reach his feet. 

He is up. He does not want to go to Home Depot now, later. I thought 7 am was perfect...lol.

It's A Wonderful Life will be on other times before Christmas, so no regret there. 

I called the cleaner. She had more surgery for the carpal tunnel because after the first one a month ago, her hand went numb around the surgery. This time the doctor cut further. Now, she says it is very painful. So, it looks like she won't be back before Thanksgiving. I really need the Halloween stuff put away and the rest of Thanksgiving put out. The first time she comes back after Thanksgiving, at least she can put up my three outdoor deer. I am glad I never had recommended Carpal Tunnel surgery. 

The mower obviously does not want my car. He was supposed to call by Friday two weeks ago and no word yet. I don't even feel like selling it. Well, right now I do, but in an hour it will be nap time for me...lol. 😊My exhaustion plus recovering from the UTI have made me less able to do anything!

I have no idea what I did to get that emoji! But, I will leave it. 

Have you had carpal tunnel surgery? How was it? 




Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Ophthalmologist for Tommy

Tommy went to ophthalmologist today. He did get a new prescription, but eyes are not affected by diabetes. So, good news. I thought I would ride along. That was a mistake. I also thought we could go shopping. That thought was a mistake, too, as I had to get home. 

We need to get a storm door from Home Depot for front door. I also wanted to take the list to Publix and get all the specials. Plus, we need the ads from two other stores. When Tommy got into the car, all I wanted was to go home. We did. I hurt so I could not sleep. 

Today was in low 60s, breezy, and dry. The sun was blazing. Tommy parks on the top deck of the parking deck. The floors below scare me to sit alone. I thought the wind that came up was going to blow me off the top deck. The car was being buffeted about. I was able to use the sunshade, and it saved me from the sun.

I had to cancel both the bath companies because I was so ill. Now, they have both called me twice in less than a week. That is so annoying. The guy said 'it will only take an hour." I told him that talking about it for three minutes was too much.

While in the car waiting, I got Publix ad checked. Then, I called looking for an Amway dealer in Cullman. No luck. I made lists and calls, so it was a good wait. 
 
When I turned the radio on in the car on Sunday, 96.5 had Christmas music. One day, Casey Kasem was reprised, and we enjoyed one of his programs.

Then, I could not sleep. My legs hurt and my feet had gotten very hard and tight. So, Tommy did my therapy with the leg pumps. Now, my feet feel 'loose' again. I missed four days because I was too sick. 

Dinner was leftovers. What is new around here? My friend who died at 85 about six years ago told me one day that all they ever ate was leftovers. I don't mind, but it seems that way here, too. 

Tomorrow, we will have rice-chicken-broccoli casseroles, each made to our liking. Each little 6"x6" casserole will last for two meals. 

It is almost 9 pm, and I am going to bed. So, I will have five or six hours by the middle of the might and be up the rest of the night. Ugh! 

Are you afraid of parking decks, especially the top deck? 

Is Christmas music on all the time now?

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Back in land of living

 It's been a journey. Now, I feel like I have finally crawled to the last leg--recovery. I called the doctor Monday morning, early. At 6:30 pm I finally got meds and picked them up at 7 pm. We had to drive in the dark. Luckily, there were so few cars on the road. Took them at 7:30. Now, Monday morning, the side effects show up with relief. My elbows and other joints hurt along with my skin. I can handle all this to be well. I took a couple of doses of Azo for the pain. I had chills and sweats for three days. I staggered about lots and banged into things. I read blogs and commented on few.

Sunday or Monday, I don't remember, Tommy peeled carrots, potatoes, I cut an onion left from my last batch of Vidalia. I put it all in a cooking bag on my lap. I managed to get the pork loin inside without getting it all over me or my chair area. I sprinkle onion powder and garlic powder generously over the vegetables. I put water in the bag, closed the tie, and cut slits. Tommy carried it to the kitchen and put it in the preheated oven. 

Less than an hour later, he took it out! and turned off the stove! I don't know why. So, he put it back in and turned on the oven for 30 more minutes. I think it would have been a bit more tender if he had left it in. 

But, it was delicious. Next morning, I called neighbor who met Tommy at mailbox when he went out. He was raving about the chicken I gave him last week. He was happy to receive pork loin. Oh, I cooked on Sunday and Tommy gave it to him on Monday. Now, I remember. Monday night, we made spaghetti. I ended up choking on that but not the pork loin. 

I had to cancel my cardio doc for Monday morning. Today, I will get it rescheduled. I need to see him.

I have slept lots. I sleep two or three hours and watch tv for an hour. Then I repeat it all. Monday night, I went to bed at 8pm, eventually got up at 5 am. That was solid sleep with only getting up and going straight back to bed after bathroom. Now, at 9 am, I feel like I need a nap, a long one. 

After watching travel news, I am so happy I have no reason to fly or drive anywhere. 

This morning, I checked the sneak peek at Publix. I have about 30 items. It is a long list, and I still don't have the other two stores on the list. 

I missed two events. At one, I told Tommy to just go home. I missed The Pig tasting event. Oh, well. 

Sporadically, the rain is really coming down hard. Otherwise, it just sprinkles. We won't be leaving for anywhere today. Tommy may go out to wash my clothes. I doubt it. 

I am pushing for car shopping, as I fear the tariffs will raise all car prices. There are other things I intend to get that I will get now rather than later.

How are you feeling about tariffs? 

Do the people who want lower food prices think the new regime will lower prices? 

Musk said there will be hardship? How are you with that?


Saturday, November 16, 2024

Friday Ordeal

 The second bathroom company was scheduled to come at 6pm Friday. Well, that did not happen due to my lack of sleep. I had not slept all night, went shopping during the day. I had to sleep. I slept from 4 pm until 10:45 pm. I cannot help it. 

The protein drink I bought Tommy at Sam's had more carbs than protein, so we won't buy that again. I think I put down the wrong product. The one I bought today had 30 g of protein and 3 mg carbs. It tasted like Yoohoo, watered down chocolate milk.  

Now, I realize I have a raging UTI. Lovely. Now, I realize why I am feeling so awful--cold, achy, kidney pain, joints ache. 

While we were doing my leg therapy, Tommy and I talked about Christmas. I asked him about the biggest surprise Santa gifts. He said when he was a teen, his father bought the two boys a shotgun. SHOTGUN? He lived in Bessemer. He was not a country dweller. This was the father who refused to buy him a bike because he might get hit by a car! Tommy bought his own bike when he went to Auburn. Of course, he had a car, too. 

Friday morning, there were sounds outside on the street for hours, it seems. I didn't feel curious enough to go look out the door. Finally, I sorted it all. First was the garbage truck going up and down both sides of the street. People going to work, people coming home from work. The neighbor pulling the+ trash can to our house. Finally, I heard something closer and a voice near the door. A delivery. Then, everything was quiet.  There had been a mystery noise that went on for thirty minutes. I still don't know what that was. I never heard it here. Remember, I was sleep deprived and feverish. The noise was not disturbing me at all. It was just all a mystery. 

Cleaner goes to doctor in ten days. So, she won't be able to come here until just before Thanksgiving. That is not good for me. Of course, her surgery recovery comes first. 

I am too tired to continue. No edit on this. Nothing exciting or interesting. Just a record of my day for me, I suppose. 

Have you ever tried  Yoohoo? Did you like it? 


Thursday, November 14, 2024

House Things

 I finally contacted the carpenter who put in the two light fixtures. Even though I still don't have a light over the sink, that is something I will get around to doing when I find an electrician. I want a new storm door. We need a new storm door. 

If I go to Lowe's, I will need to go to a different one than the one really close to us. I will go to Home Depot, also. This house will be warmer without a 1/2 inch crack around the door. I think I will get an Anderson door. 

We had an appointment with a bath replacement dealer, one you would recognize. It never happened. We sat here until thirty minutes past appointment time. Finally, I called. The woman who answered said they did not make an appointment because they needed more info and I hung up before she was through. The one who made the appointment said she was uncomfortable sending people here since I just hung up before the info was obtained. I did do all the talk that we expect when a transaction and conversation is over. 

Well, I saw red. After all the wrap-up talk that occurred, I was astounded. I went over my info I wrote down, like a code and name they would have, the phone number, address, and code. I was bewildered and said so. She said it was a miscommunication. I marked it up to incompetence! 

In the middle of all of this, I told Tommy to heat the leftovers! 

So, we are giving them a second chance and getting a $250 price reduction. I have a feeling we will go with people coming on Friday evening. I had even gotten out of my nightgown for this appointment! 

I asked Tommy what color he wanted the bathroom. He said maybe yellow. He knows I want yellow in the kitchen. When I was shocked, he changed to "maybe blue or green." I want white. He does not. I just saw an article about "32 ways to keep a white bathroom for looking boring." I probably don't need the article, but will read it.  Maybe a color on the floor would work. I had a floor that looked like white stone in the bathroom, loved it, and received many compliments. 

Now, we are discussing where to store the door we order while we wait for the carpenter. I think on front porch by door. He says carport where people can scratch my car. Hopefully, the door will sit no more than a week. It can lay on its side and it will be easy to put down and pick up without scratching my car or having to move car for delivery. 

It's all about home improvement today. The color of bathroom and placement of door are only two disagreements. No arguments at all. No loudness or drama. When I first mentioned these things, he exploded with inordinate anger. 

Maybe I will get the doorbell fixed. 

I lost three pounds. Only two pounds are new loss that I had gained back. Last week, I made brownies. Usually, he brings me 1/4 of brownies from 9x9 pan. I eat the other quarter the next day. This time, I froze most of the brownies in wax paper and froze them. Really, one brownie satisfies me as much as many brownies. Only one day did I eat more than one. I had one about 3 pm and wanted another later. So, no more afternoon brownie. 

Do you want color that is more or less permanent in your bathroom?

Would you want a steel storm door put in one foot space where a car is sitting? 

Such a Nightmare-Worst I Have Ever Had

 Tuesday night, I could not sleep. When Tommy awoke at 8 am, I asked him if he just wanted to go now to get ads and bogo items we wanted. I think he was a little shocked. I am oats and he ate something. We left before 9 am.

I really did not want the bogo on Spice Island Ground Sage to sell out. He had gone through the spices on Tuesday to see what we need for the holidays. Ground Sage was the only thing that we needed. While at Publix where Ocean Spray cranberries were $4.99 for 12 ounces, I looked to see if they were on sale. Yes! They were 2 packages for $4. I bought two and they are in the refrigerator. Those will be gone before the day is over. 

We got bananas, white grapes, Miracle Whip (2), 2 small packages of strawberry Jello, bag of Meyer Lemons, one Spice Island Ground Sage bogo, We did not buy much, just bogo items we needed and a few other items. 

I was in the bed for  nap by noon. I slept until 6 pm when I awoke from a nightmare. I was murdering someone. I had a long, bladed weapon. It was three feet long, mostly blade. Now, you know I could not wield it! It was gory. I immediately regretted what I had done. Then, I woke up. Lots happened at the beginning, but I cannot remember it which is probably for the best. 

Two appointments have been scheduled, one on Thursday and another on Friday for getting a shower installed we can use. I need to investigate both companies. I know the rotted-out window will need a repair. There is no exhaust fan. One-inch tile on floor and walls will probably need to go. I am sure the massive mirror will go. Vanity probably needs to go. Sink is rusted. 4-inch tiles on the wall will probably be ready to go once all the tile with leaks around them are removed. It actually does not look as bad as it sounds. The new commode will go. The light fixture I bought for the kitchen will go in the bathroom. I think what I described is 'gutting.'

Cleaner was supposed to come to get the car title. I have no idea why she did not. Her daughter bought Tommy's car. But, the mother's name will be on all papers. She had a much more extensive surgery on her hand, so no telling how long it will be until she can help me again. 

I received a text from creep. He said he searched for text I did not like. He said he sent it to me by mistake and he was sorry. He said it was for his girlfriend. He apologized again. I just read this as it showed up on window of flip-phone and did not reply. Hopefully, he will just go away. There were other issues. 

Today, when I went out at about 9 am, it was very cool and pleasant--no wind, no moisture. I hear we are in for much cooler weather, more like it usually in in November. We still have a huge tree that is green. 

I am excited about the new bathroom! Tommy admitted he was afraid of getting into the shower since he hoists himself by holding onto the shower frame. I will love washing my hair sitting down in the shower instead of bending over the sink since I am afraid I will fall trying to hold onto wet sink and counter. 

Thursday, I will cook the cranberries I took from freezer. They will be our Thanksgiving cranberries. I use much less sugar than the recipe on the bag lists. The two packages I bought today are in the freezer for maybe Christmas. Saturday, I plan to cook pork loin and vegetables to eat and to share with neighbor who takes out the garbage can each week.

It is only two weeks until Thanksgiving. Unbelievable. How is the plan for cooking coming along. Anything cooked and waiting in the freezer like I have done? 

No edits on this post. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Cooking Shows/ Creep Again/Edit

 Yesterday's post included a video of a woman cooking the whole Thanksgiving dinner in a flimsy aluminum pan. She even cooked potatoes and green beans for four hours. 

I promised more criticism/critique of some of the cooking shows. 

1--Most of these videos are with SO present. That's okay, but they are more like a performance for him.

2--Most of these videos are just a concoction that puts a cookie in a muffin pan, with candy on top, pours caramel on it and a boxed cake mix. A whole muffin pan with sugar is the result.

3--Banter between her and guy is flirtatious, off-putting.

4--When a 9x13 pan is used, a big show is made of getting whatever is put in in layer even. THEN, she stirs it all up and makes a mess all over the pan. 

5--She uses her hands for everything, every ingredient!--sugar, chocolate, things with a spout to pour. 

6--Constant patter that is repeated often--look how good this looks, this is going to be soooo good, don't you think so? , I can't wait to taste this! 

7--The final product is eaten with the hands. This is always sloppy and eyes are cut to companion. 

8--The final product never is cooled. That is why it is all so messy. They oooh and ahhh over the fact it is hot and messy. 

9--They are never prepared with anything. It all seems like they said, "Let's make a video" and pulled out the camera.

10--It all seems to be for the benefit of the person present.

EDIT

11--I just watched a woman handle a hamburger patty and then dip her hand in shredded cheese and a bag of chopped celery. Gross.

12--There are lots of mistakes and accidents. The cook seems surprised. It seems no one tries their technique before filming. 

13--another thing--In about half these videos, there is so much cleavage, it is blurred out. 

Now some of them may not follow this script. Enough do that it gets annoying. I will not tell you where they are on the internet. They are to be commended, I suppose, for doing this. They are just annoying. 

Sunday night, I started hiccupping when I turned over. These were huge, noisy hiccups that developed into acid reflux. I was not able to lie down, so sat in living room trying to stifle them so I would not wake Tommy. He did stay asleep. I tried to sleep again and they started again. I got up again. 

Finally, about 8 am, I got back in bed. He woke me at 11 so we could do something. I just wanted to sleep, so I did from 12:30 until 2:30. We went to grocery store and bought bogo items. Plus, he got cole slaw mix and carrots. 

When I went out about 4 pm, the air was dry and slightly chilled. It was a very pleasant feel to the air. However, it got up to 80 here today. 

Dinner was cold chicken, cheese, and lots of Brussels sprouts. I don't remember what Tommy ate. 

Remember the guy who left the sexual remark? He texted asking it we were okay. I deleted that. Then, I had Tommy call the cleaner. I could hear a guy on the other end and confusion in Tommy's conversation. Tommy had the cleaner's name on number for the jerk. Tommy apologized and told him he dialed the wrong number, apologizing again. 

Soon, Tommy got a text telling him he was rude. 

Today, I dialed the guy's number. "I wonder how you can call Tommy 'rude' after you sent me a vulgar voicemail?" I could hear him asking me about what voicemail. He called my number several times. I did not answer. I predict he will come to the door to ask me. We will not go to the door. Instead, I will call the police to remove him. I am a little afraid of him if he comes here. Can you believe it?

What else have you noticed about these cooking shows? 

This was not edited at all. 

Monday, November 11, 2024

Easiest Dinner Ever

 I am not recommending cooking like this. But, I was amazed. What is your opinion about this cooking method? Would you ever cook like this? 

Easiest Dinner Ever: Delicious, Quick, and No Fuss! | Watch

This short, dreary day has about gotten the best of me. I do have plans to declutter a bit so the day will not be a loss in terms of decluttering. 

Dinner was hamburger and salad. 

Yes, SAD has set in for me. 

Would you ever cook like the woman did? 

What has been happening in your world?

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Sunday

 Sunday was a drowsy day, cloudy, bit of sprinkles, 

We had leftovers here, so no need to cook. I had salad, chicken and tomato on top. Tommy made a couple of pizzas made from a hamburger bun, cooked chopped ground pork, spaghetti sauce, and mozzarella cheese. He also had a small salad. 

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, known as Armistice Day when I was young. It is also my brother's birthday. He died in 2001 at the age of 52. I am still so sad. My younger brother should not have died before me!

None of my joints in my fingers have ever been swollen. Now, I have a joint in my little finger on my right hand that is swollen and aching. Plus, it feels like I have poison oak on a portion of my right hand, but not on the little finger. I have no idea what is developing, but it is making me miserable. 

So many Christmas movies and specials are being advertised for this season. I am going to write them all down so I don't miss any of them. Clark Griswold is now loose in Europe. I never watch the Hallmark movies. The third Vacation one showing tonight just came on....yay.

Do you remember when Nov 11 was Armistice Day? 

What are your must-see movies for the holiday season?



Saturday, November 9, 2024

Your Choice Now?

 When I first looked out the front door today about 2:30 pm, I had a glimpse of foreboding as to what we can expect for in the next few months. It looked cold, rainy, cloudy, and dark. It did rain on and off, keeping Tommy inside, leaving the mail for later.

A little after 5 pm, the porch light came on because it was so dark outdoors. At least, we had nowhere to go. It was very quiet and still here, not many cars, walkers or bikers.

Remember, anything you need that comes from China will likely go up in price due to tariffs. Shop now for those items. 

Now, CVS has advised me by email that I have over $1000 in credits that I must use NOW. Right! 

Men are using a variation of 'my body my choice' to harass women.

"Your body, MY choice": Emboldened far-right men taunt women on social media after Trump win

How does this affect your peace of mind for females close to you, you, and all females? 

Do you have any purchases you need before the prices will go up?

 


Friday, November 8, 2024

Shave and a Haircut Annoyance and Racism

 This morning, I was sitting in my chair and making pimiento and cheese. I heard footsteps on the ramp and porch. Then--shave and a haircut. How odd. 

Tommy came to the door with me saying to ask who it is. He did and immediately opened the door. I snatch for a blanket and managed to get one knee covered up. I was in a nightgown with legs exposed. Then Tommy moved where the guy could see me fully. I was horrified. 

The guy had a stack of folders and papers about 4" tall. He kept insisting he was here because I had asked for him to come, mailed in a card or something. NO. He had the gall to argue that I wanted him there. He said he was from "state benefits." That sounds like the phone callers who are on the phone to 'help' me. I get about ten of these calls on the phone each day. 

I yelled at him to leave when he would not take 'no' for an answer and just kept arguing with one foot in the door. Yes, he opened storm door, put his foot in and gave a long knock. What brass! More brass than the courthouse dome. 

By the time he turned and left, I was shaking. Tommy just pushed the door to and never locked it. He thinks I am foolish to want to lock the door after I forced someone out! BIG argument with me explaining my concerns for safety! AGAIN!

Thankfully, the rest of the day went calm and well. When we got home, I called the guy who would be recipient of the dinner we made for him. He said he was just sitting there trying to figure out what to have for dinner. When I told him it was frozen, he later told Tommy he would use microwave or air fryer. So, the air fryer will work best. 

The day was pretty, mild, pleasant. Of course, I had a nap until 7 pm. Tommy gave me the highlights of the news like he always does. 

I called the nurse in charge of the vein clinic. She actually gives out her home number. Can you believe that? It seems like this extreme pain the leg pumps causes sometimes happens to people. She said it does happen for some few people. So, now I know. Since I have not been able to find the proper compression socks, namely ones with measurements, she told me the brand with measurements. When I asked where to go, she said "Amazon." Now, I can do this. Plus, now that leg and feet swelling have gone down, I no longer need the diuretic. So, that is one less pill I must take. That is progress, real progress for me! 

Oh Good Grief! It is Friday! How did that happen? 

Trump Backlash

Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in multiple states | Watch

I will not publish any comment defending or explaining racist comments.

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Free $10 Credit

 


 I received an email from Auto Zone that said I had $10 credit. This interests me. Before the expiration date, I reminded him to go to Auto Zone. I thought we might get some water. I gave Tommy almost carte blanche for shopping...lol. but not buying. He asked what to get...almost any gadget he saw that we could use. I mentioned a bunch of bottles of water, small flashlight. He found the windshield sunshades. I have always wanted one. There were two kinds. One had foil on both sides for $15. The other had only one foil side for $10. He bought the double sided one. 

We were in the car later and decided to open it. There is no opening that gadget. It is too wide, but we can make it work. It will always be accordion shaped. But, there are days we are dying from heat and light. He only spent about $6, including tax.  

I also received a CVS email notice that my credit of something like $384.72 would expire in about two hours if I did not open the window below before the credit expired. Well, since I have not bought that much ever at CVS, I PASS!

We only went to collect ads and cherry pick. We bought nothing at The Pig because once again, I had the ad for the wrong location. I don't believe this is all me! At Food Giant, we bought 5 lbs. Russet potatoes for $1.99. At Publix, I bought Melatonin, Drumstick Cones, shelled pecans for snacks for me, Cheetos and Fritos bogo for snacks for Tommy, Leafy Romaine salad, Oui for me. 

We sat in the park until dark and ate Drumstick Cones. The tennis players we were watching finally had to leave because no one could get the lights to work. 

I made up a dinner plate to take to guy across the street. He was not here between 4 pm and 6 pm, so I put it in the freezer to give him another day. The chicken looked so pale. Even though it was flavorful, I sprinkled it with parsley for a more flavorful and appetizing appearance. Now, it is frozen since he often goes away with someone who picks him up and he stays away for a few days. 

This weather is certainly not November weather--85F. But, I will gladly take it. It will be cold and wet sooner than I want it to be. It is 77F at 7 pm. We love this.

We will have baked chicken, Brussels sprouts, carrots, green beans, smidgen of cranberry sauce for dinner.

Little by little, I am continuing the decluttering. Sometimes, the clutter sneaks back in, and I have to kick it out again. 

Oops! I forgot I need to cook the other bag of Brussels sprouts. NOW! So, there is that! 

What have you gotten with a free store credit lately?

Has CVS notified you that they have an overly high value credit for you? 

Do you have a sunshade for the car that is accordion shaped or one that you twist? 

I love Brussels sprouts! Do you?  

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

My Red Mailbox and Birds

 It is gray and drippy outdoors. This is not my kind of weather. I know we need rain, but not gloom outdoors. And, it is dark too soon. Ugh!

GASLIGHT is on and an hour since I started putting bscb, I just now finished! We are having baked bscb, carrots and Brussels sprouts. 

I will send over to a neighbor a huge chicken breast and vegetables. He is a nice guy who wife died. He said every two or three days, he gets hungry and cooks. He has helped us out multiple times over the years, even before I moved here. 

People need to watch GASLIGHT. Most people I hear talk about the term 'gaslight' have no idea the meaning of 'gaslighting.'

Tommy went out to get the mail, and we both went out to spray paint the mailbox. That was our outside work. I cringe when I see the traffic on the interstates, so many cars. Not working does have its perks. 

After 32 days without rain, I finally got the mailbox cleaned off by Tommy. That was the day before it rained. Birds then fouled it. So, Tommy had to wash it again. He said the birds liked the red mailbox even better. He washed it again and it was a poop collector then and it rained. Today, he took out Dawn and vinegar in water and washed it with a paper towel!

No wonder it looked like dust on the top of the mailbox today after. I sprayed it for the last time. Next time, I will buy a red mailbox. Tommy put all the numbers on just perfectly aligned. Three peeled up because he put his big fingers on the sticky backs. Now, I have gotten out another three out of four numbers to replace them. That's okay because we have plenty. 

Cleaner sprayed the first coat. Tommy sprayed the second coat. I still had gray mailbox metal to put on the this last coat! If it still does not look right, I give up. 

Do birds like to poop on red?

Well, yes, they do according to one article. They poop more often on red cars!

Speaking of birds, their habits have become more like spring habits. Maybe it is the lack of torrid heat. They flit about, some seeming on a chase of others. They are spending time in the little ledges where they nest. Some seem to display mating habits. Have you noticed birds acting as though if it is spring?

Have you ever had someone, especially an intimate partner gaslight you?

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Where is My Ear? Sleep Paralysis

 I went to the doctor and someone, surely not a nurse, took my temp in my ear. She wiggled the thermometer around in my hair and settled on the very top of my ear in the little fold at top. She read my temp as 93.1. I was still trying to process what happened as she wrote it down. I spoke up and said, "You did not put that in my ear." 


"YES, I DID!"

"No, you put it in the top of my ear."

"NO, your hair was over your ear, so you could not feel it in your ear!"

"Okay, I will do it again and show you." She put the thermometer in a crook a little bit lower, but still not in my ear canal. Temp was 96F. It was still not in right place and surely not my temperature. I objected to that location, too. But, she was adamant and getting hot. 

So, what do you do? I decided it was not a hill on which I wished to die that day. Sorry healthcare! I will mention it to doctor next time. 

Cleaner called me when I was asleep and asked Tommy to tell me to call. He did about an hour after I got up from nap. Her cousin died a week before Halloween and her aunt died this last week. So, she was busy. She is having surgery on her hand again, so can come early next week.  She said she was not upset with me, just busy. 

Cleaner mentioned she had 'sleep paralysis.' I read about it to see what it was. I have been awake and could not move at all. But, it was not frightening to me or anyone else. She was at the dentist. He called paramedics to dentist office. Then, she had it after surgery and frightened nurses. Have you ever heard of 'sleep paralysis?' Have you ever experienced it? 

Tommy said he had heard of 'sleep paralysis' in regard to UFO abductions. It seems people with sleep paralysis feel like they are being held down and often have hallucinations. 

We had six paring knives. Now, we have three. Tommy suspects I lost them. Maybe I did. But, I know where to buy more. They have probably fallen under my recliner. But, I am the suspect...lol. 

This is a sad night, and I fear it will get worse. I cannot bear to watch the election returns. 

Have you heard of sleep paralysis, know someone who does, or had it yourself?

Have you had your temp taken not inside your ear canal?

Are you ever the suspect?




Monday, November 4, 2024

Not Much Today

 It appears my car has sold (will be) for the $6K Firm I am asking. Mower called and said in about two days, his son would buy it. I hope I have not spoken too soon. Tomorrow, I will change the oil. He will pick it up in two days.

We mailed our ballots today, none too soon. We asked a neighbor to be a witness to our signatures and drove to his house across the street on the way to the PO. Then, we brought bread and milk, drove through the park and home.

There are so many silver SUVs out and about. Every time I get out of the car at a store, I cannot find Tommy. I try to put groceries in different cars. So frustrating. He honks when I am off course.  With the Nissan, I instructed the guy helping me to put it into a police SUV. Guy said, "Are you sure?" He would not open the police SUV even when I insisted. 

Do you ever lose your car in the parking lot outside a store? Or anywhere?


Return of Humidity

 Sunday, Tommy finally woke at 5:30 pm. Later, I questioned him. He said he woke three times, went to bathroom and was asleep again after fifteen minutes. He said his temp was up and he felt awful, stuffy, feverish. But, later he felt better after he woke. I would be the last person to criticize a person's sleeping habit. But, I was curious.  Every time he sleep most of a day, he has elevated temp and congestion. 

Friday and Saturday, My sinuses were stuffy, so I had Hall's Mentho-lyptus. One day, I was so congested, I was choking. Cheeks/sinuses hurt now. October was a wonderfully dry month. Alabama is very humid. Surprisingly, this is the first October I have not been ill and required antibiotics. 

I failed a course at UAB and had to drop a course because I was so sick that first October. It was a horrendous experience. This October sort of made up for that first September. 

Now that humidity has returned, I am feeling miserable again. We did absolutely nothing today. I asked Tommy if he had been outdoors. He said he opened the door once and looked out and closed it. More than I did. 

Tonight, I will be freezing most of the turkey breast. DONE. Maybe he will look for the frozen bag of cranberries. He said he did not even look. Oh well.

Do you find damp weather causes you congestion? 

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Kudos to Tommy

 I forgot what I wanted so much to cause me to have Tommy wake me at 8 am, But, I was out of the door before 8:30. I went in Publix to return the original Cheerios and the Public peanuts I thought were the bogo Planters Peanuts. I bought the Honey Nut Cheerios. The Planters peanuts were no longer bogo, so I let that go. 

We tried to buy the screwdriver at the hardware store. I am going to take Skelli to ACE and get them to help me. The screwdriver size looked too large. I just need to get the batteries out. 

After we came home, I realized I had not bought one thing we needed. Maybe we were still out and about. Soooo, I had to go back for one item. 

I was in bed by 11:15 and probably asleep two minutes later. Then, I awoke at 3:15 and back in bed two minutes later. I slept until 5:30. Tommy had watched the Auburn game. They lost. He had gathered all the Halloween decorations from the yard, mostly hanging ghosts. He also washed a load of laundry  for me. He knew what I wanted, so turned the ghost decorations wrong-side out to dry the moisture. So, I need about 30 seconds to get those in storage.

Tonight, Tommy cooked a pizza. He had a ten-inch naan bread, found old spaghetti sauce, pizza cheese and a bit of leftover ground beef. It looked great. He said it was delicious. Later, I suggested he throw bits of vegetables on the next one. I suppose I need to chop onions and bell peppers, at least. 

I had baked chicken breast, lots of tomato, and lima beans. 

Tommy started eating lima beans. I am quite sure those were not cooked. He insisted they were. Tonight, I had some. They were raw and just heated. Gross!

Earlier, between the two of us, we got a 9 pound turkey breast in the oven. It was massive. I prefer a smaller turkey breast. The breast had lots of sage, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a tiny bit of salt rubbed into the skin. 

I took it off the bone and it is refrigerator to be frozen in bags in the morning. I wanted a boneless turkey but obviously got one with bone in. Tommy put it in the refrigerator on Monday, and it was still partially frozen on Saturday. I baked it with the giblets inside. The little bag was still intact when it was baked. 

In Publix I found Ocean Spray 12 ounce package of cranberries for (sit down first) $4.99. I will not be buying at that price. Thankfully, I have a package in the freezer that I only paid less than $2 somewhere, not sure. 

Sunday, we need to find a neighbor to witness our ballots. We will not put them in an outside box. So, Monday, we will mail them inside the PO. We made the deadline. 

So, the day was quiet which pleases me. I now have turkey frozen for Thanksgiving along with sweet potatoes and 

 


Friday, November 1, 2024

At Last!

 We sent in our request for a mail-in ballot about two weeks ago. I have been afraid we would not get a ballot in time. Our mail-in ballots came today. I have been fretting over this situation. Usually, Tommy gets the mail at noon, as soon as it comes. Today, he did not get the mail from the box until after 6 pm. I was so relieved to receive the envelope. It is filled out, just waiting for two people to witness my signature. 

The large white envelope held Five (5) other items: instruction sheet, secrecy envelope, affidavit envelope, brown mailing envelope. Whew! And there were lots of instructions on the instruction sheet. Now, we either have to have it notarized or have two witness sign. We are going the witness route. We can witness for each other, then find one witness to use for both of us. 

At 8 pm and rushed off by 8:30 to find marked-down Halloween items. There was little to be had and certainly not pumpkins, fake ones. A furniture store did have Fall items and pumpkins, but none were marked down. All specifically Halloween items were packed away. So, that is that. I refuse to chase a bargain right now. 

I did find an orange container and a black and orange pick.

We needed a nap. We got up right when we were supposed to be elsewhere, snatched on clothes and left. The people asked why were so late, thinking we had forgotten. We sheepishly told them we were asleep. 

Last night, we did a bit of decluttering. I had saved boxes, large and small for a specific reason. Well, we overdid it. So, Tommy broke down boxes I brought out to him. They are in the garbage truck. 

Publix was next. I bought the wrong Cheerios for Tommy. So, one of us will return them. I like original Cheerios and cannot stand Honey Nut Cheerios, his favorite. They even stink when he eats them.  I did get two half gallons of a2milk that is 2/$9. 

I switched to Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats from Special K which is too expensive! I rarely find them bogo. Besides, I like oats. I would eat them all the time except for the fact they have to be prepared. I am not lazy, just in pain. Tommy would do all the dipping of oats, measuring of water, and heating, but he does so much for me. 

Something strange happened here just before Halloween. I had changed out all batteries in things around the living rooms, candles, Red Kiss with lights inside, pillar candles. Tommy was standing and trying to use the tv remote. Suddenly, the Red Kiss fairy lights came on. He had not noticed. I certainly had noticed and was a little dumbfounded. He could not get the tv remote to turn off the lights. I had to turn them off manually. What on earth? Has your tv remote ever turned off another device that had its own remote???

Today, as I got out of the car and tried to turn and walk up the ramp, I stumbled and almost fell, stumbling toward the ramp until I could grab it. Later, I asked Tommy if he saw me. He said, "No, but he did see me stumbling/staggering in Lowe's parking lot when I dropped my debit card. Then, he let go of his walker here in the living room and held out both arms and slightly wavered back and forth, knees slightly bent, saying, "You looked like you were hanging ten. He really did look like a surfer. We had a good laugh. 

I was feeling woozy when I got out at Lowe's and then saw my debit card flutter to the ground, I momentarily assured myself I could pick it up. No, I cannot. I looked up and a man was exiting his car. So, I called to him and asked him if he could help me. He approached me eagerly and asked me what he could do. I pointed to the card and asked him to get it for me so I would not fall. Nice guy. 

I love DST, but I hate the early evening. We had to be home by 5 pm tonight as it quickly became too dark to drive once we came home. Soon, the day will end an hour earlier. DST has never bothered my sleep. Now, how could my sleep habits get any worse? In the past DST never disrupted my sleep, school, work, or health.

Ooops, I stored away Skelli with two AA batteries in his head, so we have to buy the proper screwdriver, take them out tomorrow. It's the only thing in which we put batteries. 

Tomorrow, Auburn plays at 11:45 am. I want to go out to stores. So, he will willingly get up and take me in order to get back in time for the game. Fall is the only time he will go out in order to get back here for a game. Otherwise, he is sleepy or watching something else. Tomorrow, he will be encouraging me to go soon. Then, I can take a nap while he watches to game in peace. 

It's late; my nap has worn off. 

What's on your agenda for this weekend.