New Mattress

 Tommy woke me at 10:30, per my request, so that I could continue with the mattress search. We planned to go to Macy's if all worked out. Well, no one answered until 1 pm, then we talked as I shopped over the internet and phone. Finally, at about 8 pm, it was settled. I am getting a mattress, the base that raises head and feet, mattress pad to keep mattress clean, and set of sheets. All was on a sale that ends Sunday. Because of price of what we bought, delivery is free. I will also get a mattress pad for comfort. I really hate the feel of foam! It appears that is mostly what is available. The mattress is not flippable. It can only be rotated.

One doctor tells me to raise head of bed and another tells me to raise foot of bed. Now, I can sleep bent. When I was in the hospital for hysterectomy, it felt good to barely raise head and barely raise feet. There is a cordless remote, so I will probably lose that all the time. Well, it won't be lost, just behind the bed beyond my reach. I bought sheets, too, partially with $10 reward and 15% off. 

I knew we would not get out in rain tomorrow. So, I just did this today. I got the firmest mattress possible that was SertaPerfect Sleeper. It seemed Macy's was the best deal in mattresses. Plus, I don't think I could have slept on this mattress long enough to wait for another sale. When I find the bed I want that fits the base, I can get that, too. 

During the month of March, I plan to work with the mailbox conversion for Christmas. I need to clean it and spray paint. Hopefully there will be enough dry and 80 degree days to spray paint. There is sharp metal where the guy cut the wreath that needs a metal file used to smooth it so it will not injure me as I work on the wreath halves. I also will accelerate the vehicle hunt, hopefully having bought at least one car before April. 

It turned off cold today. We did not go anywhere. Tommy took clothes out to wash, got the mail, and took the garbage to the road. He listened to me negotiating, increasing his credit limit, and heated dinner. I hope this cold weather does not spoil trees blooming and azaleas. 

Dinner: chicken breast, slaw, one tiny carrot, two-inch red potato, slaw, broccoli. Now, we must cook again or find something cooked in the freezer. Tommy had Cuban (spicy) pot roast and the same vegetables.

Hopefully, we can now resume the vehicle search. Then, we can get it adapted to pick up a scooter and get a scooter for me. 

If you have an adjustable base for your mattress, how is that working for you? 

Do you like Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses? It has been forty-four years since I bought one, but loved it for forty years. On each side I had two surfaces for a total of four surfaces on which to sleep. So, it worked out well for me. 

Flabbergasted--Another Death

 The Podiatrist appointment was today at 12:30 pm, We left the office at 3:30 pm. I was exhausted by the time we left. At 2 pm, I knew we would not be home for cleaner to come at 3 pm, so cancelled. Tommy carried crackers to carry us through. However, I had just eaten so made it fine. 

As Pod finished, I mentioned the big 'freckle' on my big toe about 1/4 inch from nail. I said I was going to have it removed to be sure it was not cancer. Pod looked at me and said, "Do you know how rare foot cancer is?" I asked, "Do you know that several of my father's brothers died from melanoma that was untreated?" Pod said, "No." "Do you know my father died from pancreatic cancer as did his mother, my grandmother? Derm said, "No" I supposed I schooled her! 

Funny thing--when I mentioned the spot, the freckle, or whatever it is, Pod tried to clean it off with alcohol and sort of scratched it. It was permanent. I thought it was dirty, too, weeks ago, but it was on to stay. 

I felt like I was not heard, like Pod was taking away my agency. Well, I had determined that I would have the Derm remove the freckle and test it. 

Pod came in limping with a boot, acting like walking was painful. It seems Pod was walking along and broke foot. Podiatrist breaks own foot while simply walking!

When we left the doctor's office, I took a prescription to Publix. I told Pod that Walgreen's said it was all the same, that they did not carry the drops she wanted me to have. She gave me another paper prescription to take to Publix. Publix Pharmacist said they could not order it and wanted me to take another iteration of the same med. Tomorrow, I will call another drugstore. 

On the way out of Publix, I saw a bogo that I bought. Knorr's Pasta Sides were 4/$5. I imagine a one-pot meal for dinner. I bought four. Tonight, I used Fettucine and Broccoli in a Chicken Flavored Sauce. I decided to put the rest of the frozen broccoli in and a piece of chicken breast. Well, there was not much broccoli left so I put in a new bag of frozen broccoli, well, most of it. 

Then, Tommy found two chicken breasts in freezer. The small one was only part of a breast and not enough for one person. So, the large one went into pot. It was only one vegetable, but it was delicious and easy to make. After I had a bowlful, I used Three Cheddar Shredded Cheese. Everything in this one-pot meal was bought bogo or on sale.

I chose three more sides:

Four Cheese Pasta. I did not mean to buy mac and cheese. But, I will either eat as it is or add enough to make it a meal for two.

Herb and Butter. Why did I buy two pastas like these?

Fettucine in a Savory Chicken Flavored Sauce. Okay, this pasta is better choice. All four will probably be made into four one-pot meals. I thought all four were fettucine!

I decided to call R, female friend who bought a fancy storm door that was a security door. I mentioned S, a friend of ours. She said he died, sort of as an aside. I knew he lost one toe to diabetes and his penchant for sweets, but I found out he was losing one toe about every two years. One lost toe would certainly wake me up. When they went into his house after he died, there was a three-pound bag of candy corn in his chair that he had taken to sleeping in instead of bed. 

You may remember a friend's antique store that we ate in for Thanksgiving. I was looking for pictures just now, but cannot find them. 

I asked R if anyone else had died that were our friends. She said T almost died but did not. S is gay man, longtime friend. Well, T and D are a gay couple. D was antiquing at an estate sale. He went into cupboard or closet, picked out some things, bought them, went home. The next day he went back to the cupboard/pantry and stepped in. Little did he know someone had gone in there and opened a trap door in the floor and did not close it. Of course, T fell through hitting many things including a wall. He was taken to ER. He suffered many injuries. 

His arm suffered a trauma that was treated. Months later, it was bothering him but since the ER doctor had treated the arm, he assumed it was going to get better and did not seek further treatment. Well, months later when he did go back, doctor found staph infection. Soon, they discovered that he had staph in arm. It was in his spine. R said, they opened up his spine and vacuumed out the staph. It had damaged his spine so two rods were put on side of his spine to stabilize it. Then, the staph was found in bones of the arm. He cannot use his arm. 

Since his husband, D, has dementia, he could not help care for him at home even with nurses coming in to treat him. Now, T is in nursing home. I am flabbergasted that one misstep could cause such damage. 

S's death horrified me. The accident T had is almost worse. So, I am feeling emotional right now. It is hard to lose a friend and hard to think another almost lost his life. Today was a physically hard day and emotional. I am exhausted.

The Park

 Today, I recovered from sleep loss and the malaise I have felt. It was weird. 

Today, I tried to reach Macy's, but nothing worked. So, I will try again tomorrow, try a different tack. 

I spray a section near my chair where there were/are still more fleas. We went for a drive, stopped at the park to watch tennis, walkers, kids playing and two baseball games. A guy went into the walking area. We saw what he carried, thinking it was some sort of bat or racket that he was carrying and maybe going to another place after walking. 

The thing he carried was a 2x2x24" stick. There were pieces of metal, maybe brackets attached to both ends. I concluded it was meant to be a weapon. Eventually, Tommy came to the same conclusion. Maybe he is afraid in this park mid-afternoon. Since the whites were greatly outnumbered, maybe he was afraid of black violence. The way things are going around here, he should carry a gun. If we ever see him again, I want to ask him what he is carrying. Of course, he may be the violent one.I was not fearful at all. Neither was Tommy. 

Buds were swelling. Birds were out and about. A bluebird sat on a birdhouse. I wonder about that since bluebirds don't like their houses close to things. This was six feet in front of the car. Dandelions were in abundance. Soon, it will be time to mow. 

Near Christmas when we drove through the park, I was surprised by a cache of bikes. Some were tiny; some were the size a ten-year-old might ride. Earlier in my life I might have claimed on of the dumpster bikes to paint for the yard to hold flowers. Maybe if it had been warmer and drier in December, I might have gotten one for the yard. A can of spray paint would fix it right up. 

People use the park dumpster for their personal dump. I have found things that I got for myself, but right now, I have forgotten. There are things in good shape that I don't get, but someone should. People leave the large things by the dumpster not inside. 

Dinner--I had chicken with Vidalia bbq sauce from Sweet Baby Ray's, slaw, lettuce, tomato, huge plum. Tommy--honey baked turkey breast, slaw, carrots, peas, broccoli. 

I may have broccoli later as a snack. Right now, I need to wash up a few dishes before the 10pm news.  It has been five hours and there are no fleas jumping on me. 

Not much was done today. Tomorrow, I have a doctor's appointment. That will exhaust me. Then, a woman comes to vacuum. UGH

Today, Tuesday, was not exciting, got a bit of decluttering done, but there was no drama. Today was restful. I needed that. 

Was there any excitement in your life today?

Decluttering? 

Creativity? 

Pants, remotes, vacuum, burger, slaw, weather, mattress, walker

 For a few days, I have been so sluggish. Nothing seems bad, but I am in a haze it seems. 

When I went to the grocery Saturday, I came home with two of the largest plums ever. Nope, did not buy them. I ate one. Was that bad of me? They would have thrown it away. 

I found someone to come vacuum Wednesday. That is too long to wait, but at least it is something. She want $25 to vacuum. I wonder if that is per hour. She had husband speak to me. She will bring daughter to translate for her. I wonder if the daughter helps. We will see. I do doubt I will have her again. 

We sprayed the house today and left to do things. I wanted to see if this guy in Bessemer who sells produce from his truck had things out. No. He will. I am sure he gets produce from the big Farmer's Market on Finley Ave, but I don't care. It's always delicious. The church was selling food, but I did not want to stop.  We had a small, plain burger in a parking lot with drinks we brought from home. Basically, we kicked around, wasting time until the stench from the Raid dissipated. 

Dinner--burger, slaw, lots of slaw for both of us. I only put a smidgen of salt in coleslaw, but put too much in today. Then, I over-poured apple cider vinegar in the bowl. I had already put lots of mustard in the mix. It was a spicy coleslaw tonight. Tommy thought the salt was just fine. Ick I suppose I should have put the other bag of slaw mix in with the strong one. 

Due to the beautiful weather and high temps, I did not wear a sweater, jacket, or scarf yesterday or today. I wore an airy, loose blouse that was not warm in any way. In the house I have not had to cover myself with a throw or use a jacket. Next thing we know, we will need ac on and I will need a throw again! But, for now, the temps inside and out are perfect. 

I think we will go mattress shopping at Macy's on Tuesday. They are having a sale as is everyone else. They do carry Serta Perfect, the kind I had last that I loved. I almost fell off the bed again. It seems I just sat on the bed, lay down and turned toward the other side of the bed. When I decided to turn back, I was too close to the edge of the bed for my comfort! It actually frightened me. I have a stool with a boom box on it beside the bed. I would put the boom box on the end table, but the boom box has an eerie, bright blue light that would keep me awake. So, it sits on the stool facing the box spring. 

Tommy's last walker weighed 10 or 15 lbs.; this one--25 lbs.  I am not sure how wide the last one was, but this one is 22 inches wide. He is ruining the corner of the wall. I put thick gorilla tape on the bottom where he was ramming the last walker. There was sheet rock all over the floor. He said he did not care. He manages to hit the corner higher with this walker. Plus, the tires are 10" and not 3". This time I will get one of those rubber/plastic corner protectors and figure out how to install that. He never runs into things in others' houses or in stores, but here he is not careful or caring at all. Of course, I will purchase that at the hardware store in Cullman. 

His pants are getting too tight, so he needs new pants. I had to point it out before he even acknowledged it. Is this a guy thing? If my waist band were two inches too small, a person would not have to invite me to buy new pants. Of course, for the last 40 years, I have worn elastic waistbands for health sake only. 

When I moved here, of course Tommy manned the remote. I had no desire for him to share it with me. Besides, it takes two remotes to work the TV. When he went to sleep, I would wake him to turn off the TV. One night about two weeks ago, he handed me the one remote and told me to keep it low, turn it lower so it would not wake me in the morning, and then turn it off. 

In the meantime, he has 'allowed' me to use the other remote to change channels. I wrote how where different channels can be found. I think I know how to use both as well as he does, maybe. I suppose this is a breakthrough. We use a soft, zippered pencil bag to toss the couple back and forth. I leave the bag on his walker when I go to bed. It works for us. 

I asked why two remotes. He said he never could get one programmed. I hate remotes I have to program. The next tv, we will each have one remote, not two different remotes. When he goes to the kitchen and we need to talk, if I mute the sound, we don't have to scream back and forth, not hearing each other anyway. 

Does it seem all guys want to man the remote? 

Do you know anyone who destroys corners, furniture, anything by hitting it with a walker or wheelchair? 

Cleaning a Hoarder's House

Cleaning a hoarders house that is gross.

Cleaning a hoarder biohazard kitchen for FREE - YouTube

This guy cleans houses for free. He is very compassionate toward the people whose houses he cleans. He points out the reasons houses get into this condition. 

I suppose I have watched about ten hours of his videos. It is appalling how these houses look. Even at the worst, I have never seen a house like these. 

Once you watch one of these, you will hear more about him. In a few of these he is very disrespectful to his son, calling him awful names. But, apparently, he quit that nonsense. His son and daughter and another young man work with him. He will tell you he is autistic, has a cleaning company that he does charge for his services, is 6'5" so he can reach the high stuff. 

These videos are fascinating to me. 

Oh, we went to Publix. As I switched carts in the lobby, I felt a flea jump onto my wrist. Conflicted as to what to do after I caught it, I went back outside to trash and put it in there. I did not want to infect the store or the outside. It would have jumped on someone else. 

Have you ever seen a house in the condition of the kitchen or bathroom? He even had to wear a hazmat suit for the bathroom. 

Leprechaun Balls

St. Patrick's Day Dessert: Leprechaun Balls (momfoodie.com)

and another

40 Green Foods to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (msn.com)

Since I did not feel like posting anything today, I thought this was cute.  

Today was a nothing day in an effort to regain some strength and ooomph. I probably slept enough. Then, I slept about three hours in my chair as did Tommy but not so long he said. We did not go car shopping. 

Dinner was ready in the refrigerator, but we added other things. I made tuna salad sandwich without eggs and had potatoes, carrots, and broccoli. He had some pork he said he found in the freezer, carrots, potatoes, and broccoli. 

I did manage to put color on my hair, so feel better about my looks. Tomorrow, I will cut Tommy's hair.  I keep putting it off but will get it done eventually. Okay, I will get it done tomorrow. 

The recipe for leprechaun balls emphasizes it is for adults. I am quite sure you can sub other ingredients to make it child friendly. 

My one St. Patrick Day decoration is a large Shamrock to go on front door. 

Will you make something green to eat? I doubt I will. Do green beans count? 

Do you decorate for St. Patrick's Day? 

Wear green or a pin? 

Alice Sent This Picture

 

It is made specifically for cleaning the windshield on the inside. I think I will give it a whirl so as not to hurt my shoulder and hand. Have you ever used one of these?

I received two checks in the mail, both for less than $10 one from a bankruptcy case$6.60. I would give you the details, but I forgot what one was for but it was $8.60. There is still a $5. check to cash. 

Today was a beautiful day, but I was still hurting, not wanting to go anywhere. I hated totally missing the pretty weather. 

This afternoon, I felt a feeling on my foot and quickly got lotion to put on it. As I looked at my foot, I thought I saw a flea. Immediately, I put the lotion on it to immobilize it. As I got it up with the ointment/lotion, it tried to get away. Thankfully, it was mired down and could not escape. I had a bowl with leftover milk where I had emptied all of the milk possible. Immediately, I put water in the bowl and ended up with murky liquid. I put my index finger and thumb that had captured the flea and got the flea into the water. A little later, I found another flea on my foot and likewise disposed of that one.  The thing with the second flea was that I was trying to kill it with my thumbnail and it jumped. I figured it jumped on me. I bent over floor and shook my hair. The flea fell back on my foot. I got more lotion to help capture that one. About thirty minutes later, a flea was on my wrist. So, I drowned another flea. 

I had Tommy spray the floor in front of my chair and under it. I had a basket of clean clothing nearby, so could not spray much until I get up shoes and laundry. I really hate fleas.

Two hours later I went to the kitchen to see if I really had three fleas since the murky liquid made it hard to see anything. Yes, as I poured it out slowly, I could see three fleas. Miraculously, they were still moving. Now, they are down the drain. Hopefully, they die. I am shocked they were still kicking around after all the lotion and water. I hate fleas. Fleas love me. 

While I was taking photo from email to send it to my blog, somehow, I put it into Paint and was able to do all sorts of things to the picture, mainly write on it. Cool!

Afterwards, I put a pink towel on the floor in front of my chair, sort of like a rug so I would not step on the wet flea killer. Just now, I bent over and could see a flea crawling on the pink towel. I sprayed it with flea killer which blew it elsewhere every spray. I also put OFF on my legs. 

Nightgowns and underwear are hung in doors of bedrooms. Towels and washcloths are ready to fold. That is my sole contribution today. Well, I did cook two hamburgers and took eyes from red potatoes. And, I did declutter a smidgen. Now, I know which receipts to save and which are not in recycling. 

Dinner--hamburgers, carrots, potatoes, broccoli (which we forgot in microwave).

We decided not to go to Cullman tomorrow since I am still bone-tired. 

We are both looking pretty skaggy--his hair is too long and mine desperately needs color. So, maybe we will do that tomorrow.  We cancelled an outing today. We do have another planned for Saturday. 

Resident Alien is back!!! Do you watch this?

I hope everyone's weekend is predicted to be as pretty as our weekend will be.

Do you have a car windshield inside tool like the one in picture? If so, how is it? 

 

This and That, Nothing Much, Connie's Question

 Today, We Rested! mostly

I hurt all over. Walking on rocks at the dealer yesterday made Tommy's feet hurt. By the time I woke at 10 am, I had had 11 hours sleep counting the 4-hour nap before bedtime. However, my body still was quivering from pain. 

The plan was to go back to look for a car on Friday or Saturday. Now, the plan is Saturday. We think Friday would be too soon for us to punish our bodies again. 

We went to pick up the ads this afternoon. A cursory glance in the car yielded nothing to interest us. We both go over it again to make sure we did not miss anything. I become ill if I read in the car, so I may have hurried past something. This past week, we bought nothing from the ads.

I found a place to buy Ball bee jars, so I will get those. Plus, I need to get a purse repaired. Both these will be Saturday chores. 

Connie asked what I was going to do with the material I bought. The answer was in the post that disappeared.  Maybe I will make a Barbie dress, Cabbage Patch clothes, anything Christmasy. The other fabrics were equally suited to all these items. In the past I made dozens of capes and sold to a costume shop. This was back when Harry Potter was first hot.  Now, all the characters have some kind of cape but not the colors I have. Connie, maybe I am collecting fabric. I don't know. It was a sale! lol

I just awoke from a 2.5-hour nap, just in time for news. I had chicken with another salad from the lunch. Now, I will have apples and blueberries. 

I will answer another question tomorrow.

See? Nothing much.

What have you accomplished today? 

Did you cook something delicious?

Do you buy material with no idea exactly what you will sew?

Car Shopping

 Wednesday, we went to Cullman and had lunch. Then, we shopped for a new vehicle. We tried 2 just sitting in them and driving around the huge parking lot. We took another one for a drive down the highway. The seat hurt my back and the seat was not very deep. I felt like I was perched on a narrow bench. The salesman saw our car seat and commented that it was deep. Otherwise, we would have driven it home. I wish I could get a more comfortable seat exchanged for this uncomfortable one. 

Today was exhausting. We ate our pick up lunch at the lake. It was serene. Then we headed off to the car dealership, PO, and Publix, and home. `

Lunch was 16 oz. bowl of soup. A salad in 12 oz cup, dressing crackers, and an oatmeal sandwich cookie with overly sweet cream filling. Tommy ate both soups while I ate both salads. I bought a chicken tender at Publix. 

For dinner Tommy had another bowl of soup. I went to bed. When I got up around 10 pm, I had cottage cheese and applesauce. I was too tired to chew. 

My gastro doctor's nurse called me. I had called and left a message about the endocrinologist who was supposed to have called. She assured me they had contacted the endocrinologist. True to everything I have experienced, his nurse was wonderful. 

I am still trying to figure out why I did not know I had gallstones and why I am not being treated for them. 

I am exhausted! The ride is hard enough on me. Throw in getting in and out of the car, negotiating, and all that car buying/shopping entails and I may recover next week! 

Does car shopping/buying exhaust you in the best of conditions? 

Fun Times Ahead

I awoke Tuesday morning with a massive knot in my neck, felt awful, and decided not to do something I love doing. Instead, we went grocery shopping. We did not need regular groceries, but we needed stuff for my low residue diet for colonoscopy. It was a fun trip. /s

/s is sign for sarcasm, a tone indicator.

I was confused. Is low residue low fiber. The pharmacist looked confused, too. She was a snippy, cold, humorless person. I now have apricot Jello, Wonder Bread. I forgot to get Gas X, asparagus tips. I had questions that no one knew answer. Can I have Special K since I can have Corn Flakes? Why can I have cream cheese and not milk at my last meal the morning before? There are more questions. 

There are problems. I hate citrus Jello, Kool Aid, and drinks. I am also allergic to citrus. I love the red and purple of the former products. But, cannot have them for this. It is just too complicated...lol. 

I can only have clear liquids. Coke is a clear liquid! I was shocked. Now, I know it means no seeds or residue. I cannot find broth is low sodium. 

The prep kit cost $4. They have never cost me anything before. But, it's okay. 

This prep involves pills and an extraordinary amount of water. 

The doctor said casually, "since you have gallstones..." What?!?! Last gastro doctor never told me this. I love the present gastro. 

Good news is bananas, chicken, and milk products are on the menu for this procedure. I cannot have apple skins or pecans, but I can do without those for a few days. I do eat both every day. 

I can only have white rice, so I just won't have rice since I only eat brown rice. I can have saltines, but not oats, so I will put saltines in the salmon croquettes I want to make. Eggs are low residue--goody goody gumdrops. Carrots and potatoes are low residue. 

I had a CT for knot in abdomen and kidneys. Good news is that there was not one a$$ in the building. I was grateful. Everyone was very nice and helpful and funny.

I have a week to get the food all figured out. I have never had such specific directions. I just worry about low blood sugar the day before and day of the procedure. 

Fun times ahead!

Do you handle colonoscopies well? Maybe you have never had one?

It disappeared

The whole post has been lost. I am not sure what I did.

Feb. 14th

 Today, I went into Publix to get strawberries and blueberries that were not in stock on Monday. Still, none were there. I asked the produce guy who told me they were on the front of the produce aisles. What? It turns out there were blueberries and strawberries there two days ago, just in a different location. They are usually at the back of the produce aisle. Oh, well. 

Tommy went into Publix on the 13th and came out, saying there must be 500 balloons in the store, all full of air. I thought he was exaggerating, but when I went in on Valentine's Day, I decided he was mistaken because there could easily have been 1000 balloons. There were ballons on top of each counter of the store. The sight was amazing. 

After I went through the two sets of double doors, there was only a three- or four-foot space to get into the rest of the store. The crowd was worse than a Christmas crowd and it was only 2 pm. 

I bought a tiny pale pink azalea to put outside once I harden it off. Plus, I got one of the heart-shaped ballons that is now in the living room anchored (heavy disk) on the floor and soaring to the ceiling. I have never had one of this type of balloon. 

Balloons are apt to float away. I have seen ballons anchored with all sorts of heavy items. This balloon accessory has all bases covered. It is heavy. It is magnetic. It has a hook. It is a white disk. 

This past weekend, I decided to get a magic bullet smoothie maker. It has a small base and three cups. Someone gave me one like it and after cleaners had been here, I cannot find the base. It was only about four inches across and four inches high. I suppose it is here, but where? I have low-fat Greek yogurt, so I need to make smoothies.

Tommy asked me several months ago if I wanted Chinese. Well, yes but not inside, just carryout. I don't know if the place I ate 25 years ago is still here or even the name. I know Anne said which Chinese place was best, but I forgot. So, we never went. 

Today, he was talking about getting lunch at home before we went out. I have wanted a chili cheese footlong from Sonic. He keeps saying he does not know if we have hotdogs in the freezer. So, I wanted to go to Sonic. We carried out own diet drinks. This was not a Valentine meal, just something I have wanted for a month. So, we went. They brought my chili cheese coney without napkins or a fork. I refuse to eat the footlong hotdog with my hands since I would really need to wear a bib. Tommy called back and finally they brought me a fork and a wad of napkins. It was almost cold by then. But, it was delicious. 

Then, we went to Publix. 

We came home to put away fruit and for me to go to bathroom. We had another stop to make at a big box. While out, I found a fabric sale and stayed buying fabric--red velvet, red with sparkly design, white sheer with sparkles, pink fabric with sparkles, grey? tulle. I bought something else but forgot what. It must be in the car still. I did get Tommy a tiny heart box of candy, the king that has four pieces. It is still in the car, too. He only brought the fabric into the house, something I did not know. 

Surprisingly, it was still quite light out, but by the time we got home around 6 pm, it was the last of the light. When we got out of the car, I realized the strawberries and blueberries had been in the car for 4 hours! 

I have not had a blender since I moved here. I could get one, but there is no storage space on the counter or inside doors. I never used the old one for anything but smoothies, anyway, and I love the one someone gave me. So, I just bought a smoothie maker like I was gifted. 

Since Tommy chopped and cooked the ground beef with onions last night, I cooked spaghetti tonight. It was delicious. Plus, there is enough for at least two more meals for each of us. I should not have to cook for about five or six days with the cooked chicken and vegetables here. 

I brought home two large cuts of pork a few days ago, not sure what cut at the moment, and Tommy left both in the refrigerator. I wanted them in the freezer. When I discovered they were mostly thawed, I was not happy, but nothing to do except cook both now. Plus, I need to cook the last of three cabbages. I suppose I will be slicing and freezing ten pounds of pork. We need to have people over...lol. And, I want navy beans to eat. 

In the big box store, the shelves had mostly been stripped of Valentine's Day merchandise. Employees were busy putting out swim season stuff like floats and blowup kiddie pools. Then, it is on to St. Patrick's Day. Then Easter. 

I am up too late since I need to wash my hair before a doctor's appointment. Last night, I slept nine hours, so I suppose tonight I won't sleep at all tonight. 

Today was the first day since the middle of September that I have left the house without a scarf with a jacket or sweater. I was warm until we arrived home. The sun leaving the sky was chilling. 

What food do you start wanting that you just don't manage, somehow, to have to eat, either at home or out? 

 

Strange New Gearshift and Ambulance

 When we had to rent a car, the last one we got had a strange round knob to turn to shift gears. I hope this is not the future of gear shifts. CLICK HERE to see this strange and dangerous new item

Do you have a gear shift that is just a knob to turn? Tommy had to take his attention from everything else to determine how to use the knob, where to turn it each time. 

Today, I had three appointments for different procedures at the cardio. One was exceptionally early. I knew I was not going to make it when Tommy came to wake me. When I woke to go to bathroom, I was shocked he was letting me oversleep. When I came and sat down and tried to talk to him, he could not understand me. I asked him questions and he gave an off-the-wall response, nonsense answer. I could not get a straight answer for ten minutes as he was just out of it, not just asleep. Of course, he lapsed back into nonsense often.

So, I called 911 and soon had five people in living room with another woman trying to get the stretcher into the house. Tommy did not know his birthday at first. They went over his med, measured blood sugar, put in iv and pushed it in fast. They told me to get him something to eat. I asked what would be best--pbj, He hates jelly on that, so they said pb sandwich was fine. I asked one of the young women to get me a spoon for the peanut butter. She brought it back. Soon, she brought him a regular Coke to help him. So, she had gone back to refrigerator. 

Finally, they left, telling him he would  go to hospital in the ambulance if they had to come back. So, he finished it all and is snoozing, says he is cold so heat is up really too high. 

He scares me when this happens. He said when he called me and I asked him to call the doctor and told him where the number was, he looked all over the page and could not find a number. No, he did not eat breakfast. No, he did not take insulin yet. He also had few carbs last night. 

Monday, his feet were tripping him. He walked funny. He talked funny. He was driving erratically. "No, I'm okay." Well, finally in the store he felt woozy, like he was going to pass out and had a candy bar. Then Tuesday, his blood sugar was 41. 

The guys said he would have just lain there until he was dead. Scary. He must be better because he is getting lippy. 

I now have new appointments for procedures cancelled for Monday. We both need milk, and more bananas for me. Okay, we got milk, bread, and bananas. We had a bit of a wait for another project. He has started getting something to eat and taking it with us. There was a time when he wanted to get a burger every time. Plus, I was trying to purchase Rubbermaid containers with clear bottom and red tops bogo. 

He argued and fretted about how we had plenty of storage containers. I kept pointing out the glass ones were so heavy and breakable. NOW, he grabs a little square sandwich box to take a cheese sandwich with us. Sometimes, we take bits of different foods. I pointed out we use no plastic bags to throw them away if we use the plastic boxes. We don't heat anything in these nor do we leave food in them. So, I feel confident it is safe to use these the way we do. 

You know he is a late adopter of most things. But, taking food with us and using the little sandwich boxes have become his own habits. I never have to remind him. 

I have a box of Thin Mints. Tommy tasted one, said it was disgusting. The Thin Mints are all mine.

Do you drive a car with a knob for gear shift? 

Do you have anyone whose blood sugar is precarious? And, he refuses to check blood sugar because he "knows what he is doing"?

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

 The last time I tried, I could not reply to comments on my blog. 

Tommy chopped and cooked the ground beef tonight since I did not want the meat to spoil. Now, I can make spaghetti. It smelled so delicious, we ate that instead of chicken. Tomorrow, I might make spaghetti sauce with pasta. 

Today, I saw my primary physician for the first time since last summer. He had to come get me in the wheelchair they finally acquired. He did not even speak to me. Usually, he is so friendly. We waited over 45 minutes for someone to get me from the car. 

He pronounced what I had, based on what tests are listed for this week. He read tests as results. Not impressed. My blood pressure was 114/63. Good.

I am not sure why there was such vitriol toward me. I am in no way in control of this house. Most of you should know that. Things are falling apart because his plan it to sell the house 'as is' someday when he goes into a home and not spend money on it now. I try to convince him of the folly of his ways, but I am screamed at by him and readers, now. 

I lived with dozens of roaches on kitchen counter each night and day until I just became hysterical at the sight. I was so stressed at having them around even though I did my best to clean every day and even several times a day. I had roach killer that he refused to allow me to use. Now, he is much more cooperative on that and many counts. Maybe I won't mention any more deficits in this house since it distresses some of you. 

No one knows the real story of my house's decline, so don't throw that up to me. It only makes me more reticent to disclose anything because people have solutions that are unrealistic.

Do you use microfiber cloths to clean. I did have many that I got free from a service station when I bought gas. Those are gone. But, I purchased a few. They have specific ways to wash and dry, things not on the packages. Since I want more than the three I have, I will follow the directions for washing and drying in the link in the first sentence of this paragraph.

Apparently, I knew very little to nothing about them and ruined them. There was a section on hospital use.

How do you wash and dry microfiber cloths if you use them?

Did you ever get microfiber cloths free for buying gas back when the cloths first came out?

Black Things, TMI, Handicapped Bathroom

 Saturday finally settled down to a humdrum existence which was great. Between the two of us, we baked bscb, red potatoes, and carrots. Then, I froze most of the breasts. Tommy took the skin and bones from the four thighs, and I froze those in three bags. One is for him to eat. The other is for chicken and dumplings. But, if he needs them, he can eat them. I want him to cook the ground beef tonight. I will make spaghetti. We have three days of doctor appointments and a day of cleaner coming. So, those four days we need food cooked ahead of time. Neither of us will want to cook, just dish it up and eat.

Saturday, the older teen was sitting behind my chair, moving things when she started talking about something I am very vocal about. She said, "Why do they make everything black. You cannot find things." When I need a wireless mouse, I specifically look for a white one, hopefully with some colors, also. I have bought some really ugly ones, but I was confident I could find it on the floor in a dark area, like between my chair and a table. 

I even try to buy purses without a black lining.

Okay, maybe this is TMI to you. But, Tommy and I do not hide our unclothed bodies. We don't necessarily close and lock the bathroom door. When I pass the bathroom and he is in there with the door open, I pass by without ogling. But, one day was different. 

I saw something out of the corner of my eye that made me look. He cannot step up three inches without holding onto something. He gets over the side of the tub, but I never asked how or saw him getting in or out of the tub to shower. Well, I did.

He was holding onto the top rail of the shower enclosure with the glass doors lifting his whole body with just his hands and arms. What interested me beyond the surprise of how he got over the tub side was his muscles. He had bulging muscles in arms, back, and shoulders. I was very impressed with his musculature. 

He did not believe how big his muscles were. He has a body that would be described probably as 'dad bod.' He had no stomach overhang and no love handles four years ago. Now, he does but has gained no weight. His belt just rides lower, like many men. But, above all that he has large and defined muscles when he lifts himself. 

At first, he objected to me telling this. Then, he said it was okay to tell everyone. What guy objects to a woman telling people how muscular he is? I suppose these are muscles developed since he does not use his lower body often, much like quadriplegics in wheelchairs.

The last time the plumber was here, Tommy started asking questions about the showers with low access. He does not want the walk-in tub, just a shower with low access. However, it will have a seat. That works for me. Several years ago, when he could not step up, he strongly objected to anything but what he has--tub with glass doors. Now, he seems to be amenable to getting something safer for both of us.

Right now, the rain, wind, thunder, and lightning are furious. There are no tornadoes forecast, but weather person said not to rule out the risk. Okay 

Do you have trouble finding anything black that has fallen on the floor? Do you deliberately try not to buy black items? 

Do you have a tub/shower with low entrance? A seat? 

Lost! Lost! Lost!

 However, I am quite sure we will find it again. When Tommy and I want to give something to each other, we often toss whatever it is. He tossed me the remote and it bounced high on the arm of my chair, going to the back. We searched for two hours. How far can it go? 

Tommy had to army crawl behind a table and my chair, chancing unplugging lamps and computer and power to chair. He never systematically searches. He cannot see under the other chair in corner so just crawled on top of everything, randomly picking up things. Yes, it is a mess. Of course, we sorted as he went about. 

I called a friend who lives in Cullman who is going to come and clean next Monday. However, we do not want to wait until then to find the remote. She already comes to clean two houses down here. I knew she came down here, so was hoping she could find the remote and asked her about cleaning. She called a friend who was on her way back to Birmingham.

Okay, three females came by on their way from a baby shower in Cullman back to Birmingham, friends of woman who I am friends with in Cullman.

The mother and two teen girls were so nice. The mother has back problems but wanted to look on table where it could not be. She also looked around on the floor. The older teen crawled around behind me, searching everywhere as I told her and how I told her. Then, they wanted to look under the quilt I keep on my chair. So, I let her. 

I have a tall nylon clothes hamper that I keep throw, jacket, little pillow and other stuff corralled. Tommy had looked in their twice last night. I saw him looking once again today as he had it on his walker by the door.  I was baffled as to why the remote disappeared. After we all said our goodbyes, he asked them to look in there one more time. The older teen did. And...

SHE FOUND IT.

The mother had her hand on the door, ready to push it open. I already knew Tommy was not thorough. He knew it must be there, he said. So, this was over 12 hour ordeal--two hours last night and thirty minutes of searching today. 

They refused money. She said, "Don't take our blessing away." 

I am so stressed about all of this. 

AND

Harry spent thirty minutes with King Charles! 

People talk about Biden being too old. 

Orange Idiot is still at it, denigrating everyone. 

However, my friend from Cullman will come here Monday to at least do two hours of work, like changing my bed, maybe emptying the freezer and helping to sort and replace. The living room needs dusting desperately.  She is bringing someone back to Birmingham that has been visiting a relative in Birmingham, so she is bringing her to help clean. So, 2 people for 2 hours for $75. 

AACK! When I finished the last sentence, I was desperate to go to bathroom. I had finished that paragraph, so time to go.

But, it was not to be. The chair would not work. The teen obviously had unplugged the battery pack. Tommy called firemen to get me out of the chair. As they got me up, they were turning the chair to front and tipping chair over. I thought I would be on the floor. Well, they heaved me up from floor and I rushed off to bathroom. Tommy said I was screeching and so were they, warning each other to not let me fall. I would have been so disgusted if I pooped in my pants. I was that close. 

When I came back frm the bathroom, I easily plugged the power pack back in and they left. If my feet are down, I have the power pack where I can plug or unplug it myself. With the footrest up like it was, I cannot bend to get to the powerpack nor can Tommy. I doubt I ever could have bent to floor sitting like that. 

This is so stressful. Of course, I have not bought more 9 volt batteries. We need a powerpack that plugs to wall for power but will switch to powerpack when electricity is off. Or, something like that. 

Before the news comes on, I will get bscb in bag to cook. Tommy has plenty of meat for dinner. I don't. 

Before anyone tells me not to watch the news to relieve stressors, that won't work. I need to know what is happening. I need to make up my mind about the facts. 

I will need to shop for colonoscopy prep. I was given specific foods to eat and not to eat. The paper says, "NO Substitutions." Okay, I will follow it to the letter. It is several weeks away, but I don't want to wait until the last minute or even the last week. 

Somehow, I thought we would get more rain today. We have had none, so I suppose it will come in later than expected. At 5 pm, it is 63F and bone dry here. By 6 pm, the temperature is now 64F. 

As Friday ended, I thought things were going fine and the weekend would be quiet. Maybe the last half of the weekend will be more peaceful here. Keep your fingers crossed. 

Okay, dinner of bscb, carrots, and red potatoes will be done at 6:30. I will open green beans and next week will buy more coleslaw mix. 

Two weeks ago, I was looking at pork loins that are factory sealed in heavy plastic. They were 2 for $9. As I was looking at different spices on them. All of a sudden there were turkey tenders, huge ones. So, I bought two of those. I will bake them and slice to use for sandwiches on the go. 

What are your plans this weekend? 

Next week?

Any Valentine's Day celebrations? 

Do you or anyone you know have a lift chair? Ever get stuck in one? 

Great Strides

 On Thursday, I asked for someone to get four cases of Diet Pepsi from the shelf--white cases. So, I watched and approved and thanked him for helping me even though he put four blue cases of regular Pepsi. I was exhausted.

When we came home, Tommy told me they were wrong. He had gotten the wrong Diet Cokes for me when he did not get the Caffeine Free for me earlier in the week...lol. I had take mine back, and now I had to take his back. If it is not one thing it is another. 

I got a surprise call from the lymphedema clinic. The woman said they finally got all my paperwork in so that I could get an appointment. YAY! As it stands now, I have three appointments next week. That should exhaust me, but I am overjoyed. Wouldn't you say I am making progress. 

Friday, we had to exchange the drinks. I needed bananas and Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. Of course, I did get other things newly bogo this week--cheese, butter, something else. We had a sit in the car and watched a cat in a yard. We made up scenarios for the cat and what it was thinking and where it was going. Do you ever do that? 

For dinner four or five nights in a row, I have eaten baked chicken breast, bbq sauce, slaw, and green beans. Well, I ran out of chicken and slaw, so I could not have it tonight. Instead, I cooked an onion in a skillet with two hamburger patties and had a salad. It was delicious after chicken for a week. However, I was sad I did not have chicken and slaw. Tommy ate the same thing. 

There is chicken meat from five legs he took off the bone. Plus, there are four thighs for him to take meat off bone. I need to freeze a large portion of that in small portions for him. Tomorrow, I have two packs of bscb to bake for me. I still need to cook a cabbage that I have meant to cook all week! Tommy still hasn't chopped and cooked the package of ground beef. We can do this tomorrow since Saturday and Sunday will be too bad to get out or even think about it. I really want spaghetti! 

Oh, I bought Tommy a pretty green walker. Well, the handle  parts that he attached are black as are the leg parts that have the wheels. So, I did not get what I thought I bought. It is okay, but green all over would have been nice. 

I was considering buying a cup holder online when I bought the walker, and Tommy was excited about having one. I did not purchase one. We were both surprised when a cupholder came with the walker. However, the first time he went through the door to kitchen, I heard a crash and Damn! He had run into the door or wall, not sure. So, now the cupholder sits by front door on bookcase. The walker has an umbrella holder, just a cup that slips on down low. We suspect it will fall off. 

When he pulls in the garbage, I can see he struggles less as he walks two steps and reaches back to pull the can to him, walks another two steps and reaches back to pull it to him and does it all over again until he gets the can pulled to the house. I really hate he has to pull the garbage can in. Neighbors did do it for him. But, they no longer help. They just watch him.

So, those were the highlights of our day? What were the highlights of Friday for you? 

Do you have a meal you could happily eat five days in a row? 

What plans do you have for the weekend? We will not be watching the Super Bowl.

Great Thursday

Today, I had a very good doctor's appointment. I had an appointment with my gastroenterologist. However, a text said I was going to have a np. That frosted me. But, I went. 

When she came in, I told her I like getting an np because they were smart, listened, and always helped me except for one witch. I told her I was sure she could help me. Then, I told her I was expecting the doctor since that is who I was told I would see. She explained that she thought she would not be there, and was trying to lighten his load. She said I could see him when we were through. 

I have had pain in my right flank that gets worse over time and makes it hard to move and walk. Since I had this in 1968 after a kidney infection and sepsis after the birth of my son, I knew the feeling. 

Plus, I have had a knot under my ribs on the right side. It is visible and can be easily felt most of the time. At one point, I could see it. I did tell her it started hurting about 5 days after the fall over the walker. Plus, pain is now up in right collarbone.

This appointment was scheduled to discuss the scope of my esophagus and stomach. So, not just for pain. 

Now, there is an appointment for CT on knot in soft area under ribs and to check pancreas. My father and his mother both died of pancreatic cancer at head of pancreas. I look most like that side of the family, allergies and all that includes.

Plus, I now have an appointment for colonoscopy. There is no liquid to drink, just pills to take with water. 

Hopefully, I never have the woman push me who did today. She ran the wheelchair into everything. She tried to creep around the door facing and hit the other side of the door every time. She did not seem to understand that she was making the wheelchair longer by it going in at an angle. She also disagreed that going in straight forward, not at an angle would work better. She stressed me! 

I took Tommy string cheese, a little stick of meat and a peeled tangerine. He did not argue as usual. He even took the cheese out and ate it while we were waiting in the exam room. 

The doctor is even going to get me in to a someone for my thyroid surgery. Many doctors say they are not allowed to recommend anyone. I doubt that. One doctor said he was new in the area and did not know anyone to recommend. Well, his father had an office upstairs that he could ask and let me know later through a nurse. I fired him. 

Today was fruitful. We came straight home and then went to grocery for a few things. I needed to get CLR to clean jets in commode before the jets starting closing up. I bought something else that should work fine. I wanted strawberries but they only had them in clear, plastic, heart-shaped clamshells. They were too expensive, but I will count them as part of my Valentine. I bought Pepsi b2g2 and then watched the guy load regular Pepsi instead of the Diet Pepsi. I was tired and had told him Diet. So, that means a trip tomorrow. I forgot bbq sauce and Oxyclean. 

It was annoying to get home and the walker was not here. But, I heard the guy come at 8:30. Tommy does not want my help putting it together. I have had deliveries not come when promised. And, that was okay, but this was for a walker. Tommy is dribbling food all over my walker. His is streaky and filthy. Mine is spotless. Now, he can dribbled olive oil all over this one. 

EDIT: Tommy successfully assembled the walker. I knew he could. He struggles so to get parts and pull the walker around assembling it. I neglected to say, but it is a dark green, much darker than the picture. It looks black! He said the 10" wheels did help to push it in the grass. The ones he has had were very difficult to use in grass, especially St. Augustine grass. I forgot to say all this. 

Dinner: chicken breast and bbq, green beans for me. Plus, beef from a kabob. Tommy had the rest of my kabob. Tommy: 2 kabobs of beef and onion, plus other vegetables, don't really know. I will have salad in a bit. 

This morning I told Tommy to get me up at least by 10 am. I awoke about 5 minutes until 11 am. That put me in a bind for time. He swears I told him 10 am. The reason he wakes me is my alarm is so tiny, it is difficult to set the time. Plus, he needs/wants to get up and shower before he gets me up since we share the bathroom. Plus, he will get variable water temps in the shower if I start using water in the kitchen. I figured someone would wonder why I cannot wake myself with an alarm. 

Wednesday night, I actually was sleepy early, so at 2 am I went to bed and slept until 11, so 9 hours sleep, making up for too few hours sleep the last few nights. 

Today was a very good day! This doctor is absolutely the nicest doctor, well him and gyno guy.

Tomorrow will be rainy and all the way to Tuesday.

Tommy is struggling to assemble this walker while sliding off his walker with parts all over. He cannot sit up and has no lap. 

Do you find some doctors much better people than others? He has good bedside manners, answers questions, just all around nice man and good doctor.  

This is Awful--Chocolate Offenses+ Electricity Out

 I am horrified at the offenses committed by these chocolate companies. This information will have no affect on my decision to buy Palmer's Chocolate. I bought some on sale after a holiday years ago and could not finish it. I tossed it. 

Don't Buy this Chocolate

Tuesday night, I heard Tommy go AAAH! Then, I heard noises I could not identify and him gasping. I asked what happened. He said, "This thing broke." He then came through the door half holding up and half holding onto the walker. One leg, a round metal leg that goes from hand hold to wheel was snapped into. If he had fallen, which he almost did, the broken part could have killed him. 

The guy who sold it said if he kept breaking walkers he needed one to suit his weight. Tommy weighs 190 lbs., not enough to get a heavy duty walker. So, I ordered one from Amazon. We will give store back this walker and get his $170 back. The new one is pretty, dark green. It arrives tomorrow. In the meantime, he is using my pink one.

Last night, I was getting out of my chair at 2:45 to go to the bathroom when the lights flickered really fast. However, I kept my hand on control for the chair. It slowly went down enough I could get out. But, I was plunged into utter darkness. I yelled for Tommy to get a flashlight so I could see to get out of the room. I did not have time to let my eyes adjust. I needed to go now. 

Of course, this woke him. I was ready for bed, too. I got my lantern from the bedroom. My tiny light next to me quit working two days ago. I took the smallest pillar candle to the table next to the hall door. I took the larger to bathroom and put it on counter next to door. Behind that, I put one of the round push on led lights. At least we could see where the doors were and Tommy could use the push on puck light to go to the bathroom. 

There was a time when I could walk in total darkness in my own home, but now if I stumble or bump into something, I am down and need to be help up. I was a bit more nervous about pitch dark. Seriously, I could not see the windows because they were not receiving lights from houses around us or the moon.

We struggled to get the power packs on both our chairs, so the chairs could lift and let us down. That was an ordeal. It took both of us to work on both chairs. 

I went to bed with my lantern. I lay there for over an hour, knowing I was not going to sleep. I could not use my CD player or my sound machine. All of a sudden, I heard a noise. The heat had come on. I jumped up and the living room was flooded with light, kitchen light was on.  

Tommy would not get enough sleep to drive. So, he canceled my appointment for this morning and made another for the same time on Thursday. Then, I got a call to be there at 9 am. No way. Finally, I said I wished I could get an appointment with dr. Okay, and she gave me a time early in the afternoon. So, I am all set. The pain bends me over, so I may have to go to ER. Probably not.

Backing up--Tuesday night, I washed my hair and needed Tommy to help rinse it. I said point it right here, aiming it behind my ear on neck area. Well, I took my hands and rubbed the area to get soap out. I said to hold it right there. Then, I moved my head to rinse toward the other side. I realized that he had moved the sprayer and it was still on the first side of my head. Finally, he understood how to do it. Of course, three minutes later he was confused again.

This sink has a really high spout. I think I will just put my head under that and forgo the sprayer. Maybe not!

Today, we got two rainchecks out for Publix. They still did not have Diet Coke Caffeine Free. So, I got the last two cartons at same price it would be for bogo. Then, I have been waiting for foil that was bogo, 75 sq ft Everyday Reynolds. For bogo, it would be $4 for each. Today, the markdown was $3.99. So, I bought at sale price and tossed the bogo raincheck. 

We also collected the three sale ads. Boring, nothing we need or can stock up. I finished all my strawberries and blueberries, so we do need more of those. 

This has been a busy day with little sleep last night. We had plenty of lights to use. However, there was no full moon or it was covered by clouds. 

Have you heard of the offenses these chocolate companies have committed?

Do you know of any walker that has broken? I am talking about one of the main structures breaking into two pieces. Do you think 190 pounds is a reason for extra-sturdy walker?

Are the ads for your stores good this week?

Do you ever have profound darkness when lights go ou t? Do you worry about falling over something but could navigate when younger?

Leprechaun Gnomes and Tommy is Amazed

 

Leprechaun Gnome

Last night, I used a blueberry cupcake mix and two cups of very juicy blueberries to make a goody. There was more than a half a quart jar of blueberries and lots of juice, probably half and half. About a month ago, I put 4 lbs of frozen blueberries in a pot with third cup or less of sugar and boiled for a bit. I have been eating on this since then. When I ate some with cottage cheese on Monday night, the taste was like blueberries going to vinegar. So, I decided to use them. 

Tommy watched as I mixed a half cup of milk with the dry mix. He put melted butter, 2 T, in a pan. I poured the wet mix, made according to muffin recipe. Then, I poured the blueberries and juice on top. It was really more juice than I thought was in the quart jar. He watched as I did all this, stood right by me and seemed to watch my every move. 

After we ate some, he said he was amazed how the mix was on the bottom and then came to the top. I explained leavening, how cakes and muffins rise. He amuses me with what amazes him, especially about kitchen affairs. There was almost zero cooking in his house after he was ten. I doubt he ever watched closely what a girlfriend cooked. His aunts probably shooed him out of the kitchen or out of the way. 

Putting the blueberries on the top was my idea. I modified a blueberry muffin mix. It was not a recipe. 

I explained that it was like a cake or muffin rising. I also told him that some dishes called for fruit on the bottom. He listened like he was interested and learning. 

A few weeks ago, I paid for McAfee. All the popup ads ceased. NOW, I am getting popups that cover half the page from McAfee saying my system is safe. Then I have to X them out. They keep reappearing right after I get rid of them. I called today, furious that these were blocking half the screen. Now, I have nothing popping up. Thank you, McAfee. I am never sure it is legitimate, anyway. I told them I would call them if I needed them. That has been sooo annoying. 

Today, I called my doctor's office again, asking about the specimen for uti. A nurse finally called back and it was clear. I suspected that. I asked if they sent it off. No, just tested it in the office. So, why so long telling me, I wonder. However, another condition has arisen. But, he has no emergency appointments because he just lets patients who call have those. So annoying. I called my gastroenterologist and secured an appointment with him. I would have gone to AFC, but they cannot order tests. I did not want to go to ER. So, I have to be up early for gastro appointment. Yuck!

A little bit ago, Tommy was coming from the kitchen when I heard an AH! that sounded like something bad happened. I asked him what happened since he was not in sight yet. He said this broke. What? I wondered. The walker! The legs cross and go up to handles. One of these broke. I had him go get mine from the car. This will go back tomorrow. This was never a good walker. He put pieces of Glad Wrap wrapped around a screw or bolt or something that kept coming out. The cable for the brake is always hanging on something. So, back it goes. He only weighs 190lbs. This is not a really heavy person breaking a walker.

A little decluttering occurred tonight. I need a piece of notebook paper. Tommy started digging around to find me a piece. Then, he went off to the kitchen where recycling stays. He threw some out and recycled the rest. The shelf looks less cluttered. 

I put what needs recycling on the edge of the table near me. I always tell him to get it and he rarely does. It annoys me to have to keep saying it because I hate to nag about something so trivial. Then, pieces of paper fall off. I retrieved a wastepaper basket we do not use. I put it near something I could reach, and he could, too. I toss/drop crushed water bottles, prescription bottles, receipts, all manner of things that need recycling. This is not for trash. Well, it has been there for about four days. Tonight, he finally picked the wastebasket up and emptied it. We just needed a system. We have it now. I never mention recycling now. 

Do you have a husband or grown person who is amazed at the cooking process? 

Do you have McAfee or another protection on your computer that annoys you with notices in the form of pop-ups?

Do walkers last or break for you or anyone you know who uses one?

Does a decluttering session ever break out unbidden in your house?

Valentine Gnome and Frustration

 

                                                               Valentine Gnome  

How about another cute dessert? I would make this. 

TV's Funniest Phrases Seinfeld had #1, #21, and #50. "No soup for you." Did you find your favorite in the list? 

This amazon box had a cell phone battery in it and bubble for cushioning. Is that wasteful? I received an order yesterday that had three items, one in a breakable bottle. Each item was in a plastic bag, no box.  I wonder who makes the decision on which method of packing to use. 

I am not sure why I did not post this above on Sunday. I looked at the post up and saw Sunday, so I thought I had already posted. 

I am not sure what the alignment above is doing, so I will ignore it.  I had little sleep Saturday and Sunday night. Dogs next door sounded like we were being invaded by wolves or something dangerous on Sunday night/Monday morning.  

This afternoon I wasted a beautiful day in Lowe's getting no help. I had definite things in mind. Nothing panned out. I left empty-handed and disappointed and exhausted. 

1-I wanted something to seal cold air coming in around the bathroom window. Well, I was shown something to shut in the window, something to squirt in the crack, and told to get a piece of plastic and tape over the window. Then, get a window sealing kit. 

The space leaking is between the frame of window and tile. There is no way to raise the window unless I take it out. They were confused and could not figure out why the window frame would not raise. The draft stuff to squirt never works for me. I am either too stupid or clumsy to get it where it goes and how it goes. It would look so lumpy and nasty. I was told there is nothing to roll in a string to put in cracks.

I know I have seen something that looks like play doh that can be rolled into a long piece like a snake and then it can be pressed into the space. 

They tell me to just squish the foam into the space of 1/8 inch. 

2--No one could show me the Kohler commode that was installed. It is not round in front and elongated. It sort of is triangular with a bit of rounding in the front. So, need to find out about that. There is nothing about my bottom that fits this commode I have newly installed!

3--I want a new light to go beside the front door. I would like one that had an outlet for plugging in electrical things since Tommy has no outdoor electrical outlet. The guy did not even investigate, just told me that nothing like that is made. 

4--I wanted weed killer for St. Augustine Grass. It was up too high, so I just left it and did not ask for help. I would have had to have driven halfway across the store. I may just order it. 

5--I passed a display of new seeds. I asked the guy if he could get me some short carrots. He pulled off the top of the case where the carrots were and spilled about a hundred packages of seeds or more. He picked them up and put them willy-nilly back into the case and declared they did not carry short carrots. I know better, but I went on. 

6--floor cabinets--nothing there that was metal. Guy only muttered a bit. 

7--Security door glass and metal type for front door. Guy pointed in their direction. There was no one to talk with and there were no prices. 

Before I actually got to talk with anyone and had been on the cart five minutes, the cart died. Someone brought me a cart. The guy dragged the dead cart out of the way, and an hour later it still sat, not being charged. 

Can you see why I am frustrated and exhausted after not getting much sleep all weekend? 

A few minutes ago, I tried to walk to the kitchen and could barely stand to get dinner on my plate. I struggled back to my chair and Tommy heated it and brought to me. I have no idea what is wrong with my flank, maybe my kidney. Plus, there is a knot under my ribs in front on the same side. Whatever is happening, I at least need to be able to get to the bathroom. Last night, I was very wobbly getting up to go. 

Today was beautiful, a deep blue sky with some clouds that did not dim the brilliance of the sun. 

We are watching Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, so I need to get back.

Do you find that people working in some home improvement stores have no idea about the business in which they work?

Desserts for Diabetics and a Future Purchase

DESSERTS FOR DIABETICS

 I have not tried any of the desserts above, but I am saving this link. Feel free to browse the recipes. 

For a long time I have suggested buying something for the other end of the dining room to store food. Tommy usually explodes, says no adamantly, or just says 'no.' He has gotten to the softer end of his responses. After his fall into the boxes and potentially ruining my Excalibur dehydrator, I finally mentioned today that we need something and what should we get. He said he did not know, for me to decide. Of course, even if I decide, he will have a veto...lol. Well, he is paying for it. 

Well, I would prefer a nice piece of furniture. But, I thought maybe the tall, two-door units would work better. At Lowe's they are made of fiberboard and would be $500, and I want two. So, I looked on Amazon. They have metal cabinets for garages for a lot less, about $150 and will hold several hundred pounds on each shelf. They also have a lock and key. Then, there are the metal shelves like we already have. 

I certainly don't want a room full of metal shelves, open and cluttered looking. I doubt fiber board will hold up to lots of cans. I really don't want metal cabinets, but at this point, metal cabinets seem like a better idea. I bought a metal cabinet when I was first married and living in a duplex with little kitchen storage. I was not crazy about the look then! I could put a curtain across the front of shelf units. So, I am in the midst of making up my mind. 

The best idea would to be to buy an antique or oldish piece of furniture to hold canned goods. But, this would involve too much shopping, and being able to go in multiple places to shop. Antique/Junque Stores are not amenable to using walkers. 

Dinner for Tommy--chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, broccoli, tossed salad. I had chicken breast chopped with bbq sauce, slaw, green beans. I made the slaw tonight. Tommy opened the beans and soaked them to remove sodium. The rest were planned leftovers. 

Any opinions or ideas about the choices for canned food storage? 

Strawberry Love Notes + Doctor Fails

 

I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter.

So cute for any occasion. RECIPE HERE No, not making these.

I figured out tonight that I forgot to put brown rice in the taco soup. I knew it did not taste the same and just thought it needed more cheese. Tommy ate a whole bowl the night I cooked it. I ate about a half cup when I felt unwell. He thought it was delicious. I just thought it was food. 

Tommy's finger is still very infected and hurts. I never lanced it or anything since I have been suffering malaise today. He is soaking it in salt water and will get some mupiricin applied. A nap late helped a bit. My right hand, injured in 1980 hurts worse than ever. I have to remember not to try to lift a 190-pound man from the floor again. 

Today was a wonderful day because I did not have to cook or think about cooking! Tommy even brought my food to me. He knew I felt unwell.

I talked to someone who knows someone who can come help in the house. I hope the person calls. Keep your fingers crossed for me. 

The doctor did not call about the specimen. I suppose I don't have a uti. But, how long does it take to call?

His office also did not send the form for lymphedema therapy. I asked them to send a referral. Something was sent that was not adequate. I talked to the therapist! She sent a form back to the doctor on the same day he sent in whatever he sent. So, I have waited patiently since Jan. 9 for a call and an appointment. I hate to be melodramatic, but this is traumatizing! I am so frustrated!

Tommy carried two huge Publix tote bags of newspapers to the car so we can put it in Publix recycling tomorrow. Ooops, we were taking this to the animal shelter, so change of plans. 

Today, it was so warm that I saw a sweat bee out and about. He was trying to get in the car window. Are things that eager to sting me? I think it was 73 here today, but stinging weather? I hope not.

Now, I get to spend the weekend waiting to call the doctor for two fails. I really hate to change doctors to get proper and timely treatment. 

Saturday, I plan to cook bscb. Sunday, I plan to try to partially empty and rearrange the freezer. How about you? What plans do you have for the weekend?

Any sales? Great accomplishments? Small accomplishments?

What We Did Today--Important, But Not Much in the Grand Scheme of Things

 

We manage to do a bit each day, somedays more than others. Today was not a stellar day for getting things done. However, I am pleased. 

Since I went to bed at 9 pm last night, I was awake at 12:30. I still felt ill. But, somehow felt better before I went back to sleep. By the time I woke at 11:30 am, I felt like I was well. I suppose it was a delayed reaction the covid vaccine. However, I did have Tommy get the specimen cup from the doctor, and we returned that to the doctor. I may still have a uti.

He made a return for me. I looked for a battery for his flip phone. I called a cell store and found a $25 battery for his $29 phone. Instead, I ordered one for $10 from Amazon. So, he won't have a phone until Saturday. I wondered why he kept his phone plugged up so much. Now, I know. 

I sent him into Publix for carrots and Lysol wipes. Publix sent me an email saying to clip a coupon and pick up a free Salsa bouquet. I did. He did. It is very pretty, festive, cheerful. 

My back is hurting worse today. His little finger has a huge, infected pocket behind the moon. He said he knew he hit his finger, but only until the day after did it hurt so much. Of course, then he looked at it and showed me. I will doctor it until tomorrow and lance it, clean it, medicate it with mupirocin, bandage it. I know it really hurt if he showed me and submitted to my ministering to it. Those things always hurt.

Tonight, I put six boneless, skinless thighs and six bone-in and skin-on thighs into a cooking bag with a whole pound of carrots and four huge potatoes and celery. The potatoes were cut into round pieces about an inch thick. Everything was seasoned with garlic powder and onion powder. I will freeze most of the meat, two thighs at a time for Tommy. We will just eat the vegetables and not freeze them unless Tommy wants some in with each of his thighs. He said he wanted potatoes and carrot in with each thigh, so he will have six meals in the freezer. 

If he has meat and vegetables, I can eat a grilled cheese sandwich for supper rather than cook. But, I won't offer one to him. When I offer him less than meat and vegetables, he sounds so sad but agrees to it. He is always willing to cheerfully help me to cook. Of course, something like taco soup that does have meat is okay with him. 

Just now, he searched for frozen chicken breast for me. He found enough for three meals for me. Plus, he took out two packages of raw, frozen breasts. So, I will cook those Saturday, probably alone. There is enough for meals for three days, protein and vegetables, but I will get this done, so it does not have to be done later. 

Sunday, when it is raining and we have nowhere to go, we have decided to try and sort part of the freezer and the little freezer in his refrigerator. We will get two boxes, one on his walker and the other next to freezer on the counter. I can pull it out. We hope to separate cooked meat from frozen meat. There is no way we can work on the lower two thirds of the freezer. We still need someone to get that out. 

I was looking in the freezer a few days ago, poking around and found two slices of bread frozen. I took that out and Tommy ate it. This was from back when the freezer was new and empty and I froze loaves of bread. Any bread I find will come out. Protein is more important! 

Just now, I remembered I have a huge package of ground beef that needs to be cooked. So, that will happen tomorrow. I really want spaghetti. I cook the meat with chopped onions. Tommy is really happy when he finds frozen package of ground beef. He eats it for several meals. I will freeze small packages for him and larger for spaghetti. Maybe I will make a healthy meatloaf. 

Last night, we put away a bit more Christmas. Little is left, just a small pile. 

Sign up for club Publix and click for coupon for Salsa bouquet. 

There were no grand plans or accomplishments today. It does work to keep us fed and not get too far behind. 

What are your plans for food this week or tomorrow? 

Are there any good ads in your area?

Anyone still have Christmas decorations out still?