Thursday Lows and Highs

 Tommy saw an endocrinologist. She gave him new meds and protocols. She did not want to hear a damn thing I said about him not knowing what was going on. He has a patch thing and a little monitor. There is no way I can get a monitor or put monitoring on my phone. She only wanted to hear from Tommy. Tommy has no idea what to do after he is out of it. However, I did tell her a lot before she wanted Tommy to talk. He had nothing to say. He knows nothing, really. She said we had to work things out between us, as though this is just a clash of personalities. The nurse said she is not allowed to try to get him to do what I say. Incredulous! 

On the way home, the gadget went off twice. He did eat a cheese stick and then a meat stick when it went off a second time. This gives us one more remote-type thing to lose--about 2"x3". We search for the two tv remotes, two chair remotes with wire, two phones. It is maddening some days. 

She read the little 'remote' thing and in less than 30 minutes, his blood sugar had dropped 80 points and was heading downward. He seems to respect this little gadget. He ate twice, each time it dropped. 

He stopped to get a $1 burger that is now $2.50.

This morning when I was still in my nightgown, one of my rings came, just tossed on the porch. Tommy got it and I got up to take it. Well, I turned around and bent to pick up something that fell  on the floor. Then, down I tumbled, falling face first into a clean clothes basket. Remind me I cannt turn when I am leaning. Tommy called 911 emphasized I was not hurt, just could not get up...no ambulance needed. Three guys came in firetruck. They used something they called the 'sheet' and stuffed it under me from behind. It had handles. They picked it and me up and dumped me in my chair. They said they were going to leave it, keep it for next time, and it was expensive, so don't throw it away. The ring was two sizes smaller than Tommy ordered. And, I was so excited. I must remember to only be excited sitting down. I fall no more than I ever have, just cannot recover...lol. 

I have called where I got the ring three times, and it seems this will be an ordeal. The ring is supposed to fit my ring finger, not little finger. It does look cute. My knuckles are not swollen in the least, so there is nothing to hold a ring on my finger, especially the little finger. I have reflex sympathetic dystrophy, therefore my left hand has fingers larger than fingers on dominant right hand. I need ten different ring sizes. Only when I buy a ring is this a problem. My left wrist and arm are larger, too. 

We discussed how we needed more pb crackers. Munchies are the best in terms of ingredients, so we will get more and make sure we have them at all times since there is only one package left. It seems he will obey the monitor remote. The doctor handed me a needle with something I can give him if he is too far gone and emt/ambulance has not arrived. We will see if he will submit to me giving him something. He says I am trying to kill him. I could just let him lie in the floor or his chair if I wanted to kill him. I would not have to chance getting hit more than he hits me now when he is out of it.  So many questions. 

I had a relative who was uncontrollable with her diabetes anger and resistance. Finally, she did not know what was going on because of her diabetes. He is probably dead now, too, so no one to ask. 

Did I tell you that the thrift store about a mile from here caught on fire. We thought they would get the stuff that burned and retrieve the rest. Well, at this point, walls are gone, roof remains and the steel supports. The stuff inside now moved outside is just piles of burned trash. We are surprised that so much was destroyed since they let it stand for several weeks without any apparent activity from our viewpoint. We are also surprised the roof remains. It is metal and looks burned. 

I am ready to cook dinner, but had a snack beforehand. I ate Daisy small curd cottage cheese with cooked blueberries over the cottage cheese. I was telling Tommy it had an abundance of protein. Of course, he hates cottage cheese. Daisy Cottage Cheese, has the fewest ingredients. I am grateful my mother taught me to eat cottage cheese with peaches.  Do you ever eat Daisy? 

Do you have any hints to getting a resistant person out of it from diabetes blood sugar drop to cooperate and drop the combativeness? Do you or have you ever had anyone like this? 

My Neighbor's Mail, Emergency Eye Exam Found Blog Post

 Today, there was no rain forecast, so it was time to go get my mail in Cullman. There was only once piece worth anything. It had been about two weeks, so it was time. 

The pick-up church lunch was today, so it was a good day to go up there. The lunch was a chicken breast, green beans, potatoes, and a roll and a sweet Little Debbie treat. After we delivered hers, we pulled forward a bit and ate in her very shady driveway lined with Hostas. She divided Hostas for years to get this lush edge to her circle driveway. We had a pleasant atmosphere to eat today.

One of my older friends has a hard time walking. I told her about this place. Today, as we went up, I told Tommy we would pick two meals up for her and her son. I called and could not reach her...about six times. I decided to go ahead and get the meals and maybe she would be home by the time we arrived. 

She was not home after we drove twelve miles beyond Cullman! I have known her since 1980 and knew she would not care if I went into her house. So, I did. I knew where the refrigerator was, walked straight in and moved the milk over and put the two plates inside. I left a message saying what I did. She called, thanked me, said it was okay I that I went inside when she was not home. Also, I know her daughters who live across the street, plus, even if the police were called to me, she would say it was okay. 

As I was trying to step up into the house, about a five-inch step up from the porch, I had to put the food inside so I could haul myself up. As I raised up, I saw a huge grab bar that I used. It was quite hefty. 

When we talked, I asked her where she got it. Her son who drove trucks for a living had it. Her grab bar was something that goes onto a truck! She said he cut it and screwed it to front door, one on back door and another by her tub. It was amazing. 

I had been telling Tommy we needed a grab bar between the doors. Now, we will have one put up. I bought three for $3 each at a yard sale about three years ago. Even though he said I could not put them up, he wants them now. 

Now that I have driven abut 25 extra miles to deliver her lunch, I will let her son do it from now on. My 93 yo friend did not get lunch. Somehow, her son did not get one for her. When she had a car, she always drove to get lunch. 

We got three letters in Tommy's mailbox. I opened one before I knew it was not ours. It seems the city of Hueytown is going to put a lien on the house next door that has the barking dogs and tall grass if they do not mow their front and back yard. It seems have grass over 12 inches high is illegal. We drove the mail to their house and I opened the box from the car to put the mail inside. It looks as if they come by and don't get their mail! I have NEVER complained about the grass. The letter said "numerous people" had complained. 

I had made an appointment for an emergency visit to eye doctor in Cullman. If you remember the nurse/tech that popped my blue mask into my eye and threatened to make me leave without the test last year, well this is ongoing problem with my eye. Finally, this last week, I picked at the scab that was on lid between lashes and eye. There has been a hard spot there for months. It made my eye water and hurt. After I picked at it, it really hurt. 

The doctor said there was a stye starting to form. I imagine that making it raw opened the way for bacteria. Now, I have two antibiotics. One is to take and one is to put on eye. 

While I was being examined by everyone, I asked if I could get an exam for glasses. So, I now have a prescription for glasses. I asked for my astigmatism to be corrected. The woman told me my glasses needed a coating to fix my astigmatism. I have never heard that and cannot find that anywhere. 

When I asked about an eye exam last week, this place had no openings. The doctor was the one who okayed the exam for glasses today, not the front desk.

This morning after I had six hours of sleep and went back to bed, I did sleep another hour and a half!

No questions. I am too tired.

Sleep, Tomato, Reading, Limb, Neighbors

 I am up at 4:30! I awoke just before 4 am. Why? I listened to my body and went to bed at 9:30 pm n Tuesday night. I am shocked at my decision. But, I had a busy day. Doing nothing, it appears. I want to go to bed at midnight and awake around 8 am.

Yesterday, we had a tree guy come to give an estimate for taking the tree limb hanging over the yard. The last estimate and only other estimate was for $1350. One limb. 

This guy gave us two estimates per my request. One for taking it down and carrying it. One for putting it on the ground. The plan was to defray our cost by allowing someone to take it for firewood. The tree is oak. The cost for cutting, removing, cleaning the yard was $300. The cost for putting it on ground. $200. 

When I was handed to two costs, I was shocked and read it twice, read it aloud. I told Tommy we should not get the other estimate, just let him get the limb. 

Can you believe the discrepancy in the two bills? The guy appeared to be lucid. 

I never see the neighbors with the dogs. I just report what Tommy tells me. However, today, I saw one of the mothers getting out of the car. The dogs were barking like mad. I suppose they miss the family and were hungry. I wonder what happened to the other dogs and the cat, though. I told Tommy I think they have no electricity. He didn't think so. Well, he came in after me and said she went in and turned on no lights. He saw her go in and on another trip to the car saw her exit the house. Since she turned no lights on, he does think they lost electricity. 

I just hope the children are okay since at least one of these women are cruel. This seems to be a family in crisis. In times of stress more abuse occurs. 

Weeds are two feet deep and toys are still strewn all over the yard. The liner for the swimming pool is lying out in the front yard, killing all the grass. The sides of the pool are falling down in back yard. Of course, all this is on our side of their house next to ours. 

When I went to Lowe's on Sunday and bought the Stella de Oro, I was looking for cayenne peppers and something else in the vegetables/herbs. For some reason, the staff had made a raised bed and put it right on the pavement. Inside the square, there were lots of tomato plants, more than need be in that small space and none were staked. So, you can imagine the jumble. There were many green tomatoes. In the midst and below the tomato jungle, I could see one reddish tomato. I reached down and picked it up. The stem had been split, either from someone pulling it or from the stress of not being staked. The length of the torn tomato stem was healed. 

I finished picking it up since it was detached and put it in my cart. When I got to the register, the woman came around to scan the two things I had. I showed her the tomato and asked if I could have it. She very cheerfully said I could. So, it is on the counter ripening. 

The alarm is set for 9 am when I need to get up, wash my hair and leave by 9:30 am. I really hate that is four hours away, and I am up. However, I doubt I will be able to go back to sleep. I slept my seven hours I require. Still, this is why I never go to bed early. Even if I evolve into an early bird, I will be ready to go back for a nap before noon. There is not much to do this time of the day without disturbing Tommy. I cannot read a book until I get new glasses. 

I 'lost' my debit card. It has been two weeks. My cc does not work. I am even out of the bank's system. I did not use it enough. HA! On Monday, I called the bank to replace my debit card. On, Tuesday night, I found it. Isn't that the way it always happens? 

Today, I have an appointment for an emergency eye exam. It has been almost a year since the tech for the stress test popped my mask into my eye and refused to remove it so the edge of the mask was not hurting. The eye in the outer corner is still giving me problems, hurting and crusting. Today, I will see about that. The reason I have waited so long is that I kept thinking it would get better. 

Alabama is screwing up educational progress once again. I am just furious. When I was in first grade, I was astute enough to know that the reading groups were not just chosen at random. I realized everyone in my group were the best readers. My son was removed from his classroom and taken to a 'special' room. He tested very low at the end of first grade. So, I sat my pregnant self down and we read all summer, despite his objections. (He learned to love reading and is now a high school English teacher.) They put him in group wrongly based on six-month old scores. He was humiliated and complained every day for a month that all the other people in the class were stupid and could not read. I had a baby the end of September, so was not even aware of what was happening. They illegally put my son in some sort of program with numbers. I trusted a very good system and it failed us. How much failure is happening in other schools without stellar records? 

I suppose I need to go and at least lie down to keep my feet from swelling ahead of a busy day in the car. I am not going to edit this post at all. 

Do you ever find random tomatoes? Or, any normally cultivated food? 

Do you have neighbor children or families you worry about? 

Have you lost a cc or debit card, only to find it as soon as you find it?

Can you think of any reason in the wide range of cost for limb removal?

Have schools failed your child? 

Tommy's Appointment and Two Freebie Tales

 I had trouble finding the doctor where Tommy received a referral. The name is hyphenated, And, I had never heard either name. I think she may be Indian. However, I only knew the first part of the last name, the way we both received a referral. My appointment is the end of June, and I made it three weeks ago. So, Tommy was given an appointment for July 5. I explained the situation, that I was fighting to keep him alive and calling 911 multiple times each week. 

The receptionist immediately gave me an appointment for this week. YAY! And, there is no rain predicted. In the meantime, I will call back to try and get a sooner one for me. I was lucky because someone had just this morning cancelled a first-time appointment. 

Two weeks ago, I complained to a well-known company. I have to keep the name and product a secret. Once, I told a friend about something sent me for free that I was begging to buy. This 'friend' called the company and demanded the 'free' item because they gave it to me for free. So, I cannot reveal this company. Actually, two branches of the company sent me a free item which was composed of a box x 2 of the product. I called back to explain the mix-up and how I got two boxes, a total of 24 boxes. I explained I wanted to pay. The woman I talked to was furious, saying someone called and demanded free items. I apologized, telling her I knew who it was and she was untrustworthy. The woman understood that type person. 

When I was trying to buy this product, I was told it was sold in Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans, and some place in Mississippi. Now, this product is sold in every store in this area. Once, before it expanded to this area, I was in Atlanta for a week for a business trip. A bunch of us had the shuttle van take us to a store. When I came to the register with this item, all the people with liquor were shocked, asking me how I could cook that in the room and why. I cannot tell you the product but think something like oats. 

Now to the present product. 

I called with three products on the table beside me and sizes and upc for each written down. I pointed out this was my all-time favorite of all brands and all flavors. I recounted my disappoint with two of the products and what I expected. One item met with complete satisfaction. She was taking copious notes and asking questions. She said all this would go to proper people. Two of the products should have been the same but weren't. 

After about 15 minutes with her, she said she would replace all three. I assured her one product was perfect like I had reiterated. She insisted she would replace it too, so three coupons were coming my way. She asked again the sizes and upc. Then, she said she would send a check to reimburse me. I argued that the three coupons were plenty. She insisted, saying that they could only reimburse me $18.31 cents. I still objected but she apologized for the 'low' amount. I will never ever buy another brand besides this brand. Amazing? I received the check and am still surprised. 

So, this should help cover the blouse I bought yesterday. I bought a blouse about three weeks ago. It was one size smaller than I thought I needed, but it was blousy. NO. It is too small. So, I bought what I thought was one size larger. It was falling off my shoulder and way too low. I decided I could take up the neckline since it was two sizes larger. Then, I found the blouse again in the size between the too-small blouse and the too-large blouse. Goldilocks is now happy because the new one is 'just right."

Last night, I had an ache across eyes and nose. Teeth were hurting. So, this morning I have such a sinus infection and am choking trying to swallow. I credit privet hedges. All my home remedies along with the usual allergy meds will help. 

In the meantime, I am on the usual 'Tommy watch' for symptoms. 

Have you ever had a manufacturer go beyond expectations to make things more than equitable? 

Tell me about a 'just right' moment. 

Saturday and Mother's Day

 

Saturday was a good day once I had Tommy back on an even keel. He remembered nothing as usual. But, my big tipoff that things were not right is that he had a blanket wadded up in his arms close under his chin. ???

After his pb sandwich, Coke, and big spoonful of jelly (two tablespoons at least), he got up and showered, he ate Cheerios and milk . I told him to eat something else, so he got two sausage patties and two pieces of bread and wolfed it down. 

We had plans but it took forever to get the Bessemer stuff done. We went to guy who sells produce in his yard, probably gotten from Finley Ave market. The tomatoes are huge, no white membrane inside, and always $1 apiece. He had not set up today. Went to Tupperware lady's tent in the grocery parking lot, drove by Lowe's to just look at flowers from car, and at another place. We finally had a Whopper, Jr near a flower place. We had brought a drink from home. Then, we headed off to Jared's and Belk's. That seemed like a long drive home. But, I ordered two rings. I hate a big or bulky ring, but I hope these don't look like they belong to a teen since I saw neither in purpose. 

We went to Publix, and I went in because I wanted chocolate ice cream. Tommy had done a lot of walking on asphalt on a hot day. I found strawberries that are fully ripe, so I am pleased as punch, plus I wanted chicken tenders from freezer section. 

We were both exhausted. He had baked chicken breast, potatoes, carrots and chopped salad. Maybe he had something else. Before we ate, I mixed the salad. 

I had a half cup of ice cream. I am still losing weight, so this won't add pounds. I had chicken tenders and a huge helping of salad. 

I knew the Tupperware lady was in town because she called me at 9 am, just about time I had Tommy acting up. (Of course, he cannot help this once his blood sugar starts dropping.) I found Tupperware popsicle maker that I bought. The $3 one I bought last year is not worth keeping as it is not good for the job. She brought me three more of the key rings with the shape sorter toy I had asked her about. She insisted on giving them to me. I resisted then relented. 

All stores were like Christmas Eve! It was so crowded. I was glad to be out of the crowds lugging around flowers, mostly huge bouquets of red roses. 

I went out to try and see the aurora borealis. Every porch light on the street was on, plus the huge, high bright lights in the park down the street. I could see the moon and stars quite clearly, but in the proper direction the sky was covered with clouds. So, I did not go back out. Bummer!

When I saw every porch light on, I asked Tommy if it was Halloween and people were expecting Trick or Treaters. 

Now, I am back to sleeping at night. It took me a week to turn it around, but I was successful. 

Sunday morning, I woke too early but at least I slept during the night instead of day. 

I asked Tommy what the plan was for the light over the sink. Remember, the other kitchen light needs replacing as does the dining room light. We are down to only the weak light over the stove. He said, "I suppose we need to call an electrician." While out, I found Stella De Oro at Lowe's and bought a fixture for over the sink.  It says it is for a bathroom, but it will go in the kitchen. 

That was my Mother's Day.  I did have a nap, a four-hour nap to supplement my four-hour sleep at night. That was before we went out. 

Tommy is fading and will not listen to me. So, I am not sure what the night will hold. When I try to get him to eat something carb-y, he screams at me, the most demented scream you have ever heard. His mantra is I know what I am doing. I don't need to eat. He did not eat for five or six hours. 

Okay, he made it back from the kitchen, has his dinner, and managed to sit down and not spill anything. 

Does that fixture look like it will go in the kitchen? 

How was your Mother's Day? Anything special? 

Did you manage to see the aurora borealis? A friend in Huntsville got some great pics.

Red to Honor, White to Remember

 

For my mother. 

What I wore when younger

Here in the South in my church, we wore a flower that designated whether each person's mother was alive (red) or dead (white). 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Was this a tradition in your church?

Incoherent

 Saturday, 11 am

Tommy awoke about 9:30 and I was here and awake for two hours. I cannot complain about my sleep since I have worked around to sleeping all night instead of all day. 

He awoke and talked to me and went right back to sleep. Then, he started acting like he had congestion between nose and throat. He was snorting out and trying to swallow. Well, he snorted it all over his body. For some reason he had his tshirt pulled up above his chest, so it was not a pretty sight after the snorting. 

Then, he put the foot rest of the chair down, but his head was still back with the back of the chair in lying position. He started rocking back and forth as though he wanted to get himself up. He did this maybe for ten minutes really fast and started panting he was so winded. All the time his nasal noises were going. 

Finally, by really yelling loudly, he quit rock on his behind. I got his remote and lifted the feet up and the back. He looked relieved. I made a foldover pb sandwich for him. He ate half of that in bites. Then, he had all 8 fingers, stuffing the rest of the sandwich into his mouth like a baby. I kept yelling at him as he looked sideways at me and stuffed harder, just like a baby/child will do. It was almost funny except for the fact the sandwich had three times the pb in it than I would have put. I was concerned he would choke. He had a can of real coke, too. After that, I asked him if would eat jelly and got him a big spoonful. 

Once I got him sitting up and he ate, he was still not comprehending things I said. He was not violent. 

He refuses to eat pbj sandwich when coherent. So, I did not try to get him to eat that. Now, he is eating two pieces of bread with two sausage patties. Thankfully, I managed to pull him back just in time. He is up and walking, at least. 

We are off to meet the Tupperware lady, to buy me a ring, and maybe eat at Chicken Salad Chick. If I pass calibrachoa, we may stop.

I am a nervous wreck. The weather is beautiful out, so I want to go out!

Resolved

 Last night was filled with furious storms. Today, the sky and small clouds were so beautiful. It was amazing. 

Now, I hear the aurora borealis can be seen this far south. Amazing! 

One item at a time, I am knocking out phone calls and things to do. Today, I started the process of officially firing my endocrinologist. They are giving me all my records. Then, I will tell them I am going elsewhere. Plus, they have overcharged me. Medicare will contact them if they keep billing me this amount. Plus, doc must return monies I have paid him that was not correct. 

I could finally do this after we got satisfaction for the broken walker. Handling several controversial matters at once is too hard for me, tires me so. The owner of business owner told us about four months ago, he would contact the company that produced the walker and supplied it to his business. Finally, I contacted the company and the owner had never contacted them even though he said he was waiting to hear from the supplier. He was insulting to us on phone and in person. 

When I say 'broken,' I am talking about the rod that goes from handle to wheel diagonally. It snapped! If the event had made him fall onto the break, he might have been gutted.

One cleaner cancelled Wednesday because her other job down here cancelled. Then, the other cleaner who I thought was coming Saturday is not. Tomorrow will be set aside for decluttering food--cans and otherwise.

I had a good nap today, and am ready to go back to sleep. 

Looking in the mirror is something I never do...lol. Today, I did with barely anything on. I am soooo fat! Disgusting.

Have you seen the aurora borealis since it is so far south? 

Another Death, New Rollator

 Wednesday night, I think I went to bed before 6 pm woke at 11:30 and stayed up. See, it is hopeless. I sat here all night on the laptop. At 6 am and slept until 10:30. See, I try to sleep and the laptop viewing or TV viewing does not affect my ability to sleep at all. 

Today, we went back to Lowe's. No electric carts available. However, when we went there, the point was to get some sunflower seeds. I told Tommy to just the 4' ones. The 6' sunflowers are too tall for a pot! 

Then, Tommy asked if I wanted to go to the guy who sells produce from his yard. So, we went further into Bessemer. The guy had no produce out. Tommy suggested "going to the church with food." Months ago, we accidentally went by a church cooking outdoors and selling food for the building fund. It was delicious BBQ. Those people cook somewhere else. But, the minister of the church sets up two days a week for the building fund. We bought from him once and he nicely hit us up for a contribution, too. 

We pulled up, got the woman's attention when she finally looked up from her reading. We asked for a menu. She pointed to a sign on the lawn beyond the sidewalk. Neither of us could read it as it was sitting crooked. She was not very accommodating, slowly looking around and then going inside. He brought a QR code for us to use with a phone. I showed him my flip phone. So, he went back in and got his phone, pulled up the menu. 

I suppose I know what we will get every time now. We don't want the fish or ribs. So, a burger it is. We both had a cheeseburger. My cheeseburger had lettuce and tomato. Tommy chose fries as a side. I was debating and said I really wanted fries but should just order potato salad. He said he would just give me both at no extra cost. I told him just give me half portions of both. He said it would take about ten minutes. He went in to cook everything. Neither burger nor fries had been precooked. 

It was delicious.  We will go back, but not anytime soon. Next time, I will stop eating halfway through the burger. I will not order potato salad because it was soupy and sweet and I left it. Of course, neither of us wanted or needed dinner. For $26 we were well fed. 

However, before Elkhorn comes on, we will have prepared chicken, carrots, and potatoes in the cooking bag. The chicken was still very fresh. I still wanted it cooked. Of course, there is a thunderstorm and the threat of tornadoes. Thunder is rumbling. I hope we don't lose electricity before the food is done! Okay, food ready.

While Tommy was buying seeds, I called a friend. Her last brother was buried yesterday. She was crying. I was crying. She is the baby girl with her three brothers gone. One brother was a good friend, amazing singer. The other was a pilot. He was killed by being t-boned by 55-year-old female, active drug user as he was making a legal turn and she was driving wrong way and speeding. At his funeral I told her I always thought he would die when his single engine plane plummeted to the ground. We all could accept that. This last brother was the one I knew the least, but we were friends. 

She is so ill that I expect her to die any day. We both sobbed through the call. I promised her I would get her info for Meals on Wheels by tomorrow morning. 

We went to get a new walker/rollator for the one that broke. This one is so much lighter than the one I bought on Amazon. The other is 50 lbs and Tommy has to lift in into and out of the car. So, now we will keep it in the house for whatever, maybe when he has to push it on grass. 

 After knee surgery many years ago, I donated a walker with no wheels, a four-pronged cane, and a bedside commode. I n longer needed them. Now, I never get rid of anything. Inside this house, we have two rollators, one walker with two wheels and no seat, a four-pronged cane, at least six other canes, six grabbers--one in almost each room, and two lift chairs. I have a bedside commode in storage.  

Tommy came in with his dinner after taking the chicken from the oven. He had a plateful of food! I will get a bit of the cold potato and carrots. It looked and smelled great. Two breasts will be eaten this week. One will be saved for beginning of next week, and four breasts will be frozen. 

The noisy thunder and brilliant flashes of lightning are just about done. So, that is good. Today, was a good day. Only the news of a friend's brother's death dampened the mood of the day. Of course, I stayed away from electric carts! 

How was your day? Bargains? Bad Weather? Sunshine?

Do you have a cache of medical equipment at your home?

Rooster, Kazoo, Headset, Food

 

When I went to lunch last week, I sat with a friend I had not seen in years. She is also a friend of the 93 yo friend. She went to her brother's house to see his baby sheep. A rooster followed her to the sheep like he usually did. She turned to go back to the house and the rooster followed along as usual. All of a sudden the rooster ran in front of her and flew up to spur her just above her temple. 

He caused her to fall. Her brother came home to find her bleeding from her head and called an ambulance. She lives far out in the country. She was taken to the hospital and treated. Then, she was flown by helicopter to UAB Hospital because she had a brain bleed. She spent several days in ICU and finally in a room. 

This is just one more reason that I am terrified of roosters. My pet rooster attacked me when I was four. We ate him for Sunday dinner.

While at this lunch, there is always stringed instruments. Singing is optional. As part of the table decor, there were little plastic instruments. I got the kazoo and was trying to play it. I kept blowing into the small end, to no avail. Finally, after I complained, Tommy blew into the large end. Still, that did not work. So, he showed me how to make a noise as I blew. It was not a pretty sound that came out of it when I blew. I suppose that was the first time I ever used a kazoo, maybe the first time I ever saw one in person. Of course, after blowing into the little red kazoo, I brought it home. Practicing has not helped my performance!

I think the kazoo is a regional instrument, so I have no experience with it. 

Last year, I wanted a headset to listen to videos so Tommy would not be disturbed while he was watching TV. So, I got myself on Amazon and bought a Logi or Logitech set for about $20. It hurt my head so that I quit wearing it, and it's been a year since I touched the headset. I wanted to listen to Jeanne Robertson, so I tried them once again. They hurt. But, I used them and hated every minute and into the following day. The next time I put them on, they did not hurt at all. A miracle? Or, ignorance? It appears there is a backward and forward to a headset that is almost identical. 

After I first bought them, I asked a friend in office supply store what kind would not hurt. He said that Bose would not hurt, but were so expensive and broke down because they were soft and kind to head. So, I decided to not use the pair I had. Since I could not afford Bose, I put them out of my mind. I am so glad I decided to try the Logitech I had. Not hurting is wonderful.

I also saw there is a microphone, and I am not sure how to use it. Plus, there is some sort of button on the wire from the headset. Maybe I should have read the directions. I will do that right now. 

Wednesday has been a better day. I only slept a few hours but set my goals low. I looked for flowers in the store I could not shop in because of no carts. A blouse came home with me and a little sample pot of a face cream I like. The huge pots are a pain, so I can refill the small pot.

Wednesday, we should see bad weather. At least there is a chance. So, it will be a stay at home kind of day. One thing I never have to worry about is hot water. Tommy has a gas water heater> of course, all I can do is wash my hair. At my house, the first thing I did when I lost electricity was to wash my hair and get into the tub. I had an electric water heater, so time was of the essence. Even at midnight and in the dark, I managed to get clean. 

At the grocery store I bought a few items: Diet Coke Caffeine Free b2g1, 5 lbs Vidalia Onions, Jimmy Dean cooked sausage patties bogo. Tommy has now completely abandoned the morning sausage and biscuit at Hardees. So, occasionally when these are bogo, I buy these for the freezer. Publix never advertises when they have Vidalia Onions. So, this find and purchase was an accident. Last year, I bought them from other stores for about three weeks until I spotted them at Publix. 

Diet Coke Caffeine Free 12-packs were $6.20 even with b2g1 price and 52 cents per can. Exorbitant! Vidalia's were 5 lbs for $5.99, not too bad. The Jimmy Dean Sausages came in 8-pack for $6. This was a two-for deal, so I had to buy 2 to get cheaper price. JD sausages were 75 cents apiece. Yes, I figure cost per each item in a package. I never monitor what he eats with the idea of curtailing his consumption except for "leave me two of those sausages." So, if he eats all the sausage patties, I don't buy more for many months.

 I still have not looked at all of any of our three ads. We go over the ads and make a list but have not yet.

Did anyone have a bad rooster experience? 

Can you play a kazoo, unlike me?

Does using a headset hurt your head and ears? Do all headsets have a back and front side?

Were there good prices in your local grocery ads?

Roll Tide Roll Yada Yada Yada-One second Auburn

 

I managed to sleep in three 2-hour stretches and was then up about 7 am on Monday morning. We had to be somewhere at 1:30, so I wanted to leave by noon. Do you think we could get out of the house in four hours? (Tommy woke at 8 am) No, we cannot! And, the cleaner was coming soon after four. We had things to do before she came. 

We went to Tractor Supply to look at flowers. I bought yellow portulaca. I think that is what I chose. 

The cleaner came about 4:30. I had a list. She had no idea how to dead head the petunias. She brought the pot inside so I could show her. Tommy told her to take it to the table if she wanted. Of course, I warned her about the legs burying up in the soil. She did take our suggestion of moving the chair to the driveway. Hopefully, these will fill out. 

I cannot stand long enough to dead head, and Tommy obviously hates doing it. 

Since Tommy had the fluorescent bulb put in by our very tall neighbor, I could not get it out to check the starter. Cleaner is almost 6' tall, so she took out the bulb and tried. No luck! I tried to get on the stool and could not, so electrician it is.

About 4:30, I decided to have chicken cheddar pizza on naan, heated in oven as prelude to our late dinners. Wel, Tommy bought the package and parchment paper. It was just plain naan! No pizza. I had read the recipe on the back of the package. I had Tommy bring me a jar of Ragu sauce, chunk cheddar and sliced kalamata olives. It was not the best, but filling. Tommy refused to try it. When I awoke, I asked him what he had for dinner. 

As it turned out, he decided to try the naan pizza--spaghetti sauce, diced onions I had in refrigerator, Five Cheese shredded cheese, and chicken thigh, broken up. He said it was delicious. 

I could eat plain naan for a meal or dessert. 

She sprayed Tommy's bathroom mirror with this stuff that keeps it from fogging. I bought it for car windows since fog on car windows is dangerous with Tommy driving. Just trust me. 

Tommy's 5' long bookcase has not been dusted in three years, so it needed dusting, plus the two clocks on it, and the books on bottom shelf. This piece of furniture is only about 2' high. I hate it. It is another of the paper covered bookcases that is annoyingly in the way. So, it is done for another three years. It really is shiny. 

I had her get down on her hands and knees to look under the back of my chair as I raised it and lowered it several time. It pops and rocks when I raise it. Something is wrong, but I don't know what. She could see nothing. I will call the guy who sold it since he has furniture repair company that fixes these chairs. I really fear it breaking. 

Then, I had her tackle the table to my right. It was piled with all sorts of day planners, receipts, spiral notebooks, mail. Yes, I could do it if back would let me twist or bend. When everything was removed, she vacuumed the top. It has sides, so nothing ever gets to the floor, even clutter. Now, I need to sort papers, copy notes from little pieces of paper and toss. She was fascinated how the vac went to a short tool. Tommy adjusted it for her. Then she did vacuum the area right in front of my chair. 

Tommy has drapery hooks hooked onto a curtain rod. Bless his heart, he knows nothing of these things. So, when I tried to look out the window where the dogs are, about four hooks came loose and neither of us can get to them. I had her put the hooks back on the rod and use packing tape to secure them. You know, I might want to look out that window again someday. 

I think that was all she did. But, $35 later, I am happy with the job done. 

She shamed Tommy for having an Auburn decal. So, I showed her this video. We both rock with laughter when I play this. 

jeanne robertson one second auburn - Search (bing.com) Forgive me. 

Jeanne Robertson - Bama's Rebuttal to Auburn's "Second" Chance (youtube.com) 

As soon as she left, I got my first half of my night's sleep and awoke to Gunsmoke.  If I can sleep just three more hours tonight, I will be okay. Another cleaner is coming Thursday, the one I know from Cullman County. She is short, so she could not have done a few things. 

Oh, forgot to say. I called podiatrist and mentioned to the person with whom I have been talking. When I mentioned Medicare and Fraud, she got the person who I should have been talking with all along. She said that yes, the doctor did send off a piece of my toenail and it was examined by a pathologist. I wonder why no one has told me the result. My question to her--to the tune of over $800? She was shocked and said she would talk to the doctor. Why oh why did the receptionist not let me talk to this woman the other five times I have called??? Why has the doctor or someone not called me for treatment? sigh So many questions. 

Today was an altogether pleasant day. There were no carts involved! It was sunny but with enough sunshine. Tommy is more pleasant with blood sugar under control. 

Tomorrow and Thursday will be stormy, I fear. How is your weather? 

Are you familiar with portulaca?

So, what did you think of the video? This woman is so funny. 

Monday, Monday Was Not Good To Me

 Today was a horrible day! I went out at noon with no sleep and no food. I clutched a list of what I wanted to buy and where we needed to go. I had had no milk for several days. I could drink some of Tommy's milk but the ensuing pain and misery would be too much to even chance it. I mainly wanted fruit, milk, and flowers. Did I say I was miserable? We had a Whopper, Jr. for lunch. Being 2 for $5 helped us to decide on that for lunch. 

I went to Lowe's for flowers. We found a cart in the parking lot. Well, that involved sitting in the sun on a beeping cart. Everyone tried to make it go. Nope, not going. It seems that carts have a new technology. Well, they have beeped for a long time when you get to far from the store. Maybe it was not Lowe's. He brought me a new cart. This one refused to work even when the cart guy dragged the cart and me inside the perimeter of the store where it would work. The guy was all over me when he was pushing! 

Once I got into the store, the cart I had would only run about five feet once it was turned off and allowed to sit. I thought I would die of sunstroke in the heat and sun, so not feeling well enough to continue looking, stopping and going five feet. There were five carts, and none would run. A guy had to push me out the door. 

Next store, cart would not run, either. No carts. I tried to shop for flowers, but Tommy had done a return for me, so I spent too long and was ready to cry. I could not even get to the car. 

We went to Publix. Thankfully, everything went off like a charm. Tommy got bananas and found good Red Delicious apples while I got 3 half-gallons of a2milk, gallon of 2% for Tommy, bread and feta cheese, and educated the employee who got the milk from the case for me. He asked and said he was taking it home tonight to try. I have been wanting Mediterranean Pasta for a long time! So, I shopped for the ingredients. He was very much interested in the benefits of a2milk. I did forget two ingredients but wasn't going to cook Mediterranean Pasta for a few days. Tommy hates almost everything in this dish, but I will make it up to him. 

Since Tommy was using walker, and I was riding, he got the easy side of the store. As usual, he used the self-checkout. He is so fast and efficient. As we were leaving the store, I snagged a carrot cake bar and paid for it at customer service sine I could not bare to go farther into the store.

When we got home, I sat here for two hours and went to bed and could not sleep longer than two hours. Grrr!

Several months ago, I went into Lowe's, and the cart that ran suddenly stopped. An employee brought me another, dragging it! Well, it did not work either. So, two carts are sitting in the middle of the store. The third cart worked. The employee said he would move the carts. Of course, he pulled them both a few feet to one side. I drove off while three employees discussed what they were going to do as they strolled away. 

Today, I received the two Welch coupons, good until last day of the year. It is almost 10 pm. I have had four hours sleep in last 30 hours. And, I have no flowers. NO FLOWERS!

I bought a pretty blouse that does not fit.

Tommy got his own dinner. I have been awake for over two hours and have only had a glass of milk. 

Two of the flowers that I overwintered in the sunless utility room have a flower each. Then, I saw another. Tommy found an onion that was about a foot tall last fall and put it into a pot of dirt, So, it is blooming, too. The other two flowers are strange because one flower was 1.5 inches across. This year, the flower from that pot are a quarter inch across. 

There are other places with flowers, more expensive but more accessible. Not only did I want two for me, I wanted one or two for my 93 y/o friend for her birthday. Besides, the calibrachoa were not huge bunches of flowers in hanging baskets, just half gallon pots.  

On my way to a late nap today, I received a phone call. I saw it was my gastroenterologist, so answered, wondering what he wanted. Well, it was a woman who was very unprofessional, telling me something about death insurance for burial. She asked me my age right off the bat. I said, in a shocked voice, "So Dr %%%% is selling insurance now?" I knew better. She hung up so fast. His number showed on my phone when it rang, but on call list, it is a number from Ohio showing a bunch of names from overseas. I googled it for the names. Have you encountered this scam?

When I answered this call, I was exhausted. My voice sounded feeble and old and I needed to clear my throat. I had been sneezing. I supposed I sounded like I could be scammed. The one question and the change in my voice were probably the reason she ended to call so quickly. 

Monday was a full, tiring, weird day. I can only say that I survived this Monday. 

If you use an electric scooter from stores as you shop, have you noticed a great lack of charged carts in some stores?

Have you noticed a lack of huge hanging baskets of Calibrachoas or petunias? 

A woman in Lowe's, an employee in garden center told me Knockout Roses are no better than any others. Is this true? 

Sunday This and That

 

Somehow, the link yesterday did not match the article. Did anyone else notice that? I will put it in another day and see what happens. 

Tommy said the next-door neighbor's St Augustine grass spread from her yard to his driveway. He cut off the sprigs trying to go over his driveway and dug little holes in his front yard and planted the sprigs. He now has a full yard of St. Augustine, except for one place. It is the little area where sidewalk to front door curves to the driveway. He did this thirty or forty years ago. I wonder why this little section has now become devoid of St. Augustine grass. 

We have eaten without cooking for the whole week. Tommy found cooked chicken breasts and thighs in the freezer, opened cans, ate leftovers, and salads. The frozen, cooked breast was from Jan 23. It was fine, no bad taste or anything. Tommy thought it was okay, too. I saw it in the refrigerator right after he moved it from the freezer. There was absolutely no freezer burn. 

Tonight, I put two chicken breasts, more than one pound of baby carrots and celery in the cooking bag, all seasoned with garlic and chives from the Concord pouch for seasoning. Since we put this in after dinner, it will be done late and refrigerated. 

Tonight, Tommy has been a trial, raising my ire at least a dozen times. If I say 'right.' it is 'left' to him, saying he did not understand me or did not hear me. I asked him to bring me a scant cup of water to chair to put in bag of food to cook. He brought the cup measure less than half full. And, it was very hot water. I don't ever want to use water from hot water heater to cook. He has been told 'heavy metals' and still forgets why. He wants to save water by not running it cold. He figures it is already heated so why not help the cooking along without heating water again. He drives me to distraction with his cheapness. Yet, he is not cheap or thrifty or parsimonious where it would really count and not threaten our health. 

Yes, we do have the hot water discussion several times each week. He uses the front porch light most days even though he says he does not need a light. When I moved here, he did not have one extra light bulb. When I brought a dozen new ones from my storage several weeks later, he claimed he did not need light bulbs. 

He can be good as gold and very kind and spend money, yet his penny-pinching ways that gain so little make me irritable. 

It seems he managed to eat what and when he should and kept himself lucid while I slept today. So, that is great. He seems to be remembering he has to eat more often than he thinks. For that I am so happy. Maybe I can get more sleep tonight. Well, I have not slept at all for the last few nights. 

We have not gone to Lowe's to check on hanging baskets for Mother's Day. So, we must do that this week. Certain flowers are on sale until the 8th. Thinking aloud--We need to go to Publix, Lowe's, and make a return elsewhere. We will need to dodge rainy part of the day. 

I got lucky, I suppose. The cleaner that lives up near Cullman and wants to buy my car is coming on Thursday. The new woman is coming Tuesday.  Mower is coming sometime since he missed last Thursday. He never calls before he misses or afterwards, just shows up. At least he shows up sometime.

Tommy only knew the word ballast and knew nothing about the starter on a fluorescent fixture. Now, we have to get someone to remove the tube, removed the starter, and after we go get a new starter, we need someone to put starter and tube in fixture. Only then can we determine if we need a new ballast. I am all for replacing the fixture with one that takes bulbs. Of course, he disagrees. I do not want to stand under fluorescent and he wants to save the cost of electrician. His motto seems to be to never protect health, just money. 

There were four ladybug succulent planters (4.5") in my trunk--1 hot pink, 2 cherry red, and another less pink one. Each has a plastic terra cotta colored pot with lots of drainage. So, now I need to do something with these because they are so cute. Maybe I will sell three on Etsy and keep one for myself. These are $12.95 on Amazon. I did not pay that much but think I can get $5. 

We are binging on Randolph Scott movies tonight. It is a lovely way to waste time. 

Do you ever watch cowboy channels? We get INSP and GRIT. Oh, he just said we get others. 

Do you think these ladybugs would bring $5 on Etsy? 

Hardest Parts of Getting Older

Tommy's garbage needs to go out on Thursday night since it is picked up on Friday morning. I was still awake and heard a truck on Thursday morning, so I rushed in and woke Tommy, telling him to take out the garbage to the road. He moaned and started moving to get up and take out the garbage. Then, all of a sudden, he stopped uncovering himself. "Today is Thursday." He moaned and started covering up. I was relieved he started snoring in about 30 seconds. All this week, I have been one day ahead or a day behind.  It was the limb truck!

It seems that all day Saturday Tommy managed to eat often enough and the right food to control his low blood sugar. I still have not relaxed yet or stopped being hypervigilant about what and when he eats. 

We don't know what is up with people next door. They are never home except to feed the dogs once a day. I suppose they leave something for them to eat and drink and refill it in the late afternoon. Maybe they only are fed once a day usually. Tommy said they were all whining this afternoon, whining for a long time and like he has never heard. There were four to six kids living there with the two mothers. Then, the boys disappeared. Now, I have only seen one girl. Tommy said another woman was staying with the two mothers. Then, it seemed one mother, her children and the third woman were gone. I don't watch them or see any of this. Tommy tells me when he goes out to take the garbage out to road or goes to mailbox. 

The dogs lie in the yard all day whining. They do a lot of barking when one of the women comes home. Their yard and carport remain a disaster. Maybe they will move. Of course, there could be worse neighbors. 

I bought two blouses that did not fit. I have been looking for the receipt for a week and finally found it. That is equal to finding money in my book! I think that was the highlight of my day. 

Several of the twelve things in the article below do not apply to me. 

12 Hardest Parts of Getting Older – That No One Really Prepares You For (msn.com)

Do any of these hard parts of getting older surprise you? Can you relate?

Do you ever panic when you think you are late putting out the garbage, but you are not? Do you wrongly alert someone else?

Anger Can Raise Heart Attack Risks

 When my brother died, people asked how he died. My answer was always--He died from cigarettes, beer, and anger. He had been angry for thirty years, and I don't blame for his anger. I suppose according to the article below, I was correct. 

After I read this article, I explained it to Tommy and told him--no more anger in this house. He is always raring up and berating me. I told him that stopped today. He gulped and said, "Okay!" So far, so good.

Science shows how a surge of anger could raise heart attack risk (yahoo.com)

I know it is not so simple as eliminating anger, but that and good medical care and obeying doctors surely will go a long way to living longer and in better health. 

Proper sleep is necessary, too. And, I am not getting proper sleep. Last night, I did not sleep at all, not until 5 pm and then only four hours   

We went out to grocery shop as we collected the ads. It took us three hours, then I slept from  about 5:39 until 10 pm. Tommy had leftovers--chicken, greens, and pork and beans. I ate junk, something I do when I am exhausted.  Tomorrow, I will rectify that. Tommy is eating often and right foods. I have not had to encourage him even once to eat the type food he should. 

I do believe he is hangry and does not know how to self-control, has not learned his symptoms of diabetes. Even the pharmacist said she gets irritable when her blood sugar drops. Tommy does not believe me and won't look at himself. Maybe he will now. 

The 24" fluorescent light over the sink quit. We bought a new tube, but that did not help. So, we may end up with new fixture rather than spending money on ballast. There is no light in the kitchen other than a 40-watt light over the stove! It is like it was when I came here light-wise. 

I barely could get on a little short stool, and reaching to measure was horrendous. Tommy cannot step up far enough to get on any stool, step, or curb. I told him to ask young guy down the street we needed help. He asked him and brought home a guy over 6 feet tall to replace the bulb. It either needs a starter or ballast. Ballast will be the price of a new, non-fluorescent fixture. 

There is another light fixture in the kitchen but has been broken for about 25 years. So, it is a dungeon. I also have a new light fixture for the dining room, too. So, maybe Tommy will agree to let electrician install three fixtures. 

Progress! 

Do you have a situation or person who causes you to become angry or becomes angry and lets loose on you? 

Medicare Fraud?

 A hummingbird visited my petunias Wednesday morning. I suspect this is not the first visit, just the first time I saw it. The petunias have been here for about two weeks. 

I was telling Tommy he needs to eat protein first, followed by carbs, fats, and fiber. I pointed out that I thought Honey Nut Cheerios and milk did not have enough protein. He said I was confusing him because I was stuffing him full of carbs one day and now I am saying he is eating too many carbs. Today, I explained it to him for about the hundredth time. 

It is 84F at noon, expecting high of 88F or higher. I love it and ac. Really, I like wearing less clothing--no sweater, no scarf, no socks, no gloves.  I am tired by the time I gather it all and put it on.  

The mower was supposed to come today. I told Tommy to wake me up when he came as I had questions. Well, the mower did not come, so he let me sleep all day. It is dark AND raining, so we cannot go out. 

I managed to make calls when I was punchy before nap. And, now it is too late! One call I did make was to a government agency and it did not go well. Everyone was very, very nice. I was/am sooo confused.

I went to a doctor. Then, I received what I suppose is amount insurance/Medicare did not cover from a LAB for $65. Since I had nothing excised for a lab, I am confused. There was a lab charge and other things I did not understand to the tune of over $800. The receptionist knew nothing about it. Until today. Today, she said there was nothing sent for a pathology exam. 

The Medicare people had a pow wow and concluded I needed to first tell the doctor that she needs to redo the bill so Medicare can reclaim their money. It looks like fraud to me. The woman said they could not ask her anything. It is all on me. They said if they reported it as fraud, doc could lose license even before they investigate, so we should give doc a chance to rescind the charges. And, I am the one who has to report it as fraud. ???  If the doctor is committing fraud, should I care about the practice? And, does anyone really think this is the only time doctor has done this? 

I told Medicare people that I was not comfortable doing this. And, if they were willing to spend $800 of tax money for a fraudulent claim, why should I care? /s She said to think of the doctor. 

I had called the office five times and receptionist will always ask doctor and call me back. So, today the receptionist looked at the office notes and there is no record of anything sent to pathologist. 

Why is this all on me to give doctor a chance?  What if doctor is part of a bad group that is so widespread and bad that they will get even with me? I have a good imagination!

When I awoke, Tommy was opening cans! I really want to cook chicken and vegetables, but he will want to watch GHOST. I hate that show and he loves it. 

Tommy had chopped ground beef, pork and beans and collards. eeew. So far, I have had almost two cups of collards and need to decide on something else to eat. 

What would you do about this Medicare money paid to pathologist and supposedly ordered by my doctor? 

The Plan That Did Not Work

 Since last night was so upsetting to me, of course, I could not sleep. I slept one hour. After that, I was awake until 10:30 am. I went to bed and awoke at 5:30 pm. 

The plan was to get a prescription for glucometer and supplies. But, doctor's offices were closed. So, he spent over $70 for the whole bit. So, we had a new plan that cost a lot. 

However, when we got home, I read and read and assembled everything. Then, it would not work. I had used one of these before, so I cannot figure out what went wrong.  I read five pages of information, most of which I knew. But, one pamphlet with about 10 pages was in less than telephone book sized print. I did the best I could with lighted magnifier. 

Tomorrow, we will get help. 

Before we left for the pharmacy, I asked Tommy what he had to eat today. He had Cheerios and milk for breakfast about 10 am. Then, at 3 pm. he had cheese and bread. I am convinced he does not eat as he should. At any rate, I told him to eat last piece of bread and peanut butter. He did. Usually, he tells me he is not hungry. 

If he will eat when I say and what I say, he will be okay until we can get this device working correctly. I think he finally has been made a believer. At least, he will not be driving impaired. I will control what he eats when he does not eat as he should. He is not arguing that "I know what I am doing." He realizes he clearly does not know what he is doing. 

He is out $70+, but that is okay. 

He had a huge salad and two Publix chicken fingers/tenders for dinner at about 6 pm, so he will be fine until time for his insulin with maybe crackers and pb. He found the salad mixes bogo and bought two along with apples, bananas, and bread. He forgot to bring the new ad to me and was going back after it. I told him not to worry. Tomorrow, we will get all three ads. 

So far, today he has not had low blood sugar.  If we can make it through one more night...fingers crossed. Maybe I will tackle the glucometer tomorrow and then go to person to figure it out for us. 

Tonight, I need to wash my hair, bathe, find the pimiento. Maybe I will read a few blogs.