NYE and Straight into Child Neglect Case, then Smack into Valentine's

 Once I got past 'the situation.' I was hit in the face by Valentine's Day products. So much pink and red was overwhelming but in a happy and good way. 

As I walked in door of store, I saw an Auburn blanket. I headed for that. It was right in the way, so hard to miss. As I pulled up beside it, I reached for the blanket. I stopped short as I realized it was a baby. My "Oh, it's a baby" was echoed by a dozen voices that were not even near the buggy with the baby. There was a buzz of accusations, some from women who had seen the abandoned baby for thirty minutes. 

The woman who claimed to be the mother came back. All the women were talking to her about leaving a baby for so long. She said she did not know the woman who offered to watch her children did not take the infant, just the two toddlers. The woman who was going to 'watch' the children had an ankle bracelet, not a good choice to watch her children since she did not know who she was. 

I was pressing her about the woman as were other women there. She raised her voice to me and made a chopping motion for emphasis to me, moving closer and said it was just a miscommunication. Her aggressive tone and diction made no impression on me. I told her she was a mother without good judgment as to who would care for her children. She left in a huff as I called the police. 

This all shook me. I went to car. Tommy said I had been gone 20 minutes, at least. I told him a bit of what happened. As I came out of the store, there was a police car next to the door, three or four on further out, and a firetruck, police car, and ambulance loading someone into the ambulance. It was bizarre. 

When I went into the store again, I found two things. The shortest line had too many people, so I left what I wanted and went out of the store. 

We went back to Publix, second visit of the day because all I wanted was Hershey' Miniatures. There were no electric carts, so Tommy pushed a buggy in and brought back the wrong thing. So, he got the right thing. Since when are fun-size bars identical to Miniatures? He and employee helping him were baffled. 

Before this story started, we went to police department and finally got a corrected accident report. Then, we went to the Pig and left with nothing. 

It was dark when we arrived home. My nerves were a wreck, and I was starving. I had Miniatures, sausage balls, and collards. 

I certainly hope the best for the children. I do hope people quit shooting off fireworks since it is dry and humidity is low. 

I was looking at my freshly washed hair and noticed my face is less moon-shaped. Linda, lay off the chocolate. 

This morning, I did 3000 steps after breakfast and over 8000 at night, so over 11,000. 

Mixing the sausage balls must have developed more muscles for me. Surely, I worked off some of those calories in sausage balls. 

Tomorrow, we will put up the few decorations that are out and that we can handle. The large deer's head was askew from the wind last night, plus the shoddy job cleaner did of attaching head.

First time I went to Publix, I forgot to buy more Camellia BEPs, I  did buy bogo Jimmy Dean's fully cooked sausage patties for $3.50 each, Kraft Cheddar chunks, bogo for $3 each. It was sooo crowded and available buggies and electric carts were scarce. 

Now, I need to go weigh myself. 

If the streets were wild today, I cannot imagine what it is like tonight. 

New Goals

 

I used the ELLIPSEone by Legxercise machine for 500 revolutions. Then one side fell off. She put it back on. Tonight, Tommy timed it at about 100 revolutions/step/minute. Plus, I used it for 3520 revolutions/steps. I did not time it. I am winded, so I suppose it helps with cardio. 

For a week I have not been able to use the leg compression therapy for lymphedema since it hurt one of my toes. My knees were stiff and ankles, too, today. After 3520 steps, my legs are not so stiff. My legs feel so much better tonight. No, this is not a paid commercial for the Ellipse. 

The Ellipse has three speeds and off button. I used it on the lowest speed which seems really fast. Eventually, I am sure I will graduate to a faster speed. 

This shipped from China, so get yours soon! lol

About four years ago, I bought a cheaper and lesser one of these machines. I sent it back and got a different cheap one. The second one sort of exploded, needed to be put back together. It was rickety. I sent it back. This one cost $249 but is well worth it. I predict it will help with blood sugar, weight, cardio, muscle tone, and more. Am I wrong? Off base?

Tommy tried to use it but could not. I think if/when he gets in a better position to use it, it will benefit him, too. He was sitting awkwardly in my chair. We can do better getting it where his legs can work or ride the pedals. 

The UPC is 8 53321 00506 9. I included the leading and trailing numbers. 

Click Ellipse by LegXercise

The last I reported, I had lost another four pounds. Well, I gained two pounds over Christmas. Not bad. This exerciser should help with weight along with not eating chocolate as much as I have. Now, I need to see how many calories I burn with this machine. 

Dinner is the last of Christmas. I only had gravy with boiled eggs chopped into them. I added Brussels sprouts and carrots we had before Christmas. I have no idea what Tommy is eating, but be sure, it is leftovers. 

Does anyone own one of these? One like it?

What is your experience and/or opinion?

Interesting Old Clock

 

I finally got Tommy to get up, fight his way to this clock and read what was on the front. It is Seth Thomas with patent date 1876. Of course, that does not mean this clock is that old. I don't remember ever seeing a clock that told the date. The bottom face is day of month and day of week.

He also has a mantel clock that sits right in front of it since the reindeer needed room to be displayed. Neither work. I think I only show any interest when we need room for the Christmas display. 

A clock identical to his, but in mahogany, sold for $250. The one above sold for $1,200.00.  Of course, I don't know the condition of either or the markets where they sold. Maybe I will pursue having these repaired, maybe not. There are other pursuits more important right now. But, I do know Tommy does not want to sell them. I don't blame him. 

When I can have a more able-bodied person hand these to me, I can get other information from the back of the clock. In the meantime, I am grateful they don't chime.

Tommy is 71 and remembers these from his maternal grandmother's house when he was young. 

Saturday, nothing happened. I only slept three hours on Friday night. Sunday, same thing. Nothing happened. We ate Christmas leftovers both days, so meals were delicious. 

It's been mostly messy and gloomy here. We have no ambition or need to go anywhere. So, the gloom is okay. 

Cleaner called but she only let the phone ring three times. I was in the midst of cleaning food off my chest! Then, I had to clean nightgown and face and hands and necklace. How can I be so messy??? I think that was my last bite, so by the time I cleaned all off me, I forgot to call her back. 

Saturday night, there was tornado talk. We made sure flashlights were close at hand and the batteries were plugged into the lift chairs. Nothing happened here, just some rain. It was bad for some people with some deaths. A very familiar area, the Athens Courthouse was hit by a tornado, which took down a majestic tree. I have never been in the courthouse, just to festivals outdoors. 

I will make sausage balls and black-eyed peas for NYE. We will probably have a salad. Maybe I will bake a pumpkin pie that was not made for Christmas. Maybe I will make a healthy dip and call all that dinner. 

I would like to go and see fireworks at Thunder on the Mountain. I think that is the name. Fireworks are shot at the Vulcan statue. But, it will be dark. 

I have an ot appt here on Monday, but I have no idea if she will show up. 

What plans do you have for NYE?

Will you have black-eyed peas?  

Green Bean Stems

 When we ate dinner on Christmas, I found a green bean stem and tried my best to chew it up. It was huge and tough. Finally, I retrieved it to see what could not be chewed properly. Shock! It was huge. 

Tonight, as we ate dinner, I sort of watched the bites of green bean casserole carefully. Tommy tried to eat three stems within a few minutes. Next time, we will sort the beans before adding to the casseroles. Nasty!

I only had one thing to do today. I had an appointment with person from ot. She was supposed to be here at 1:30. Finally, at 2:30 I called and asked her if she was supposed to be here at 1:30. She said yes, then all of a sudden, she sounded out of breath and frantic, explaining she had something tragic happen and had not gotten around to calling and cancelling Friday appointments. 

As for the state of my body, I needed to cancel. But, I stuck it out, trying to be a good client. That did not work for me.

Last night, we found Andy Hardy movies and watched too many. Finally, about 5 am, I gave up and went to bed. I awoke at 10 or so. So, I was beyond frustrated when she did not show up or call in the afternoon.  I could not get back to sleep and finally managed to sleep for only one hour. 

This agency has a lot of problems. Last Tuesday, the ot was early and we arrived when she did. I had gotten something to eat and brought it home, but she started right in early while I tried to eat! Then, she left over ten minutes early. She did none of the core exercises or introduced more as she promised. This is all so frustrating. 

The day looked dreary, and we did not go out all day today. Around 8 pm or so, there was a terrific rain. It continued for a bit off and on. We have mostly been watching tv and Tommy has napped in his chair. 

My friend from Romania who lives in Canada is not responding to emails. Curious. 

Another friend responded to Christmas greeting, asking me how I was, better yet? and what I had been doing. I told him cleaner and I had put up three deer and I was getting better. He responded with "Oh, venison! Did you can it or freeze it?"

I laughed until I was choking. I told him it was three deer for decoration in the yard, not for eating. I was still laughing a bit. I think it embarrassed him. Of course, this was all through email.

Even though it is 57F, it is damp from the rain. I have on t-shirt, pants, jacket, and a blanket and am still cold and damp. Now, hours later, with thermostat on 70 and rarely coming on, it is still dampish. But, it won't be turned up higher. 

My ellipse is broken, so I feel like I am going backward on recovery. 

It is my bedtime. I need sleep.

Christmas Day and the Day After

 Christmas Day was a good day all around. Tommy liked the puzzle I gave him. He smiled at it a lot. It is a gaggle of puppies and a pony. Two other gifts are on the way. He is getting a Dirt Shirt, and fancy clippers for his toenails. I am too when Amazon gets them here. He gave me two gift cards to Barnes and Nobles. Books are always great for me. 

We cooked everything in much less time than usual. Chicken breast cooked with ground sage made the breast more like turkey. ...lol. Sweet potatoes (plain), StoveTop, green bean casserole, two brown and serve rolls were on my plate. Tommy had leftover potatoes and carrots because we had some of the stuffing before Christmas. 

My gravy was lovely and he did not complain about making it. It was beautiful on top of the Stove Top, green bean casserole, and the chicken. I think I put five boiled eggs in about two cups of gravy! Since I only used two Tbsp of flour and broth, the gravy was not a bad choice. I did forget to make one of my boiled eggs into two deviled eggs. I can still do that. 

We did eat too much candy On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I do love Kisses Hershey's Miniatures. On Christmas Day I opened the Cella Chocolate Covered Cherries, the only brand I can stand because it has no white stuff in the center. 

I wonder if I have gained back the four pounds I lost a few days ago. 

Today, I had another ot appointment. The bike pedals she put together fell apart after she left. I am so annoyed. I pedaled eight minutes last night and can already tell a difference in left leg mobility. 

We gathered the three store ads. 

Tommy gets frustrated. He kept asking me why buy more black-eyed peas. I said, "Just do." I was not about to get into an endless debate. He kept asking what we were going to do with the others, why, what, and I just gave vague answer. He came back and was pleased they were bogo. No drama...lol. I will put on some of the older peas for next weekend.

Result of no drama--very low blood pressure, something like 112/68 when ot came.

Next project--putting away Christmas. I never do this until New Year's Day.

The days are getting longer. Yay! And, it is still not cold. We won't ever complain about warm.

How was your Christmas?

Santa Was Here

 

Christmas Eve, I napped in chair and then went to bed to finish nap. I kept hearing noises and kept asking Tommy to turn down TV. Finally, I heard sirens and saw red light outside the house. I ran from bedroom and sprinted  down the hall as well as I could. Tommy was blocking the sliver of the open door. He said it was Santa on a fire truck! I am sure he has mounted to the sky for his voyage by now.

Merry Christmas

The Last Decoration

 

Tommy tied the wreath onto the mailbox. I could find no wire, so a piece of red and white yarn did the job. Then, somehow he tied on a huge red bow. Nice!

There was a Santa hat lying around. So, I had him get a small container of oatmeal and dress it with the hat. He put a plastic, disposal cup on top of the round, tall box of oats, so the hat stood up with only the white furry top bent to the side a bit. It is so cute, right in the spirit. I think I will add a pretty red ornament and a sprig of fake greenery.

When it is dark, we will go for a ride in front of the house...lol. I won't stumble around in the dark in the front yard to see the Santa and reindeer projection. Cleaner never called. I don't expect her to call Christmas Eve.

Tommy just carried food to neighbor--chicken, potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts. 

The ot just left a while ago. I hate ot activity. It hurts! And, I am exhausted. I moaned and groaned and apologized for doing so. I did reassure her I wanted to continue. She said she hears moaning all day long. As she counted, she answered Jeopardy questions. It was fun. Not the exercise. 

Tommy washed sweet potatoes this evening. I trimmed and oiled them, using parchment paper on the pan. They are whole in the oven. Now, he is putting six eggs on to boil. Next, we will make Jello and put bananas in them if they are not rotten. That leaves making Stove Top tonight. Tomorrow, he can brown the gravy. He hates doing that, so I won't mention that until I am ready for him to do it. Maybe that will keep him from being in a grumpy mood for a bit. It is a bit like taking the dog to the vet; surprise him. Chicken breast is ready for gravy, cooked and waiting.

Christmas Eve, I will make Tommy an Apple pie and some pumpkin pies. 

Tommy was going to take about ten items back to the store. I did not want to go inside because I would have had to shop...lol. I told him to leave if the line was long--there were12 or more, so he immediately came right back out. I told him he would not want to go back into the numerous return lines in there for at least ten days or two weeks. 

So, this is Christmas.

I tasted the dressing just now, and it is making me so hungry. I predict dinner will be soon. We will thaw a turkey breast to bake next week. 

Are things going well this eve before Christmas Eve?

She Called

 

I had to take a nap due to sleep problem. I left my phone with Tommy and told him to answer when cleaner called. She did and Tommy can remember nothing she said except one thing. She asked to speak to me. Then, she must have said something else because he told her he did not know my schedule. She said she would call later. It was a 32 second call. No, she has not called back. 

Tomorrow, the ot comes, so no time for cleaner. 

Today, I went to the Pig and Ace. Manager in charge of Ace today, could not help a woman with a battery for a remote. So, I did. He is not much of an employee. 

I repaired the mailbox decoration. Tommy will put it back on tomorrow. The deer light up about 2 pm and shut off at 10 pm or earlier. Tommy will reprogram that tomorrow. 

Tonight, we baked three small packages of chicken--4 drumsticks, 4 filets of breast, and two huge bscb; part will be for Christmas Day. We cooked with the chicken : potatoes, pound of carrots, and 2 lbs. of Brussels sprouts. One had a worm in it which I found before cooking, thankfully. 

The last two nights have been a true test of the king-sized wool blanket. I felt not one breeze like I did before. I slept with king wool blanket, military wool blanket, cheap quilt and flannel sheets. It was heaven. 

Plus, the injection site of the covid vaccine is terribly sore. It is in left arm, not my preferred arm for injections. I sleep on my left side, so I always get injections in my right arm because I won't sleep on that side. NOW, The lump and pain keep me up. It throbs. Tommy said his was very painful, too. It has been four days, and there is a larger lump each day and more pain. His hurt much worse after he carried in four cases of Dasani. Does a vaccine cause lump, pain, and raised temp in your arm?

When the leg therapy is used on me, it sometimes squeezes my toes together really tight. Last night, I almost cried. Later, my toe hurt so that I kept getting up, trying to care for it. It was 8 am before I managed to stop most of the pain and finally sleep. Late today, I finally quit limping! 

Bubble lights for the tree are one of my fondest memories of my early childhood. Do you love them? 

What is a fond memory of a Christmas decoration? 

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"

 As luck would have it, on Friday we were offered a free plate of food. We took it, parked and ate most of it. Then, there was enough for dinner. There was enough turkey on one plate for a meal. Then, there was beef and rice enough for two people. Vegetables--broccoli, brussels sprouts, fresh uncut green beans, zucchini, butternut squash. There was a massive amount of food. 

As we accepted the plates of food, two rolls of wrapping paper were pressed on us as we assured the people we had plenty. They were desperate to give it all away. So, we took the two rolls.

I never buy birthday wrapping paper. One roll could be used for a man's birthday gift. It was a black and green plaid. Stripes and polka dots work well for women's gifts. So, sales or giveaways of women papers happens often, but not for men. 

So, several wins for me. 

We woke early to get things done away from house to be back for cleaner at 3pm. Her daughter called after 2:30 to say her mother was sick, throwing up since early this morning. Someone prompted her to say "diarrhea" too. She said she could come Monday probably. I wished her well. No, she will not be coming. This was the last large bit to do to get the living room ready and for it to be entirely empty before Christmas. She knew this. If I have to do this, there will be nothing cooked and I will be too tired to even enjoy Christmas. I knew she would do this and still want to come back only to get her cash Christmas gift. 

She texts the whole time she is here. If I ask her to take something to the bedroom, she walks very slowly down and back, texting all the time. If I ask Tommy something and he is answering me, she sits and texts the whole time. She holds her phone almost all the time she is here. 

Other than her refusal to come and lying, this day has been sunny and pleasant. I took a few catnaps during the day. 

I did something good for me. Special K with Red Berries will be my breakfast this week. It is too expensive to eat all the time! It is rarely on sale. I almost had a bowl after dinner but showed a bit of restraint. 

We have been listening to Christmas songs and watching Christmas movies nonstop. I have not yet heard "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."

Bing Videos Click and Enjoy

The Last Decoration

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas is Near

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

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

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

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

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

I refused to worry about this or deal with it.

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

The living room looks so much brighter after dusting! 

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

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

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

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

Chicken al Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

That's it.

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

Pool Noodle Lollipops

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

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

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

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

I have contacted attorney. 

Monday Nothing

 

I have a new Amaryllis, not this one. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News of lollipops is upcoming.

Are your Christmas plans coming along? 

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

Sunday Stress

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nerves are Shot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bedtime will be early tonight.  

SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT

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

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

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

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

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

Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am too tired to think.

Reindeer Munching in the Front Yard

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

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

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

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

Anyone baking for Christmas yet?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

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

She had come and left to go to a doctor appointment, then came back. The ornaments were the last thing she did for me. 

She took all the boxes off the air return in that room, thankfully. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Christmas season is better for me.

How is your holiday going?

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

I Have Bananas!

 No editing!

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

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

She was supposed to come at 11 am

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

She arrived 11:45.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is 65F at 7 pm in December.

It is not at all like Christmas.

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

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

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

Anyone have snow yet? 

Not My Choice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tommy's Birthday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are struggling but will make it. 

How are things with you?

Cancelled Week

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful Surprise Gift for Tommy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you like sleeping under wool blankets?

Packages on the Porch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We collected all three store ads. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

A Few Things

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

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

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

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

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

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

December is Upon Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

I think I can sleep all night tonight