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Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Wednesday--Bed for Me


No steps today or yesterday. Bed or napping in my chair was the order of the day. I did go to the door to inspect the fallen tree. I looked out the kitchen window and determined the Elm was standing except for many little limbs. Someone needs to go to back yard and inspect the roof. The neighbor across the street has many roof shingles flapping along the edge of the roof. The same thing happened to his rental a few months ago in the same place, so I wonder if the owner even repaired the flapping shingles. 

I am eating the rest of the chicken alfredo dish for dinner. The broccoli and pimientos made it look like a dish appropriate for Christmas.  Tommy ate a hamburger with the rest of the chopped hamburger and slaw. He gave us both such large helpings that it will take another hour to eat my helping. 

Read no further unless you can read the following as information, not an attack.

 Bid Paddles

"The use of the bid paddle in ancient Rome can be traced back to the Roman Republic, which lasted from 509 BC to 27 BC. It was used as a means of voting, with each voter holding a small wooden tablet to indicate their vote. The tablet was marked with the name of the candidate they supported. This method of voting was known as tabellae, and it was used for both public and private elections."

There are pages of information in this article. Yet, nowhere is a paddle equated with racism. No auction house is excoriated for the use of paddles as racist. Other governments use the paddles for recognition and to vote. Only recent Republican attacks mention racism when talking about Democrats with paddles protesting in Congress. 

I am still on the verge of a heart attack or stroke from his speech with all the attitude and cruelty. No, being sick is not affected by this state of chaos. I did not even turn on my cell phone today. We did put away the Santa and two deer on a table. Progress!



Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Windy!

Today, about 1 pm, there were blue skies and fluffy clouds. About 3 pm, the skies were dull and cloudy. Then, the fierce wind started. We had a chore and Tommy went to Publix to get Pepsi b2g2. The came to $5 for a pack of 12 drinks. I had forgotten slaw bogo, so $2.50. I forgot what else, maybe nothing. 

I sat in the car while he went in. The wind rose, and I was afraid the wind might blow him over. As he came out and was loading the car, I saw two people I see all the time in Publix. One woman was late 70's. I suspect the younger woman, maybe 50s, has intellectual disability. The mother drives, but the daughter helps with getting things from shelves. 

The older woman wanted an electric cart. I could tell. She cannot walk well, and I always see her in an electric cart. Plus, the daughter was pointing and shaking her head. 


As we got to the other end of the parking lot, we saw a cart. So, I hopped on it and rode it all the way back to the store, explained I knew she needed it, that I understood. Then, she refused to take it. When I told her we were through shopping and I got it specially for her, she still worried Tommy was not there. Actually, he was, just lurking where I could not see him, I don't know why he would wait so far away. I was off the cart and trying to get him to come to me. 

I also told her if she called the store and asked them to bring a cart, they would. I explained that the manager saw me struggling to walk and told me to call next time. So, she was surprised and happy to hear that. 

It is not often I can help someone, but today I could. Instead of giving up something/chocolate for Lent, Anne in the Kitchen will be doing a kindness for 40 people. I think that is a good idea because giving up chocolate for 40 days would be too hard. This way, I can do forty good things for others. It really makes no difference because I have never observed Lent. My church does not do that.

No steps for yesterday or today. I am going to AFC or somewhere to see what could be wrong. 

Tommy and I were inside and the wind was fierce. I heard a strange noise. Tommy, much later, looked out the door and exclaimed that the tree fell down. The dogwood tree fell down, wrested from the ground by the wind. It was dying anyway, and it looked awful. So, it needs to be dragged to the road, about 12 feet away. This fall, we will get someone to plant another tree. I hope the maple in the backyard does not succumb to the wind. It so, it will hit the house, but it is failing too. I imagine it is hollow inside. 

I have not pedaled at all last night or today. Legs need therapy. 

Hopefully, my deer don't blow away! Is it windy at your house? 

TOMMY'S HOUSE IS CREAKING FROM THE WIND. SCARY!


Monday, March 3, 2025

Experimenting

 Tonight, I am watching Ice Road Truckers or something like that. I never knew truckers drove over a frozen lake with ice only three feet deep. Talk of the ice cracking and a truck falling in make me nervous for them. 

There is another show I want to see, Dog, the Bounty Hunter, both only once. 

Tommy boiled four eggs for me. Two will probably go into tuna salad. I bought celery, so I will have some in the tuna salad. 

When I first married, I made tuna salad with lots of ingredients. We both had two sandwiches from one bowl of tuna salad. They were not skimpy sandwiches, either. 

Ice Road Truckers is off. It is just okay. I will never watch that again. 

I am really ill. I think I know what is wrong, with two or three backup things going wrong. So, no pedaling. I can barely move right now. I never, ever go to bed without brushing my teeth. Sunday night, I just staggered off to bed with no thought of my teeth. UGH, cannot do that again. 

Today was a pretty, warm day. 

Dinner: we both had the meal we cooked last night--baked chicken, potato, carrots and slaw. This was a meal that came out of the oven after we had eaten. Delicious. I had very little. Later, I had a small bowl of strawberries and blueberries.

Have you ever seen Ice Road Truckers or Dog, the Bounty Hunter? Do you like them?


Sunday, March 2, 2025

Sunday


My elderly (93 yrs) friend could not talk when I called. But. she did say that she was going to the doctor and her father who lives with her now, would take her to the doctor. Of course, her father is not still alive and husband who she lives with does not drive. So, lots of changes with her.

Tommy was washing the dishes after 1:30 am. He will not leave dishes. The kitchen is cluttered but has clean counters, stove, and sink. I hate not to be more help. 

My sleep was a little off last night, but I did get up to watch Meet the Press this morning. I was not going to miss it. I only took a one-hour nap today, so that won't affect my sleep tonight. 

The sun is streaming through the glass door. It is great until a certain point until it blinds me! My legs liked the heat and sun. 

Right now, Tommy is peeling carrots and potatoes. I will put bscb and boneless, skinless thighs into a cooking bag with the potatoes and carrots, maybe some broccoli. At any rate, we can eat protein for about ten days. The vegetables won't last that long as we have few potatoes and carrots. I should have bought more this last week. 

Ten new wildfires are in Alabama today! At least we will have rain midweek. 

I talked with Tommy's cousin who is not coming to Birmingham anymore. We did go out to eat once in a while at Bright Star, but he has not come in two years. His wife ventured out and fell into a blackberry bush. So, he and I talked falling about. She is clumsy, he said. But, neither of us have ever broken a bone. Well, unless you count the little toe I broke when I hit a chair. 

We both had chicken with bbq sauce on a bun. We both had about two helpings of slaw. It was delicious! I had blueberries and strawberries.

I missed the first episode of Grosse Point Garden Society. It was replayed Saturday night. Tonight, the second episode is coming on tonight. Are you watching this? 

"The Americas" is on, narrated by Tom Hanks. Are you watching this series? This is the fourth episode of ten episodes.

Do you have friends or relatives whose cognition is failing? 

Saturday, March 1, 2025

I am on a roll

Mar 1

19,998 steps 

 Last night, I slept from midnight to a little after 7 am. I am proud of me. Sleeping most of the day is not the way I want to live. Hopefully, this will continue.

Since even now I am still in a state of shock at the state of world affairs, I am surprised I slept at all. But, I think the trauma knocked me out. 

At the Pig, there were girls selling GS Cookies, so we bought two boxes, Trefoils for Tommy and Thin Mints for me. This won't be pretty. 

At The Pig, we bought two cases of Dasani, celery, sweet potatoes, slaw mix.

I decided to have sardines for lunch. I had Beach Cliff. They smelled funny, not like sardines when I opened them. Tommy said they stunk. Well, I ate them, hating every bite. When I finished, the taste stayed with me. I carefully picked up the greasy can to read ingredients. They are sprats. ??? I looked up sprats. It turns out they are supposed to taste 'meaty' and not 'fishy." In other words, they do not taste like sardines. I drank water, ate a few chocolate chips, and brushed my teeth well. I still tasted like sprats. Tommy laughed and said not to wear a mask that I wanted to wear again because it might stink forever. I was glad to wear a mask because others could probably smell my breath. Have you ever eaten sprats? Oh, the can says 'Sardines.' No, they are not. Do you like sardines?

This was a beautiful day as yesterday. Yesterday, the day was a brilliant blue with not a cloud or chemtrail in the sky. Today, there were clouds and a breeze. The breeze was warm, but I knew my allergies would suffer. Of course, next week will be mostly rainy. 

I have never gotten the taste of the sprats out of my mouth. I belch about every fifteen minutes, nasty smelling and tasting belches. I have no idea if it the sprats or soybean oil. I ate them about1 pm and it is almost 10 pm now.

Have you bought or will you buy GS cookies?

Friday, February 28, 2025

Sad Day

 Jan 28

19,998 steps

I think I turned it around. Last night, I slept from midnight until 7 am. I did not go to bathroom once. That sort of worries me. 

We went out for one little chore and came back. While out, I wanted a snow cone. Some places have watered down flavoring. This flavoring, strawberry, was delicious. I ordered strawberries and cream. The cream is condensed milk. I got the small and managed to get it all over me. I worried about my blood sugar. As soon as I got home and got all the sticky mess off me, I dragged out my Legxerciser, pedals. I did 9,999. I never felt like my blood sugar was rising. I will step another 9,999 soon. 

Dinner: chopped salad and pasta and chicken. Tommy had bbq sandwich, chopped salad, pork and beans. 

Today, I was shocked, stunned, appalled at the treatment of Zelensky by Trump and Vance. I felt ill and my head was immediately in pain. I am utterly ashamed. I hope all of Europe does not turn against us. I fear for all of us, especially the Ukrainians. 

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Vaccines and Alzheimer's

Jan 27

steps 15,000

 Sleep last night was disrupted waking up sweating. I asked Tommy to make sure ac was on and not heat. When I was upset, he said he left it on ac. However, he left it so high that it never came on. I slept some sitting up straight in the chair. I have not had a nap at all, consequently, I got a few things done, even washed some dishes. 

We did go to Publix where almost everything I bought was either bogo or 'two for.'

Nature's Own bogo-bought one hamburger and one hotdog bun

Cheeto and Dorito--bogo for Tommy

Public Pizza Sauce-- 2 for $3, bought two

Kraft Parmesan Cheese--2 for $6, bought 2

Wheat Thins--b2g1, bought 3 Lightly Salted

Mt Olive Sweet Relish, no bargain

5 lbs Yellow Onions $4.99 marked to $3.99

Kleenex tissues--not on sale

2 salad mixes bogo, $2.50 each

We had leftovers for dinner. I had a small amount of the alfredo and a salad. Tommy had bbq on bun and salad, beans, I think.

We spent $51 and saved $24. 

It seems getting a covid vaccine can be helpful with delaying Alzheimer's. 

Researchers find a critical link between vaccinations and Alzheimer's disease

Speaking of vaccines, we will be getting one for pneumonia. Tommy has never had a vaccine for shingles. I will get another, too. 

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Wednesday Doings

 Jan. 26

steps 19,998

Even though I still have remnants of Christmas, I put out St. Patrick's decoration. Yes, 'decoration' is what I have and all I want. There is a sparkly Shamrock on the front door and behind the storm door. There is no way I can transform the Christmas/Valentine tree into a shamrock tree unless I just take all the red from it and have a green tree. 

Last night, I sort of slept enough. At least, I have not been sleepy today. But, I feel it coming on now...lol.

Today, we collected the three store ads. I did buy one thing I was afraid would sell out. I also took a salad back. Today was the last day. When I ate it with the tuna on top, I had to pick out all the brown pieces. Well, I suppose I could have eaten it. The rigid stalk where the plant grows into the ground was also in the bag. Romaine usually lasts longer than a few days. I opened the bag, shook out what I wanted, squeezed the air out and put the whole thing in a ziplock bag, squeezed the air out and took it straight to the refrigerator again. Weird.

We shopped for otc meds we don't want to worry about finding or finding at an exorbitant price. I am not sure what the results of Trump's shenanigans will be. I was so exhausted that I cancelled grocery shopping today. 

I also bought two nightgowns. For Tommy, I bought 3 pair underwear. He sleeps in khaki pants that are too tight, outgrown and a belt. That cannot contribute to restful sleep! He swears he will not wear the pants I bought him, actually a shirt and pants. I intended to only buy pants, but sets were all that was left. He says he will just sleep in underwear which is fine with me. I asked why he does not, and he said it was too hard to get his pants off at night and on in the morning. He does struggle. So, he may get his money back. I don't know or care. 

Right now, we are making dinner--shredded chicken, basil alfredo sauce, tiny jar of pimientos, package of frozen broccoli, garlic. It should be delicious. This is where having frozen bscb is handy. The hardest part has been shredding the chicken and waiting for pasta to boil. 

Tommy is complaining he cannot hold his coffee without pain because of carrying in things from the car. I know he hurts. He won't use the Voltaren, so I don't know what to do. I need to get him to a doctor! He has quit refusing to go and yelling about not going. 

Jupiter is brilliant tonight. I thought it was an airplane...lol. I heard the planets will align sometimes soon. I need to see when so that I don't miss the display. 

Dinner is ready. Afterwards, I will make a grocery list. I think bedtime will be early tonight.

Now, I am sleepier than before eating. Oh, I have only had alfredo sauce with chicken chunks, not shredded chicken. But, this chicken was shredding when I tried to slice. 

The temperature today was 79F. It is so nice out. The tulip tree across the street is starting to bud. Lots of specimen trees will bloom in a few days. 





Breaking in for a Special Announcement

 At this point, I have lost 39 pounds. I lost the 7 I gained over Valentine's Day and another six to go with it. That makes 39 pounds total. Okay, go back to reading the last post. YAY!

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Yawning Tuesday

 Yawning and yawning is all I have done tonight. I almost got enough sleep last night. I have not taken a nap. I was going to take a nap at 4 pm, but gerd attacked and I have had to sit up. I ate a tiny doughnut and this is what I get. 

I don't feel like doing steps right now, but I will record some steps for this day later. 

Tommy is heating up bbq and  baked beans, He is having applesauce, too. I will have tuna salad on a bed of Romaine. That should not upset my stomach. I was mistaken. The tuna salad and Romaine choked me. I had to quit eating. 

I think it was 74F degrees today. The ac is on. I'm in heaven.

Latest I read: "Trump unveiled his plans to offer a shiny new "gold card" with a price tag of $5 million to "very high-level people," among them "Russian oligarchs.""

Trump Says He Could Sell ‘Russian Oligarchs' a ‘Route' to U.S. Citizenship

What is this world coming to?



Eggs from Turkey

Feb. 24

steps 18,000

 I have been awake since 10 am and have not napped at all today. So, a much better situation. I still need to get with Amazon for continuing problems. 

We went to grocery and I now have sardines. There were no POSSUM sardines. But, I did have to get sardines in soy oil, something I did not want to do. I will try to get all the olive oil off that I can. This calls for paper towels, something I rarely use. And, I now have bananas. Nature's Own was bogo, dozen large Grade A Publix eggs--$5.99, 2 roach baits, Bertolli bogo. I forgot to buy onions. At Piggly Wiggly--cabbage, Land O Lakes Butter-2 pounds, Ronco Spaghetti. Between the two stores, we spent $74.

It breaks my heart what is happening to Ukraine! 

I checked with my bank to determine if McAfee was trying to get into my account. PayPal is sending me warnings. But, they have not gotten into my account or attempted to take funds. I have not used PayPal in 20 years. I refuse to open the emails from them.

When, if eggs from Turkey are imported and sold here, I will buy none. I will pay the price at the store. 

Today, when I dressed to go out, I put on a light jacket. It was scorching outdoors and suffocating in the car. I think it was 66F today. Tomorrow, I think the forecast is 70F for Tuesday. I love this weather. 

I was hoping someone had bought one of the scooters in the yesterday post. Or, maybe had experience with one. 

Even though I only slept until 10 am this morning, I got very little sleep last night. I warned Tommy that I would start using the phone when I awoke. He did not complain. 

Okay, 'napped' from 7-12 pm. Still groggy and feel I had no rest. 

Tomorrow, I will get up and start phone calls. 

It was a beautiful day! Birds are all aflutter. My pots of tulips are so green. Hopefully, the blossoms will appear. The dandelions are ahead of all the other 'flowers.' 

It is 1 am and I have not eaten since noon, so I suppose I should eat something, I have no idea what Tommy ate.

Will you buy eggs from Turkey?

Is the weather where you live warmer?


Monday, February 24, 2025

Sardines and Mobility Scooter Search

 Sunday was about the same as the last week. No sleep on Saturday, just Sunday. I got none of my calls done. 

I wanted to see the special with Tom Hanks narrating, but I needed to sleep as my eyes were closing. I slept. I wanted to see the Grosse Point Garden Club or something like that. I could not keep my eyes open once again. I actually did watch part of the special. I wanted to watch the news and slept through it.

Tommy woke me and told me it was almost six just like I told him. I just lay there. Finally, he came back and I asked him why he wanted me to get up so early. He told me the special that I wanted to watch at 6pm was coming on. Once again, I got the time wrong. 

This is driving me crazy. 

Finally, I made a call to Amazon about issues with orders. I got a woman in the Philippines who seemed incapable of speaking slowly except when she said, "I'm sorry" when I stopped her to slow down. It was torture! I need to get someone in the US to help me straighten out the problems she caused. I was too exhausted to try to get her to slow down. 

I had tackled the easiest issue! Have you found that Amazon service is less efficient and more confusing lately? 

How about this scooter? Anyone ever used this or knows anything about it? discovermymobility.com 

Today, I did not have my banana! I just ate more apple. I have been craving sardines! Do you like sardines? My favorite brand is POSSUM. What is your favorite? 

 

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Chicken and Ducklings YUM

Saturday and Saturday night did not go any better than Friday and Friday night. We got nothing done on Saturday. Leftovers were plentiful and delicious, So there were no problems to finding tasty and nutritious meals, not just eating whatever. 

I had a short talk with Tommy about not getting two important calls made. He said if he could get enough sleep during the night, he could get up earlier. The problem also is that I cannot get to sleep during the night, so I need to do things early before I am punchy. 

Sitting on the bed to talk does not work and there is no other sitting place I can use anywhere in the house to make a long phone call. Now that he knows what is going on, I will just use the phone even though he is asleep. He knows these calls involve money, lots of money. I never wake sleeping people, so this makes me feel like a mean, unfeeling person. I told him he could take a long nap if I caused him to get up too early. I am only talking about 10 am!

Saturday, I got up at 7 pm, too late to go to store or pharmacy. He was rattling around getting his dinner. So, we both have to work on this problem. Otherwise, nothing will ever be accomplished around here. 

I need to make this. Chicken and Ducklings Will you try this?

It seems the roach treatment that works well had been discontinued. That is disappointing. It seems that happens too often--find a favorite in any category and it disappears! My favorite bra disappeared, followed by favorite shoe along with many other items. Has this ever happened to you too many times?



Saturday, February 22, 2025

Nothing Here

 Feb 21

steps--9,999

I did not sleep a second on Thursday night. We decided to go somewhere on Friday afternoon that was closed! I was in bed by 1 pm. I awoke at 6:45, sweating, and Tommy was making a racket in the kitchen. I asked him what he was up to so early. Of course, it was still Friday...lol. 

He brought my dinner--a bit of ground beef, huge sweet potato, turnip greens. 

That is it. I have more, but I am tired and going to bed

What have you accomplished?

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Garlic and Me



 I know my health is my responsibility. I will not give up chocolate! I do eat much less. But, there are things I can do. Eating garlic to lower the risk of a blood clot or heart attack or stroke is something I can do. I always keep garlic visible on the counter. But, since I don't put things in food, leave it to Tommy, it never is included. My head of garlic had gone bad. 

I bought another this week with the goal of consuming one clove each day, at least. I asked Tommy if he liked garlic. He doesn't. I assured him he would not be able to taste strong garlic. One of his favorite dishes at Ruby Tuesday is zucchini, olive oil and garlic. I chopped a whole clove and put it in the soup which we will eat over a few days. So, there will be no consuming a whole clove each day. I will increase consumption slowly so as not to freak out Tommy. 

Plaque in arteries is not anything to ignore. 

We cooked soup again today. It was on before noon, and Tommy managed not to have it done by 9 pm. How is possible when I told him to put it on high? 

He could not detect the garlic taste. Next time, I will put two cloves. He said it was crunchy when he ate it??? Garlic cooked for 7 hours will not be crunchy. The potatoes were crunchy along with the carrots. 

Tommy knew all the vegetables had no sodium. Yet he used no salt on his soup. Maybe he can now taste food without salt. Progress! 

It has been so cold here.  I could not sleep because of cold feet. I did discover how to keep my feet warm. Tomorrow, I will reveal that. lol

I discovered how to get Tommy to keep the short bookcase by his chair and the door uncluttered. Before Christmas I put three electric candles on a long white tray. When I had this ready, I told him to keep junk off the bookcase. Since the tray goes on the table where the Christmas tree is rooting, he still keeps the area around the candles free of junk. I have not mentioned clutter since before Christmas. I had room to put my salsa bouquet there, too. 

Okay, time to hang up nightgowns to dry!

Do you dislike garlic or use it freely?

Do you deliberately eat some things for your health?


I tried Coca Cola Orange Cream

 


Jan 19

steps 10,300

IT'S GROSS!

I tasted it once and made a horrible face. Tommy  tried it and did not like it, either. I decided to give it a second chance. It was still horrible. Tommy wondered how it would taste with vanilla ice cream in it. I don't care. The problem is--I like to mix orange juice and Coke!!

We had no slush yesterday, not even a flake. The temperature is in the mid 20s and going lower. This Wednesday night will be frigid. 

We collected the ads, even though I had not slept a second on Tuesday night or all day on Wednesday. 

We bought Romaine, blueberries, sweet potatoes, garlic. I was feeling so horrible that we got Whopper, jr for each of us. At home, Tommy scrubbed the sweet potatoes, and I trimmed and oiled them for the oven. Then, I went to bed for a nap. I was willing to sleep for the rest of the night. But, I had no such luck.

I did manage to do my steps, the only thing besides shopping in Publix. 

Dinner for Tommy: sweet potato, turnip greens from can, leftover ground beef. I had a cup of sweet potato from jacket. 

My Whopper, Jr. had no lettuce, so they handed me two huge slices. I considered that part of my vegetable consumption. 

I am grateful for a warm bed tonight. How about you?

Have you tried the orange cream Coke? Do you like it?

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Nuts and Slush

Jan 18

Steps 10,350

I keep nuts in the freezer and a little container of thawed ones on the table beside me. No matter how healthy a nut is, I am totally devoted to pecans. When I was seven years old, we lived on 10 acres and half a dozen pecan trees. Pecans were work, entertainment, food.

We went as a family to the pecan trees. Days before the pecans were ready, Daddy mowed and picked up all fallen limbs. My brother, at least, went with him.  Then, one day, after picking up pecans every day, Daddy would hoist my brother up in the tree where he shook the limbs. He was young and light, so more brawn was needed. Daddy took a two by four and put one end under the limb and pushed hard enough to dislodge gallons of pecans. We were all present for this event, armed with empty paint buckets and five gallon buckets. It was always a happy day for us. Yes, it was entertaining. (I forgot to say that Daddy took heavy tarps he had used when he was a painter and spread them on the ground. He had about three. The pecans were easier to pick up. Some bounced off the tarps. We could easily look beyond the tarps for those.)

We loved shelling pecans and eating the meat. Daddy would sell many five gallon  buckets of pecans. But, we saved enough for snacks. Mama made old-fashioned fudge and pressed half a pecan in each piece of fudge. I have never used any other nut in baking. I substitute pecans for any nut in a recipe. 

 Click HERE>>  Nuts to Eat. Nuts not to Eat.

Tommy prefers peanuts over any other nut. Of course, peanuts are not really nuts. ( Tommy came in and said pecans are the least distasteful nut if he has to choose something beside peanuts.) I have always loved cashew nuts, but learned early on of the calories, so I limited my consumption. Pistachios have long been a favorite nut, a preference developed before we had pecan trees. Now, I find they are too hard and often hurt my gums. Then, I discovered that I am allergic to cashews! So, no more of those no matter how much I like them. 

Today, I have done little. Tommy planted daffodils and a dark pink tulip in the same two pots, washed a lot of dishes in the sink. I did my steps, napped, and ate poorly. 

It is supposed to rain and snow tomorrow. So, the forecast is slush? We will see how that works out. We have nowhere to go and no desire to go anywhere so we can watch the snow/rain. I do have calls to make and fires to put out. I will be busy. Will the ice be on top or bottom? 

What is your favorite nut? 

What is your weather forecast?

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

It's About Time and Freezing Eggs

 Feb. 17

steps 12,000

Danish Pastries...lol


The hit and run occurred on December 19, 2024. Finally, on February 17, 2025, the insurance company is working. A guy called, wanting to come by between 1:30 and 2:30 to see the damage on the car and write up an estimate. 
He actually showed up. He does agree with me that the car should not be making the noise it is making. That lasted about 45 minutes with me sitting on my walker with hair still dripping from being washed. It was about 40 something and a breeze. At least my hair dried quickly. Tommy said my head felt warm...lol. 
An hour later Tommy got a call from a guy wanting to come out and see if the first guy had done the estimate correctly. Tommy said he is happy with the first guy's estimate. I want to have the first guy's work approved. So, I have that to deal with.
Tommy uncovered all my bulbs he planted. They are no longer ghostly white. They are a healthy green and putting out more sprouts. These were the free bulbs.
We have done absolutely nothing today. We went to grocery store and got two half gallons of my milk white it was still cheap--$9 for two half gallons and a few other items. I always need bananas! We ate leftovers, so no prep and no cooking. Tomorrow, Tommy will find my bought bags of bulbs and plant them. He does not know it yet.
Tommy and I talked it over, and I think I will freeze a few eggs even though I have found no shortage and eggs are a bit over $5/dozen. At this point, the bird flu is not waning. I have a package of Ova Eggs that I need to locate and try. I wish I still had hens! I have frozen eggs many times, so no experimenting or learning. I freeze in Ball jars of all sizes. Are you freezing eggs?




Monday, February 17, 2025

Poison Control

 Feb 16

steps 10,345

On Saturday night, I was so sleepy and was going to bed at about 10 pm. I was sitting on the bed and putting toothpaste on my toothbrush. I sort of wondered why the toothpaste was not the right color--white instead of Crest colored. As I brushed and sat on my bed, the taste was not there either. I kept my mouth wide open as I grabbed the tube and saw it was Lamisil. Obviously, I had grabbed the wrong thing. 

There was no way to get it out. I took a wad of toilet paper and brushed at my teeth with Crest. I managed to get back to living room and had Tommy look up Poison Control. I had swallowed nothing and only had a smear on my toothbrush when I started. 

The woman wanted to call me back in an hour to see if I was okay or for me to call back. I told her I was on my way to bed and felt I would be okay. 

Well, I finally fell asleep at 4 pm on Sunday.

The last time I used the wrong product was long ago when I used my hairspray instead of my spray deodorant. I even got another toothbrush to brush my teeth again. 

No need to tell me how not to make this mistake again. 

There was a very strong storm happening last night. I knew I heard something being blown about. Tommy told me I was imagining things, that I was always afraid. Not so. He tells me it is my imagination! This morning, a huge planter was on the concrete in front of the car where it had been blown off the porch, Tommy said it knocked off several small pots of dirt and dead plants. There were tornadoes elsewhere with damage. Many people lost power. Today was a beautiful day, but it is getting colder and there will be rain, possibly snow. 

As I was reading on the internet, I discovered an article that stated red light therapy could lessen the chance of a stroke or heart attack by lessening blood clots. I cannot find the article right now. I am too tired to look tonight. Have you heard of this therapy?

For some reason in the middle of the night, I stepped into the bedroom across the hall and looked around without stepping further into the room. I saw a Tootsie Roll bank that I bought many years ago. It was in a large bag. I brought it into the living room to examine since it seemed full of change. It was too loud to handle because Tommy was asleep. When he awoke, I opened it and dumped the change out. It was full of coins I don't remember having. There were only pennies, dimes, and quarters. 

Tommy said he had counted them for me several years ago and decided to divide them by coin. The quarters were state quarters. I barely remember seeing those and certainly not dozens of them. The pennies were mostly the new, ugly shield pennies. The dimes look fresh off the mint. The state quarters look new, also. I cannot imagine how I came by these. I do have two more little banks. I know one is in the bedside table where I put spare change. 

Okay, it is almost dawn, so time for me to go to bed.

Okay, I accidentally found the article. 

Red light linked to lowered risk of blood clots



Sunday, February 16, 2025

Saturday

 



Feb15

steps 13,545

Last month, I had a week of normal sleep. I wish I could get that back. Right now, we are being buffeted by 60+ miles per hour wind. The lights flickered momentarily. Well, it is all gone just that fast. I hope my deer are not blown all over the yard. 

Finally, I have long and skinny spatulas. They are nine inches long, could be longer to suit me. The pink/green/yellow set is in the dishwasher, ready to be washed. I have been searching forever for something like this, but longer. I hate getting contents on my hands but hate waste. So, this will work. I think I have seen these before and rejected the idea because they really need to be longer.

Because I over-ate the wrong things, I gained back seven pounds. Now, I have come to my senses and eating more normally and hopefully losing at least that weight and maybe more. I don't feel like going to weigh right now, so that will be in a future post. 

For dinner I had a large bowl of soup. Then. I made brownies, ate a few and put the rest away. Other than the soup and brownies, I had one piece of bread and about 6 ounces of milk today along with part of an apple, banana, pecans, and three prunes. That is not a lot of calories in my opinion. Tommy had a small bowl of soup and a ham sandwich. 

Sunday will be the last soup, a bowl for each of us. However, there is a 3-pound package of ground meat. I want more soup. This is a small oval crockpot. I have an 8-quart crockpot in storage. I won it, never used it. I have trouble picking it up empty. So, I am sure I could not handle it with food in it. But, it would work better for cooking pots of anything for freezing. 

The storm was terrific tonight. I wonder what new Sunday will bring. 

Friday, February 14, 2025

Happy Valentine's Day

 



We wanted to go somewhere, so I had Tommy wake me at noon. I was too tired to go. I said, "Happy Valentine's Day." He returned the wish and told me my present was beside my table, so I had him bring it to me. It was a little bank with Tootsie Rolls. I laughed so hard I was no longer able to sleep. I gave him a book:

"Complicity: How the North Promoted, Prolonged and Profited from Slavery." He likes it. 

Happy Valentine's Day!



Drugged

Yesterday, Thursday, I felt drugged all day! Finally, after lying about in my chair, barely able to hold up my head, I realized the problem. Long ago when I first took Melatonin, I only took 1 mg. I gradually went up to 3 mg. Then, I took several 3 mg. I was overdosing. 

I went about ten years or more taking none. Then, I bought more and rarely took them. Now, I have a 3 mg bottle, way too much. 

On Tuesday night as I usually do lately, I bit off a bit of the chewable pill. Then, not able to sleep, I took the rest. I slept but then was groggy all day Wednesday. Finally, at midnight on Wednesday night, I was groggy no more. I lost a day. Finally, at 3 am Thursday morning, I recovered and slept. 

I think I should never take Melatonin again. I slept all day today, Thursday.

The day, Thursday, was beautiful and cold. Tommy covered up the pots of tulips. I agreed to it. But, I was not thinking straight, fresh from a daylong sleep as freeze does not hurt tulip bulbs. They need the freeze.  

I wanted to make soup today, but is still not on at 7 pm, but we are working on it. Needless to say, it won't be eaten today. This is the soup my kids loved after one little tweak. When I quit putting chunks of soup meat in it and put ground beef in the soup, they loved it!

Tommy did get the meat out of grease from hamburger. Then, he poured the grease into the soup, "just like you told me to do." Does anyone believe I wanted meat left out of soup, but that I wanted the grease in the soup?  He did tell me later it was a low-fat ground meat. 

My pedals have been abandoned for the day along with posts for several days. 

It was not such a burden to comment, so I have just been reading and commenting other blogs. This has been a horrible experience. This is why I hate pain killers.

We were discussing where to eat tomorrow. I still have not treated him to Bright Star, Greek restaurant, for his December birthday. He keeps putting it off. I suggested Bright Star, KFC, BBQ restaurant near here. He can add anyplace he wants. This is not for Valentine's Day, just because. Of course, we will go wherever in the afternoon or lunch, not for dinner. A couple of weeks ago, he mentioned he had not had Chinese in a long time. We will eat somewhere, maybe soup at home. 

I am just glad to get Wednesday behind me. 

Tommy told me he got something for Valentine's Day for me at the Dollar Tree! I cannot imagine! I think he has learned to get me something instead of waiting for me to wish for something. It is cheaper...lol. Surely, he spent more than $1.25. 

Warren Buffet

 Buffett has a very simple diet and doesn’t like to go out much. In Buffett’s biography, “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life,” author Alice Schroeder quoted him as saying, “I like eating the same thing over and over and over again. I could eat a ham sandwich every day for fifty days in a row for breakfast,” Mashed reported. 

Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On

I did eat the same thing every day for three months and lost 30 pounds. I suppose eating the same thing every day is not as weird as it seems if Warren Buffet can do it. 

At midnight we had a very small bowl of soup. Delicious.

What do you have planned for Valentine's Day? 


Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Monday, Another Week

 

Jan 10

steps 19,998


This is interesting article about how the temperature of the room can affect cognition in the elderly.

I complain about the temperature of the room, so maybe I am helping my cognition unwittingly.

temperature of the room for sleep

I think it was Thursday or Friday that I sneezed about 30+ times. They were the kind of sneeze that leaves one breathless and hurting from the force. Immediately afterwards. It felt like my whole head was swollen with congestion, sinus congestion. I was so exhausted and never got over it for several days. I suppose my spring allergies are in full force. Allergy reactions in the spring and summer are a bummer. 

Since December I have been asking, begging Tommy to plant my bulbs I got free at the ag center in October. There has been a huge plastic bag in the refrigerator all this time. So, finally he got them all out. There is a table in the yard, so he got pots of old dirt and got busy. I pointed out which end was up. That was not necessary since they had all sprouted. I am not sure if the ghost-white sprouts will ever live.  I did not tell him that I had two purchased bags of tulip bulbs. I will mention that another day...lol. 

The Christmas wreath has been down since right after NYD, but it was in a corner behind the door. I got the wreath holder out and that is gone from the living room. Tomorrow, I will have him get the Santa and two reindeer from where I cannot move, blocked by his junk. I can get those in their boxes and into the bedroom. 

Finally, I resumed the lymphedema therapy. My ankle was hurting me because of an injury suffered Tuesday at cardio by personnel there. So, I have been living with a sprained ankle and hurt feelings. 

Monday night, we opened two cans of salmon. I wore myself slap out breaking it all up with a fork, added a chopped onion, four eggs, almost two cups of oats, and pepper. It was so salty, I did not use salt like I usually do. The salmon croquettes were delicious. I had cabbage and green beans with the croquettes. These were the cans of salmon that were so cheap and my favorite brand. I think they were bogo at Publix. 

When I saw my Tupperware lady, she talked me into buying a chopper. Then, I think she just gave it to me. The onions I was chopping were hurting my eyes so that I got that out. When I could not figure out how to use it, I gave it to Tommy to figure it out. He did and chopped the onion with a few pulls on a rope like a lawnmower. This thing does not chop, it goes way beyond a chop. I like it. No tears!

Usually, I cook all the mixture. This time, I had Tommy store it for cooking tomorrow. One time, I tried baking them. They were awful, and I don't know why.  

Monday night, I did an extraordinary number of steps. I just felt like doing that many. I stepped until the machine stopped twice, so 2x 9,999 steps.

Once Sunday rolls around, I feel like it is time to start all over. I need to check ads online and then get ads in my hands. So, Monday shows up and it is a new week. I only have one appointment that I will have to cancel. Then, there were things we planned to do that will be cancelled, too. 

This week is rainy and cooler than last week, still very acceptable. 

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Saturday, a Better Day

Jan 8

steps 12,356

 It has been a beautiful day and very warm. It is 8 pm and still 71F. For the last few days, I have not slept well or eaten well. I did not use the pedals for several days. My left leg has swollen more and has spasms. 

Today, we got my repaired necklace from Jared's. There is still something wrong with it. Then, I got a refund from Barnes and Nobles, overdue and denied me for three years. I got my Victoza prescription straightened out. The pharmacist had recorded wrongly what I got when we drove 65 miles to pick it up. I did not ruin the necklace while they had it in their possession. I did not record my prescription wrongly. And, I was not responsible for receiving and paying for a book, Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, that had no title on spine or front of the book. But, I did get all three straightened out today and money returned after everyone tried to blame all these problems on me.

I left home without breakfast because I was miserable feeling. We stopped and got Arby's cheese and beef and senior coke. There were no sandwich specials, but they gave us special prices, making both sandwiches and drinks $7. 

We sat in pharmacy drive-through for 45 minutes straightening out my Victoza. The nicest tech and pharmacist were on duty.

We went to Publix to pick up supplements that I finally found. 

It was a short day for us. I sat in the car the whole time. 

At home I made slaw and prepared a cabbage and put it in pot. We can eat that tomorrow and for a few more days. The slaw will work for about three days, too. 

For dinner we both had baked chicken and slaw. Tommy had little rolls, so he made little chicken sandwiches. I ate about 1.5 cups of slaw! Delicious. 

It is 8:30 pm and 71F. It has been a fantastic day weather-wise. Lots was accomplished, mostly old business. It feels good. Tomorrow, Sunday, it will rain, cool off. Rats! But, the weather is moving toward blazing hot summer weather. Great!

Do you have long-term things that need to be resolved or ones you finally resolved? 

How was the weather today where you are? 

Tomorrow Tommy will plant my bulbs!!!

Forgot to say--eggs Grade A Large are $4.59 at Publix.

Friday, February 7, 2025

Thursday, February 6, 2025

That Was Wednesday

 Feb 5

steps 10,999

I will tell the story of Tuesday later.

Today, the PT person came. He does nothing except take temp, bp, and oa. He said today was my last day with home health care. I commented that it was sporadic. He said most people were home all the time, but I always gone. So, it seemed I needed nothing from the program. I told him it was sometimes hard to get a dr appt and tests I needed. So, since they always called at last moment, I was not going to miss other healthcare. He said that was the way all home healthcare operated. I doubt that. Maybe I am wrong.

He did comment that since I was walking better, I was improving under their program. Well, I told him that my ability to walk without staggering was dependent on other things in my life: how much sleep I had, if I had just gotten out of bed for appointment, blood sugar, general malaise that time of day, was my knee hurting, was my foot hurting, was I hungry, did sinus and ear congestion affect my balance. He had no comment. 

Diet Pepsi at Publix was buy 3, get 2 free, making it $6/24 pack carton. We got five. Well, it was Pepsi products. When I saw the ad, I thought maybe it was a typo. Tommy, sitting in the car said several couples came out with two carts filled with cartons of Pepsi products. 

Today was so warm that for the first time in six months, I wore a sleeveless blouse out to stores to pick up ads. Actually, the blouse was not only sleeveless, it was cut back exposing not only arm but the shoulders. I believe it was still 70 at 6:30. Wonderful! We have to use the ac.

I did manage to make one more call to put out a fire. YAY me.

So that was my Wednesday.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Run Around Day


 Jan 4

steps 12,000

It is too late! We had to get up early for a cardio appointment. UGH. The night before, I made a pimiento and cheese sandwich, so Tommy made a bologna sandwich and carried a cheese stick. We ate in a shady parking lot and were ready to come home by noon. 

Instead, we visited Jared's to get my necklace fixed. I do believe Tommy broke it trying to unlatch it for me. At any rate it is insured. Then, we went to Barnes and Nobles to use my two gift cards Tommy gave me for Christmas. I had to settle a transaction that was settled satisfactorily. "Manager" before would not make a purchase right. This one did. Tommy got The Handmaid's Tale and brought it out to me.

I think it was 67 degrees today, not sure, just very pleasant. The day started colorless and grey. There were no gray clouds, just a grey sky. When we came out of the doctor's office, there was sun and lots of grey clouds, still a very pleasant day.

I went to a really fancy Publix to get something. (It was on the way home.) While there I went to bathroom and dragged one leg through something liquid in front of commode. Oh YUCK. It dragged and flopped around my ankle on the way out. 

My Victoza prescription cannot be filled until after this one is gone for three days. I am so upset. Wasted stop and wait at pharmacy!

Then, I went to Publix and picked up my free bouquet. Customer service reminded me to get bananas. He said he notices I always buy them. So, I went and got bananas, so grateful he pays attention.

I have needed coat hangers, specifically pants hangers. I need them to hang clothes on tops of doors. I have plenty of plastic topped hangers that won't hang on the door. While in Publix, of all places, I found them. I think the four I bought today will be enough. I can always put dry clothing on the plastic hangers. At least I know where to find them. They are made in China, so maybe I should get a few more. These will hang blouse and pants! 

One horrendous thing happened that I cannot write so late. Tomorrow, maybe.

We got lots done, but about 4 pm, I had to take a nap. I felt 100% rejuvenated afterwards. And, I knew what day it was! We accomplished sooo much.

How was your Tuesday? Did you have a slow day or accomplish much?

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Staying Out of Trouble

Feb 3

steps 10,450

 Today has been another slow day. I did not sleep at all Saturday night. So, all my sleeping was during the day. I slept three hours today with no nap, so hopefully I will sleep well tonight. 

For dinner I had: tuna, MW, chopped carrots, and two boiled eggs eaten with two huge Romaine leaves. Tommy ate something. Then, I made pimiento and cheese and packed me a sandwich for tomorrow when we are out. Tommy will make his out of whatever he wants. 

I finally tried fixing the no-color problem on my hair. I still have hair that is white. The doctor won't care. I will, very much will. 

As I was telling Tommy something from the past, I decided to see if this very nice man from our church was still with us so I could get in touch. Nope. Dead. Then, I looked up another family in another location and cannot find her. The death is not overwhelming, bringing me grief. But, where is the other family??? I will work on that another day. 

My Victoza is promised for Wednesday. I do hope I get it because I cannot stand the anxiety I went through not having meds and having to go 64 miles to get only enough for two or three weeks.

The weather was beautiful, a little humid and the temperature was about 76F, I think. That is what Tommy told me. I only made one call of the many I need to make, but there is tomorrow. 

We are still inundated with glitter from the deer I hit and rolled around with on the front porch! I even get it in my bed, off my feet, I suppose.

The abandoned house next door has a fire ant mound that is two feet in diameter and about a foot tall. I am going to go over there and use Amdro around it. Hopefully, I won't get in trouble. Keep your fingers crossed for me.


Monday, February 3, 2025

Slow Saturday

Jan 2

steps 11,000

 Maybe I have my sleep schedule under control. I hope so. It affects my daytime when I don't sleep well at night. 

Tonight, I ate ground beef that totally up my digestive system. Right now, I am so dehydrated. I need water and electrolytes. 

I think I took a nap in my bed. And, I slept in my chair through a holocaust program I wanted to see. I never miss AFV, of course. So, it appears it was a restful day, maybe wasted. Tommy was rather calm and helpful. 

There are lists, plans, all waiting until I put color on my hair again! Tommy left me with a circle of hair about 6 inches in diameter, all white.

USPS delivered a huge, heavy box only halfway up the ramp. Taking care of that is the first order of Monday morning. If we have a ramp, we might have a need for help, like bring the huge box all the way to the door!  

It was 69F today, pleasant. 

How was your Saturday? What did you accomplish?

Does USPS deliver packages so you can easily get them into the house?


Saturday, February 1, 2025

My Chins

 Feb 1

steps 18,182

I noticed my face was not so fat and was thrilled. Then, one day I noticed my fat chins were less. I suppose it is still a fat double chin. But, now it is the kind that is a band going from chin to base of neck that has many wrinkles in it. Disgusting, but better than before.  I know I can have surgery, but that is not even a consideration. What can I do to make my saggy neck less prominent? Send me an email if you don't want to admit to the world you have done something to your neck.

Surgery or botox are off the table.

Friday night, I cut up the cabbage and Tommy put it on and then refrigerated it after it was cooked. We had some tonight. It is delicious. I ate it with the rest of my rice and broccoli. I refused to eat the still raw potatoes, so Tommy refrigerated them. He had the same thing. 

This morning, I finally was in bed by 8 am. I slept until 2 pm, and woke up in bed thinking I was sleeping on my stomach in my chair. I have felt okay this afternoon. 

The day has been beautiful and the week to come will be equally warm and lovely. 

Do you have excess chin/neck skin/fat?

This lost post

 Jan 30

steps 14,628

Hmm, I have no idea where this post should be.

Some People Drink at the Fountain of Knowledge; Others Just Gargle

 Feb 1

Steps 12,000

Right? 

Well, I awoke ready to make calls and places were closed on Friday. No one will be open tomorrow. I have another list of calls of people and places that should be open. So, called one and hung up discouraged. Sending me a text so I can fill out my info is not great customer service for me. 

We are making progress. Tommy took the bows off the deer. At this rate, I will be done by Labor Day. 

Tommy's osteoarthritis is causing him so much pain. For years I have suggested a doctor. He always gets loud and denies anything can be done. He last consulted his family doctor about 20 years ago. Lately, he has quit objecting, so it is time for me to make an appointment. He no longer says he won't have an operation or knee replacement. Wish me luck. 

The two airplane crashes have rattled me. I knew all along flying was dangerous. How do you feel about flying?

Thursday, January 30, 2025

How I Perceived it and How it Really Happened

Jan 30

steps 14.628

73F!

When I got up to go to the bathroom, I wondered why Tommy was up as it was 6 something. So, I went to living room where my lamp was on and he appeared fully awake. I sat down, still stunned from sleep as I usually am when I awake. After about five minutes, I started talking. The news was on. All seemed not normal for a morning. 

I asked him why he was up. Because... Had he eaten? Of course not. Why are you awake so early. Because it is six o'clock. What did you eat. Nothing yet. 

I kept this up, questioning him with same questions until I realized it was still Thursday. He told me I lay down for a nap at 2 pm. How did this all happen?

What really happened--I lay down for a nap at about 2 this afternoon. I told him not to wake me. At 6 pm it was dark, so I thought it was still night and he was up at 6 am. It was still Thursday, and I thought it was Friday morning. I thought he must have had breakfast. 

I must have been very out of it, because I could not understand how this all happened and kept asking him the same questions. I hope not to be in this state again. This was so bizarre. 

It has been two hours, and I am fully awake now. 

We did nothing today. I asked Tommy to remove the bows from the reindeer. He forgot. I needed to hang two pair of pants and jacket. I forgot. We did nothing done that we planned! I stayed up late watching the tragedy in DC. Then, I got up early to have it continue. The political comments overshadowed the human tragedy. 

It was warm today, so I took off the top wool blanket before the nap. It is good I did take it off because the temp was 73F. 

Today, I gave myself an injection just below my waist in a nice fatty area. As I stuck the needle in, I felt a severe pain in shoulder blade on same side. This pain continued for about three minutes, feeling like a thumbtack was being pushed into my back. Now, injections often cause a tiny pain elsewhere, but I have never had this kind of pain and for so long. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? 

It is only about 9 pm, and I am now extremely sleepy!

I laughed about my confusion as to whether it was night or morning. Have you ever awakened confused about whether it was day or night?

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

I Want an Orange



 Jan. 29

steps 13,780

Wednesday was an all-around good day. Nothing spectacular happened except for the weather, 64 degrees. That alone is enough to celebrate. We accomplished lots in comfort. 

We collected ads from three stores where we shop. Publix is the last store ad we collect. Today, we got it first. There were things we knew would be gone by Thursday morning. Some items on bogo were gone by 3pm! 

We bought these b2g2--Cokes. These b2g1--HUGGIE wipes, Cottonelle. Coleslaw mix was two for $6. White grapes were reduced, not sure how much. 

I heard that Cottonelle was best tp for not having lots of fuzz, so tried it. I was sitting in Electric cart, tried to tip off a small size, tipped it right into face and knocked my glasses off onto floor. It took a great effort to retrieve glasses from the floor. ugh! 

We have passed by drugstore several times in the last three days on the way home or out to do chores. We kept going because there were too many cars in line. This prescription I do not need in a hurry. Last night, it was getting dark, so Tommy went inside hoping to avoid eight cars in line. He came back out saying there were fifteen people standing in line. Today, we had plenty of daylight and just wanted to get this pickup over with. So, we sat it out. This prescription is an ophthalmic med for my ear. I don't know.

The only things on the list we did not accomplish were jumping off my car and going for a ride. Those two things go at the top of my list tomorrow.

I want an orange. I am starving for an orange!!! I have not had one for a year. My history with oranges is not altogether a happy history. Somehow, I knew I was allergic to oranges or at least sensitive. But, I kept consuming the orange and juice. When my son was 18 months, we moved. The house had just been built and had a well. My son kept having massive diarrhea issues. I remember walking down the hall carrying him with his diarrhea running down the front of my housecoat and nightgown and into my house shoes. I had no idea what was happening all of a sudden with him. 

I took him to the doctor several times. He suggested testing the water since we were on a new well. The authorities came and tested our well water when I requested. It was perfect and pure water. 

I thought about this all the time. One day, I was sitting and drinking orange juice. It hit me. I told husband to never allow son to have even a sip of orange juice. After a week of no diarrhea, I gave him a sip. Within the next day, he let loose. We withheld oj for a period of time two more times. Both sips of oj disrupted his bowels. So, he and other children never had oj before they were two or three years old. I kept drinking it, but hid or drank out of cup so they could not see what I had. I had no untoward problems.

One day, the youngest was begging from her brother and sister. She was a year old and wanted some orange juice from a sibling's juice glass.  I told them not to ever give her orange juice. They were stunned. I explained son's diarrhea and they were sure not to give her any, no matter how prettily she asked. So, the two younger, both girls, never had the digestive problem.  Maybe it would not have affected them. Both girls were eventually given orange juice when they were about five, but never had the same problem. 

However, oranges or juice does not affect my digestion as far as I know. I have figured out that oranges or juice cause me to have sinus problems that end up being a sinus infection eventually. Or, I am just congested forever! One of these days, I will give in, but I am resisting the oranges I so want. Of course, this includes all citrus fruit. I love them all so much! 

I stopped typing and made dinner. We have leftover chicken and turkey. Frozen broccoli was put in refrigerator from freezer, so I had to do something with it. I made two medium casseroles. Each had a bag of broccoli, 1/2 can of cream of chicken soup and 1/2 can of cream of mushroom. Neither had sodium. In my casserole I put cheese. Tommy said he hates cheese on chicken or rice or in his soup. Two casseroles work. 

We are both tired. He gets grumpy when tired. Not fun. Thankfully, he settles down when he eats!
We have a few chores for tomorrow, but I am adding planting bulbs.

Are you allergic to oranges? What is your reaction? Do you ever have a strong desire for a food to which you are allergic? 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Accomplishments

 Jan. 28

steps 13,000

Because I only slept three hours Monday night, I was weary all day long, but did not sleep until 6:30pm. UGH! Then it was just an hour nap.

Tommy went into Dollar Tree and bought a red, heart garland with pink on it. It's on the tree with the red balls. It covers the tree, so the tree is mostly red. It is really very pretty and sparkly.

I think the temp was almost 60F today. The weather was dry, wind was almost non-existent. The sun was brilliant. 

Today. we ate leftovers. That helped clean out freezer and refrigerator. 

Eggs at Publix were $5.40 for a dozen Grade A eggs. This was cheaper than other stores around here. I looked at blueberries which I also had to toss. Blueberries in a tiny box were $7 each. My mouth fell open, and I put the blueberries down as four employees watched. 

Tonight, there was about a half cup of chili, so I had that with chili on top. It was delicious, all hot and gooey. I will eat salad in a bit and lots of strawberries. 

Tommy and I were talking about Kim's brown furniture and how beautiful it was. I asked him about brown furniture in his family. He said when he and his brother divided up house when the sold their parents' house. Tommy said he took the bedroom furniture and his brother and his wife took the dining room furniture, dark brown, maybe mahogany. His brother and his wife painted the formal dining room furniture the most terrible green.  They asked Tommy about his painting the bedroom furniture. What color was he going to paint it? He avoided answering. He said he would clean it if anything. Thank goodness. 

Today, I actually was able to get appointments, thankfully. Tomorrow, I will get the other appointments I need. Usually, the nurse calls back the next day or when I have the phone off.

I was discussing buying a laptop. I mentioned to a friend--"Oh, where does Sam work?" "Oh, Sam died." I was shocked. Tears came. Another friend is gone, and he was only about 45. It is a sad day. This only happened a month ago. It is particularly sad when a young person dies. 

Do you like dark brown furniture or not?

More Steps

Jn.27 
steps 20,273

My scales to weigh myself on were in the way. When I moved them, I don't get on them so often. But, tonight, I decided to lug them out and weigh myself. Shockingly, I lost another pound even though I have not eaten well...too much chocolate. So, I am down 34 lbs. 

I wonder if the exercise has anything to do with the weight loss even though it seems my eating is out of control? Chocolate seems to have hold of me.

More strawberries were needed since we let the others rot in refrigerator. That disappoints me. Things happened. Tommy browned about two pounds of ground beef. It may be spaghetti since I really want spaghetti. 

I was wandering through the Valentine aisles in Big Box when I happened to strike up a conversation with a woman with cutest twins. I said I was looking for a garland with hearts on it. She said they have those at Dollar Tree. I will go there tomorrow. 

Tonight, I happened to glance in the mirror where I could see the top of my head which is completely white! Tommy said it was all my fault. grrr

The temperature will be near 70 later this week. I am supremely happy. I suppose Anne will be happy, too. 

Tommy just brought me a piece of Irish Soda Bread with butter on it and heated. It was heaven. I need to make some. Have you ever made Irish Soda Bread? Any tips?


Sunday, January 26, 2025

Coloring My Hair and Everything Else

 Jan. 26

steps 10,452

I slept a whole 7 hours last night, awoke hot and had to get up. I lurched down the hall and stabbed the wall with a thumb nail. I wonder what damage I did. My nails are lethal weapons, especially my thumbnails. If anyone ever attacks me, I will leave him permanently scarred, maybe bleeding to death. 

At the grocery store I did not even slow my cart as I grabbed a bag of Quaker Chocolate Rice Cakes. Yesterday, I had two left of fourteen. I wanted to eat them, but neither Tommy nor I could find them. When I came into living room and sat down, the bag was sitting next to the remotes. I ate them. But, when Tommy awakes, I will say I have not seen them. That will send him on a chase. I won't make him look, not that mean. There was a time about 40 years ago that I ate rice cakes all the time, but they did not have chocolate.

4:15 and everything melted down. Tommy will never be near me with color and my hair. Now, I cannot put it on like they do in a shop, but it works, so don't tell me how a shop does it or I should do it. I take the bottle of color with the little tip and use the tip to get it on hair in close rows in some places. Then, I use a toothbrush to sort of poke it down along the lines so color it to roots. 

He started at the front like I told him, then sort of swirled the toothbrush until I had a rat's nest on top of my head back to crown. He did this over a dozen times. Yes, I screamed at him lots. One time, he cut my hair off four inches too short. I only wanted length off. Years later, he said he did that to get out of doing it again. Nope, didn't work. 

I told him he pays for hair color for me at shop. He agreed by saying nothing...lol. I really hate it when people do things wrong to get out of doing it again. I just refuse to do whatever it is! There was more color smeared and dropped than ever before. At my house I have colored my hair without ever getting a drop on anything. I colored my hair at daughter's house and spilled not one drop. She would have told me if I had anything spilled or dripped. Now, I have to do it sitting in my recliner. 

This is something I have never paid to be done. People have said it looks great. Now, I cannot get arms up for so long. I will remedy this problem. Plus, I have to sit in lift chair because I cannot stand too long.

OT story. She came in smiling saying she could smell marijuana in our front yard. We wonder who was smoking so that it wafted into our yard. She said it was strong. So now we wonder who it could be. 

After all the talk of egg shortage, I finally asked Tommy how many eggs we have. We have 13. So, there is no catastrophe about to happen when we run out of eggs. Tomorrow, we will buy more at some price. 

I may go to the store and get a garland for the Christmas tree to make it a Valentine tree. It only had red balls on it this year, so it will work fine. I will figure out something for St. Patrick's Day and Easter. The red makes it work for patriotic holidays. I won't use the multicolor lights that are on it. 

Have you ever had a Valentine tree using your Christmas tree? 

Do you put color on your own hair or go to a stylist. Problems with either?

Do you eat or like rice cakes?

Are your nails lethal?



Saturday, January 25, 2025

Lazy Saturday

 Jan 24 and Jan 25

steps 20,298 

Today has been a lazy day. Plus, I have no ooomph. 

I rounded up info to tackle another problem over the phone. I don't relish this call. But, it is worth $2000, so I can handle it. 

Friday night, I slept ten solid hours! A couple of times I wanted a nap today, but after five minutes reclining, I felt refreshed. Silly, huh? I never rested for more than five minutes today. 

I read a lot and watched tv. Of course, I read on laptop where I can enlarge the text.

I forgot to post steps on Friday, so I posted for two days today.

Dinner: pork medallion, salad, snacks after dinner were about a dozen chocolate chips, and half dozen pecan halves. 

Thankfully, it is warming up here. The snow on the sand at the beach is disappearing.

Do you still have ice, sludge or snow? 



Friday, January 24, 2025

Solving Problems Today

 Today, I steeled myself, gritted my teeth, then relaxed and put on a voice more pleasant than I felt. I got a woman to whom I have talked before and told her how disruptive this was to my financial life. So, this is the long story of how it happened.

I was at Bank1. They became Bank 2. I was told the free checks were good and free to use as long as I had them. I still have about 100 checks. I use them not often. I have never used one over the phone until a few weeks ago. That is the problem--the routing numbers are changed since it is under a new bank. Now, why couldn't someone else help me figure this out? I was an agent of the solving the problem. However, I had a late charge at Amazon. The local business took off the late charge and something else. So, now I know. Why could all these employees before her figure it out? Also, why couldn't someone have given me new routing numbers to use over the phone. I don't need new numbers if I use a check at the store or at bank. I do not have and have not had one overdraft, thank you.

Tommy just finished a 30-minute call to ATT about why he was not charged for long-distance service. Somehow, his charge was not put on the bill. But, the amount of talking required was too much. At least, his service was not cancelled.

Now, I need to talk with Amazon.,,,if I can find someone who speaks English well enough to understand. People in this country need jobs. I ordered something on sale for $329 and used my accrued points to pay for it. They did not use my points and charged me $449. Needless to say, this does not sit well with me!`

Tonight, we had baked chicken, garlic potatoes with green beans, and Romaine. Tommy had a salad, chicken and garlic potatoes with green beans. 

Additionally, I baked a turkey breast wrapped in bacon and some sort of stuffing. I pulled off all the bacon. Whatever it was stuffed with will keep my mouth and stomach burning all night. I only took a taste! 

A sliced baked ham went into the freezer. I cannot wait to eat it. I need to cook beans and bake sweet potatoes for that. Or, maybe we will have that for Easter.

a funny commercial

Obnoxious Hyundai Tucson "sugar mamma" commercial

My feet are so cold!




Insufficient Funds

 Jan. 24

steps 12,150

OT called and I was not on her schedule, so she did not keep appointment today. She said that is usually a sign I am not getting more therapy. Bummer. I may have started three months ago, but I have gotten only half that. She said my insurance probably cut the program for me. 

The nurse needed to see me this week. Since I was busy the day she wanted to come, I mean right that day, I told her to let's make an appointment for tomorrow. No, she cannot because she might get new patients she would have to see. Tonight, I went to bed at 7 pm. She called at 8 pm, trying to convince Tommy to make an appointment at 3 pm even though he told her we had something planned. What's wrong with these people? I called her and got her voice mail, so nothing will be set when tomorrow comes. I hate this.

Today, we came home, and I rushed to the bathroom. I unlocked the door and rushed down the hall. I sat on commode and a few minutes later was rushing to go out again. As I stood up, I heard something rattle and then a thud on the bathroom floor. I had to shake my cell phone and keys out of the leg of my pants. The phone and keys fell out of my jacket pocket, into pants and through my pants leg. I was so confused. I have never had that happen before. Tommy had a good laugh when I told him. 

We had chicken fingers I cooked in the oven for dinner. I had chicken fingers and Romaine, and Tommy had chicken fingers and a salad. I have never tasted such salty fingers. I am finishing my third or fourth bottle of water tonight. I just hope I am not up all night. 

At 7 pm, I had to go to bed but only slept until 10pm. I do expect to go back to bed about 3 am and sleep the rest of the night. 

The temperature was around 42F. It is back to 27F tonight and back up to mid 40s Friday. Yesterday, the humidity was -6. It was so dry it was affecting my sinuses. I have never heard of such low humidity. 

My bank is rejecting checks and debits because of insufficient funds, yet the tell me I have plenty of money when I call the bank. This is driving me crazy.

Every night, we watch a Hopalong Cassidy movie since they come on Grit at 1 am. Has anyone found them yet? 

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Wednesday Warmup

Jan 22

13,350 steps

 I know 37F is not very warm, but compared to overnight temperatures, 37F is a warmup. 

Last night, Tuesday, I did steps, then OT suggested I do more because I was shoding' to let her know when her time is up! She keeps leaving earlier and earlier. 

I was so tired and frustrated, I just did not want to do more steps after she was leaving after only 30 minutes. She is having trouble at home. I want to get a timer that makes a 'ding' to keep her working until it dings. 

I may have done more steps. 

She showed me a picture of a scantily clad woman to whom her husband had sent money several times, claiming it was his brother's girlfriend. hmmm  He always has to go to town where the girl lives. So, she kicked him out. I feel sorry for her. She does not have her mind on my problems right here and her work. I don't mind at all her talking about her problems. I will commiserate with her like I did last night. She does not 'need' him to support her, so that is good. I almost called her to make sure she made the 90-minute drive safely. 

At any rate I did not pedal more on Tuesday night.

Tuesday night, I looked online at Publix ad. There were four things 'chosen just for you.' There was a2milk, Nature's Own Honey Wheat bread, Coke, and something I forgot. Publix bscb was $5.49 bogo, so almost rock bottom for bscb. Yes, I do buy and eat all four items. So, Publix is watching me. I did buy all those items and a few more. Then, we got the other two ads and did not hang around the store to buy more. 

When I awoke Wednesday morning, I was so hot, like fire. I came down the hall trying to figure out why I was so very hot. I sat in my chair, uncovered with only a summer nightgown on my body, rather than a jacket and blanket as usual. Finally, my body turned icy. Then it was time to cover up. I think the two wool blankets, flannel sheets, and bedspread overheat me. But, I am only staying warm until I am overheating.  Maybe it was a hot flash. 

I sent Tommy into CVS to use a 40% off any full-price item coupon. He got a Revlon lipstick for me--Pink in the Afternoon. The lipstick was about $7 instead of $11 and change. It seems all my lipstick has disappeared, probably under the car seat, 

When I went to hatch to let guy put groceries back there, I discovered someone had hit the car. !!! I suppose this is to be expected. The mark in sort of a scrap about 6 Inches by 12 inches, definitely hit. 

Do you have every scrape, ding, and dent repaired? 



Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Waiting on OT

Jan 21

steps about 4000

 So, just now I called at 4:55 and she is 2 miles away. I was afraid she had an accident or decided not to come. 

Today, we went to my new hairdresser. I like her. She did not cut it exactly how I want it, but she did not destroy it. Plus, it looks neater and less straggly. I will go back in a month so we can fix it more like I prefer. She charged $20 and I gave her $30. She tried to give me change. 

It was maybe 25F out and I wore sandals. It was not too bad. Plus, it is not far to go. I doubt I will ever have to cancel because of weather. I explained to her about my need for help. She said she would ask around. I gave up on the cleaner the doctor recommended. If she cannot answer the phone or return calls where I explain what I want, I suppose she does not want to work or would not show up. 

We have seat warmers in the car seats, so that helped to not be so frigid, plus I took a throw that Tommy used while I was getting my hair cut. And, there were two more throws in the car. Tommy does not know if he has gloves. I have not looked for mine. That is on my to-do list--find gloves. 

Last night in bed I was very warm. I had two wool blankets and a bedspread over me. I used a throw over top of my head and a throw bunched up under the flannel sheet to keep air out. Tommy said he was not hot or cold in his chair. Tonight will be down to 3F, so hope we are warm without turning up the heat. 

Since Tommy gave me gift cards for Barnes and Nobles, I decided to make a list of books I want. I know I can order online, but when I did that, my book had no name on the spine. So, I have bought nothing there in three years. So far, my list has: Little, Brown Handbook; The Handmaid's Tale; and nothing else. 

We had pork medallions with vegetables and sauce. Tommy did not care for the dinner.  

Since it is going to be 3F, I need to tend to half bath.
What is the temp at your house tonight?

Monday, January 20, 2025

Writing

 Jan 20

steps 12,463

I think I must readjust my writing schedule. I usually write late, often after midnight. Now, since I have been going to bed early, I cannot write late. Of course, I do get up for four hours, but those are not good writing hours. One night, I did write in the middle of the night. I could not type very well at all. It was a chore to correct so much. 

Today, I expected the ot to come between 3:20 and 4 pm. Tommy said she said 5 pm. Around 6 pm, I called her. She was already 90 miles from here and apologized about two dozen times. Since I am going for haircut tomorrow, I knew I did not make an appointment for that time tomorrow. While I had nowhere to go, I resent living on tenterhooks! 

It is soooo cold--21F right now at 10:15 pm. 

Today was a sad and tiring day. If we can make it through four more years....

Hopalong Cassidy

 Tommy turned to a TV station to a cowboy movie. He said he was going to watch it because had never seen a Hopalong Cassidy movie before. I was shocked! I could not believe he had never seen a Hopalong Cassidy movie. Since he is 71, he is of the right age. He said he watched cowboy movies on Saturday afternoons. So, I wonder how he missed seeing this cowboy movie. 

We started watching Randolph Scott movies, so I quit writing this post. 

Have you seen at least one Hopalong Cassidy movie? Who has not?

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Saturday


Jan. 18

9,999 steps

 Tommy said he thought it was 20 miles one way. Then, when he checked the odometer, it was a 32-mile one way trip. So, 64 miles trip to get Victoza. You would think that starting 4 weeks ago to get this refill would be long enough. 

My scales had 'low' message instead of weight when I stepped on the platform. I changed the batteries and still got nothing, no message at all. I was set to buy another. Finally, three days later, Tommy did something and saved us having to buy another. I could not find the same one on Amazon, where I got the first. My weight is at the same low as before--32 lb. loss.

Tommy saw our neighbor going into The Pig as he was coming out. Tommy said, "What's happening?" Neighbor said, "To Hell with the milk. I came for beer!" 

I slept poorly last night, although it was more than eight hours. I took a Melatonin on Friday night, and I have noticed it causes disturbed sleep. I didn't take any for a year. I think I will quit again. I don't have nightmares like some people report. My response has to it has changed.

Now, I have to go hang up wet laundry.  





Friday, January 17, 2025

Victoza

 Thankfully, I had good night's sleep because I am exhausted at 6 pm. We got into the car for a few chores. I called pharmacy and they found Victoza for me. The hitch was that we had to drive 20 miles. That was no problem except it was mid-afternoon and dark comes early this time of the year. The road was scary, but Tommy was cautious, especially when I asked and begged. 

The pharmacy had two hours and knew where we were driving from. But, no, they had not worked on it yet, come back in 30 minutes. We came back in 30 minutes after telling him we could not drive in the dark. A young woman said it was not ready. I told her we could not see to drive in the dark, and if we ended up dead in a ditch, it would be Walgreen's fault, that they had had all afternoon to fill it! She said they would fill it right now. 

If was fully dark when we arrived home, thankfully in one piece. It was scary on the drive over and even scarier on the drive back. 

Well, I 'lost' Tommy's monitor and he is unhappy. Okay, I was sitting on it for a couple of hours. I figured that out after he went to car in the dark and cold to find it. Ooops!

We did not make it to any grocery store. If it is raining tomorrow, there is nothing greatly reduced that we want or need. So, we can stay inside. 

Tonight, I will put frozen bscb, mostly thawed, into the crockpot. A big package of bone-in and skin-on chicken will go into a pot to boil. It's getting late, almost nine so I should get busy. I have been wanting chicken/broccoli/brown rice/cheese/pimiento. Tommy hates the pimiento so he will get carrots or something. I will make two casseroles, small ones that will make two or more meals each. 

We had roast chicken, cabbage, and butternut squash for dinner. Delicious. 

This was a beautiful day and warm. Then, before we left town, clouds rolled in. 

Tommy just came in with laundry at 9 pm and said the driveway is damp and a few drops of rain hit him. So, maybe the Saturday rain has started. 

Now, I need to cook and go to bed. 

Thursday, January 16, 2025

A Haircut

 Wednesday night, I went to sleep at 8 pm and woke at 2 am. Of course, I could not go back to sleep until about 7 am and slept until 9 am. I wish I could develop a better schedule, but at least I am getting seven or eight hours sleep. And, I am not awake all night, necessitating sleeping in the day.

Tommy is funny. I told him the other day that I would cook the small cabbage and to get the larger cabbage out of the plastic bag and don't put it in the refrigerator. He incredulously asked, "And, let it sit out for days out of the refrigerator." I suppose he thought it would rot in three or four days. I always store cabbage in the crisper, but the refrigerator was full. Two days on the table where it is cool was not going to make it rot. I forgot to cook it today! 

He said he liked the way I cooked cabbage. Some people, he said, cooked cabbage to mush and he likes cabbage with a bite. 

I have an appointment to get a haircut on Tuesday, but the weather will be bad. I have not had a professional haircut since 2018! It is too long, scraggly, and cut wrong. I just hope the roads are not frozen. I am so excited!

Tonight, I had chili, hotdogs, shredded cheese, and half a hotdog bun. Tommy had two hotdogs, catsup, mustard, and relish. 

The ot who was scheduled for 3:30 to 4--arrival came at 5 pm. The nurse called, expecting to come here tomorrow morning. She told me most people never went anywhere, so I told her most of the time I went out and sat in the car while Tommy went into stores. So, she misses seeing me this week. 

I tried once again to contact the cleaner the doctor recommended. No contact. 

The table to my left desperately needed cleaning of bits. This has been done. It has been an uneventful/boring day.

We are expecting rain for two days, then freezing weather. If snow is forecast, I will make the milk concoction for snow ice cream. YUM

Do you have snow forecast for next week?


Maybe?

 June 15 

steps 2,700

We sat in line at the pharmacy drive-thru for almost an hour. It took a long time to finish both our transactions. The last thing we heard was that the Victoza would be in on January 21. I doubt it. I hope I am wrong.

We had things to do. We managed to do all but the most important--shop for a storm door. I sit here facing the door and can see daylight around the door. Of course, that needs to be fixed. Plus, a storm door that fits will help immensely to keep this place warmer and not so drafty. 

When I first came here, he refused to let me put in weatherstripping. Now, I cannot reach high enough. So, we can spend lots of money. I talked to another Home Depot and got more help over the phone than I did in person at the other location.

At least, one project will be done. It is a long list. Tommy did take in about 10 items from three trips to get a refund. I suggested he not go in sooner as the refund line would be too long.

On Wednesday night, I went to bed at 8 pm. and awoke on Thursday at 2 am. I was so hot I had to get up. Now, two hours later, I am wide awake with the hiccups.  

I have been so frustrated because my debit account has been frozen because of McAfee's attempt to push through a charge that was not authorized and exorbitant. Well, I called the bank today, and they have no info showing my account has been frozen. And, McAfee tried twelve times to push the charge through on Friday morning between 8 and 9 am! As I went into Publix to collect the ad, I bought one item, and the charge went through. I am so relieved that I can now use my card and money is accessible to me. Tommy was going to allow me to use his card, but Amazon will not take a cc for bill payment.

Christmas is still out and up for the most part. Today, I struggled to get into the room where the rest is stored. The room has stuff about two feet high all over the room. Christmas items that were stored on top of one box now covers the tops of items in the room. I am so furious! I managed to pull out the two boxes that two table-top reindeer and a Santa should go into for storage. I almost fell down as I came into the living room because I was carrying the boxes awkwardly and had to sneeze. Maybe Tommy can climb over his junk and hand me those three Christmas items. 

I am tired of having to watch cleaners so they don't hide things from me and make my life more difficult in the long run. 

Today was a beautiful day. The days are getting longer which makes me deliriously happy.  

Maybe I can go five days without med for diabetes.