Friday Fun and Saturday, Too, and Sunday

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

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

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

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

Tommy helped me with therapy for legs. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Okay, too tired to think. 

I thought I posted this Sunday night.

Good Things Come to Those Who Cake

The above was on the birthday card from Janet. Thanks, Janet!  She knows me well. Well, I did cake! And, I lost another pound. 

 I survived!

Despite having only two nights' sleep last night and a grueling doctor visit all the way across Birmingham, I think I might be getting better. 

This affliction has not caused my temperature to rise. Neck hurt one day. I had a few of my normal sneezing fits. Once in a while, I coughed a week little clearing-my-throat cough. Other than that, I have been almost to the point of not being able to walk, wobbly, weak, pain all over. I truly hope whatever it is going away. 

As you may remember, besides the gifts for my birthday, I had food visits planned. Tuesday, when I was in Publix, I decided that over the weekend, I would get Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice from Publix soup bar. It was on their chart for Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. I was so ill on Saturday and decided today was the day. No soup for me! It did not come in. So, I wanted something. Tommy suggested ice cream cone. 

Then, he mentioned DQ and I wanted a Blizzard. He usually gets me a small because I want a 'small one.' That is not smallest! This time I said 'tiniest' one. The mini was what I wanted--something that was chocolate twice. It was $4.97 for the 6 oz. mini. There are 128 ounces in a gallon. That makes 21 mini servings in a gallon. So $4.97 x 21= $104.37/gal. Can you imagine anything so expensive??? I think this is the first Blizzard I have had in over a year. 

Sunday, I had my taste buds set for the soup that was not there on Saturday, Tommy brought it out and vegetable soup for him. It was so delicious! Free from Publix for my birthday, I received a bar cake. Carrot Cake. 

Today, after Tommy's appointment, we had a Chic-fil-A sandwich, no pickle. He asked for mustard for me. I heard him ask twice. I didn't say anything because I figured maybe they had no mustard. Gues what? They do! He, of course, swears he said "honey mustard." grrr

Because of the four-day holiday, Tommy was without his Dexcom G7 for a week. Then, because of incorrect information, he had to pay $150.00 for one sensor that lasts 10 days! Because Tommy does not give complete information, I chimed in. Based on what I said, she reversed what she had just said. He does not realize what is relevant information. 

When she heard from me what his breakfast is, she vetoed that because his blood sugar was rising too much eating Honey Nut Cheerios and milk. She told him to eat an egg. I told her he does not like egg. So, she said to eat cottage cheese. No, he hates that. So, she told me to find a protein he would eat and give him that...lol. When I lived alone, I would grab and small bit of chicken breast about two thumb sized piece. It worked for me. He is not too eager to eat that. I asked her what would work, something he could carry with him in the car. She suggested protein bars or protein shakes. 

I have been telling him for years that his breakfast makes his blood sugar rise too high! 

In the car I mentioned protein bites with oats, chocolate, peanut butter and whatever. He said it did not sound good. I would love those. I refuse to put chia in mine, but he might like chia. 

They copied his receiver information and he turned in his food log. I told her when we at popcorn, it was free of salt or butter. She said what mattered was how much he ate. He put down everything he ate, but he left off amounts. 

So maybe Tommy learned something from the exchanges between the doctor and myself. I told him I would get him a smaller cereal bowl. He said he would just eat less. Well, I am trying to get rid of the Cool Whip Bowl that he never washes, just stores it and the spoon in the refrigerator. I tried for about 3 years to get him to change bowls. Maybe I need to get a Dr. Who bowl for him. 

I need a nap, but, I need to cook chicken before it goes off. Two quarts of strawberries are waiting, too. 

I wore pants I ordered from eBay and love them. From Walmart I ordered two nightgowns and a bathrobe. The bathrobe smells of chemical. One nightgown does not fit. One, I love. So, those two pieces must go back. The other nightgown is okay. (I tried it on and it is nice and long, love it. The fabric for Tommy's curb chairs came and is great. I may order some from this place to upholster my kitchen chairs. When all is said and done, I suppose these four chairs will cost about $40. I had to have new seat bottoms cut, bought this material, and will need to purchase padding for the chairs since the other was about 50 years old and rotten. Four years ago, I paid $20 for someone to cut four new chair bottoms since the others were pressed wood and disintegrating. 

Okay, I slept only three hours. I feel almost fully recovered from this sinus problem. It is almost 10 pm. I just gt up. I have to sleep well tonight. 

I told Tommy I want a new, large tv for the living room. He has been adamant that is not happening. So, I told him I want another necklace from Jared's or a new tv. My birthday is Wednesday, so we will see. I would not claim the tv, just have access to something larger than the 32" tv that is sitting very and low hard to see. Oh, I want it hung on the wall, too, for easy viewing. Plus, I have stumbled toward the tv many times. Once, I even touched it, grabbing it for support and righting it. Besides, I have a console table I want to put on that wall that is so much nicer than the very short coffee table on which the tv sits. 

I do want to eat at Cracker Barrel and get the four meals for $5 each. Or, maybe it is another place. 

Oh, I am tired of his dragging his feet on car purchase! Football has started and he informed me on Friday when Auburn was playing on Saturday. I told him if he cannot plan and carry through on car shopping, we will go whenever, even during Auburn games. This will assure he plans! Football games will be my nap time. 

Okay, need to go plate my dinner. 

Do you have any recipes for protein bites/bars? I want ones you have tried. 

Dizzy Friday

 Today, I was not better, but not worse. I still hold onto things to walk. 

The washing machine mechanic came today. Tommy said he pulled off the knob that controls water depth, stuck a screwdriver in and did something. I wonder how much that will cost? He told Tommy the reason it makes such a noise is that the shocks are shot. There have been days I thought the noise was a thunderstorm because of the rumbling on the concrete floor. He said that eventually the shocks will break, and the machine will tear up. 

The machine works now, so Tommy washed my sheets that were changed the other day and a load of my towels, panties, and nightgowns. The mechanic said he might be back Tuesday with shocks. We will try not to wash too many loads. 

When I went into Publix, I was so dizzy I thought I was going to fall off since I still do not have my balance. Except for bananas, all I bought was bogo--Cheerios, hamburger buns, 

Tommy received three insulin pens, all different ones, but not the monitor to stick on his arm. Is this doctor crazy? I will call again and reiterate that he will have to have the EMTs, fire department, and possibly the police visit to get him straight. Maybe he will pass out. Maybe he will have a wreck! My nerves have just about settled, now getting worried again, wondering when I have to deal with this again. Why do we have to deal with this? Are we guinea pigs?

Today, was a beautiful, hot day. My flowers sook so pretty now that Tommy deadheads then. Last year, I had a blackberry bush that gave me four blackberries. One cane grew about four feet long. Finally, I stuck the end in the soil. I suppose it is okay to cut it since has leaves from one end to the other end in the ground. Maybe I will have more blackberries this year. I learned last year that the bush had too much sun, so some parts of berries turned brown. I need to put these where they get some shade instead of blazing sun all day. 

Are you in an area where bad weather is expected? 

Did you know washing machines had things like shocks? I certainly did not.

Are you planning a big Memorial Day Celebration? Family? Parade? 

Edit: I think I have covid.

Thursday Lows and Highs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tree Situation

 Mower came today. Before he went into the back yard, I told him about the tree and asked him to tell me exactly what is going on. He said the tree is bent and bending the clothesline pole. NOT good. He can only trim a few feet, that a tree trimmer will have to get the rest. It is not several limbs, just one limb that is at least 24" diameter. Good Grief! He has to dodge to get under part of it to mow. The rest he uses the weed eater underneath to get the grass.

Now, the mower can barely mitigate the situation. So, we have to deal with the backyard neighbor. We can be civil about the situation. However, any problem I had with the myriad neighbors in the tacky rental house were always very hostile.  A paid tree trimmer is only option here.

I have choices. 1) speak to them civilly. Leave if they get cranky. 2) have it done, pay for it, and take bill to them. 3) let/expect them to get the tree person and hope it all turns out okay, 4) Expect the people to pay when we have it done.

The tree is a monster with the huge branch bending from about 40' above the ground. So, this is not something for a person with a chainsaw. I want someone licensed and bonded to do the work. This is not my first rodeo with a tree. This will ruin Tommy's fence if the huge limb falls on it. 

We drove by the house behind here and the yard is immaculate front and back. Not a blade of grass out of place. They have two grills out back on a patio along with furniture. There is no way they have not seen this problem. So, I suspect they will not want to pay for this removal. I have never seen anyone outside, so who knows whether they are old or young or what. I have to lean forward to see out of the dirty kitchen window and through a screen and through a dirty storm window. 

This makes me anxious. I will get a quote first. 

Mower raised the blades another inch for four-inch cut. The St Augustine will keep weeds from sprouting. Plus, it looks lush, like it should. It will also survive better any bit of drought or heat this summer. I have tried to get Tommy to let it grow higher instead of scalping the lawn, exposing dirt where weeds thrive. Maybe he will let me get a tree or three planted next--crape myrtles. 

Tommy has heard my plan for his lack of noticing his condition before he passes out. I will be at his appointment with Endocrinologist. I will have his monitor info on my phone even if he has a monitor in his pocket. Before this, he has said he does not need me to help monitor. If I don't, his diabetes will land him in hospital with head injury or broken bones, OR in the morgue. 

I made a list from the Publix ad and Tommy went in. Tomorrow. 

We have been watching Elkhorn. Anyone else? I love it.

Things like this tree bending my T-pole to hold my clothesline are what disturb my sleep at night. 

What would you do about the tree branch leaning? This is a branch that is tree sized and very wide.