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?

At Last!

 We sent in our request for a mail-in ballot about two weeks ago. I have been afraid we would not get a ballot in time. Our mail-in ballots came today. I have been fretting over this situation. Usually, Tommy gets the mail at noon, as soon as it comes. Today, he did not get the mail from the box until after 6 pm. I was so relieved to receive the envelope. It is filled out, just waiting for two people to witness my signature. 

The large white envelope held Five (5) other items: instruction sheet, secrecy envelope, affidavit envelope, brown mailing envelope. Whew! And there were lots of instructions on the instruction sheet. Now, we either have to have it notarized or have two witness sign. We are going the witness route. We can witness for each other, then find one witness to use for both of us. 

At 8 pm and rushed off by 8:30 to find marked-down Halloween items. There was little to be had and certainly not pumpkins, fake ones. A furniture store did have Fall items and pumpkins, but none were marked down. All specifically Halloween items were packed away. So, that is that. I refuse to chase a bargain right now. 

I did find an orange container and a black and orange pick.

We needed a nap. We got up right when we were supposed to be elsewhere, snatched on clothes and left. The people asked why were so late, thinking we had forgotten. We sheepishly told them we were asleep. 

Last night, we did a bit of decluttering. I had saved boxes, large and small for a specific reason. Well, we overdid it. So, Tommy broke down boxes I brought out to him. They are in the garbage truck. 

Publix was next. I bought the wrong Cheerios for Tommy. So, one of us will return them. I like original Cheerios and cannot stand Honey Nut Cheerios, his favorite. They even stink when he eats them.  I did get two half gallons of a2milk that is 2/$9. 

I switched to Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats from Special K which is too expensive! I rarely find them bogo. Besides, I like oats. I would eat them all the time except for the fact they have to be prepared. I am not lazy, just in pain. Tommy would do all the dipping of oats, measuring of water, and heating, but he does so much for me. 

Something strange happened here just before Halloween. I had changed out all batteries in things around the living rooms, candles, Red Kiss with lights inside, pillar candles. Tommy was standing and trying to use the tv remote. Suddenly, the Red Kiss fairy lights came on. He had not noticed. I certainly had noticed and was a little dumbfounded. He could not get the tv remote to turn off the lights. I had to turn them off manually. What on earth? Has your tv remote ever turned off another device that had its own remote???

Today, as I got out of the car and tried to turn and walk up the ramp, I stumbled and almost fell, stumbling toward the ramp until I could grab it. Later, I asked Tommy if he saw me. He said, "No, but he did see me stumbling/staggering in Lowe's parking lot when I dropped my debit card. Then, he let go of his walker here in the living room and held out both arms and slightly wavered back and forth, knees slightly bent, saying, "You looked like you were hanging ten. He really did look like a surfer. We had a good laugh. 

I was feeling woozy when I got out at Lowe's and then saw my debit card flutter to the ground, I momentarily assured myself I could pick it up. No, I cannot. I looked up and a man was exiting his car. So, I called to him and asked him if he could help me. He approached me eagerly and asked me what he could do. I pointed to the card and asked him to get it for me so I would not fall. Nice guy. 

I love DST, but I hate the early evening. We had to be home by 5 pm tonight as it quickly became too dark to drive once we came home. Soon, the day will end an hour earlier. DST has never bothered my sleep. Now, how could my sleep habits get any worse? In the past DST never disrupted my sleep, school, work, or health.

Ooops, I stored away Skelli with two AA batteries in his head, so we have to buy the proper screwdriver, take them out tomorrow. It's the only thing in which we put batteries. 

Tomorrow, Auburn plays at 11:45 am. I want to go out to stores. So, he will willingly get up and take me in order to get back in time for the game. Fall is the only time he will go out in order to get back here for a game. Otherwise, he is sleepy or watching something else. Tomorrow, he will be encouraging me to go soon. Then, I can take a nap while he watches to game in peace. 

It's late; my nap has worn off. 

What's on your agenda for this weekend.

Confused Monday and Resource to Print

I slept in three sessions to get my 8 hours. When I awoke at  end of second session at 11 am, I finally asked Tommy why Mike and Molly were on Sunday. He had to remind me that I saw AFV last night. I decided to go back for third session to sleep about 1 pm and woke at 3 pm. 

We went to The Pig for Dasani. Contrary to his wishes, I call CS and ask them to get the Dasani in a basket for him. Otherwise, he lifts two 24 packs, rolls them to car on his walker, lifts them into the hatch, and then brings them in once home. He has quit complaining and accepts the help. It is still rough on him. 

We shopped at Publix next. We needed turkey bags for the turkey breast. I did not spend an extra second or another dollar in there. We headed home.

We drove around a neighborhood to see Halloween decorations in yards in a different neighborhood. Since it was daylight, we saw no lights. But, it was enough. Boring enough?

We managed to get home in time to watch most of the news. That was it folks! We had calm, peace, or it was boring, however you want to play it. I have no objections how it is labeled. 

I discovered that even if my fob is in my pocket, just touching the door opens it. That is strange to me. Does your car work that way? 

Google "free printable Halloween book covers." These, once printed, can temporarily cover books to add a Halloween feel indoors. The suggestion was to cover tomes and stack. Let me know if you use this free resource and cover some books. 

Was your day boring?

Still no rain, none since Sept 28. Next predicted rain is Nov 1. 

One Problem Solved, More Problems to Be Solved

 Plans were to have request for absentee ballots. Remember when I went to sit in the car because Tommy was getting them? Well, I knew they were not right. I spent time finding and writing down the route to what we needed to have copies to use. The two elderly women found something.

So, I had Tommy go into another library. He found what we needed and got three copies. They had them in another room, ready to go. And, the address I found to mail them was correct. No telling where the wrong address would have left us, probably not getting to vote. We need to have those ready to go tomorrow.

I found a place to go for listening acctivities. Now, I just need to find another way to get inside. They have a looong ramp that I will never be able to get up. Maybe they have an elevator.

One store has turkey breasts for $1.99/lb. There were only two left in the store. Tommy got one. They will be in on a truck tomorrow but won't go in meat counter until Wednesday. That seems wrong. But, I will try for more. The manager told Tommy that information. 

I went into the store and told the woman who was sexually harassed that I reported the guy. She had a big grin on her face. 

At Publix, I bought four jars of peanuts. Unfortunately, I bought Publix brand and paid more. So, I need to take those back and get the ones that are Planter and bogo. 

The mailbox needs a second coat of red paint. But, a bird decorated it first, so the mailbox needs to be washed first. I wonder if that was a seal of approval or extra decoration for the box.

Tommy's toe may keep us from going out of town. It depends on the podiatrist. He has had hammer toes since he was a small child. I never heard of that so young. He told me it was hurting and asked did I have foam to stick between his big toe leaning into the horribly bent toe. I don't think he can drive five hours up and five hours back three days later with so much pressure. One toe was starting to get really red and the skin looked like it was getting a hold in it. I put mupirocin on it, barely getting gloved finger and med between toes. He won't allow me to put it on so it will stay, so he keeps scraping the bandage off. 

I don't think rain will be a problem for the drive. We still need to get reservations. This is so complicated. I can safely drive, but I will be exhausted easily, so I cannot depend on me to drive. I won't sacrifice his toe for the trip. 

If I make this trip, I need makeup. I have had new makeup for six years and have not worn any since the pandemic and masks. 

Finally, at just after midnight, we got the request for an absentee ballot ready for the mail. It took hours, not because it was hard or lengthy. I had to listen to Tommy and argue with him over stupid things about the process, things like the address and why I put an M instead of an N. I am worn out. It was an M. 

I like crackers and cheese for a snack. But, I eat too much, trying to slice more cheese because I have extra crackers on my plate or getting more crackers because I have extra cheese and no more crackers. Now, I slice cheese and give it to Tommy to take back to refrigerator. I get rid of the box of crackers, too. I am sure you know the problem of evening out foods, like needing more gravy for the biscuit. Or needing more biscuits for the leftover gravy on your plate. So, now I don't keep adding to my snack calories. 

Have you ever dealt with hammertoes on someone?

Late Monday and Tuesday and Electrical Problem

 About 4 pm on Monday, we got busy with food. Tommy cooked ground sausage, put it into a glass container and refrigerated it within 30 minutes, maybe sooner. I chopped the last Vidalia onion, put a snack bag in refrigerator to use, two snack bags in a freezer bag for the freezer. Tommy washed two Bell Peppers, and I cut in strips, one snack bag for him in refrigerator and a pint bag for freezer.  I cooked the last two burgers for dinner. We both had salad or slaw. I had a lot of tomato. After dinner, I hung up clothes to dry in the house. He hung them in the door.  Whew! I meant to cook a big package of boneless, skinless, chicken thighs with vegetables. Still not done on Tuesday.

One Tuesday, we forgot the Farmer's Market. It is on a list now. Otherwise, we will let the day slip away. It is open from 4-7 pm and only on Tuesday, easy to forget at the end of the day. We need tomatoes. We went too late today.

Tommy and I forgot the two returns we needed to make. Actually, it is more than just 'forgetting.'

I gathered some things from here to give to woman I helped. She had never heard of Cooking Bags. Now, she has a box ready in a bag with 2 bags of Christmas print freezer bags--one pint, one quart.

Since my cleaner is really busy, I may ask this woman to clean. I know she won't want to take money, but that is the only way we can do it. 

Someone asked why I thought cleaner flaked out. She has one really hard job, another part-time job, church activities, and may have had another surgery, but for sure one scheduled in September. I will ask mower, her friend, what the problem is. If she is not going to come back other than once a month, I need someone else. 

Tuesday, and we did little. We went too late to the market because I was taking a nap and Tommy forgot, too. That's okay because Wednesday will be a hard day. 

I did go over Piggly Wiggly ad on internet and found bscb for $1.99. Other deals are already on a list. I cannot find Publix ad on internet, rather, on email where I usually click.

The car dealer who had two cars we wanted keeps calling, different person each time. I actually had excuses why I could not talk the first two times. I left my cell with Tommy to take calls. Well, he just yelled at the person to leave us alone, that we were not interested. I wonder if that will deter them. 

Examining as well as I could, the fixture was installed over the sink incorrectly. I can see wires joined outside of a box by twisting wires together with nothing covering them--no electrical tape or the little plastic covers for wires. That will give me nightmares. When I moved here, I asked son of woman who lives next door for recommendation for electrical. He said he could put up the dining room fixture. Tonight, I had Tommy tape a note in plastic bag to railing for steps, asking her to ask him for name of electrician who would actually show up. So, maybe this will be done soon.  

The plan was to put color on my hair today. Maybe. Maybe not.

Do you think it is harder to get an electrician now than it was a few years ago? Why do you think so?

Saturday and Mother's Day

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How was your Mother's Day? Anything special? 

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

So Excited!

 

                       Delightful Little Finger Carrot: Petite & Sweet (thegardenmagazine.com)

I looked online for the ad for Piggly Wiggly. Found it. Pepsi products were $3.49 for the 12-pack if you bought 5. So, I was excited for Tommy. I went in so I could put the five 12-packs in the electric cart basket. No, not at this Pig. I bought four pounds of carrots and left sorely disappointed. The carrots were cheap, we like them, and we eat lots of carrots. 

On to Food Giant. Tommy went in for the ad. We bought nothing.

Publix was our sweet spot. I had a list and told Tommy not to get certain items. Nature's Honey Wheat Bread was bogo again. Since we still have half a loaf left, we can still get this deal later in the ad week. He bought Philadelphia Cream Cheese bogo again, but the original like I wanted. I will use the 1/3 less fat version he bought for something where it is not evident. The mouth feel of the 1/3 less version is not good. Eggs were $3.71 for Grade A extra-large. We needed eggs, so I thought Easter would bring a good price. I suppose this was it. 

Yet to get for various reasons, but bogo at Publix: Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, Cheerios, bread. Red potatoes are 5# for $3.99. Tommy said we have plenty of potatoes. Maybe by next Tuesday, we will need potatoes.

We sat at green shrubs in a parking lot and had a chicken snack.  

Then, we stopped at Walgreens for a prescription for both of us. There was a wait, but it was bearable. 

We arrived home just in time for Tommy to see Jeopardy. We both love it. 

While I was waiting for Tommy in Food Giant and Publix, I managed two fruitful calls. I have an appointment with dermatologist to have growth removed below my eye. Oops! I forgot to make an appointment at the same time for Tommy. I called friend for more info on storm door she said gave her friend fits, trying to keep it repaired. I try to make my waits in the car count. 

Moreover, I slept well last night, and the day was beautiful, dry, and only had a slight breeze. 

After we watched Jeopardy and 30 minutes of the news, we went outdoors. I sowed the Cosmos seeds in a pot where something died off over the fall and winter. If it comes up, it comes up. I have pink Alyssum to plant anywhere there is a pot that looks dead. We may have two flowers in the same pot. Then, there are the carrots. The seed packet says,"12" pot, container variety." We do have empty pots and potting mix. I still want to get cayenne to grow and make pepper jelly.

We went out together to garden...lol...ten minutes of sowing flower seeds and more for carrots. We are such great gardeners. I lost the carrot seeds before we went out. I wanted to sow the allysium. As I opened the package, I realized it had been opened before and was taped. I shook out two seeds. TWO SEEDS. So, where and when did I sow the rest. I decided to sow the Cosmos in the same pot. Why not? 

There were still bits of root and plants above ground when I sowed both those. I used a gardening fork to pull out some of the dead growth above ground. We will see what happens.

After I could not find the seeds, I searched high and low. I even shook out my day planner. Tommy helped me search by using a flashlight to shine under the footrest on my chair while I held up the quilt. We do this all the time. Not there. When we came in, he wanted the other remote. I did the same thing, putting up the footrest and holding up the quilt. He saw the remote AND the carrot seeds. Mostly, I had searched on the left side of my chair. The seeds were on the right side! I have decided I will put the seeds on toilet paper to get them into the 12-inch pot without spilling them or hurting my back. 

I put a fake snake over the flower seed pot. When I plant the carrots, I will put a snake over that, too. I don't want birds to have carrots seeds for a snack.  Have you ever planted Petite Sweet Little Finger carrots? 

It has been a pleasant day with lots accomplished except for planting carrot seeds. We have heard nothing from the pest control company. Maybe manager listened to the phone call like he said he would and heard me being told someone would come Wednesday or Thursday.

Any advice about carrot growing? (other than the info under the carrots above)

How was your day?   

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are your plans for food this week or tomorrow? 

Are there any good ads in your area?

Anyone still have Christmas decorations out still?

Tuesday Accomplishments and a Fall

 I awoke at 10:30 and suggested we go to Cullman. I needed my mail. We left here at 11:30 and got to town and bought a Chic-Fil-A sandwich, only chicken and bread. We had a diet drink with us and ate at a nice place that normally would be green. Well, we parked with a dead tree right in front of us, not tall enough to fall on us. 

We headed across the road to a salvage place and off-loaded drink cans, the whole back end of the Rogue, 6 kitchen garbage bags. Tommy got $8, almost enough to pay for the sandwiches. I got him started on this. He refused to do it when I moved here but finally got with the program. Hueytown does not have a recycling program. 

We went to one grocery store and found that the same item at The Pig was 6 cents less. Several months ago it was much cheaper. So, I did not buy it. 

We went to Publix where I looked for something, trying to figure out if Publix had eliminated it. No, they have not. I bought an apple to eat in the car and went to bathroom. 

Finally, we had an air compressor to use on tires, a tiny one. I wanted our money back. Tommy was sure they would not refund it because it had been so long and we had no receipt. Well, I got the money back. Tommy originally paid for it, but I played dumb and tried to keep it. He said he had not had money in his pocket for a long time and to give it to him. Well, I was laughing and trying to keep $5. I did give it to him. I intended to all along. So, he got money twice today. I actually need to give him $2 that is him from Publix yesterday. Change is always mine--my rule. 

We got a lot done by just driving from one place to the other. We did not linger after we ate is our want. 

We collected my mail and headed home, arriving here at 4:45. We have been recovering before making taco soup. Then, Tommy fell. He is okay, but we are both shaken. However, I hurt worse than he does s I was trying to help him up. I have to go cook, so will tell you about it tomorrow.

The day was wonderful, bright, and warm. However, when I came out of Publix, my jacket was unzipped but still hooked at the bottom. My coat filled with wind, and I thought I was going to blow away. 

Oh, last night, I had a short nap and awoke after the news went off. Then, I slept again. Woke up, slept again. So, between three sleeping episodes, I had a full nine hours of sleep. Weird. Then, I dreamed I was cooking a vat of kale, yellow squash and tomatoes and we were going to either can it or freeze it. I was certainly busy during that dream. It would have taken all day to run that through a canner. 

Was your day fruitful? 

Sunny? 

Two Recipes: Mesquite Maple Steaks and Vegetables, Watermelon Coolers

After my doctor's appointment I went to Publix for a2milk and had their samples the woman was preparing.

Mesquite Maple Steaks and Vegetables

2 medium red bell peppers
6 oz presliced portabella mushrooms
3 Tablespoons dry mesquite marinade mix Grill Masters Mesquite Marinade
2 Tablespoons coconut or olive oil
1/4 cup maple syrup, divided
1 1//2 lb grilling steak


The entre sample was very good. However, after the second bite, I started sneezing uncontrollably right in the middle of the produce department. I was sneezing into a handkerchief and breathless, trying to say "allergic."


Watermelon Coolers

3/4 cup frozen limeade, thawed

4 cups seedless watermelon chunks

(about 1 1/2 lb.)

cherry lemon-lime soda, chilled

Cooking directions for both Here

The cooler was delicious. It had a slightly Slurpy texture, but was not frozen. We discussed how it would be great in a punch bowl with sherbet floating. YUM!

Someone told me to never post a recipe that I had not prepared. Whatever!

Easter Recipes Taste Testing

Before I went to the doctor on Sunday, I decided I was very hungry. Earlier in the week, I had planned to go to the Easter Tasting at Publix or whatever they called it. I felt so horrid I changed my mind. But, I was hungry and had not had breakfast or lunch. So, it seemed like I could taste test my hunger away. I went.

Everything was delicious. All the recipes are Publix Aprons recipes.  Here is the SITE.    I suppose you will have to search for each recipe. I did not look for each one.

They serve generous portions at Publix:

Bowtie Feta Pasta Bowl
Peach Gorgonzola Phyllo Cups
Strawberry Spring Salad
Carrot Cake (sold in Publix)
Cold Brew Mocha
something with strawberries, pineapple, whipped cream and a cake in cubes
Bourbon Honey Ham

I passed on the iced coffee. The carrot cake portion was tiny, and I only ate the frosting with a bit of the cake. The phyllo cups were a two bite portion.  My favorite was the Strawberry Spring Salad.

Everything else was at least a 1/2 cup serving. As I was going into the store, a friend coming out said, "You can have lunch in there." So true.

Then, I was off to the doctor. I do know how to have a good time.

I was too tired to write anything today, so you can browse recipes. Look for the deviled egg Easter Egg recipe. They are so cute!

Do you ever go to Publix when they have these tasting events? Or, do you ever happen upon or plan to taste new foods? Is there any one item that piques your interest and makes you drool like the pineapple recipe?

Free Medication Information

When I was in Publix, I picked up a brochure, "No Wallet Needed." There are free medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, allergies and asthma, antibiotics, and other conditions.

publix.com/freemeds

You can find the rules and names of the meds.

Thursday Christmas Dinner

I was one of the first fifty people there, and amongst the last 25 served. ugh. However, it was okay. I ate chocolate cake.

A guy who looked like he might know something stopped near our table. I asked about food. He said "well, you have already eaten." The other people and I spoke up, saying we had not had our meal and all the tables had been served except us. He said, "Well, your dessert plates are empty. You did not have a meal? Well, why did you eat dessert?" We all said we were hungry. Really, the meal smelled and looked delicious.

This meal was sponsored by the same church where I went on Thanksgiving Day. We had ham, turkey, corn, green beans, sweet potato casserole, roll, mashed potato, dressing, cranberry sauce. I did not get get corn. At this place there is a menu each month. The person circles what she wishes to have.

There was so much food I could not finish it. So, I was going to carry the plate home. Someone offered to get me a go plate. I thought they meant a box to put my leftovers in. No, they filled me a plate/box again. They gave me two times what I had the first time which was generous.

A woman encouraged me to walk over to the sanctuary and hear Christmas music. I told her I could not comfortably walk that far. She said, "You need to go over there and get your gift bag." I asked if someone could get it for me since several persons were concerned I would not get it. I was informed I had to sign for it. A guy told me to write my name on the back of the menu and he would get it. So, I did and waited.

I thanked him and asked the woman near me if someone could take the bag to the car since my purse, the very heavy go box were all I could handle. A little boy about ten carried it for me. He had obviously been assigned to my table because during the evening, he continually inquired about my/our need for more tea. Great service. 

I figured the gift bag would be a paper bag donated from a grocery store. No, it is a great reusable tote bag with the name of the church on it. Cool!

The people who sat at the table where I was were all related or acquainted. One woman was in a wheel chair with right arm splinted. She had fallen and crushed her hand. I forgot how she broke her foot. There were two other older women and a young couple. The couple  started fighting, loud, sharp and with a few pokes and mean faces toward each other. My stomach was in knots over that. They left and never came back which bothered the three woman. I was relieved.

Then, I headed to WM to get packing tape. Since I left my checkbook at home, I had to come home and go back to WM...grrrr.

There was one more thing I needed to get at Belk's so I went there and about killed my back walking and holding onto the little carts they have. K, g-daughter, will like what I got her. I survived and headed to Publix for milk.

While I was waiting in the car for someone to bring me an electric cart at Publix, I looked in the bag to see what was there....food. Two boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, some sort of dressing mix, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, and something else. There was a broken candy cane, a piece of paper about the organization, and a little yellow card about 4x6 inches, yellow like a safety vest. When I took it out, I was shocked. I read it three times to make sure it said what I thought it said. Yes, it did say that.

I could take the card to the meat department in Publix and get a one half a Publix baked ham, partial bone in. My ham I picked out with the help of the meat guy was 8.97 lbs. !!! I asked him if he would cut it in three pieces, not across but down the ham. Then, as he cut it, I asked if he could remove the bone for beans. So, I left with four portion of ham. One of the thirds will go to exbf. He can have it with the beans I made and have frozen for him to take home Friday.

Now I know why 200 people showed up at the dinner! Someone in Publix said the church had it on a Tuesday last year and did the same thing--gave away hams to everyone. Nine pounds of ham is a lot for me, even with part of it being bone and giving away some of it to exbf. I am so happy. He was pleased and surprised when I told him on Thursday night, and he will be very pleased when he is eating it.

Now, I will make everything I like that goes with ham--scrambled eggs and ham, biscuits with ham, mac n cheese with ham in it, field peas with mac n cheese and ham. I don't mix that last. Of course, I will freeze two of the three ham bones. Plus, I will freeze some of the meat because I don't need to eat that much ham in a short time.

These free eating events, lunches and dinners, are working out fine.

(When I first went into Publix and was struggling to walk, someone from customer service told me to call when I arrived and a cart would be brought to me. So, I do. Last week, I waited and waited for a cart and finally just walked best I could. Halfway there, I saw a woman getting into an electric cart. I asked her where she got it, and she said someone just brought it to her. I was frosted!

I commented to the person who was sending the cart that I never got one. Another woman just took it. She was horrified that I had to wait and that the girl gave it away to someone else.)

Would you say this has been a good night with a huge half of a ham? It would have been better with the Christmas carols. sigh Are any churches in your area giving away hams?

Small Economy: Two Ways to Eat More Cheaply

1) Thursday, I decided to eat a can of tuna for dinner. Well, there were vegetables/salad, I forget. I just reached for a can of tuna and was opening it when I realized it was not StarKist, the only brand I like. It was Food Club. grrrrrrrrr I made the tuna salad with a bit of Dill Relish and a bit of Sweet Relish and a generous portion of Miracle Whip. Chopped celery provided a great crunch. I did not want to wait for eggs to boil, so that was dinner.

The Food Club tuna must have been in the wrong space when I picked up two or three cans at the store and put it in my cart. Have you ever gotten home with a bottle of conditioner and could have sworn you picked up shampoo? Or, something of the sort?

Much to my surprise, this tuna was delicious. So, from now on, Food Club will be my choice at the grocery store. I know that Chicken of the Sea will never be purchased again. That stuff is nasty.

Food Club is cheaper! And, I am not sure which store it came from.

2) At Publix I previously purchased the reduced Tabatchnick brand of frozen Lentils and Mushroom soup, and exbf loved it with chicken added for a more hearty meal. So, hoping against hope, I went right back to see if there were more. There were! So, I purchased four more boxes with two pouches of soup in each box. Pepperidge Farm frozen raspberry turnovers were still there, also. I now have two packages more of turnovers.

I would have purchased all the soup packages and raspberry turnovers, but my freezer was too full for more. Six packages stuffed it to the gills.

Remember? The soup packages were reduced to  $1.25 for a two-pack, and the raspberry turnovers were reduced to  $1.75 for a four-pack of turnovers. If one package of soup is a meal along with chicken in it and vegetables, he eats that for $0.62. plus added chicken and something else. I might put kale in the next bowl after I microwave it. That would be a nutritious lunch for $1 or so. He likes kale.

I cannot feed him soup for lunch or dinner every time he comes here! Or, maybe I can. I can ask him if he wants pb sandwich for lunch or the soup. I am betting he goes for soup...lol. These small economies help tremendously.

I could make a pot of vegetable soup for less than $0.62/serving, but I am not for cooking as much as I was in the past. Shortcuts, especially healthy ones, are good to have available right now.

(Since I put 6 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast in the crock pot today, I will freeze 8 little packages just for his soup.) Okay, this is hours later and chicken is done. I am now wheezing a lot. And, my finger is swollen and red again, not infected, just painful as far as I can tell.

Today, I had a checkup doctor appointment in Decatur that I could not keep. My finger is one again inflamed to the first joint and throbs. Plus, my wheezing has gotten worse. I am trying to fix both without going to the doctor.

Your turn
Do you love it as much as I do when you discover small economies for groceries? What is your best find in a reduced/sale food? Did you ever discover after years of sticking to one brand that a cheaper brand was just as good? Is Food Club brand of tuna in your area?

1, 2, 3, 4 Free Things on Sunday

I posted this on Sunday and only about ten people viewed it in 24 hours. The giveaway post still showed up on other people blog rolls. I have no idea what is wrong with Blogger. Even when I reverted the giveaway post to draft, it still showed up. Okay, I am hoping more people view this. I hope it shows up when you click on my blog on a blogroll. Let me know.

1--Friday, I received a flyer with the Publix Thanksgiving tasting event. I needed apples, and the apples from Publix are superb. I also took a tiny sample of the ever-present potato cheddar bacon soup at the deli. Between the one-day samples and the soup, I had lunch.

These were all recipes for Thanksgiving. Samples were available.

*Greek Style Chicken Breast Dip
This was available ready made. I would have just eaten it with a spoon from the deli container. My sample had two large chunks of chicken breast.

*Sriracha Shrimp Fondue
Did not go near this station. No shrimp or sriracha for me.

*Spiced Tree Nuts
It was like pulling hen's teeth to get the person to tell me what tree nuts he had--pecans and walnuts. These were delicious. But, why did he insist they were "tree nuts"? My six pecans were yummy.

*Caramel Pecan Crunch Decadent Dessert
Good, but I would have skipped this. It was too sweet for me.

*Publix Premium Egg Nog Ice Cream
Delicious!!!

*Warm Pumpkin Mallow Dip
Great, lots of real pumpkin in the recipe.

With the three ounce sample of the aforementioned potato/cheddar/chicken soup at the deli area, I needed no lunch.

2--Each week, I check online to see if the coupon inserts are worth paying $2 for the paper. I had not checked yet. However, when I went to the car after going to Publix, there was a yellow bag underneath my windshield. It held nine coupon inserts. The same friend that met me and gave me inserts for so long and then left them on top of the car at Walmart, had left more inserts while I was parked at Publix. Today, there was no paper in my yard from a neighbor down the street. So, this worked out fine for me.

This friend was a young 18-yr-old when I was mid-30s, and I showed her how to use coupons and the basics. She was impressed with the savings. She is a nurse now, 30 +years later and has a daughter that she says is better than she is at finding bargains using coupons. I did not help her to benefit 30 years later, but it has worked out that way. She still uses coupons.

After going through the nine inserts, I found several coupons I will use. All these things will go on sale for Thanksgiving, so all I have to do is match these coupons to the best sale.

3--On the way to WM I passed something in the middle lane, the turn lane, also known as
"the suicide lane." It appeared to be s small, round, metal aluminum tub, so I turned around and went back, parking right in front of it in a bank entrance. It looked sort of gross, so I wondered if it were nasty, well, too nasty for my trunk. No, it was not, it only had wet leaves in it. I slung them out, stuck it in the trunk and congratulated myself on my find.

It looked old. The pan was about 6" deep, 16" across at the top and about 14" across at the bottom and had a hole to hang it, aluminum. I have a larger one I bought for $1 at a yard sale. It was so new the label was still on it.  If this one does not leak, I can wash it to use to put produce in to bring in. If it has a leak, I will make the hole larger and plant something in it. The whole pan looks like it was beaten. The bottom is very rounded from some sort of pounding, so it does not sit flat. I really like it. And, it was free.

4--Oh, and I got more free sweet potatoes, about three pounds.

How have you done on the "free" front lately? Do you or have you ever picked up something from the side of the road or the middle of the road?

Free Lunch and other stuff

Lunch was very good--ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, roll, and chocolate cake. Yes, there were leftovers for Dominique and she jumped right in the middle of them and scratched once to scatter them to the four corners of her pen...sigh.

As I sat there at the end of the meal and we talked, I cut Dominique's ham into small pieces for her. She likes it that way. A PhD in Poultry Science said chickens like what they are fed when they are young and want it that way when they are grown. Besides, I hate to see her pecking and throwing her meat, trying to rip off a piece.

A teacher who taught both my older children was at the dinner. There were several retired teachers there who wanted the dates and times of the other two free dinners!

There was a guy at the dinner with whom I discussed the spelling bee and a book my friend wrote. I talked this guy into entering the spelling bee, and now they are going to skip a year having one or not have one ever again, not sure.  Now, after talking to him, I have decided the format of the book I have started writing. I may knock out a chapter tonight after a nap. My friend wrote a book with chapters with an over-riding theme but no plot. That will suit me even though I have a plot book in the works, not much done.

I went to the doctor last Wednesday and still feel the same today, Tuesday, no better, and still have same degree of temp. The doctor's office had called and said the doctor wanted me to come in about my numbers for diabetes. When he saw me, he asked me why I came in! I had to explain the office staff called and said he wanted me to come in today.  Then, he remembered. lol...nice guy.

Bronchitis is not better, so he changed antibiotic. He was very unhappy with my A1C.  I went to WM before doctor and then had to return for meds. I was so tired. Inflammation causes AIC to rise, I am told, so no wonder it was higher than it should be!

Then, weary as I was, I had to go to Publix to get the a2milk that keeps me from pain and gastric distress. I have recommended this to so many people, that last week they were out. After a talk with the guy who orders, he said he would order more. So, today, there was twice as much or at least two rows of whole milk.

Of course, I tried some of what the guy was cooking and had a sample of soup. They make the best soup! I brought home a recipe from the sample guy.

I may have a bowl of oats for dinner along with a glass of milk. My stomach still hurts from sausage with MSG in it that I ate last night. Maybe I will have a grilled cheese sandwich and an apple.

Today, the skies were a brilliant blue with wisps and clumps of fluffy, white clouds. The sun shone so brightly. the whole scene was mesmerizing. Its the kind of sight I want to just drink in for hours. Of course, driving was important, too.

Your turn
Have you ever taken meds for a whole week and not felt one bit better at the end of the week? Is anyone writing a book? About what? Has anyone tried the a2milk yet?

Publix Promise

Last week, I went to Publix to get a goat cheese  log with blueberry vanilla "coating."
The calories in this treat were less than the calories in cheesecake or ice cream. The deli item had a $5.99 price tag on it. However, I ended up spending over $7. I mentioned it to the cashier and to the customer service person. They said that must have been a Wednesday price. Too tired to throw a fit if necessary, I left.

I was especially tired that day and was off my game. When I arrived home, I decided to call them. The woman said she would give me $1 off my next order if I brought back the receipt..

Ads came out today, and I spent $35 on food. Since I "needed" another Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese log, I went to Publix to see their ads.

After they rang up my ground pork and the goat cheese, I asked how much the goat cheese was. The cashier looked at the receipt--"$6.99." I told them to look at the package. "$5.99."

Another guy stepped forward and told me they would honor the "Publix Promise." I was a bit stunned and asked what that was. "We will give the item free if it rings up wrong."

Good deal. Then, I mentioned the one that rang up wrong the week before, telling them it should be free, too. They looked puzzled, examined the receipt and agreed.

I left with 2 8-oz. logs of $11.98 worth of  deliciousness...FREE.

From now on, I will be buying $10 worth of groceries to get the free item if it is something I will use. Plus, I will use coupons. That usually makes the item almost free.

Plus, Wednesday is Senior day with 5% off for anyone 60 or older. I am. As a matter of fact, they were surprised when I asked for this perk, saying they did not think I was 60. Okay, maybe they were trying to flatter me, but I will take the compliment.

YAY me!

Your turn
Do you have Publix in your area? If so, do you shop there? Does you have a store with a similar policy?