Free $10 Credit

 

 I received an email from Auto Zone that said I had $10 credit. This interests me. Before the expiration date, I reminded him to go to Auto Zone. I thought we might get some water. I gave Tommy almost carte blanche for shopping...lol. but not buying. He asked what to get...almost any gadget he saw that we could use. I mentioned a bunch of bottles of water, small flashlight. He found the windshield sunshades. I have always wanted one. There were two kinds. One had foil on both sides for $15. The other had only one foil side for $10. He bought the double sided one. 

We were in the car later and decided to open it. There is no opening that gadget. It is too wide, but we can make it work. It will always be accordion shaped. But, there are days we are dying from heat and light. He only spent about $6, including tax.  

I also received a CVS email notice that my credit of something like $384.72 would expire in about two hours if I did not open the window below before the credit expired. Well, since I have not bought that much ever at CVS, I PASS!

We only went to collect ads and cherry pick. We bought nothing at The Pig because once again, I had the ad for the wrong location. I don't believe this is all me! At Food Giant, we bought 5 lbs. Russet potatoes for $1.99. At Publix, I bought Melatonin, Drumstick Cones, shelled pecans for snacks for me, Cheetos and Fritos bogo for snacks for Tommy, Leafy Romaine salad, Oui for me. 

We sat in the park until dark and ate Drumstick Cones. The tennis players we were watching finally had to leave because no one could get the lights to work. 

I made up a dinner plate to take to guy across the street. He was not here between 4 pm and 6 pm, so I put it in the freezer to give him another day. The chicken looked so pale. Even though it was flavorful, I sprinkled it with parsley for a more flavorful and appetizing appearance. Now, it is frozen since he often goes away with someone who picks him up and he stays away for a few days. 

This weather is certainly not November weather--85F. But, I will gladly take it. It will be cold and wet sooner than I want it to be. It is 77F at 7 pm. We love this.

We will have baked chicken, Brussels sprouts, carrots, green beans, smidgen of cranberry sauce for dinner.

Little by little, I am continuing the decluttering. Sometimes, the clutter sneaks back in, and I have to kick it out again. 

Oops! I forgot I need to cook the other bag of Brussels sprouts. NOW! So, there is that! 

What have you gotten with a free store credit lately?

Has CVS notified you that they have an overly high value credit for you? 

Do you have a sunshade for the car that is accordion shaped or one that you twist? 

I love Brussels sprouts! Do you?  

Squirrel in the Road

 Monday evening, I was starting to feel low. I barely made it to the bed at 8 pm and slept until 10:30 am on Tuesday. The room and bed was too hot to sleep, so I sat up for an hour. I went to bed again at 3:30. There was a huge outdoor roach in the middle of the bathroom. I screamed for Tommy. In the meantime, I sprayed it with Lysol spray. It did not move. Tommy brought the Roach Spray and took the reacher and caught it and threw it in the commode. It moved a bit and he flushed it. He said it took him 3 hours to get back to sleep. 

Cleaner came at 4 pm. I did not move from my chair the two hours she was here! She brought bins for me to look in and for her to hand me things. Unfortunately, Tommy saw a pair of 38 pants he had been ready to donate. Now, he has rescued them even though he needs a 42. Where is the wisdom in that? I stuffed some socks back in that he does not want so he would not rescue them. He was the one who told me to take pants and socks!

I cancelled a medical test because I was not able to go. I hate that. 

As the day has gone on, I feel worse. I don't know if this is allergies or what. Last night, my body hurt like I was beaten. I ached all over. Now, I intend to go to a doctor the see what this is or is not. 

While sorting items, I put lots of things in their place, and I tossed many things. I found the Nordstrom gift card Tommy gave me one Christmas--$50. That was a good find. 

She looked for Halloween items, I told her they were in an orange storage box. She said there were no orange boxes. It is hard to tell the red from the orange ones. I forgot how many fake pumpkins I had, all bought on sale so I never have to buy another fresh pumpkin for decorating. It will certainly save money over the years. Most importantly, it will be easier. 

Next time, I told her we were going to paint the mailbox red. That is part of my early Christmas plans. I have a Christmas wreath that I cut in half. I will wire it together, take some decorations off, add some, and I have a free decoration to put on the red mailbox. I think his boarder left the wreath here 20 years ago. The red paint is from another project. 

In my yard, there were squirrels everywhere. But, today, when I saw a squirrel walk down the middle of the street, I was excited. I see maybe one squirrel a month here, if that. There are lots of trees, so I wonder why the dearth of squirrels. 

Okay, in the last hour, I have started feeling better!   ???

Do you have someone who rescues clothes that don't fit even when he gave them up freely? 

Do you have an abundance or dearth of squirrels?

Are you getting things ready for Christmas? Things like making this wreath for mailbox? 

Have you heard that Birmingham, AL has had eleven homicides in one week? The shooting Saturday night killed 4 and put 17 in the hospital. That made national news.

False Information and Decluttering Again

 

From the CDC:

“You cannot see, smell, or taste the toxin that causes botulism. But taking even a small taste of food containing the toxin can be deadly.”

I know one blogger lately has said she trusts her nose and taste. Not good advice. 

This morning, I rose early and made four doctors' appointments.  Then, I was stymied because some offices are closed on Friday. That schedule does not work for me. 

Today, we had an appointment. Tommy moved about, getting things and himself ready to go. Finally, he asked me when I wanted to leave. I listened to him, hurried about and we left almost 30 minutes past the time we should have. Or, so we thought. No, we were an hour early! So, we sat in the car. It was pleasant watching the clouds move about and some change to dark, ominous looking clouds. We listened to our bird songs/calls CD.

Cleaner came and helped declutter room and all of table next to me. Things are more organized. Still, she did not do all I wanted done. She wanted to leave because of the weather, but she had been here for 3 hours. 

I received another eBay item of clothing, identical to one I bought five years ago. Now, I have a blouse to wear and not worry about ruining the older one which has matching black pants. My everyday going out clothing has been elevated. A blouse that originally cost $50+ was now $7. As I looked it over carefully, I could not tell it had been worn. It was not shabby at all, no picks and no deodorant stains. 

As you may have suspected, I went in for a nap. Five hours later, I feel only a little rested, not much. 

Tommy put some meat into refrigerator to thaw for cooking this next week: bscb, pork roast, two other meals cooked and stored, two hamburgers. The pork roast will be cut into meal portions once it is cooked, and it will be refrozen for future meals. 

Saturday should be another rainy day, so no grocery shopping even though we made a list from the three stores. I do hope we can hit one of two stores where we need to make returns. Those are the only plans. 

Do you have plans for this weekend? 

Even though the decluttering of paper is not complete, I feel better? Are your decluttering bouts take longer than you think they will? 

Do you ever buy clothing from eBay?

Do you depend on taste and smell to find botulism?

We Saw Nothing!

 It rained lots today, so the guys did not work next door at all. Well, we did not see them. We don't know if the dogs are still there or not. There was no use calling to ask anything today. 

Tommy reminded me we have rat poison. I was going to go to our new favorite hardware store to buy some, but no need now. Only Tommy left the house--to go to laundry room to wash two very nasty towels. We never had a rat, but it was something large enough to carry potatoes to a hole under the front of sink. We put rat poison there and had nothing else come in. Of course, we sealed it up, sort of. 

I slept about ten hours today, maybe more. It took three sessions in bed to do so, but I feel so much better. Neither knee hurts. I have been very careful how I sleep and step. 

Tonight, we had a hamburger, slaw, strawberries and blueberries. Tommy had a peach instead of blueberries.

It is not much, but I decluttered a bit today. Eventually, the place will look better. Well, it does look better now. Some things are put where they belong. Other things are tossed. Some things I thought were gone but were still here. They belong in the first two categories. 

I made one important phone call. I still have other calls to make. Somehow, we got a call saying because we owe $2 and will be charged interest. The cc bill was almost $2,000.00 for one purchase,  and we paid it in full. Then, I received a bill for two dollars ($2). Tommy did not call. Now, we owe interest. Since this is the only purchase on this card and we paid it, I need to call. He says he needs the last bill before he calls. It is probably gone by now, so he does nothing. I will figure that out either tonight or tomorrow! Okay, I called, and the $2 charge was paid and there is no further charge, no late charge. Balance owed is zero. I asked and he said he may have paid it in his sleep. He said he got a call that woke him. So, that is two important calls made today. 

A lost telephone number surfaced in all of this decluttering. An elderly couple is desperate for food, so we will help. 

I had bought some things that needed washing before using, like a new, cheap set of salt and pepper containers for stove use. Today, with back and knees hurting less, I have those ready to fill. Other like things washed, too. At least I can see with light.

Upon thinking back and recounting, the day was more fruitful than I thought.

Cancelled two things today. Forgot another.  

Do you ever think back over a day and realize you did more than you realized? 

Duct Tape and Two Ice Cream Freezer Mystery

 It is sooo hot! Even after all the rain we have had in places, we are still in a drought. 

We, of course, got out in the heat and accomplished a few things. Now, we are in ac all the time except for going to the car and back. 

Tommy put all the food we were going to give the five little girls and their mother. We left the car ac on so that the food would not spoil. He was about thirty minutes late to pick it up. It seems he is okay after his ER visit. It was too hot to visit and find out. But, we did something to help someone today.

From the pool noodle videos, I remember one woman saying she got colored duct tape from Dollar Tree. I sent Tommy in to buy some. He is so funny. He was telling me the colors. He said there were two blues, one that was light blue and another that looked almost purple. Well, it was purple. Perfect. He bought 1 white, 1 purple, and 2 red. I told him these and I did not want the light blue. I had found one roll of duct tape on Amazon that was $13 for the roll. After I bought these, I looked again on Amazon. 

4 rolls duct tape--$5. That is $21 for pool noodles + $5 from today=$26 total

I need more rolls and several other colors, but this is a start. And, I want to get them now, not when everyone else wants colored duct tape. Now, for the glue or glue sticks. 

We had to cook tonight. We had roast beef, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper. I had strawberries. 

I have been worried about Tommy's childhood friend who lived next to him as a child. They have gone to same church together. He is the one who had the subdural hematoma a few weeks ago. I have tried calling but got no one. Finally, today, he answered the phone from Navarre. He is fine. That is a relief. 

Cleaner comes tomorrow! I hope she does not cancel. I think I will have her help me declutter my bedroom and find more dishtowels I bought for 33 cents apiece. The ones I bought five years ago are threadbare and some have holes.  Those have been demoted to cleaning towels. Maybe I will have her scramble eggs for me again. 

I mentioned to Tommy that the part of the ice cream freezer that goes in the freezer needed to be put in a cabinet. I also asked him if he had noticed the other part with the motor and the cord. He said there was another piece in the dining area. But, he pointed out it was the same as the part I took from the freezer. He brought it to me because I was skeptical that I had another ice cream freezer. Well, yes, I do. I know that was too expensive to buy two, so I now wonder in what fever I acquired another. It is peculiar. 

I have noticed and have been appalled that cowboys upon emptying the last drop of water from their canteen often toss their canteen aside, leaving it behind. I wonder if they do find water, how can they take more water with them? I realize it is a dramatic gesture to signify their emotions. But, I notice it every time. Do you notice? 

Do you ever have two of something and wonder how that happened? The ice cream freezer was on sale, but not so cheap I would buy two. 

Wednesday Ads Collected

 

Wednesday was so hot, yet only 90F. Around dawn, though, I opened the door and stuck my hand and head out. It was not hot at all, almost balmy. But, when we left the house around 2 pm, the conditions had changed radically. It was very hot and humid. 

We got the first ad (Pig)and found nothing after a cursory examination. At The Pig, I told Tommy to get bread because it is regularly cheaper than the bread at Publix. The Dromedary pimento in 2 ounce jars was not present, so I had him get two 4 oz jars. I will use half and put the jar in the freezer. We were charged 10% surcharge of $0.72 and discounted $0.38 for being over 60. 

I had a list ready for Publix--milk, bananas, strawberries, coleslaw mix. Since the coleslaw was 2 for $4, I had buy 2. Strawberries were 3/$10. My bread was bogo, so cheaper than The Pig. 

Altogether, we spent about $44. We most likely buy a bit more. 

Dinner tonight for me was chicken with BBQ sauce, slaw, green beans. I will have a banana and strawberries later. 

When Tommy came out of The Pig, he was saying what took so long. I did not notice he spent a long time. The store is remodeling. The center cross aisle is being eliminated. I hate that. Plus, more importantly was the fact it will now include an Ace Hardware Store. 

When I lived in Cullman, I used Ace. Then, one day it was gone. Later, I tried calling to see where they were now located. I could find the address in the telephone book, but never quite located the building. I would call The Pig for different things. But, when I called Ace. I got The Pig and apologized and said I had dialed the wrong number.  One day when I was in The Pig, I was startled to find a huge hardware section. On further examination, I found it was Ace. So, now I finally knew where was the Ace 'building.'

Tuesday night, I spent time looking at videos of how to make a pool noodle lollipop for my Christmas decorations. What I found was that I needed three pool noodles for each lollipop! I have three in three different colors. We had noticed this last week that there are no more pool noodles outside the three stores we pass. So, this is a problem. These were only $1, but there were ones costing $4. I wanted this to be a really cheap project. 

Last Wednesday, the day before the 4th, I ordered a refill of Singulair. Saturday, I stopped by to get the prescription. I got three. When I arrived home, there was no Singulair. Amazingly, as soon as I ran out before the 4th, my congestion stopped. The pharmacist could find no history/pattern of this happening. Now, I wonder if my problems will start again when I actually get the prescription. Now, I need to consult my allergist. The pharmacist and I did discuss rebounds and such. It is a puzzle.

Tommy had for dinner--chicken, English peas, and slaw. I wondered but just now thought to ask.

Project Tomorrow

Tommy got the guy across the street to cut a Christmas wreath in two piece that was here, probably belonging to his boarder twenty years ago. I will wire the halves back to back to fit over the mailbox. I will take out the elements I don't like and put ones I do like into this saddle. Right now, my problem is the little shards of metal still clinging tightlyto the 1/4 inch wire. So, instead of trying to sand it off or use a rasp, I will cover it in tape of some kind. I want to be safe from this metal. 

Tonight, I took several large things from the kitchen counter. With no light in the room, it is easy to let things stack up, cluttering the counter. Yes, tomorrow, I need to find an electrician who will actually come here. 

We just finished a Nova documentary on China's Terra Cotta Army. I saw the exhibit at The Birmingham Museum of Art when it came to Birmingham. Now, I know more about it. While there, we went to the gift shop. I bought a letter opener with blue and white handle. That was lost in my house. I wonder if they still have those. Tomorrow, I can call.

Before that on Nova, we watched a documentary about the Amazon that revealed amazing facts never known until now.  

School supplies are on sale now at Publix. I need to look at the ad and the ads from other stores. 

If you have been in a Piggly Wiggly, have you seen an ACE Hardware store in there?

Did you see the  Chinese Terra Cotta army? Where?

Resolved

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Refunds, Tree Limb, Olive Oil

 For at least 24 hours, I had not eaten correctly. It seemed everything bad for me was all I wanted. I was sluggish, sleepy, and not motivated to do much. I don't know why I felt so compelled to eat bad stuff. But, that phase is over. 

I did not feel like typing anything on my blog. I did read and comment on others' blogs. Of course, I did put things in new posts to share. 

Sunday night, I went to bed at 10:30 and woke at 2:30. Well, that was it for sleep until noon on Monday. Then, I was up at 3 pm. Still, I got little sleep and just as little food. Around 10 am, I had less than 8 ounces of milk. 

I am back on track. At 4 pm, I had a huge salad with Romaine, tomato, cheese, chopped chicken and dressing. I used half olive oil and half Italian dressing and marinated the chopped chicken in it while I grated a bit of cheese, and diced tomato. I was stuffed when I finished. About two hours later, I had a banana. 

Funny Tommy story--one day I was going to make a small batch of brownies. I asked him to bring me olive oil. He brought vegetable oil, saying he knew I meant that instead of olive oil. Well, no. He was distraught that I was going to put olive oil in brownies, saying he would not eat them. Of course, I knew the bottle open was not aromatic. He tried the brownies and has never doubted me using olive oil for anything since. I do realize he knows nothing about olive oil and had never used it for anything before. It was funny. 

I had an appointment to have teeth cleaned in Cullman today. My heart was beating funny, and I was exhausted from no sleep, plus I felt like I was going to throw up. So, I cancelled and rescheduled. I do brush twice a day and floss at least a dozen times. So, maybe my oral health has not disintegrated to the point I need extra measures to keep my teeth. I do not cancel lightly, so these were extreme circumstance to cause me to cancel.

You would be proud of me as I am making a concerted effort to keep this decluttered table clear of stuff. Tommy has paid attention to it and helped clear things away that I put down. And, I am slowly clearing off the table on the other side of me. Tommy's table and bookcase are worse than mine. I will tell him she can clear his flat surfaces, too. That will put ambition into him. Really, once a surface is decluttered, the surface needs to be dusted/cleaned. He sees no sense to this...lol. 

In the decluttering this last week, stuff in living room, I gave away one book. I bought it new but on sale. It was awful. I did give that to cleaner along with a child's t-shirt, and something else. I must do better. 

Today, I got refunds on two items. The first was a2milk Real Dairy Protein+Collagen from a2milk.  It mixes in nasty. Lumps remain on the top even though the milk tasted like chocolate. I have been trying for several months to use it. Somehow, the milk I put it in just gets foam or something thick on top. It is hard to believe this can be good or good for me. The cs I talked with was amazed and kept making sure I did not put in too much powder. I will get a coupon that will buy another 1/2 gallon of milk. 

Then, I called about Chips Ahoy that were scorched and the chocolate chips were actually burned tasting. They were nasty, but of course, I ate them, albeit slowly. I have not had any in four months or more, trying to break that habit. They are sending me two coupons to replace the two packages. 

Today, I received in the mail four coupons for Miracle Whip for the two I bought. One was orange MW and the other is not tasting right. These have an expiration on the coupons for next year at this time. 

I had to call because points were not put on my account at a business. All I wanted was my points, but they added another $7 that was on my account for the next purchase. 

Today was profitable--4 jars of Miracle Whip, 2 packages of Chips Ahoy, $5 coupon from a2milk, and $7 in points. That is a $42 value altogether. 

Right now, he has decided to inventory meat thawed and decide what to do. Well, he let one spoil! No, I cannot get that stuff off the bottom shelf. I will cook a pork loin tonight, to eat or store for other meals in freezer. I will cut it in portions for one and freeze. Also, he will brown and chop 3 lbs. ground beef for freezing. I thought the meat tasted like vinegar, so Tommy can eat it since he liked it. Chicken breast suits me. 

Do you ever face a stack of books or anything, fully committed to decluttering and just want it all the stay with you? I do have other books to sort, so all is not lost.

The tree limb will cost $1350 to remove and carry off. Now, to get two more estimates. 

Do you call and tell manufacturers when a product does not meet expectations? 

My friend turned 93 last week. I forgot her birthday! For tomorrow, I have a tragic tale from her.

This and That Around the House

 I tried calling the guy who sold me the mattress and base to upgrade what we ordered. But, he injured himself and did not come in to work. So, hopefully, he comes in on Sunday. 

In the meantime, I feel terrible. I know you get tired of this complaining but consider how I feel with only 3 hours sleep two days in a row. That includes naps. Or, in the case of one day, no naps. I get grumpy.

These are the days that precooking and freezing are miracles for me. Before dinner Tommy said he could scrounge in the freezer to see what there was. He found a portion of a baked turkey breast for me that I ate with the last of the slaw and a can of asparagus. There will be enough turkey for both of us tomorrow if we want that. 

He also found a freezer bag with a boneless, skinless thigh; one carrot; and two small pieces of potato--all baked together one day. He added the rest of the thawed broccoli to round out his meal. 

These leftover meals certainly beat having to cook or eat a peanut butter sandwich that many older people eat. I am proud of leftovers that were planned. I think I cooked and froze his meal in January '24. He said the turkey breast was from January '23.  

I am continually fighting getting my meds because of pharmacy and primary physician. I am not sure where the break in communication occurs. I often must leave a message. So, now I am out of med for diabetes. 

Saturday, we awoke to see a huge yellow sticker on the car across the street. They have had a car parked partially on the street for well over a year. This car runs; there are never weeds; it is clean; the people are lovely. I wonder if someone reported them or if the police randomly found the car. Since it is in full view of our door and my chair, I just hope they don't think we complained. 

The candy canes-red, green, and white--need to be rehomed. I am certainly not going to waste sugar consumption on candy canes. Not one was eaten. I put them in a red Moscow mule mug for decoration. They were 12 for 50 cents, so no big deal. I do not want to use them at all. I do know all the ways I could put them in and over other sweets. Just NO. They GO!

Nothing else was decluttered. However, Tommy did wash eight throws. They are all on pants hangers in a doorway since his dryer with heat from hell would melt them. 

Does your decluttering ever involve candy? 

Do you ever have trouble getting refills for meds? 

The Park

 Today, I recovered from sleep loss and the malaise I have felt. It was weird. 

Today, I tried to reach Macy's, but nothing worked. So, I will try again tomorrow, try a different tack. 

I spray a section near my chair where there were/are still more fleas. We went for a drive, stopped at the park to watch tennis, walkers, kids playing and two baseball games. A guy went into the walking area. We saw what he carried, thinking it was some sort of bat or racket that he was carrying and maybe going to another place after walking. 

The thing he carried was a 2x2x24" stick. There were pieces of metal, maybe brackets attached to both ends. I concluded it was meant to be a weapon. Eventually, Tommy came to the same conclusion. Maybe he is afraid in this park mid-afternoon. Since the whites were greatly outnumbered, maybe he was afraid of black violence. The way things are going around here, he should carry a gun. If we ever see him again, I want to ask him what he is carrying. Of course, he may be the violent one.I was not fearful at all. Neither was Tommy. 

Buds were swelling. Birds were out and about. A bluebird sat on a birdhouse. I wonder about that since bluebirds don't like their houses close to things. This was six feet in front of the car. Dandelions were in abundance. Soon, it will be time to mow. 

Near Christmas when we drove through the park, I was surprised by a cache of bikes. Some were tiny; some were the size a ten-year-old might ride. Earlier in my life I might have claimed on of the dumpster bikes to paint for the yard to hold flowers. Maybe if it had been warmer and drier in December, I might have gotten one for the yard. A can of spray paint would fix it right up. 

People use the park dumpster for their personal dump. I have found things that I got for myself, but right now, I have forgotten. There are things in good shape that I don't get, but someone should. People leave the large things by the dumpster not inside. 

Dinner--I had chicken with Vidalia bbq sauce from Sweet Baby Ray's, slaw, lettuce, tomato, huge plum. Tommy--honey baked turkey breast, slaw, carrots, peas, broccoli. 

I may have broccoli later as a snack. Right now, I need to wash up a few dishes before the 10pm news.  It has been five hours and there are no fleas jumping on me. 

Not much was done today. Tomorrow, I have a doctor's appointment. That will exhaust me. Then, a woman comes to vacuum. UGH

Today, Tuesday, was not exciting, got a bit of decluttering done, but there was no drama. Today was restful. I needed that. 

Was there any excitement in your life today?

Decluttering? 

Creativity? 

Leprechaun Gnomes and Tommy is Amazed

 

Leprechaun Gnome

Last night, I used a blueberry cupcake mix and two cups of very juicy blueberries to make a goody. There was more than a half a quart jar of blueberries and lots of juice, probably half and half. About a month ago, I put 4 lbs of frozen blueberries in a pot with third cup or less of sugar and boiled for a bit. I have been eating on this since then. When I ate some with cottage cheese on Monday night, the taste was like blueberries going to vinegar. So, I decided to use them. 

Tommy watched as I mixed a half cup of milk with the dry mix. He put melted butter, 2 T, in a pan. I poured the wet mix, made according to muffin recipe. Then, I poured the blueberries and juice on top. It was really more juice than I thought was in the quart jar. He watched as I did all this, stood right by me and seemed to watch my every move. 

After we ate some, he said he was amazed how the mix was on the bottom and then came to the top. I explained leavening, how cakes and muffins rise. He amuses me with what amazes him, especially about kitchen affairs. There was almost zero cooking in his house after he was ten. I doubt he ever watched closely what a girlfriend cooked. His aunts probably shooed him out of the kitchen or out of the way. 

Putting the blueberries on the top was my idea. I modified a blueberry muffin mix. It was not a recipe. 

I explained that it was like a cake or muffin rising. I also told him that some dishes called for fruit on the bottom. He listened like he was interested and learning. 

A few weeks ago, I paid for McAfee. All the popup ads ceased. NOW, I am getting popups that cover half the page from McAfee saying my system is safe. Then I have to X them out. They keep reappearing right after I get rid of them. I called today, furious that these were blocking half the screen. Now, I have nothing popping up. Thank you, McAfee. I am never sure it is legitimate, anyway. I told them I would call them if I needed them. That has been sooo annoying. 

Today, I called my doctor's office again, asking about the specimen for uti. A nurse finally called back and it was clear. I suspected that. I asked if they sent it off. No, just tested it in the office. So, why so long telling me, I wonder. However, another condition has arisen. But, he has no emergency appointments because he just lets patients who call have those. So annoying. I called my gastroenterologist and secured an appointment with him. I would have gone to AFC, but they cannot order tests. I did not want to go to ER. So, I have to be up early for gastro appointment. Yuck!

A little bit ago, Tommy was coming from the kitchen when I heard an AH! that sounded like something bad happened. I asked him what happened since he was not in sight yet. He said this broke. What? I wondered. The walker! The legs cross and go up to handles. One of these broke. I had him go get mine from the car. This will go back tomorrow. This was never a good walker. He put pieces of Glad Wrap wrapped around a screw or bolt or something that kept coming out. The cable for the brake is always hanging on something. So, back it goes. He only weighs 190lbs. This is not a really heavy person breaking a walker.

A little decluttering occurred tonight. I need a piece of notebook paper. Tommy started digging around to find me a piece. Then, he went off to the kitchen where recycling stays. He threw some out and recycled the rest. The shelf looks less cluttered. 

I put what needs recycling on the edge of the table near me. I always tell him to get it and he rarely does. It annoys me to have to keep saying it because I hate to nag about something so trivial. Then, pieces of paper fall off. I retrieved a wastepaper basket we do not use. I put it near something I could reach, and he could, too. I toss/drop crushed water bottles, prescription bottles, receipts, all manner of things that need recycling. This is not for trash. Well, it has been there for about four days. Tonight, he finally picked the wastebasket up and emptied it. We just needed a system. We have it now. I never mention recycling now. 

Do you have a husband or grown person who is amazed at the cooking process? 

Do you have McAfee or another protection on your computer that annoys you with notices in the form of pop-ups?

Do walkers last or break for you or anyone you know who uses one?

Does a decluttering session ever break out unbidden in your house?

Encino Man Saved My Life

Tuesday night, I started clearing out a plastic bin where I put things so they will not land on the floor. Well, it overran and I had a job. I was throwing away ads from Dec. 3, just before I got the flu. I was exhausted after a few hours of this. I found a check in an unopened envelope! Finally, I made a list of things to do on Wednesday, mostly phone calls and two places to go. After three hours, one phone call was made and remade three times, and finally resolved.

As I was going to sleep, I checked the TV for what was coming on. Encino Man had been on for about ten minutes. This MOVIE saved my life once. In 1992, I was working so hard at school. I was tense all the time. I just thought I was overly tired. Encino Man showed me it was just tension. It is so funny. Okay, it is weird but you cannot help laughing at the gaffes in the introduction of a man from the ice age seeing California for the first time and with teens.

I remember how I did not have the money to see a movie. I remember how desperately I needed to study. I remember just giving in and going to this movie. So much tension was released. Studying and driving seemed possible again, not at the same time.

So, last night I watched Encino Man and laughed hard like it was the first time I had seen it. Finally, at 5 am, it was over. I turned over and slept the sleep of the hypnotized.  I had not melatonin and did not need it after staying up almost until dawn.

Today, Wednesday, I awoke to the list. First thing was call Crest. My teeth hurt less after I quit the Whitening toothpaste. However, there is still considerable pain. Plus, pain inside my mouth has increased. It is in my cheeks around my mouth. There are pin prick feelings that are quite painful. They are sending me an $8 debit card, want the tube back, and will call me.

I finished most of the calls and two errands out of the house. I have a list just as long for tomorrow and another for Friday.

I talked to my dentist receptionist. She offered me toothpaste for sensitive teeth. I got that, two tubes, cashed a check at the bank, bought bananas,  and put gas in my car.

When I arrived at home, I gathered up all I could take in into a plastic bag. I got out of the car as I pushed down the lock. Okay, where are my keys? I could not find them anywhere. So, I cannot get in the house, either. The guy next door got the house open for me. That is twice in the last week.

He let me use his cell when I asked, but told me he pays for minutes, so I promised one minute. I was on the phone for 48 seconds. I called exbf and told him I had locked myself out of car, was on a phone with limited minutes, and tell me what I should do--pay $65 for locksmith, or him come unlock my car tonight, or come tomorrow. He said he would come and tried to talk about it. I said I could not talk and WHEN was he leaving. I stayed inside and then stood outside for 30 min in cold.

I ran back in to throw a sweatshirt over my blouse and put my coat back on. In that time, he managed to come. I flashed the flashlight at him and he kept struggling to get out. GRRR. Finally, I called out but he was on both canes and trying to come to the house. He heard me and got back in. I took the keys and opened my car door and put key in pocket. It was in the ignition.
 in the car and locked anyway. This is what the recall is for because the key can fall out while driving.

While I had waited inside, I got him some lunchmeat, about a 1.5" stack of lunchmeat I forgot to give him this week, two Cuties, and a package of four cookies. As he handed me his keys, I handed him the bag. He was in the driveway for three minutes when he left. So, he spent three hours driving to save me $65.

At least he does not have to go to work tomorrow morning. Today, he got a taste of the bureaucracy that is his> He spent 30 minutes holding for the Social Security Office. Tomorrow, he intends to call at 7 am. He is learning quickly.  Poor guy is exhausted from that one phone call and then I need him.

Your turn
Do you have a particular memory of a movie or activity that literally changed the amount of stress you were under? Have you been ill and were shocked to see how papers and junk stacked up? There were receipts from all sorts of places, pictures of my grandchildren, change, makeup, paper clips, just about three dozen categories of stuff.

Swedish Death Cleaning

Are any of you engaging in this practice? Explain what you do, if you will. I was intrigued with the title, "Swedish Death Cleaning."

Does the idea seem morbid or healthy?

Done!

Denise, an online friend from another site drove a few miles out of her way on a trip she had planned to help me. She and her husband worked two hours and completely finished the material sorting and boxing.

The material had been put in bags to remove it from my sewing room. The 30 gallon garbage bags were about half full so the woman who did them last year would not have to lift too much.

She drove me on the cart to the storage room. I sat in my lawn chair. It felt like a royal, pampered ride...lol.

I had a stack of boxes broken down in the car. They loaded those up on the long cart. He taped the bottom, she packed material in them, then they both held and taped the top shut. All the boxes except for two were the same size, so it looks neat and stacked easily.

There is a lot of material that looks like sweater material that neither of us wanted. Maybe there are ten yards. I won't throw it out. I think it would be perfect to cut into lengths for a throw, maybe and extra blanket for the bed in extremely cold weather. The ends could be serged or easily finished by hand with a blanket stitch. Binding or lace could be sewn onto the ends.

Her husband expressed interest when we were not even involving him in decisions. He wanted some of the heavier, woven fabrics to put over windows to keep out the cold. Great idea! So, from then on, I asked him his preference.

This worked out well because she does not like red or pink. I do. She likes the dark blues and greens. I don't.

She came to help me, but I wanted her to profit some, too. They got started late and had to stop to figure out why she had no brake lights on the back, so she was only here for 2 hours. If she had come as planned, she was going to open boxes of things I packed for a yard sale someday. That day will never come, so that stuff will have to go!

Now, I need another helper who will do a little or a lot more and take away the excess. I have been smart enough to ditch the trash instead of boxing it up, so there is good stuff left, just not what I want to save now and not keep and store it. Volunteers?

Michele (Mystic Mud) went home with good stuff, but forgot the paint which then froze. I could not rescue it, but a friend took it saying it might still work. I never heard if that dozen gallons and partial gallons of paint was good enough for her mother's outdoor projects.

The friend who brings his group from church gets stuff, too, when they come to help declutter--books, crayons, pens, pencils, glue sticks and glue. Whatever we are looking at, some usually goes out the door. When I do not want an item, one of them volunteers to donate it. Works for me.

Now, I need a three day rest from two hours of work. Well, I sat and watched and chose what I wanted. Sitting is work for me. Today, I had to go get the two 5-gallon buckets they sat on. I left them out and in the way. Plus, I had to go about my lens in glasses, withdraw money from the bank, and go buy something from Walmart. I got no rest today!

I have started to collect things in a quart bag for Lorraine.

Okay, I am off to put vegetables in the Crock Pot.

Your turn
What's up with your decluttering? Does anyone help and get good leftovers from your clutter?

UNCOVERED: Decluttering

Last year, I did not make homemade ice cream because I thought the ice cream freezer was boxed and stored.  Sunday, one of the girls was straightening things. When I walked in, there was the ice cream freezer.

After the ottoman was moved, she found several lost earrings. It is a wonder I did not give the spare ones to Lorraine at We Are Clamco.

The guy opened a WM bag and declared, "This is trash. It only has broken Tupperware." shriek as he moved it to the garbage can. No way, I can trade those broken tops in for new tops.

As I was looking for things to give away to the guy or have him haul to the road, I uncovered my sugar stash in a liquor box. There were five quarts of sugar and one half gallon. Do you remember when I bought sugar at less than half price? 36 pounds of sugar? Well,  I have not purchased sugar for several years, maybe four. Now, I am down to my last two cups and was wondering where the rest could be. I know where it is now! Since I ran out of cayenne pepper jelly, I was facing doing without or buying sugar.

Do you remember how I collect things all year long for Christmas shoeboxes? Well, last year it never happened. I had been getting shoeboxes and storing them in one huge box. That box went to the road. Plus, I gave one of the girls about 20 boxes of crayons I had bought for less than a dime each. Now, I won't stumble over that tote bag! The monstrous box is gone, too.

Help with decluttering has gained me room and valuable-to-me items.

Your turn
What have you discovered while decluttering? Anything lost? Something you really needed? Something about which you collected and changed your mind?

Sorting Material and Volunteer Help

All my fabric is in garbage bags filled only half way so the lifting was not hard for the person doing the work. I cannot lift them at all. Well, I can lift one of them and spend three days paying for it.

The deal is: help me sort through all this and you can have what I don't want. There are no guarantees as to what is in the bags or how much I will give you. Oh, the rest has to be packed in small boxes that are easily lifted. No one has to strain at all.

Well, the mother/volunteer put all my material in bags. The daughter helped me sort, took her material home and promised to pack up the rest. We only went through a third of the bags and she got two thirds of what we looked at. Then, she never came back and left stuff undone.  This mother of six is a major volunteer-er. She never finishes anything, but gets the glory for volunteering. She was a head case when I met her, but I was desperate for help.

In the meantime, I have asked churches, friends, acquaintances for someone to help with this and haul off a ton of fabric. "Just bring it all to the church." "I will come load it all up and help you by moving it out of your way." "Why don't you let me donate it to the thrift store?" When I reiterate the fact that I want some of it for myself, interest wanes. People want it all for themselves. No one wants to stuff it into boxes. We are talking 14x14x12 inch boxes, not monsters. I would spend my last breath dragging each bag to the dumpster rather than just give my material to greedy and lazy people!

Finally, someone on another site read my remarks and is driving from TN to somewhere else and will make a detour to help me and to increase her non-existent stash. She already had the trip planned.

This is a major relief to me! No matter how much she and her husband can do, I know they will do it well and not stress me out for months with accusations of all sorts.

Your turn
Have you ever had volunteer help cause you more grief than it was worth? Do you have a fabric stash or anything that needs weeding down to fit your needs? If she cannot get all this into her car or wants little, do you want to finish the job? No, I won't talk about you...lol.

Decluttering Site

A decluttering site I found today and like. Maybe you can glean something for yourself.

Your turn
Do you like the site?