Xray Day

 Today, we got little done, but they were important things. For the first time in months, we picked up food. We shared it with someone and gave away lots of food from our house, things we purchased. We got lucky. Among other things we got two dozen eggs and about six packages of skinless chicken thighs and bscb. Tommy wanted to give a package of chicken instead of keeping it all. 

We then went to big box to purchase a laptop. There was no one who knew anything about laptops. We left. I did get a new wireless mouse. I cannot get into other stores, so online I go. Charlie is going to have to be more helpful with his knowledge. 

Tommy has never owned a laptop, so he is no help. He has not used a computer since I have been here and before. I try to get him to buy a laptop, but he always refuses. Finally, I demanded to know why. He said if he bought a laptop (or a computer) he would be on it all night and day. He would cease to be productive. So, he refuses to be tempted. So, now I know why he has been so adamant and refusing to buy a laptop. 

Next, we came home, used bathroom and went to an urgent care where I waited for almost two hours for an xray. The xray tech said it looked like a fracture, new or old, but the dr would have to examine the xray. Of course, I must wait for it to be read. 

I don't recall ever hurting my hip before. Of course, maybe it is not a fracture. We will see.

By this time, we were both exhausted and hungry.  So, since BK was closest and it was fully dark, we decided on BK. That was delicious and relaxing. Cokes were at home. We will have vegetables later. Of course, I will have lots of fruit.

Tomorrow's plans were formulated around the threat of rain. Maybe we will gather the three ads. I will shop online for a laptop and then go to store to get it another day.. Most importantly, we will decided what to move so I can set up my dehydrator in the kitchen. I have three choices--dining room table, counter between sink and microwave, on Tommy's tiny kitchen table.

The first thing I will dehydrate is cranberries. I have about five bags in the freezer. I hate the ones from the store because of additives. These ones I dehydrate are great in Stove Top or regular homemade dressing. I use them in salads, too. The Vidalias need to be dehydrated, too. 

The dining room table is too far away for me to precariously walk with trays of food to be dehydrated. On the counter would be good, but Tommy might decide to sit things on the dehydrator. The table  would be close, but like the counter, I need to clean it off. This stuff is not junk, but stored kitchen utensils that won't have a place to store them. So, we have lots to consider. 

I did purchase a wireless mouse, a pretty pink. Edit: and I got to the local branch of my bank. Something is wrong with my accounts. So, a frantic night and call to my branch.

How was your Tuesday?

Caffeine Switch

Jan. 7 

10,136 steps

Monday afternoon, I took a solid five-hour nap. I never had the desire or motivation to try any steps after I fell. I resumed that on Tuesday.

We were not out or spent time looking out the door but never heard about more snow. Too bad. 

We went to the podiatrist. She was trimming my nails nicely. I requested she dig the nail from under the side of the toe and the ingrown part. She did. That was the way she always did it. I told her if it hurt me, I was okay with that. It hurt a lot.

I messed up at the grocery and bought the wrong thing. Then one employee shrugged his shoulders and walked off. So, I went back and found another employee. I told her my experience and wondered if she could help me. She described the guy and asked if it were him. Yes, it was. Then, she told me customers complained about him. I was wondering what I did to make him act the way he did. Apparently, nothing. 

Then, I was looking for a bogo meat special. It is in next week's ad. So, how did I see that since the ad is not out? 

Then, I went on to buy wrong stuff supposed to be bogo, but I had the wrong things. Now, I have to go back tomorrow for returns and the new ad items. 

Tommy hates Coke. Tommy hates Caffeine Free. When he runs out of his Diet Pepsi, he drinks my Diet Coke Caffeine Free which is perfectly okay with me. He has been out for a week. I bought some today that he wants--Diet Pepsi, b2g1. One of those 12-packs is Caffeine Free. He took them out of the car and put some in the refrigerator. He has not mentioned some are CF. 

We are making sure we are set for the storm. Hopefully, it won't be too bad. I will have food made, plenty of milk for both of us, and all laundry done. Since he has to walk outside and up the driveway and up into the carport to get to laundry room, I don't want him to walk on ice. Hopefully, the electricity will stay on. Maybe I will get out a big, fluffy comforter that is only warm with plenty of blankets underneath. Strange comforter.

Oh, doctor recommended a cleaner/helper. I called her number, and a child answered, saying she was not there. There was lots of screaming like rowdy children playing. This could be a challenge. 

Dinner: frozen lasagna, one that only has good things, nothing bad for us, butternut squash, lots of tomato chunks in the lasagna. 

Nothing hurts on my body, but all is stiff.

How are you preparing for the snow and ice?

Such a Nightmare-Worst I Have Ever Had

 Tuesday night, I could not sleep. When Tommy awoke at 8 am, I asked him if he just wanted to go now to get ads and bogo items we wanted. I think he was a little shocked. I am oats and he ate something. We left before 9 am.

I really did not want the bogo on Spice Island Ground Sage to sell out. He had gone through the spices on Tuesday to see what we need for the holidays. Ground Sage was the only thing that we needed. While at Publix where Ocean Spray cranberries were $4.99 for 12 ounces, I looked to see if they were on sale. Yes! They were 2 packages for $4. I bought two and they are in the refrigerator. Those will be gone before the day is over. 

We got bananas, white grapes, Miracle Whip (2), 2 small packages of strawberry Jello, bag of Meyer Lemons, one Spice Island Ground Sage bogo, We did not buy much, just bogo items we needed and a few other items. 

I was in the bed for  nap by noon. I slept until 6 pm when I awoke from a nightmare. I was murdering someone. I had a long, bladed weapon. It was three feet long, mostly blade. Now, you know I could not wield it! It was gory. I immediately regretted what I had done. Then, I woke up. Lots happened at the beginning, but I cannot remember it which is probably for the best. 

Two appointments have been scheduled, one on Thursday and another on Friday for getting a shower installed we can use. I need to investigate both companies. I know the rotted-out window will need a repair. There is no exhaust fan. One-inch tile on floor and walls will probably need to go. I am sure the massive mirror will go. Vanity probably needs to go. Sink is rusted. 4-inch tiles on the wall will probably be ready to go once all the tile with leaks around them are removed. It actually does not look as bad as it sounds. The new commode will go. The light fixture I bought for the kitchen will go in the bathroom. I think what I described is 'gutting.'

Cleaner was supposed to come to get the car title. I have no idea why she did not. Her daughter bought Tommy's car. But, the mother's name will be on all papers. She had a much more extensive surgery on her hand, so no telling how long it will be until she can help me again. 

I received a text from creep. He said he searched for text I did not like. He said he sent it to me by mistake and he was sorry. He said it was for his girlfriend. He apologized again. I just read this as it showed up on window of flip-phone and did not reply. Hopefully, he will just go away. There were other issues. 

Today, when I went out at about 9 am, it was very cool and pleasant--no wind, no moisture. I hear we are in for much cooler weather, more like it usually in in November. We still have a huge tree that is green. 

I am excited about the new bathroom! Tommy admitted he was afraid of getting into the shower since he hoists himself by holding onto the shower frame. I will love washing my hair sitting down in the shower instead of bending over the sink since I am afraid I will fall trying to hold onto wet sink and counter. 

Thursday, I will cook the cranberries I took from freezer. They will be our Thanksgiving cranberries. I use much less sugar than the recipe on the bag lists. The two packages I bought today are in the freezer for maybe Christmas. Saturday, I plan to cook pork loin and vegetables to eat and to share with neighbor who takes out the garbage can each week.

It is only two weeks until Thanksgiving. Unbelievable. How is the plan for cooking coming along. Anything cooked and waiting in the freezer like I have done? 

No edits on this post. 

Cold Dinner

 As a matter of fact, Saturday night, I had two cold dinners. Each was equally delicious. First, we bought two boxes of Special K Original. After my nap, I had a bowlful with a whole banana sliced in it...delicious. 

About 8:30, I had sliced chicken, cole slaw, and tomato. This one chicken breast is making me four meals. 

Tommy ate much earlier, so not sure what he had other than chicken thigh that was flavored with the Boar's Head honey mustard that does not taste like honey mustard. He was agitated that I was going to use it on his thighs. Well, he calmed done once he squirted a bit on a finger and tasted it. He says the taste is okay on his food...lol. 

I froze two of the thighs in pint freezer bag today with him admonishing me not to freeze too many. He can thaw the two thighs, one for each of two days or eat both at one meal. 

I did get around to freezing most of the buns. The hamburger and hotdog buns had 16 buns each, 32 buns in all. We would take forever to eat that many buns unless we just ate them instead of bread. I froze the hamburger buns two to a package, hotdog buns were frozen three to a package. 

We went to Publix during the tasting event from 11-2, but it was held at 3 pm due to not enough help. Not good. We bought strawberries, Vidalia onions. Potatoes were too expensive. We will either go to Pig or Food Giant on Sunday for those. I was too exhausted to do it on Sunday. 

One package of the 1 lb strawberries was organic, one not. Both packages weighed 1.5 lbs. each. Yes, I weighed them. I wonder if they really do not have poison on them. I will see if they taste better than ones with pesticide. 

I have five more pretty tomatoes. If Tommy gets the ribs out of the freezer, we will have ribs Monday along with potato salad, tomatoes, maybe baked beans. It is an easily prepared meal. If he does not get the ribs out, we will have leftovers and not worry about it. 

It seems all we do is buy food, cook food, freeze cooked and raw food and give away food. There are days every effort revolves around food! Then, there are days we just get it out and eat. 

The woman for whom we got food is no longer responding. So, we had three huge boxes, banana box size, full of food. About 20 lbs. was frozen meat. Lots of vegetables, pasta, bread, desserts. The first woman I asked had two preteen girls. She was happy to get it. 

My neighbor could not find an electrician for two years. Then, she found one who did not complete the job and has not come back for two weeks. So, it is not me. Her son will be back from Florida vacation on Monday. So, the search continues. 

Tonight, we watched Some Like it Hot, one of my favorite films. Then, The Defiant Ones was new to me and spectacular film with Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier. Now, The Boston Strangler. It has been a good night for films. 

While I slept today, Tommy watched football. So, the awful season begins. I never complain or want to watch something else. 

When I woke, Tommy asked me if the thunder disturbed me. I did not hear anything for the whole three hours even though he said one thunderclap sounded like it hit the house. Nothing, heard nothing even though he said it went on for an hour or more. 

How do you feel about football season? Everyone has an opinion on football season!

Friday Heat and Holiday

 My energy flags quickly these days. Friday, I washed my hair just two days after applying color. I am not sure why, but using the cream rinse included with the shampoo causes me to have greasy looking hair. Plus, if feels like it was sprayed. Now, my hair and looks and feels normal. I was embarrassed to be seen right after color, not the usual affect of color. 

Thursday night, we did other cooking after midnight. Plus, I was energized, gathering laundry, putting away stuff scattered and just left to lie about. It was very productive. 

Today, we went out and came back home. Tommy went into the house. As he came out, he had one of my real cokes, caffeine free. I asked if he brought it for me. No, he needed sugar since his dropping blood sugar was too low. He got into the car and tried to open a small piece of cheese. He never asks me to open things. His hands were trembling. He could not figure out how to get the cheese out of the package that had been cut open by me on three sides. I told him to drink the Coke. His monitor was not working, but he could see a plunging trajectory of his blood sugar. 

He was about to drive. His blood sugar rose enough for him to be safe. He seemed to be driving okay. I am so stressed watching traffic, how he drives And, it was so hot today. 

When we came home, I took a nap, and he peeled potatoes and carrots. I assembled the cooking bag. At 8:30, it was done so we could eat. 

We have buns gotten cheaply, yet they are Sara Lee. I will freeze most of them. Having the freezer with enough room to freeze bread and buns saves money. I can eat a hamburger or hotdog on a piece of bread. But, the bun is so much nicer. 

Tommy put a note on our neighbor's door. Her son said he would hang a light. He is an electrician with some company. We intended to pay him. This has been over 4 years ago. So, she called back and left a voicemail. She said an electrician came 3.5 years ago, started a job at her house and never came back. She said she understood. Maybe the work will get done yet! 

Cleaner called and said she has been ill. Yet, she did not miss work. Okay, so maybe she did not feel like doing more. Next Tuesday, she will let us know something. 

The woman to whom I gave food will not reply. So, will never depend on her doing anything, like calling me. Or picking up food I collect just for her. 

Thursday night, I ordered another outfit like I bought five years ago. I can wear this one with abandon and not have to save it for good...lol. When I took the one I own out of storage this spring, it was squashed and in with other items. I shook it out and wore it without one wrinkle. I also ordered garbage bags for the kitchen. They are hard to handle because they are so heavy, one less thing that will not hurt Tommy. 

We need potatoes, eggs, and strawberries. Tomorrow, we will go to Publix during their sampling events. Yum! We may have pork ribs Monday. We will be staying home, not cooking much. 

There are things to do outdoors, like clean off the porch. But, it is so hot, I just don't care. Tommy would have to be with me, so he does not need the heat stress, either. I only slept four hours Thursday night because of the heat. The ac was set on 67. Tommy was bundled up in front of the ac vent by his chair, so it was cool in the living room. Well, not too cool except in front of the ac vent.

What are your plans for this weekend? Food, fun, family?

Busy Thursday

 Today was a hard day for me. Staying out for five hours destroys me.  When we finally got home and settled, I took a nap. I turn on music, get into bed and on left side, put something over my eyes, arrange my hands so they don't hurt, and usually go to sleep, aware I am drowsy. Today, I don't remember covering my eyes. I was that sleepy. My hands must have arranged themselves. 

Tommy took with us a frozen bottle of water, and I took the bottle carrier. We gave it to the woman. She was loaded down with purse, larger bottle holder, then the one we gave her. But, she was deliriously happy with frozen water and the carrier.

We got the food and wanted little of what was there, so went to a store and gave it to a young woman who teared up and said this came at the right time as she was struggling. I teared up, too. I think we may buy for her for Christmas instead of donating coats. 

I went to Publix and shopped the bogo things. I bought zinc since Tewshooz said she needed it for thyroid problems. 

The mower came, mowed, and put in the dusk to dawn bulb. Since I wanted to talk with him, I had told Tommy to call me if/when he came. He did not have time to do what I wanted, so I was up for nothing. He did take pictures of my car to sell it. 

Lunch: Tommy has lived here for forty years and has eaten at a hotdog place about a half mile from here on a main road. For almost five years, I have mentioned eating there. Today, with my pushing, we did. These were long, skinny hotdogs. I had mine plain and brought it home and put my mustard on it. Tommy had everything on his. We split an order of fries with him getting the lion's share. The cost was less that $9. I was shocked it cost so little. So, now I have been there. He eats better now that I am here, so need to get another hotdog from there. 

I called a2milk company and asked why the price leap. The woman looked it up and they still sell the milk for the same price to distributor. 

Today, I started planning my birthday week. So far, I have Chicken Salad Chick, KFC, and Bright Star. Maybe Jim n Nicks.

Dinner: Tommy had a huge salad with hamburger meat, cheese, tomato, catsup, and mustard on top. I had the same size salad with olive oil, tomato, and Parmesan/Romano cheese. 

I picked up the medicine insert and read that this antibiotic suppresses appetite. I was so surprised. Now, I know why I have no appetite, never hungry. 

One doctor sent the answer to a question I left on message machine. The endocrinologist nurse has not returned my call from Tuesday!

Tonight, I went into back bedroom to get things out for shelf in kitchen, tuna, especially. I stepped on something sharp. It was a sewing needle! I have not had a needle in there. The room has been vacuumed several times. Plus, it is not the kind of needle I use. I am afraid of the puncture wound. As excruciating as the pain was, I cannot remember which foot it punctured. I won't go barefoot in there again. 

The weather has been so mild that I don't feel suffocated when I get into the car. But, as it does, the weather will heat up to almost suffocating temps and humidity before long. 

Thursday was a day of little things, nothing earthshaking, all positive, but it exhausted me. I will edit nothing.

Do you ever have a day of little things that seems overwhelming and exhausting? 

Food Shopping

 I was the best of trips. It was the worst of trips. Publix, I mean. Special K was not bogo as someone told me. She must  be in a different area. Miracle Whip was bogo. He got two jars. 

His Cheeerios bogo, got two. Coleslaw mix bogo $3 each. Two chicken tenders for $4.46. I would rather have chicken breast than dessert. $17 spent.

Sometimes, we pass a place that is selling items cheap on sidewalk. Once we bought ALL. They gave me two skeins of crochet thread. The skeins were a surprise. They told me that two stores down items would be free in two days.. 

Next time I passed, I got one free item. Today, we passed, rather stopped. People were lined up getting items and putting items in bags to take. We waited at the curb, asked the man if he could give us something. 

He gave us choices of bread, and I chose marbled rye. I love it with cheese. Then, he gathered up five small bags--10 lbs, cherries, 2 bell peppers, 7 ears of corn, 18 kiwi, turkey hotdogs, 1 lb, ground round, 1.5 lb ground beef. There was a donation jar. Tommy had a $100 bill, and I had a $5, so I got to donate. I would say we certainly got a deal. 

Now, lots of this needs processing. I have never bought more than two kiwi at a time. So, I had to search for how to store them. I love kiwi but rarely purchase them. When I see them for $1 each, I pass. 

Tommy came and reported we have had a cabbage for a long time, two packages of Brussel's sprouts and something else. He is Refrigerator Master, Lord of Cold Storage, Duke of Earl. 

I need to take a nap and the get onto food processing later. 

We made the rounds for the three ads, And, we drifted into a used car place, drove around, talked to a salesman, promised him we would come back. We only shopped at Publix and the free food table.

My two breakfasts are 1) Special K, banana, milk or 2) pb, MW, banana sandwich. Neither of these requires me to take my hurting back to the kitchen to prepare.  Actually, I would prefer scrambled eggs and one piece of toast. Sometimes, I like a bowl of beans--black eyed peas or navy beans with maybe tomato or slaw. Maybe I will have cleaner scramble nine eggs again. That will last for 3-4 days. Hopefully, Special K will be bogo soon. 

Only 3 ears of corn were okay. 

What are your choices for breakfast? 

Do you ever pass a random place with free food? 

Tommy Won't Let Me Talk

Tommy received a large check for income tax refund. But, it was not what he expected or the number he turned in to IRS. I knew he sat down to do this. And, I was aware I should not talk. But, I just keep talking to him. Then, he fusses at me. Maybe I can remember from now on. I just still feel so bad, ill actually. My brain is not working! This is a med that makes me feel awful, almost worse than what I have. 

My black eye is worse today. All these frozen spots hurt so, burn, itch. I look like I was in a fight!

I keep opening my mouth to talk and shut it quickly....lol. I suppose he does not care about the pretty earrings on the girl on the news story. 

Today, even though I was too tired, we went to the place to pick up food for the five little girls. We got two boxes and gave them the lion's share once again. I kept 9 lbs of apples, gave them 12 lbs. Kept 6 lbs. of peaches, gave them 6 lbs.

I kept two 2 lb. bags of navy beans, gave them 2 lbs. They got all the canned food, about 20 cans, 6 of those canned salmon. We kept the milk, two gallons. All five are now in school or at sitters, so mother can work, and the girls eat at school and with sitter. The next time I don't feel like going, we won't. Summer was the lean time for them. 

That above won't go away. I didn't do it. 

If I cannot stand the Gala apples, I will give them those next week. The peaches are delicious. 

Last evening, I went through the red box. It was all Christmas stuff that I bought on sale. Some items were gifts. Now I have some place to put the piddling rest of the Christmas stuff away. 

In a bit he is going to take all the plastic tarps out that make the trunk look so full. Tomorrow, he will bring in a box of paperwork. This is part of my declutter, obviously. 

I made another call today about the dogs and one about the yard next door. Maybe this will work. 

I took a nap, mostly rested. But, I wasn't talking! He found one error in his tax calculations. So, he has his original calculation, IRS calculation, and a new calculation. He will call IRS tomorrow. ???

Just now, he refused to watch a movie with Marlon Brando because he cannot stand him. I never heard of anyone who could not stand Marlon Brando. He is not my favorite actor or even close, but I watch his movies. 

Yes, we are talking since he is through with the math project. 

Do you like Marlon Brando?

Has the IRS ever shorted you on your refund?

Do antibiotics ever make you sicker than what you have?

Rooster, Kazoo, Headset, Food

 

When I went to lunch last week, I sat with a friend I had not seen in years. She is also a friend of the 93 yo friend. She went to her brother's house to see his baby sheep. A rooster followed her to the sheep like he usually did. She turned to go back to the house and the rooster followed along as usual. All of a sudden the rooster ran in front of her and flew up to spur her just above her temple. 

He caused her to fall. Her brother came home to find her bleeding from her head and called an ambulance. She lives far out in the country. She was taken to the hospital and treated. Then, she was flown by helicopter to UAB Hospital because she had a brain bleed. She spent several days in ICU and finally in a room. 

This is just one more reason that I am terrified of roosters. My pet rooster attacked me when I was four. We ate him for Sunday dinner.

While at this lunch, there is always stringed instruments. Singing is optional. As part of the table decor, there were little plastic instruments. I got the kazoo and was trying to play it. I kept blowing into the small end, to no avail. Finally, after I complained, Tommy blew into the large end. Still, that did not work. So, he showed me how to make a noise as I blew. It was not a pretty sound that came out of it when I blew. I suppose that was the first time I ever used a kazoo, maybe the first time I ever saw one in person. Of course, after blowing into the little red kazoo, I brought it home. Practicing has not helped my performance!

I think the kazoo is a regional instrument, so I have no experience with it. 

Last year, I wanted a headset to listen to videos so Tommy would not be disturbed while he was watching TV. So, I got myself on Amazon and bought a Logi or Logitech set for about $20. It hurt my head so that I quit wearing it, and it's been a year since I touched the headset. I wanted to listen to Jeanne Robertson, so I tried them once again. They hurt. But, I used them and hated every minute and into the following day. The next time I put them on, they did not hurt at all. A miracle? Or, ignorance? It appears there is a backward and forward to a headset that is almost identical. 

After I first bought them, I asked a friend in office supply store what kind would not hurt. He said that Bose would not hurt, but were so expensive and broke down because they were soft and kind to head. So, I decided to not use the pair I had. Since I could not afford Bose, I put them out of my mind. I am so glad I decided to try the Logitech I had. Not hurting is wonderful.

I also saw there is a microphone, and I am not sure how to use it. Plus, there is some sort of button on the wire from the headset. Maybe I should have read the directions. I will do that right now. 

Wednesday has been a better day. I only slept a few hours but set my goals low. I looked for flowers in the store I could not shop in because of no carts. A blouse came home with me and a little sample pot of a face cream I like. The huge pots are a pain, so I can refill the small pot.

Wednesday, we should see bad weather. At least there is a chance. So, it will be a stay at home kind of day. One thing I never have to worry about is hot water. Tommy has a gas water heater> of course, all I can do is wash my hair. At my house, the first thing I did when I lost electricity was to wash my hair and get into the tub. I had an electric water heater, so time was of the essence. Even at midnight and in the dark, I managed to get clean. 

At the grocery store I bought a few items: Diet Coke Caffeine Free b2g1, 5 lbs Vidalia Onions, Jimmy Dean cooked sausage patties bogo. Tommy has now completely abandoned the morning sausage and biscuit at Hardees. So, occasionally when these are bogo, I buy these for the freezer. Publix never advertises when they have Vidalia Onions. So, this find and purchase was an accident. Last year, I bought them from other stores for about three weeks until I spotted them at Publix. 

Diet Coke Caffeine Free 12-packs were $6.20 even with b2g1 price and 52 cents per can. Exorbitant! Vidalia's were 5 lbs for $5.99, not too bad. The Jimmy Dean Sausages came in 8-pack for $6. This was a two-for deal, so I had to buy 2 to get cheaper price. JD sausages were 75 cents apiece. Yes, I figure cost per each item in a package. I never monitor what he eats with the idea of curtailing his consumption except for "leave me two of those sausages." So, if he eats all the sausage patties, I don't buy more for many months.

 I still have not looked at all of any of our three ads. We go over the ads and make a list but have not yet.

Did anyone have a bad rooster experience? 

Can you play a kazoo, unlike me?

Does using a headset hurt your head and ears? Do all headsets have a back and front side?

Were there good prices in your local grocery ads?

Lyrid Meteor Shower

 

Tuesday was slow. That makes it an excellent Tuesday! We offered a woman food, mostly meat and vegetables, bread and a pie. She responded so vociferously that I thought she was yelling at me for something I did wrong. Well, no. She said she had no money and had to borrow money from her niece because they were low on food. She was almost crying but smiling and grabbed me and hugged me. That made it a better Tuesday. She saw the four containers of meat, about ten pounds. Then she saw the cookies. That was why she hugged me. She went on and on about giving her cookies. 

I wished that I had gotten her number to give her more food and other things like soap and shampoo. 

There is a meteor shower for the next two weeks. I will try to catch it, at least for a few meteors. Don't expect to step outdoors for five minutes to see a meteor. Go out, let your eyes adjust, put away the phone because it has a light. Being in an isolated area where there is no light pollution is best. Face the expected direction of the shower. Do not use binoculars! 

"This is the first time since 1861 has been in the inner solar system, and it won’t return until 2278." 

The Lyrid Meteor Shower Will Illuminate Skies For The Next 2 Weeks (inspiremore.com)

As a child, Mama and Daddy spread a quilt on the ground at night and we lay watching the skies. I have watched meteors which we knew by 'shooting stars' or falling stars.' They also taught us the constellations while watching for a display. Did you call them 'shooting stars' or 'falling stars' when you were young or even now? I still refer to them as "shooting stars' when I am engaged in watching them. Yes, my parents knew they were meteors. 

Tonight, I put color on my hair and somehow did not get a spot right in the top of my head. I don't know how that happened. But, it is done. I have more color...lol. Next week...

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.

Wasting Food and Selling a Car

The friend who wants to buy my car still wants it. I drove it today, and my back did not hurt getting in or out. Of course, my back was rested when I got in and drove it so little that my back was in good shape when I got out. Maybe I can drive it after all. 

I sent her an email that I could not allow the car to go that far. I think I said they could bring their mechanic. The husband and wife are coming when she cleans. I don't roll that way. I can only handle one person at a time. This is the way I always prefer dealing with people. Otherwise, I cannot keep up with people doing their own thing and me trying to keep up. I cannot deal with selling a car and telling her what to clean.  Actually, the problem is she is going to help me sort and put away Christmas and other things. So, I need to be there and with husband during car looking.

I wasted food--my precious pot of spaghetti. Last night, I told Tommy I would put the spaghetti away when he asked what to use to store it. He had put pasta away. Today, about 2 pm, he asked me what to do with spaghetti sauce. So, it had to be dumped. I was so crushed because I wanted spaghetti, and not only did I get a second helping, it had to be wasted. Next week, I will make another pot. 

Tonight, I wanted tuna. I had one boiled egg left since I did not make myself a deviled egg, well, two deviled eggs. I had about two cups of chopped salad. I put a Tablespoon of MW, the chopped egg, and a can of tuna, stirred together and placed on top of the chopped Romaine. It was delicious, and just what I needed. 

Tommy had ham, kale, green peas. 

I put on a huge bag of kale earlier. I could barely get them in the pot, yet after simmering with a bottle of water, they were soft and delicious, about two inches high in the same pan. I may have some kale later. 

I have retained the 15 pound weight loss. I deliberately overate for about three days. The scales don't move. Doctor has not returned my call from 3 weeks ago. I am worried. 

Today, we bought groceries at Publix. 

a2milk was $4 for 1/2 gal. rather than $4.99 bought 2

white onion $2.12 @ $0.71/lb

Beefsteak tomato $1.92 @ $3.49/lb (exorbitant price/lb)

Nature Made Vit D3, 2000IU, 250 count

    Had $4 coupon for NM Vitamins, and $2 Publix coupon

3 bananas $0.96

Welch Grape Jam $3.09

2 Lindt bunnies, 2 for $5.19

I forgot to buy apples for me. Tommy never eats apples. I eat banana, apple, and blueberries every day. We will put lots of my milk in the refrigerator before The sale goes off on Tuesday night. 

We got the ads for other two stores while we were out but did not examine them for our cherry-picking trips.

I stopped at a yard sale today. I bought Keto for Life, by Mark Sisson with Brad Kerns, 2019 ed. It may not be any good, but it was only $1. I found a spaghetti strap top, pink sequins in rows, for $1. I plan to use this for Barbie dresses. Plus, I got a tiny buttery cake square for $1. On Saturday they will have new merchandise. I plan to go.  

So, that was our day. Nothing much, all calm. All calm is a good day for me after the last two! Even the wind calmed down! 

Do you dislike people descending on you when both people need your attention in order for things to go smoothly? Plus, I am paying one by the hour and she is involved with the other person? This is only in my home, since I have managed multiple when on other projects. I can handle two or more people in same location, just not in my home.

Do you ever feel sick when you waste food that is a favorite? 

Do you eat Keto and why?

Never mind all this stuff below. I cannot get it to go away!

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?   

BOGO Buying

 Today was a rough day. I am sooo tired. Last night, I actually slept at night instead of all day. I may have partially solved my sleep problem. I started taking my meds in the morning instead of at night. Things like thyroid meds are supposed to be taken in the morning. As a result of this change, I am exhausted and my eyes will not stay open. So, like a sane person, I go to bed. 

We had things to do and did not get to Publix until about 5 pm. UGH Never let me do that again. But, I did need things. Both of us needed milk. 

BOGO items and final cost:

Peter Pan Peanut Butter 2@$2.05

Philadelphia Cream Cheese 2@$2.20 He got the 1/3 fat variety instead of the one I told him to get! 

Nature's Own Honey Wheat Bread 1@$2.06 I will get another before sale goes off.

Edward's Chocolate Cheesecake 1@ $4.62. This jumped in the cart when I was not looking. 

B2G1

3 Diet Pepsi 12 packs 2@$9.29 

We needed:

Jello sugar-free Cherry $1.65

Hefty 2.5 gal.$5.75 

a2milk two half gallons @.$4,99/each for me

1 gallon milk 1@$3.99 for Tommy

bananas 2 for $0.25/each  I had three at home. 

Raincheck:

French's Fried Onions

Total $59.50 without tax

There is fresh produce, frozen, cooked vegetables, fruit. So, that is it for today. 

Tommy had called Keith to mow. Twice. No response. So, I called today. He had not heard from Tommy and was confused. I sat right here and heard Tommy leave a message twice. So, no telling what happened, but the yard has needed mowing for a month. 

Tonight, we cooked the eye of round roast with potatoes, carrots, and celery. Delicious. I forgot to have slaw. 

Today, the day ended up with high, overcast skies. The day was bright, not gloomy at all. The high was in the 70s. We are preparing for a rainy day tomorrow. 

I have frozen limas that I will use for succotash. The corn will be canned, but it will be good. I am planning to use frozen green beans for green bean casserole for Tommy. And, I need to cook the zucchini I bought this week. Remind me. 

All day, I have wanted to call my two friends who are ill. They are actually too ill to talk, so I have not called. Tomorrow I will send each a note. It is all I can do. It makes me feel helpless. 

I am going to be hanging Easter eggs in Tommy's Dogwood tree. That is all my decorating for Easter. Do you decorate for Easter? 

Little to See Here Except for Surgery Results

 Friday, I decided to go to a food giveaway. There is always good food we don't want. However, we never waste it. We took the food we did not want to a store and stopped someone in the parking lot and gave it to her. The person was grateful. 

I could not tell if it was a man or woman. The figure was very tall and inordinately thin. The figure was rather androgenous. However, the tall soft boots with a stacked heel led me to believe it was a woman. The person had a very long scarf around the neck. 

This was shocking as we drove closer. The person had most of the lower jaw missing, numerous scars, and still little clue to gender. There was a round plastic piece, about the size of a nickel on the jaw. I supposed it held things together. At the time and in retrospect, I assumed this was one of the drastic jaw surgeries that occur after cancer, usually caused by tobacco. I have seen the aftermath of these surgeries on TV but never in person. I fest for her. I was also thankful I never smoked. Of course, smoking may have had nothing to do with her condition. 

I explained where we got it, how we did not want it even though it was frozen and good. "Would you please take it, and if you don't want it share it with friends or family or neighbors? And, if you don't want it, feed it to cat or dog or chickens. Please help us out."

She said in the softest voice, "You are kind. You are kind." I was moved. I could never have imagined I would have seen a person with this problem when I left the house. 

What we kept: Three pounds of ground beef, 4 pounds of honey-baked ham (not the real stuff), slices of ham from deli, package of six bscb, loaf of rye bread, and4 nice rolls that just fit the deli ham slices, fresh greens stuff for sandwiches. All was frozen, so the ham is in the freezer. I will cook the bscb Monday or Tuesday. Tommy is enjoying the deli ham on the rolls. 

I slept well on Saturday night, considering I did not sleep until 7:30 am. Today, not much has happened. I burned my grilled cheese! That is so annoying. Tommy cooked and chopped the ground beef with the onion I chopped. Now, I will make spaghetti. 

Today, we started late for a ride. We checked to see if the guy in Bessemer had tomatoes to sell from his front yard. We may have gotten there too late. Then, we went to Publix to get Lysol wipes bogo and Finish. I think we drove through the park. Anyway, we came home and watched the news. So, nothing much happened today. 

Hopefully, I will cut his hair tonight. He needs it desperately. Tommy is so funny. He needed to go to CS to get a rain check. He said he stood in line. Well, then he talked about too many people being in line and going away and coming back...still too many people, so he left and came back. No wonder he could not get to the CS desk!

We have nothing planned for the week because it will be rainy. 

How did your weekend go?

What plans in or out of the house do you have for this week? 

Galileo Thermometer

 

Tommy has a Galileo thermometer, but not this one. It does not work, though.  The fixes are on the internet, so got that. If I cannot fix it, he will sell it. Well, he might sell it anyway. His is over 40 years old. Maybe my friend who has a shop will buy it. 

Today, we got so much done. We left home at 12:30 and arrived home after 6:30. It almost did me in. I was thwarted by electric carts that did not work at two places. A time crunch caused me to just leave one store for an appointment. 

As I was hurrying along in a slow cart, I came upon a wreath storage that was reduced from $20 to $6. I snatched that up along with a red bin with no lid in sight. I will go back to search for the lid later. 

We shopped at Publix, forgot some things and came back after we abandoned the pharmacy that screwed up both our prescriptions. My prescription has been there for three days, at least. They told me it would be ready in 25 minutes. Shock! Tommy talked to a person this morning there who told him that his new insulin would be $30, just like the old one. Well, it is $70 now. While he was talking to the person, I tried to get him to get name and if she were a pharmacist or tech. Soooo, he could not say who told him his med price. And, they could not fill it until Saturday, yet Friday morning at 10:30, it was supposed to be filled and waiting. That is when we left to go back across the street to Publix. We decided to just come home. 

We bought so much food we can barely get it in the refrigerator and freezer. Tommy was distressed I bought so much. But, I cannot bear to relate that because I am exhausted. This post will not be edited at all. I am beyond tired. 

Do you have or have you ever had a Galileo thermometer? 

Good Things Gone Wrong Then Great

 The cleaner was supposed to be here at noon. I called her number about forty minutes early and asked her to wear a mask. Well, this was the number of the woman who referred her to me. Sooo, she did not find out early enough and had to go to the original woman's house for a mask. Cleaner said she did not use a mask because of her health. She has asthma and cannot wear a mask. I told her I wear a mask because I do have asthma. I wear it for my health. I have no idea where this will lead us. 

She finally showed up at 1:30. I had gotten up at 11 since she assured me she would be here at noon. So, I was exhausted by the time she arrived. Now, at almost 6 pm, I am nodding. 

The first thing I needed help to do was to assemble the deer family and help run the extension cord from the deer to the utility room. We worked on that from 1:30 until 3:30. Those deer could not be assembled in ten minutes for all three as one guy on video said! No way! 

She needed to get home to her eleven foster dogs, so Tommy paid her $30 for two hours. There was no cleaning, but that is okay. He was okay with it. He was dreading putting the deer together. He went shopping for us. She will be back at three o'clock on Friday. 

He bought the four things I wanted, all bogo. However, the size on bogo was not in the store. The manager gave him two of the smaller size free. That was a surprise. He also got two other things we need that he had reminded me to get and forgot.So, he did well. 

Tommy peeled sweet potatoes yesterday for a sweet potato pie. I trimmed them and he put them in a pot with a bottle of water. Then, we let them burn! I stupidly poured water into the pan of badly scorched sweet potatoes, and, of course, everything then tasted burned, even the parts that were only barely scorched. Soooo, tonight, we will do it all over again. I was so disgusted that I did something I knew better than to do. 

The lights are set with a timer to come on at 6 pm. It is 5 pm and pitch dark out, so I am antsy to see them deer lit. Tomorrow, we will reset the timer to come on at 5 pm. 

On Wednesday, I tried to spray flea killer in the bathroom. It sprayed me in the face. Yes, it was not pointed at me! I kept trying and sprayed me and everything I was not trying to spray. So, that goes back and I complain to the company. 

Thursday night, we went out after dark to see my deer family from the street. They are so beautiful and bright. Then, we checked out our neighborhood lights and a subdivision across the big road. It was fun until I could not stand Tommy driving into the opposite side of the street, almost into yards. I needed to come home...lol. The deer look great but lonely. 

Cleaner is coming tomorrow at 3 pm. Tommy wants to take me to a jewelry store on Friday! 

He cooked three pounds of ground beef while I chopped onions to cook with it. Then, I put one bag in refrigerator and two in freezer. 

I am waiting to see the deer lights go off at midnight. I am like a little kid that way. 

Does it bother you when workers don't show up when they say they will, especially if you will lose sleep getting up early? Plus, we had something to do and she thwarted that. 

Does a day ever start off with things going sideways and then, to your surprise, straighten out?

Do you know how bad burned sweet potatoes smell and taste?

Thanksgiving Day, Before, During, and After

The picture above is not what I purchased, not Harry & David, but from Lowe's.

 Well, it is the night before Thanksgiving, and we only have one more food to cook--green bean casserole. I always had plain green beans, but Tommy loves green bean casserole. So, I make it. We made one thing today, and I messed it up--pumpkin pie. 

My back is still hurting from falling off the step on the car, so mixing it was agony. Well, the standing for mixing was the agony. I gave Tommy the recipe and asked him to get all the ingredients out. He did not get the sugar out, so I did not put any in the pie mix. 

I was so disgusted since pumpkin pie is my favorite thing about Thanksgiving. I said we would just sprinkle sugar on top and mash it in. It was not half bad. We both ate the whole pie! That may be my dinner. I have done that before. No judgment! Today, I realized there were no regular Pillsbury pie crusts. I had gotten the last two packages of deep dish Publix had. So, I had Tommy go into Publix to see if they were back on the shelf and to get bananas for me. He got the last package of two pie crusts. Surprisingly, neither was chipped or broken to smithereens.

It was amazing they were not crushed, but both were sound. That is what we used for the two pumpkin pies today. The bananas were pale green, but I have one to eat over two days. So, I am okay for bananas.

When we came into the house, I saw a fire ant mound about 18" x 10" and about 8" high. There was another nearby almost that large. Soooo, I went into Lowe's to find Amdro fire ant bait. I could only find ant bait without the same two ingredients. The wind was too high to use a powder. So, Thanksgiving morning or evening I will apply. 

We brought in the lemon and lime trees, put them in the back bedroom. The lemon tree is starting to shed. Maybe I waited too long to bring them in. 

While at Lowe's I bought an Amaryllis that I love--Apple Blossom. It will have pale pink blooms. Then, I found a red Amaryllis that is coated in wax and needs no dirt or watering. It is covered in red wax, topped by white foamy wax (snow?) with large glitter. The only place to put them in the light where I can enjoy them is by my lamp.  I wonder how it can grow in wax and does not need watering. 

Thanksgiving Day

Tommy woke me per my instructions at 8:15. I ate cereal before the Macy's Christmas Parade came on. I made it through the Ninja Turtles and took a nap. When he woke me at 3 pm, I was able to continue the parade from almost where it left off. It was wonderful even though I was not familiar with some of the balloon characters, songs or singers. It closed with Cher, Rockettes, and Santa, so I was back on familiar ground. I loved it all, the pageantry, music, and especially one fat little unicorn at the end. 

We ate the other pie during the parade replay. It was better the second time. I am not a fan of hot pumpkin pie. So, the room temp pie all stirred up with sugar was better. All the pies are gone. Oh well. 

Dinner took a while just to get out of the refrigerator and onto our plates. We served ourselves from the stove and counter. 

Thanksgiving, I only had to assemble and heat green bean casserole. Of course, Tommy is the bringer of items to my chair. He turns on stove and does all the heating, cooking, and timing. 

First, I will give the menu and then how I altered the recipe to make it healthier.

turkey breast

gravy

dressing

sweet potatoes

cranberry sauce

green bean casserole

rolls

Now, how I prepared it with less sodium and sugar:

turkey breast--baked with 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, rubbed sage

dressing--I used a box of Stove Top. The sodium was so high, I was horrified. I used a small colander in a bowl, poured the ST into the colander and sort of shook the colander to get the salt out.  There must have been 3 T of powder in the bottom of the bowl. I took half the powder from the area with herbs and used that and tossed the rest of the seasoning. I added more ground sage to the dressing. I put less butter in the mixture. 

gravy--The roux was from 2 T flour and 2 T oil. After it was cooled, I poured off almost two T oil. I have heard that people brown the flour and use no oil. Maybe I will do this next time. I also used no salt, just pepper and rubbed sage. Yes, we love the taste of sage.

sweet potatoes--the sweet potatoes were baked, peel removed, and frozen and reheated. I put a tiny bit, maybe a tsp butter after they were heated.

cranberry sauce--I used a bag of fresh Ocean Spray berries, put in one cup of water and less that half the one cup of sugar called for on the bag. Yes, these were very bitter to eat, but I ate them with dressing and gravy or dipped a bite of meat into the juice.

green bean casserole--The 3 cans of French cut green beans and dumped them into a colander, rinsed well, and drained. Then, the green beans were soaked for an hour in fresh water and put back into a casserole. I used only 1/3 cup milk, 1/2 tsp or more of pepper. I did use French's Fried Onions. But, I used less than called for in the instructions. 

rolls--Tommy baked these and let them sit out, uncovered. So, no butter. I sometimes bake them with a smear of butter, or rake a bit over the hot rolls. But, I just opened the almost-cold rolls and put a bit of butter inside mine. 

I had baked a turkey breast three weeks ago and had frozen it. Then, I baked sweet potatoes and made cranberry sauce and froze it, too. Pies were yesterday, gravy roux two or three days ago. I could never have done this in two days or without Tommy's help. 

Not one thing tasted as delicious as it was intended (salty or sweet) in the original recipes. But, you know what? It was okay and it was delicious, just less salty or sweet! I did not get huge helpings, but I was stuffed. I may not be able to hold more until tomorrow night!

I did not make mashed potatoes. When we eat the sweet potatoes, I may set Tommy to peeling potatoes. 

Tommy was the one with boots in the kitchen. I mostly gave instructions, mixed things, seasoned dishes with my bottom in the recliner! It was all delicious. I will never use the high sodium and excessive sugar recipes again. Tommy didn't even salt anything. He said it tasted fine. I think the rubbed sage gives enough taste, Thanksgiving taste. Tommy did not salt one thing tonight! He keeps a salt shaker at his elbow for salting emergencies. 

When I first met him and cooked delicious meals, he filled his plate, and then he salted it white. He could not understand how that hurt my feelings. But, because of me he quit smoking and has become accustomed to less salty food. He has probably gotten back his sense of taste, too. 

Tommy is putting the meal away, loading the dishwasher. 

It was a good day. A cold day. And, a tasty day! I feel like a nap! However, we are watching It's A Wonderful Life. It has been shown four times in a row today. 

There are no regrets for today, only happiness. There was no disagreeableness. 

Tomorrow, Fall decorations come down. Christmas comes out. But, one of us must dust first!

How was your Thanksgiving meal?

Do you watch the parade? 

Have you ever browned flour to make gravy?

Groceries--September 9-15, 2018

family pack boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7)
4 apples
4 bananas
2 half gallons a2milk
salad greens
half gal. orange juice

About $25.

Since I bought so many vegetables at the Farmer's Market, last weekend, I bought little this week. The apples are so large that I will eat half each day. I can eat a whole one, but then I feel stuffed. It's good to have chickens so I have some place to use the banana peels and apple cores and stale bread (no mold).

Groceries September 2-8, 2018

4 apples
2 small jars Dromedary pimientos
2 half gallons a2milk
2 bananas
5 lbs. okra given to me
cream cheese
salad--marked down
12 pack Caffeine Free Cokes
2 half gallons a2milk
2 bananas

I do not eat okra, but I got this to fry for exbf.

Dromedary is the only brand of pimientos grown and packed in the US.

There was nothing I needed at stock-up prices. I checked the ads and mark-down shelves. Pooh!