Monday, Another Week

 

Jan 10

steps 19,998

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

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

temperature of the room for sleep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time Well-spent

 Jan 3, 2005-- 10499 steps

The nurse came, the one Tommy described as 'rough.' The visit went well. She put lotion on my lower legs and feet. I cannot reach that far. Vitals were good. 

I saw cleaner. She approached me and wanted to know what was up. She said I never answer or call her back. She said she left messages. My inbox is full, so, NO. I told her so. She swears I never ever called her or left a message. YES, I did. So, with her failure to admit she did not get calls from me, it is over for me. 

With her excessive texting and her daughter and boyfriend here all the time, sitting outside and texting her, I am definitely over her 'help.' They were out in driveway cleaning out boyfriend's car. The daughter (19) ends up in house talking to mother when mother is supposed to be cleaning. The bf ended up at door, but I did not invite him in!

I am slowly filling all dates preordained. Tommy and I both keep a day planner, but we keep the other's information. 

My neighbor has had bronchitis and RSV. She brought home four prescriptions and had been banned from going to children's houses to see grandchildren's Christmas toys. I was asking her to come over where I was in car, but told her for my sake and hers to stay home. 

Since I slept almost three hours on Thursday night, I was desperate today for a nap-three hours. 

We cannot get out the red boxes for Christmas decorations. We have one she left out, so it will all go into that. Of course, we will start next Christmas very disorganized, I think when I get someone to help me, I will  make organizing Christmas a task I will pay to have done when it is finished. 

Now, it is time to do the lymphedema therapy. 

Robins have acted like it is spring. There are thousands of dandelions all about. There are none is our yard, though. Today, we saw a bluebird in the yard. Nature does not know there will be very cold weather this next week. 

When we do lymphedema therapy and I use the pedal machine, I spend 5 hours in therapy/exercise! So far, it is paying off. Tommy can see torso is slimmer and my face. Even my double chins are getting fewer and smaller. Of course, the weight loss happened earlier.

Okay, apple pie is on its way. 

How many hours do any of you spend in exercise or physical therapy? If you don't want to say, no problem. 

Have you seen many robins and bluebirds this year? Are dandelions in bloom where you live?

Packages on the Porch

 Today was my second visit to lymphedema specialist from the vein clinic. I kept questioning where we were going. Tommy kept explaining. Finally, he said, "Watch for the blue railing." \

"Noooo, wrong place." He was going to the wrong place, so he turned around. I thought what if he is right. So, I asked him to pull over while I checked at the dr office. Yes, I was right. We had a good laugh and got there ten minutes before appointment. 

My favorite person ever to answer the telephone answered! Once, after multiple tried and people who were no help, she answered to phone and took care of everything with no stress to her or me. 

Two people came to get me in with a wheelchair. The woman kept grabbing me and she kept saying, "I'm just trying to help you!" When I am being nudged forward, I keep getting off balance. She could not seem to understand. The guy kept sticking up for her. I got inside, was left by the door with no idea how I was to communicate. Little did I know that the annoying woman had told the proper person.

Eventually, I was taken to check in. Gloriously sweet woman helped me. 

Then, a grumpy-faced woman looked out the doors and beckoned to me. The nice woman who checked me in, told her to come get me. 

As we went down the hall, she roughly interrogated me--how did you get here, how did you get out of the house, how did you get into car? I walked down the ramp as I held onto it, took one step to car, and got in. 

"Why don't you push yourself?" Because both rotator cuffs are torn plus one muscle across my left chest, and both hands have suffered a great injury, and I have carpal tunnel. That seemed to incense her. She said in an even meaner voice that--don't you know that the longer you do not do something, the less you can do it. I did not say a word. Please don't tell me she is right or explain it to me.

She snatched the wheelchair around and started to take blood pressure and pulse. I told her I imagine my pulse would be higher than usual. "I am not calm, and you keep asking me to talk." She said she would wait a bit and kept talking. So, she let up for 30 seconds and started again. 

She seemed to want to challenge me about every medicine I take and even named some I took 20 years ago. Dealing with her was very stressful. She may have been angry that she, a professional, had to be a wheelchair pusher. 

Finally, the vein specialist came in. She is unfailingly sweet. She straightened up some things I needed to know. Her patience is endless. She is the person who had something torn in her knee and on crutches. I told her how Tommy did not want to and did not like to put the legs on me. She said she could get me a home health nurse or someone to come three times a week but not seven. That is three days Tommy won't have to struggle.

The same guy and another woman pushed me out. I know how I can get from chair, but these helpers seem to think slammed against the car door is the way to do it. But, I tried my best to overcome their help. They were still nice. 

Tommy wanted to get Chic fil A, so we did. That is the best flavor! We stop by a Vet Motel. Sometimes we see dogs in a big fence. That's fun. 

As the day wore on the brilliantly sunny skies changed to thick clouds. Finally, near dark the clouds were thick and black although no rain is predicted until tonight. 

We collected all three store ads. 

On the porch were packages. One was the wool blanket. I was disappointed it was rather thin and like a waffle design. We will see. Tonight, will be low 20's, so this will be a test. It is king size and will cover me better than the twin size will. 

Then, there were the extender seat belts. The seat fits just fine, but we have to dig out the part in center of car. Now, I can reach it with my injured hand and maybe push it together. I hope it is safe.

Finally, something that came that I declared I would never use. Only the ground wire carries a current. One will be surprised. 

I asked the vein specialist who said it would be great for me, that she uses one, too.

Today was a good day before and after I was with grumpy nurse. 

Do you ever use the seat belts that extend the seat?

Do you use a grounding mat? What size? Does it work?

 

Frozen Pistachio $60

                                                                           pastitsio

 Today was another great day but exhausting. Of course, I did not get enough sleep, but I was anxious to go out. The plan was to go to the Greek Festival, the 51st year.

We asked for a chicken breast in my meal or just cancel the whole order. The young woman came back and joyfully told us all the pieces were chicken breasts. We left and parked to eat. Well, I had a leg and thigh quarter. We decided to go back and get what we ordered and paid for at the beginning when we ate. The guy was very nice when he heard our story which we told without rancor. He said he would bring more food, winked at me often, and said he would bring things for Tommy, too. For $60, we should get what we want. 

Even at 1 pm, the whole area was festive. One guy was spoiling the atmosphere with fast driving, whipping around a corner, almost hitting our car. I hope someone stopped him before he hurts someone. 

This area was near UAB where I graduated. There were so many folks on scooters, even one woman who looked to old and too well-dressed to be on a scooter. But, I wish her the best. I think when I went in my forties, I would have tried a scooter once, at least until I broke a bone. 

We went to Publix and returned the wrong tumblers I bought and got the bogo ones, saving $3.60. Then, I bought things I have put on a list for four or five trips. I forgot them and just put them on the next day's list. 

When we got home, I was so tired I could not eat, so tried to sleep, and could not sleep. So, I tried eating chicken and rice. Since I have low motility in my esophagus, I got 'choked' and spent a few hours trying to get food unstuck and into my stomach. At the end, I had thrown up a quart. It was not all food, some water.  I still don't dare lie down, eat, or drink. I know, TMI. 

I still have not used my inflatable legs yet. I won't be in bed, attached to something like that and need to throw up. I also have 20 bananas and the dock strike is over. Oh well. 

This morning before we left, I stood leaning on the rail for the ramp and cut my hair. It feels much better but have not looked at it yet. Tomorrow, I will go out and finish cutting it. 

While we were in line at the Greek Festival, Tommy said, "Frozen Pistachio $60! What's with that?

Well, it was 'pastitsio.' It is Greek lasagna and delicious! We both had a good laugh!  

There is enough for a third meal tomorrow. Yummy! 

I love Greek food except for lamb. Do you like Greek food? 

Anyone have low motility and problems swallowing? 

New Angels

 I attended the medical appointment for the lymphedema legs that compress my legs. The appointment almost killed me. It hurt so much. Mainly, it hurt my back trying to sit so the legs could go up my leg. 

The young women were so nice, not nurses, just people who believed me when I said I was hurting and that the plastic hurt my toes just to touch my toes. 

After that we left to go to Chicken Salad Chick. We passed the main Piggly Wiggly. I wanted to go in but I was too hurt and hungry.

We sat in the parking lot and ate. Then we headed home. I wish I cold walk better and go to Homewood often for the special shops like Cookie Fix. I could probably walk enough to counteract the sugar. Seriously, there are so many specialty shops, probably all too expensive. 

Next was Publix. I bought almost 8 lbs. of bananas. I will, as they ripen, peel, cut in half and freeze. Take that dock strike! 

I read that people are stripping Walmart of tp. Is that fear or reality, I wonder. Only one thing I bought was not bogo or on sale. Only one item that was bogo, and that I wanted was off the shelves, sold out--frozen broccoli. The price is okay when on sale, otherwise, not inexpensive enough to buy. 

Shopping at Publix:

1 Drumsticks bogo

2 Ziploc Snaplock Snack Bags bogo

2 Publix cups, not bogo, going back

1 Swanson Chicken Stock, bogo

2 Publix Coleslaw Mix, bogo

1 Julienne Dried Tomatoes for Mediterranean Pasta

Jimmy Dean Cooked Sausage

3 Lipton Dips, 3/$5

2 Kraft Medium Cheddar Cheese bogo

1 Nestles Morsels

The bananas are where I can see them ripen and freeze them. I don't want them past their prime when I freeze. 

Okay, more not bogo items are here. I was mistaken. 

I took a nap from 4 pm to 8 pm and felt groggy and disoriented for about two minutes. I thought it was morning. Now, I just feel rested. We are going to get my 'legs' on me for an hour. These two young women were so nice and helpful. I feel so lucky to find one more place that believes me and works to help me. Everything I told them was met with knowing nods and tips for living better and bringing down swelling. 

Tonight, TV was all PBS for us. We both enjoy these programs. 

Tommy was eating leftovers when I awoke. So, I am eating leftovers, too, at 10 pm. I will have salad with chicken breast. I wish I had another meal from Chicken Salad Chick! Salmon croquettes are moved forward. No problem.

Today was exhausting, but very productive moving me toward better health! 

Even though people are stripping the toilet paper and paper towels from shelves, on TV I heard these items would not be delayed.  I knew that, so did not buy any. Of course, these people are creating artificial shortages! Some of the things I bought are not necessities, but maybe a good sale for holidays. Bananas are the only thing I bought in case of a shortage.

What are you buying in anticipation of the strike? 

Have you thought about a shortage of pharmaceuticals?  

This and That

 Friday night, I fell asleep in my chair. This was not sitting up and then waking up later. No, I pushed the chair almost all the way back, took a hand towel from the clean clothes sitting in front of me that I should have folded and put it over my eyes. Tommy said I slept two hours and he slept 45 minutes. We had been out, so I was still dressed instead of in my nightgown. I awoke all cuddly feeling in my jacket and even house shoes. 

We had leftover tonight AGAIN, and I love it. Choices were chicken or pork loin, yellow squash, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, onions. There may have been other vegetables. All were baked.

We still have not collected the ads for the week. From what I saw on the internet, there were no good deals. I found two red tubs, the last two in the store. At a 90% off section, I found two items--sparkling strawberry Jello for 25 cents, and Halloween edible glitter gel for 74 cents. The section had Halloween and NYE items, too. I doubt I will be baking for the glitter gel, but this stuff is good until Nov 2025. I can decorate plain cookies for Tommy...lol. He likes little touches of holidays. 

Called guy who gave me numbers of two cleaners. He was shocked the last one did not return calls. He will come over and do things electronic. Tommy never plugged in his cd player. Neither of us can reach the back of the tv. Best cleaner I had last spring messed up new printer she was connecting. I need a better setup so I can reach it. 

Thursday night as Tommy was raising his chair to get up, it started beeping like a truck backing up. He could not hear it, claiming it must be from the TV. No! So, he muted the TV and could hear it. He was so angry. We were told and read that the charger would last about a month. We have had it nine days. He managed to change back to the wall-wired box the chair had originally. I checked the lights on mine and the power is very low on it, too. Neither of us can put mine back on the wall outlet. So, I will still have to be hauled out of the chair by firemen. 

Today, he forgot to call the company number on the box and instructions that came with it. Maybe he won't be yelling when he calls. Maybe he should. lol But, for over $600 and promises, a charge on the power pack should last longer. Now, we need to get the kind that is plugged into the wall and also carries an emergency charge.,,I think.

Thursday night, I picked two fleas from my foot. I felt the first one bite and picked it off. I saw the second one and picked it off. Today, I sprayed the living room floor with Raid that kills flea eggs before we left. I will spray the bathroom and hall and edge of dining room on Saturday. Yes, I know I should spray it all at once. 

Tomorrow, I go to Lowe's for solution for the drafty windows. But, since it will not be anywhere near freezing, I will probably go Sunday or Monday. Tommy said to make sure it is something we can do ourselves. At this point, I know he will be willing to hire someone to do what we cannot for the windows. 

I finally had a call back from my doctor who said they faxed a referral for lymphedema therapy to the therapist. They have had it for 11 days with no contact with me...sigh. So, I called therapy place. No reply. 

Temperatures will be in 60s next week. Happy dance here.

Have you ever used a car or furniture charger? 

Why can dogs take a pill or wear a collar to keep fleas off and I cannot? jk

My Brain is Still in Creating-Christmas Mode

 When we see mailboxes decorated for Christmas, I always "oooh" and "ahhh." Since my brain will be in Christmas decorating cheaply mode, I had another thought. I have a small wreath that I bought cheaply. Well, I hated it and bought a wreath of greenery only and put poinsettias on it. I found that small wreath and decided I could remake it for the mailbox. Maybe I will cut in in half and put both the halves, backs together, over the mailbox. It has a very full sparkly, gold bow. If the bow will not last in the weather next year, I can replace the bow the next year with a durable, red bow. 

Maybe you would prefer to have me save it all for December. ??? I will move on, but I must create all year long to have decorations made cheaply ready by next Christmas. 

Not much was planned for today. Not much was accomplished. But, that is okay. Tommy laid the deer on the porch since wind is forecast for tonight. Rain and wind. Hopefully, the electricity stays on. 

We did do one errand. Then, Tommy went to Publix and bought milk for both of us and a few other things, mainly two bags of chips for him and cookies for me. I will ration them...lol. Everything but the milk was bogo. 

An hour nap was followed by dinner. 

Dinner was still leftovers--turkey breast or chicken thigh, sweet potatoes and cabbage. Tommy also had green bean casserole. 

We are discussing putting away Christmas decorations. Hopefully, action will follow. Maybe tonight. Keep your fingers crossed. 

Reading more, I learned a few things about lymphedema. It is all interesting and shocking. My friend died of lymphedema, diagnosed on her deathbed, undiagnosed for many years by multiple physicians to whom she turned.

So, it is too late to put away decorations. Maybe tomorrow. Tommy's arm where he was vaccinated is really hurting him. Mine does not hurt at all. Neither of us feel any other adverse effects, thankfully. Only one covid vaccine left us feeling blah and lying around. 

I was sitting here thinking about the mailbox decoration. I thought how nice the greenery would look on a red mailbox. I asked Tommy how would it be if I painted the mailbox red. He said, "I don't care. You can paint the post, too, if you want to." I am so happy. I will wait until a hot, dry summer day, wash it, let it dry, wipe if off just before I want to spray paint it. It will look good and work for Christmas, too. I may not paint the post it is on, just spray it black. 

Do you think a red post would look good?

How is the first week of 2024 treating you?

Are you working on your goals for 2024?

Situationships--Messsages as Blurry as Your Relationship + Health Progress

 

I do not like Sweethearts at all, but I love this CONCEPT.

"Messages as blurry as your relationship." They might sell more of these than the original ones. 

Of course, I did not sleep at all last night and then only two hours after dawn. All the dogs next door barked furiously for over thirty minutes! 

I have been trying to get in touch with the lymphedema therapist during the holiday, leaving numerous messages in, I suppose, the wrong places. At any rate, I made one call that worked. So, I needed a referral with the diagnosis on it. Of course, I have no diagnosis. I told the woman that doctors and nurse practitioners said I needed to lose weight, that I did not have lymphedema. 

So, called my doctor and asked for an appointment. Two Weeks! So, I told her what I needed, that I was willing to come in, but if he could refer me, I would appreciate it. 

A few hours later, the woman called and asked me what exactly I wanted. Finally, I offered her the fax number. So, that is done. I am elated. I almost cried. 

Today, Tommy and I collected the grocery ads. Then, we went to Publix and got a pneumonia vaccine.  We have had RSV and flu vaccine this year. Next, and lastly, we will have the covid vaccine. And, we still wear a mask. After my first pneumonia vaccine, I was ill a lot less. Fewer sinus infections and not such a bad problem. Hopely, we are bullet-proof with good nutrition. 

We brought the bread I like bogo. This is not the keto bread. We were out of carrots, so 2 lb. bag was $2.19.

When we were through, we went to sit in the park and shared a deli sandwich and water. While there, a policeman came in and parked, taking a break, I suppose. We pulled up next to his car and I told him how I wanted to file a complaint against the cleaner. He could not imagine why the other policeman would not take a complaint. So, he did. I feel much better after being told I could not complain. He was puzzled, too. The policeman called it harassment in addition to a threat. 

The Christmas decorations sit. But, that is okay. I need a pre-dinner nap. 

Do you like Sweethearts? 

How clever is this idea? 

Have you ever had a breakthrough in getting healthcare that left you grateful and teary-eyed?

What Did I Eat Today?

 So, you don't care? 

In the grand scheme of things, and ranking in importance, it is not really important.

But, I ate an orange. Why is that important? Well, it had been a while since I drank orange juice. It was mandarin time. So, I ate one. Immediately, I was congested, nose running, sinuses hurting. I have known for years that I was allergic to citrus. But, the swiftness and pain of this reaction made me swear off citrus. 

When the beautiful navel oranges appeared, I thought. Why not just one navel orange? 

So, I will note when and if, and how bad the reaction will be. 

Of course, I love oranges. But, I also love the pith, specifically the white pith of the orange. I deliberately peel the navel orange with a knife in order the neatly separate the orange part from the white so that I can eat the white along with inside of orange. 

I decided just now to see if the white pith had the benefits I once read. Lo and Behold:

"Recent research found that diosmin from the white pith (rind) of oranges can effectively increase micro-circulation in the body by increasing lymphatic contractions. That is huge, because your lymphatic system doesn’t have anything to pump it the way your circulatory system (blood) has a beating heart."

how healthy is the white part under a navel orange rind - Search (bing.com)

In the process of determining how healthy the pith was, I learned even more about the lymph system, symptoms, and ideas for 'curing' my problem with the pith.

When we eat Halos/tangerines, I have finished the whole thing while Tommy is picking every little string from the fruit. I actually like the stringy part. 

I did eat other things. When I wanted blueberry/vanilla goat cheese, I only ate four lightly salted Wheat Thins. Now, I could eat more crackers, but I determined I would eat reduced-sodium Wheat Thins and fewer. 

The orange, crackers, and goat cheese were what I ate while our late dinner vegetables were baking. 

Do you like the thick, white part under the zest of any orange, especially a navel orange? 

Did you know before this that it contained 30% of the vitamin C in an orange? 

Do you eat , as I do, the stringy pieces between the sections of tangerines? 

Tupperware--Yay!

 

Friday, when I went to the Tupperware lady in the parking lot, I was reminded of a long-ago memory. My son had the Tupperware Shape O. I loved it. He did not know how to get the pieces in the holes. He was frustrated and never played with it. Well, his sister figured it out right away. He was so smart, but could not get the hang of this toy. 

I found a key ring of the toy on Friday with one shape inside. It, of course, does not open. But, I love it because it reminds me of baby days. 

Saturday. I awoke at 11 am, washed my hair, ate cereal, and we were on our way. The Tupperware lady thought it was going to rain, so did not set up because of the chance of wind. I wanted another key chain.

The search for the closest Birmingham precinct was an ordeal and took too much time. But, the two coats have been donated. 

Then, we went to only one store where I found three things on my list of nine items. However, I bought other things that tempted me. The one item that shocked me when I arrived home was the ads for Coke right on the front of the card with Santa. Strange. He is holding a Coke, too. Maybe I can find my gold seals to stick over the ad. I also bought a pack of Christmas napkins I did not mean to buy.

Tommy had fluffed the tree on Friday, so I asked him to plug it up today. I cannot bend enough to get the electric cord. 

We were out after dark which stressed me! I called him for thirty minutes to come and use the self-check-out. I cannot reach it from the electric cart. He will get a new phone since this one only twitters and he cannot hear it with it on the console or in his pocket. I have no idea if it has a vibrate mode. If it does, he cannot feel or hear that. I worry about what if I needed him. 

We ate the last of the chicken and vegetables and salad tonight. Tommy will cook the 3 lbs. of ground beef when I chop onions. I found two huge bags of blueberries in the refrigerator that need to be cooked since they have thawed. 

Tonight, we watched Home Alone for the third time this season. I absolutely love it again. We watched Home Alone 2 once this season. 

My referral for lymphedema therapy is being held up. Lack of PA is holding up another med I was prescribed. So, what's new with my healthcare?

We are both exhausted. so I may make this an extra early night. Of course, this exhaustion has nothing with overdoing it because of Christmas. It's just me. 

Did your child have a Tupperware Shape O? I think that is the name. 

Since I cannot find mincemeat, I may make a blueberry pie. 

How was your Saturday?

Any deals? 

Any progress on Christmas?

Missing

 On Thursday or Friday, I needed the black egg turner. Some people call it a spatula, but it is bent and just right for turning eggs over. Well, we looked. In the bottom of the dishwasher? All the drawers? Upper cabinet doors? Between stove counter and refrigerator? On the little kitchen table? On the dining table and why it would be there? 

Of course, I did not wait for all this searching, I just used the green one. We have discussed this a few times. Sunday night, I was going to make hamburgers. I muttered about no black egg turner. Tommy said, excitedly, "Oh, I found it!" "I found it in the refrigerator." "Why was it there?" "Where is it now?" I was searching in the utensil holder by the stove. "Right there." He was searching the same holder. 

He decided he must have put it back. I asked him why he put it in there. He said it was under something, and he must have been trying to push or pull something he could not reach. 

Now, we did not know where it was and he started searching, saying he must have put it back in the refrigerator.  As I left to go sit because of my back and let burgers start cooking, I saw it on top of the oatmeal box that is on the counter. 

Moments of levity come from odd places. The hamburger is done, and we are eating it with a massive salad. Now, I need to put the other two in the skillet and cook for another day.

This weekend we each bought a coat for giving away. It was that or a toy. We both wanted to give a coat.  I told Tommy that items for older kids are not given by many people. I told him that probably heavy kids never got a coat. What size should I get? He said xl. When I got the xl, he said that was too large even for him. I tried to shop for something sturdy and warm. All I could find for a girl that I liked was a white furry coat that was lined with a shiny lining. It did not look practical in a way. But, some girl who wears a size 13 will like it. Of course, we have receipts if we have a change of mind about the purchases. 

Belinda sent me ideas for physical therapy for lymphedema. Her doctor ignored her, too. So, now I am doing deep breathing. I already drank lots of water. However, I always have done that. I decided while Tommy was in Belk's that I would step outside the car, hold onto the door and step in place for 10 minutes. Well, I was about the pass out, so I got back into the car after 2 minutes. That was 2 more minutes more exercise than I would have had. 

Since I have had an earache for over two years, I decided a month ago, it was a lymph node problem. In the past I have stroked very lightly from under my ear down my neck and relieved terrible pain and congestion. I seemed to have forgotten that. So, I am stroking my neck. I told a nurse friend what I was doing when she came by one day about ten years ago. She said, "Oh, yeah! That is called milking the gland." Or something. I was shocked it was a thing. 

We spent the best part of the day fighting traffic on roads, Belk's parking lot, getting out of the big parking lot at Galleria. Once, Tommy and I were not looking, just laughing. He was explaining it was a vein in his arm that I thought was a scar. When he saw the light was turning, he blasted into the intersection to only have the light turn red, frightening me. It is a wonder he did not get a ticket! I regret going out today when tomorrow might have been slightly less hectic. 

Tommy will be 70 on the 9th of December, and I want to do something in the yard for him, but I have no idea what. I am going to get him a book and something from Tiger Rag to wear. But, the yard? Maybe a 7 and an O? The Great Christmas Light Fight is coming on now. "Chowchilla" will come on after that. I remember the incident well, so scary. 

Have you ever lost something and found it in an odd place?

Have you tried to shop in crowds yet? 

Do you remember Chowchilla?

Have you ever done the stroking for any medical problem?