Pot Bellied Stove / Water Cooler
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Good morning everyone.
I can't believe it's already Friday. This week has flown by. Seems the busier I am the quicker the time goes by.
Our temps have stayed in the mid to upper 90s over the last couple days now. They say we should cool down some over the weekend though. The nights are nice and cool though, so we can turn the AC off and enjoy the fresh air. When I woke up this morning Dad had the windows open and the whole house fan running. Froze me to death! As soon as he left to go out for breakfast I turned that blasted house fan off!
I found another show to binge-watch. Ray Donovan. It's been on for four seasons. I started watching it last weekend and I'm already up to the first part of the fourth season. I'm enjoying it, but it is a bit racy and violent. Dad had started watching that show when it first aired, but stopped after the first season. He doesn't watch any series now. About all he watches is news shows, and usually only on his computer. He rarely even turns on his TV anymore. Says he's rather just read a book on his Kindle. He reads about 2 or 3 books each month these days.
I don't have many plans for the weekend. I got most of my shopping done last weekend. Just a quick stop at the store for some eggs, milk and bananas, and I'm good. I've been trying to eat a banana each day (for the potassium), so between my Dad and I we've been eating lots of bananas lately.
I think I'll make a pot of pink beans this weekend. It's been a while since I made a pot of beans for the week. I've been trying to push Dad to eat up some of the canned beans we have in the pantry. I think some are getting long in the tooth and may need to be dumped. I need to go through the pantry and weed out the old stuff again. I wonder how long dried pasta lasts. I need to look that up. We have boxes of macaroni and noodles in there that must be at least 5 or 6 years old by now (some bought by my Mom before she passed on). We just don't use that stuff much any more.
Yesterday a couple of us from work walked to the Burgers & Brew restaurant for lunch. It's about 6 blocks form work (it's across the street from the Iron Horse Tavern we went to on Wednesday). I had a cheese burger and it was the best burger I've had in a long time. I was really impressed with it. It came with sweet potato fries which were also really good. I rarely eat a whole burger in one sitting, but I plowed through the whole thing!
The area we went to lunch Wednesday and yesterday seems to be restaurant-central. There's a Mexican restaurant, three burger restaurants, two health food restaurants (I'll have to check them out one of these days), a pizza restaurant, a Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant, a fish restaurant, and an Italian restaurant. Lots of choices and only takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Last night I had to give Cisco his monthly flea medicine and heart worm medicine. Lately he's been difficult about the flea medicine (he likes the heart worm medicine as its in the form of a treat and taste good...apparently). The flea medicine I have have to squeeze onto his skin and he doesn't like it. Whenever he sees me go get it he refuses to cooperate, but last night I tricked him and got it out while he and Dad were out walking. When they got back Cisco came to see me and I snagged him. He didn't even see it coming. Ha! I don't know why he objects to that treatment. Maybe it stings his skin.
Cisco is still giving us the "why don't you love me" look when we feed him his weight control food. Dad picked up another brand yesterday, so we'll give that a try and see if he likes it any better. Dad has even purchased some doggy seasoning to shake on dry dog food to make it taste better. Cisco licks the seasoning off the kibble and then leaves the kibble behind. I think what we need to do is just no feed him for a day and get him good and hungry. I'll bet he'll happily gobble down the kibble the next day! It would just be hard to avoid the sad doggy face though! I think that dog has us wrapped around his paw.
I found a couple more tops last weekend while shopping, so I've been wearing my new tops this week. They are more form fitting than my old baggy tops and people are commenting on my weight loss. One lady I haven't seen for a while said she didn't recognize me when she walked up behind me. The weight loss seems to have stabilized now. I was getting worried with the rapid weight loss. It's never good to lose weight really fast. Hopefully it will now be a slow and steady loss.
Our neighbor nextdoor (Beevis & Butthead) have had a car parked on the street in front of their house for over a month now that has flat tires and broken windows. Our neighbor across the street from them finally got tired of looking at it and reported them to the county. The county gave them a ticket and ordered them to remove the vehicle or get in working order. Well, last weekend they put new tires on it and got it running. Guess where they put the old tires? They tossed them in the middle of their front yard, where I'm sure they will stay for the rest of eternity. I swear those guys are just so lazy and inconsiderate. I just don't get people like that at all.
Sheryl, I'd probably be whining too about the open door at the restaurant. The glass floors where you can see below sounds cool. I hope John agrees to go with you tomorrow.
Well, I think I'll go for a quick walk before I have to get back to work. Have a great day everyone!
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Good Morning, so far, so good. Norma called me on her cell yesterday as she was walking on the beach. I could hear the wind and waves in the background. Sounded dreamy. I logged onto Southwest Airlines and with her confirmation number, I was able to check in for her right at 4:50 pm, 24 hours prior to departure. I got the three boarding passes printed out and we're ready to go. I told John exactly what I was doing and that we are meeting Norma for lunch to give her the boarding pass and then we can go to Harbor Freight from there. He's all for it. I only mention Norma, really underplaying that there will be other ladies there too. John always wants to see Norma and Nancy, I've had no problem with him regarding the two of them, it's just other people that "scare" him. Even with one of his best friends and with the other John, he reneges on lunches and dinners.
The salmon was good yesterday, even though it arrived in last week's delivery. I should plan to eat the fish recipes first, I don't want to have to throw away salmon again, like I did about a month or two ago, because I waited too long and it stunk to high heaven. Boy, you can really tell when fish has gone bad.
Going to Shari's today, I plan to get the Northwest Steak Salad. That's a seasonal dish on the menu that Billie turned me onto. So, now, I'm thinking of Billie and I have not heard from her in ages. I email and get no reply, and I call and get voice mail and no response. I called Kit's phone and also got voice mail. Kit is here on MFP, so I'll try to message her through the site again. Last I talked to Kit, she said Billie was not doing well. I want to definitely go and visit before anything drastic happens.
I got an email that the glider will be delivered next Tuesday, via UPS. I received the cushions I ordered yesterday, via USPS. I saw Janelle, my mail lady, backing into the driveway, so I met her at the gate. She laughed and said she's glad to see me, this box is too big to fit in my barrel. We put down the box and hugged and visited for a minute or two. She said that I look great and I said thanks, I feel great too. Her husband recently had a cancer scare, but tests turned out to be clean, she is so thankful. I told her what was in the box and she said had she known I was in the market for a porch swing, her brother had one that he just gave away, free. Not knowing what it looked like, I probably didn't miss out on a great deal. But still, free swing.
John got up. I told him he had the morning for himself, but by noon we have to shower and get ready to go meet Norma. It's still a go.0 -
Good morning ladies, sounds like everyone is having a fairly good week. When I returned to work on Tuesday there was lots of catch up to do so I've been working late each day. I am at a fairly good place now though - there was only 1 contract I wasn't able to complete (missing parts) and of course the never ending deluge of insurance certs to order, save to the drive, etc. I haven't even touched the pile of new city business licenses that have been coming in. Oh well, job security. Seems there are more changes coming down the pike not in our departments but in management and in production. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Not doing much this weekend. Just enjoying the beautiful weather. I came across a book I started several years ago then put it on a shelf and forgot about it. It is about balance physically and spiritually. I am going to start reading it again and see where it takes me. We have a couple Jackie and Ken that are always really busy and hard to connect with. They aren't available to come to dinner until November so we decided to meet for dinner on Tuesday evening at an Italian restaurant called Villa Capri so we don't have to wait so long to see them. We don't usually get together with people on a weeknight but this is local and easy and they are worth it (and we have a coupon!)
My friend Jami and Joe are back from Paris and Barcelona today. She said it was wonderful and they saw everything they would ever want to see and would not want to go back (Italy on the other hand she would go back to again and again - me too!). Feeding their dogs the 2 evenings went well. Dan and I both went on Tuesday evening then Dan went alone on Wednesday evening since I had bible study. Her little dog Molly is doing SO much better. We are all really happy about that.
Debora, very sorry to hear about Alan's daughter having anger issues. I'll keep you all in my prayers. It is sad that Alan feels he can't confide in you and Ralph. I know it would be a blessing for all of you if he would. Family dynamics are tough sometimes.
Yes, I did finish my book. It was a really quick and enjoyable read about a restaurant owner who gives cooking classes and always seems to know what her students need (spices and food wise) to help them and how the group grows together, etc. The fact that I have taken several cooking classes made it even more enjoyable.
The steaks came out wonderful but funny thing - I sauted the mushrooms and in my hurry to get everything plated and served I forgot the mushrooms until we only had a few bites of steak left.
Man, was I mad at myself! Oh well, I served them with another meal a couple of days later.
Marcie, glad you had a 5 day weekend too.
Nice that you've had good lunches that you are able to walk to. How fun that you've found some nice tops and that people are noticing the weight loss. Interesting that your dad is feeling that he might be lactose intolerant now. There is a new milk that has been on the market around here for several months now called A-2 milk. It claims to be naturally lactose free. Neither of us have that issue but we tried it anyway because we had a coupon and it is really tasty milk. I highly recommend it. You might want to read about it. here is the link: https://thea2milkcompany.com/about-us/about-our-milk/
Apparently it is the type of protein in the milk (A-1 vs A-2) that gives us digestive issues. Let me know if you try it.
Sheryl, Glad you had another wonderful trip and an amazing time with Norma. Hopefully John went with you to the airport today. Look forward to hearing how it went. Too funny about the blue apron package being at the front door. Dan and I seldom use our front door since we come in thru the garage so he has made it a habit to check the front door each day to see if anyone has left a door hanger or a package or whatever just in case. We don't like to leave door hangers because it gives the look of no one being home. I also noticed that they have some interesting new things at Trader Joe's. We bought some new bars too. They may be the same ones. How is the bacon jam?
Well, I'm getting hungry so I'm going to go and make us something to eat then start reading the book I discovered. Have a wonderful day everyone! 0 -
Good Morning. Yesterday was wonderful, John cooperated all the way. In fact, he charmed the ladies at lunch. We had planned to meet at 1 pm, but I got a call at 12:15 from Norma that they were already there. So, we were ready, just jumped in the car and we were on our way. John continued to ask me where we were going and why, I reminded him again that we were meeting Norma to give her a boarding pass. He asked how she was getting to the restaurant and I said Linda was driving in from the Coast. He's always thinking, just can't remember. He's still with it enough to realized that Linda would be joining us for lunch and once in the car, I reminded him of the other two ladies traveling with Norma. I was afraid if I said there would be four of them before we left, he'd back out. He seemed fine all during lunch and after, so, I can point out to him next time that he's done this before and survived. Even enjoyed the experience.
We then went to check our Portland PO box, I still have that from when we first moved from Oregon to Washington. I kept an Oregon address for my business. Most of our important mail now comes to the house, but I check the PO box about every 2-4 weeks. And then, off to Harbor Freight. John can spend hours there, walking up and down the aisles. I think we have almost the whole store already in our garage and barn, John will pick up and look at something and I'll say, "we have that". "Yup, we have that". "We have that already too". It's an afternoon's entertainment. I have now made it a habit of taking a list of about 6 things that we could buy and stick with that only. We got everything on our want list, 2 more magnetic side trays for his tool boxes (with screwdriver holders), a set of extra long screwdriver bits, a tire inflator with dial gauge, and an inline regulator with gauge for the new air compressor. John asked to go by the river again, so we took Marine Drive all the way, from the Boat Landing by Blue Lake to Interstate 5, crossed into Washington on the drawbridge and then doubled back to the east to get home. Usually, we travel across the Columbia River via Interstate 205, a nice shortcut, but the day was gorgeous and there were a multitude of colorful boats on the Columbia and John loved the drive.
Got home and John helped himself to ice cream, his favorite and easy for him to get to, all the time. I was a bit more hungry, but didn't want to cook a full dinner. I cracked open the TJ's Bacon Jam and put some on crackers. OH MY, I have a new favorite. That stuff is like crack, so good and addicting. I finished my box of crackers and then ate some jam right off the spoon. Savory and sweet and smoky and BACON!!!!! We then had watermelon.
Isabella, that link was interesting and I may try that milk too. I'm not a milk drinker, but probably should be a little more. I find that I cough so much more when I have dairy, or cold, or extra sweet things. Those three categories are awful, so I'm playing with elimination to see what's what. Ice cream is the worst for me, all three. I ate a Danish the other morning and nearly died, too icky sweet. If I have a drink with ice, I have a fit too, and that's not sweet or dairy, just cold. It's so confusing.
Time for a refill, I can have my coffee without coughing.
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Sheryl, so very happy to hear that things went so well!! What a blessing! The drive sounds fabulous too! Crazy about the bacon jam. I don't think I'll try it. We often eat light and snacky when we go out to lunch also. Cooking dinner is just too much food after that. Let me know if you try the a2 milk. I'm not surprised that those things make you cough. Ice cream is a tough one for me too although I eat it at least once a week. I always drink lots of water right after I eat it - always have. 0
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HI all, it's been a few days since I was on here. I got stuff taken in to go to the State Fair. My grand kids got 4 blues and 1 red on their things. Thursday night I found out Friday was Grandparent's Day at Lucy and Paige's school so Ralph and I went. Ralph sat with Paige and I sat with Lucy and went to their classrooms after chapel. In our room, I was the only grandparent. The teacher asked us questions to see if we would match - didn't do real well. Then the kids had a language test. I took it and then left before the history quiz and Lucy said I got 100% so guess I remember my grammar okay. From there we went to El Dorado and did our errands. Made it home by 2 so I could get stuff put away and straightened the house. Saturday morning I watched Molly. She helped me make brownies for Sunday and get beds ready for Derek's kids. After she left, I could relax a bit and then we went to Derek's house. We were there till the boys woke up and then brought the kids out here. They are 5, 5, 3, and 1. I was told I could just use diapers and not worry about potty training so that was nice for me. The three year old had the hardest time going to sleep. I was going to get up at 5:30 and get dressed and then rest till they woke up. Deacon was up at 5:30. I put the boys in the nursery during church so just had to occupy the girls. And I set the table differently so I could help two and Ralph and my sister could help them. So it all went okay. Jim's didn't hurry off. Maggie took a nap and when she woke up I put Madden down. Deacon stayed awake until we drove home but he woke up when we got to his house. Parents got home about 8:30 so I headed home then. We don't do anything big but they seem to enjoy it. They loved that I had lunchables and yogurt for them.
Monday I did things to get ready for 4-H and went to it in the evening. It was elections and most were done with a unanimous ballot but they made it fun. Today I've started going through record books turned in, working on grandkid stuff, carted off some branches Ralph cut off to put a board in the window well so hopefully a armadillo would climb out. Instead, with more rain, he drowned and he had to pull it out. They are not cute. I realized it was in the window well cause I was in the basement and heard something. I thought it was a cat but it wasn't. I finished off the last two waffles - they kind of ice up when in the freezer too long but we got them gone. The last two had the most ice crystals on them.
Tomorrow we'll work on the Echoes and more stuff here. I like having the time at home but since the Sunday leftovers are gone, I have to think harder for meals. Ha.
Last week we had about 7 inches of rain - roads were never flooded in our area but the roads were sure messy when it was coming down. Oh, and I got my new phone last Thursday. I still haven't done much with it by make calls and text. I'm nervous about doing much else - ha. Give me time. I couldn't switch sim cards so need to get my phone numbers in it one by one.
Sheryl, so glad everything worked out with Norma and getting so much time to visit and getting John to go one time and him enjoying it. And I'm glad you found the Blue Apron package. Never a dull moment. I think I kind of felt like you did when I was looking for a can of Crisco today and I couldn't remember when I had put it. Glad your blood work was good.
Marcie, Cisco probably figured he'd get a treat if he woke you up. Good on staying strong. What a picture of your dad with Cisco and his friend with the big dog. Glad he has someone to walk with. Has your week been as productive as you hoped. Our State Fair started last Friday and goes through this coming weekend. We don't plan to go. Lori's family would like to and they bought tickets so hope they can. Nice to have a weekend without a lot of shopping to do. Nice that you can walk to so many places to eat and many are willing to do it. I'm eating at Red Robin this Saturday with two of my sisters. I've never been there but here it's good and the fries great so will give myself permission to enjoy.
Sneaky Marcie - catching Cisco off guard. Think you can make that plan work twice. Cool on the new tops and comments. I agree that slow and steady on the weight loss is the best way. Are you used to the new look? Sorry you have who you do for neighbors. They don't want to exert much energy, do they.
Oh my. Sheryl, did the glider come today? I hope it's easy to set up and you are already enjoying it. Bacon jam doesn't sound that good to me although I like bacon but sure glad you enjoyed it. Nice treat after a full day.
Isabella, nice relaxing weekend for you. Ho w nice. Especially after a busy work week. Have you finished the book. Glad the dog feeding went well. Bummer on the mushrooms but at least you could enjoy them later.
Well, since Sheryl is enjoying her coffee, I'll leave and have something to drink too.
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Good Morning, now that Autumn is almost upon us, BEWARE!! Back at the PBS on NM, Granny, Elaine and I seemed to have an accident every Autumn, sometime between September and December, we would take a tumble. Marcie, I think I remember you having a fall too, but maybe, I hope, I'm mistaken. Well, I fell at Lowe's the other day. I'm OK, just bruised knees and left arm and ego. Many employees came rushing over to help me, "are you OK?", "Just embarrassed!!" So, just be aware that Fall falling has begun. Be careful out there.
The glider arrived early, UPS pulled up on Monday. I got so excited, but when I opened the box and started laying out pieces for assembly, I found a defective part. The plastic part on the back of one of the arm rests was broken and had sharp edges. I spent the rest of the day repackaging the box. It's hard to get everything back in that box the way is was, but I did it. Amazon is great about returns and they sent me a return label and arranged for UPS to come back out and pick up the box. The same UPS guy came yesterday at 3:40 pm and picked it up. When he came Monday, he carried the box all the way to the front deck. When I saw it, it was labeled as "extra heavy, over 70 lbs." So, John and I put it on a hand truck to have it ready for him to pick up. Since it was the same guy, I mentioned that if I had known it was so heavy, I would not have asked him to carry it that far. I told him that I'd see him next week when he delivers the replacement and he asked if he could leave the next one at the gate, I said YES.
John had a bad morning and is now outside, I better go check on him. See you tomorrow.0 -
Good morning, it's been nice getting some sleep the last few nights. I feel like a whole new human being with a clear mind. We had a bit of rain yesterday and might get a little more today, that is good we need to keep our water levels as high as possible.
I decided to suck it up and start putting my house back together from the bed bug mishap back in March. We haven't seen any live ones in our bags yet, we did respray our bedroom before I started opening bags and inspecting things. Not everything can be heat treated, like makeup and shampoos, etc. I took a rag and saturated it with alcohol to wipe things down and kept the alcohol spray next to me in case I saw a live one.
I should have done all of this while we were treating the house but I was so covered in bites I didn't want to take a chance on re-introducing the bugs into my room. Now I have the chance of doing just that, what a dummy I have been. We took the plastic off the closet doors in our room, moved things around and put in a new bug strip and resealed the doors again. We are going to leave it another 4 months like that. We didn't see any evidence of bugs in the closet and are hoping we don't actually have a problem there. We still have the bedroom and hall closet we closed up to do. I got my living room back in order, that's all I wanted because I got tired of walking around all the stuff. I also got rid of a couple large trash bags of clothing we don't need anymore.
I have discovered a new style broom too, I love it because it's design is curved, and the sweeping is so much better than a regular broom. You can sweep with just one or two swipes toward yourself with a lot fewer brush strokes. I find my back doesn't hurt anymore when I sweep. It comes with two brooms and dust pans are not included, but my dust pan fit the handle just fine. Hubby got a broom for the garage and I get to keep mine in the kitchen, that's a win win. They are sold out on HSN, but I did see them listed on Amazon. Here is the link to HSN and it gives more in depth information on the Da Vinci Broom.
hsn.com/products/da-vinci-broom-2-pack-innovative-curved-brooms/8191220?sourcemailid=emorder20160822&utm_source=transactional&utm_medium=email&utm_content=purchase&utm_campaign=emorder20160822&cm_mmc=Email-_-transactional-_-emorder20160822-_-purchase&cm_mmca1=&cm_mmca2=&cm_mmca3=622505135C624CADB7049A2B1CB4C3&cm_mmca4=Target&cm_mmca5=000001022
Here is the Amazon link
https://amazon.com/product-reviews/B00O4GX7RY/ref=acr_offerlistingpage_text?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
I am so glad I bought these brooms, I just love how easy it is to sweep now. Between my new Da Vinci brooms, Don Aslet's microfiber mop set and my microfiber dusters by Campanelli I am set, it's so easy and fast cleaning the house. My arthritis is thanking me for all the help it's getting. Who new having products for specific jobs really is a benefit? I always thought you just keep a rag, mop and broom and you were set. Not anymore, I am being smart about what I am requiring my body to do on a daily basis.
qvc.com/qvc.product.V33533.html?item=V33533&ref=JF1&tpl=detail&cm_MMC=JELLYFISHFEED-_-For+the+Home-_-Vacuums+%26+Cleaning-_-Don+Aslett%27s+Super-size+Microfiber+Mop+with+8+Washable+Pads&V33533-000-000&cvosrc=pla.bing.&mkwid=s%7Cdc_pcrid_{creative}_pkw__pmt_e&CAWELAID=120240770002000559&catargetid=600006460006517039&cadevice=c
qvc.com/8-Piece-Safari-Microfiber-Dusting-Kit-by-Campanelli.product.V32719.html?sc=V32719-Zone&cm_scid=zone&cm_sp=MERCHZONE-_-Featured:+Recently+Aired+Items-_-4
We are taking a trip to Canton First Monday at the end of the month, it's a huge flea market near Dallas and I am so excited to go. We are heading to Waco to see the Silo's and the Dr. Pepper Museum since it's on the highway too. I had a friend that was going but she decided her wheelchair would be an issue so doesn't want to go. I kept telling her I researched it, they rent scooters, so it didn't matter because we could get through anything. She is the one that likes Dr. Pepper and told me about the museum years ago and said she could get the original recipe there. Now, I have tickets and no reason to go other than the fact I already paid for tickets. Oh well, I was able to get hubby to take some time off work at least so it will be nice to get out of here for a few days.
Well, time to get off here and get my day started. I hope you all enjoy your day today!
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Good Morning. Anew, good to see you and glad the new brooms and mops fit your needs. Ha ha ha, my remedy is not to sweep or mop!!!!
Very quiet around here and I don't have too much to say today either. I'll be looking for the UPS truck, have my hand truck ready and possibly start putting together the glider.
Getting started on inundating neighbors in the development and County employees again with letters and videos of our drainage problem. I never did hear about what their solution is about "not being in compliance", but, I see that nothing has been done to improve the situation. I think I'll even go to the State level with letters and videos. Someone needs to care. Next steps are contacting the news media and hiring a lawyer. UGH! I really hope to avoid that.0 -
Sannferris-Hopefully the news media will be what kicks it all into gear and a solution made. I am sure they don't want bad publicity for their housing project and I am sure the city doesn't want people to know they aren't doing their jobs. Do you have mosquitos breeding in that water? The health department might be interested in that if you do. Hopefully your new glider will have all good parts to it.
I want to do a kitchen favorites thread so I will open it up separately. In favorites, I don't mean crock pots or pressure cookers, but I mean other kitchen utensils that help me do the job I have and get it done easily and with great results. So tell me in the separate thread, what are you all's favorite kitchen utensils and why?
The A/C breaker broke again so that makes three in just 17 months. At least the last one was under it's one year warranty and it was only 5 months old. The tech put the same part number in the last time, but the connectors were different and he said it would work with the capping he was doing. I don't know what that means but the new tech bypassed the breaker and said he would hunt down the actual replacement part for Ruud to replace it with.
The dryer was getting way too hot so hubby took it apart and cleaned the heat sensor with alcohol and cleaned out the lint we couldn't get to the normal way and it seems to be better. We did go ahead and order the temperature hoo-dad to replace, so just waiting for that part to come then we should be good as new.
Then the riding mower broke again and hubby had to buy a pulley and belt for it. The push mower is getting a huge rust hole in the top of it so it will need replacing sometime in the next year or so. They are both Snapper brand and both very old lawn mowers that we bought used.
Today seems to be a nice sunny day and I'm sure enjoying my cold brewed coffee each morning. I get to use the coffee bar for the cups and syrups, lol. Hubby sure enjoys the coffee bar though and I have tea there too. So, it just depends what my mood is, cold coffee or hot tea.
Have a great day everyone.
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Good Morning. The glider was delivered yesterday and the box looks BRAND new, so I don't anticipate any problems with the individual pieces. I haven't opened it up yet, we'll put it together today.
Had a bit of a problem with a llama yesterday afternoon and called the vet out, that's why the glider is still in the box. John came in the house and said we have a llama sick and not breathing. He has called me outside many times and, thank goodness, I usually find no problems. This time, Mochadot, my profile pic, was still laying out in the pasture on her side and gasping for air and couldn't get up. I called the vet for an emergency call and they said he'd be here in 45 minutes. While I was still on the phone with the office, John came in and said the llama was up on her feet now, but I still had the vet come out to check her out. By the time he got here, she was fine and we determined that she was dusting in a dirt hole and got into a position where she was trying to get back up, uphill and couldn't right herself. She panicked and made the situation worse and threw up a bunch of green yuck (cud). Once she was up and recovered, all was fine. The vet checked her out and temp was normal, 101 degrees, and we gave her some hay and she ate. He listened to her heart, lungs and gut and said all sounds good. We'll watch her closely for a couple days, just in case she aspirated and got some food into her lungs. Symptoms will be coughing and a snotty nose and depressed, but so far she's not showing any signs of that. I can see her this morning, grazing with the others, so all is well. She's our youngest, 8 years old.
I talked to Nancy Thursday, she's still getting opinions on her back surgery. After more tests and more x-rays, it's her entire spine that needs to be rebuilt. One surgeon said that surgery that long (many hours and face down) would be too risky due to her weight. She said it's hard to burn calories when in so much pain. Another surgeon said maybe they can do it in segments and give her some relief so she can then exercise and lose the weight. I'll let you know what happens next.
She has hired a guy who comes in 3 days a week to care for her Dad. It's a blessing. Roy is fitting in well with the family and keeping my uncle very busy with activities and giving Nancy a much needed break.
Norma's home remodel is going very well. Her next door neighbor is a contractor and, fortunately, he has some free time right now to fit her in. George and his brother are removing the textured ceiling and making it smooth and painting and adding a ceiling light and fan in the living room. They have removed the remainder of the wall paper and getting ready for the flooring to come in next week. Norma said she is so excited that it looks so good and the process is going so well. She will paint one wall in the family room and after they lay the new floor in there, The big china hutch that was in her living room will go on that wall and then she doesn't have to move it ever again. It will be closer to the kitchen and dining area and she'll be able to easily use the dishes and serving ware that's stored in there. The flooring people said to paint after the flooring is laid because they will make a mess tearing up the old carpet and dust and lint will stick to new paint. That's why she'll only paint the one wall beforehand.
Anew, I'll have to really think about my kitchen gadgets. I'll make a mental note in the next few days and see what I use most. I take so much for granted, I can't think of anything right now.
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Sheryl, I'm so glad Mochadot is okay. Not fun finding her having trouble breathing. Glad it didn't take too long for the vet to get there. Have fun putting the glider together (you had a quick turnaround on your return). Oh my, Nancy must be in a lot of pain. Glad she has found some help with her dad. And Norma's remodel sounds good - (glad she has all the mess. Good luck on getting help with the drainage problem. This has dragged on a long time. And no more falling. We don't have to continue that trend.
Anew, three things broke, that should be enough for now. Sure nice that your husband can take care of a lot of the things. Glad you the coffee is still a big hit and you are figuring things that work well for you so you can do your work and feel better. Neat that you and your hubby can get away for a long weekend. Have fun. So glad no bugs - hope it stays that way.
The rest of my week sped by. Wednesday I concentrated on 4-H stuff so I could give it to Lori so they could get things finished up. I took it to her Thursday - she was home with both boys home sick - one ended up having strep. But all are on the mend.
Thursday Ralph and I went to town to celebrate my birthday. We used a Starbucks gift card (got hot chocolate since neither of us are big coffee drinkers), went to Office Depot, ate at Burger King mid-afternoon and watched Alan's kids - they enjoyed the play area and the ice cream we got. We went and got more boxes since we're buying books again and went to Atwoods and I finished up Deacon's gift. Ralph dropped me at Bible study on the way home and everyone brought snacks to celebrate there so a fun day.
Friday we did our usual town run. We got home by noon. It poured again a good part of the morning but we didn't get too wet. We pulled into the garage when we got home so I could unload without getting wet. I straightened the house, put everything away and other odds and ends. In the evening we went to a visitation and then had our pizza and salads. Today I got busy on Sunday stuff - mixed up meat loaf, cut up two pineapples, and baked, frosted and "decorated" a cake. Then I ate at Red Robin with two of my sisters. My younger sister's birthday is next week so we try and eat together the Saturday between our birthdays. Then we went to some different stores and looked around. I got home to find out Ralph had not gone to the State Fair. But that gave him time to mow the yard and with the sun out it was dry enough I could get all the trash carried out. Tomorrow all the kids will be here and we'll celebrate the three September birthdays. I did a mixup with where everyone sits - thought it would be good to try for a change so we'll see how it goes. I teach tomorrow - story of Lazarus. Being cheap, I cut up two kleenixes to used for my soft cloths to wrap his body in. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
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Hi all, not much going on here which is a good thing! Dan and I went to the farmer's market this morning and got some yummy produce and some local honey. Then we went to Grocery Outlet and Trader Joe's. It was a nice time. When we got home I did some laundry and read. Now we are relaxing at the computers before we go and watch a movie.
Debora, Happy belated birthday!!! Glad it was a nice one. How did you like Red Robin? I've only eaten there a few times and got a burger each time but I liked it. It is pretty impressive that you got 100% on your language test at Grandparents day! I don't think I'd have done half as well. What type of new phone did you get? Dan and I still haven't gotten new phones yet. I guess we are going to hold onto our stupid phones until they force us to get rid of them. I am still reading the book - it is called Scaling Down by Danna Demitri - about balance physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is a pretty in depth, hopefully life changing book so I'm probably going to be working on it for a while. So far, so good. Right now she is talking about putting the Lord first and everything else will fall into place.
Sheryl, NO MORE FALLS! Very happy to hear that you are OK. Hope putting the glider together goes very smoothly for you. Look forward to seeing what it looks like on your deck. Such a bummer that you have to continue to deal with the drainage issue. What is wrong with people?! Why can't they just do the right thing? So sorry to hear that Nancy is having such problems with her back. Back surgery is a very scary thing. Good to hear though that the guy helping with her dad is working out well.
Anew, great that you have been getting some good sleep. It always makes a big difference. Glad to hear that you are starting to get things back in order at the house and that so far there are no more bugs. If anyone could defeat them it is you! You worked so very hard at it. Smart to get rid of the clothes you didn't need anymore. That DaVinci broom looks really interesting. It must be popular because it was sold out on both sites. Your trip to Canton sounds like fun. Look forward to hearing all about it. I'll have to think about my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets. I'll look forward to your post.
Marcie, Hope all is well with you and that work is going well.
OK everyone, have a great night.0 -
Good morning, took all yesterday afternoon, but we got the glider put together. We had to take a lot of breaks in between because John gets so frustrated and upset, I say "let's take a step back and cool down, regroup". We only sat on it for about 5 minutes, John is so afraid that the small 1/4" studs that the bench part hangs on to make it a glider will not be strong enough to hold our weight. It's always something! The seat cushion that I bought is really too thick for this bench, but doable, still comfy. But, I will probably look for something thinner in the stores for use next summer. I'll put some pictures over on the photo post.
The llamas are all doing fine, no after effects from our ordeal Friday except that John is still obsessing about it. He can't remember which llama or what happened, but remembers that something happened and keeps asking me if the llamas are OK. It rained all day Saturday, the news reported that we got the most rainfall in one day since last January. I'm not so sure about that, I think we had some pretty wet days during Spring. Although, it did rain steady all day, usually, we have showers with breaks in between.
I'm out of bread and milk, but with the rain, didn't feel like going out to the grocery store. I am still totally in love with the Blue Apron meals, they have everything included and I did not need to go get bread or milk. Saturday, we had pork chops and yesterday, cod. I'll be going out Wednesday to meet Carol for lunch and Thursday, for a doctor's appointment, so I'll hit the stores on my way home on both those days. It's rare for me to make a special trip out just to the grocery store, I like to stop while I'm out for another errand.
I hear John up now, I figured that he would sleep in this morning because he didn't come to bed until very late last night, wee hours of this morning in fact.0 -
Ha! I looked out the front window and I see that the new glider has already been pooped on by a bird. It's officially ours, we're really poopy around here.0
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I finally, actually, physically walked outside and that was not poop, just a little feather.0
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Well, Sunday School class went fine. This group already does a good job with motions when we sing which is good since they don't all talk much. Dinner was good and the new seating arrangement worked - although we revamped it as we heard who was and wasn't coming. We had fun with the gift openings for the September birthdays. The three year old had a tractor theme. The 12 year old (well, he'll be 12 Saturday) had a sports them and I have lots of post it notes now. People hung around till 4 and then the rest of the day was quiet.
Monday I had the whole day at home after I walked. Got some things done - I keep trying. In tried out my new griddle for supper and had Molly come eat since she couldn't on Sunday and pancakes is a favorite of hers.
Tuesday is was off to town for my physical. All very routine. We did a couple of errands and then came home and ate - I thought we would eat out but we had plenty of leftovers so it was good to do. In the afternoon the guys got started combining corn. Always seem to be some glitches when they start but hopefully today goes smoother.
This morning was when I worked on the Echoes - keep making progress. Ava came with me today and was here until around 2. She played nicely while we were at the church. While she was here at the house, I was even to take care of a few little things. Left the phone calls to do later and most will happen tomorrow. I figure Ralph will be out till dark so that will give me a little more time to work. Had some tomatoes given us so made another batch of relish.
Last night the Ralph called and I looked out the window and saw a chicken loose. Ralph said one had flown out about 4 days ago. Of course, I didn't go out and follow it around so we had to hunt when Ralph got home. In looking under one evergreen tree and the lid to one his cups was there. During one of our rains, the cup was sitting on the car and the cup was in a whole different location. Can't believe we found the lid. Then he walked over by the one building and there was the chicken and he opened the door and the chicken went in. We're surprised something didn't get it in the four days.
Isabella, sounds like going to the farmer's market was fun. Elaine (from NM) sure keeps busy with theirs. Red Robin was nice. The burger was good as were the fries but I don't know if was a better burger than anywhere else. Hope your work week is going well.
Sheryl, yay on getting the glider together. The cushions do look thick. It almost looks comfortable to just sit on it without anything. Hope it turns into a great spot to relax. Nice that you don't have to go to the store. I had milk go bad which seldom happens but I used it in the pancakes I made. Did you have a good time with Carol today? Glad the poop turned out to be a feather.
Ralph said the combining is going well so he'll be late. I may go ahead and fix my supper so I have things started for him too. I'm fixing eggs with onions and peppers and have dinner rolls from Sunday to go with them. My sister sent me a bunch of letters that I had written to my folks way back when. They are interesting to read them but I don't think I'll keep them. When I had two small kids, I did some arts and crafts shows and sold baked stuff - especially peppernuts. My freezer must have been pretty full cause for one, I told my mom I had 25 loaves of cherry-nut bread, 28 loaves of date nut bread, 23 of cranberry-cheese and 7 dozen fancy sugar cookies and 12 loaves of whole wheat. Can't believe I did all that then.
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Good morning, yesterday was terrific. So good to get away and just visit with another woman who understands everything. Carol has gone through the dementia thing with her mother, so really knows how weird life can get because of it. We talked for 2 1/2 hours. Her husband, retired, has gotten another job. He had a part time job for a couple years but got laid off this past year. Being at home ALL THE TIME is driving Carol nuts. He is the type of person who needs to be right there by her side for everything she does. She likes to be alone once in a while. This new job is driving a school bus and he will work a split shift. Gone in the mornings and afternoons and give Carol time to do whatever she wants for a few hours here and there. He has passed the tests and got the special license and is in training all this week. Carol laughed when she heard what job he was going after because when he's driving, she's the navigator. He gets lost so easily and continually. But, we figured once he knows his route, he should be fine, just don't deviate from that route. The first rule he learned in training was NOT to let any of the students give directions...they like to make the bus late for school and miss their first class. Too funny, that cracked me up.
After leaving Carol, I went down the street to Lowe's and arranged for a consultant to come out and look at the garage door. I need them to mark where the threshold will be so I can get Jack to cut the concrete in the right place. I don't remember if I told you that the existing door does not have a threshold and the concrete floor is cracked and raised just enough that the new door won't quite fit. The "rough opening" is almost an inch too small. But if we redo the concrete in the doorway, it will be perfect. I'll see what the person that Lowe's sends out has to say about it.
Today, I'm going to my primary doctor to go over the progress or results of the new BP med dosage and make tweaks if necessary. I've been taking the lower dose for a month now. I've been using the inhaler, but don't see any improvement regarding that, so I'm still confused as to what is causing the breathing problems. She had diagnosed "Bronchospasms", so that covers a lot of territory. I looked it up and it's under COPD, which is what my Dad was diagnosed with having, but there are so many different respiratory problems that fall into that category.
I'll get all my readings and notes printed out to take with me.
Norma gets her new flooring started today. She has taken today off work, as well as Monday and Tuesday, (Friday is one of her regular days off), so she'll be home the whole time they are working. She ordered a dumpster and plans to clean out closets and "declutter" while she's home for 6 days. A Dumpster, She really means business!!! Her home will be totally clean and organized by this time next week. She'll get to show it off for Thanksgiving when the whole family comes over. She always has the family get-together at her house for Thanksgiving.
I came across a folder of notes from when John's mom lived with us. Debora, like you, I saved lots of letters and stuff and reading through them, I can hardly believe we did all that we did. I had forgotten things that happened that I didn't think I'd ever forget at the time. I mark things on the calendar now regarding John and someday I'll look back on that and think how did I forget about that? I still have boxes of stuff that we moved from Missouri with John's mom. I haven't looked in them for years, I should just toss the whole box without looking. If we haven't needed them by now, we will never need them.
Yes, Debora, the glider is comfortable without any cushions, I just bought them to make it cushier. I thought it might get hard on the butt after sitting for awhile, but I'm not sure I can get John to sit for very long anyway. The bench is marketed as a "garden" bench glider, so it's meant to be left outside in the weather, but I won't leave the cushions out.
I better get my notes ready for the doctor's appointment.
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Hi everyone. Wow, I guess it's been a while since I last posted! Time sure does fly.
Our weather has been so nice the last few days. Yesterday it only got to 80 degrees and today I don't think it will make it out of the 70s. We're supposed to be warming up again though, and it will be in the 90s by Sunday. Just that time of year before Fall sets in.
It's sure getting darker earlier now. Dad is going to have to adjust his dog walking time in the evenings. They usually head out around 7ish, but it's dark by the time they get back. They've been walking with a group of people who also walk their dogs that time of day, so the group will need to adjust the start time. He says Cisco's little legs just fly trying to keep up with some of those larger dogs in the group. It's good that Cisco can socialize with other people and dogs like that.
As I was leaving for work yesterday Dad told me he smelled something really awful in the food pantry. I poked my nose in there and about doubled over from the smell. After a little searching around I found an old potato on the ground in the back of the pantry. It had pretty much liquefied! I put it in a zip lock and on my way to work dropped it off in a trash bin in front of the grocery store. No way I was putting in our garbage can to wait until next week's trash pick up!
Dad took Cisco to the vet yesterday to get his anal glands expressed again and have his nails clipped. They weighed him and he's lost 9/10s of a pound since the last time they were there. At least its going down. Hopefully with his new dog food it will keep going down. Dad gave up on the weight-control food. Cisco just wasn't having it. A friend of his gave him a sample of the food he has always fed his dog (who loves it and it's healthy) to try on Cisco, and Cisco loved it too. We've switched over to that now and are keeping our fingers crossed that we've finally found something he will like. We've been really good about not giving him any people food. He just looks up at us when we are eating and keeps licking his lips at us, but we're sticking to our guns!
Yesterday I was reading all of your recent posts, and I Sheryl had mentioned falling (glad you are okay!) Would you believe after I finished reading the posts I went for a walk before going back to work and wound up taking a fall?! There is this bit of uneven sidewalk on one of the streets and I tripped over it and took an undignified fall (with witnesses of course!). Luckily, this time I didn't sprain anything. My big toe got the worst of it. It was bleeding like a stuck pig by the time I got back to work. I also have a few minor cuts on my right hand and a sore left arm, but nothing too bad. Leave it to me. The people who had just passed me by made sure to stop and check it I was okay. That was nice of them. I told them my dignity took a beating, but otherwise I was fine.
Our neighbor who lives across the street from us has a bee hive and he gave us a bottle of fresh honey yesterday. That was so nice of him. We told him if he ever has a hankering for kumquats he can help himself to our kumquat tree! I still don't have much use for them. They are good in deserts with lots of sugar added (a no-no for me), but I haven't found much else to do with them. Every now and then and pick a bunch of them and take them in to a couple of my co-workers who love them.
I was shocked yesterday to find our neighbor nextdoor who had tossed his old car tires in the middle of his lawn after being ticketed for having flat tires on a car parked on the street had finally hauled them off somewhere. I was just sure he would leave them on his lawn for the rest of eternity! At least I don't have to look at them now. Now that football season is here, their partying has picked up. They like to watch football and then spend the rest of the night getting drunk and BBQing till all hours. I sure wished he would move away. All of our other neighbors are so great.
I stopped by my pharmacy (the one that took so long to fill my prescription last month) yesterday after work to get a flu shot. They have signs out saying flu shots are available "NOW." Well, their definition of now is different than mine. The guy told me I would have a 90 minute wait to get the shot. I think it's time to find another pharmacy. Usually when I go in to a get the shot, they get it done within 10 to 15 minutes.
Sheryl, I'm glad to hear Mochadot is doing okay now. How scary! Your new glider looks so nice on your deck. I hope you get a lot of use out of it. I'm sorry Nancy is having such a bad time of it with her spine. It must be so painful for her. I hope they are able to give her some relief soon.
Debora, Happy Belated Birthday!! Sounds like you had a good day out and about. It's so weird how so much of the country is being deluged by rainfall and we are so terribly dry here. We did get a very small amount of rain early yesterday morning, but only enough to have to turn the windshield wipers on a couple times during the commute to work and to get the car windows dirty. I just washed the car last weekend and now it needs it again. Did you enjoy Red Robin. I like their basic burger there, but rarely go.
Isabella, do you like the honey from the farmers market. I see it at ours all the time, but they charge so much for it I don't buy it.
Well, I guess I will close and finish out my day. Have a nice evening everyone.
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Good Morning. I've had a great two days, Yay!!!
Thursday's doctor's appointment went well, I'm staying on the lower dosage of BP meds for awhile. I knew it would be too soon for her to lower it again or completely remove it, but at least, she didn't tell me I had to go back to the higher dosage. My BP readings were pretty good, a few high days, but I could relate those to something stressful happening at the time, like feeding that donkey or some event with John.
I told her that I didn't feel any difference using the inhaler, so I'm stopping that. We'll venture into something else to try to find answers to my breathing problem. She asked if I ever had my thyroid checked, No, so she thought maybe that gland is swollen and obstructing my airway. That will be the next tests.
Yesterday, we went to lunch with Jack and Gayla. I waited until 8 am to remind John and I stated it as a fact, not a request. I also told him that he needed to take a shower and I'd put out clean clothes for him. At 11 am, he got in the shower without me saying anything further, Yay!!! another triumph. I stressed a little up until then, because I figured he still had time to come up with a lame excuse and back out. We had a great time and good food. They took us to a Chinese buffet, delicious, but I overindulged again, as usual. John and I haven't been to an "all you can eat" buffet in many years because of the overindulgence and also because it's hard for John to figure out how it all works, but yesterday went well. John didn't complain and seemed to handle the buffet part fairly well, although he stayed by my side and asked me for help, but at least I didn't have to serve him. The food was really really good, surprisingly fresh for a buffet. They continually change out the platters for piping hot, freshly cooked food and had a huge variety.
Big news on Norma's remodeling...asbestos. They got the family room completed because that was an add-on that she and Don did after moving in, but when the crew started to remove the carpets in the bedrooms, they discovered that the flooring under it was glued with a black substance, same with the kitchen, so they had to have a special team come in and take samples for testing. If the test comes back negative, they will continue, but if it comes back asbestos, she has to leave her home and a "HazMat" team will come in to remove it and then the flooring job can continue. Big delay. She went to work yesterday to make up for taking off Thursday and will also work Monday-Tuesday, so she still has some vacation days left and can then take those days off again when the flooring resumes without being penalized. Very disappointing, but it will all get done eventually. She still has the big dumpster in her driveway for a week and will work on cleaning her closets and decluttering this weekend and in the evenings after work, instead of during the days that she was to be home for the flooring to be done. This delays her painting the walls, but she still will have it completed for Thanksgiving.
I've really got the bug now to clean out my house. Like I said before, I have boxes and boxes of stuff from Missouri for John's Mom. I'm going to start tossing.
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Hi ladies, I worked for 4 hours today from 8:30 to 12:30. I got a lot done and it felt really good. I went to the farmer's market bright and early before work and got some beautiful chard, some cilantro, some little round summer squash, and some wonderful little tomatoes. This one young man has a fairly new stand there that is really interesting. It is set up kind of artfully with little sideways baskets that have little bags of different produce in them. Nothing has pricing on it. He has a chalkboard that says "take what you want, leave what you want, God bless you". He has a container with a hole in it to put the money in. It is kinda funny because most people don't seem to know what to do and can't deal with it and just walk away. He was manning the stand for a while when we were there last time and we finally got him to tell us that when he used to have pricing he charged $2.50 per bag so that is what I leave when I buy his stuff. His produce is wonderful!
After work Dan and I went to a little Mexican restaurant for lunch that our friends suggested. We each ate 1/2 a burrito and will have the other half each for dinner. After that we went on a little adventure and drove to a Trader Joe's in the next town because the guy with the artsy veggie stand at the farmer's market makes his own meade and they sell it at this other Trader Joe's. It was $20 per bottle but we decided to treat ourselves and are looking forward to trying it. We have read about meade in books but never had it and did not know that it is basically a fermented honey drink. I'll let you know how it is when we try it.
Sheryl, I seldom go out specifically to go to the grocery store either and usually go when I am already out for some other reason such as church. Glad you had a great time with Carol and that your Dr. appt. went well. Your glider looks wonderful. So nice that you and John were able to go out with Jack and Gayla and had such a good experience. Sounds like you have caught the decluttering bug!
Hope it goes well. Once you get started it is addicting and feels really good!
Debora, How was your new griddle? Is it a stove top or electric one? How fun to have lots of different post-its. Very nice that you found the run away chicken and that it was unharmed. Too funny that it just went back inside like everything was normal. Really neat that you got to read the letters that you sent to your mom years ago. Reminds me of when I found my old diaries from high school recently. Like Sheryl said - It is amazing the things you thought you'd never forget.
Marcie, we had really nice cool weather this week too but Santa Ana weather rolled in and it was in the 90's today and will be thru next weekend. It is great that Cisco is so social and can walk with all his buddies. Good job sticking to your guns on the people food. Hope he continues to eat the new food. Too funny about the "renegade" potato. I hate when stuff like that happens. I wouldn't have put it in my trash either! I can't believe you took a fall too. You guys have to stop this! I refuse to be fall number 3!!! So wonderful that your neighbors shared their honey with you. Local honey is so good for your health in many ways. I do really enjoy the honey I get at the farmer's market. The guy I buy from now is not as expensive as others I've purchased in the past. He charges $8.00 for 22 oz or $15.00 for 3 lbs. He also gives you $1.00 off when you return the jar. I am amazed that Beevis (or was it butthead) got rid of the tires in the front yard! Yay!!
Well, it is dinner time. I'd better go heat our burrito halves. Have a wonderful week everyone!0 -
Good Morning. Isabella, you gave me a start...I read that you "worked out" for four hours, that's way too long for a workout, I would not survive that. Ha ha ha, then I reread it correctly and realized you had gone into the office to work for four hours. I can see that happening.
Marcie, so sorry that you fell too. Boy, it happens so fast and there we are, on the ground, bruised body and ego. So glad that you weren't seriously hurt, but, the soreness does last way too long. My knees are still touchy.
All this talk of honey makes me want to try a home-made local type. I usually buy Kroger brand and am pleased with the flavor, but have heard that buying local is good for the immune system.
Norma got the word that it is asbestos glue under her existing flooring, so the Detox team will be coming out October 5, 6 and 7. She was told it would be a three day job, but because they won't be out til next month, the delay is longer than she thought, not just three days. She painted the family room yesterday and will now move all the furniture into that room and the garage so they can get to the rest of the floors. She loves the new look. She took a video and said that she emailed it to me, but I never got it. Either too big to send or she thought she did something wrong, had never tried to send a video before.
No set plans for today. As always on a Sunday, if John gets up early enough to be settled in for the day, I may make it to church, but usually our mornings are rough and I run out of time. Carol started going to a different Bible study group at a friend's church, still on Tuesday mornings but at 11 am instead of 9 am like the other one was. I may try to attend that, since it was primarily the earlier hour that kept me from the first one. I think a Bible study would suit me better than a sermon anyway. I'll see how it plays out, I'm realizing more and more that I shouldn't leave John alone so much, but I still want my time out too. What a dilemma, I need a Roy, like Nancy has for her Dad, but John's not as bad yet nor is he as social as my uncle. I don't know how he would interact with a caregiver when I'm not here. When we had Tammy come in after my chemo, she pretty much catered to me and I was here, so John was OK with her.
The sun is shining, going to be another beautiful day. Hope you all have a great Sunday.0 -
Sheryl, too funny that you thought I worked out for 4 hours!! That would NEVER happen! I think an hour is the most I've ever worked out. I think you should definitely try some local honey. You won't go back. With the farmer's market honey people usually have a few different types such as orange blossom or wild flower and they will give you a taste of each so you can choose the one you prefer. Also an important thing to note - I've read more than one article about the fact that much of the honey in the grocery stores isn't even real honey. naturalnews.com/040520_honey_supermarkets_counterfeit_food.html and foodsafetynews.com/2011/11/tests-show-most-store-honey-isnt-honey/#.V-fqgv8VAaU Bummer about Norma's floors - a month is a long time to wait - but it will be worth waiting for and great when it is finally finished. I think you would enjoy a bible study and 11:00am sounds like a good time for one. Let us know if/when you go to check it out.
Well, I'd better go finish getting ready for church. Have an awesome Sunday all!0 -
Good Morning. We're going out for another adventure today. I got an email reminder yesterday that one of the Groupons I purchased back in July is due to expire soon. Wow, how time flies. So, we're headed out to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, when ever John gets up. (He didn't get up until 10:30 yesterday, so I did not get to church again). It should be a beautiful day, weather is good and a drive east along the river will be nice. Here's an excerpt of their literature:
Situated on a 54-acre plot of land near the Columbia River, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum chronicles thousands of years of the area’s natural and cultural history. The 48,200-square-foot facility—which received an American Institute of Architects Honor Award—features interactive and multimedia exhibits that let guests study everything from the volcanic activity and floods that created the gorge to its wildlife. Guests can stand in the shadow of a life-size, 13-foot mammoth in the Ice Age exhibit or hide from its intimidating tusks under a canvas tent modeled after the one used by Lewis and Clark.
As the official interpretive center of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area, the center celebrates the area’s indigenous flora and fauna while working to preserve them. Five acres of indigenous plants host turtles, ducks, geese, songbirds, and other native wildlife, on which guests spy as they stroll through the nature walk. At the raptor exhibit, visitors can come face-to-beak with various birds of prey, including a bald eagle, a great horned owl, and a red-tailed hawk.
I'm sure John will enjoy this outing.
Isabella, interesting info on the honey. The brand I buy is on that list, Kroger clover honey. I need to stop by the roadside stands around here and the Farmer's Markets to see what local stuff is available.
I talked to Norma last night and she has that dumpster about 3/4 full already. She is tossing.
I guess that's it for now.0 -
Always surprised at how many days have past when I get ready to post. Thursday I watched kids most of the morning - just 2 of them. Then I worked on 4-H stuff till about 4 and headed to Lori's to get her stuff, stop at a 4-Hers house on the way back and ended up at Bible study. Friday morning I walked, came home and got the rest of the 4-H stuff ready to go in. I left about 9. Ralph was disappointed that all the sub sandwiches were gone (the half-price ones) but since I got home late and he went ahead and ate, it worked out. I got home about 2 - felt good with the 4-H stuff in - worked on my list, fixed pizza and salads. Saturday I finished straightening the house, did food stuff for Sunday - both noon and evening, and watched Molly in the evening. It started raining in the evening and pretty much rained all night - probably got 2 inches. Alan had combined all the corn that was in muddy spots so now he waits again. Sunday was a cooler day. I watched the SS opening cause the puppet ministry did it and Thomas is one of them. Sunday School went okay and the message was very good. Dinner went okay and everyone hung around till around 3. After they left I got ready to do some shake and bake chicken and we wnet to the SS picnic which was held at the church instead of the park. Turnout was still decent and we got to sit at tables. I had fun. Today I was home all day (after walking). Watched 3 of Alan's kids for a couple hours this afternoon. Didn't get near what I thought I could done but I just keep plugging along. The kids pulled all the blankets, stuffed animals and pillows out of one corner of the basement. I vacuumed, they had fun playing in the clean space and I'll get everything put back away. Just shows me how much dirt there is. Tomorrow afternoon we meet on starting Good News Club. We think we have the help we need to get started now.
Sheryl, I love hearing about the good times with Carol. How did your outing go today? Sounds like a good one. Such a bummer that Norma has asbestos but she had worked things out and still getting decluttering done. Yay for her. Not keeping the cushions is smart but hope you can keep them close.
Marci, I miss you when you don't post but I know you are busy and really understand how time flies. Wish I could give you some of our rain. Not as fun to walk in the dark. We notice the difference when we walk - at least on the track we don't have to worry about traffic. Seems like days got shorter quickly and this morning we woke up to 45 degrees. I even wore gloves while we were walking. Yuck on the potato. They do stink when they go bad. Yay on Cisco's weight loss and food he likes. Bummer on the fall - you sound kind of sore to me. Cool on the tires being gone. Surprises are nice. Is the pharmacy you go to close? Red Robin was good but doesn't mean I'll rush back there.
Sheryl, glad you can stay on the lower dose of meds and he's searching for what's cause the breathing problem. So nice when you find someone who you can tell wants to help. Yay on getting John out to lunch and a good time. If it would work for you to go to a Bible study, I think you'd really enjoy it. One person that comes to our Bible study has a husband with a lot of health issues and she does have a job but the girl time with us is so good for her.
Isabella, hope you get paid when you work the Saturday hours but nice that the quiet lets you get lots done. Nice little adventures for you and Dan. The griddle is an electric one. I've never heard of meade. Sounds interesting.
My husband has been watching the debate. I figure I'll hear enough later that I skipped it. Decided chatting with you would be more fun but I think I'll leave you and head for bed. Good night.
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Good Morning, I have no great tale to tell you about yesterday, we postponed. John didn't get up until 11 am and he said that he didn't feel like going anywhere. I said OK, I don't want to force him to do anything, unless it's life or death, then, I'd be much more insistent. Anyway, I told him we can try again Thursday or Friday, because I wanted to go to the Bible study today and I have a dentist appointment Wednesday. Well, Carol was kind enough to think of me and called me yesterday to let me know that she has other plans and possibly wouldn't make it to Bible study this morning. I don't need her to hold my hand every week, but I'd like her to be there for my first time, so I'm postponing the Bible study today and maybe we'll try the museum again, if John wants to when he gets up.
Funny thing, yesterday at about 2 in the afternoon, John turned to me and asked, "weren't we suppose to go somewhere today?" I laughed and said, yes, that was the plan but you didn't want to go when you got out of bed this morning. We'll see how today plays out.
No other new news, I'll talk to you later.
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Good morning. We went on our adventure yesterday, gone all day. Left at 9:30 am and intended to cross over into Oregon and take the Interstate east. I figured it would be important to get there asap and see how much time we would want to spend there, maybe all day, and then mosey our way back home. But, on I-205, the Interstate that we take all the time just to cross the river, there was an electronic sign giving us estimated time to get to specific locations and it stated 33 minutes to get to I-84, the interstate that heads east. It usually takes about 10 minutes to get there, so either heavy traffic or an accident was holding things up. John hates the Interstates, so instead of crossing into Oregon first, we went on Hwy 14 on the Washington side. Much more beautiful drive, turns into a two lane country road once we're out of the Vancouver area. Took longer but well worth it, John enjoyed it. We stopped for lunch at a little café in Lyle, WA, so quaint and great food. Got to the museum at 1 pm and spent 2 hours there. So funny, John kept saying that we've been here before. I said, well, we haven't actually been HERE, but we did go to the Living Desert Museum in Bend, OR, 3 years ago (when our Crater Lake trip got snowed out) and it looks EXACTLY THE SAME. Oregon must have the same architect design all State Museums, the building looked just like the one we went to before. The layout and Indian artifacts were so similar. It was interesting though and the difference being that the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway is celebrating it's 100th anniversary this year, so there was a lot of info on the building of the bridges and highway. So cool. From there, we took the old scenic highway US Route 30 back to the west and at Hood River, where Hwy 30 joins Interstate 84, we stopped for another 45 minutes to watch the windsurfers and kiteboarders. What a feat, takes a lot of strength to ride the waves and control those huge sails. Very colorful and artistic. I don't know how they keep of getting all tangled up with one another. I thought it was fascinating that the majority of who we saw out there were middle age to older men. Mid-life Crisis maybe? But, with all the gear, harnesses and pulleys and huge equipment, only rich old men could afford that sport, ha ha ha I took some photos, but I know they won't show the spectacular color and scene that we actually witnessed.
Going out, as I said, we were on a two lane winding road, wonderful scenery, but I didn't take any photos because I was driving and I didn't find any appropriate pull-outs to stop for picture taking. I need a dash-cam. But, coming home, I took some photos along the way. Once I get them loaded into the computer and see what I got, I'll post a few. There was one in particular that I thought would be great, but facing west, the sun was in my eyes and I have no idea yet, what the camera saw, I clicked anyway. At Ainsworth State Park, Hwy 30 breaks away from the Interstate again and becomes the old Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway and is again a 2 lane country road. Goes passed Multnomah Falls and many other smaller falls and more beautiful country. Sure enjoyed the drive. John wants to go back and take some of the other side trips and back roads that I passed up because we had the destination of the museum. There was a sign for Dallesport airstrip that John wanted to drive to, and also a railroad something that we passed. I think just driving around is more fun than needing to get somewhere specific in a certain amount of time.
Yesterday was a good mixture of sitting in car, walking through museum, sitting for some short movies and demonstrations, walking the trail outside, sitting in the car again and walking on the beach in Hood River. Got home at 7:30 pm. We held up fairly well, but sure was ready for bed after dinner.
Today, I'll take it easy, with a dentist appointment in the middle of my day. Just routine check and cleaning.
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Good afternoon all.
We've heated up this week. Ugh. Got up to 100 yesterday. Today should be a bit cooler, and then by the weekend we're suppose to be cooled down again into the 70s/80s. I'll be glad when the hot weather is gone for good. I'm tired of it now.
Dad and I checked out a new Italian restaurant last night for dinner. Well, it's not new, just new to us. Driving by it, I always thought it was just another hole-in-the-wall kind of a joint, but inside it's quite large and fancy. Candles on the tables and white table clothes (Dad blew out the candle because he doesn't like the smell of burning candles...I can't take him anywhere, ha!). I enjoyed the meal, but I don't think Dad cared for it much. We both ordered the spaghetti, but the sauce was different. It had a spice in it we couldn't quite place and Dad didn't like it. We finally asked the waiter and he told us the spice was cinnamon. Not something I've ever had in a spaghetti sauce. It was good though.
One thing I liked about that restaurant is they had a "I'm not real hungry" plate for those that don't want a full plate of spaghetti. Dad and I both ordered that and it was a perfect amount of pasta for half the price. I even had leftovers to take home.
Work has been crazy-busy this week, but what's new. Lots of deadlines this week. And, on top of that tomorrow I have to move to another office on a different floor because they will be working on the electrical wiring in the area I'm currently located. This is phase three of the project. Phases one and two were other parts of the floor. About half of the people on my floor are being relocated for the next four business days while this is going on. What a pain. Phase four will be next month, and I'm going to have to move again for that phase two. Apparently my currently location is going to be affect during that phase too! This afternoon before I leave I need to pick up everything on the floor in my cubicle and set it on top of the tables. Right now I'm defrosting my little mini fridge that I have under my desk. It will have to remain unplugged until I return. My boss' office will be affected too, but she's just going to work from home, and just pop in the office now and then. I wished I had that option, but I need to be here.
Last Friday Dad and I went out to dinner and then stopped at my pharmacy on the way home so I could pick up my next prescription of Metformin (this time I called it in a few days prior!). While we were there I went ahead and got my flu shot. The last time I tried to do that there they told me there was a 90 minute wait, but this time I only had to wait for about 10 minutes for the shot.
There sure have been a lot of thefts lately in my neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods. Seems like just about every day someone is posting something about it on the NextDoor website. Our neighbor across the street from us had her truck that she parks on the street broken into and vandalized last month. Since then she has installed security cameras around her property and installed a driveway light that stays on all night now. More and more people around here seem to be installing security cameras. Pretty sad. A neighbor my Dad walks with said someone went into his backyard the other night and stole his pool sweep. He doesn't keep the gate to his backyard closed (says he usually leaves it cracked open for UPS deliveries), so it was easy for them to get in. When people do capture images of the perpetrators, its usually always young twenty-somethings.
When Dad was out walking with his dog walking buddies last night, the large dog of one of them kept grabbing with his teeth the leash by his owner's hand and tugging like he wanted to walk faster (apparently my short-legged dog was slowing him down!). They would take off in a trot and leave the group, and then trot back to join them again. Cisco thinks going out for a walk means stopping to pee on every bush he passes (just to make sure whoever else passes by knows that bush belongs to him), so he doesn't build up much speed during the process!
Sheryl, it sounds like you and John had such a nice day yesterday. I'm glad he was up for the trip. I should start taking day trips. Just never enters my mind to do it. Hopefully you are able to post some pics.
Debora, yeah, the pharmacy I go to is real close to home, and on the way home from work. I've been meaning to ask. When you say you "fix" pizza, are you actually making a pizza, or heating a frozen pizza? I don't think I've even made a pizza from scratch. If frozen, what kind do you guys like? Just curious.
Isabella, wow, I don't think I've ever run across a vendor with a "take what you want, leave what you want" process!
Well, I'd better close and finish getting ready for the move tomorrow. I should go for a walk, but it's just too darn hot out there right now. How's that for a sad excuse?!0 -
Good Morning. Good report from the dentist, no cavities and gums are good. I came home to a phone message from Lowe's and called back and made an appointment for Monday to have someone come out and look at the garage door. Good to get that project started.
Today, good weather day, we'll work outside and try to get more done in preparation for winter. Supposed to rain this weekend.
Marcie, really neat about the "I'm not real hungry" plate. If only I had the discipline to order from that. It's obvious that I have portion control problems. I remember admiring JC for putting 1/2 her meal in a to-go box before starting to eat from her plate. I kept saying I should do that, but never did. That's one reason I like Blue Apron so much, each meal has only two portions, plenty for John and me. Previously, when I cooked, I'd make extra thinking I'd have enough for another meal and end up eating most of it during the first sit down. I am terrible.
Very interesting about putting cinnamon in pasta sauce. Hmmmmmmm
I'm back, looked out the window and saw llamas where they shouldn't be. After I locked up last night, John went outside again and evidently left a gate open. They were happy to be on some new ground, but easily followed me back into the pasture since I had hay. We can manipulate them with food, thank goodness.
So, now, even if I'm done for the night, if John goes outside again, I will need to go back out to check everything all over again. Make sure gates are closed and water turned off and lights out. He is so active, even after dark, keeps me on my toes. Sometimes, I wish he would just sit in front of the tv for awhile, but I'm sure I'd complain about that too, I guess this way is the better way.
I happened to check over at One Kind Planet, just for kicks, and found that site closed down. Has anyone else heard anything about it? Last I heard, Lynn and Susan were planning to revamp it, but I think the talk was to make it a blog with very little interaction from us. Nothing like NM or what I was hoping for.
Huh, I got an email this morning from Amazon acknowledging that they have now received the returned glider. Wow, that took a long time getting back to them. Now, I'm even more surprised that I got the replacement so quickly, but very pleased that I did.
My fresh pot of coffee is ready and I am ready to fill my mug.
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Good morning everyone, it's been a fun but very fast couple of days for us. We left Wednesday morning around 6:30 am to head for Waco to see the Magnolia Silos and a few other places there. We also saw Hal Ketchum in concert at the Hippodrome in Waco. It was a good show, but it's too bad it wasn't sold out. First come, first served seating and the entire floor level was empty. They serve food there, but it was all fast food type frozen food stuff I could buy at Sam's Club, so I didn't order anything except water. I guess I could have ordered a hamburger, but I didn't want that, I really just don't eat hamburgers often.
The only thing I was bothered by in Waco the whole time we were there was after the show a man almost accosted my husband as we were getting into the truck after the concert. I was driving and getting into that side of the truck and I heard a man very loudly tell him, "I am a vet, I want to talk to you" as I was getting into the truck. I couldn't see him, I could only hear the man. Hubby said to him, "Sorry, can't, we have to go". The man said back, "But I am a vet, and I want to talk to you" and my husband pushed him away and got into the truck. This man had my husband pushed into the truck between him and the door. He was that close to him. I told him, we have got to have a plan when we are coming out of places, especially at night, because this happens to him all the time, but this guy was close enough to touch him. My husband is a vet as well, but he doesn't force himself onto people asking for things. I know the guy wanted some money because they always do. We do support Vets but we do it with legitimate organizations.
We stayed at the hotel in Woodway, got up at 4:30 am on Thursday and headed for Canton. Texas's First Monday Trade Days for some shopping at the original flea market area (Westgate entrance), we arrived there around 8:30 am. Wow, that place is huge (100 acres) with so much shopping there is no way you can get it done in one day. We sure didn't see everything and we rented the scooters to go around there. No way I could have walked that and when I let hubby know I had reserved a scooter for him he said he didn't want one. I told him he did want one, even able bodied people ride the scooters because the place is so huge. I also told him there are baskets on the front and the back to hold your goodies. He was really glad he had a scooter, he said there is no way he would have been able to see everything he did if he were on foot.
This place is awesome, there is a tractor trolley from the parking area to the entrance and everything. We brought two coolers with us. The big cooler held everything and the smaller cooler was for the Canton shopping trip to take inside with us. The big cooler had 11 boiled eggs, 2 8 packs of string cheese, 4 servings of pasta salad I had made prior to the trip. We had four big bottles of iced coffee we shared between us, 2 quarts of orange juice, bananas, grape tomatoes and milk. We also brought 2 gallons of water with us and our water bottles were filled before we left home. I did not want to buy fast food and I didn't want to waste time sitting in a restaurant either. This worked out perfectly because we had plenty to snack on while traveling. We never ate at a restaurant because the pasta salad was perfect for a meal for Waco night and lunch at Canton.
The original plan was to go for two days and didn't work out, so we didn't see the rest of it. Hubby found some old wrenches for himself, we bought some new oak cutting boards with walnut strips running through them. I found an old cast iron chicken fryer, so now I guess I have to fry hubby some chicken, lol. We don't buy fried chicken out and he misses it, so I need to provide him some of that once in a while.
On our way out we decided to hit the restrooms and wound up in an area where he found the tools. When we were leaving that area we decided to go out the opposite side we came in at and found a guy there that was selling silverware wind chimes. We spotted one he made from spoons and forks. He made a person with a large spoon (head) and he used forks as hands. He bent the tines just right to make it look like he was holding a spoon and the bottom parts are the bowls of spoons and then I asked if he had any clocks. Oh my gosh, he showed me a clock made of spoons as the hand directors. The 3, 6, 9 and 12 O'clock positions have a large serving spoon and the other positions have a small cereal spoon. I loved that so much we bought it for above the coffee bar, lol. I won't be buying that coffee cup clock now, I think this one is much better and the round wood it is on is painted white, it was $20 cheaper than that other clock and it was only $20. Although it is much larger than I realized, it is still perfect.
The trip up and back were uneventful making it a pleasant one. My truck purred the whole way. We arrived home around 12:30 am this morning. So, it was definitely a very long trip, but so fun we are planning to do it again. This time we are hoping to have the original plan and stay for two days there in Canton. Although I didn't get to see all I wanted to in Waco, I don't think I'll go back again because once you have seen it, you pretty much have seen it all, lol. We did go to the silos and we both had a cupcake from her bakery. I had the lemon and lavender and hubby had the chocolate. They were very good but they are also very sweet with the icing and I have never been much on too much icing, lol. I think it overpowers the cake but it was definitely a very good cupcake.
Have a great day everyone!
Oh and I had to come back. The 100% best part of this trip is the cold front that came through here. I was never overheated during the whole trip. I am so glad I didn't have to deal with the humidity. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees in Waco and hubby put his jacket on when we stepped out of the truck in Canton yesterday morning around 8:00, lol. I got to drive with the windows down and enjoy the fresh country air, and let my hair blow freely. I love to drive like that, air conditioning is just too overrated when you don't need it, lol.
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