Two Down

 On Thursday night, I slept a bit and sat up reading on laptop in living room. I went back to bed at 7 am and got up at 12:30 pm. Tommy was standing in front of his chair, lights off, very still, both hands on one arm of the chair. I asked him what he was doing. "Trying to stand up." He feels awful, has covid.

He tested. Afterwards, he decided to go to urgent care. Doctor prescribed paxlovid but phamacist would not give him Paxlovid until talking to his doctor on Monday. The pharmacist had questions and will not fill the prescription until Monday when pharm talks to Tommy's regular doctor. 

I can tell he feels awful. I feel a bit better, just a bit. I wish we felt better to face the stress of the weath warnings tonight. He is probably going to feel worse having to wait until Monday for med. 

My temp is normal. OA is 98. Cardiologist said so far, heart is okay. Later will tell if there is a problem. I have quit coughing except for rare fits of coughing. No more wheezing. Same with sneezing. Nose quit hurting. Now, I have pain and extreme tiredness all over, worse than normal for me. 

There is baked chicken from freezer, taco soup, chicken thighs, and a pork loin that needs to be cooked. I will somehow put two helping of the taco soup into the freezer. 

Ate a pack of crackers and a bit of taco soup. And, a spoon of frosting. 

Psycho frightened me again!

Not fun

 

Taking paxlovid

Temp down to 97.5

Need walker because I am too dizzy to safely walk. 

Sat up all night because I was coughing too much to lie down. Also, lots of sneezing. slept from 7 am to 10:30 am. No nap. I could only rest. 

Still have sense of smell and taste. Mouth tastes and smells like a garbage can. Nasty.

Ate pimiento and cheese sandwich and drank more of 20 oz coke. I threw away at least 4 oz. Tommy thought ice cream would be good for me so bought some when he went to store by himself. 

had  baked chicken breast slice in a sandwich with MW. Romaine was gone. I almost cried. had half a banana and half an apple. 

Feel miserable. Feels like someone punched me in the nose.lots of pain.

I really need to drink more water! 

think tommy shoul wear mask and I shoudl too. He says no, too late.

Covid

 Yes, working on follow-up. 

Response

 I responded on the last post and must have not posted some comments for no reason.  Sorry.

105.9F

 Yes, I am very ill.

Reason #3 Why I Love Commercials

 When I was a teenager, my parents would leave the house to go to the grocery or somewhere, and I would stay home. Mama would tell me to wash the dishes while she was gone. I agreed begrudgingly. 

However, I would sit for hours and watch TV, getting up to run to the dishes and clean up the kitchen and wash the dishes before they returned. I look back now and laugh at my drawn-out dishwashing and how I fragmented the job to make it last hours. I was not afraid my mother would be angry. I did not want to disappoint her by not helping like she asked.

My habit did not end when I grew up. When I was married and going to school, I would do the same thing, clean house and wash dishes only during commercials. Really, there was not much house to clean. 

Then, I had a baby and just took care of baby and watched TV when I could. Later, I had three kids in school and did the same thing sometimes. I was losing opportunities to watch TV since life was all about doing for them and with them and driving them to sports, dance, and school.

Then, a few years later, I spent nights exercising and ran up the stairs in our large and tall house. I could even run up taking two stairs at the time--only during commercials. I had an exercise bike set up in front of the TV, and I did exercises on the floor. For the bike and floor exercises, I did not need to exercise only during commercials. 

By the way, with all the TV watching, I never watched soap operas! Of course, some days there was little opportunity to watch TV since there were many rooms to clean and that was done in one big cleaning frenzy some days. 

I have never complained how long commercials lasted or how many were shown at one break. I always have something else to do. 

Edit: I never left the TV on all day, just a few hours in the afternoon, if at all, and in the evenings.

Today, I had the ultrasound on my thyroid. It went well and took no time. Getting a wheelchair out to take me in and waiting in two successive waiting rooms was what took time. 

I called Medicare and Medicaid and was told in no uncertain terms that wheelchairs would not be provided except for use in the home. There was much disdain expressed when I said I could hold onto things and that I had a walker. So, I was I could not get a wheelchair just to go shopping or my recreation. Even when I explained I could drive to the doctor but could not walk the distance to the offices or even to the buildings, I was treated with disrespect. So, I have a call in to my doctor. 

It appears a person must stay housebound. I would think a person's mind would deteriorate when nothing outside the house is available. How sad. 

I slept three hours on Sunday night and tried to nap after we got home. However, I could not sleep a wink. I hurt all over. I set Tommy to making dinner. 

We had two small potatoes he peeled and put in the oven with garlic powder and onion powder. He found thighs in the freezer for him and a breast for me. He opened green beans for me and turnip greens for himself. I told him to find the meat in the freezer. It was his idea to get turnip greens. There was also Romaine for a salad. This was not a fancy meal and none of it has a name like Parmesan Chicken. But, it was healthy for us and filling. He even seasoned the potatoes with the spices I said to use--garlic powder and onion powder. 

I am not sure how much thigh is left, but there is enough breast to make two more servings. Tommy said there is another serving of thigh. These meats are some of what I freeze after large amounts are baked in the oven. These days when I am beyond exhaustion and hurting all over, these meats come in handy.

Just now, he came in and was telling me what meats he found--rest of cooked pork loin and cooked ground beef with onions. He is catching on as to how all this cooking, storing, and meal planning works. 

Today was a beautiful, clear, sunny day--delightful. 

Have you dealt with getting a wheelchair through Medicare or Medicaid? I was worn to a frazzle talking to people in the offices. I felt like I was being treated like a scammer or thief. All the other Medicaid and Medicare offices are so nice, but not durable medica. 

Reason #2 Why I Love Commercials

 # 2--I need a bathroom break. Plain and simple and very basic. Most of the time, I hate to miss a minute of any program. Turner Classics does not have commercials, so I often miss some of the movie. 

Today, the cleaner came but she had to go home after two hours to dress her husband. He earned his realtor's license this last month. So, he wants her to come home and dress him for his first open house. He never dresses in anything but a uniform for his job, so is insecure.

She cleaned the half bath. The commode is so close to the wall, only a child could sit on the commode. And, it is one of the short commodes. Just for fun, I sat on it and had to sit at an angle since my knees would not fit. I was right up against the sink which is the kind attached only to the wall. Then, I could not get up! I was afraid to pull the sink off the wall! My legs rubbed against the door when I sat. By having her close the door so I could reach the doorknob, I manage to extricate myself. It was an adventure. 

She, of course, threw out two or three bits of carpet and the fuzzy commode seat cover, all nasty. He has never used this in all his 40 years here. His boarder did. She left the carpet bits and the commode seat cover. Her brother and boyfriend moved her out when she was ill with liver cancer. I am quite sure she would have cleaned the bathroom and bedroom. Nevertheless, this bath has not been touched in about 18 years. Plus, he closed off the bedroom and shut the hvac vent. Of course, it would get moldy in the bathroom. 

She and family are moving to California, so eventually, I will lose her help. This week, she is driving with her three little children to Ca to look for a house and visit her family. 

Other than a nap, nothing else has happened today. It did start storming when the sun went down. I did not even go to the door to look out all day. Lots of little birds, sparrows, I suppose seem to like my potted plants. I don't think those plants are coming back. I had a bag of six tulip bulbs that I had her put in one pot, not sure what will happen. 

Although I am not planning on buying a vehicle anytime soon, I am now obsessed with what is what on the road. We did make a drive-thru in a car lot. All along the drive on the interstate, north and south. he pointed out what was what. But, my focus right now is on a mattress. Of course, the health issues take precedence. 

Do you use the commercials for a bathroom break?

One of the Reasons I Love Commercials

 Yes, I love commercials. But, I can only tell you one reason right now as I feel too awful to write much. 

I was listening to a commercial as I was doing something else, not really giving it my full attention. However, I heard something about the price of insulin being capped at $35. I think that was the price. Well, Tommy had just gotten his a few days before, and I asked him how much it cost--something like $90. 

Immediately, I asked him again. So, I told him what was on the commercial. The next day he called his pharmacy while I was in a store. It appears he has been overcharged for at least three months. He should be due about $200 when he gets this resolved. He had to file a grievance. 

Okay, that is just one reason I love commercials. Tomorrow, I may feel like giving you more reasons. We went to Cullman today after I slept about two hours. Then, I slept another two hours taking a nap. Monday, I will begin the ordeal of getting my thyroid condition assessed and fixed. I cannot believe the ENT is taking the initiative when two family doctors have sort of said, hmmm, and gone on to something else. 

Do you know someone who takes insulin that might need to review their costs with the insurance company? I think this cost is even for those without insurance. 

I Am Probably the Only Person in Alabama with This Habit Today

 When I was about thirteen, my mother put covers on us in the summer. No matter how much we objected, she covered me at night when I only wanted a sheet. She tucked it up around my neck. I was too old to have covers pulled up, but she was a good mother and saw a child needing to be kept warm. Well, she had thryroid problems. Today, it was 82F degrees and I wore a jacket zipped to my neck to go out of the house to get in the car and stay in the car while Tommy went into Publix. 

Yes, I know I need to get this resolved, and I will. However, I cannot believe how much like my mother I am becoming. That is not really a bad thing. I have only worn a sweater with a scarf all winter and sandals.  It does seem that I am the one who inherited all the physical problems from both my parents. It is not fun or good! 

Today, I looked over the Publix ad and Tommy made a list as I dictated while surfing the ad. He loves Fritos and Cheetos. I thought he would buy only one since they are bogo. But, he bought two. He drinks too much Pepsi, but bought them since they are b2g1. He is allowed vices but I wish they were not sodium and caffeine. Of course, I prefer cheese and chocolate. 

Thursday night we had Chicken Parmesan and green beans. I think he had cabbage and a big salad. Friday for dinner we are having chicken breasts, thinly sliced, and roasted with potatoes. I will have green beans or Romaine and tomato for a salad. When we have green beans, he gets what he wants, about a quarter of the can, and I eat the rest. Friday night, he had a salad with his chicken.

Tonight, I had to find more Hall's Mentholyptus cough drops. Of course, they were right in the Ball canning jar with a metal lid, sealed tightly. They have been stored for two years. As you may have discovered, cough drops get sticky. The paper is almost impossible to remove. I have resorted to sucking on a cough drops with bits of paper, then fishing the paper out of my mouth. Usually, I buy these on sale or with a coupon, meaning I have more than I need. So, I buy them cheaply and then toss them. Not frugal. Keeping them in the glass and metal keeps air and moisture out, preserving the cough drops for another season. This definitely saves money. 

Tonight, storms could cause us to lose electricity. I hope not. Tornadoes are possible. I hope not. But, I do worry about folks in mobile homes. The weather has been very warm, never a good sign with storms. 

Finally, I found the number of the woman who can and will answer my planting questions and the grow light questions I asked here. I can get the information on the grow lights indoors and the watering system for potted plants I grow outside. Tommy does not need to be dragging a hose in the heat this summer! This summer, I will go back to growing vegetables in a addition to the flowers I love.

Are you familiar personally or otherwise with cold and thyroid problems? I can now understand why my mother covered a teen and three others with blankets every night in the summer in a home in the South without ac! And, she closed the windows and turned off our fans!

Why Didn't Someone Tell Me?

 Before we went to the ENT, I told Tommy I wanted to stop at used car lots or dealers with used cars just to see prices and styles of SUVs. The purpose was to stay in the car, not get out and walk to any car. After we left the office I told him to forget window shopping, just go home. I was so tired. 

When I have seen a vehicle, I am confused as to what is an SUV and what is a van. He has assured me I don't want a van. I forgot why. I told him how I don't know a van from an SUV and he explained something to me, a fact I did not know. 

He told me that when SUVs first came out, manufacturers took a truck cab and added the extra seats and the back storage. So, this is the fact I have been missing. This is why I see an SUV and think it is a van. No wonder I have been confused! 

Since I actually prefer the longer nose in front of the windshield as I feel it gives greater protection, I will buy whatever has this feature. 

Wednesday, I don't remember what we did. I think going to the grocery was all that happened. I got rest from not sleeping, a long nap. 

Thursday, we went to Cullman to pick up my third laptop. However, they will not give me a refund for the second one because I cannot find the box. I can return the laptop but it will cost me $149 that I will not receive from the price I paid. We looked where I thought it was, but failed to find it. Tommy paid for it until we get the refund. So, I came home with three laptops. Of course, the old one still whines loudly. The next time the cleaner comes, this search will be a priority. 

The guy could finally see the color discrepancy in the screen when we lined the laptops up. He could also see how it had a dark background, one that made it hard to read the screen. So, I need to connect it, something I have been too tired to attempt since we arrived home. 

While we waited on the laptop, we took three quilts to the laundry, spending about $7. We didn't have time to dry them, so Tommy has spent a lot of time taking them out to his dryer. He left the one for my bed wet, so that had to go out again. I suppose the dryer has run over 6 hours, so it would have been cheaper and so much easier to put all three in one dryer. But, all are clean. My quilt, especially, was the dirtiest. 

I bought only one can of Argo peaches with a date of 8-2024. We don't eat a lot of canned peaches, but this is the brand I love. These are yellow cling peaches with an extra-light syrup, 1/3 less fewer calories than sliced peaches in heavy syrup. I did buy one apple since I was out and wanted one after dinner, my daily apple. These peaches are so raggedy and delicious, irregular pieces, a 29 ounce can. 

Tomorrow, it will rain, and we have no appointments, or anything planned. So, I will spend the day, both of us, putting things back that have been left willy-nilly all over the place. I did not sleep much Wednesday night, and my nap was much too short today. Maybe tomorrow will be a catchup day for sleep, too. 

The only thing we did, now that I remember, was to shop at Lowe's. I bought tools to score, break, and drill the plate that was broken when it was delivered. I bought a cordless Dremel and the bit I needed. I will at least make and sell enough broken porcelain jewelry to pay for this tool. Of course, I had to have safety goggles, too. 

I met a very helpful employee, three as a matter of fact. You have to go before 4 pm to find help that knows what they are talking about. He is going to make something for me. He makes all sorts of things to sell. 

Remember the wooden birds I was making? Well, the second order of bird wings was all wrong. The guy who did it said it was dangerous to do, so they cut them wrong. As I pointed out, I did not want anyone to be injured, but the guy should have turned down the job. The manager type person agreed. So, they gave me a refund. I thought they would give the wings back since they could be salvaged. No! They put them all in the scrap box for people to burn. 

That meant I did not have more wings or my own scraps to finish the wings for the birds...sigh. We examined some junk piles and found nothing suitable. I decided buying a board would be cheaper than driving the gas out of the car, frustrating us both with no lumber. I do know that it is too early for construction scraps. A board I need would only cost $8. That is a 2"x6"x8' board. 

The guy said he would do the job and gave me his number. Now, I have two projects. Of course, getting this house under control is the most important project. 

Have you bought a new HP laptop and found the screen too dark with no way of lightening it enough?

Have you ever used a Dremel tool? This one has an intimidating manual with all sorts of settings. 

A Camera Up My Nose

 It is true. My ENT put a long instrument up my nose that stretched the end of my nose as he put it far up in my nostril. I was totally unaware of what was happening. When we were in the car, Tommy said he could see the camera view as the doctor looked inside my nose far up past everything I have never seen or felt. He said it was like going through a jungle. Well, obviously there is hair in my nose as it should be. 

Because I have been getting ill, one sinus infection after the other, each requiring another antibiotic, I went back to my ENT. I have to sing his praises. I love this man, love in a pure, affectionate way that is engendered by his ability to listen, respond, and treat me. 

One statement in particular has secured his place in my list of doctors that are superb. Since my left ear hurt me for over a year, it is a particular sore spot the way doctors have treated this problem. Yesterday, once again, I ventured to say to a doctor, "Does sleeping on my left side cause my left ear to hurt?" Well, it was something like that. He said that it was the reason my left ear hurt and went on the explain why. Don't ask me exactly what he said. But, it has something to do with the blood going there, causing congestion because old blood vessels don't respond as they did when a young person slept in the same position. Basically, I am old! 

I have had doctors thinly veil their amusement at my silly unmedical explanation of my problem. I have been made to feel unaware of my body. Sure, I may have silly notions about what is happening in my body, but doctors don't need to be so transparent in their disdain of my thoughts. Now, I have had doctors openly snicker and explain to me the problem. They, however, did not seem to be mean about their amusement. The attitude of many doctors is intended to silence a person in order for the doctor to be the authority. Well, they are the authority, but that does not mean the patient might be onto something. 

When the doctor agreed that lying on my left side was why I was having trouble with my ear hurting, I told him that other doctors had disagreed with my assessment. He said, "Well, some doctors don't know what they are talking about." This exchange relieved me of a burden. And, no, I cannot sleep on my right side. 

About half the time, I leave the doctor actually a bit depressed at the level of care. However, I have curated my physicians until now, I receive better care. I suppose it is a bit like finding a garage or mechanic. 

Right now, I am choking and can barely breathe because of the congestion in my head. He gave me a sinus rinse kit. Now, I am waiting for a compounding pharmacy to send me antibiotic in a capsule to put in this with distilled water to use. 

My primary physician I lately left had a strange solution. My left foot and leg were swollen. He leaned close to me and asked me if I could wiggle my foot a bit to relieve the congestion. That was bizarre since this is not just from sitting on an airplane or sitting at all. Besides, the calf muscles need to be involved for the body pump to work. 

While he was looking in my throat and feeling my throat, I mentioned my thyroid problem and said I needed to get an ultrasound. He volunteered to schedule the ultrasound right at this facility. That is now in my day planner. 

I know you have had experience with medical professionals who were less than they should have been. Share here, if you please. Have you ever had a camera up your nose to examine you? 

How Time Feels in My Head

 The only thing of note to day was the cancellation of my oncologist appointment. HE cancelled. His nurse who rescheduled said he was in the hospital or had been in the hospital. He is such a nice and caring man. So, that is pushed more than a month out. I am not happy, but what can a person do? 

I had a really long talk with two women and that made my day. The first was a friend of a friend. I have never met her. The second woman was the sister of the friend. We talked about how we had all known each other for 43 years and agreed that was a long time, but the time actually seemed like no time at all. Have you ever looked back at decades long memories and thought how the time did not seem so long? 

The friend here in Birmingham has dementia. I said he might not remember me. She assured me he lived in the past and probably did. The talk with his sister revealed some things about their past family history that I had forgotten. And, the talk found her in seemingly good health although she must use a walker even in the house. I am fighting that. I take nothing that causes me dizziness or lightheadedness, she does for pain. I am fighting the use of pain pills, too. I just won't have them around. 

The funny thing is that I know almost as much as anyone does about her family history as I was good friends with friends and relatives of her family. They are sometimes shocked I know their history. 

For the last week or so, I have started dinner early so we could watch whatever was coming on TV at 7 pm. Often there are movies we want to watch or PBS programs like history or nature documentaries. It makes me grumpy to be starting dinner at 7 pm. Tommy never pushes me, so I am pushing us both. He peeled potatoes, and I cut the eyes out. We put the pork loin, potatoes, carrots, and celery in a cooking bag and dinner was done earlier than usual. There was leftover cabbage from the night before. I also got my three fruits in for the day--banana, strawberries, and apples. He is eating the oranges two at a time, sometimes three at a time.

When I eat potatoes, I only eat about two bites hot. Then, I let the rest cool completely before I eat them. So, don't think twice about my potato eating when I am diabetic. 

Sunday night, I slept four hours, and I took a four nap today. So, I suppose I am caught up on the sleep today. I told Tommy to wake me at three pm, but I awoke when he brought my phone to me at four pm. He said I moved and made a noise at three, and he thought I was getting up. I don't even remember. 

My plants will stay covered for tonight and then there is no more frost. We left the lettuce out last night instead of bringing it in, so I don't know if it will recover. 

Do long ago events when you think of the number of years seem like not so long ago as far as the memory? That is convoluted. I met my friend and relatives 43 years ago which is a long time to me. Yet, it seems like we met just yesterday and interacted. Do you ever have these feelings about events? 

Birds and Seeds and Trees

 

                                                                        Purple Finch

Tommy saw this bird right outside the front door on the railing of the ramp. He said it kept coming back, flying off over and over again. My guess is that it is going to build or has built a nest. He used the bird book I gave him for his birthday two years ago. 

The drive to Cullman along the interstate was beautiful. Most of the trees have some green, a few have many tender leaves. None are fully in leaf. But, the hope is there. Bradford pears and redbud make for a colorful drive. 

Many of my stored plants are becoming very green. Some I am not sure about. They were covered last night and will stay covered for two more nights. I still need to sow seeds in the tiny greenhouses! 

Speaking of seeds--at the lunch and lecture at the ag center this last week, there was a box of seeds for us to have. I chose three packets and got two for Lynda. I will use the soup containers that Tommy did not want to throw away for sowing these seeds and others I have saved from last year. 

The front yard is getting nice and weedy. I have weed killer for the unruly interlopers. Neither of us can spray it, so I have to figure out how to get that done. The St. Augustine Grass is getting green, so I love that sight. 

My cleaner called and left a message. She and her two girls, 2 and 5 are throwing up. So she will not be here in the morning. I can sleep late as I need. 

Dinner on Saturday--ham, beans, carrots. I had a huge center cut portion of ham that I heated. Well, sort of burned it. But, it was okay...lol. Later, we had strawberries over a tiny piece of Angel food cake.

We have a bowlful of oranges and I want one! However, I am allergic to citrus and right now I have an earache, am coughing and sneezing periodically. So, it is not a good idea to further irritate my allergies. I did eat strawberries and now have hurting places all over my now-swollen tongue, so it sounds like I am allergic to strawberries. But, I am not. At least, I am not allergic to the apple and banana I ate. 

Tommy went to the mailbox today, and I opened the storm door and looked out. That is the extent of activity today. He emptied the dishwasher and loaded the few dishes in them. I took a nap because I slept little last night. 

We have plans for tomorrow, so it is up to me to get up in time and wash my hair. Wish me luck on the sleep. 

Do you or anyone in your circle/family identify the birds that come in the yard? Do you have a bird book? Do you have a birdfeeder? We don't have one because there are pigeons nearby. I don't know if they come into a neighborhood or not. 

Shopping for a "New" Car

 New to me is the only kind I will buy. Actually, I am considering buy an SUV. The last time I drove my car, I had a very hard time lowering myself into the car. Then, I have a harder time getting up. While I actually prefer having a car, maybe an SUV would be a better choice. 

I can take my time looking as I am in no hurry to just buy anything. Plus, I have time. I talked this all out to Tommy and asked him what he thought. He thought it might be a good idea. He struggles to get into my car, too. Plus, he will eventually ruin the door and door facing with his shoes. 

Of course, he will buy it and let me pay him when I sell the car like he did the one I have now. I paid him when I got the insurance settlement for my car that was totaled by the guy who ran a stop sign. 

Since I have not even priced any SUV, this may not be a plan that works. Tommy approved of buying a vehicle first, then selling mine. I can pay off the loan when the Impala sells. We are in no hurry. However, after surgery, I am not sure if I can get in my car or especially get out. 

Today was rainy and cold in the morning and still cold in the afternoon with a stiff breeze and humidity, the type of day where the cold goes to the bone. The temperature was 59 in the morning, but the temperature fell as the day progressed. 

There was no corned beef. We had leftover baked chicken breast and baked potatoes and carrots to accompany it. 

By the way, I know how to shop for a used vehicle as I have done this before.  

Do you find an SUV or truck easier to get into and out of than a lower car? 

Hot Guttered Bum

On the interstate yesterday on the way home from Cullman, we saw a sailboat with a great name--Hot Guttered Bum. I laughed on and off for thirty minutes. 

Wednesday, I told Tommy I wanted to go to Sam's Club and he said, "No, the termite guy was coming." I asked him to reschedule and he would not, so I dropped it. I was pouting in my head but did not let him know. Well, I could not sleep, so got back up. I have no idea how it happened, but I awoke at 5 am with the laptop on my lap! That was weird. So, I went to bed and woke about 10:30. 

Then, he asked me about 12:30 about going to Sam's. I was shocked. He said he rescheduled. Sooo, we got ready and went out. 

That place has changed it's layout since I was last there. Registers were everywhere. I got lost, really lost. 

I had made a list of what I wanted, so we headed out to look for items. Two things I wanted were not in the store. We found the large bags of cups we use for drinking. They were a pretty pastel assortment--blue, yellow, pink, and lavender. I won't have to decorate the house for Easter, just sit these cups all over the place. 

Claritin, Vicks, and Flonase , and two supplements, plus the cups were around $129. The Flonase was $20 for 6 bottles. Each has 144 metered sprays where the ones I have here are 120 metered sprays in each bottle. So, thanks, Sluggy. The two large, 3.53 oz. containers of Vicks Vaporub were a little more than one large bottle elsewhere. 

The only items I got that were not the regular brand were Flonase, Claritin and cups. Claritin brand was almost $20 for a few tablets, whereas the off brand was only about $9 for two containers with 200 each, so 400 tablets for about $9. Prices were amazingly low. If I could put my hands on the receipt, I could tell exactly. I know it is here. I searched and refuse to search more tonight. 

I asked him if we had gotten food to eat there. Yes, we had gotten hotdogs. We each had a slice of pizza and Diet Pepsi. I think it was the largest slice of pizza I have ever seen. We ate it in the car as we don't unmask to eat. 

I gave Tommy two Publix bags to use in Publix when he goes in. So far, he has not used them. However, when we got to the car, he unloaded my electric cart and used the bags. 

We stopped at Publix on the way home. I bought red potatoes, carrots, snack bags, pint freezer bags, apples, bananas, and strawberries. I should have bought another half-gallon of a2milk. Oh well, we know where the store is located. 

Tommy washed the kitchen linens since it will rain all day tomorrow and I hate to ask him to do laundry in the rain. So, it is all done and I need to fold. 

Thursday night, for dinner Tommy had chicken, and grape tomatoes and a salad. I had chicken and a whole tomato in a salad. He made his own dressing, and I had a bit of Miracle Whip, not as much as I would have liked. We have more chicken for lunch tomorrow. I will cook corned beef, carrots, cabbage, and potatoes for Friday. 

The freezer over the refrigerator is stuffed, too stuffed! I told Tommy that on Friday he needed to unload it until he found meat to thaw for the next few days or for next week. I like to cook several packages of chicken at one time if I can. 

Today, I had apple, banana, and strawberries and three vegetables--broccoli, tomato, and Romaine. I try to eat at least three fruits and three vegetables each day, more if I can. 

We have watched Spartacus on TV and now we are watching Ben Hur. So, no Gunsmoke tonight. But, I do have an observation that I will share Friday night about Matt. 

So, I got my Sam's fix and found another product I buy each month from Amazon that is almost half priced at Sam's. So, next time we go, I will buy a three-month supply and cancel the monthly order at Amazon. 

I Won & A Fright

 

Mine is black, but I was tired of searching for the identical item. 

Today, we went to Cullman for several things. 

1--pickup lunch that was eat-in before the pandemic. Today, we had Chicken Alfredo. I love penne pasta! There was also mixed, frozen vegetables that seemed to be in a cheese sauce. It looked that way, but Tommy said he could taste no cheese. We traded and he ate some of the Chicken Alfredo and all of the mixed vegetables because it had peas which as you know, I don't eat--allergies. It was delicious.

2 Ag Center had a speaker about bugs. They also had lunch--bbq sandwiches from Johnny's BBQ, where sluggy, Dan, and I ate. We had the pulled pork with slaw on a bun. I did not eat the bun. Also, there were strawberries, fresh pineapple chunks, blueberries, and green grapes. I had a healthy dose of the fruit. 

3. Body Shop where he scheduled a trip for his vehicle. That is all set. 

At the Ag Center, the guy was to have a trivia question to determine who received the door prize. He put up a slide with two bugs. At his prompt, we all said one was a ladybug. He asked, for the door prize what was the other bug. No one knew. Then, he said it was a country south of us. I immediately said Mexican Beetle. So, I won the water bottle. The sour grape behind me said aloud, "But, she had to have a hint!" Well, then why did she not say the answer. Tommy heard it too! His comment after we left was, "Well, why didn't she say it?" Of course, my exact thought. For a smattering of a second, she made me feel bad. But, I got over that and gloated in my head that I got the aluminum, insulated tumbler, and she could have had it if she had just said it, with a hint, of course.

I did learn a lot of facts about bugs.

It was a hard day. I did not go to a grocery store, just to the PO. 

While I was eating, I ate the strawberries first, three. Then, I tackled the fresh pineapple chunks which were huge. I used my fork and Tommy's fork to try to get a smaller piece of pineapple. I did manage to do so. However, when I started eating it, I choked. The bug lecture stopped and people wanted to know if I was okay. I could hear people shuffling about and assumed someone was coming to give me the Heimlich maneuver. For three or four minutes, maybe five, I struggled to stop choking, coughing while Tommy was clapping me on the back as I asked him to do. This really frightened me. I was glad I was where I was for help. 

I was too frightened to eat the rest of the pineapple, green grapes, strawberries, or the broccoli I had on my plate. So, I brought it with me in a cup. In the car, I kept reaching for the cup to eat it. I was still too frightened to eat it in the car. Finally, at home, I used a sharp knife to cut the chunks into small pieces, ate it slowly and carefully! My throat still hurts. 

Have you ever had anyone imply you won something that took skill, not chance, that you won for another reason? Once I won an award for an accomplishment, but everyone had to vote as to who did best. Well, this woman insisted on three votes that I won every time. Then, she scoffed and said it was just a popularity contest. Okay, I will take that I am popular...lol. jk

Have you ever choked so badly that you were really frightened? Today, I was frightened. 

Stye

 Monday night, I looked over at Tommy and he had a Kleenex folded and under his glasses on his right eye. He said he did not want to blink his eye because it was scratchy. When he got ready to sleep, he had a huge piece of packing tape and made a patch for his eye. I commented at first that it could be allergies. Then, I thought it might be pinkeye. 

When he awoke Tuesday morning, I looked at his eye--a stye under the top eyelashes, nasty looking. So, he went to doctor at urgent care place and has eye ointment and oral antibiotics. 

We had another destination which we barely made. Then, we sat at two pharmacies to get a refill for me and two prescriptions for him. After sitting with him in the waiting room of the doctor office, I just wanted to go home. 

Finally, at 8 pm, I took a nap until 10 pm. I have been falling asleep easily at night and for a nap. Still, I cannot sleep for long! 

Tommy had chicken, romaine, tomatoes, and carrots. I had eaten chicken about 5 pm, so I had a sourdough roll, carrots, and apple. 

On Monday night, Tommy put all the plants close together and covered them with a sheet which we left on all day. Tuesday, we just left the sheet on since it is freezing tonight, and tomorrow night, I think. Some of the plants had gone white, and they are now greening up. 

It was glorious to have daylight, just a bit, at 7 pm tonight. I love DST! Have I said that before? 

He said he had styes when he was little, but not for decades now. I have never had a stye. Have you ever had a stye? Were you able to get rid of one without a prescription? How? 

Got Sneakers? Do Good and Earn a Bit of Cash

 

CLICK HERE

The article says "everyone has sneakers." No, neither of us has sneakers. I have never worn sneakers. Tommy discarded all his long ago. But, it is good to know there is a way to get rid of them. Most go to others. The rest are recycled. The money she received would not be an incentive, but the recycling of sneakers is good.

The sneaker above is similar to what I wore and only on a tennis court. I sat down on the court and put these on, placing my sandals outside the court. My daughter in high school said that people spent too much on shoes and she wore the same leather sneakers to high school. Smart girl. Ours did not have the embroidery embellishment. And, they were super cheap back in the 80s. Mostly, they fit our feet well and were easy to walk in. And play tennis. Our feet were the identical size and shape, so when I wore hers once, it was like my own shoes. 

We did nothing today. I did sleep well last night and awoke at 12:30 pm. He covered up the plants since it will be just below freezing tonight and tomorrow night. We both piddled at washing things she dragged out and put some in the dishwasher. Right now, The Sting is on. I love this movie, so that is on the agenda. 

Dinner is in the oven--chicken breasts, carrots, onion, and celery. Tommy reminded me of the onion and the fact we had cut and washed celery. Otherwise, I would not have used the onion and celery. We will open a can of green beans. He might want peas instead. Two of the breasts have bone and skin. The other two or three are thinly sliced breasts. 

Does anyone hate sneakers as much as I do? Or, do you love them and wear them all the time? 

Cleaner House and DST

 The cleaner came today. She has the half bath ready to clean. At the very end of her time, she got all the trash left in there picked up and the room, tiny bath    room, vacuumed. Also the closet had so much trash in it. Tommy had a boarder that left about 12 years ago. She was too ill to clean it, so her boyfriend and her brother moved her out. They left trash and belongings all over the room, closet, and bath. If course, Tommy has not vacuumed or cleaned it for that long, about 11 years, maybe more.

I asked her to clean a huge spot on the kitchen floor. She got on hands and knees and scrubbed the whole floor! She took the pile of junk left by the missionaries and we got that sorted and some donated, some to the trash, some to her. It looks so much roomier in there. But, lots needs to go in the dishwasher. I need to get in there and do that right now. I washed the filter on the vent hood and she changed the bulb to an LED that is brighter. Tommy could not understand why I washed the filter as he said there was nothing in it. Of course, it stuck to my hand and left my had sticky after putting it into the dishwasher. Apparently, nothing needs to be cleaned after forty years! 

Of course, she changed my bed and the floral sheets are on and they are so much more fluffy and cuddly than the other two flannel sets. 

Tommy was willing to get rid of more things, thankfully. Many of the items he has belong to his boarder. He cannot remember her last name. However, she had liver cancer, so we wonder if she is alive now. I claim the items he says are hers if he does not want them. One nice pitcher still has a sticker on it. Someone gave it to him in 1980 at a housewarming party the church threw for him at the church. 

He had five lighters and four worked. He does not smoke, and I have loads of matches. He decided to donate four. We donated about six ice cube trays, all very old, rough, and dirty! We tossed dirty, used, and shabby sponges. 

She cleaned the glass in the storm door. Now, I can see through it. He would not "allow" me to clean it several years ago. Now, I cannot reach up easily and almost tip over backwards! She was puzzled at the stuff that did not go away when the vinegar dried. Well, it is called extreme dirt! So, the door called for lots of cleaning. 

Tommy washed and dried three loads of clothes, pink set of flannel sheets, blue set of flannel sheets, all my towels, washcloths, and underwear. Thankfully, the day was not cold and there was no rain, so he could actually do it, going outside and up the driveway. 

Last week, I asked her to a move small folding table to the end of dining area and put my garden things there. I needed to find seeds. Only this Sunday afternoon did I discover she put it all against the back door. Yikes! I would be afraid of trying to get out in a fire. And, I found my seeds.

She made four trips to the car to carry out things leaving here. Plus, the trash can was overflowing when she emptied it, most from this afternoon. She also vacuumed the back bedroom, picking up boxes, vacuuming and putting boxes back, except further back in the room so we can get into the room more easily. It is not done yet, but it looks so much better. 

For dinner: Tommy--last of ham and chicken, potato, turnip greens. I had late meal of chicken breast, potato, Romaine, and an apple. 

The refrigerator is getting empty! I need to buy fresh vegetables. There are carrots left and the Romaine I bought yesterday. 

On Saturday I was ecstatic that DST started today. I have never had a problem with sleep from the time change. Of course, now I have sleep problems, but today I could tell no difference in my sleep. Actually, how would I know? 

I am still ecstatic over the time change. Today, has been a good day.

Did the time change cause any change in your sleep? Were you late to church? 

So, This Could Be Part of the Problem! & Roget

 A specialist MD told me to take an otc supplement. I did. NOW, I read that it could interfere with sleep and to take it in the morning. Of course, I immediately stopped taking it at night. It is amazing the number of things that can interfere with sleep. You would think this information would be on the label. I read about the supplement before I started taking it, but there was no mention of affecting sleep. 

I am so excited. Sunday is the day I have waited for since last fall. DST arrives. It never interferes with my sleep. But, if it does, I am not aware since I don't sleep well at all. For a few days this last week, I slept soundly, the sleep of a sick person. 

Tommy is reading a book he has had since he was a preteen--Flying Saucers: Serious Business. It has evidence flying saucers are real. hmmm. He bought this with his own money after hearing about it on TV. After thinking about this, a child's desire for a book, keeping it for over 50 years, still referring to it and reading it, I thought of my own book I asked for, got, loved, and still have. Even though it is 47 years old, it is still a paperback in good condition, just a little worn. 

When I was about 12 or 13, I wanted only one thing for Christmas--Roget's Thesaurus. This was 65 years ago. I still own it. To me it is better than internet sources. Other than my Little Golden Books, this is the book I have had the longest. It is red "leather", with gold lettering, a beautiful book. I wonder if my mother bought it because it was the only one she found or if she bought it because it was beautiful and looked so special. Despite repeated use, it is still in pristine condition.

Do you have a book you have had for a long time, one you wanted and still treasure? When did you get it and what were the circumstances? 

Thursday

 Thursday, I have felt much worse which puzzles me since on Wednesday, I felt so much better. We stayed in except for a short trip to Publix for apples and bananas we forgot yesterday. He got a few other things, too. 

Today, I have not eaten well, just junk it seems. Tonight, I made sausage balls. However, I did not have Jimmy Dean sausage. Tennessee Pride is definitely not a sausage ball sausage. Tennessee Pride made greasy tasting balls.

While I was looking at characters and actors in a Gunsmoke episode, I came across an answer to a question Tommy and I have asked--how many time did Matt get shot. 

shot 56 times

knocked unconscious 29 times

stabbed 3 times

poisoned once

Most of the time, he was shot in the left arm. He had it patched through the hole in the shirt. AND, the shirt never had a tear, patch, or hole in it. Amazing! The purple shirt was sturdy and self-healing.  Have you ever noticed? 

Other than a nap, I have done nothing today. 

Earlier in the week it was 80F and above. Today it was 50F. With the rain, I have been cold all day. 

Do you have a burning question about a movie or tv show or series? What have you always wondered? 

Sweet Surprise

 

Redbud trees are in abundance and blooming now.

While the cleaner was here, imagine my surprise when I found a Cherry Dum Dum. Since there was only one, I put it aside on my bedside table for later. Well, later came this afternoon. That was such a treat! Since I felt awful, it made me happy. Of course, what I want is ice cream.

After discussing with the doctor what antibiotic he would prescribe me yesterday as he stood by the car, I was so disappointed not to have him call anything in for me. When I awoke at 11:30 Tuesday morning, I felt twice as bad as the day before. Tommy called Walgreen's. They had gotten the prescription and would have it ready in 20 minutes. 

We got it and I took it in the car on another small errand. I have never had such indescribable pain in my stomach from medicine in my life. I grabbed a plastic bag and held it under my chin for about an hour. And, I have to take this three times each day. I will try it one more time before I call for something else. The medication was to be taken with food. Since I had just stepped away from lunch, I think I was taking it with food.

Tonight, we were glad to have leftovers of chicken, potato. Tommy had slaw and I had green beans. We both eat only one small piece of potato. 

Before I took a nap, I cancelled my oncologist appointment on Wednesday. There was no way I could make it. 

Tommy took all my plants from the utility room. He watered them, too. When I awoke, it was too late to see them. I prepared some weak Miracle-Gro for the Romaine. Someday, I will get around to sowing seeds. 

That was today, folks. Tommy is back to catering to me 100%.

Are there redbuds where you live, in your yard, or the area where you live?

Does a med ever hurt your stomach?

Are you easily thrilled by finding a bit of candy or a treat of which you were unaware? 

Two Doctor's Appointments in One Day

 This morning, Tommy had an eye appointment at 9 am, so we needed to leave at 8 am, and he woke me at 7 am. UGH! I sliced a chicken breast and made a chicken and MW sandwich which I ate in the car. It was delicious, but I almost choked! Why on earth does anyone need to be anywhere that early in the morning?

Sunday night, I slept from 1 am until 7 am, getting up for the bathroom only once. Then, I went right back to sleep. So, that was a good thing. 

I was back in bed for a nap at 10:30 am until 12:30 pm when I needed to get up for a 1:15 doctor appointment. 

When I arrived, I tried to call the office, as Tommy went in to get me a wheelchair and pusher. All I  could get was a call center. They always question me and then tell me they are the call center? Why? So, Tommy got someone with a wheelchair. I asked them if the ten-year-olds weren't missing it. I tried to sit in it but it was too narrow. Not many people could have gotten in that wheelchair! 

I was distraught, almost crying. I told them I had waited for an appointment and could they not get another wheelchair. That is the only one they own! They suggested I get another appointment after I had made this one over a week ago. I asked could he not come to the car. They said, NO!

Lo and behold. They pulled out the blood pressure cuff to the car, and he showed up, too. My blood pressure was 114/54. My former 90/60 alarmed a classmate who was an EMT. He said we call those people comatose. I don't know why it was so low. But, my normal blood pressure is about 120.70. I was/am having trouble talking, breathing, and speaking today. 

It is a beautiful, warm day, so there is that. And, dinner is cooked. The house looks better. I think I am off to a second nap. I may take another after dinner! Who says a person cannot take three naps in a day? Maybe after the antibiotic, I will feel better.

Okay, the pharmacy got one of my prescriptions about 5:30 and we left to get it. I have no idea why I got a prescription for one condition and not the other. It seems like either the pharmacy or the doctor fails to get their part done in order to get my meds to me.

Tommy did a return there when they gave us a wrong OTC. Then, he bought milk for me at Publix, bought Pepsi for him, 3 24-packs, and returned the same wrong otc they had gotten for him.

I had mentioned earlier that I wanted a Whopper, so he stopped at BK. It was delicious. Now, I need chocolate. 

Did I say? The wisteria is blooming, forming lavender clouds in the trees. It is so beautiful.

This afternoon I did not take a nap and probably won't this evening. 

Do you see wisteria blooming? Do you have problems with everyone doing their parts to get your meds to you?

Hard Day of Progress

 After less than two hours sleep, the cleaner came. We only worked in my bedroom and the bedroom with storage and junk. I was barely able to go on. 

She changed my bed first. She cut and put paper in the drawers of the dresser and chest of drawers. Later, she suggested she could put my clothes in the drawers. That was a big help. Lots of things are sorted. I have a huge bag of clothing outgrown in the last year. No, I will keep it to wear when I lose just a bit of this fluid. Tommy was really surprised at the room she uncovered. 

We worked in the other bedroom. None of Christmas was in boxes, just put in the room. So, we got that done. I hadn't even gotten out all decorations from the year before. It was all consolidated, thanks to her. Only a few items are still out, but on top of the red bins. 

Three years ago, I bought a huge duffel bag with Halloween items. I took it out and used much of it. The costumes were still there. So, she took the costumes home along with other Halloween items. I kept the realistic looking pumpkins, the only reason I paid three dollars for the duffel bag. One can be lit with bulb. My pumpkins were $1 each. They will decorate the living room. Next year, I will get a fake pumpkin for the porch. The fake poinsettia has saved me money, along with the artificial Christmas tree. 

When she cut the shelf paper for my bedroom, I pointed out a small, folding table I bought from Sam's. It helped her to do the chore more easily. She then took it to kitchen were I had her set it up for indoor plants. 

Her backseat and trunk were filled with things for donations and item she could keep. Tommy had four Sam's tshirts that he let go. Many things he saves are not things he is hoarding and will not let go. Most are things he has just not given away. 

Since the best toothbrush ever is discontinued, I have been beside myself. I found Tommy had two unopened ones. So, they are mine. He does not floss and I hate mint, so the mint samples are gone. 

She dusted the living room, making it look so much brighter and cleaner. 

When she left at 2 pm, I was beyond exhausted. I needed lunch. Finally, at 3:30, I went for a nap, telling Tommy to wake me at 6:30. He could not get me to wake up, so left me until 7:30. We put chicken and potatoes in the oven and had dinner. He had slaw. potato and green beans with baked chicken thighs. I had baked breast, half a small potato, and green beans. He rinsed and soaked the green beans, so they had less sodium. 

You know I have said I like all green beans. Well, I did find a brand that had a gross taste. On Friday, I think, I found another I could not eat. Unfortunately, I threw mine away. They were so soft, they were not palatable, mushy! The date was 2021, so, maybe just too old. I doubt it. Have you ever had mushy green beans? 

We have a busy Monday. I struggle to make it through a busy day! 

Tommy is in the kitchen emptying the dishwasher and cleaning up the baking pan and making sure the chicken juices are in the garbage where they won't leak. He saves the liners of cereal boxes to contain the juices. Yes, I could cook with the juices/broth, but I have saved too many pints only to throw out the contents. 

We have a large shamrock for the front door. It was bought on sale several years ago. I do give a bit of homage to all holidays. Will you recognize St Patrick's Day at all? Do you celebrate? 

Disappointed

 I actually feel like I am going to die! But, that is not all the reason for not posting. 

I finally heard from the stress test. No heart blockages or any problem with arteries. Instead of calling me in 3-5 days, it was almost two weeks with me calling several times inquiring. I am not happy about the delay.

Now, I have to see how long it takes for follow-up appointment. I had changed eating habits which were not horrible, but now are better over last two years. I have plans for changing two more things--using more healthful dressing for salads and going back to natural peanut butter. 

We went back to OM in Cullman and I got another laptop. This one has color that is off, too. The color of the screen right now is my fault, and I will fix it. So, set to exchange this one for different. better and more expensive laptop.

I ordered grow lights to grow Romaine indoors. Tomorrow, I will plant wildflowers outside in flowerpots. I have a postcard to put in a pot. The postcard has embedded wildflower seeds. I have five seed balls to plant. I gave Lynda one and cleaner will get one tomorrow, so three for me. This will be fun.

Tomatoes and squash are back on the agenda since we love both. 

At Chicken Salad Chick I was given the wrong chicken salad a few weeks ago. Finally, I called and the manager said to bring in the receipt. I did and that manager was gone. So, I got whole new meal from interim manager--Classic Carol scoop and loaded baked potato soup. Tommy got an Arby's Roast Beef. 

Saturday, I finally got in touch with Zaxby/s and my salad with just breading and tiny pieces of that was replaced. The manager replaced Tommy's meal, too and gave me a drink even though I told her I did not order a drink. So, no need to think about dinner on Saturday. 

There is still no response from my new endocrinologist I have never seen. So, I am moving on to a new, new endocrinologist. I am so swollen I am afraid. 

And, another doctor wrote me a prescription for a med I assured him I could not take! When will it end? 

By the way, my tacky, stupid, waste-of-time "crafts" paid my bills for several years, but it is too bad people cannot understand using these items destined for the trash and transformed into items people treasure. Yes, I had people write me years later praising my treasures. No one is throwing them into the trash. Actually, I rescued materials from the trash. Now, I make wooden birds from scrap wood. 

We could barely see out the car window because of pollen today. So, Tommy will need to clean it every day, but he will probably resist! I had him get Claritin for me when he went into Publix. He came back with the only type they carried--chewable/dissolvable. I touched it to my tongue to see the flavor. Yuck--peppermint, so I just swallow it with water. I certainly could not bear to have it dissolve in my mouth.

My allergies are starting to act up. Are your allergies bothering you? 

On the way to Cullman, 55+ miles along the interstate, all the trees were a tender green, just barely leafing. The Bradford Pear trees are blooming like crazy, and the woods are edged with redbud trees, looking like tatting along the edge of pulled work. 

This typing has exhausted me. And, this color is annoying.