On the way to ER in a bit

 My heart has been beating erratically for over 24 hours except for little time it stopped and I slept. 11- 2:30 this afternoon. I am trying to get ready. And, Tommy fusses about everything, no asking how I am, not touch to comfort me...nothing. 

I insisted he get a new walker before I left because the other one loses a wheel and throws him. All my panties and towels are in the washing machine. Then, I would like him to wash black pants and other things. This can happen later. I need to clean up.

While I was putting prepared veg into the pan with chicken, there was this frantic--what about the potatoes? over and over again! I told him when they are peeled like he prefers, wrap them in foil and place on pan with cooking bag. 

If he comes to hospital, I have begged him to come in a Lyft for my sake. I do not need to be worrying in the hospital.

At least, I won't worry about him falling from a faulty walker. 

The humidity is dropping, so it is very pleasant even though it is 95 at 6 pm.

Edit--right bundle branch block. In other words, there is no electrical system working in half my heart. 

Stormy Sunday

 

So, I am posting a picture I took earlier this year. This is from the car while in the driveway of my house. There is a huge lot catty corner to my house. This spot has Purple Prince tulips interspersed. The daffodils and tulips bloom at slightly different times, but for about two weeks, they are both blooming. This is the small group I planted. The huge swath in the back yard was there, but smaller when I moved there.

If the mailbox looks shabby, it is because someone came along the street and bashed everybody's mailboxes for several weeks. So, why buy a new one? 

Today, we had terrific rain, wind and lightning. I awoke before then, tried to go back to sleep and lay shivering for an hour. Finally, I went to living room and awoke at 4:30. I was shocked but had slept well for so long! 

Tommy discovered the remote did not work, even with new batteries and we went to Spectrum for a new remote. Five minutes before it closed, Tommy went in and came out with a new remote. Since it is next to Publix, Tommy insisted on buying MW for me. The tiny squirt bottle was on sale, but not the 30 oz quart. He paid $8.49! I am flabbergasted. 

Maybe I need to spread this more thinly. If I get too much from the jar, I refuse to wipe it back into the jar, so I lick it from the spoon. From now on, I will dip it out more carefully so there is no excess. There was a time not long ago that I paid $1.99 for the 32 oz quart. Yes, I am still burned up about the size of the present "quart." I need a good MW sale and imagine that Labor Day will be the next opportunity to buy MW on sale. MW=Miracle Whip.

I suppose he will have ham, collards, and squash for dinner tonight. I want cottage cheese and canned peaches. Maybe not.

More decluttering happened today, just a bit more than the bare minimum. In the middle of the night when I could not sleep, I went into the back bedroom where there is food. I saw a random trash bag on top of a box. Inside was the trash from the back bathroom that Oksana picked up from the closet floor when she cleaned the bathroom, bedroom and the closet back there. Goodness gracious. That was the end of April! I had no idea she left it in there. So, that bag will be filled to toss. 

My heart has been beating so erratically that I am weak. Most of this post I wrote before it started. Thankfully, we will have several dry days and then, still not much rain. 

Have you ever had anyone who was beating on mailboxes or destroying them where you have lived? 

 
 

Recipe: Garlic Herb Butter

 Tommy has always loved the garlic herb butter pat that comes with some vegetables. So, I decided to make some for him. I read the label to see what was in the butter concoction. I had no idea the measures or proportions, so I guessed. 

I was in no mood to dice garlic, so I used garlic powder. Next time, I will use both. Of course, you may put in herbs you prefer. 

Garlic Herb Butter

1/2 cup salted butter

 1/2 tsp Garlic

1/2 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp chive

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

3 shakes black pepper

I placed all this in a bowl and mixed with a spoon, using the back of the spoon. I kept the concoction on the counter in a covered bowl. He eats it on cold bread. I would toast a roll or bread spread with the butter mix. Of course, any herb or spice can be added or eliminated.

Saturday was hard. First, I had not had enough sleep. So, what else is new. Second, it was so hot. We went to Publix for cereal bogo, a2milk, and the participate in their tasting event. Tommy kept turning down different items. I had to remind him to take it and give it to me...lol. We had a taste of ice cream I certainly loved. It was Publix ice cream, lemon and blueberry. 

We brought the milk and something else back to the house. He brought us a sandwich back to the car. I devoured my half immediately. I have no idea why I left home without eating anything! 

Then, at Lowe's no one knew anything. All I wanted was the right fertilizer for blueberries. A customer told me loudly that I needed to google that, and she started to do it. I told here the guys were my google. Eventually, I had to leave the greenhouse because it was too hot for me. I was feeling sick from the heat. A manager never came for something else I needed. I had Tommy drive close so I could get right into the car, not drive across the parking lot to him. 

Then, we changed phones to another service. The guy got my photos from this present phone. That has been holding up this change of phone service. In all this, I searched for a bicycle cable lock for the grill, tank to attached it to the house. No luck. 

We went to the house in Bessemer that has the wonderful tomatoes--$4 for two tomatoes. Great price. 

Finally, we came home and I managed to cool off. The heat was brutal. I took a nap from 6-8 pm. Of course, this is just a Southern summer, nothing more than usual. It is just my age and health, I know. I reveled in the extreme heat all my life, and now??? 

THE END

How is the heat affecting you? 

Were you out in the heat today? Even in and out of ac?

Thoughts? Do you make a similar spread? 

I Just Could Not Help It

 Tommy knew I was joking. But, I hoped the doctor would appreciate my humor. I was in the dermatologist's exam room. I have complained about my left elbow that does not look too bad. However, it feels raw when I put it down on anything, especially the console in Tommy's car. The doctor has prescribed two things. Nothing has worked. I even keep a cloth to put on the console. That helps immensely. The point of my elbow looks a little scruffy, but not hardened or red or dark. However, it feels raw, like it might be bloody. 

This was the third time I had complained. And, no, this was an aside from my main reason for the appointment. He was looking on his laptop for a product he wished me to try for my elbow and another issue on my hand. As he was looking, he was talking and writing it down. He offhandedly mentioned it contained 'urea.'  My mind was turning as he was talking. I said with trepidation, worried he would think I was serious, "Can I just pee on my hand?" 

He replied with the fact that when he first heard of urea in med school, he was concerned about it. "It's not the same thing. But, I didn't know that." Well, I quickly told him I was joking. Tommy said he, too, knew I was not serious. It was just too good a line for me to pass up!

I joke like this with a straight face. People think I am funny or just dumb. I just had to share this with you. Have I embarrassed myself? 

Today, we had just enough gentle rain that Tommy only watered the plants on the porch. We had a chore and came home. I let him go in first so he could unlock the door. I got out of the car when he was inside. He went out to water a bit later, after I decided to take a nap. When I awoke, he told me I left the car running for 2.5 hours! Thankfully, I did not run all the gas out of the car.

The rain was just very local and light, no thunder or winds, so very nice for gardens. I think the blackberries are done for the year. Nothing seems to be happening on the blackberry plants. That will make maybe eight strawberries for the total harvest. I hope they do better next year. Five of the six canes look alive still. Maybe I will have seven blackberry plants next year. 

Dinner: Tommy had ham, corn, collards. I had a bit of Caprese Penne Pasta, couple of bites of roast beef, 1/4 cup mashed potatoes, 2 Tbsp gravy, and green beans and half a banana. There is enough of the roast beef and rest of that meal for Tommy. He won't eat the Caprese anything. It had pesto instead of whole basil leaves, so yummy. The grape tomatoes were delicious heated with the rest of the dish. I will have strawberries later.

I quit buying Red Delicious Apples at Publix. I bought a bag of Fuji, ate them without pleasure. I ate them for nutrients and fiber. Now, I have one large Granny Smith apple. It is tangy and tart! 

The list we made for Thursday, did not finish, added to for Friday, will now have additions for Saturday. It is all done eventually. 

Last night, when I could not sleep, I did a bit of decluttering and a bit of putting things in their place. I am the only one who can tell...lol. 

Tommy's favorite coffee mug says "I stole this cup from the desk of Matt Gentry."  There is a badge on the opposite side. Matt is the County Sheriff. He won this cup at a Christmas Party Dinner for seniors. I think it is cute he likes it. It helps me to convince him he does not need so many coffee cups. It's a decluttering tool. 

Do you ever say something so ridiculous in jest like peeing on your hand in lieu of urea? To your doctor? 

Thursday Blip

 Check out this clip. So cute! We watch this and laugh. There is sound as soon as it opens. You may have a hard heart if you don't enjoy this clip. Do you need a laugh?

I did not sleep a wink last night and had horrible dry heaves just as I went back to bed at 9 am. I yelled for Tommy as I could not stand for fear of falling. I had a bad experience an hour or so earlier where I was seconds from falling! I managed to get one finger on my walker without wheels that stays in the bedroom. I was really frightened. Finally, I slept. This afternoon, I drifted in and out of sleep in my chair. 

Of course, I accomplished nothing today--NOTHING! I had nothing planned, so all is well. If I get anything decluttered, it will be after this movie. I am watching the saddest movie I have ever seen--Cheyenne Autumn. I have seen sad movies, but this tops them all. It is about Cheyenne displaced and trying to return home. 

Whatever it was, I suppose it is over. I don't think I ate anything to cause this gastric distress. I do still carry around a tiny wastebasket everywhere I go in the house. 

It is still hot and dry. Tommy came in from watering and said it rained in downtown Birmingham. He was exasperated as well as sweating from his efforts. 

I tested myself by eating a can of tuna and MW on bread. It caused me no undue distress, thankfully. 

Dinner: Tommy had a portion of ham slice, corn, and collard greens. He opened two cans. I had baked chicken on Romaine, tomato, grated Parmesan Cheese, and Ranch Dressing. I still have not made a dressing yet. 

He went out after 7 pm to get more chopped Romaine. I think we might go to the house in Bessemer where the guy sells produce for more tomatoes tomorrow. It was great. I cut the small watermelon we bought at the Farmers Market last week. I took half to sit and eat. I could not finish it, so Tommy did. Then he said there was no room in the refrigerator for the rest, sitting on a plate with wrap covering the watermelon half. So, he cut it in half and put it in a storage bag. Good enough! Perfect!

We are making a list of things to do tomorrow out of the house. The only thing on the list for tomorrow so far is the return we did not make because we left the item at home. 

What is on the list/agenda at your house on Friday or Saturday? 

Wednesday Ads

 Today, we went for Tommy's milk and Romaine for me, well, for both of us. But, I am the one who misses it. Of course, today is the day to get the ads. I only found one thing--Kraft Medium Cheddar Cheese, four chunks of 8 oz each, for for $10. At $2.50 each, that is the best price in a long time. So, we got four chunks. 

The farmer's market was within 30 minutes of closing, so we bought yellow squash for $5. I purchased a lemonade strawberry drink. It was delicious. Tommy hates lemonade, so I cannot induce him to try it, but that is just more for me. 

I am searching for someone to empty the freezer with Tommy and I helping to get it sorted. There are somethings that need to be tossed, bananas, for one. And, there are things we do not want. The turkey is too much for us to handle! There may be two. Even though they were dirt cheap, we will never buy another turkey. We cannot bend to get this all picked up. We have to get it done quickly and not rest or stop. 

There is one person who might help, but he is interested in me, and not in a nice way. I am not in for having "fun." I am not a carnival ride. So, Tommy does not want him around. He is not jealous, just does not like his attitude. 

Today, I received 10 of my 12 sets of wings but they are half finished. That is another thing I need--a carpenter with right saw. That is a good news/bad news situation. 

The Double Q Salmon is still not in. The raincheck is only good for 10 more days. 

The temperature will be 97 all week, so this is a normal summer for us! Of course, we take precautions so as not to become overheated and overexposed to the heat. The thoughts of going to Death Valley were completely forgotten after my heart complications. I need to cruise to a hospital not to Death Valley. It would probably just cool off before I arrived. 

I am trying strategies to get myself asleep earlier. Last night, I managed to sleep before 8 am. I will keep working on this.

It appears that upon further examination, that the Kraft Cheese deal is the only thing that interests us in the three store ads. Too bad. I need another bscb sale. 

We will cut the tiny watermelon tonight! Or else!

Dinner: We each had 1/4th of the ham slice. It was over 1/2 inch thick. Tomorrow night, we can eat the other for dinner. Tommy had two small pieces of potato. We both had a salad with the Romaine and the tomato from the guy sitting at his curb selling tomatoes I figured came from Finley's market. No matter, the tomato was summery delicious. We kept forgetting to buy salad, so I was desperate for salad greens. 

Any sales at stores in your area this week?

Food and Freezing

 Tonight, we froze four one-quart bags of rhubarb. Each bag had three cups of rhubarb and 1/4 cup of sugar. There is a container of cooked rhubarb with three cups cooked with 1/4 cup of sugar. Those five helpings were $25. That is expensive but we won't buy more until next year. 

We went to the guy in Bessemer who sells produce from the curb today. I know he goes to the big Farmers Market and buys stuff. We paid $2 for a huge tomato. I meant to eat it for dinner but forgot. The cereal was near the 'use by' date. I worry it might go rancid if it is not eaten. 

We delivered food to the two guys. Today, I had six boxes of cereal I bought cheaply. But, even though it is granola and sounds nutritious, it has 48 grams of carbs in one small serving. So, along with rotel with chilies, they can have it. 

Tommy picked two more blackberries for me and put them in the bowl in the freezer. It will be a long time until I have even a half cup.

Dinner--small piece of chicken, 1/2 small potato, carrots, onions, Brussels sprouts. 

I washed a couple of things cluttering the counter space between the microwave and sink. I put the items where they should have been all along. The area is becoming more useful every day!

Somewhere, on a blog I read where a woman proudly wrote how she made a recipe keto. She said flour has carbs, but she ground oats into flour and made a keto dessert. She was someone who commented, not the food blogger. 

Now, I need to look over ads online. Tomorrow, we will get the ads from stores and see if there are any deals..

Tonight, we have watched Christmas movies. Such fun. We are watching the 1938 A Christmas Carol. Are you faring well in this heat? 

Erythritol and Heart Disease and Rhubarb: Update

Carlee Russel in Hoover admitted it was all a hoax--no child in a diaper on the interstate, no abduction, no help from anyone, all a lie. I do feel sorry for her, but the search for her was an expensive waste of resources. Her "abduction" made the national news  last week and so did her confession this week. 

 I will let the two links below speak for themselves. Since it was put in candy and gum, I have avoided it because of the gastrointestinal problems it caused. So, I suppose I should avoid it for my heart. Hopefully, I can find 100% stevia to use. Maybe there are no side effects with stevia.

Erythritol Risks

Erythritol side effects

Mayo Clinic on Eryrithol Mayo Clinic disagrees with the harm. But, I want to err on the side of caution.

Last night, I needed corn starch to put in the rhubarb. Tommy could not find it at all. So, I suggested he look in the dead zone between sink and microwave. He could not find it there, but managed to declutter it a bit. It looks like a smaller dead zone and neater, too. Now, it is up to me to find the corn starch elsewhere AND to further declutter the dead zone.

I cut almost 8 lbs. of rhubarb. Some, I cut against my thumb while trimming the ends. That got old fast. Today, I found a huge slit in my thumb with a flap of skin, no blood or sore. I knew it hurt when I was doing it. Since this had to be ordered and it is hot all over, I wonder from where it came. Is there a cold spot in Canada where it can thrive. It appeared to have been cut the day before. 

A woman saw it in my cart and asked if it was rhubarb. She was amazed and wanted to know where I got it and where the store ordered it. We both lamented that it won't grow here--too warm. 

I cut enough to fill a gallon bag and a quart, plus another two cups that I cooked. Tonight, I will blanch and freeze it in two cup bags. The cooked bit will go into a rhubarb crisp. No, not putting strawberries in it. While looking on the internet, I read that people often put apples in the rhubarb crisp instead of strawberries. 

Tonight, I will cook some more of the cheap bscb. Tommy tried to help and got out a baking sheet. No, not that, but never mind, just water the plants. So, he went back in and got out the crock pot. No, water the plants. I  will use a large two handled pot and boil it with lots of herbs and spices. 

EDIT: Nope, put it in cooking bag--two chicken breasts, potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts and onions, spices, and water. That was dinner. There is chicken leftvoer for another dinner.

Now, boiled chicken may gross out some people. But, it is tasty with many herbs and spices. Plus, we use it in dishes. As it is, it is perfect in a keto bread sandwich dressed with cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. Of course, I do use MW. Some will go on the grill since the daily storms and rains have let up for the week.

The weather is still mid-90s here, but the humidity is down to 60%. The lower humidity is a relief. And, no chance of rain until Saturday. It is much easier to breathe!

Do you cook strawberries or apple in rhubarb?

What is your experience with pure stevia? 

Things That Are No More

 There have been pretty good deals from the coupon machine in Walgreen's in the past. Well, I asked Tommy if he would go in, input our phone numbers and bring the coupons to me. So, there are no more machines--all online. Bummer. I won't be doing those. Now, I wonder if CVS still has a coupon machine. 

When he went into Belk's to return something for me, he said there were not many pretty dishes in the Home Dept. He was looking for something else I wrote down. It seems Macy's and Belk's no longer have a wedding registry. Since I was skeptical, I looked online. It seems there is some central registry to handle many stores. I don't like that either. I have found many sale items in the Home dept at Belk's. The woman told him to look for wedding registry at Lowe's or Home Depot. I have no idea. 

Add nickel candy bars and ten-cent Krystals to the list! Of course, those have been gone for decades. 

Have you found that Walgreen's coupon dispenser is no longer in your store?

Have you tried to use a bridal registry at a store and had to use a central registry that is for many stores? 

What other well-established entities or systems of our society are missing lately, probably never to return? 

Monk Fruit and More Decluttering

 

Two weeks ago when I did not feel like going into Publix, Tommy went in. I gave him a mission--buy monk fruit. He found it and read the labels to me. I chose Truvia. It does have erythritol. I tried it tonight in oats and like it. It does not have the aftertaste of other erythritol products. I only put one Tbsp in the oats and did not get a sugary dish like I like. I just ate it. 

The one thing I did notice was that when I took a sip of milk, there was an extreme sweet taste in my mouth. It was not at all unpleasant. The extreme sweet taste was in contrast to the taste of the sweetener in the oats. The extreme sweetness only lasted for a second as I drank milk. The aftertaste was short-lived and not at all like Stevia aftertaste.

I am happy with this product. However, if you have found one you like, I am open to suggestions, especially if it is pure monk fruit, if that even exists. I have not searched for that.

When I buy strawberries next, I will sprinkle a little on them cut up. Monk fruit sweeteners are very expensive! 

                                                             monk fruit

Decluttering the counter

I found three other items to take off the counter. I save glass and plastic containers and the peanut containers--tall, clear, and hard plastic containers from Planter's Peanuts. However, I do not hoard them, just a few of each kind. Three are off the counter. Now, I will decide their fate before they are saved unnecessarily. 

If there were light under the cabinets and if I could stand very long without pain, this would be a thirty-minute task.

One Planter's container sits with recycling to hold batteries we will recycle. 

Do you save plastic or glass to reuse later or recycle? 

Do you use monkfruit? 

What brand?

Do you like it or another sweetener? 

Mish Mash

 When we went to the Wednesday market, we bought peaches and watermelon. The peaches are white-flesh and the watermelon is a tiny thing, seedless, I suppose. We decided we might be able to get that into the house and cut. I would prefer a larger one. But, Tommy cannot carry it nor can I. Plus, the leftovers would be heavy, too. U am getting shakier by the day on my feet, so no use tempting fate. 

Tommy put it on the dining table in the dark and out of sight. So, we have forgotten it. That annoys me. Hopefully, it will still be good. He left it in the car when we came home, so not sure what hours of heat did to it and then ignoring it in here for four days. 

The peaches are not very good. I am sure if I were canning them, they would taste much better. They had sold the last baskets of the better tasting peaches as we came up. We saw the woman purchase them. 

The internet is filled with pink items for the Barbiecore movement afoot. There are even people dressing for attending the movie in pink. And, there are ads for what to wear. I like pink and it has nothing to do with Barbie. I am quite sure I don't fit in with the culture it promotes. Is Barbie pushing Princesses aside?

This VIDEO is about a family in Appalachia. There are other videos about the Whittakers, an inbred family. They get haircuts, go to walmart and show the photographer around their house and land. It is sad and fascinating.

I actually know someone, a family, actually where incest is rampant. The parents of one of these people promotes boyfriends/girlfriends from the time the kids are very small to try and not have the same thing happen in their nuclear family. And, they encourage teen marriages, I suppose to remove temptations. It is sick what they are doing too, just not incestuous. 

Do you know of an incestuous situation?

Purple Carrots and Barbiecore

 This is hot! At 10 pm, it was 90F. That is amazing. We stay in so we are not hot or suffering from any health issues from the heat. I feel so sorry for people not so fortunate. 

It was after 8 am before I could sleep. So, slept about five hours. However, I do not feel as awful as other days. I lay down for 20 minutes this evening before dinner was ready and went straight to sleep. I had told Tommy to wake me in 20 minutes, so he did. Otherwise, I would have slept for hours and then could not sleep again tonight. (the short nap was about 9, so did not need to sleep two hours.)

Tommy peeled potatoes. I cut out eyes and halved them. We put a turkey tender in a bag with potatoes, baby carrots, young carrots, and an onion. The young carrots were small not baby carrots. Well, they were baby carrots but not the kind made for snacking. We baked some of those, too. The young carrots were purple, yellow, and orange. Edit: I forgot to put Brussels sprouts in the bag.

Tommy is very happy when we have potatoes! He is eager to peel them. I did have a bit of potato, but I eat mine cold. 

No matter what we cannot do, we manage to cook, clean up dishes and kitchen. We try to have healthy meals and snacks and try not to buy prepared snacks often. My snack tonight was a glass of chocolate milk with a banana mashed in it. Then, I ate a few unsalted peanuts. 

My only other meal today was a chicken sandwich with cheese and MW on keto bread. Even if I stay awake all night, I never eat. 

I worry about the destruction of the Pfizer plant by a tornado in NC. Pending shortages sound dire. 

Every day, I take at least one thing from the kitchen counter and put it where it goes or toss it. I know this is not the way decluttering is supposed to be done, but this is the way it is happening. There is a space about two feet long or longer and front of the counter to the wall that is stacked. It is not to be thrown out, just organized elsewhere. I have no idea how all this has been the resting place for canning rings and flats and other things. And, I am solving that problem, one little thing at a time. 

I even decided to get rid of 6 boxes of granola cereal. It has 46 carbs and 3 grams of fiber. I am keeping one box and giving away 6. So there. It is delicious, however. 

The Barbie movie is on my list of things to do! We will wait for a few weeks to avoid crowds. Of course, I will wear the hot pink shoes I bought last September. When Tommy went in to Belk's to return something to me, I just happened to mention Barbiecore. He said in every dept on at least one counter there were displays of pink items. That is when I told him about Barbiecore and the movie. We have not been to a movie since 2019.  

Do you have a particular spot, like the place on the counter, that seems to get cluttered faster than other places?

Are you going to see the Barbie movie? 

Have you ever had purple carrots? 

Is Bamboo Sustainable? NO

While this article does not specifically mention bamboo, it foes address deforestation.

 deforestation

This biggest problem with bamboo is the way that it is typically farmed. Due to increasing popularity, large areas of land are being cleared to be planted with bamboo. This can lead to the displacement of wildlife and a decrease in the biodiversity of existing ecosystems.When bamboo is planted as a crop it’s also often done so as a monoculture. This means only bamboo is planted and all other varieties are removed.

Monocultures create problems for fungi, bacteria, insects and other smaller animals who rely on a diverse ecosystem for nutrition and habitat. 

The above article that is referenced below is very comprehensive. Please read more than I have copied above.

Is bamboo sustainable

This article is long, so that is enough for today. I have read families are forced to give up their gardens they grow as a family and cannot get what they need from forests because they are forced by the government with few economic incentives. 

I always get excited about bamboo items, like the toothbrushes. In the end, I decide to avoid bamboo for the sake of the planet and its occupants.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, we were going to Cullman for two events I did not want to miss. However, when I heard Tommy up at about 7:30, I told him to call at 9 and say we would not be there. Finally, I got to sleep about 9 am. 

We went to pick up the three store ads, and there is nothing really good to buy. We stopped at the farmer's market and bought white-fleshed peaches and a little watermelon, the one-person size. We can get it to house, on counter, sliced, and stored. I really want a large one that has sat in the sun and is nice and warm to eat. 

The casserole last night was bland because I forgot to add seasoning. I was trying to rescue the food from what Tommy was doing and not doing.  I ate mine still needing flavor. He salted his. Tonight, I added garlic powder and garlic powder, and mine was very tasty. 

While I was at it, I made herb butter after dinner'. To butter, I added herbs, mashed it, mixed it, and now it is sitting to meld and for Tommy to try. I can add another TBSP of butter or more herbs. It is too spicy for Tommy, so I will add another half-stick of butter. When it is right, I will publish my recipe.

How do you flavor butter? 

What are your thoughts on bamboo?

Death Valley and Cutting Hair

 These two topics have absolutely nothing to do with each other. 

I absolutely want to go to Death Valley to feel the record-breaking heat. Neither of us can drive that far. Tommy would fund it. I am ready to go, just need a driver. At least, there would be no humidity. Right? Have you ever been to Death Valley? Experienced heat so high? I/We would leave tomorrow. I want to take my picture by the thermometer...really, I want to experience the heat. 

Today, I managed to do one more thing on my 8-item list I made on Sunday. I cut Tommy's hair. He was worse than a two-year-old! We are laughing now, but it was bedlam earlier. But, I can no longer stomp around in frustration...lol. 

Since I am not going outside the cut his hair and no one is going to sweep hair from the kitchen floor, we worked on carpet. He got a sheet from the car and spread it out. Most of the sheet is back near his chair and not out front in a more open area to work. He assures me it will be okay. Okay, we will start.

Then, he got a towel to put around his shoulders, the thickest towel he has. Last time, he used the same towel and pulled it up around his neck where I could not see the bottom of his hair, much less get electric clippers in place to cut. AAAGH!!! He got all ready with a roll of towel around his hair. I told him to feel how his hair was covered up. So, he flipped his neck hair out like a woman or person with longer hair... but straight out. He thinks i can cut that way because his lady barber did. NOOOO!

So, this led to much screaming by both of us. He refused to use anything thinner. He swears that the barber uses a towel up close, yes, a thick, big towel. He says none of them use a drape like they use on women. I do not believe a word of this. And, he refused to just keep wearing the tshirt he was wearing. 

Then, he just threw the towel down and let the hair fall on him. Fine. So, I cut it, almost falling, almost passing out. It was easy but hard. He is fine with the length, one length all over. I put the trimmer too high on his neck and hate the way it looks but he says it is okay. Whew. He said it is too short on top. It is always too long or too short somewhere. He really likes the length of the sideburns. One time, I forgot to cut one side. I am not a professional, but I pretend to be one when I get scissors in my hand. 

Any haircut is better than him going back to his lady barber. Tommy is no way balding, just thinning hair. Yet, she makes a low part about a half inch above his ear with long hair combed up. He looks ridiculous when he makes a part, gets it wrong and he had three-inch hair hanging over his ear. He thought it looked fine and would not let me redo it. 

I asked him how it felt when I first finished. He said it was not so heavy. Then, later, he said he could "feel air blowing through my ears." His scalp and ears would burn now with no hair to protect them. 

He is in the kitchen making white sauce on his own. Usually, I get out the skillet, spatula, butter, flour, and milk, measuring it all. Today, I just sent him in. I am making a familiar casserole with new recipe I am making in my head. I just found him stirring in a skillet with a metal spoon...all this time. It is a pot that cannot take metal spoon stirring.

Both our casseroles have 1/2 cup of white sauce, 1/2 can of sodium free chicken soup, less than 1/2 cup of brown rice, onions, green beans, broccoli, dried parsley, and water. Mine will have cheese. These are two servings in each square, glass SnapLock dishes. I am using the whole package of frozen broccoli. It could be healthier, I suppose, but don't bother telling me. 

Well, he went rogue and put one of the casseroles is a glass dish with no Pam! Plus, it needed more water for the rice. So, that was sort of a redo for the one casserole that was mine. Plus, I needed to put cheese in before it was stirred. 

The reason I mixed these separately and baked in separate dishes is because he hates cheese in this and I want it.  The green beans I put in were left from two nights ago, the French Cut ones. 

He is a great help with cooking, but sometimes.....

I have never seen John Wick and I love Keanu Reeves. So, we are watching that tonight. 

Have you ever seen a large, thick bath towel in a barber shop? 

Don't they use the capes hairdressers use? 

Sleepy Monday

 When I awoke Monday morning at about 11 am, I had slept for less than three hours. So, you can imagine how the day went. Not well. I had a list of about 8 things to accomplish. I managed to get one thing done. Oh, I found a phone number right under my nose after I searched most of the day. 

The cardinals need to be assembled. Then, I will paint. So, I had four cans of red spray paint. One bird was painted with one can. I hated the color. I used another can for Christmas decorations. That was awful. Somehow, I bought an identical, yet larger can of the Christmas paint. That means I only had one new color red. 

I went out, put a scrap of wood on a box and sprayed a test patch. They are still in the yard since we went somewhere later. Testing the paint colors was the one thing on the list I managed to accomplish!

The cable went out about 4 pm, so that was frustrating. We talked, laughed, did a few things around the house. Finally, we went to McD to use the wifi and watched a bit of news and funny videos as we ate a burger. That was dinner. We will eat double vegetables tomorrow. The cable and wifi was on by the time we came home at 6 pm. 

We did stop by Publix to see if the Double Q Salmon was in yet since we have a rain check. No luck. I can eat a whole can of salmon plain. I love the little bones. I can smell the salmon croquettes right now. 

Tommy bought Breyer's Mango ice cream. It tasted like poison. We don't know who might like it and would take open ice cream. It will be poured down the sink. I refuse to eat calories and carbs that I hate. I can eat 1/4 cup and be satisfied, but I refuse. 

Today, a bit of decluttering occurred, just a bit. And, I hung dark clothes that Tommy washed for me. 

Tomorrow, if all goes as planned, I will use some of the chicken to make a casserole. I found frozen broccoli in the freezer. I will make two tiny casseroles so we can each have the ingredients we like. Plus, the casseroles will both be for two meals for each of us. I will put purple cauliflower in mine, maybe Tommy's, too, if he is amenable to it. 

By the way, the man who complained loudly every time I mentioned putting pimiento into anything, now likes it. I just don't add the liquid from the jar. I put some into a chicken casserole, and he did not say word in protest at the addition. 

I considered taking a nap but decided to power through until after the news at 10 pm. I yawned until the news was over and went straight to bed and fell asleep immediately. Well, at 12:30 I had to go to the bathroom and could not sleep! So much for getting an early start on a good night's sleep. It is 3 am, and I cannot sleep. 

This was a long post for so little to say! It is almost 4 am, so I may go to bed and try to sleep. 

Who is up at 4 am today?

Crest and Oral B Have a New Way to Recycle Toothbrushes

 I really hate waste, yet I do use things that must be disposed of in the trash. Yes, I have mixed feelings on waste. However, I hate throwing away dental related items. 

There are always at least five toothbrushes in use. One is for my teeth. Two are under the kitchen sink for cleaning the kitchen or sink. The other two are under the bathroom sink for cleaning in the bathroom. I have one toothbrush in the glove compartment and one in my purse. That makes seven in use. 

The massive amounts of floss and containers hurts to throw away. Then, I found a way to recycle these and the excess toothbrushes after the five I keep. 

Recycle oral hygiene products

Dinner: leftover chopped salad, shaved steak, leftover Brussels sprouts. Tommy said these were the best Brussels sprouts we have had. These were in plastic bag from produce counter, so fresh and not frozen. I cut the tough end from them. It certainly made it easier to eat them. The tough end always is so annoying. The steak went into the oven in foil. It was almost like Arby' meat. Tommy put his in an onion roll. I put Horsey Sauce from Arby's on mine but had forgotten about the onion rolls! 

I had strawberries, grapes, and half a banana later. 

Saturday night, I saw how Tommy gets so much water on the counter and floor. He was washing a cookie pan we use in the oven but not for cookies. As he washed and rinsed several times, front and back, he always turned it to the front and poured much water on the counter front and side AND the floor. I did not say a word. 

I learned the hard way very young to contain water and not let it slop out of the sink onto me, the front of the counter, the floor, and, most importantly--the wood fronts of the cabinet doors. 

Will this program help you to recycle more easily or better? Will you recycle using this site? The site has other dental recycling programs, also.

Does the tough stem end of Brussels sprouts annoy you?

Chip Clip and Pens

 I have never purchased a chip clip. Nor has Tommy. He uses binder clips from his work days. I use clothes pins. When I cannot find a clothes pin, I use a paper clip. Recently, I was stressed out looking for something to hold a bag closed. I spotted my cup with ink pins. Yes! A clip on the ink pen held the package closed. That pen worked well for about a week. I love it when inspiration saves the day. 

Speaking of ink pens--I can never find one when I need it. Tonight, I found about ten on my bedside table. Now I need to put all but one back in my pen cup. We had several in the console in the car. But, now the only ones there do not work well. Tommy says they do. But, I beg to differ. So, I let him write what needs to be written. 

We knew it was going to rain, but we had things to do. We rushed home as well as we could. Actually, we did what we needed. I did rush in the house, wanting to put two burgers on the grill. I told Tommy as he came in to turn on the tank of propane. He said, "NO!" I kept insisting we could grill fast. Then, it thundered. So, the hamburgers went in the oven. 

The rain meant Tommy did not have to water the plants. But, the wind was so ferocious that I thought my hanging plants were going to blow away. Since he did not water, he did not pick blackberries. I gave him a SnapLock container that holds six ounces for him to put the next ones in so he won't have to push his walker and hold blackberries in his palm. 

Dinner Friday night--Burger in oven, potato salad, chopped salad for both of us. No bun for either. No condiments for me. I did not boil eggs yet, so no eggs in the potato salad. He hates eggs. There is little left, but maybe I will get one egg boiled for that last bit. 

The ads were disappointing this week. Tommy only circled the Dole salad mixes. Maybe that includes slaw. 

This last week, Tommy went into Belk's to get something for me in the Home section. There were few items. The clerk told him Belk's is closing out the Wedding Registry as in Macy's and other stores. She said Home Depot and Lowe's have a Wedding Registry. How sad. It seems that the registries are still in place, so this is a plan in the making. I really hate that because I bought as much or more from the Home section than I bought shoes and clothing. 

We saw a yard sale, and I had Tommy go back. I barely made it to the first table where I thought I saw towels. These were a good deal, huge bath sheets for only $3. They were very thick and appeared to be used little. I passed them up, however. I could not walk to get to other tables and items. 

Right now, there are two large bscb in the crockpot. I need to take that out before we go to bed. Oregano is the only seasoning I used. On Saturday, I will cook fresh Brussel's sprouts. 

I managed to eat about 1/3 of the loaf of Nature's Own Keto Bread. It is nasty, too thick and hard to bite and chew. Plus, the top crust is really bitter. So, I have gone back to Arnold's Keto with seeds. Granted, it more expensive but a better experience plus, fewer carbs. I tried.  I wonder what happened to the font size.

Saturday morning--I took the two bscb from the crockpot and put directly into the refrigerator on Friday night. They came out in pieces because they were so tender. I will freeze them today. 

The plan is pork chops on the grill, but I don't know what the weather has planned! There is leftover slaw and potato salad. I will be cooking Brussel's sprouts in a pouch on the grill. I need to slice tomatoes. So, that works. 

Tommy brought in one blackberry. All the others he said were hard and tiny! 

This week we will have high 90s. I think I might have impressed it upon Tommy that, yes, he, too, can get overheated. I have seen him drinking more water this past two weeks rather than coffee and Diet Coke.

Do you buy chip clips? What do you use in the place of a chip clip?

Do all your pens seems to end up in one place? Where?

White Paint and Doctors Who Did Me Wrong

 White paint could cancel climate change. White Paint Could Cancel Climate Change I wonder. 

About seven or eight years ago, I went to a new doctor. I went into the wrong building and had to hurry to get to the right building on time, walking really fast. When I got to the office, a nurse took my blood pressure immediately. I told her it would read high and it did, almost dangerously so. 

The doctor told me my bp was high and he was going to give me something for bp. I asked if it he could have the nurse take it again since I was rushing when it was taken and now I am rested and heart not racing. He refused. I asked again. He said, "No." He had records for knee and back that I had had sent to him. I asked about getting a car tag and hang tag for handicapped parking. As he walked out the door, he said, "NO, you need to park as far from Walmart as possible, out near the road, and walk. And quit drinking Mt. Dew!" So, he insulted me, pegging me as a frequent WalMart shopper who drank Mt. Dew. I don't need denigration from medical personnel.

With that he was fully out the door and shut it hard, just short of slamming. I have to admit I hated that man. When I left immediately after he did, I quietly asked the nurse sitting in the hall if she could take my bp. She whispered yes with her head down and lips pursed. My blood pressure was something like 85/55. It always ran low. I asked the nurse could she record that number. She gave me a small, sly smile and said, "Yes." 

In the same group of doctors was one who was convinced I was a lesbian. He warned a young girl about me. Well, he had seen me, a woman driving a young woman around and suspected the worst. I mean, now why else would a 65-year-old-woman be in the same car with a 25-year-old-woman unless to have a relationship? I had gone to a food bank and took the young woman with autism. She declared after our second encounter that I was her only friend! Her mother was furious when she heard what the doctor said and came and gave the doc 'what for' at the church that morning. He told me never to come to that church again because they were "not going to support my lifestyle." So, I think something the anti=lesbian doctor put on my chart must have colored the opinion of the first doctor. You easily can guess what Southern church this was. 

Several years earlier, I was so ill--head, ears, chest, throat. When I went to doctor in same group, he ordered blood drawn. I asked why. He said to see what is wrong with you. Well, he gave me nothing, and did not examine throat or listen to chest. Two days later, his nurse called and said my blood sugar was high and something else, forgot what. I said I thought that I was supposed to be fasting for the blood sugar test. She was surprised and asked if I had just eaten. I said yes. She scoffed and said, "All that blood test said was that you had just eaten." Still, I was given nothing for the temp, cough, and head congestion. 

I went to a urologist with pain in flank. He asked me what the pain in front under my ribs felt like. When I said it was like my liver was twisting, he ridiculed me and said in a nasty tone, "Well, I can assure you that your liver is not twisting. I was having lots of left-side pain and problems is the reason we went from flank to front area. I never went back. 

No one can figure out why I have pain on right side of my body/trunk. This is chronic pain and makes me writhe. Tommy has quit being concerned because it's just me again...lol...screaming or gasping because of the pain.

I don't shop for doctors. I persist when I have a problem. When I went to my gyn he believed me and acted quickly. I told him I had cancer and he believed me but sent me to specialists and I did have cancer. A gynecological oncologist operated. I saw him a couple of weeks ago. 

One doctor spotted my thyroid problem. I had just had another specialist choking me to check a problem two weeks before. Well, I asked him after thyroid surgery if he had not felt the lumps. He said he had but they were small. I did inform him that it was serious two months after his exam. After removal, they were the kind that always becomes cancerous. 

What did you think of the painting everything super-white idea? I am for it. I can wear sunglasses. 

Have you had encounters with doctors that leave you floored and not diagnosed? 

Have you been insulted by a doctor's assumptions about your or your life? 

Thursday Blackberries

 When I boiled the 7 or 8 chicken breasts, I decided to season them with many seasonings. Tommy was going to bring me the little jars and a bowl for me to make a concoction of spices to dump into the pot. 

I used in varying amounts:

salt, pepper, basil, dry mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, parsley, ground sage. I love sage-y chicken or turkey. But, that is a taste for Thanksgiving. 

Wednesday night, I had chicken and more than half a can of green beans and raw purple cauliflower. After I ate some chicken, I took the rest, shredded it and had an onion roll chicken sandwich. I put just a bit MW in it. Tommy had tomato, chicken and something else.

The chicken was not just boiled chicken. All the seasonings made it delicious, but subtle. I can add it to anything I cook. 

By the way, I love purple cauliflower. It lasts longer and stays pretty longer, both a plus. I am turned off by brown cauliflower or even bits of brown that I know is just oxidation. Since it was only $2 for a huge, fresh head, I will be looking for purple cauliflower again. 

Tonight, I am boiling potatoes for potato salad that will not be ready for dinner. Of course, I mix the onion and boiled potatoes while potatoes are hot to infuse the potatoes with onion. I still have Vidalia onions to use. 

Dinner Thursday night: bought meatballs, green beans, raw cauliflower florets. Tommy will have potatoes with onion in them. He likes this simple meal. Of course, it is just the beginning of potato salad. Dinner for me: boiled potatoes, 3 meatballs, more than half a can of green beans that were drained, soaked in fresh water, and then drained again.

Speaking of green beans, Tommy opened a can of French Cut Green Beans. I hate the French Cut. I eat them anyway. I did discover they are best in green bean casserole. Now, I have to eat the rest of these nasty beans!

Tommy picked four blackberries and brought me three. Maybe I need to freeze these until I have a cup or so to make something. Some are very bitter and some are sweet. I am not sure why the difference. They are very black and ripe. We will have five more plants for next year since five of the six cane pieces took when stuck in a pot. They still survive. He may have gotten the sixth one upside down. 

Today, Tommy saw a huge yellow butterfly visiting the flowers, especially the wildflowers and the one hummingbird feeder. Then, a hummingbird visited all the flowers and the feeder. He said he stood very still so as not to disrupt their feeding and so he could enjoy them. I enjoy seeing the bees in the clover.

Do you ever get just a couple of blackberries and save them for a larger portion for jelly, or tiny cobbler? 

Do you have a preference for cut green beans or French cut? Or, does it vary with how you eat them or in a recipe? 

It is Serious

 Trying to find answers led me to make a trip of 60 miles to go to AFC. They have a new receptionist that is a witch. She was talking so disrespectful to me. I raised my voice a bit and she turned victim and said she did not have to take this. And, she left. She had brought something to me and was explaining one part of the sign in I filled out on a pad or something. 

I am lucky enough to have gotten a very nice and efficient nurse practitioner. She was puzzled as to why I was there and not in a cardiologist office. Why did I not go to the cardiologist? Why did my family doctor not take care of this? You came from Birmingham to here? 

"Can you wiggle your toes a little?" This when I complain about not being able to walk for exercise and having swollen legs and feet. Family doctor I chose. 

"I am not the help center for the universe!" From a cardiologist when I asked which specialist to see about the extreme swelling in my legs and feet and large swollen middle. Tommy heard him yell this!

"It is your size that makes you feet swell so." from doctor when I said I need to get the swelling down somehow.

"You just have lipedema." From nastiest nurse practitioner I have seen. "So, what do I do?" "Lose weight." ???

The nurse practitioner from AFC wants me to see an internalist. I called back and the nasty receptionist gave me grief. But, the wonderful nurse named Pam, came to the phone and helped me. When I was there and complained about her actions, no one defended her. However, glances were exchanged. So, maybe she won't be there next time I go. 

I knew I could get help at AFC. I was not disappointed with the quality of care. Other patients were having trouble with the receptionist, too.

I have been going to doctors in three major health centers. This is not out in the boondocks where they ship in sunshine. I have never changed doctors lightly! 

While in Cullman, I went to bank, staggered in and got my business done. And, we had Chicken Salad Chick. We both had a scoop and soup. We brought drinks from home. Me--loaded baked potato soup and Classic Carol scoop of chicken salad. Tommy--loaded baked potato soup and Fruity Fran scoop. I wanted to have this once a month, but he said every three months. Now, I have to wait until October to go there again unless I can think of a good reason. Hey, my birthday is in September. That sounds like a great reason to dine there again.

Have you ever had such a bad run of doctors? I show up, submit to tests, and still get nothing done. Well, something is done, but this latest serious predicament may not see me live through it. Am I just an old lady not worth helping or saving?

Calendulas

 I am too tired to finish the post I wanted to publish tomorrow.

The little protuberances on the outside of the calendula flowers are called ray florets. They are the petals that surround the central disk of the flower. The disk florets are the small flowers in the center of the flower head. They are tubular and yellow or orange in color. The ray florets are sterile and do not produce seeds. They are used to attract pollinators such as bees and

 butterflies.

what are the little protuberances on the outside of the calendula flowers - Search (bing.com)

I noticed these and thought them so strange. Do you have calendulas?

Grab It Tight?

 When I heard Tommy saying this frantically, I looked at him because he was shaking all over and frantically repeated the phrase several times. I had to decided to rebandage his foot since he had just gotten dressed after taking a shower. What on earth was wrong with him? Why all the shaking and grimacing, sort of smiling? 

Well, he finally let me know I was tickling him. "Where," I asked, still clueless. Well, he said my fingernail on the bottom of his foot and sides, tickled him. 

Goodness gracious. I really don't think I had fingernails on his feet, just a gentle touch, supporting his foot while I tended to it. Actually, I was not supporting his foot, just touching it as I worked. I did grab it finally and he quit being tickled and quit quivering. When I sat down, I laughed until tears filled my eyes. 

When I was young, I was not allowed to hit my sister who was three years younger. So, when she annoyed me, I would approach her with an index finger pointing to her, saying, "I am going to tickle you" in a little, teasing voice. She would just go crazy. Yet, I never touched her. It was so funny. I still delight in obeying my mother and making my sister sorry without a bit of malice in my actions. The last time I did that, she and I were in high school. Wonderful memories...lol. 

The knife cut on his foot looks much better and does not appear to be getting infected. I ordered a 12-pack of colored stretch bandage from Amazon. I chose orange for him because he is an Auburn fan. The pink is for me. 

The first thing I grilled was hamburgers. I had a package with enough for two large burgers. I had a cheeseburger and Tommy had a burger with ketchup, mustard, and relish. 

Tommy will be grilling soon even though he has never grilled and is adamant he never will. How do I know? I just do. He has never done most of the things he does around here now. He was certain he would not use the dishwasher. Now, he can put things in, start it, and empty the dishwasher. I never tell him to do it. I just talk about why I am doing what I am doing, sort of like you would do with a child in the kitchen. AND, I am not likening him to a child. 

The one thing he has trouble with is placing glasses and cups between the prongs on the upper shelf of the dishwasher. He is certain that I am wrong, that people place glasses over the prongs to keep them from falling over. But, he did change the way he does it now because I showed him how the water will knock glasses into each other. 

We went to Belk's to return something--failed mission, and to pick up something--another failed mission. More later. 

We stopped by the bread store on the way home so I could buy cheaper keto bread. It does not look like it will taste good. But, I will give it a chance. 

None of the Publix have the Double Q salmon. Apparently, the stores have given out quite a few rain checks. The store in Trace Crossings is the fanciest Publix I have ever seen! But, they have no salmon. Bummer. 

Then I took a nap and grilled at sunset. Thankfully, the humidity is at a comfortable level. So, I did not suffer at all. I also did not stand long at all. I stepped out the door four times--to put burgers on, to turn burgers over, the mash my burger, and to bring them in. So, very little standing. Yay for me. Plus, I browned the burgers instead of burning them. Burnt meat=carcinogens. 

Who is most fun for you to tickle now or earlier?

Who is/was the designated griller at your house?

What is your favorite food to grill?

Susie and Blackberries

 First of all, does anyone know anything about susie@persimmonmooncottage? The last thing she said anywhere that I read was that she was having trouble with a place infected on her leg that is swollen. Or, something like that. Susie, are you here? How are you? 

Of course, it is raining with thunder and lightning again. Tommy is pleased he will not have to water...again. The weather is so muggy. The guy from Lowe's came by between rains and showed me how to start the grill. It seems the left side must be fired up first. There is nothing in the directions stating this, however. I was doing it right, just need to start with left burner, it seems. 

As it happens, we have two packages of ground beef thawing along with two packages of bscb. I have heard of people boiling the chicken before grilling. I think I will do that. I may make burgers from the ground beef, not sure, but I would like some for the freezer, cooked and chopped for spaghetti. 

I have another apple that is rotten in the middle. I am tired of this. I do take them back since they are too numerous and expensive. Maybe I will switch from Red Delicious to Granny Smith apples. 

After we got the ad on Tuesday and we both looked at it, Tommy told me about the carrot bar cake and key lime pie. He went in and got both? 

The Double Q salmon did not come to the store, so we had to get a raincheck. We are on our last gallon of vinegar, so we need to determine the lowest price and buy another ten gallons. 

What good deals have you found this week?

Do you know all about black raspberries and blackberries? 

Does anyone know anything about how Susie is doing?

Tonight, my head does not have much brainpower. I finally fell asleep at 8 am this morning and only slept four hours. Between the lack of sleep and asthma symptoms, I feel braindead and miserable. 

I have been having the hardest time finding blackberries without the hard center. I hate that center. I knew I had bought blackberries that are hollow in the center. So, of course, I went to the internet to solve my confusion. As it turns out, blackberries always have the hard center. However, black raspberries are hollow, just like raspberries. So, all this time, I have been eating black raspberries! Has this confused you? It appears a foley mill would solve my problems with the centers/core. 

Well, that is what I found on the internet. Is there a variety of blackberries that do not have the core? 

I Snagged a Neighbor

 He usually takes Tommy garbage can to the road and brings it back. He was returning it to us. I had things to say and questions. He told us two weeks ago he was going to drive his bus RV to the northwest two weeks ago. Well, the story is he became ill in Arkansas, returned home, tried again and never made it out of Alabama even though he was going to be gone six weeks. While he was here, I asked him about the grill. I was doing it right! However, he said the gas was not coming out right. He used a lighter. He told me to get one of the long lighters, which I can do. The guy from Lowe's has offered to come by, so I think I will take him up on the offer. 

At the store, Tommy went in and purchased $20.02 or 11.18 lbs. of boneless skinless chicken breasts. I told him to get at least ten pounds and ask for still-frozen packages. He said they were all frozen rock-solid. I suppose the meat guys had restocked the meat counter before they left for the day.  Four packages are still in the refrigerator and two are in the freezer. My back was hurting badly before I made more room. If I can clear out more room, I will get more bscb before the ad ends. 

If I can get two more packages in the freezer before they thaw, I will. Otherwise, I will bake the four packages and freeze one breast to a bag. Yes, I will need to clean out more of the freezer. I found a frozen package of American cheese, about an inch thick pack. Tommy was screaming that there was some in the refrigerator...lol...well, now there is more. 

At Publix I saw what appeared to be a mother and her three children. The mother could not take her eyes off her phone. The teen had his eyes glued to his phone. A five-year-old little girl was carrying a fat little baby that looked to be young enough not to be walking. The teen boy ran into the little girl carrying the baby. He was engrossed in his phone. The little girl stumbled, almost falling down with the baby. The baby was being tossed to and fro like a rag doll as the little girl stumbled and valiantly tried to regain her footing and thankfully did. And, all this was in the front of the store in the road! My heart stopped! 

Between an inhaler and guaifenisen, I hope to get my breath back. I was too weak and feeling breathless to go in the store. Really, I need to use two inhalers, maybe three different ones. 

When we came home and exited the car, the air was so much more comfortable for me to breathe. It must have rained around here since it is not so hot. 

I suppose we will cook the steak in a skillet tonight. 

I bought Truvia Monk Fruit. It was bogo, so this is a cheap way to try it. I wanted just Monk Fruit. However, this has erythritol. Well, Tommy brought it from my list.

He washed my towels and such, so I have to hang those up no matter how I feel. 

Every year, I refresh my stock of school supplies. It just seems the right thing to do for fall. I now have Crayola Washable Markers. As I see sales, I will get other items. Many of the items, I will give away. 

Dinner: Tommy will have steak, potatoes, carrots, maybe tomato. I will have steak and a can of green beans.

Do you still buy school supplies at the back-to-school sales? What do you buy? 

Do you juggle items in the freezer to add a good buy?

Do you see frightening instances of phones almost causing accidents or actually causing accidents? 

Di

Toe Towel

 

                                             17" toe towel and covers

Today is International Kissing Day. Celebrate! Not with toe towels!

We are still eating leftovers and there is no complaint from either of us. However, we made a grocery list after looking over the three ads. We were going to go this afternoon but waited too late. It started raining. So, the plan is to go tomorrow. 

BSCB are $1.79 at The Pig. I just hope they are not all gone tomorrow. Double Q Pink Alaskan Salmon is bogo $4.49, Monk Fruit sweetener is bogo and expensive. 

The KoolAid needed a cup of sugar. I did not put a cup of Swerve, maybe 3/4 cup. It is incredibly sweet. Tommy is okay with it. 

I love canned salmon. The last time I made salmon croquettes, I ate half the can before I cooked! I really want to put salmon in scrambled eggs. I loved that when I was a child. 

We did not try to start the grill today and I still need to dress Tommy's wound. I could not sleep until 8 am this morning, then did not sleep enough and have just felt rotten and listless all day. Asthma has caused me to cough uncontrollably. However, I have done just a bit of decluttering. 

Swerve makes the KoolAid palatable. I will try monk fruit sweetener next time. Tommy is okay with it. I was coughing and deleted the rest of this paragraph, and I have no idea what it said!

The people with fireworks must have shot them all because all is quiet tonight.

Today, my toe and foot towel came. CLICK HERE for description. It is long enough I can reach between my toes! And it has little removable covers to help wash or dry toes. I ordered one for Tommy and he has no idea where it is. He can share this one if he does not lose mine, too. 

Tommy will not believe me that the sewer line is getting clogged again. Tonight, it would not flush a bit of solid. Last time, he waited until we had to wait three days without flushing. And, that was after it came up in the commode and spewed out from under the commode. He will never learn. He forbade me to put salt in the commode aand flush it. I did it surreptitiously for about two weeks and got tired of the stress. There is a dogwood tree right near it the line, so that really needs to come down. It is misshapen, ugly, and dying, but he wants it. 

Do you ever use a toe towel or something similar to wash and dry between toes? 

Have the fireworks stopped at your house?

No Grill and Frying Squash and Kool Aid

 When I unwrapped Tommy's foot, it appeared okay so far. When I mention doctor, ER, amputation, death, sepsis, and blood infection, he scorns it all. He asked, "Why do you have to think of the worst things possible?" Well, it could be because you scoff at any injury or infection and the need to care for it. 

If I even scrape my leg the least bit, I put antibiotic on the scratch and watch it. He wipes away blood and says it will be okay with no washing, covering, antibiotic, nothing. Now, earlier in my life, I was not so meticulous. Now, I feel I have to be. 

We sat around a few minutes after I cleaned, medicated, and bandaged his foot. Then, he wondered aloud how the carpet should be cleaned. I have oxyclean carpet cleaner in a spray bottle. I tried using it on an old stain once, and it did nothing. I sprayed the oxyclean on the half-dozen stains, we let it sit, and I tried to blot and scrub. Not much came out. Then, I did it again. I had bought a long handled scrub brush for the outside of the commode. He took that and scrubbed and most came out. We let it dry and vacuumed it. Now, we have light spots where we had stains. 

The carpet is beige and rarely even vacuumed. So, I don't think we took away color. I think we just cleaned the round stain spots. 

I still have not tried the grill lighter today. But, I will even though we are not going to grill. We want to see Driving Miss Daisy and Gone With The Wind. So, we have plans from 7 pm until 1 am. We will have more of the pork and squash with onions. Tommy may have other items, too. Okay, we tried the grill. 

When I watch GWTW, I usually am more interested in the architecture than the actors. I am fascinated. I think I saw this first when I was six-years-old because Mama wanted me to see it. Of course, she had seen it when it first came out. 

We went out about 4 pm to get grocery ads, Tommy's med, and milk. It was so humid and hot. As I got into the car, my glasses steamed up. Today and yesterday, according to the experts, are the two hottest days ever. I believe it. 

This humidity along with heat and outdoor air pollution is causing me to have asthma problems. It is hard to breathe, hard to stop the wheezing. This weather suffocates me! 

I don't want to use the oil or expend my time standing or energy to fry squash. So, I have cut the squash and onions (last week). I put them in a bowl, salted and peppered them and sprinkled some cornmeal over it all. Now, I will put it in a skillet with a bit of oil and "fry" it. It is not quite the same as fried squash, but it has the taste. 

I used about a Tablespoon of oil and a heaping Tablespoon of cornmeal. There is less corn meal and oil. They were delicious.

I made KoolAid and thought it was an artificially sweetened version. No, nothing, no sweetness at all. It was yucky, so I choked and tried to spit it out. It went up my nose. So gross. I can still feel it hours later. I have Swerve, but need to find it. 

Dinner--Tommy had pork roast, last of pork and beans, squash and onions. I had pork roast and squash and onion.

Now, I have been watching Driving Miss Daisy and GWTW. Yes, I know they depict racism. 

Is it terribly hot where you are? 

When was the last time you had KoolAid? 

Tommy Dropped a Sharp Knife on His Foot

 The weather was fit to grill when I wanted to, but I could not get the grill lit. The tank was on/open, I turned on the gas on one burner, and then punched the starter button. I did this a dozen times or so. Then, I had Tommy check everything. He tried. He consulted the Product Guide. So, we turned it off.

He was disappointed, so I told he could put it in a skillet, which he did. These were so thin, about 1/4 inch. So, they cooked and browned quickly. He had pork and beans and tomatoes on his plate. All of a sudden, I saw something on the floor in several places while he was trying to sit down with his plate. When I asked him what he spilled in front of his chair, he walked trying to see what it was. Well, he was smearing blood! Now, that needs to be cleaned up. I used a baby wipe to see where he was bleeding. It seems that when he dropped his knife and fork, the steak knife slashed the side of his foot behind his big toe. I put Mupirocin on it after cleaning it with a baby wipe. Then, I took a Kleenex and put the stretchy bandage from my iv, and that is holding it all together. 

He has refused to use the special tub I bought him for a foot wash, one just like mine with a handle. (He paid for both.) NOW, he will if I have to wrestle him to get it done...lol. There was sooo much blood. I will have to look at it to see if he needs to have it sewn up. He will either go to er tonight or doctor tomorrow.

I had put the chicken tenders, two potatoes, one carrot, and a bit of baby carrots in the oven, so I had some of that. We watched A Capitol Fourth 2023. It was entertaining. So are the fireworks behind the Washington Monument. I missed one thing, a little girl dancing to Tina Turner song, just an audience member, so I will see that again. 

People are shooting off bottle rockets all around, with an occasional boomer. It was a good Fourth, nothing spectacular. Tommy said he got four drops of rain on him when he went out to water. He brought in three blackberries. I ate one and he ate one and he threw away the one with white on it. Mine was bitter and I don't know why. 

Tonight, later, I will have some Jello and fruit. 

I am Proud to be an American. The End. 

Where did you go and what did you cook or eat on the 4th of July 2023? 

Happy 4th of July

 

Not Much, Happy Day But Nothing Exciting

 Sunday has been very quiet. Tommy was putting on his shoes when I asked him where he was going. "Out to water the flowers." As he completed the utterance, there was a crack of thunder. "Not anymore." So, rained, not a lot. We closed the door since we don't want lightning inside. After that brief rain and blustery winds, nothing else happened here all day. 

We mostly watched tv today, doing not much else, no projects. Then, we went to Publix for a couple of items. 

The Wave Petunia that sat in the laundry room all winter has many baby plants from reseeding and several flowers. The blackberries are shriveling. I think water runs off the tulle instead of going through. I must repot the lemon tree. It blows off the porch all the time because it is still in the black pot that is so light. I have plenty of pots and dirt, so we need to do it. 

Dinner was chicken, slaw and tomatoes. Not sure what Tommy ate. We ate the last of the slaw that I bought mix to make, so hopefully we will get more for coming weeks. 

Now, we are watching the Bourne movies, 1,2,4. Not sure why they skipped 3. I usually hate action movies. But, I love these. 

Fireworks started around 7 pm Sunday night, but so far at midnight, nothing. On Monday night I am sure there will be more in anticipation of Tuesday fireworks. 

We will eat what we eat, but there are no grand plans here. Hopefully, I will bake the chicken and maybe grill the steak. Maybe I will make baked beans for Tommy. If I am too tired, things won't happen. I will make pimiento and cheese and jello with fruit, one for both of us, minus bananas for Tommy. 

Have the fireworks started at your house? 

Are you going away for the 4th holiday? 

Are you cooking/grilling?

Sunday This and That

 After the guy at Lowe's told me how early he was coming, I could feel insomnia coming on...lol. I asked him about when. Early. Before or after 9 am? Before. Ugh. So, I asked him if the could come after 9. He would call when he was five minutes from me. I asked him to give me an hour notice. He agreed and called me on Saturday morning when he was ten minutes from me. 

Oh NO. I was thinking more like the crack of noon.

So, Tommy called me at 9 am and I got up, ate, and dressed. He called about 9:30. Then, it seemed like two minutes later he was here.

He moved huge empty pots on the porch and put the table on the left side of the door. The grill is placed well. He put the tank on, connected it, and started it for me. He said to just start it. But, I wanted to make sure it really did work correctly before I tried it. So, we talked about two minutes more. I gave him $15, all the cash we had, for helping us and delivering the grill. Nice guy. He said he was not expecting pay, that he did it to help me. 

I decided I would take a nap. Well, that did not work. At 3 pm, Tommy decided to water the flowers. As he approached the door afterwards, it started raining.  It only rained a bit and thundered a lot. 

Tommy had cleared out the car but did not clean the inside of the car. There are things in there that I will sell. So, we have started a box to sell. I wish I could have a yard sale. Tommy is against it. He would be able to sit and collect money. We would have to have another person, so maybe it is not feasible. 

At the yard sale several years ago where the people gave me the wheelchair for free even though I was going to buy it, they gave me a set of sheets, too. I am getting rid of those. Plus, I have new mattress covers/pads, never opened that I need to sell. At any rate, having them all in one box as I declutter is better than stuffing things back where I find them and deciding to get rid of them "someday." Maybe someday will come sooner. 

I am too tired and it is too hot to grill right now--96F and "feels like" 102F. Maybe around noon on Sunday, I will grill before the sun hits the front of the house. 

Yesterday, while reading about one problem of mine on Mayo Clinic site, I think I diagnosed the cause of another problem. lol. No, I will see a doctor. 

When I went to the dermatologist on Thursday, he gave me a "recipe" for hand soak and a strong antibiotic. When I was young, I never had so much as a freckle, and the occasional zit once a month. Now, it seems things just grow on my skin and in the strangest places. He took a growth off my scalp earlier, and since I have heard nothing, I suppose it was not cancer. Tommy got to see me zapped with the nitrogen and yelp. A nurse said she did the same thing when zapped. Only it was in a more tender place this time. I am not visiting a dermatologist for wrinkles and superficial problems. 

Since my father and his mother both died of cancer of the head of the pancreas, I'm next. And, many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins on daddy's side died early of cancer. I try to keep on top of these things. One doctor told me that with my history, I will get pancreatic cancer, but I would get it twenty years later since I lead a cleaner lifestyle. 

On Wednesday, I had an endoscopy and an insulting, accusative nurse. Thankfully, the others were great. The doctor gifted me six weird pictures of the esophagus. And, everything looked okay, I guess.  My esophagus was stretched, but I still choke on things. So, I will have to ask him about that.

Getting these two medical items out of the way was such a relief. It takes so little to make me happy...lol.

The tulip tree across the street is blooming again. It is right in my line of sight out the door. Beautiful!