Halloween Decorations

 Saturday night, we started decorating for Halloween. I found the ghosts to hang from the dogwood tree. They were wadded and wrinkled, so they needed to be smoothed and rolled to help them hang better. This was part of the lot in a duffle bag for which I paid $3 three years ago. 

Stacked pumpkins are hung on the front door. A light-up jack-o-lantern on Tommy's bookcase. Jack-o-lantern with scene painted on it on my table. Huge fake pumpkin on table and pelee mums on step up part of the table. Fake leaves around the mum. Light in stemless wine glass with pumpkins painted on it. Pumpkin breadboard on stack of books by tv. Happy Halloween metal box on books on other side of tv. Spooky salt and pepper shakers in front of tv. One is a caldron. Electric candles are in front of a fake plant and sitting on fake leaves. 

Outdoors, Tommy will hang ghosts, another two decorative items, ghost and pumpkin. Plus, a bright green plastic pumpkin with handle will go on the table outdoors with a rock in it so it won't blow off. 

Only one item did I pay full price. Much of it came from the $3 duffle bag. Someday, maybe I will be able to get some 6' skeletons. A house in Cullman had two sitting at a table on the porch. They had a bottle of wine, glasses and a top hat on one and a boa on the other. I loved it. 

I need to get out my skeleton-hand earrings and my spider ring. Both were bought after Halloween on deep discount at Belk's one year. 

Most of this was in one box in the first bedroom. I was muttering about needing to find it as I was cleaning off my table next to me. Tommy was making noise somewhere. He came in with the box I needed and told me I should write "Halloween" on it. Yes, I should. But, the plan is to buy an orange Rubbermaid box.

Sunday

I found an orange plastic Rubbermaid-type box, so we can load this up in a box which I can find next year. We now have enough Fuji apples for an apple crisp, two Granny Smith to do whatever, maybe cook in a skillet, and three Red Delicious apples for me to eat. Then, Tommy told me I still have three Red Delicious for me to eat in the refrigerator. That is less tragic than running out. Then, I needed one bottle of craft paint--orange. Luckily. I found one Apple Barrel pumpkin orange. I usually wait too late to get a day planner, so I got one early. Got--red fairy lights for crystal Kiss. cows for Christmas village, cleaner/scrubber for cold grill, deodorant with no top...grrr. 

Late this evening Tommy put blackbird out and brought in bluebird and hung a nylon pumpkin with streamers. Tomorrow, we move on to items in the grab bag. It sounds like a lot, but it is really not. Most was dirt cheap or free. I will hang the cardinal closer to Christmas, well when I take down the blackbird.

We also were completely out of milk, mine and Tommy's. I would never drink milk if his was the only milk here, but he can and does drink a bit of mine. 

Dinner will be roasted chicken tenders for me with whatever vegetables are left. Tommy had chicken breast, Brussels sprouts, carrot, potato and something else. So, this will be all, and I will have to cook tomorrow. You got to do it somedays, I suppose. 

Of course, I did not sleep well with my stomach hurting, so slept from about nine until two in afternoon. Tommy was walking out of the room, and I could not help myself. I started looking at his bare stomach very concerned, reached out my hand, and said to come here in a worried voice. He struggled to get close enough to me, wondering what was wrong. I put out my hand and then took all five fingernails and sort of tickled/scritched/scratched his stomach. He was horrified and pulled back as I was dissolving in laughter. He said I was going to make him pee in his pants. I just could not help it. He will never trust me again. He is never playful, never was. 

Another day  with no drama. An excellent day.

Now, I am exhausted.  

How was your day?

Greek Festival

 I love the food from Greek Festival. Of course, we did not get to any other part of the fun. However, the atmosphere was upbeat. 

Of course, I could not sleep the night before. So, we set out with my having only two hours sleep. We have never gone on Saturday before. Surprisingly, it was less busy in the drive-up line than during the week. It took an hour to get there and back even with going through the line twice.

Tommy had marinated lamb, skewered and grilled (two skewers), rice pilaf, spanakopita, tiropita, Greek salad and pita bread. I had the Greek chicken with the same sides as he did. Plus, I ordered two servings of chocolate baklava. For almost $60, we had lunch and dinner. 

Tommy does not care for baklava, so both the boxes of chocolate baklava were mine...lol. He says it tastes weird. I wonder. I think the baklava I had today was the best I have ever had, chocolate or not. 

I cannot stand lamb! It is a texture thing more than taste, but the taste is not to my taste. 

spanakopita- filo triangle stuffed with feta, tiropita--filo trangle stuffed with spinach and feta. 

I will make Greek chicken one of these days because it is delicious. I wonder if they sell a Greek cookbook.  

Of course, I took a nap before dinner. Afterwards, I finished the Greek dinner. Today was a day without cooking. YAY

After I ate at lunch, I became very ill with food not going from my esophagus into stomach, I didn't really finish lunch, just was in such pain and quit. After throwing up, I sat for an hour in pain and finally went to bed for a nap. Chicken and rice are the top two offenders for not going down. Tonight, I still feel like I have been punched in midsection. 

The first time this happened, I went to ER. They had to give me a shot to keep me from throwing up continually. It seems the stomach just gets irritated or something and cannot quit, like a spasm. I was eating chicken and rice that time. 

Today was a pretty day--sunny, clear, not too hot, a perfect day for a festival. There was an art show somewhere, and something else happening around town, so I am glad there was no precipitation. 

Tommy watched football for about four hours while we ate and then when I slept. So, it was a good day for him. 

Publix has some really cute reusable bags. These have Halloween designs. I can see parents buying these for their children for Trick or Treat. I would. The Christmas ones are beautiful, at least they were last year. One employee says she buys those as gift bags instead of ones meant only for gift bags. Good idea. Most of their bags advertise Publix, not these. 

Yes, it was a pretty boring day overall, but very pleasant with good food. And, I cleaned the outside of my pink purse that was sorely in need of attention and cleaning. 

Tonight, I am dragging out all the fake pumpkins and Halloween/Thanksgiving items. 

Mostly, there was no drama, personal attacks, or loudness. That makes a great day. I had a talk with him when all calmed down, and he said he would try to do better if I would. 

Do you think baklava tastes weird? 

Do you like lamb?

Does your esophagus have low motility so that food does not go into your stomach quickly as it should? 

Nothing New--Just Flies and Greek Festival

 This day was boring, boring, boring, and okay with me. I needed to go to Lowe's and Tractor Supply. Because I felt awful, I decided not to go. 

Since Spring I have only seen one fly in this house. Now, when one dies or whatever happens to it, another fly comes in. I sit with the electric flyswatter, and the fly stays out of the room. When I put it down, the fly comes and buzzes me, food if I have it, and various pieces of paper or whatever. These flies are crafty and perverse! 

I had a cannister of granular fly bait that worked in the big, old house. I would just put some in a lid on a windowsill and it collected flies, not many, but all that came in, I suppose. I need more from Tractor Supply. Maybe tomorrow. I never see flies on the door or outside. They are never in the outdoor garbage can, so I have no idea how this is happening. 

Saturday, we are going to the Greek Festival. I am so excited. Tommy and I both are looking forward to the food. Lamb is the only thing I can think of that I don't like in Greek offerings. 

Dinner was still delicious since this is the third night. There are enough vegetables for one more meal tomorrow. The best part was that I did not have to cook! 

I have been searching Amazon and elsewhere for a chair desk to hold the new Ken Follet book since it is massive and heavy. I found one that has a slanted portion that will hold the book at a better angle to read. Maybe that one. It sits on the arm of a chair and can be used for a bed tray, for whatever one needs a surface while in a chair or in bed. 

Do you ever have a fly or flies in your home? If you cannot swat it, how do you get rid of it?

EDIT: I only have one fly at a time and have only had three at separate times this last two months, not a fly invasion.

Do you ever use a chair desk or another means of elevating your work? 

Who likes Greek Food?

Sweater Weather & Zolucky

 

Today, I got a lime tree. It is a thornless, Key lime. Hmm, I did not know Key limes had thorns. Now, I have two trees to bring into the house this winter. 

Speaking of plants, I am now thinking about bringing all the plants in for the winter. Tommy said there is no more room. And, I have more plants. I will figure out something. 

Last night, I forgot to take the tart cherry juice. So, I was awake all night. By the way, the $11+ 16 ounce container of cherry juice is concentrate and makes a gallon, so about $3./ quart. 

The forecast for this weekend is for 70s in the daytime and 30s during the night. So, I might need a sweater. I have only seen one tree that has turned or even started to fade. It was very small and bright yellow. With the drought in this area, we may not have a locally brilliant Fall. 

Since we did not use two coupons yesterday at Publix, I remembered to take them in today. They gave me $8 in cash which I gave to Tommy since he complains he almost never has pocket money. He was happy. He said he always got $50 cash every week and has not done that since he does not work. I think I get what money he has in his pocket. Looks like I can hit a yard sale. 

In my mind, this plan is set in stone for making money. But, I will reveal the plan when the first steps are taken. 

I ordered an outfit from Zolucky. It was late getting here, did not fit, sewing was iffy, and it smells like a chemical. So, I took a chance and will have to pay to return it. To say I am mad is an understatement. 

Has anyone ordered from Zolucky? 

What was your experience? 

Not Much Wednesday

 The kitchen towels came in late last night. When I got up the bag was closed so did not smell anything. Then, when we came in from shopping, the sweet scent hit me. Tommy now knows he will deal with this load of wash. I suggested he lay them out over things in kitchen, dining room, and bedroom to help the scent dissipate. Maybe it won't affect me. 

Up close, I can see a dozen buds on the lemon tree. I am ecstatic. One flower is already fading. Tomorrow, a lime tree comes home from Lowe's if they still have them. 

We collected the ads from three stores today. Well, I forgot to get the Publix ad when I went in to shop. But, I did find what I do believe are this seasons Red Delicious apples. The three I picked up were the three I bought. Tommy came out the first time he bought apples for me, saying he had to examine 21 apples before he found one to suit me. 

It was annoying when I bought Bayer enteric, low-dose aspirin. I bought a bottle of three hundred. That bottle size is larger than the bottle for 200. However, I dumped all the bottle of 300 into the bottle that had held 200 and had room left over. I dumped the bottle of 90 softgel, Vitamin D tablets into a prescription bottle. It really annoys me to buy a huge bottle with few pills. Why don't they make the bottle smaller???

We had coupons for the aspirin and Vit D, but left them at home, so that will be a chore for tomorrow along with buying whatever we want to get from the ad. 

I have a very small train case that I keep present meds in. So, I want the smallest bottle to make them fit. I have a larger train case in which I keep the duplicate bottle or next doses.

Dinner: two tiny chicken tenders, slice of potato, baby carrots, slaw. All this was prepared last night and the night before. Tommy had part of a chicken breast, kale, potato, carrots. I had a bit of ice cream with blueberries in syrup. Tommy had more ice cream with strawberries over it. 

The weather has been great--not to hot in the day and not too cool at night. However, all that will change this weekend. I need to start thinking about when to bring the lemon tree indoors. Soon, it will be time to put all the plants in the utility room. 

I awoke at 2 pm today and got a moderate amount of sleep. I read that tart cherry juice from Montmercy cherries promoted sleep. Then I read another that touted pineapple. At Publix, I searched all the tart cherry juice bottles, reading the ingredients. Some were pricier than others. The cheap juice had apple juice. Just NO. I bought a 16-ounce bottle for $11,00+. It is just concentrate that has nothing else and is to be added to water or juice or milk. I will see what this does for me. Since I am allergic to pineapple, I don't want to consume it regularly. Both purportedly have massive amounts of melatonin. We will see. 

Other than milk or turkey dinner, is there anything you eat that promotes sleep? 

Sentient Towels

 

The kitchen towels came in stinky again after a regular was and were made to stay in a spare bedroom. Today, I had Tommy take them and wash them again with a Finish Laundry tab. As he left to go out, he said, "If the towels were sentient, they would say, "What did we do wrong." He can be funny!

The kitchen towels were washed four times, once with the ALL and Unstoppables, once with vinegar, once with regular wash, OxyClean and All. This last time was with the dishwasher tab, Finish. 

Edit: Towels from dryer after ALL and OxyClean still smell of the Unstoppables, but very faint. Not the best outcome, but better than earlier washings.

Monday, I found a penny. This was the first time I had been out of the car and into the store in a month. YAY! Sandals on the ground is the secret. 

I bought a Pelee mum. I have promised myself that I will NOT buy another mum this year. I kept the one I bought last year outside. I want to keep this one inside, but it needs light, so maybe I will leave it out for a bit each day. 

This last week, we bought apples, bananas, and milk for Tommy. We get the ads on Tuesday, but not this last week. That's okay because there was not much, and those two things will be purchased with a raincheck. Food Giant had bscb for $1.99/lb but Tommy went to Publix because he thought I wanted the ones that were $3.99/lb. Since the Publix bscb are trimmed better, I decided to go with that as it was getting dark, sooner than usual. 

We will need to get started sooner from now on. We were spoiled being out until 8 pm., enjoying the later sunset. I will sorely miss the light. 

When I got in the car, waiting for Tommy to lock the door and come out, I happened to look at the Meyer lemon tree on the porch. There was something white at the end of a limb. I was so excited, thinking it was a flower. Tommy confirmed that it was a flower and there were several other buds. I think I might get a lime tree now. 

I wonder if the fertilizer was the reason for this blossom and the buds. Or, was it just time? 

Today, when Tommy was doing laundry, the door was open. I saw the UPS man walk to the other side of the garbage can and toss a package. The package was shredded, not from him, but from all the abuse it had experienced. Thankfully, Godinger understands abuse of cut crystal and packed it appropriately. And, Macy's had packed that box into a Macy's box that had huge bubble wrap and lots of it around the Godinger box. 

Last night, I could not sleep. I got up about 10:30 am and watched TV with Tommy. At noon, I was ready to go to bed again. We did get the bscb for $3.99/lb from Publix. Otherwise, nothing happened. 

Tonight, I had ground beef from freezer already cooked with a thin slice of cheese on it. Cheeseburger? I stuffed myself on vegetables--leftover slaw, and green beans opened tonight and soaked. Before I ate, I cooked vegetables in the oven--four potatoes sliced in 1/2 inch slices, two pounds of baby carrots, two lbs of sliced Brussels sprouts. I put Italian Seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder on all before cooking. 

Tommy said we have enough leftover vegetables to last for more than three days. I like it that way. He is eating the strawberries and I am eating the blueberries. 

Tommy had leftovers--baked chicken, kale, brussels sprouts. 

Just now, he went out to bring in the dried towels, but had forgotten to remove them from the washer. So, maybe I won't have a verdict on the stink until tomorrow. 

Have you found money this week?

Do you have any sentient laundry? Does your laundry wonder what you are doing?

Leopard, not Tiger and Unstoppables

 I am really on the ball. /s Even though I was aware of Saturday and Sunday, it was 2 pm when I figured out it was Monday. Why did I think it was Sunday? No idea. 

There were things I planned--phone calls that must be done during the day and during the week. Well, I got two of those done. One still stymies me since it goes against all I know and read. Maybe tomorrow, I can figure it out. 

In the comments, a person asked a question and caused me to realize my huge mistake. Let's chalk it up to brain fog. I certainly know better. 

When I was talking about the man in kilts, I said it had a tiger print. It absolutely did not. It was leopard print. That mistake has been corrected. I feel silly. 

I would have mentioned Auburn Tigers if it had been a tiger print. Never mind me.

Here is the post HERE

Today, Tommy was going to wash the kitchen things. So, I had him add the free pack of UNSTOPPABLES, the fragrance enhancer, to the laundry. He did. and dried them. During the drying process, I could smell the scent enhancer in the house. Tommy could, too. 

The washing machine is off the carport in the utility room. I am amazed it was so strong inside. 

I had him rewash, just in vinegar. After he dried them, they still stunk. So, I folded a few towels to use between Monday evening and tomorrow when he rewashes the load. I know that hanging them on the line would probably solve a lot of the problem, but there will be no going to the clothes line.

Since I will probably start talking nonsense because I am so tired, this will be it for Monday. 

Have you ever told or written something as untrue as the story of the tiger print when it should have been leopard print? 

Have you ever smelled the horrendously sweet scent of Unstoppables? Does it suffocate you like it does me? 

Those Church People

A fellow blogger, Joe from Fat in Indiana has published a book, Suburban Moon. I read it in two sittings. It is a great read. I purchased the paperback copy and loved it. Go to his blog and hear more. I think he put a link to it on Thursday. It is not that it is so easy, I just read quickly and I did stay up late reading. I was barely able to put it down.

 I went into a store today and only interacted with two people, both rude and on their way to church.  I was trying to move down and aisle and was blocked by a guy behind his female companion. I asked three time for a guy to "excuse me." He looked around and asked me what I wanted and why I was talking to him. I said, "I said 'excuse me' three times." He then looked at me harshly and said, "You are a jerk, leave me alone." The female dragged him off. I just went on my way.

On the way back across the store, a cart was stopped by a whole line of carts. I turned to my right, wondering if that guy was still in the store. He turned around and scowled at me. "Don't you come over here looking at me." Then, he repeated it. Traffic was moving, so I did too. However, I put my hand up and said twice, "What is wrong with you?" The woman was turning him around to go with her. 

I think he had a problem.

Then, I went to the back of the store and could not get by because of a cart of merchandise in front of me. I could see no employees around. Finally, I asked three women if one of them would push the cart forward for me, explaining it was right in front of what I was trying to buy. They all came over and the older one said to me as I sat on the electric cart, "Why don't you just push it with the cart?" Amazed. I asked her if she would move it. She said, "You can push it. Go ahead and do it." 

I told her I would try to find an employee. I left as she said, "Good." 

Another employee greeted me and asked how I was tonight. I told her I was doing great until I interacted with the church people in the store. She frowned and said that was the truth, that they were the nastiest people in the store. She said she would think they would be happier and more pleasant on their way to church or having just been to church. 

What is wrong with these church people? 

Earlier, I asked Tommy if he wanted to go to Sam's. He agreed and two hours later, at 4 pm, he said, "Let's go if we are going!" Boom! So, I quickly sliced chicken and cheese to take with me, put on clothes and we left. It was a whirlwind leaving.

At Sam's he seemed to have a list in his head, calling off what he wanted next. Well, at home he said he just kept seeing things he needed. We got milk for him, generic Claritin, double box of Raisin Bran, two packages of disposable cups (the thing I wanted), vitamins, and other such stuff. 

It was a great visit because we got to examine all the new Halloween decorations, some twelve feet tall. For about one minute, we laughed and oohed and aahed at the little kids Halloween costumes. Tommy drank a Pepsi, and I had chocolate yogurt. We also took a roll around and looked at Christmas lawn decorations right next to Halloween decorations.

Tommy stopped at a machine and used his Sam's card and received free pack of Tide and a free pack of the stuff that makes a sweet scent in the laundry. Ugh! 

I wanted something from Joannes, but we were there are 5:59. The doors were locked, lights off, and not a soul in sight. I suppose their clock was funning fast. 

Although I slept 8 hours last night, my energy level did not reflect an abundance of sleep or rest today. 

I saw a hummingbird today and yesterday. 

I decided I will mash potatoes for Thanksgiving and freeze them. That is an October chore. 

Do you ever go to Sam's? 

Have you noticed that the church crowd is not nice in the grocery store? 

Do you follow the blog Fat in Indiana? 

Over the Top and A Bee in my Bowl

 As I was sitting and waiting for Tommy to come out of Belk's, I saw an over-the-top outfit on a guy. It really was quite impressive. He had on brown kilt, leopard print dress jacket, leopard print tie, leopard print leggings or something. Yet one leg was wrapped, I think. That leg covering was white and he had on white shoes that looked like Italian leather style. The other shoe on the foot with the leopard legging was a leopard print shoe. His tie was leopard print and the shirt was brown. He had a leopard print fedora. THEN, 40 feet from the Belk door, he pulled out a leopard print parasol/umbrella. I was impressed. Seriously, it was sharp if not unconventional. 

I was especially impressed that every iteration of leopard print was an identical print. He had not just put together this outfit from different prints that were almost alike. The prints and fabrics were identical. 

I really wanted a picture, but I was on the phone and could not get off to get the shot. When Tommy came back, I told him I wanted to wait until the guy came out so he could see and I could get a picture. He said, "Okay." I was shocked when he put the car back in park. He was going to indulge me, plus, he was interested. He has a kilt. 

When I was unboxing the rice bowls, I winced, sucking in my breath a bit and dropping a bowl back into the padded box. There was a honeybee in one of the bowls. I was looking more carefully and realized it was a pattern on the bowl. Cute! However, the other three bowls in the packing box had no bee. I was disappointed and checked to see if I missed the others. No, nothing except for on the one bowl. Since I had a box of three ad a box of four, I went on to the next box. Only one of the four bowls had a bee. Interesting. 

Since it is Saturday, there is football. UGH! But, he enjoys it. Okay, we had a good laugh, but that is another story. I will relate that another day.

Fruit on the Bottom yogurt has always been a favorite of mine, especially blueberry. Since I cooked the five pounds of frozen blueberries, I have enjoyed yogurt and blueberries often. I never had the bought blueberry yogurt often because it was too expensive. I buy a quart of Daisy Yogurt and mix them for a nutritious treat and cheaper than the bought combination. 

Do you eat your yogurt of choice with fruit to taste like the fruit on the bottom or mixed fruit yogurt? 

Have you ever seen a leopard print kilt outfit?

A bee in your bowl? Would you wince a bit?