This and That

 Wednesday night, after dinner, we cooked the pork loin, bag of Brussels sprouts, bag of cauliflower, bag of broccoli. I could not get all the vegetables out of the pan because of my back, so Tommy did that. I cooked kale. The frozen strawberries were whole, so he chopped them because of the standing. 

I was going to put them in pint jars, but lost my mojo. So, he put them back into the refrigerator. I always warn him to put any frozen item in a plastic bag to thaw or put the bag in a bowl or on a baking sheet. We do have tiny ones. Well, I showed him why. He always objects, saying it is a plastic bag anyway. There was strawberry juice all in the plastic bag. 

I took all the dishes from their boxes and made a few discoveries. None of the dinner plates were the monarch butterfly plate. They were all Flutter/bird plates. So, it appears that I have 8 plates to sell. And, it's okay. I can get more from them than the cost of both boxes of Butterfly Meadow. Quite frankly, these were my least favorite pattern. 

While sitting in the car on Wednesday, I made two phone calls on my list. I also marked off a few things that we no longer need to do. Of course, I added more phone calls and a few more items to do. Does it ever end? 

A couple of days ago when I decided Tommy could brown the flour for gravy, I told him. He said, "I do an awful lot of stuff around here already!" He sounded a bit peeved but did not say NO. Today, I reminded him of the statement. I told him that is what women go through their whole lives. He said, "Yes, but when I retired, I did not want to do stuff."  "Oh, you wanted to just stagnate?" "Yes, I want to stagnate." So, he knows he will make gravy for me. Actually, he is just browning the flour. The rest I will do. 

I was going to make a pumpkin without a crust and in a casserole. He objected, saying he wants a crust. So, I will make one with a crust and the other will not have a crust. I will start talking about green bean casserole so he will be happy when he browns flour. 

There is a new time-saver in place. I like potatoes with skin and he prefers them skinless. Now, I have him peel half of the potatoes. He is happy to have his chore lightened...lol. Then, I remove the eyes and slice the potatoes in half. 

While I was sitting in the car in front of Macy's, a woman came walking by--blue dress, hot pink purse, pearl necklace, updo, AND black, fuzzy house slippers. She is my hero. Now, I want black fuzzy slippers to wear out. And, I am not kidding or mocking her. Of course, I will need to get pearls and an updo to pull off the black, fuzzy, house slippers in an upscale store like Macy's. I think it has been twenty years since I was in there. 

A man from California wanted me to wear a certain perfume because he loved it. Now, we had never met and never would. He sent me the cologne without even mentioning it to me. So, I took it to Macy's to get something else. No problem for them. A guy I dated briefly and tragically took me, and his teen daughter came along. 

I got a pair of pretty earrings and had about $2.35 left over and on a gift card. I stopped for one of the over-priced boxes of candy that were $5 for 4 pieces of candy, essentially four bites. His daughter was appalled that anyone would spend that much money for so little candy. She kept talking about it even though I kept telling her I was not coming back to Macy's to spend a few dollars on something. I don't think she ever got it. Twenty years before, I did shop there and judiciously and on clearance. 

Speaking of candy, all the stores have Halloween candy on display. I had no Halloween candy last year and planned on eating none this year. One day, when Tommy shopped, he came in, put the groceries in the refrigerator and came back in the living room with one bag. He pulled out a small bag of Brach's candy corn and put it down by me. He said he remembered how much I like it. This was the first of September. I put it down and he sat down with a huge bag of chips. He said he remembered how much I said I like candy corn. 

Four or five days later, he asked me if I finished the candy corn. "No." "Can I have some of it?" I tossed it to him and he was surprised I had not opened it. A few days later, I asked him where it was. He ATE IT ALL. It was certainly okay with me. But, he has never done anything like that before. Someone put a spell on me so I don't buy candy corn! Please!

Onto Thursday

During the five hours, maybe four, that I slept, I slept fitfully. It was hard to go to sleep since I got up twice an hour to go to the bathroom. It had nothing to do with what I drank. My stomach hurt from lack of pill taken for my stomach. My feet were cold from a breeze. Don't ask me where was that breeze. I have no idea. 

I think I woke about 1 pm and soon discovered Belk's had a sale on something I want and had them in store or online, pickup or delivery. I decided I was going to get them in person. We left soon. 

Tommy went into Belk's with details from internet, a check from Belk's sent to me for cc perks, a store gift card, and my cc for Belk's. He came back with 8 gifts, cleaning out this category, and a diamond bracelet worth $225 for $49.32. I am happy with 9 gifts for some gift-giving occasion. It is done and cheaply done. Of course, the diamonds are just diamond dust--1/10th carat. So, nine gifts for $93.32. 

I was utterly drained before we left. My gastrointestinal tract was so unhappy and in pain. I wanted to throw up, too. But, I managed. My chest was throbbing, face tingling. It was a horrible feeling, and the vibration of the car did not help. 

Chicken Salad Chick was next. I could eat it or bring it home, whatever my body dictated. We sat in the car and ate the soup, saving the salad for home. I ordered potato soup and Classic Carol scoop of chicken salad. Tommy ordered Chicken and Dumplings ad chicken salad with lots of pineapple in it. So, that was one of the meals I wanted for my birthday. 

My only goal tonight is to make slaw and eat that to hike my vegetable intake. Tuna salad at lunch was chock full of celery. Tommy washed the Styrofoam takeout plates and is watering the flowers. The weather was hot today. I need to find some black, fuzzy house slippers for later to wear going out. 

My goal for later is to find something to watch on tv or take a nap. Hopefully, I can sleep better tonight. Plus, my innards need to settle down! 

My plan is usually to make a gift. For a few years that plan has changed. I buy deep discount or clearance and still buy nice gifts. These are for Christmas or during the year. I did have a big gift drawer, so maybe I will stock up once again. 

My best friend's favorite gift was food--deviled eggs, chocolate pound cake, all sorts of things he could not make. I always gave him a huge bag of food, frozen food, jellies. He was a happy man for days. I even decorated a tiny Christmas tree for him.

A three-hour nap left me feeling more rested.

Are you buying things on sale for Christmas yet? Have you finished your shopping? Or, are you smart and ambitious and able to make gifts still? Do you make food for gifts? 

Very Busy Monday

 There is nothing growing in the culture. The antibiotics are not helping one bit. I still have an elevated temperature and chills all the time, chills like my fever is breaking. So, I don't know. Yes, I will take care of this.

Today, it was not going to rain, and I had things to do. And, we did it all, plus I was able to track down phone numbers I have not been able to find. And, I managed to make more than a few phone calls. 

Tommy had some books he wanted to purge. I asked for one and asked him if I could sell the others. So, we loaded up four books and took them to 2nd and Charles. That did not work out--$2 for one book and $4 for one other. Obviously, they did not want the books. I will put them on facebook marketplace.

I bought Spare and am disappointed in the binding. Wondering if this was just the cheapest means to sell a book on Amazon, Tommy went into Barnes & Nobles. Their binding is the same. He bought himself a cup of coffee and a piece of Godiva cheesecake for me. 

He went into Belk's for me and used my gift card he got me. I was able to shop via him, phone, and sales clerk. Remember when I ordered Butterfly Meadow by Lenox and one plate came shattered? Well, I had a $20 credit. He bought the three accent plates they had. So, I still only have five dinner plates, but that is okay. When I have four other people over to eat, I will worry about it then. Or, I can use the accent plate.

We had to wait an hour for 2nd and Charles to insult us! So, we had a tiny cheeseburger from McD, watched the cloudy sky, and window shopped from the car. I have never had the desire to go in Five Below, but I looked at what I could see. I still don't want to go in. I forgot what else we saw, what stores. Oh, Plato's Closet was another. 

I called a friend who has antiques and knows a bit about the book scene in Birmingham. He was not there but his employee said we would have no better luck at Reed's Books. Reed's Books is fantastic. I have bought and sold there before. The history books Tommy is selling are so large I cannot lift them. I am glad we did not carry my books! I don't sell books by weight...lol.   

Today, we were in a shopping center in a place called Trace Crossings, tony place. It was sad because there were so many nice shops closed. Some were empty and it was not evident what stores were there. Tommy was the first to comment on the sad state of the shops, closed and probably not coming back. This was not just a shop here and there, but rows of shops. We came home with no more stops, just what we left to do, except McD.

We did go out after dinner was in the oven and look for a pink bag with ads and coupons and found none. Anne, do they still throw these in your neighborhood? 

We are having chicken something. Plus, we have leftover slaw, baked zucchini and squash.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Frustration

 Well, it is mostly Tommy's frustration. We went to the Galleria and he went inside to buy things for me using gift cards and my Belk cc if necessary. I wanted the red Godinger tea glasses, leather gloves, and a houndstooth scarf. 

He walked the second floor of Belk's that had nly two clerks. He never did find the glasses or someone who would help him. He looked bedraggled when he came out to report. His cell had died because he said he never checked the battery charge. The  poor guy looked so tired. He went back in to find gloves and scarves. They should have been close together. 

He found a tiny section of gloves, Isotoners, not what I want. I want leather gloves, cashmere lined. I don't want cheap leather the kind that is scraps glued together. He only found solid, knit scarves with pearls on them. Well, I know Belk's. They have gloves around this corner and that corner and all the way at the end of an aisle. It is annoying under the best of circumstances finding gloves or scarves. Hw swore he found no more. I believe that, but he does not know how to find items in Belk's. But, that is okay. 

He practically fell into the car and quickly ate the pb cracker I gave him. I had one swallow of the oj and he had the rest. We were famished, and frustrated and got a burger. 

Then, I got a few things from a different Publix than where we shop. I forgot what. 

The plan was to shop today for groceries in sale ads. But, we got home late and collapsed. Oh well. 

It was so warm that we needed the ac last night. Today, I heard the high was 73F and 75F. We did not carry a sweater or jacket "just in case." 

We both collapsed. Before we had left, I got some of the dishes in the dishwasher and will do the rest tonight. We ate almost all of the leftovers, so I will cook chicken tomorrow night. We have one tiny potato and two large, sweet potatoes left to eat. 

Tomorrow, I will bake chicken breasts and vegetables. Friday, for his birthday I will bake the pork loin and vegetables and make slaw. 

I talked to 92-yr-old friend and was telling her about the red Kiss and how I was putting fairy lights in it and the problem so far getting fairy lights that work. She was saying how she wanted a red Kiss, too and fairy lights. I have an extra red Kiss and an extra set of fairy lights, so I will give those to her for Christmas in addition to the cooking bags. 

When I talked to a friend here in Birmingham today, she wants us to have lunch at the Botanical Gardens. So, that may be in the works in a few weeks. 

And, I had a long talk with Lynda. When you sit in the car for two hours, talking on the phone and catching up helps the time to fly. Or, something like that. 

I decided I would order for delivery from Belk's. The ladies houndstooth scarf listed no content. So, I looked up the brand of scarf and found it is sold by WM as a man's scarf for $8 less. Don't the stores annoy you will branding, pricing and listings? The leather gloves from Belk's do not specify the kind of leather or the material for lining or if they gloves are even lined. I may just shop at Macy's, but I don't have gift cards for there. At the temperatures we are having, I may not need gloves or a scarf for a few months. 

Tommy said one employee told him there was lots of stock in the back but not enough employees to put it out. I do find it hard to believe that no one wants to work! 

One day after I have a stint put in, I will try the trek into Belk's. 

Really, don't you expect a nicer store to carry things not found in WM? I have worn WM scarves in the past and have been pleased. But, I hate finding it in WM and in Belk's for a higher price! 

I put things in the cart at Belk's online and cannot enter the gift cards, so I would have to pay money when I have plenty of means to get it with the egift card. 

I forgot to say but we found gas for 

Does pricing and quality irk you? 

Are you having trouble finding clerks in stores?

Saturday Kiss

 I had a $50 egift card for Belk's. And, this Hershey Kiss dish showed up everywhere on my laptop.  I have wanted one of these for twenty years. Well, it was regularly $20 and marked down to $8 at Belks.  This LINK will show you the site. I really wanted the red salt and pepper shaker, but they did not have one in the store. I would love all gift cards to be for Belk's. I love the store.

This candy dish needs Hershey's Kisses. I don't. I may put a battery-operated tealight in it. If that is not enough, I could put two or three tealights. Maybe it needs a string of fairy lights stuffed inside...blinking.  

Tommy woke at about 10 am and I had thankfully slept until 9 am, over 6 hours. I asked him about 11 am if he wanted to go to Belk's. He was agreeable, so I told him to spiffy up because I wanted him to go in for me. Unbelievably, he showered, shaved, and put on his SAS shoes. my my my

We left about noon and returned about 3 pm. I was exhausted from riding and sitting. Now, it is time to cook...lol. We really did lots in three hours.

Tommy filled up the car, picked up a prescription, ran into Publix as we passed to get celery. While we were in the area where Belks is located, we had lunch.

Every time I see Whataburger, we have just eaten, so today we needed a late lunch. Have you ever eaten there? The hamburgers were so huge I could barely finish and thought I might not be hungry for a week! I got my usual--lettuce only, tomato only, and cheese only. We both got the smallest drink and NO fries. The total was $17+. Tommy was shocked. We will not ever eat there again. If we do, I will have the child's burger so I will not get so much food! 

It became so late on Friday that I was in no mood for dicing onions and the celery was not the quality I wanted for dressing. I will put the other celery in with the turkey breast just for seasoning. The new celery I will chop tonight along with the onion. 

When we left, the temperature was about 47F. I think the high was supposed to be 52F, not sure. 

For dinner tonight, we will have taco soup and a cabbage salad. Like I said, it is finally cooling off here, much to my chagrin. 

It feels like Christmas Day with new sheets on the way and this beautiful red Kiss candy dish. Do you become elated at some mundane items you like? Have you ever seen this candy dish? Have you owned one? 

Wonderful Monday

 We stayed up too late on Sunday  night to get up early on Monday, so I told Tommy to wake me at 10 am. Well, I awoke at 8:45 and lay there until 9 and left about 10 am. I diced boiled eggs I made Sunday afternoon and had egg salad, which for me was just diced eggs and Miracle Whip. 

We stopped at Publix so I could get cash to pay for yard mowing.

Tommy watered the flowers without me asking. He likes to keep flowers alive for me. We were taking recycling to Cullman, so he got that in the car. The day was very pretty, sunny and pretty clouds. The breeze was warm and easy although it got brisk and back to gentle all day long.

The Day and not in order:

Store where there is a cart of reduced items. There was nothing I used, wanted, in the sale cart. I did get another Hormel Roast Beef and Gravy, dated 2024. I found the Munchies peanut butter and crackers 2/$4. Since they have gone up about 20%, I was thrilled. However, the best by date was the end of November. I doubted we would use the two packages before then. So, I only got one box. 

Post Office--lots of mail, nothing earthshaking. Some junk. 

My lot. Friend mowed it for me. Well, he and adult son used weed eaters. He wants some quarried rock left there about 1 foot x 2 feet. So, we traded. No money was exchanged. The yard looks good. 

Bank. closed! 

Sweet potato farm--none ready that will be washed and cured. I hate uncured sweet potatoes. I need to go back in three weeks.

Friend's house. She is putting the water/drink bottles in her recycling, two kitchen trash bags full. Plus, we gave her smaller bags of soft drink cans and soup-type cans to give to a mutual friend who cashes them in. 

Publix. Pit stop! And, I bought a ceramic pumpkin with a Halloween scene on it. I got two boxes of Cheerios bogo, and a small coconut chocolate for $.79. I think. 

Arby's. He was having blood sugar problems but would not admit it. So, I wanted the least carbs possible. He never wants fries at Arby's. There is lots of meat and cheese, protein and fat except for the bun. Actually, he is totally unaware of how he feels once his blood sugar starts dropping. 

Friend's house who cleaned up my lot. He had been drinking so he was mellow and smiley. Funny! 

Belk's. I had a $10 coupon, so I went in looking for something I wanted that would cost me nothing. I got a $26 starfish bracelet that had been marked down twice on clearance and walked out without spending a cent, using $8.23 of the $10. It will be a next-summer bracelet. I bought my Halloween spider ring at Christmas last year the same way. I need to get that out. 

Gas. He yelled Oh Wow.  Gas was $2.85, best price he has seen lately. So, he filled up. 

That was a busy Monday, and went off without a hitch or rain, or wrecks on interstate. 

(I started reading my new book, new to me, on Friday night. I love it. Only one night since I started reading have I missed a night. I barely got covers over me that night.)

Monday was a perfect day. After Saturday and Sunday and car and ATT, I needed Monday. His hissy fit spoiled lunch, but it could not spoil the day. 

Have you ever really needed a good day? My bracelet is so cute!

Eggplant/Oxygen/Chores

Maybe Auburn gave me an ichiban eggplant plant. I just set the little pot inside a huge pot, planning on giving it away or murdering it. The roots grew out of the little three inch pot and into the 15" pot. So, i will leave it. It has had beautiful lavender flowers. Today, I found an eggplant ready to cut. There is no way I will eat this. I am going to saute it in olive oil with salt and pepper and put it in Tommy' salad. He is an adventurous eater. I am not. Although, he refused to eat sardines with me last night.

His dinner will be a salad-- tomatoes, cucumber, eggplant, baby carrots cut lengthwise in four pieces, and roast chicken thigh, all with Italian dressing. He followed his salad with a peach and a keto cookie. This meal will be so easy!

This the fourth oxygen generator I have had in a month. The last two were new out of the box and they smell! So, I am going to call the manufacturer. Does anyone have an oxygen generator and does it smell. It is like that tiny scent when you use a new curling iron, hair dryer, or other appliance. It stays and gets much worse and never burns off.

I got up Tuesday morning and was getting ready to go to a doctor's appointment when it occurred to me I had not gotten a call or text confirming I had an appointment and was I coming. So, I called and have an appointment at the end of September. Why did they cancel today's appointment and move it to September?  For a patient with a heart condition?

We decided to go anyway and kept calling another doctor about getting an appointment there or a dental appointment. That didn't happen. Obviously, no one is canceling appointments.

At least, I was able to return the clothing to Belk and have those clothes off my account. I  made a quick trip into Publix so we would not have to stop here. We ate at the lake. A lone mother duck had three baby ducks that were the size of a golf ball. All the other ducks had  babies in the spring. Is it normal to have ducklings so late?

Dreaded Visit to Belk's

For a while I refused to go into Belk's to return items I bought that did not fit. I had five things I ordered from the internet and took them all back. However, I had ripped the tag off one,  a jacket with a zipper that would not zip. She would not take it back. I did not argue. I will take it up with someone else with more clout.

Using my walker, I shopped for clothing that was 60% off regular price. I tried on nothing. Next Tuesday, I will return what does not fit and see about the jacket return. I wanted sheets, but could not walk that far. I went to the purses and just left. This would be a great time to buy children or teen clothing.

We carried chicken sandwiches and ate those at the lake, looking at the ducks and people. It was so pleasant that I hated to leave. I really wanted something else. When I went to Publix, I bought a quart of strawberries and we ate those on the way home.  So, no bought lunch today.

I also went by my house and someone mowed my lawn. ??? I think I know who and it was not out of generosity. Self-interest was behind the gesture. I could be wrong.

On the way into town, we saw two yard sales I planned to stop by on the way out of town. The first turned out to be a mobile carwash set up in front of the courthouse. The next was gone, but it was 3 pm. So much for a yard sale.

I took money from the bank, gave Tommy what I owed him, paid a bill, found nothing of interest and not cheap at another grocery. I got the mail and there was nothing urgent or of interest. I kept ten ones for yard sales.

The bill I pay with cash at the drive-up window has a $3.95 charge if I use a card. Since it is a 3 min stop and near everywhere I go, I opt to pay cash at the window.

I sent a fax at Office Depot. Tuesday Morning is going out of business, so just I had to shop on the sidewalk and inside. When I came back to the car, Tommy asked me if I found anything. "Yes, I found needs/wants/wishes, but nothing I was willing to lay down money to buy."

When we got home, I had to rest a bit and then we watered the plants. I was talking baby talk to them when Tommy wanted to know what I said. When I told him I was talking to my plants and they liked it. He said, "Talk to them like you did your chickens and I will know what you are doing." I thought I was.

Now, I need to try on all those clothes and get them ready to return to Belk's if they do not fit. I cannot justify keeping all of them. Trying on things is something I hate with a passion.

Many businesses were going out of business! I am not surprised.

Do you talk to your plants and chickens, talking baby talk?

Things That Are Different This Week and Easter

The pink plastic bag with store ads and the coupon inserts was not thrown in the driveway this week. Bummer. I wonder if the inserts are still in the newspaper. I will call the paper to see. Anne, did you get your pink plastic bag?

Publix publishes three paper items with deals and coupons. Only the large newsprint ad is in the store now. This is the paper with BOGOs. That's good. So, there are no other deals or coupons.

A small store in Cullman has no more ads and no deals. Bummer again! They had good buys.

I received an email from Belk's for buy one men's item and get three free. (B1G3) What?! I waited until the next day and it was gone. For $28 I could get four pair of pants for Tommy.  I think they were $60 pants, maybe $58. But, the deal is gone. $7 men's pants are a great buy. A customer service person said the deal might come back.

While shopping for Campbell's soup, I came across something that stymied me and sort of still does. I found Cream of Mushroom Soup and Campbell's Mushroom Cooking Soup. Well, I cook with some of the "Cream of" soups. I read the labels. It seems that there are more actual vegetable in the "cooking soup."  Mushroom Cooking Soup has 1 1/2 cups of vegetables--mushroom and broccoli. Plus, there are many more spices in it.

Did you know there is a Cream of Bacon Soup? That's news to me.

Northern toilet paper is back at Publix. They seem to have a tp delivered every day, just a different brand. The brand de jour is abundant with the other brands down to one or two packs or not at all.  I did not buy more. Monday, even more Northern tp showed up at Publix.

Tommy has quit his outbursts right before bedtime. This has helped me to sleep well each night. I had a calm talk with him. I did not say goodnight for two nights in a row. He changed.

I no longer fear the test for my heart, the cath. I did some research on Saturday. I found a minimally invasive procedure--Siemens multipoint 64 slice CT Scanner--Super Scanner with non-invasive 3-D images of the heart and blood vessels. Have you heard of this? Had experience? My stress level has dropped significantly!

With people dying, especially old people with other health problems like us, Tommy will not take it seriously. He got out to pump gas and handled car handle, steering wheel, keys and credit card, yelled about the Lysol Wipe I handed him, dibbled it on his hands and threw it with attitude on the dashboard and told me, "You worry too much." Okay, I worry about him, but he cannot worry about me. great. I may kill him yet.  So, this week, he has given up being cautious. Great, just great!!!

Easter was low-key and lazy. I had plans for the dinner, but they were changed. Possibilities included spiral-cut ham, slaw, green bean casserole, field peas and snaps, potato salad. I could not find the French fries in kitchen, so none of that. The potato salad was just too labor intensive, and Tommy cannot stand potato salad.

So, I ended up heating the ham, green beans, and the peas and snaps. That ended up being two of the same bean! I found the French fries package just at dinnertime but did not make it. I had made vanilla pudding with pineapple in it because Tommy does not like bananas. Then, we had his chocolate bunny later that night.

I have potato salad on my mind, ingredients for green bean casserole, and a fruit salad for me. But, the day after Easter, Monday, we had the ham, and cole slaw. Plus, I put green beans in with the field peas and snaps and heated that for us. It was a replay of Easter, but we certainly do not care.

How have things changed in your life from last week to this week?

Free Lunch, Games, Lot Cleanup

Today was the lunch at the pretty church. We got there ahead of the appointed hour and there were lots of people there. All the tables were decorated by separate people. This year, their were no table with over-the-top decorations. Those were beautiful last year as were the ones this year.

A woman played her guitar and we all sang Christmas songs. It was fun since she was good at leading singing.

We first had a little worksheet to figure out as we sat and waited. There were pictures representing Christmas songs.

Then, we played Bingo. We won nothing. However, after we used the same card for three wins, we were told to clear the card. I did by dumping the lima beans. Then, they continued for four more wins. I complained that she told us to clear out card. They gave me a consolation prize, sort of mocking me. But, it was not too bad. I don't mind 50 people laughing and me and being called disgruntled...lol. The woman was nice and said things like to everyone. I got a little Christmas note pad and pen in a cover that closed with a magnet.

Afterwards, two door prizes were drawn. One was a birdhouse. We cannot think of the other prize.

The lunch was a buffet that was not in the kitchen, just finger foods: chicken salad, another with nuts in it, a huge cheese log, ten kinds of crackers, giant crudité tray and dip, sausage ball, chicken fingers, meat balls in bbq sauce, pigs in a blanket, grapes, blueberries, fresh pineapple chunks, sandwich strips of some sort, salsa and chips, best chocolate chip cookies ever. I only ate one!

I had business inside my bank, and another two offices, went to a food bank, and Belk's.

I did not get much at the food bank, but it was a bonus to be there on the right day and the last of 37 people who were left to be served before me. I never wait, I just sign up and go somewhere. I got ground pork, a huge Black Forest ham on a bun with dressing and green something, Pepperidge Farm oat bread, jelly, new potatoes, six donuts (could have had a chocolate cake), cream cheese with chives, peanut butter, canned tomatoes, Weight Watcher's Pecan crowns. At the end, someone told me to get anything I wanted from a huge box on the floor. I could not reach that far and dig. They pointed out candles but I told them "no candles." Someone said there was a wooden trivet, so I got that. This plastic table cloth will not hand warmish food.

I had a $15 off coupon at Belk's if I spent $75. This was even on clearance items. Kim Rogers clothes were buy one, get two free. I was too tired to care. But, the Kim Rogers I buy is always nice unless it is acrylic. So, if you bought $75 worth at this bargain, it would be $60! I didn't. I bought blue flannel sheets, red hair dryer, and a white bracelet. All were reduced.

We were exhausted. But, a friend with a truck came to my lot and picked up garbage left by someone in the city! It was right on the corner and not dumped by the public because it was there when we left. My friend picked all this up, brought things from back of lot (trash) and put it in the gutter. He assured me garbage men would get it. If they don't get it on Thursday, garbage at my neighborhood, he will get it on Friday for me. He put it all in Rubbermaid containers that were ruined, not just loose in the gutter.

I gave him a twelve-foot pipe thing that supported the roof over the basement door. It is not a pipe, really, just a heavy support. There were two water pipes or something that I used for plant supports/stakes, and other things he will take to recycling. I gave him bbq grill with good propane tank, and swing support. The metal swing was stolen! He is going to bring my big swing thing and picnic table and a few more things to me here. He is going to bring the stuff to me and it am giving him the 10'x10'x8' dog pen for his chickens. The lots looks so much better without trash all over. I brought home two small things today. He was thrilled to get the swing for his grandchildren.

On the way home, I had to go to bathroom soooomuch. Tommy brought me home and we both visited the bathroom. We got right back into the Rogue and went to Dollar Tree. I found a star that was meant to go on a small tree. It's all glittery gold and has a coil to go onto the top of the tree. I got a commode brush, two Christmas glasses, Pirouline. Oh, yes. I bought a Christmas pickle for the tree. He has not seen the commode brush and may blow up.

A woman in a hurry asked me to buy a Christmas card for her if she gave me the money. She gave me a dollar bill and a quarter and told me to keep the rest of the quarter. As soon as the cashier rung it up, she held out her hand and nicely demanded it. The cashier looked sort of shocked but when I nodded, she handed it over. I thought I was going to complete the transaction and give it to the woman, but she was in a big hurry. She was very nice and looked stressed.

Socks on my feet last night afforded me a great warm feet sleep.

So, that was Tuesday.

Saturday in the Rain

We headed off to Cullman in the rain. I ordered some Rada products from a friend and needed to pay for it and pick it up. I lost all my knives, so needed to replace them. This is a slow process. Tommy has one cheap, blunt knife.


These are Rada knives and are sold by the church as fund-raiser. Through their site, I learned Barkeeper's Friend cleaned stainless steel to a briliant shine. I ordered another paring knife or something short, a longer knife, and a sharpened for stainless steel, these knives in particular. And, most importantly, I ordered a tool for peeling vegetables. I need it for carrots, one of the few vegetables I can eat as long as they are cooked.


This is at a church with food bank which I used. I wished aloud to Tommy that I wished I could go on the Cullman. He agreed. We went to PO, my yard, Publix and Belk's. I stopped at the Festhall where the Farmer's Market is held. I asked what festival was taking place. A very loquacious man told us all about the events that started on Friday and go through Sunday. "Since we are a German town" we thought we would have a German festival. Finally, because he seemed well-acquainted with the history of the town, I asked him his name. WELLL, He is the mayor. I was surprised and much embarrassed.

I decided to go to Publix since I know the people and it is less crowded. I only bought BOGO items. But, I cannot find the receipt, so maybe later... I did find Stovetop Stuffing and the best price so far. Quite frankly, this shopping trip was less costly than coming back to Birmingham and having to fight the store location, find an electric cart that works, AND find the specials. I also have cranberry sauce at a good price, cream of chicken soup, and other things I needed. The salad wall was almost bare due to e cColi, possibly in lettuce.

Then I went to Belk's and fund I had forgotten I something I wanted to return. I did find a nice red purse reduced to $29. Okay, you may think this is extravagant, but I wanted a red purse, especially a leather one. We did not eat lunch, just junk food that was delicious from the food bank. It was Publix fare, I opened some of and had a sip before I went into Publix. I took out pb crackers and told Tommy that he should help himself. He ate and drank part of both. After I came out of Belk's he had finished both. Hypoglycemia averted. Now, I have to buy more of both out of self defense.

We went to my storage unit and went to their very clean bathrooms before leaving. When I got to the car first, I got behind the wheel and offered to drive. He let me. But, I was on the point of nodding off, so I pulled over in Fultondale and let him drive. Then, I slept sitting straight up, thinking I was awake Upon arriving at home, I brought in bananas and celery. I dropped the bananas twice and stepped on the celery. I could hear it crunch...lol.

I was seeing double as I staggered down the hall and into bed. I think it took me ten seconds to go to sleep. After all, I did not sleep one wink on Friday night. Then, I only slept three hours, so I am ready to go to bed again. UGH, so tired.

The rain and clouds dissipated and the afternoon and evening were glorious.

Oh, a pretty red sweater mailed to me earlier, fits me. It is too pretty to be a house sweater, but maybe too warm to wear out. Seeing it fit made me really happy.

Shopping and Cooking

Wednesday, I slept not a wink. I got up when Tommy awoke at 6:15 and watched TV with him until 8:30 and went to bed until 12:30. I still cannot walk safely...lol. We went out to Belk's and Walgreen's I took back a pair of pants that did not fit and bought a sweater--long black duster, but not very heavy. The black and white buttons are ugly, so I will change those. I looked at many items. Coats were too heavy and too short and sporty.

I cannot bear looking at gloves and scarves. My best scarves were from yard sales. My gloves were bought on deep sales, really cheap. Walmart gloves do not fit. They hurt in between my fingers. All my umbrellas went to the dump, too!

We passed Nature's Own bread outlet. I bought bread for $0.99 instead of the $4.05 I spent for the same loaf at Publix. I need a small freezer. If you spend $7, you get a free loaf. There is not enough room in his refrigerator freezer. There never was in mine, either. Before my big freezer broke, I only bought bread/buns about every six weeks. I only want a 3 cu. ft. upright. I will check Craigslist first.

Then, we went to Walgreen's where I used Tommy's cc and my coupon for $1.50 off three boxes of cereal that were $1.99, making his Cheerios $1.49 for each 10.8 ounce box. I need to check this price to see if it is a good bargain. I bought a box of parchment paper, a 25 sq. roll for $1. I am not sure that is a bargain, but it works for me. Having to buy everything all over is stressful, expensive and impossible.

We had every intention of going to Lowe's and another store, but I was busy getting a bit of sleep. We both agreed we wanted to be back by 3 pm to avoid traffic. The Galleria where Belk's is located and the roads leading to it were not busy at all.

For the drive I brought little bottles of Minute Maid orange juice in case Tommy needed it as he sat in the parking lot. You cannot leave him along with oj because he is sure to consume either...lol. I had him go get us a cheap hamburger to keep his blood sugar up. I did not have Atkins bars, so even though this cost, it is better than scaring me out of my wits.

I am off the make the taco casserole in the crock pot. I will cook the meat first and save part of it to put in spaghetti that I am craving. Tommy gets to grate cheese.

It is so wonderful having a light over the sink in the kitchen. Imagine only having a dim light over the stove to cook. Tommy said it was nice, too. The ugly round fluorescent bulb is either blown or the ballast or starter is not working. That is my next project. No, getting an LED bulb and a shade for my lamp I put in the living room is next. That is what I was going to Lowe's to purchase. Tomorrow.

When I was making the taco casserole/soup, I discovered the rice was rancid, so no rice in the dish. I could not find the grater which was six inches from the crockpot, so I sliced it thinly and put it on top of our servings. When we both finished, I realized I forgot to put the taco seasoning in the dish. Tommy said it was good and he preferred it that way.

Tomorrow, I will have to call the doctor since I seem to be getting worse by the minute. sigh...

Does anyone own or has ever owned a tiny upright freezer? I wonder if they freeze as well as a larger one. I cannot lift things out of a chest freezer.

High today was 82F with beautiful clouds in a blue, sunny sky.