Thursday

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

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

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

shot 56 times

knocked unconscious 29 times

stabbed 3 times

poisoned once

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

Other than a nap, I have done nothing today. 

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

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

A Beautiful Beginning and End to Sunday

Plus, it was good all day...lol. 

Today dawned bright, beautiful, and cold! Cold is okay as long as it is sunny and dry. I slept well and long! We went for a short drive, and while we were out, I stopped by The Pig to see if I could find pie crusts. I did. The place was so crowded! Pie crusts will probably be on sale in the Tuesday ads since I bought them this week at regular price. I don't want to take a chance. I did buy two, thinking we don't even need one pie. However, I will make at least one pie for Thanksgiving and pie when we actually eat a turkey dinner the next week. So, today, I bought another package of two. 

This next bit was cute, funny, sad, not sure. But, definitely not a criticism of skills. He just does not know. Really, I need to record every word spoken between us as he swears I always get it wrong. 

For some reason Tommy decided to load the dishwasher when I was ill this last week. He said he loaded the utensils into the dishwasher door and "they are all pointing up." That was really nice of him. When I am ill, I am so lethargic. Then, when I was starting to feel better, he said he put all the plates into the dishwasher. Wow, he is getting very helpful. But, I felt guilty. 

When I put in dishes later, I noticed all the plates were facing in one direction. This way, the water stream hit the backs of half of them. So, I started changing half of them, the ones to the right, placing them backing the sides of the dishwasher where they were facing toward a side. He came by as I was doing this and I showed him how it should be done and why. PLUS, the instructions said explicitly to place all dishes facing toward the center of the dishwasher. "So the water from the center hits all dirty surfaces." I kept changing them until they were right and not trying to get him to fix them. 

He put the plates in again on Saturday and said he got them all facing in the right direction, just like I showed him. I was shocked. Picture this.  The plates were paired facing each other. Two by two. Of course, with the edges of the plates being curved, this configuration practically assured that no water of any amount or force would hit the dirty side of any of the plates. 

I was laughing inside and called him to come and let me show him something. Then, he swore up and down that he did it exactly as I showed him. He said he watched me. Well, obviously he watched and did not see. After a few loud words from both sides, I knew he was just too defensive to listen. Still, he brings it up that I showed him a different way. 

It was cute what he did. Funny! But, I did not laugh or scoff. He is so defensive and has never done anything wrong. EVER. He has never said anything like "sorry" or "I did not know" or "I misunderstood." His answers--"I have done it that way since I was 10." or "All my relatives did it that way" or "everybody I know does it that way" or "that is exactly the way YOU told me to do it." 

When I went to sleep at 7 am on Saturday morning, I awoke at 1:30 and felt awful most of the day. However, I was sleepy early Saturday night and went to bed about 2 am. I realized I have not slept well when I don't wear my new pocket nightgown. When it was wet and hanging to dry, I did not. It has been hard to sleep when the blankets keep sliding off my shoulders. Hopefully, sleep won't be too hard from now on with my shoulders warm and the rest of my body. Of course, I love the length, but it could be six inches longer.

These nightgowns are going to be my day dresses. I hate pants all day! Yes, they will be nightgowns, too.

It has been over 24 hours since I last saw my phone! I take it to bed every night, put it on the nightstand until morning. On the way to bed I sometimes put it on the counter in the kitchen or on bathroom vanity. Often, when I get up in the morning, I find it where I put it on the way to bed. We have looked everywhere. Of course, it is off so I cannot just call my phone. Okay, I found it. I had carried a clothes basket with the new sheets and other things to the bedroom with my phone on top. The basket was beyond my bed, and with no light in the ceiling, I could barely see it. Okay, a day without even using my phone is rare. And, no one called me. 

We were watching Gunsmoke one day when Tommy exclaimed that they all had blue eyes. Five scoundrels were onscreen. I think it is 6% of the people on earth have blue eyes and 100% of the cast of Gunsmoke screen had blue eyes. Tommy commented that Hollywood sure loves blue eyes. Of course, Matt, and Kitty both have blue eyes. 

At 9:30 Sunday night, Tommy went into the kitchen for us. I told him if he would gather everything, I would make a pumpkin pie. So, he is there searching for the spices, cans, and eggs. I could have gone in and stood while he got things out. This will make things so much easier on my back. I even had him get out the right measuring cups and measuring spoons. So, I need to get out the mixer and a bowl. Good deal! I think I can get a pie into the oven without spilling it more easily than he can. I will start at 10:30 after the news. So, I suppose pumpkin pie will happen at midnight.

Okay, the pumpkin pie will be out at 12:15. Actually, it is two pumpkin pies. So, one for each of us. I am a pig when it comes to pumpkin pie. Mama made a pumpkin pie that was about 3/4 inch thick or whatever goes into a regular bought pie pan, not deep dish. I certainly hope it doesn't taste bad. 

I knew I had a can of Pet Milk, but it had a date of Jan 2022, so I had him take the top completely off. It seemed clabbered. The new can was smooth and no clots. 

Pumpkin is my favorite pie of those I make. And, I don't even want one if I did not make it. 

What is your favorite pie that you make? Do you like pumpkin pie?

Gunsmoke Chickens + New Pet+ Reading New Book

When we watch Gunsmoke, we both watch what the chickens do as the action goes on around them. Gunsmoke chickens just keep pecking or scratching or walking around. The don't become alarmed as people walk by. They don't mind horses unless one almost steps on a hapless chicken. On many Western movies the chickens are skittish when horses walk up, but not on Gunsmoke.

This tells us the animal handlers and trainers keep chickens where there is action all the time--people, dogs, and horses. It looks more natural than scenes in other movies where the chickens are skittish of even their own people in the scenes. 

My chickens were skittish of everyone except Tommy and me. Other people came there, but no one came regularly. 

When Sluggy came, the chickens were hard to get settled because she was new. Sluggy thought I was running away from her. But, I was trying to keep my chickens from taking to the bushes or trees. Tommy had known them and they knew him from when they were about three days old and living in the house. I had to warn other people to wait so I could get them in their pen. 

Oh, I do remember Gunsmoke from my youth. I would not watch it. I read. I did not like Kitty's trashy earrings, garish makeup, and the beauty spot. I thought she looked cheap. Okay, no criticism of my thoughts. I was really young. 

Daddy must have like it or he would made us turn it off. I suppose my brother did, too. 

Coming home today from Lowe's, I found a pet I have been wanting. As it crawled around, I captured her, well, Tommy did. He let her loose at home. Hopefully, she and her babies will help protect my flowers next hear. I had been wishing I had a ladybug. At Lowe's I found yellow daffodils and brought them home. I don't want the paperwhites or the yellow daffodils with the orange center. No, we planted nothing today. Since it was 83F, the ground won't be freezing anytime soon.

Saturday night, I started reading A Dog's Purpose. I stayed up too late reading. It is one of the best books I have ever read. Have you ever read it?

Have you had trouble with the time change? I have not. When we change all the clocks, I won't be so confused. The one on the wall is the last one to change since laptop and cells change themselves.

Do you ever notice the Gunsmoke chickens?

Do you encourage ladybugs to stay in your garden or do you ever order them? 

I thought I had Stovetop Stuffing, but obviously I don't! So, I will be looking for a couple of boxes of cheap SS for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everything I need for Thanksgiving and Christmas will be gathered in one place, just to make sure I am not caught short when the holiday is here. I do not want to go out in crowds at the last minute. There may be some in the bedroom, so I will check tomorrow.

Do you have any close experiences with chickens? Anyone else getting things together for Thanksgiving so you know what you have?

Monday This and That, Nothing Much to see Here

The weather is beautiful here and I am too ill to really enjoy it. Today, I went to St Vincent's to a lab. Well, they brought out a wheelchair with only one arm to transport me from the car to inside. I said I was afraid I would fall. They insisted I just sit down and it would be okay. "Can't you sit down with just one hand?" They did not take it well when I said I have to use both hands to lower and balance myself. Finally, I said, "When I fall on the pavement you won't be happy and neither will I." They suggested I take a sample bottle home and bring it back. 

That is a real pain in the neck, but I did. They gave me five bottles for later. So, now I must go back tomorrow and call them to come out and get the sample. Now, I will not have to get out and go to the lab. This will be so much better even though it is a long drive. 

I am faithfully taking my Azo Cranberry and have been since last week. I am very ill. 

I need to sow seeds outdoors and start some seeds inside.  I might topple over if I try to garden, even in pots. 

Matt Dillon backhanded so many people and slugged them that I am sure he must have damaged his hand enough to bring on arthritis. It is a wonder he remained a fast gun. 

I lost a bottle of meds and had to pay for more myself. I paid $17 for ten pills! That is a lot of money for me. 

Dinner Monday night was leftovers--hamburger, carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower. In a few minutes, we will go in and load the dishwasher. I wanted to put chicken in the oven and assemble the taco soup, but I think it is too late, almost 10 pm. 

If I can, tomorrow, I will make hummingbird feed and load a feeder and put it out. I am not sure when they return around here. 

Has anyone put out a hummingbird feeder yet? When will you hang one? 

Better and Gunsmoke

 I think I am better or it could be because I completely missed on dose of meds and feel better because I am not overdosing on antibiotic. I am also take azo cranberry tablets. Maybe I will be cured!

Dinner tonight: chicken with the maple  bourbon spices, carrots, zucchini--all in cooking bag. It is almost done. Leftover slaw will be finished, too. 

I don't think we have any vegetables left in the refrigerator. Maybe there is something in the freezer. Oh, yes! I remember seeing fresh corn cut off the cob in the freezer. We do have salad greens. Tonight, I will also cook pork cutlets. Tommy will chop the ground sirloin and cook it for future meals. 

Still, there are cabbages, zucchini and acorn squash. Maybe tomorrow. I poured off the liquid the chicken, zucchini and carrots left. I had seasoned it all with McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple. So, the lentils will have that for flavoring. I think it will be a good seasoning for lentils. Maybe?

Matt Dillon wore the same lavender shirt for the whole time in the color version of Gunsmoke. I suppose dressing Kitty blew the  budget for his wardrobe. Did you ever notice the shirt, the same shirt for years?

Today, there was severe flooding in Birmingham in the same places it always floods. 

Monday night, when I went to bed. I was having reflux. It was so bad I got up and came into the living room about 4:30 am to sit up. I read on the laptop and made no noise or turned on a light. I slept in bed from about 8am until noon.  

Tuesday night, same thing except I came in the living room and slept in my chair. I let it all the way back and put a tiny, thin throw over my body from chest down. My arms were cold, so I reached and got a nightgown from top of dirty clothes and covered with that. When I went to the bathroom, I got a hoodie and slept with it zipped and the hood up, still in my chair. At 1:30 pm, I went to my bed and slept for another hour. My day began at 3 pm today! 

Maybe we should elect a comedian as President.

Taco Soup, Pi, Verizon, Gunsmoke, Little, Brown Handbook, Strunk and White

 On the way home from buying milk, we stopped at the pharmacy. Then, he went into Verizon to clarify something for me. He mentioned that there was a new milk that was a2milk--chocolate milk. I was objecting, saying it was awful. He said that the carton said NEW and Hershey. Well, that sold me. I had him go back and get me chocolate milk and Pie for Pi day. So, the new chocolate a2milk is delicious. Now, I cannot drink it all at once. The tiny cheap pie was not good. I gave mine to Tommy.

Dinner prep tonight did not go as smoothly as the other time Tommy "helped." I told him to get four cans of food--tomato bits, tomato sauce, whole kernel corn and black beans. 4 cans. He swears I told him four cans of tomatoes. After all the cans of tomatoes I bought, he could not find 4 cans of tomatoes. Well, I only asked for 2! 

He opened the cans since it is hard for me. First, we drained the ground beef to get all the fat off. Then, I drained and rinsed the black beans. I had him put some of this in the crockpot. I put some of it in. He turned the crockpot on high and 45 minutes later came and told me the crockpot was not plugged in!!! Not his fault nor mine. 

It was past dinner time. Everything was barely warm, but it was all cooked before it went into the crock. The cheese on top, Kraft Italian shredded, was sort of melted. I tried to stir it in, but it was not quite warm enough. We microwaved a bowlful to eat. It was delicious. 

Since I knew the rice would not cook before we were going to eat, I put a can of water in the crockpot and 1/3 cup of rice and it is heating. We ate without rice. I usually add about 1/3 cup since we don't need so much rice. When I had two bites left, I realized there was no taco seasoning in the taco casserole. !!! But, it was not lacking great taste

It was actually delicious. I kept coming back to the living room to sit down. My hands were shaking when I tried to look at the ads for the week. Tommy was not so helpful tonight even though he was some help. He was argumentative. And still arguing over whether I said 4 cans or 4 cans of tomatoes. 

I also cooked 5 Italian Sausages for Tommy to have for lunches. One will go in the freezer and the other four are in a sandwich bag. He puts these in a bun or wraps a piece of bread around one for lunch. I still have a package of chicken and some kind of pork to cook. 

Just tonight, Monday night, I got the energy to put the last three pounds of butter in the freezer. They are a bit past the best-by date, but I have my fingers crossed. 

Verizon may drive me crazy as AT&T did. I went to get a phone and change to Verizon from AT&T. I forgot why, but something to do with my address, I had problems. So, I just used Tommy's card to seal the deal. I wrote him a check the first of March and it is in his bank. Well, I needed to pay my bill. I did. They accepted my card over the phone and said the amount for monthly service had been taken from my card. However Tommy needs to go in the store and make me an account manager. Tommy went into the store today and was told I have to call them on my phone and let Tommy talk to them and tell them I can be an account manager. AND, my bill has not been paid. 

Matt Dillon keeps getting shot in the same left arm. He gets it cleaned up and there is never a hole in the shirt. 

I need a new style manual. Thirty years ago, Little, Brown Handbook was the authority. I learned to love Strunk and White's Elements of Style. I know I will need to get the latest edition. Is anyone closer to university use of either of these? Or, is there another style book that has come into existence since 2000? Now, I remember there was an MLA Handbook, too. 

Miss Kitty

 Every time we see her getting onto a stagecoach, we know there is mayhem ahead. She has never gotten onto a stagecoach without getting hurt, shot, knifed, raped, kidnapped, in the desert alone, beaten, slapped, held hostage. Oh, by the way, this happens every time she is on a train, too. Once, she ended up driving the stagecoach, hat and hair flying. 

I am tired and cooking. So, this is it. Have you noticed how each show with Kitty goes? Of course, I am talking about Gunsmoke.

Christmas Movies and My Recliner

 We tried to watch a movie that sounded cute--"Office Christmas Party." We could not make it through the film. 

Another night we watched "The Star." It was a short from the 1940s. The story was the nativity played out in the West. The three Wisemen were three cowboys on horses carrying a Christmas tree and all sorts of toys from a store. They bought so much because the owners were thrilled with making the sales. The rest of the story is just as bizarre and charming. They did follow a star. Okay, no more hints. The movie was only 30 minutes long. 

I don't think I have mentioned A Christmas Carol starring Reginald something. 

We found "Home Alone 2." That is always funny. Okay, it was in New York.

Several sitcoms have their Christmas episodes playing. I hope to catch WKRP in Cincinnati where they have the turkey drop! Oh, that was Thanksgiving. Bummer.

Plus, this the Duke month and a John Wayne movie is on every night. I saw one where James Arness/Matt Dillon was part of the cast, AND he had blonde hair.

I am so far behind on everything! Tommy just sits. Well, so do I...lol. But, these are two-person chores.

No, the recliner did not come on Dec. 15th like I was told it would. So, now it is January 15th. I am so annoyed. I need that chair. I guarantee it will not come in January.  

Three more cards go into the mail today. 

We just now picked up two prescriptions and rushed back home to start the dishwasher since laundry had been washing. We finished loading it and turned it on. Tommy put things in the dryer and then brought in stuff to hang. NOW, we are running back out to get me a new and free phone since this one holds a charge about 30 minutes. 

Tommy will put ornaments on the tree tonight and we have no more dinners in the refrigerator, so I must cook something. 

How is it going in your world? Are you behind on Christmas preps? Are you seeing many Christmas specials? 

Blood All over the Floor

 Every time I watch Gunsmoke, someone is usually shot. Of course, no one bleeds much, if at all. But, we know differently. I often wonder how people got the blood out of the wood floors, many of which probably did not have a finish, much less a covering. Sometimes, people are shot in homes and saloons or businesses. How do they live with all this blood and residue and smell? How do they keep the flies away? What happens when someone is bleeding on a rug? Matt Dillon helps pick up bleeding people as do others, yet no one gets blood on their clothing! Yeah, this whole blood thing gets to me every time I see people shot. And, how is it that Matt gets shot in the shoulder/arm so many times and that one shirt he wore for years never has a hole or patch? 

Just now, Tommy added that with people coming in right off the street the place must smell awful with horse shit. He has noticed that every time Kitty gets on a stage coach, something happens. 

Okay, this is how my mind works. And, my mind has been mulling this over for months. I just had to ask. 

My list remains the same, maybe some items added to it. Nothing done! I slept amazingly well last night. I read one chapter in my book, no more, no less, and turn off the light. I don't use reading to put me to sleep. I use reading to clear my mind, I suppose. 

The new grocery ads are out with nothing special in the ads. There are many bare shelves in stores I visit. Toilet paper is sparse. Gatorade products are practically nonexistent. But, I never buy those, well, one in last 40 years. 

Do you ever wonder about things on film? What is your thought about the way things happen? 

Okay, I am going to quit before I lose readers and I am marked off as a nut.

AND, no rains for the next ten days, according to tv. I rejoice!

Gunsmoke and Folding Laundry

 I love Gunsmoke! Love! Love! However, I have no recollection of watching it ever. Even though it was on TV from 1955 to 1974 or 1975, I have no memories of it. We did not have a television until 1960, so no early memories. If my brother were alive, I could ask him. I can imagine not watching when I was in college as the girls in the dorm there were more interested in soap operas. When I married and had babies, I did not have much  time for TV. 

If I am watching something Tommy does not want to watch, he reminds me Gunsmoke is on. He knows I always want to watch Gunsmoke. Some days, he finds it for me and reminds me to watch it. THEN, he says, "Oh, I am going to watch (whatever), maybe football, maybe movie he knows I won't like, just something he is counting on watching. This amuses me. 

I am astounded at the violence. Matt Dillon has a mean backhand. If you watch carefully, you can see that Matt has trouble with his right leg. He was wounded severely on the beach at Anzio. The show does stand up for blacks, Indians, and other minorities.

We all know he has an intimate relationship with Miss Kitty, but there is never any overt show of much more than friendship. I heard Gunsmoke was called an "adult western." We adults know how to read between the lines. So, there was not  storyline like Roy Rogers. 

I watched The Rifleman, Bat Masterson, Have Gun, Will Travel, Rawhide, Bonanza, but have not recollection of Gunsmoke. If Daddy did not like it, we could not watch it. I am baffled why I did not watch it and have no memories of it, not one.

My favorite household chore is folding laundry. I saved it for when I was watching tv. I wanted to watch tv and also get something accomplished. The clothes are clean, smell nice, and make nice neat stacks. The first thing I fold from the basket of whites is large towels. Removing those makes the volume of clothing instantly smaller. Then, I pull out like things to fold, so that alike is folded one after another. Each towel, whatever kind it is, and each wash cloth is folded neatly and stacked neatly. All folds go the same way. Everything is uniform. The same goes for dish cloths and dish towels. 

The neatness makes me happy. My children folded, too, and eventually were able to fold as well as I did. Of course, their first attempts were not corrected. At first, they sort of wadded wash clothes...lol. My son, first child, loved to help! 

There was usually a talk show I wanted to watch, so this chore of folding laundry was saved for then. 

I cannot stand stacks of towels or wash cloths folded this way and that. So, I take pleasure in neat stacks. Now, I have two prints on dishtowels and fold each design and put that design together. Same with the other design. 

Do you remember watching Gunsmoke? Did you or do you like it? 

What was your favorite household chore, the one that satisfied you or made you happy? Do you like or hate folding laundry? What is your favorite household chore. In case you suspect OCD, definitely not. 

Nothing Much Friday But Stuff to Say--Tomatoes, Basil, and Gunsmoke

 When pots are left with dying plants from over the winter, sometimes they will reseed , sprout weeds or just sit there and look ugly. I noticed a few days ago green in one of my herb pots. Yesterday, I made note of the fact it looked like basil. Well, today, feeling like I could bend and not topple over, I bent and pulled a leaf and smelled it. BASIL

It is really hard to water things on the porch as bending is hard and I don't want to spray the leaves. So, I have to bend or go off the porch and down the ramp to water standing on the grass. Plus, Tommy must go down the ramp and then back around it to turn on the water. I hate to have him do this, but I cannot turn the faucet. 

No pretty plants on the porch. I need to find ones that can go dry without immediately collapsing and then dying. But, I had another thought while on hummingbird watch. I will get another shepherd's crook and put flowers near the ramp railing. That way, either of us can water them with water from inside the house. 

It looks like I lost my third cleaner before he ever came. He would be in one of three locations and I had to go get him.  Well, before I could call, he moved to some place called Livingston. My friend has a second person in mind, so we will see. 

Tonight, I decided a BLT would be perfect with the new tomatoes, but I needed to purchase already-cooked bacon. We got out the door and onto the ramp and decided to stay home as it was starting to sprinkle and there were big, black clouds. No use getting caught out in that, so we unlocked the door and stayed here. The tomatoes will last until tomorrow. 

Right now, I am watching a movie with James Arness. I love Gunsmoke! I hurried and put dinner in the oven--two bscb and two chicken breast filets. A whole Vidalia onion sliced in half and a whole bell pepper sliced in fourths are cooking with the chicken. Tommy is going to have salad with grape tomatoes. I will have slices of one of the tomatoes from the market. We can eat all weekend from this since the breasts are so large. 

I may have a tomato salad--diced tomatoes, a bit of Miracle Whip stirred in with other vegetables.  YUM. When we were kids, we would go in and make tomato sandwiches before dinner. I loved those. 

The chicken is almost ready and Tommy is getting his salad. So, I need to check on the chicken at the next commercial. 

Do you or did you just eat tomato sandwich with mayo or salad dressing? Did you toast the bread or eat it with toasting?