Barely Here

 I am better. The fever is gone. The cough just seems to get worse. Exhaustion floods me. I know I will get better, but it seems a while off right now. Until this afternoon, I had not been out of the house except once. Still, I have not gone in a store. 

Sunday, I wanted a Whopper; Monday, a chicken tender; Tuesday, Arby's, a beef and cheddar, minus red ranch. Other than those, I had cereal, fruit, few vegetables, little bread. 

Well, I wrote the above and had to take a nap. Wednesday, I managed to clean up and slice up the potatoes Tommy peeled, carrots, orange pepper, and onion which Tommy cooked in the oven. I had meatballs from the freezer, and he had ground beef with onions, cooked to put in spaghetti or something. Later, I had half an apple and bowl with yogurt and blueberries. 

I am eating a bit more each day. But, the lethargy is deeper, it seems. I can talk but barely. One of the worst parts of this is the nasty taste the Paxlovid causes in my mouth! 

One day when Tommy was in grocery, I called and had him tracked down in the store to call me. Well, I told him to get me flowers. He said that he already had me something. "okay"  It was a pack of 9 brownies, not what I wanted. Of course, I ate them. It seems that before my birthday I had said I do not need cake and ice cream, that a brownie sounded better. Well, this was more than one brownie and had icing, not how I like a brownie. 

So, a few minutes ago, I mentioned flowers. Little reaction. I will have to get them myself with his card. He did mention yesterday going to a jewelry store to buy me a necklace. I need to hurry and get better. 

I wasted the peaches, letting them get very over-ripe because I could not even peel them. Same with plums. I was going to cut both and store. The peaches were delicious. Tommy did not even try one, and he likes peaches. 

There were three places I wanted to eat, but I did not feel like going there. Of course, that was for whole month, so maybe I will feel like doing pickup later, maybe next week. So, there was no celebrating. But, I did live to be 77! There will be other days. He did sing "Happy Birthday" to me on my birthday. 

He used the fertilizer spikes I bought for the Meyer Lemon tree. It seemed to green up some the next day. All the leaves were becoming sort of yellow. I thought it was just turning for Fall. Maybe not. 

We saw a sign on a pickup truck and decided to see what the people were selling. They were giving away free puppies. They were black lab with "some collie." They were mixed with Border Collie. That is what Sadie was. She was the only dog I ever had for my own. But, she was killed getting in the road at about 5 months. I really wanted one of these dogs, but we are barely able to care for ourselves, and the dog cannot be an indoor dog. Sadie came from the back of a pickup truck too, at Lacon Flea Market.

I keep having to rest. I touch-type very well, but this has been a burden to correct what I type. Believe me, it was illegible. It's like my fingers forgot where the keys are.

Okay, I am back to recovery mode. 

What did you accomplish today? 

Plans for this weekend?

Tommy's Birthday/I am Determined

 I was awake from 4:30 to 7:30. Tommy got up to go to the bathroom as I was going to bed. We pass in the night! I had told him to wake me at 10 am since I was told that the $1.49 turkey breast would be out by then. Well, I got dressed when I woke at 10:30 a bit miffed he did not wake me. I dressed as fast as I could and combed my hair in the car. On the way to Publix I did sing Happy Birthday in a creaky voice. He thanks me and liked the song. 

At 11 am, there was no turkey breast no matter how many people dug in that case of turkeys. Finally, it seemed that the truck was delayed so I could check back tomorrow. UGH! I did get vanilla ice cream like Tommy requested for his birthday. 

Since I had nothing to eat, I told him I was buying his lunch. We went to Arby's and had a roast beef sandwich with cheese and no red sauce. Other places nicer were too far away. We were on a tight schedule. Of course, I had to squirt Horsey Sauce on each bite. I love horseradish. One time I got the burn up my nostrils and loved it. Usually, we would eat in the park. He suggested I eat while we drove to Big Box and he would eat in the car. He had had breakfast. 

I did some quick shopping and no browsing. We left finally and got to next chore. We witnessed and almost head-on collision. That was frightening. 

It took a while to recover and we watched some of the news. Then, Tommy started peeling potatoes and carrots. We both worked. While I was trimming everything, he washed the squash and zucchini which I then cut into three inch pieces. 

Carrots, potatoes, onion went into the bag with the pork loin on top. I tied up the bag, poked holes, and put it into the oven. Maybe he put it in. I turned around to wash my hands as he stood near me, using his walker. He asked, "What are you going to do with the squash and zucchini? Oh, my gosh. I left them out of the bag. So, I cut the tie, dumped them in and he put them back into the oven. At least the pan was not hot at all. 

I said it was birthday present time. He was eager. He opened the shredder and was happy. Now, for three years he has opposed a shredder being purchased. He opened the book I got him--A Dog's Purpose. He seems like he might finally read it. I gave the old one with pages curled to Lynda. 

Life is short; eat dessert first!

Then, since dinner was still not near done, I asked him if he wanted carrot cake--"Of course!" So, we had carrot cake. I am so glad a whole cake was too expensive--$19--and we only had a slice each. He did not want ice cream on it. He hates ice cream or whipped cream on desserts, even when I whip real cream. Oh, I bought him a pack of Juicy Fruit since he likes gum and never has any unless I buy it. He is an aggressive chewer and saves it until morning, stuck onto something, so I don't encourage him. But, it is his birthday. 

Dinner smells so delicious--Applewood Pork Loin, potatoes, carrots, onion, zucchini, squash, all in a cooking bag. There is enough for another meal even if we both eat lots tonight. Plus, there will be enough for sandwiches. I bought slaw mix to go with any of the above meal if there is enough for more meals.

Determined? I will get two more turkey breasts! It is getting hard, but I will persevere. Next time, I will be at the store early on the day ad starts instead of noon the next day. But, things happened on Wednesday. No more excuses for sales. Tommy exclaimed, "Where are we going to put two breasts?"

I am determined to get two more in the stuffed freezer! I can thaw and cook one, if push comes to shove. One time about 8 years ago, I put three turkey breasts in one turkey bag and sent Tommy's home with him. It can be done. 

I ordered a Christmas cd for when Lynda comes to visit. Later tonight, I will listen to it and see if it is good. This will be a "party" done right. We might have dancing! jk

At 8:30, I called Publix. The meat truck has not come in yet. So, someone must stay until it gets there. At least, at this point there will be turkey breasts in the morning. We would not have gone in tonight, anyway. 

I asked Tommy if he wanted any ice cream. "At about 10:30." So, he is enjoying his birthday. Cake, ice cream, shredder, gum, a good dinner, Auburn t-shirt, and a book made him happy. The flashlight and head lamp can wait until Christmas. 

Are specials and sales becoming hard to find because of low stock? 

Do you ever become determined to get the deal?

Tommy's Cake

 My head has been busy today, deciding what to serve for our tiny Christmas party and what to make for Tommy's birthday this Friday. 

I asked him if the pork loin with potatoes and carrots and onion would be fine after I asked him what he wanted. He shrugged at first, but said the pork loin would be fine. I suggested slaw and he said no, it would be too much. Exactly when is slaw too much. We will have it, but he does not have to eat it. I want it. 

Then, I went through the ads for the week, finding a few things but nothing major except for the ham for $1.49/lb at Publix. So, my grocery list is done. Eggs still are not on sale. 

I asked Tommy for a suggestion for cake for his birthday. He did not know. When I asked about carrot cake, he was eager, "get a couple pieces." So, he will get a carrot cake or just slices. He just now said to get a slice or two, not a whole cake. And, he wants vanilla ice cream. So, it is settled.  We don't need a whole cake around here. I do have candles. 

Today, I needed a nap at noon. I forgot we had someplace to go, so I could only sleep until 1:15. UGH Then, I needed the rest of the nap at 5:15 pm and awoke at 6:30 pm. Honestly, I am napping like a baby! 

Tomorrow, we have plans, so I hope I can sleep well. We will go to Belk's and to several stores to grocery shop. I have gift cards for Belk's. 

I received the Amazon fairy lights and went to the trouble to set them up for Lynda's gift. I was fit to be tied when the remote did not work. I had already set mine up! So, I was going to have to dismantle mine for the second time and order more and return the present set. The very nice woman said to just keep them, take a refund and order more, plus they were giving me a $10 credit at Amazon. Okay, then.

The lights will still work if they are in the same area with the first set in the box. The remote works on both. thankfully. 

The remote lives in a sandwich bag. It is so tiny and thin that it will disappear if it slides somewhere, it will disappear. If it disappears, I can find it by the sandwich bag. I have one hiding somewhere for my boombox! It could have been thrown away for all I know. 

Have you seen these tiny remotes (3.25 x 1.5 x 3/16 inch)? Have you lost one? 

Have you ever just bought one slice of cake for the birthday person?

How are the ads for this week at your stores?

This Day Almost Killed Me!

I awoke at 7 am to get ready and be at the dr appointment at 9 am and accompany Tommy to his endoscopy. Finally, at 11:15 am he had not had the endoscopy, I asked him if he were going to stay and wait for the doctor. He said he was leaving. Another couple was there for their 8:30 appointment and had not been seen. 

Let's back up. Around 10:30, I called and told him I was faint. He told me to go get food. I asked if he wanted something, too. He did. I went to Arby's. As I was eating my sandwich, he called and said to pick him up. His sandwich was still warm as I had only eaten a third of mine. We sat and ate since we were famished and exhausted. 

We drove 86 miles for the round trip and got nothing done! We had to pick up meds for me from Walgreen's and one other small, quick chore. Finally, at 3:30 we arrived home. Needless to say, I am exhausted! I had told Tommy I would cook beef tips, carrots, potatoes and onions. He seemed disappointed when I suggested leftovers because I was tired. Right now, he is peeling carrots and potatoes. I might have chicken breast instead of beef. Okay, I put out boneless, skinless thighs to thaw, so no beef tips thawed, just thighs with the vegetables. 

I cannot find Yukon Gold potatoes. So, I just bought something labeled another kind of "gold." I have no idea what is the difference. Do you? 

I still feel like I am riding in the vibrating car. When waiting, I had the motor on, so the vibrations were endless. I am certainly glad I did not have to drive home as we were planning. 

The dogs next door are having their nightly bark session. I am so sick of this noise assault. And, their cat has decided our porch, carport, and the tops of our cars are hers. Well, I will see about that. It has fleas! 

Now is prep time for Tommy's birthday. I got him A Dog's Purpose. I will buy him chewing gum. I forgot what else I decided to give him. Now, I have to think what it was. Oh, a flashlight. We have these Vont lanterns that are a pain. The light comes out from all sides, which is good in a room with no light. But, holding the lantern in front of my face while I

 look in a closet or under the sink blinds me. And a headlamp!

While I was sitting in the car for two hours waiting for Tommy, I made calls I need to make. I found an animal shelter to take the prescription bottles. And, I discovered a close relative died from cancer. From another call, I found more relatives that died from cancer years ago. Lucky me to have this heritage!

There are three thighs leftover that I will freeze. There is a small potato, too. North to Alaska is on, but I may not be able to stay awake long enough to finish the movie. 

Bedtime here. What are all these "gold" potatoes? The tiny one I had tonight was delicious. But, I was hungry.

Tommy's Day, Death, Stupid Mum!

 Well, Tommy's birthday is over. He liked the chicken and the zucchini. There were other vegetables I could give him, but he just wanted zucchini and lots of it. 

In the end, I put a small jar of apricot jam, 10 ounces of Italian Zesty Dressing, and a package of Onion Soup mix, cooked together on the stove and poured over the chicken tenders. I should have cooked them at the last uncovered, but they were fine covered and baked in the oven for an hour. I still have half of what I mixed up, so I can do this another day. There are two tenders left for lunch tomorrow. 

The brownies were a hit even though I obviously did not leave them in long enough. So, I scraped his liquid brownie into another pan and baked them again. Same with my portion that had not been removed from the pan. The last time I thought I had forgotten how to bake, the thermostat was broken. This oven bakes 50 degrees hotter. However, it could be fluctuating. 

He never wants anything--pie or brownies or cake--defiled with ice cream. I knew that but thought he might relent since it was his birthday. No go.  He also likes his ice cream plain.

The temperature is rising and will be up to 65F by 6 am. We will pay for this weather with a chance of tornadoes on Saturday. 

I saw in the obituary of another person that a friend died this summer. The obituary said she had predeceased the person who had died (did not know her.) I was beyond shocked! We were not close and never could be. Her daughter committed suicide at fifteen about 15 years ago. Five years ago, her husband committed suicide almost on the same day her daughter died. 

Funny story--She believed very much in the Rapture, which I do not. When her husband died, so did her mechanic. (Her joke, not mine.) So, she had to buy a car and bought a new one. When I saw it, I told her at the Rapture, I wanted her car. She became angry and defensive, yelled at me and told me her sister would get it. I laughed and asked her if her sister was going to still be here. She realized what she had said and would not laugh, just was embarrassed. 

For fifteen years, she served as a voluntary phone counselor for people who were considering suicide or who had a loved one commit suicide. My friend had to take sedatives to sleep, something to wake her enough to function, something for depression. I think her continual immersion in suicide could not allow her to heal. I mentioned this to her only once, and she said she had not thought about it that way. I have no idea if she continued with the counseling others because she sort of disappeared, moved away, I think. 

Even though she had diabetes and had to have half of several hammer toes removed, I wonder how she died. Covid? So, now I have to find one of her relatives listed in her relative's obit and see if I can find out what happened. I wonder if the two deaths by suicide by her family, and all the drugs she contributed to her death. ???

There were a group of women bullying me and I had no idea why. When I told her, she knew why and had moved to stop them. One woman had told people I had chased her and tried to hit her. My friend told the other women that she had seen me walk and there was no way I could chase anyone. Plus, she told them I was not like that. So, some of the women came separately and apologized when they saw me. 

I have a stack of obituaries that need a bit of investigation. 

On Tommy's birthday, I did not ask him to do anything to help out. Of course, I didn't do it either. We went to get his oil changed and mail a letter for me. He seemed to be out of sorts at time, but I said, "Okay, let's have an argument, okay?" and he stopped picking a fight. 

I give up on the mum I was going to spray. I refuse to throw good money after bad. I might give it a spritz of the clear glitter spray to see how it works, but I refuse to spray it all over first time. If it looks okay, I might throw a string of fairy lights from last year. It has a remote, so it will be easy to light. 

So, Tommy had a very good day, it seemed. Tomorrow, we will plant our Amaryllis (pink one and red one) for the house since they should have been planted two weeks ago. Maybe Saturday, we will put up the tree. 

Did you have a very good day, too?

Well, I had this post ready and the computer quit. The cord from here to wall died. The last time this happened, I got a warning. On Friday, the laptop just quit. Saturday weather was not conducive to driving to Hoover to get a new one, Or, to Big Box. So, on Sunday we left about 1 pm to search. I found one at Office Max and paid too much. But, laptop now works! 

AND, I am tired. Tommy actually fluffed the tiny tree and did it right. THEN, he said don't you want me to put the ornaments on the tree. He likes it, obviously. Nothing for Christmas was done today. So, I think I will go with red and green. I am going to cook pasta for spaghetti and have salad or just steamed broccoli--red and green. I might get out the ornaments. 

Did you get any tornadoes or bad weather on Sunday or anytime on the weekend

Tommy's Birthday

 He is 68 today, December 9. So, I robbed the cradle. I have things planned to cook for him. I asked him if he wanted cake and what kind, or brownies. He said, "Oh, just brownies." I have vanilla ice cream, which I know he will love on brownies. Or, maybe not. He likes his ice cream "neat," same with brownies.

His canes by the door and his reacher. They always fall down, and he has to get something and scrape it along and finally get it up. I know somewhere in a thrift store or antique store is a reasonably priced umbrella stand. But, I just cannot walk and search. So, I went to the internet and found some cheap umbrella stands. But, the reviews were awful, saying they fall over. We don't need the whole stand falling over. 

So, I came across the blue Tardis umbrella stand and got him that. You could tell he was happy to get it. Thrilled! He loves Dr. Who. Plus, I bought him a box of Russell Stover assorted chocolates. The Tardis is very heavy and does not fall over!  It will probably never hold an umbrella, but that's okay. Reachers and canes need support. 

We have been discussing what he wants for his dinner. Well, we could not find any ground beef in the freezer. It is there, just not discoverable right now. So, he is getting chicken. I am making a new recipe, so he won't just have a chunk of chicken, which I love. I have a pack of chicken breasts I will use. I put in the refrigerator to thaw a pack of Italian Chicken Tenders, a boneless turkey breast, and something else in the poultry family. 

I will mix Italian or Russian Dressing, apricot or some kind of jelly, and onion soup mix, cook it and pour it over the chicken to cook in the oven. I suppose I will cook zucchini in olive oil and garlic, and whatever else he wants. 

He takes the ads each week and looks it over. I tell him to circle things on sale that I buy, that we need, or he wants. He always circles zucchini and squash. However, I am not paying $2.99/lb. I do find them cheaper elsewhere. Wednesday, I found zucchini for $1.99 lb. So, we are both happy. 

Thursday is a day of Tarzan movies from 30s and 40s, so we are going to binge watch these movies. This will be fun. 

One store in Cullman has a buggy or two of deep discount items, some weeks more, some weeks less. forty or four of the same items. I always check this. As I did check it on Wednesday, I thought it was strange. There were Dr. Pepper 8 packs stuck on the sides of the buggy. A mess of greens lay in the bottom of the buggy. There was an odd assortment of other foods, no two alike.  I reached in to pick things up. 

A couple standing and talking, stopped and looked at me. I was horrified when I realized I was looking over their cart of food. They laughed and said they had done the exact thing with a lady's buggy, shopping out of her buggy., so they understood. We had a good laugh and talked a bit. My cheeks burned for an hour!

Okay, change of plans. I awoke after 11 am since I could not sleep last night. He said he wants to go and get his oil changed for his birthday. ??? He watched Tarzan. 

He likes his candy. He has never had a box before, in his hands, all his own to eat whichever piece he likes. I am the candymeister...lol. I sang "Happy Birthday" in a little, squeaky voice because I had just that minute gotten up. He laughed. 

Okay, I have to gather things for this chicken dish. And, cook. 

Have you ever shopped from another customer's buggy/cart? Or have you had someone shop from your cart? I hear people deliberately steal items from a cart if the store has run out.

September 11th Birthday

 Well, it was a nothing birthday. Tommy  barely looked at me or moved his lips when he said "Happy Birthday." He want to argues all the time. He could have been pleasant today, but NO. Some days, he is pleasant, but he could not have chosen pleasant today. 

I had a piece of sausage and M&Ms for breakfast, Arby's Roast Beef with Cheese and I put horseradish sauce on each bite. For dinner we went to get bbq. Tommy has been talking about how good Bob Sykes BBQ is. It is not at all. Usually, I can eat the meat, but it was awful and had runny sauce that had little taste. The meat tasted like it had been microwaved too long. It was rubbery. Some was sliced thin and some was chopped. The slaw was good except for there was as much liquid and solid, so it tasted watered-down. The French fries were delicious. I have not set foot in the kitchen today.

That's it. Now, I am tired. I have been tired all day long and have not felt like doing things, going places I had planned. I think my October allergies are setting in. 

I did go to the estate sale across the street. I bought two pair of the socks like they supply at the hospital, the kind with rubbery pieces top and bottom. I love the feel of those socks because they are loose. I will go back tomorrow and try to see what is in three outbuildings. Maybe things will be half price. Oh, I did find a bed. It was $1000 and worth every penny. It came with a massive dresser and chest of drawers.

It is only 8 pm, and I may go to bed. 

I cannot believe I am 75 years old!

Have you ever said that on your birthday...I cannot believe I am (whatever age)?

August 5th Birthdays

 My father was born in 1916. He would  be 105 today! However, I have heard it was 1915. My brother was born on Daddy's birthday. Mama had a C section, so I thought she had requested the date. She told me she never even mentioned it was Daddy's birthday because she wanted the decision on surgery date made by the doctor so she would not feel responsible if anything went wrong. Wise woman.  

She let the four of us older children choose his name. We loved Anthony but did not like Tony for a nickname which eventually he would surely be called. So, we searched until we found something we liked to put with Anthony. We liked Mark, so ended up with Mark Anthony. I was only thirteen-years-old, so was not thinking Shakespeare or anything, obviously. Mama later said she was on pain killers and the name sounded familiar in her fog. 

I saw a sight today that I have never seen as long and as closely as I have been watching these hummingbirds--one pooped as it was sitting at the feeder. Now, I wonder if the ground is covered with hummingbird poop underneath the feeder! I do stand on the landing on the ramp where it makes a turn when I remove and replace the feeders. And, the feeders are over the grass. So, maybe I won't step in it where they all poop. 

Mealtimes have been good with scrambled eggs ready to eat and sliced chicken breast. For one thing--I don't have to think about what to eat or cook. And, on a day like today when somehow I hurt my knee again, it is just physically easier. 

Tommy cut my hair late this afternoon. It looks great. He only cut off about 3/4 inch, but that was split ends. The hair from my crown is almost to the length of my hair in the back. I don't need my hair all one length, so I suppose I need to layer it. Layering my hard is hard on my shoulders, but the look is worth the pain. And, I don't have to layer it so often. 

I have an appointment with a new doctor on Friday morning. A new doctor is always stress-inducing for me. At least I am going to a doctor where there is no stress getting a wheelchair and someone to push me.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Exercise

 Monday, I needed to go to Cullman to give my gift of an azalea plant and a birthday card to my friend turning 90 on Monday. I did not get a card out in time, so I just had to bring it and gift to her. I knew she was going out to lunch with her children, so we went there first thing after calling first. When we arrived, her yard was full of azaleas of all colors in full bloom. So, I knew she would appreciate another azalea. There are plenty of spaces in her yard. 

Another friend gave her a gardenia, so she has new flowers. She received so many visits and phone calls that today, Wednesday, she is just recovering. 

I went to the PO to get my mail and found my box locked. When I went to the proper counter to find out for sure and fix the problem, the attendant used his outdoor voice to tell me I could not break in line and pointed out "all those people are standing in line and you can too." I then used my outdoor voice to tell him I did not ask to break in line! I left just furious! 

I found a guy to make me new birds and took scraps of 2x6 and 2x4 to cut from. Some boards had the bird pattern already traced. Well, he is charging me an exorbitant price just to cut them. But, I will get a few as I am going to sell them. My friend's other bird rotted, too, so she is having two made for me and two for her. 

While there, I went to Publix to see if I could buy a azalea for me. No, all gone. 

Tuesday, I called about my PO Box and was told it is still available if I get there first to pay for it. I tried to pay it online, but that failed. I do have a USPS account but the site said--NO. So, I went to local PO and was told I could not. Yet, last fall, I was told I could. So, I asked Tommy if we could go to Cullman. We just left and drove there, paid for PO box, went to my lot, returned four pair of pants to Belk where I looked for shoes for Tommy. No luck. 

The price is high enough on my box, but I was charged and extra $23 late charge. Believe me, I have noted the date due on my calendar. I have not paid late charge, interest, or any extraneous charges for years. I hate to pay extra charges. 

I called dentist and asked if they had an opening to get my teeth cleaned. Surprisingly, they had an opening at 1 pm. I had my teeth cleaned and discussed my teeth and future work. Remember the place between two teeth where I thought I had a cavity causing pain, and I used clove oil? Well, there is no cavity or sign of one. The pain is from receding gum between those two teeth. 

Fluoride was applied to my teeth. That stuff is nasty. I have a fluoride rinse to use from now on. The plan from here forward is to removed huge amalgam fillings tht are cracked and falling apart on two teeth  and replace with crowns. The dental hygienist is soooo nice! 

Today, Wednesday, I went to appointment with endocrinologist. A person was coming to push me in, someone I was paying. Well, I am two weeks too early. So, I have to pay the "pushing" part of today's cost and next time's cost, too. I was and am so frustrated. 

I struggled to get the wheelchair out of the bedroom and down the ramp. So, I will be frustrated to put it back, knowing I have to do this in two weeks. 

As we left the office, I suddenly saw a sign on a building in Homewood that said Chocolate Lounge. The only thing I can find on the internet of the same name is in Dubai. Anne, have you seen this? If it is a lounge as we know it, I am not interested. I hope is is just a name for a place that sells chocolate. 

Exercising has been slow. I managed to do three one-minute sessions on Sunday, one on Monday. On Tuesday I was not shocked at how long 30 seconds was. At the end of 1 minute, I told Tommy to keep time still, but tell me when another 30 seconds beyond the one-minute target had passed. Wow, I marched for 90 seconds and did not feel like I was literally going to die. Wednesday, I did the same as soon as I woke. Since we have been gone and it is almost 6 pm. I plan to only get one more 90 second session done today. 

Tuesday night, I went to bed at midnight and awoke this morning, Wednesday,  at 10 am. And, my feet were barely swollen. Hopefully, my stamina with marching, feet less swollen, and adequate sleep continue. I realized I was headed down a path with a dangerous end. 

Tonight, Wednesday, I am exhausted even though I only rode to the doctor's and back. It looks like Monday and Tuesday caught up with me. 

Birthday Again

 Wednesday was Tommy's birthday. So, we did it all on Sunday and I had nothing for today. I sang "Happy Birthday" to him as soon as I awoke. He laughed because I was so sleepy.

Remember--cake, candles, ice cream and presents happened on Sunday. 

I ordered us a Honey Baked ham sandwich from, the Honey Baked Ham Store and went to Vestavia Hills to pick it up. We drove to Vestavia Hills Methodist Church and found a shady spot and ate. He absolutely loved his sandwich. I should have ordered turkey breast for me.

The church had a garden with sweet potatoes, a "Sweet Potato Garden" on the sign. It looked like they all had been dug. 

We drove around a bit. It was his birthday, so I just let him go whereever. Then, when we came home, I took a nap and he watched Jeopardy. 

I felt worse when I awoke. AND, all the dishes were dirty. I have not felt like standing for a week. And, was not going to ask him to wash dishes on his birthday. I gave him choices--last of the turkey and a vegetable, meatballs and same vegetable, or wash dishes, or KFC or his choice. He chose KFC.

KFC was delicious! 

I still have to make him homemade ice cream even though I bought ice cream. 

Thursday morning, we wash dishes. I wash; Tommy dries. The dishwasher not named Linda arrives on Monday. YAY!

Nothing Christmas to report. I am just too tired. 

Tooth Extraction and Christmas Commences

 This writing is on Sunday night as I will be up at 4:30 am to get a tooth extracted at 6:30 am. I am afraid, very afraid. 

Tommy's birthday is Wednesday, but since I am not sure what I will feel like then, we celebrated his birthday Sunday. I don't feel like cooking a proper birthday dinner. So, we made do.

I took a chicken out of the crock pot today since I put it into the crockpot Friday. I took out the breast meat, gave him the rest and he took the meat off those bones. His dinner was chicken, stovetop stuffing, cranberry sauce, slaw. Then, he had vanilla ice cream on a slice of Red Velvet cake with two lit candles. I sang "Happy Birthday." 

Publix had Mayfield Ice Cream bogo so one-half gallon of vanilla and one of chocolate. And, I got one slice of Red Velvet Cake and we shared it. 

Then, he opened his gifts from me--nose hair and ear hair trimmer. I think it trims sideburns, too. It has batteries, four tips, beard trimmer, and two combs for eyebrows. He smiled broadly when he saw it. I also gave him a book--Birds of Alabama and a cd that goes with it with Bird Songs of Alabama. This will go with his binoculars. He is always talking about "wonder what kind of bird that is" or "what bird is singing?" 

He spent a long time putting batteries in the trimmer and looking it over and reading the instructions. Just now, he spent a long time in the bathroom using it. So, I guess it is a hit.

Ordering from Amazon is so much easier than going into a store and searching for the product and going to another store when I cannot find what I want. 

I have been looking for a mesh sweater dryer. I had one but cannot find it in stores. I have looked a dozen times for the last few months. None of my sweaters have been washed from last winter. Now, I can dry two at a time since this is  a double decker that can be used singly instead of stacked. 

You know I have been searching in stores for original Dawn. Well, three bottles were delivered last week and there was a problem. They sent more and told me to throw out the others. I now have six bottles of Dawn. If I were paid for the times I searched, I would comfortable. I won't have to order these again for months. 

Plus, these are aisles I do not have to worry about shopping and infecting myself with covid19.  There are items I buy each month, and I am slowly ordering these from Amazon. It is just as cheap most of the time, and I $ get credits if I don't need it tomorrow or the next day.  

I had looked for a pair of binoculars for me, and could find none of quality in stores. Okay, some were just too expensive. Now, I have a good pair and did not have o spend too much. 

Now, I cannot find Ziploc Pint Freezer Bags. I use a quart bag for really small amounts. So, I ordered 300 bags, Industrial Box at $.08 cents per bag. 

I even have some items sent once each month. I forgot what that program is called. I am not taking money from local businesses since they don't have some items. 

Tommy and I can spend our "out" time looking at Christmas decorations or something other than my going into a hotbed of virus and his sitting in the car. 

I got a mesh wreath for the front door. It did not show behind the storm door, so I put the hanger on the storm door and it is outside. Now, it needs fairy lights so it shows up after dark. 

Tommy finally pulled down all the branches on the tiny artificial tree so I can decorate it.  I bought another set of small ornaments as there were not enough last year. He put out his dancing Santa that is solar. 

I just looked up the address of the oral surgeon I am going to and have used before. I needed to see if his office had moved. It has not. AND, now he has an office in Gardendale. Going to Gardendale would save us about 80 miles on the round trip! 

Okay, tooth out! Back home!

I was going to have a root canal, but decided the infection might not be 100% gone and bacteria would be left to cause another infection/problem. The alternative to root canal was extraction and implant. I did not want the implant immediately since the ground bone could be put in the hole and still have infection left. I ran my thoughts by the endocrinologist who agreed with me and thought it was prudent since I have diabetes. 

So, the tooth was pulled and in four months I can have an implant. I opted not to be sedated. He gave me extra numbing for tooth and pulled it without breaking off the tooth. Believe it or not, this was the "best" visit to a dentist in my whole life. I felt nothing. 

I have more azithromycin and oxycodone. I took about a third of an oxy and could barely get into the house. Since I am woozy, I am going in for a nap and it is 10:45 am.

Back up from nap. I obviously will not be able to take a whole oxycodone since I can barely walk. At least, I can take half one during the day and maybe at night. 

So, now I will be okay for Christmas.

Saturday Wind Up on Sunday

I screamed. Tommy was startled and asked me what was wrong. I somehow erased the whole post! I hate that. 

Saturday, he paid $10 for someone to vacuum the back end of the Rogue where we had two bags of sweet potatoes placed. I could taste dust in the front seat. He does not have an extension cord long enough for his little house vacuum to reach out there. Neither of us can vacuum at a commercial place. It is clean anyway! 

Dinner was so delicious, if I do say so myself--pork loin roast with bbq sauce on it, carrots cooked in the pork juice, green beans. Between the two of us, we finished off the whole can of beans. I froze a dinner portion with pork and half the pound of carrots that I cooked. There is enough pork in the refrigerator for two more meals. 

Also, at the yard sale, I found a fabulous, white, oval tablecloth 64" x 100". It was appliqued and embroidered. And PINK. I paid $1 for it and could sell it for a pretty penny on the internet. I am torn. 

In a big Tupperware bin, I am collecting things for my Big Pink Purse project for 2021. I bought 12 cosmetic bags for a quarter each. They still have a $6.99 price tag. From now until next year, I will collect things at a low price, but nice, new things. Except for the purses or backpacks, nothing will be used or limiting. 

If I win one of Sluggy's giveaways, I will add those to my Pink Purse stash. Well, I will have to eat the chocolate. 

Kathy, your prize is on the way! I mailed it Saturday morning. 

Saturday, I bought 4 books for Tommy, a bird book, a tree book, an insect book, and a wildflower book. I know he will like all of them. Later, I will buy a cd for bird songs. He will love that. I am going to give half of these for his December birthday and the other half for Christmas. He has binoculars bought by one of my followers. Well, she provided money to buy something for him. 

Tommy always asks me, "What kind of bird/tree/flower is that?" Most of the time I know. He knows lots of birds, too. When I was in hs, I had a tree book and an insect book. We had to have a leaf collection, an insect collection i biology. So, I learned a lot. I suppose I have forgotten lots, too. I really hated sticking pins in insects! Did you have to stab insects for an insect display?

He doesn't know it yet, but he is getting me books for Christmas. I will put a wish list on Amazon or someplace for him to choose.  He can do that and that way he will get me something I want and need...lol. 

Sunday is slipping away as he watches lots of movies, and, of course, I am lured by them.  I work during commercials. Of course, I cannot work steadily if it involves standing. 

My seat on my walker came loose and parts were lost. I did get parts to attach the seat. So, that needs to be done today. It is 65F at 2:30, and very nice out. 

I am still placing things on the kitchen shelves! It never ends since I can neither work fast nor for too long. Today, I may bake an apple pie, maybe not. If so, I will freeze for Thanksgiving.   Don't hold me to anything...lol. Today or tomorrow, I will bake the turkey.   

Have you started Thanksgiving cooking?                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Life and Death

 November 11 is my brother Gary's birthday. He was born fourteen months to the day after I was born on September 11. He died on 12-12-01. 

When we were little, he always had the day off from school on his birthday, Armistice Day. I really miss him.  

And, my mother was a veteran. So, the day has double meaning for me. No matter how sad the day is for me, I still want to remember.

Tuesday night it was 70F at midnight. It gets scary when a storm is coming in and the weather is so warm as it can trigger a tornado. So far, today, Thursday there seems no problem. Good. I am in no mood for weather watching. 

So, it appears no one wants to play along with my charitable project and try to guess what it is. I was missing gathering Christmas Boxes and filling them. So, this serves the purpose of giving to someone else.  I think I will prepare this same project, planning and collecting items all year long. 

Well, I will just trudge along, doing it alone. Guess as many times as you like each day. Each guess needs to be in a separate comment. But, if I cannot find you to mail the prize, then I will go on to the next person. So, include an email. OR You can email me your email address with  at pparsimony@yahoo.com and "Thanksgiving Guess" as the subject.  

Third Clue--daybook. 

Clue two..HERE

Clue one...HERE

4th Clue: Vitamins

5th Clue: nail polish

Today's Clue:  hand lotion

Come play with me!

Tommy's Birthday, New Furniture, This and That

 Tommy's Birthday is coming up and I am confused. I want to get him a nose hair trimmer. Is it better to get a battery operated one or a manual? I looked to Amazon and I have no idea. Help! Pros and cons of both, please. 

At Publix, I was given a cloth, reusable bag. It is the rectangular, flat kind, not one that stands up. But, it is washable, I think. 

Monday, I found Halo's for the first time this year. They are not very good. 

When the commode overflowed, I put four large, thick towels in the water when I got it stopped and then into the tub. Tommy later put his rug from in front of the sink onto the shower bar in the shower. Later he took it out and hung it on the ramp railing. I mentioned washing it. He said it needed to be thrown out. I thought it was a flat, brown rug. No, it has a squished down pile and is not brown, just filthy. . . this is why I never go without shoes. 

He has two recliners, both given to him. The current one is rickety because of his struggles to get out and falling into it. The one he does not use is beige and in a corner. I keep telling him the one he sits in sound like it is going to fall down. Today, I asked him if he really thinks he needs to keep the beige one or get rid of it. He said he thinks it needs to go. Miracle of Miracles--I think I see new furniture in the future and more space where someone can vacuum. He said the beige chair is so uncomfortable and hard he cannot sit in it. 

Does your lipstick ever run? I had a young friend whose lips looked like a 90-year-old woman's because of the bleeding lipstick. She was using lipstick gotten from estate sales, probably never worn, just old.  Old lipstick bleeds even on young lips. So, throw it out. 

I playfully suggested to Tommy that we could take the Halo's and paint pumpkin faces on them. No, not doing it. But, a thought. 

Today, Tuesday, we went to Cullman for lab tests. I was about to faint from hunger, but the phlebotomist was great and found a vein the first time, so the experience was not so bad. 

We went out in the country to the Hunny Hut for Honey. I bought two pints for $8 each. I could have had a quart for $15, but who wants to handle a quart of honey? Not me. Each pint is 22 oz. honey, so that is almost 3 lbs of honey. This will last me a long time. 

I went to my bank and had my absentee ballot notarized, Tommy's also. They know me so the notary public was willing to come outside. It was the bank manager. Then, I had to go and have a copy made of my driver's license at another business. I left a dollar bill on the counter in order to make the pain less...lol.  Now, to mail it. 

Tommy likes to drive around and look at Halloween decorations, so we did a bit of that, too. 

It's only 4 pm., but it has already been a hard and busy day. 

Do you ever ride around to see Halloween decorations? Are you voting early or with absentee ballot?

My Baby is 45 Today

Happy Birthday! It is hard to believe my baby is so old...lol. 

She was so cute and funny. One day, when she was two, I was lifting her or helping her into the highchair for dinner. She said, as she saw the salmon croquettes, "Mmm, cookies for dinner." 

When she was three, I heard the dog yelp and she came indoors as I started to see what was the problem. She had her smug look on her face and hair about her mouth. I asked her what happened to Puppy. "I bit Puppy."  That dog never bit anyone, but I was surprised she did not nip back. She never could tell me why she bit our dog. 

She is  first grade teacher now. 

Plans That Did Not Happen

But, then some happened.

I had several acquisitions and plans that were for my birthday week that did not happen but are still in our plans. Since I wrote this, some have happened.

* BBQ at Top Hat. They were closed on Mon and Tues when we went up last. Tommy was really looking forward to this. We will go some Wednesday or Thursday.

*Going to Colony, town established as backlash to racism (I have been told.) in the county. We were going there when we went to Top Hat. We may do this at the same time.

* Electric flyswatter was not for my birthday. I just intended to get it last week and forgot when I went to Lowe's. Lots of produce comes with flying things. Plus, Tommy has to hold the door open so long that flies and mosquitoes are coming in. DONE

 * Sedum Joy. Mine was stolen by backyard neighbors. I had had it for at least 30 years. And, the pot was nice. I am not going to buy a new pot yet as I will try to get a used one from the side of the road...lol. This time of year, the sedum would have been pink. Haven't looked lately.

* Chips and dip. Ruffles are my favorite chips. I had two free coupons for $4.29 each for two different Lay's items. I got Ruffles for me and Fritos for Tommy. I used a tiny package of Velveeta cheese as dip. the package came out of mac n cheese with whole wheat pasta, and I cannot stand whole wheat pasta. Okay, we finally opened those after the week was over. DONE

* The floormats are still not installed. But, we need to take it to a vacuum for cars, first. The floor is not very dirty, but I hate to put the mats down on the dirt that is there, grinding it in the carpet. When I bought the car, there was a mat on the driver's side that was flimsier than a kitchen dishwashing glove. Then, when I took it to a shop, they put down paper over that. So, I have managed to have two thin means of protection. Both were light enough I could shake them out.  I keep forgetting about taking it to the vacuum. I suppose I will wait for a dry day for this chore. DONE

Saturday, today, I had other plans--wash residue from around windows from pollen and mold. That will not happen. Tommy needs to take all the sweet potatoes that are left from last fall. We do have losses but still they are worth the price I pay. Plus, he will wash the found chairs so I can get them out of the weather. There are spider webs underneath and sheetrock dust everywhere else. I still have dishes, cooking, and freezing to keep me busy. 

There was no bucket here, so I went to Dollar Tree to buy one. Maybe I can score a free 3 gallon bucket soon. At DT. I bought the two-pack of square brownie/cake pans. Brownies are going to be my go-to gift of food from now on. 

There are other plans. 

Chair washing is postponed to Sunday. Today, we took three bags of food to store parking lot and gave them to one woman. 

I still need to vacuum under the mats I finally put down.

Saturday, Tommy could do more, but I soon gave out. Well, I could have done more, but that would have caused me such pain tomorrow, so I held off and quit. If I am too exhausted, I won't be able to sleep like last night and then have to take a nap. 

Do you ever plan a little and it is too much for you to do? 

Time Out

 Today is my birthday. I cannot believe I am 74. That's old.

Frozen Food and Doctor Appointment

And, I lost another post !!!! 

Tuesday night, I mashed the 34 cents worth of bananas, five bananas, and got a heaped up measuring cup of bananas in a bag in the freezer. I cleaned and cut into strips four Bell peppers and froze them on a pan in the freezer and dumped them into a bag. The four peppers were 94 cents. Even though the peppers were reduced, they were not wrinkly, just  few blemishes that happened during growth and picking. 

Wednesday, I had an telephone appointment with a cardiologist. On Monday, I received a call from someone wanting another telephone appointment at the same time. I was trying to explain I had another call scheduled at the same time. The guy was a little confused. Finally, I realized he was from the cardiologist, not the research team for my garden. The guy needed a bit of information and said a nurse practitioner would call me on Wednesday and then the doctor would talk with me, somewhere between 11 am and 12 noon. 

At 8:15 on Wednesday morning, the middle of the night, the phone rang. I had forgotten to turn it off. It was the guy calling to see if I were ready to receive the call. Yes, I am and why are you calling so early for 11 am appointment? To see if you are ready. I pointed out he woke me!

At 10 am I received a call from someone who took a history and meds information. And, to see if I was ready for the 11 am call. 

Finally, exhausted, I lay down about 12:30, figuring they knew how to wake me. I awoke at 2:15 pm, went to the bathroom and tried to rest more. A little before 3 pm, I received a call from someone who wanted to know if I was ready for the call and how much did I weigh and did I take my blood pressure. Well, no, since i don't have a blood pressure cuff. 

The nurse practitioner got on the phone and we talk for a long time. It seemed we went over everything I had told all the other people. Finally, she told me the doctor would come on the line.

He has a very slight accent, but the volume was keeping me from understanding. After the second sentence I said to him, "I cannot understand you. You need to speak up, louder." He started laughing really hard. I asked him what was so funny. He said, "You are very direct. You make me think I am talking to my mother." And, he continued to laugh hard. I said, "I am your mother." He laughed even harder. But, he did speak up for the whole conversation, not needing prompting to keep speaking loud enough. 

I shared my anxieties about being in the hospital for a procedure and this one in particular. He said, "We will make sure it is a happy experience." I said, "Are you giving me prizes or something? Happy experience?" He started laughing again. "Yes, we will give you prizes!" After a bit more conversation, we were through. 

The nurse practitioner came back on the phone. Someone will call me for an appointment for sometime in the future--4-6 weeks! 

So, that is that. I wait for a summons to torture.

I had things planned for today, and nothing was done! My car was going to get its hand washing. We were going to go to Tommy's bank so I could write him a check to pay for the sewing machine. Well, I wrote him a check and we mailed it--my idea. That involved a trip to PO, less than a mile away instead of going all the way downtown to his credit union. Somehow, the credit union branches don't have night deposit slots.

A birthday treat--`Alouette Spinach and Artichoke Dip and crackers. Tommy does not like it, so it is all mine.  It takes the edge off of not getting the car washed. 

I wanted to go to a medical supply place to get a package of two reachers, one short and one long. His broke and he struggles to drag things and shove things with a cane. There are things I need to make this a celebratory day, too. Oh well, it gets dark too early to be out this time of the day. 

Tonight, we will have slaw, beans, chicken, and I think I will cooks squash in olive oil with onions. He loves that and so do I.  

How did your day go? Anything fabulous to eat? Great deals? How was the weather?

Labor Day--Update New Serger

 Last week, I had no sleep and it was early in the morning, just after midnight. My hair was beyond filthy. I felt horrible. So, I decided I would cut my hair. After taking about 3/4 or less off the sides, I grabbed the back and cut a good 3" chunk out of my hair. Yes, it showed. But, I left it. After coloring my hair and, of course, washing it, the gap barely shows...lol. 

Yes, today is still my birthday week. Tommy paid for floor mats I picked out from Auto Zone. I would like to vacuum the floor in the front seat before I put them down. The hand-wash guy was closed, so we went to one in Bessemer, and it was closed. 

I decided cheesecake was the thing to have along with bbq chicken, slaw, beans, tomatoes, zucchini. So, I got the kind that is Jello No Bake Cheesecake. It will do. 

Last night/this morning, I started on the book by Mary Trump. I should finish it Wednesday as I will not be able to read any tomorrow. 

Just now, as Tommy was watching me and talking to me, I tried to drink from a water bottle as I was taking pills. I am not sure if I even got the bottle to my mouth before I dumped it down my chin and chest. Linda<-----pay attention! Okay, he said I did not have the bottle to my mouth as I turned away to pay attention to him. 

A new Juki serger is on the way to me. details later.

The Celebration Has Begun

I am interrupting the regularly scheduled program to tell you I feel better than I have in a month. I quit taking anything to help me sleep except for liquid melatonin. Plus, the antibiotic is working! I no longer feel too tired to walk to the kitchen! 

From today until next Friday, I am celebrating my September 11th birthday. My daughter does this. Can I get away with it? 

I started Friday. For weeks I have felt crummy and put off things I wanted to do for myself. Friday, Tommy got the next door neighbor to help start my car with the new jumper cable bought over a week ago. I can do this, but my hands are not the best at doing things requiring strength for squeezing the metal part. Tommy can do it all by himself, but if anything came loose from the battery poles, he would have to step up over a foot to carport or go a long way to get to where the carport is level with grass. 

The guy actually did have to go up and down three times. Tommy was in his car and would need to get his walker out to fix the cable. Between the three of us, we got it done. lol...I only started my car. 

Of course, the car needed to be driven, and if it would not start because the battery was dead permanently, I would need a new battery. Auto Zone lady said it was at 40%, to drive it more; I did.

Then, I drove it through the drive-through car wash. It is unnerving! So much noise, so dark, and Tommy is telling me what to do. Hands off wheel, foot off pedals, and car in neutral--that's a lot to remember when the car is rolling and I want to keep it from running away! 

Every fiber in my body wants to put my hands on the wheel, put a foot on a pedal, and put the car in drive. Car wash actions on the signs are so unnatural after a lifetime of learning what to do. It all feels so out of control! 

On Friday I got things for my fun thing today. I bought tulips and daffodils to plant in a container for my front porch. I plant them together and in the spring the daffodils and purplish tulips are spectacular growing together. 

That is my Saturday fun--clean car and flowers planted. Oh, we are going to the hand wash guy to have him clean it better. These guys use a closed service station to set up their car wash and they get out and handwash the car. I think it is very clever and enterprising. The gas station looks ancient and probably had two pumps, like the ones when I was a child. The guys have a bucket, rag, and hose. How simple.

We will go a bit later and buy floor mats. This car, used when I purchased it, did not have floor mats. I never could afford them before, and Tommy may still purchase these for me.