Two Doctor's Appointments in One Day

 This morning, Tommy had an eye appointment at 9 am, so we needed to leave at 8 am, and he woke me at 7 am. UGH! I sliced a chicken breast and made a chicken and MW sandwich which I ate in the car. It was delicious, but I almost choked! Why on earth does anyone need to be anywhere that early in the morning?

Sunday night, I slept from 1 am until 7 am, getting up for the bathroom only once. Then, I went right back to sleep. So, that was a good thing. 

I was back in bed for a nap at 10:30 am until 12:30 pm when I needed to get up for a 1:15 doctor appointment. 

When I arrived, I tried to call the office, as Tommy went in to get me a wheelchair and pusher. All I  could get was a call center. They always question me and then tell me they are the call center? Why? So, Tommy got someone with a wheelchair. I asked them if the ten-year-olds weren't missing it. I tried to sit in it but it was too narrow. Not many people could have gotten in that wheelchair! 

I was distraught, almost crying. I told them I had waited for an appointment and could they not get another wheelchair. That is the only one they own! They suggested I get another appointment after I had made this one over a week ago. I asked could he not come to the car. They said, NO!

Lo and behold. They pulled out the blood pressure cuff to the car, and he showed up, too. My blood pressure was 114/54. My former 90/60 alarmed a classmate who was an EMT. He said we call those people comatose. I don't know why it was so low. But, my normal blood pressure is about 120.70. I was/am having trouble talking, breathing, and speaking today. 

It is a beautiful, warm day, so there is that. And, dinner is cooked. The house looks better. I think I am off to a second nap. I may take another after dinner! Who says a person cannot take three naps in a day? Maybe after the antibiotic, I will feel better.

Okay, the pharmacy got one of my prescriptions about 5:30 and we left to get it. I have no idea why I got a prescription for one condition and not the other. It seems like either the pharmacy or the doctor fails to get their part done in order to get my meds to me.

Tommy did a return there when they gave us a wrong OTC. Then, he bought milk for me at Publix, bought Pepsi for him, 3 24-packs, and returned the same wrong otc they had gotten for him.

I had mentioned earlier that I wanted a Whopper, so he stopped at BK. It was delicious. Now, I need chocolate. 

Did I say? The wisteria is blooming, forming lavender clouds in the trees. It is so beautiful.

This afternoon I did not take a nap and probably won't this evening. 

Do you see wisteria blooming? Do you have problems with everyone doing their parts to get your meds to you?

Friday, Saturday, Sunday--A Blur

 After the doctor's appointment, we went to Cullman. I now have a new laptop, but still in the box. I will go back another day to get everything transferred. This laptop has been screaming, changing pitch, and m aking a sputtering noise alternately withing a minute. This goes on forever. Right now, it is silent, so I worry. 

When I feel really bad, I stumble out to the car and leave Tommy to lock the door instead of locking it after he leaves the house. One day, I hoped I could make it to the car. When I got there, my door was locked and Tommy was not out the door. I stumbled back to the house and had to sit down and regroup. 

The problem--when he bought this car it only had two keys--no fob. That is annoying when I get to the car and cannot open the passenger door because there is no keyhole there. Friday, I said we were getting fobs! We went to a store I have shopped at for 50 years and the keys would not make fobs or something. Anyway, the only thing that could be made was a fob that contains the key. It is all very mysterious to me...lol. 

The fob was $49, and were both getting one. But, the fob with the key inside was $99. so, we only bought one for me. 

Now, if my fob is in the car, there is no need for a key, just twist the key place. It is like I was given a new toy. With my car I have a fob and a key. I tried this at the door and it will lock and unlock his car. Good deal. Now, neither of us will not have to stand in the rain to unlock the door. Tommy is not sure whether it is working from my chair, so we will see tomorrow when he can go stand at the car. I am not sure why he cannot tell if the taillights blink or not. 

This morning, I awoke and stumbled in here and was putting on my pants when I got a voicemail from the cleaner. Her husband was not feeling well, so she could not come. I was so happy. So, I sat here from 9:30 until almost1 pm and went accidentally went to sleep in the recliner. He woke me at 5 pm and asked me if I wanted to get up. I rarely sleep in the recliner and not in months. I know is was very ill to sleep so long in that position. 

All I had to do was mention Zaxbys and we were out the door and back with it by 5:30. The salad was such a disappointment. There were only crumbles of chicken in the salad, mostly crust pieces that did not even taste like chicken. Not happy camper here. 

While I don't feel well at all, I am not quite as ill as I was. I am easily tired. Hopefully, I will be much better by tomorrow. 

The following is unwelcome advice and off the mark from a reader who promises to never come to my blog again.

"Linda, you say you want no advice so why write this ? Please help yourself. Take ALL the meds recommended by the physician and finally get a full workup, not cancelling an appointment because you don't feel well, the exact time when you should see a doctor. Sitting in a recliner all day watching television or napping is no prescription for a healthy, fulfilled life. I cannot read your blog any longer as it is so frustrating seeing an intellegent woman not taking control of health issues, getting and following medical advice."

First of all, I can write what I like. When I want advice, I usually ask. When I am doing all I can, I do not need accusations.  I never cancel an appointment because I don't feel well. Do you think I am incompetent?

When I don't know something and someone gives me advice, it is best served with unfounded accusations.

I do cancel appointments for dental, MRI, eye doctor, eye exams, retina specialist, and those kinds of visits where sitting still is expected if I am coughing or coughing in someone's face. 

Mind your own business about my "healthy, fulfilled life." If I cannot stand in front of the stove to cook or the sink to stand and wash dishes and it bothers you, get a little compassion instead of blaming me for not being able to do what you can do. 

How do you know what medical advice I get and do not follow? Are you psychic, bitch? `````````````````````````` enough with that.

After the doctor attended to present probem on Friday, I detained him to talk about my feet. I explained how they felt and asked it that was neuropathy? He said it was and that he had neuropathy, too. 

I told him my physician before him, a podiatrist, and another MD had all said I did not have neuropathy. I did not tell him his own NP said NO, not neuropathy when I described the feelings. So, he is taking care of that. Yes, I am intelligent nough to know I am getting bad and false advice sometimes. Plus, the endocrinologist is not responsive when I try to make an appointment. I called and had to leave a message for an appointment. Then, someone called me and told me the person who makes appointments would call me back. I had the phone off and now had to call again. So, I wait! He said he would put a fire under them. We will see. 

For the last week when I cannot sleep, I am so hungry. However, this is a habit I never had and don't intend to start. Plus, I don't need more weight. And, I cannot lie down right after after eating. Don't get me wrong, I would love to eat...lol. 

We are in for another 3 or more days of 70s, and dry weather. That always cheers me. 

Dinner for me was the Zaxbys salad.  Tommy had a chicken sandwich and fries.

My tulips get a recess each day outdoors and seem like they will make it. There are six bulbs in the pot. I wonder if taking them out and repotting them will make them survive. Do you have experience with tulips potted commercially? I cannot put them in the ground. 

We are in for another three or four days of pretty, warm, dry weather. That always cheers me. 

Is Zaxby's still good place to eat in your opinion? I think I have eaten there three times and all with Tommy but not for three years.

Life Is Not Worth Living

 These were my sentiments on Thursday night. I could barely move my hands while sitting here in my recliner. I felt a bit woozy, little bit like throwing up, stomach hurt, legs hurt, heart beating funny, lethargic, trouble walking, cold and then hot, but no elevated temperature, brain fog, trouble speaking, trouble reading aloud, lower spine in pain, sneezing fits, not much coughing, feet hurt, toes cramping randomly, no energy, no motivation. I was fully in despair. 

Friday morning, I had an apointment at 9 am. The doctor said my lungs and head were still full, gave me an antibiotic and something for neuropathy in my feet. I don't think I will take the last. And, I do believe I have a bad experience or two with the antibiotic. I do not feel one bit better, but I feel hopeful. 

We went to Cullman for a few things, and I was sicker when I got home, so slept about four hours. Tommy could not get me to wake up at time I asked him to wake me. So, I have eaten turkey and green beans for dinner and a banana. 

Right now, I have to take meds and don't feel like doing it. So, I will talk about the trip to Cullman tomorrow. It was more eventful than most. 

PLEASE--NO PLATITUDES OR ADVICE.

Have you ever been so ill that you felt like it was not worth living? Even for a moment? 

Forsythia and Shopping/Doctor

 

forsythia

On the way somewhere, I saw that forsythia bushes were blooming. This is a sure sign of spring. I just hope that the early warm spell is not fooling the bushes into blooming, only the destroy the sunny display. Forsythia is in the olive family, but, alas, no olives. 

Many years ago, I bought a tiny forsythia. It bloomed and grew, giving me immeasurable joy for several years. I wanted another to go with it. I waited until we had a soaking rain. Then, I went out and cut about a dozen of the long stems. The, about three feet from the first, I took the stems and poked them as far as I could into the soggy ground. Lo and behold, they all took. So, I had two forsythia bushes. My experiment worked! 

Daffodils were blooming at my house the middle of January. It is just too warm for flowers. Well, too early for them to bloom. However, I usually have daffodils around the first week of January and they live and rebloom the next year. 

Yesterday, last night, we decided to go the Cullman to AFC since my doctor cannot see me until late next week. And, the other places here are iffy as to treatment. In the middle of the night, I got up and decided to see what urgent care businesses were right near us. Well, there is one less than a mile away that had horrible reviews. I cannot endure a 4 hour wait. So, I ditched that idea. 

We went to Cullman and I saw a nurse practitioner. The whole experience was positive except for one woman who was a pain. Everyone else was super nice and some remembered me. I left after giving a specimen. And, I got a prescription. So, I will start it and wait for the incubating specimen to reveal what kind of bacteria is hurting me. I had been told the front of the card worked and, surprisingly, it did. So, I had no problem at AFC with my bill. Only the back of the card is wrong. 

I used the rest of the UHC $150. allowance for otc and healthy food. I had $35.12 left to spend and $1.11 on a Publix card for a return. 

White grapes

quart of strawberries

3 red delicious apples

clamshell of Romaine

2 pints grape tomatoes

2 lbs. carrots

5 lbs russet potatoes 

2 bananas (I had 2 at home)

small bowl of watermelon (to eat on the way home)

2 Stovetop Stuffings

Tinactin foot spray

Bottle of Dasani (because I dropped my lid on the floor in the doctor's office and I was not going to use the lid again. I was not going to try to keep from spilling water. So, I wasted it and bought one bottle.)

I have not had white/green grapes in ages. I just buy red for Tommy. Everything else will be eaten or it will last. None of it except for tomatoes and lettuce will be in danger. But, we will make sure nothing goes to waste. 

Since Tommy and I did not keep up with the total well, we got more than we had "money" on the card. My total was $13.41, Over $4 of which was tax. We had the opportunity to put some of the food back but chose to pay for it. Another benefit was that I got rid of the Publix card since those cards do get bulky in a tiny purse. 

Overall, it was a good day, but it ended up cold and rainy. I have meds, lots of fresh food, and feel hopeful that I will get better. We will have a salad with chicken, tomatoes, and cheese, and dressing. Tommy will not want cheese. 

It is cold here. Tomorrow, I will make soup with vegetables and hamburger meat I have thawing--1lb of ground beef, carrots, potatoes, corn, green beans, tomato sauce and tomato bits or whole, celery, onions, bell pepper, lima beans. Part of the ground beef I cook will be saved for the Kraft spaghetti kit. Since I am using the crockpot for the soup, it may not hold all the cans I want to put into it. I will only put two small potatoes diced small. Then, I may not put the whole can of vegetables into the pot, saving them for another meal later. Pepper, savory, and a bay leaf will be added. Of course, I will take the bay leaf out after cooking. 

I cannot wait until dinner on Thursday. I have not had this soup for several years. I don't know why. 

How was your day? Cold like mine? What are you having for dinner? Got any soup plans for the rest of the week?

Tuesday--Not Much

 I called my new doctor on Monday and never received a return call. I called back today and the answering service tried to answer my questions and told me there were no appointments for a week! Since when does the answering service do this? Even the np does not have an appointment until Monday. I would not go to her anyway. Finally, I convinced answering service to connect me to the front desk. Nope, no appointments. 

So, they wasted the day. I will go to afc tomorrow! 

I don't freeze milk and never have except for the first and only time. You still have to have it taking up room in the freezer for several days as it thaws.  I did try pouring it in pint jars and freezing it so that the thawing was not too bad. But, no, won't ever freeze milk. Tommy does and can deal with drinking it as it thaws. 

Monday night, I baked 18 drumsticks and two chicken breasts. So, I have frozen meat. Tonight, I will bake the turkey breast and freeze that. Maybe I won't.

Two naps took most of my day...lol. I had Special K and 1/2 banana and milk for breakfast. For lunch a chicken sandwich. For dinner, I don't want anything. Maybe I will have oats or Cream of Wheat. 

Today, I called uhc and ordered more otc/food items. In the catalog, I found Spam. Since when is Spam healthy food, purportedly all that can be bought with the funds? It makes no sense. . Hormel Compleats are not healthy but approved by uhc. I don't eat it, anyway. Before Jan 31, I will go to Publix and spend the last $35 on produce or whatever foodstuffs I am allowed to purchase. 

Dinner: Tommy had baked chicken, mashed potatoes, leftover English peas. I had a piece of apple pie and milk. 

Last night, I mended four dishcloths, mending tiny holes that were growing. Or did I say that? Today, I folded clothes and hung more to dry. I am not really ambitious. 

Tonight, we have been watching Marion Davies films. Interesting. 

I have been a slug today, a slug with a fever. What have you accomplished? Cooked?

Tuesday and Wednesday Favorite Meat

Decorating-- Somehow, all the tree ornaments in two tiny bins just disappeared. So, only lights. And, it was actually very pretty. Things happen. I did not get out the large Rubbermaid type bin. That left candles and the red Kiss with lights. But, I had tins! One square Moon Pie tin with a cute, Christmassy scene, a father and son in front of a red barn on a snowy hill, making a snowman. I stood it on its side next to the Christmas tree. Another cheery tin with Santa is on the bottom shelf of a table where light shows through the glass top. 

I brought out the fake poinsettia I bought for $5 at a yard sale. The basil plant in a nice white pot seemed like a touch of Christmas. These green touches were not much but cheered up the scene a bit. They made me happy. Then, there was a short, green, round Christmas tin that found a spot to beautify. 

Tuesday, Tommy went to plants stored in the utility room and trimmed them. The temps were in 40s, so a little chilly. I asked him to trim them when the weather was warmer, but he finally did it. I was shocked he had covered them in plastic. But, at least they are free of plastic now. It will be a great mystery how many of them survive this spring. There are no shrubs, not one, in front of his house, so the place looks barer than since before I started bringing plants. 

I want my pots of squash again! They were huge and lush and fed some critter well. The porch was pretty with the green. 

Tuesday Dinner: ham, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce--all leftovers. 

Wednesday:

I had an appointment I did not make due to only two hours sleep and having head and chest congestion, and coughing. So, I slept until 2 pm. The oncologist gynecologist is probably wondering why I am not coming in since I called him. 

The rest of the day was spent reading blogs, watching baby videos, and maintaining the lack of clutter, and only decluttering a bit more. But, every bit counts. Right? So, the day was not a complete loss. The movies at night have been fantastic. We saw Rear Window tonight--fantastic. I had not seen it in years. 

Tommy cut the ham from the bone while I was sleeping and has four bags of ham, not a full bag in any of them, but two to freeze, he said. 

Before I went to bed on Wednesday night, I took out a bag of turkey, one of the four bags from the two turkey breasts. Wednesday morning, it was thawed. And, tonight, we finished off the turkey breast from Christmas, and have more meat for Thursday. If I had 24 turkey breasts and roasted them all and froze them, I would have meat ready for a year. Half a turkey breast won't last a week, but mostly it will. I can dream, can't I?

Dinner: We had turkey and salad. I had an apple and half a banana later. I will never tire of turkey breast and salad.

The temperature was 61 today. I feel for those who live in such cold climates as the north of the country is now. 

You know I love turkey breast or chicken breast. What is your favorite meat to eat that you do not tire of eating? I do love beef and pork, but right now, I realize how much I love turkey and chicken breast. 

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.

Change of Plans, Yukon Gold

 Today's well-laid plans were thwarted, sort of. We had planned to go to Cullman for a few things. But, about 11 am, Tommy was looking at his day planner and commented that I had a doctor's appointment at 2 pm. Sooo, I got ready to go to the doctor.

This was a doctor who expected to see me in 2020. Now, he got to see me. I had to have a blood draw and have found my new phlebotomist. One stab and she got a vein. It hurt like fire for a moment, but nothing intolerable. 

By 3:30, we were on our way home and the traffic was very heavy. It was good to be home in one piece. Neither of us wanted to stop for bathroom or food or another chore. It was a 50-mile round trip! Too far for a doctor visit. Okay, I am getting old...lol. 

We did nothing at all today other than Tommy drove me. This was a specialist I had seen before the pandemic. Like He said when I explained I was avoiding people and hospital procedures when the pandemic started, "It looks like covid is here to stay." So, we got on with the visit. I have only met him once and like him then. I think he grew a beard and mustache because I did not recognize him at all. 

We talked things over and he made plans, but that all came to a halt. He told me he would not put me to sleep until I had the stent problem taken solved. That is what I was trying to tell him. So, some things are on hold with a few tests for the next few weeks. 

He gave me samples in order for me to see if they work for me. I thought it was a prescription med, but it is otc. They gave me three boxes. I thought there were a lot of pills. Each box had a white bottle with child-proof cap and FOUR tablets. It seems to me this is an excessive amount of packaging. Remember when samples were in a little foil pouch of even a bubble pack on cardboard? 

Dinner tonight: leftover baked chicken, leftover baked carrots, green bean casserole. He is so good about eating everything that I try sometimes to make something new and tasty, green bean casserole won tonight. The half cup of leftover casserole is here for him tomorrow night. 

Every time I have made green bean casserole, I have used cut green beans. Tommy opened two cans of French-Style. I was miffed but did not say so. Actually, the French-style are better in the casserole. 

What kind of green beans do you use in the casserole? Do you prefer one over the other?

The other day, I put about five pounds of chicken breast in the refrigerator to thaw. So, I will bake those tomorrow. 

We have not had potatoes for almost two weeks, I think. I cannot find Yukon Gold potatoes? Do they still exist? I always had them at a Christmas meal in Birmingham and sometimes bought them. But, now they seem absent from the shelves. 

A New Doctor, Brownie Recipe, Dinner

 I had my appointment with a new doctor. When I made the first appointment, I had to see a nurse practitioner who was not nice. 

Lynda saw this man and gave a good recommendation. He is very nice and addressed problems as I mentioned them. First, I told him about getting sick over and over and lymph nodes being inflamed. He felt and said they were large. Then, I discussed problems with lymph glands over the years and how they were basically ignored. 

We talked about other problems, too He has plans to get me to doctors who can help. Isn't that what a gp is for? 

The last doctor I thought was so nice is not so good as a doctor. I think as a man and a friend, he is excellent. But, I am not sure what he does except silly or inadequate advice. I know that walking would help with swollen legs and feet. But, he moved close and asked me if could wiggle my feet around some. ??? Now, the calf needs to move to get the body pump to work in order to move blood back up to the heart. I thought wiggling my feet around was inadequate advice for a woman who can actually walk! 

Did you hear about the woman who went into an American Family Care (AFC), went to sleep, and was locked inside? I have gone to sleep in the exam room when I was really sick but cannot imagine being left. This is not to disparage the AFC because in my opinion, this is a great business for health care, much better than walk-in facilities I have used in the past. 

Last night, I wore my pocket nightgown around during the evening and to bed. This is like wearing a bathrobe. It covers my limbs, keeps me warm, just perfect. Yes, I will get more of these and retire the summer nightgowns until spring. The summer nightgowns are fine in winter except they are low in the neck front and back. When my covers fall off the foot of the bed, I freeze and have to heave them back onto the bed--so annoying and sleep disruptive. The hem of the nightgown is about 5 inches above my foot, so not really long but sufficient. The brushed polyester did not make me too hot, thankfully. But, I had another gown at the ready to change. 

Tonight, I was in no mood to cook. I pulled out some thinly sliced beef from the freezer, put it in a pan with four new potatoes. While this cooked, he opened green beans, drained them and put water in the bowl, and microwaved. Now, dinner is ready--beef, potatoes, and green beans. I did not peel the potatoes. So, he peeled two inch potatoes! I ate my potato with the skin on. There is enough meat for another meal...Yay!

I had a pan of brownies made from cake mix ready to pop in the oven as soon as the meat and potatoes came out. If this recipe works, I will share it. I have used some recipes that did not work to make brownies from cake mix. Okay, the chocolate cake mix brownies are great. 

Cake mix brownies:

box of chocolate cake mix or fudge cake mix

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup milk

1 egg

10 oz chocolate chunks

350F, 20 min, 8x8 pan

I always have chocolate cake mixes even though I never make a chocolate cake. My aspirations are greater than my reality. I had some dark chocolate chips, not 10 oz, but I used those. I cooked them a tad too long, but they were still great. We each had one. 

My flannel sheets came. Tommy washed and dried them. They are cotton, very thick, and not very flannel-y. However, the set I have now sheds its fluffiness. So, I am very satisfied with these. I will put them on my bed tomorrow if I feel like it. 

Do you ever make brownies or cookies from cake mix?

Funeral

 Sunday night as I went to bed, I wished I could see the Queen's funeral service that would come on at 4:30 am Monday morning. I thought Tommy would not like it at all. However, he seemed not against it. So, I told him if he awoke around then, would he wake me? He said he would. I read for a long time and turned off the light. I could not sleep. So, I was surprised when he woke me. 

We watched the funeral from 4:30 until almost 11:30. During this whole time, I only had half a banana and some water. I became teary-eyed many times during the processions and all the pomp. I don't think I have ever seen so many people assembled. It seemed the world became very quiet, mankind had paused. The drum that kept time for the march was the only thing that existed. 

My burning question was why the march was sort of a sway. Even the royals, women and all, swayed as they marched or walked. I actually was a bit seasick as all mankind rocked from side to side. 

Charlotte was so cute and precious. I loved her helping George to get the bowing right. Those children certainly had a long day. It was a beautiful, dry, and sunny day. 

I know there are bad things one can say about Monday, the monarchy and such. But, this is not the time for that criticism. Someone's mother and grandmother and great-grandmother has died. 

Speaking of death, I actually cried out as I read another friend had died! The funny thing is that I had told myself I was going to call her for the last few weeks. Sometimes, we wait until it is too late. We were not close friends, but long-time friends. 

Today, it was mid-nineties, very hot. My hands were burned on the railing, on the car, and the seat belt lock! I had forgotten about such heat...lol. But, I won't wish it away. 

I had to get up too early to go with Tommy to his doctor this Tuesday morning. I took a nap before noon and another after 3 pm. We had leftovers for dinner-chicken, rice and salad. Tonight, at 9 pm, I will put two packages of breasts and a package of chicken drumsticks into the oven. There is about a pound or more of carrots ready to go into the cooking bag, too. It will be late cooking, but that is okay as there will be plenty of chicken for a couple of weeks. 

Did you watch the coverage from England? Did you notice the sway to the columns of people? Was it disconcerting to you as it was for me? 

This and That--doctor, Sleep, Amazon, Ice Cream Cake

This will be short and sweet. I had the best experience ever at a doctor's office. Everyone was respectful, patient, and kind. You know how there might be one employee who is terse or does not like your questioning what they said, thinking you are opposing their words. Well, not here. 

My blood sugar dropped precipitously, and I was incoherent on some concepts. I insisted my gall bladder was below my waist and could not figure out what was wrong with what I said. The lab is usually not pleasant. I cannot sit on those molded plastic chairs that are off the floor for the ease of blood drawer. I do understand. But, I cannot sit with my feet off the floor and was ordered OUT of the wheelchair at one lab. Needless to say, I left without the blood draw. These women were so patient and kind, allowing me to sit on the walker. I cannot use the footrest on the high chairs because my knee will not bend back that far without pain. 

The woman who checked me out told me the same thing three times before I got it...lol. 

I have never had my blood sugar drop so during a doctor visit. They brought me all sorts of drinks that I would have had a reaction to, like throwing up or a possible allergic reaction. Of course, water is always good for me, but certainly won't help my blood sugar. Tommy ended up walking across grass, curbs and to a parking lot to get to a fountain drink. I was grateful. We brought nothing in the car as usual since we were less than five minutes from home. I learned my lesson! Bring juice and crackers everywhere. We usually do. 

My son knew I could not stand root beer or Dr. Pepper. When he bought a drink at the skating rink, he bought one or the other, knowing I could not drink it. I asked for a sip and had to spit it in the trash. Little stinker. So, I never asked for a sip of his drink again. Or, I asked first as to what he bought. 

After all this, for some reason I could not sleep Wednesday night. I usually just lie there, only turning to the other side occasionally. Wednesday, I tossed and turned and thrashed around and only slept for about two hours. Once, I had to get out of bed to unloosen my panties from their wedgie-hold on me. I cannot ever remember that happening. I was miserable all night long. 

Today, I received a mystery Amazon order. It was a mystery as to why I got what I did and why I did not get other items. I order one COQ10 and got two. One bottle was missing the plastic top. Both were very hot. Tommy had me order more needles for his insulin. I ordered five and got one box. 

Plus, there is no way to get anyone in the US, at least not after five o'clock. Every agent that spoke another language and English was not their native language was not intelligible. They also did not understand the words I spoke and mistook what I said. I am very unhappy with Amazon right now. 

Plus, I was told last week I had to go to UPS to return an order. Not doing that. 

I have decided I will not buy an ice cream cake of any size. I will bake brownies and have ice cream. I entirely missed my friend's birthday. Her birthday was Sept 7 and I thought it was the day after mine and on Sept 12. I feel terrible and apologized tonight. I need to get her a birthday gift that is large enough to be an apology. She will get brownies, too. So, that leaves someone with a birthday on the 12th that I am forgetting. 

Are you having problems with Amazon customer service? A witch in doctor office? 

Till Birnam Wood come to Dunsinane

 When Tommy and I were driving along, we both saw a tree moving along and commented almost at the same time. As it turned out, a man was cutting some limbs and carrying them in a manner where he was obscured. The limbs must have been from a dogwood tree as they looked like they grew and spread in a flat manner instead of being from a tree where the limbs had limbs in a different configuration. I immediately thought of Macbeth and the prophecy. I have to admit this moving tree unnerved me for half a second. Same with Tommy. 

Tommy said to tell you he was reminded of a WWII movie with Robert Taylor where Japanese cut limbs to obscure their advance. 

Okay, enough of Shakespeare and our fright. I was seriously doubting my sanity! Three seconds later, I understood.

Tommy has started to tell me what he says, so I do.

"We don't care if our children die in a ditch as long as they don't die in the road and make it bumpy." I watched Resident Alien and it was hilarious. I heard lots of new terms--elimination portal where aliens probed. Sooo funny! 

Today, I had a visit to a new doctor only about 5 minutes away who is from a hospital downtown. I had to see the nurse practitioner which was fine with me. AND, they could not get blood. So, what is new with my veins? I am well-bruised. I cannot handle the pain from the back of my arm or back of my hand without lidocaine and they have none. So, I am going back another day. 

Today, the visit was about 3 hours, counting seeing the np, traversing long halls, and the several attempts at a blood draw! So, I am drained. I can talk about that later or maybe not.

So, we saw walking trees. What have you seen or thought you saw, in nature or not, that was not what it seemed? Do prefer nurse practitioners? Do you watch Resident Alien?

Wednesday Better/I Do Have Questions

 We did our shopping for the week. Tommy went in and bought one bell pepper. The ads are not helpful at all. He also brought out a box of Klondike bars! Oh no! I will need bananas which are never on sale. I may buy eggs later and bread which is bogo, At this time I have plenty of eggs and plenty of bread. By Tuesday I might be able to handle more of each. 

Not one person on the news I heard or online mention that Tuesday was the day Elvis died--August 16, 1977. So Trump and the Ukraine are more important? I am disappointed. I did my memory recall and told Tommy. Since I am from Memphis, he is near and dear to me. My daughter and I am the baby cried lots that day. I felt bad because the baby was crying and she did not know why. My son and husband were confused. Did you remember his death on Tuesday?

Since I had trouble sleeping Tuesday night, I did have a nap. But, afterwards I did have the gumption to do a few things I needed to do. Unfortunately, the nap so late may affect my ability to sleep tonight. I hate that since I have two doctors' appointments on Thursday. 

I feel much better since I started taking otc guaifenesin. It clears up anything in my lungs and saves me from so much misery and antibiotics. Sometimes, when I do need an antibiotic, the doctor wholeheartedly agrees this otc med is necessary. This is the original Mucinex, not the later ones with all sorts of other medications included. Do you ever take generic guaifenesin or original Mucinex with only one active ingredient?

Why, oh why do doctors give an appointment time and then later, on paper or on a text or voice mail confirm and say to come 15 MINUTES EARLY? Why not just give a time to be there and have that include check-in time? It annoys me to have a time in mind and then find out I must be there earlier. I feel like they are trying to trick me into thinking I am not having to come in earlier. Do you wish doctors would just include that extra 15 or 30 minutes in the time of arrival?

Dinner was easy tonight. We heated last night's dinner--chicken, potatoes, carrots and snow peas. And, that is the dinner for Thursday night, too. 

Monday Thoughts

 Life is easy when I don't have to cook. Tommy has eaten well for lunch and dinner. Since I have so many vegetables cooked or just cut for him, he uses a wrap for lunch, filled with goodness. For dinner, his plate was full of cooked meat and vegetables plus a salad.

The two cups of chicken broth is in the freezer. Amazingly, there was little fat to skim. This tasty broth will be good in something later this year. 

We awoke early with the alarm since we both had a doctor's appointment with my doctor. This is the last of this doctor. I came home, took a nap, and didn't do much. Tommy offered to take me to some of the places I have said I wanted to go. No, I just wanted a nap. We ate dinner and watched to first two Tarzan movies with Johnny Weismuller and Maureen O'Sullivan. 

Before we left, I had washed my hair and made a chicken sandwich to eat on the way. Tommy had to fast for a blood test. But, then he had to get a sandwich on the way home. We are cutting back on fast food. It may never disappear. 

A gentle rain for a few minutes eliminated Tommy's having to water once again. The flowers are also looking a little more lively since the sun is not so intense and temps are several degrees lower. Of course, when the sun comes out and the temps rise, the flowers don't look so perky, but still beautiful. 

Oh, I did empty the dishwasher so it can be loaded again. It works best for me to spend two days putting things on the counter for him to put away, rather than waiting a week for the two of us to be in the mood at the same time. Since I put the dishes above the dishwasher, right in front of the microwave where he heats food and coffee, he is motivated to put them away. 

As I was emptying the beans into the Ball jars, I made a mistake. Lima beans were emptied into a partially filled jar of navy beans. I am not so sure I want to cook them together, so I need to sort them into jars of their own kind. Inattention is costing me time! 

There was one huge blemish to the day, very depressing, but it is something ongoing that I cannot discuss. The disappointment did not define the day. Other than that, Monday was serene, okay, maybe boring. But, it was not unpleasant. There was no longing for something else to happen. 

Is a low-key day, even boring, a problem for you? Really, is a big win necessary for a day to be satisfying? 

What makes a good day for you? How did today turn out for you?

Did you have any wins today, large or small? Any disappointments? 

Discombobulated

 If I don't get some sleep, I feel like I will die! Cleaner did not come today nor return my two calls to her. I stayed up yesterday morning with only 4.5 hours sleep. And, I did not take a nap even though I wanted a nap. Tuesday morning, I awoke with 4.5 hours sleep. I did not go back to bed as I usually do. I waited up for her. Then, I did not get a nap. I called friend who could not talk and said she would call right back. Well, 45 minutes later, I finally went to nap. Then, 45 minutes after that, I got up madder than a wet hen! 

Finally, about 7 pm, we went to store and got bacon and bananas. Then, we came home and both had a salad with bacon and tomatoes. The salad had carrots, red cabbage, radishes, zucchini, squash and tomatoes. Tommy went into the store and had a lesson in how expensive bacon is these days. He bought the precooked kind and some more of the low sodium bacon. We still spent less than if we had bought dinner anywhere!

Yes, I am grumpy feeling, but not grumpy with Tommy. 

Tommy told me to call the lawn guy. I did and have not heard from him, either. But, he works hard and long in this heat. He will call when he can come. 

I tried to get an appointment with the ob/gyn oncologist and have heard nothing. The family doctor is out of town this week. The podiatrist, well, I forgot what happened with her. I just feel discombobulated. And, I am not going to look back over what I wrote, either. No editing. I hope it makes sense. 

Do you feel completely undone and miserable when you really need sleep and things happen or don't happen? My whole body started to ache when the nap did not happen!

This whole day has been horrible. Feeling like this is rare. The lack of sleep is the problem. 

The sky and clouds were so pretty today, so that made a portion of the day much better. The clear blue sky had the fluffiest, white clouds blowing along, a rare sight. 

Do you feel miserable when you cannot sleep and circumstances seem to conspire against sleep? 

Great Gas Prices!

 Today, I had a doctor's appointment. It took so long! So, we were out of the house by 1 pm. We were both very excited to see gas below $4. Okay, $3.98/gal. is good enough and heading in the right direction. We were home by 5 pm. 

Doctor needed blood to make a decision about my care. I would not be mentioning this except for the fact that she found the vein, it held and the whole thing was successful. Usually, my veins are invisible, roll away, blow up (whatever that means), or the nurse is mean. Probably not a nurse.

The day is almost gone. Thank goodness, there is plenty of food that we can eat without any effort other than dishing it up and microwaving. That fact alone makes this a good day! 

Cheap gas, good blood draw, and food cooked--the trifecta of happy. 

Since I had a restless night and little sleep, I want a nap, but will stay up and go to bed around midnight. 

Yesterday, I bought another 4 quarts of strawberries, so I suppose with all my free time this evening, I should get those washed and hulled. 

Monday, I looked over the ads for the next week, Wed through next Tuesday, and so far, there is nothing great on sale or bogo. Oh, the only thing right this minute that interests me is a sale of some sort on Miracle Whip. How many I buy depends on the date on the jar.

Have you found anything exciting in the grocery ads? 

Do you veins cooperate? 

What is the price of gas in your area and where are you?

Success Thursday and Found Money and Favorite Furniture

At last, a day was not sabotaged by me or anyone else. I went to my doctor for a dozen items...lol. I had them written down, so we went over them, one at a time. Some questions took 30 seconds or less, some took more time. He looked at the knot in my calf and sent me right up for an ultrasound. It is "benign, not a blood clot." Whew! He told me to watch it. It is a knot on the muscle in my calf. 

None of my meds are implicated in causing dementia. The severe blow to my head Monday won't cause a brain bleed at this late date. 

I really like my family doctor. When I go with a list, we work through it. 

We picked up refills at two pharmacies. One pharmacy had no one else in the drive-up line. We waited behind 4 cars and for almost 30 minutes at the other pharmacy. Waiting in line is sooo tiring. Went to Publix for bogo catsup. Went to a furniture store to ask a question. I found a baby chick about a foot high. Someone gave me money as a birthday gift on Paypal, and I had forgotten to spend it. So, I did, and this huge chick came home with me. It is not my style or colors, and I don't know what kind of fat chick it is, but I love Maggie May.

Right now, a nap is after me, so I am surrendering. When Tommy wants to eat, he can heat up leftovers. Thank goodness for leftovers. Nope, changed my mind! Not napping even though I only slept three hours Wednesday night.

Someone is lined up to make a coat/hat rack for Tommy. I don't know what kind of wood to use but definitely not plywood. This one will be a box with a door. 

Then, I will surprise Tommy with a new bookcase to replace his rickety one that is about 5 inches too wide and made of some sort of wood covered with paper with a grain. There are three of these monstrosities in this house. He bought this one 40 years ago for this house. 

I have a nice bookcase about 60" tall that my parents paid $11 for in 1957 at the Goodwill. It has a waterfall front, so you can imagine it is 50 years or more older than the shabby one here. Mine is not rickety at all, 90 years old. I found an identical one for $40 a few years ago, so I have two! Besides being sturdy, the finish is in good shape. Yep, I like "brown furniture."

At the bread store, I put the bread on the counter to pay for it. Right there on the edge nearest me was a quarter ready for me to pick up. I could barely believe my good luck. 

I picked up a wand for watering to make it easier for Tommy. He is out there, watering, and holding the wand about six inches from the nozzle. He does not believe me when I tell him to hold it out to spray the plants! I cannot even watch. No, I am not just watching, but I can see from my chair where I sit. 

Friday, there are plans for three chores. Let's see if we can pull this off.

Do you like old "brown furniture?"  What is your favorite piece of furniture in your house, not the prettiest, not the most stylish, not the piece in best shape, just a piece you love, cherish or would never get rid of now or ever? The piece could be the prettiest!

Monday Mistake, Recovery, Dogs, Alabama Drama

 All weekend, I have been remembering I had a doctor's appointment on Monday at 11 am. We got up early, bathed, ate ate and were ready to go and arrived at the appointment ahead of time. I called and asked for a wheelchair and someone to wheel me up. The woman called back in five minutes, telling me that my appointment was on Thursday. OH NO! 

So, here we are, up earlier than I wanted to be awake, and nothing to do. I have been wanting to go to B&N, the bookstore. We went and I found a book. I sent a cup of Starbuck's coffee out to Tommy. As I left, I bought a piece of chocolate cheesecake, planning to share with Tommy. He did not want any. I left a bit and he ate it at home. 

I really wanted Beowulf. I cannot choose a copy from the internet. I have to read part, at least of the intro and about the translator and whose copy of Beowulf is being translated. I also wanted a translation on the left page and the new translation on the right. At least I can see the old text. It makes a difference.  Then, I purchased a book Tommy might like. I don't have it right in front of me, so I will give you that title later. It was only $10. 

Tommy went into Dollar General and bought his Pepsi. He also took my phone and debit card into Verizon to figure out why I cannot pay my bill. By the time we got home, we felt satisfied we had not wasted our day running all the way to UAB for nothing. 

We managed to accomplish lots here later. We emptied the dishwasher last night and loaded it tonight. He hand-washed some of the dishes that we hand-wash.  We used the four hamburgers for dinner along with cabbage, green beans, and Romaine. I ate a whole apple. 

Tommy watered the flowers twice today. The hummingbird feeders were washed and are ready to be filled come morning. Tommy will hang them. 

The dogs started barking at Tommy when he went out just after 8 am to water the hanging baskets. They have a new dog, too. I think that makes seven dogs. The neighbors put a trampoline up against our fence and an above ground pool along the fence behind the trampoline. In front of their fence around the back yard is a basketball goal. The kids play quietly in the pool instead of shrieking, so pool time does not bother me. They are rather quiet doing everything, but still children laughing and playing. The dogs are driving me mad. 

Okay, I must go to bed since I am about to go to sleep typing. 

I suppose the nation has heard that our escaped convict and the prison guard who helped him escaped have been caught. She killed herself. My one question has been--Why did they only manage to travel less than 300 miles in eleven days? I could have been to Mexico, Canada, or California! Could it be that they were occupied with her purchases from the adult store? 

Doctors

 Well, I am exhausted after two doctor appointments in two days. On Monday, my doctor said something like--and with your having Hashimoto's thyroiditis.... . Well, I was gutted. NO, I did not know. He said--well, it is right here. I asked why he had not told me. He said he had and I assured him he had not. "That is not something I would forget!" So, I have another autoimmune disease.  

I have never asked this before, but

WHY ME?

Never mind; don't answer that or give me some philosophical answer. Please! 

That is why my tongue and cheeks are swollen and why I have other strange things happening, like I am cold. I almost cried just writing this so far. Why me? 

Today, I went to my family doctor and he said that he, too, knew, saying yes, it is written right here. Of course, I expect he thought that I knew. I was afraid I had another uti coming on, but, thankfully, no. 

 These appointments have been scheduled for months, so it was not something that was caused by a recent development. I received results of tests. 

Tuesday is a cold, bright day. I will take cold if I get sunshine. 

Tonight, we still have chicken, so no cooking of meat/protein. The zucchini are waiting, so I can cook that for Tommy. I will find another vegetable or two.

When I sorted the blackeyed peas, there were no stones and few questionable peas. But, I did find a perfect kernel of corn. I was shocked as I had never found another vegetable in the blackeyed peas. 

I got something from Publisher's Clearing House, so maybe I won $5000/week. I will share with Tommy. 

That's it for today. I need to get off here and plan my new room.

Nothing Much Accomplished

 Monday--nothing much was accomplished. 

I did get out my fat, battery-powered candles, three in graduated heights. AND, there is a remote. With the remote, the candles can all be timed from two to 8 hours. A "flame" dances like a live flame I love the look, love the convenience. They are on the shelf beneath the tall table on which the tree sits. I bought a package of red berries on alligator/roach clips. I just put the four bunches of berries in front and between the candles. 

There is another set of these candles I have not gotten out, yet. 

About the remote--how do you keep it from being lost, sliding off the table, just how? Well, I put each of mine in a sandwich bag or snack bag. Since the remotes are so tiny, I just know they will evade me if they are not inside something I can see when the remote slithers away. 

Outside, the mum is just sitting there, not red enough, not shiny. I hate to give up! 

Tuesday, we went to Tommy's yearly appointment at one specialist. I sat in the car and addressed Christmas cards. Since I forgot to take my Christmas stamps, I just used the summer flower stamps. 

Today, we covered many areas/cities in Birmingham , shopping or driving to get somewhere else! I finally got a hamper, something I badly needed. Hopefully, the vibrator foot massager I purchased will help with the swelling in my feet. I also bought red pen, contact paper, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Miniatures, a cookie sheet, and a small box of Werther's Original Caramel Sugar Free minis. I love the Werther's. 

I am exhausted and have no idea what will be for dinner! Maybe a nap will help! 

I forgot to look for a surge protector for my laptop. It is almost 4 pm and it is still 70F degrees.

Has anyone ever used a foot massager? Know anything about them?