Chainsaw Massacre in the Kitchen, Flu Shot

 Before we left to do a few chores, I called my friend to check on her. She did not answer. As soon as I got almost naked changing clothes, she called me. She said she did not answer when I called because she was in the kitchen busy using her chainsaw. I asked her if she finished cutting up that man. She said,"Yes, and now I have to drag him down to the creek." 

We both dissolved in gales of laughter. When we could breathe and talk again, she related her chore. When I was very ill, I was given a block of chicken pieces that must have weighed five pounds. I just did not feel like thawing that much chicken, handling it, and it was all too much to think about. So, I gave it to her and she put it in her freezer. 

She got it out today, and used her new chain saw to cut off one-third of it and put the larger portion back in the freezer. She had yard work that she could not pay for and went and bought a chain saw. She keeps saying it is smaller than a regular chain saw. I have to see what this tool actually is.  

She knows how to work the suspense and a good story. I like people like her. 

Then, Tommy and I went out for a few things. I got a prescription refilled and three pills from another prescription, They will call for a refill Monday. 

At The Pig, I found my supply of guaifenesin, generic for original Mucinex. It is an expectorant that keeps my chest clear. A nurse told me years ago when I was already a user that in the case of pneumonia that guaifenesin could save my life. I believe it. I also bought eggs for a small fortune--$3.98 for an extra-large dozen. 

Tommy went in Dollar Tree to look for the ice trays a commenter told me about. Yes, they are on the internet site, but not in the store. They had no ice trays of any kind. 

Our last stop, Publix, was the real reason we chose to go out today. We both received the quad valent flu vaccine. Only when I awoke from a nap could I tell I had a shot. So, that is done. We need to get pneumonia vaccine or another vaccine, forgot what. 

We bought candy that had less sugar, carbs, and calories than diet, sugar-free candy. It is individually wrapped--Lindor Truffles. If I only have one piece per day, this should last longer than the other sugar-free candy. So far, I have not touched it. Tommy will keep it by his chair, the only place in the house I cannot reach it. Plus, it has more pieces and was on sale. Maybe I will buy another bag for Halloween Trick or Treaters. It is $2.37 for 5.1 ounces, 12 pieces. We probably won't have half that many children. The Lindt is less than half price. 

Breakfast--raisin bran, milk   2nd breakfast-- 1/2  banana

Lunch--huge bowl of potato, carrot, kale, celery soup. That was the last of the soup.

Dinner was baked sweet potato with a bit of butter, cooked kale, and baked chicken. Delicious. Sweet potatoes are the stars around here. Later, I will have half an apple and graham cracker. 

Dentist, Voting, Ghosts, Vaccine, Ballot

 At the dentist on Wednesday, the hygienist asked me to swish a liquid for at least 30 seconds. It tasted like mouthwash. Tonight, I was reading an ARTICLE that was discussing the efficacy of using mouthwash to reduce the viral load of covid19. So, I will be swishing with mouthwash every day and most likely after I come in contact, no matter how close or distanced, with anyone who is not Tommy. Interesting? 

Okay, so that was just debunked, so no need for forty people to tell me...lol.

On Wednesday, my absentee ballot arrived. Oh MY Gosh! It is so complicated. Not the ballot, but the paperwork that goes with it. But, I will tackle it once I am rested. Okay, it is Thursday and I am relatively rested. I will go online to learn about the options on the back of the ballot.

I brought out the rest of the Halloween decorations where Tommy could reach them. I asked him to bring in certain things to hang. He came back and told me there was a bag of six ghosts. Obviously, I overlooked those. Soooo, I spent the next thirty minutes gettng them ready to hang. They are long, white plastic bags that need to be stuffed, have head tied off, and a hanger attached. We opted to stuff with plastic bags instead of paper. He is now out in the yard decorating the tree in the front yard. 

There is a pumpkin to hang. I suggested his hanging it on the ramp railing. He had a better idea--hang it on the small shepherd's hook. I was bemoaning the fact we would have to go out and turn off the lights on one decoration--4 stakes. He said he was thinking about sticking them in my flower/veg pots. So, he is actively participating and thinking about the decorating the yard before I comment on anything. 

We both needed this distraction. The $3 spent last fall was well-spent. Friday, I spent another $3, the last I will spend. 

Speaking of distractions--he needed a food distraction. Last week, I bought two packages of Hot Pockets, one for each week, just something different for him. I wasn't crazy about them. When we do get a burger, he always pays and it is his idea 90% of the time. I know he is going to eat this stuff, but I am trying to reduce the cost. 

Friday, we both had a flu vaccine at Publix, collected our $10 gift card, and spent it--buy2get1 Dasani Water, two a2milk half gallons for $4.59/each, bananas. I did get bowtie pasta. So, we were out $5 for the haul. 

We did fill out our absentee ballots. Since I need to renew my driver's license, I am afraid to make a copy of the expired dl and send it in. That means I will have my picture made with covid hair. GAH! It is a fright, so straight. I will have it to remember this time forever. Then, we have to get them in the mail asap. 

I am in the Halloween mood. With my black and white outfit, I am wearing my silver-black bracelet and a huge spider ring with purple stones. I feel spooky festive...lol. 

Last night, Tommy said there was a bag full of ghosts. So, we stuffed ghosts and he has decorated the yard. It looks quite festive. I had him drive by and come back around the block and pass the house again so I could see it over and over. 

It was funny this evening when our arms starting hurting from the vaccine. I had mine in the right arm. I reached to the right and felt a twinge of pain. At just that moment Tommy said his arm had just started hurting. So, I suppose the vaccine does not hurt when you can complain to the person giving shots. We just whined a bit to each other. 

Okay, I have to go and slave heating this 2-cup container of soup for Tommy.  What are your plans so far for Halloween decorating or celebrating? 

Picture of Me? Anne, Flu Vaccine

I suppose I finally put up a picture on the last post since one person said he could see it. I was still turning around, in motion, when my cousin snapped the picture last July.

That is one of the outfits I got after losing all my clothes. I am planning on putting short, fullish sleeves in it to hide my fat arms. What do you think of putting in short sleeves?

Today, I put on the pants I wore for 30 minutes to cut Tommy's hair. I discovered the whole pants are full of short, silver hairs! the little tufts of hair all over the yard look like little mice. 

We are planning on making ghosts tonight. It was 85F today, so nice. 

We are planning an outdoor meeting with friends for next Tuesday. It's exciting to plan this lunch. One of the churches with free lunches is planning to start back. We will not go there unless we can take lunch with us. 

My one goal for the next week is to stay well enough to take a flu shot. I hear you cannot be taking an antibiotic or have taken one lately, and you cannot be sick with anything. That is hard for me in October, but I am doing my best. Have you had your flu shot yet? If you get the shot at Publix, you get a $10 gift card. So, I suppose that will be $20 worth of free groceries next week. Do you get a perk for getting your shot?

Good Day Moneywise

When I went to bed, I was warm last night. The problem of cold feet was solved by another blanket only over from knees down. Still, at 3 am with warm feet, I was still awake and had to take something for sleep.

As usual with me lately. I stressed over what to wear and if it was warm enough. I put on a cheap pair of knit bought on sale, and they did not fit me any longer. I had to roll over the wide waistband so they would fit. The waist was still loose. The expensive tshirt-type blouse bought cheaply was also too large. The black cardigan sweater fit fine. The outfit looked fine, but was not what I would have chosen. I even got compliments.

I went to my doctor's office to weigh. I had lost another three pounds. I am thrilled. I don't know what I am doing right. But, I am going to keep doing it. I need scales because I am the person who does better weighing every day. I feel like I can keep and eye on whether I am doing okay and tweek my habits each day.

Today, we went to Cullman. I went to two food banks and have enough meat to last two weeks. I even got a four-pound chicken. This may be our Thanksgiving bird. I was hoping for at least a can of cranberry sauce! It was not to be.

We went to Publix and got our flu vaccination. In return for using Publix pharmacy, we each received a $10 gift card. Tommy handed his to me and went to sit in the car while I spent it. I am waiting for sales on some things, but I did manage to spend the $20 on the gift cards for groceries and another $17. So, $57 worth of groceries cost me $17. 5:30--my arm is killing me! Almost everything was reduced. Only the bananas and Jello were bought full price. I think strawberry Jello will sell out quicker than other flavors. I will mix that with black cherry like mama did and put apples, bananas, and fruit cocktail in the Jello for a taste of my childhood. YUM

When I picked up the mail, I found out a package sent me had been sent back. Plus, there was a package waiting for me. The reader who sent me the gloves and earmuffs sent me another package. It had a crocheted watermelon potholder, a Tbsp and a tsp measure and a spatula. Plus, my favorite kind of potholder. It was woven on a little loom with stretchy loops. I had one on my loom ready to finish off. Now, I have no loom or potholder! I think she made these. I feel honored. Thank you so much.

At the Farmer's Market I purchased 8 good sized tomatoes for $6. I asked to trade a red tomato for a green one. Tommy loves fried green tomatoes. I don't, so one fried will work for him. I don't yet have any cornmeal, but at the food bank where I can choose the foods I get, I chose a Jiffy corn muffin mix. Taking a bit out for coating the tomato slice won't hurt. I hate Jiffy corn muffin mix, but I have plans for it. There is a recipe that used Jiffy, cheese, and broccoli. It might use an egg. I had it written down, but I can find it online. I have cheese and may have frozen broccoli.

The temperature was about 46 today, at least that, so it was pleasant and hard to adjust ac and heat. Still, I can wear sandals without getting too cool. We were hoping to beat the rain, and almost did get home before it came. We were still in sprinkle mode when we arrived home. So, it turned out well.

At the free paper office that has ads and community happenings, I now know about grocery store sales and community events.

I went by the sewing place and ordered Gingher scissors. They will never be used for anything but fabric and thread. I had to pay for them first. sigh.

Can you believe it? The Senior Christmas Party that is held at the Civic Center is not happening! They had entertainment, door prizes (one is $500 check). Tommy won a gift certificate for two meals at Cracker Barrel. Of course, I got part of that prize. There was lots of singing. The Desperation Church bought the Civic Center.

I went to my house today. It made me feel good to be there and sad, too. I asked the neighbor if I could leave some garbage by his garbage can since the city no longer picks up trash at my house. He smiled and said, "No, I don't want to get involved." Asshole! His landlord hates me so he does not want to tick her off.

Tonight, we are having roast and potatoes for one. When I asked Tommy if it would be enough for two people, he assured me it would work. Plus, I have one of the tiny salads meant for one. We will half that, too. Both came from one food bank. Good enough for dinner tonight.

While on the way home, he agreed no one would want the cpap, so I suppose that goes in the trash...yay. He saw what I bought, Lysol and Endust, knowing I was going to use it in his house and said nothing. Progress! Tomorrow, I am going to Lowe's and get the stuff to keep the wind out of house by fixing the doors. Yeah, I know I am pushing it. But, I can feel a breeze.

Fr breakfast, I had no cereal or banana. Plus, I could not eat for an hour after a pill. So, Tommy got us a Hardee's biscuit which I ate with oj I brought from home. He had coffee. For lunch we used a BK coupon for two Whopper Jr.'s and fries. I only had cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. He ordered a drink for both of us. We both left off the mayonnaise. For dinner we ate from food bank food--grilled sirloin steak Au Jus, creamed spinach and roasted potatoes. We threw out the spinach. My chickens would have loved the spinach. The salad was vegetarian--bed of baby lettuces, greens, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese ,flat bread chips, all natural raspberry vinaigrette. I got all the feta cheese, and he got flatbread chips. Sharing these two smallish premade items was enough for both of us. Yes, we spent money--almost $9. But, we ended up with free food at the end of the day.

When we ordered the Whopper Jrs, he had to order the Cokes twice, neither of which times the person added in the cost. Then, when we paid for it, still the drinks were not added even though he mentioned the price was wrong. When he paid, still the drinks were tallied. Finally, I poked him and we left. I have no idea how much money was lost by BK that day, but he order the drinks four times. We sat under the picnic tree and ate. It was so overcast, we did not need shade. About half the sky was cloudless, but the clouds settle around us as we headed to Birmingham.

It was a good day. I suppose I am easily content. We got lots done today. I accomplished a list today. I make a list and do the important stuff first. Sometimes, I am too tired to do the rest. So, it goes on the next list.