Supertunia Another Nursery

 Once again, two days in a row, we got up early and left early to go to Cullman. We got the one chore done. 

Then, we tried Walgreen's there to see if I could get the pictures from my flip phone. The phone company told us to try ourselves. So, now, I am fit to be tied. There is an error message on my laptop. 

While I was in Publix, I finally found nine-volt batteries. I know they are more expensive than elsewhere, but it's done. We both put two batteries in each chair's battery compartment. Now, I won't be upset when there is storming. These batteries will only work for one lowering of the chair. Then we need a new set at $12 for two batteries. I will find these at a cheaper price. Oh, I also won't need to be hauled out of my chair by fireman each time we lose electricity. 

There is a huge nursery we visited, complete with lots of wagons to pull plants and a golf cart to take people around the immense grounds. The guy walked and got one plant I wanted, a supertunia. When I asked him to get the other I wanted, he said it all the way to the end. "Do you want me to walk all the way over there?" He was just a worker. I asked for someone to drive me to the other end, "over there." A guy came out, older, probably the owner and said it was too busy, to come back next weekend. I was furious, but just bought the one hanging basket. No, neither man knew I was unhappy. But, I wanted to give them both "what for."

So, I will call with my complaint. There are other nurseries in Birmingham. 

We saw a sign that said--FREE LUNCH

                                         PRAYER

Why not? So, we got lunch. Tommy had a hotdog. I had a hamburger. We had water. And, could think of nothing that needed prayer. I figured the guy would grab us and start a rant of a prayer. But, he said, "Just know Jesus loves you." Oh, he said there were cookies, but he did not bring us any. We did not need cookies, anyway. 

A soon as we arrived home, I went straight to my bedroom with a detour to the bathroom, put on my nightgown and got into bed. I slept three hours and feel better. 

The birds under the gutter are robins. Tommy could never see the bird that went to the nest, only a bit of the head. Now, we can see little baby beaks stretching upward for food. They are hungry little fledglings. I hope we can see them learning to fly. 

I am not cooking tonight. We are having a salad with meat in it. Good enough! Tommy made his salad, and now it is my turn. I do have chicken thighs I need to cook tomorrow. I know it may be silly, but I want some vegetable soup with beef in it. I would put chicken in the soup, but Tommy thinks that sounds gross, so beef it is. 

Saturday was hard but productive. The sun was so bright that it hurt my eyes on the interstate as it was shining on my side of the car driving north, then south.

Was your Saturday productive or pleasant with sun and flowers? What plants did you tend? Did you bake something delicious?

Stuff Done and Plans, Melamine

 I am considering what kind of dishes to buy if we throw out all his chipped and cracked dishes. I wanted some Corelle like I had, but the pattern is not available. Then, I saw some beautiful dishes--melamine. I kept reading. They are lightweight, so that would help me. Then, I read that they cannot be used in the microwave. That is a stopper right there. Tommy always has something he wants to dry out in the microwave. He thinks food must be piping hot. So, that is that. 

When I married, I bought melamine from TG&Y where I worked. It was cheap and great since we did not have much money. Eventually, I bought white Corelle, then another pretty blue and white set. Now, I really want melamine again. I never thought I would say that! Did you ever have melamine? Have you seen the new pretty patterns? 

I did have white with silver border for good dishes. In the early 90s, I discovered Wedgwood Strawberry and Vine. I loved it but it went to the dump. One year, friends gave me the pieces of Wedgwood individually because they knew I wanted it. Otherwise, I could never have afforded Wedgwood. 

Just now, I ordered the cheap knock off of Cubii. I get no exercise and cannot stand long enough to exercise long.  Hopefully, the Cubii will help with the swelling in my legs and body. I am spending my chair money. 

Wednesday, we went to Cullman. I had bank business as did Tommy. My PO Box was stuffed with mail, some important. And, we picked up the church lunch and ate in the backyard of the friends we meet at the lake. Right now, the lake park is closed until March. Lunch was ham, greens, peas and snaps, cornbread, and cookies. We had two for dinner, also. 

While I was at the PO, I rifled through catalogues and brochures in recycling and brought some of it home to read. It will go back in recycling when I am done. One magazine was a Cosmopolitan, a mag I have not touched in years, much less read. 

Wednesday, I went all day on 0 hours sleep. I napped from 3 pm to 8 pm and will have no trouble sleeping on Wednesday night.

My new freezer was so stuffed, I could find nothing. Lately, it has been used to the point I can find things. I found a bag of meatballs and another with a chicken thigh. That makes two meals. I can have an egg while Tommy eats the thigh. There are always frozen vegetables, so the protein portion is what I need to store more. 

Tommy informed me he needed milk once he emptied the carton! I have four quart cartons of UHT milk that will be used first. It is near expiration, so we are using it and I will buy two more quarts for storing. 

Today, the plan was to go to the Pig and use the $5 off $25, get 5% discount for being a senior, and use coupons that double. Since I was exhausted, that goes on next Wednesday's agenda. Plans are not written in stone, thankfully. This will give me more time to collect coupons. 

Do you have melamine, have you ever had melamine? What is your take on melamine? Have you seen the gorgeous patterns in melamine now?

Tuesday and We are Going to Have a Come to Jesus Meeting and Grocery Shopping

 I was trying to listen to the DNC, and Tommy asked me a question. I answered and he kept talking! I said, "I am trying to listen." I gestured toward the TV. He said, "Well, it is not like it is something important!" Good Grief! Before he met me, he always voted Independent.  Okay, I am not going to have to explain to him that I AM watching the whole DNC. And, the current DNC is important.

Monday dinner was nothing to brag about, but it was delicious--Kraft macaroni and cheese, field peas and snaps, and sliced tomatoes. There was no cooked meat in the freezer or as a leftover. It was the only box of macaroni and cheese, so this won't be repeated anytime soon.  Tommy had a couple of oranges. 

Yesterday, I called a doctor to see what day, Tuesday or Wednesday, I had an appointment. Nothing, none of the lines or options worked. You have to sit in the car and call them, saying you are there,  and they call you and tell you when you can come in. In my case, they have to bring a wheel chair. So, this was not going to work because their phones don't work. 

Tommy and I both tried the doctor's number. Then, before I awoke on Tuesday, he called and talked to their answering service. Then, the office called and talked to my voicemail, telling me that they understood I wanted to cancel my appointment and I could call back to reschedule. But, the woman noted, their phones were not working, so I could not reach them. 

No, that was not the message Tommy left. That needs to be rescheduled now.

Then, I got a voicemail that I have an appointment with another specialty on Wednesday that I will not be able to keep. Grrr! Now, this doctor's appointment needs to be rescheduled also. 

And, I need to make the appointment for the test to see if I need the stint. 

I was out of milk, so I went to Publix. I found a brand of green beans ( Margaret Homes) I  wanted. They were now 4 cans for $5. That is not a good price, but it was lower than most. So, I bought 8 cans, stock up. Since I want 100 more, I have a way to go. 

a2milk 2 x $4.49 

8 green beans 4/$5

strawberries $3.99

2 bags Romaine chopped bogo $3.99

2 Long Johns 2 x $0.90 I know, I know

That shop was a few cents short of $30.

A new ad comes out on Wednesday. Well, I have it now, but the prices are not good until Wednesday.

Tuesday dinner--half a chicken breast, green beans, baked carrots, Romaine salad, strawberries

The only other thing I ate was a sandwich of pb, MW, banana and the Long John.

Wednesday grocery shopping--

12 oz. Hormel Roast Beef and Gravy

14 oz. Classico Pizza Sauce 

4 tiny jars Dromedary chopped Pimiento (grown and processed in USA)

2 boxes regular mouth lids (thought I was getting rings, too, and I had a coupon)

2 bottles Lysol Concentrate (brown liquid, brown bottle, to dilute)

TADA

16 oz. jar DREAMLAND BBQ SAUCE only $3.50

I paid 20 cents less for the pimientos than at stores here.  In the future when I use pizza sauce, I need to freeze the rest so it does not go to waste. 

We went to a drive by  pickup lunch and met a couple for a picnic at the lake. It was a fun little event.

We had pork chop. blackeyed peas, roll, casserole thing. The casserole thing was mixed vegetable that come in a can, mushroom soup, dressing mix from a box, salad,  two cookies. we drank water.  There may have been an egg in the casserole so it baked well. I gave my casserole to Tommy.

Wednesday, tonight, we had the same for dinner. YAY for food already cooked! 

That was my Tuesday and Wednesday. All that is left to do is to watch the DNC. I am all set. 

What bargains for stock up or now did you find?

Lunch with Friends, a First

While trying to determine the location of a friend in fragile health and her husband, I have been in touch with another friend in Cullman. I call about once a week or every ten days. As I was contemplating calling her on Sunday, I had an idea.

When I called her, I suggested Tuesday we meet at the lake where we eat lunch and share a picnic table under a pavilion when we picked up our to-go lunches. She thought that was a great idea. Since we have to go another day for a doctor appointment, I was not sure Tommy would want to go just for lunch. Well, he thought it was a great idea, even when I pointed out we had to go again on Wednesday.

We picked up our lunch and waited until they came and got theirs. Then, they followed us to the lake. The location of the picnic table was up to Tommy because of his inability to walk and his use of the walker.

The pavilions are for rent. Well, we did not need to rent it, just borrow. There was a sign that said the one I chose as best for him had a sign that said it was rented for the day. Tommy was hesitant. I do NOT believe the sign. I told him we would leave if we were "caught." No one ever said a word to us. As I pointed out to the other couple, I think signs are just a suggestion, not chiseled  in stone. We stayed.

Lunch was chicken parmigiana, green beans, diced potatoes in some sort of sauce, a roll, two cookies. We carried a bottle of water each and the other couple shared a soft drink. I took us a dish towel to use on the table as a place mat. Who knows which ducks have been on the table. 

While there, a drake came to lunch. Tommy was going to feed him, but I chased him away--the drake not Tommy! Every duck in the lake would have come.  So, we had a good visit with our friends. He is a former minister, retired. There were many birds who came to the roll my friend threw to the birds. Poor little sparrows backed right off when blackbirds came.

This was the first time Tommy and I had ever gotten out of the car to eat. Usually, we go further around the lake and sit in the car. Tables are difficult to get to in that area. Today, the breeze was blowing steadily from the lake. I hoped it would blow our respective germs away if we breathed out germs.

We stayed from about 11:30 am until 1:45 pm. After that, I had my android activated.

For dinner, we had the same meal since we got four meals. They encourage us to get four instead of two. I took all the breading from the chicken and left it. The meal was delicious so not hard to eat twice in one day.

Since there was a food bank, we stopped by there. We got enough frozen meat for about ten days since we don't make a pig of ourselves by eating way too much meat. There were about ten cans of food, half of which we will eat. Plus, I chose strawberries and kale from the vegetable/fruit list. Also--two huge croissants, eclairs. The beet juice will go down the drain and I can use the glass bottle for taking milk with me.  The other five cans I do not want will be given away.

I think we might meet them for lunch as long as the weather is nice. It was a good day!

Have you met friends for al fresco dining?

Baring It All: Disinfecting My Buttocks

As usual, I had trouble sleeping and slept from 4 am until 7 am! Ugh! We left in a light rain to drive to Cullman to the lunch at the pretty church, the one that uses real tableware instead of plastic and foam. I even had my unsweetened tea in a glass.

The rain came and went and traffic was minding its manners. We went to the PO and by my place. Then, we arrived at the church early enough and not too early.

I love scouring the counters and tops of recycling bin for junk mail, like I never get enough. I did score a USA Today and a local paper, both tossed without even reading. I only looked at two of the half-dozen or more tables in front of the PO Boxes.

At the church luncheon was a program by the Unsheltered founder. They have plans for the future with about ten acres and Tiny Houses for the homeless. It was very enlightening. At the present there are 28 people who are homeless in Cullman. This does not count people who are sleeping on the couch of a friend or sleeping in their car or in a shelter. Some of the 28 are sleeping in the woods.

Lunch--Lasagna, buttered garlic bread, salad, and a dessert with whipped topping on cake and maybe berries and blueberries. I did not eat mine, so not sure. I think the lasagna might me the best I have ever had!

Then, we left like the wind, okay like a breeze, to get to Huntsville to the cardiologist. After tests it turns out there is no problem with my veins. I am happy, but disappointed I did not find out the source of the problem. he gave me clues why my feet swell, so I am off on that quest.

I made chicken sandwiches and took Halos so we would not have to buy lunch. On the way back home from Huntsville we stopped in Cullman and ate at Sportsman Lake as we watched two fishermen and little bitty ducks who ended up being teenagers whose mothers had left them on the lake. The interlude was very relaxing.

The distance from Birmingham to Cullman is about 50 miles. The distance from Cullman to Huntsville is about 50 miles, also. We left at 4 pm to drive from Huntsville to Birmingham and arrived here 7 pm. Long day.

Then, we stopped at the cleanest bathroom I know of since I really had to pee. As I pulled up my pants, my buttocks felt yucky. I looked back at the commode seat and it looked as though several people had peed on the back part of the seat. It was dying and sticky. There was nothing on the front part. OH YUCK! I put my hand on my backside and the whole back of my pants was damp.

I got in the car and sat in the filthy residue. It felt so sticky and gross. When I arrived home, I stripped from the waist down. I did not want to sit on the commode here and contaminate it. But, I had to pee. Afterwards I took Lysol wipes and thoroughly cleaned the seat and then sprayed it with Lysol.

Finally, I soaped up a cloth and washed my buttocks well. Very well and long! I am still grossed out. Why did I not look at the seat thoroughly? Because I have used this commode and it is never, ever anything but pristine.  I just gave it a cursory look. Maybe I need new glasses.

Those pants go straight into the washing machine. I am going to use a plastic bag over my hand to lift them. GAH! Even though my backside is clean from soap and water, I used a Lysol wipe on myself.  I hope the Lysol wipe does not give me a rash.

Exhaustion on this Tuesday

I only slept three hours on Monday night. So, it is only natural I am exhausted. However from 8am until just now, 7 pm, we have gone nonstop.

We got the mail at the PO, went into my driveway, returned something to Belk's that I bought six months ago, went to one grocery store...whew. In the midst of all this, we went to the lunch at the church where there is live music with lunch. We had spaghetti, garlic buttered bread, a carrot stick and a pickle. Tommy got my pickle and carrot. We each had a piece of cake.

Some of these friends I had not seen since Thanksgiving or before. On friend's husband is back in the hospital for mental problems. Another friend is now in the group with dementia. This group is in the dining area and eats with us. It was weird to see two women I have know for years, respected and competent teachers now in the group of those with dementia.

Another friend and I were saying how we would rather have our bodies fail and not be able to walk well than to have dementia. During this hour there were many renewals of conversation that took up where they left off in November.

None of the grocery sales tempted me. My yard is still there. A large amount was put back on my Belk's account...yay. The spaghetti was delicious!

Then, we beat it back south and I scrambled eggs with sausage for Tommy, so the pancakes and syrup at the Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper would not drive his blood sugar up, then plummet. Then, at the church he refused to eat it. The preacher's wife had proclaimed NOTHING else except pancakes. So, I am sitting here waiting for his hypothermia wobbly walking and argumentativeness. Lovely!

The weather forecast was for sun north of us and clouds from Birmingham south. Well, it was so true and 59F. . The sky was the most beautiful blue with a demarcation of clouds to the South. I wore a sleeveless blouse. It was that nice.

Blueberries and strawberries were in abundance at the dinner as an afterthought. I ate lots there and brought some home. Yum!

How was your day? Your weather?

Now, I am settling down to watch the debates and my hero--Bloomberg.

First Yard Sale of the Year

Today, Saturday, we went to Cullman. I was antsy to get my mail since I did not go at all last week. Plus, I shopped and went to a food bank.

Tommy woke me at 6:30 like I wanted. I did not sit for thirty minutes, waking up like I usually do. In 26 minutes, I was clean, had fixed my hair, dressed and had milk and banana ready to go. I have to wait an hour after taking first pill. He suggested we stop and get sausage biscuit. I already had oj for the day, and he got Senior coffee.

We first went to the food bank where I can choose from a sheet of paper what I get. There I chose a large package of premade burgers--4 nice size ones. I won't list all I got. I did choose paper towels instead of tp. I could get three breads. Tommy likes bagels. I also got two loaves of bread. There is always Coke and various 2-liter drinks and ice for the drinks plus sweets to enjoy while we wait. I took a slice of Bundt pan cake, light and with a not so sweet topping. It was so good that I took Tommy a piece. He loved it. I could not resist a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting. I always drink water here. There was a bowl of bars; I got a Lara bar, still have it. I ate the cupcake later and dropped most of it, oh well.

I had clothing given to me that did not fit, so I took it with me and donated it. Also, I gave my coupons to a friend who works there who was happy to see coupons I always donate.

We passed a yard sale that I determined to stop at on the way back home. Belk's was the next stop. I went in and struggled the whole time. At the register I reached in the bag to give the skirt to the cashier. What did I find?--some of the things I was donating. Oh no! Did I give the friend the wrong bag? In the car I called her and she checked the contents. It seems I had put the clothes I wanted to donate into two bags! So, I had two used two tiny bags and put the little bit into them. Well, I was relieved. It turned out that the bag I meant to take into Belk's was in the car. I was hurting so that I said I would do it next week when we go back.

In another grocery store, the one where I won the $100 gift certificate for food, I found 8 pounds of russets of potatoes for $2.49. !!! Plus, for $0.99 I found a box of alfredo mac and cheese with bacon. It should be good and good for two meals. I bought a commemorative tin for Moon Pies--$5.99. I use tins for storing things. Inside were 12 single Moon Pies. So, now we have to NOT eat them. I will use this tin to store small packages of mixes that are falling all over the place. I paid for the Moon Pies and the tin was free. Well, that is how I look at it.

I got the mail, went to 278 to get a phone number off a construction sign, stopped in Publix, went into storage unit, and stopped by the lot, finally deciding to go back home. Tommy asked me if I wanted to get a burger before heading South.

As I said "okay," I saw a sign that said "Free Food." He insisted it was not really free, that we had to have our taxes done first. Well, with the Pepsi canteen set up, I doubted it. Finally, I convinced him to leave Burger King drive in and go across the street and check out the free food. We each got two hotdogs and a Diet Pepsi. well, I had to get out and choose all this. The only Pepsi product I like is Mountain Dew, and I sure did not need the sugar or caffeine. So, we saved $3.99+tax by eating free food. I brought home 3 of the foil sandwich wraps so I will not have to use foil for topping things I heat in the oven. We might just have our sandwiches wrapped in these clean pieces of foil.

When I asked the guy what we had to do to get free hotdogs, he said, "Nothing." I persisted and he finally told me they were collecting food and clothes. Well, I gave him the bit of clothing I had that been mistakenly been taken into Belk's. After we ate right there in the parking lot, we pulled around and the guy took a bag of food out of the car that I had not gone through. I only kept Peter pan pb, a very small can of carrots and peas for Tommy, and a huge can of peaches. I was happy because the man lifted the bag, it was out of the car and my house.

We went home the way we came so that I could go to the yard sale. I was surprised that this yard sale happens every day. It was in an open field with a little shed where the people were sitting inside. Nothing was priced. That so annoys me. I will not backtrack when I am hurting, but the woman told me to come show her what I was talking about. My back won't stand it. The mini Keurig was $40! Tommy would not pay that, so I did not ask him. I forgot to purchase new-in-the-package dish towels for $0.50 for two. Oh well.

I found a 12 qt. stainless steel covered stock pot for $2. I brought that pretty baby home. It still has the store sticker on the side, so it has never been used. A little Barkeepers Friend will have it shining. At least this is something that was not put into the dump. I only found aluminum when I looked for a stock pot in stores and wanted stainless steel. The aluminum stock pots are expensive, so I wonder how much this cost. The sturdy loop handles are attached with brads, so it will be safe to pick up. It even had a lid, nice and shiny and not dented.

On the way home, I had the bright idea to go to Sam's Club. Tommy was all for it. We sampled and sampled. After looking for Melatonin and folding lawn chairs, we left. Tommy bought bacon. One of the samples was interesting. Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches with "buns" that were eggs. Sausage was inside the eggs. They were actually good. I am not sure how good-for-you they were.

We just had a Moon Pie. ugh

I forgot--at Publix I bought Dove exfoliating body wash with pomegranate seeds and shea butter...yep, another thing that went to dump.

The day seems to have been non-stop eating. Tonight, dinner will be chicken and salad and Halos.

I have been telling Tommy we will be going to yard sales. I have a pair of sandals in the car for dew and mud.

We left the house at 7:30 am and arrived here at 3 pm. Since I could only sleep 3 hours last night, I am so happy I do not have to cook! I do know that tonight I will eat no junk! Now, I need to go wash my new stockpot.

I deliberately looked for money on the ground when out and about. No Luck!

Have you been to a yard sale yet this year? Do you like them?

Free Lunch, Games, Lot Cleanup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, that was Tuesday.

Tuesday

I had a doctor's appointment and things to do in Cullman, so we set out in time to eat lunch at the church where we pick up the lunch. Well, that was a bust since they changed it to last Tuesday. So, we had to buy lunch. I would have packed a lunch if I had known.

We made six stops other than the doctor's appointment. At least I accomplished a few things. I used my rollator for one of the stops, the longest one. Tommy has to get out of back the Rogue, hold onto the roof rack to get to the back to get my walker out for me out and then to put it back. He never complains.

Monday evening, I got up to plug in my laptop that had come unplugged in the middle of the two part power cord. I tried to turn, had vertigo, stepped on my foot with the other foot, and thought I was going to Step on my laptop and almost hit the tv. Instead I fell with my head about 2 inches from the table on which it sits. Tommy was by me immediately, wanting to know if I was okay. I felt lucky I did not land on my knee. However, I felt beat up all day today, Tuesday. I felt thrown to the floor...lol

The reason I fell was I was trying to avoid stepping on my laptop. When I got up to plug it in, I did not want to put a knee on the laptop. So, I leaned it against the loveseat. In the meantime, it slid flat onto the floor which I noticed after I started moving. If I had not been trying not to step on the laptop, I would not have stepped on my own foot!

I went to a food bank and got a cooked and frozen slab of pork. ??? We carry a cooler in the car. There was a loaf of bread, so I do not have to purchase that. We eat little bread, and I refuse to buy it full price.

I had all presents ready for Christmas. Today, I started over purchasing things. I got two Christmas presents and need two more. My children may not get a gift this year, just the four grandchildren. If so, I am halfway there. I have two boys and two girls. I bought Christmas stamps. So, I am closer to Christmas.

We bought stuff at the store where I won the $100 worth of groceries. We both put our names in the box in hopes of winning this year. At this moment, I do not know what I bought, not much. This week, the ads will be better.

I picked up my scissors I ordered. I purchased cheap scissors for everyday that are just not going to work. I cannot get them off my hand, so back they go. Three pair were $5.98 or something like that. I thought there were two pair. So, the search goes on for everyday scissors. Somewhere, there is a pair for paper that works.

When we got home and had brought everything inside, it was about 7 pm. I told Tommy to wake me at 8 and went to bed. He woke me at 8am and I got up about 9 pm. It took me thirty seconds to go to sleep and about 30 seconds to go back to sleep. We ate dinner very late.

Last week, a package mailed to me was returned. I have n clue as to mailed it. Nothing should be mailed to my address. My PO box 1902 should be used. Better yet, mail things to 2711 Clyburne St, Hueytown, Al 35023.

There is a pink package of store ads that lands in the driveway that also has two of the inserts that are usually in the paper--Retail Me Not, Smart Source. The Sunday paper is $3, so I can look online and see it is worth buying s paper. Do you ever get coupon inserts except in the newspaper?

Free Lunch and Veteran's Celebration and Other Stuff

We went to Cullman today and had a meal at a church--soup, cornbread, half a grilled cheese sandwich, huge piece of pound cake with whipped cream and fresh blueberries on top, unsweetened tea. I gave Tommy my soup and he gave me half his sandwich. There were peas in the soup, so no thanks. I only took one bite of the pound cake, one bite of whipped cream and none of the blueberries since I am told to lay off fiber. Bummer!

I had things to do, and when they were done, we came home, arrived here about 3 pm. I wanted a chocolate ice cream from DQ, so we got one on the way out of town. We just got a mini size to save money and we were not hungry, just wanted a chocolate cone. One day when I felt so bad two weeks ago, we went to DQ for a chocolate ice cream fix and they only carried vanilla! That was a bummer. Does your DQ have chocolate ice cream?

We went to my house and just sat for a moment in the driveway. It felt really good and painful, too. I got to talk to my old mailman. I was supposed to meet the city arborist, but had to settle for a telephone conversation.

Tonight, we had pork loin with bbq sauce, sweet potatoes, and sliced tomatoes. That is the last of the burnt meat. With bbq sauce on it, the scorched taste/smell was hidden well.

I went to the Farmer's Market and bought pecans and tomatoes. The pecans were $5/pint bag. I got four. That is for all winter and came from money allotted for groceries for the month. Tomatoes were $6. I believe I got 8 good-sized tomatoes.

Today, I wore my black outfit, burnt orange sweater, and statement necklace. Next time, for the Christmas dinner at this church, I will wear the black outfit with a red sweater. Remember, the top is sleeveless so I can handle wearing a sweater indoors. Today, it was low 70s, so not too hot and not too cool. In the car in the sun, it was hot without the ac.

I sat in one office for about 30 minutes and Tommy was at the curb and had lowered all the windows, so I know it was hot for him. I left that office with the issue unresolved.

The program at the church before the meal was for a Veteran's Day celebration. The tables were festive with red/white/blue place mats and napkins, flags and flowers in vases. It made me sad that people talked about all the men who served in the armed forces. My mother was a WAC! I almost cried that she was left out! The music, poetry and all was very uplifting.

Do you have or have had a female family member in the armed service?

Tomorrow, I have to search for Crest or Colgate tooth paste that is not mint or gel. What are your plans?

Adjusting Costs on Several Items

Before the house destruction, I had moved many things to a storage unit, books, sewing material, clothes, small appliances, etc. Anything that belonged to the children was boxed and labeled with the proper name. Once the destruction was imminent, rented a larger unit to use for that stuff.

Yesterday, we went to a free lunch. We had a huge piece of baked bbq chicken, fried okra, blackeyed peas, yeast roll, chocolate cake, unsweetened tea. I immediately scraped all my okra onto Tommy's plate. When we were ready to leave, I noticed he left most of the peas and did not offer them to me! I ate them since he was slowly going to bathroom before he got the car.

We had an appointment to meet a guy to help us get everything from the old unit to the newer larger one. Both the guys assured me it was impossible. I insisted it was! We did it. I say "we" because I heavily supervised. I gave tarps to the guy, threw out lots of empty boxes I had tossed up high to use later, brought home a tiny pressure cooker, not capable of canning, but good for quick cooking, a lamp to use here, and other stuff. So that monthly cost will be avoided.

Tommy sat at one unit, and I used my walker to travel in between to say what to bring and what I did not want and what I was bringing here. All three guys assured me the stuff I chose to bring here would not fit in the Rogue. Yes, it did.

I took four pieces of bread, jar of pb, spoon, and one container of oj for Tommy. I asked him to make me a pb sandwich about 4:30. He made him one, too, and drank the oj. On the way home, he said he thought he should drink the oj before he had a problem. He like oj...a lot. I drank water. He is not becoming more aware of his state, just not wanting anything to happen to him, like his blood sugar dropping. I feel a little less stressed when he drives.

I plan to hire the same guys to help me reduce the unit to a smaller one by throwing out or selling some things. I think the washer and the mattress are going! I had four floor lamps in the old unit and four that worked in my house. I am going to sell some of those. I can bring boxes and stuff to Tommy's house. I may not be able to empty even a small unit that I get, but, I will give it a good try.

One morning, I was wakened by the TV at its loudest. I was very annoyed. I just lay there, trying to recover from the shock. Since Tommy prefers the TV volume around 20 and I can barely hear at 50, I worried about him eventually. When I got to his recliner, he was staring and obviously not aware. I called his name six times, the last time screaming his name. He startled and seemed not to know what was happening. When I yelled about the volume, he seemed more aware and muted it or turned it off, cannot remember. I was frightened.

I asked him to eat. He ignored me. I told him loudly his blood sugar had dropped. I asked him if I should call EMTs, sort of a veiled threat. I offered to get cereal and milk for him. All of a sudden, he got up and rushed as well as he could to the kitchen. He ate and gave himself insulin. I offered half of one of the Atkins bars, saying I wanted one. I did not, but he ate his half and I saved mine for him later. Whew!

Since the traffic incident, I had tried to stress to him that somewhere inside his brain he must realize I know something that he does not--that he is unwell. Maybe that is working. Yesterday, I suggested he go to my endocrinologist. He asked how that would help him. He has been going to this doctor for about 40 years and I do not believe he can help him anymore.

One thing I brought back to his house is all sizes of Ball jars. I am not going to keep buying the small sizes of juice. I can use the hal-pints to take oj for him in the car.

Yesterday, I also had to go to two offices in the city. I intend to only go for business when there is a free lunch...lol.

I am exhausted so am not going to edit this. I don't need any reminders of how expensive storage units are.

Who said her daughter decorated cakes/cupcakes? Or maybe it was a blogger?

Long Scorcher

Tuesday, we went to lunch, the one with music. Lunch was great chicken fingers, mac n cheese, corn pickles and peppers. I had only the chicken and mac n cheese, and chocolate cake, of course.

We gave a box of food to couple who will donate it, so we did not have to pick it up or carry it.

We headed out to the sweet potato farm. We were shocked that they had not been able to dig them because it is too dry. When it is too dry, the sweet potatoes get skinned by the equipment. We were disappointed and left with card and a wait of at least three weeks. Usually, sweet potatoes are ready the first of September. We can barely wait for the Beauregards to be ready.

At the Farmer's Market there were only about four vendors. But, my favorite vendor was there with red okra and all sorts of pumpkins. I used $12 of coupons to get four pumpkins for the porch. Later, I can cook them. They are quite attractive with a large one in my hypertufa pot, a smaller one nestled in the chicken with the mums and the other two sitting in front of the chicken.

Tommy let me buy a new necklace I need for an upcoming event. Love it Some of my jewelry was stolen; some was saved, but I have no idea where it is. The young men just moved things they put in huge bags. Nothing was organized, just moved for which I am grateful.

I me a man at my lot who wants to buy it. He is going to move my things left in the yard. Yes, I am paying him. Of course, if he does, he will be the first person to agree to do it and actually load the stuff up.

Tommy told me in no uncertain terms that I could not bring my picnic table or swing to his yard. Today, he was quite agreeable. I am ecstatic.

When we left home this morning about 8 am, there was not a cloud in the sky. I did not break a sweat getting to the car. Before we left Cullman, it was scorcher, well into the 90s. Still I love it--hot and dry.

Monday night, I did not sleep a wink. So, today was a hard day and I napped a bit when we came home and got things inside.

The only problem all day long was on the way home. I had on a sleeveless top and the sun was hurting my skin. I need to carry something to shield my arms and use sunscreen. I do not need a sunburn in September or ever. It seems as I get older, the sun actually hurts my skin. Does the sun hurt your skin? Has it always hurt your skin or is this something new fitor you. I mean it causes pain after just a few minutes.

Tomorrow, the temp will be 94F with no rain in sight.

Free Lunch, Free Dinner, and NO Cooking Today

Today was the free lunch at the pretty church--also the one where there are no disposable items on table. Today, there were identical fruit jars sprayed purple with yarn wrapped and tied around the top and the bottom third of the jar with gold glitter. In each jar were sprigs of sprays of bright gold and dark purple flowers. I suppose they have an occasions closet where items are there and ready to set on a table.

Lunch--croissant with ham and cheese, lettuce and tomato on the side to add, fruit salad (watermelon, red grapes, and cantaloupe), apple cobbler with ice cream on top. I only ate the watermelon  and gave the cantaloupe and red grapes to Tommy. He had his apple cobbler without ice cream.

There was just enough time to get to a doctor's appointment for me. He waited in the car.

Then, we zipped down to a buffet dinner that we got when we listened to a sales talk. It was very interesting. The food was delicious until I choked.

Food will not go into my stomach. It feels like it just gets stopped up. I drank water and was spewing food and water. A guy decided to give me the Heimlich maneuver with me saying, "No! Stop!" Then he congratulated himself aloud on saving my life. No, he just hurt me. He actually grabbed me above and on my breasts and was squeezing. Idiot! His hands should have  been on above my navel, UNDER my breasts.

On the huge buffet line I got delicious food and then had trouble eating and enjoying it or going back for more--very juicy roast beef, a piece about the size of an egg; fried chicken breast; one slice of zucchini, round and about 1/4 inch thick; small spoon of baby lima beans; baked potato; three baby carrots; yeast roll; butter.

I choked on the roast beef and roll. I just had to have beef, just a bit. I only ate about 1/4 cup of the baked potato, tsp butter and yeast roll, and all the rest of what I got. I was going back to get a salad, but felt too weak to go back. plus, my stomach hurt. My meal was totally ruined by the "hero."

Tommy got a plate full of meat and vegetables. The only thing I remember is that he got a huge bowl of soft-serve, chocolate ice cream and he let me have a bite.

So, no cooking today! Yay for me.

What would you do when a guy man-handled you in the guise of saving you? He copped a feel and I felt/feel violated.

Beautiful Tuesday

This has been a glorious day, around 80 and breezy. The skies are blue and the clouds few. It's a rare summer day. Of course, I got hot. 

I set the alarm for 7:30 this morning so I could get up and wash my hair and get to the doctor by 9:30. Since it is only 3 blocks away, I don't worry. However, I set the alarm for pm instead of am, so I suppose if I don't turn off the alarm it will go off in a few minutes. I left wit wettish hair.

Since today is Tuesday free lunch, I did not want to be long in the office. I told Tommy to come and sit at the curb instead of my driveway, and I would just pull in the driveway and come to the car. Since I did not have lipstick in my purse, I ran in and got it and we left for the church. We got there sooner than usual and I applied makeup in the car. 

Tommy really liked my purse. It is too small, so I am going to get a larger one. I cannot carry my Epi Pen, diabetic tester or diabetic shot. Of course, if I left my makeup out, I could...lol

He thought the shoes were pretty and was shocked at the price. But, he knows how many shoes I have bought since I met him in 2006. I thought it over and remembered buying two relatively inexpensive pairs that were leather and cost $39. They were not well-made. 

For lunch we had baked spaghetti, bread, and a salad of lettuce. tomatoes, cheese. I had small piece of pie. The guys were there playing guitars. My friend who had colon cancer was declared free of cancer and had lost 30 pounds since the surgery three weeks ago. 

There was a prescription for shoes awaiting me at the doctor on the country road, so we left to go out there even though I knew the office was closed for lunch. I had a plan.

My best friend who died in May 2001, was buried on the way to the doctor's office. I cried over the names of him and some of his relatives. John had a beautiful stone commemorating his 100 missions over Vietnam, his title--major--and a portion of the poem "High Flight." 

I cried over his cousin's daughter who died too soon as a result of a doctor getting her hooked on opioids and then refusing her more or a way to get off them. Sad. I called her mother and cried more.

We took a little more time to drive since the doctor's office was still not open. The cows and goats looked happy. One yard full of junk held a trolley and an old train engine, the kind with little protection from the elements. It was all pleasant and calm, no rain or forecast of rain. 

We went to a food bank. Frozen fried chicken in a deli box, frozen deli rotisserie  chicken, frozen 3 lbs. ground turkey, 2 apples, 2 oranges, small bag of baby potatoes, wonderful strawberry cake. There was a lot of other stuff that I won't list. He got all the fried chicken and half the fruit, more than half the cake. He got half the garlic bread. I have only listed about half of what I was given.

He got two of the tomatoes from Farm's Market on Saturday and enough greens for two salads. I would give him more but he says he does not want salad every day. I do! 

I cooked 2 lbs of ground pork, added ginger and a bag of slaw. It worked great in the crockpot, and I put the crockpot in the refrigerator overnight. I did not want to buy or eat soy sauce and could not figure out what I did with the rice vinegar. He said it was good, that he would eat it again. I put horseradish on mine. We had green beans and strawberry cake. I ate the cake filling only. 

There are plenty of choices of food here that are not fattening, so I need to eat lots of salads. I have lots of Romaine and market tomatoes. I love salads with a bit of protein. 

I cried too long and too hard today, so feel drained but content.

Lunch, Rain, CVS

Tuesday was the day of free lunch that we pick up. Lunch--ham, squash casserole, green beans, roll and cookies. I think they actually baked the hams! It was the best ham I have had in  years. The green beans were from the can, just heated up, the way I like them. There were no onions, extra pepper or anything. I was happy. The squash casserole was not made by the recipe I use. I picked out the squash and ate it.  It seems that stuffing mix was used. There was no cheese. I ate heartily. Dessert--two cookies.

Tommy did not come as I was concerned about him driving in 70% chance of rain. There were no torrents like I expected, just gentle but steady rain some of the time. Still, there was no other reason for him to come, so I suggested he not come. He agreed.

Kitty may be afraid I will step on her. I have walked out three times, and she has steered clear of my feet.

When I went out of the house, the humidity body-slammed me. The ac is having a hard time removing it from the house. I am quite sure I can wring humidity from things in the house...lol. Without ac, I would be in trouble.

After making a purchase at CVS, I got a $3 off coupon. Well, I went in the day it was expiring and bought a single jerky for Tommy and something else. If I had the receipt, I could give you a better idea of what I purchased. Anyway, I paid a bit over $1. At the register I got another coupon, this time for $2. Sooo, I shopped again right then.

At their cheap counter, I found potholders 2/$.50 and got 4 potholders. I forgot what else I got, but I paid less than $1.50 for merchandise worth about $7.

It would be more impressive if I had the receipts, but they are gone. This was three weeks ago. I doubt I will ever find the receipts. I am not Sluggy!

After lunch I needed to make two important phone calls, but I was nap-snatched. Dinner will be the second lunch I picked up.

How was your day? Rainy?

Yesterday...and Kitty Update

Of course, it was a free lunch Tuesday. Chicken fingers, salad, lemon pie, and unsweetened tea. Someone always brings mine and Tommy's lunch. He left off the tomatoes and cheese. Oh, well.

I had to be at a doctor's appointment at 1:15, but we left with only 49 minutes to make the trip. I drove since I can make better time than Tommy and more safely. I got into the office at about 1:20 and did not leave until 4:30. This time was spent getting a hearing test in addition to talking to the doctor.

This is the third ENT I have seen and by far the nicest one. I went to the first ENT and had to see his partner the next time. So, no, I am not just hopping from one doctor to the next, trying to find a nice one. It just worked out that way.

Usually, I bring stuff for Tommy to eat, but somehow thought wrongly that since we got up from lunch, he would not need anything. Bad mistake. Thankfully, he had a bottle of water in the car, I could see him eating a red sucker I left in the console.

We stopped at a McD where I got a plain $1 hamburger. He got something that was two patties and cheese for $1. That and drinks from another doctor's office where I was picking up records held us over until we got home.  Next time, I will make sure I pack us some substantial snacky foods like I usually do!

I was drained. When we got to the pharmacy and waited 10 minutes in the car, my prescription was at the south location. At the doctor's office I wrote out the word NORTH, said it three times, and still it was called in to wrong location. The attendant at the window said it happens all the time.

At home was pulled pork, tomato, and corn on the cob. Tommy had a choice--come in and wait until I boiled the corn, heated pork, and sliced tomato OR sit in the car while I boiled the corn and packed it up for him to take home. As he often does, he opted for me to bring it out so he could leave. It was getting late.

Since the ads went off on Tuesday, I bought 4 more 49 oz.cans of sliced peaches at one store and bananas at another along with a 4 oz ice cream. After I collected my prescription, I went home and fell in bed about 7:30 and slept until 8: 40 this morning. Of course, I awoke when Tommy called me, and when I was hot and needed to go to bathroom. I am still exhausted.

Since I had ice cream instead of dinner, I ate dinner for breakfast. It works.

I remarked to my neighbor that Kitty was going to make me fall. She has started rushing past me and hitting my calf as she goes in front of me. He said she bit him hard. He said she was very aggressive when she wanted food. Remember, this is not his cat and never has been. He said if he had not had boots on that she would have ripped his leg. Now, I have a biting cat on my hands!

Free Food and a New Crockpot

Friday, I awoke at 2:30 am after sleeping before the news the night before and immediately afterwards. I did not stay awake to watch my favorite shows. Bummer. After leaving the house around 8:30 this morning, I was exhausted by 1 pm. I made a wrong turn and saw a "Free Food" sign. You know me, I was intrigued, especially since they were grilling. This was near an elementary school. Someone had balloons and a sign. I stopped and asked one of the women what was going on.

As it turns out, this was the beginning of the summer school nutrition program. Today, adults could eat. They invited me to return at 2 pm. Doubting I would, I thanked them. As it turned out, nothing went right and took twice as long, so I pulled in and got my food--two cheeseburgers, bag of chips and a coke. There were two thick patties on each cheeseburger. I should not have gotten these, but I do not have to cook today. Salad fixings will suffice for dinner. The second cheeseburger will be held for later.

This weekend is Rock the South Concert weekend. We are expecting 60,000 people to turn out. There are 60,000 people in the county. !!! We needed a country concert.

It is almost 3 pm, and I cannot get the dozen cans of peaches out of the car. The temperature is north of 90 F degrees and the humidity is returning. I still prefer it hot, hot, hot. I just prefer not to exert myself!

In order to cook in a crockpot, I need the four-quart Crockpot. Months ago, I broke my last one. The seven-quart Crockpot I won is too heavy for me to lift. Today, I settled for a 3.5 quart round Crockpot even though the oval is better for me.  Yes, I broke down and bought it. I have a plan.

Tomorrow, I will tell you my plans for the Crockpot. Right now, a nap is sneaking up on me.

Tuesday

I slept one hour Monday night, so all day Tuesday, I was hurting. But, I was up for it. `It was a long day, and then I managed to delete part of the post.

First, I needed to go to the ATT store to find out what went wrong with payment for cell. What went wrong was that I never got autopay set up even though I called and gave all the information. ATT FAIL. I waited for 30 minutes for my turn and the guy was in the helping mode, so I left after fifteen minutes.

The free lunch where we pick up the meal was yesterday--hotdog, baked beans, bag of chips, lots of pickles, and two cookies. We had a bottle of water. We ate at the lake in the city while parked under a very heavy shade. It was above 90, so we needed the shade.

At home, I put on my nightgown and took a nap that I really needed. I told Tommy to wake me at 2 pm. He called me and headed to the car. By the time I dressed, half-combed my hair and brushed my teeth and went to the car, he was almost there.

POMS was playing at the theater. Tickets are $5 on Tuesday.  This movie was sooooo good. I love Diane Keaton.  I don't think we have been to a movie in over a year, so if I ever knew, I had forgotten about $5 Tuesday.

We went straight to a dinner that came with a seminar about health--baked spaghetti, lasagna, chicken alfredo, salad, and tea.

Tommy dropped me off. He left with salad greens and tomatoes.

I went to sleep immediately, awoke in the middle of the night, lost the post, and slept late today. Yesterday's meals were far from healthy, but they were delicious. Tonight, I was going to a free dinner, but did not make it. Oh, well.

Have you seen POMS? Planning to? Do your theaters ever have cheap tickets?