Stress Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

 Last Thursday, the day started with me getting up at 9 am to get ready for the chair repair guy to replace the undercarriage of my chair. He was to come between 10 am and 2 pm. We were ready for him at 10 am. So, he came at after noon. He took over my chair and I sat in the only other chair in the house except for Tommy's. $300 for the repair.

We left about 3:30 to return the Rubaiyat to Barnes and Nobles. Well, the car would not start after we stopped to get gas. We had not gone far, so we went back to Auto Zone. The guy said he was alone in the store, so he could not come out to the car. I did not believe that for a second. I told him I would call corporate and ask why they did not have more people in the store. A bit later, I called and he said he would be right out. I had not called corporate. He tested the battery and said it just needed charging. That was strange. A battery that just needs charging does not refuse to start after going about two miles and stopping for gas. 

We went to Pep Boys. They could do nothing, so we left and went home. PB was too busy. Come back in an hour. So, we came home, ate, rested and he was ready to go back. I told him after so little sleep, I felt incapable of driving safely and could he take a cab back. He left and came home via Lyft. Pep Boys called the guy and gave them the address for the house. 

We spent some time in the yard and heat starting my car. Then, I backed it down out of the carport and scraped Tommy's metal ramp, making a huge scrape on my car. I was so tired! He then started putting air in the tire with our little air compressor. You can only run it for ten minutes and then let it rest for 25 minutes. After ten minutes, I went to bed. 

Friday morning, Tommy kept running the air  pump for ten minutes and off for 25 minutes while I was asleep. I had slept well on Thursday and for about 10 hours. He alternated between filling tires and watering. My car was so dirty from sitting with dust and pollen all over it. So, I insisted we wash it before our chore of the day. Well, the carwash was temporarily closed but with people all over on ladders inside. So, we left and came back after a chore or two. It was open again, so I made the terrifying trip through and it was washed, sort of. I could still see soap running down the windshield and dirt still at the bottom of the windshield. 

After two blocks, Tommy said the windows were dirty, too. So, we turned around and the manager happened to be out there. He said he would give us a $25 wash instead of the $16 wash I chose the first time. I have never chosen an option with wheel washing but earlier had done so. Of course, the wash was closed while they repaired it again. So, we said we could come back Saturday. 

Then, I took him to pick up his car and ran out of gas running the car to keep cool. My insurance company could only help me via text. I spent over 30 minutes sweating and calling. When Tommy came out of Pep Boys, I sat in his car. Finally, I got back in my car to wait on gas delivery while he went across the street to get his meds. $230 for a new battery and other stuff he needed done. So, AZ said it just needed charging. Poor service there. 

When the woman with gas came, she called and said she was behind Walgreen's and where was I? I had said behind Pep Boys and she assured me she was behind Pep Boys and I was not. Things were tense for a moment. Finally, she said she said Pep Boys. She did not, but she finally found me right where I said I was. It cost me $10, just the price of the gasoline because roadside service took care of the delivery. Gas is not $5/gallon, but what can you do? 

Friday evening, I froze about 5 lbs of chopped turkey in quart bags. Tommy put an inch of water into my huge stock pot and dumped a huge bag of chopped kale into it. I almost let it simmer all night! We have been eating off that for three days now. It is delicious. 

I think I slept another 7 hours on Friday night, so I felt well Saturday morning. We got to appointment in Cullman 15 minutes late. But, we finished and went to two grocery stores, finding what we could not find down here. Then, it was back here to get the free, super-duper carwash. It was still dirty afterwards. We came home exhausted. The stress of the frightening trip through the carwash on top of everything else that day just about did me in. 

We had to do no cooking, just thawing cooked meat or heat leftovers in the microwave on these three days. 

Sunday, I think I awoke at noon. At 1 pm, I went back to bed and slept until 5 pm. Altogether, I slept 16+ hours. 

Last night, I slept about 5 hours. Monday, I have managed to feel okay until I accidentally went to sleep watching a show about Nazca lines. I slept an hour, accidentally! 

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were so tiring. Sunday was just sleep. Today, Monday, we have not done things we should have all during the week. But, we are working on it, just things in the house. 

This week, three days of over 100F is projected. We have things to do out and about, so no staying indoors for us. I told Tommy we would take two bottles of water each day. Usually, he just drinks out of a bottle he keeps in the car all week. He might take a sip in 8 hours. The rest of the time, he drinks caffeine in coffee and diet Pepsi. The other day, I lectured him and he drank two inches of water.

Other things may have happened that were stressful, but I cannot remember those things. 

Are you having hot weather this week? 

Bad weather this weekend? 

Out of Gas

 Monday a bit before 7 pm, we went to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription which did not happen. We left going along the little dark road behind the drugstore that leads to the road we need one block away. We could have gone the other way, but it is just as dark. 

At almost the top of the hill, the car stopped. I asked what happened. Tommy said he did not know and tried to start the car so many times until the battery was dead. I glanced at the gas gauge and the needle was flat on empty. But, he kept trying to start it until I finally made him stop.  I was furious because we have had this argument before. He likes to let the needle get into the red zone before filling up. No, I did not yell at him. He said he forgot. 

I tried calling my insurance company which is the same as his. No, they would not help us even though he has same insurance. Yes, I do know this was not even kosher. I have roadside service on my But, I was willing to ask out of desperation. He knows I keep the police department of Cullman and Hueytown programmed into my phone. So, I called and told them neither of us could walk for help and it was getting dark and I was afraid. A car came to stay with us. The very nice, young policewoman came and talked to us, then sat in her car. 

They gave me a tow truck company to call and get them to bring gas. So, I called and got an answering machine. I called again and a woman hung up on me. I called the police back, and they had the tow truck call me. They said it was $98 for a cc and $95 for cash plus the cost of the gasoline. 

The tow people were very nice and efficient. They jumped off the car since Tommy tried to start it until the battery was dead. I knew Tommy would want to go down the road to the cheapest station, so I asked them how far this would take us. They guy said to go to the station catty corner to where we were. We did. 

Well, we did get gas and Tommy got out and used our portable charger to start the car again since the across the street gas station was not far enough to build up a charge. 

While we were waiting for the gas, I tried to convince Tommy to get roadside service on his policy. He was adamant that he would not. I tried to point out that he bought some very expensive gasoline. He said that he had saved on the service for 50 years and had never had to buy gas brought to him by a tow truck. I tried to convince him that he could not walk far, he was vulnerable in his condition, all to no avail. 

My walker was still in my room since I am afraid my knee will give out again. He left his sitting in the yard as he often does when we only go to Walgreen's. We know my walker is in the car. Well, no walkers Monday night. He can use two canes to walk, but downhill would be treacherous. When we are out, I use his walker if mine is home, and he has used mine when he leaves his in the car. 

As we left the gas station, I said I wanted a Whopper. He said, okay. So, that was dinner when we finally got home at 8:30. I was exhausted from 1.5-hour ordeal. We did not yell at each other at all during this ordeal. He was stubborn in his money-saving technique. I told him he was lucky before, but older now and forgot to get gas! It is hopeless trying to convince him of some things! He will not take this $20/year extra precaution. 

There is no advice that I need, just bitching here. No advice, please. He is so smart and competent. But, he has these blocks.

Today, the cardiologist told me he thought that one leg was so swollen because of my weight. I was shocked. But, he did give me good news.

Christmas Delivery, Shopping

 We set out at 9:30 to go to Cullman. I wanted to give the red Kiss to my friend who is 92. She loved it, full of fairy lights and Hershey kisses. I went in while Tommy sat in the car. 

We had things to do. I called CVS and Walgreen's as I sat in their respective parking lots and inquired about the glasses. Well, nothing. We both went into Belk's, a much smaller one than in Birmingham and were both exhausted! We found nothing, not even a clerk to help us. Someone sent over a nice child-clerk who did not know what she was doing. But, her job was to ring up items. This Belk will close if they do not get things up and running. The sold out of all their gloves! And, they had no houndstooth scarves. I suppose I won't get those. 

I went into Publix and found glasses. They are shaped like stemless wine glasses, and they might be. However, they are huge. I bought them with a return Publix card. So, I only had to pay $2.17. On Tuesday, I will go somewhere with really cheap stemless wine glasses and may return the ones from Publix. I am afraid I will drop the ones I bought. They are really huge, so when they sweat on the outside, I might drop them. Lynda might, too. Tommy said they are fine for his hand. 

We drove 36 miles out of our way to go to the Dutch Oven Bakery for lunch and to purchase little tongs and spoon. They were closed on Monday! I decided a place owned by friends would have what I wanted, high quality and expensive. I was desperate. They are also closed on Monday. Rats!

We ate at Slim Chickens and won't go there again. The meal we purchased--three chicken fingers, Texas toast and fries that were a little too spicy for me, and a drink, all for $8.99, almost $20 for two meals. The tenders were soooo tender. The breading was better than DQ, the honey mustard dip was not great. I did not need fries. The Texas Toast was great. We will go to Chicken Salad Chick next time we want to splurge.

I came home and put my car in the carport, called someone to dust and do light housekeeping for a good price, got one bedazzled card in the mail. Really, it was shiny confetti all over and cute, handmade, I do believe. All that exhausted me on top of the trip.

Tonight, I ordered Tommy a flashlight, a headlight for Christmas, and me a set of charcuterie accessories to get a tiny spoon for nuts and tiny tongs for Christmas tree foods. Still, I may find the glasses tomorrow. The flashlight is about 4" long but seems like it is bright. I will get a larger one from Lowe's where I can see it and touch it. 

We had chicken I roasted about midnight on Sunday for dinner Monday. Tommy had sweet potatoes and collards. I had salad with nasty dressing. But, we are fed. When I have chicken, I am happy. 

This morning I had a chicken and Miracle Whip sandwich for breakfast, that makes three meals of chicken breast today, and I could eat it again...lol. 

Tomorrow, he will slice the ham and we can have that for dinner. Some will be frozen. One of these chicken breast will go into the freezer, too. 

Gas was $2.67 today. Prices drop here within a few hours of buying gas. It is discouraging. 

Do you have one food, except for chocolate, that you never tire of eating? Surely, no one gets tired of chocolate! 

Does anyone shop at Belk? Have you been there lately? Opinion? 

Good Day, Busy Day

 Friday morning, I had an appointment for an ultrasound. Since I could not eat or drink after midnight, I hope I could sleep. I would not have eaten in the night because I resist eating, just drink water. I slept really well on Thursday night. 

I got up at 8:45 and we left at 9:30 for my 10:30 appointment. The whole appointment went well, but the glitch when I arrived worried me. A woman with a very accusatory voice kept telling me that no one would come out with a wheelchair to get me, whoever drove me had to go get one and push me in. She was relentless. So, I told her I was following directions. Finally, she called back with a much softer attitude.

The woman who came to get me was really sweet. Little did I realize she was the tech who did the ultrasound. She was kind and patient about my difficulties and the need for two pillows under my legs. The doctor had ordered two ultrasounds, so it took about 45 minutes. Now, I have to wait for the results. I am nervous but hopeful.

The gel was mercifully heated! She helped me from the table. I have had techs say-Can't you get off the table BY YOURSELF? Unless you have had these people mistreat you, there is no way you can appreciate simple kindness in a moment of weakness. 

Across the street I saw Bama Fever and Tiger Pride. I had Tommy take me there. I bought him an Auburn t-shirt, since he is a fan and graduate. I showed it to him and said, "Happy Birthday" since I did not want to have to go back if it did not fit. I bought from the $14.95 rack. It fits, but he says the neck is too tight. 

I tried eating the Munchies peanut butter and crackers. NO WAY. They were cheese crackers, but I tried them. I have always hated cheese crackers. So, he got us both a plain burger. Now, he can have cheese crackers with peanut butter for a snack here. 

We came straight home and left immediately to shop from my list from the ads. At Publix there was one ham left on the shelf, a ham for $1.49. I got it as I just did not want to wait on another to be weighed and priced for me to choose. The $1.49/lb. turkey breasts were sold out! So, I have to go back again, tomorrow at 10 am. About once a year, I will eat corned beef which was on sale. Dasani was cheap. 

Carrot cake was $3.49/slice. A whole cake on sale was $19.00. So, I bought two slices. I forgot the ice cream but can get it when I get the turkey breasts. 

At The Pig I bought cole slaw, cheddar cheese, squash, correct Munchies. Tommy loves squash and zucchini cooked together, so I am making that for him.

Food Giant--one deep dish Pet Ritz pie crust. another box of Munchies since Pig only had one, two cans of VanCamps pork and beans for $.88/each because I use them for baked beans and Tommy loves mine, I also found a deep, round plastic container with a lid that sealed as well as the Tupperware! And, it was only $1.25. I won't store food in it, though. 

By the time we got home it was around 3:30. We were both exhausted, but the day had gone well except for the first glitch. Since we had so little to eat, I suggested we have a pizza with cauliflower crust. It took me forever to get it in the oven, so that ended up being dinner. I feel like we did not eat well at all today! 

I had a heated argument with a friend who thinks we should not have closed borders because borders are a social construct. I agree with the social construct bit, but she made upset me. I think she is an anarchist. I reminded her of state boundaries, lot descriptions and our own rooms in a house. I doubt she is willing to give up and inch of her place because someone else wants it. 

After cheese, hot pizza, tiredness from the day, and being upset, I slept upright in my chair. I hate to sleep like that. We watched some sort of country music Christmas show. It was cheery. 

Just now, Tommy went to the car and found the delivery of my new sets of fairy lights. Good. They were right on the table by the door. 

Cheap gas--$2.84/gal. Temperature--mid 70s

Oh, yesterday as I sat in the car outside Belk's, I watched a USPS driver throw huge and small boxes into a very large truck. So, if you ordered anything from Belk's and it arrives damaged. I know why! Who throws boxes for delivery? I wonder how many more times these same boxes were thrown by USPS employees. 

Unfortunately, tomorrow we get up early and start all over again. I need to get the ice cream I forgot and get turkey breasts, among other things. This way, we do not need to go out on the weekend for anything. I am looking forward to a lazy day at home, at least a day at home doing things here. Medical things are never relaxing. At least I got all the ad items bought except for the turkey breasts. We had too much produce already except for the two squashes I bought for Tommy. 

Do you get out the ads in order to make a list of loss leaders? Items you need? 

Do you have a friend whose ideologies appall you and seem very radical?

Saturday Successes

 Saturday, we needed to pick something up in Cullman. Since it was supposed to rain, I was leery of going. Tommy woke me at 7:15 as I asked. Even after leaving at 8:10, things went well. We needed to miss the rain forecast for Saturday and get home in time for the Iron Bowl.

Hoping to find a cheap turkey breast, I went to two stores and found two for $1.69/lb. Publix was an in and out trip. The turkey breast was $17.88 for a 10.58 lb. breast. 

In the other store, Betty Crocker brownie mixes in a pouch for $1.29--got 4. Three disposable bread pans--came to $1.40 for each pan. The turkey at this store was $8.72 for 5.16 lb turkey breast. I wish both had been smaller. 

We both went into this store. He bought five cans of the Double Luck green beans I love for $0.69 each. He then had a receipt to enter the drawing for $100. Of course, I had my receipt to enter, too. As I was inside before him and well into the store, I called him and alerted him to apples reduced--$1 per bag of 4, so he bought a bag. 

In about 2018, I won this drawing and had $100 to spend on groceries. Maybe we will have a repeat of good fortune this year.

Got the mail from the PO. 

The turkey breasts were the only food I looked for and seemingly the only good price I found except for the green beans. However, I searched for them, so maybe more bargains were out there.

Have you found any good prices still left from Christmas ads? Any deals at all, food or otherwise? Are you still eating Thanksgiving food and enjoying it? Or, have you reimagined it?

Tommy wanted to eat at Chicken Salad Chick again. He is really a fan of this place. I had the Classic Chicken Salad again, no soup. I had to order a sandwich or could not get the scoop of chicken salad. So, I order a croissant on the side. It is lying in the box in the car, wasted. Tommy had Fruity Fran on wheat bread. We drank water even though Tommy asked if I wanted a drink. I let him have my cookie. 

We drove by my lot and came home! We beat the rain and arrived home about 1 pm. By 2 pm I was in bed for a nap. I only slept three hours and feel like I need another nap. 

I worried I would not be able to easily fit the turkey in the two holes in the freezer, but had absolutely no trouble. I think we might have to return to Cullman for business, so maybe I can get two more at that price, hopefully, two small turkey breasts. Turkey breasts are less than the cost of bscb--half the price per pound. 

Today was a good day despite my lack of sleep and worry about rain. If Auburn had won the Iron Bowl, it would be nearly perfect. Tommy is a little discouraged, as is my son. 

Gas price is down to $2.91. 

In a few minutes we are watching a Lifetime Original premier of the The Twelve Days of Christmas Eve. Okay, this looks good...a Scrooge-like character. Tommy is heating a roasted chicken leg, sweet potato, and frozen mixed vegetables.

If you have checked, what price are turkey breasts where you live? 

Great Saturday Shopping, Price Drop

 We went to the Festhalle Farmer's Market and I found homegrown tomatoes. The market only allows farmers within the county to sell their produce and products. There was everything to imagine. I found tomatoes and squash to bring home for $5 each, so $10 spent on produce. We bought apple fried pies, also known in some parts of the country as hand pies. We both wanted peach but by the time I went to the car for cash, peach was gone. So, apple fried pies were delicious. 

Tommy loves fast food. We got burgers and sat in my driveway. It was so peaceful! I offer to make a sandwich from chicken, bologna, anything he wants, but he says he wants something hot. And, I am not averse to having a Whopper with cheese, lettuce, and tomato! 

For the last year or so, I have been struggling with plastic bags that tear up before I can even put anything in them. So, I finally called customer service. The woman sent me three coupons for $4 each with an expiration date of today! So, I had to work fast, considering I only got these coupons a week ago. I bought a box using one coupon and still had to contribute $1+ tax to the purchase even using the coupon. 

Today, I decided I needed to spend the other two coupons in Cullman or go to the store once we got back home. We only want to get into the house and relax when we drive so far. So, I went into Publix and found what I wanted had been on sale. I got two boxes of bags for $7.50 and had two coupons for $4 each for a $3.50 product. I spent $0.63 for tax on two boxes of storage bags, 180 in total. I spent $0.63 cents for tax. Good deal! 

We dropped off the dozen shirts, so that is gone. 

Gas has gone down again to $3.43. 

Tommy saw a large hawk flying along with two mocking birds chasing it. Mocking birds are vicious and fearless. I have seen them terrorize cats and crows, now hawks. 

I had a nap when we got home. Tommy never wants a nap, he just does...lol. Friday night, I slept about an hour, if that, so I needed a nap. 

Tommy is out watering flowers. Next spring, we will have an irrigation system that goes from pot to pot. I saw one on someone's porch. So, they do exist. I had no idea, just wished it existed. 

Believe it or not! I put out a package of woody chicken to thaw! I am so disgusted and irritated. I will cook it, but only because it is thawing. 

Tommy spends hours using a reacher picking up bits of trash from the carpet around the house. Right now, he is putting together a cordless, stick vacuum cleaner that has a hepa filter. This won't be for the whole house and dust that has been here for about 16 years, but he can at least get up what he sees and wants to get up. In four hours the battery will be charged and I suppose he will be using it all over the house. Of course, the cleaner will use the corded, more powerful one. So, YAY for a vacuum he can use instead of a reacher. 

About the hepa filter, I need it. Regular vacuums just push out dust into the air. With almost twenty years of dust, I suffer. It would be worse having it pushed back out into the air up where I breathe. 

Tonight, for dinner I am combining stuff already cooked and leftover--half a jar of spaghetti sauce, spaghetti noodles in the refrigerator, and ground beef we cooked last night. I will probably add some zucchini to the sauce. No, I sliced zucchini and squash, he got slices of red and orange peppers, and some grape tomatoes to a huge bed of salad greens. So, he had a hearty and healthy dinner. 

Around midnight, he tried out the little stick vacuum using his walker with one hand and the vacuum with the other. After three minutes on a "clean" carpet, the dust bin was full. This was in front of his chair, in front of the front door, and toward the hall. 

Do you have a full-sized vacuum or a stick? Does the stick seem to do a really good job? 

Are you going to markets that limit vendors to farmers in your county? 

Have you ever observed a mockingbird terrorizing crows, hawks, and large birds? This happened daily at my house, but I cannot see out well here. 

Much Free Food; We Won; Even Cheaper Gas

 Wednesday was so busy. It was a matter of getting up to leave at 9:30 and go to Cullman. Getting my mail was important since I have not picked it up at PO in almost two weeks. There was the pickup lunch, and a lecture to attend. 

I awoke too early, hot as usual! But, I was able to watch a bit of the Today Show, eat breakfast leisurely, read blogs, read some news, and bathe without feeling rushed. I had scrambled six eggs for breakfast yesterday and put up three for today. Usually, I bathe, get dressed, and take my eggs and a glass of milk in the car. 

The day was so bright I could barely see! We picked up four lunches and went to the site of the pickling lecture. We eat in the parking lot under a tree. When we came to the site, we saw a beautiful white horse out in the sun eating a tall weed. There were four other horses, all brown, under a stand of trees that were planted for harvesting. The brown horses stood so still, sort of looking off into the trees. I surmised the heat did not affect the white horse so it could stand the sun and heat. I could be wrong. Maybe that breed can stand heat better. ???

Lunch today: hamburger, hotdog, condiment packets, huge slice of beautiful tomato and good amount of lettuce leaves for the hamburger. Since we got four, we had dinner tonight, too. 

As soon as we went into the building, there were Covid tests to take home. I got one but Tommy did not get one when he came by.  The young woman gave a demonstration of quick pickles along with a six-page handout. Each person also received a little bag of bay leaves and one of dried dill seeds, Mrs Wage's pickling mix. There was a lunch, too.

I got a portion of a sub with spicy meat and turkey and a tiny egg sandwich and a tiny tuna sandwich. I ate the filling of the tiny sandwiches and took the slice of sub with me. There were five jars of pickled relish and other stuff the young woman had made. The handout had the recipes for those. There was a huge container with water that had herbs in it. Tommy tried all the pickled garnishes for the sandwich but not the sandwich. 

Toward the end there was a drawing for door prizes--jar of blueberry jam, two small jars of smoked honey, quart jar of pickled pears, pint of canned pears, two half-dozen cartons of fresh eggs, two pints of freshly-picked grape tomatoes. All the door prizes were locally prepared. My name was drawn fourth and I chose blueberry jam, changed my mind and chose fresh eggs. Tommy's name was drawn and he chose the pint of pears. We were so pleased both our names were drawn. We came home with 6 pretty, colored eggs and a pint of pears. 

There was a donation jar for the catered lunch. We only had a $1 bill between us. So, that was that. The day was hot (heat index of 105). The only time Tommy got out of the car was to go into and out of the building. I did the same, plus went into and out of the store. He did go out to water the flowers after 7 pm. He said it was very warm, but not hot. At 10 pm, it is still 83F. 

We went to one store. I bought the huge can of Argo peaches for $1.99, and four pouches of Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix for $1.19 each. These were $1.09 about four months ago and $0.99 last year. These are small and make few brownies, but we don't need many brownies, if any at all. Freezing extras won't help since I like frozen fudge brownies.

About ten miles down the interstate, we realized we had not gone to PO! Well, I was in no mood to return, and he did not offer. He would have if I had asked. 

These days, we carry two bottles of water apiece. Tommy insists he does not need even one bottle. But, after seeing reports about the dangers of the heat and how people need to carry water, he does bring along four bottles. Of course, I do emphasize that water could save our lives if the car breaks down. I usually grab one from the table where I have been drinking it and carry it along, too. 

Gas was $3.51. Amazing! 

When you go out, do you make sure you have plenty of water? 

Do you like or attend demonstrations?

Is the price of gas falling more where you live? 

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?

Prices for Groceries and Gas

 I decided to buy more Hunt's Petite Diced Tomatoes. When I went to the display up front, there were no tomatoes like I wanted, just other iterations that were left on sale. So, I went to the aisle to determine if any were left there. No, none like I wanted. But, I found one with no sodium. I didn't know this was an option. 

So, I went up front and an employee I have known for about seven years from my shopping there helped me by going through the display for more of the "no sodium" variety. She found one can. Then, we went to the aisle and she found two more by moving a bunch of cans and looking behind them. Too bad. 

Since she remembered helping me the Thursday before, I ventured a question. I asked her if I could trade the ones that were "Petite Diced" for the "no sodium" variety. She agreed if I had a receipt. I did not, so she searched the records for the purchase. She came out and asked a manager if I could return them without a receipt. He agreed. Then, I asked if I could trade them if the sale were off. He agreed. 

When I arrived at home, I still had the cans in a store tote bag. I looked inside, and there was the receipt! So, I am gold. I can trade them with no hassle.

The regular Hunt's Petite Diced Tomatoes had 200 mg of sodium. Hunt's No Salt Added Diced has 15 mg. That is significant difference in sodium. I will still have the other dozen cans with 200 mg of sodium. But, I can use one of each in soup. By using one can of each, I will reduce the sodium from 400 mg to 215 mg. I am overjoyed with any reduction in sodium. By using two cans of NO Salt, I will reduce the sodium from 400 mg to 30 mg. 

I looked at the receipt I could not find but found in the bag. I paid $0.72/can compared to the $0.98/can at Big Box for a saving of $0.26 on each 26 cans. This sale is still on at Publix here and in Cullman. You need to check your Publix for the sale before you go. I bought 26 cans, so my savings over the lowest price was $6.76. 

I also went to another store. After paying $5+ for 18 eggs, I paid $3.59 for the same 18 eggs. I can eat these all or cook with them, so there will be no waste. 

On Friday, Tommy had to pick up a med and said he was going to see where gas was least expensive. He paid $3.12. Saturday morning gas was $3.19. When we went to Cullman on Saturday, gas was $3.14.. Before we left town, the same gas was $3.39. When we got back to Hueytown, most stations were higher than when we left town. It's horrifying. Murphy's, one of the places in Hueytown where we found the $3.12 price was still $3.12 when we came back on Saturday. 

What good deals on grocery or gas have you found lately? Do you try to avoid full-price groceries like I do?

Monday This and That

 The paperwhites I planted are growing every day. Forsythia are blooming all over. A pink magnolia is in full bloom. Daffodils are blooming. Spring is here and winter just won't let go!  Of course, the dandelions were only absent for about a month this winter. They have been in bloom here for weeks. ugh

Over the last three weeks when we have been in Cullman, Tommy compares gas prices. It seems they do not creep up or slowly go down in price, as is usual. There are jumps of 5 to 10 cents. Then, when we get back here, the same thing happens in one day. I don't think I have ever seen these kinds of changes in gas prices. 

My friend, L, down the street, said she heard barking, yelling, and growling as she was going to her car. She looked around and saw a dog and man rolling around in the street, getting all dirty. There was another man running away. She thought the dog was hers since it looked almost identical to hers. She was terrified and ran to see if her dog was in her yard. It was, but she thought the dog fighting a man could break down a little dog gate she has, so she put her dog inside.

Then, she tried to get in her car and the bad dog saw her. The man was yelling, telling her to hurry and get into the car. She was more terrified and could not get in before the dog came near. The man finally got the dog away from her and took it away. She said the man had a heavy chain wrapped around his arm several times.

She is of the opinion that the man beats the dog and that he raises bait dogs. The other man who ran away in fear, finally came back out in the street after the dog was on a chain. I feel very unsafe now. She also feels unsafe. A neighbor of hers who lives behind the guy said that several mean dogs are in the back yard. Every few days, guys in several cars come and take dogs away. Maybe we should carry bear spray to get into the car? 

THEN, when I told Tommy, he said a teen neighbor boy came by the house with his dog on a very large chain! I don't know what to think.

It's raining and the radar map is covered with rain, over the whole area, Mississippi to Georgia. I suppose we won't be going out today.  When I went to Verizon on Saturday, I had to leave because I became so tired. Sunday, I went back and finished getting the phone set up. Tomorrow, 3G goes away. 

There are phone calls to make, so I had better go and get those done. Plus, I have misplaced my Guaifenesin and my chest is getting more congested by the day. Plus, there is laundry to put and even though it is not even noon, I suppose I ought to think about dinner. There are no leftovers! Booo! Tommy threw out the rest of the cabbage after he ate most of it for dinner. I am not sure why he did that. He washed the pot it was in, so maybe he wanted to get the pot clean. But, I did not question him. 

Okay, I am thinking about having salmon croquettes for dinner tonight. Those call for mashed potatoes. I won't be peeling, slicing, or dicing. My hand would not survive without severe pain for days. 

What are you having for dinner on Monday night? Will it yield leftovers? Leftovers are the highlight of my life. How important are leftovers to you? Do you complain about leftovers, or do you rejoice like I do?

Walden, Blacks, Turkey, Gasoline, Prescriptions

 I discovered a book, BLACK WALDEN. I am a fan of Thoreau and a reader of Walden: Or, Life in the Woods. For a few years I have been determined to find a copy of Walden and reread it. Almost all my classes in grad school covered these two areas.  In school my area of expertise and interest lay with the American Transcendentalists and the British Romantics. I never knew the other inhabitants of Walden Woods were black people. So, I need to read Walden again. The article certainly informed me of aspects of the book I have read several times. Why did someone not lead me to the fount? 

There was one disappointment in Thanksgiving. I lost the huge hunk of turkey breast I had cooked for the day. However, I had most of the turkey I baked earlier in the week and most of the breast of the hen. So, we did not suffer for lack of turkey or protein from the hen. Now, today, the two of us will try to find it in the big freezer. He and I both tried separately, but together we can actually take stuff out, lots  if need be, and sort through it instead of shuffling it about. How can you lose pounds of meat all in a hunk and in clear plastic? 

Today, I will put the hen carcass and the bones from the breast into a pot and cook long and low. I will add carrots, celery, onions and bell pepper. There is very little in the bag except bones with meat still on them and a bit of cooked onion and a bit of tomato. Any other suggestions?

Oh, I have another question. I read that a tablespoon of vinegar would release the calcium from the bones. Do I still need to break the bones? Also, will baking the bones make the stock tastier? Okay, that was two questions. 

It is cold as I sit here, 48F outdoors. I have on a pink floral summer nightgown. When I got up, I slipped on my orange Halloween leggings, and a pink sweatshirt. Tommy thinks this kind of dressing is different. Do you ever wear "odd" things at home? Tell me all about it. 

We both audibly rejoiced when we found gas had fallen in a few stations to $2.98/gal. Have you found prices of gas are falling, even if only a bit? 

I received a "prescription card" In the mail. I finally decided to try it. That was a bust since the prescription was higher using the card. So, the cashier did not use it. Have you found a card that purports to make your meds cheaper and then found it did NOT do so? 

I spray painted the mum and it is not attractive. I am going to spray it again and see if that helps. Yeah, waste a $5 can of spray paint. Way to go, Linda

It's a quiet, dreary Sunday, but the sun is supposed to come out. 

Wonderful Monday

 We stayed up too late on Sunday  night to get up early on Monday, so I told Tommy to wake me at 10 am. Well, I awoke at 8:45 and lay there until 9 and left about 10 am. I diced boiled eggs I made Sunday afternoon and had egg salad, which for me was just diced eggs and Miracle Whip. 

We stopped at Publix so I could get cash to pay for yard mowing.

Tommy watered the flowers without me asking. He likes to keep flowers alive for me. We were taking recycling to Cullman, so he got that in the car. The day was very pretty, sunny and pretty clouds. The breeze was warm and easy although it got brisk and back to gentle all day long.

The Day and not in order:

Store where there is a cart of reduced items. There was nothing I used, wanted, in the sale cart. I did get another Hormel Roast Beef and Gravy, dated 2024. I found the Munchies peanut butter and crackers 2/$4. Since they have gone up about 20%, I was thrilled. However, the best by date was the end of November. I doubted we would use the two packages before then. So, I only got one box. 

Post Office--lots of mail, nothing earthshaking. Some junk. 

My lot. Friend mowed it for me. Well, he and adult son used weed eaters. He wants some quarried rock left there about 1 foot x 2 feet. So, we traded. No money was exchanged. The yard looks good. 

Bank. closed! 

Sweet potato farm--none ready that will be washed and cured. I hate uncured sweet potatoes. I need to go back in three weeks.

Friend's house. She is putting the water/drink bottles in her recycling, two kitchen trash bags full. Plus, we gave her smaller bags of soft drink cans and soup-type cans to give to a mutual friend who cashes them in. 

Publix. Pit stop! And, I bought a ceramic pumpkin with a Halloween scene on it. I got two boxes of Cheerios bogo, and a small coconut chocolate for $.79. I think. 

Arby's. He was having blood sugar problems but would not admit it. So, I wanted the least carbs possible. He never wants fries at Arby's. There is lots of meat and cheese, protein and fat except for the bun. Actually, he is totally unaware of how he feels once his blood sugar starts dropping. 

Friend's house who cleaned up my lot. He had been drinking so he was mellow and smiley. Funny! 

Belk's. I had a $10 coupon, so I went in looking for something I wanted that would cost me nothing. I got a $26 starfish bracelet that had been marked down twice on clearance and walked out without spending a cent, using $8.23 of the $10. It will be a next-summer bracelet. I bought my Halloween spider ring at Christmas last year the same way. I need to get that out. 

Gas. He yelled Oh Wow.  Gas was $2.85, best price he has seen lately. So, he filled up. 

That was a busy Monday, and went off without a hitch or rain, or wrecks on interstate. 

(I started reading my new book, new to me, on Friday night. I love it. Only one night since I started reading have I missed a night. I barely got covers over me that night.)

Monday was a perfect day. After Saturday and Sunday and car and ATT, I needed Monday. His hissy fit spoiled lunch, but it could not spoil the day. 

Have you ever really needed a good day? My bracelet is so cute!

Sorting Sewing Patterns, Gas Prices

Wednesday night, between the two of us, we  managed to get the box of patterns out of the bedroom and into the living room where I sorted through the box of memories. It was a fun sort. I found the pattern for the dress I wore to my five-year class reunion for high school. 

I am getting rid of ~60 patterns and keeping 11. I think I did well. However, it took going through the "Keep" stack several times until I whittled the number down.  Some I kept will/might be used. Some are for just the memories. There is a coat pattern and a cape pattern. I know those will be used. 

There may be 8 more boxes with the same number of patterns in each box. I determined I was going to sort through one box each day. However, I am anxious to get my hands on memories, so I may start before 11 pm from now on and do more each day. I am in the mood, but Tommy might now be so inclined. I have to fight my way into the room, walk around a bunch of stuff and get a box off a stack and sort of push it across some other boxes. 

Part of the problem is the way he put the boxes in the room. The first box is right inside the door and is about the size of  a shoebox. I think there may be 8 boxes in the stack, each larger than the one underneath. So, it is dicey getting around that stack. I know it all needs to be restacked, but that is not happening. So, there. This causing me distress to get rid of what I am letting go. This is part of my identity. 

I don't want to throw these away. I don't want to answer questions about whether all the pattern pieces are in the envelopes. I see what happens to donated patterns when the pieces are pulled out, strewn around and lost. Yes, I am still attached and know it. Don't try to dissuade me. I have to do the mental work myself. 

Thursday, I bought a pair of Halloween leggings about two sizes too large. Hopefully, they will not be tooooo large. I just don't want them too tight. These will be for around the house. If these fit and wash well, I will buy more, just $8. For me, that is cheap. Any leggings are just for around the house! These are orange and have Halloween designs. 

I also bought a larger skillet, 10". The only thing he has is 8", and I cannot easily scramble eggs. I want to be able to scramble a dozen so that I can just microwave 2 or 3 each morning. The 8" skillet is also shallow, where the 10" skillet is deep.  Trying to scramble eight eggs, I was slopping them over the side! I like stirred scrambled eggs, not the scrambled kind that just sit and make a pancake. 

While we were driving along on the way to my shopping event, Tommy became animated, saying he was getting gas. Then, he told me the gas prices. Two stations across the street from each other were selling gas for $2.87--Fuelman and Raceway. Several blocks up Allison Bonnet at Murphy's gas was $2.71, so he filled up, getting approximately $35 of gas. That is an exciting price. So, that is in Alabama. What are you paying for gas and what is your location? 

Tonight is a make-do dinner. Sweet potato in jacket, cooked cabbage, and hotdog. Maybe the hotdog will have homemade chili sauce and cheese. There are no buns; we need no buns. If I can spot some frozen chicken easily, we may not have the hotdog and chili/cheese. 

In a bit, Tommy is going to help me get another box of patterns and I will be walking down memory lane. He carries the box on his walker after I extract it from the corner and the rest of the room. 

Groceries and Gas and Ear

There were no bananas for me and no peanut butter for Tommy. So, I struggled to get dressed and went to grocery. I got both items and a few more. The new ad was out today. 

5 bananas 

peanut butter

3 24-packs Pepsi b2g1

3 8-packs small Diet Pepsi Caffeine Free b2g1

2 bottles Bertoli spaghetti sauce 2/$4

2 Honey Nut Cheerio bogo 

Northern Bath Tissue--36 count

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream  bogo but I bought only one. It was not very good. I forgot I bought this because it was in the freezer.

 ~$40

Tommy filled the gas tank Friday because it was time. I hope that when it is time for more gas that we can find it without sitting in line for hours like we see on TV. Has anyone seen a shortage of gas or long lines?

Tuesday, I had a tele talk with nurse practitioner and got a prescription and another refilled. I have a slight temp, just enough to make me miserable. There are no other symptoms except the side of my head feels funny.  Thankfully, there is no more loud tinnitus.  I MUST get the chicken in the oven tonight! 

That's it! I am off for a nap. I told Tommy he was going to have to help me get dinner ready tonight. 

Grocery Shopping, Gas Prices, Nothing Happening

 This week, I spent $22 for groceries.

5 bananas

3 tomatoes

bag of salad greens bogo

3 1/2-gals milk

 ice cream bogo

dozen eggs

This will be it for April. The milk was $10 for 3 half gallons. So, on Tuesday, the last day of the ad, I will buy at least 3 more, maybe six, probably six.  Nothing was for stock up, just things we will eat the next week. 

Tommy bought a full tank of gas in Cullman for $2.38/gal. instead of paying $2.47/gal. here. He keeps an eye on gas prices.  So far, gas is cheaper there for the last two months or so. 

Last year, I found some marked down hair color in my brand. I bought several colors that were nearly the same as the shade I buy. This week, I tried one of the different colors, still dark brown, and I think I have found my new favorite color! And, I saved several dollars. 

Everyday, we hear or see the doves at Tommy's house.  They make us happy. We believe they have a nest in the tree next to the house instead of over the drain from the gutters, like last year. It would be nice to see a baby dove flying around. Have you ever seen a baby dove?  

Today, Thursday, I made a list and successfully completed all on the list. Well, one thing was not done, but it is on the list for tomorrow. I was not feeling like doing that one thing. The rest were calls I needed to make. If I don't make a list of phone calls, I forget what I need to do. I love a list. 

So, I have my Friday phone calls ready to go. Okay, now, Friday, I have made three calls. Two were successful, one, not so much. Now, I need to start on a new list. Of course, phone calls will be for Monday. But, there are things that need to be accomplished this weekend. 

We see a sign for a "Food Truck Corner" and wonder what is going on. And, I want to check out a church yard sale.  We may not eat at the food trucks and we may not even stop at the yard sale. Luckily, both are very near each other. 

We are back to hand-washing dishes! Tommy helps but at some point, he says his back hurts. I was ready to stop anyway. 

Today, as I dressed to go out for a bit, I decided to wear my floral outfit. As I got in the car and looked down, I had on the nice floral pants and a grungy, floral top that I wear when I will never leave the yard. Aaagh! Thankfully, Tommy had not even started the car. So, I changed. Is this old age? lol Yesterday, I wore panties inside out.  

For three days I have managed two minutes of my "marching exercise." And, I have new exercises. 

On a Roll with Pennies|Ham|Basil

On Tuesday, I found money.  As I was unplugging an electric cart in Lowe's, I spied a penny. Since it was on the other side of the cart but still behind, I went to the other side of the cart. As I reached to get it, I saw another on the floor and up against the wall. It was in the crevice made by the concrete wall and concrete floor in a sort of crumbling place. I picked around until I screwed up my nail and the polish. Both were cleaned thoroughly will Lysol Wipes. Later, I found that nail broken and peeling off. Well, I had two cents. 

When Tommy got out to pump $1.59 gas, I told him to watch out for money on the ground and I would get out and pick it up. As I gazed toward the sun and shaded my eyes, the unmistakable glint of a shiny penny caught my eye. So, I got out and picked it up and walked around the car and pump, hoping for more. I needed the exercise. 

On Tuesday I found 3 cents. Yay me! With these 2 pennies, this makes 5 pennies this year.

Today, Thursday, we went to Cullman for several things and went to food bank and to take out dinner--spaghetti, garlic bread, slices strawberries and pound cake. Unlike usual, we did not have to get out  of the car. I got a huge package of turkey legs, five pounds of Red Delicious Apples, chicken nugget things and a dozen eggs and 2 rolls of toilet paper, among other items. Some things are still in the car and will be given away.

It has been hard to eat up this half ham with just the two of us and my not wanting to freeze the rest. I do not want to cook beans with the ham bone, either. I suppose I will freeze the rest. But, I do not want to. Plus, I think ham is something I should avoid an excess of for my heart.

Okay, I decided I will freeze it in little foil packets, enough for Tommy a meal or sandwich. Then, I will put all the packets in a freezer bag. That way, he can find it and access it. He is also going to use the knife and get ham all over his hands...lol. That was an easy solution. That was possibly the most tender ham I have ever eaten.

Once I repotted the basil, it has looked poorly. It seems to have never recovered. That was several days ago and it is still droopy. I suspect it has been attacked by some insect. Always something!

Happy Dance for three pennies!

Toilet Paper and Sanitizer: Found and My Garden

Today, I had to go out to get my McAfee protection for my laptop renewed. I keep getting a pop up warning me of time running out for my coverage. I refuse to open a popup.  It appears I could not call it in. I was told to go to a store. I now am good for two years with McAfee. While in Office Depot/Office Max in Homewood, I came upon alcohol sanitizer in the front of the store. A sign said only one purchase per person. I got one--$2. It is all I have and all I have found.

When I came out and told Tommy, he said he noticed people with large purchases, all carrying one small bottle of alcohol sanitizer. He wondered. This store in on Hwy 31 in Hoover.

In another store, I passed toilet paper being unboxed and asked about Northern. I could only have one 6 pack, exactly what I had a coupon to purchase. I got another hair color, not the right color, but it will do. I found lawn chairs, wicker ones that fold, just what I need for the yard. But, I am not buying those now. Plus, the Amdro Fire Ant Bait will have to wait. I am using Tommy's cc, so I did not want to push my luck.

He found gas at Jet Pep in Hoover across the street from the Galleria--$1.82/gal. I pumped it for Tommy. It hurts me to do so, but he cannot walk and must hold onto the luggage rack. I hate to see him struggle so.

I had to go to Joanne's Fabrics to get a seam ripper to deconstruct the jumpsuit to make pants. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I saw the electric cart. Tommy will have to bring lunch and something to read, take a nap and listen to the radio while I spend a lot of time in there some day. I am soooo happy. I went right in and out today.

We had a grilled cheese sandwich just before we left, so we had no need for anything to eat.

We went out to the backyard yesterday to check my garden. Everything is standing up nicely, no wilting. The watering is all into a tube on the side of the box. A reservoir holds it and it soaks into the soil. Tommy managed to fight his way past the backdoor steps to go in and out. I help him with the walker.

I have cabbages and broccoli and other things planted, forgot what. The woman took the little plant markers that come with the plants.  I need to get out there and get the carrot seeds into the ground.

So, we have no socialization with anyone else. One dinner we attend is now a carryout dinner. Another lunch is up in the air, Maybe it will be canceled, maybe not. Hopefully, a carryout.

Tonight, I prepared a lot of sweet potatoes to go in the oven. Tommy voluntarily took all the bags and went through them. Now, he has put all the ones I need to attend to in one bag. He has always done that for me. At one time, he would carry 40 lb boxes to the yard. He did this after dark tonight and in the living room.

Tonight, we will have baked chicken from the freezer, baked sweet potatoes, and slaw. I am getting hungry thinking about the feast.  The slaw mix was bogo at Publix. We have two pieces of apple pie, so that might be eaten, not sure. So far, we are eating well despite the situation in the US.

How about you? Do you need a few things at your house? Eating well?

$2.04/gal.

I was thrilled to fill up my almost empty tank with cheap gas. I paid $2.04 per gallon, the lowest gas has been in months. It took me from August 20 until now to use a tank of gas. I was afraid to wait longer because it might start going higher.  Tommy can barely get in my car without lots of pain and cursing. Remember, he can barely bend his knees or hips because of osteoarthritis. But, the location of the station is still a mystery to me...lol. What is the price of gas in your area?

I asked him if he liked me driving him around. He said he liked it. When I asked why, he said he could look around and see things he could not when he was driving.

When I drive, my rollator will not fit in the car. When he puts his rollator in my car, he gets my pale upholstery dirty. He also gets the passenger door and front of car opening filthy. But, I never say anything since he does the best he can.

He has the seat moved back as far as it goes. He  holds onto the steering wheel to pull himself in so he can get into the seat sitting straight. I doubt he will ever have surgery. He is does not want to endure the pain.

The trip to Cullman so exhausted me even with him driving that I have done nothing today, Nothing, Absolutely nothing.

Well, he did drive me to the store to get navy beans in order to cook dry beans and add ham. Although rain was predicted for today, we never saw a drop, thankfully.

Monday night, the ac was on. But, he turned on the heat when we went to bed. It did not come on all night, so I awoke about 6 am and could not go back to sleep because I was smothering. I really liked having an ac that blew cool air all night long!

Lack of sleep and a sore throat from being sweaty all night is the reason I have done nothing. Tomorrow, I might get out the printer. I need someone to set it up. I mean that I need to have someone carry it. I can do the online set up.

Since I got the navy beans late in the afternoon, I did not get them on to cook, so dinner was eating piddling bits of other stuff with a halo.

I have had too much chocolate candy. Someone stop me. Do you get a sore throat from getting too hot? I do.

Gas Leak

This morning, Tommy's car would not start, even with a jump. The guy who tried to jump it, went back and got some sort of charger that sits under the hood. I had to take Tommy to his dentist appointment instead of riding. That was a harrowing ride with Tommy half-assed giving me directions. Then, he would say, Don't you remember??? in a harsh tone. I told him not to ever use "Don't you remember?" tp e again. Those words are a judgment and a stressor. When I taught math, I never used those words to students.

"Pay attention." "Follow the signs!" "Follow that car!" "Which car?" Well that question made him mad. At least give me the color.

Okay, I got there and even with his directions. When we got home, I told him to come see his gate on the ground. Well, it was the old gate. I thought the existing gate which stays open ALL the time was a smaller gate and this small gate Was supposed to be up and they met in the middle to close it. As I closed the gate, he was yelling to leave it open. I heard a hissing as I came to the front yard, turned and looked at a meter and asked Tommy what the meter was. GAS Well, it was hissing and I could smell gas.

He said it had to be where he could smell it. ??? He cannot smell much of anything. I fretted and fussed and tried to reason with him. I finally demanded he call the gas company to shut me up...lol. He did.

It might take them 2 hours to get here. I was preparing to take my things to the car, just the clothes. I refuse to be with only one set of clothing to wear another time...ever. The guy showed up in about ten minutes. I thanked him for coming so soon and said, "I sure don't want that to blow up since that is the bedroom I sleep in." He stopped walking to the meter, stopped working and came to argue with me. He stopped to argue with me--you think I am going to let this blow up with me here? Over and over! "I have been doing this for 30 years You don't think I know what I am doing?" on and on he talked.

I tried not to talk. Since I did not want to be in the house, I sat in my car. Tommy came to the ramp and the guy was telling him this was his job and going on and on. I closed the car door so I could not hear the guy. Is tightening up something on a leaky meter and covering a rusty meter with new paint the way to handle a leaking meter? Paint?

Now, his car has to be towed. If it is not one thing, it's not another!

I need to get the Belk return and my walker from his Rogue as it is going to be towed. He is sending it to Pep Boys and called a tow truck. I would have called Pep Boys who may have a cheaper deal with the tow company. But, this is the way he does it--unknow tow truck.

I am exhausted! And it is only 2 pm. Today has been a trial. I would bet my life he will not mention the master cylinder for the brakes. Okay, I mentioned brakes.
tommy and guy poo pooed my concerns. I do not like the guy who was in charge there.

It is 4 pm an time for a nap. I know it is too late, but I a falling asleep sitting up and typing.

Okay, at 5 pm I gave up and went to bed. At 6:15 I awoke and started dinner.