Sunday Storms

 As usual, I have had trouble going to sleep. Last night, it was a new and worse problem. Finally, at 8 am, I did sleep, awaking at 2pm. 

I think the reason I have felt so exhausted is a new sinus infection. I don't want to move! However, I know sitting is going to kill me! Thankfully, we have plenty of leftovers and frozen cooked meat in the freezer. However, I will finally cook the pork butt and make coleslaw. 

Tommy is out moving the blackberry bushes and covering them with tulle. I will make sure to put a rubber snake near them. There is a long cane on each, making it impossible to cover them. So, i will have him cut the cane. I hope that does not kill them. 

We called to have the recliner repaired in March. In April, someone came to look at it and come back in two to three weeks to repair it. Shortly thereafter, a box too large and too heavy for us to move, containing the metal mechanism to go under the chair. It was sitting where rain could hit it. The furniture store told us they would be out soon. Okay, and it has rained here two or three days each week. Now, in June, someone will come in two weeks to repair it. The charge for labor will be $230. I wonder if this was under warranty for parts. I have no idea. 

Well, Tommy just came in from sticking blackberry canes in dirt. He used a reacher/grabber to dig around in a pot. Why? He said he was making the dirt where he could plant. No planting, just poke it in. I cleaned the loppers thoroughly and oiled the cutting part and jaws. NOW, I will have to put grabber in sink because it has dirt clods in the soft part that makes it possible to pick up a dime from a surface. "It don't matter," he yells at me. Yes, dirt clods on the carpet do matter. By the way, he only uses this bad grammatical error when yelling about some dirty place that is just fine. 

I watched my father clean tools thoroughly before putting them away in his shop, so I came by tool cleaning honestly. If you do not clean yours, I don't care. 

Maybe I do the cane poking the wrong way. But, every cane I have poked into hard dirt has worked. Well, I push ten in the ground and four live. That was with the forsythia. Scuppernong worked. So, maybe blackberries will work and some of the six canes will be a new blackberry bush. 

I am weak and fighting nausea, so I need to go. There is more bad weather on the way, so all laundry is being done, dishes are washing, and we will eat early. Oven will be on before it hits. I have my flashlight at the ready. 

Do you poke blackberry canes into the dirt to get more blackberry bushes? If it does not work or that is not the way to grow more blackberries, well Tommy spent an hour cutting two canes into six pieces, digging up the dirt and planting them. I know they spread, but this blackberry bush is in a pot. I will put it into a bigger pot eventually. Oh, I know this is the wrong time of the year to do this.

Do you clean tools after using them? Oil them?

 

Disgust and Excitement

 It is such a beautiful day with blue skies and white, fluffy clouds. At 6 pm is 73F. Perfect! The day did not start well. I could not sleep until 8 am and only slept until 11 am because I told Tommy to wake me if I slept until 11 am. UGH!

We were in the car, sitting for a bit. I was reading the newspaper. All of a sudden, I became dizzy. Then, the car started flying around when I closed my eyes. I sort of shrieked, grabbed the door and Tommy, begging him to hold me and not let me fly away. It was terrifying. So, that settled down and to my surprise, the car was still in the same place. 

Then, I started salivating uncontrollably. I regurgitated on the newspaper I was reading. Yuck. TMI. I continued this new activity for a while. Then, I laid my head back as we drove. When I finally got into the house, I continued for five minutes. 

Well, I don't accept this new state. I ate a small slice of a chocolate chip cookie cake. So far, so good. 

Two men were on their balcony, minding their own business when shots rang out and put the two men in the hospital. One is out and okay. The other is still in a wheelchair and home. But, he needs support since he cannot work. We provided food. We will provide cash I have that is only to help people who need it. I can use it for myself but won't. Tommy does not know this yet, lol. But, it is my windfall, so my decision. He will not object. 

Of course, my knee seems healed, but this happens all the time. I suppose since I am so hungry and woozy it would not do the be lame, too. 

Saturday, I started gasping in glee. My mouth was full, so I could not speak. Tommy did not see, but I did. He looked to see where I was looking. Hummingbird! It flew off and two minutes later, there were three hummingbirds. I was amused by the object of their inspection. I had a pink, hanging flowerpot. After months in the sun, only the hook is pink. Well, all three hummingbirds hovered and seemed to be wanting to taste the pink hook. Yes, they really do like pinks/reds. I made nectar early Sunday. On Sunday afternoon I put out one feeder. Tuesday, I put out a second. One hummingbird came back today. Well, I only saw one, but the door was not open, and I was gone part of the day. Happy Day, we have hummingbirds again. 

I am testing my stomach, tempting fate, having potato salad for dinner. 

I feel weak, so I will tell you about my Saturday tumble tomorrow. Promise. 

Do you become inordinately excited over hummingbirds or the first of a flower or vegetable? What excites you in the spring?

105.9F

 Yes, I am very ill.

Tommy's Surprise/My Surprise

 Tommy came in from the mailbox holding an envelope with what appeared to be something thick, about an inch thick, appearing to be something about the size of a magazine, albeit, a thick one. He looked puzzled. I asked him if it was for me and to let me have it. He said it had his name on it, but it was from La Jolla, California.  I knew immediately and told it was from my friend, Janet, that she said he never got things, so it was a surprise for him. 

Well, he looked at the Reminisce magazines the rest of the afternoon! He also read some of the articles to me. So, Janet, that was a success. Thanks. Now, I cannot wait to read them, too. 

When I struggled into the kitchen before I turned off the lights, I noticed there were no dirty dishes in the sink. I looked in the dishwasher. Tommy had loaded the bowls and saucers. Several months ago when I could not load dishes, he started by only putting in the utensils. I had to correct the way he did that. He took to loading utensils often and well. Then, he decided he would load plates. Other than turning all the plates in one direction, he did well and corrected the way he loaded plates. 

Now, the task is almost complete! He loads the top rack! As I load while he hands things to me from the faraway sink, I talk about what I need and why I do whatever I am doing/loadiing. Of course, sometimes he puts the dishes on the counter over the dishwasher. 

He has gotten where he takes instructions better, thankfully. I am not strident or judgy, just commenting as I work. He finally understands I am not being bossy. 

I quit taking the antibiotic since I had taken 7 days already. Another 8 days would be undoable for me. I was getting sick again. Plus, the pain from the med was unbearable. It is like my body shuts down. Now, I will need another appointment! I finally feel human, just ill.

The temperature will be in 80s this week, so I am looking forward to this coming week. 

Have you ever read REMINISCE magazine? 

Life Is Not Worth Living

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

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

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

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

PLEASE--NO PLATITUDES OR ADVICE.

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

Sick Again

 

Tommy did test me. It did not go well for him. When I am ill, just stop with the nit-picking!

On Sunday night, I slept a good 7 hours, took a 4 or 5 hour nap, and then slept with my recliner back for an hour. 

I had a huge knot on my neck, lymph node, I suppose. I felt so ill, feverish. And, then he went too far. I did not sleep all night long and was in here at about 7 am. My temp is up a steady two or three degrees. I ache. My neck hurts. 

We drove two miles to Publix and back. I wanted eggs and he got Chips Ahoy cookies, too. I felt so awful. But, I can put the turkey breast in the oven. Right? No, it was still frozen mostly. I let water run into the plastic bag sealing it and went to bed at 6 pm and told Tommy to call me at 6:30 pm and I would put the breast into the oven. I finally got up at 8:30 and got it into the oven by 9:30. It will be done at 11:30 pm, so I can eat a bit and get it back into the refrigerator for freezing tomorrow. 

Tommy did everything, handed me everything while I leaned on the sink, never moving, just handling the breast. He handed me cooking bag, dish towel, salt, pepper, ground sage, pan; celery. broccoli, carrots from refrigerator. Then, he put it in the oven and turned it on. I know I should pre-heat! 

Before I got up, he ate chopped chicken on a salad. This is why I keep plenty of options in the refrigerator for him--I don't have to be present for him to eat a healthy meal, and he does not eat junk.  

Oh, I don't have to worry about the cornbread Stovetop Stuffing since Tommy threw it out. Obviously, he did not like it. 

Monday, I had an appointment for an MRI. I cancelled. Of course, I could have napped in the machine. I have done that before. 

Nothing says Christmas like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I love it. I think I will have a cup of hot chocolate since I am freezing. Between being cold and body aches, I am just miserable. 

The pink bag of ads and coupons came today. We made a list of what we need, want, and might buy.  I don't want to be in crowds and fighting to get around in multiple stores to find what I need at the last minute. I will list the sales tomorrow. 

Have you gotten the ads for this week? Any good deals/sales at your stores? What classic holiday movies do you enjoy? 

Still Here

 About 9 pm Saturday night, I started getting very ill, very quickly. This was not gradual, but so sudden it was sort of frightening. During Saturday night I had chills all night long it seemed. My temperature rose 5 degrees! All day Sunday, I was lethargic, only moving from my chair to go to the bathroom and for a short nap and two rests when sitting was too much. 

Tommy said he could not hear me, that I was very weak. I felt just as week. My whole body hurt--bones, joints, muscles, even my hair. He brought me everything I drank and maybe what I ate. I have no memory of eating anything, but I suppose I did. I do know dinner was just a bunch of stuff that did not make a meal and was not eaten at the same time.

Monday, I awoke feeling great! I did not ask Tommy for one thing all day...lol. I don't remember where we went, but I was fine. Going out tired me out. 

Today, Tuesday, I am feeling droopy but not really ill. Maybe whatever it is is coming back. Since Saturday, I have been concentrating on allergy meds for everything, asthma inhalers, pills, ear and sinus meds. All of this is otc except for the inhalers. All my problems are upper respiratory related.

I wear my mask to go outdoors when I think of it! These beautiful days are deadly for me. When my older daughter was in elementary school, she had the same reaction. 

Monday, I accomplished lots but did not overwork. Mainly, as I said, I did for myself instead of asking Tommy for everything I needed. Today, I have done for myself, too. I think I may have commented on some blogs, but not many, if any. 

I don't understand how I could become so ill so quickly and recover so quickly! Right now, almost midnight, I do not feel well, but it could be I did not sleep much Monday night, then only took an hour nap so I could watch Legally Blonde since I had never seen it and wanted to for a long time.

This has not been proofed at all, so good luck reading it. I may have spelled everything correctly and punctuated correctly. Don't know.

Wednesday Continued Through Thursday

 When the guys emptied all the cabinets in order to have them clean inside the cabinets, there were boxes of stuff just stacked in the floor filled with items. Well, Tommy was upset that I was going to throw out his stuff. I was not. So, Wednesday night, I tired of having the top of the box that sticks out scrape my leg when I tried to walk in the kitchen. He was adamant that it was all junk and needed to go in the trash. Eventually, he was raising his voice. I could see one of my Tupperware lids and did not know what else below was mine. He did not want to put FREE on the box and place it on the side of the road. He insisted either trash or thrift store. I was having neither. He did not even want me to go through it, saving him the effort. I insisted I had to look at the contents. 

So, he begrudgingly brought the box in for me to empty and go through. There was another one of my T lids. AND, all his good glasses, here from forty-years ago as housewarming gifts. He calmed down a bit when he saw those. They are now in the dishwasher. I did toss a lid lid from a pitcher he wanted tossed this summer. And, there were stored deli containers and tops, none of which matched--trash. I found two of the Kraft Parmesan shakers I washed and a sandwich box that I kept. 

We tossed the carafe from a long-gone coffeemaker. He has the carafe from the last old coffeemaker in the cabinet to use to put water in the new coffeemaker. So, that third one was definitely redundant. He wanted to toss it, so I did. I kept two decent pieces of plastic for gardening. Three of my Ball jars, lids, and rings were in the box, so they were rescued. I imagine this is the last box he will want to toss without looking in it first. So, one box decluttered. That ordeal with the arguing and taking things from the box exhausted me. He had insisted all the boxes were junk. Now, we know. Don't we? 

Drinking tea the last two days has kept me from drinking diet Coke. I just love unsweetened iced tea. Tommy actually got a bottle of water to drink instead of coffee or a diet Pepsi. 

In the Publix ads this week, Miracle Whip is on sale for something like $5.49! I am shocked. By buying at this price, I can save $2.50. Really? How lucky for me. $7.99 will never leave my cc for MW. So, now the hunt will be on for sales on Miracle Whip. I remember when I would cringe when the full price was $4.99. On sale, MW would be $2.50. sigh

I looked through the Publix ad this week and found nothing to circle. I gave it to Tommy. Later, I looked at the ad to see what he circled, and nothing was circled. He said he found nothing. So, back to bummer ads so far this week. I will check the others later.

At The Pig I got a six-pack of Cokes free with $10 groceries--vinegar, zucchini, and something else. When I look over the ads at home and think what I need and is not exorbitantly priced, we will get the 24-pack of water for $.98 by buying another $10 worth of groceries. 

Tommy was driving in front of Publix. People were pulling out of parking places while others were waiting and creeping along, as were we. All of a sudden a woman sort of bounced off the front of our car, putting her hand on Tommy's hood as if to shield herself. I thought he had hit her. No. She was just bouncing off with her hand, not hit, though. She had walked toward us, and then she immediately stepped in front of the car. Tommy slammed on his brake. If she had not been involved with her phone, she would have seen us. The event frightened me even after I realized she was not hit. When she could walk in front of us and was not hit, she immediately went back to her phone. Some days I wonder about people! 

There is a Knorr's Spanish Rice Mix that I believe I got free from The Pig sitting here. I will put a package of thighs in the crockpot to cook on Friday. In about an hour I will put the mix and one of the bell peppers into the crockpot. Tommy loves bell pepper in Spanish rice, so this is for him on other nights.

Maybe we will go through another box! I love decluttering, especially now that I know Tommy is agreeable to going through this junk that was in his cabinets. 

Do you ever have to urge someone you know to declutter or at least watch while you declutter. Take note, I am not trying to get him to get rid of anything. He would have lost his good glasses if I had given in to his wish to be rid of it all and drop the box into the garbage can outdoors.  

Tonight, I am putting carrots, potatoes, another bell pepper, and an onion in the oven. The chicken I cooked last night will be served tonight, too. It was delicious, but I had no onions. I put garlic powder and celery seeds and olive oil in the bag to cook. 

Thursday night, I am somewhat better but tire easily when I think I can work a bit.

Have you had a close call that scared you when you or driver almost hit someone talking on a phone? What have you decluttered lately?

Teaching Maybe

Maybe I will have a job. Maybe not. I am considering creating my own job--teaching reading readiness. It would be at a daycare that has all sorts of programs for the children beyond just caring for them while parents work. One worker takes it upon herself to teach sign language and Spanish. She learns it before she teaches. She is quite enterprising. 

All daycare workers must wear a mask, so that will be in my favor since I do not intend to give up my mask in public. Plus, little kids are germ factories, petri dishes. 

I know the activities and need the worksheets. Of course, visiting a bookstore for teachers will give me the ability to find many activities. And, yes, I will read up on the concept. Yes, I can download worksheets online.

Of course, my certification is 7th grade through junio college, but I know what I need to do. 

A first grade teacher told me I was teaching my two-year-old reading readiness skills. The child's "job" was to take utensils from the dishwasher and put them in the drawer in the correct slot for that utensil. I had no intention of teaching a "reading readiness" skill, just taught her the same things I taught the others--sorting. Of course, oldest child, son, learned to sort his toys into the correct bucket--cars, blocks, soldiers, cowboys and Indians. Middle child learned to sort with her dolls and toy dishes. 

There is more to reading, but there are concepts little minds need to gain. Since children are often behind in their reading skills these days, I think my services might be well-received. Even though I have not felt well, thinking about all this and planning lessons has provided me with a happy feeling. 

Tommy will be my helper. I would be annoyed with helpers who don't know how to help. Over-helping is annoying and counter-productive. He was not for helping at all, saying he didn't know how to be a helper in this endeavor...lol. When I held craft camps in the civic center, I had mothers who just came and helped. It was a disaster, especially when they "helped" their own child and stifled the child's creativity and spoiled the experience by standing over their child and pushing for excellence. 

Tomorrow, I will get my allergist on the phone and see what else I can do for myself to keep this crud from returning. Thursday, I have a doctor's appointment, anyway. 

While I slept, a restorative nap, Tommy followed the directions on a bought meatloaf, one given to us. He had a salad. He seemed happy with his dinner. He was diligent in getting the puddled grease from the little pan. He learned from me how to drain it and to use a paper towel to soak up the excess grease before it all reabsorbs and cools to a gel. He hates greasy food since he says he can feel the grease coming out of the pores on his face. ???

When I went to the store before the ads ended, I forgot to get broccoli, so the chicken, rice, soup, broccoli dinner was postponed. Tomorrow, I hope to get all the chicken cooked. I won't be sneezing, coughing, or breathing germs on any food. Actually, I have not sneezed or coughed once. I do still breathe...lol

We were going to Cullman tomorrow, but that is cancelled since I am so ill. This is my usual October illness that seems to be coming early. Do you have a season of allergy induced illness?

The temperature was 75 today, but it was torrid here. cloudless. The good part is the low humidity. That part thrilled me. Are your temperatures cooler now? I do expect we will see 90s again. 

It's That Time of the Year

 I awoke hot this morning. Not only did I have a quilt and wool blanket on me, the room was hot and I had the quilt pulled tight under my neck! So, I started getting sick again, sort of a relapse. I need the ac on for my lungs. I need the quilt and wool blanket so the ac won't be too cold. I know--it is complicated but works for me. I did not need a nap today and felt mostly fine. 

When I got to my chair, the ac was cooling the air, so my lungs quickly recovered, almost. The bedroom is so hot when the weather is nice. In the winter it is cold, but I can bundle up. I get up now and Tommy has on a jacket with a hood, and the hood is up and tightened. His chair is right next to an air vent. I wish my chair was there. The bedroom is the coldest bedroom or any room in the house and the hottest. Gaaa

Tonight, we watched The Weakest Link. I hate that show and the woman, but Tommy loves both. Tonight, we watched a woman win who said that a yard has 20 inches. She helped vote off a man who had not missed a question at all, a perfect record. I hope the people she voted off beat her up afterwards. The dumb contestants always gang up and vote off the smarter people. Skill has little to do with winning!

I cooked four pre-made burgers. I had buns but the rest are molded. Two burgers go into the freezer. There was a pork loin thawed to cook, too. We had salad and steamed zucchini with garlic and olive oil. 

Plans were for me to cook the six sweet potatoes in the oven along with the pork loin. I almost made cupcakes today and frosted them...lol. We went for a drive instead. The sky was blue and the huge fluffy white clouds were beautiful. 

Today, Tommy collected the old roach baits and put down new ones. I am bound and determined to never have roaches again! As much as he was okay with roaches, he is now wanting to help keep them away. 

The six boxes of Wheat Thins arrived yesterday evening. I had planned to open one each month which would have made these last until November. Then, I wondered about the use-by date since I did not want them to be rancid. Wouldn't you know, the best-by date was the end of November. Lucky me. 

We saw the one hummingbird one time and no more. I wonder why. Tomorrow, I will wash it refill it and put out all the feeders filled. 

I want a plant for a hanging basket that can endure the heat and full sun after noon. What can you recommend? 

Do you have hanging flowers? Where do they hang?

Wednesday

Tuesday night, I went to bed at 3 am, lay there 45 minutes, crept into the living toom and stayed on the laptop for a about an hour. Finally, I went to bed really tired. I awoke only once and went right back to sleep. I finally awoke at 11:45 am, feeling much better this morning! Only the aftermath of loosening congestion remains. YAY me.

As I looked around me, I cannot believe how much stuff I have just dropped. This is such a mess! Why are there three 3! plastic bags in one place and two in another and still more? Tommy stops and carries cups, plates, banana peels, and bits of paper to the kitchen for me. I would have to fight my way out of here if not for him. 

A storm is approaching, close by right now. I can hear the thunder. Hopefully, we won't lose electricity and no one will be killed. 

I remember seeing Gunsmoke, either when I was a teen or very young woman. I remember I thought Kitty was a floozie! All the makeup and beauty mark, trashy earrings and such. Well, I was very young. And, I have worn the same chandelier earrings myself! I grew up. 

Today, I have things to do just to catch up, nothing to get ahead. I may not get it all done.

bake 6 lbs of chicken with the three potatoes, radishes, and a couple of onions

color or at least wash my hair

all the pumpkin and acorn squash are still here

put canned food on shelf or in bedroom

make toast so I can taste the honey butter

freeze at least one bag of Savoy cabbage

make tuna salad

There is more that should be on the list, but it makes me feel overworked just to look at a list right now. It is only 3 pm and the skies are darkening for the storm. 

Just being up for three hours is draining, but I should accomplish some of this list. 

I will make the tuna salad like I did years ago, like I love it. Over the years it has devolved out of laziness and necessity. Stay tuned for that tomorrow. I need to rest!

Maybe a Little Crude

 Monday night, I slept an hour or two and had fitful sleep until 8 am when I got up. I have not felt at all perky all day. I slept from 11:30 until 1:30 and did not feel one bit better for having slept. 

We had chicken in the refrigerator, I sliced squash in large chunks and chunked an onion. I put it in the cooking bag with a Tbsp oil and 1/4 cup water. It was delicious. Tommy also had cabbage with his meal. 

I did not season this bag of food. Tommy put salt and pepper on his. I had less than a pat of butter on mine and most of it was melted and left on the plate. 

This guy has eaten cabbage every day for two weeks! He has not complained once. He likes the Savoy cabbage. He commented that if he ate anymore cabbage, he was going to sh** cole slaw. He is never crude! So, this was funny. I laughed so hard. 

Tomorrow, I must put on shelves all these cans of food I have bought in the last two weeks. I sit in my chair and date tops and fronts of cans. I have little hope I will feel like it. I will just do it. 

We had horrendous rain and storms last night and we are in for a stormy day tomorrow. We finished Tuesday sunny and dry. Are you having storms with this system? 

Saturday Doings

As DST ends,  the realization that it will be a long few months hits me. During the summer, we could be out at 7:30 pm and still not be driving in the dark. Some days, the sky was light until almost 8 pm. Now, we try to get home by 4:30. Starting tomorrow, we will have to home an hour earlier, 3:30 pm. The prospect is soul-cringing. Thankfully, some politicians are pushing for year-round DST. I am for it. 

 Earlier in the week,  I spotted a dime on the pavement at a store, forgot which one. Yay, for the dime. I need to take a stroll every time I get on an electric cart so I can search. Just kidding. 

While in a store, I bought the only Kodak camera they had. I was thrilled it was so cheap. A few days later, I was opening the box. It uses AA batteries instead of lithium. Grrrr. It is going back. 

For the last week, Tommy has been very compliant about the dishwasher issue. Only, he never moves. He is agreeable to all my statements, but never moves. On Friday late afternoon, I asked him to empty the dishwasher. by himself. There were only about eight articles in the dishwasher, including utensils. 

At 11:50, he asked me if I wanted us to load the dishwasher. I figure he thinks I might ask him to load it alone. I know he hates dishes at midnight because I wanted help at night and he refused, saying he was relaxed. So, for him to want to work late and mention it was a big deal. I was shocked and got up. The dishwasher was loaded. 

This morning, he washed the sink because I did not want him running water when the dishwasher was running last night. He also cleaned the skillet I used for burgers and want to use for scrambled eggs today. He has gotten everything I wanted since I awoke at 11 am. 

We went out and are now  back. Tommy and I both had calls in to our respective doctors for prescriptions. And, no one called his meds or mine to different pharmacies. We both had to get and emergency supply in order to have meds!  Friday, I needed to pick up 6 meds. They had four. One of those was wrong--a med I am allergic to. Right, I ended a sentence with a preposition.  Then, I went  back on Friday and got the right med. Still, I am missing a critical med, thus the emergency supply. Tommy's med is even more critical. This all started with the failure of doctors, not an employee or a supply chain. 

I went to the church yard sale and just asked the woman to come to the car. She is the one who said she could help me in the house. Still, I wait. Tommy offered to stop for another half dozen yard sales. But, I was too shaky on my feet and felt weak. 

Just now, he brought me the sweet potatoes, washed, for me to prepare. Now, I need to go in there and see what meat I put out. No? He is searching for the meat I want. Okay, we are chicken soffrito and brussels sprouts along with the sweet potato. 

I really feel awful, but I slept for two hours. No fever or other symptoms at all. Was today good yard sale weather at your place? It was 

Turkey Breast $.99/lb.

 That is what I saw when I read the ads online. This morning, I could not find the store. I even asked Tommy if I told him about it last night. He said I did, so I know I did not dream it! 

Remember the CHILLS I HAD? Well, today, I realize I have a raging uti. Lovely! Of course, it is chilly inside and very cold outside. But, with a fever, I don't really know.  Last night, I was cold all night and got up for a trip to the bathroom at least once an hour. It was a rough night. But, I made it through October with no congestion in head and chest, so I just need to conquer this problem.

Today, I finally found pretty red spray paint for my cardinals I am making. It is gloss, but it was the last can of red in the store. The last three stores had no red spray paint of any kind. I can put matte on it another day if the boats from China ever unload. 

I have been preparing dinner from the sofa. Tommy washed 4 sweet potatoes, brought them, a knife, a towel, tiny baking sheet, and a tiny bowl with a bit of olive oil. I trimmed the potatoes, oiled them, put foil on the pan, and sent it all to the kitchen where he had turned the oven on 300F. We will have sweet potatoes, kale, beans I froze last year. If I can find any cooked meat, we can have that, too. I think there is some in the freezer. His oven runs too hot, so I cannot use 350F for baking.

For the last four nights, I have been reading a new book from my box of books mailed to me. I could only read about four pages last night. I wondered why, but I was ill. 

Right now, I am wearing Halloween leggings, a nightgown, and a light jacket. I look adorable...lol. 

Have you seen turkey breast this low lately?

Today's Agenda and Ebay Surprise

 There are things that must be done today. Even though I awoke very ill, these will be done. Tommy is perfectly willing to help, but he needs direction. 

It is 2 pm. I just got out of bed for the second time today. When I awoke about 9 am, I barely made it in here. And, I barely made it back at noon for a long rest. 

clean off end table. Tommy did that while I lay down. I cannot stand and bend to do it. So, I gave him a bin and asked him to just take things off the table. Even when I try to twist to pick things off the table, I cannot for long. So, I have a bin of junk I can put in my lap or beside me to sort.

wash and refill hummer feeders. That is the next thing I do when I quit typing.

sort at least one box of patterns.  I think there are three or four more boxes. 

wash and trim sweet potatoes and bake enough for several meals.  There is enough baked chicken for two or three meals. 

gather and box books to give away. Tommy has about 100 in his bedroom. I may bring those in here to have him make the decision. I have about 50 that need to go, no decisions needed. All go.

empty and fill dishwasher. 

Make two very important telephone calls. 

Everything above here and some other things will get done today if it kills me. Oh, I won't be bringing Tommy's books to him. 

I ate nothing before 2 pm. When I did eat, I had a can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup. I don't dilute it, just eat it from can, heated. It seems more efficient that way and takes less time. I did eat the low-sodium stuff. A banana is next. 

This bit of illness is my October problem. I am medicating with otc, prescriptions, foods, and rest. Hopefully, this will not be another lost October. Maybe I won't have to take an antibiotic. Keep your fingers crossed. 

Hopefully, I can get to the park and get pinecones and pinestraw today, just what I need to be doing with allergies assailing my system. I need pine straw to put in the pot of dirt where the pumpkin lives. The pinestraw is for drainage so the pumpkin will last longer. The pinecones are for putting in the pumpkin for decoration and later for Thanksgiving and Christmas. At my house, I had three pine trees and never lacked for straw or pinecones. Maybe I had five pine trees. 

Just now, I received a box from ebay. Now, what did I order? So, Tommy cut it open and I looked inside. BOOKS!!! These are not going to go away until I read them Thanks. A blogger friend said she was going to mail books to me. It had slipped my mind. So, I now have a dozen really good  books to read. She know me well. I was thinking about getting a copy of Moby Dick. And, she sent me a copy of Cliffs Notes. Cool. 

I suppose it is a good thing so many books I don't want to read are leaving here to find new homes. 

Do you ever decorate with pine cones for any holiday? When I was a child, I liked to paint them silver for Christmas. I did that too as a young adult. I think I got silver paint to paint them one time. I remember drippy silver paint.  I loved silver paint! Did you ever spray pinecones for Christmas decorations. 

Okay, it is almost 3 pm, so I need to start on my list.

Short One

 The hummingbird feeders came in last night for cleaning and more nectar. It rained on me going out, so I decided to put the feeders out this morning. Well, I was slow, so the hummingbirds came and flew around in the space where the feeders should have been. I let this go on for a bit and finally put the feeders back out. It appears they will just keep checking. So, here this evening they are still feeding. 

I awoke covered in sweat from the hot room and more ill, throat now. So, I called and asked doctor to call me. She did not but called in a prescription. I just feel limp and feverish. This does occur when I am in evening air or get hot when I sleep. 

On Saturday, I did something to my right knee and can barely walk. I just stump around. And, I walk little. I asked Tommy to get my glasses from the bedroom. He had to throw himself across the bed because I left them on the table behind the bed. He said he could barely get up. 

Tonight, we are having the second BLT. I cannot manage much more--microwaving bacon and slicing tomatoes. 

It rained all night and some today. Even set on 72, the ac runs almost continuously!  The storm door steams up and the hummingbirds are hard to see. 

Off to take med, suck a Hall's cough drop. Oh yeah, to heat bacon.

Have you done anything noteworthy today? Or, mundane?

Comments are about a mile below and I don't know why, so just keep scrolling down.

Sunday

Sleeping late and multiple naps is my modus operandi and my modus vivendi. Once again, I had two naps. And, my fever was 101. I know it has been that high, but I just never got up to measure it. 

We needed disposable plates and something else, so I ran into a small store and got disposable plates and bananas. Well, we had plenty of bananas, so we have an excess. No telling what the other thing was. 

For dinner, I told Tommy to get cabbage and carrots and heat it along with frozen meatballs I left on the counter. He dd. Why he left the meatballs on the counter after eating half the bag is beyond me. I didn't even ask him why. 

The cleaning woman is cancelled. I hate that. But, right now, it has to be. 

When I took my first nap, the guy next door mowed Tommy's front yard. Since the guy that had his company mow Tommy's yard died, we will have to find someone else to mow and pay them, I suppose. 

Sunday, it was 80F and seemed to have low humidity. The skies were sunny and a few clouds, altogether a great day to take a ride, which we did. Now, it is 9 pm and I have to go. 

Friday Naps

Two naps each seems about right. Well, my body thought so today. 

The food boxes we picked up went mostly to my neighbor whose father died. She is raising two little boys, about 4 and 2. She was happy to see milk and hotdogs and meatballs from our box, plus a whole box of her own with hotdogs, meatballs, milk, 12 yoplait yogurts, two quarts half and half milk, pound of mozarella, two bags salad, doughnuts, oranges, cabbage, potatoes, onion. 

Tommy is going to wash the poop off my blue bird. For three days now. He is dallying. So, I put it on his sink. Do you think he will remember now? 

After my last nap, I wanted a tomato for the salad, so we went to Publix and I bought two tomatoes, grape tomatoes, one navel orange, can of chicken broth, on half gallon milk, and a piece of carrot cake. 

I have not had a navel orange in ages, and I love them. However, I don't buy them because I don't need the fiber. The broth is to drink tonight, maybe instead of dinner. And, the carrot cake was there. 

I am limp, so I have to go. 

Saturday--found a coupon

 The lost Ronco coupon  (2 cut out together) was in my purse, just hiding from me. And, Piggly Wiggly had the spaghetti I wanted in stock. I had two coupons that were for $0.75 off two Ronco pasta products. I came away with four 1-lb. packages of Ronco Spaghetti. Add 10% for store costs.

Minus 2 doubled $.75 coupons and I spent $1.07 for a pound of my favorite spaghetti as opposed to $1.82. Ronco spaghetti was going fast everywhere because of the coupons. Maybe I could have found it a few cents cheaper elsewhere, but only the Pig doubles coupons. Elsewhere was probably out of Ronco! And, I did not want to drive around, searching. 

I replaced/bought the three $.98 package of brownies that I took across the street when the father died. I decided to buy a cheap blueberry brownie mix to use with real blueberries. I should make myself some mixes to use when I am too tired to measure and mix instead of a commercial mix. sigh  

There was a time that I never used a mix for anything! I don't know if I have the energy to go back. 

On Friday, my temperature went from 100.8F to 96.5F. I still feel miserable now on Saturday morning. And, I am coughing a bit when I choke on whatever. 

Plans for Saturday carried over from Friday--

freeze 5 lbs tomatoes

rewash sheet from curb with more stain remover Done

plant kale starts

caramelize onions Done

put some food on shelves Done...just a bit

I decided I will use cardboard flats from food to hold cans/bottles on the shelves. I will glue or tape something pretty, some sort of paper or fabric to the edge that shows. It will work and is cheap until I find the perfect item instead of buying just anything. 

It is 2 pm and almost nothing has been done today, and I got up before 8 am. Tommy took my clothes out to the washing machine and then brought in the ones to hang and put the others in the dryer. I don't feel well, but it seems like I might be over the worst even though I am still very tired. 

He had for lunch low-sodium Campbell's soup given to us. He said he was going to have a half sandwich. He put peanut butter on a piece of bread. He told me he might eat a mustard sandwich. yuck I will have a can of tuna and a bit of MW.  

The food boxes have ended. There is some problem with the programs. One other place gave us two bags. One had chicken breasts and and two cans of Campbell's soup. The other had a baking hen and two cans of soup. So, I suppose all the fresh vegetables and fruit are no more for a while. Okay, no complaints here. 

We went for a drive to get out, about 45 minutes. Today is a beautiful cloudless, blue-sky day. Okay, saw one cloud, finally.

Tommy is watching Georgia Auburn and I am thawing ground beef in iron skillet full of boiling water. I have no idea what we will have...lol. And, it 6:51. Remember, he likes dinner at 7:30. That does not happen often and certainly not tonight.

Maybe You Know the Answer | This and That

I bought baby aspirin but not the coated kind, the kind I am supposed to take. I bought the chewable kind. Now, I am worried it will hurt my stomach. So, can I take the chewable three times a week every other day, and take the coated four days a week and be okay? Or, should I just buy the coated kind and forget about the chewable? 

Wednesday night, I spent time putting dates on some of the food I bought. That is so time-consuming and hard because I had to handle it all! 

Tommy referred to the bottle of bubbles as the "orange drink." I am glad I was there to correct him.  I should have gotten the green, but he would probably think it was lime. 

NOW, he asks me the time. He must have referred to it before I put some oranges on a plate to the side of the clock. The oranges are out so he will get them more easily. But, he uses the clock! LOL, he pointed out the oranges were in the way. 

Every few days, I moan or mutter or sigh about how we/I need a dishwasher. So far, he has kept silent the last few weeks. He would explode earlier this year when I wished for a dishwasher. 

Wednesday night, we were bad. I did not have meat thawed for dinner, so I was making our August Suddenly Salad. Suddenly, on the TV were two cute Chili Cheese Pups at Krystal. They were $1 and had lots of cheese.  I wanted to go get one, and so did he. When we got there, he wanted two, so I got two. Oh me, Oh my! They were so delicious and did have lots of cheese. We carried a cold drink from home and sat in a parking lot. 

After that, we took a very short ride. At home, the pasta salad was waiting. Tommy had a salad of zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and tomatoes--grape and cherry with Italian dressing. He had pasta salad, too. I had plums with the pasta salad. 

Since Tuesday, I have been getting sicker by the hour. I awoke at 3:30 after going to bed at 2 am. I was awake for most of the rest of the night because my throat would close and I woke not being able to breathe or swallow. 

 Today, my temperature is almost 100 degrees. My throat is almost swollen shut. I kept choking on water.  We went to the Pig so I could get Ruffles. I chew them up barely and swallow them. The rough edges of the barely chewed chips scratch my throat and the salt gets into the scratches and helps heals my throat. I lost my ability to gargle when i was about 32. Now, i just throw my head back and drown! 

No, I don't think it is covid 19. The throat is a little less swollen. Now, it feels like a nap is kidnapping me. 

While at the Pig, I bought two more dishcloths that are $.99 for two. Instructions are "cold wash, gentle cycle, line dry." Are you kidding me? After I bought the first ones, I washed them on hot, in a regular cycle, and dried them on hot." Well, they lived through about six washes and did not die. So, today, I bought another pack of two. The price is right and they seem sturdy. 

Today, my new oxygen generator arrived. So far, it does not smell when running. 

I really want the September Suddenly Salad now, but I will wait. The Ruffles were half way to stale! And, they are supposed to be fresh until October. They are not doing a good job of scratching my throat.