Time for Halloween Decorations!

 Today, I visited my favorite doctor office. I really love the np who is there. As I was being wheeled to the chair, I was devastated. The guy pushed me to the car, opened the door, and ran over my toes with the car door. I screamed and cried out, "You are running the car door over my foot." I whimpered and said nothing more. He said, "Well, you don't have to take it out on me." This was in a pitiful victim voice. I said in a low tone, "I am not taking it out on you." No, I did not report him. How do people treat people they are supposed to be helping so shoddily? Inside the facility, he made it clear he did not want to push me by his sighing and attitude. I just ignored it. It is his job. 

I was given 5 prescriptions today.

Last night, I spent over three hours gagging, choking, and throwing up. The first time this ever happened, I almost threw up on the doctors' and nurses' feet as they stood and looked at me. Somehow, I had to have a shot to settle my stomach spasms or something like that. I had choked on rice, chicken, and soup. It happens often. Yes, have an appointment to see what is up. Tomorrow! The usual cure is to stretch my esophagus. Last time several years ago, it felt as if the doctor did nothing. One of these days, I will aspirate enough or choke to death! 

Brain fog, dizziness, and lack of being to speak clearly are making me miserable. I will be glad when the antibiotic takes hold.

It is time for Halloween decorations!!! We did have a dogwood tree to hang ghosts on, but it just fell over one day in the wind. We will figure out where to hang them. I will pay Pedro $50 for an hour to come here and help us. I even have a lightweight pumpkin that will stay indoors in the living room. 

Hard Friday

 Thursday night, I slept for 5 1/2 hours and was proud of myself. Then, I had to go to an appointment for a test. I had to lie down and my back was in excruciating pain the whole time. The woman squeezed my leg so hard and had my lie in a position that made my back in more pain. 

We had to drive in the rain for about ten minutes while I thought I would die! Tommy has not washed the car windows since he washed them with a nasty tool like they have at service stations. And, even more pollen was on the windshields. He spent the whole ten minutes fiddling with the wiper adjustment. I asked him to spritz some water and it was out. v

When we got home about 3 pm after another short chore, there was a huge package on the porch. I could not lift it or even push it. No clues as to what is was or who it was for. Finally, I saw an obscure little label that said something about double lift mechanism. First and only clue--the replacement for the machinery under the lift chair. 

I called the store and they said they would come get it. This was about 3 pm. Well, I needed a nap and stayed up until 7:15. Two minutes earlier, I decided to change clothes. I came back into the living room without my pants on because sitting on the bed makes my back hurt and I almost slide off the bed. So, I am sitting in my lift chair pantless and the guy is coming to the door. I told Tommy to hurry and get to the door and stay where he could not see me. Do you think he could do that? Well, you know the answer. 

When I told Tommy to move over so he could not see me. Well, he moved over even further. Finally, I yelled at him that I am naked, move to the right. So, he moved all the way from the door on the left. I was fit to be tied. Well, he said he did not hear me say anything but to move. He thought I wanted to talk to the guy. The first thing I told him was to go to the door and stand where the guy could not see me!

He was not the guys unloading the truck who were supposed to come, according to the owner. This guy explained that this is the way the repair company worked. First, they deliver the supplies so that they are here when the show up to work. He said the box was under cover. I explained that for almost a week there would be rain and dampness. Then, he wanted to put it in the carport. I explained that rain blows into the carport and the box would get wet. The guy really wanted to leave it, but what if someone stole it?

I have no idea why they told me they would be right over to pick up the box. I have no idea why we are supposed to store it. I have no idea why they sent one guy since he pushed the box to the road. He was not young enough to handle that box. 

After he left and Tommy and I went round and round over what happened, I went to bed. I lay there for an hour with no nap and my back hurt worse all the time. 

Finally, I got up and found the eggs he was boiling in a small pot on the large eye. I changed them to the correct eye and a few minutes later tried to peel and egg that was raw. Tommy said he put them on about fifteen minutes before I got up. No, maybe two minutes before. 

Even though I was going to take a nap before the coronation, I am still up at 11:30. I chopped carrot straws to put into the Suddenly Salad instead of celery. Now, I have to pick the peas out of the dry pasta. 

This will do for the Saturday post. I will post about the coronation on Sunday morning if I can keep my eyes open for the whole event. 

My wildflowers in two pots are coming up. Of course, I have no idea what they are, but it looks like a bunch of weeds. We transplanted nothing, but Tommy watered everything. 

Maybe I can get a bit of sleep. 

Pain

 My hand hurts too much to type! Tomorrow!

I cannot believe what I did to myself!

Friday,  I was sitting on the sofa with the laptop on my lap. The laptop was nearer to my knees than the top of my legs or my waist. I had my legs stretched out so that I had to look down more than usual. When I moved to get the laptop up and to stop typing, my shoulder near my neck wrenched into a knot. It is not a crick!

As the day progressed, the pain became worse and spread. Riding in the car, I could feel every thing on the road. It did not take a pothole to make me wince. Finally, I could not turn my head at all to tell Tommy if the road was clear. I came home and lay down. Well, then my head weighed a million pounds and hurt when I tried to get up. 

Now, the side of my throat hurts like there is an infection. 

I had a baby aspirin last night and will take another one tonight. So, I took two baby aspirin. I need heat on it, so must find something...lol. Tommy tried to massage it, but is clueless. I am on my own! After resting for an hour, it feels like an infection. My ear that does not hurt, now hurts. Just kill me now.

Wouldn't you know?

 My allergist office called me to tell me they had vaccines! So, I could have gotten the vaccine in an atmosphere and location where my allergist was present. I would have felt safer. But, I took a deep breath on Monday, and decided I would just go ahead with the opportunity I had at the time. 

The injection site is about the same as for an antibiotic injection, and a lot less painful than flu vaccine. Tommy's is painful, but he thinks it is because he uses muscles to push his walker and lift heavy things. 

Tuesday, I went to Publix  to buy four things. I came home with more and had spent $60.

*sausage patties bogo

*smoked ham center slice

cups

white grapes

*Italian salad greens

*grape tomatoes

*celery $0.99

coleslaw mix

*strawberries

*2 lbs butter

*3 Grands! Buttermilk biscuits

*3 Philadelphia Cream Cheese 

*jellybeans

*cranberry sauce 

Welch's Grape Juice

bananas

The sausage patties were on sale bogo and were cheaper than the roll. I am going to make and freeze sausage biscuits with Grands! for Tommy so he won't stop for one on the way out of town. I was shocked I spent $60, but have bought little the last two or three weeks. If grape juice and wine are good for the heart, I opt for the grape juice.

I have ammended the Easter menu...lol. We will have ham, slaw, green bean casserole, fruit salad, and sweet potatoes. If I add more, okay. It could all change! I bought the ham slice because it was on sale and we have not had ham in ages. Tommy won't eat deviled eggs, so I am going to take two boiled eggs and make deviled eggs for me. I will also color eggs. 

I was looking on my shelves and found a cannister of french fried onions. the best by date is Jan 21, so it is time and they still taste good. 

After having only about two hours sleep on Monday night, I did not take a nap on Tuesday. But, I went to bed at 10:30 and slept until 3:45. That is the best I have slept in ages. Of course, I took a leftover opiod from the tooth extraction. That is not the way to go, and I only have four left. sigh

Are you adding or subracting, generally reworking your menu for Easter? What will you eat on Easter? Is anyone else cooking for your meal?

Keto Shortcake Recipe or Not

No, I did not make keto shortcake

As I was looking online for the Bisquick shortcake recipe, I saw that Bisquick comes in a keto version and I can make shortcake from that. The following recipe is not keto. I need to look for the keto version in the store.

Ingredients

If you have Bisquick, then you have the recipe on the back of the box! Happy indulging!

4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/3 cup Original Bisquick mix
1/2 Cup milk
3 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp butter or margerine, melted
1 container (8 oz) frozen, whipped topping, thawed.

Directions

Mix strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar; set aside. Heat oven to 425 F.
Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 Tbsp sugar and the butter until a soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10-12 min or until golden brown. split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped topping.

Servings: 6 shortcakes
High Alt. (3500-6500 ft); Heat oven to 450 F. for shortcakes, decrease sugar to 1 Tbsp.
450 degrees. 10-12 min.

Number of Servi

copied from https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/

The dough will be VERY soft.

Now, this is how I made it--Use 6 Tbsp sugar and 6 Tbsp of butter. Okay, maybe I did not double it because I don't measure anything but the Bisquick. And, I never use whipped topping at all. Basically, these shortcakes are buttery, sugary biscuits. Maybe you can add butter and sugar to your biscuit recipe.

Several times, I have gotten it absolutely too buttery. Then, I need a spoon to get it onto the baking pan. It is delicious, though.

I would make the original version for breakfast for my children and no topping. They had a glass of milk. They got this maybe 3 times a year and were very happy.

There is no need to remind me I do not need to use Bisquick. I like it.

Last Monday, the temperature was 73F degrees. I was joyous. This weekend the temperature will be 70F, so with DST and high temp, it will seem like summer already.

When I go into a store to shop, Tommy just sits in the car. I keep a shopping bag in the car when we go out. Various items are put in this bag--water, oj, coupons, pb crackers, Kleenex. Then, there are ads and my mail, pens, lists. I tell him to make himself at home with the bag. I often pick up a glossy magazine type ad. He reads these.

He is very busy in the car until he finally naps or just watches people. He keeps his console very neat and goes through and organizes and discards his fast food coupons. He reads my glossy ads/mags. He eats, drinks, reads my mail that I volunteer he can read. Some of the mail is from insurance or ss information, so nothing personal.

Very seldom does he ever call me to encourage me to come out of the store. Lucky him!

Yesterday, with all the groceries in the car, I brought in the ice cream, bananas, and my purse. He had to bring in all the water, cokes, and groceries. When he brought in all the produce, I did go in and put that in the refrigerator.

Last night, I felt much better. This Saturday morning all the horrid pain is gone. But, know I some have pain every minute of the day. So, there is that constant, just not the overwhelming assault of pain.

Okay, Tommy has relented this afternoon and called someone to unclog the kitchen drain on Monday. He says it is my fault because I put things down the sink. NOPE, not my fault. I wipe grease from pans and scrape food from plates and into trash.  The bathroom faucet needs replacing because it s 50 years old and has a leak that cannot be fixed. I suppose he would rather call back with $140 service charge.

He keeps pointing out it is his house and he will do it (attend to drains) his way. Remember--he just had someone out to clear the bathroom drain. He refused to have the kitchen drain fixed because it was not bad enough yet. His money-saving methods do not work most times.

Tonight is taco casserole and salad and later strawberry shortcake. YUM!

What happened that thee is so much space between the body of this post and the comments?

Bone-Breaking Pain

I feel pain today to my bones. in my bones and in my muscles. It is hard to move. I am miserable.

What did I do to feel this way? NOTHING.

That is the problem. I brought in a shopping bag, the size they sell at Publix. In it I carry water for the day, two orange bottles, the mail I get at the PO, several things. It weighed less than three pounds. I also had my purse which is too small, but also too heavy.

As I lay in bed for an extra hour before getting up about 8 am, I knew I could not go on like this. The pain affects everything I NEED to do which is basically cook simple meals, wash only a few dishes, and take care of my personal needs.  I thought about it.

After I carried in the shopping bag and purse, I had to stand to unlock the door. Standing still hurts. Then, I made two more trips to the car to carry in three quarts of strawberries in one bag, bananas in the other and something small. I returned and got something else, light enough but too heavy.

Today, I told Tommy about how this was too much for me and that I could not help him so much. Actually, it is not helping him, just carrying things I actually want to carry and can. He gets tired, too, just as anyone would, but three more trips down and up the ramp do not leave him incapacitated for days.

Last night, I heated chicken in microwave, steamed broccoli in the microwave, and poured cole slaw mix onto his plate and squirted mayo on it. I was too tired to eat.

He told me that he like the slaw mix but mayo on top was all he needed because he liked it. Strange? But, last night, even the mixing of slaw was beyond what I could think of doing.

I am not putting more on him since he eats too, just cutting back on picking up things and multiple trips holding items and traipsing up and down the ramp. Ramps hurt my back and knees. Steps do hurt, but not as much. So, there!

I should not be in so much pain. Even my eyes hurt!!! Tests may show deficiencies, but I will adjust.

I said it takes three days to recover from activity. However, if I overdo it day after day, it can take two of three weeks. Life is not worth living under those terms.

Tell me--do you have so much pain?

Hard to cook with no victuals!

I end up spending more of my money on food when I have to go out and buy food. Or, Tommy spends more of his. I cannot just look in the cabinets and find food. It is not there. I had plenty at my house.

So, we have to go out too often and buy something I had bought dirt cheap and pay more for it now. I try not to go too often. But, it is frustrating to have to pay so much! When you only buy on sale/clearance or use a coupon, after a while there is just always food. I then buy fresh fruit at a good price and milk. I cannot force myself to stock up at full price!

There was a plastic bag in the end of all the driveways in the neighborhood. I asked what it was and Tommy dismissed them with, "Oh, only ads that I throw away." So, I just dismissed them, too. Finally, after weeks I told him I was going to get the bag. There were grocery ads. There were drugstore ads. There were inserts like in the paper. I could not believe what he dismissed. So, out of the gutter, I got a $3 coupon, amongst other goodies.

Okay, frustration reigns in the food department.

Since I got the gastroparesis diagnosis, I am also frustrated by what I cannot eat! White bread, pasta, and cooked and peeled fruits and vegetables are a disappointment. The doctor said people usually lose weight with this condition and noted I had not.

For the last three nights, I have not been able to sleep because of the severe stomach pain, reflux pain. AND, I still have vertigo every time I turn over, sit up, stand up, or lie down. Tommy begs me to go to the doctor every day. Actually, he says, "Let me take you to the doctor in the morning." At least I have not fallen down again.

Someone, please bring me chocolate ice cream! I really, really want it.

Necessarily Low-Key Friday

When I awoke Thursday, I hurt all over like I had been beaten. Joints, muscles, and even skin were aching and throbbing. That was the result of yesterday's ordeal. I told Tommy to wake me t 10:30. When he did, I just told him to let me sleep. I awoke from a deep sleep at 12:45 pm.

I did nothing today. Well, I did hang up two pair of panties from the clothes I washed on Wednesday.

Thankfully, Tommy can feed himself. He had cereal for breakfast and was making a pb sandwich shortly after I lay down to watch TV when I awoke. The chicken, potatoes and a salad made up dinner which I did heat and bring to him. Frozen vegetable will accompany chicken tomorrow night.

Today, I needed to get milk, so I will have none for breakfast. grrrr I need to return something to Belk's and another chore on a list. I hate to do this on Saturday in Birmingham. I hate doing anything in Birmingham. What I could do in five miles in a loop in Cullman takes a 40 mile loop in Birmingham!

When Modern Family is over, I have to hang the rest of the wet clothes. Having such a case of vertigo makes movement difficult.

Do you ever reach such an exhausted state that the next day you are worthless? Do you ever get vertigo so bad that you can barely walk?

Me or the Cat

One of us is going to kill the other. I was coming into the house tonight and she decided she was coming in, too.  I tried blocking her with my legs and feet, hissing at her, hurrying, yelling. She does understand "NO."

I was carrying a cut-down box with bedding plants in it. I managed to drop the whole box and damage some of the plants I picked out so carefully. Then, still fussing at her, I managed to close the door across the top of my big toe. I then fell backwards and hit the picture window. I heard it crack. While I have not looked at the window, I am hoping it was just the glazing or something that is not glass that I heard cracking.

The neighbors down the block could have heard me yelling at this stubborn cat. After I dropped the box of plants, I almost ripped off my big toe as I was trying to not step on plants and close the door, and fell against the glass of the window, I staggered to the bed, making lots of noise from the pain. And, of course, there is not anything in this house that can be used for pain, not even an aspirin!

My plan--get a flyswatter and tie a plastic bag to it. I will hang it on the porch. She hates the sound of a plastic bag.  I have no intention of hitting her hard, just enough to let her hear the plastic. Hopefully, she will back off when she hears it coming.

My neighbor took out my garbage tonight. I have picked up garbage every morning this last week. Whatever is getting into the garbage can now gets it all over the steps, besides the yard. And, this new can has a lid that sort of locks. Whatever gets into the garbage does not mind chewing on kitchen foil.

Tommy gave me two bungie cords from his trunk. He said he remembered my saying I might have to use bungee cords.

Today, I had an appointment at 1:30. At 2:30, I asked what happened since I had the first appointment after lunch and he was in the waiting room when I arrived. The receptionist told me a walk-in new patient came in before me and he had to see her first. WHAT???

Then, he stayed with me for an hour. By the time I got back to town, I was drained. I put gas in the car because there were few people at the station. I paid $2.18/gallon.

Since I forgot apples when I went to Publix on Monday or whenever I went, I got a few grapes, and strawberries, and apples.

Any suggestions as what to do to keep the cat from killing me?





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Pain, Death, Meth, Kitty--A Good Day

Amazingly, today I have been relatively free of pain and completely free of exhaustion. Plus, the uti symptoms have entirely abated. Low humidity has contributed to these changes. Well, antibiotics are responsible for no uti symptoms.

If I really push to accomplish things while I feel well, I will be in pain for three days. So, I set goals and then do half the items on the list. It works for me. This beats taking pain pills! I know what I want to accomplish and prioritize tasks as I go.

Saturday night, something strange happened. I started sweating profusely and soon felt like I was being boiled alive. Then, muscles in all parts of my body started moving. It was not a muscle twitch, something different. I fell asleep that way. What can those symptoms mean? This has never happened to me.

Saturday night, the meth addict came here. I was in the bed for the night and almost asleep. He knocked until I went to the door. I just pulled back the curtain a bit. I am quite sure he could see I was in my nightgown. But, he persisted. I must have said "NO" ten times. He cannot wear me down. I am immune! He wanted a ride to the Waffle House. I called the police! AGAIN. Next time, I will tell him "just a minute" and go into another room and call the police. There is a warrant out on him.

I suggested he get my neighbor, his friend. He tried there but the friend was not home. I can go off on him and stop these house calls, but he might get even or complain to a friend who will get even with me. I had a lot of nasty screaming inside of me that only fear contained.

Kitty must have a weekend home. She has not been here the last two days. Last weekend, she was absent, also. Tommy said he saw her here on Saturday morning, but I did not. I miss her. Do cats wear collars?

This time of the year, grass and weeds grow so fast it is hard to control them. My yard needs mowing about every three days. When I could still use the reel mower, I was more in control.

Several months ago, I awoke to find that one of my son's friends had lost his mother to a traffic accident half a mile from her home on her way to work.
+. A teen texting ran a red light and killed this woman. If I checked the obituaries, I would probably find more people I know who died.

Then, a guy that I see at least once a month at a dinner had been found dead one morning. This is such a shock.

Now, that is two people I know of who died. These were not old people since both were in their seventies and active and social, working even. I wonder how many people I knew have died even though I have not heard of their deaths yet.

I suppose this is a downer post. But, this weekend was anything but a downer. As a matter of fact, this was a good day.  And, we are going to see POM this week. I love Diane Keaton.

CBD for Pain

The pain and exhaustion I feel from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are unimaginable to most people, even to me some days. Yet, the only relief available for a potential "cure" has been meds for depression, something that changes my brain in ways I do not want. Even these drugs may not help.

Today, I saw that a health food store in town sells CBD oil. (CBD oil is made from marijuana.) Even so, I am leery of this treatment. Besides, I do not trust health food stores. Once, a man who owned a health food store told me that Valerian is less processed than Valium, making the Valerian safer and more effective. He said they come from the same plant. Well, I knew that was a lie, and I suspect he did, too. He had tales like this to induce me and others to buy his products. I was an early user of the internet and knew how to find answers. He closed and moved.

When I had a hysterectomy three years ago, I awoke from surgery and tried to pull the little oxygen delivery system tubes from my nose. The nurses kept telling me to stop and pulled my hands away. Finally, I understood and quit. I had to use these all day and the next night. When I awoke the next morning, I was free of the chronic fatigue that I awake experiencing EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

For three long years I have wondered if it was the continuous oxygen that made me feel better. Finally, last month I googled "oxygen helps chronic fatigue." AND, studies show that oxygen is good for chronic fatigue symptoms--fatigue that is not relieved by sleep or rest. Of course, it appears that a person must spend hours in a bariatric chamber to be helped. I am quite sure that is expensive and not available in this small town!

Would you try CBD oil for the pain, and maybe the exhaustion?  There are side effects I do not relish--convulsions is the major turnoff.  I have never used marijuana, yet. When I am 90, I would like to have just one hit. My lungs will probably not like it...lol. I also wonder if the little things in the end of my nose would deliver enough oxygen, just at night to relieve the fatigue. What do you think? Yes, I know I need to consult a physician. Maybe someone has had experience with these problems or cures.

Today, a neighbor helped me by lifting my hypertufa pot from the car, moving another plant from a table, and putting the hypertufa pot on that table where he put it under a tree. Then, he lifted and carried three bags of soil from the car to back yard. Whew!

While on that side of the yard, he reattached my hose to the faucet. The guy who mowed must have removed it. I tried really hard to screw it back on, but could not.

He saw my new cat, "KITTY." She appeared to be hunting over there. I talked to her and petted her and fed her. She is not gone completely, at least! He saw his cat here, apparently "hunting" where Kitty once hunted.

These little things that once I could do are now major chores.