How can I give thanks for the things He has done for me? (Andre Crouch)
Yes, I give thanks to Him for his blessings to me.
You who don't know the pain of fybromyalgia can't know how grateful you are for a pain free hour, let along 24 hours. I have had 24 hours of walking without knee pain, no muscle pain, no bone pain, just nothing. It has been wonderful.
Now, I know many are praying for me and this ouch I incur everyday, and I thank them. God is a faithful God and He does answer prayer.
Today was great. I got up at a normal hour. Made the coffee, had a cup. Then I sat at the computer, read my BLOG list -- which gets longer every day, played some Brain game -- because my daughter beat me -- and she is still ahead -- way to go Beck! Then I read some more Louis L'Amour --
Oh yeah, I vacuumed, cleaned all the tile floors, dusted with a real cloth all the furniture that had been protected by the layer of dust for a couple of weeks, and finished up getting my kitchen JUST RIGHT. So, you see, I wasn't sedentary all day long.
One more thing I forgot to mention -- I have taken no pain medication now for three weeks because of the kidneys I'm not permitted anti-inflammatories, which includes Tylenol and aspirin.
After dinner I watched a little TV and now I'm back at the computer finished The Fat Lady and then I'm going to bed. Maybe I'll sleep again tonight.
TTFN
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Blah, blah, blah
Today is over. Blah.
I went to the butcher shop, got a couple weeks worth of meat -- froze most of it. And I was able to get really nice minute steaks. Now, I have to get out to Panera to get some decent bread for steak sandwiches.
Also, for some reason I slept to noon -- no kidding. Which meant, by the time 3 p.m. came around I still hadn't had breakfast, let alone lunch.
I can't eat right after I get up. I have to be up for a couple of hours before I can ingest food. I can have that surge of coffee, but that's it.
So, without any coffee earlier, at 3 p.m. I made some macaroni salad. My drink? Lemonade. They don't really go together, do they?
Alan had gone to see a movie with a friend of his, and I was just hanging out, doing my usual computer thing. He got home around 5 and wasn't hungry and so I sat down to watch the news. I fell asleep again and didn't wake up until 7 p.m. Alan was sound asleep at that time, so I just got up and figured: I'm not hungry, he's asleep, I won't cook tonight.
His dinner? Ham and cheese on wheat toast and the last of the best potato salad I ever made, if I say so myself. He was happy. I was happy I didn't have to cook OR eat anything.
Now, it's time for bed, so I'm off to it -- bed that is.
TTFN
I went to the butcher shop, got a couple weeks worth of meat -- froze most of it. And I was able to get really nice minute steaks. Now, I have to get out to Panera to get some decent bread for steak sandwiches.
Also, for some reason I slept to noon -- no kidding. Which meant, by the time 3 p.m. came around I still hadn't had breakfast, let alone lunch.
I can't eat right after I get up. I have to be up for a couple of hours before I can ingest food. I can have that surge of coffee, but that's it.
So, without any coffee earlier, at 3 p.m. I made some macaroni salad. My drink? Lemonade. They don't really go together, do they?
Alan had gone to see a movie with a friend of his, and I was just hanging out, doing my usual computer thing. He got home around 5 and wasn't hungry and so I sat down to watch the news. I fell asleep again and didn't wake up until 7 p.m. Alan was sound asleep at that time, so I just got up and figured: I'm not hungry, he's asleep, I won't cook tonight.
His dinner? Ham and cheese on wheat toast and the last of the best potato salad I ever made, if I say so myself. He was happy. I was happy I didn't have to cook OR eat anything.
Now, it's time for bed, so I'm off to it -- bed that is.
TTFN
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Pockets
What is it about mature women and pockets?
I do NOT want to buy any dress/slacks/skirts that are pocketless.
Case in point: Last week the Social Committee here where I live put on a bona fide fashion show. The Dress Barn was kind enough to provide the clothing and the moderator for the event.
As each woman walked the "aisle" we all (the youngest person there was 65) checked to see if the item being worn had at least one pocket in it.
We don't carry purses any more. They're too heavy, I suppose. Oh, I have one, but I only use it as storage for my driver's license and then it sits in the trunk when I'm out of the car. I prefer to carry the cash and/or credit card in a pocket along with my keys, and then the cell phone -- on the rare occasions I remember to take it with me -- in the other pocket.
I have thrown away (or given away, I should say) clothing that I ordered not realizing it was pocketless.
I must get my love for pockets from my dad who always had his pockets loaded down with pens, a New Testament, glasses (an extra pair in case the pair he was wearing broke mid-stride), a pen light, and other miscellaneous odds and ends. His jacket --whenever he took it off-- had to weight at least 20 pounds. Imagine carrying that amount of weight around with you all the time.
Well, my pockets are much lighter as I only have a few bucks and one plastic card in mine, along with my keys. That's it.
But, I must -- I repeat -- must have a pocket or I feel under dressed.
TTFN
I do NOT want to buy any dress/slacks/skirts that are pocketless.
Case in point: Last week the Social Committee here where I live put on a bona fide fashion show. The Dress Barn was kind enough to provide the clothing and the moderator for the event.
As each woman walked the "aisle" we all (the youngest person there was 65) checked to see if the item being worn had at least one pocket in it.
We don't carry purses any more. They're too heavy, I suppose. Oh, I have one, but I only use it as storage for my driver's license and then it sits in the trunk when I'm out of the car. I prefer to carry the cash and/or credit card in a pocket along with my keys, and then the cell phone -- on the rare occasions I remember to take it with me -- in the other pocket.
I have thrown away (or given away, I should say) clothing that I ordered not realizing it was pocketless.
I must get my love for pockets from my dad who always had his pockets loaded down with pens, a New Testament, glasses (an extra pair in case the pair he was wearing broke mid-stride), a pen light, and other miscellaneous odds and ends. His jacket --whenever he took it off-- had to weight at least 20 pounds. Imagine carrying that amount of weight around with you all the time.
Well, my pockets are much lighter as I only have a few bucks and one plastic card in mine, along with my keys. That's it.
But, I must -- I repeat -- must have a pocket or I feel under dressed.
TTFN
Monday, July 28, 2008
The weekend's over
I survived it!
Well, it was really a great weekend.
Saturday, my granddaughter Tori and I shopped till I dropped. We had a plan, so I would last longer. My plan joined with hers.
First we went to Dollar Tree. I needed bubble gum and they are the only place I know that has Double Bubble gum -- I bought 10 packages. That should last a week or so. She needed cards. And I also saved Alan a ton of money because I got five Sudoku books for $5, whereas if I had gotten five books at Kroger's (my normal source) I would have paid $25. See? I saved him $20.
Then we went to a sit-down place. Are you seeing our pattern. A walk-through, no chairs. A sit-down place, lots of chairs. So we went to lunch. She picked a really nice restaurant. And we enjoyed the sit-down time, but I could see she wanted to get to some other stores. So, our next stop was Bed, Bath, and Beyond -- no chairs there, just lots of walking. But, I love that store, and so does Tori. Then we went to Borders. I picked up a book and sat on a sofa and read, while Tori shopped. Then it was time to go to Limited TOO and/or Crabtree Evelyn. They are right next to each other at the shopping center, but no chairs, except out in the sun.
So, I drove to Limited Too, no parking places, not even the handicapped places were open. I drove around the circle and came back, still no parking, once more -- the third time -- no parking, so I told Tori to go to Limited Too and I'd be in as soon as I found a parking place. Well, on the 4th go-round, and after much prayer, I got a place right out front of Limited Too.
I checked in on her, then ran over to Crabtree Evelyn, and spent my gift certificate, really fast, but I knew what I wanted, and then went back over to Limited Too. They did have seats in there, so while she shopped, I sat and watched. It's fun watching a pre-teen shop for clothes. She's got such a cut figure and the clothes she picked were so pretty -- nice, and modest. That's training! She will be wearing a uniform to school this year, so any clothing she buys is for her enjoyment, not for wearing to school.
Then we got back in the car and stopped at UDF (United Dairy Farmers) and Tori ran in and got bread and milk for me. Then we came home, and printed out more pictures. That was Saturday. And I finally took her home when her mom called telling me it was time to get her home -- in a nice way. Actually, we were walking out the door when her mother called.
Then Sunday we went to Becky's in Indiana. What a pleasant day! Beck and I conversed (See Runnemede Remembered) while Alan and Quinn went shooting down in the woods. Alan survived that, which surprised me. He was very weak by the time we got home, but he did survive it, and he really, really enjoyed it.
Now, please don't take this the wrong way -- especially, you, Becky. Becky made us slushies. They were lemonade/strawberry slushies. And her children had been saying how wonderful they were. I was looking forward to tasting it. The lunch she served us was really good. She does make a good lasagna.
Anyway, it was about 4:30 p.m. and she made these slushies. I started to drink and I noticed these green things floating in the slush. I asked her if she had hulled the strawberries. She said, no, the greens are good for you. Well, maybe for her, but not for me. Alan, however, had no problem with them The slush did taste good, I just couldn't get past the green. :)
TTFN
Well, it was really a great weekend.
Saturday, my granddaughter Tori and I shopped till I dropped. We had a plan, so I would last longer. My plan joined with hers.
First we went to Dollar Tree. I needed bubble gum and they are the only place I know that has Double Bubble gum -- I bought 10 packages. That should last a week or so. She needed cards. And I also saved Alan a ton of money because I got five Sudoku books for $5, whereas if I had gotten five books at Kroger's (my normal source) I would have paid $25. See? I saved him $20.
Then we went to a sit-down place. Are you seeing our pattern. A walk-through, no chairs. A sit-down place, lots of chairs. So we went to lunch. She picked a really nice restaurant. And we enjoyed the sit-down time, but I could see she wanted to get to some other stores. So, our next stop was Bed, Bath, and Beyond -- no chairs there, just lots of walking. But, I love that store, and so does Tori. Then we went to Borders. I picked up a book and sat on a sofa and read, while Tori shopped. Then it was time to go to Limited TOO and/or Crabtree Evelyn. They are right next to each other at the shopping center, but no chairs, except out in the sun.
So, I drove to Limited Too, no parking places, not even the handicapped places were open. I drove around the circle and came back, still no parking, once more -- the third time -- no parking, so I told Tori to go to Limited Too and I'd be in as soon as I found a parking place. Well, on the 4th go-round, and after much prayer, I got a place right out front of Limited Too.
I checked in on her, then ran over to Crabtree Evelyn, and spent my gift certificate, really fast, but I knew what I wanted, and then went back over to Limited Too. They did have seats in there, so while she shopped, I sat and watched. It's fun watching a pre-teen shop for clothes. She's got such a cut figure and the clothes she picked were so pretty -- nice, and modest. That's training! She will be wearing a uniform to school this year, so any clothing she buys is for her enjoyment, not for wearing to school.
Then we got back in the car and stopped at UDF (United Dairy Farmers) and Tori ran in and got bread and milk for me. Then we came home, and printed out more pictures. That was Saturday. And I finally took her home when her mom called telling me it was time to get her home -- in a nice way. Actually, we were walking out the door when her mother called.
Then Sunday we went to Becky's in Indiana. What a pleasant day! Beck and I conversed (See Runnemede Remembered) while Alan and Quinn went shooting down in the woods. Alan survived that, which surprised me. He was very weak by the time we got home, but he did survive it, and he really, really enjoyed it.
Now, please don't take this the wrong way -- especially, you, Becky. Becky made us slushies. They were lemonade/strawberry slushies. And her children had been saying how wonderful they were. I was looking forward to tasting it. The lunch she served us was really good. She does make a good lasagna.
Anyway, it was about 4:30 p.m. and she made these slushies. I started to drink and I noticed these green things floating in the slush. I asked her if she had hulled the strawberries. She said, no, the greens are good for you. Well, maybe for her, but not for me. Alan, however, had no problem with them The slush did taste good, I just couldn't get past the green. :)
TTFN
Friday, July 25, 2008
July 25, 2008
A dear friend of ours died late last night. Rhoda was special in that she was always around and willing to do things for others. She will be missed. She knew she was going to heaven and was looking forward to it.
She and her husband were married when she was 16 (so was he). They had known each other since they were in grade school. They were married for 53 years (almost). He (Bob) said he doesn't know what he's going to do without her.
Other things happened today besides thinking about Rhoda and the sadness that goes along with a loss such as that.
Alan and I went shopping -- he to his, me to mine. Well, sort of.
We both went to the farmer's market, but he stayed in the car. Yesterday and the day before he could barely walk. So, it was best that he stayed in the car. I got my produce, then we went to his and her stores.
He has it in his mind that we need bars in our beautiful bathroom -- the reason I bought this house. And he needed to get the bars and hardware so he can install them. Well, he's having a friend of ours install them. Bet is doesn't happen for a long, long time, but he HAD to get them this week. They were not on sale, so that wasn't the reason he needed them. Perhaps he is realizing more and more that he needs SUPPORT, either in the form of a walker or a cane or rails in the bathroom. We'll see how soon this project is completed. When he shops he uses one of the motorized carts to get around the store in. So I dropped him off at the cart stand and picked him up there after I finished at Kroger's.
Anyway, while he was at Home Depot, I drove over to Kroger's and got supplies -- only because Megan may not be able to come next week, and didn't do any shopping this week. I went to a Kroger's with which I am not very familiar, and as a result I walked back and forth, cris-crossing my path over and over. Lots of extra steps that I shouldn't have made. I'm paying for it now.
I wish they made the grocery carts a little shorter. Being vertically challenged, I feel like a little kid pushing a big-people's shopping cart whenever I go shopping at Kroger's or Sam's or any of those stores. That aside, I got all that I had on my list except::::::: no bubble gum. Now, why doesn't Kroger carry bubble gum in its candy department? Am I the only person who likes bubble bum?
I didn't get bread or milk, both of which I am out of. I ALWAYS miss something. But, I didn't have them on my stock list, so why should I remember to get them? I can barely remember my name sometimes. Today, I kept forgetting where I put my carry-around phone. I would take it out of the bag that hangs on my walker and leave it here and there. Finally, I put it in the bag and am determined that it will stay there until forever.
TTFN
She and her husband were married when she was 16 (so was he). They had known each other since they were in grade school. They were married for 53 years (almost). He (Bob) said he doesn't know what he's going to do without her.
Other things happened today besides thinking about Rhoda and the sadness that goes along with a loss such as that.
Alan and I went shopping -- he to his, me to mine. Well, sort of.
We both went to the farmer's market, but he stayed in the car. Yesterday and the day before he could barely walk. So, it was best that he stayed in the car. I got my produce, then we went to his and her stores.
He has it in his mind that we need bars in our beautiful bathroom -- the reason I bought this house. And he needed to get the bars and hardware so he can install them. Well, he's having a friend of ours install them. Bet is doesn't happen for a long, long time, but he HAD to get them this week. They were not on sale, so that wasn't the reason he needed them. Perhaps he is realizing more and more that he needs SUPPORT, either in the form of a walker or a cane or rails in the bathroom. We'll see how soon this project is completed. When he shops he uses one of the motorized carts to get around the store in. So I dropped him off at the cart stand and picked him up there after I finished at Kroger's.
Anyway, while he was at Home Depot, I drove over to Kroger's and got supplies -- only because Megan may not be able to come next week, and didn't do any shopping this week. I went to a Kroger's with which I am not very familiar, and as a result I walked back and forth, cris-crossing my path over and over. Lots of extra steps that I shouldn't have made. I'm paying for it now.
I wish they made the grocery carts a little shorter. Being vertically challenged, I feel like a little kid pushing a big-people's shopping cart whenever I go shopping at Kroger's or Sam's or any of those stores. That aside, I got all that I had on my list except::::::: no bubble gum. Now, why doesn't Kroger carry bubble gum in its candy department? Am I the only person who likes bubble bum?
I didn't get bread or milk, both of which I am out of. I ALWAYS miss something. But, I didn't have them on my stock list, so why should I remember to get them? I can barely remember my name sometimes. Today, I kept forgetting where I put my carry-around phone. I would take it out of the bag that hangs on my walker and leave it here and there. Finally, I put it in the bag and am determined that it will stay there until forever.
TTFN
Thursday, July 24, 2008
July 24, 2008
I can't remember much of what went on today except for the normal house-wifey things. I did laundry. I cleaned the bathroom -- the one we use. I played a dumb game for about an hour. I was out on my sunporch for a very short time because while it wasn't supposed to get hot, the deck was pretty warm by 10 a.m.
I didn't go down to the pool today. Just didn't have the good feeling in my legs that I could do that.
I know I did some other house wifey things, but can't think of what they are.
I did get my printer to work, so I printed out some pictures to put in my Stamper children scrapbook that I'm working on.
I need to get the Chardonnay pictures printed out and booked as well.
So that's all for now.
TTFN
I didn't go down to the pool today. Just didn't have the good feeling in my legs that I could do that.
I know I did some other house wifey things, but can't think of what they are.
I did get my printer to work, so I printed out some pictures to put in my Stamper children scrapbook that I'm working on.
I need to get the Chardonnay pictures printed out and booked as well.
So that's all for now.
TTFN
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
July 23, 2008
I'm really enjoying IM-ing back and forth with Tori. We've decided, parents permitting, we're going to go shopping on Saturday. Now, that said, here's the problem. Read on.
Today was a great day. The weather was cool. I sat down at the pool for about an hour and still didn't get hot enough to get wet. The porch warmed up to only 72 all day! And tonight it's supposed to get really cold -- down to 57 (how do they know it will hit 57 instead of 56 or 55 or 58?)
I digress. So I knew I had to go to the bank, the drugstore, Kroger's (my shopper was a cleaner this week), and library. First stop, leave off the Rx at Walgreen's. So far, so good. Next stop, the bank. Got into the bank, no problem, but on the way out, it hit me. My knee popped out, which I popped back in, but that meant high-level pain for a while, which meant no Kroger's. You see where I'm going? So I went back to Walgreen's and picked up our meds, then I went to Taco Bell (I meant to go to Arby's but went in the wrong driveway) and ordered a taco salad and two chili boritos (for the freezer). Guess what? They neglected to put the boritos in my bag, and I was in no mood to go back and fight for those boritos, so I called them and will get either my money back or my boritos when next I am out and about. I never made it to the library.
Now I'm in the process of psyching myself up for a road trip with Toria on Saturday. Poor thing is bored out of her gourd. The only girl, no one to play with, except the baby, which, I realize gets old after a while. There's just so much play kitchen you can play without saying, this is it, kid, let's do something else. Been there, done that.
That was the problem with my babies. I loved my babies. I loved the way they looked, the way they toddled, the way the smelled (when they were clean), the way they cuddled. But playing with them was a chore. I was just not a baby-playing person. I could stuff just so many shapes into that Tupperware ball before, YIKES, time to move on. Back then, we had play pens, and fortunately my children were trained to stay in the PP and play when I had had enough mommy play time!
Do they even make play pens any more? I think someone decided they were an instrument of torture for children and they were banned.
I saw something today, and I think it was wonderful that someone was actually using it. A grandmother (who lives near us) had her 2-year-old, unruly, wanting to run away grandson with her. She had him on a leash -- a very short one, but a leash, none-the-less. It was part of a back-pack, or she had jury-rigged a backpack so that it became a leash.
I had an actual harness that had a clip on the back with a leash that I could let out or draw in. Yes, just like a dog leash, but it was made to fit 1-3 year old children. They used to sell them. But, I suppose some do-gooder decided that, too, was torturn for a youngster, and they are no longer available.
So, I've gone from shopping to child care in this epistle. Hope you got the picture of what my day has been like.
One more thing. I now have Alan hooked on Louis L'Amour. I recently purchased the 17 books in the Sackett series, and I started with the first one, which has information in it that goes along with a book Alan just finished (a history book), and so he wanted to read what the "story" I was reading had to say about this fellow he was reading about in the history book. He hasn't put the book down.
I'm on the second book in the series, and I must say, my concentration is poor and I've only read two or three pages at a time. I've been on this book for four days now. Not my usual style. I usually read one book a day. So, I have to finish in a hurry because Alan will be wanting the second book in the series.
Next summer -- Please God let it happen -- we want to go to Mesa Verde in Colorado where a lot of the "Sackett saga" took place. Last time we went west of the Mississippi was not a good trip. Come to think of it, not many of our west-of-the-Mississippi trips have been good. Arkansas is west of the Mississippi.
Well, TTFN, folks. I'd appreciate prayer for my shopping expedition with Toria on Saturday!
Today was a great day. The weather was cool. I sat down at the pool for about an hour and still didn't get hot enough to get wet. The porch warmed up to only 72 all day! And tonight it's supposed to get really cold -- down to 57 (how do they know it will hit 57 instead of 56 or 55 or 58?)
I digress. So I knew I had to go to the bank, the drugstore, Kroger's (my shopper was a cleaner this week), and library. First stop, leave off the Rx at Walgreen's. So far, so good. Next stop, the bank. Got into the bank, no problem, but on the way out, it hit me. My knee popped out, which I popped back in, but that meant high-level pain for a while, which meant no Kroger's. You see where I'm going? So I went back to Walgreen's and picked up our meds, then I went to Taco Bell (I meant to go to Arby's but went in the wrong driveway) and ordered a taco salad and two chili boritos (for the freezer). Guess what? They neglected to put the boritos in my bag, and I was in no mood to go back and fight for those boritos, so I called them and will get either my money back or my boritos when next I am out and about. I never made it to the library.
Now I'm in the process of psyching myself up for a road trip with Toria on Saturday. Poor thing is bored out of her gourd. The only girl, no one to play with, except the baby, which, I realize gets old after a while. There's just so much play kitchen you can play without saying, this is it, kid, let's do something else. Been there, done that.
That was the problem with my babies. I loved my babies. I loved the way they looked, the way they toddled, the way the smelled (when they were clean), the way they cuddled. But playing with them was a chore. I was just not a baby-playing person. I could stuff just so many shapes into that Tupperware ball before, YIKES, time to move on. Back then, we had play pens, and fortunately my children were trained to stay in the PP and play when I had had enough mommy play time!
Do they even make play pens any more? I think someone decided they were an instrument of torture for children and they were banned.
I saw something today, and I think it was wonderful that someone was actually using it. A grandmother (who lives near us) had her 2-year-old, unruly, wanting to run away grandson with her. She had him on a leash -- a very short one, but a leash, none-the-less. It was part of a back-pack, or she had jury-rigged a backpack so that it became a leash.
I had an actual harness that had a clip on the back with a leash that I could let out or draw in. Yes, just like a dog leash, but it was made to fit 1-3 year old children. They used to sell them. But, I suppose some do-gooder decided that, too, was torturn for a youngster, and they are no longer available.
So, I've gone from shopping to child care in this epistle. Hope you got the picture of what my day has been like.
One more thing. I now have Alan hooked on Louis L'Amour. I recently purchased the 17 books in the Sackett series, and I started with the first one, which has information in it that goes along with a book Alan just finished (a history book), and so he wanted to read what the "story" I was reading had to say about this fellow he was reading about in the history book. He hasn't put the book down.
I'm on the second book in the series, and I must say, my concentration is poor and I've only read two or three pages at a time. I've been on this book for four days now. Not my usual style. I usually read one book a day. So, I have to finish in a hurry because Alan will be wanting the second book in the series.
Next summer -- Please God let it happen -- we want to go to Mesa Verde in Colorado where a lot of the "Sackett saga" took place. Last time we went west of the Mississippi was not a good trip. Come to think of it, not many of our west-of-the-Mississippi trips have been good. Arkansas is west of the Mississippi.
Well, TTFN, folks. I'd appreciate prayer for my shopping expedition with Toria on Saturday!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
July 22, 2008
Today is Tuesday, you know what that means? We're going to have a special guest!
Those were the lines sung by Mooseketeer, Jimmie, as the show (Mickey Mouse Club) opened on Tuesday.
Does that mean that this BLOG is going to have a guest journalist today? No. I was just thinking about the ditty and wrote it down. So, now to the facts of the day.
It started early and will end late. Lots in between. Nothing earth shaking, though.
We had some pretty bad thunder storms over night last night and were promised that the cold front would ride through on those storms. Well, guess what? It (the cold front) didn't ride through, so tonight we're looking for more storms. However, I'm not seeing anything on radar like I did last night, so maybe the front won't go through again tonight and tomorrow will be hot again.
I have to admit, even though the porch was shut up until around 9:30, it wasn't too hot, and it cooled off real fast because there was a wonderful breeze this morning.
So, I sat out there and prayer and read a little. Then I came in and finished cleaning up in the kitchen -- the stuff that Megan didn't finish yesterday -- like putting away some things that need to go into my travel kitchen pack that somehow got into the pantry.
And, today as I looked into the pantry and started retrieving things, I realize how much more room I have that I didn't realize I have, and started loading more pots onto the pot shelf. She had space them all out real nice, so I squeezed the small pots in between. I love the way she set it up. It seems to be very well organized, and I noticed that she put some things on the top shelf which I never thought should go up there, but now that I think about it, my vertical handicap will be served best by having those items on the top shelf, where I can't reach them too well. They are things that I use rarely (like baking supplies) and the top shelf is the best place for them.
I don't bake, at least I try not to. I do bake pies, but the items I need for pies aren't on the top shelf. In fact, I'm thinking of buying a bunch of peaches and making a peach pie or two. I love peach pie. But I'm trying to keep the weight off, so I have a problem. Do I make a peach pie (of which I will eat one-half) or use the excuse "I don't bake" and not bake the pie. I'll have to think about it.
TTFN
Those were the lines sung by Mooseketeer, Jimmie, as the show (Mickey Mouse Club) opened on Tuesday.
Does that mean that this BLOG is going to have a guest journalist today? No. I was just thinking about the ditty and wrote it down. So, now to the facts of the day.
It started early and will end late. Lots in between. Nothing earth shaking, though.
We had some pretty bad thunder storms over night last night and were promised that the cold front would ride through on those storms. Well, guess what? It (the cold front) didn't ride through, so tonight we're looking for more storms. However, I'm not seeing anything on radar like I did last night, so maybe the front won't go through again tonight and tomorrow will be hot again.
I have to admit, even though the porch was shut up until around 9:30, it wasn't too hot, and it cooled off real fast because there was a wonderful breeze this morning.
So, I sat out there and prayer and read a little. Then I came in and finished cleaning up in the kitchen -- the stuff that Megan didn't finish yesterday -- like putting away some things that need to go into my travel kitchen pack that somehow got into the pantry.
And, today as I looked into the pantry and started retrieving things, I realize how much more room I have that I didn't realize I have, and started loading more pots onto the pot shelf. She had space them all out real nice, so I squeezed the small pots in between. I love the way she set it up. It seems to be very well organized, and I noticed that she put some things on the top shelf which I never thought should go up there, but now that I think about it, my vertical handicap will be served best by having those items on the top shelf, where I can't reach them too well. They are things that I use rarely (like baking supplies) and the top shelf is the best place for them.
I don't bake, at least I try not to. I do bake pies, but the items I need for pies aren't on the top shelf. In fact, I'm thinking of buying a bunch of peaches and making a peach pie or two. I love peach pie. But I'm trying to keep the weight off, so I have a problem. Do I make a peach pie (of which I will eat one-half) or use the excuse "I don't bake" and not bake the pie. I'll have to think about it.
TTFN
Monday, July 21, 2008
July 21, 2008
If you haven't read Runnemede Remembered (http://www.runnemederemembered.blogspot.com/) then you don't know what went on this weekend.
But this is today and a busy one it has been.
Praise the Lord I'm feeling pretty good. I'm in minimal pain. But this is the continuing saga of a fat lady, who is too short, and just doesn't get around very well any more.
Today was the day!!!!!! Megan came and we cleaned out the pantry. We threw away everything that was outdated -- four garbage bags of stuff! We reorganized the pantry so that I could put some of my cookware in there and not have to bend down and reach into the nether lands of a large, badly built (organizational wise) cabinet. I removed the pots and pans from under the counter next to the stove and we still had plenty to room to get everything back into the pantry even with one entire shelve being taken up with cookware and bake ware. Yes, I now can see my spring pan and that might move me to make something in it. Out of sight, out of mind, you know.
By putting my pots in the pantry, I was able to get all of Alan's jugs (he uses them for water and has about one dozen of them that he cannot part with) into a large bin along with the lids that seem to walk away. So now the only thing in that unwieldy cabinet is the silver punch bowl, and two large plastic bowls I use for picnics, and the deviled egg pans. That's it. It's almost empty,but that's okay, because it's just unusable space and I've been trying to use it for several years but it just hasn't worked.
So my short, fat body can now reach everything without having to do contortions. And the cabinets are all cleaned out! Spring cleaning, completed three months late, but completed!
Megan will be going back to school in a very few weeks -- I'm going to miss her very much.
TTFN
But this is today and a busy one it has been.
Praise the Lord I'm feeling pretty good. I'm in minimal pain. But this is the continuing saga of a fat lady, who is too short, and just doesn't get around very well any more.
Today was the day!!!!!! Megan came and we cleaned out the pantry. We threw away everything that was outdated -- four garbage bags of stuff! We reorganized the pantry so that I could put some of my cookware in there and not have to bend down and reach into the nether lands of a large, badly built (organizational wise) cabinet. I removed the pots and pans from under the counter next to the stove and we still had plenty to room to get everything back into the pantry even with one entire shelve being taken up with cookware and bake ware. Yes, I now can see my spring pan and that might move me to make something in it. Out of sight, out of mind, you know.
By putting my pots in the pantry, I was able to get all of Alan's jugs (he uses them for water and has about one dozen of them that he cannot part with) into a large bin along with the lids that seem to walk away. So now the only thing in that unwieldy cabinet is the silver punch bowl, and two large plastic bowls I use for picnics, and the deviled egg pans. That's it. It's almost empty,but that's okay, because it's just unusable space and I've been trying to use it for several years but it just hasn't worked.
So my short, fat body can now reach everything without having to do contortions. And the cabinets are all cleaned out! Spring cleaning, completed three months late, but completed!
Megan will be going back to school in a very few weeks -- I'm going to miss her very much.
TTFN
Friday, July 18, 2008
July 18, 2008
Another day, another dollar. Not! Another dollar spent is more like it.
Remember when I washed one of the portable phones in the wash because I forgot it was in my pocket and threw the slack with phone in the washing machine? Well today I went looking for a replacement.
I bought a three-phone set. Thinking back to the days when we had only one phone, and now we will have one in almost every room. The big one is a regular phone and that will go on Alan's desk. It has a big read out so he can tell when those bill collectors are calling and decide note to answer the phone. Then there are two portable phones. One will go back in the bedroom replacing the one that got washed, and the other will go in the TV room. I usually have the one that is supposed to be in my office in my walker bag, so if I'm in the TV room it's there or if I'm on the porch it's with me. But now, there will be a phone in the TV room near Alan's chair so he can answer the phone when it rings while he's watching Gunsmoke or some other dumb TV show.
None of my shows are dumb, you see. I enjoy things like HGTV, the Food Network Channel, TLC, and sometimes the Travel Channel.
I do enjoy a good cowboy movie if there is one on, but mostly they (cowboy movies) are on on Saturday, and I don't watch much TV on Saturday, or any other day, now that I think about it.
I am sort of addicted to So You Think You Can Dance, but I guess I could miss it if I had to.
So, I went to Staples and got the phones and three more portable plug-in drives, and ink for my printer. When Toria and I were printing out pictures the other night, they turned green, letting me know that it was time to replace the ink cartridges. I bought up all Staples had for the Epson Color 880, but they only had two of each (color and B&W), so I'm going to have to go back to my on-line supplier. The printer is 8 years old, which is very old in the technology arena, but it works well, so I don't want to invest in a new one just yet.
Then I went to the farmer's market and bought a huge cantaloupe, which Alan and I are going to enjoy in about 10 minutes, or as soon as I finish with this BLOG.
I came home absolutely, positively exhausted, and then in awful pain again. So, I didn't go scrapbooking with the neighbors as I had intended. Bummer.
Well, I'm off to carve that cantaloupe. TTFN
Remember when I washed one of the portable phones in the wash because I forgot it was in my pocket and threw the slack with phone in the washing machine? Well today I went looking for a replacement.
I bought a three-phone set. Thinking back to the days when we had only one phone, and now we will have one in almost every room. The big one is a regular phone and that will go on Alan's desk. It has a big read out so he can tell when those bill collectors are calling and decide note to answer the phone. Then there are two portable phones. One will go back in the bedroom replacing the one that got washed, and the other will go in the TV room. I usually have the one that is supposed to be in my office in my walker bag, so if I'm in the TV room it's there or if I'm on the porch it's with me. But now, there will be a phone in the TV room near Alan's chair so he can answer the phone when it rings while he's watching Gunsmoke or some other dumb TV show.
None of my shows are dumb, you see. I enjoy things like HGTV, the Food Network Channel, TLC, and sometimes the Travel Channel.
I do enjoy a good cowboy movie if there is one on, but mostly they (cowboy movies) are on on Saturday, and I don't watch much TV on Saturday, or any other day, now that I think about it.
I am sort of addicted to So You Think You Can Dance, but I guess I could miss it if I had to.
So, I went to Staples and got the phones and three more portable plug-in drives, and ink for my printer. When Toria and I were printing out pictures the other night, they turned green, letting me know that it was time to replace the ink cartridges. I bought up all Staples had for the Epson Color 880, but they only had two of each (color and B&W), so I'm going to have to go back to my on-line supplier. The printer is 8 years old, which is very old in the technology arena, but it works well, so I don't want to invest in a new one just yet.
Then I went to the farmer's market and bought a huge cantaloupe, which Alan and I are going to enjoy in about 10 minutes, or as soon as I finish with this BLOG.
I came home absolutely, positively exhausted, and then in awful pain again. So, I didn't go scrapbooking with the neighbors as I had intended. Bummer.
Well, I'm off to carve that cantaloupe. TTFN
Thursday, July 17, 2008
July 17, 2008
I love the days my personal shopper/cleaner comes. I especially love the job she does. Magin is her name. She is in nursing school, working p/t at a local hospital and doing odd-jobs on the side to help pay for her next and last year at college. Then she'll be a full-fledged nurse (RN/BS).
So, Magin comes, for the most part, once a week, and I have been only getting two hours of her time because her hospital job was taking so much time.
Today was her day to come and I had a shopping list all prepared, along with my credit card and my Kroger card. She buzzed in and buzzed out with the list. As she was leaving, I told her, I just know that when you get back I'll remember something I forgot to put on that list.
I spent half the day thinking about all the things I thought we might need for the next week or so. I had it in my mind the things we were out of, but after looking in drawer and cabinets, etc., I came up with a list that was, as I had guessed, lacking in some areas.
She's such a sweetheart. She called me as she was getting ready to checkout and I was ready. I had a list that was almost as long as the original list, and she just went back and got those items for me.
This has been such a blessing to me and Alan. While I do pay her to do the shopping, it is well worth it. Neither Alan nor I am able to walk long distances, and every time I go to Kroger's or some other large grocery store, I come home and am shot for the day. My knees are just crushed. And it takes a good 24 hours before I'm hobbling enough to do any good to anybody.
It's amazing to me how the body deteriorates after 60. I do believe, though, that my knee problems are due to (1) my weight, and (2) the fact that I spent four years on parallel bars, pommel horses, and tumbling. Not good for the knees, I'll tell you. Those jolts are something else.
Anyway, I'm happy with the grocery shopping that got completed today. Most of it is put away. And then she was able to "spring" clean my big bathroom, which included scrubbing with a scrub brush the shower floor. I've been pretty good about wiping it and washing it, but those rubber nibs hold the dirt, and I just can't get down to scrub any more. (another result of the bad knees).
She's coming Monday and we're going to reorganize the pantry (as well as clean it out). It was cleaned out well last year when my daughter came for a day and did that for me. But this time, we're going to make room for my pots. I want them in the pantry instead under the counters. Ideally, I would have a pot rack, but Alan doesn't think that would work well, and he's probably correct. With me being vertically challenged, the rack would have to be pretty low and people would be wonking their heads on it.
One more thing, Magin is tall -- 5'11" and she can clean the light bulbs in my bathroom -- the lights over the sink -- without getting on a step stool. I can't even reach them on the top step of the step stool, which at this point scares me to death. So, they go their once-a-year cleaning as well.
Thank you Lord for Magin. Bless her and keep her in your hands. Thank you for the love she has for you that shines from her. Amen.
TTFN
So, Magin comes, for the most part, once a week, and I have been only getting two hours of her time because her hospital job was taking so much time.
Today was her day to come and I had a shopping list all prepared, along with my credit card and my Kroger card. She buzzed in and buzzed out with the list. As she was leaving, I told her, I just know that when you get back I'll remember something I forgot to put on that list.
I spent half the day thinking about all the things I thought we might need for the next week or so. I had it in my mind the things we were out of, but after looking in drawer and cabinets, etc., I came up with a list that was, as I had guessed, lacking in some areas.
She's such a sweetheart. She called me as she was getting ready to checkout and I was ready. I had a list that was almost as long as the original list, and she just went back and got those items for me.
This has been such a blessing to me and Alan. While I do pay her to do the shopping, it is well worth it. Neither Alan nor I am able to walk long distances, and every time I go to Kroger's or some other large grocery store, I come home and am shot for the day. My knees are just crushed. And it takes a good 24 hours before I'm hobbling enough to do any good to anybody.
It's amazing to me how the body deteriorates after 60. I do believe, though, that my knee problems are due to (1) my weight, and (2) the fact that I spent four years on parallel bars, pommel horses, and tumbling. Not good for the knees, I'll tell you. Those jolts are something else.
Anyway, I'm happy with the grocery shopping that got completed today. Most of it is put away. And then she was able to "spring" clean my big bathroom, which included scrubbing with a scrub brush the shower floor. I've been pretty good about wiping it and washing it, but those rubber nibs hold the dirt, and I just can't get down to scrub any more. (another result of the bad knees).
She's coming Monday and we're going to reorganize the pantry (as well as clean it out). It was cleaned out well last year when my daughter came for a day and did that for me. But this time, we're going to make room for my pots. I want them in the pantry instead under the counters. Ideally, I would have a pot rack, but Alan doesn't think that would work well, and he's probably correct. With me being vertically challenged, the rack would have to be pretty low and people would be wonking their heads on it.
One more thing, Magin is tall -- 5'11" and she can clean the light bulbs in my bathroom -- the lights over the sink -- without getting on a step stool. I can't even reach them on the top step of the step stool, which at this point scares me to death. So, they go their once-a-year cleaning as well.
Thank you Lord for Magin. Bless her and keep her in your hands. Thank you for the love she has for you that shines from her. Amen.
TTFN
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
It's almost July 17.
I'm late doing this today. I've been doing lots of other things. None that require a lot of movement, though.
I cleaned the kitchen, sort of. Well, at least I put away the groceries from last week. My personal shopper is coming tomorrow, and they needed to be put away. I'm going to have to get me a personal grocery put away-er to go with the personal shopper. Alan thinks I should hire a cook. Not because I can't cook. It's because I CAN'T cook. It is very painful for me to stand in the kitchen and cook. I love to cook. I'm good at it. But it hurts.
Don't worry friend of mine who wants a personal chef, it's not going to happen. I want to control what I eat and not leave that control up to someone else. I like to eat out occasionally, not every day, and that's what I would feel like I was doing if I had a personal chef.
I'm not even interested in Meals on Wheels. Do I qualify for that? How old does one have to be to qualify for Meal on Wheels. Do they come to you and offer their services? Or, do you have to call them.
I learned yesterday that being in Medicare is NOT automatic, even though they take $90 per month out of my meager Social Security check for the service, and even though they sent me a card that was validated. I neglected to answer the 3000 forms they sent me from 2000 different vendors so I haven't been accepted yet as a medicare person. Well, at least until yesterday. I think I got it straightened out. And because I wasn't' using their services, I think they should refund my $450 for the five months I wasn't on the rolls.
TTFN
I cleaned the kitchen, sort of. Well, at least I put away the groceries from last week. My personal shopper is coming tomorrow, and they needed to be put away. I'm going to have to get me a personal grocery put away-er to go with the personal shopper. Alan thinks I should hire a cook. Not because I can't cook. It's because I CAN'T cook. It is very painful for me to stand in the kitchen and cook. I love to cook. I'm good at it. But it hurts.
Don't worry friend of mine who wants a personal chef, it's not going to happen. I want to control what I eat and not leave that control up to someone else. I like to eat out occasionally, not every day, and that's what I would feel like I was doing if I had a personal chef.
I'm not even interested in Meals on Wheels. Do I qualify for that? How old does one have to be to qualify for Meal on Wheels. Do they come to you and offer their services? Or, do you have to call them.
I learned yesterday that being in Medicare is NOT automatic, even though they take $90 per month out of my meager Social Security check for the service, and even though they sent me a card that was validated. I neglected to answer the 3000 forms they sent me from 2000 different vendors so I haven't been accepted yet as a medicare person. Well, at least until yesterday. I think I got it straightened out. And because I wasn't' using their services, I think they should refund my $450 for the five months I wasn't on the rolls.
TTFN
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Well, I am definitely in the middle of another "flare up." Nothing to do but wait for it to subside.
I find myself falling asleep at odd times. Like today -- I was out on the sun porch, reading, and I woke up, still holding the book, but dreaming about something that wasn't even book related. I know this happens if I sit down to watch TV. I never used to be able to sleep sitting up, but it seems that's a new thing for me. I can't do it on cue, like Alan can, but the ability to sleep without realizing I'm sleeping is something new for me.
I like to plan things, and unplanned sleeping is NOT a good thing.
So, with that in mind, and all the other things my body is and isn't doing, I decided to cancel my trip to NC. Alan said he would go with me, but really, what would he do for four or five days while I enjoy my sister? He's be bored out of his gourd. (That's an old saying from the 60s.)
Yeah, and I'm going bald. Every time I pull on my bangs (a habit I have), out comes more hair. And my brush is getting full awfully fast. Really, if I tug on any part of my hair it releases itself from the root and comes out in my hand. And I keep getting hair in my mouth. Yuck!
Alan invited me to go out for dinner and we're still bandying it about. I want to go out, but I hurt so bad, I don't want to go out. Also I don't want to cook, but I could because I got pork chops out of the freezer. Easy supper with boiled potatoes and asparagus. No salad. I'm out of salad fixings and I didn't feel like going to the farmer's market to stock up. So we might go out yet.
That's where I am right now. But I'm also rejoicing that I have such a great husband and a wonderful house that he (with God's help) has provided me. I love my home, and I love my porch. It's a great thing for me to have at this stage of my life -- the ability to sit on a porch, watch the birds, listen to the birds, and enjoy the breeze. God is good.
Addendum: Alan took me out to dinner -- Ruby Tuesday's. They have the most fabulous strawberry dessert. Alan likes the Chocolate Tower. As we were leaving the restaurant I told him he did good and to give himself a pat on the back. He said, "I can't reach it any more." 'Nuf said!
TTFN
I find myself falling asleep at odd times. Like today -- I was out on the sun porch, reading, and I woke up, still holding the book, but dreaming about something that wasn't even book related. I know this happens if I sit down to watch TV. I never used to be able to sleep sitting up, but it seems that's a new thing for me. I can't do it on cue, like Alan can, but the ability to sleep without realizing I'm sleeping is something new for me.
I like to plan things, and unplanned sleeping is NOT a good thing.
So, with that in mind, and all the other things my body is and isn't doing, I decided to cancel my trip to NC. Alan said he would go with me, but really, what would he do for four or five days while I enjoy my sister? He's be bored out of his gourd. (That's an old saying from the 60s.)
Yeah, and I'm going bald. Every time I pull on my bangs (a habit I have), out comes more hair. And my brush is getting full awfully fast. Really, if I tug on any part of my hair it releases itself from the root and comes out in my hand. And I keep getting hair in my mouth. Yuck!
Alan invited me to go out for dinner and we're still bandying it about. I want to go out, but I hurt so bad, I don't want to go out. Also I don't want to cook, but I could because I got pork chops out of the freezer. Easy supper with boiled potatoes and asparagus. No salad. I'm out of salad fixings and I didn't feel like going to the farmer's market to stock up. So we might go out yet.
That's where I am right now. But I'm also rejoicing that I have such a great husband and a wonderful house that he (with God's help) has provided me. I love my home, and I love my porch. It's a great thing for me to have at this stage of my life -- the ability to sit on a porch, watch the birds, listen to the birds, and enjoy the breeze. God is good.
Addendum: Alan took me out to dinner -- Ruby Tuesday's. They have the most fabulous strawberry dessert. Alan likes the Chocolate Tower. As we were leaving the restaurant I told him he did good and to give himself a pat on the back. He said, "I can't reach it any more." 'Nuf said!
TTFN
Monday, July 14, 2008
Monday July 14, 2008
Today was NOT a good day. Lots of pain. I'm in the middle of another "flare up" I suppose. Lots more added to the already "wait for it" symptoms of pain in the joins and muscles. Add to that dizziness and double vision. Not good.
However, I was able to get several BLOG epistles added to Runnemede Remembered, so that was good. I kept up with my e-mails. That was even better. Now, I must tell my sister and my cousin that I am most likely NOT coming to visit. Not good.
I've been so looking forward to going to NC to see my sister. Last I saw her was when we were in TN a couple of months ago, but we really had very little time to just sit and talk and be sisters. Oh, well. God knows what he's doing.
I shall miss seeing my cousin Betty, also. We were planning a quite trip over to see Cousin David and listen to his Sunday preaching in Crossville, but that's not going to happen either.
I just don't feel at this point I can commit to the trip knowing that I might -- after I come out of this "flare up" go into another one and then I'd be not at home and Alan would be without help for longer than he's going to be without my help if I go at this time.
I've notice he's walking so much worse than he was a few weeks ago. He goes to see Dr. Cody tomorrow, so maybe Dr. C will find out why he's shuffling so badly. I mean he really is having a bad time getting around.
Well, my double vision is getting to me, and I'm not good at keeping one eye closed at a time. So, I'm off to bed (again). I have to say, though, even laying is bed is a royal pain. No comfortable place to lay when I'm in this condition.
TTFN
However, I was able to get several BLOG epistles added to Runnemede Remembered, so that was good. I kept up with my e-mails. That was even better. Now, I must tell my sister and my cousin that I am most likely NOT coming to visit. Not good.
I've been so looking forward to going to NC to see my sister. Last I saw her was when we were in TN a couple of months ago, but we really had very little time to just sit and talk and be sisters. Oh, well. God knows what he's doing.
I shall miss seeing my cousin Betty, also. We were planning a quite trip over to see Cousin David and listen to his Sunday preaching in Crossville, but that's not going to happen either.
I just don't feel at this point I can commit to the trip knowing that I might -- after I come out of this "flare up" go into another one and then I'd be not at home and Alan would be without help for longer than he's going to be without my help if I go at this time.
I've notice he's walking so much worse than he was a few weeks ago. He goes to see Dr. Cody tomorrow, so maybe Dr. C will find out why he's shuffling so badly. I mean he really is having a bad time getting around.
Well, my double vision is getting to me, and I'm not good at keeping one eye closed at a time. So, I'm off to bed (again). I have to say, though, even laying is bed is a royal pain. No comfortable place to lay when I'm in this condition.
TTFN
Friday, July 11, 2008
Remission
I've been remiss (hence the "remission" title) the past few days in journaling -- remember this is supposed to be my journal -- typewritten -- or keyboarded -- in lieu of handwritten.
I'm in the middle of another fibro flare-up and can't seem to get away from the pain in my hands, arms, legs, hips, well, all over my body. I have moments when I can breathe a breath of relief, but those moments are short-lived.
Now, I'm debating with myself whether I should and can make the trip to my sister's next week. Prayer is the only option at this point.
I have boxed up all my old science curricula for my niece -- which I want to take with me, number one, and number two, they will be used, and number three, they won't be cluttering up my sister's room (that's what my spare room is called).
I also want to get my Stamper children album worked on and added to. Right now I've got all of Shandon's (little) pictures in order and read to be cropped to be put into the album. I have the Christmas pictures sorted out as well. And, of course, I have doubles of all the things I put in Ellie's album that I gave to Cyndi back in May. So I do have a headstart on that. I just need to get enough time to sit and work on it. Therein is the problem.
Sitting is problematic and hurtful, so I avoid it. Lying flat on my back is a better position.
Praise God I'm sleeping at night and not being bothered with insomnia.
So, I'm going to head back to the bed now, and read, I guess. Or think. Or sleep. Who knows?
TTFN
And, no, I'm not depressed!!!!!!
I'm in the middle of another fibro flare-up and can't seem to get away from the pain in my hands, arms, legs, hips, well, all over my body. I have moments when I can breathe a breath of relief, but those moments are short-lived.
Now, I'm debating with myself whether I should and can make the trip to my sister's next week. Prayer is the only option at this point.
I have boxed up all my old science curricula for my niece -- which I want to take with me, number one, and number two, they will be used, and number three, they won't be cluttering up my sister's room (that's what my spare room is called).
I also want to get my Stamper children album worked on and added to. Right now I've got all of Shandon's (little) pictures in order and read to be cropped to be put into the album. I have the Christmas pictures sorted out as well. And, of course, I have doubles of all the things I put in Ellie's album that I gave to Cyndi back in May. So I do have a headstart on that. I just need to get enough time to sit and work on it. Therein is the problem.
Sitting is problematic and hurtful, so I avoid it. Lying flat on my back is a better position.
Praise God I'm sleeping at night and not being bothered with insomnia.
So, I'm going to head back to the bed now, and read, I guess. Or think. Or sleep. Who knows?
TTFN
And, no, I'm not depressed!!!!!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
First day at pool
Yesterday was my first day to actually get INTO the pool. The water was quite warm actually, and I enjoyed it for a while. Then my knee popped out and I needed to get out of the pool.
I had Rosie with me and she had a ball in the pool. At first there were no children for her to play with, but by 10 a.m. there were seven other kids, so she was in her element.
Unfortunately for her we had to leave the pool early rather than late because I had to get to the doctor. I wanted to clarify what her nurse had told me the week before about my failing kidneys.
She (the doctor) was quite helpful, but I'm not permitted to take any anti-inflammatory meds for at least three months. My BP is very low, this morning is was 91/52. That can't be good. I'm to monitor that for two weeks and if it doesn't go back up (I'm being treated for high BP), then she's going to have to redo my BP meds. So, I'm hobbling with no ability to take anything for the knee pain, but life goes on.
I went to Macy's yesterday and got a corn-cooking pot -- I had given mine away when we moved here seven years ago, and have been breaking the corn into small pieces and cooking four small pieces at a time. Not good. So, I got a new large pot for cooking corn, and spaghetti for more than two, etc.
And, then I found something that I couldn't believe. I found a beautiful SILK -- yes, 100 percent pure silk -- blouse. Now, you folks need to know that fat lady clothes mostly come in polyester. Once in a while I can find something in cotton, but silk? Wow! It was reduced from $73 dollars to $13. Now who could resist that? And on top of that there was another 10 percent off. Wow! It's a summer blouse and will go with my white slacks, and that's about it. I have a khaki skirt that it might go well with, also.
So, now it's Wednesday, and my helper comes this afternoon. No shopping this week, though. I need her to clean for me.
It's a rainy, dreary day, so far, and I hope she'll be able to see the areas that need cleaning well enough.
I need to get going with Alan's lunch, and since we're having chicken salad for dinner, I need to get the chicken cooking as well, so that it will be cold enough to cut for the tomatoes.
TTFN
Addendum: Magen did shop for me today, yeah! I was out of laundry detergent, all macaroni products, and several other items. And I needed some cranberry juice. I forgot the orange juice, bummer, but I'll pick up some on Friday. She also cleaned thoroughly the entry hall and elevator floor. And she got some school products off a shelf that I could read on a step stool, but she could reach without. They're (the school products) are going with me to North Carolina for my neice to enjoy.
I heard from my butcher today. Notice how I have claimed ownership on a man who has been in business for 30 years. My lamb is in. Yippee! Alan and I will glutton out on those tasty lamb racks, and that leg. I'm picking them up on Friday. If I can 't walk, Alan will get them.
And the walking is getting more and more painful. I only had my feet up for 3 hours so far today. I'm supposed to raise my legs for 6 hours. Well, I'll start that practice tomorrow. It's always tomorrow for me. If I miss something, I'll do it tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes, either.
I had Rosie with me and she had a ball in the pool. At first there were no children for her to play with, but by 10 a.m. there were seven other kids, so she was in her element.
Unfortunately for her we had to leave the pool early rather than late because I had to get to the doctor. I wanted to clarify what her nurse had told me the week before about my failing kidneys.
She (the doctor) was quite helpful, but I'm not permitted to take any anti-inflammatory meds for at least three months. My BP is very low, this morning is was 91/52. That can't be good. I'm to monitor that for two weeks and if it doesn't go back up (I'm being treated for high BP), then she's going to have to redo my BP meds. So, I'm hobbling with no ability to take anything for the knee pain, but life goes on.
I went to Macy's yesterday and got a corn-cooking pot -- I had given mine away when we moved here seven years ago, and have been breaking the corn into small pieces and cooking four small pieces at a time. Not good. So, I got a new large pot for cooking corn, and spaghetti for more than two, etc.
And, then I found something that I couldn't believe. I found a beautiful SILK -- yes, 100 percent pure silk -- blouse. Now, you folks need to know that fat lady clothes mostly come in polyester. Once in a while I can find something in cotton, but silk? Wow! It was reduced from $73 dollars to $13. Now who could resist that? And on top of that there was another 10 percent off. Wow! It's a summer blouse and will go with my white slacks, and that's about it. I have a khaki skirt that it might go well with, also.
So, now it's Wednesday, and my helper comes this afternoon. No shopping this week, though. I need her to clean for me.
It's a rainy, dreary day, so far, and I hope she'll be able to see the areas that need cleaning well enough.
I need to get going with Alan's lunch, and since we're having chicken salad for dinner, I need to get the chicken cooking as well, so that it will be cold enough to cut for the tomatoes.
TTFN
Addendum: Magen did shop for me today, yeah! I was out of laundry detergent, all macaroni products, and several other items. And I needed some cranberry juice. I forgot the orange juice, bummer, but I'll pick up some on Friday. She also cleaned thoroughly the entry hall and elevator floor. And she got some school products off a shelf that I could read on a step stool, but she could reach without. They're (the school products) are going with me to North Carolina for my neice to enjoy.
I heard from my butcher today. Notice how I have claimed ownership on a man who has been in business for 30 years. My lamb is in. Yippee! Alan and I will glutton out on those tasty lamb racks, and that leg. I'm picking them up on Friday. If I can 't walk, Alan will get them.
And the walking is getting more and more painful. I only had my feet up for 3 hours so far today. I'm supposed to raise my legs for 6 hours. Well, I'll start that practice tomorrow. It's always tomorrow for me. If I miss something, I'll do it tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes, either.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Babble
I was looking through "BLOGS of note" today and the one listed for today is about the economy. I guess I just don't get it. Oh, but I do, and this guy, along with Governor Patrick of Massachusetts, don't.
Here's the quote that has me so riled up:
Gov. Deval Patrick writes about the state's new energy law in today's Globe:
Our vision capitalizes on the Commonwealth's natural advantages in technology and entrepreneurship to combat rising energy costs and satisfy the need for new, clean, affordable ways to meet energy needs - creating a whole new industry along the way.
Can anyone interpret that for me. Even by dissecting the sentences, I have a difficult time understanding the babble. It's a convoluted way of saying nothing.
Vision -- what we dream about, wish for, want, see in the future
capitalizes -- profits or takes advantage of something
natural -- usual, normal ordinary
advantages -- compensation, reward, benefits
technology and entrepreneurship -- obvious what that means -- includes new businesses? those willing to take a chance?
combat -- battle
rising energy costs -- like the cost of gasoline and heating oil going through the roof?
satisfy -- please, assure, convince
need -- something one must have
new, clean, affordable -- read that -- don't drill for oil in our country or use nuclear energy, but go on with the FAILED search for uses for solar energy, corn fuel which if it weren't subsidized by the government would cost the uses twice as much as gasoline costs, etc.
meet energy needs -- without bankrupting the country
creating a whole new industry along the way -- no drilling for oil, no windmills, no nuclear power plants, etc. Just what we need, a whole new industry. The oil industry COULD be doing quite well if it were permitted by the US Government to drill off-shore, in ANWR, and even in states that already have a hefty oil production.
And, I don't buy the lie that we can't have a new oil supply if we start drilling today for another 20 years. For the past 20 years, we've tried all the non-fossil fuel things and they aren't doing the job. And, if we needed to, we could get those oil rigs producing oil within 2 years, I'd bet, or less, like we did in World War II. We had nothing -- no ship works, minimal rubber plants, minimal steel plants, minimal fossil fuel production -- and within ONE year we were up and running and battling for our lives with the greatest war machine ever. So don't tell me it can't be done. We have a crisis in this country, and depending on other countries for something we can produced and gather ourselves is utter nonsense.
Enough of my blathering for today. I just had to vent!
Here's the quote that has me so riled up:
Gov. Deval Patrick writes about the state's new energy law in today's Globe:
Our vision capitalizes on the Commonwealth's natural advantages in technology and entrepreneurship to combat rising energy costs and satisfy the need for new, clean, affordable ways to meet energy needs - creating a whole new industry along the way.
Can anyone interpret that for me. Even by dissecting the sentences, I have a difficult time understanding the babble. It's a convoluted way of saying nothing.
Vision -- what we dream about, wish for, want, see in the future
capitalizes -- profits or takes advantage of something
natural -- usual, normal ordinary
advantages -- compensation, reward, benefits
technology and entrepreneurship -- obvious what that means -- includes new businesses? those willing to take a chance?
combat -- battle
rising energy costs -- like the cost of gasoline and heating oil going through the roof?
satisfy -- please, assure, convince
need -- something one must have
new, clean, affordable -- read that -- don't drill for oil in our country or use nuclear energy, but go on with the FAILED search for uses for solar energy, corn fuel which if it weren't subsidized by the government would cost the uses twice as much as gasoline costs, etc.
meet energy needs -- without bankrupting the country
creating a whole new industry along the way -- no drilling for oil, no windmills, no nuclear power plants, etc. Just what we need, a whole new industry. The oil industry COULD be doing quite well if it were permitted by the US Government to drill off-shore, in ANWR, and even in states that already have a hefty oil production.
And, I don't buy the lie that we can't have a new oil supply if we start drilling today for another 20 years. For the past 20 years, we've tried all the non-fossil fuel things and they aren't doing the job. And, if we needed to, we could get those oil rigs producing oil within 2 years, I'd bet, or less, like we did in World War II. We had nothing -- no ship works, minimal rubber plants, minimal steel plants, minimal fossil fuel production -- and within ONE year we were up and running and battling for our lives with the greatest war machine ever. So don't tell me it can't be done. We have a crisis in this country, and depending on other countries for something we can produced and gather ourselves is utter nonsense.
Enough of my blathering for today. I just had to vent!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Sunday, July 6
Can you believe it's already the 6th of July. In just two weeks I'm leaving for my sister's and cousin's -- not necessarily in that order. Boy is time going fast. June seemed to drag, though, but July is already almost 1/5 gone. Wasn't it just July 1?
Well, since this BLOG is supposed to be about my vertically challenged life and the things that don't make that height fun or that require more height, thus making my life miserable, I'll talk a little about height management.
What is height management? That's where you have everything you need and use often sitting in a cabinet or on a surface at a height that is convenient for you.
Problem: My husband is taller than I, not by much, but just enough that he can reach the second shelf without stretching. I have to get on my tippy, tippy toes to reach the second shelf (in our kitchen cabinets), and while I have put items like mugs and glasses and dishes on the first shelf which I can easily reach, my husband seems to enjoy grabbing things from the overflow shelves (second shelf), and of course, I'm the one who puts away the clean dishes and I have to stretch almost beyond my stretch-ability to put those items back.
I tried putting non-usable stuff on the second shelf, moving the overflow to the top shelf, which I need a step-stool to reach, and even then, Alan will grab what's on the top shelf rather than what's on the first shelf. What's with that, anyway? I know he can see the items on the first shelf, so why does he automatically pick the higher shelf to get things from? I just don't understand that.
I asked him once about that, and all I got was a shrug, so he doesn't know why he does that either.
I have to head back out to the doctor again this week -- seems to be a weekly event lately -- to just chat with her about my kidneys. The sweet nurse that called just told me my kidneys were losing function, but wouldn't expound on what that meant. Meanwhile, I'm imagining all the bad things that can happen if I have kidney failure -- one being death -- which is okay-- I know where I'm going. But if I become an invalid, there is no way Alan will be able to cope with the everyday things like cleaning the dishes, washing the floor in the bathroom, squeegie-ing the shower, etc.
So, my doctor and I will have a talk. And we'll go from there.
Until next time. TTFN
Well, since this BLOG is supposed to be about my vertically challenged life and the things that don't make that height fun or that require more height, thus making my life miserable, I'll talk a little about height management.
What is height management? That's where you have everything you need and use often sitting in a cabinet or on a surface at a height that is convenient for you.
Problem: My husband is taller than I, not by much, but just enough that he can reach the second shelf without stretching. I have to get on my tippy, tippy toes to reach the second shelf (in our kitchen cabinets), and while I have put items like mugs and glasses and dishes on the first shelf which I can easily reach, my husband seems to enjoy grabbing things from the overflow shelves (second shelf), and of course, I'm the one who puts away the clean dishes and I have to stretch almost beyond my stretch-ability to put those items back.
I tried putting non-usable stuff on the second shelf, moving the overflow to the top shelf, which I need a step-stool to reach, and even then, Alan will grab what's on the top shelf rather than what's on the first shelf. What's with that, anyway? I know he can see the items on the first shelf, so why does he automatically pick the higher shelf to get things from? I just don't understand that.
I asked him once about that, and all I got was a shrug, so he doesn't know why he does that either.
I have to head back out to the doctor again this week -- seems to be a weekly event lately -- to just chat with her about my kidneys. The sweet nurse that called just told me my kidneys were losing function, but wouldn't expound on what that meant. Meanwhile, I'm imagining all the bad things that can happen if I have kidney failure -- one being death -- which is okay-- I know where I'm going. But if I become an invalid, there is no way Alan will be able to cope with the everyday things like cleaning the dishes, washing the floor in the bathroom, squeegie-ing the shower, etc.
So, my doctor and I will have a talk. And we'll go from there.
Until next time. TTFN
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Family picnic for the 4th
Well, we finally had our family 4th of July picnic, 2008. No one got sick, so that tradition is broken, we hope for good.
We had a wonderful time. The weather was really good -- not too hot and not too cool. The children had a great time, I'm sure. Their faces were red most of the time from the exertion they were expending on the various monkey bar type apparatus that were available at the park we went to. We went to Lunken Playfield this time, instead of our usual Cold Spring Park. It was a very good choice. Lots of things for the children to do, and a bathroom right near the picnic grove.
I'm putting some of the pictures from today on this BLOG. The only note for this wonderful day on Runnemede Remembered will be a short sentence directing people to this BLOG.
Most of the group is in the group picture. The two girls are Rosie (blue shirt) and Grace (dimples).
I hope you all enjoy. We had a great day.
Friday, July 4, 2008
July 4th 2008
This is a copy of what I wrote in Runnemede Remembered for today, July 4, 2008.
Today is the fourth of July, 2008, and it wasn't a day like the Fourths of July that I remember. First, our picnic was cancelled because of rain, or should I say mud. We thought it would be better not to go to a park right after a half-inch or more fell in the morning, and the skies were still threatening to pour more moisture onto the already soggy ground. And sure enough, it did -- rain again, that is.
But tonight --
I was certain that any and all fireworks displays would be cancelled because of the weather. Well, it is foggy, but it's not raining and hasn't rained for at least two hours. So, I guess the surrounding communities decided to go ahead with their annual extravaganzas. From my deck I could see seven different displays (my deck is also known as the porch, sun porch, lanai, patio, outdoor room). What a show!
The trees are getting taller and the shows are getting less easy to observe. I can only see the high, blossoming explosions. When we first moved here, I could see some of the lower displays. But hey, I still get quite a view.
Then I noticed that there were a couple other displays going on in the front of the house and so I opened the blind in the library and was able to watch two other great displays.
I'm still hearing the boom, boom, boom of fireworks, so I know there are more people shooting them off. I live here in KY and a lot of people buy lots of fireworks and have their own little shows, so I also benefit from them -- they've been going on all week. It's been nice to see so many different displays. I especially like the light, airy, lacy, white-light ones. And I also like the ones that sort of implode upon themselves in a whole bunch of colors. You know what I mean?
I just love fireworks. They not only remind me of when I was young, but they do something that makes me just feel happy. And, once again, I told Alan how much I loved where we now live. I really, really love this place!
Today is the fourth of July, 2008, and it wasn't a day like the Fourths of July that I remember. First, our picnic was cancelled because of rain, or should I say mud. We thought it would be better not to go to a park right after a half-inch or more fell in the morning, and the skies were still threatening to pour more moisture onto the already soggy ground. And sure enough, it did -- rain again, that is.
But tonight --
I was certain that any and all fireworks displays would be cancelled because of the weather. Well, it is foggy, but it's not raining and hasn't rained for at least two hours. So, I guess the surrounding communities decided to go ahead with their annual extravaganzas. From my deck I could see seven different displays (my deck is also known as the porch, sun porch, lanai, patio, outdoor room). What a show!
The trees are getting taller and the shows are getting less easy to observe. I can only see the high, blossoming explosions. When we first moved here, I could see some of the lower displays. But hey, I still get quite a view.
Then I noticed that there were a couple other displays going on in the front of the house and so I opened the blind in the library and was able to watch two other great displays.
I'm still hearing the boom, boom, boom of fireworks, so I know there are more people shooting them off. I live here in KY and a lot of people buy lots of fireworks and have their own little shows, so I also benefit from them -- they've been going on all week. It's been nice to see so many different displays. I especially like the light, airy, lacy, white-light ones. And I also like the ones that sort of implode upon themselves in a whole bunch of colors. You know what I mean?
I just love fireworks. They not only remind me of when I was young, but they do something that makes me just feel happy. And, once again, I told Alan how much I loved where we now live. I really, really love this place!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Talk about being vertically challenged
Well, I'm definitely what you would call SHORT (vertically challenged) and it really gets to me when I have to get things out of my cabinets that are on the second or third shelf. I don't feel steady on a step stool, but if I have to I use one -- they actually make them so a FAT person like me can use them -- up to 350 pounds. Thank God I have a way to go to get to that weight. But yikes -- since I've been on Lyrica I've gained 25 pounds and I'm eating less than I used to, so what's up with that?
I got word today that I do NOT have lupus -- yeah! I am however losing kidney function. The first things that entered my head and what I said to Alan was, this is good because I'll be with Jesus sooner rather than later.
Probably not being read as a good thing, but for me it would be. Living with pain -- at about 8-10 on the pain chart everyday, while not killing me, is killing me. I mean, I don't know how the Apostle Paul kept going and going and going with his "thorn in the flesh", unless that "thorn" wasn't pain. But what thorn in the flesh isn't painful?
So, I rejoice that it's not lupus. I also am thankful that while I've been drowning myself by drinking more and more water, I will have to drink even more water. And, oh yes, no more anti-inflammatory meds -- which means no more Arthrotec (my best med to relieve the knee pain). I'm also not allowed to take Motrin, Advil, Alleve, Aspirin, Tylenol or any of those because they interact back with some other stuff I take to keep me going.
The best thing today was that I went over to deliver Adam's birthday present, and Cyndi asked me to stay and talk for a while. I wasn't prepared to do that, but I did. And I'm glad I did. I enjoy talking with my children. I only wish they'd open up more once in a while.
And then, Amy called and we had a great chat about things. Just things. Nothing specific. I enjoy talking to her and I enjoy her company. She's a sweet lady.
So, I'm psych-ing myself up for tomorrow's day in the park. If the Lord wills and clears up the weather, the event will happen. If the weather is as bad as today, we're going to have it on Saturday. We'll see what God has in store for us tomorrow or Saturday. Whatever He wants, I'll go along with it.
TTFN
I got word today that I do NOT have lupus -- yeah! I am however losing kidney function. The first things that entered my head and what I said to Alan was, this is good because I'll be with Jesus sooner rather than later.
Probably not being read as a good thing, but for me it would be. Living with pain -- at about 8-10 on the pain chart everyday, while not killing me, is killing me. I mean, I don't know how the Apostle Paul kept going and going and going with his "thorn in the flesh", unless that "thorn" wasn't pain. But what thorn in the flesh isn't painful?
So, I rejoice that it's not lupus. I also am thankful that while I've been drowning myself by drinking more and more water, I will have to drink even more water. And, oh yes, no more anti-inflammatory meds -- which means no more Arthrotec (my best med to relieve the knee pain). I'm also not allowed to take Motrin, Advil, Alleve, Aspirin, Tylenol or any of those because they interact back with some other stuff I take to keep me going.
The best thing today was that I went over to deliver Adam's birthday present, and Cyndi asked me to stay and talk for a while. I wasn't prepared to do that, but I did. And I'm glad I did. I enjoy talking with my children. I only wish they'd open up more once in a while.
And then, Amy called and we had a great chat about things. Just things. Nothing specific. I enjoy talking to her and I enjoy her company. She's a sweet lady.
So, I'm psych-ing myself up for tomorrow's day in the park. If the Lord wills and clears up the weather, the event will happen. If the weather is as bad as today, we're going to have it on Saturday. We'll see what God has in store for us tomorrow or Saturday. Whatever He wants, I'll go along with it.
TTFN
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
So, what's new?
Nothing much. Slow day. Not much movement. Not much thinking.
The bright spot was the porch. I was out bright and early and the temperature (on the porch) was 60 degrees. It went up very quickly, though, and a half hour after I starting sitting out there, the temperature was up to 70 degrees. It was breezy all day today and I enjoyed being out there for several hours. Reading. Doing puzzles. Not doing housework. Not cooking. Not cleaning. Not doing laundry. Just enjoying the sunshine and the breeze.
By late this afternoon it had only gone up to 82 and since there was still quite a breeze, it really was quite pleasant out there.
Tomorrow night, hopefully, Alan and I are heading down to the river to enjoy the hot-air balloon lift at dusk, and then fireworks at Old Coney. We're going to try to get a spot on this side of the river and watch, instead of fighting the crowd at the park.
Friday is set. We're meeting at the Cold Spring park at 2 and bringing snacks and then I'll leave when I feel I need to leave, if I go at all. Alan will go without me, I'm sure. Unless I'm like I was yesterday, he will leave, otherwise he may feel the need to stay home
Today is Adam's 8th birthday and there is no party for him. Bummer. I'll drop off his gift tomorrow on my rounds to the various stores, library, pharmacy, etc. I hope I don't have another flare up or I'm in deep you-know-what. I need to get burgers in for Friday's dinner. Beck's family will be staying for supper and watching the fireworks from the deck.
TTFN
The bright spot was the porch. I was out bright and early and the temperature (on the porch) was 60 degrees. It went up very quickly, though, and a half hour after I starting sitting out there, the temperature was up to 70 degrees. It was breezy all day today and I enjoyed being out there for several hours. Reading. Doing puzzles. Not doing housework. Not cooking. Not cleaning. Not doing laundry. Just enjoying the sunshine and the breeze.
By late this afternoon it had only gone up to 82 and since there was still quite a breeze, it really was quite pleasant out there.
Tomorrow night, hopefully, Alan and I are heading down to the river to enjoy the hot-air balloon lift at dusk, and then fireworks at Old Coney. We're going to try to get a spot on this side of the river and watch, instead of fighting the crowd at the park.
Friday is set. We're meeting at the Cold Spring park at 2 and bringing snacks and then I'll leave when I feel I need to leave, if I go at all. Alan will go without me, I'm sure. Unless I'm like I was yesterday, he will leave, otherwise he may feel the need to stay home
Today is Adam's 8th birthday and there is no party for him. Bummer. I'll drop off his gift tomorrow on my rounds to the various stores, library, pharmacy, etc. I hope I don't have another flare up or I'm in deep you-know-what. I need to get burgers in for Friday's dinner. Beck's family will be staying for supper and watching the fireworks from the deck.
TTFN
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Meltdown
Today we went for our tests for various NEW diseases -- Alan and I -- me for lupus, he for thyroid and something else. The nurse had to take more blood from me than from him -- that's a first. No problem though. I still have good veins. I wonder if I get really sick how long that will last.
But by the time we got home I was having a full-blown "flare up" of whatever is wrong with me. I'm in agony (again). I'm on fire, it feels like. Actually, it feels like a really, really bad, hot flash that won't quit, along with someone using a hammer on all my joints. There, how's that for a description.
Well, we'll wait and see what the tests say. For now, I'm going back to bed to try to get some sort of comfortable.
But by the time we got home I was having a full-blown "flare up" of whatever is wrong with me. I'm in agony (again). I'm on fire, it feels like. Actually, it feels like a really, really bad, hot flash that won't quit, along with someone using a hammer on all my joints. There, how's that for a description.
Well, we'll wait and see what the tests say. For now, I'm going back to bed to try to get some sort of comfortable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)