That is my newest indulgence. It has been a windy-chilly day. I have a mountain range of catching up to do in the house cleaning department. And here I sit. Enjoying the hot cup of tea.
Don't you love it when it takes less time and money to fix your car than the repair shop quoted you? Well. Color me happy. That is exactly what happened to me today! Voila! I have air conditioning again. Thank you good men of Honda!
This means that I get to stay home tomorrow. Well. Except for going to Stations of the Cross late in the evening and the odd workout at the gym.
AND. Oh my, I almost forgot to mention it. Mr. Macho was so excited when he called a little while ago to tell me that he bought me a present. I had mentioned to him that I had some lovely shrimp and grits at my bunko party yesterday. They were supplied by my friend who told that she bought them at a bakery in West Point. And so. Knowing that he drives right by that bakery shop on a regular basis, I requested that he stop in some time and pick us up some shrimp and grits. And. He did. He is getting cooler every day. I like him.
My girlfriends and I got so silly at bunko yesterday. We started singing, "Me and you, and you and me. No matter how they tossed the diced it had to be, the only one for me is you, and you for me. So happy together...." I was 9 when this song was popular. You're welcome.
Namaste, baby.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Heat wave or hot flash?
Woke up in the wee hours of the morning. Burning up. Went to the bathroom. Drank water. Back to bed. Woke up again. Sweltering. Went to the bathroom. Drank water. Back to bed. Third time. I realized the heat was running. Couldn't get back to sleep. Finally got up to check thermostat. Figured it out - batteries were dead and the darn thing wouldn't shut off. Located new batteries and installed. Then. Thermostat said 89 degrees! No wonder!
Then I heard the back heater running...geez!
Heads up: checking to find out where Jim Cantore is today. Wherever he is - I don't want to be there.
Keeping my head low and my eyes open.
Namaste.
Then I heard the back heater running...geez!
Heads up: checking to find out where Jim Cantore is today. Wherever he is - I don't want to be there.
Keeping my head low and my eyes open.
Namaste.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Phone calls and heart attacks.
Just let me tell you that last week had some unusual vibes going on. I left town Wednesday traveling on a Mission trip to help Beach Boy post shoulder surgery. Had a nice visit with Cecelia and her mom on the way down.
When I arrive I found Beach Boy doing very well, considering he had some very serious surgery just the day before. Shortly after arriving I had an emergency phone call from a friend telling me that my sister had fainted. This sister lives in the same town that I do, which was 4 hours away at the moment. Friend assured me that sister's son had been called and she had ridden the 1/2 block in an ambulance to the ER. Long story short, sister gave blood that morning. E'rybody in the family knows that Sister Paulette faints on cue any time blood is involved. That explained that. After a thorough check up in the ER she went home to recuperate from her fainting spell.
Beach Boy did not sleep well the night of his surgery, nor the next night. So. Thursday. He wanted to go with me when I went to visit my mom. Her three sisters were coming over and I was going to get to see them! And I did. It was so good, even if it was brief. My sister, Marsha, came over also. Beach Boy sat in a recliner and dozed. When he awoke he wanted to move on to lunch (he wasn't feeling good). So kisses goodbye and off we went - with Marsha following us for more visit time. We arrived at restaurant, ordered food. Food got delivered and Beach Boy announced he wasn't feeling so good. He looked a pale green. I sent him to the car and had our waiter put our food in "to go" boxes. Marsha had arrived and agreed to follow us back to Beach Boy's house. Once there he took his pain meds and some anti-nausea med and went to sleep. Marsha and I had a good visit. Albeit short. He slept better Thursday night than he had the two previous nights and woke rested and feeling better on Friday.
Friday. First physical therapy (PT). After the initial removal of the sling and breaking out into a 5 mile run type sweat and feeling terribly nauseated, he actually did fine. Got through the PT, and we left. Then the day took the first wonky turn. A neighbor called me on my cell phone because two strange men had pounded on her door. at 9:00 that morning. Claimed they were attorneys looking for her sister. She was frightened. I couldn't help 'cause I was outtatown. (There is more to this story, but I can't get into all the legalities here.) Anyway, I texted her a mutual neighbor's phone number.
Next stop, Sam's, where to our surprise we found a lady sitting, then laying on the floor having tachycardia with three small children in her grocery cart. Beach Boy called 911. Two people walked up and asked if they could lay hands on her and pray for her, a nurse just happened by, as did a paramedic. Eventually store employees wandered up. After, at least, a 10 minute 911 call first responders showed up. The nurse used the woman's phone to reach a family member who was there in short order to care for the children. When we left the store the woman was in the back of the ambulance ready to be transported.
Got home. Unloaded car. Sat down to eat lunch and Sister Mimi called - Aunt Bobbye was having a heart attack. Ambulance was taking her to ER. Oi vey! Whataday! I scarfed down some lunch, put dishes in dish washer, assured that Beach Boy was okay by himself for a while and went to meet my sisters and mom in the ER to check on my aunt. She was finally admitted to a room that evening after I left and sisters, Mimi and Marsha, tagged teamed and stayed with her that evening and all day Saturday. Finally her son arrived late Saturday and took over. Whew. He was three hours away and reluctant to come.
Saturday. We took Sweet P to gymnastics and then met her mom and sister at the library. It is a very fine library. I bought myself three used books for 50 cents apiece in the Friends' of the Library Book Sale room. Very cool.
Mom and I and her caregiver attended mass together Saturday evening. After that I dropped Aunt Bobbye's glasses off to her at the hospital and went back to Beach Boy's house.
Sunday I drove home.
Monday, today, I woke up and missed little people in the house. Visiting my children and grandchildren makes me think about moving to a town where I have family. I want to have children and grandchildren around as I grow older.
I had plans to get to town this morning. But. That hasn't happened. I guess the taxes can wait one more day to get to the accountant. I balanced my check book. Got a sweaty workout in at the YMCA. I have accomplished making appointments this morning. I am going to have my windshield replaced next week. I am going to get my car A/C fixed, too. Checking things off my list.
Adventures. Always adventures. Makes the world go round.
When I arrive I found Beach Boy doing very well, considering he had some very serious surgery just the day before. Shortly after arriving I had an emergency phone call from a friend telling me that my sister had fainted. This sister lives in the same town that I do, which was 4 hours away at the moment. Friend assured me that sister's son had been called and she had ridden the 1/2 block in an ambulance to the ER. Long story short, sister gave blood that morning. E'rybody in the family knows that Sister Paulette faints on cue any time blood is involved. That explained that. After a thorough check up in the ER she went home to recuperate from her fainting spell.
Beach Boy did not sleep well the night of his surgery, nor the next night. So. Thursday. He wanted to go with me when I went to visit my mom. Her three sisters were coming over and I was going to get to see them! And I did. It was so good, even if it was brief. My sister, Marsha, came over also. Beach Boy sat in a recliner and dozed. When he awoke he wanted to move on to lunch (he wasn't feeling good). So kisses goodbye and off we went - with Marsha following us for more visit time. We arrived at restaurant, ordered food. Food got delivered and Beach Boy announced he wasn't feeling so good. He looked a pale green. I sent him to the car and had our waiter put our food in "to go" boxes. Marsha had arrived and agreed to follow us back to Beach Boy's house. Once there he took his pain meds and some anti-nausea med and went to sleep. Marsha and I had a good visit. Albeit short. He slept better Thursday night than he had the two previous nights and woke rested and feeling better on Friday.
Friday. First physical therapy (PT). After the initial removal of the sling and breaking out into a 5 mile run type sweat and feeling terribly nauseated, he actually did fine. Got through the PT, and we left. Then the day took the first wonky turn. A neighbor called me on my cell phone because two strange men had pounded on her door. at 9:00 that morning. Claimed they were attorneys looking for her sister. She was frightened. I couldn't help 'cause I was outtatown. (There is more to this story, but I can't get into all the legalities here.) Anyway, I texted her a mutual neighbor's phone number.
Next stop, Sam's, where to our surprise we found a lady sitting, then laying on the floor having tachycardia with three small children in her grocery cart. Beach Boy called 911. Two people walked up and asked if they could lay hands on her and pray for her, a nurse just happened by, as did a paramedic. Eventually store employees wandered up. After, at least, a 10 minute 911 call first responders showed up. The nurse used the woman's phone to reach a family member who was there in short order to care for the children. When we left the store the woman was in the back of the ambulance ready to be transported.
Got home. Unloaded car. Sat down to eat lunch and Sister Mimi called - Aunt Bobbye was having a heart attack. Ambulance was taking her to ER. Oi vey! Whataday! I scarfed down some lunch, put dishes in dish washer, assured that Beach Boy was okay by himself for a while and went to meet my sisters and mom in the ER to check on my aunt. She was finally admitted to a room that evening after I left and sisters, Mimi and Marsha, tagged teamed and stayed with her that evening and all day Saturday. Finally her son arrived late Saturday and took over. Whew. He was three hours away and reluctant to come.
Saturday. We took Sweet P to gymnastics and then met her mom and sister at the library. It is a very fine library. I bought myself three used books for 50 cents apiece in the Friends' of the Library Book Sale room. Very cool.
Mom and I and her caregiver attended mass together Saturday evening. After that I dropped Aunt Bobbye's glasses off to her at the hospital and went back to Beach Boy's house.
Sunday I drove home.
Monday, today, I woke up and missed little people in the house. Visiting my children and grandchildren makes me think about moving to a town where I have family. I want to have children and grandchildren around as I grow older.
I had plans to get to town this morning. But. That hasn't happened. I guess the taxes can wait one more day to get to the accountant. I balanced my check book. Got a sweaty workout in at the YMCA. I have accomplished making appointments this morning. I am going to have my windshield replaced next week. I am going to get my car A/C fixed, too. Checking things off my list.
Adventures. Always adventures. Makes the world go round.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Friday. Got no job. Got stuff to do, though.
It is good to see this week in the rear view. Things checked off my list.
So glad my eye appointment ended well yesterday. No worries. No problems. Just eyes that are aging.
*
Today I am sad to report that after many years of faithful service I am giving away my red coat.
I bought it at JC Penney's. Long ago. My children will remember it. I believe it was actually the first coat I ever bought for myself. It was chunky, but oh so warm. I've worn it everywhere, man. Church, football games, soccer games, parades... Mr. Macho got so tired of it. I don't think anyone but me ever liked it. It is still in good enough shape that I will donate it. It will keep another body warm for a good while yet.
So long friend. We had a good run.
***
I've been busy in the kitchen with a little surprise for Beach Boy. It won't be a surprise for long, as I think he reads me here. Anyway. The white beans are cooking. I'll deliver them next week when I go down to check on him post-surgery. He is having shoulder surgery on Tuesday. Repair of a torn labrum. Old football injury.
FYI: It smells good already.
Won't eat any this day. We are going out to eat tonight! Then on to a big band dance with our dancing friends. This may be the very last one since the main-man organizer is slowly dying. He is on hospice but still attends every function he is involved with. So. I won't be surprised to see him there tonight. He surely loves the music and has had a great run of putting on the "big band theory" dance for many years now.
God speed, Gil. And thanks.
*****
In the man while... Clothes are getting washed, dried, and folded. I got our taxes organized this morning. Still waiting on two bits of information. Then on to the accountant.
Tomorrow I'll attend the funeral of a young man that died of cancer this week.
I will leave you with my Lenten reflection for the day:
A soft answer turneth away wrath. Proverbs 15:1
Namaste.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah.
Mardi Gras is over. Lent started yesterday. It is cold. My hands are all ashy and dry. Oi vey!!!
Another busy week is zipping by.
Nephew recovering from the auto accident went home with his mom and dad yesterday. 14 hours to Virginia. They are there. Whew. Let the healing continue! Know all are glad to be there and are feeling very comfy in their own home now. He will return when he gets his strength back. And and new car, prolly.
Father-in-law is having feet issues now. His feet have hurt him for a long time. Recently he has developed sores on his feet. They looked like they were getting better last week but took and unexpected turn for the worse over the weekend. I think it is a diabetic thing. Not anything that was done or not done to his feet. PT recommended taking him to his doctor. Doctor Idiot said he didn't learn how to deal with wounds in med school. Hmmm. Sister-in-law is taking him to a wound care clinic this afternoon. Hoping this will get that healing ball rolling. He needs his feet. Really.
I'm off to the eye doctor myownself this afternoon. Feeling apprehensive as I have had some sight issues in the last two months. Keep your fingers crossed that whatever it is is fixable. Or my imagination.
Counting down to Beach Boys surgery next week. Tuesday. Shoulder.
In the mean time, we will dine and dance with friends tomorrow night at the Big Band event that we have attended for several years. The organizer is on hospice and, I am thinking, will not live to organize one for next year. Bless his heart, this has been his joy. He is a good guy. Loves the music.
I have to tell you that I ordered a dress for this dance off Amazon.com. It was only $17 and I said, "Why not?" Dress arrived yesterday. It isn't great and is way too low. So. This morning I tried it on with a nice little under shirt. And. I am going to wear it. This once. Then give it away. I mean, come on. $17!
I have to tell you that I ordered a dress for this dance off Amazon.com. It was only $17 and I said, "Why not?" Dress arrived yesterday. It isn't great and is way too low. So. This morning I tried it on with a nice little under shirt. And. I am going to wear it. This once. Then give it away. I mean, come on. $17!
One funeral on Saturday. A young man. Cancer. Loved by his community of family and friends. An artist.
Sunday? Valentine's Day. It is the second Sunday of the month and so we have sweets after mass. We call it "Donut Sunday". I will be spear heading it this weekend. Our Senior brunch bunch is in charge and they are a dependable group of folks.
I hope you find a little love this Valentine's Day. Or a lot.
Peace.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Still trying to find that new normal.
How did it get to be February 6 so fast? With Mr. Macho spending every weekend at his Dad's, my week out of town, and the past week filled with so much stuff my head is spinning - a comfortable routine hasn't been in our cards. Still. Somehow. It is starting to feel normal - to not have a routine.
Waking up by myself this morning - I got to make a flavored pot of coffee. I had forgotten I had a fancy pack stuck in the freezer. Voila! Irish cream coffee. Mmmmm.
Every day this week I had at least one thing that kept me away from home most of the day. Monday and Wednesday it was our soup kitchen. Tuesday brought lunch with my girlfriends and a viewing of the first episode of season 6 of Downton Abbey.
Tuesday evening brought storms. Tornadoes hit our state and our sister state. In our state the town of Collinsville was directly hit by a tornado. Niece Natalie lives there and had severe damage. She was not home but her husband and children were. He had the safe place prepared and held one child under each arm. Under the mattress. Oh my goodness. What a fright! Serious breach of the roof has resulted in water all over the house, floors buckling, ceilings collapsing, among other things. A huge tree fell on the house. A porch is collapsed. Their little dog was blown around during the storm, but is alive and safe. Now. They are trying to negotiate the maze of insurance/temporary housing/repairs. God bless them. It's a mess.
Sister Paulette had to take a rain check on a belated birthday lunch that we had scheduled for Thursday. She was helping her daughter, Niece Natalie, with some storm clean up.
Thursday it felt like I couldn't catch a break. My own fault that I had to quick catch up on my bible study reading. I ran around gathering decorations and ironing table toppers to decorate for Friday's church brunch. I got away from the house around 9:30. Then the day fell apart. I got caught by a train. It was stopped. And didn't move for 15 minutes. I turned around and re-routed. I got stopped by the same train on the detour. Another 10 minutes. Late for bible study. After that I went to the next room to help decorate. My co-helpers had already finished and gone home. I blew the tiny bit of anger that bubbled up right out into the atmosphere. (Cue the Frozen "Let it Go" song right here.) I postponed the few errands I thought I would run and went home to grab a bite for lunch. Then back to town for my garden club meeting. Love my ladies, but sometimes, and this was one of those sometimes, they just drag things on. Pleeeease! When I got home I threw together some pretty good lemony blueberry muffins for the Friday brunch, heated some leftovers in the microwave, and then went all veg-out.
At the brunch Friday morning I ate a big old filled donut and drank some OJ and thought I was in a rocket. I am starting to think I really need to steer clear of sugar altogether. Oh my.
On my way to run the errands I had skipped the day before I saw Paulette's car at home and stopped for a good visit. Errands completed I made the grocery round. Came home. Got to take a good walk out on the cold but sunny day. Reheated some vegetable beef soup and cornbread out the freezer. Took that over to father-in-law's house for a nice supper with him and Mr. Macho. Whataweek.
I thought I would come home and have a little sip of something special (for medicinal purposes). Instead I just ate some grapes and proceeded to fall asleep watching Dateline. It is better than whiskey. Got up and went to bed at 11:00.
*****
Four weeks ago today nephew in the Delta was in an auto accident. He was in ICU for the largest portion of his hospital stay. Yesterday he was released from the hospital. Still healing. Still sore. Skinny. Weak. But healing. Thank you, God.
Out-of-town sister-in-law will relieve Mr. Macho this evening. That will be nice. We will actually attend church together in the morning. First time in a few weeks.
Our Super Bowl party will be mellow this year. Neither of us wanted all the party food that we usually do. So. This year it will just be home cook hamburgers to help cheer on our team. For me? I just have to cheer for Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Not that they are my favorite team. I just like him and want him to go out with a bang.
I am hoping our Sabbath will restore us. You, too.
Namaste.
Waking up by myself this morning - I got to make a flavored pot of coffee. I had forgotten I had a fancy pack stuck in the freezer. Voila! Irish cream coffee. Mmmmm.
Every day this week I had at least one thing that kept me away from home most of the day. Monday and Wednesday it was our soup kitchen. Tuesday brought lunch with my girlfriends and a viewing of the first episode of season 6 of Downton Abbey.
Tuesday evening brought storms. Tornadoes hit our state and our sister state. In our state the town of Collinsville was directly hit by a tornado. Niece Natalie lives there and had severe damage. She was not home but her husband and children were. He had the safe place prepared and held one child under each arm. Under the mattress. Oh my goodness. What a fright! Serious breach of the roof has resulted in water all over the house, floors buckling, ceilings collapsing, among other things. A huge tree fell on the house. A porch is collapsed. Their little dog was blown around during the storm, but is alive and safe. Now. They are trying to negotiate the maze of insurance/temporary housing/repairs. God bless them. It's a mess.
Sister Paulette had to take a rain check on a belated birthday lunch that we had scheduled for Thursday. She was helping her daughter, Niece Natalie, with some storm clean up.
Thursday it felt like I couldn't catch a break. My own fault that I had to quick catch up on my bible study reading. I ran around gathering decorations and ironing table toppers to decorate for Friday's church brunch. I got away from the house around 9:30. Then the day fell apart. I got caught by a train. It was stopped. And didn't move for 15 minutes. I turned around and re-routed. I got stopped by the same train on the detour. Another 10 minutes. Late for bible study. After that I went to the next room to help decorate. My co-helpers had already finished and gone home. I blew the tiny bit of anger that bubbled up right out into the atmosphere. (Cue the Frozen "Let it Go" song right here.) I postponed the few errands I thought I would run and went home to grab a bite for lunch. Then back to town for my garden club meeting. Love my ladies, but sometimes, and this was one of those sometimes, they just drag things on. Pleeeease! When I got home I threw together some pretty good lemony blueberry muffins for the Friday brunch, heated some leftovers in the microwave, and then went all veg-out.
At the brunch Friday morning I ate a big old filled donut and drank some OJ and thought I was in a rocket. I am starting to think I really need to steer clear of sugar altogether. Oh my.
On my way to run the errands I had skipped the day before I saw Paulette's car at home and stopped for a good visit. Errands completed I made the grocery round. Came home. Got to take a good walk out on the cold but sunny day. Reheated some vegetable beef soup and cornbread out the freezer. Took that over to father-in-law's house for a nice supper with him and Mr. Macho. Whataweek.
I thought I would come home and have a little sip of something special (for medicinal purposes). Instead I just ate some grapes and proceeded to fall asleep watching Dateline. It is better than whiskey. Got up and went to bed at 11:00.
*****
Four weeks ago today nephew in the Delta was in an auto accident. He was in ICU for the largest portion of his hospital stay. Yesterday he was released from the hospital. Still healing. Still sore. Skinny. Weak. But healing. Thank you, God.
Out-of-town sister-in-law will relieve Mr. Macho this evening. That will be nice. We will actually attend church together in the morning. First time in a few weeks.
Our Super Bowl party will be mellow this year. Neither of us wanted all the party food that we usually do. So. This year it will just be home cook hamburgers to help cheer on our team. For me? I just have to cheer for Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Not that they are my favorite team. I just like him and want him to go out with a bang.
I am hoping our Sabbath will restore us. You, too.
Namaste.
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