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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Behind. Why am I always behind in my blogs?

Life. I think that sums it up in one word. L I F E
 
And these days it's been quite interesting. Let me start with my feelings today and then step in to the past a minute or twenty to catch up with the last couple weeks. It's been tough.
 
I've had quite a wake up call. Fat as I am, I've always stayed on the decent side of healthy until the last few weeks. Now, I am diabetic, I have heart problems and Lord only knows what else. But they're hunting. I've been in the hospital via the ER. I've had echocardiagram, I've had a heart halter on for 48 hours, I've had part one of a lexiscan stress test and will have the second part on Wednesday. I'm seeing a rheumatologist. That appointment was to rule out Sjogren's. The doctor is leaning towards me actually having it and they are going to do a biopsy of a gland in my lower lip next in the diagnosis regime. My knee is so bad now I can't walk on it sometimes. The gel injections have been approved but won't start until the 4th. I've decided to see if I can get approved for weight loss surgery. Our insurance says yes so it's a matter of seeing the doctor and getting all the medical approvals now. Then hopefully I can begin the process. I'm told it won't fix things but hopefully it will slow the progression of what's going on now.
 
I have heart rhythm problems. The bottom of my heart has started to harden. The top part of my heart is enlarged. And if I heard right, that has something to do with my lungs. I'll know more about that after the next test. It's very, very scary. Low to no salt...no caffeine at all...low fat...and of course watch that sugar.
Why? Because remember that they decided I'm not pre-diabetic, I'm diabetic.
 
So that has really filled my days. appointment appointment appointment appointment
 
And we're selling our campers. One, the annex, has sold. Done and gone. We have been packing up all the things inside and out at both campers and bringing them home. My basement is now playing the part of basement instead of rec room. I want it back from being a wreck to being a rec by the holidays. Not going to happen. It can't. Health will slow me down.
 
We did finish up today and ours is now on Craigslist. 1998 Sunnybrook .. blah blah I can't remember. Too much there to remember it all. I'm sure hoping it sells. We need it sold and behind us so we can move forward. Many, many thanks to the kids for helping us get it ready to be on the market. Without their help I don't know what we'd have done.
 
~~~~~
 
Cliff had his surgery Friday last week to remove the screws in his heel. The one was stripped and had worked it way on through the foot. They tried to get them from the heel but ended up cutting through the top of his foot to remove it. He's quite sore, but is a trooper.
He went back to work on Monday.
 
~~~~~
 
Now let me jiggle a little and see what day comes up next.  Mind you NOthing is in order!  lol
 
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!
 
Taking it back a bit to the week I was in the hospital. That would be the weekend of the 7th, 8th and 9th.
It was really good to be home. I did have moments of nerves, but I was able to be distracted with things enough to calm me quite a bit. Saturday was the hardest day to stay calm because they had me so worked up. It was questionable whether or not they were going to release me. The second part of the test hadn't been done. They planned it for Monday. Trouble was there was really no justification to keep me the extra day. The insurance companies are extra picky now and it would have been unpaid leaving the whole bill to us! That had my nerves on edge.
 
On Sunday, we went to the birthday party for Mark and Morgan at Corry and Angel's. I really enjoyed being there with the crowd even though it was hard to stay calm. It wasn't the crowd or the kids that made me nervous and upset, it was the fact I couldn't get my mind off the fact they told me I had heart problems. That really, really had me shook. They did a BBQ and I couldn't have much of the food but I did have some of the cauliflower dish. Love the stuff. Steamed cauliflower with bread crumbs and sour cream on top.
 
We left the party and headed on to the airport to pick up my sister. Got there, went in and found out her plane was delayed at least an hour. Houston had been socked with a blinding rainstorm and they didn't get off the ground for quite a while.
 
We stopped at an ice cream place and got sugar free fat free ice cream. Soothed my soul a bit that I could still even have a treat of some kind.
 
I had no idea what I could eat, but after we got Judy we went to Melt Bar and Grilled. I was sure I could find something on the menu that would be okay but even if I couldn't I had decided not to eat and would eat a salad at home when we got there. Judy thought it was a great idea when we told her some of the story of the place. I was happy I'd found something entertaining for her. She's such a great hostess when you go to her place I wanted to reciprocate.
 
We walked in and the wait was 1 1/2 hours! No no no. We couldn't do that. It was late, everyone was hungry and we still had to get Kennedy back home. We got back in the car a bit disappointed and headed down the road.
 
Then...we found entertainment. Two people wearing purple shirts and...racoon tails a-swingin! Yes. I am serious. I don't have a clue why they were dressed that way but it gave us all a good laugh.
 
We ended up getting on the GPS and seeing what else was nearby.  When I read the list of restaurants, the Winking Lizard caught Judy's ear.  So the Lizard it was.  We definitely weren't sorry.  The building was awesome.  A century place I'm sure.  Beautiful inside.  Even if it did have a real live lizard inside.  Yes.  For real.  The group of kids there for some kind of party got a big kick out of it.
 
I got the Greek salad...which wasn't.  But it was good.  The only Greek thing in it was the cheese.  I ate half and took the other half home and drank water.
 
When we were done eating, we got back in the van and headed to take Kennedy home.  She didn't get to visit much but at least she did get to see Judy.
 
Then on back to Corry's to introduce Judy to little CJ.  After a little visit, we headed on home, talked a while and then headed to bed totally whooped!
 
~~~~~
 
Monday the 10th--
 
Monday was filled with more phone calls.  And at this point I wasn't sure I could ever catch up on all the appointments and tests being required.  And with the insurance run around, I had to grab tight to the little string and hold on for the ride.  [It ended up taking next to forever but I finally got it all authorized and set up.]
 
Judy and I at leftovers for lunch and played cards on the front deck.  We didn't like the rules that came from the game so, being the soosters that we are, we made up our own rules and had a great deal of fun!  lol  It's how we roll. 
 
Mid-afternoon, we headed out to Lake Varsity Diner for a meal with some of the kids.  Kris, Darlene, Dusty, Shirley, Missy, Melanie, Rusty, Cait and Emmi met Cliff, Judy and I there.  Food was fabulous as usual.  Judy wasn't disappointed.  We had everything from a Rueben to bacon cheddar burger to portabelisimo to a gyro and beyond. 
 
On the way home, we stopped to get cake and ice cream to take to the house.  We were celebrating Judy's birthday.  Corry, Angel and CJ joined us at the house.  Leon came too after he got off work. 
 
We had a fire in the pit, but no one ended up sitting out there.  Instead we talked and talked and laughed and laughed in the house. 
 
~~~~~
 
11th
 
We decided to start the day picking up Emmi instead of having Rusty bring her to us.  Judy was anxious to see what all home improvements Rusty had done so this was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.  Judy's trip was a little short and we tried cramming in all we could.
 
After we got Emmi, Missy called.  She wanted to go to Hartville for lunch.  Judy said YES almost before I finished my sentence!  lol  Hartville Kitchen has always been on the top of the "do" list when she comes up.  Awesome food. 
 
I got the chicken breast smothered in onions.  Oh man it's good.  I don't know what they marinate in, but it gives their chicken an awesome flavor.
 
Rusty and Cait invited us over for dinner.  Good good good.  Steaks, Greek salad and pouch potatoes on the grill.  And the best smoked gouda for an appetizer.
 
12th
 
When I got up, I was craving protein so I ate a leftover piece of chicken.  Lunchtime was my leftovers of chicken with the onions, green beans and squash casserole.  Good stuff.  I'll post the recipe next time I make it.  Can't find it right now.
 
We got Judy to the airport just in time.  Didn't matter though.  Her plane was delayed getting out.  I'm glad I wasn't there waiting for all that time going in both directions.
 
14th
 
I saw the rheumatologist and was very impressed with him.  He was very thorough and very caring. 
 
I made a big salad and enjoyed it.  It's good having lots of fresh stuff to work with. 
 
broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, romaine, spinach, asiago, green onion, tomato, cranberries, almonds, sweet bell peppers, banana pepper, celery, apple salsa instead of dressing.
 
For supper, we had meatloaf, cauliflower, mango applesauce.  Good food day. 
 
I finished the last of the main style of Cleveland Browns scarves.  I've got some fluffier, softer ones to do too and who knows what else I'll get done by the 13th of next month.  I hate to plan because it's almost like setting myself up for failure.
 
Sunday the 16th
 
So this was an interesting day to say the least. We started out going out to camp to finish up and close up the annex. We wanted to get pictures taken and get it on Craigslist. Once that was accomplished, the deck we had there was moved to Kris and Darlene's camper, right next to the annex.
 
The plan was to have chicken and sausages for our meal once the deck was moved. It smelled so good cooking! And then it happened. I'd gone over to see how they were coming. Corry headed over to check the food. Then we heard it.
 
THE GRILL IS ON FIRE!!!
 
We didn't react right away. We all were thinking, yes, there might be a few spurts of flame. It's chicken. The fat burns off and the flames shoot up. Someone looked up and saw smoke. We knew it was burning pretty good so we all moved a little faster. FLAMES!!
 
Yes. It was on fire. And something on the grill was melting onto the tank. Brian got the tank off and away, Kris grabbed the pressure washer we'd been using and put the fire out. The raccoons got a good feast tonight. We were pretty sure the meat was unsafe. We could smell paint and plastic and thought the meat had probably been completely ruined with the fumes. Soooo
 
I headed out to Ianazone's for chicken and jo jo's while they all finished moving the deck. The meal was good. Their chicken rocks! Beans, mac salad and chips and spinach dip rounded the meal. The spinach dip was okay for me and so were the chips. Low, low sodium and sugar.
 
My knee has been bad all weekend and the little hills at camp didn't help. By the time we left, I was a wreck. We headed to Mom Sage's to deliver her meds. I couldn't even get out of the car.
 
Then home we went. Got to our street and found two police cars and a crime scene van at the neighbors. I guess some guy went on a rampage of break ins today and their house was one of his targets. The side door was kicked in and the second floor trashed. What in the world is happening these days???
 
I spent the evening working on my own scarf for the Browns game we're going to in November. I'm really liking it. A very soft, fluffy, yet warm mix of brown and orange, Once it's done and the others have their fringe I'll have to take some pictures.
 
Yes I am making scarves again.  If you are interested in a particular color, feel free to let me know. Special orders challenge me.
 
Monday, 24th
 
Alrighty then.  That didn't work.  I tried hard to stretch the pain meds I got in August.  Never thought it would get this bad!!  Thankfully, I'll be getting the gel injections beginning Friday the 4th.  Anyhow...  Tried to go pick up a new prescription and the doctor's office was closed.  Waste of gas.  sigh
 
We then went with Missy to Spaghetti Warehouse for the coupon special.  BOGO lasagna or spaghetti.  I got veggie lasagna with half marinara and half alfredo sauce.  GREAT idea!  The waitress suggested it and I just loved it.  I went easy with the alfredo scraping off a lot of it.  But the flavor!  mmmmmWHA it was good!
 
Wednesday, 26th
 
I had the second part of the lexiscan on Wednesday.  Really wasn't bad at all.  The anticipation was much, much worse than the actual testing.  I'll see the doctor for the interpretation on the 2nd.
 
Thursday, 27th
 
We did BJ's with Missy and Cait and Rusty then went to eat at Red Robin.  I ate about half of a BBQ chicken wrap. 
 
I know I can't eat NO salt, but I'm trying to cut way, way down.  NO soft drinks at all.  NO cooking with any salt.  Choosing the best I can when we're out and only eating part of what I get.  It just makes me sick that I've done so bad with this body.  If you're young, TAKE CARE OF YOURS NOW!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

I'll have a new blog soon, but until I do....

I'd love for y'all to like my new facebook page.

Made by Mama Sage

I have a few scarves listed now including Cleveland Browns and Ohio State scarves.  Please take a look and tell me what you think.  Thanks.

I will have a new blog soon.  I'm working on it and it's getting later and later.  Health issues have been holding me up. 

Hugs to all.
~~Mama Sage

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Wishing things were different

But they're not.

10/6
 
So the days aren't perfect.  That's fine.
 
I'm learning to deal with what is reality.  And reality seems to change each day. 
 
Yesterday, our reality was that we both had some testing for our hearts.  Cliff had seen a cardiologist to get okayed for his foot surgery later in the month and was scheduled for an echocardiagram.  I was scheduled for one too by our PCP and also for a 48 hour halter.  The appointments pretty much took up any free time we might have had in a day.
 
After we were done, we traded meals with Corry and Angel.  They had made too many pork steaks, potatoes and cauliflower and I'd overdone it with chili.  It was fun to have an awesome meal that I didn't even have to cook!  Maybe we should do that on purpose sometimes.
 
Then out to camp to load up some more.  We're selling both campers (shout out if you are in the market and we'll talk about it) and I want to get all the things in them both home.  Of course there isn't a place to put it all so for now, it's in totes and crates and will probably be in boxes and bags too in the basement.  I'll deal with it as I can through the winter.
 
We took the load home and then took the flatbed to Rusty.  He's doing his siding and was going to load the old on it to take for recycling.  Gotta hand it to him.  When he decides to take on a project, he digs in with both hands and keeps on keepin on till the job is done and done nicely.  It's really looking good!
 
Finding a way to sleep was real fun.  Sure it was!  I'm already hooked up to the C-pap and then add to that all the wiring of this halter....  I look like a construction project!  And the little tabs are making me break out and itch.  I knew they would.  Last one I had, about 15+ years ago did too.  Most adhesive does.  I ended up feeding the strap on the little bag that holds the machine part through the arms of my nightgown.  Good thing we don't have company!!  The wire pulls the front of the gown up and the pouch through the gown holds the top of it down.  Real cute. 
 
I slept okay though not real good.  But you just can't stay in bed forever.  So up and at 'em!  My mouth was so, so dry.  I hate that.  It glues shut and it's hard to get it wet and normal.  And yes.  I do have an appointment about that too.  I think I have an appointment for everything!!
 
I made some of the doctor appointments I needed to and have just a couple left to make.  I was disappointed that the doctor Rusty had for his surgery isn't part of the doctors I'm able to use for bariatric surgery.  I'll have to see another guy.  I know he's done good for a couple friends.  I just really, really wanted Rusty's doctor.
 
I saw the knee doctor today.  She is going to get the okay from the insurance folks to do the gel injections.  It's a serious of three injections.  Hopefully it will last a while.  We talked about the knee and also a little about the back and hip and decided waiting until after weight loss surgery would be best.  So the gel will hopefully get me through it.
 
Got the office done today too.  Snacks are there, juices there, bed made.  Still want to find a little lamp for by the bed and sweep.  Then done.  I think the lamp on the piano will work.
 
Piano.  Sounds like it's gone to taker #2.  #1 had to back out because the landlord said no.  #2 will be calling to come by soon.  She also wants the changing table.
 
I didn't do cooking today.  Just warming up.  Except for the apple cinnamon bread.  Took three muffin mixes and made them a loaf instead.  Tasted good even if I only ate a little, little bit. 
 
I'm having a really rough time of it tonight with this knee o' mine.  Oh boy.  When she asked if I felt like the pain was calling for another shot, I told her no, I could make it until the gel injections.  I am rethinking that right about now.  I think I needed it. 
 
10/7 and 10/8
 
Let's roll this into one.  Some of you know why.  For others this is brand new news as it was for me when it happened. 
 
Emmi and I decided we would ride with Cliff on one of his delivery runs that was called to him extra.  It would work out because it would be on our way to go get Kennedy.  We got ready and got into the van.  Oh MAN my knee hurt!  I took medicine because I could hardly even pull my leg into the van.  It was that bad.  Bone on bone is not a fun thing.  I really should have accepted that offer of another cortisone injection while we wait for the gel to be okayed.
 
I started getting sick about half an hour later.  Thinking it was my sugar, I ate three peanut butter crackers.  That didn't do it.  I dove for the one starlight mint in my purse.  Nada.  No help.  Cliff asked if I thought I needed something else.  I couldn't make up my mind but ended up telling him a cheeseburger.  We went through McDonald's, he got the burger and I was way out of it and couldn't look at it without feeling like I was gonna barf. 
 
He took me to the ER where he works, the closest place to where we were.
 
Well my heart was doing all sorts of weird things and I made mention of this little feeling in my chest at my sternum that felt like someone pushed me gently.  That was enough for them and they shipped me off to the hospital via ambulance. 
 
They admitted me to the floor right away and hooked me up to monitors.  I told them my sugar was probably way off since all I'd had that day was a piece of date nut bran bread and the three crackers and mint.  After a while of getting me settled and wired for sound, they brought me a tray that was a left over.  Welllll it wasn't what I should be eating but I ate some of it.  I gave the cookies to Cliff, ate the scalloped potatoes and veggies and a few bites of the fish.  I was afraid the fish might do me in like often happens.  I didn't get anything else until about 11PM.  Graham crackers and a muffin that was so, so sweet I didn't want it. 
 
Now naturally, with not eating properly, my sugar was whacked out.  Stayed that way all day today too.  I'll explain why in a few.  My blood pressure wasn't real good either since I was scared spitless!!
 
They scheduled me for a stress test for this morning.  I got down there, they started doing the first part, the ultrasound, and called the cardiologist.  Nope.  With blah blah blah on the echo I'd done Tuesday and bloah blah blah on the halter I turned in on Thursday, a better choice was a ....  I dunno.  Starts with an "L" and is in nuclear medicine.  I found out it's a two day test and they don't do it on Sundays so again I was stressing to the max.  I had SO much going!  [Looked it up.  Lexiscan is what it's called.]
 
It took a lot of people to okay it, but after doing the resting part of the test this morning, they decided I could do the second part on Monday as an out patient.  Yay.  I'd be able to go to the airport to pick up my sister AND I'd be able to actually visit AND I'd be able to go to the kids' birthday party tomorrow.  It's Mark and Morgan's birthday and I didn't want to miss it.
 
My meals today were wonky too.  I don't know what gives with the planning, but I made no choices so it wasn't me.  My breakfast, supposedly low sugar, no added salt, low sodium, diabetic, 1800 calorie was a dried up piece of French toast.  They brought smart balance, which would have been gross on it and no syrup of any kind.  I know they make diabetic syrup.  You'd think if they were going to give you the toast you'd get the syrup.  Nope.  They gave me a fruit cup with juice.  Really??  And turkey sausage.  Oh yea.  I forgot how loooow in sodium sausage is!  right  And orange juice.  Well that meal didn't cut it.  I ate the sausage because I was starved and ate the fruit trying to not get any of the juice.  Didn't do the juice and tried one little bite of the dead French toast and decided it was a no.  So I was still very hungry and had only had carbs pretty much!  NOT GOOD!  Then they gave me metformin and came to take my sugar 15 minutes later.  It was high.  Gee.  Wonder why.
 
Then came lunch.  It was very good but....  The meatloaf was covered in gravy.  Probably jar mix gravy which is filled with sodium.  The beans were good to me.  Very bland.  Could have added the Mrs. Dash but I chose not to.  I like them bland.  Then there was a roll.  No smart balance this time.  great  And there was a little thing of low fat ice cream.  Super.  But it does have sugar and sodium.  And a nice salad.  Fine except....  The whole meal had 685mg of sodium.  The dressing they send, fat free Italian, had 540mg of sodium.  So we didn't do but a couple drips of the dressing.  How do they figure that to be on the diet?  I don't have a clue.
 
The lady came up to plan my supper.  I was avoiding the carbs and asking for substitutions.  She looked at me and said, "You only have 3 carbs."  I wonder what her point was and told her I realized that but I'd like to go heavy on the vegs and not do all those carbs for choices.  She gave me a look and started writing.  Okie dokie. 
 
I didn't stay long enough to find out why my supper meal ended up being.  That's fine.  Didn't need to. 
 
I got home and we took the prescriptions to the pharmacy.  Super.  Can't get them until tomorrow morning.  I can handle the one but the nitro tablets better not be needed.  I think it was way better when the hospital actually sent you home with your first dose of things.  Doesn't happen anymore. 
 
I was pleased that I had a meal in the frig that was good for us.  I'd taken some very lean steak and crocked it with onion, mushrooms, garlic, carrots and thyme in red wine.  It was wonderful.  No salt.  Only carbs in the carrots.  No fat at all. 
 
We had contact with all the kids today.  It was great seeing pictures of the house Adam's girlfriend is building.  Even a little video.  Really enjoyed that.  Kris and Darlene stayed out at camp working hard to clean and pack up the campers.  That is an awesome help.  Time is growing short.  Corry and Angel brought us over another meal.  We'll probably eat it at noontime tomorrow.  Or I might have a little before heading up to bed.  We'll see.  Missy and Melanie came by to visit and Kennedy went back with her to do her homework (she'd stayed the night with her and left things at her house) after Kennedy went up and cleaned her room.  Rusty and Cait and Emmi came over to visit too. 
 
I love my family.  Ya, there are times when people piss and moan and argue.  We're pretty normal in that respect.  But I can count on everyone to really BE family when we need it to happen.  With everything going on this weekend and week, with my sister coming in tomorrow, the kids' birthdays tomorrow, all my doctor's appointments coming up and all Cliff's, all the unexpected excitement, my family stands strong and stands as one.  Thank you kids.  You are loved.
 
And so now you're caught up on life down Sage Lane.  The next weeks, maybe months or more, will be filled with doctor appointments.  This week alone, I have the test Monday, see a cardiologist Tuesday, have to go in for my new c-pap on Thursday and to the rheumatologist on Friday I think it is.  Next week looks busy too.  Couple that with Cliff's appointments and we will be spending a good part of our time with medical personel.  His surgery is the 21st to get the screws removed and it's none too soon.  He's really feeling them now.  I hope he gets some good relief once they're out.
 
Off I go now.  I've decided this will once again become my journal to keep track of all that's going on.  Mostly because I want to document all the things between now and me being skinny again.  Partly to remind myself that bad isn't all bad and good should be savored.
 
Hugs, all. 
 
~~Mama Sage
 
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning
But anyone can start today and make a new ending.
~~Maria Robinson

Monday, October 3, 2011

It's me again

I've got some catching up to do.  I will have to tell you that the knee injection has officially worn off and I've had to really take it so much easier the last week or two.  Back to YOUCH often.  I do see the doctor for that on Wednesday so we'll see what's next.  I hate having to take the pain meds.  They make me so sleepy.  Can't take them when I have Emmi so I suffer through and try just taking excederin.  Helps some but generally not enough.
 
I've got some notes from a few of the days since my last blog.  Don't know if that will help me get going on this or not, but I am hoping.  And I am hoping that I can get some things done around here while I do this.  I'm watching Dancing With the Stars, blogging and cleaning all at once.  We shall see what happens I guess.
 
~~~~~
 
Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it.  The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use. 
~~Earl Nightingale
 
~~~~~ 
 
Well I found out poached eggs and slim bagels doesn't do me good on the sugar.  Strange.  I take metformin with that meal too.  My sugar was wacked out both times I tried it.  Funny to me that eating blueberry shredded wheat and skim milk was better.  And it doesn't matter if I have light juice or regular juice, the result is the same. 
 
I'm doing a little experimenting with when to take it and when to do meals.  For the time being, I've decided that sometime 10 or 11ish is good for breakfast, about 4PM for lunch and then supper anywhere between 8 and 10.  I take the metformin always with the breakfast and supper meals.  I'm taking my sugar 2 hours after a meal, varying which meal for now. 
 
Took me a while to learn to use this silly little machine.  I get all thumbs and that's not good when it takes fingers to do the test!  lol  I've learned that your index finger is not a smart one to use.  And I've learned that you have to hold the thing close or you have to do the jabbing more than once.
 
~~~~~
 
Emmi has become Mimi's little helper.  She likes that little broom we got from the broom maker on our vacation.  Just her size.  I only thought it would be decoration but hey.  If someone wants to help with the chores?  I'll let 'em!  lol
 
~~~~~
 
Cliff got the gate made for the deck.  We'd been using two sections of the yard gates we have.  It worked but didn't look real good.  This one will match the lattice under the deck once it's on.  I'm hoping that gets put on fairly soon too.  I hear critters under there.  I'm afraid some animal is going to nest under there and have babies!  Nooooo!  Go into the woods ye creatures!  Join whomever it is that put a mattress and five gallon water jug out there! 
 
Yes.  I'm serious.  Someone has put a mattress there and I'm afraid they might be living there!  I don't like that one bit but don't know who to call.  I don't see a person, so how do I report a vagrant when there's no person?  Probably there late at night or something.  Just hoping whoever it is doesn't get the idea to move into one of the empty houses!!
 
~~~~~
 
I've been working hard on the Browns scarves.  I think I've got 15 made now.  I've got at least three more of the ones like this and then some other projects to get done.  We want to have a load of them to sell at the Browns vs Rams game in November.  Should be a cold sit and folks should want them.  I always give a big portion of the proceeds to the Browns backers group that Rusty, Kris and Cliff belong to for their charities.
 
I've got three totes full of other ones I've done that need to be put somewhere and sold.  It's going to take me some time to get it listed, but it's a must.  I can't be making them just for fun.  lol  Well it IS fun, but still. 
 
You're right.  When I started doing these, I hated knitting.  It's still not my most enjoyed craft, but I have learned to at least like it.  I'd prefer to cross stitch or scrapbook.  One day I'll get back to those too!  I will!  Yes I will!  (I have to keep telling myself that.  But if you need any cross stitch patterns, look me up.  I might just have it.)
 
~~~~~
 
I've finally sorted through all the baby clothes I had here.  Still have to go through the tote we had out at camp.  I took out all the things that are 12 months or smaller.  Most that were a little bigger and might fit Emmi were summer so nope.  It's not summer any more.  Short sleeves maybe but nothing sleeveless.
 
I found enough clothes that are bigger sizes that she should be outfitted here for winter.  I don't keep a full wardrobe of course, but all the years I've watched any kids I kept extra clothes around.  Kids don't always stay real clean.  :-)  I don't have a warm winter coat or socks and shoes, but she shouldn't need those from my end.
 
~~~~~
 
Did I tell you I made a million tuna egg foo yong patties?  Well not quite a million, but a LOT!  I had a #10 cam of bean sprouts downstairs and thought why not?  It's such an easy thing to do.
 
Tuna Egg Foo Yong
    #10 can of sprouts, drained
    large onion, chopped
    2 cans of tuna, drained
    1 doz. eggs
    flour to keep it from being real runny.  Don't overdo it.
 
Then I got out my griddle and slopped on some olive oil and fried them up 8 at a time.  I froze two bags, we ate some, and some went into the frig for lunches for the week. 
 
~~~~~
 
Our first load of things from camp got put away.  But now there is a second downstairs.  I'm afraid to look!  And there will be more.  We're going to get rid of both campers if we can sell them so we're completely emptying them if we can get it done by the end of the month.  Hoping...  A sign will go in the windows this weekend.  It's sad, but honestly I think we'll enjoy the vacation deal more.  It's a little hard on us to keep up with things now.  The ol' body she ain't what she used to be.
 
So who's interested?  Need a nice camper on a terrific lot in a great campgrounds?  Have one.  Need a cheap ol' camper for maybe a hunting camper?  Got one of those too.  Let me know if you know anyone interested. 
 
Cliff is also considering selling his motorcycle come spring.  And we have a project Harley golf cart in pieces we'd get rid of cheap.  Oh yes.  And a pop up camper that needs to be titled I think.  And I still have the piano, the organ and a changing table.  What else are you looking for?  We just might have it!!  lol
 
~~~~~
 
Well tomorrow should be interesting.  Cliff and I are both having an echocardiagram done and I'm getting a heart halter for 48 hours.  Just two in a dozen doctor visits we've got coming up.  I guess I'm glad this gal we're seeing is staying on top of things, but MAN I didn't know I was falling apart THIS bad!  I'll keep you all posted.
 
And I'm going to put this in print so I will do it.  I'm going to call and talk to the gal in finance for the gastric bypass doctor Rusty saw to make sure that they do take our new insurance.  IF they do, then I'll be scheduling to see the doctor and begin the process.  This whole diabetes thing is what finally tipped the scale for me.  I want to live.  Simple and straight.  I want to live.
 
~~~~~
 
So Mama Sage is out of here for now.  I'm going to sit and knit a bit while I wait for the ;pineapple date nut bran bread to be done.  I'm making two of all the things I'm doing to have things in the freezer for "those" days I know will come.  Night all.....

Sunday, September 25, 2011

This is the week that was

And the weekend that wasn't. 
 
~~~~~

We had one of those rare occasions one day when Cliff and I had a little bit of time with just us and no one else in the house.  When I came downstairs, he wasn't home yet, but it wasn't too long before he got there.  We didn't have Emmi.  Her other gramma was watching her because we had doctors appointments.  We were actually able to sit and carry on a bit of a real conversation! 
 
The doctor's appointment wasn't my favorite activity of the week.  Lots of news I just wasn't ready for.  Cliff had seen her on Friday last week for his pre-surgery appointment to get the okay of the PCP.  And he didn't get it.  He has to see a cardiologist tomorrow, Monday, because they did and EKG on him and it wasn't great.  When I asked for clarification while we were there she said that he has multiple risk factors and some things that were a little off in the EKG so she wasn't clearing him until he has an okay from a cardiologist.
 
Then she did his sugar and went over his record book.
 
Next, she decided to do me.  And it was high.  Soooo now I too am classified as pre-diabetic and am on medication and sticking myself every day.  Super.
 
Next, we talked about my knee.  It was doing better after the injection and I have an appointment in a couple weeks to see the ortho again.  Then we'll discuss using gel.  And I need to ask her about my back and my hip.  I'll be needing xrays for that.  And then will likely get referred to someone else for those two things.
 
And then my belly.  It is not whatever everyone has told me, it's a cyst and needs to be removed.  So I'll be seeing a surgeon for that.
 
And then I asked about the symptoms I have of sjogrens and asked if we should rule that out.  So I'll be seeing a rheumatologist for that. 
 
And she also wants me to have an echocardiagram and wear a halter for 48 hours because of palpitations.
 
And I told her I'm wanting to go ahead with weight loss surgery.  They wanted to refer me to the person one of our friends went to that I was completely disgusted with.  I want to see the person Rusty saw.  So I'll be making the calls to see if that's possible. 
 
I'm sick.  I'm tired.  I'm sick of being sick and tired.  I hope that somehow, some way things work out and I can lose the weight and let the person trapped within come out and live.
 
~~~~~
 
Meals this week were hard.  I know I have to watch closer what I'm eating and I'm really trying to change things up.  I changed up Bisquick's impossible brunch pie a little.  First I sprayed two pie plates with cooking spray.  Next I cut up enough fresh broccoli to cover both pans, then I added some sweet red and yellow peppers, added onion, and added zucchini.  Next I mixed 2 c. low fat sour cream with about 2 c. low fat cottage cheese, 1 cup reduced fat bisquick, 1/2 c. melted salted butter, 4 eggs. When it was mixed good, I spread it on top of the veggies.  Then I sliced a tomato, putting 4 slices on each pie and  sprinkled grated romano cheese on top.

~~~~~

Now THIS quote needs to be read. Then read it again. Now digest it. And
then read it one more time slowly.

                                        We labor to make a house a home,
then every time we're expecting visitors,
we rush to turn it back into a house.
~~Robert Brault
~~~~~
Also did a pot of chili this week.  I cooked the beans overnight then in the morning, drained off the liquid and added tomato sauce and some salsa that wasn't getting eaten.  Later on, I added onions, peppers, meat and spices.  I never measure and always do it different but generally it tastes pretty good.
 
~~~~~
 
We do have chicken veggie soup we've been eating too.  Sort of ignoring the hot chicken casserole.  Rice.  And not brown rice.  I wouldn't feel so guilty eating some of it if I'd made it with brown rice.  At least it would be a more complex carb.
 
~~~~~
 
Friday   Emmi said the longest sentence I've ever heard from her.  "Nelly! no touch nuggle blankie!"  We were getting ready to sit and snuggle and when she got down to get her blanket, the dog was next to it.  lol  Funny Emmi.  I love it.
 
~~~~~
 
Another meal was salad.    And I learned I don't like goat cheese on salad.
    romaine
    zucchini, no seeds (it was a big one and the seeds were hard)
    carrots
    mixed color sweet peppers
    scallions
    broccoli
    mushrooms
    eggs
    grapes
    croutons
    bacon
    goat cheese
    fat free California french
 
~~~~~
 
And so that's the week that was.  Sort of.  I had lots of other notes, but I'm not in a mood to write it right now.  So.....DELETE!  gone.  And some are glad because some of what was in there?  Well let's just say not writing what's been on my mind is probably a good thing.

Monday, September 19, 2011

When I'm quiet

When I'm quiet here?  Oh I'm probably too angry about something to write.  I don't like angry emotions.  I definitely don't like them spilling over into my blog.  It's not my style to rant like that.  Not like I feel like doing right now.  How can I sum it up?  Well let me just say that they system doesn't always work the way it should.  It is up to each individual IN the system to keep it running like it is meant to run.  When one...or three...don't?  Well that's when things begin to ge f'd up in a bad way.  And right now?  Ya.

I won't be blogging the last couple days for the most part because it would be totally inappropriate to do that.  So instead, let me just do some skipping around.  Right after I say DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA and when you involve my family??  And ME??  Ohhhh yes I"m mad.  But it isn't ME who flew into a rage!

People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing. 
~~Will Rogers

If you kick a stone in anger, you'll hurt your own foot. 
~~Korean Proverb

Before you give someone a piece of your mind,
make sure you can get by with what is left. 
~~Author Unknown

Consider how much more often you 
suffer from your anger and grief,
than from those very things
for which you are angry and grieved. 
~~Marcus Antonius
~~~~~

I'm still doing laundry!  ugh  You know I do just dread doing it, but I'm fine once it's all washed and dried.  I didn't mind when I had the washer and dryer in a hallway alcove in our mobile home before we moved into this house.  It wasn't in the way, it was convenient.  I didn't have to climb up and down the stairs with the laundry.  Even with all the kids there, I didn't mind the laundry.  Now...I mind.  sigh

I'm wanting to balance the checkbook and do bills.  There's not a rush or anything so I can wait.  I'm not procrastinating.  It's just easier with my little table.  And it has been borrowed.  I have a routine.  And when I can't follow it I feel all out of sorts. 

I had to give the girls a hand yesterday.  They came in and asked if I had white paper.  I said sure, then told them the many, many places and kinds I had.  When I went downstairs, they were cutting up little rectangles.  Quizzing them, I found out they were wanting to pass out their info for babysitting.  So...Mimi had business cards instead and sent them up to the attic to get them.  I had to tell them more than once that they needed permission from their parents before they gave out a phone number and that they should only give them to people right here who seem like okay people.  Permission permission permission.  I applaud their entrepeneurship, but had to toss out the stranger danger warnings at the same time.  Then they began to brainstorm...bake sale, sell old clothes and toys...so I asked what their urgency for cash was.  You'll never (said sarcastically) guess!  A cell phone.  yet another sigh

I have been under the impression our house and the neighbors were pretty much the same.  Guess not.  All three kids from next door were here yesterday and they kept telling me how much they liked this one.  Hmmm.

Yay, Browns! 
 
It was the day of the chicken casserole.  I fashioned it after my hot turkey casserole but used leftovers for the ingredients.  I started with
 
        leftover chicken and veggie teriyaki with squash and carrots, cut it in smaller pieces
        leftover rice, taken from the freezer
        celery, chopped
        onion, chopped
        water chestnuts, sliced but then chopped up too
        olive oil mayo with herbs
        2 cans cream of chicken soup
 
Then it was a stir it up and bake it at 350 until hot through.  It did turn out pretty good.  I liked it.  Cliff liked it.  Corry ate some.  Guess it passed for food.
 
Got my coupons done and the paper read.  A few minutes cutting and sorting can reap good rewards.
 
When the girls went up to the craft room with me for something, Justice's eyes were about bugging out.  I don't think she'd seen quite a....collection.  Talked to them about making scarecrows hopefully next weekend.  I hope I hope.  It's time to decorate for fall.  I don't know what else I have to make, but I'm sure something will come up.
 
I found them!  Orange totes!  Yep.  Orange.  For the Browns' scarves I'm making.  Hurray!  I need to go get a few.
 
Look what Cliff saw when he got home yesterday!  This is across the street directly in front of our house.
 
 

Guess there were three.  He had a hard time getting a picture fast enough.  Last year we had four.  Wonder if number 4 is still around?

And on that note, my deers :-)  I'm outta here.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Piano! Organ! Who wants it?

Just wanting to get the word out again. I've got a piano and an organ that need a new home. You will need a crew to move them since we can't do it. We do have a trailer if you don't have a way to get it home and you're close.
 
I also have a white changing table that could use a new owner. Right now it's just being used as a shelf. It's in good condition and does have a changing pad dealie whop up top.
On all of the above, first come, first serve. I'm just wanting room again.
 
~~~~~
 
I just discovered a couple things. First, my computer. If I take two fingers and pull out on the "mouse" pad, it enlarges whatever I'm looking at. If I pull in again, it brings it back down. COOL!
 
And about Facebook. I discovered tonight that I needed to go to my friends list and make some changes. We now have subscriptions to news feed updates. I went to each friend in the list and made the decision to either always be updated, mostly be updated or only be updated when the update is important. Then, in the list of choices of what to be updated on, I unchecked GAMES on each and every friend. Hope that plus blocking the games works! Should.
 
And now to catch up from last night and tonight.
 
~~~~~
 
Friday
 
I got Emmi early on Friday. Ugh I hate early. But if I have to be up early, it's good that it's so that I can spend time with one of my li'l cuties. :-) While waiting for her, I had a banana muffin and some juice for breakfast.
 
The cold air felt so good! It was a little too chilly for Emmi so I didn't open up right away. I don't want to freeze her out this early in the season. I just can't wait for the cool porch sittin' weather. I know it's been cool, but the porch was a mess from all the rain. Just got it cleaned off today. Thanks to my hubby. :-)
 
Have I mentioned we're going to sell the campers? Yes, we decided to go ahead and do it. We still haven't gotten our use out of them this year and it's seeming like pretty much a waste. We have someone interested so keep your fingers crossed.
 
~~~~~
 
Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.
~~William James
 
~~~~~
 
Saturday
 
I ate a banana nut muffin for breakfast again today but opted out of the juice. I was thinking it might taste good later on with my plans for supper. I took out sausage and bacon to defrost for tacos later, then made a a big fruit salad.
 
 
 
Watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, green grapes, bananas, pears, blueberries, strawberries, and mandarin oranges. And it ended up to really be GOOOOOOD!

The tacos were good too. I kept the bacon chunks pretty big, cut the sausage links into 1/4's, cut up two potatoes in decent chunks, chopped and onion and green pepper then added the rest of the southwest style egg beaters. It wasn't enough, so I added six eggs too. Didn't do it all healthy, did I? Oh well. Every effort counts. Oh we did put salsa on it too. The tortillas I had weren't good. They weren't at all soft and fell apart. We would have done better to plate it and eat it with a fork. I'm thinking the leftovers might make a good bagel sandwich tomorrow on the multi grain everything flat bagels. We shall see.
 
I spent the day doing laundry too when I could. Going up and down the steps is still easier right now. I think that shot in the knee did great. Well worth it. If the gel does as good, I'll be a very happy camper.
While downstairs I put away a few more things we'd brought back from camp. I'm hoping to ease the things in. Until you bring it in, you don't realize how much is actually out there! Also put the rugs back. Last week's rain sent them floating. All is dry now. We still need to dig up and waterproof but it will have to wait a bit.
 

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to do our running. We had some things to take to Kris for his friend Perlisa. While we were getting ready, Brandi called and needed us to go pick up her car. Okie dokie. Out the door and off we went. Gas. Stop for her keys. Go get it.
 
Wasn't quite the easy task we'd expected. Her brakes are completely gone. Kaput. We ended up not driving it but instead having to have it towed. Anyone in the market for a beater needing brakes?
 
I had Cliff take the Browns fabric and stuff downstairs. If I'm going to sew, that's where it will be done. My knitting can be done anywhere but the sewing needs a good table to work at and room to spread out. Just hoping I can get those projects finished. Hopefully by October, but definitely by the Nov. 13th game. They will most likely be needed then. Should sell.
 
Papa mowed the yard today too after helping rescue yet another car from clear up in Cleveland. Yes, this day was full. As will tomorrow be. My list is long! And it keeps getting longer. lol
 
I shall be back....
 
~~Mama Sage

Friday, September 16, 2011

No blog

I'm not blogging tonight.  I know.  I promised.  But this will have to count. 

I spent the last several hours working on a Snapfish project.  My albums were about to be deleted only because I've procrastinated for months in doing SOMEthing with it.  I'll fill you in later.  For now, I need to take the meat out of the crockpot before it's ruined. 

Night all.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

It's not Wednesday anymore but, it's a Wednesday blog

I told myself I'd do this every night again. I do want to. I just got out of the habit. So here I am at almost 4 in the morning writing my blog! And I do have to be up for Emmi in the morning. Not quite as early tomorrow, but still, morning is morning and it's almost here!!
 
 
This morning I had to be up at what is an early hour for me. I'm that night owl you heard stories about. NOW is perfect for me to be up and doing. When I have to get up early though I try to sleep early. Doesn't always work. Rarely does in fact. But anyhow, back to today.
 
 
I got up early knowing that it was about time for Emmi to get here. I was smelling my chicken bones a-cookin' away in the crockpot. Mmmmm such an awesome smell. When I got downstairs I turned it off and let the dog out.
 
 
If you haven't learned to crock through the night or while you're at work, you're missing out. It's a great way to get a good, good meal going when you can't slave over a hot stove. Especially during times I know my sleep will be short, I try to crock the next day's meal. When I don't get enough sleep, I ache ache ache. Can't describe how bad it is. Right now, because I'm off my body's rhythm, even my wrists and shoulders and upper arms hurt. And across the middle of my shoulder blades and my face. Don't laugh. The same tissues and connective gloop are in my face that are in the rest of my body. It can hurt. And it does.
 
 
When I got done with the little routine things and turned off the crock pot, I went through the livingroom turning all the toys on. Mimi doesn't mind noisemakers and musicmakers so we have LOTS! And of course they all have buttons to turn on and off and batteries. sigh
 
 
I decided to knit a bit while I waited. Still working on the Browns scarves. And Penny and Kelley and a few others out there, I do still hope to have the others online and ready to go this weekend. I know some of you Christmas shop this early and have been poked in the side to get a hitch in my get-along. Okay. I'm listening. Any particular color preferences? I have three totes full.
 
 
When Emmi got there, Nelly was so excited to see her. She jumped up to give her a kiss and knocked her on her butt. I hollered BAD GIRL! Meaning the dog, of course. Then I tried to console Emmi and she's hollering at me and pointing and telling me NO! Rusty said she thought I was telling her SHE was a bad girl. lol Took me quite a while to convince her it was Nelly who was bad and that she was good. Gotta watch what you say when little ones are abound.
 
 
When Cliff got back from the early part of his run (second job) Emmi and I packed up and road along with him a while. We had some things that we'd forgotten to give Missy the day before and decided to find her and run them to her.
 
 
After we were done with that, we stopped in at Wendy's, I was craving meat so I concentrated on that. Ten french fries and my burger. With cheese. And veggies. Lots.
 
 
We came back home, Cliff went up to sleep and I played with Emmi until Cait got here. She got here a little early today. You never know.
 
 
We visited a while and then after they left, I finished up the soup. I strained the bones from juice, picked the meat from bones, and added lots of veggies. Yellow squash, onion, sweet red pepper, carrots, mushrooms, baby green limas, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and peas. Then, to enhance the flavor some, I added some garlic, a little chicken soup base, and pepper. It was set to cook slow through the evening and set to auto until tomorrow. We'll have it for lunch with garlic bread. Maybe garlic cheese bread.
 
 
I know. I'd planned it for today's supper. It's going to take a little time to get into the swing of a working schedule with Cliff doing both these jobs and our changing schedule with Em. But I will. Somehow.
Next I cleaned the frig. I needed room for the soup. And while there, I decided to go ahead and pack Cliff's lunch a little early. Wouldn't hurt.
 
 
The rest of the evening, I knit and caught up on shows, cleaned up the toys and planned menus and to-do's for the rest of the week and weekend.
 
 
I was glad for the winner on America's Got Talent, but thought all four should have a show and a million bucks. I would have been happy with any of them as the grand prize winner.
 
 
After eating a couple egg rolls for my supper, and playing that addictive Angry Birds a little bit, I came upstairs and put away the towels. Then into the window with the fan, take my meds, blog this and then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
 
 
night all :-)
 
 
Sorry no pictures or quotes. I'll get better. I promise

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Today was a better day

After an evening of weirdness, I ended up craving meat.  I had cooked hamburger patties with cheese in the frig and as soon as meat hit my belly, I began to feel more normal.  I'm really thinking this is something diabetic and so the war is on.
I've been fat too long and it's time to really get myself healthier.  I want to live to see these grandkids and future grandkids walk the stage.  I want to see weddings of my kids and grandkids.  I want to celebrate not just our 40th anniversary (next May) but the 50th and 60th.  I want to L I V E !! 
And so.  I guess it's back to square one...again.  I'll have to get on this train whether I want to or not and if it doesn't seem like the train is going fast enough, I'll have to sit back, relax and be patient.  I NEED to lose weight.  It's not a want to, it's a NEED.
So back to my original reason for this blog.  This will be to help me through and make me accountable to myself.  I don't go for a group thing.  Nope.  Not for me.  If I can't do it for myself...I can't do it.  I do have my fitness pal on my phone and I can keep track of things for myself there with ease.  And now that I've had a shot in my knee, moving is a little easier.  I have a few other issues I'll need to address, and it will happen.
I see the doctor next Tuesday and I'm sure she'll have a lot to tell me.  I am trying to get brave enough to talk to her about weight loss surgery.  I did check the insurance to see if it's something covered and it is.  I see the results our son Rusty had and am enthused.  But I'm scared.  I'm scared TO do it and I'm scared not to.  Yes.  I can use all the personal stories out there from those of you who have done it with success.  And yes too, if you've not been successful. 
~~~~~
My balloons from my birthday, nearly three weeks ago are just now losing air.  Isn't that amazing?  Angel said she had some kind of stuff put into the latex ones to make them last longer.  It definitely worked!!  They've made me smile every time I look up at them.  Thanks!!
~~~~~
Last night, sick or not, I had to get the house ready to have little Emerson here.  We've begun bringing things home from camp and we'd just set them around the house.  I had bags with everything from diapers to a little food to kitchen items to cleaning products.  Some things were sharp and some poison so getting them out of reach of little hands was imperative.   
A little at a time, things always get done.  The only things not sorted and put away proper were the toys we brought home.  I just poured them in a pile.  Shoot.  By noon tomorrow they'll be that way anyhow!  lol 
We've made the decision to sell the campers.  I've got a lot of personal stuff in them that needs to come home so for the next month and a half, we'll be dropping in to load the van.  Next weekend I'm hoping to bring a trailer full home.  We have the grill and outdoor furniture for sure that's big.  There will also be totes and boxes of pots and pans and linens. 
In the case the one friend who is trying to buy our one does, I'll be leaving him enough to actually stay there.  I've got way too many kitchen things at home already.  BUT I had some things there that need to come home.  Can't get rid of it all. 
It is sad and it will be hard to actually let go of them, but we can still pay and go out to visit.  And we do still have until the end of October this year to enjoy it.  I loved it while it lasted but our new adventure will be even more fun. 

~~~~~
I talked to Missy this morning.  She said if we felt up to it, she'd like to do shopping with us today.  I talked with Cliff and he said he was good with it as long as he got home for some sleep fairly early. 
We started at BJ's.  She met us there.  For the first time, we put the girls in one of those car carts.  What fun!  It made me want to shrink small enough to jump in too.  lol  I got the goat cheese and feta I wanted for salads, some marked down roast turkey slices, dishwasher tablets, blueberries, carrots which had a buck and a half off coupon, annnnnd.....can't remember what else.
We stopped for food at Royal Buffet and the girls were a real hit.  It's a great place to take them since they both really like fruits and things.  Healthy eatin' for them.  Me?  Pretty good.  I did do four chunks of sesame chicken which is sweet, but for the most part I tried not to eat anything sugary.  I KNOW I have to start watching it.  We all five had water to drink.  The others ate dessert.  I was a good girl and didn't want it.
After we finished up, we went to Hartville to the R Grocery Outlet.  I got some deals there too.  8 pack of yogurt for 1.99, single ones of other flavors for a quarter, queso white velveeta (which I'd never heard of) for 3.99, non-aerosol air wick sprays for 1.39, cans of energy drink (for Corry) for 50 cents, power bars (for Rusty) for 25 cents, missed the mexi stuff they had a coupon for darn it.  It was for 1.00 free.  Got organic poptarts for 60 cents, and gatorade G2.  Six 20 oz. bottles for 2.69 and single quarts were .79.  I know there were other things too, but can't remember them all.  I forgot to take my empty detergent bottles.  I'd have liked to pick up more laundry soap.  A gallon of Tide end of run soap for under $6.  Not bad.
When we got back, the girls played for just a little bit.  It was fun watching them with my balloons.  You know those things were a really, really good gift.  My birthday was almost a month ago and they were enjoyed until they finally died this evening.  Even entertained the dog!  lol  Oh my.  Me and Nelly...sitting in my chair...picture it...calm...not thinkin' about anything in particular, just relaxing....BAM BAM BAM BAM!!  What the HECK???  Then I busted up laughing.  What sounded like someone shooting at us was the mylar balloons caught in the ceiling fan! 
~~~~~
WARNING!!  WARNING!!
Check all your bills carefully.  The kids' cell bill was ridiculous this month.  With a little investigation, they found they had reconnection fees that were not valid on their cell bill AND they charged it to each individual phone!
~~~~~
It was good to  be back with the babies today.  A book and snuggles and shape-o ball playing makes my day.
~~~~~
I'm excited!  I talked to my sister and she may make a couple trips here.  She's coming for sure in October and may do it again with my brother in November.  YAY!  We don't all get together as much now that Mom isn't alive.  We were used to seeing one another pretty often.  When Judy comes it will be for her birthday.  When Tom comes and maybe Judy too, it will be two months after his 70th birthday and we can celebrate with him too!
~~~~~
Rusty came to pick Emmi up and grab some of my canning supplies.  I love passing them on.  It's really special to me that the kids are into putting up their own food.  To have that skill be passed through the generations does my heart good.
After the house calmed down some, I finished putting away the things we got today.  It really wasn't a whole lot, but thankfully a lot of produce.  I think there will definitely be salads in the plans this week.
I packed Cliff's lunch...not anything fancy but what we had here.  Since I'm getting back to normal, hopefully they'll be a little more creative the rest of the week. 
I had told myself I wasn't sorting toys until Friday but I lied.  I wanted them put in order so when Em gets here tomorrow it wouldn't be all disorganized.  She plays better when there's order.  I decided I need box for baby things for CJ.  We brought back the things from camp and now there are lots more itty bitty baby toys. 
When I needed to make a trip downstairs for something, I took some things down.  Then I readied others and put them at the top of the steps to take down tomorrow. 
My last adventure for the day was to handle a meal beginning for tomorrow.  I got out the rotisserie chickens I found for 3.98, took off the big chunks of meat, crushed the bones and put them in the crockpot.  The time has come for soup!
And now I am ready to finish watching my shows and head to bed.  Early up tomorrow with Miss Em.  Hugs everyone.  See you next time.  :-)

Monday, September 12, 2011

Oh no I'm kidding me!

Some how, some way I ended up just deleting what I'd done!  I haven't done that in ages.  Oh well it was more than I needed to post anyhow.  I'll just say instead, I'm sick.  lol  And THAT is why there is now a button up top to join a group that will allow you to be notified via email when I post a blog!  :-)  Feel free to join!  I'm hoping this works for those who've asked.

~~~~~

I looked at the forecast today and I'd have danced had I been able.  FALL!!

How beautifully leaves grow old.  How full of light and color are their last days. 
~~John Burroughs

We can all take a lesson from fall.

~~~~~

I don't have any recipes to include today except maybe for one of destruction.  Oh yes.  I've been that sick.  Actually I am fairly certain I should have gone into the hospital.  But I didn't.  The decision to go would have been a yes with just a little more pushing I'm sure.  I still don't feel right, but I'm not as bad as I was there for a little while.  I honestly thought I was going to die in the WalMart bathroom.  FYI...If you are in there and someone is moaning...ASK IF THEY ARE OKAY OR IF THEY NEED ASSISTANCE!  I did but wasn't able to ask for it.  And if you are the greeter and someone comes flying up to you with an electric cart and says in a garbled tone that they can't park it, then they nearly fall over trying to get off and get out the door, "Have a nice afternoon." is NOT the appropriate thing to say.  Perhaps..."Can I help you?"  or "Do you need help?"  Anyhow, I'm okay at the moment.  We shall see how tomorrow goes.

~~~~~

Today my Gramma Keevert would have been 113.  She passed away when she was 95.  I'll never forget her saying, "I'm going to be 95!  Sendddd me-a-card!"  She loved greeting cards.  All were special to her.  Gramma was a very special lady who taught us all so much.  I miss her.  Oh how I miss her.

~~~~~

And tomorrow is my brother's 70th birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOMMY!

It just feels right to call him Tommy again.  My brooster is one cool cat.


I won't get to see him until November.  But...we will be going to the Browns game again, one of his favorite things to do.  Mine too.  No matter how the team is doing, I love football and will follow our Browns. 

~~~~~

 I would love to stay here and chat a while, but I don't think it's in the cards right now.  We'll see how it goes later on.  Might do a chapter two for the day or might wait until tomorrow.  I do want to begin the daily blogs again.  I think doing the vacation blogs got me back in the swing of things.  Hoping....

~~Mama Sage

Our Tennessee vacation—the finale

And to wrap it up…
                When thinking back on the past 8 vacation blog entries, I realized that in the grind of the what-we-did’s we missed some of the how we did it’s and some of the things we saw along the way that stuck the funny bone.  This last vacation blog to wrap it all up seemed appropriate. 

While we were in the planning stages of the trip, we began researching places to stay first.  No, we would not stay where we did again even if we had not purchased the vacation package.  I wasn’t real thrilled with it.  It was fine, but not the best for the money as we thought it was via our internet search.  We discovered that we were there very much off peak and that once there all places had vacancies and were running specials.  If we still wanted to stay in a cabin, cabin rental places were everywhere and all had big signs up … SPECIAL!  Motels, hotels, and resorts also had signs up with SPECIAL RATES! signs.  You really have your pick. 

We’re happier with what we have now.  It will definitely end up being our best choice.  We aren’t held to any particular week.  We don’t even have to go a week at a time.  We have the choice to go a day or two or three or whatever.  We don’t have to go to the same location.  If we decide on another destination, worldwide, it’s available to us.  If we stay outside of our group of resorts, we have the availability of booking at others the world over for under $200 a week at the very most.  And, we can share and gift our time.  If we can’t use our points or our 12 weeks a year, they don’t go wasted when you can share.  If you’re interested, let me know and I’ll hook you up.  Just called for one friend and they offered them 3 days and 3 nights to come tour, listen to the plan and enjoy the area.  And yes.  If you have a time share, you can trade it in somehow.  I don’t have a clue how that goes, but another couple there when we were did do that.

The last time we made a trip to Disney, we pre-booked our dinner show and special events.  We really enjoyed that because there was no worry about not being able to see what we wanted to see.  And we knew that by booking dinner shows, our special nights out were handled.

We decided to check things out and see if we could book here too.  Not knowing the area, we were a little at a loss knowing what to choose.  We knew we wanted the Dixie Stampede tickets but weren’t sure which others.  I spent some time researching and we ended up choosing four total.  I chose the murder mystery not on recommendations, but because we’d always wanted to go to one and never had.  Then I looked for comedy shows.  I found a deal on the Hatfield and McCoy web page.  Two shows for $60.   Most gave a discount if you booked online. 

We wanted to have handicap seating so instead of booking online we called.  We learned to always ask about discounts.  We had several available to us….AAA, AARP, Entertainment book, and military.  Every place had at least one.  When we mentioned the online discount, we found out the others were better.  So, my recommendation is to find where you want to go and call.  Talk to the ticket office directly and see what you can come up with. 

Unless you are bound to peak vacation times, I definitely recommend off peak visits.  Unless you have to have something booked before you go (as in going peak time) I recommend just going, arriving earlier in the day and exploring your options in person.  And as far as eating?  Well I definitely recommend eating.  Lol

There is a full menu of fall-back options.  You have about every chain restaurant between the three towns and then some.  I always try to seek out the local opinion when finding a place to eat.  Touristy places can be good, but if that’s where we’re going to go I still want the local flavors.  I want even our eating experiences to be memorable.  Ask.  Don’t sit and assume you’re picking something special.  Get the opinions of the people who actually live in the area.  Where go the locals, there go I.

                In this area, for a little something to bring home for a memory, I definitely recommend traveling the artist loop.  I feel that not only are we helping people one on one, but you can talk more and get to know the locals a little.  People are most interesting creatures.

                I couldn’t choose a best anything, but I will say the least favorite of our meals and our entertainment was the murder mystery.  I’m not sorry we went.  Not in the least.  I just feel the value was probably the lowest as was the entertainment in comparison.

                Now, Mama Sage cannot drive anywhere without finding something to make her laugh.  Let me just post a couple pictures that grabbed my funny bone. 

                A bumper sticker on the pickup in front of us at the toll booth.

                Taped to a trucker’s load.
 
                A pretty good invention.
             A sign. 

What did we miss that will be on our must-do list next trip?  Fanny Farkles.  It is pretty much arcade-ish, but they also have those foot long corn dogs.  We did lots of fun good meals and have a few more to try next trip, but we will probably who can resist a good ol’ corndog every once in a while?

I wanted to go to the Moonshine place just because.  No we aren’t drinkers, but it just seemed like it would be a lot of fun.  Maybe not.  Might be a total tourist trap.  I’ll let you know.  Lol

And we will definitely explore more local artists and crafters.  Especially the wood crafters.  We will search more local flare restaurants and we’ll look for sometimes missed, off the beaten trail everything.  We will also look for sometimes missed entertainment.  Don’t know when our next trip will be, but it will happen.

Our next trip might also be just to relax.  In that case, premade meal to take are on the menu, frozen in a cooler of just frozen foods.  The trip is only 8 hours down so properly packed, it will work.  I’ll find out if our accommodations have a crockpot and if not will take one.  Crockpot meals are the bomb. 

I will also concentrate on drinking more water.  We did drink quite a bit, but when I thought it over, probably not enough. 

And, I’ll take TWO fans, just because!  Lol  No.  Shouldn’t need to.  But if I was ever to stay in a cabin anywhere that wasn’t a part of our vacation package, I’d take at LEAST two!  Lol  The broken air was the lowpoint of this vacation.

And there you have it.  Our trip in 9 short blogs.  Oh.  They weren’t short?  Sorry ‘bout that. If you’re a regular reader, you know how I sort of get tap crazy when I’m at the keyboard.  Love ya!

I’m hoping that doing the vacation blogs Is my start back to regular blogging.  It has felt SO GOOD to be back in the swing!  I’ll post a link on my facebook page whenever I do blog.  Many of my followers are friends there or check in there.  If you’re a blogger member, I invite you to subscribe.
And on to the day….laundry day….ugh!

~~Mama Sage