Cereal

7/16/2020

I've decided that there is so much bad news out there in the world, that I decided (took a vote and I won!), that I would blog about something very different.

Jeff made oatmeal for breakfast this morning. And, with the right amount of "additions", such as both brown and white sugar, it was yummy. This oatmeal is made from Steel Cut Oats, which is made from the groat of the grain. Are you impressed yet? Let's put it this way, once you've eaten your cereal, you won't need to eat until the next day! Kidding, but it definitely sticks to your ribs. When the boys were having a test day, oatmeal was always on the menu. 

You know me. A little research never hurt anyone. The research shows that in 800 BC in India. These oats contain 7 grams of protein in just 1/4 cup of cereal! And, I promise you that you will definitely be full. This is a good thing. No more snacking on pop tarts, etc., in the morning. Of course, later in the afternoon  all bets are off.

My father had a bowl of "Smacks" as he called them, every night. Following in his footsteps, I also have "smacks" in the evening as well. Not actually following in his footsteps, but they're just tasty, and even better if you add a banana! I'm a bit fussy about bananas. They can't be green, or overripe. I pick out, as does Jeff, the near perfect "nanas" for eating. I'm not exactly high maintenance, but have a very strong opinion about my favorite fruit.

When I was staying at Andrew's house, I introduced Benjamin into the world of "frosties". He was reluctant at first, but then I reminded him, that MomMom (me) never eats what I call "ca ca food". Of course, this isn't really a word, but you get the idea. With his first bowl of frosties, he decided that they were very good. I reminded him that I would never, for instance, ask him to eat brussel sprouts. Why? Simply because I don't eat them. No other explanation is needed.

In the cereal aisle, which I generally avoid, there are all manner of cereals, with names like "Captain Crunch", "Fruit Loops", etc. These cereals, aimed at children, taste good, and unfortunately high in sugar, which let's face it, children like. Notice in the picture, butter is added, which is something that both Jeff and I put in our bowl. You know, that everything tastes better with butter!

Jeff loves granola cereal. Granola reminds me of eating hay. Mind you, I have never eaten hay, so the taste is all in my head.  And, we know that I don't have any extra room upstairs!

You have probably eaten breakfast today, but perhaps you could eat oatmeal tomorrow. Brain Food for sure.

Please stay safe everyone - and don't forget your mask.

!

P

Where's Your Stuff?

7/15/2020

If you are like most people, including myself, then you probably have "stuff" stashed in drawers, cupboards and, obviously behind closed doors. I have two bedrooms, that have not being used in years.

Basically just like going to Vegas, everything stays in Vegas. In those "empty" spare rooms, it's easy to just chuck most anything inside. I  know this flies in the face of everybody, who is a professional organizer. Think Maria (sp) Lundo. She goes into a house that has things around the house. With the help of fast moving scenes, before long the house looks great. You are supposed to get rid of anything that doesn't bring you joy. 

Having said that, none of my clothes spark joy, and haven't for a long time. Is it necessary to put my clothes in the closet by color, or by usage (office, formal)? You get the idea. As I write my closets, and yes I have more than one, are jammed full of clothes. I don't sort by either color or occasion. I'm doing good just to get my things on hangers. Currently, I have clothes that are way toooo big to wear now (I know this is a terrible problem to have). I have a few clothes that fit me right now, I also have clothes that will fit me when I lose a few more pounds. I have started making a pile of clothes that are now really too big and need to be donated.

Then there are my books, a true passion of mine. I have always been reluctant to donate or loan out my books. Why? If I give away a book to a friend, I have to assume that I'll never see it again. Or, sometimes I put a note on the front of the book, indicating that I don't or want the book back. My theory is that you can never own too many books. After my book drive in the neighborhood, I have received a lot of books. Love it! It was no small effort on my part, to find a place to store all of these books. If you're a book reader, then you know what I'm talking about.

The "junk" drawers in the kitchen, are just that. There are glasses that Jeff and I no longer need (wrong prescription), but there is always something that holds me back, preventing me to donate these glasses. It's not that these glasses, will ever be used by either Jeff or myself. And yet, I still keep them in the drawer. Spools of thread and needles and I don't sew! Oh, to be fair too myself, I can sew a button onto clothes. Card game, doggie bags, notebooks, crayons, as well as spare batteries, that I don't even know if they are still useful. 

Since every time I go to see a doctor, I always tell them, that I'm looking for Unicorns and Rainbows. Of course, there hasn't been one doctor that has produced either of those things for me.  My family knows that my spirit animal is Unicorns. I've been happy to receive Unicorns as gifts. Currently, I have Unicorn figures, pinata, coin purses, etc. The list goes on. I feel about Unicorns as I do about books. Unicorns help to make me happy, and that's a good thing. And, I need all the happiness I can find.

After reading all of this, perhaps you too will go through your dressers, cupboards and closets, and feel the urge to purge. This is not my house, but you get the general idea.

 

Please be safe. I'm trying to be. I go out once a week with Jeff to get groceries. Otherwise, I keep this old body, inside the house!

P 



 

Current Living

7/16/2020

The virus or pandemic that has ravaged the world, since February, is unfortunately taking over us by storm.

When I think about it, I wonder if there's a silver lining in all of this? I really don't think so. It reminds me of a saying that goes pretty much like this: if you see a pile of horse shit, there must be a pony in there somewhere. I think we're all sifting through the present day shit (there is no other word), looking not for a horse, but perhaps a rainbow. Or a vaccine.

Jeff and I venture out generally once a week. We go to Costco and WalMart. Since our pantry, and the freezer in the basement, are pretty much full, this weekend we bought very few food items. The joke among the family is, that if they run out of food - no need to go to the store - just go to Mom's house! I think Jeff and I have trouble reminding ourselves that the boys no longer live with us. Hence, the need to buy less. This is difficult, and even hard for us to deal with. At one point, when the boys were teenagers, we actually had milk delivered to the house! I wonder if the dairy still does that? While I would like to "shop", Jeff says, and he's right, we're there to buy only. Logically, I understand, BUT as a woman, love to browse. Frankly, it's part of our DNA!

We did venture out to Andrew's house last weekend. We were finally able to hug Benjamin, Stacey and even grumpy Andrew. We ate dinner outside on their porch/deck, and it was wonderful. Stacey has put a lot of work into their yard, and her effort has certainly paid off. Stacey has planted multiple vegetables in her garden. Unfortunately, deer also like her garden! I did some research this morning (of course I did), and sent her a list of flowers, plants, etc., that deer don't seem to like. 

Stacey, cut my hair, for which I was very grateful. I did have my hair uber (spelling) short just before everything was shut down. Before getting it cut by Stacey, again uber short, I was contemplating letting Jeff use the dog clippers on my hair! It's not like I'm out in the public on a daily basis, and frankly, when shopping at WalMart, I don't give a damn. Believe me, my hair cut doesn't even begin to compare with other people see in the store. While it's painful (thank you lefthip), I refuse to ride in those carts, that make that obnoxious beep-beep noise, when you're backing up. Reminds me of a delivery truck. Oh, and not to mention how much people stare at you. At least, unlike most people, my body doesn't hang over the edge of the seat. I might be a little "vain" in that regard, ya think.

I could go on and on, but the clock tells me that it's time to move, and actually get "something" done. Laundry comes to mind, which I find super boring. The loading clothes in the washer is okay. It's the folding and putting away clothes, that I find tedious! 

Have a great day everyone. And, more importantly stay safe.

P



 

SPOTS!!

7/13/2020

I know you're wondering what I'm going to blog about when it comes to spots. I'm not going to blog about spots on animals. I could do that, of course, but today I want to blog about spots on people.

At age 70, I'm old by younger people. I get that I've reached a "certain" age, and spots are considered "normal". Okay, they may be normal, but that doesn't mean I have to like them. I notice now, okay, I've noticed for some time, that the ugly age spots are showing up pretty much everywhere on my body. First, it was just on my hands, and I eventually learned to live with that. I don't much like looking at my body, so I avoid mirrors as much as possible. But, when I eventually did give in, much to my horror, the spots had moved up and down my body. Disgusting. How did age spots move "south"? What's up with that? 

What do the famous people, or movie stars know that I don't? Obviously, they have "people" to help take care of their skin issues, whether it's sagging skin or uplifting needed, they have the money to take care of every- thing related to their skin. So, I'm jealous - big time. 

It seems as if every day, a new spot shows up. I feel about these pesky spots, much as I do with mice and ants, let's just get rid of them! Easier said then done. The only thing I get done, on a fairly regular basis, before the virus, is doing toes and nails. And, for most of my adult live, my make-up, if you can call it that, consists of lipstick. I was with Benjamin over the weekend, and he said that I looked pretty - that's good enough for me.

Today is "National holiday is World Elder Abuse Awareness day". 

I'm signing off with all of my wrinkles and spots in place!

P


 

Pandemic and Masks

7/10/2020

As far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure all of you as well, would (wishful thinking on my part) like to return to our "normal" lives.

When I was in the hospital, you had to wear a mask anytime you left your room. And, sometimes other patients, such as myself, would leave the room, and be gently "reminded" that I didn't have my mask on.

Obviously, if you're home, you don't have to wear one. For that reason alone, it's easier to just stay put. Some people, who are not a recluse like me, find it hard, if not difficult, to stay home. Here at home, I have television to watch, books to read, and Christmas presents to make. If, I become bored, then it does become a huge problem for me. Truth is, I like my own company, and have ever since I retired a few years ago.

When all of this nonsense started, Jeff and I didn't own a thermometer. Knowing that we should have one, we ultimately found one that sort of points to your forehead. Will we ever use it, doesn't seem likely? But, just knowing that we have one more thing in our bag of tricks, certainly makes feel better.

You can buy masks pretty much everywhere. Amazon, Etsy are just two sites to go to. Regular people make them as well. I have been tempted when wearing one of those blue masks, to decorate it. You know, with baubles, beads, and even making a funny face from markers. The problem is that if I were to try and draw something on a mask, it would probably come out as a sneer - and that wouldn't be good.

Will we be mask free in 2021? Let's keep our fingers crossed. For now, be safe. Stay home, or wear a mask when you're outside. If everybody would wear a mask, perhaps the number of cases, and deaths would start to go down. This picture of the virus, reminds me of a pin cushion, or a very odd game of darts.

P

Used Books

7/11/2020

I started a neighborhood book donation a few months ago. My reward? Books, lots of books. To say I'm in heaven would be under-stating my happiness in having lots of books to read! I now have to store books just about anywhere I can find space! What a problem!

When I was in the hospital, books, as always, were very good company for me. It's a good thing I was going home, because I read almost all of the books available, that I was interested in. A patient wanted to know how many books I had read while in the hospital. I told him too many to count!

And, in these used books, I found treasures. It is amazing what people leave in books they are going to give away or donate. Me personally, before I give a book away, I fan the book, making sure that I didn't accidentally leave any personal (seat assignments, date of a flight, love note, etc.). In the books I have been given, I found all of these things.

In particular, Ms. "x" flew to England (no name, I'm protecting the innocent).😉 I have her ticket number as well as her seat assignment. Now, it's true that this information is of no use to me. But still, why would you leave this information in a book. I have no earthly idea. And, the love note was a bit interesting as well. I guess the note didn't wasn't important enough to save. Sad.


I like to protect my privacy, and the little you know about me, is a good thing. Even my license plate "CUZILU" provides no information about me. By the way, that name is on my car - it stands for Cuz I love you. And, that plate goes with any car that we purchase. It's too good of a plate, to leave it behind! For all I know, a driver behind me, might think my name is Cousin Lou, or something else like that.

Between reading, and working on Christmas presents (obviously can't say more about that), I have lots of ways to keep me busy. Working on being relaxed, that's not going so well. I should probably do some meditation, so I can zone out. Frankly, I'm like a two dollar watch, who has been wound up. I hope that makes sense.

My doctor tells me that I should focus on the positive. I know I have many things that are positive in my life. But, somehow, no matter how hard I try, I keep focusing on the negatives. 

A holiday, that has come and gone. In March, it was National Book Day, And, you know as well as I do, that a day devoted to books, would not have much of a following, except for a Biblichor like me. This word describes the particular smell that belongs to old books. 
Sometimes in the past, I have bought books because they look and smell old. The title of these books doesn't matter, I'm not going to read them, I just collect them.

“Biblichor is the word that describes the particular smell that belongs to old books. While this is a word, not used by many people, it describes me to a "T". Sometimes, when we go to an antique store, for example, I always head to the book section. I never know what I'll find there. All I know, is that any book I buy, is a treasure for me.

Have a great day.

P




 

I'm Back!!!

7/8/2020

Did you miss me? This is where you say of course we did. 

I came from the hospital yesterday. I've been in the hospital since June 8th. A very long time in the blogging world. I do apologize for the length of time that I was away. But, going forward, I'll be here, just like before 5 days a week.

While I was away, I wrote down in a notebook, some of the things that I saw while I was in the hospital. Okay, first there were the people. An odd assortment of men and women, all with different personalities. Some of those personalities, were unique and other times, just downright annoying. But, none of these oddities pertained to me, of course! Okay, I'll agree that I might be "somewhat" mental (ya think!), but at least I didn't mutter to myself, and there was a lot of that going in. 

Near as I can tell, I was the only one suffering from memory issues. Some on the people on the floor, had depression issues. The lady that I ate with every day, was there for ECT treatments. She wanted to know, if the ECT that I had had (24 of them), helped me. I wanted to be positive, of course, but I didn't want to lie, so I told her, for myself, I didn't notice a difference. But, I assured her, that every person is different. Before I left the hospital yesterday, I wished her good luck. 

I said I was home. But, when you have been gone for a month, it was scary to come home. I now need to find my "groove". At the moment, I'm somewhat "wound up", and I know that's normal. It may be normal, but, I'll admit to some agitation. I try to keep in mind, that Rome wasn't built in a day.

I had purchased before I was in the hospital, a latch hook pillow. I can't describe it, because it's going to be a Christmas present. I should be able to finish it before December. If not, perhaps Christmas in 2021! And, when I tried to "hook" (unique word to describe this), my memory came up empty. But, I had a wonderful occupational therapist, who worked with me, until I got it. I'm happy to say that I have made good progress on this particular project. I've enjoyed it so much, that I bought several other kits, all to be Christmas presents. 

I'm being referred to a brain injury program. Apparently, they tell me, that when I had my heart attack, my brain was deprived of oxygen. I didn't know this, but apparently it has somewhat, muddled up my brain. Hence, some of my memory issues. I was challenged by an older woman in group therapy, who told me that my memory loss was just a part of aging. You'd be proud of me - I took the high road, and didn't engage with a response. But, boy oh boy, I wanted to. A book was recommend by my doctor - "When I Say No, I Feel Guilty. Describes me to a "t". 

A few months ago, on our neighborhood bulletin, I posted that I had some books on the porch. Take one, etc. The responses from people, who had books that they wanted to get rid of, two very large bags of books! So excited. Ever since when I was young, my Dad, read to me from the Little Golden Books every night. Some of you might remember, one of my favorites, "The Poky Little Puppy". He didn't know it at the time, but those little books, was, I'm glad to say, started me on a lifelong passion for reading. As a teenager, my love of books, when I was asked to do something, I always said - just one more chapter - or two!

Now, for birthday and Christmas presents, I receive Little Golden Books. I have them lined up, of course I do, (blame this on my OCD), in a cabinet. What, will I eventually do with them? As long as I'm still humming along, I will do nothing. I take them out, from time to time, to read. 

Doing my research, and you know I do a lot of this, on Ebay, you can buy 15 vintage books for $575.00. That's crazy talk. Do you know what you could buy, or save, with that amount? Of course, some vintage books, sell for a whole lot less. I think I would still like to have these books, vintage or not.

Let's talk about dieting. This is a subject that strikes terror in a lot of people. I started on my high protein diet last year, and have lost 52 pounds!! When I go to my physical therapy sessions, the therapist, always tells me to donate or toss, pants are too big. This is such a huge problem to have. What I did do, was I donated all my big clothes. This means, that I can never go back, nor do I want to. Being thinner, also means that eventually new clothes, in a much smaller size. And what woman wouldn't like to be able, to buy smaller clothes. Unfortunately, at the moment, I don't have many smaller size clothing. Oh, what a dilemma to have!! It was super easy to lose weight in the hospital, because the food wasn't all that good. Okay, now I'm home, and I'm loving coffee. Hospital coffee is dreadful, to say the least. And, don't get me started on scrambled eggs. Jeff, has always made the best scrambled eggs, I've ever had.  And, if that's not good enough, Benjamin always asks PopPop to make eggs for him when he's at the house. Unfortunately, thanks to this stupid virus, I have only seen (but not hugged), him one time. Jeff went out there last weekend, and was able to see, and hug, him. So jealous.

I apologize that this blog is so long. I just had a lot to say. Hope I didn't bore anyone. I will be blogging, as I always did, five (count 'em) days a week. It's a know fact (just kidding) that bloggers have to rest during the weekend!!

Today, unfortunately, is National Video Day. Whoopy! My love of games, ended with Pac Man, for example. More research, tells me, and now you, that in May of 1972 with the Magnavox Odyssey (first home video game) and Atari in November 1972 (their first PONG arcade game). Atari's game was quickly copied and Atari's game was quickly copied and improved in 1973. Later in 1975, home video games became popular and were sold, pretty much everywhere. And, you can now, buy vintage Pong and games on Ebay!


Stopping for now - I can see eyeballs rolling around - not really. I missed all of you very much, and will try and continue to bring, my latest ramblings!

P