Tivo

 10/5/2020

I don't know how many of you out there, have a Tivo (like a DVR but better). The Tivo in the den, where all the action is, i.e., sitting and using the remote, is in a word - exhausting!

Over the weekend, our Tivo in the den went "belly-up". There are better geek words to describe what's wrong - a hard disc, which has to be replaced.

Jeff brought down the Tivo we have in the bedroom (and, yes to be clear, we do have two Tivos (doesn't everybody)? Now, you all know that I don't like watching television, I love watching television. When Jeff is in his office, that gives me time to watch shows on the Food Network. And, because it's fall, there are a number of food shows centered around, what else - pumpkins. What people can carve out of a lowly pumpkin is nothing short of amazing.

Today was my Zoom appointment with my psychiatrist. I always feel like that there is so much to talk about, and the hour goes by very quickly. It's a bit easier, if I write down things that I want to talk about. Whether those things are good or not so good.

Our air conditioners are turned off. This means that we open "x" numbers of windows. The one in our bedroom, is open only an inch or two. But, our girl Bella, lays at the foot of the bed. Jeff and I can be deep asleep, and then Bella starts up. I understand she's trying to protect us, but the barking wakes both of us. 

What we don't know about Bella, is what she would do, if someone broke into the house. But, if they come through the basement door, and they don't have any light, they likely will break a leg on something that they can't or didn't see. And, this is when Bella can really do her thing. Bella has a big bark, and she's not a small dog by any means. 

Personal training tonight, and possibly a run to the usual stores. We're not going to starve, if we don't go, but we are running low (not out), on certain things that we buy every weekend.

I'm going to try today, to do 7 loops around the circle, oh and perhaps more importantly, that I don't have to sit down between loops! Baby steps I know, but I have to start somewhere.

While I have a new sassy rollator, which is really on the small size. But, you can press the sides of the rollator as you go through doors. We tried it out when Stacey and I went shopping. Benjamin, pushed me around, and this little rollator, moves around with very little effort, which means you can really gather up some speed!

I recognize that I didn't have much to blog about today. I'll give it a "think" (idea) for tomorrow's blog.

Stay safe.

P

 

 

 

 

After the rain, you get a beautiful day

 10/2/2020

Sunny day outside. Probably should go out and smell the "roses", if I had any! Today, I will take my rollator, and do the loops around the circle. Last time, I could do four loops. Can I do five loops today? We'll have to see.

Personal training yesterday, but the trainer took it easy on me, since I was, and still am, sore from falling earlier in the week. As soon as I know I'm going down, I call Jeff's name, rather than using my whistle. I guess it's just easier to call out, and Jeff, from his office, can hear the "thud" sound of me falling. 

When I do my loops, I would like to take Daisy out with me. But, she hasn't been on a leash very much, and that she will pull, and then, well you know the rest of the story......

My face, is still healing, but I do have a dandy assortment of colors on my face at the moment. At this point, I really can't tell if my very ugly, large "spot" under my eye is gone. 

Yesterday, I had a very nice surprise. A neighbor, who has lived in their house 32 years, brought me a very nice assortment of flowers, pinks and whites from their yard. I was caught off guard, by her kindness. What it did for me, was to definitely put a happier spin on life. A serendipity moment.

Jeff has created a "Patti List" on Amazon. When something catches my eye, I add it to the list, for him to buy, or not, depending on need and prices. Having a list, makes it very easy for people to see my wants! It is also to Jeff.

I think a lot, and suffer from "busy brain". I research things, look for unique things to buy (after all, Christmas is just around the corner for me). This year, I'm going to do something new (which I can't write about), which will add some fun into the day.

My car, just sits in the driveway, with wet leaves sticking to the hood. She is a beautiful car, and has low mileage. My thought, which I shared with Jeff, was to have the car cleaned, and then put a "good" (i.e., more on the expensive side) car cover over her. My car makes for a very comfortable ride. If we have a bad winter, then my car will be put into service. I can't think of anybody who would want to drive a convertible, top up of course, in snow or ice.

I checked out the prices of a cover from Mercedes. Guess what? The covers are really costly. I don't want to put a down payment on a house, just want to protect my car. I had put a car cover on the "list", and Jeff agrees that it would be a good idea to cover the car, against the elements. And, agrees that she should be washed and probably waxed before going "under cover"!!!

I had my ears pierced, oh a hundred year ago, in a department store. Okay, fast forward to today, and I have one ear that has some kind of a thing that makes wearing earrings very painful. Interesting, I checked out several dermatologist sites, and they all seem to agree that the safest and cleanest place for piercing is a tattoo parlor. Who would have thought that?

Signing off for the week. Have a great weekend, and I hope it's sunny where you are.

P

 

Bits and Pieces

 10/1/2020

My daily flip calendar says it's October (duh). This is the time of year, where football games (possibly) is king of sports. 

I'll have to rummage around and sort out my "collection" if you will, of long sleeved shirts and longer pants. In my closet, I know, or I think I do, have sweaters of all types. A cardigan, at this time of year, is a must, particularly if you are outside. And, since we're still driving with the top down, a sweater is an absolute must. Since I did a big purge a month or so ago, and donated two bags of clothes that were too big for me. My thought is, if you don't have bigger clothes to wear, then you must be faithful with your eating habits.

To that end, I looked up the calorie count for a woman, who doesn't get much, or any at all, exercise. The calorie count for women like myself is around 1,420. I have a tablet and start with the number 1,420. Everything that I eat (and I do check calories) keeps me for taking in more calories than I can lose. I am back seeing my personal trainer, and since I fell yesterday, definitely need to continue getting stronger.

My stitches were taken out yesterday, and now I only sort of look like Mrs. Frankenstein! My face is still blue and yellow (sounds like a team color), but I think, after looking in the mirror, that the dreaded "age spot", seems to be gone. And, if it is gone, then I'm going to be a really happy camper. 

Jeff made salsa last night, and like the first batch he made, was yummy. He even took one jar over to a neighbor, and I'm pretty sure they will enjoy it also. Making salsa is messy, even if you're not going to boil them in water, which preserves your food. The last thing you want, is to open up a jar, that has gone bad. At least, when you're getting ready to use milk, you can tell by using the "nose" technique, that the milk has become unusable, at least for me.

I am busy with mostly, at the moment, putting things out on Amazon, for me to either buy or remove from my list. I know it's early by most people's standards, but I never wait to the last minute. 

I'll cut this short - I have a kitchen to clean! I know you're jealous!! Have a good day.

P

 

 

It's Not Policatal

 9/30/2020

I will start with, my getting out the sutures, that were put in place last week. At this point, having sutures on my face, I could go out on Halloween, as Mrs. Frankenstein. Kidding, but with a portion of my face sewed up, well you get the idea.

And, discussion for today, has to be last night's debate. You know I don't discuss politics on my bogs, and I wouldn't bring this subject up. But, last night's debate performance, was so unusual, that I actually stayed awake through the whole debate! 

I don't know about you, but I thought, and this is just my opinion, so no hate mail please. It could go down in history, or perhaps will, to bemost unpredictable. And, that's saying a lot.

The over talking of each candidate, made for a frustrating even for his wee little people. Anybody, running for office, especially running for the Presidency, promise a lot. And, unfortunately, generally accomplish nothing.'s I won't put the blame entirely on a President. Sometimes, the two houses, which don't always agree (understatement) lock down on any particular proposed action. This is sad, because the only ones that really get hurt, is us guys.

I watched one loop of the news today, and then I turned the television off. A person,or more precisely this person, can only watch one news loop. Then, I have to get up, and find something else to do. Even, folding up laundry, and you all know how much I love that chore!

The talking heads this morning, went back and forth, with the guests (I think you could say that) on their show. Want to be all mixed up? Oh, and depressed at the same time, just watch the news. I have a need, and most of you do as well, wish there could be some kind of feel good news. Good news, for that matter, would be, in my opinion, a good way for the news to end.

I hope you are all safe, from both Mother Nature's activities such as hurricanes,the massive number of fires in California, and flooding, just to mention a few catastrophic events that we've had this year. And, the cherry on top of all of this shit, is the virus. Jeff says, and I know he's right, that if we stay in the house for 99% of the time, then our chances of getting sick, become minimal. And, I know this is a good thing. But after all these months, makes me, and you as well,wish the virus could just simply go away,

I still, remember that when I was in junior high, our family stood in line, to get our sugar cube, to ward off our chances of getting polio. Basically, as kids, we thought that receiving a sugar cube, was a wonderful way of preventing the spread of this horrible disease. Knowing, that you could prevent polio, with just one vaccine, meant at the time, standing in lines to get your medicine. Those waiting in line for the polio vaccination, unlike today, just stood, single file. There wasn't any protests, etc., that are around today. Being in the streets, to protest against police violence. Unfortunately,  this is, a sign of our times, (please let me go back to the 60's) and, hope that the peaceful protests, going around the country, will eventually fade away, or be gone altogether. When winter comes around, and it's cold outside, then we might see a stop to protesting, or at the very least, reduce the number of protests, peaceful or not.

It's hump day for all of you still working. For me, it's just another day, at the "office" for me.

You all know the drill about the rules for the present time. Let's continue to keep doing what we're doing. In the long run, it should show a downturn in the number of individuals getting sick, or worse, dying.

P

What I've been up to

 9/29/2020

With just a few more flips of the calendar in my office, and we'll be just a bit closer to autumn. Since we no longer have the big oak tree in the front yard, we have fewer leaves and squirrels. Apologies to the squirrels.

Tonight's the first debate. Before it begins, I'll go upstairs and get ready for bed. Some of my night-time meds, make me pretty sleepy. Reminds me of a Saturday Night Drunk!

Yesterday, armed with a broom and eventually a little vacuum, went to war in the pantry. My OCD wouldn't allow me to go another day, without trying to clean the pantry flour. For me, a bit of work was needed. If there is any good news, and heaven knows we need one, is that some of the dry food can no longer be used. Once I see a hole or a chew mark on a package or box, out it goes. I'm not so insane as to want to check every shelf. That would involve a ladder, and nobody wants "Wobbly Patti" to try (emphasis on try) and clean those upper shelves. I guess I'll know when it's time to clean - boxes chewed, stuff like that.

I have become so desperate, okay my OCD has kicked in big time, I'm thinking that Jeff and I should get a cat. Everyone wants a kitten, but for me, I want a cat. Kittens are cute, so they are adopted quickly. The older cats just linger on in the shelter. Personally, I would rather have an older cat. The kind of cat that might have a much shorter life. But, if adopted, can hit the ground running. And, I'm thinking that if we adopt an older cat, he/she could stand her ground, against the dogs.

I am working on one of Benjamin's presents. It's a picture of a Bassett Hound (I know you saw that one coming) resting on a rug. This is a non-printed canvas. This means that you have to count how many spaces over and what color to use. I'm afraid that I might not have enough of a particular color, so I wrote to the seller. The response was almost immediately. I sent them a picture of the rug, so that they would know what I'm talking about. We'll see what happens. I can go rouge (sp?) for some of the colors, but the yarn I need the most is for the background, which is yellow.

Tomorrow, I am getting the stitches taken out for the biopsy that the surgeon put in last week. My face, around the eye, is a wonderful combination of blue and yellow. What I'm really anxious to see is the spot gone? If not, then I would like to hear a solution. This spot on my face became much more visible, once I stopped wearing glasses. I am convinced, that this age spot, if you will, makes me look tired all the time. More on that tomorrow.

Jeff and I feel so sorry for the people in California, who have lost loved ones and their homes as well. If you only had "x" minutes to leave your home, what would you take? And, remember you can only take a certain amount of possessions. And, Jeff and I would never leave the house without the dogs.

Be well, be safe, and I hope you aren't in the fire areas.

P

 

Running Hot or Cold!

 9/28/2020

Your first question might be, are you going through menopause? Nope, that ship sailed a long time ago, thankfully.

Every year, and I do mean, every year, Jeff and I have a "discussion" about when to turn the furnace and air conditioners on. We seldom agree, but we have, over the years, managed to heat and/or cool the house.

Anybody visiting the house, will always bring a sweater, because we keep the house, during the hot months, pretty much on the cold side. One reason I like running the a/c is, that my recliner is leather - and boy do I hate sitting on leather, and then "sticking" to the chair. 

Once the a/c is turned on, then we will run our two a/c units, full-time for "x" months. For example, today's temperature is only going to be in the 60's, but no matter, the a/c is still on. 

The next debate will be, when do we start using the furnace. Jeff is still running around in shorts, where I am already wearing sweatshirts. Jeff's temperature, if you will, always runs hot - hence the shorts. Me? I run hot and/or cold all the time. If my feet get cold, then that chill just seems to get my whole body involved. I can be a little bit "sloppy" or perhaps you could say "lazy", because in front of my chair in the den, are generally one or two pairs of socks. I put them on, I take them off. It's an annoying habit, but even at the ripe old age of 70, continue to have difficulties regulating my body temperature. This seems to be only a problem for us women. Just one more thing, we ladies have to deal with, during our lifetime. 

Because I was a Girl Scout, I want to always be prepared. I learned my lesson last year, when I called to have our gas log cleaned. I ended up waiting several months. Ah, but I learned my lesson - basically the early caller, gets the early appointment. The fireplace guys have just left. They vacuum and move the decorative rocks around. It's not a big deal, in the scheme of things, but I, in particular, like knowing that the fireplace will turn on, when I need the heat.

We will, sometime in the future, "talk" about turning on the furnace. And, just like the a/c, we differ on when to do this. But, somehow we always work things out. I guess that's the beauty of a long time marriage.

For my friends and family in California, I hope that you all remain safe from the fires. Since our climate seems to be all screwed up, I imagine it won't be long before the polar bears start coming south!

Be well everyone and wear a mask. Having pictures taken at Christmas, with everybody wearing a mask (but probably not), will not make for a wonderful picture.

P

 

Multiple Things

 9/25/2020

For all of you working folks, this besides the weekend, is a great day. I remember, when I was part of the working group, that I always looked forward to two days off. Of course, if it was a holiday, either on Friday or Monday, then we had an extra day off. Here's one of the facts about being retired, and I don't want to rub it in, but for me, everyday is a Friday. 

You remember that I blogged about the large bathroom mirror falling off the wall? It's been 3 weeks, and today is the day, that the new mirror will be installed! I'm excited because walking into the bathroom and seeing that blank wall, was disturbing to me. Jeff didn't seem to care that the mirror was gone. Perhaps, I may be a little more vain! (ya think?) 

I enjoy watching men work around the house. It's not the actual looking at the men, it's the project itself. And, boy do I like to supervise. With my mouth shut!

We've also been given a quote to remove all the Cypress trees in the backyard. The estimate isn't as costly as a new car, but, would qualify for a down payment! Just kidding. The tree man who's coming to do the job, also removed the large oak tree in the front yard and his team did a great job. They even removed the stump, and you'd never know that there was once a large tree in that hole.

Went to the plastic surgeon yesterday. I thought we might talk about my progress, for losing weight. Nope, she had me come in so she could do a biopsy of this ugly "age spot" if you will, on my face. When I wore glasses, it hid part of the "spot", but since I don't wear glasses anymore, the spot just makes me look tired all the time. Okay, I'll admit, that in actuality, I am more tired now, then when I was working. Here's the upside of not yet being eligible for any plastic surgery on my body. Drats (sp?). I kept an Excel spreadsheet of everything I ate every day. And, once I had compiled this list, I was well and truly shocked. Once you see the numbers in black and white, it will give you pause, I promise you. I know now how many calories there are in some of the foods I eat. And, for some things that I have been eating, have to stop, or at the very least continue with moderation. I like cookies and milk, it's all about the dunking. However, doing this is 180 calories. Do I really need the cookies? A bagel has 300 calories. Even after looking at the numbers,

Probably has something to do with all the extra time I now have. And, when I do think of something to do, and it's not interesting (laundry, dishes) for instance, I'm immediately tired!! Since, I've gotten into baseball, there is always a game to watch. I don't even care if it's current or not, something about watching a baseball game, can put me to sleep pretty fast.

The war against mice(s) is still going on today. We have caught several mice, but know there are more to come. As the weather gets cooler, in they come. Where do they go? The pantry of course. What do they eat? Pretty much anything, but lately it's those little packets of spices, that draws them in. What draws them out? The usual stuff, like mice traps. I, would prefer that we didn't have to go this route, but there is only so much I can tolerate. I've always thought that I and the mother mouse had made an agreement. She and her babies could live in the garage and nibble on the kibble that always seems to be on the floor, when filling up the dry food container.  But now, I have my dukes up, ready to enter into battle. I know this may sound silly, but I will tolerate a lot of things, but never mice. Jeff and I are giving some thought to getting a cat. When I look at the animal shelters, there are more kittens, than older ones. Kittens are cute, but personally I feel sorry for the oldies. We need a cat, who knows whats what, when it comes to mice! The only advantage of having mice in the pantry, is that many times, it's purging time. If I find a box or bag, with a hole in a corner, I toss the food out immediately. 

Today, I'm going to put newspaper on the kitchen table, and start putting anything that was on the floor, will now be off the floor, temporarily. And, after I do all that, I'll clean the floor, removing any traces of a mouse being in the house!

Next week, the fireplace man is coming to the house for the annual cleaning of our gas log. When I made the appointment, the person on the phone, told me that my timing was excellent. Most people, and I made that mistake last year, wait too long to make an appointment and then have to wait "x" amount of time, while the temperatures start to go down. I don't remember most things, but I was able to remember that the early bird, gets the job done, before I need to.

I hope all of you have a great weekend and stay safe.

P