Littlesister

Yes, he did break it at work. Don't know if it is only one rib or maybe 2 but very swollen, hurts him to take a deep breath or move very easily. Hard for him to lay down without pain. Hoping to get him into doctor on Monday. He was closed today. He will be on workman's comp. He has only been there less than a year. But faulty equipment is what caused it. He came down hard on a post. I am going to try calling doctor's office tomorrow morning. He won't see his doctor as he is off on Friday but can see one of the other doctors there. But I have a feeling that the doctor's office is closed till after the New Year.

Washed towels, went to store for eggs and bread. Eggs have gone up to $4.59 a dozen. that is crazy. Before this mess I was paying .69 to .99 for a dozen. GS broke his rib the other day at work. So, he is out of work tonight. He couldn't get into the doctor as they are closed till Monday. So, I taped his ribs, and he is taken Advil for pain. Rib cage is very swollen. He says it hurts to breath and he can hardly get up off couch or lay down without it hurting him. He's struggling but this to will pass. I hate that he is out of work but there is no way he can work like this. But hoping to get him into the doctor on Monday. They have sick call so that should work. Taping it up has helped some and that is basically all they can do for it. But he needs a doctor's note for work. Cleaned out wood stove that I should have done yesterday and didn't. So that is now ready for the next cold snap.

Midnightmom, that is clever way of doing that. And the things you can get at the dollar tree, or the 99-cent store makes it even better.

euphrasyne, I am so sorry to hear you are having to have surgery. Just seems it never ends for you guys. Hopefully your DH is doing much better from his fall. I have heard that the flu is ramping up in our area. But not sure if that is what it is or not. Prayers that all goes well for you. I haven't done a lot today. Bible reading and praying about things that might be happening in 2023 and the power grid. Plus, a lot of other things. I keep hearing about food being even more scarce and prices will go even higher. Also, higher gas prices, natural gas, water, and electric will go up even more. Praying that we all will get through these tougher times ahead of us. But I think that 2022 will be a cake walk compared to what's coming in 2023. things are not looking good. And let's not forget about our taxes going way up. I was glad we got an increase in Social Security, but it will not be enough to keep our heads above water. It didn't meet the price increases enough to get us through. I am thinking for the next 2 months just living off my food supply. I really need to get the older foods used up. And GS will learn that I am not paying $20 for sushi. He's working and if he wants to spend money on high priced foods that will be on him. But he will learn that his money won't go far at that rate. And I hope sooner than later. Time for him to learn to eat what is put before him and like it or starve.

Loved both the dominos and the drones. It is amazing how they come up with those ideas. Love the pictures. That window looks great. And the way you decorated the pots is really nice.

Haven't heard back from contractors yet, so may be closed till after New Year. Got the laundry done, and Christmas dishes packed back up to go back into the shed. Momo glad your pipes didn't break. I can just image all the broken pipes all over the country from this weather. It will surlily keep the plumbers busy for a long while. Had to run to GS's work as he forgot his wallet and badge. So, he's good to go now. He hasn't done that in a long while and has never forgotten his wallet before. But it happens. Need to get the wood stove cleaned out tomorrow. Was going to do it today but there were still hot embers in there. To tired now to do it. So tomorrow morning will work.

Happy Birthday to all of you. Lots of December birthdays.

So far, no broken pipes but the cap on chimney looks like it is bent a bit. plus, the cement on top edge of chimney broke off. So, they didn't recap the top of chimney when they put the new cap on. I have cement all on the patio and roof where the cement broke off. Will be calling the contractors about it as it should be a warranty on it. So hopefully there will be no charge for that. Washing clothes and getting the Christmas dishes packed back up and put away. At least I have more energy today. Yesterday I was done. No energy at all. So, catching up on things today. After the first of year and all the Christmas decorations are down, I am going to start going through my nonfood items, batteries, flashlights, oil and wicks for lamps, camping gear, check the fishing boxes for anything I need for fishing, hooks, sinkers, etc. Need to get a handle on all that one for GS going fishing this spring and also for hurricane season next year. So, plenty of time to check sells on all of that stuff. Just need to make sure of what I have and what I need.

Happy Birthday

Becca Anne glad you got home with no delays or anything. Miki, hope you get heat back soon and it is an easy fix. It's still cold here today but not as bad as it was with all that wind. Hoping and praying that Jeepers got to where she was going safe and sound. I know the roads might not have been the best, but hoping they were cleared of any snow or ice. We had a really nice Christmas, though it was missing 4 grandchildren, I did get to talk to all of them and one on daughters' phone where we could all see each other. We all had a great time and ate too much. The ham biscuits and turkey salad rolls went over really well. The kids only wanted sandwiches but having it the way I did was great. And of course, the meatballs, shrimp, potato salad, fresh fruit tray and veggie tray all went really well. Then there were the cookies, pies, candy, and chips and dips. Kids took food to SIL's parents also. With them both having dementia it gave them something that they didn't need to cook up. I always fix enough food for DD's in-laws as they don't cook much but more of heat up things. Which is probably best in their situation. During the night last night my GS ate again. But it makes my stomachache to think about it. In one sitting he ate more shrimp, half of a pecan pie, half a gal. of egg nogg, cookies and candy and more meatballs. I don't know where he put it all, but he should wake up with a belly ache. If anything, it will put much needed weight on him. He eats like that and doesn't gain a pound. I can only wish. We were all thankful for the Lord and the many blessings he has given to each of us. DD and SIL gave me a neck Messager like the one she had that I needed to use when I was at her house Thanksgiving. And also, a hand Messager for when my hand really gives me a fit and starts hurting and swelling so bad. Those are going to be a real blessing with my hand and neck like they are. They help a lot. I have already tried them out. The hand Messager takes the stiffness out of my fingers. That will help when I am peeling potatoes and doing other things that I need my fingers to not be so stiff for. Hope everyone's Christmas was a great and blessed Christmas. Mt. Rider was glad to hear your mom got to go on a trip for Christmas and you getting pictures of your mom. I am sure she had a great time.

Never heard of this. What is it used for?

Used up more than I thought I would from my pantry. So that was good. Didn't need much from store this time around for Christmas. DD took a jar of my canned chicken home to make chicken salad with. When she tasted the turkey salad, and I told her it was from what I had canned several months ago, she was impressed that all I had to do was open a jar and just shred it up for the turkey salad. Told her it is the same for the chicken salad as well, so she took a jar home to make that. I am hoping it will give her an incentive to start canning. She saw how easy it is to just open a jar of meat that has been canned to do whatever you want and not have to cook it first. Much better tasting than the store-bought canned chicken also.

Hope everyone had and are still having a very Merry Christmas. And now for a very happy New year. May it be a very blessed New Year. I think we all need a good year to happen after all the past issues with lockdowns from covid and other things that have been going on.

Miki, hope that is all that happens. I know it is frustrating to have those things happen but is beyond our control. But you made the best of it and things went well. It was of course very cold again today so had the wood stove going and a pot of coffee on it to keep warm. SIL stayed by that stove for a long time. And we all enjoyed the hot coffee. Lucy my GD's dog stayed away from it as I was a bit worried, she would get too close to it and get burned but she did good. DD was babysitting her while GD was in New Orleans. I don't have any great Grandchildren yet, but I do have 7 great grand dogs and 2 great grand cats. They will be back sometime Wednesday afternoon. They all left this evening as SIL has to go back to work tomorrow, and DD is off for a couple of days. GS goes back to work tomorrow as well. I am tired but just can't sleep now. That happens when I get overtired. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that everyone traveling made it safe to their destinations and will return home safe and sound.

Kappydell, glad to see you on here. You have really been busy. Would love to see your Christmas decorations. I know they are really pretty. You and Mary put in a lot of work on that. And getting all the animals and such fixed up with protection from this frigid cold weather. My GS that works frozen foods and moved here from Washington state where they are used to this type of cold. Came in yesterday and said its freezing out there. So that is cold. Wind chill is -3. Been many years since we had that. Got the rest of things done for tomorrow. And now just taken it easy for a bit. Made an apple pie for SIL. He loves apple pie. So got to keep him happy. GS should be getting up shortly and then he will eat and start cleaning up. Though I have done some of it. But he will finish that for me. I told him the other day to give me a list of things he wants or needs from store. He left it for me on counter this morning. Too late now. Not going back to store. But most of what he put on list I already have. Guess I need to teach him how to check inventory. He's learning.

Went to Kroger to finish up things I needed for Christmas. It is now 45* here. But is supposed to drop much colder today. Wind started picking up bad when I left the store. Sounds like a gale wind going. I need to go out and lay the trash cans down before they blow away. They are empty so no weight in them to keep them from blowing. Just ran out to lay cans down. The temps are starting to fall. Also looking like rain again. Going to start baking soon and get most of that done. Bread, pies, cookies, etc. So will be very busy today and tomorrow. GS is going to clean bathrooms and mop for me later today. He didn't get to bed before 6 am. So is going to do it when he gets up after he eats something. His dinner is already for him for this evening. Just has to heat it up. Mt. Rider, I hope you start feeling better very soon. Keeping you in prayer. And for everyone that is traveling prayers are going out for a safe trip to your destination and back home again. Stay warm everyone as these temps. are going into dangerous drops. This weather is bad for the elderly and small children. GD in Washington got more snow, but I think she said just an inch more so far. I want to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow, Becca Anne. Seems there is snow everywhere but here. My GD in Washington is expecting more snow tomorrow. We are going to have a freeze tomorrow and I have to go out tomorrow. Rained here all day. But did warm up a bit. Christmas day for the high will be 31* Glad I don't have to leave the house to go anywhere for Christmas as kids are coming here along with my grand dog. DD is babysitting my GD's dog in SC as they are going to her DH's grandfather's house in New Orleans for Christmas as he is not doing well. I didn't get much done today as I got up at 5 am and cleaned up some and got so tired I laid down on couch turned on tv and fell asleep. Didn't wake up till almost 3 pm. I have never done that before. Must have been extremely tired or things are just catching up with me. A little while ago here comes fire truck and ambulance. They took my next-door neighbor to ER. He is not looking to good and hasn't for a long while. But he walked outside and got on gurney. So that was a good sign. I'm tired of losing my good neighbors around here. We are all getting old. Can't tell you how many friends I have lost over the past 10 years. One of my neighbors came over for a bit early evening. We haven't seen each other in a while so we had a good time catching up on things. She is a caregiver for her FIL. He has dementia. And I have been so busy getting the rest of house back together that I just haven't gotten out much to visit neighbors. This neighbor and I look out for each other. If one of us needs help the other is right there to help out. Need to get things finished up for Christmas tomorrow. Baking cookies, bread and cakes for gifts for a few neighbors tomorrow and getting the rest of things together for Christmas dinner. Saturday evening, I am heading to church for the Christmas candlelight service. Will be driving home after dark which I don't like to do by myself, but it is what it is. Hoping to get my GS to go with me. Not sure of his schedule yet as it is his day off but because of Christmas and such I don't know yet if they will have them come in for a short time. But I really don't think he will be working.

You will be able to watch him grow through video a lot. I know it's not the same, but you won't miss out on much seeing him on the video chats. And like you said you will be able to visit as much as you are able. And hopefully your DD and baby will be able to come and visit you also. There is also Alexa and others like that that you can watch the baby grow and lean new things.

Midnightmom, there is a way to get around that. DH got his loyalty card at all the stores, and we had 2 cell phones and our house phone. I used my house phone, and he used my cell phone. So, we always went our separate ways, and he got the limit, and I got the limit. Now with DH gone. I use his card and go back the next day. So far it is working great. We did this for years with no issues. And with buying for the food ministry. It always came in handy as well.

Becca Anne I am so happy for you. Grandbabies are a lot of fun. I have 5 and still waiting for great grandchildren. 4 of them are now all married but 2 said they are not having any children. The oldest didn't get married till she was in her 30's and just before Covid hit they were talking about having one and then they decided because of covid they weren't going to have any children. She hit the 36-year-old mark and decided it was risky. I know people that had children in their 40's with no issues but it is their choice. The one in Washington state decided they won't going to have any children and the oldest boy which is also my step grandson just got married a few months ago and he is military so that is a wait and see situation. One that wants one that lives in SC, wants one but she needs to finish up on her PA degree first. So that will be another 2 years. The youngest said he is not having kids nor is he going to get married. Well, he's 21 and still has some growing up to do so subject to change. Taken it easy today. Just doing a few things around house today. Sat. morning, I will be doing some cooking and baking for Christmas and then heading out to Church for the Christmas play Sat. evening. I hate driving at night when I have to use all back roads and driving with woods on both sides in one area, but it will be what it will be. Just don't like doing that when I am by myself at night. GS would go with me, but I don't know yet if he will be working. I don't think he will be, but I need to ask him when he gets up later for work. I know he will like it. He used to go with us when he was younger and loved it.

Becca Anne, I was very involved with my grandchildren and still am but in different ways now that they are grown. The youngest that is living with me for now turned 21 a month ago. I have been helping him to get back on his feet and he is hoping to have an apt. within the next 3 months. I am sure you will be doing a lot of babysitting and such if they live near you.

GD in Washinton could not get her car out of the driveway to pick up her DH at the ER. He had to find someone to bring him home. He has a concussion and whiplash. He is in a lot of pain right now and they won't let him come back to work until Tuesday. But will be ok. They got 8 inches of snow and ice, and it is not over yet. GD stayed home from work today as she still can't get car out of driveway. Told her to use kitty litter or sand under the tires for traction and see if that will help get her out. So, she is going to try that later if the snow doesn't start to melt soon. She is 3 hours behind us so still too cold for it to start melting. Don't ask me why but it seems every time one of these G. children get sick or hurt, it doesn't matter how far away they are, they always call me for answers. I love they keep in touch but when they call about something that has happened it tends to make you worry even though there is nothing you can do. So, I am just there for them and keeping them calm if needed.

Well, it does come in spurts. GD in Washington state just called a few minutes ago and sad her DH was playing in snow and went down a hill on an innertube. He went straight through the fence and into the neighbor's house. They took him to ER by ambulance. He has a concussion and possible neck injury. GD doesn't know what else yet. She can't get her car out of driveway due to ice and snow and has been trying to shovel her way out. So, if they send him home, she can't go get him. But I am thinking with a concussion they might keep him overnight for observation. I am hoping that will be what they do and then she can get out tomorrow when snow has melted a bit. she is on a hill and their driveway is steep. She had been playing in it all day on a sled. So, with the steep hills they should know at their ages that something like this can happen.

Once Christmas is over, I will start using up what is in freezers. All three of them are full again. And I don't know yet what GS's company will be giving him again this year and I have nowhere to put anything else in freezers. But will work that out somehow. I will go full throttle into canning a lot of stuff from freezer making more soups and stews for canning as well as other things like spaghetti sauce and such. Also, will be doing more dehydrating. I want those freezers to be almost empty by the end of March.

Went to store this morning for some things for Christmas dinner. I was out of a few things that I only use mostly at Thanksgiving and Christmas but went to DD's house in NC for Thanksgiving this year and didn't realize I was out of certain things. Was going to wait till Thursday to go but was afraid being this close to Christmas that I might not get what I needed. So found what I needed, and most was on sale. I doubled up on the things that were on sale, so good for next year as the dates are through 2024. Though they would go past that date, it is only things I use once or twice a year. Taken a break now as it is too cold out to go walking for me. Just can't handle the cold and it's bad enough just walking from car to store before my hands start hurting. Though I wear gloves they don't seem to be helping as much this year. Might buy those heated gloves as I did get some for GS with him working in the freezers at work. But they didn't have any for women. So will be looking for some for me. I do have to get some fresh veggies and fruit for trays but will wait till much closer to Christmas as the fresh stuff just doesn't last like it used to. Makes me wish I had a heated green house for the fresh veggies. But it is what it is. Tomorrow I will start doing a bit of baking but need to find a good hiding place. GS loves when I bake and will sit and eat 2 doz. cookies in one sitting. He needs to get a handle on his sweet habit. Diabetes runs on both sides of the family, and he is heading in that direction if he doesn't get a handle on it now. I know he was deprived of food while living with his sister in Washington state. It wasn't so much his sister as it was her DH as he told GS that the food was his and he was not to touch it even though the rent he paid included meals. But he is with me now and is well fed. But I guess it is in the back of his mind that he might starve again and so he eats me out of house and home. I am thinking of maybe making up extra and only putting out enough for him a little at a time. That should keep him happy enough that he won't go looking for the rest. The funny part is I made goulash not knowing if he would eat it. I always leave him a note that dinner is in fridge, and he just needs to heat it up. I made enough for a few days for both of us. He has finished it all off in 4 days. So now I have something new he will eat. Made him spaghetti last night. And he has hit that hard. Normally I would put in single containers for me to pull out of freezer and heat up for me. But with him living here, I just put in corning ware dishes, and he comes home in middle of night and heats it up and eats what he wants and puts the rest back in fridge for the next night till it is gone. So, it works out and less cooking for me as well.