Littlesister

Happy New year everyone. I have been up with GS bringing in the New Year. Now I can't sleep. Been going through the pantry with GS to make sure of what he will eat. There are a lot of things he didn't realize I had that he would eat. So that is good. So will be making stuff for him and we won't talk about the sneaky veggies I started doing to get him eating veggies. What he doesn't know won't hurt him. I am wondering how things are going to go for 2023. The things I keep hearing is how there will be even less food and possible famine. Don't know how that will affect the USA as it seems we are the last to feel the effects. But for the other parts of the world, it is already really bad. I am hoping that things won't get any worse than they have been. But only time will tell.

That would be a great idea for GS. He's not a big cake eater but does eat cake now and then. So, no waste doing it this way. I will be giving this a try to see how he likes it.

TP, who would have thought of that one.

Cleaned kitchen this morning and did a few other things around house. Might get the bathroom curtains made today. I just can't seem to get myself started on sewing at this point. Been really tired for a while now. More than likely, it is weather related. I was fine on the warmer days and today it is rainy, cloudy and foggy outside. And not much energy again. I am ready for spring.

Took GS to patient first. That was a joke. Family doctor closed till Monday, and he needed a note to go back to work on Sunday night. So, we went there. They did an X-ray but sending it out to be read by someone else as they can't rule out a crack in the rib. It is the lower rib cage. So, for now they just put it on severe bruise. They will call when they find out for sure but did check his lungs as it hurts him to take a deep breath. Didn't give him anything for pain either. But at least he got his doctors note. HR called him also for the workman's comp. He only missed one day of work but not sure how his performance will be when he goes back as he does a lot of heavy lifting on his job. They will more than likely put him on light duty. His rib cage is still very swollen. They wouldn't even tape it which when I taped it here it did help. So, I will just continue with what I was doing for now. Told him to continue with Advil for the pain and swelling. He won't use an ice pack nor a heating pad though. After we left there, we went and got some dinner. We were at patient first for over 3 hours. So didn't eat dinner till around 9pm. I hate eating that late, but it was what it was. And yes, his doctor's note is on an RX pad. That they will except.

Cleaned part of house this morning that didn't get done the other day. Thinking about washing car this afternoon when it gets a bit warmer. Should be going up to 67* today. Then will drain hose and recover the Fauset. GS is finally asleep. He will be seeing family doctor on Monday morning. They are closed through New Year's. We have walk in clinics, but they are no good. He went to one when he hurt his back and they did nothing for him. The work note was just a printout on typing paper instead of on an RX pad. Work does not except that type of work note. They also would not do X-Ray of his back. So, he won't go back to them. I also don't think they would take workman's comp at some of those places. So, his family doctor is going to see him. He is also my doctor and I had gotten him to see him right after he moved here as he was not very healthy looking. He does the X-Rays and did X-ray of his back as well when he saw him a few months ago. He had severe back strain at that time. He also takes workman's comp. So, he should be in good hands. Basically, all that can be done is to wrap the rib cage to make it easier to breath and to move around a bit. I have already done that, and it has helped though he is still hurting. He told both of his bosses and another person about what happened, so it was documented the day it happened. They only have one person that works on the equipment, and he can't keep up and they can't find anyone that works on the equipment as it seems no one wants to work.

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.