Watcha doing today?

[Littlesister]

Jeepers, I am also short and can barely reach the second shelf in kitchen. So, one of the things I did was everything I use daily or almost daily are on bottom shelves all the way across 3 upper cabinets. Glasses, plates, bowls, coffee cups.  Then the second shelves are things I might use monthly. The top 2 shelves I have things that I use 2 to 4 times a year. I also have a corner cabinet both upper and lower. I keep spices in the upper one but when I get that one cleaned out, I might be changing some things up. The bottom one I have jars and not using anything boxes due to the situation in the neighborhood. So, oatmeal, flour, sugar, rice and such is in the lower one. It has a turn table also that DH had switched out for wooding ones. I have the organizers for the round turn tables. It is so much easier. I also have nowhere for appliances. DH but in an 8ft long and 6ft high shelving unit for all my canning stuff and appliances in the garage. I keep an old sheet over the unit to help keep dust off of them, though I still wash everything up before use.  I am in the process of looking for a rolling kitchen island. Or at least I think I want one on wheels. It would be easier to use one on wheels as long as the wheels can lock in place when in use. That will help with the appliances as long as you find the right one for what you want to do with it. 

 

I have taken all the food I had be it canned, cereal, oatmeal or whatever and moved the canned goods to the pantry area. Then the cereal, oatmeal and such was jarred up and put in the corner cabinet. I took all my large bowls I use in cooking and canning or just bowls to store leftovers and such in the bottom cabinet under my island.  Those have pull out shelves.  That worked great. The only other large lower cabinet I have is under the stove and that has all of my pots and pans. That one also has the pull-out shelves. Then I have 2 lower cabinets that are to me useless. One is by the sink and the other on next to the oven. They are narrow and can't really be used for much. I did take the one shelve out of the one next to the oven so I can use it for cookie sheets, my biscuit pan and things like that. The other one I got a wooden magazine holder and using that to hold up my cutting boards and things like that. That was about all I could do with those. Had to remove the shelve in the one. At the end of my island counter is where it has a roll out trash bin. Out of sight, out of mind, but very handy.  Under the sink is where my cleaning supplies are. Dish soap and such. I still have plenty of room under there but not putting any appliances or anything like that under there. You never know if or when you might have a leak. So only cleaning items under that cabinet. 

[themartianchick]

14 hours ago, Jeepers said:

 

 

^^^ I NEED THIS^^^

       (Seriously!)

[Jeepers]

@themartianchick. I can't link on my phone but it was on Amazon under:

 

Sagefinds. Decorative turtle splash block. Gutter downspout.  $49.95 

 

It's heavy. I thought it was cement but it's cement resin. Whatever. It's cute.  

[Littlesister]

Jeepers, I like it. It is very cute and would look cute under one of your gutters. 

 

My DD texted me to say she is not picking me up this coming weekend. Seems she made up a couple of excuses about Thanksgiving. I couldn't make heads or tails of what she was telling me as to why she couldn't come get me as planned. I was supposed to spend a week with her and then she brings me home the following week. So, we are getting together the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I asked her straight out if DGS or DSIL were working on Thanksgiving Day. Nope they are off. But DSIL is working on Friday after and DD is off that day also. I still couldn't connect the dots so asked if DGS was having his GF coming over for Thanksgiving Day and she never gave me an answer. So, I just figured that might be that DGS didn't want me there. Though he did text me to think me for his BD card and the money I sent him for his birthday. After DD had me confused as to why we couldn't all get together for Thanksgiving Day she finally said they had a bad leak in the pantry. Said the bathroom pipe and the half pipe downstairs all met under the house and the pantry had to have wall cut out and pipe under house was leaking bad and they had a lot of water under the house. I do have to question the pantry issue as I have been to her house many times and the pantry is not near the upstairs or the downstairs half bath. She said she saw mildew on the wall of the pantry and that is where they had to tear out the wall to fix the bathroom pipe. There is a hallway and foyer that is not near the pantry and the bathroom is under the stairs at the foyer. That house must have some strange plumbing in it. Either way they will be here on the 30th and I am doing the cooking. I told her to get her act together for Christmas as I am not going to keep changing up plans to work around them every year. I want to spend the time with them and DD wants us to get together to shop and such, but this constant last-minute changing of plans is a bit more than I can handle. I told her I was thinking about moving up around the Smoky mountains at some point and looking at about 5 counties. She still wants to move to Kerr Dam but now says it will be a few years. So, I told her I am not going to move near her and have to uproot to move to another location. Sounded like her DH might get transferred again at some point but not to Kerr Dam. I think that will be a retirement issue for them. His job won't take him there. If I move to Smokey mountains, I would be about 5 or 6 hours from where she lives now. So, I have a lot to think about. But I need to put my needs ahead of her wants. My DD was never one to do what is easy for all the family as it has always been what she wants to do. Been that way ever since she got married. Her way or the highway. I can't play her game of moving every 5 years and such. She is now nearing the 5-year mark for where she is now and getting antsy to move again. 

Either way I will have a nice relaxing Thanksgiving Day and will have a couple of friends over, if possible, for them. I have a couple of friends that also are widows and live alone. So will see what they have planned out tomorrow. It should be fun. 

[Necie]

Haven’t posted here in about a week. Haven’t done much. This, that, and the other. 
Did get the artichokes canned... that took 3 days. 🥴😂 Brought jars up from basement one day. Washed them on day 2. Canned on day 3. Doing GOOD!!! 😂😂 Got 24 half pints. Those should last me... forever! Sometimes I think I’m crazy. 😜 

One morning I did get yard sale stuff in the barn moved over so that DH can get the snowblower out when he needs to. That took less than half an hour and included moving the 4 screens from drying tomatoes back into the back of the barn where they go. 
Otherwise I’ve done bits... bit of dusting, bit of laundry, bit of putting things where they go, bit of baking (a DISASTROUS peach upside down almond cake 🤢), bit of cleaning... you get the idea... bouncing from one thing to another. 
DD snagged DGD(13) for the weekend and they came down today. 🥰 DD brought her (deceased) paternal grandma’s bicycle down for DH to work on for her. He’s on cloud 9.  She’s got him wrapped around her little finger. 😂 We were outside when they got here and as she got out of the car, she said: “Hey STEPDAD... can you help me with something?”... and his face just LIT UP! He does the same thing when the grandkids say “Grandpa...”. He’s so funny!! Pushover! I did have to *put the couch back together* after DD and DGD left cuz they got into a bit of a wrestling match and kinda wrecked it! So, I guess I did do something today. lol 

Going to Mom’s tomorrow for dinner (shrimp stir fry ) and might work in the cabin for a bit. DS2 and DDIL might be there. They might go back hunting in the morning and then maybe I can get him to help me put some of the wood stove pipe together. And, of course, DS1 will be there. DD said she can’t make it cuz her and DGD are helping a friend paint. 

[Jeepers]

I think I've picked up a bug. My stomach feels like it has a lead balloon in it. Along with a backache and some chills. Not too sick yet but being cautious. So, I didn't go to sons Saturday. Probably won't tomorrow either. I don't want to chance any of them catching it. Especially son. He had another infusion on Wednesday. He is going well but very tired afterwards. Since I've had bouts of covid and bronchitis, one of my first symptoms is chills. I did feel well enough yesterday into last night to freeze some chicken and noodles. Will post in the freezer area forum. 

[Mt_Rider]

Oye...takes time to catch up reading when I miss ONE day....or was it two? 

 

Yesterday started out with a tiny bit of excitement.     That's my life and it doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.  OK...it all started with dog and I playing on the porch, with her rope toy.  She doesn't play with anything else.  Does chew on any of her 3 bone toys.  But she loves to play TUG.  It involves traipsing back and forth on the porch....letting her have it; then catching hold again as she prances by me.  Great fun, right?    

 

Yeah, it's all fun and games until suddenly we're both trying to occupy THE SAME SPOT ON THE FLOOR.  That never ends well.    I'm stepping down with my L leg and then seeing dog there, immediately have a course correction.  Kinda minor collision.  Remember how I have martial arts background so drilled into me that I can do a really good, no-damage fall?  Tuck and Roll.  Um..... There was no ROOM for the roll part.  We were too close to the plastic trash bin and the chair.  House is small/porch is small.

 

Oh I did the Tuck part....knew I was going down.  She moved quickly but not putting my foot down on dog...just that fraction of a second....throws everything off.  Came down to wood floor on L knee.  Body curled up to fit next to other items in the way ....which ruined ANY chance for a roll.  The roll takes the downward force and directs all that force sideways instead of downward so hard.  The impact (if timed right) is minimized.  But in this case, no room for roll....

 

By curling up, I didn't careen into chair or anything else....except the floor.  Came down hard but protecting my head/neck with curled up arm.  Tiny scratch on L knee.

 

HOWEVER...I have this response with my weird nervous system.  If I get an impact, the body just ....   Well, ya know how the wizard of Oz witch just melts straight down?  That!  Only FAST.  Not a tree fall.  Drop straight down onto my feet.  Everything "lets go". 

 

Got hit with a volley ball in face one time on Maui.  With zero control, I crumbled straight down - and then couldn't move.  So one of the guys lifted me up under the arms .....and let go before I could warn him.......blooop!  Straight down again.  Something with my mixed up nervous system.  (he was shocked and felt so bad that he dropped me!) 

 

It's done this a number of times - different situations.  Usually it's from a strong impact like a fall of some sort.  I go down and instantly immobilized.  I cannot move any muscle except my face - I can talk.  Everything else is "disconnected".  Hmm..it's just occurred to me that I've never explained that one to neuro or primary doc.  It's not frequent so I don't remember to mention that odd symptom.  But I doubt they'd know anything anyway.  After a while, slowly I get my fingers back.  Tiny motions ..... turning head.  It's happened enough times that I'm aware that there is no ongoing problem after one of these 'episodes'.  Just wait it out and eventually I can get up.  (Try that when you do one of these drops in the pen with a stoopid horse that keeps stepping on your feet even when you're upright! ) 

 

 An auditory version  (instead of tactile ) happened once when I was standing in line after getting the cat a rabies vax at the event at the Fire Station.  A small YIPE YIPE YIPE type dog suddenly protested his shot just behind me.  Immediately lost all leg control { at least I don't lose bladder control!!!}  and dropped straight down.  .....do you know how many Firefighters immediately gather around when someone drops???    No I'm okay.  Had my seat cane and they hoisted me up onto that.  Were quite sure I shouldn't drive home.  

 

This was Tactile - as in a hard fall.  So here I was on the porch floor in bed clothes yet.  I wear sweats and layers of tops, fortunately.  Because I just have to wait it out.....brain is cooking; trying to sort out where the "break in circuits" occurred and get this show on the road again! 

 

If I'd been inside, it would have been WARM.  No problem..just wait it out.  But too quickly I was getting cold. (feet of snow all around)  DH smokes on the porch rather frequently and that's what I was waiting for as I began to chill.  Finally I began to yell for him.  Deaf as me with no hearing aids and he's in the back on computer.  Getting colder.  Yell again in case he was in the kitchen ...closer to the porch.  Nope.  Okay, tightening the muscles due to cold was not helping. 

 

So....for the very first time since I began wearing my medic alert button around my neck....  Well, first I had to get to it.  So fortunately  (thank YOU, God!!!)  part of the tuck/protect head instinct is to have my arm curled up under my head.  So with great effort cuz the Body "Paralysis" hadn't released much...I was able to hook a finger and pull the cord and get to the button.  Takes huge focus cuz this hadn't released me yet.  But I got to the button and pushed it.   I really didn't need all the services available with a Medic Alert Button.  But I did need DH to hear it go off and come find me!!! 

 

LOL   Startled him and confused him.  Cuz the box connected to the phone line talks.  And since he still doesn't know why it's going off......nor where I am and WHAT have I done now....he opens the door but has to answer the box    He's going two directions at once.  So I holler:  I'm okay but I fell and I did the lock-up thing and I'm FREEZING and you couldn't hear me! 

 

Oh, okay.  Then the local Fire Station/ambulance  calls on the phone....he has to explain to them that "Yes, I'm sure she does not need ambulance.  Tells me she's not injured.  She just had to get my attention.  I do have to go out and help her get up ....so .."bye! "  

 

Dog is distressed thru all this too but I honestly didn't notice that she was right beside me.  All I needed was about 20 minutes max....mebbe less..and this dissipates on it's own.  I was already starting to move the one arm.  DH's back is so bad and the little bit he tried to help, hurts him.  I managed...with a few more of my 'parts' beginning to work, belly-scooted into the house far enough to shut the door!    If I hadn't been getting cold, I would have just laid there and waited like I usually do, until whatever it is, recovers and I can move again.  But the cold was going to aggravate the issue!   IF DH wasn't home, THAT would be why I really wear the Medic Alert.  In winter, I'd need assistance ....    and ya know they'd insist on the ER.  Before they even got me there, I'd be fine again! 

 

THEN I'd be required to check in with my primary within the week and .... I'm FINE! 

 

So once inside on floor, DH gave me a blanket and dog was hovering beside me.  In just a little bit I was able to move this and that.  With DH and a cane, I was able to get back into bed (heating pad) and stayed there resting for quite a while.  Could move but kinda takes it outta ya.  Uff tah!

 

And.....I have no idea WHAT that actually is.  It's not that frequent.  It's happened um....I can remember 6 or 8 times tracing back even to Maui (the volley ball).  30 yrs?  It's just one more WEIRD thing with the nervous system.  Thankfully not often.   One time was with dear Koa dog...she was only 6 mos old and I slipped on ice and went down.  She Stood Guard over me until I could get up.  MISS that dog!  But I guess this one was hovering over me too, DH said.  

 

Preparedness knowing my nervous system does this:  1) Medic Alert  2) I almost always have an E blanket in a pocket.  3)  phone always, even just going down exterior stairs and into laundry area of garage..... (guess how many handset phones I've drowned in the washer....cuz I put the phone in the basket and ...forgot... The medic alert is new - a couple years now.  First time to use it and ...well, at least he could HEAR the machine talking!  I need to teach dog to bark on command!   

 

Now... don't tell this rural girl to move into town.     We do take precautions. 

MtRider ....but I have to say, that whole thing wore me out!       

[Littlesister]

Mt. Rider, you do know how to get yourself in a predicament. But at least you are better for it even if it did wear you out a bit. Just rest up, stay warm and carry on. 

 

Jeepers, I hope you feel better soon.  It's the season for illness now. Flu, stomach virus and such. Think it is time to start taking my regiment of zinc, vit.  C and other things I take to boost the immune system more.  Good idea to not go around your son right now. He needs to stay well with all he has going on right now. 

 

I need to get with my family to help them figure out how we can all get together for holidays. This mess of making plans then changing them again and again has gotten old. This has been going on ever since DD and SIL moved to NC and now that DGD is married, and her DH is in military, it seems like things just get crazier. I think when they start up on what they want to do and who's house they want to have a holiday at, I am just going to take a back seat and wait till they all get their act together. I am too old to have to deal with changes like this that require traveling just to have everything changed again. But then again, my DD hates to cook. DGD and her DH are going to his parents' house for Thanksgiving as his grandparents will be here this year. I am wondering if that was why DD changed plans on me or if it is just, she doesn't want to cook. Whatever it is, I am not going out of my way on the 30th. I have a ham in the freezer that I will pull out and will pick up a turkey. Make some sweet potato casserole mainly for DGD and a few other dishes and call it a day. Only thing is they will be leaving to go home, and I will be doing all the cleaning up myself. But that is how it always with them. I think that DD thought we would have Thanksgiving at DGD's house. Her house is very small and no room for that many people. I knew 3 weeks ago that she would be spending the holidays with her DH's family this year.  I just can't understand why DD played around telling me they had a bad leak, and she couldn't pick me up instead of going through all that mess of guessing games. We always have a good time when we finally get the act together, but I just can't handle these last-minute changes any longer. Especially when it is hard for me to drive with this knee for longer distances.  

She has already told me that they are both working both before Christmas and After Christmas. Ok that is fine We can have Christmas on the weekend before or after. Simple solution. Will see how that goes. If DD wants to have that at her house, I can ride up with DGD. If they want to have it here that is great also. Just get the plan together and then let me know. Simple as that. DD doesn't need to beat around the bush about it. Though I think that after DGS and his GF got on phone together and started threating me about putting me in a nursing home, he has had a lot of time at his parents' house to think about it. He pulled crap off on his parents and his oldest sister and her DH and I think he is not ready to face me yet. But either way it's on him and I hope he is not the real reason the plans keep changing this year. He blocked his parents and his oldest sister so they couldn't call him or text him for a year. So that is what he did to me as well. But did unblock me long enough to thank me for his BD card and the money. I guess I will just take that and hope he will come to his senses and drop that girl as she is persuading him in a bad way. She's the reason he isn't going into the Coast Guard now. So there goes a good career. 

[Jeepers]

Glad you ended up okay Mt. Rider! Freezing to death is not a good thing. 

 

Littlesister I remember your family kept changing plans on you last year too. Not nice. The only way mine change plans is usually weather related. Me traveling from Ohio. I always made sure I had DGS presents over here by the first of December or else sent to them from Amazon so she could wrap them. If I made it over, fine. If not, no big deal. For me it was all about DGS and Santa. At Thanksgiving, DIL makes a big traditional meal and sort of has an open house. If you show up, you eat. I usually go early and help cook. No stress! 

 

I hate the holidays and I'm always glad when January 1st. rolls around. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve. It's too much for me. And all the expectations involved. I'd rather take an early hibernation. Bah, Humbug.  

 

I'm feeling a little better today. It's all intestinal with my stomach still feeling like a rock is sitting in there. And some chills. And numerous potty breaks. TMI. I'm not horribly sick. I just don't want anyone else to catch it. 

 

[Littlesister]

Sorry for the rant on my DD changing plans every holiday. I just can't keep up with that anymore. DD did this when the kids were small. Mom, I'm tired can you take the girls to the soccer games today and stuff like this has been my life for years. But I am slowing down and just can't keep this pace up trying to make last minute plans and changes. I have slowed down a lot since when the grandkids were young. And I worked on top of it all. Now I need to sit down and figure out a whole new deal of what I am doing in the house. I almost finished jarring up anything that was in a package this morning but is all on the floor in pantry for now. So now I need to start seriously cleaning up the house or at least most of it and clean the blind in main bathroom and make the curtains and a lot of baby proofing that I didn't think I would be having to do for a while yet. But the baby will be here so baby proof now is a must. Then I need to sit down and figure out a menu for Thanksgiving dinner. 

So, I might not be on here for a while or maybe just pop in and pop out just to keep up with reading the post if possible. 

Anyway, thinks for hearing my rant. I think I am just tired and not ready for this change of plans.

[Littlesister]

5 minutes ago, Jeepers said:

Glad you ended up okay Mt. Rider! Freezing to death is not a good thing. 

 

Littlesister I remember your family kept changing plans on you last year too. Not nice. The only way mine change plans is usually weather related. Me traveling from Ohio. I always made sure I had DGS presents over here by the first of December or else sent to them from Amazon so she could wrap them. If I made it over, fine. If not, no big deal. For me it was all about DGS and Santa. At Thanksgiving, DIL makes a big traditional meal and sort of has an open house. If you show up, you eat. I usually go early and help cook. No stress! 

 

I hate the holidays and I'm always glad when January 1st. rolls around. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve. It's too much for me. And all the expectations involved. I'd rather take an early hibernation. Bah, Humbug.  

 

I'm feeling a little better today. It's all intestinal with my stomach still feeling like a rock is sitting in there. And some chills. And numerous potty breaks. TMI. I'm not horribly sick. I just don't want anyone else to catch it. 

 

Jeepers, we were typing at the same time. I needed a break and some lunch.  My DD doesn't mind putting a lot of pressure on me these past 4 years. I think it is time for her to take the rain and just have us all come to her house. I don't mind doing things at my house but last year I was still cleaning up the mess from the construction and trying to start the downsizing and other things and she did pull this. This year I can't figure out what she is doing. Different excuse each time she text. This is not my DGD nor my DGS but my DD. She does this a lot, and I think I am going to have to really start putting my foot down and say decide what you are going to do and don't call me till you have a plan you won't change.

[out_of_the_ordinary]

LittleSister, could you all meet somewhere and go out for dinner instead of you having to cook?   Or order from somewhere where you just pick everything up and reheat it?  One of the grocery stores around here does a special where they cook everything you've ordered ahead of time and you get instructions on reheating it all.   Turkey, sides, ect.   

 

Jeepers and MtRider, I hope you both are feeling better soon!

[Littlesister]

OOTO, that would be a great idea if I can get DD on board with it. But if they don't want to go out to eat then I could find a grocery store or somewhere that will cook the dinner and all I need to do is pick it up. But this is going to be after Thanksgiving, and I don't think they would do it then. I am going to make a few things ahead of time and will just need to heat it up on that Saturday. I have a ham in the freezer I was going to take to DD's house since that was the plan and was all set to go to her house for a week. That fell through and now DD is saying well I need to get in touch with DGD to see what her plans are. Nope not changing things again or I am out. We are having dinner here GD or no GD. If you don't want to do that then we will pass on Thanksgiving and have Christmas. Just let me know when your plans for that is set in stone and not before. I am going to make big changes for next year. They just don't know it yet.

 

Jeepers, glad you are feeling a bit better.  

Mt. Rider, hope you are not sore or lost to much energy from your mishap. 

[Jeepers]

Rant away Littlesister! We all do it. It helps ease the stress getting it all out. We all know I've done my share of it!  

 

I can work around plans made. Just tell me when and where and I'll be there. But I wouldn't do the last minute changes very well either. 

 

A lot of places cater now. Both restaurants and grocery stores. I never thought of that. Good idea. You just have to get your order in on time. I never did it but if I did, I would have called Boston Market. They had a lot of sides. Too bad they went out of business. 

[Littlesister]

I liked Boston Market. They went out of business here also.  I was thinking maybe Cracker Barrel. Everyone here loves that place, and it is all country cooking. 

 

The built-in bookcase is now done and baby proof. That bookcase is like 2 bookcases set up in a corner and goes from floor to ceiling. It holds a lot. And hasn't been cleaned out or dusted in, I hate to say it but 3 years. It was nasty to say the least. All cleaned out cookbooks and garden books are all on the bottom 3 shelves with what nautical nick knack collection DH and I bought all dusted and on the top 4 shelves and in the middle is my food I dehydrated.  Easy to get to and I am surprised that it all turned out good. Wish I could get a picture on here but only way I can send pictures is by way of text.  Yep, new computer and printer is on my list for next year. Now to get an early start tomorrow on the kitchen and dining room. I have some things that I took out of the China hutch that needs a new home. So, working on that tomorrow, washing clothes and working on finishing up the main bathroom. Need to get the curtains made and wash the blinds and window. Everything else in there is done. 

[Necie]

@Littlesister, I can completely understand your frustration with family drama. 

I have been in charge of family dinners/get-togethers for years— DECADES! Creating, organizing, inviting (have done FB events, FB group messaging, group texts), planning, menus, delegating... blah, blah, blah.. 

It got more difficult during and since Covid— because of Covid. There were challenges during Dad’s illness and after his passing. Then there was an incident with a couple family members this last year that’s now made it more difficult.
A few weeks ago, I asked my mom about what she wanted to do for the holidays... (I always find out what she wants to do and then make it happen.) We almost got into an argument. 😞 I’m where you are—DONE! I’m doing dinner this Saturday before Thanksgiving for my kids/grandkids, and the Saturday before Christmas the same. I have told Mom that she’s invited (she’s coming). If she wants to do anything with ALL family getting together, she’ll have to bring it up. She won’t take it on herself, nor will any of my sisters. I have a feeling that we’re down to probably getting together a couple times a year in the summer. It’s sad that we can’t even do a holiday one without problems. Maybe next year. 
Mom is 75ish, 7 kids (53-64) with spouses, 14 grandkids (26-44) with spouses, 21st great grand baby on the way—oldest is 21. It’s A LOT. And AWESOME. I don’t mind doing it, but I’m not going to drive myself nuts in the process. 😜

 

 

ETA: I’m the 4th in the *kids*. My older 3 siblings are steps (Dad’s kids). Mom didn’t have any kids when she was 11. 😂😂😂

Edited November 18, 2024 by Necie

[Jeepers]

I forgot to mention, the jeans that were full of gasoline, smell springtime fresh now. 

 

@out_of_the_ordinary. Thanks for suggesting that I leave them outside in the rain. It rained on them about 5 times and a frost. I forgot I had left them outside.  I brought them in tonight and ran them through the washer and dryer. They are like new again. I can't believe all of that smell is gone. Actually, it was gone before I even washed them.

 

Saved me about $25.00 for another pair.    

[Mt_Rider]

Hmm... I found a couple of sore bruises from my fall/seize-up.  One on my R thumb is very sensitive, near a nerve.  Other is a bruise that incorporates the slight abrasion (thru sweat pants) on my leading knee.  Other than having a lot more fatigue than usual, I'm fine. 

 

   Well I was fine except (took me 4 tries to spell/type 'except' correctly...C'mon hands!!!)  until I was going to take a shower and DH took the dark load of laundry down stairs to start in laundry.  I don't use any hot water in the dark load but   obviously he does when he first gets the soap in there. 

 

So I wash hair/rinse...wash again/rinse/conditioner....then wash for the shower....and that's when the hot water faltered...     I absolutely abhor a chill at any time.  And it does take pretty much all the hot water to do my routine.  Had conditioner in hair and soap elsewhere.  Aaaaughhh!  I could pretty much guess what happened cuz I've got the routine down to about the last drop of decently warmed water.  He stole some of my hot!  Only a bit when he put in the laundry soap at the beginning.  I figured that when the water went cold too fast.  So...I just waited {freezing} for about 5 minutes.  Then gritted my teeth to rinse off in lukewarm.  It did begin to warm up and I saved hair rinsing til last.  Then got dried off real quick.    

 

It's kinda funny tho.  We've been married a very long time and have our routines established.  But I doubt he even knew I was in the shower this time.    Oh well, just a slight blip. 

 

ANYway....the moral of this story is ....don't chew your spouse's head off for innocent mistake.....   No, really.....if I'd thot of it, I could have grabbed some of the water that's in the bathroom ( gallon and half gallon juice bottles we keep for power outage) with water that's room temperature!  That would have worked better. 

 

So.....anyone have the experience of Being Prepared and then when you needed it ----- forgot your preparations?      Would you believe I just thot of that extra water right now??? 

 

MtRider  ...that blast of COLD well water just knocked the sense right outta me!   

[snapshotmiki]

Not much sleep last night and up early anyway.
Will walk first.
First load of laundry already in dryer and second one started.
Will sweep house.
Set up DH's pills for the month.
Label folders for next year.
Ready Christmas cards to mail.
Make a couple of business phone calls.
We will see how far I get with this list.

 

I haven't seen Kappy lately.  Anyone hear from them?

[Littlesister]

Mt. Rider, I have been the cold-water route before.  Hot water tank went bad. Had to replace it. I think since I have been married to DH, we have only changed out the hot water tank twice. The third time was earlier this year when it started leaking from the bottom. So not too bad over about 50 plus years. 

 

I need to be working on the house but in my madness this morning of cleaning and putting things away, I made a wrong move with my knee. I am sitting here with an ice pack right now. Trying to keep it from swelling up any more than it is. I shall survive and get back to work as soon as I can move it around without as much pain. 

 

Necie, I also have always been the one to do both Thanksgiving and Christmas. No help from kids. They show up to eat open gifts, etc. and leave me for the cleanup. I am 74 years old, and I am tired. The first Christmas after my DH passed, I did not want to deal with Thanksgiving nor Christmas. I ended up doing both. The house was a mess, and I didn't decorate. And to top it off my DGD's Dh invited his family to my house. So, in 2021, I am still grieving and had to entertain people I didn't know as well as family. And yep, I had it all to clean up afterwards. NO HELP from anyone. Guess I am just tired. But I would rather at my age let the kids do it and I can show up and enjoy myself, but that is not going to happen. Next year will be different as I am putting my foot down. So, if they want to do it here the answer will be NO.  My DD will have to take over. I don't mind making a dish or two. But to have to do it all with no help is just too much now. And I don't know yet if DGD and her DH will get shipped out next year. She does know she will be here till the baby is born. But that is all she knows at this point. I know as kids grow-up and get married they all tend to go their own way, but I cannot be the one holding things together any longer. I think my DGS took the energy I had out of me, and I still haven't recovered from his mess. I have repaired, replaced and still cleaning his feet print and hand print off the walls of the hall and foyer. I can't even paint till the worse off that is cleaned up. 

I am just going to make the best of it this year and not do what I normally do. I was going to buy a new Christmas tree but thinking about that now. I will just use the tabletop one and do just a little decorating this. year. I feel it will be just too much on me and I would still need to buy a big tree as the old one finally bit the dust. DD still hasn't said a word about Christmas, so I am just bidding my time on that one. All I know at this time is that Christmas is on a Weds day and she said that she and SIL are both working both before Christmas and after Christmas. So that would mean I drive to her house with a Bumb knee and take the chance of it locking up on me and I can't hardly move it to the break peddle when driving or just tell them if they want to come here to open their gifts the weekend before or after that is fine with me. I will make up a brunch type of meal that is easy on me and call it a day. 

 

The swelling is going down in my knee now not as painfully bad now. So, I need to get back to work. I promise to take it a bit easier this afternoon. 

[themartianchick]

15 hours ago, Mt_Rider said:

Hmm... I found a couple of sore bruises from my fall/seize-up.  One on my R thumb is very sensitive, near a nerve.  Other is a bruise that incorporates the slight abrasion (thru sweat pants) on my leading knee.  Other than having a lot more fatigue than usual, I'm fine. 

 

   Well I was fine except (took me 4 tries to spell/type 'except' correctly...C'mon hands!!!)  until I was going to take a shower and DH took the dark load of laundry down stairs to start in laundry.  I don't use any hot water in the dark load but   obviously he does when he first gets the soap in there. 

 

So I wash hair/rinse...wash again/rinse/conditioner....then wash for the shower....and that's when the hot water faltered...     I absolutely abhor a chill at any time.  And it does take pretty much all the hot water to do my routine.  Had conditioner in hair and soap elsewhere.  Aaaaughhh!  I could pretty much guess what happened cuz I've got the routine down to about the last drop of decently warmed water.  He stole some of my hot!  Only a bit when he put in the laundry soap at the beginning.  I figured that when the water went cold too fast.  So...I just waited {freezing} for about 5 minutes.  Then gritted my teeth to rinse off in lukewarm.  It did begin to warm up and I saved hair rinsing til last.  Then got dried off real quick.    

 

It's kinda funny tho.  We've been married a very long time and have our routines established.  But I doubt he even knew I was in the shower this time.    Oh well, just a slight blip. 

 

ANYway....the moral of this story is ....don't chew your spouse's head off for innocent mistake.....   No, really.....if I'd thot of it, I could have grabbed some of the water that's in the bathroom ( gallon and half gallon juice bottles we keep for power outage) with water that's room temperature!  That would have worked better. 

 

So.....anyone have the experience of Being Prepared and then when you needed it ----- forgot your preparations?      Would you believe I just thot of that extra water right now??? 

 

MtRider  ...that blast of COLD well water just knocked the sense right outta me!   

We had a cold water issue last week, though it didn't affect me directly. I was at dad's house when our downstairs hot water tank blew. Fortunately, our house is a 2-family that we use as a whole house. Hubby was able to shower upstairs for 2 days until he picked up the new one and installed it. He does these from time to time in our rentals. I am soo glad that he is handy!

Edited November 18, 2024 by themartianchick

[themartianchick]

3 hours ago, Littlesister said:

Mt. Rider, I have been the cold-water route before.  Hot water tank went bad. Had to replace it. I think since I have been married to DH, we have only changed out the hot water tank twice. The third time was earlier this year when it started leaking from the bottom. So not too bad over about 50 plus years. 

 

I need to be working on the house but in my madness this morning of cleaning and putting things away, I made a wrong move with my knee. I am sitting here with an ice pack right now. Trying to keep it from swelling up any more than it is. I shall survive and get back to work as soon as I can move it around without as much pain. 

 

Necie, I also have always been the one to do both Thanksgiving and Christmas. No help from kids. They show up to eat open gifts, etc. and leave me for the cleanup. I am 74 years old, and I am tired. The first Christmas after my DH passed, I did not want to deal with Thanksgiving nor Christmas. I ended up doing both. The house was a mess, and I didn't decorate. And to top it off my DGD's Dh invited his family to my house. So, in 2021, I am still grieving and had to entertain people I didn't know as well as family. And yep, I had it all to clean up afterwards. NO HELP from anyone. Guess I am just tired. But I would rather at my age let the kids do it and I can show up and enjoy myself, but that is not going to happen. Next year will be different as I am putting my foot down. So, if they want to do it here the answer will be NO.  My DD will have to take over. I don't mind making a dish or two. But to have to do it all with no help is just too much now.

 

So that would mean I drive to her house with a Bumb knee and take the chance of it locking up on me and I can't hardly move it to the break peddle when driving or just tell them if they want to come here to open their gifts the weekend before or after that is fine with me. I will make up a brunch type of meal that is easy on me and call it a day. 

 

Feel better, @Littlesister! I have also been through a similar experience with holidays. When my kids got older, they didn't really want to help with putting up the Christmas tree. It is an artificial one with a lot of limbs. I always put it together and put the lights on it. Then, they would decorate it. After hubby retired and the nest was empty, I really didn't want to bother with it. While I always did the holiday dinners for my own household, I also did some of the food for our family celebration which occurs on Thanksgiving and a week before Christmas. When my mom became unable to do the bulk of it, I took over for her. When we moved her into an apartment, it was still on me to do the holidays because I was right there. I switched the focus of the holidays to a "small plates" concept. It was more like a party, rather than a formal meal. The apartment was small and there was no room for all of the formalities.

 

It isn't to say that no one else helped...They did. I just don't think that they realized how much I was doing and how tired I was. I was working full time, finishing school and taking care of my mom. After she passed away, I had to do the holidays at dad's house. That includes EVERYTHING from getting the house cleaned & decorated along with the cooking. A few times, I was left stuck with the bulk of the cleanup. I now understand that some people are who they are and are unlikely to be truly helpful in this. 

 

So... I began to make a few changes to the events. I buy those disposable fancy dinner plates (clear plastic and resemble crystal) and serve dessert on cute holiday paper plates with matching, plastic utensils. I feel not a single pang of guilt about throwing them away because I only do this 3 times per year (Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter). I have also modified the menu. I don't cook a turkey for the holidays. I order sliced turkey from Honeybaked Ham Co. or from our local Wegman's grocery store. I do a lot of simple sides and some fun appetizers. I don't make too much food because I don't want to feel obligated to eat, freeze or can it up. Everyone else usually brings a dessert or a side dish. As soon as everyone eats, I put everything in rubbermaid containers and slide them into the fridge.  I send a lot of the leftovers home with everyone else and keep enough for me and my dad. I still end up exhausted, but not bone-numbingly exhausted. It is important to set boundaries and keep them.

 

I did learn one incredibly important lesson:

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves just the same!

 

 

[Littlesister]

Seems a lot of people have these issues.  My DD hates to cook, and I still think the real reason she is not picking me up and we are having Thanksgiving here is because DGS's GF is coming to Mom's for Thanksgiving, and he doesn't want me there. Honestly, I don't care. But his parents again are playing right into his hands again. He gets what he wants his way and always has.  His GF is the reason he isn't going into the Coast Guard. Plus, the two of them scheming to take me to court to put me in a nursing home so they can live here. I heard a few conversations about them wanting a place to live together but couldn't afford it. The idea of taking me to court might have been that he found out that his dad had to take his parents to court to get the papers together for him to have full custody over them. Both have dementia. So, I think that is where DGS got the idea and then the 2 of them thought up the idea. SIL's parents are not doing that well and his father can't remember what is. And I won't even go there with what the house looks like. But it's not my issue anymore and I am just glad his parents took him back even though they won't teach him or help him. I just know he won't be coming back here if they kick him out again. 

 

I talked with DGD, and she is going to help me as much as she can. Her DH's grandparents are here for Thanksgiving, and they want to spend as much time with them as they can. I already knew they would be having Thanksgiving at his parents' house which they do every other year. They live out of state and are very much getting up in age. I think his older brother went and picked them up. Right now, I would rather they spend what time they have with his grandparents. I met them at the wedding, and they are really nice people. They might not be able to come here next year and at their age you take what you can get while you can. So, time spent with them is great.  

GD is going to make a dish and bring either eggnog or a desert. 

DD might not be bringing anything as her excuse as is every year, we can't bring anything because it would spoil on the way to your house. That's just an excuse. It's called a cooler. 

 

But I will make the best of it.  And yes, DGD will get her sweet potato casserole. That is a must. And it got her DH to eat sweet potatoes. He said he didn't like them, but he sure dug into that casserole. 

 

I now have the dining room table cleaned off. I had everything sitting on it from where I emptied the China Hutch. So, all that is now put away. Clothes are washed, dried and put away.  The folding table that was in the office is now out of the office and back into the garage. I have boxes of things piled up in my bedroom to go through and it's hard to clean that room up for it. So, I am going to move all of it into the office where I only have one room to work from. I think that will make it much easier for me. Then get my bedroom fully cleaned again and move on. Got the food I moved from the pantry to the kitchen all put away also. Older food to kitchen to be used up first.  

I am missing 7 solar chargers that was in the office.  I don't know if GS took them when he moved out or they are buried in something. I guess they will show up. I gave him one to use while he was living here. They were sitting next to the table in the office and now only an empty box was sitting there from the one I gave GS. I will just keep looking as I go through things. 

 

Knee is sore, and the bottom of both feet have bone spurs, and they are now acting up. Guess I over did it on my feet to long. But I made progress. 

[Necie]

1 hour ago, Littlesister said:

That's just an excuse. It's called a cooler. 

This made me lol!! I swear, sometimes they think we’re just old and stoopid! 

[Mt_Rider]

I was movin' slow today.  Felt almost like I was getting sick.  With DH's profession, we have a lot of not-prescription alternatives and I began taking them.  Stomach unsettled.  Didn't finish eating what DH cooked for breakfast ...half a plate then the rest much later, gradually.  Ginger ale and ginger Altoids.  Stomach did settle and I feel okay...not great.  { probably caught a chill in that COLD water yesterday! }      Honestly, I could NOT get warm this morning.  Bundled in layers and layers including a down vest and fleece jacket over that.  Stocking hat.  Finally went to lay down in bed -under the blankets - and read Kindle.  Finally warm. 

 

    HEY...what happened to my paragraphs???       I seem to be dragging my fingers on the keyboard and who knows what is activating.  I'm not going to try to rehash it.  Not that interesting.  Feel better and going to bed early....  

 

MtRider     ....where it's safe!