Thankful Thursday, sort of..

Posted in California, cancer, Death by

I’ve had a difficult week and am not feeling very grateful. Mostly, I feel sad and overwhelmed. This week is the final week of B’s life and hospice; though they were great in the way they helped, it was still not easy. Well, it wasn’t hospice; it’s just the way someone dies. It’s not pretty, and everyone here at least has some PTS over those last days. Life does go on, and we go on, albeit differently.

Then Father’s Day is Sunday, and I’m sure that will be tough too. I wanted to do something special, like go to Tahoe, but right now Tahoe is filled with annoying tourists, and all the main roadways are under construction. When my son and I went last week, it was a disaster all around the lake, and Truckee was even worse. I-80 has numerous slowdowns with major construction, so no Tahoe right now. So, we will celebrate here, and I’m sure Barclay will be with us in spirit. I have a bottle of Veuve Clicquot in the fridge, and I think I will open that around dinner time. I’m planning on tofu burgers because anytime you ask Barclay what he wanted for dinner, he’d always say, How about tofu burgers.

I am grateful for all my great memories of the things the two of us did. Some were crazy when we were young, and then traveling in Rubi in our golden years. It’s been a year, but I’m not sure time is the factor here. Just trying to keep it together.

I haven’t felt motivated either. It could be the heat, as I definitely don’t do well in it. We are in a cooling trend so that will help if I can be outside more.

Meals have been simple this week. My daughter had some southwest chicken wraps from Costco; I had a quesadilla; we had pulled pork, beans, and rice burritos one night. When it’s hot, neither of feel like eating a lot. I still have a salad pack to use, so we’ll have that tonight.

I found an electric Cuisinart fondue pot at Goodwill, and I bought some fondue to try it, but I think I’ll wait. It is brand new in the box. I checked if it worked, and it did. I paid 6.99. We like fondue a few times a year, and the one I have is very small, actually a chocolate fondue pot, which I didn’t know when I bought it off eBay several years ago.

I do plan on going to the library, maybe tomorrow, as I have ahold and I want to return the 2 books I have. I’ll probably go to the gym first.

Well, on that depressing note, I hope your week has been better than mine, and this finds you well, healthy, and happy.

My new Ikea chair, my daughter put together for me. I wanted to get two and thought I’d wait till I got this one. But they were all sold out, as it was on sale for 70 off. IKEA stuff sells out frequently on their sale items. It’s quite comfortable, although not a curl-up-and-read chair.

Oh, that’s little Cherry lurking.

Simple Sunday

Posted in budgeting, California, cooking, home stuff, Uncategorized by

It’s still very hot here, but I think today is the last day of it. I went for a walk this morning, but even then it was warm out.

After checking my SD card for the Airsense data, I asked AI about the data. It does seem that my oxygen drops relate to when the pressure ramps up. Also, there is more leakage at that point too. For now, I’ll continue as usual. I may need to do that in lab titration because it pinpoints when it happens, and then they adjust it. I feel my next step is to lose some weight and then see how the oxygen is. Medicare has a bridge program for Zepbound ( which is used if there is a diagnosis of sleep apnea). I don’t know how it works, but I will find out. My Part D drug insurance doesn’t cover it, so if I can, it’ll be helpful, I think.

I’m still stressed about it all, but will plod on.

I did go into the gym as I wanted to do my weights and hit the thrift store. I didn’t find too much. Sunday is nice in there as it’s fairly quiet.

Not too much cooking going on with this heat. I might just make up one of the salad packs with some sort of protein. I’ll make a tentative list of meals for the week tomorrow. I know I have some pulled pork to use and beans, so that’s one or two meals. I also have some feta to use, so I was thinking a Greek pasta salad. Otherwise, who knows? A pizza?

This is an open week for me, which is great. I’d like to do a few house projects, like painting the front door. Plus at least one swim and one Roseville gym/library.

Some pictures of our crimson Hollyhocks. They were my sister Heidi’s favorite.

Friday Things

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, camping, Lake tahoe, Uncategorized by

It was a semi-frugal week because of not being home for a few days. But we did spend some money on coffee and pastries, and of course, gas. Today I do need to go to the store and get some salad stuff and maybe some assorted veggies. I’m still not planning to go down to Roseville yet. Maybe tomorrow.

We had grilled chicken for dinner last night and potatoes. I have chicken left over, so I’ll either make a chicken salad or slice it for sandwiches.

I did a small Costco trip earlier in the week, so that filled in a few things. I’m trying not to buy Costco salad stuff, as we don’t finish the big packs. I did see their spinach salad, which I would try if it’s there next time.

I also need to go into the AAA office to deal with the non op motorcycle registration. I figured I could do it online, but apparently you need to show insurance. So I’ll do that first and then go over to Safeway.

We are in a heat wave again, temperatures in the 90’s. I closed all the windows early yesterday, and that helped. I also have blackout curtains on the windows that get the most direct sun. The heat is supposed to be here through the next couple of days, then drop a bit, but be back in the 90s again next week. By the end of next week it’s back down in the 70’s and 80’s.

Thankful Thursday

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Well, we did it!! My son and I went to Tahoe and camped in his Ritz-Carlton Teton tent. It is a 3-season, very big tent with an awning and windows. I’m very grateful to him for setting it all up and having everything that made it so nice. I had an air mattress that was on a twin frame, so I was off the ground. He even had a camping side table for my CPAP machine.

I’m very thankful that I had the Jackery battery, as it ran the Airsense all night. When I took it off, I still had 56% left, so theoretically that could be another night. My AirSense worked perfectly, and I even got a 100% score for the night, which I haven’t had since my air pressure was raised. I did finally take off my 02 ring because we were at 6000 feet; my 02 kept going down. Today, as I’m home, it rarely buzzes.

It was chilly at night, and I probably could have had another blanket on my down bag, but overall it was fine.

I was a bit emotional as it was 2 years to the day that B and I were up there for the last time. By July, of 2024, we were getting the bad news of cancer, but the pathologies hadn’t come in yet. It was also just a year ago that he started hospice and was gone by the 19th.

We got up early at 6:30 and walked down to the far end of the beach and let some of Dad go. He would have liked that.

My son and I packed up everything( he did 99% of it), and then went into South Lake and got some coffee and pastries before hitting the road.

I’m grateful my daughter held down the fort here with all the kitties. When you’re here alone, it is a bit time-consuming dealing with cats and house stuff.

Well, it was a fun trip, and I accomplished getting Barclay’s ashes to Tahoe. I did bring home a can of sand to use here. The sand on this beach is very golden.

I’m not sure I could handle two nights, but that’s not a concern right now.

Simple Sunday

Posted in California by

It’s very busy in our little town for the big Pioneer Days event. When the kids were young, this was a special event; there is a parade, with candy being given out, fire trucks, etc. The park is packed with vendors for burgers to coffee to beer ( I think). We haven’t gone in years now; it could be fun. Anyway, I just got home from the gym because the road closes at 10:30.

I need to get some stuff ready for our overnight trip this coming week. I’m not saying too much till I’ve gone and come home. Plus, I need to do some household chores.

Mr Peabody was back and on the roof. I think he’s lonely, as his cries are not answered. I think he’s gone now as I didn’t see him when I drove in.

I hope you have a peaceful Sunday. Share what you’re up to!

Saturday things

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I’m still struggling with my pressure adjustment on my CPAP. I’ve been using AI Gemini to troubleshoot, and it’s been very helpful. The problem is that I don’t feel better even though the machine says good mask fit. The app for AirSense is showing only a score of 90, which I have not had since starting 8 months ago, because it says the mask needs adjustment. I feel very weary over all this and not sure what to do. Hopefully I can figure it out. I am sleeping mostly through the night but just not waking up refreshed. More like a bit stuffy and a bit of a headache. I suppose it could be the pollen affecting me too.

Yesterday I went down to the gym and then the library. It was nice to go without needing to add groceries or another stop. It was very warm in the afternoon, so I did start the cooler again. Today is supposed to be 10 degrees cooler, so back in the 70’s.

Today I had a nice walk, and there was a lovely breeze. Tomorrow is Pioneer Day here in Meadow Vista, so I may not walk, as all the vendors get to the park early to set up. They also close the main road through town around 10, so if I’m going to the gym, I’ll need to be back by then.

I might go out this morning and do a few errands that I haven’t gotten around to, namely recycling and filling the small propane bottle I use for the fire pit. If my daughter comes along, we could go to the bookstore.

Well, that’s all I have for today. I will read my new library book, which is the latest Jane Whitefield by Perry. I finished The Correspondent, and wow, it was a great book. Very timely if you are in your 70’s.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, Gratitude, ikea, swimming by

I’m thankful for a nice swim yesterday and that the pool was so nice too. It was a little busy when I got there, but then it emptied out some. Waiting to go just a smidge later is the key. The pool closes for lap swimming at 9:25. They are pretty strict, as the pool is used for a big water aerobics class. So even if I’m there at 8:45, I’d still get my 30 minutes in.

I’m thankful for the AC unit in the window my daughter put in last week, knowing it was going to get warm this week. I held out until about 4pm and then it was too stuffy and warm in the front room, so I turned it on for a while. Today is also a warmer day, so I’ll probably turn it on for a while.

I’m thankful for a fun trip to IKEA with my daughter. We had fun looking at kitchen stuff and couches. The couch I had planned on getting down the road wasn’t as comfortable as I thought it would be, but the upgraded Ektorp was, so I’ll probably go with that down the road. We didn’t stop for lunch, as neither of us felt like anything.

I’m thankful that my new settings on my CPAP machine are helping keep my SP02 higher at night. I’m still seeing a dip into the high 80’s, but I’m not going to stress about it. Last night it said my score sleeping was 87 -93. But I was only down for a short period, and if I’m rolling over or moving, it can give a lower reading. Overall, I think the pressure change has made a difference. I did have an awful night sleeping, though, on Monday night. Not sure what was up. My Airsense score was still high, 98, but it was not a good night, and I think I’m guessing that it was still DEX doing its thing. I’m also guessing that if I really wanted to get supplemental oxygen, I’d do the in-lab test. I think since I will see him in 6 months again, I’ll leave it as is for now and revisit the whole thing then.

Today is a home day unless we decide to go over to the pet bookstore.

Simple Sunday

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, Credit cards, Myeloma, Uncategorized, Walking by

Yesterday was a nice day, starting with a walk around 6:15 a.m. Then my son came up with his partner, and they brought Noah’s bagels, so we had a nice brunch. Then he got to work using the chipper to get rid of the tons of bags of pinecones B was collecting!!! He also moved all the redwood boards to the carport.

I can tell this is a drop-in-energy day due to the dex wearing off, so I’ll keep the day easy. We’re going down to Ikea for the morning, as my daughter wants to get a Billy shelf. IKEA is always fun. I also need to stop at the store, but I may do Trader Joe’s, as it is right off the freeway. I would do that on our way home. I need milk and cream and a few salad packs. Maybe I’ll check out a ready-to-cook meal like salmon.

Last night we had blueberry pancakes and eggs for dinner. Tonight, I’m not sure. I feel like some beans so I might start them in the crockpot before we head out.

I have labs tomorrow, but they are at 8:30, so that’s too late to go to the pool or the gym, so I’ll just come home and do regular Monday things. Hopefully, the Dex is doing its job, and I won’t have an increase (at least not much) in my kappa light chains. After labs, I’ll drop our ballots off at the Records office, which is just up the street from the lab.

I did my budget for June, and it is very tight. I’ll make it, but won’t be able to pay as much on my CC. Oh well, it’ll get done. I don’t have any more big bigs for a while, so that will give me a chance to catch up. I already paid the AAA membership, but Costco’s comes out in June. I’ll check if it’s on auto pay because I can’t remember if I did that. Other than that, I think the next few months there are no annual bills.

Mr Peabody is back!!

Friday things

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, frugalism, garden shed, Gardening, home improvement by

So it’s a dex day so no going out for me!!

But it is my dear daughter’s birthday. 41 years ago, B and I welcomed our baby to the world. It was one of our happiest days ever. I think I’ve mentioned before that Barclay and I had been married for 15 years before we had her, so it was a big event.

Frugal-wise, I did buy the 02 ring, and I’m so glad I did. It is very accurate and vibrates if the 02 goes below a threshold that you can set. I’m very pleased with it.

I got gas yesterday before the infusion. Costco gas was $5.49.

The only store shopping I’ve done this week was down at the Holiday market. One trip was for a case of water that was on a coupon. The other trip was for some wine, cottage cheese, parsley, fresh dill, and I can’t remember the other stuff, but it was $45.

Today, we’re going to get a pizza out instead of me trying to cook something.

We’re going to move all the gardening stuff down by the garden shed area. We’ll reuse the redwood boards too, but the posts were what rotted. But I just looked at them, and we can cut off the rotted part and reuse them too. So instead of this costing probably over $1000 to replace the posts and redwood, the fencing was $109. On the other side of where the cars are parked is another fence for privacy to the neighbor. That isn’t redwood but cedar. We should have done Redwood, but B thought it was too expensive, which it was. We’re not sure whether he intends to sell; if so, we will add more panels.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgets, California, Gratitude, velcade, Walking by

I’m thankful for a nice walk this morning. We had rain yesterday, and everything was fresh. It’s still cloudy, though, but not cold. It snowed in Tahoe, and all I could think about was how much fun Barclay and I would have had, all tucked in Rubi. It made me sad.

Today I have Velcade, and even though it is chemotherapy, I’m grateful it goes quick and easily. The nurses are always so nice. I plan on breaking up taking dex between today and tomorrow. Last month it totally wiped me out, and I’d like not to repeat that.

After that, I plan to go down to the library, as I have a few holds that need to be picked up. I am always grateful for the library.

I plan on coming straight home unless we need something at Winco, but I think we’re ok, although I’ll check before I leave.

I am very thankful my appt with the sleep doctor went well. It’s a PITA to get to this facility, and I dislike the building and the whole complex. But the appt went well. He raised my minimum pressure and lowered the maximum. This is supposed to help keep the airway open, so theoretically, my SP02 wont drop. Unfortunately, it still dropped last night for a bit. Plus the extra pressure was a bit difficult to adjust to. He said there was no hurry on the in-lab test, and it’s really to see when and how much the oxygen is dropping. Medicare will not pay for supplemental oxygen without the titration test. I’ll see how I feel in a few weeks. I did bite the bullet and bought an 02 oximeter ring for $159 on sale. It should be here tomorrow. The whole point is to figure out how long these drops are. Also, losing weight will help, so there’s that on the table too. Overall, I was happy with his approach, and it felt much more like we can figure this out together. If I want the supplemental oxygen, then I will have to do the titration test.

When I got home yesterday, my daughter had taken down all the fence that was falling down. Barclay put that fence up 30 years ago so the yard would be enclosed and have privacy. Those redwood boards really held up. Actually, we’re going to reuse them and add to the fence blocking the hoarders’ yard. But that will take a post, cement, and cross boards sometime in the future.