Frugal Friday and Happy 4th of July

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I have nowhere to be and nothing big on my calendar, so I’ll be home doing what I always do.

We used to take the kids to the parade and watch fireworks every year. At some point, I guess maybe they were a bit older, we stopped because the traffic was insane afterwards, and there were too many people. Now, and over the last 20 years, it just doesn’t interest me. And now that I’m old, I just don’t do something if I don’t want to. Not worth it.

Frugal-wise, Costco was $200, with some of that being my favorite wine for this weekend and then lots of proteins for the freezer. I’m calling that part of the LTF storage as it was a bag of shrimp, another bag of salad shrimp, ground beef(3 packs), and some other sale stuff.

I went to Holiday here in town after getting back up from Sacramento. It’s easy and not crazy busy. I needed the cheese sticks that I forgot at Costco, and some salad things(broccoli, mushrooms, ?. I also got a jar of Hoisin sauce to make some stir-fries with. That’s it for me till next week, which is nice.

My appointment went well, and he did say that with these low numbers, kappa light chains can vary a lot. He said if it was a huge increase( like before ), we’d change up treatment. So onward! I do feel very lucky that my numbers and Velcade have kept me in near remission for the last 3 years. It’s a small price to pay. 🙂

Last night I made up a taco bowl, and it was tasty. I still have some ground beef left, so I may look up some other recipes to use it with. I’ll ask AI, which is fun to do.

I was finally able to upload my Sleep HQ data from my ResMed machine. It took trying like a dozen times till It finally went through. I think the problem was on their end, not the SD card. Anyway, it looked good. Some leakage (pressure), but not anything alarming like my mask coming off. Overall, I was pleased. My events have been around .5 which is statistically non-significant. Events need to be under 5. (AHI) . This is all CPAP lingo, but you get the idea.

Hope you all have a nice 4th, and share what you’re doing if anything. It’s always interesting to see how other people celebrate or not. Well, I guess different times of our lives are, well, different. With young kids, the parade and fireworks are cool; older now, not so much.

Miso soup for breakfast. an interesting recipe from that Japanese cook book I got. It uses tahini which I’ve never done.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, budgets, California, cancer, Credit cards, Gratitude, Uncategorized by

I am thankful that we are not sweltering like most of the East Coast. Our temperatures have been unusual for Northern California this time of year. Usually it’s 90’s and 100s. So very nice for us.

Last night we had some chicken wings from Costco, but they weren’t the best. I was disappointed as I bought them as kind of a special treat for dinner. I won’t do that again. The one thing I went into Costco for, I forgot, cheese sticks. Oh, well, I might swing in after my doctor appointment. The closer to 4th of July though the crazier Costco gets!!

I’m thankful this 02 ring I bought ( the RingConn) is tracking my 02, and it is different than the Apple watch 02. I guess the Apple watch isn’t as reliable because of movement, and can register an 02 drop when really all you’ve done is roll over. The ring is very accurate, and I’m very happy with it. If you have any issues that are similar, the ring is a great tool. I understand the Oura is the best, but I didn’t want to pay monthly.

Today, I go to Sacramento. I’m not too keen on driving with the 4th of July traffic, but at 10 am, hopefully it won’t be too awful. I’m hoping it’s easy in and easy out. My doctor is always pretty laid back, so we’ll see how it goes with my number increase. Realistically, though, there’s not much he can do until we see a different pattern, as I’ve said. All in all, it is what it is.

After going out today, I plan on staying home over the holiday weekend. I’ll look at how I want to plan next week, though, with the pool and gym.

My son is moving ahead with getting his dad’s Triumph going. He did the class and has the equipment now. I added him as a driver on the insurance, so he’s ready to get it started. I can’t say I’m thrilled about him riding a motorcycle, as it is dangerous, but he’s an adult. Still, as a mom, I worry. I did tell him that if he finds he doesn’t want to keep riding, he can sell the bike and keep the money. Motorcycles don’t sell very well here, so?

After the pool, I dropped off the Goodwill stuff, and as I was unloading, I realized it was quite a bit of stuff I’d been driving around with for the last month. So I’m glad it’s gone. I still have some food bank items, but I think I’m going to drop that off at the LFL in the park. Someone will want it. I might check, though, where there is a drop-off in the store. Usually, there is a bin for Food For Families. Maybe I’ll check that first. It’s not a lot, but I hate to just toss it. Since I’m trying not to eat carbs, there’s some mac and cheese in there, and I know someone will want that. Plus, some pasta.

Well, I better get myself ready to go!

Midweek Musings

Posted in Blood test, budgets, California, cooking, Myeloma, Uncategorized by

I plan on going to the pool this morning. I actually woke up and felt like going, which, based on how I felt this last week, says something. So, I’ll head down around 7:30 and be in the water by 8:15 after parking and going in.

After that, I plan on going to Costco. At least that’s the plan. I do have to go to Sacramento tomorrow, so I could go after my doctor appt. I don’t need a lot of things, but I wanted to get some turkey burgers and a few other proteins. We’ll see, that’s optional right now.

My kappa light chains came back with the biggest increase yet of over 9 points. Which puts me in the low 30’s. Exactly at 34.4, which is my highest yet. I’m bummed about it, but whatcha gonna do? He doesn’t seem to concerned when he sent me them over the portal and said ‘stable’. Well, sure it’s stable but a big increase. There’s not much I can do til we see next month. So far, the trend has been increase, slight decrease, increase, etc. So until it is continually going up and shows a pattern, it’s just hang in there. Sigh, I hate this shit.

Anyway, last night I cooked up some salmon and made a feta cucumber salad. It was good. I miss my after-dinner popcorn or snacks, but I am trying to hold strong. I’m having some nuts(protein), and that seems to help.

A few of my orchids. I still don’t have any new spikes on the other plants, so I may have to YouTube it and see what I can do.

I’ve made up my July budget. Looks ok for the most part. I’ll keep whittling away at the cc and hopefully make some progress there. Since I have no other income, I guess it’ll still be a few more months till it’s done. That’s ok, overall, as long as I feel like I’m making some progress. July, August, and September don’t have any annual bills( at least that I know of), so that will help. I think the annual bills will start again in October, with auto insurance, house insurance, and property tax(Dec).

After I’m home, I need to do some dusting and putting things where they belong!!

The week ahead.

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Our temperatures are really delightful. Even this week shows temperatures in the low to mid 80’s. Unusual for California this time of year. Climate change? Who knows, right?

I started to cut some carbs from my diet to see if that helps with weight loss. Bread, of course, sourdough bread, homemade, is my weakness, but I will try to avoid it at least for a while.

I’m focusing on proteins like eggs, chicken, tofu, and veggies. It hasn’t been too bad to switch my focus, at least for now( ha, it’s only been 4 days)!!!

I have my labs this morning and decided not to go down to the pool. I’ll come home and do some house stuff and work on some meal planning. I found a Japanese cookbook at Goodwill, and there were some good low-carb recipes like miso soup with tofu( which both my daughter and I love). I bought the book for my son’s partner as they are going on a trip to Japan this fall, but I’ll use some recipes before I give it to them. ( They are non-binary),hence the pronouns.

I had one small dip in 02 last night between 1 and 1:30 to 88, but it popped back up to 90, so I’m ok with that. My only other alternative if I really want to challenge this 02 stuff, is to get the in-lab test and see if the BiPap machine is better. But honestly, I just can not deal with it right now, so since RingConn is giving such great info, I’m ok with it. Maybe down the road.

Tonight, I’m planning on grilling some tofu, and I’ll slice some tomatoes and also make up a romaine salad. As long as I have some protein, I do ok. Last night we had a modified Reuben with pastrami, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese just grilled up. It was good. This pastrami is from Costco, and it’s thin-sliced from some deli. I’ve always wanted to buy the Katz’s box of Reuben stuff, but it’s pricey. Guess who I just saw on their blog that they got a Katz’s box? Mavis, from 100 dollars a month. With the amount of projects they do and buying the house next door to them, I guess they can afford a box from Katz’s of NY. Although, to be fair, she said it was a gift sent to them. Ha, I want a gift!!!!

Well, I’m off to do whatever my boring life requires:)

Simple Sunday

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

I had a nice walk this morning, and the park was empty except for a dog running around loose. I asked the park guy when he got there to call someone, but he didn’t seem very inclined and shrugged it off. Sigh, I hope he gets caught and not hit by a car.

I’m really loving my RingConn ring to track my 02. Overall, I’m pleased with the results. My Apple Watch will often show a lower 02 but it seems that maybe due to turning in bed or getting up. So right now, I’m feeling encouraged and my Resmid score last night was 100%.

Today, I plan on going to the gym in Auburn and then home. I don’t need any groceries, so I’m set there. Last night we had chicken salad on romaine lettuce.

I feel my blog is getting boring and repetitive, so I may take a break. I do like keeping track as a journal of what’s going on, but my life is not what it was. No RV’ing, not much of anything really. Just living day to day. I’ll think about it and see how I feel.

I did order some Prime Day deals, like a new Speedo. Mine was starting to wear thin, and on Prime it’s half off, so a good deal. I have labs tomorrow, so I might go to the pool afterwards if it’s not too late. This week is also my oncology appointment in Sacramento. Hopefully, my labs will come in before I see him.

Friday things

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I canceled the PCP appointment for the Medicare program after reviewing the details on the site. It said NOT for sleep apnea, so that threw me out. It’s just for clinical obesity, so? I was disappointed, but well, sigh. I just don’t understand how all these people are on GLP 1s and affording it. I just don’t have an extra $300 in my budget. That’s the e Lilly cost with patient care.

After my Velcade shot I went to Costco.

At Costco, I picked up some salmon, veggies, eggs, and a few other things. I got some cherries and raspberries that looked good. Oh, I picked up that premade spinach salad meal, and we had half of it for dinner last night.

Tonight we’ll have the other half if we dont eat it for lunch.

I used the new Ringconn ring I got yesterday and like it, but it does not give minute by minute like the Wellvue, only hour by hour. So disappointed there too. Overall, it had some good information, though. And my low 02 only went to 89, and for some reason, that was AFTER I took my mask off at 5 am and was just lying there. So, I don’t know. I really hate this stuff.

Today is a Dex day, so I’m home doing home stuff.

No Menu Monday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, Death, meal planning, medicare by

Father’s Day ended up ok. I was sad, but it was still a nice day. My son didn’t come up, as he had come up Friday and spent the night. We had a BBQ and celebrated Barclay’s life. It was a nice family time.

As to menu stuff, I just plan on using whatever I have. I was going to make tofu burgers, but realized they were way past their date to be used. I had to toss 2 packs. I felt like I hadn’t really been on top of checking, sigh. So my daughter pulled out some burgers fromt he freezer and we had those with some fries.

Today, I’ll check the fridge and see what’s lurking. I know I have some romaine lettuce, as we had that on the burgers.

All my bills are paid for the month, and my new budget starts next week. This will be a week in between. I could start the budget this week but I think I’ll push for next.

I have Velcade this week, so that plus Dex keeps me home for 3 days. So no spending there. I am planning on buying a different smart ring to track 02. I bought an inexpensive one to only find out it didn’t do continuous monitoring, which is what I need at night. I’ve settled on RingConn and am waiting to see if it goes on sale during Prime Days. So far, my night time 02’s have been very good, but there is still a dip, and that’s what I need to know: for how long. If it’s only a minute, then I’m not worried. If it’s staying there, then I will need to go do the in-lab test to see if I need a different machine called the BiPAP. I do think the increased pressure has made a big difference in holding my 02 numbers higher most of the night.

I also have an appointment with my PCP doctor to see if I’ll be eligible for the new Medicare GLP 1 program. My insurance doesn’t cover Zepbound, so this program will be available regardless of insurance at a cost of $50 per month. So, I need to get the doctor to fill out forms, etc and follow the procedure. It seems a bit complicated, so I’m not sure if it’ll fly.

Is anyone else going to try the new bridge program? It starts in July.

Thankful Thursday, sort of..

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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

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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.