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

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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.

Menu Monday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, camping, home stuff, meal planning, sleep apnea by

We had burgers on the grill last night with potato salad. I plan on grilling something tonight as well.

I think I’ll do chicken and more potato salad.

I have some tofu I need to use, so maybe tofu burgers. (There’s a theme going on here, which is easy dinners.

I’d like to make a big chopped salad with romaine, cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and some kind of protein.

I have a piece of steak in the freezer, maybe steak fajitas? I think I have a pepper that needs to be used and some street tacos(flour).

I have lots of eggs right now, so a frittata of some sort. I have some gruyere cheese to use. Maybe I’ll pick up some mushrooms.

TBD.

Jasmine rice maybe with tofu?

I have a ramen pack I picked up from Winco, so I will use that somehow.

Today, I need to go down to the market and get a case of water. It’s on sale at a good price. I might get two. Plus, I forgot pickles the other day, so I’ll add them in too.

My sinuses are going crazy this morning, so it must be a high pollen day. I think my brother is stopping by to say hi, and my son is planning to come over too.

In other news around here:

I’ve charged the Jackery battery, and now I just need to try it for a night with my ResMed AirSense. I want to do a trial run before my one-night camping in Tahoe. I figure if I can make it one night, I might try for two at a later time.

I’ve compiled all my notes for the sleep doctor and have an approach, but I’ll let him take the lead, and then I’ll add my data and what I’d like to see happen. I know something has to be added since I am still getting SP02 drops. The question is, is it just a few minutes or is it longer? My Apple Watch doesn’t give a specific time, just a range. Downloading the Sleep HQ has been very insightful, though. And it does show how the pressure is fluctuating and breathing. So it’s interesting. I’m at the point of surrendering to whatever it needs to be. The Airsense has done an incredible job basically curing the sleep apnea, but as always with me, nothing is easy, and the SP02 is an issue. sigh:( At least, I have a pretty good understanding of what’s going on and hope we can get some resolution. As I’ve mentioned, this doctor and I did not hit it off, and this is only the 3rd time in a whole year I’ve seen him.

What’s on your menu for the week?

Does anyone use the Airsense? Had trouble with SP02 drops?

Simple Sunday

Posted in budgets, California, home stuff, Walking by

A nice walk this morning. It’s Memorial Day weekend, so the town is quiet. I saw so many RV’s on the road coming home from the pool yesterday. Camping season has begun for sure.

Speaking of Memorial Day, a pause to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. My brother, Philip, was killed in action on January 7th 1968. He was only 21. Sadly, my mother never overcame her grief and died 10 years later.

Today, I plan on going to the Auburn gym and doing my weights. I probably will do some treadmill too. Then once home work on the menu ideas for the week. Last night we had tilapia and brown rice with the roasted vegetables from Costco. The veggies were subpar, so they may get tossed.

It’s back to watering the yard, and things are drying up quickly. My daughter wants to keep watering to a minimum this year. We also are not planning a garden. Times change, and there’s so much outside stuff to do that it’s hardly expected to do one. I think the only thing I’ll get is some parsley, basil, chives, and maybe a cherry tomato, and I’ll put them all in a barrel so it’s easy for me to water.

OOps!!Some Gus this is Chester, not Gus, portraits and cactus flowers. He must have been a cute kitten.

What plans do you have for Memorial Day?

My son is going to come over and spend the night so he can go into the office on Tuesday. That saves a trip for him and gas. I might do a BBQ with some chicken and make some potato salad.