Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, decluttering, Gratitude, swimming by

I am very glad the cooler temperatures are going to return. not cool, cool, but better. Today is 93, and tomorrow back in the 80’s. I really dislike the heat, so it’ll be better.

The tree trimmers from PGE were here yesterday to take 2 small oaks. I went out there with them and wasn’t too pleased at them having to take them, but they were under the power line. I didn’t go back out to see how it looked, but I will this morning as I need to water the bamboo out there.

The pool was busy, but I’m grateful to have gotten a lane mostly by myself, and then later someone came in with me. Someone was talking about the day before at the pool and said it was so busy she finally gave up waiting for a lane. I’ve only had that happen I think twice in all the time I’ve been swimming, so I’m grateful that usually it works out.

I’m grateful for the AC units in our windows. We have 5, but only use the 4, in the LR, entry way, bedroom 1, and bedroom 2. It makes a big difference. Of course, that means our electric bill will go up:(

Today, I plan on staying home ( at least as of now). I need to do some tidying and put things away. I also need to take out the recycling. I did think about going down to the gym and doing my weights, but I think I’ll wait. It’s early yet, so I may change my mind.

I’m thankful my CPAP is mostly working well. It is controlling the sleep apnea, and my 02 is better at night. Going by the RingConn, I drop to 90 a few times, but then the line goes up to 95 or even 97, which means the pressure ramps up. I tried using some mouth tape that was recommended on the Facebook group, but that night my 02 was at 89 for more than I want ( like 30 minutes). So I went back to the chin strap. It’s ok, it bothers my face a bit, but I need it to keep my mouth from opening. It still does open some, but this controls most of it. I ordered a different one from Amazon, so maybe that one will work better. This was not a problem until the doctor increased the pressure settings on the ResMed. Before that, I didn’t have a problem because the pressure was much lower. Oh well, it’s working.

I’m working my way through the chest freezer, and it’s going great. Yesterday, I took out 2 bags of apples( from a friend’s tree) that I had cut up last fall. I put them in the crockpot, and it cooked down to a lovely applesauce. We had it with dinner. I’m not planning on canning any, just plan to eat it. I also pulled out a turkey and cooked that. Mostly, after it was cooked, I took all the meat off and froze it. In the future, I only plan on doing the Diestel turkey breast. Much easier and better quality. So that really freed up some space. I think I’ll keep the chest freezer as the refrigerator one is too small to hold much, but I want it to be less packed. I’ll go out there today and see what else I can use up. BTW, the chest freezer is out in the laundry room, which is at the back of the house. Barclay built it there, as there was no room in the house for a washer and dryer.

A menu for the week, sort of…

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

Last night we did do the Kirkland meatballs with Rao’s sauce. I threw a few egg noodles in, too. It was good. NO salad because I didn’t feel like making it. The humidity is awful, and we are not used to humidity here in Northern CA. I think today is about the same. There are some clouds that are keeping the heat in and the humidity high. Ugh…

So, I have some chicken defrosting so one night will be something with that.

I have 1 pack of tofu, so I’ll do something with that, maybe a tofu scramble, so that the veggies get cooked( don’t want the horrible parasite!).

I have some shrimp in the freezer, so maybe a shrimp scampi-type thing.

I might open some home-canned pintos and do a nacho-type thing. I’ll have to check what I have. I know I don’t have any corn chips because we were doing low carb. Maybe I’ll just do bean bowls. I do have some taco meat in the freezer I could pull out.

Past that, I have no idea. I probably should pull out some cookbooks and get some ideas.

I’m mostly home today and need to do a sweep through the house. Plus, I need to mop. Then the plan is to go over to the pet bookstore and maybe the nursery. After that, find some lunch.

I read two of Marcia Muller’s books, which take place in SF. I like her writing. These were not new at all. I think one was from 2006. A quick read and entertaining. Next up are two Stabenow books. All these I picked up at the pet bookstore. They are $2 a piece. Cheap entertainment.

I haven’t had any off days, which I’m pleased with. I’m still only getting 2 bottles down in a day, but that’s way better than before. Also, tracking my 02 has been good. Overall, it’s all in a good range.

This week, I plan to go to the pool and the gym in Roseville. I’ll probably tack on a Trader Joe’s stop as well. I don’t need anything from Costco, so I’ll skip that. Ok then, I’m going to go pick up cat puke!!

Simple Sunday

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

I woke up to a crimson sunrise. It didn’t last long but was quite spectacular. It’s also cloudy out, which is going to make it more humid. I did go for a walk around 6:30. A little later than my normal, but still nice. There were maybe 4 other people. The park these days seems to always be busy or have more people than it used to. I guess that’s true of everything; freeways, gyms, and stores seem to have more people than ever.

I’m managing more water and plan to do so today. I’m getting 2 1/2 bottles( 16 ounces), so ok, but needs improvement.

Last night we had chicken tenders and a tomato mozzarella salad. The chicken is low-net-carb from Costco (Real Food, I think it’s called). It was very tasty. Tonight, I think we’ll do something with meatballs. I bought some Rao’s from Costco, so we’ll use that. Maybe top with more fresh mozzarella.

I started watching The Bear, which I had no idea what it was about. It’s good, maybe intense, but good. I’d like it if it had more food stuff, but it’s a drama, so it’s more about the people. Other than that, no new shows. Grantchester comes out on Sundays, but I’m not sure if I can see it tonight or have to wait until tomorrow.

I’m probably going to the gym this morning, although I seem to be moving slowly.

Another open week, which I love. My daughter and I are going to go out for lunch tomorrow and maybe to the bookstore.

Frugal Friday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, cash envelopes, frugalism, home stuff by

The last 2 days have been way better for me. After consulting my new friend, AI, it seemed that not drinking enough water or having enough electrolytes may have been a cause of being so fatigued. So I really doubled down and drank 2 16-ounce bottles of water with a packet of IV hydration. I felt better and will continue to do this since it seemed to make a difference.

So I felt good enough to swim yesterday, and I was so happy to be in the water.

After the pool, I went to WinCo and picked up a few things. The total was @ $ 70. I added some wine, a sauvignon blanc, which we like a lot in summer. So far for this budget month, groceries are about $400, so slightly over what I want, and I still have next week in the budget month. I did buy some bubbly water and Coke Zero, so that will last at least 2-3 weeks.

Since I’m trying to avoid carbs, I didn’t stop on the way home for my favorite bean burrito (I miss them), but made something when I got home.

Some of the monthly bills are already out, but about half are still in the queue. Our garbage bill came in, which is quarterly. It’s on autopay, but somehow I always forget to fill that cash envelope. Actually, since it’s really only me, I’m not doing a lot of cash stuffing. I think if I had more cash to use, I would, but really, the money in the checking account is to cover the bills. There’s not much left to stuff envelopes with.

My son is coming over tonight to spend the night and get up to do some stuff here before it gets too hot. I need to think about dinner since he should be here right about then.

I did get gas at Costco, and gas was back up to $4.99. I think last time it was like $4.79?

Well, it’s another hot one today, so I need to close all the windows.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in books, budgets, California, cooking, reading, Uncategorized by

Well, let’s see,

I’m thankful I woke up.

I’m thankful for a cup of coffee

I’m thankful the garbage goes out today.

I’m thankful to be alive.

So, after a dreadful day and a night from hell, I asked AI about my fatigue. A couple of things,

not enough hydration,

a low viral infection

needing more sodium or salt

So with that in mind, I drank an electrolyte drink and made the teriyaki chicken into a soup with a ramen flavor pack.

I always wake up at the same time and do the same thing for an hour or so at my desk. Check the news, check blogs, check my bank acct etc. So it’s too early to tell if I am again fatigued.

If by 7:30, I feel ok, I plan on going to the pool. Thursdays are early days, so the pool closes for lap swimming by 8:45, so it means up and go. I don’t need anything from the store, so unless there’s a small thing, I can go over to Winco for it. I do need some cottage cheese.

I feel a bit adrift these days and feel like I need to add something to my life. Maybe walking a little later so it fills in the morning. I think partly that since I have some osteoarthritis in my hips, etc., I’m moving more slowly, so I can’t do what I used to do, and then I have gaps that seem like I’m not doing anything. If I have books to read, then I feel more engaged, or if I give myself specific tasks to do. I do write a daily list of things, so maybe I need to expand that to one or two more small things.

Well, on that cheery note, I say adieu.

Midweek Musings

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

I had a really awful night last night. I was restless, and my mind wouldn’t stop. I finally took an Ativan (which I haven’t but maybe one other time since starting CPAP). I slept ok, maybe for an hour, and then woke up to go to the bathroom and promptly threw up the Ativan with stomach acid. Something has changed with my use of the CPAP and taking the Ativan. Someone on the Facebook group said it relaxes your jaw and tongue too much. All I know is it was weird. I’ll consider whether I want to drive down to Roseville. I’m not feeling quite with it this morning. But it’s early yet, so I still have time.

I did get a lot done yesterday. I did the kitchen zone and the bathroom zone. I didnt get to using the Dyson though so I’ll do that today.

We had steak bits last night for dinner with asparagus. I thought the asparagus was subpar from Costco. I still have half a pack left, so I’ll check whether they still look good. Anything like that I could bring back to Costco for a refund, but sometimes it’s just too much trouble.

Tonight I have some ground turkey to use, and I think I’ll do turkey burgers. I’ll have mine on a romaine lettuce leaf. Sort of like In an Out’s protein style burger. I am also planning some chicken teriyaki with the chicken I defrosted. The rest of the week, I don’t have a plan yet. We don’t usually eat leftovers for dinner, Lunch, yes, but not dinner.

I’m not reading anything right now, so a trip to the library is calling. I just need some authors to check out. I’m waiting for the Calamity Club, which I have on hold. I might check out buying the ebook. Has anyone read it?

Today is our last day in the 80’s, and then starting tomorrow we’re back in the 90’s. We’ve been trying to conserve watering, and since we don’t have a garden this year, it’s just a little bit of lawn we have, and the plants like lavender.

Update: I’m going to stay home or at least not go to the pool. I may go out to the bookstore if I feel better.

Things for the week ahead…

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Last night we had a spinach fritta and leftover chicken wings. Nothing special, but I used up some things.

Tonight, I plan on grilling some chicken and making a salad with blue cheese crumbles( I think).

I pulled chicken from the freezer and a steak. So some version of that will be on the dinner menu.

So far, the biggest thing about eating low carb is not craving sweets. Also, I don’t have anything to snack on anyway. I do plan on going into Trader Joe’s and getting some dark chocolate, which is ok on low carb. I’m also still having my evening wine, so there is that. I can’t give up everything!!:)

I miss toast for breakfast and sandwiches, but I do feel a bit different not eating the bread, so I’m willing to go a bit longer in the experiment. I do plan on checking out the keto bread at Costco when I go, but not sure if I want that kind of bread.

Today, I’m going down to Mahany gym as I didn’t go last week due to the holiday and all. Then drop a book off at the library. I don’t have any holds, so I may check out the new books.

Once home, I do need to do a few Monday reset chores, like vacuuming with the Dyson. I usually send Robo around, but at least once a week, it still needs the other vacuuming. Also, deep clean the kitchen, especially the stove hood. I’ll see how far I get.

I plan on swimming one day or two this week, just not sure which days. It’s so nice not having appts. I am really thankful for that. Not that I have that many, but sometimes it feels that way. Maybe it’s still some PTS with ALL the appts Barclay had the last 6 months of his life. It was really overwhelming looking back at it.

In happier times:(

Simple Sunday

Posted in books, budgets, California, cooking, meal planning, Uncategorized by

I hope you all had a nice 4th of July. I did my walk and then a few extra things. I must have felt good enough that I painted the front door. It’s been on my list forever, and I guess it was the right day. I might start doing all the window trims as it is the same color but we’ll see.

My daughter got out an old grow light of Barclay’s, and I put it near my orchids as it is full spectrum. Hopefully, that will encourage a few spikes. Growing orchids has been a fun hobby and a challenge since I tend to overwater. The light purple one that I had spiked is still going strong. I love that orchids keep on and on.

Today is open, and I’m thinking about what I’d like to do. It’s been nice being home and not thinking about going out to do anything. I do like structure and a schedule, at least of some sort.

First, I’ll go for a walk as it’s cool out and there are some great cloud formations. Next week still looks good temperature-wise, and then it creeps back to the 90’s.

I want to plan out some dinner ideas, being on the low carb. It does take a little more planning to not just fall back on pasta or potatoes. I know I’ll pull some chicken from the freezer and maybe the ground turkey. Last night we had steamed broccoli and a souper cube of meatloaf I had made a while ago. It was ok, not great. I think that had some breadcrumbs in it, so not totally low-carb. I’ll continue to assess as this goes along. So far, it’s not terribly difficult except for maybe the bread or bagels.

I do need to hit up Costco for romaine lettuce, as I’ve been using that to make turkey or ham roll-ups with cheese. Not too bad, and I like the crunch. I also want to buy some squash, and they have a big bag of both zucchini and yellow squash. I could try the sliced zucchini lasagna. I don’t want to overthink this and keep it simple.

I didn’t do a whole lot yesterday and was kinda tired all day. I finished a book on my Kindle that I’ve read numerous times and is one of my favorites: Meg Wolfe’s series. They are some of my favorite books to reread.

Today, after waking and having breakfast, I’ll see if I want to go to the Auburn gym. If I go to Maheny gym tomorrow, then I could skip today. I’ll wait and see how I feel in a bit.

We finished watching Project Hail Mary last night, and it’s a great movie. I’d definitely recommend but it’s long, so we did it two nights. It’s on Prime.

Frugal Friday and Happy 4th of July

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, budgets, cancer, cooking, frugalism by

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!