Category Archives: books

Simple Sunday on Monday

Posted in Blood test, books, California, cancer, Death, Myeloma, reading, Uncategorized by

This heat wave we’re having is doing me in. 96 yesterday and the same for today. Ugh. I think a bit of a cooling trend starts on Tuesday, but it’s not huge. I read all my library books, so I picked from my shelf some old Hillerman and looked through some decluttering books. You know I’m desperate when that starts happening. I do plan on going to the library tomorrow so I can get my hold and a few others as well. I was planning on going on Thursday after my Velcade shot, but my hold expires by then, so I need to get it before that.

Menu planning is still hit or miss these days. I still have the basic menu plan going of using things from the freezer and fridge, but I’m not super motivated. It’s probably a combination of the heat and just finding a new ‘normal’ balance. My daughter bought an air fryer on Prime Day, so she’s been experimenting with that. So far, she’s made sweet potato fries and wild cod in panko. Both excellent.

Sunday- used up a bag of Trader Joe’s chicken chow mein with added chicken.

Monday- Tofu something as I have 2 containers to use up. I also have some broccoli to use.

Tuesday- I’ve been feeling like crock pot pintos, so I think I’ll do that with tortillas and avocado if they’re ripe. I bought the bag(6) from Costco. It takes a while for them to ripen, but as soon as they start to ripen, I put them all in the fridge and they will last weeks in there.

Wednesday- I think we’ll do spaghetti with marinara and maybe some meatballs.

Thursday- Freezer meal of some sort. I need to go out to the chest freezer( that’s in our outside laundry room) and check.

Friday- I’ll make a pizza if it’s not too hot.

Saturday- ?? TBD

Today I’m going to meet my library friends for a coffee. They have been very supportive, and the one gal is the one whose husband died of Myeloma a few years back. His Myeloma came on very fast, he was in his 80s, and Sutter really didn’t address his issues or treatment till it was too late. It was very sad.

All in all, things are ok. I’m still cleaning out B’s desk of odds and ends, like pens and notebooks. Nothing major, just a little at a time.

I have my Velcade shot this week and then Dex days. Actually, the dex isn’t too awful when I do it between 2 days. It’s still Dex no matter what, but it’s less intense. Then I’ll go get my labs next week.

Simple Sunday

Posted in books, camping, meal planning, swimming by

I am enjoying my new iMac. It’s so pretty and nice to work on. It was such a thoughtful thing my daughter did.

Yesterday, we ventured out to the pet bookstore. I picked up some old Hillerman, in which I always enjoy being immersed in the Southwest. After having lived in Tucson for 5 years and then a small stint in Santa Fe, the southwest does get into your being. I wouldn’t ever move there again, too many people, too much congestion, too many people using water that isn’t really there, etc, but we did love it when we were there. The smell of orange blossoms lining the neighborhoods is a favorite memory. Plus, riding our bikes all over town. Back then, you could still drive through campus, but that changed a number of years ago.

I also picked up a Japanese lifestyle book called Wa. I looked through it yesterday, and there are a few interesting ideas.

After the bookstore, we went and had some tacos.

I’m trying to stick to my routines as much as possible, but some days I just sit and do nothing. Today, I need to write my list for the week and figure out what I’m doing and when. I pick up Barclay’s ashes this week, so that day will be hard. I’ll probably just go down and straight back home.

I know I want to swim at least once. During my last swim, I felt much better, so I think I can catch up soon to where I was. Additionally, I want to go to the Maheny gym and the library.

Meal planning has gone out the window for now, and my daughter and I just figure out dinner daily. I do have lots of freezer stuff, so I am working with that. We did have a small BBQ on the 4th of some steak bits. That was yummy. We had a Cobb salad on the side. Mostly, I’m looking in the fridge, staring blankly, and then figuring out some game plan. Also, my daughter has been cooking meals up, which has been nice.

My son is coming up today to do some more dump run stuff. I hope he can get rid of all the metal stuff. ( old pool frames, carport frames, etc.) There’s still a load of old wood that needs to go too. In the past, B would just have a burn pile in the winter for the wood, but none of us want to do that. So to the dump it goes.

I gave away a few dozen canning jars for free the other day too. I’m not planning on doing a lot of canning so I figured someone could use them. They went very quickly and I will do another box soon.

Other than that, just hanging in there.

What wonderful things are you guys up to? I hope making the best of it.

Simple Sunday

Posted in books, California, cancer, knee injury, swimming by

Actually, it’s a very, very sad Sunday as our resident fox got Ms Chicken right in our yard. We ate dinner inside because it was so hot. We usually put Ms Chicken away at 7, but with it being so light out still, she’s not ready. So last night, it was 7:30, and my daughter went out, and there was a fox and a dead chicken. I was devastated, to say the least. I am so sad. Speaking of animals, the sweet little black and white cat hasn’t been around for a week. It was a male and was in search of girls, but he never stayed away this long, so we figure something got him too. More likely a coyote.

Today is not so hot out, and that will be a bit of a relief. My son is coming up to get his camping gear for a work trip next week. He might get some weed eating done, too. I think next year we will have to hire out the weed eating because it’s a lot. My daughter has kept up on most of it around the house, but there’s still a lot out by the barn and down the property into the wooded area.

Our town is hosting its annual Pioneer Day today, so I didn’t go walk because the park will be busy with people sitting up. The Lions club does a big food booth, plus there’s all the stuff for the kids, like bouncy houses. We took our kids every year when we moved here, and it was always a fun day.

Today, I plan on doing a few extra things. Yesterday I cleaned the laundry room and wiped down the shelves. I still need to wash the windows, so I’ll put that on my list. Then yesterday, I also decluttered some canning jars from the garden shed. I plan on getting back out there this morning and doing another box. Since I don’t plan on making jams anymore, most of my 1/2 pint jars can go. I’ll keep a dozen or so, but that’s it. Also, it just needs a good cleaning and rearranging out there, too.

I haven’t been to the Auburn gym( I always went on Sunday morning) since I hurt my knee. I think I’ll plan on going next week and then decide whether to keep that membership. It’s free with our health insurance, but UHC still pays for the gym, and if we’re not using it, I think it’s probably a waste. I was there regularly on Sundays, so if I start that again, I’ll keep it. This week, though, I’ll go in and cancel B’s as that’s not happening. I’m not sure I can do it, but I’ll try, and if needed, he can call them.

The week ahead looks nice, not so hot. I’m planning on going to the pool once. I’m not sure what day, though. My plan is to swim 15 minutes, and that’s it. I want to start slow so I don’t hurt my knee. My very inexpensive massage table showed up, and it’s perfect. I did the floor exercises on it, and it’s just right. Firm and low to the ground( 24 inches). I have 4 exercises I’m doing on it, and I think I’ll Google what other Pilates-type exercises I can do to strengthen my core.

What’s happening in your world? Hope it’s good stuff.

These are the books I read this week, except the Isabel Allende, which I’ll start today. Most were meh, not great.

Midweek Musings

Posted in Blood test, books, budgeting, California, cancer, library, Uncategorized by

Well, of course, things wouldn’t go as planned. B didn’t get his labs in time for his immuno yesterday, so they are pushed over to today. We should have realized Monday was a holiday and gotten them on Friday. UGH!!!

Then, on top of that, he needs a transfusion of blood and platelets. We’re guessing the cancer is progressing(sigh) and the blood is being diverted. I am having a hard time keeping it together.

After I drop him off, I plan to go down to Maheny to do upper body weights and pick up my holds at the library. Then, I need to go to WinCo and stop and get gas at Costco.

We are headed for some very hot temperatures, like 99 degrees on Friday and Saturday. My daughter has put in 2 A/C’s in the LR and in the entry way. Next will be our bedroom and the sunroom. After the brief heat wave, it’s supposed to drop back down in temperature.

I’m back from Roseville, and it did get long. By the time I was getting gas, I was really tired. I’ve just put groceries away and am going to lie down and rest my back. At least tomorrow is a home day. Next week I plan on going to the pool. I feel I’m ready to do a little like maybe 15 minutes. They do have leg buoys to use that go between your legs so you’re not kicking. I may try and use one of those.

Midweek Musings

Posted in Blood test, books, bread, California, cooking, home stuff, Uncategorized by

Yesterday was a busy day. I decided to go to the Roseville gym and library. I did a 30-minute upper body workout, so that felt good. I dropped off my books at the library, but didn’t get any.

I’ve been rereading the Harry Potter series and am now on the last one, book 7. I’ve greatly enjoyed rereading them. She does get a little winded in the last 3 books. Still she brought quite a character/story to life. Of course, she used lots of Tolkiens ideas, but still.

After that, I went to WinCo for a few things and then home.

Once home, I got started on pressure canning kidney beans. I had soaked them the night before, so I just had to boil them and then start the canner. It is a bit time-consuming, but once the pressure came up, I went and lay down on the couch for the 75 minutes.

Today, we are going to pick the VW and hopefully won’t be too shocked at the cost. Still, it needed to be done if we were going to either keep or sell. We haven’t decided, and with everything going on, I don’t want to make a decision right now.

This morning I’m pressure canning vegetable soup too. I have most everything prepped, but will wait till I’m back home to start the canner.

I also have a loaf of sourdough in the oven. This time I made walnut raisin. I added some cinnamon and a little sugar too.

The good news is that B doesn’t need a transfusion right now. Yay!! He has a video visit today, and I’ll sit in if the canner is going and I can just let it finish and then turn off.

Frugal Friday

Posted in books, budgets, California, frugalism, library by

It was mostly normal stuff: getting the bills paid, some grocery stuff, and gas at Costco. Gas was $4.55 a gallon. When I went to pick up B’s pain meds, I was in Bel Air, so I used some coupons to pick up a few things. I had a $6 rebate to use. I got split peas for soup, pickled jalapenos, olives, and some pretzels.

Costco was the normal stuff: coffee, milk for B(I don’t drink milk), apples, and I don’t remember what else. But it was around $100 plus. I bought a set of clippers for my daughter(an early birthday present), which were 25. Also, I bought wine( prosecco and champagne for Mother’s Day). That and the clippers were on top of the $100 for food.

No eating out as usual. I am planning on brunch with my daughter for her birthday, but that’s at the end of May.

I went to the gym yesterday and did upper-body weights. Then I dropped off my library books. I didn’t see anything to get:( but it’s good for me to take reading breaks). This book, though, was excellent: Happy Land. It’s the story of a black family’s ownership of land after emancipation. It was a compelling story.

Friday Things

Posted in books, budgeting, budgets, California, frugalism by

This has been a good week, money-wise. Nothing out of the ordinary, which is always nice.

I went to Costco after dropping B off at infusion. That ended up less than $100 for food and $40 for non food. After that was Winco and that was $15 for salad stuff and $15 non food.

I think planning my Costco and Winco trips is making a difference in our food budget. I haven’t shopped at Safeway in months. If I can avoid our Holiday Market, that’s good too. We are very fortunate to have a store in our town, but it’s quite pricey, so I only go down to it( we live on a hill) when I really need something.

Yesterday, I went to the gym and did upper-body weights. Then I dropped my books off at the library and picked up a few cookbooks on the new shelf and one book. Then there was a free gardening display outside, so I walked around and picked up some flyers on native plants. From there, I came straight home.

Today is a home day unless I go into town with my daughter. She wants to go to Home Depot for a few things, so I may tag along. Other than that, just the same ole same ole.

What do you budget for food? I guess we come most often around $600 for the 3 of us. I’d still like to get it around $500, though.

These are the Rancho Gordo beans I made. Yum!

This is an old crate I had, and since I haven’t been able to find a place for our towels, this was suggested in this book:

It’s a pretty book with some good ideas.

Thankful Thursday

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

I’m so glad spring is in full bloom. All the trees are fully out, and it looks like OZ around N. CA. I don’t suffer from seasonal allergies, so the spring bloom doesn’t bother me. But with everything blooming, I think if you’re an allergy sufferer, it’s probably not so good.

I’m thankful the week has been mellow. Since I’m not driving to Rocklin/Roseville to swim, it makes the week quiet. Of course, I want to go and swim, but until I know more from Ortho, I’ll wait.

I’m thankful B has had a bit of an appetite, although not a lot. He’s been quite tired since the immuno on Tuesday. He had a video visit with the doctor. There wasn’t too much new to discuss. So far, he hasn’t had any side effects except being very tired. I hope it stays that way.

As always, I’m grateful for our SS, which pays our mortgage and bills. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough. We are looking at a major increase in B’s insurance that won’t be covered by his grant. I’m not sure how I will adjust the budget, but it’s $300 that will need to get covered.

I’m grateful for books and my love of reading. Reading, as a child, was my way out of an environment of poverty and lack. Today, reading brings me joy and takes me on adventures to places I’ll never go.

What things are you grateful for? Is it simple things? Or big things like retirement, travel? Curious minds always want to know.

Frugal Friday

Posted in books, budgeting, budgets, California by

This has been mostly a frugal week. All the bills are paid for the month except Verizon, which comes out at the very end of the month, and that goes on next month’s budget.

I did hit up WinCo for a few things. I needed baker’s yeast and didn’t want to get the giant one at Costco. I also picked up curry powder, which I was out of. And then just some misc. like milk and aluminum foil. It totaled at right above $100. So not too bad.

Today is a home day since I’m on Dex. I plan on doing a few house chores and figuring out what pizza I’m having tonight.

I got my holds at the library on Tuesday and just finished reading Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June. I loved it. You have to like character-type books, as this focuses on a woman in her sixties and her daughter’s upcoming wedding. It’s a great read.

Then I started ‘Enough’ about a woman’s journey as a mountain guide and her journey to Mt Everest. It’s quite compelling. If you like personal life stories, you’ll like this.

I bought an early birthday present for my daughter off Amazon:(. A BBQ set by Cuisenart . That’s one thing she asked for. I would like to get her a preloved LV wallet, but haven’t quite found the right one on eBay. Her birthday isn’t till the end of May, so I have a little time. I can’t believe she’ll be 40. I remember it like yesterday.

Where we are now.

Posted in books, California, cancer, husband, peritoneal mesothelomia by

After the shock of Stanford canceling, we’ve moved on to the next phase. Barclay had to cancel all the hotel reservations, and both of my kids had to rearrange the time they had taken off. They did so, and it wasn’t a huge problem as they both have flexibility at their jobs. My anger was at Stanford for waiting to let us know. Dr. Lee had seen his CT scan weeks ago. That’s what upset me the most. Anyway, I’m over it now. ( mostly!!)

After we got that news, the next day he had a video visit with his UCD, and she set up the immunotherapy appointments. Barclay had the first one yesterday. Side effects can be nausea, thyroid problems, and skin issues, but it shouldn’t take down his hemoglobin to the point where he needs transfusions. ( At least I hope so). He will be going every 2 weeks for this. We can only hope it gives him some reprieve and he gets a little more time. He is still not eating very much, and of course, that’s a problem.

On top of all that, I had my right knee go out on me, so I’m wearing a brace and will need to get an MRI to see what it is. The doctor didn’t think it was any kind of fracture so until I get the MRI, ice, and ibuprofen. The only thing I can come up with is 4 days before I did an extended swim, and maybe I overworked my knee. Still, it may be an age factor too, with knees wearing out:(

We’ve had beautiful 70-degree weather, and everything is in full leaf and bloom, including the wisteria. Today, I plan on being home and hobbling around to take care of the house chores. My daughter has been doing the bulk of it for us. My son is going to stop by and do some chores as well. I’m grateful they can help.

I’ve read a few books from the library and including the new B. C Beaton’s ‘Death of a Smuggler’. It was fun to read Hamish Macbeth again. Also, we’re finishing ‘Dark Winds’ based on Hillerman’s Leaphorn and Chee characters. It is excellent. We finished ‘ Reacher’ and I wasn’t too impressed. The actor is a good Reacher, but the adaptation of the story just doesn’t quite fit.

Well, that’s about it. Life goes on. The sun will rise, and today is a new day.