Category Archives: bread

MRI results

Posted in bread, California, husband by

So it is a posterior root ligament tear of the meniscus. Basically, the meniscus is torn, and the knee muscles are damaged. It is common in older patients( me)! Also, it can happen spontaneously, which mine did as I stepped off the patio step, and it went pop.

I will contact the ortho department. They have my referral, but haven’t called, and I think probably because the MRI hadn’t come back yet, so I’ll call today. It’s back to rehab, and working on strengthening the knee muscles. It’s so depressing since I HAD been working my legs and knees at the gym, but I guess it wasn’t enough.

As I mentioned before, one of the oncology nurses who had a torn meniscus started taking up biking and said biking( or that motion) is one of the best rehabs for knees. This is still just the 3rd week, so I want to wait till next week and then I plan on getting on the stationary bike and start with 5 minutes.

It sure sucks getting old, is all I have to say.

Yesterday was jam-packed. I took B for the immuno and that went well. Afterwards, he even felt like a bagel, so we went to Noah’s and he ate the whole thing. That may not sound like much, but since he hasn’t been eating at all, I was thrilled.

While he was there, I got gas at Costco and then went into the ‘old Costco’. I didn’t like it at all. It’s much bigger than the one I go to now, and I couldn’t remember where half the stuff I needed was. But I managed. Then I went into WinCo for all the salad stuff. This all ended up with a lot of walking on a bum knee, so I was a little concerned. But it seemed ok when I got home, and I did ice it.

Today is a home day, and I plan on sourdough bread making, mopping the floors, and whatever other little stuff I need to do.

Does anyone out there have a torn meniscus because of age or otherwise?? And what did you do for it? I will get through this and be stronger for it.

Menu Monday

Posted in Blood test, bread, California, cancer, cooking, meal planning, Uncategorized by

Last night we had the TJ’s kung pao with rice, and B had the vegetarian Pad Thai from Costco. The TJ’s K P is quite excellent and a good freezer item. The Pad Thai was okay, but I only had a bite to try.

Monday- I’ll probably do something simple, like salad and tofu. Probably a tofu scramble since I have celery, carrots, mushrooms, etc to use.

Tuesday: I’ll make a pot of Rancho Gordo beans and serve them with tortillas, cheese, avocado, and salsa.

Wednesday- I’ll probably do Brinner with eggs and pancakes or maybe waffles would be fun.

Thursday- Soup of some sort. I need to look through the fridge/freezer and see what might need using up.

Friday- pizza, of course, but I’d like to use the free coupon that’s still in my wallet.

Saturday- TBD, if it’s nice out, I’ll use the Weber outside.

The cheddar olive loaf came out delicious.

Toasted, it is yummy.

Well, today is another home day, now that I’m back from my labs. I need to vacuum, mop, and I’ll do a few inside windows.

Tomorrow is a busy day down in Roseville with B getting his 2nd immuno and I plan to get gas, and go to Costco for a few things, and I’d like to hit up Winco for salad stuff. Buying the salad stuff from Costco is probably cheaper in the long run, but it’s just too much for us to get through. Plus, Winco’s prices are so low and so reasonable. His infusion is only 2 hours or less, so that’s perfect timing for me.

Simple Sunday

Posted in Blood test, bread, California, cancer, cooking, simplicity by

Another cloudy, rainy day yesterday, and it looks like that again for today. We can always use the rain, so I can’t complain really. I think we’re back in the sun by evening, and then it looks nice the rest of the week.

I drove B for his transusion yesterday. This is probably the one thing that is frustrating me. Well, one of many things, but it is a big question mark why it is his hemoglobin is dropping. I suppose the simple answer is that the cancer is affecting his blood levels, but I’m not a doctor. He has his next immuno on Tuesday, so hopefully that will start to improve the hemoglobin. A very good thing, though, is he’s had a bit of an appetite and has eaten pretty well the last few days. I hope that’s a sign he’s doing better.

Today is a home day. Normally, I’d be at the Auburn gym, but I want to hold off till I get an official diagnosis on my knee. I had the MRI, so I should know by Monday or Tuesday. It didn’t take long, partly because there was no contrast involved. The one oncology nurse, Vicki, who usually does my shot, said that using a stationary bike is one of the best ways to build knee muscles. She had a torn meniscus a few years back due to a skiing accident, so she really went full on rehab and now is a committed bicyclist and goes out every morning at 4:30 am. Now that’s dedication. i will start on the bike once I know what’s up.

I’m making sourdough bread this morning. I thought I’d try something different, so I’m trying cheddar and olives. We’ll see how it comes out.

Friday night, I was able to use that frozen pizza that was languishing in the freezer, so one more thing gone.

Last night I made the Greek lemon chicken soup, Avogolimeno. It’s a simple recipe, but so delicious. I made B tomato soup and he ate it all!!!

I think tonight, I’ll do rice and the TJ’s Kung Pao chicken that I’d like to use up.

I made reservations for the 5 of us to go to brunch at one of our favorite places, High Hand Nursery and Cafe. It’s very popular and reservations are hard to get, but I got a brunch on the Sunday before my daughter’s birthday. I’m sure it’ll be pricey, but since we rarely eat out, I’m ok with it.

I finished the book “Enough’ about the Everest climber. It was an interesting read, but I would have liked more about what the camps are like. How many people climb in a day? Things like that. But a good read.

Then I’m working my way through the Harry Potter books for the 3rd time. I just finished #2. They are fun to read. It’s too bad JK Rowling has become such a jerk and anti LGBTQ+. Weird.

Tomorrow I have my labs, and I might go into Target( which I’ve been avoiding) to check out some PJs. I’ve been looking for just some cotton ones, and most, like from LLB, etc, are too expensive. I saw some online at Target for $20, so I want ot check them out.

This week, Flylady is the LR. So I’ll do a few extra things. I dusted all the Easton Press Books already, so I may just need to wash the inside windows.

How do you do house chores? All at once or break it up like Flylady?

Simple Sunday

Posted in bread, California, cooking, Pantry, Walking by

I woke up fairly early and knew the time changed. So had a coffee and got to the park at 7am which is really 6am. The predawn was nice and it got light pretty quick. There was some event happening at the community center so lots of cars showing up 🙁

Then I went to the gym and it was empty for the most part. I saw 2 other people.

Then I stopped at Bel Air for half and half. Then straight home and got the sourdough in the oven.

This is a parmesan/oregano loaf. You can see the flakes of oregano.

Now I’m tidying things up and making a plan for the week. I know I’m going to swim on Monday, the gym on Wednesday, and then go back to the pool on Friday. The only caveat would be how much it’s raining.

I still haven’t mopped the floors so I need to do that today.

This should be a nice week with just a few chores like Winco. That should be easy after swimming since it’s across the street. B needs ginger ale. With the stuff going on he’s off wine so ginger ale it is. Then some odds and ends: fish food, Ball jar lids, some frozen things and I’ll see what else.

Saturday Stuff

Posted in bread, California, cooking, home stuff, Pantry, simple foods, Uncategorized by

No tree guys yesterday. I guess they got busy somewhere else. They might show up today though as they do work Saturdays.

It’s another sunny day but cold. The rain starts to come back in next week. I like the sun better but rain is always good. The yard needs some attention so with the sun my daughter can do some clean up. She actually does all the yard work except the little I do. When B is feeling good he does a lot too.

I plan on doing a pantry challenge till the end of the month. I have a list of quite a few things to use/make. I have quite a few freezer things that need to be used.

So far I have:

1.use the tortillas in the fridge( maybe quesadillas)

2.the 2 frozen pizzas

3. black bean burgers, I think there’s like 3 left

4.beef burger, this is a question mark. they’ve been in there a while and I’m not sure if they will taste ok. I think I’ll try one for lunch this week and see.

5.chicken broth in the freezer

6. vegetable won tons in the freezer

7. ravioli and Rao’s sauce for a ravioli bake with the mozzarella in the fridge

8. check if I have frozen beans

9. use the sauerkraut in the fridge with beef hot dogs( I think I have a few Kirkland ones in the freezer.) otherwise I’ll do baked tofu wth cheese.

10. english muffins in the freezer ( maybe a welsh rarebit night)

11. the double stuffed baked potatoes( 4 left)

12. fish from Alaskian Fish, there’s a pice of halibut,rockfish and 2 pieces of salmon

That’s all that comes to mind for now.

This morning I’m planning on making a sourdough ( get it started) and then wash the mirrors, dust, and mop.

It’s nice to have a relaxed morning at home.:)

Simple Sunday

Posted in books, bread, cancer, ikea by

A different morning. We went for a walk as usual but then I wanted to go to Ikea for a Hemnes that was on sale. It’s the 2 drawers one and I’ve been waiting for them to come back into stock. Plus they were 15% off so a very good deal. I plan on using this in my office area to corral odds and ends.

So there was no gym day and that’s okay. I wasn’t feeling it anyway.

This week is crazy with appts, which is my least favorite thing. But I’ll persevere through.

We’ve been watching ‘Slow Horses’ with Gary Oldman and it is sooo good. A little confusing at first but then you catch on. I just finished reading Ina Garten’s memoir and like it a lot. What a talented woman. Maybe a little over the top with a Type A personality but still I have a lot of respect for her.

I’m reading the new Thomas Perry book, ‘ Pro Bono’. Also excellent.

My son stayed overnight and did a deep clean of my car. It really needed it so I appreciate his effort.

After getting home, I started another Meyer lemon rosemary sourdough. This is a great recipe and seems to work every time.

Here’s the recipe:

88grams of starter

360 grams flour

236 grams water

11 grams salt

1 tsp yeast

Note: I think this recipe would work without the sourdough and just adjust flour and water for the 88 grams of starter and use more yeast.

Mix together to form a loose ball of dough, it will be shaggy. Let rest for 30 minutes and then start your fold and turns. Basically lifting one end of the dough over to the other side. I do this on all four sides if that makes sense. Let rest for 1 hour or so and repeat. I usually forget and just do a few more folds and turns when I remember.

Put in a bucket or bowl and refrigerate overnight. The next morning heat your oven to 475 and keep your dutch over in the oven to heat up. Then take the dough out of the bucket put on parchment paper and do a few tucks and turns( rolling the dough into a ball and turning to create some tension). Then I make a few cuts on the top and put it in the Dutch oven with the top on for 35 minutes. Take the top off and bake for another 15 or so. You can take an internal temp to check if it’s done. anywhere @ 200 degrees is right.

B is not feeling very well so I’m hoping it’s only a passing stomach thing but he’ll call down to Stanford tomorrow and explain what he’s feeling. Hopefully, it’s just a bug.

Well, back to house stuff and reading:)

Frugal Friday

Posted in bread, California, cash envelopes, cooking, frugalism, Uncategorized by

Groceries at Costco were $200. I bought a few things on sale like the breaded Talipa which is a great easy dinner option. Mostly things like milk, and eggs ( no shortage at Costco). I bought the organic 2 dozen pkt for $8.69. I also bought French roast coffee, seaweed snacks my daughter likes, Triscuits, nuts, cheese, asparagus, and a few items I wanted to try. One is a garlic spread( Toom)that’s supposed to be very good.

With that and my TJ’s trip, I’m already at $400 so I’ll need to be careful for the next couple of weeks.

Next week I have a dental cleaning so that’s out of pocket. But I am going to sign up for their dental plan which is $400. That covers 2 cleanings and other stuff so it seems like a good deal.

Today is the national No Spend Day. I hope it has an impact, especially on Amazon, Walmart, etc. During the pandemic, I liked Walmart’s pickup service and used it a lot. But since then I haven’t even been back.

I got gas at Costco so that’s always a savings.

I bought a Christmas gift for my son. An Easton Press copy of ‘A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs’s Court. ” That was Ebay and was $28.00. I haven’t started my Christmas envelope yet, but I’ll write this down. This year is going to be even more minimal as nobody really wants anything. So I’ll do a few gifts each like the Easton Press and East Fork Pottery.

This is the Lemon Meyer rosemary Sourdough. Wow was that good.

This is the newly rearranged office area with the couch on the opposite wall so I can open the sunroom doors.

Here are two of the newly reupholstered Heywood chairs. We got all 5 done. One is my office chair.

This is the dirty cover. Uck!! I guess it’s been about 3-4 years since I did these. I use painter drop cloth material.

They are certainly not professional but work for us.

Today is Dex day and I don’t have a lot planned but I am going to try and wash the inside sunroom windows.

Frugal Friday

Posted in bread, budgeting, budgets, California, cooking by

The biggest expense this week was my dental appointment. It was quite a bit but then what isn’t these days. It needed to be done so. I still have a cleaning in March and I’m planning on signing up for their dental saver program. It’s $400 a year and covers 2 cleanings and lots of other stuff. It seems a good deal.

Then I went to Costco earlier this week and that was around $200. That shop will last us a while until we need coffee again. Food was less because B picked some socks, and I picked up the new Dawn spray cleaner and there was something else nonfood.

I drove to Sacramento for my doctor’s appt, which uses more gas. I have enough gas in the Santa Fe until I go back to the pool which I think will be Monday. i have labs early Monday and plan to go to the pool afterwards.

Not a very frugal week but manageable.

Today I opted to stay home and do some extra house needs. I washed my office windows, and dusted baseboards. I also started sourdough baguette loaf for tomorrow. Last night I roasted a chicken and made homemade mac and cheese. Tonight I think I’ll make a frozen Costco pizza. It’s a new brand they had and I’d like to try it. I think it said made in Italy.

It’s a beautiful sunny day with a temperature of 62 degrees. I’m looking to put a chair in the sunroom so I can sit out there. right now, I don’t have the little loveseat because Tux is sleeping out there in a cat bed and he’s not fixed. therefore he’s spraying although we haven’t seen him spray out there. I’m thinking of a used Poang chair from market place. I’ll have to look at listings.

Frugal Friday

Posted in books, bread, budgeting, budgets, California, decluttering, freezer cooking, frugalism, simple foods, velcade by

The week was overall frugal. I didn’t need gas yet in Santa Fe. I’ll fill up at Costco next week.

I went to the gym and library before my Velcade shot. Gettting books at the library always saves me from buying some random cookbook( a weakness(. I looked at two already, and there’s nothing I’d cook from them. They’re pretty books, but not how I cook. For instance, last night, we shared a steamed artichoke, and I made an us omelet to share with sprouts, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. We eat fairly simply.

I went to Costco after swimming on Wednesday and spent $250 or so. Some of that was snack/foodstuff for my daughter to take to work. She doesn’t get a full lunch break because of her hours, so I bought some beef sticks, egg bites (Kirkland brand), and something else I can’t remember. The two kinds of beef sticks were expensive, grass feed. I’ve actually never had one, so I can’t tell you if they’re any good, but as a high-protein snack, I could see it working. Organic eggs were 7.99 for 2 dozen.

Today is a home day because of Dex, but I feel pretty good this morning. I plan on vacuuming, dusting some, and doing a bit of decluttering odds and ends. I also have a pack of Kirkland I need to use, so I’m thinking of some meatballs I can freeze. We( my daughter and I have decided to mostly cut beef out of our diets. We don’t eat it often, so it shouldn’t be hard at all. But I have this to use and one other in the freezer, and I don’t want to waste it. If we go out together, we definitely would think about an In an-Out burger, but that’s pretty rare for us to do.

The rain is supposed to come by noon today, and it looks nonstop for days. I think I’ll plan on some soup dinners with homemade sourdough.

Simple Sunday

Posted in bread, California, cancer, peritoneal mesothelomia, velcade by

I’m waiting for the oven to get to 475 so I can put the bread in. It takes a while with this oven. I’d like to get a new oven in the next year or so. Plus those knobs on the side are problematic. Anyway.

I went to the Auburn gym and there were ‘new’ people there. It was just getting busy when I left. I didn’t have to do anything in Auburn so I came straight home. It’s so nice not to have extra chores.

We had two more pieces of the Wild Alaskan fish I’d bought. This was the Coho salmon and sockeye. They were both very good. I made some couscous to go on the side. tonight, My son is coming over so I need to think about what I’m going to make. I might just do the Costco ravioli.

The week ahead looks a little busy with a dentist’s appt and then my Velcade. Plus, if I decide to do another gym or swim day. I haven’t decided yet.

My daughter has been planting the onion sets and garlic. She also started a bunch of tomatoes under grow lights. I’m sure glad she is the gardener. I like picking stuff but not planting stuff.

I hope we get a call from Stanford this week regarding his appt. I’d like to know when we’re going so we can book a hotel. As I’ve said, it has to be 2 nights minimum, and the first day down there, he has to go get labs as they want to use their labs and not UCD. So that will add to the day. Parking is an issue, so I may just drive around till he’s done at the lab. We still don’t even know where the hospital is. Where we went was the medical center, so we needed to get a map of that.

Well, that’s all I have today. I hope everyone is having a nice Sunday.