Category Archives: Gratitude

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, budgets, California, Gratitude by

I am thankful my kappa light chains at least went down a little, 2 points. So that does show the Dex had some influence. At least there’s no increase, so I’ll take it.

I’m thankful for a day to be home and do some more reorganizing. I’ve made some progress. I’m also going to see an estate planner today to find out what needs to be done for the trust. She is not an attorney, but a legal aide( or something). Still I hope to get what I need to file the trust with just my name on it.

I’m thankful to see the new baby geese at the park. they must have just hatched.

There are way fewer pairs of geese this year, so it makes me wonder if the park is doing something to keep them away?

I am relieved and thankful that the AAA house insurance and Fair plan got figured out, and now have me as the insured. What a PITA>:(

In the whole political arena, it is such a shit show with the orange idiot saying he’s going to wipe out an entire civilization. Why doesn’t someone do something about him? It’s a disgrace for our country. Well, there’s nothing I’m thankful for there, that’s for sure.

I started watching a fun show my son recommended called Resident Alien. It’s on Netflix and really is quite funny. If you’re looking for something new, that could be it. I need a break from the intense ones like Dark Winds, which I adored.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, Death, Gratitude, velcade by

Well, after spending more than 2 hours at the AAA office and running over to the county recorder’s office, most of the problem is handled. The young man helping me was spectacular and really handled the issue well and with confidence. We still need to wait 5 days for them( California Fair Plan) to process and approve. Why wouldn’t they? But who knows, they needed not only the death certificate but the trust record, hence the trip over to the recorder’s office. Hopefully that’s all. What a pain in the ass.

So I am thankful I followed through, and it’s done( I hope). Nothing will change with the mortgage, even with his name still on the loan. (As far as I can gather, it can stay there, and the loan remains the same. I think from what AI said, it would take doing a ‘new mortgage’ to do that, and I am completely not willing to do that. I will need to have an estate lawyer update the trust, though with just my name, but I’ll get to that eventually.

I’m thankful I got a swim in, and when I got there, it was not super busy, but later it did get very busy.

After the pool, I went to Costco for coffee, and I saw more lavender plants, so I bought just one. I also picked up the Dawn power wash, some breaded chicken on sale, and some Easter chocolates.

My Velcade is this morning, and I’m grateful it’s not raining. It was raining quite a bit yesterday, and driving in the rain is not my favorite thing to do. After my shot, I plan on going down to the library and dropping off the books because they are due in a few days. I won’t use the gym as I usually don’t try to exercise after the chemo is in my system.

From there. I’ll come home and tidy up a bit. My daughter leaves for work early, so usually there is stuff to do, like emptying the dishwasher. Otherwise, same old same old.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cancer, Gratitude by

I’m thankful all my appts are over for this week. Next week I still have the dentist for a cleaning, but that’s all then till my next Velcade.

I’m thankful, though, both appts went well. My retinal scan showed the same as before, so that was good. I mentioned again to him that I have very teary eyes, and so he tested my tear ducts and they were fine, so he’s going to try an eye drop( prescription and see if that helps.)Today

I’m enjoying this great weather by BBQing and just sitting outside for hours. I did get a bit of pruning of the wisteria done and will do a bit more today.

I’m thankful that my bills are paid for the month. Still not much left over, but I make do. Of course, with that said, I just got the renewal for car insurance that’s due in April, so it just keeps going. sigh:(

Today, I plan on staying home and then tomorrow swim. I miss the pool this week, but it just didn’t fit in at any other time.

All of our cats have had a virus that Mama cat brought in. They’ve been sneezing and sniffling. I’m hoping that it’s mostly over, but Chester seems like he’s been hit hard. They’re still eating and drinking, so that’s a good sign. My daughter is the one who would deal with the vet if necessary, but she said as long as they were eating, it was ok for now.

Well, that’s it for now. What things in your life are you grateful for? As we age, I think being thankful for good health( or as good as it can be) and mobility, and just being alive, is a good thing.

Five on Friday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cancer, frugalism, Gratitude, Uncategorized, velcade by

I slept ok last night, but at least it wasn’t the Dex sleep, which is where I sweat. Also, I don’t have the super red Dex face. Plus, I feel fairly normal. So the big question will be how my numbers will respond. 🙁

I have to drop off a return to the post office. It was a pair of sandals I thought my feet would like. No, they didn’t. I have terrible feet in that I have a high arch and need extra support. I guess I’ll just keep to Birkenstocks.

Sunday time changes, and the evenings will be nice, but mornings will be darker at 6:30am. That’s ok for now. I do just wish they would pass legislation to end daylight savings.

I plan on meeting up with my library friends for a quick coffee. I don’t want to be there too long, as there are some things I want to get done around the house. My one friend is going in for breast cancer surgery next week, so I want to say hi. Fortunately, it’s a lumpectomy and not radical. I think it’s been a bit of a shock as she is over 80, and honestly, you’d think by then nothing like this would happen.

Our warmer weather is back starting today. All next week it looks to be in the 70’s, so very nice. I may get out webi the BBQ and do something.

I’ve been having fun getting my orchids to rebloom. I usually toss them after they dry up or look awful, but this time I watched some YouTube channels on getting them to rebloom. I ordered some orchid mix to try and repot them, too. I have a few buds on some, so I’ll be excited if it actually works.

I guess that’s six!

Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, Gratitude, Political things by

The sun is back and our temperatures are going to be almost perfect at 70 degrees.

I love this spring weather!! and am so thankful to live in California.

The pool was very busy, but I’m thankful I waited to share a lane. The Coast Guard was there, and they were using 4 lanes. Regulars were not happy about that. I only had to wait about 10 minutes, so not too bad.

I’m thankful for coffee in the morning and that the daybreak is much earlier, like at 6:20 or so. I have chicken DNA, so probably I’ll be getting up earlier as the sunrise gets earlier. 🙂

I’m thankful for all the nice comments I get from people who read my blog. It feels like we’re good friends even though we haven’t met in person.

I’m going to tidy up some and then go sit outside.

Oh, I’m very thankful I didn’t torment myself by listening/watching tRump go on for one hour and 47 minutes and tell lie after lie. I swear he needs to be put away somewhere.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, budgets, California, cancer, Gratitude by

I am so thankful that there is more sunlight everyday and it makes me happy. This morning it was light at 6:20 and then sunrise was 6:58 so that is quite wonderful. Sunset is 5:38 pm so again it’s so nice to have evenings light again.

I didn’t walk this morning as I have to get ready to leave for Sacramento soon. After my doctor visit, I plan to go to Costco. I’m appreciative that the new Costco is closer to home. I mostly need coffee and a bunch of non-food things, but I’m sure other things will jump in the cart.

I am very thankful my kappa light chains only went up 1 point. So now I’m sitting at 26.3. So that’s 7 points above high normal. So I feel comfortable with those numbers, and there was no big spike.

I’m grateful that the Imodium I’ve been taking (half a pill) is totally working on bowel issues. Dr. L suggested I try that instead of a prescription for the bile malabsorption medication. So that’s very positive for me. Bile malabsorption usually occurs with some chemotherapies, and I do believe that my spat with it was a recurrence of that. So I feel very thankful that it seems to be under control.

I’m thankful we did not owe any taxes. Of course, we didn’t have anything taken out because it’s SS.

It’s a little hard to see, but that’s the flowering cherry tree with some pops of pink. In the background, you can see the ‘new’ neighbor’s garage and see that brown dirt to the right? He has had many loads of dirt brought in to fill in the gully and make a more level space. I am not too thrilled at him changing the whole hillside’s natural inclination, but it’s his property. He did put in a huge drainage pipe for runoff, but still 🙁 City people trying to live in the country??

Thankful Thursday

Posted in books, bread, California, camping, Gratitude, Uncategorized by

I’m thankful to be walking, even if it’s not what I used to do. I guess age catches up to us in spite of all that we do to stay healthy and active. I’ve always exercised and eaten mostly vegetarian my whole life, and still, things creep in. Until I get moving in the morning, I am pretty stiff but then my joints loosen up after walking around.

I am thankful that adjusting to my CPAP was so easy. As resistant as I was, it is a good thing. I’ve had zero sleep disturbances, so I guess it’s doing what it is supposed to do. I still need to buy a battery pack if I camp.( questionable at this point).

I’m grateful for the beautiful weather we’ve had with mild temperatures. Also, it’s getting light early again, and sunset is later; there’s a lot more light. These are the times I miss Barclay when we would start to sit out in the afternoon with our wine and talk about the day, or camping, or whatever. 🙁

Today, I plan on going to the library and the gym for a short workout. I want to get home and bake the sourdough loaf I have in the fridge.

Thankful Thursday

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

I’m happy and grateful that daylight is finally getting longer. Currently, sunrise is at 7:21 am, and sunset is at 5:06 pm. It’s very noticeable, especially in the evening. We have some daffodils coming up, and the yard is full of birds, many of which are migrating birds.

I’m thankful to still feel motivated to drive to the gym and do my strength training. It is a bit of a drive, but the gym is so nice and the equipment excellent. Plus, the library is next door, which for me is a win -win.

I’m thankful as always for the small things in life that bring joy; seeing the ‘priestess moon this morning, noticing the green green grass growing, which makes everything look like Oz, seeing the goldfish come to the surface of our little pond because it’s getting warmer, and many other things that I notice in a day.

I’m thankful for our woodstove, which keeps the house warm. And for my daughter, who is taking care of all the firewood duties that used to be her Dad’s job.

Thankful for home cooking and enjoying the food. Last night we had a roast chicken and a big salad. It was good food. Tonight will be some sort of leftovers.

I’m also thankful to our garbage guy who comes and takes our bin weekly. 🙂

Today is a home day, and I want to get the couch covers washed. The Ikea couch we’ve had for over 10 years is coming to the end of its life. The underpart is all torn up, and the side areas are starting to rip, so I see a trip to Ikea in my future. What I may do is bring in the small loveseat that Barclay and I bought from Marketplace a few years ago. It’s the right color grey, but it’s not a full couch. But it would work temporarily if the Ikea one starts to rip more.

I also want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, California, camping, cooking, Gratitude, home stuff, travel, Uncategorized by

I’m excited, I have a bid on the rare star note. So we’ll see how it goes. This was my brother’s, so whatever I get minus eBay fees, he gets half. But a few extra dollars will be nice.

I am very grateful it’s sunny again, and no rain is forecast. We do need things to dry up. I went for a walk after I tried again to get a spot in Tahoe. Either more people are vying for spots, or the algorithm is not working for me. 🙁 In all the years of booking Tahoe, I have never had such a difficult time as this.

I’m planning on checking daily for cancellations. I’m also going to make a list of what we need for a basic camping trip without Rubi. It’s a big unknown how all this will play out.

I’ve been enjoying watching a YouTuber who talks about Japanese concepts. His videos are quite beautiful. The latest one I watched was on Kakebo, or Japanese budgeting. I liked it enough that I bought a book from Amazon called Kakebo, and it has weekly sheets to fill in. Now I do a daily budget and write my daily lists in a notebook, but I always like a new twist on things to keep it interesting.

Today is a home day, and I’m doing a number of things. I made my favorite spinach soup, cooked up some burgers for lunch, and prepped some chicken for grilling either later or tomorrow. I still have a bunch of mushrooms to cut up and am thinking of a mushroom soup. I tidied the house, and all I have left is to put the Robo vacuum on.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgets, California, cooking, Gratitude by

For the sun shining after a few rainy days. The rain is due to come back tomorrow, so the sun is great to warm things up and let things dry out some.

A nice swim at the pool, and I had a lane to myself again. I think because of Christmas stuff, the pool has fewer people swimming.

Also, I did a nice walk at 6:30 am. It was very misty down at the park, and that made it seem mysterious. I was the only one there till just as I was leaving, and someone showed up.

For feeling, overall, pretty good these days. My foot seems ok. I wear my shoes in the house and only take them off if I’m on the couch, and that definitely has helped.

I’m back in the cooking mode, so I feel grateful for that. I look forward to menu planning and cooking. For a while, after B died, I just didn’t care much either way, so it’s nice to feel motivated again.