Category Archives: knee injury

Five on Friday/Frugal Friday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cancer, Credit cards, frugalism, husband, knee injury, Multiple myeloma, Myeloma, velcade, Walking by

Frugal-wise, I’m not in the Cotswolds like Mavis over at $100 a month. She probably should change the name of her blog. But she’s got the money, so why not enjoy it? Plus, she loves England.

Here in my neck of the woods, N. Ca, it’s been too hot to do much outside. The temps are much nicer in the coming week, but still some 90’s, and I saw it gets in the low 80’s, so that will be much nicer. I miss sitting outside in the mornings and afternoons.

Money-wise, just paying bills, and I had to pay the overpayment from SS. It’s ok, I’ll deal with it. It’s done, and I’m going forward. I just need to work the budget with the SS I’m getting. I’m still working on my credit card bill because I put the cremation on there. But I should be able to knock it down next month. I hate having a balance. But needs must.

After my Velcade shot, I stopped at Costco to pick up some lox for the bagels I bought at Noah’s. I also picked up some rose wine( my favorite) and a Gloria Ferrier champagne-type brut. I wanted Mumm rose, but they were out.

I gave my daughter $100 in cash to buy the paint for the studio. She’s really done a great job clearing it out and rearranging it to suit her. We might go get that today as long as she drives, since I’m on Dex. I don’t sleep well on Dex nights, and last night was no exception.

I also have a food bank donation to drop off and some more stuff for Goodwill.

I’ve almost finished most of my list of things to do related to B. If something comes up, it’ll be an outlier I don’t know about. I may take care of a few things today or not. It depends on my focusing on which Dex does affect. So we’ll see.

I’m still debating getting the next steroid shot for my knee. Mostly it’s ok. When I try and do a little extra walking or swimming, it acts up, but then I seem to recover the next day. The shot did help quite a bit, so there’s that.

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.

Frugal Friday

Posted in budgets, California, cancer, cooking, knee injury by

Overall, another good week.

We started the week off with Mother’s Day, and both my kids made breakfast for us. My son brought Noah’s bagels and cream cheese. We had the Kirkland Mimosas, and that was fun.

I had quite a few stay-at-home days, mostly because of the knee. But I did have Ortho on Tuesday by came home right after. I had a very nice afternoon alone as my son took his dad to infusion and my daughter was at work.

On Thursday, I went to the gym, library, and Costco. I bought most of what I wanted from their sale brochure. It really does pay to use the sales for savings, especially if you’re going to buy the stuff anyway.

Today was another home day. We’re still waiting on the VW as the wrong part was sent, so he had to reorder. I do hope we get it by Monday.

I’m working on June’s budget as some things will be different, mostly B’s grant is used up for insurance, and my LLS grant is almost used up, so that is going to throw us off quite a bit ( like $500 + dollars a month). Plus, we have another DMV due, which is for the truck. It’ll be a challenging month.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, Gratitude, knee injury, library by

It may seem trite, but I’m thankful for our garbage guy who picks up our trash every Thursday. The trucks are automated now, so he doesn’t have to get out of the truck as a big arm comes out and picks it up. Still, he starts his day at 4am in all weather. We used to always give a Christmas gift of a gift card to show our appreciation, but now we don’t as he wouldn’t see it as the can is out in the driveway, and as I said, it’s all automated.

I’m thankful for this beautiful spring weather we are having. Next week it dips back down to the 60s, so much cooler.

I’m thankful B’s labs were good, so he doesn’t need a transfusion. I’m really hoping with this next immuno treatment we see some improvement. That would be #3. He says he doesn’t feel much different, and the pain is still there. 😦

I’m very thankful I went for a walk the other day. It was not very long or far, but I felt it broke the spell of not walking. It’s been almost a month since I had the meniscus tear, so I hope this begins to help along with the PT exercises.

I’m grateful my daughter has been willing to step up and do all the ‘dad’ chores like getting wood, cleaning out the woodstove, etc. She has been doing a lot.

I haven’t decided whether to go to the library/gym today. It’s early yet, so I’ll get my morning going and then decide. I do need to get gas at Costco, so that could motivate me.

What things are you grateful for? Over at The Frugal Girl’s blog, there are lots of comments from her subscribers. She is quite a talented person.

Menu Monday

Posted in California, knee injury by

I spent the last day and a half trying to update my Mac Air 2015. It’s still not quite working right. I’ll have to check with my daughter about google chrome which is the one not working right.

Last night we had the turkey chili. There’s lots left over so I’ll freeze some.

Monday- Cinco de Mayo- I have carnitas with beans and rice. B will have a cheese enchilada.

Tuesday- Probably left over carnitas or the turkey chili

Wednesday- quiche of some sort as I have plenty of eggs.

Thursday- BBQ tofu/maybe chicken and a pasta salad.

Friday- Pizza

Saturday-TBD

I just did a house reset and it really did need it. Little things all over and not tidied up. It took maybe 45 minutes to do.

I got an appt for Ortho but it’s not till June. Geez Louise, it’s a good thing I kept all my rehab exercises which I’m going to start today.

My view from my chair in the afternoon.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, cancer, cooking, Gratitude, home stuff, knee injury, Political things, swimming, Walking by

Still no biopsy results. My guess is someone dropped the ball as to who was going to call. Tomorrow is his NP video appt so we’ll know then. Still, I hate to go into the things uninformed. Because he doesn’t have the oncologist yet, and his PC didn’t do anything, I’m guessing the results are just sitting there waiting for someone to release them.PITA>

I’m grateful at least he has the appt tomorrow. I’ll sit in and hear what is being said.

My doctor is on his way to Croatia so I think my labs are going to be stuck in cyber space too. He’s gone for 2 weeks. I may call down there and ask that another doctor release the labs.

I’m thankful our temperatures are finally dropping out of the 100’s. since we just had the 2 hottest days on record, I think heat waves like this will be the norm:( But wait, Republicans think climate change is a hoax. Remember the movie ‘Day after tomorrow’, when it’s too late, it’ll be too late.

I’m grateful my sourdough starter is working perfectly. I had made at least 3 loaves that didn’t bake right and looked up why. First, the starter needs to be robust and second, the bulk fermentation phase is the most important. So I was underproofing the dough. I’m quite pleased with the loaves I’m getting.

I am thankful I had a good swim yesterday. I got there a little later than usual, and it was mellow. I still shared a lane but that’s ok.

I’m grateful my daughter loves gardening and right now I’m processing another pan of tomatoes for sauce. Since this is a water bath process, I don’t worry too much about exact quantities because it’s just tomatoes. If this was a meat sauce or a pressure canned recipe exact measurements are necessary. I like the baking of the tomatoes as the skins come right off.

I’m grateful to be walking in the park. It’s been almost a year since my torn ACL and meniscus. So I’m really happy to just be walking. It’s still not a lot but that’s ok. On any given day I do between 2-3 miles. So I’m good with that. If I could do more I would.

Here’s giant Gus and his momma, Ciri.

Finally, I’M INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL THAT KAMALA HARRIS IS THE NOMINEE. I THINK WE CAN BEAT THE ORANGE GUY, WHO NOW IS THE OLD MAN:)

Thankful Thursday

Posted in bread, California, cancer, Gratitude, knee injury, Walking by

I’m thankful to be walking fairly normally now. I suppose the torn ACL/meniscus will always be a factor, but at least for now, I’m walking. This morning I did 1.5 so by the end of the day, I’ll be over the 2-mile mark.

I’m thankful for the cooler weather and I’ve been baking sourdough again. When it’s hot, bread-making is out.

I’m grateful to have been swimming twice this week and it feels like that too, is getting back to where I was. I like getting there later as the die-hard swimmers are mostly gone.

I’m heading down to get my Velcade shot this morning. I plan on going to the new Costco afterward. It is nice it is that much closer and a beautiful store. The layout is different than the other one. I think this might be the way they are doing them as a couple of other newer Costco’s have the same layout. I am thankful that it’s right off the freeway and on my way home.

This was the random leftover garlic from last year that got planted. Really nice big bulbs.

I read somewhere to cut the scape off and the bulb will get bigger. I think it worked as these are the biggest garlic I’ve ever grown.

Simple Sunday and Happy Mother’s Day

Posted in California, home stuff, knee injury, Myeloma, swimming, Uncategorized, Walking by

It’s a beautiful day here in N CA. The weather is just great. We just got back from our walk and the park was empty except for the many Canada goose families. Yesterday I did 1.6 miles so I’m getting close to my 2-mile goal. My knee did feel a little stressed after that but it seems to pass more quickly now. I’m also wearing my brace less and less.

A Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there of human kids or furry kids.

My son plans to do a lunch BBQ for us all and then head off to Sacramento to move more stuff into their apartment.

The week ahead looks good. I have my doctor appt on Thursday and I will want to discuss the dex stuff and my thinning hair from either dex or Velcade. I’ve lost almost 40% of my hair and it’s quite upsetting. I’m not sure if it’s dex or Velcade or both. I checked on the Facebook myeloma group and a few people did say it was a side effect of Velcade. But a couple of people said Dex. And then I vaguely remembered going to my primary care doctor years ago when I was in treatment(2015) for hair loss and I remember him saying probably dex. The biggest problem with dex is raising my blood pressure so that’s what I’ll focus on. Either lowering the dose or dropping it and see how my numbers go. Of course, I’ll see what his expert opinion is.

Other than that I plan on swimming and the gym and the library.

We haven’t heard from the people who were going to do the bathroom so I guess we’ll need to start over looking for someone to at least get the plumbing done. sigh:(….

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, cooking, Gratitude, knee injury, pets, pets,cats,dogs,, swimming, Walking by

I’m so thankful my knee is doing so much better. I’m able to do almost everything without pain. I’m still only walking 1 + mile but I’m grateful for that. This morning on our walk, I added one extra loop around the school parking lot. That put me 1.2 miles, so I’m jazzed about that. I went to the pool yesterday and swam for @35 minutes. I’m not back to 45 but 30 is a good enough time in the water.

I’m thankful for the beautiful morning with sunrise quite early.( 6:21). It was almost too bright for my eyes which is one reason I walk in predawn light. I guess since sunrise is going to continue getting earlier, we’ll need to adjust and walk maybe 15 minutes earlier.

I’m grateful to be able to do some canning this morning. I have kidney beans I’m pressure-canning. I also plan on doing cannellini (white beans) soon. Beans seem to be the thing we’re using the most. It does take some time and you never want to leave a pressure canner unattended. I usually sit where I can hear the juggle and make sure it’s doing its thing. Pint jars take 75 minutes after the 10-minute air valve release.

I’m grateful to be where I am at this stage of life. My life is simple and filled with just the right amount of activity. I’m grateful I started my decluttering /minimalist journey years ago and don’t really need to do the Swedish Death cleaning. I’m sure after I’m gone there will be still lots of stuff my daughter/son won’t want. They may not want the 1950’s Heywood furniture. That’s ok, it’ll be primarily my daughter’s house. The barn is pretty much my son’s hoarder, oops, craft, tools, and everything else place. He does have a lot of bins of things:( Oh well, that’s his choice.

Here’s some fun photos of the kitties enjoying the Birthday box from Chewy!!!

That’s Bean!

Very strange Cherry!!

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, cancer, Gratitude, knee injury, swimming, Walking by

Admittedly, I’m feeling a bit stressed this week by a number of things. Mostly due to some medical stuff that still needs sorting and of course, my increase in Kappa light chains in one month. I try to take some deep breaths and tell myself this too will pass. I’m grateful that I’m usually able to change my attitude towards things but this week there were number of things that just added up. I’m hoping by next week things are clearer.

I’m very thankful to walk without my walking stick and I’ve increased my steps too. The PT does seem to be strengthening my knee. I have 2 more sessions. My leg does ache occasionally but I’m still trying to power through and walk and swim.

I’m so excited and grateful to be back in the pool. I’m going later and it’s a whole different crowd than the 6:30 one. It’s ok for now because I’m still only in the water 20 minutes or so. Next week I’ll try and increase to 30 minutes.

We have sunshine!! It’s chilly but after all the gloomy days the sun is nice to see and it does cheer me up. Plus the daffodils are all up. I picked some and filled 2 vases with them for the table. I can also see the flowering cherry is budding and soon will be blooming.