Category Archives: travel

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, budgets, California, camping, cancer, Gratitude, Myeloma, travel by

We just got back from Sacramento where it is all sunny and so pretty. When we hit Auburn the foothills were cloudy and we were starting to get some rain. I’m grateful B drove as I was on dex and had a bit of a headache probably due to higher blood pressure.

My doctor appt went well. All is pretty good and stable. My kappa light chains went back down to normal so I was very jazzed about that. I’m totally grateful to see those normal numbers. We’ll see what my next labs bring. I had my infusion yesterday so I’ll get labs next week. He’s on vacation so I may not get them till the following week. My blood pressure was way up due to dex but if it follows the same pattern as last month, it’ll go back to normal tomorrow so I’m grateful for that.

I’m grateful to the infusion nurses who are so kind and competent. They put up with a lot and have to deal with so many situations. I’m pretty sure it’s a very stressful job.

I’m grateful my budget is done for April. Overall, it looks good. We have property taxes and Allstate but I’ll put them on a card and pay as much as I can in April but it’ll definitely go into May.

I’m grateful B went to Costco for me yesterday. We got most of what we needed but there were a few things he forgot. Actually, not his fault because I didn’t check if we needed dishwasher pods and we did. So I added some other things on and we’ll do that next week.

I’m grateful we get to go to New Brighton in a few weeks but I did get a notice from them alerting us to the ground being saturated due to rain. Since all the pads are paved, It should be fine for us. Tent camping probably not. We have the whole week booked so that will be nice. Sometimes we leave early( like last time when the family with the monster children came in on Friday) and we left on Saturday. Too noisy, too many bikes and whatever street games they were playing:(

B bought some nice asparagus at Costco and I will pan grill them tonight with a quiche, I think. I have some mushrooms, spinach, and green onions to use.

Frugal Friday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, camping, frugalism, library, swimming, travel by

It was a spendy week at Napa, but I don’t count that as our normal spending but more in travel/camping. Still, groceries were expensive in Napa, more than here and it was noticeable. I can see why Trader Joe’s was so busy. Raley’s was ridiculously costly. For example, we usually buy a piece of cake or something for dessert, and the cake we normally get ( 1 slice of tiramisu) was 11.99 whereas here it is 6.99. I didn’t notice the price till I putting away the groceries and was slightly shocked:(

We ate out twice and got Model’s Bakery twice. Model’s was only $15, so not bad for 2 coffees and 2 pastries.

In planning for our next trip which will be Capitola in April, I’ll have more cash for things than I did for this trip. We don’t go out to eat in Capitola but do go to Gayles for things. Plus we do hit up the grocery store at least once. It’s easier for me to get some groceries when we get to our camping destination than to load everything into the RV.

We’re still trying to get September booked for Tahoe, but B slept in this morning and spaced it out. I’m almost maxed out on reservation dates( you only get 14 days a year), so I didn’t do it even though I was up. Oh well, we’ll get something eventually.

I don’t plan on going to the store until next week unless I need some salad stuff. Next week we do need to go to Costco since the sale stuff comes off the following Sunday. I need toothpaste and some other things on sale, mostly non food items.

Today, I’m planning on swimming and then picking up my holds at the library. After that, just home and doing some house tidying. Everything is pretty well done but I want to tidy a few areas.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, camping, Gratitude, travel, Walking by

I’m thankful we had a good drive home and traffic was light at least going in our direction. Going the other way(westbound) it was backed up in a number of spots.

We had such a nice time and it was relaxing and fun. We loved downtown Napa. The shops were lovely, and the architecture was so beautiful. We walked around for quite a while. We walked a trail near the river but it wasn’t specifically the River Trail. That was over the bridge. But since we had already walked a bunch and my leg was starting to hurt we just called it a day.

I’m thankful for all the walking we did do although this morning my leg/knee is bothering me quite a bit. I planned on going to the gym but nixed it because I didn’t want to add to my knee hurting. I will say that my recovery between when it bothers me and getting back to it feeling ok is getting shorter.

I’m grateful my daughter took care of the house, yard, and pets. I do appreciate it.

I’m grateful for the absolutely beautiful weather we had. Tomorrow it’s going to be much cooler with a chance of rain and next week looks cooler and rainy too.

This was the trail we did.

Rubi in the evening!!

What things are you thankful for this Thursday?

Napa, Ca

Posted in California, camping, travel, Walking by

We’ve had beautiful weather here with yesterday’s high of a lovely 70 degrees. Everything is blooming and green, very green.

We pulled in around noon and they have it set up differently now, where you go to your spot and then later check-in. Much better than waiting at the front desk. Check-out is 11 am so anyone getting there by 12 can just pull in.

It’s also great having full hookups.

After we set up we headed to Raleys and bought a few extra things. We relaxed for a few hours and then drove to Oxbox Market. We were shocked at how empty it was.

Usually, this is wall-to-wall people. Very strange!

We decided to take our pizza and salad to go.

This is the Live Fire Pizza counter.

All in all a delicious meal.

We listened to jazz in the evening and then went to bed.

Monday was go-around-town day. We started at Models Bakery for the absolutely best croissant this side of Paris. We finally saw where the river trail goes in downtown so we’re doing that today. Then we went to Goodwill but it was closed. So we headed over to Rancho Gordo for the beans and Mexican oregano. If you haven’t cooked with Mexican oregano it is fabulous. Quite different than Italian oregano, more lemony. From there B went to the dispensary to get some Gummie things. After that Trader Joe’s to see if they had those cloth bags that are all the rage(no:( ) But we got some chips and salsa and a Napa wine. I’d have to look at the label to tell you the one.

We had cheese sandwiches for lunch with avocado and tomato. For dinner, we got Webie out and I cooked a few pieces of chicken and a Dr. Praeger burger. We had that with salad.

Today, Tuesday is the Spring Equinox. We plan to walk in downtown Napa and check out shops and just take a look and then walk the river trail.

We haven’t decided on dinner or lunch so we’ll wait and see what strikes us.

Simple Sunday

Posted in California, camping, Gardening, travel by

We are almost ready to hit the road to Napa. We’ll leave around 10ish. It’s only an hour and a half trailering. If you were just driving maybe a little over an hour. I kind of wish we had thought to check out what was available down in Half Moon Bay as that’s a destination we’ve had in mind for a while. If I remember, it’s mostly private RV parks but that’s what we’re looking for with full hookups. Plus from Napa, it’s maybe 2 more hours. Well, maybe next time.

I’ve got all the food we’re bringing the trailer and it’s pretty simple. We’ll do at least one pizza, and maybe something Mexican but other than that just a pastry at Model’s. I think we’ll go into Raleys or Safeway and buy a few Napa Valley wines to have, something we don’t usually have.

I checked camping in September at Nevada Beach and it’s all booked till @ September 22. So that means we need to be on the computers on that day to get that week. I’m guessing it’s going to take 2 or 3 tries before we get something. It’s not easy getting camping spots these days that’s for sure.

We don’t have any big plans in Napa but we did think we’d take a drive up toward Yountville. Last time we drove the other side of the valley up to Calistoga. Yountville is where the famous French Laundry is located.

The weather has definitely turned to spring. Everything is so green! Soon it’ll be gardening time.

Frugal Friday Things

Posted in budgets, California, camping, frugalism, ikea, travel by

Well, we didn’t go to Ikea so that saved some money. I can’t decide what exactly I want in my office area so I’ll leave it until I do. I did clean it all out and put back my office wine box( it has a lid that is hinged), my L V boxes I’m using to hold some refill items, my Mac, and my cash envelope binders. It looks better but not quite how I want it.

My only shop was Winco this week. I’m considering going to TJ’s tomorrow for some things for the Napa trip but I’ll wait and see how I feel in the morning. I considered going to the pool but I think I’ll just wait till next week after we’re back.

I stopped at Starbucks and used a gift card to buy a pound of coffee for the trailer. I didn’t even buy a coffee. I only drink plain coffee with cream but I figured I could come home and make some and save me the $3.00 for a tall drip.

After Ortho, which went fine, I came home and made pizza dough for tonight and we’ll have that with salad. Nothing fancy just cheese pizza and whatever toppings I can find to use.

I’m glad this week is over and we can look forward to just relaxing in Napa. Of course, there’s walking, Models Bakery, Rancho Gordo, and Live Fire Pizza but overall we’ll be hanging out in the RV park.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, Gratitude, home stuff, ikea, travel, Walking by

This has been a super busy week for me with appts. I don’t like so many appts but that’s what had to happen.

I’m thankful my macular pucker is still the same and stable(Monday’s appt).

I’m thankful that the gastro appt was fine( Tuesday’s appt) and she scheduled my overdue colonoscopy. Of course, the wait time is crazy far out but she found a cancellation in May. Oh, joy:(

Tomorrow is my ortho appt(Friday’s appt) and I’m assuming that’s all they can do?? Not sure really but I’ll find out. She mentioned the cortisone shot but I’m not sure I want to add that in.

I’m thankful swimming has gone so well. I overdid it the other day because I forgot to look at the clock and time it. But it was over 30 minutes. My knee feels a little stressed but not too bad. Today I’ll do my PT exercises.

I’m always super grateful to walk and this morning, the first after daylight savings change, and the stars were out. That’s one of my favorite things, starlight.

So far this morning, I’ve swished and swiped the bathroom, washed a few windows, cleaned my office, and moved stuff out. I’m planning an Ikea trip to get a cabinet for my office stuff so it’s not on my desk and scattered.

I’m grateful the sun is out and our temperatures are warming up.

Today, I have a phone appt with Allstate to go over our auto insurance since the premium went up $500. That’s for the exact same coverage on cars that are 10 years old and my son’s 2006 Subaru. Something is really wrong with our insurance system. Honestly, I doubt she’ll find anything to change.

One of my last vintage tablecloths. I used to have so many and now only a few have made the cut. I probably should iron it later.

Two old people!!

This was taken on the new to us trail in Roseville. I was hoping to get back there this week but with everything else, it doesn’t look likely. We leave Sunday for Napa, so that’s all the time there is.

Friday things

Posted in books, budgeting, California, frugalism, swimming, travel, Walking by

Buggie is still in the shop because another part was needed. Hopefully, we can go get her today. Still, it will need to go on a CC and then get paid. 🙁 Oh well, whatcha gonna do)!!

I am pleased as anything the walk was great yesterday. The day’s total was 2.2 miles so a real breakthrough for me and the knee. And my knee feels ok this morning. I’m a little sore but that’s just because I haven’t been doing the same amount of walking. Plus some of my stiffness is osteoarthritis which is kind of worse in the mornings but once I start moving, it improves.

I opted not to swim but will do my PT exercises this morning. Next week is a wash with swimming or the gym as I have appts 3 mornings all early so there’s not enough time to get to the pool. I may be able to the gym after Tuesday’s appt as that is the earliest at 8 am. I’ll just see how it is.

We spent quite a bit on food so far this month with 2 Costco trips so I’ll need to try and just use things up and not do another shop except for minor misc things. ( I need some lime juice for a recipe). Of course, some of the Costco food isn’t just for one month but will last 3 months like Panko Shrimp.

The sun is out and it does brighten my mood. We booked a reservation in Napa for the week after next. It looks like the weather should cooperate. The last time we canceled it was rainy and cool. Plus we have 3 nights which is kind of a minimum for me. We’ll mostly eat in the RV but we’ll do a few meals out. At least get some things at Modeles Bakery. I also need to go to the Rancho Gordo store for some Marcella beans( like cannellini) and their Mexican Oregano which is absolutely wonderful.

Nothing else too exciting for the weekend. I plan on the Auburn gym on Sunday and that’s about it. Today, I just have a few house tasks and that’s it and then I’ll probably read some. Dinner is just a frozen pizza with a few toppings I’ll add.

2024

Posted in California, camping, cash envelopes, cooking, decluttering, frugalism, minimalism, Pantry, simplicity, social security, travel, Uncategorized by

I’ve said before that I don’t make resolutions for the new year but I do like to have some goals to work toward. First, be frugal and work within our limited income from SS. We only have so much and although it does cover all our basics including our mortgage it doesn’t leave a lot for projects. I have added cash envelopes that are for projects so that will help when I can add to them.

Second, find a new to us RV resort that we can go to within a 3-hour drive. I think we like Napa so much because it’s close and it’s a beautiful area. There are lots of trails, restaurants, wineries, shops, etc to explore. Plus we like just hanging out in the RV park because we can read, nap, do crafts etc. From the park we an walk to historic Napa and even Oxbow.

Third, besides our regular Rubi trips, we’d like to visit a National Park that we haven’t been to. We’ve been to a lot of National Parks west of the Missisippi but not all. We’d probably keep it in California so that might be Sequoia that we haven’t been too.

Of course, keeping up with healthy eating, walking, doing weights,swimming, all goes without saying as important.

Practice gratitude daily. I think being grateful for whatever it is you have keeps the desires away especially when you realize you have everything to be happy and content right now. We all need shelter, food, warmth, clothing but on what level is for each individual to decide.

Continuing to be minimal and do regular declutterings. Right now I’m going thru each room and deciding what things I want to maintain and take care of. I’ve bagged up 3 grocery bags already. I also decluttered my budget books from 2023 that I don’t need anymore. I’m working on going thru my pantry and getting a bag of things I haven’t used for the food bank. If I haven’t cooked it or have a recipe for it I’ll give it to the food bank.

So a few goals to work toward. What about you? Any ideas?

End of a year…

Posted in books, California, camping, cancer, cooking, Gardening, travel, Uncategorized by

2023 is almost over.

Overall, I think we had a good year.

We had lots of RV adventures in Rubi and even went to The Westin in Napa(points used) for an overnight.

Everyone’s health is good and except for my knee still acting up and being on Velcade this fall, I think my health is good. This week is my last weekly shot of Velcade/Dex so I will be ready for a break. I’m not anemic or having any serious issues with Velcade just the normal stuff that’s to be expected. Still, I will be glad to switch to the monthly.

I did a lot of pressure canning and water bath canning this spring, summer, and fall. At this point, I’d say I’ve used maybe 1/3 of my pantry. I’ve learned a lot about food storage and it’s been fun. The all-American canner is a dream to work with. But as I get older, I may switch to the electric canner because the all-American is super heavy and difficult to move around. The electric one does have limits to how many you can do but that wouldn’t be a problem for me as I’m trying to can for a family with kids.

We were fortunate not to have to have any trees taken down this year but if we can afford it next year we should move ahead and do at least one. By my last count, we have about 10 more trees that should come down. But that’s A LOT of money we do not have.

We had a great garden this year too thanks to my daughter. I’m hoping next year is good too. Probably lots of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, etc. Of course, crops should be rotated so that might affect where things go and how much we can plant.

The library has been wonderful and after reading over 100 books, I stopped counting because …why? Also, having the gym and library next to each other is awesome.

We do live a simple life.