Tag Archives: reading

Friday Things

Posted in budgets, California, cancer, Death, frugalism, husband, peritoneal mesothelomia, Uncategorized by

I’m still processing things from Barclay’s death. It’s very weird, honestly, to be the person left to keep on going. I take some comfort in that he lived a good life and got to be 74, almost 75. Look at those poor kids in the Texas flood who didn’t get past 10. Very sad. The last year has been so hard watching his decline, and the last 3 months were pretty awful. He really didn’t have a chance with peritoneal mesothelioma. It’s just one of those cancers that you don’t get over and go into remission. I got the letter already from SS, which I’m happy about, so I don’t have to go into the office. I’m losing over $1000 a month, so quite a hit. I’m sure there will be ways to figure it out. I cancelled his UHC, so that and his Medicare covers almost $500. Insurance is outrageous. The rest, I don’t know. I do plan on selling the Triumph in a few months, so that will, if it sells, generate a few dollars. The totally weird thing was when I called Allstate to take him off as a driver, she said our insurance WILL GO UP ANOTHER $125. WYF??? After talking to our local agent, she got it to go up only $65, so half. The issue is his good driver discount being taken off. JFC, really? Oh well, done is done.

I’ve gotten through most of my list of things to do. There’s still the bank where I need to take him off our account, but I’ll get to it eventually.

As I said, very weird to deal with this stuff. We all miss him so much.

My daughter ordered this from Shutterfly. We hung it out on the upper patio where he spent the last 4 months of his life sitting when the weather was nice.

Frugal wise, I haven’t been spending too much. I did order a new Speedo from Amazon on Prime since I need a new one. I go through a swimsuit about once a year, with the chlorine from the pool. It was 30% off, so it was a good deal. I also bought some black frames for some watercolor pictures my daughter has done, and some that B did too.

I signed my daughter up as a user on my Costco card, so she went in after work and did some shopping. I appreciate the effort. Mostly it was flavored waters, olive oil, coffee, and some wild cod. She’s very susceptible to histamine attacks, so she’s been on a low-histamine diet, hence the fish purchase. The total came to a little over $100.

Our weather is very hot, and the coolers are running most of the day. If I close everything up, I can usually wait till 11 am, and I always turn them off by 8pm, even if it’s still hot out.

I started going to LLS every morning to apply for my grant, but so far, there’s no luck with funding. I’m hoping the wait isn’t too long, as I depend on that money for my insurance.

My son is using B’s truck since his car( older Subaru) is leaking oil. So he got off work early yesterday and took a load to the dump. There are still 2 more to go with metal stuff, and then the old wood from the chicken coop. It was hot yesterday, so I appreciate him doing it and getting it done. I’m pretty sure we’ll keep the truck, but unsure about Rubi. I just don’t know if I can emotionally handle going out in the RV without him. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see when the time comes, and we can plan something. My daughter has volunteered to be the driver, which she can totally handle; it’s more me dealing with it. Plus, Rubi is really designed for a couple, not 2 people. It’s one bed, and the couch does fold down, but it is very uncomfortable to sleep on. So another decision down the road.

Well, that wraps up what’s going on here.

How’s things in your world?? Summer plans?

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.

Simple Sunday

Posted in Blood test, books, California, cancer, cooking, Flylady, Gardening, Myeloma, reading, Uncategorized by

Another week has gone by and it was an ok one with Vecade and Dex. I had a hard time again with Dex and my BP so when I see the Dr in May, I’ll tell him and ask that we reduce it further. Right now I’m on 16 mg down from 20mg but it’s still too much I think for me. My BP was high all day and then started going back down by afternoon and by 5 pm was 120/82 so back in a good range.

This morning we had our Sunday walk and it’s very light out now at 5;50 am. It was only us and the geese.

There are lots of babies!

Today, I’m skipping the Auburn gym and going to the nursery with my daughter. We need to get the tomato starts and some other things as well. We always enjoy going and looking at the flowers and everything. I plan on going down to Maheny tomorrow so I’m ok skipping today.

I have my labs at 8 am and then I’ll drive down and do a workout and drop off a couple of the books I read. The Hannah Kristen, “The Women” is a phenomenal book about the nurses in VietNam. She obviously did an amazing amount of research. I’m not sure I like how she developed the character after she returns from VN. It seems to me she could have taken the character in a different direction. I don’t want to spoil it in case you haven’t read it, but if you’ve read it, what do you think?

This week is not too busy which I always appreciate. I plan on going to the pool 2x and then maybe one other gym day. Next week is the dreaded colonoscopy so the week will be different.

Menu wise, I’m still working on it. I’m going to make some polenta for tonight to have with black beans and salad. The rest of the week, I’ll need to plan. I do have some zucchini to use so maybe a ratatouile over rice.

The Flylady zone is the living room and entry ways. My daughter recently redid the one entry with new plants and tidied it up so I won’t need to do that. I have the red geraniums from Costco I can plant in some pots to put by the other door.

I can’t believe May starts this week. May is one of my favorite months as my daughter was born and what a gift she was/is to us. I think I’ve mentioned this before but we had been married 15 years before we had her and used a fertility drug to stimulate an ovulation. It worked like a charm so to speak and we were pregnant. Wonderful memories and I loved being pregnant. She’ll be 39 in May. Where does the time go?

Frugal Friday

Posted in books, budgeting, budgets, California, frugalism, reading, simplicity, Uncategorized by

I added up our grocery receipts so far for the month and it looks like we’re coming in @ $425. We still have a week and a half till the new budget starts (Jan 23). That’s really good for 4 people. I am planning Costco soon so that will take us over 600 I’m sure. Still, planning and meal prep does make a huge difference in keeping the budget in check.

Our electric bill is still slated to be very high. I know that Dec, Jan, and Feb are our high months and since we have a balanced plan it helps keep it moderate. PGE is due to increase rates and I’m sure that will affect us. This time of year we use space heaters in the bedrooms and of course, there are more lights on.

Since I haven’t been driving to the pool or gym regularly our gas bill has gone way down so that’s a plus. I did check at the front desk at the gym about suspending my membership but they don’t do that so I’d need to cancel and then resign up. I’ll wait a bit as I think if I can do upper body weights I’d like to keep that going.

I just finished these 2 books. The ‘Murder Uncorked’ is fun and takes place in what I’m guessing is St. Helena or Sonoma?? The author calls it something else but she does reference local areas. The ‘Someone Always Nearby’ is amazing. It’s based on the woman who helped Georgia O’keefe build the Ghost Ranch and Abiqui. O’keefe was quite selfish and narcissistic. Quite interesting and well worth reading.

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.

Frugal Friday

Posted in California, home stuff, reading, swimming, Uncategorized by

The biggest Frugal Fail was going out for the worst breakfast ever!!! We decided to go to a new place near Trader Joe’s after we shopped called Early Toast. Wow, so awful I should have taken the $50 bill and burned it in the parking lot. Oh well, it does not reinforce my wanting to go out for meals. 😦

But TJ’s shop was good and I really was just going in for their snacks( the best potato chips ever) and curry sauce, misc items, and some wine.

We also picked up the Walmart order and the only thing I didn’t get was the turkey breast which was the only thing I really wanted in that order. 😦

Overall, a frugal week though with just the above-mentioned groceries and breakfast.

I had a good swim yesterday and the pool was really nice. The last 2 times it was quite cool which is unusual. But they must have gotten a few complaints and it was back to the way it usually is. Tomorrow I haven’t decided if I’ll swim or possibly go to the gym. I think I’ll wait and see how I feel later today.

Our weather is much cooler now but still no rain. It shows rain next week so fingers crossed. We really need the rain. We’ve been having a fire most mornings and evenings just to take the chill off the house.

I picked up 4 Ann Cleeves books from the library and started one. I have seen Vera on Brit Box so some of these books are adaptations of the series. The writing is good though. I stopped counting books I’ve read this year after 125 and that was in September. So probably I’m close to 150 books for the year. I just finished ‘A Tree grows in Brooklyn’ which was THE BOOK that influenced me the most growing up. If Francie could go to college, so could I. I was the first person in my family to ever go to college and later graduate school. Heidi, my sister, eventually earned her degree at the Catholic college she was working at. And all of her children are college educated with her oldest daughter holding a Ph.D. in nursing. ( I think it would be DNP??) not sure but she teaches.

Well, that’s all I got this morning so I’m off to do some chores and tidying up.

Books, Lots of Books

Posted in books, library, meal planning, reading, Uncategorized by

Everyone on different blogs is talking about books so I thought

 I’d add some of my recent ones. Here’s the first stack from the library

399A4C22-177A-4770-8228-CA75E7D66277

I really have enjoyed the Cat Sitter series that takes place in the Florida Keyes. Lots of descriptions.  MC Beaton is always a good read with Hamish.

The library series”Something Read something” was okay.

Joanna Fluke’s books are always good for some new recipes. The Aunt Dimity books take place in the Cotswolds and I love that area of England so… Not that I will ever go there in real life but that’s the joy of books and traveling in your imagination.

There were cookbooks in the load too but I didn’t get a picture of them.

67FA9605-FD2A-4E88-A745-965080D9C25A.jpeg

Some good cookbooks to look at and maybe find some new recipes.  Mark Bittman usually has some good recipes.  “Real food “is one used before. Some stuff is the same old same old but she does have good ideas to help you take a look at what you’re buying and eating.

I’m almost done with the Marcia Muller ” the Break”. It’s good and her descriptions of SF are great.

I walked yesterday and it was absolutely freezing( 27′). That’s cold for here. We don’t usually have temperatures like that. At least later it was sunny but still cold.

I went to the gym yesterday finally and it was busy with lots of ‘new’ people still. I only used the recumbent as my ribs are really sore from coughing which is kinda weird as I haven’t really had much of a cough with this cold.

Today I’m planning on going to the koffee klatch with the library friends. I guess our FOL is kaput and dismantling. Really sad since this group was responsible for buying the building the library is in now. Well, all things do change and this little branch went downhill after I left. I’m not renewing the website which is under my name and even last year I told them no one was even going to it but no listens to me. So now, I will just not renew it.  The money left in the FOAL fund is substantial so that will need to be donated to the library for materials.

I’m making another batch of marmalade this morning before I go out.

I’ve vacuumed, swish and swiped the bathroom and got out things from the freezer for the rest of the week.

Simple Sunday

Posted in Blood test, Flylady, reading, Uncategorized by

For Christians, it’s Easter Sunday.  For the rest of us, just a beautiful day without religious embellishment.  Our walk was lovely despite the sunrise Christians out to worship some long ago person who supposedly came out from behind a rock and rose from the dead.

I’m taking a wild educated guess, that there was undoubtedly a scientific reason for it, or maybe it was just a story that kept going and getting more outrageous.  The first Gospels weren’t even written until 70 A.D., so that’s an awfully long time to embellish the story!! The first gospel was written by Mark but some scholars believe Matthew may have written his earlier than 80-90 AD.  Anyway, one simply must put into context this was over 2000 years ago and there certainly was no internet. Science was a mere blip. The earth was flat and religion was a good way to have something to believe in. Oh well, enough of my meanderings.

No gym today as it is closed. I’m going to work on a few projects. The laundry room is tidied but I still need to wash the floor.  I did paint the shelves so they are clean and bright now.  I’m going to cook some southern fried tofu with a potato bake and some strawberries for desert.

FLylady zone is the entryways and dining room. I will wash the sunroom windows and front door. We moved all the geraniums outside so that brightens it up. Everything is growing wildly.  Mowing will be a weekly event.

Next  week does bring some rain on Friday but it shouldnt be too bad and we could use it.

I need to call down to the cancer center and see when my doctor ordered my labs. He’s away this week, and I cant remember if he said he’d order them for this week or next. Since I see him next week I’d like to get them done sooner. This week I have a dentist appt for a dental cleaning and then a birthday lunch on Friday. So my week is open.

I’m reading an excellent book by Barbara Ehrenreich ” Living with a Wild God”. So far it is compelling.

 

Walking….

Posted in Uncategorized by

Today is day 107 walking . Pretty good. I’d really like to add an extra .5 mile but with rev/dex it’s aliitle hard to do .  But overall it’s great.

we had an estimate on one of our more dangerous trees and the bid is $1075, plus the crane fee. I think it’s very fair as this includes chipping and clean up. So sometime in October it will get done. Hurray. Maybe next year we can budget the really big tree.

B is off the New Mexico for the week tomorrow , and Tuesday starts my 5 days working. I’m just going to glide thru and then rest when I come home. It should be fine.

We’ve been watching season 5 of doc Martin , it’s so great to see that scenery in northern England. It’s a great series if your looking for something new. Most libraries probably have it. 

I just started reading Elizabeth Berg’s new book, OMG, it is also great. She’s a very good writer who really explores how most of us feel at some time or another and weaves it into a story.

B has just about wrapped painting all the outside buildings and trim. A very big job!

tonight is roast turkey breast,and baked potatoes,I had frozen. If your looking for A great freezer idea, double stuffed potatoes are terrific. I cut the potatoes in half , then it’s more like a side dish. I’ll steam some broccoli on the side.

I’m finally coming out of the dex haze, hurray….

 

Monday morning catch up.

Posted in Uncategorized by

I’ve been busy with all kinds if things since last week especially as the rev/dex wore off. This is my week off till probably Thursday. That’s the earliest I can get delivery as you have to sign for the revlimid. So, I’ve painted kitchen cabinets, worked on organizing pots and pans. Also, did another sweep thru the pantry. 

On the low spend September, it’s not been to good. I’m doing great with food/non food but house painting and house miscellaneous is still adding up. Two trips to Home Depot , and another $75 apprx. Then some more paint for the aviary, and so it goes. I guess I’ll be happy if we can at least cut the food/ non food some. 

I read “My Life in France” ,by Julia Child. It was really pretty fascinating. Now I’m reading some little murder mystery paper back, can’t even think of the title. 

This week I work 1 extra day,but next week I’ll e filling for my co worker who is getting surgery. I’m a little concerned especially being on revlimid. I’m telling myself, just pace yourself. 

Oh, the exciting news was yesterday was my 100 th day walking! Now I’m going for the next 30 days. I havent  really lost any weight but I’m walking and that’s what matters. 

On a sadder note, a myeloma blogger on the myeloma beacon, isn’t doing well and is expected to die in the next few days. It’s always a somber reminder that this is a terminal disease. She lives in Idaho, and has a wonderful dog named Kemmer. He’s a beautiful golden retriever. She also has an incredibly support sister, Jani, who has been there for her the whole way. She’s tried every combination of drugs, and now nothing is working. I’ll miss her posts.