Tag Archives: swimming

Simple Sunday

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I went down to the pool and swam yesterday. Saturdays are hit or miss there. It can be busy or not so busy. I was lucky it wasn’t a super busy day, and I had a lane to myself almost the whole time. Today, though, I am feeling it. I guess I just need to get down there more, although last week was different with the snow and rain. So I decided not to go for a walk this morning, and maybe I’ll walk a little later after I loosen up a bit. 🙂

I have a meet-up with someone I’m giving our recycling to. I just don’t have the motivation to go to the recycling place, but a lot of people still do. Barclay, of course, did all that. But I hate to just toss it in with our regular garbage, hence, I’m doing this.

I also have my sourdough to bake. This time I tried rosemary and Meyer lemon. I’ll see how it comes out. I also want to figure out the menu for the week. Last night we had a Souper Cube of roast chicken and stuffing. I made some corn on the side. It was good. The freezer is looking better. I’ll pull some stuff from the chest freezer for the week. I know I’ll do some ground beef for burgers, and I still have quite a few veggie burgers too. So maybe it’ll be a burger week!!!

My son did a stained glass workshop and made this for me. What a sweetheart!!

The week ahead looks good with the temperatures going up. We’ve used a lot of firewood this past week, so I’ll be glad when it’s not so cold.

A blogger I followed closed her blog. She’s in Australia and had a huge following, but I guess felt it wasn’t viable to keep it going. I guess she didn’t leave the posts up because AI will tap into things like that, which I know nothing about. Does anyone know if that’s true? I guess, after blogging since 2012, I still just see my blog as my own journal of what’s going on in my life. Plus, I think it helps me to write things out. I still do a daily budget in my notebook, recording what’s been spent or bills due, and I write a daily list of what I want to do/accomplish. I get my notebooks from Michaels, so they’re not expensive. I usually buy 3 or 4 at a time.

Do you do a daily list? I think it does help.

Going Forward

Posted in Blood test, books, budgeting, budgets, California, cancer, home stuff, library, swimming, velcade by

This week is my Velcade shot. I got an extra week(5 weeks instead of 4), so I could get back to my normal Thursday appt. I’m still having some neuropathy in my feet, even after that length of time. Next time I see Dr. L, I’ll mention this. Then Friday will be my Dex day at home. I’m curious if my numbers go higher with the extra week. I guess I’ll find out.

The pool is closed for 2 days for maintenance, so I’m not sure if I’ll go down there today. Since I’m driving down tomorrow, I sort of hate to use extra gas. On the other hand, I just don’t seem to be getting ‘ahead’ in swimming. My weights I keep up on regularly, so that is all good. Maybe going forward means accepting what I can do and what I do. (sigh) Who knows, right? It seems as if this is a recurring theme for me at this stage of my life. But, hey, I’m very grateful for what I can do!!

Going forward, I’m working on trying new things. It’s hard to do some stuff alone, but I’m determined to try. I did go out by myself for a burger, so that was a tiny thing. I didn’t sit in the car either but went in, so again, a tiny thing, but…

I wrapped up my taxes and submitted. I guess it’s next year that my tax status will change. The year a spouse dies, it’s still married filing jointly, but then it changes the following year. Hopefully, it will stay easy.

Here’s a picture of the upper patio around 3 pm yesterday. And a picture of the firepit on around 4 pm.

The book is from the library, and I was very impressed. Barclay, of course, was hugely influenced by Dylan and had a radio show for 25 years(KVMR) specifically devoted to Dylan. He would have loved this book. His last show was called Jewels and Binoculars after the line in a song.

Yesterday I made the Rancho Gordo King City Pink beans in the crockpot and had them for dinner. I may just do another bean bowl tonight. There is quite a bit to freeze in the Souper Cups. Rancho Gordo just moved into a new building in Napa. I’m curious what it looks like. We always had fun going into the other store, even if it was a little hard to find.

Well, I guess I’d better figure out the day.

What about you? Do you ever feel you should be doing more? Sometimes just accomplishing the smallest thing feels huge. 🙂

Simple Sunday

Posted in California, cancer, seasonal things, swimming, Uncategorized, Walking by

I took down most of the Christmas stuff and labeled the boxes. Since I did do a Snoopy tree this year, I labeled those ornaments in a box so next year I can pull them out if I decide to do a separate tree. I kept up the Ikea tree but took the bird ornaments off and put them away. I’ll probably take down the Ikea tree tomorrow or at least sometime this week. It always feels good to get a fresh start, although I do love looking at the different trees and their ornaments.

My daughter got me a compact waffle maker to replace the bigger one we have, so we had waffles last night. I might make some more this morning. Yumm.

This was our Christmas morning bagels and lox. I didn’t get a picture of dinner, but everything turned out delicious.

The pool was insane the other day. All the college kids were there. I forgot that this was winter break between semesters. I’ll have to see if I want to brave it next week. I finally got a lane with one of the college kids, and twice I got mouthfuls of water as he was kicking so hard. It wasn’t fun.

A very cold 36 degrees this morning, but the walk was lovely. The park was all frosty.

Today, I’m planning to go to the gym and then home. I might go back out later if my daughter wants to go to Home Depot. We need some things for the house.

This next week is a repeat of Christmas with New Year’s on Thursday. I have Velcade on Friday, which will be a little weird. I usually go on Thursdays. So my Dex day will be Saturday.

Other than that, I’m looking forward to the next year and hope it’s not as awful as 2025. I’ve had no luck getting a camping spot, so it’s been close to 10 days of trying every day. I’m almost at the first week of July, and I never go to Tahoe in July or August unless it’s a day trip. Too many tourists.

Frugal Friday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, frugalism, Uncategorized by

So far this week, I spent grocery money at Winco, Safeway, and today, Trader Joe’s. Winco was $60 for food approx.

Safeway was $34 for food, approx.

Tarader Joe’s was $83 approx with quite a few freezer items for next month.

At TJ’s, I picked up some Christmas gifts for the kids: some snacks and 2 of the new micro bags, which are very cute. I was glad to get some as there were only a few left.

So not bad, and I’m coming in so far for the month at a little over $500. That includes long-term food items stored in the freezer. My budget runs til the 24th, so I’ll need to keep it low or 0 next week.

The pool was nice and not super busy, which is always a treat.

The VW is getting the brake lights checked, so I’ll probably need to go back out later when my daughter gets home if it’s ready. They’re not open on the weekend, so it’s either today or Monday.

I’m not sure what the weekend is like. I think the weather is ok. After the deluge of rain yesterday, we need a break.

Frugal Friday

Posted in books, budgeting, budgets, California, home stuff, swimming, Uncategorized by

Overall, except for the coast trip, it was a low-budget week. This week is an in-between; August’s bills are coming out, so it’s just basics.

After the gym, I went to Winco and spent $ 55. I bought wine as well, but that doesn’t go on my grocery bill.

The weather is turning hot again, so no eating on the patio, and dinners have been lighter. I made a brown rice salad with chickpeas, red onion, and cucumbers with some feta. I’ll have that for lunch today as well. I made some tofu in the air fryer, so I can use some of that for dinner tonight.

I’m planning on swimming today, and then I won’t go down to Roseville till next week. I need gas, so I’ll do that at Costco. I’m still waiting for my LLS to get finalized, and then I can submit my insurance premium. I’m very grateful for LLS’s support for patients.

Nothing new with books. I finished Fever Beach by Carl Hiasson. Funny and provocative to say the least. I don’t have any holds, so I need to go to the catalog and place some on hold.

Simple Sunday

Posted in California, cancer, husband, peritoneal mesothelomia, travel, Uncategorized by

A nice walk this morning with the moon shining through the clouds.

Today, I plan to go to the Auburn gym and do some weights. I went to the pool yesterday and was very lucky to get half a lane before the pool was overrun with college swim teams. I got my swim in and left but man, it was nutso.

I need to do up my menu plan using pantry items. So far for this week, I have baked ravioli( using leftover Costco ravioli and Rao’s sauce.) for tonight. I also have salad stuff to use. The rest I’ll write up later after I check the freezer/fridge.

Today, I need to dust again. With our woodstove going almost all the time, dust is a big issue. Plus, I need to water my plants.

I think I’ll end the blog here as there’s not much else new. Oh, we did add more days at the hotel when my son and I will go down. The one person from the Facebook group said her husband was in for 11 days and that’s considered very short. So that’s going to add up quickly but I feel like I want to be on the safe side with a room. If after we’re there it’s going to be longer then I could add more days. Right now we have Sunday through Friday. That Monday would be B’s 8th day so I really don’t think he’d be released. So one more thing to be stressed about.

Midweek musings

Posted in California, cooking, home improvement, home stuff, swimming, Uncategorized by

The dentist was long yesterday but it worked out fine. The fillings were taken care of. She’s a good dentist. I just wish that Medicare had some dental option. It was very pricey:(

Today I’m heading to the pool for a swim. I don’t have anything else urgent that needs doing so I’ll come straight home. I want to make a few of the condiment recipes in the new cookbook. She has a recipe for olive oil mayo that looks easy and I have the breadcrumbs with rosemary and parsley dried and ready to whiz up. I also plan on making the garlic confit with some cherry tomatoes I have some that need to be used up. BTW, if you’re a Costco shopper those cherry tomatoes, Hirros, are absolutely delicious.

I plan to vacuum as well and do some dusting. We heat mostly with wood ( no central air/heat) and it does create dust. We do have a wall heater(propane) that we use on very cold mornings.

It’s another cloudy day but not too cold. I think the temperature is around 55 degrees.

Well, I best be off to do my daily routine so I can read in a bit.

Wednesday-Midweek

Posted in bread, California, home stuff, swimming by

I bought a humidifier from Amazon to see how it might help with sleep apnea. My Apple watch showed it right on the line so that is an improvement. Plus, I didn’t wake up with a dry throat, so I think it will help. I’ll keep tracking it although Apple tracks for you, it’s the other stuff I’m doing that I’ll track.

Today is a swim day and I’m glad to be going. If I miss too many days I feel like a fish out of water:) After the pool, I may pop over to Winco but I’ll decide later. Otherwise, I’ll come straight home.

I have another sourdough ready to go so I’ll have someone at home(while I’m gone) start the oven to get it up to 475. It takes a while. This time I made one of my favorites the cheddar jalapeno. If we have the vegetable barley soup tonight that will be a good side.

I can’t even begin to process what the orange king is doing. Pardoning the Jan 6 felons is right up there with …I don’t even know. It’s so upsetting. I hope everything that he does comes back to haunt him. I can’t even begin to imagine how those Capital police families must feel. The betrayal and lack of morality are off the charts.

Here are the curtains I made for the sink. Barclay picked out this fabric. Since I love all things pinecones, it’s fitting.

Menu for the week and misc.

Posted in California, cooking, meal planning, Uncategorized by

I had a great swim yesterday except I overdid it so my low back is a little sore. Once I started moving around it was fine but getting out of bed was like,, urgh… Oh well, I surpassed my last swim yardage and got to 950 yards so I’m happy about that.

Sunday night-Turkey with some stuffing, salad, and nut loaf from the freezer.

Monday- leftover lentil soup and salad. I made a salad I saw on Facebook of chickpeas, cucumber, avocado, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and artichoke hearts. quite yummy.

Tuesday- I made a Greek pasta salad and I’m unsure what I’ll have with it. Maybe grilled tofu.

Wednesday- I want to make a turkey and wild rice soup with the leftover turkey. I’ll make B a ramen bowl.

Thursday- Something from the freezer to use up. I have some perogi’s from Costco to use. I wouldn’t buy them again. They were ok but not our usual fare.

Friday- Pizza, either make or get take out.

Saturday- Again something easy to use up freezer stuff.

Sunday- TBD.

I just finished the kitchen zone and I still need to vacuum. I thought of going to Trader Joe’s today but I think I’ll wait a bit maybe till Thursday. The only thing I do need is butter and the Lundberg wild rice and I can get those down at the Holiday.

Oh EXCITING! We scrolled through Amazon Prime and saw on masterpiece, the new season of Astrid. So we watched the first episode and it was very good. They definitely have snazzed it up some.

The afternoons are longer and it was light almost till almost 5:35. Even the angle of the sun coming down our driveway is different from a few weeks ago. Imbolc is Feb 2 so pretty soon it’ll be crossquarter.

Simple Sunday

Posted in Blood test, California, cancer, Flylady, home stuff, swimming, velcade, Walking by

A cold morning to start and damp. We had a nice walk again, with no one there. I guess we must be between walkers because haven’t had anyone in a few weeks on the weekend. During the week, I see some regulars that start to show up around 7am. The next 10 days look nice with no rain so that’ll help dry things out.

I headed out to the gym at 8am and it was a little busier with the ‘new years resolution exercise’ people. I left before 9 and then it was getting even busier.

I stopped at the store for some things for a greek salad and wine. After I got home I cleaned under the kitchen sink. It’s the kitchen zone this week, so tomorrow I’ll finish the cabinets and I want to clean the fridge.

My son is coming for dinner and to spend the night out in Rubi. He works in Auburn on Mondays so it’s a good time to catch up. I plan on cooking some leftover turkey and potatoes. I also have leftover nut loaf to heat up as well.

This coming week should be mellow, no appts !!! Hurray!! I don’t have my labs till next week so that’s a little different than usual. I always go the Monday after my shot but because I had been scheduled for my next Velcade later( Feb), I pushed my labs out. We did reschedule me for the end of January or 4 weeks.

Last night we watched ‘To kill a Mockingbird’. Even though I’ve seen it many times and read the book so many times. it is still such a powerful movie. Gregory Peck did such an amazing job as Atticus Finch. If you haven’t seen it in a while, check it out. We finished the series the Helsinki Murders. I wouldn’t really recommend it. It was dark and seemed overdone. Oh well, some series are like that.

I do plan to go to Roseville tomorrow and swim but I do have an alternative plan if the pool is too busy. If the wait is longer than 10 minutes for a lane, I’ll go down to the gym. I’ll just need to pack my gym clothes as I wear my suit to the pool. Plus, I’ll need to bring my Hoka’s as I wear my Birkenstocks to the pool. Whichever the case, I’ll do one or the other.

Not much else new here at mi casa so I’ll close for now.