Tag Archives: tree removal

Frugal Friday

Posted in Blood test, budgeting, budgets, California, camping, cancer, decluttering, Walking by

My new budget starts next week. So far, groceries have come in under $400, so I think I’m getting the hang of buying less.

I went to Costco this week and spent $233 on food. Freezer and pantry stuff brought it down to @150. For the pantry, it was granola, which lasts months, butter for the freezer also will last 3 months, pulled pork will be for at least 4 dinners over a few months, tamales, the same as they will be used over the next 3 months, and coffee, which will be about a month. Non-food came in at $70, about for batteries, hair conditioner, TP, and paper plates were on sale, so I picked them up for easy clean-up dinners. All of that will last for months.

For wine, I bought my favorite Juliet Rose and a fancy bottle of Sonoma-Cutrer wine. That was around $40.

Overall, I was pleased. Then I bought 2 pizzas for the tree crew that were here. I’ll show the pictures below.

We just got our Allstate car renewal, and it went up $1000 ( fuck Allstate) because of the claim that the scammer did, saying my car door scratched his. It’s a long story, but suffice to say, my door did not scratch his, but it did touch his passenger door, so Allstate had to favor his claim. It was a scam to begin with because then he got the money, and of course, didn’t go to the body shop. I tried to explain the setup because he was extremely aggressive verbally, and never even got out of his car, but took a picture ( or someone did) of my license plate. My guess is someone else was waiting with him in the parking lot. Oh well, done is done, but that is going to cause me extreme stress trying to pay that. I guess the best I can do is do the payment plan at this point.

On a positive note, the tree crane was here and took the tree. It was quite the job, as you can see. It took all day and then the next to deal with it all.

I’d had other plans to meet a friend for coffee, but that went out the window dealing with this. I hate dealing with this stuff, but I don’t have a choice. The other tree, I guess we’ll just have to wait on because it wasn’t in their system, but I’m going to try and convince them, but that will also take a crane( I think).

It would have been too much to do both anyway. All the wood is gone now, and it looks good. They did a good job.

Today, I’m going to Auburn and will drop off a load at Goodwill. It’s mostly stuff from Rubi that I know I’m not going to use if we get a tent trailer eventually. I still have the bathroom in Rubi to sort out, though.

It’s been a stressful week with my ortho appt, labs, the tree, etc. BTW, the shot hurt like hell, and my knee was really sore from it, but yesterday it started feeling a lot better. So hopefully in the next two weeks I can increase my walking. It takes about 2 weeks for the steroid to take effect.

Also, on a positive note, my labs came back about the same. Kappa went up to 20.5ml/g, so a slight increase from 19.8. Really, in the big picture, that’s not much. My ratio, though, did go up a bit because the lambda went down. If the Kappa goes up, Lambda down, then the ratio goes up.

The heat is back, and 98 * is hot for us. I think today it’s supposed to go to 99*. I’ll have to turn the coolers on by 10. Our PGE bill did go down some, though, so there’s that, I guess.

On a sad note, it’s our 55th anniversary soon. It makes me sad. We did have a wonderful life, even with the ups and downs of it. I’m planning a day trip to Tahoe soon, just not sure when. Burning Man is happening, so the freeway has lots of crazies, which also means the Tahoe area has some overflow. I’m hoping next week sometime.

Friday things

Posted in California, camping, Gardening, meal planning, Uncategorized by

We woke up to very cool temperatures and a breeze. It’s a nice break. It looks like 90-degree weather is back for the rest of the week. The park was nice with just a few other walkers.

I just finished making the pizza dough for tonight and we’re going to use the Ooni. That should be fun. I also was working on my menu list for the week. I’m using food from the freezer and the pantry. So far I have spaghetti with meat sauce/plain marinara for the veggie. Then a tofu curry, taco night will be bean tacos and I think we’ll do a brinner this week too. I also have some shrimp to use so maybe a shrimp scampi. B will eat shrimp so that makes it easy.

I went to the Roseville gym yesterday and it was a little busier than the other 2 times but still nothing like the gym we used to go to. I like that it’s small but well laid out and has all the weight machines I like. My plan is to go 2x a week. If/when I have to go back into treatment then all this will change but for now it is what it is.

After the gym, I stopped at a Safeway near the gym and thought I could get the Boars head lunch meat for the week but they didn’t have anything I wanted( no turkey, chicken,) which I thought was really odd. But I did get some ham. We are planning a big Costco trip next week. I’m thinking Wednesday as their ad starts and coffee is on sale. Usually, I avoid the first sale days as it’s busier but we need coffee so that’s the best day for me.

I canceled our Delta Dental of California plan as our dentist dropped Delta dental as in- network. So my last cleaning was like $150 with fluoride( which they don’t cover anyway) but Delta Dental paid $20 on the claim. So it’s not even worth it to be paying $70 a month. I guess we’ll just pay out of pocket for 2 cleanings a year and then xrays. We just aren’t interested in looking for an in network dentist. I honestly don’t know why Medicare wouldn’t have some dental plan for seniors. I’m going to do the same with VSP (vision) but that’s set up differently as a contract so I’m not sure if I can cancel that or not. I’ll probably check next week.

It’s just a few days to the summer Solciste. It’s kind of been a weird start to the spring and summer. We don’t have any RV trips till September which is probably a good thing with gas prices. We also decided that if Santa Barbara is too expensive( gas wise) in October we’ll cancel that as it’s our furthest destination. But there’s still time to contemplate that.

We finished harvesting all our garlic and it’s a bumper crop. This was garlic we planted last fall in barrels. That did the trick and I must have 3 dozen bulbs. After they cure some I’ll probably store them in a dark cool place. I need to look up other ways that I could preserve them. I could maybe mince them and freeze them in ice cube trays??

Sunday is father’s day and I’ll do a big brunch for Barclay and the kids can give their presents to him. Being a Dad was a great joy for him and he’s always loved it.

So, we’ve not had any messages back from our tree guy about moving the logs with the wire in them that they left over on our neighbors property. I texted the guy 4 times and B also called and left messages. Nothing. So finally I was fed up and worried the neighbor was getting pissed, so B rented a small trailer that had a drop-down ramp. Both my son and daughter rolled them up on the trailer and then B drove the truck over to our property and rolled them off. It’s very strange that Brian( the owner) didn’t call us back. He’s always been super responsive. I hope nothing has happened to him. Anyway, it’s all complete now. It has been absolutely great to have that tree gone and when you look at where we drive out it’s right thru where the tree was:) So it’s a good thing it’s gone.

April $$$$

Posted in Blood test, bread, budgets, California, swimming, travel by

I didn’t even bother with the Frugal Friday as April will be expensive. The bid for the ponderosa is $4500. That’s more than double what we paid for the last tree. The tree is in an awkward spot and will need the crane to take it down piece by piece. There’s just nowhere to drop pieces. Then the logs will be piled up in our neighbors spot down from us and then tree logger will need to bring his truck(big) in to get them.( These logs will be cut into 17 ft pieces and sold to a mill for wood). Things are never simple here with trees. After this, unless it’s critical, trees will have to go down the priority list. Unfortunately, we still have about 4 more that should be dropped but not anytime soon if we can help it. I plan to leave before the tree guys get here and I’ll go down swimming and then hang out and then go to the library at 10. I have too much anxiety around these things and I know myself well enough that if I don’t see it, the imprint won’t be there.

We’ve had some nice morning walks and it’s definitely lighter at 6:10 now. And sunset is now quite a bit later and it’s staying light till at least 7:30.

Tonight is pizza night but I don’t think we’ll do that. No one feels like a pizza so I’m not sure what we’ll do. Sandwiches??

I’ve been making the sourdough loaves every 3rd day. So I have quite a bit frozen so I’m going to put my starter in the fridge for a while. I have really enjoyed making these loaves and have learned quite bit about the dough and hydration. I think our favorite is the cheddar jalapeno loaf.

I started looking at reserving Refugio SB for the fall but so far it’s booked but, I’ll just need to check daily. It’s pretty far to go and with gas prices, it’s going to be expensive but I think if I can get a spot, we’ll go.

Next week I have labs and swimming and some grocery shopping to do.

Friday round-up.

Posted in budgeting, covid-19, home improvement, Uncategorized by

I’m really glad this week is over.

It’s been hot and that’s made it hard to be outside. I’ve been going out to the pool every day at 4pm so at least it’s a cool down to some degree.

My dentist’s appt went really well and they are taking every precaution so I felt safe. The crown was done in around 3 hours, start to finish.

My oncology appt also went fine except he was really late. He apologized as a family he had an appt with was having some issues. Nothing new, just wait till my numbers go up to 500. 😦  I sorta feel like a ticking bomb.  I was home by 12:15 so not too bad. Geez, people are driving CRAZY!!!

Tonight we’re ordering pizza out. It’s too hot to turn the oven on. So that will be a nice change.

I’ve done our budget for July and the only BIG expense will be the trees at @ $4,000. Geez, I really hope that’s it for a few years but probably not.

I put a yard sign up BLACK LIVES MATTER. I like it and it just shows some support. I would be out there protesting if I could. I did for VietNam but now I can’t risk getting COVID or bringing it back to others. So, just a small way of showing some support.

There’s a great news story trending about a young barista at Starbucks in Southern California who told a guest they had to wear a mask in the store. She went on a verbal rampage and then took his picture, posted it on Facebook while continuing to shame him. Tons of people came out in support of him and NOT the privileged white woman and then someone started a GO FUND ME tip jar. At last count, it’s up to $32,000. Wow, that is a really heartwarming story. That is some lucky kid.

B is still working on our daughters room windows and they really look nice. These new type windows have a UV tint which is amazing.  It definitely cuts down on the sun’s heat coming in. Plus he’s working on getting the ceiling fan up but that is requiring new wire so kinda a pain. But at least there will be some new wiring. When we had the guy do the wiring when we remodeled, he must have been on drugs and the wiring is screwy. Why he didn’t replace all the old wiring is unknown.

I probably won’t be going to the store till next week and haven’t decided where. I might just go to Safeway but I’ll need to write a list and see what I need.

 

 

Catching up

Posted in budgeting, California, cancer, MDS, Uncategorized by

We got the tree quote and it came in at a good price. Plus we’re adding in having the very large oak that hangs over the barn trimmed. That will cost $1,000 but partly that’s because he needs to bring in his boon. I’m good with the cost and it’ll be a relief for the big tree to go. We still have the 2 other leaning Ponderosas and the one that leans toward our neighbors is a concern as the soil there is much softer as it is downhill. But I just cannot deal with that right now.  If it gets worse, then we will need to do something.

I had an exhausting trip to Costco but I got almost everything I wanted/needed. Of course, the next day I realized I hadn’t used the coupon that was tucked quite nicely in my wallet and I didn’t see when I went to pay. Oh well, next week maybe. Costco seemed to have most everything except no liquid hand soap or Clorox wipes. I have plenty of regular CLorax that I can mix with water if I need to make up a disinfectant.  The hordes were after toilet paper that apparently you have to make a beeline for the minute you enter the store and the meat counters were crammed with people trying to get stuff. I didn’t need any meat at all so I avoided it. I suppose I could have bought something as back up but I think with what I have, we’re good.

B’s biopsy came back great. No blasts, no MRD disease, no sign of MDS so that is really a gift. Hopefully, this GVHD will get resolved with the new drug. But since it is so expensive and they are( well, the hospital aid fund) paying for it, that it will do the job and then he can get off it.

I’m planning on driving down to see my doctor at the cancer center instead of doing a video chat. I just want to touch base with him and get his impression of my light chains going up so much. It’s not a good trend and I really would rather start Velcade than risk fractures or other horrible things. There’s no guarantee about anything but at least it’s the logical thing to do. I really hate the thought of dealing with dex and pretty much losing 2 days a week but at some point that will be the reality.  I can tell though, my energy shifting and I’m more tired and less energetic.

I also have my delayed dentist appt at the end of the month to replace a crown. Not looking forward to that.

Such strange weather we’re having. It’s hot then cool, then hot again. Today it’s quite cool and we even have a twinkly fire going just to warm up the house. Weird.

http://magnonsmeanderings.blogspot.com/2020/06/j-k-rowling.html 

I was reading this guys post as he’s on someone’s blog list that I read( I read lots of British blogs), but he was commenting on JK Rowlings’ comment about transwomen and I really flipped at what he was saying that he agreed with her that whatever sex you’re born that’s what you are. Really? How narrow-minded. Trans women are women and trans men are men. Period. He also said he had never read Harry Potter or seen the movies and I thought how weird he’s got this appreciation for JK R and hasn’t even read her stuff but when she goes off the rails about trans women he’s all for it. What astonished me is his comments were all agreeing. Well, I commented he needed to learn about transgender people and that it had nothing to do with ” the clothes” they wear. ( He was saying they can dress like a woman but they’re not real women). Anyway, my comment posted, and then, just like that, he took mine down and the other person who also tried to clue him in.

Go check it out.

 

the week ahead…

Posted in Flylady, home improvement, home stuff, Lake tahoe, Political things, prepper pantry, Uncategorized by

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This is Rose Campion that has spread all over our hill.

We have a few things lined up for this week.

Tomorrow we are having our septic being pumped.  I know very exciting. But really, our septic tank is under the 1200 required by law but is grandfathered in because it was put in a long time ago. Actually, we’re not sure when it was put in since the old man who lived here didn’t get a permit at least that we could find in county records. So about 5 years ago when the septic was overly full and we didn’t know it until the toilet wasn’t flushing down and we knew was wrong. So now we’re on a 2-year schedule. Once he opens and pumps we’ll know if we could’ve gone 3 years. I know, I know, so exciting and TMI.

Then I’m going to brave Costco since I want to use our rebate. I’m not too worried as Costco requires everyone to wear a mask so I’m good with that. I have a big list of things to get( again) but some are still prepper pantry stuff. For instance, I’d like to get a case of chili and some more marinara sauce. Plus I need washcloths and the 24 pack of white hotel washcloths are really the best for the money.

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here’s my nifty food vacuum sealer which I LOVE!!!

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So cool.

 

Later in the week, we are going to drive up to Tahoe to go to the cannabis store so B can get some stuff. His plants are coming along but it’s a way off to harvest. Plus the ride will be nice. I’m thinking of bringing some coffee in our mugs and maybe sandwiches. The beach area in Kings Beach is quite lovely but I’m not sure if there will be lots of people or if it’s still closed.  So a nice day trip.

The weather is quite nice this week. No really hot days.

We are also going to call the tree guy because the giant tree is now leaning MORE!! At first, I thought I was just imagining it but the top is no longer straight up. This is a huge tree and is aiming straight at the barn.  We have the money in our emergency fund but now there is no extra money coming in so whatever we take out won’t get replenished. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. But I think, except for the giant oak near the barn, this would be the last tree for a while unless something else happens. We have 2 other huge Ponderosas that are leaning but they are leaning away from our house. Unfortunately one is leaning towards our neighbor’s house which is kinda scary.

This week is the kitchen zone if you follow Flylady and mine is done already. I just need to mop the floor later.

We are also planning a trip to Home Depot for wood. I’m conflicted about buying from Home Depot since the owner is a huge TRump supporter but the closest Lowes( liberal) is down by Costco. So for our old van a bit risky. ( The van is the only car that can hold wood on the roof and inside when we take the  seats out). So, anyway, it’s a conflict for me.  We are planning to get some fence posts so we can start the fence behind the barn to block out those neighbors.

That’s about it.

I’m so glad the protests are making such a difference and maybe we will see some real change. It is still so sad it has taken so many black lives though to get to this point.

 

 

Simple Sunday( AKA as no electricity or …

Posted in California, Flylady, home stuff, Uncategorized by

or Little House on the Prairie Episode.

Lights out at 8 pm last night so we at least got thru dinner. We were sitting around listening to my son’s Spotify and talking. It was nice really.

There have been winds all night from the northeast but nothing too frightening( well, it’s still dark so I can’t’ tell yet). the solar lights were going on and off due to the wind though.

Yesterday was really a beautiful fall day. Everything is turning shades of gold and yellow. We don’t get a lot of reds but we do have Japanese maples that are turning red so that’s nice.  There wasn’t any wind to speak of.

Last week the PG&E tree crew came and took down a dead tree from the back near the barn. I happened to ask if they freelanced and they mostly didn’t speak much English but the one guy said “yes” and I showed him the 2 trees where they had just been cutting. They aren’t a threat in any way but they had pretty good leans, I mean like at 45″ angles and one was very large.  So I gave him my phone #.  Later that week they stopped by with a quote and it was VERY good for 2 trees. No bucking up just 4-5 lengths.

So now we those 2 taken care. In front of these 2 is a very very large tree that is also a leaner. It is leaning into the barn area.  If it went it would take out the barn for sure. But this tree requires a large crane and that’s not on the agenda for this year. We still haven’t had the other tree guy that we have the contract with contact us about the tree in the front.  I’m guessing that’ll happen soon though.  So maybe next year we can do the big tree but I’m guessing that is a $5,000 tree so??

This week we have a clinic visit for B and I have a dental appt about the tooth that is broken. That’s it for this week so not bad in terms of appts.

This week the Flylady zone is the living room if you’re following.  If you want to follow her plan in a modified way this is what I do.

  • dust
  • wash inside windows
  • make sure only things that live in the LR are in there, remove the rest.
  • declutter anything that isn’t loved or beautiful( I did this forever ago) but I still look around
  • vacuum
  • wash mirror

that’s about it. If you’re just starting out you might set a timer for 15 minutes and see what you can declutter or remove.

Dinner is unknown since the power is off but fortunately we are quite comfortable since we have a propane stove and can cook. No oven as that is electronically controlled. I may do pasta or something like that.

Trees coming down

Posted in home improvement, Uncategorized by

Today we have 2 Ponderosas coming down by the tree cutting company. One is leaning toward the house although it isn’t a big lean but enough. This tree is on the South East side and that’s where our winds come in the winter for the most part. With the use of a crane, this tree will cost $2100.

The second tree isn’t as big and is no threat now but it sits near the back and I’ve wanted it out before it gets too big. The cost of this is $800. A fair price.  We budgeted $3000 for trees so this is what it’ll be. Taking trees this big is only going to get more expensive and we still have a lot more that should be done.

It’s really no guarantee that another tree wouldn’t fall in a wind storm, just that we’re trying to take precautions.  The tree that landed on our neighbor’s house last January should have been taken down as it leaned into the house and the root system was exposed.  It took off the front of his house. It has taken the workers ALL summer to finish repairing and he basically has a whole new outside plus deck, porch.  He had an illegal room under a deck that had to be all removed per the insurance. What a job. Anyway, we do what we can.

In the back of our house, we have a HUGE tree leaning toward the barn but it wouldn’t (probably )affect the house.  That tree will be more than $5000 because it will need a big crane.  Maybe next year.?

B had his clinic appt yesterday and all is good. He’ll need another BMB in November to see how things are. There are some issues with insurance that UHC is not getting right. I’m not worried but it is a PITA to deal with. the coverage was active and he didn’t even go on cobra till 8/1 but insurance companies don’t try and help really. So it may take a while but we are not paying anything unless it is the appropriate co-pay.  We even had the letter ( which I can’t find) that stated UHC approved his allogeneic transplant. so they can find that and put it somewhere.  Oh well, it’s always something, right??

I’m off to the dentist very early and hopefully back before the tree cutters get here. They’ll be blocking the driveway so I’ll have to park out by the edge of our driveway.

UPDATE:

NO TREES TODAY! THE TREE GUY GOT INVOLVED IN ANOTHER PROJECT SO WE GOT DELAYED. OH WELL, TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY!

Back into the rhythm…

Posted in bread, cooking, Uncategorized, Walking by

Well, it did take a day or so to get over the time differences. But it’s great to be home and baking bread and walking in the dark….

Everything was good here, My daughter and son kept things going smoothly.  Bonnie, the border collie with the seizures, seems to be doing good on her medicine. she is a sweet dog , so I hope this resolves it.

Today is another huge stress day as the tree cutters are coming to take the 2 giant trees down. They are going to drop them with the use of ropes to direct them. I’m anxious about it but I’m going to go to town for a bit so I hope at least one is done by the time I’m back. B has to go work the Sact co op , so he’s gone. IMG_0197.jpgWell, they know what they’re doing so that’s that. But it’s going to be a big pile of tree.

I’ll be glad when October is over, and the election.  🙂

Tree Day!!

Posted in Uncategorized by

So, its 8:30 am and I’m sitting in Starbucks. PGE just showed up to take out power line down, the 10 ton crane pulled in and the men. I’m just to nervous to watch this stuff so I’m offer the day. First here and then to costco. After Costco, I’m going to maybe hit Walmart or just get lunch somewhere. Its a huge job. The tree next to the house is at least 200 feet ( think). Very big and scary. Its costing over $3000, and we will still need at least 3 more trees down. But not for a while. Hopefully, no scary wind storms. But with El Nino who knows.

So this is a huge project. My husband will take pictures and I can post some.

So, my Invisalign are kinda a pain. I’m getting use to them but its a lot to take them out to  eat and then my mouth is still sore from him drilling away in there. Hey, it might be a way to lose weight .

Ive only got a day left of my pomalyst cycle and I’m going get my blood test early. I figure thats one way to see if my neutrophils went low in a week or? My kappa light chains and SPEP  test will not be affected as either it did something or not. But with Monday a holiday I won’t know till at east next week. Pomalyst is definitely harder than Revlimid. I worked and did what ever on Rev. Pom takes its tally the end of the cycle. Fatigue, not focusing as well, etc.

My sister is flying in on Friday to spend a week with us. actually more like 10 days. I’m kinda ready. Just need to remember don’t talk about politics, religion, ??? anything controversial. She’s catholic, Im an atheist. She’s republican, I’m whatever. You get the idea…

But, it is really nice of her to make the effort. She uses rewards points so I’m guessing it doesn’t cost her anything. I won’t be on dex or drugs  so that’ll be nice. I have planned a wine tasting and we’re going to Tahoe for 2 nights at a condo. It’ll break up the week.  I live a pretty boring life so, hopefully she’s not too bored. She has lots of grandkids around here so she’s use to lots of activity.

Well, thats it for now.