a simple Sunday post... on Monday

Looking up a recipe for cheese enchiladas. Going to do this instead of my usual sour cream chicken enchiladas this week. And plan to have BELT's (bacon, egg, lettuce, & tomato sandwiches on toasted sour dough bread) tonight for supper. Must be feeling better since I really haven't wanted to cook much this past week.

a BELT...
(but without the avocado - which is good too)

Also started cleaning out drawers... my summer de-clutter project that never took place. Well, I cleaned out my desk drawer this morning. So much 'junk'... but also lots of little things I'm not sure what to do with.  Well, at least it's a smaller horde to keep. 

My daughter suggested she come up one weekend and help me clean out the computer room (which used to be her bedroom). I should probably take her up on it. She's good about throwing things out... I'm not. 

I have a good friend in New Orleans that lost her husband a few years ago and basically has little to no family left. We text a lot. She also lost her condo in a hurricane a few years ago... and has had to find a new place to live. She was telling me all the things that need fixing or replacing in her new place. I told her that there's always going to be something... it's the same here, but at least I still have DH to share the load. It's always a matter of priorities... some things get fixed or replaced, some have to wait. But these things are not life or death... just temporary inconveniences. 

I sometimes struggle with finding something to accomplish on a day to day basis. DH and I will walk the mall or walk at the Senior Center maybe twice a week, but other than that, don't do much socializing. We do have family over and occasionally eat out with friends, but seems like we should be doing more. Problem is, I'm not sure we have the energy to do more. Just doing these things as well as keeping the house and grounds in order (we still do all this on our own... haven't taken to getting help yet).

I do now have 4 inside plants that I'm taking care of... my original button fern, my Thanksgiving cactus, a Fiddle Leaf fig, and a Mandrake (from Harry Potter! - actually it 'looks' like a Mandrake but is a Ginseng Bonsai). My Hatch Pepper plant got too big to keep inside. He now resides on the front porch with the Night Blooming cereus.

Mandrake from Harry Potter

my Mandrake

Anyway, that's it for what's going on around here.  I'm reading 3 books, working on the next chapters of my own book, and just trying to keep up with it all... although there really isn't that much to keep up with.

We have more company coming in a few weeks, so life will get busy again soon enough. We just need to stay well... BTW, we're all back to feeling OK (from our Covid issues)... still a bit of coughing hanging in there and my taste hasn't returned yet, but otherwise, OK.

Will close with this:

fresh peach custard pie

fresh peach torte

Both of these were made with fresh peaches bought at Hamm'sPeach Orchard. 

This post is a little 'all over the place'... but that's about how things are at the moment. Thanks for reading and do try to enjoy what's left of the summer. 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

What's next?...

I know I shouldn't be posting again so soon, but life is getting a bit scary... and writing down my thoughts seem to help me put things in some sort of order. 

Our house-hold is trying to cope through this new mutation of the Covid virus. It take everything I have to just do everyday stuff and help DH and Grandson to get through also.

So, when oldest son sends me a text yesterday saying, "Are you watching the news?" I have to tell him. "I don't watch the news these days. Why?"  And then he says, "Someone took a shot at Trump!" My only reply was "OMG!!" And my first thought was... this can only make things WORSE... it will increase the HATE. Why wouldn't anyone see that?? 

With all the political tension, I'm not surprised it hasn't happened sooner... for either candidate. But this is America, we shouldn't have people that live here think this is a viable answer. It only incites more violence. Why don't people see this??

Or perhaps the people inciting these troubles are working for exactly that?  I'm not a person who believes in conspiracy theories. But I'm beginning to have a gut feeling that something 'internal' is going on... trying to bring America to its knees. 

And what can be done? I have no idea. Get both parties to forego the 'issues' and work towards democratic unity? How does that happen? 

I'm at a loss. But certainly better minds than I from both parties could come up with something that unifies and not divides us further.

OK, I had to get that out. Hope I didn't sound too stupid or naive... but those are the things running through my covid mind right now.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Crazy Birthday gift : Covid!

Well, I really had a nice 79th Birthday Weekend. The kids came over and  I made Chicken Tetrazinni  and salad Friday evening  and we had individual little bundt cakes (several flavors) for dessert with ice-cream and coffee later. Saturday we visited Hamm's Peach Orchard for home-made peach ice-cream and took home fresh peaches... and a bag of local whole pecans (best ever!) as well as their delicious peach-pulled pork sandwiches. 

The kids took us out for dinner at my favorite restaurant Saturday night and all left by Sunday morning.

Monday morning I awoke with an extremely sore throat... something I never have. Since my cousin and her grandson were flying in on Tuesday for a 4 day visit, DH gave me a covid test... which was positive?? Not trusting that test, I went to the doctor's and had them take a test... STILL POSITIVE! 

Sent a text immediately to my cousin in N.O. to let her know so she could cancel her trip. But her response was "No, we'd still like to come... if it's OK with you"... (she had had to cancel earlier in November and didn't want to cancel again). Her grandson is 12 and was looking forward to his first flight experience. Of course it was OK with me. I wanted to see her (it's been several years and although we text, it's not the same as sitting down and talking. We grew up together and since my siblings have both passed, she is the closest thing to a sister that I have.)

Anyway, they came, and although I wasn't up to doing a lot, we did get to talk and do a few things. I Lysol sprayed and wiped things down and wore a mask, but still had to excuse myself and retreat to my room when the fatigue hit hard. But DH filled in cooking and talking with her and my granddaughter came to play games with her grandson... (even though they were both a bit shy about that).

Having Hot Chocolate at Eataly's 

They left yesterday evening. I can only pray that they don't get sick.

But this Covid virus is a 'mean' one. The coughing is relentless. Your nose, throat and chest burn... and the headache runs from the back of your head down your spine (although I have spinal arthritis - so possibly this isn't part of Covid - but even my eyeballs ache??)

Yesterday was Day 4 and my taste went. That is so strange. I can tell something is sweet... but can't make out a flavor. They did give me Paxlovid, but not taking it. I have too many problems with medications for me to chance it. Have it under control with Tylenol, saline nasal spray, cough drops, and gargling (have never run a fever).

Grandson who lives with us is now testing positive. Hope and pray that DH stays negative.

Today is Day 6. Somewhat better... cough still active, headache and sore throat gone. Woke up drenched in sweat, but feel a bit better. 

Not exactly a fun post, but just thought I'd update my few bloggers who might want to know.

So please take care. Obviously this virus is still hanging around. Can't believe I avoided it for 4 years and got it now. And although it may not be as dangerous as it once was, you do not want this!

Thanks for reading. Hope my next post will be more uplifting! 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Saturday 10 am update:  DH just tested COVID POSITIVE...

July 1, 2024 Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

It's July already!! Can you believe?

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Friday hugs... to everyone!

 

I actually have nothing to write about, but felt the need to send out virtual hugs to all.  And I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's a strange feeling after listening to the debate last night... a debate that IMO didn't help either party. One just spat out lies and the other didn't look or sound too well. But that's all I'm going to say about that.

It's the end of June already, July will be here on Monday... and it's hot! Not triple digits yet, but close. Excessive heat warnings issued.

On top of that - DH and I will both hit 79 in July. How does that make you feel, you say? Not sure... a bit apprehensive maybe that the big 8-0 is next (if we're lucky). But all in all, our kids are supposed to come for a visit sometime in July - as well as my cousin and her grandson from New Orleans, so we are both looking forward to that.

On another mundane subject, I made a new recipe the other night... oven fried chicken. It turned out well. I think the guys liked it. We don't deep fry anything here... but this chicken came out crispy and it's done by pan frying and then put into the oven. It may be a keeper.

I don't know about others, but sometimes I get so tired of making the same dishes (after almost 57 years), that I have to try something different. But I'm not going to do anything too complicated, so when it's fairly simple, but turns out well, I'm pleased. 

The feral cats (and kittens) are doing fine. We've had 2 little tiny possums visiting lately. One climbs up into the cat tree and naps on occasion. He is really cute... DH says he thinks he's a cat.

A neighbor couple stopped DH this morning when he was out cutting the grass and asked him about our sign on the fence which says "Wildlife Sanctuary". They asked if we get other animals besides feral cats. Of course, he said yes we do, possums, raccoons, box turtles, etc.  This couple live over by the stables and said they did too... but not as many as you would think.

Will leave you with a few funny cat memes:

Have a wonderful last weekend in June 

and please 

Stay out of the heat!

Hugs (virtual), 

Rian

 

Sunday thoughts...

Recently a friend sent me some Scottish heather honey and some Scottish seasoning mix from the Scottish Gourmet. It was an early birthday gift since my 79th birthday is coming up in July. I've never used a seasoning mix that has flowers in it - although I'm aware that some flowers are edible. This has marigold petals, rose petals, and heather flowers in it. I plan to try it, but was wondering if anyone else has used something like this... and if so, what did you think?

Oh, and I should mention to anyone out that is Gluten Free, that I tried a new brand, Cappello's frozen GF biscuits and Brown Sugar cookies. Both were very good. Expensive ($8/bag), but good!

And I tried the lavender flavored Lafamiere French yogurt... it's really good. And comes in those cute little ceramic jars. The lavender flavor is very subtle, not strong, and the yogurt itself is delicious. I will buy more.

Also youngest granddaughter is spending the weekend with my daughter in the Hill country and has found one of her favorite bugs (she's a bug lover - future entomologist?). It's a walking stick bug.

She called me to let me know of this exciting find and sent me a picture. She named him 'Brancher'... and he's a very welcome addition to her collection of snails and doodlebugs.

Nothing else of interest to talk about except that I made The Durney House Meatloaf recipe this week. Haven't made meatloaf in a very long time. The guys liked it. Plan to serve it again today with some home-made scalloped potatoes. The Durney House is (or used to be) a house converted into a restaurant and one-room B&B in (or near) McKinney, TX. We haven't been there in years, so I'm not sure it's still in operation. But they were known for their meatloaf... and it is a good recipe.

And since I just listened to Face the Nation this morning... all I'm going to say about the upcoming elections is Please Vote! Whatever or whoever we end up with will be the country's choice and we will deserve what we get (one way or the other). Heaven help us, but IMO, that's the way it is... and we will have to deal with it. If we fight it, it'll only make things worse. We must accept what happens or there will be chaos... and I don't think (but hope) that no one wants that (although I suspect that some do).

Virtual hugs and loving thoughts to all of you out there. It's nice to have someone(s) to share my thoughts with occasionally.

The strange books I'm reading (Child of another kind, etc.) divide people into 2 categories; empaths and narcissists. Empaths concerned with helping other people and narcissists with helping themselves. I don't personally think it's that simple, but it's an interesting concept.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

just a few little things...

Nothing terribly exciting going on, so I thought I'd just do another mishmash (hodgepodge? ragbag?) of a few little things.

We do 'teatime' every day between 3 and 4pm, so I took pics of my tea cups the last 2 days (lame, I know... but I like teacups).

 Sculptured Grape by Metlox-Poppy Trail

Wedgewood

Both days I was having GF Schar shortbread cookies with my tea. They aren't wonderful, but are ok. I really like shortbread cookies and real Scottish Walkers GF shortbread cookies are great, but a bit expensive.

These are DH and my coffee cups. I'm not supposed to have coffee due to a bladder/kidney problem, but I let myself have a 'little bit' anyway... and use espresso size cups. 

And this is a new yogurt brand that I'm trying. Haven't actually tasted it yet. But it comes in these adorable little ceramic pots, which I plan to use for something (maybe plants?). And one of the flavors here is lavender. I'm looking forward to trying that.

The only other new addition to our house is my Fiddle Leaf fig plant:

We hope it will do well in this area by the 2 windows.  We shall see. It is part of my new plan to add more plants in the house. We never could when we had inside cats as they would chew on them... and some could be toxic.  Also if you notice the slate floor, that was also due to the cats. Decided a long time ago that slate was better than carpet when you have cats. But don't get me wrong, we still love our slate floors. 

And one meme or saying I saw somewhere and thought...

"Yes, that's how I feel"... even though taking the high road doesn't always win (at first). Hopefully, it will in the end.

and I like this meme too:

Ha!



That's it for today! Hope you are all having a wonderful week! 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian