Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! Dec. 1, 2023

 

Wow! It's December already!  

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

... almost missed this one. Can't believe it's December 1st already!

hugs (virtual),

Rian

a Thanksgiving 2023 update...

I thought about putting away the Easter tablecloth and the Halloween pumpkins and just doing the whole table and room Christmas for Thanksgiving... but only 'thought' of doing that. Decided it much easier each holiday to just add something new. So I added a Santa to the middle of the table and kept the bunny tablecloth and pumpkins... not sure anyone noticed or cared. 

Thanksgiving Table 2023

I do have a Pumpkin tablecloth as well as a Christmas one, but I just love the 'bunny' one... so I tend to leave it on. Anyway the family and the food take precedence, right? 

And I try to take photos at family gatherings so we can reminisce later - but get so busy either cooking or talking that I never take as many as I'd like. Luckily daughter was willing to take on this job and got some good videos as well as still shots.  She took this video of all of us gathering in front of the fireplace (actually this is the second attempt - everyone was acting silly in the first try so we had to go again.) Then she made the best part into a still photo. Here it is:

We actually didn't think to take any photos of the food... but there was a lot of it... so some was sent home with the kids.  

Friday morning after Thanksgiving is our traditional day to get our tree... and we always go to the same place where they have the best freshest Frasier Firs (they last forever and don't even drop their needles by the day after New Year - which is when we take the tree down). Our SIL used his truck and we got the tree loaded and home pretty quickly. 

Love the smell of a fresh tree in the house! DH and I tried to go artificial a few years ago, but just couldn't. We missed the tradition and smell of a real Christmas tree. It just wasn't the same. 

Naked tree...

It will take a while to get it decorated. I'm very slow and only do a few ornaments at a time. But eventually I'll post the completed tree. 

Also, while we were at the garden center where we bought the tree, we took pics there. They had some really cute places that were picture worthy. So we all took a few. Here's the one of DH and me.

We're not actually smiling, but it works...

And just for those who might be interested, the ferals did get their share of turkey too. So did Moose (daughter's Great Dane) who, by the way, was very well behaved. Here's a few pics of him:

OK, enough about Thanksgiving...  it's over.  Now on to Christmas! 

Hoping all of you had a nice Thanksgiving and are preparing for a wonderful Christmas. Lots to do.  Thanks for reading and letting me share. 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

(Also I want to say that it feels weird to post good things when around the world people are suffering... )

a pre-Thanksgiving post...2023

 

wish this was me today... but not!

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving (tomorrow) as there will be no time once all the kids get in later.

Had a bad week last week with bp spiking again... but better now. Have Cardiologist appointment for another heart monitor scheduled (ugh!) Thought my B-12 injections had settled that problem, but I guess not.

Anyway, busy this morning making bourbon sweet potatoes, and our traditional Thanksgiving dessert (which is a combination chocolate and vanilla puddings with a pecan cookie crust, cream cheese, and cool whip). DH is smoking the turkey and the ham. Kids are bringing the stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, home-made sourdough bread, cranberry bites (not sure what that is - but daughter is bringing it as well as another dessert). We should also have bourbon pecan pie, apple caramel pie,  and whatever else shows up. 

We will be 9 or 10 around the table this year (would be 12 but oldest son and his wife are in Mission, TX and won't be in this year). Daughter is also bringing their Great Dane, Moose, as she found someone to watch the horses at their place, but no one to watch Moose. He has never been here before, but is a very well behaved dog... (although the feral cats out back won't like it).

No time for further blogging. Timers going off! 

Wishing all of you a wonderful Happy Peaceful Thanksgiving!

Moose

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Update on annual Wellness Exam...

getting old meme

This will be rather short. Just had my annual Wellness Exam. Both my Primary Physician and Nurse Practitioner were booked this past week, so I took an appointment with the new Physician's Assistant. She was great, very personable and extremely thorough.

I know that as we get older, there are a ton of questions that must be asked that are required to make sure us elders are not depressed or physically or emotionally unable to take care of ourselves. But I do find some of the questions a bit strange... like: "Are you afraid of falling?" I know it's a legitimate  question and the reason for it, but my silly side just wants to say, "No, not at all. I look forward to it". Of course I don't say this. I just say "no". 

Then there's: "Do you need to hold on to something when getting up?" I had to think about that one. If it's from the ground, "yes"... or a low chair... but normally, no. I only answer "no".

There were a 'ton' of others that I don't remember now... but my silly mind finds them funny.  She also had me do a bunch of physical exercises  and  asked me to answer questions like: 

"What's the date today?" (easy one) 

"What's the latest news you heard on TV?" (had to think about that one as I don't watch the news much anymore) But I knew about Israel vs Palestine and Hamas - so apparently that counted.

Then she told me a name and address and asked me to repeat it back a little later. I did this without a problem (although this one could have been a problem since words do disappear quite quickly sometimes).

Oh, and she asked me to draw a clock with it's numbers, etc. Then make it say 11:10. (This one I really had to hold back on because I wanted to draw a digital clock and write 11:10 on it - as I'd expect my granddaughter would do. I'm not sure she can read a analog clock.) But of course I didn't. I drew the round clock I knew she wanted with the clock hands saying 11:10. (the sad thing about this is that this drawing is what my mom couldn't do when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when she was 92).

analog clock

digital clock
(just in case you didn't know the difference)

All in all, this annual exam made me realize that DH and I are at THAT AGE  where your ability to take care of yourself is under consideration/assessment. Luckily so far, we have no problems as of yet. Some things aren't as easy as they used to be... but still do-able. 

Sorry this is as long as it turned out. If you kept reading, thank you. I was able to get my B12 injection and the blood test results will be in soon... so I believe all is well and I'm good to go for another year.  

Leaving you with a pic of my bonded plants (Mary Maiden Fern and Hatch Pepper) - with their new friend Chris the Christmas cactus.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

(Also it's Veteran's Day! My heartfelt thank you for your service and for your sacrifices in keeping our country safe.)

(It's also our oldest grandson's birthday! He's 25 today and a wonderful young man. We love him dearly.) 
 

 

a few ramblings...

These are my new resolutions...  actually I never make new year's resolutions, just try to renew my focus on what's important now and again. 

Sometimes it takes a child to make us realize this.  Our granddaughter (10) was recently faced with a situation in school that ended her up in the Principal's office. What happened is that her music teacher told her to get up in front of the class and sing (by herself). She said "no"...  

She spoke up. As it turned out, the Principal was on her side and said she was going to talk to the teacher.  And I agree that it wasn't an appropriate request. But I do wonder if it had been me as a child, would I have had the guts to say no.  (I can't hold a tune, but would I have given in to authority - probably). 

 

Next is a picture of our Senior Center:

It's a really nice place, but very busy most of the time. We do go there to walk, have coffee, and check out the library... but classes and outings are almost always full.

Next I read this and had to laugh...  thought who wrote it was pretty good... especially that last line. 

And :

... and listening to my ramblings

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

just a few of my favorite things...

Surfing through my iPhone pics and deleting some this Saturday morning, I came across some old sayings and favorite pics that I thought I'd share. Some I've probably posted before, so bear with me.

I do this... to save my sanity and lessen stress

this is the good stuff... don't miss it

I have to remind myself of this... a lot

This has always worked well for me...

I just really like this idea

It does!!

Had to put this one in! So true...

Now for some favorite pics:

Feral climbing tree in backyard

Golden bunny in bed with granddaughter

And lastly

because it looks so good

 that I might have to make it this week!

Home-made African chicken peanut soup... and brownies!

Thanks for letting me share this morning. And wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

November 1, 2023 Rabbit Rabbit! White Rabbit!

 Yes, I'm late posting this... but still

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

You don't have to comment... just have a wonderful peaceful happy healthy November!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Back from road trip...

Halloween  Cookies  (bats & pumpkins)

Made these bats and pumpkins again for granddaughter and neighbors kids. Same pic from previous year... but I make the same cookies (teacakes) every Halloween. Kind of rushed this year as we just got home yesterday.

Happy Halloween!

Hi Everyone! Sorry if I missed commenting on anyone's post this past week. We just got back from a long over-due road trip to New Orleans.  Left last Sunday and got back yesterday (Monday). We had a wonderful time traveling with DH's brother and his wife. They live in the Houston area, so we drove down to their place first and spent the night. 

Then we left for Baton Rouge the next day, stopping at Mike Anderson's LSU restaurant for oyster po-boys and sweet tea! Drove on in to New Orleans after lunch and found our hotel downtown. The next morning DH and his brother took off for the War Museum... and the ladies took off to visit Magazine Street and the French Quarter. 

BTW, we 'Hubered'... for the first time ever! It was great. The Huber drivers were so friendly and helpful. The hotel valet recommended it, telling us to 'always check the license plate on the Huber' to make sure it matches the one sent to you on your phone... to stay safe.  

I think everyone had their fill of good New Orleans food! We ate at some great places (Char-broiled Oysters, Oyster Po-boys, Roast Beef Po-boys, Crawfish Etouffee, Muffalettas, Beignets, Cafe Aulait, etc.)

We spent the next day in old City Park - love City Park with all the huge Oak trees and old moss - had Cafe Aulait and Beignets there and walked the sculpture garden by the lagoons. The weather was perfect. 

Love the tree in City Park

Then we drove along the lakefront and went by where my old house/neighborhood used to be. Katrina destroyed it so it's been long gone, but they built a beautiful white porched 2 story in it's place. Pretty nice...

Then we visited the brothers' family in Baton Rouge on the way back to Texas. It's been about 8 years since the boys have seen their older brother and his family... and it was a short, but fun visit. We spend the day with them and then went out to supper that night together.

DH and his brothers & family (me on far right)

Unfortunately us girls didn't get to visit our family in N.O. - but that's because we both have so many relatives there that there just wasn't enough time. Besides, we plan to go back down this spring or summer.

That's about caught up for me. I'll try to read the blogs I missed tomorrow. Hope everyone had a really good week...  and it seems like the Fall has finally come here. Hope it stays.

So... again... Happy Halloween to all of you!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

A tale of 2 cleaners...

This is a story... not an exceptional one, but a story all the same... and one I want to tell because as I mentioned a few days ago, I've been a bit 'down' lately. 

I don't know about you people, but in the general population, I'm considered 'short' at 5'4 (could have shrunk to  5'3 by now, but I'm sticking with 5'4). My husband, kids, and even my daughter (at 5'8) tower over me. 

To be honest, I've always considered myself 'average height'... but when buying jeans, it is difficult to find them that aren't at least 4 inches too long. Recently I've taken to buying those that actually say 'short'... does it help? NO! They're still at least 3 inches too long. 

Now I don't sew... yes, I quilt, but don't actually do sewing by hand. So, when I try to fix these myself, it's sad and not something one could wear in public. So, if needed, I take them to a cleaners who usually have an alterations person available. This time the cleaners employee we went to (since we hardly ever use any cleaners since retired) was almost rude. No smile, just a flat "No, sorry alterations lady on vacation". When I asked if she possibly knew anyone else who could help me, she just shook her head and walked away.

So, we went home and I googled alterations near me. Found a place really close that wanted $30 to hem my jeans (...they only cost me $22?). That was a no go on principle alone. Next I googled other cleaners near me... and found one fairly close. They didn't answer their phone so I couldn't call them to check price, but we got in the car and headed over.  Big place, clean, looked well run... little Asian man came out and  asked to help. Told him what I needed done and asked the price. We had a little 'language' trouble, but he was so kind and cheerful, that I didn't mind. He made a phone call and checked his computer and came back with $17??? Like "Is that OK?" I smiled and said, "Fine"... and we talked a bit. He was so nice that I left there feeling better than I had in days. Told DH we're using this cleaners from now on!! 

I guess my point here is how someone's disposition  and/or smile can make or break your day... 

Have a good one! : )

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

not sure what this is...

Every once in a while this happens. I feel 'down'... can't quite explain it... maybe it comes with age? When I'm in this state, nothing interests me. All the things I could be doing, I don't want to do. Things that normally make me happy... don't. Truth be told, I can't think of anything to perk me up.

Luckily there's always the routine of the morning to keep me going. And sometimes I can come up with something different or if not different, at least 'active'. This morning I awoke this way and after a normal routine (coffee, toast, emails, etc.), decided that DH and I  should probably go to the Senior Center and at least walk... which we did. We also tried out one of the stationary bikes in the gym,  had a cup of coffee in the cafeteria,  and visited the library there.

Now this afternoon I have the dreaded dentist appointment (I really hate it - but make myself go anyway - I'm such a wimp). Trouble is I've had one of my front lower teeth 'stinging' a bit lately... off and on. Could be the beginning of a small cavity - something I hardly ever get, but best check it out.

Wish I could think of something fun to share with you today, but nothing comes to mind. Sorry. 

Oh, one really nice thing about today is that it was 64 F when we went out this morning. That was a shock! I almost needed a jacket... probably would have if I hadn't been too lazy to go back into the house to get one.

Hope your day is good! Thanks for letting me vent.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Sunday morning coming down...

Johnny Cash

Was thinking about Sunday mornings and thought of Johnny Cash's song, "Sunday mornings coming down"...

Didn't know how to download the video from google so if you're interested, it's here:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz-74SUwVV0

We've always liked Johnny Cash's voice and songs and I have to admit, I haven't thought about him or his songs in ages. And to be honest, it has nothing to do with my Sunday mornings... except that there is "something in a Sunday"... so:

Sunday morning here again... and I'm cooking. So far have a pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions in the oven and some dark chocolate peanut butter brownies in the making. Also mixed up a batch of feral catfood earlier... trying to see if making our own feral catfood would be cheaper than buying cans.

Everything is getting so expensive, it's ridiculous. Our groceries, water bill, gas bill, and electric bills have doubled lately (some more than doubled). So we are trying to cut back.

Can't stop feeding the ferals, they depend on it.  So by buying a large bag of chicken thighs and legs for about $5-$7, cooking it and adding leftover veggies (corn, peas, broccoli, etc.) and a little rice and cheese - we get enough to feed them for almost a week (not quite). It'll take a few weeks of doing this, to see if it's worth it. They are pretty spoiled, but seem to like the new arrangement (may also be telling their friends??).

Anyway, that's my news for the day. Oh, I have a picture that I took from Amazon to share. It's pretty gruesome, but apparently a real item. Wouldn't even feed this to our ferals.

Wishing you all a peaceful relaxing Sunday. I don't watch the news much anymore, but do watch Face the Nation on Sunday mornings, so do know what is going on... sad to say. 

And I have to agree with DJan's posting of these words: "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." —Desmond Tutu

We can only hope...

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Oct 1, 2023 - Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

 It's that time again! 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Have a great Sunday!

Making Chicken Tetrazzini today (with a little white wine)!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Short, but sweet...

Meaning that I'm just updating the fact that DH and I have now gotten  both our Flu shots and Covid boosters for 2023 and so far, so good. We barely felt either injection and had no reaction - not even a sore arm with the Flu shot. Just got the Covid booster Thursday morning, so waiting to see if our arms are sore or if we possibly feel bad for a day... 

Now it's Friday am (arm sore, but that's it)! And this Sunday is October 1st!  (Remember Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!)  This also means Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be here before we know it. So much to do, and such little time to do it... that's how I feel... possibly because I'm slow... and even slower getting things done these days.  

Closing this with a few pics taken of all the pumpkins at the mall:

We walk the mall once or twice a week and then stop for coffee or hot chocolate at Eataly's....  

(we're not shoppers, so seldom go into any stores). 

*BTW, that reminds me. I finally got to taste a 'cold brew' coffee. DH didn't like it, but I did! 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Nothing special...

Thought today I would just post a few memes that I particularly like:

This cat looks like our Ghost

what weekend plans should be

This I just like

 my Sunday mornings

what our house used to look like
when we had cats

And this is me lately as it seems groceries (and utilities)
have more than doubled!!

It's Sunday and another week starts tomorrow. DH and I got our flu shots Friday and hope to get our Covid boosters sometime this week. We have no other big plans for the week except to walk at either the Senior Center or the Mall at least once (hopefully twice), visit a friend in the hospital, and run a few other errands.  I picked up "Dark Matter" by Greg Iles at the Senior Center Library last week and just finished it. It's basically about scientists and AI... (a bit like Dan Brown's books). Not my favorite kind of read, but interesting ideas and possibilities. 

Ending this with a reminder to check your cars for kittens. With the weather turning cooler, they will go there for warmth...

See those little faces! 

Hugs (virtual),

Rian