Old age and sleeping/dreaming...

 

me and Gigi napping (years ago)

You'll have to excuse the 'old' pic, but I don't have any recent ones of me sleeping. This was taken years ago when Gigi and I would nap together on the sofa. Anyway, last night I was thinking about how many of my family and friends have trouble sleeping. I wonder if this is just an age-related problem or does it have to do with the stress of the times or has it always been this way?

I actually sleep fairly well myself. Go to bed around 10 pm, read for an hour or so, and then sleep until around 7 or 7:30 in the morning (with 2-3 bathroom breaks during the night of course). DH pretty much does the same (except that he doesn't read - just falls asleep pretty quickly). He gets up around 7:30 am 2 days to get the garbage out before the garbage man comes at 8 (comes at 8 'sometimes' - but if you don't get it out, he's sure to come early - so we call it his 'beat the garbage man mornings'). I usually stay in bed dozing or thinking about things until 8. Then up for coffee/tea... (or sometimes DH brings me coffee/tea in bed!)

I also have an Amazfit Band 7 watch that is connected to my phone that keeps tract of sleep. It tells me how long I slept, times I was awake, how much was deep sleep, my heart rate during sleep, and hypopnea times/hour. Then it tells me my steps during the night and gives me a score. I usually score in the 80's and 90's - a few in the 70's occasionally. 

And of course there are some nights (not many, but some - I call these my 'dark nights of the soul') when my mind is too busy to shut down and I wake up in the wee hours. Generally I make myself a cup of tea and either play with my Animal Crossing game or write lists of things to do the next day. Then return to bed and usually sleep until 8. 

Two of my friends have trouble sleeping. Both are my age or close. One has had trouble for years and years. She hardly ever slept. Don't know how she did it. But now her doctor has found something that works for her... thank goodness, she now can sleep. The other has pain problems as well as restless leg syndrome. She is up and down a lot during the night. 

Younger people I know have trouble also. One only sleeps maybe 4 hours a night and has to have a couple of beers before bedtime. Another goes to sleep quickly, but wakes up within a few hours and can't go back. Both of these people have a lot of stress in their lives, jobwise or personal. That leads me to believe that STRESS is one of the main causes of trouble sleeping - maybe for everyone. 

What do you think? Do you sleep well at night? I've always believed that good sleep was very important as that is the time our body rests and recoups, does repairs, and boosts our immune system. 

Also, do you dream? I used to dream long lucid dreams that I remembered in the morning and enjoyed. Nowadays I hardly remember what I dreamt... and when I do, they're short, confusing, often confrontational... things I would never do or say when awake. 

Just curious, but do you have trouble sleeping? And do you dream? If so, do you remember your dream?

Just sharing my thoughts here. Would love to know yours...

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

(question: is this type size too small? This is medium. But I've been using large lately and looking back, it may be too big?)

Hanging in here... and trying to stay busy

 

Not complaining... really, just putting my thoughts down. This having my left eye stitched closed is weird, scary, and uncomfortable. It doesn't hurt... aches a little on occasion, itches sometimes, but is just plain a nuisance. 

It's been a little over 2 weeks since the Mohs and the plastic surgery - and 3 weeks until the next surgery (where I believe they will take the stitches out and allow my eye to open again - I hope ). I actually have an appointment this coming Thursday to be checked over and talk about what's next.  

I know there are worse things... and I keep telling myself to be thankful to have had the basal cell carcinoma removed. And that I can still see out of my right eye during this time.  I also know that this too will pass. But in my mind, it's just taking too long...

I guess I just thought there would be a surgery and then it would be stitched up and that would be it. Apparently not.

If I'm going to get through another 3 weeks, I'm going to have to keep busy to keep my mind off of this situation. Can't sketch - my perception is too messed up. But I can read (thank goodness for kindle on my phone where I can enlarge the print), can binge watch Netflix,  and I can bake! 

Today I baked Halloween cookies... a little early I know, but I don't have any "Fall" cookie cutters (maybe I should look for 'leaves'?) Besides, my cousin in N.O. has a birthday coming up and I'm not exactly able to do much shopping, so I may send her cookies.  I could order through Amazon for her (and may still do that), but thought the cookies would be a good back-up plan.

Not a lot else going on around here... daughter sends me pics of Ryder, oldest granddaughter 's Bernese Mountain dog. He is still a puppy (about a year old) and is a sweetie. First pic is of him at home, the second he is on a play-date with his yellow lab friend. They're hanging out by the pool... (a bit spoiled, yes?)

I have been reading a lot lately (actually I always read a lot...). Last book was "Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure" by Rhys Bowen. Enjoyed it, but different from her other spy books. 

Watched "Queen Charlotte" on Netflix. I'm sure that it's not historically accurate... but was definitely interesting. 

Believe it or not, it was in the 60's here Friday morning. Today it's in the 70's! Love it! We are able to get out and walk around the neighborhood a bit. I do miss getting outside... but not when it's in the 90's and triple digits.

That's it... not an exciting read, but it is what it is. If you're still with me, thank you.

This next pic has nothing to do with anything... just made me laugh when I saw it. If you're a cat person, you might appreciate it.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! September 1, 2025

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! (there is one white one in there!)

(Remember when clicking a video that if you click the small square on the bottom right, it will enlarge it. And then Esc to get back.

This is a video my daughter sent me of the rabbits that she had captured running loose on her property a year ago.  She had caught and put the females all in the barn to keep them from reproducing (too many to spay). However, not too long ago, they tunneled out. So this picture shows them drinking water she puts out by the barn.

Story is that one of her neighbors used to raise rabbits and decided to stop - and just let them all run loose.  This is in the Hill Country. They eventually migrated to my daughters acreage. They are not wild rabbits so animal control is no help. She does find homes for some of the babies, but otherwise now just lets them go their own way, but puts out water (and possibly food) for them.

I tell her that she now owns a Bunny Ranch... along with her horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and turtles. There are 3 ponds on the acreage and it's fenced, but animals (as well as several stray dogs) seem to find their way there. She will try to find homes for them, but if not, they are generally allowed to stay.

I know this is a different Rabbit! Rabbit! post, but wanted to share the video.

Wishing you all a lovely Labor Day!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Crows and feral cats abound... also update on surgery

The top pic is a close-up of our crows eating Cheetos... they really like Cheetos! The second is them finding their peanuts on front lawn. It was 2 for the longest, then 3, 4, and now 6-8 come by every morning and sometimes in the evening. We also put out apple slices and berries on occasion.

Funny thing is that our mailman also likes feral cats and crows. He came by and rang the doorbell for a package he was delivering last week and we got to talking. 

He was wondering why we no longer had water and dishes up front for the feral cats. Told him that an Animal Control guy had come around telling people in the neighborhood to not feed the ferals. So we put their water and dishes in the back yard where it is more private. Also have a "Wild-life Sanctuary" sign on the fence to our backyard.

He said that he also feeds the feral cats and crows - and once a lady stopped by his mail vehicle while he was doing this and thinks that perhaps she reported him - and that's why the man came around to the houses. I told him "doesn't matter... if something comes to my house hungry, I'm going to feed it." 

We also put out diatomaceous earth to help them avoid fleas and recently put up 'coyote rollers' on our fence to keep the coyotes out -to provide more sanctuary. Some people complain that feral animals get in their garbage, or cause them other problems. We've been here 40 years and have yet to have any complaints. Our kids and grandkids have watched generations of these critters (feral cats, raccoons, possums, box turtles, etc.) grow up. It's been a fascinating experience.

NOW for my eye surgery update:

Mohs surgery was last Thursday. The surgery was fast, waited about an hour for results, then told they got it on first shave/slice (?). Bandaged it up and went home. Didn't hurt... past the first few numbing jabs... but after - not at all. 

Friday morning I had to be at the surgery center for 7:45 am for eye plastic surgery. That's really early for me, but we did it. THAT was a lot more complicated than we'd thought. The place is similar to the surgery centers they use for colonoscopies.... lots of beds, lots of paperwork, lots of nurses... tons of questions and they hook you up to bp, oxygen, EKG's, etc. before putting in an IV catheter. Nurses were great. Had to wear a gown (which surprised me since I didn't wear one for the Mohs - just working on eye only). 

When I came out we were told that surgery went fine... although they called the doctor out of his next surgery to check my eye as it was bleeding more than they liked. He came out and checked... said it was fine... and expected. 

Anyway, I didn't see myself until we got in the mirrored elevator to go home. They don't bandage it... just leave a sewn in gauze bandage on the lower part. Eye is sewn shut.  Talk about ugly! Wow! My eye is purple, red, swollen, and sewed. DH said I looked like I was in a bar fight (still do... although the swelling has gone down and it's less purple now). I'd post a pic, but it's really too gross.

Here is a pic of me with the eye night guard that I wear only at night to protect it. Hides the ugly - and I'd wear it during the day but I have to ice my eye for 10 minutes every 30 minutes for 3 days... so not convenient to wear it.

Anyway, that's the update (probably TMI). I see the doctor for post-surgery appointment next Friday. He may want to take sutures out... but really hate that thought, don't want anyone touching it at this point. (It doesn't hurt... well, aches a bit, but not much... but the whole upper side of my face is sore - can't imagine taking those stitches out won't be painful). And yes, I'm a wus... 

Well, that's probably more than I intended to share. Sorry. Sometimes it helps to write it out.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

Saturday August 9th... new A/C being installed today

I've not a lot to say today (not that usually stops me from posting), but we've been here in Texas without our downstairs A/C since Monday. Normally this would be life-threatening since it's been in the high 90's here most of the week. 

But... our upstairs one still works (old too - but still kicking) which helps cool the area right below the stairs (dining room and entry) and we have ceiling fans almost everywhere (as well as a few standing one that have been brought into use). So luckily it hasn't gotten over 87 F in the house... which is not great, but do-able.

And truth be told, I'm writing this because Blogger is giving me that new little pencil on the right side that is suppose to do 'something'... like perhaps bring more in to read blogs if certain things are mentioned like food or ?  Since I quit putting labels out a long time ago, I've been happy with my small group of readers. 

We were suppose to have DH's brother and his wife here this week. They come up every summer to visit, go to Ham's Peach Orchard, and a few other favorite places. But we had to cancel due to the A/C problem. No one wants to visit in Texas with no A/C available. 

Update on Sister-in-law: Doing better, out of ICU, but still in hospital. 

Paris Baguette 

I know that I sent pics of the Paris Baguette when we were in Houston, but now there is one that just opened not far from us. It had been open for just 3 days when we visited this past week. DH got his favorite cream donut and I got a grilled cheese on sourdough and my new favorite drink - a cold brew vanilla cream (so-oo good).

Since I've nothing more to say here, thought I'd send a pic of my new work station (too hot in office with A/C out). Besides, I love to see the insides of people's homes... helps to give me a better idea of who they are. Do you find that true?

As you can see, I haven't taken off the bunny tablecloth or figures (I really like my bunnies... but did put away the other Easter decor). 

And my granddaughter taught me a new game on Roblox. It's called "99 days in the woods" and basically it's a survival game (which normally I don't like), but it's interesting to play with her. She is great at shooting wolves and monsters that attack (I suck!). So I can survive if we play together as I can chop down trees and keep the fire going and she does the hunting and protecting. She and I lasted 54 days the first time we played. Alone I never get past 4...  

Ok, better shut this down before you all lose interest. But just a quick update on my eye: It's finally back to normal (or almost - still itches, but I can read again!)

Surgery is scheduled for August 21 and reconstruction (plastic surgery) the 22nd. Don't know how I will blog after that. There is a possibility they may have to sew my left eye shut for a month... (really really hope that doesn't happen!) Hoping the surgery won't have to entail too much of my lower lid... so reconstruction will just be a matter of sewing the area back together. Please pray that it happens that way... (thanks 🙏).

Have a good weekend! And thanks for reading this far... wasn't sure what I was going to write about... but my monkey mind took off!

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! August 1, 2025

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

It's August 1st!  Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! 

I chose this pic as we really could use some luck this August... It has been and is continuing to be a summer to not remember.  My daughter in law is back in the hospital and so far the doctors are stumped as to what is going on. She has had 3 surgeries so far. And my biopsied eye is finally healing... only to have surgery in 2 weeks and have to heal all over again (yuk!).

Still wishing all of you a safe heathy happy August!

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Updating since Eye bump biopsy...

Eye bump biopsy

Beautiful pic, yes?  Well, it's now 8 days since the biopsy on my lower eyelid bump... and believe me, it has not been fun. 

Whole eye has been red/pink, sore, leaking, and burning (felt like large pieces of sand in it) and below eye sore to the touch (due to injections of numbing agent). 

Saw the eye surgeon again 4 days after to make sure it wasn't infected. He looked at it and said it wasn't, but told to continue ointment and could add Systane drops to help. 

Also told he could insert a contact that might help, but since I didn't want anything else put in my eye to irritate it, declined that.

Have been taking Tylenol daily to help ease it.

But he also told us that the biopsy was positive for basal cell carcinoma and must be removed by the Mohs method, then the lower eyelid reconstructed. The surgery is generally done without sedation, but the reconstruction is under sedation. 

I have concerns about that. Will be talking to the Mohs surgeon soon to discuss this. 

While the eye surgeon was telling us all this, I just sat there silently looking at him. DH was sitting on the bench beside me. I said nothing, but my thoughts were screaming, 'you frekking have to be kidding me!'.... and DH said later, he was thinking, 'Man... just stop talking!'

My eye is still very pink throughout, but the scab where he cauterized it has fallen off... and although eye still leaking, it is better enough to type, read, etc.

That's pretty much the update. Not looking forward to the surgery/reconstruction. Seems like the recovery period could be long. I hate not being able to read or write. But it is what it is. 

 

Now going to post a few pics here of other things:

DH's 80th Birthday cake

Ryder (oldest granddaughter's Bernese Mountain pup

Youngest granddaughter in Hawaii with her family

Leatherback sea turtle on beach in Hawaii

Beach on the Big Island

I really do love Hawaii beaches... 

...and lastly a view my daughter took from her front porch in the Hill Country:

This pic was taken from daughter's front porch in the evening while granddaughter headed out...

I love it! Could see framing it or making a puzzle from it... very quiet and relaxing scene.

Anyway, that's it for me. Can't tell you when I may be posting again, but will when circumstances permit.  Love sharing with you. Thanks so much for reading. 

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Past week recap: birthdays, travel, food, and the unexpected

Eating breakfast at Kelley's country cookin'

This past week DH and I celebrated our 80th birthdays. We are only 9 days apart in age. Of course I'm the older one (which should give me some clout, right?)

Well, we had planned for some time to visit DH's brother and his wife, who live in the Houston area, in July, so we told the kids we didn't want any big todo for this milestone... the trip was our celebration.

DH's brother and wife are connoisseurs of good food and watch shows that show local restaurants and chefs that one might want to try. So needless to say, we eat out a lot when visiting them and vice versa. It's fun... and we enjoy it with them... probably because it's not something we tend to do on our own.  

Here are a few pictures of one of our breakfasts:

my breakfast egg sandwich

veggie omelette

eggs benedict

It was all very good. They had previously brought home a chocolate cream pie from this restaurant and we nibbled on that for several days. I'm a lover of good chocolate pie and this one was very good.

Kelley's chocolate cream pie

We also went to several other restaurants that were all excellent, but the one I wanted to special mention here is called Paris Baguette. Some of you may be familiar with it. We weren't... and were blown away when we walked in.

There are rows and rows of pastries , sweet and savory, breakfast sandwiches, cakes, pies, etc. You pick up a tray and  tongs and go down the rows picking up whatever you want, then to the cashier to pay for it before sitting down to eat or taking it home. They heat up the pastry or whatever as needed for you. It's awesome. 

Here are some pics:

We each picked out 2 things to try and sat down and shared. All were good. But of course we had our favorites and have already picked out what we would need to try next time.

I wanted to take pics at all the restaurants, especially the Seafood one and the Mexican one... but I'm lucky I even remembered to take these.

And I mentioned 'the unexpected' in the title here... unfortunately we got a phone call from our oldest son the same day we left for Houston. He had to take his wife to the ER that night and the they were waiting to transfer her to a Houston hospital for surgery. 

Since we were already in Houston, we planned to stay a few extra days to be with them. As it turned out, they ended up transferring her to a hospital in San Antonio. The ambulance broke down twice on the way and finally they had to wait for another ambulance to continue. Then... they brought her to the wrong hospital first, then finally to the right one. My son's comments were: "you can't make this s... up".

Anyway, she is in surgery now. As far as what kind of surgery, I'm not sure... only that it was 'complicated' (something to do with bile ducts and stents?) and couldn't be done at the original hospital where they live. Waiting now to hear from son on how the surgery went.

That's it for the recap. Hope your week was good. Thanks so much for reading. 

Also: My biopsy for this bump on my lower lid will be biopsied Thursday by an eye surgeon. The thought of it scares me... (I shouldn't be such a wus - but IT'S MY EYE). If it's benign, the eye surgeon will cut it out and sew it up in his office. If it's not benign, he will have to send me elsewhere.  

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Happy 4th of July 2025 !

Happy 4th of July!

If you click here, it should play 

"It's a grand old flag!"

I love this song from Yankee Doodle Dandy

with George Cohan

Lyrics here:

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Wishing you all a happy safe 4th of July!

Hugs, (virtually),

Rian

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit! July 1, 2025

 

Rabbit! Rabbit! White Rabbit!

Good Morning! July1st 2025 is here already!

DH and I both hit the big 8-0 this month... 

(a little scary, but glad to be here)

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

Stories worth sharing...

Teddy, new adoptee

Had to tell you this story: 

My cousin in New Orleans recently lost her 16 year old kitty.  For a while she grieved over this loss. She lives alone and Kuchi was her companion for years. Well, when she decided to adopt another, she started thinking about an older cat... felt she was too old herself to take on a kitten. So she started checking out rescue centers. 

She had a few options available and sent me pictures and explained their ages and circumstances. I found one that seemed perfect... intelligent face and not too old. I believe he is 12. But the choice was hers and after getting it down to 2, decided on Teddy (which was my choice also). 

Anyway, he has been with her for about 2 weeks now (apparently fostering until a decision was made). But she just told me yesterday that she will be adopting him and getting all the paperwork, medical background, etc. this Saturday. So happy that it worked out. She says he is a wonderful sweet cat and loves having him there. Teddy deserves a loving home for the last years of his life... and her spoiling him with a new cat bed, cat tree, and his favorite food... as well as a loving lap to sleep on whenever she's around is great for both of them.

On another note:  

I can't remember if I mentioned this at an earlier time, but I don't think so. In some ways, it's a funny story... but also a bit sad (depends on how you look at it).

Our daughter lives on 8 acres in the hill country. Neighbors around her have acreage also. Many have animals, mostly horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. Well, a few years ago, one of her neighbors released all their rabbits... into the wild. Naturally they multiplied and many were visiting daughter's property (black, white, black&white, grey, and golden bunnies).

Loving animals and afraid for their welfare with predators, she began to catch them and keep them in her barn. But after several batches of baby bunnies (some of which she was able to find homes for), she decided to keep only the females penned in. I believe she had maybe 6 females... for about a year, maybe longer. No babies. But recently and I'm sure they were working on their tunnel for a long time, but recently the females tunneled out. 

Now that they have all been loose  again for several months... she just found baby bunnies in the hay in her tack room! 

 

... and so the battle continues.

Just thought I'd share those 2 stories with you - one with a happy ending and the other - a conundrum.

Don't you love that word "conundrum"? I recently found this list of really great words:

Aren't these great words? (Think my daughter may be discombobulated with these shananigans)

Hugs (virtual), 

Rian

Something about a Sunday...

I like Sundays... and I'm not quite sure why. Growing up it meant going to church and coming home to fried chicken and the aroma of dad's pipe or cigars in the house. It was a cozy loved feeling. 

DH and I continued the church attendance until our 3rd child. It got to be a hassle with 3 kids under 5 - and I'm not saying it was the only reason we stopped going... but it was one. As time went on, I began to feel that it wasn't necessary to attend church every Sunday. And for a while mama and I (when she lived with us here) would go in the mornings in the middle of the week. It seemed... more meaningful since we weren't going for the social aspect, but just because we wanted to. Later, that stopped too. But I no longer find that it matters spiritually. I've always believed that 'One on one' works best when it comes to matters of God.

Don't ask me where THAT came from. My monkey minds sometimes just goes off on a tangent. 

But perhaps the news about the U.S. bombing Iran has stirred up some weird stuff. I don't have any inklings as to whether this was right or wrong. To me anything that sparks war is wrong, but what do I know? All I do know is that it makes me feel afraid. What will be the aftermath of such an act? Do we still have Allies? Life has gotten a little unpredictable since January 20, 2025. 

Sometimes I feel so-oo full... like there's so much I want to say, but not sure 'how or if' I should say it. I think that inside each of us are so many thoughts and ideas and feelings that aren't easy to express. I guess this Blog gives us a chance to do this. I write things on here that I'd never put on Facebook. In fact, I deleted Facebook from my phone this morning as I really didn't want to read all the stuff that will be forth-coming since the bombing. However, I will miss seeing family pics posted from Louisiana...

I hate what places like Canada, the UK, Australia, and others must be thinking about us. I hope they realize that many many of us (hopefully more than the Trumper half) are not in agreement with what is going on here since the last election. We want to take America back! We want to make America "kind" again!  And we're trying... but perhaps we need help. How? I don't know. But we need our friends (Canada, the UK, Australia, etc.) to stand by those of us who want our country back.

I'm going to stop now. It's Sunday and I need to think about Sunday dinner... maybe Chicken Spaghetti ... and a salad. That sounds good. 

Here's a picture of me at 7 or 8 (when life was simpler) with our dog, Pal. 

and me in a high school show... (still simple)

That's me in the middle back... and my life-long friend since grammar school on my right

and now a few memes:

and how I feel sometimes in the morning...

Oh, and if you saw my last post with a pic of Shadow (one of our ferals). Here's a better pic of him:

Have a wonderful Sunday... and forgive me for sharing my rambling mind with you. Sometimes it just helps to write it all down and get it out of my head. 

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

a hodgepodge: random assortment of unrelated things

my home-grown red pepper

 My beautiful home-grown red pepper (on my cluttered kitchen shelf). I had to show you as most of our peppers will get ugly before they change from green to red (so we generally pick them while still green). So proud of that little baby. We do like to roast peppers and use them in a lot of dishes (or eat them just roasted!)

While on the subject of food, here is a picture I took when gathering my ingredients for a roast a few days ago. Not sure why I took the pic, but sometimes things just look picture worthy.

I also use bay leaves, parsley, and s & p as well as the onions and garlic in my roasts. Later I make the gravy separate and add to the existing juices (after I remove my portion since gravy is not gluten free).

Updates:

My Cardiologist appointment went well. Apparently my heart is in good shape for my age and I don't have to have another Echo or visit for a year. (Yay!)

Oncologist appointment is next week. Wish he would say the same, but doubt it since he is watching those 'things' in my lungs. This time no catscan though, just a chest x-ray (Yay! to that too).

No news from the Pulmonologist  -  he may still be waiting for the results of tests... and the home sleep test (which hasn't occurred yet) 

And now a pic of one of our feral cats that has been around since his birth. We call him Shadow... and he disappears for weeks on end, then returns and stays around for weeks. He's a kind soul and has no problems with the kittens, letting them eat from his plate, etc. The little black kitten has taken to him..

Shadow comes by the back door and sits and waits for us to feed him (and the kitten). We've often left the back door open, but he doesn't try to come inside. He's a very careful cat, stays off to himself, and although he isn't afraid of us, doesn't get too close either.

OK, going to close this with a few words regarding the "No Kings" protests. I think they went really well. I'm so proud that so many people showed up. I didn't go, but wasn't aware of any close by, but hopefully will next time. The next few memes are indicative of how I've been feeling lately. 

It's only Friday, but I do hope everyone has a peaceful safe healthy weekend!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian