at our house...

This week was our oldest grandson's birthday.  So here is a pic of him with his Cookie Cake (and pandemic beard).

And here is a picture of him with Winston, the family's Golden Doodle! His family is moving to Texarkana and his dad and Winston stopped by to say Happy Birthday on their way out...

Next is a pic of ol' One Eye... the feral I was talking about on my last post. I have been seducing him with treats and chicken and he will come within a few feet of me. But yesterday I shared my 'salmon'... and he came almost to my hand. So I may have found his weakness. This isn't a good pic as it was taken from afar and enlarged, but you can see his bad eye.

I would like for him to let us pet him and although most of the ferals keep their distance, One Eye seems like he might like to come closer. He looks in the front door... which makes me wonder if he was possibly an inside cat at one time. 

This next pic is just one DH took of a large grasshopper on the house. We don't see grasshoppers much, so it was interesting... and good to know since we try to keep things 'green' (no chemicals). So when we see lizards, toads, and other critters on the property, it makes us feel good.

Now I will close this with a quick update... and a pic:

As of this past Monday and my visit to the Cardiologist, I'm wearing a heart monitor for the next 30 days. He's trying to determine if my 'episodes' at night are caused by AFib or if possibly they are stress related. (I don't feel especially stressed, but maybe my body thinks differently?)  

And I simply had to share this pic of my grandnephew, his wife, and baby. It is so-oo cute. I can't believe they got the baby to smile for the pic!

That's my ramblings for today. Hope you are all having a good weekend. The weather is beautiful here today in North Texas. It was pretty chilly this morning, but perfect this afternoon (62 F). 

I'm feeling strangely optimistic today... not sure why, but despite all the weird things going on in the world right now (health-wise, politically, and even personally) I find that something is telling me that things are happening just as they are supposed to... and if we stay true to what we believe is right, all will be well (or as they said in the movie, "all will be well in the end... and if it's not, then it isn't the end").  

Take care my friends!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

 

end of the year fun...

Trying to get all those doctor visits in before the end of the year when deductibles start over. Well, it can't be done... especially during this pandemic when everything is spaced out so far apart. 

Anyway, I got my Medicare Wellness check done, bloodwork, EKG, etc. All was fine... no diabetes, no high cholesterol (although I'm getting a little close - but my good cholesterol is OK and my BMI is good). 

My doctor isn't worried, but says she will see what the Cardiologist thinks since I have an appointment with him on Monday. He will see if this occasional spiking of my bp during the night is something I need to do something about. My doctor gave me Rx Propranolol 10mg to take as needed if it happens again. So far I haven't needed it. Also she wants him to see the way my EKG always shows an infarction, although I've never had a problem... 

And I have my chest x-ray being done this week (she added an x-ray of my foot also since I still can't put my shoe on). 

**********************

And I guess now that Halloween is over, 

Thanksgiving and Christmas 

will be here

 before we know it.

We did go out to Barnes and Noble and got some Christmas cards... (and I actually started writing them).  Figured we may not be getting together with people during those holidays, but I will get Christmas cards out... maybe even add a 'holiday newsletter' (which we haven't done in years). 

Oh, and DH and I ate lunch at LaMadeleine's this week! This sounds like such a small thing, but we haven't eaten in a restaurant in almost 2 years. And we had planned to eat outside on their patio... but there were very few people inside...  we ended up staying inside in a corner by ourselves... (small steps but still).

It's gotten chilly here... was in the 40's this morning. DH put the heat lamps out for the ferals and I put some little blankets in their baskets. One Eye always sleeps either in the basket out front or on the cat tree in the back. He is an old black cat that lost his eye in a fight a few years ago. He stays around pretty much. And Olivia (a young female black and white) finally brought her 3 babies by to eat... they are at least 6-8 weeks old and take off the minute they see us watching. But they look healthy and strong. She is a small cat, but a very good mother... and that saying "small but fierce" applies to her. If any one of them bother her when she or her babies are eating, she will slap them away.

It is now Saturday afternoon. DH and I just took a walk around the neighborhood. The weather is beautiful... probably in the 60's. Having spent the morning cooking steamed cabbage with caramelized onions and bacon and scalloped potatoes to go with our baked chicken tonight, the house smells wonderful.

Also I finally got to Skype with my 77 year old friend in New Orleans who had the roof blow off her condo during Hurricane Ida. She has been 'homeless' more or less since that happened. Her niece did take her in in, but with 90 year old parents, a bipolar son, and an autistic grandchild, the situation was not ideal. 

But it was a life-saver all the same. Now she is being told that they don't know when or if her condo will be habitable again. They are charging an enormous amount to store her belongings... and no help so far (just paperwork) from FEMA. But she finally found an apartment and is on her own again. So she is happy with the privacy. However, still worried about all the costs. It really was good talking to her. She is under a lot of stress, but can still laugh and make me laugh. I just sent her a small package (nothing much... just some honey from a friend's bees, some Dr. Bonner's soap - she loves Dr. Bonner's, and a few Halloween tea cakes). 

and now for a few funnies...

This last one really made me laugh... as I haven't worn make-up since this pandemic started (I may keep my mask forever...).

And as always - thanks for visiting. I do appreciate my blog friends... perhaps more than you know. I would still be posting even without any readers, but it is comforting to know that you're out there. 

Hugs (still virtual),

Rian

back again...

can't have coffee or vodka...
so guess it's a hug and sleep

It's been almost 2 weeks since I posted anything... lots of reasons, but mostly due to other issues taking up my time. My friend's husband and long time friend of over 50 years passed away last week. We've been dealing with that... 

and also I busted my toe and possibly some small bones on top of my foot the day of his grave-side service. Doctor wanted me to x-ray it and put it in a boot, but no time for that. It will heal. Went to service with one shoe on and one sock. 

Then I had another of my heart/bp episodes that night where I wake up with my heart pounding and my head hurting. This time it felt like my heart was jerking - scary. It's strange because my bp is really high during these episodes (159+/96) pulse 120, but low normal to normal during the day (96/59 - 117/82). Anyway my EKG always shows an aberration... so they are sending me to a Cardiologist to check it out. 

Next DH and I got our Pfiser boosters yesterday morning. I slept all Friday afternoon. His arm is sore. Mine really hurts today. Just took a Tylenol. 

So, although Halloween is tomorrow, we won't be opening our doors... just not up to it. But I did make  some Halloween bat and pumpkin cookies for granddaughter and next door neighbor's twins. They will each get a Halloween bucket of goodies!

*****************************

Just some fun pics:

daughter's family (and Moose)

granddaughter and room-mate (and Moose)

white pumpkins growing in neighborhood

more white pumpkins on neighborhood vine

...and lastly a poster that I really like:

That's it for today... 

Happy Halloween!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

a serious post...

This is a serious post. I don't often do serious and may not even publish this. But it's preying on my mind and writing it down is the only way I know of getting it out of my head. We are at the age now (in our mid 70's) where losing friends and relatives is becoming a more common occurrence. 

DH and I have already lost our parents. I've lost both my siblings. And now we're beginning to lose friends. I lost a dear friend several years ago (I still miss our talks and weekly get-togethers). And DH lost a good friend and work associate last year. 

Now another dear friend is in the process of losing her husband. She and I talk late at night and she is doing her best to handle the situation, but I feel so helpless. How does one come to grips with things like this? I mean, apparently we do. We have to. Life goes on (but it can never be the same). 

They say 'Time' is the answer. Give it time. Huh? How much time does it take? And how much time do we have? 

When I think about it, dying isn't as scary for those who die (although that's extremely subjective and an individual case prospective) as it is for those left behind (IMO).

I try to talk to my kids about this on occasion. Trying to let them realize that their parents' eventual death is a certainty.  And they know this of course, but don't want to talk about it. Maybe they're right. What good is it to talk about something that hasn't happened yet? They will deal with it when the time comes.

I think that part of what worries me with this new death approaching, is that as awful as it is for him, I'm afraid that his passing will be too much for her and I will lose her also... if not now, then in the near future.  And I don't want this to happen.  Selfish, I know.

Now I also know many women and men who have lost their spouses. They carry on. It isn't easy, but they apparently find a way. So I know it's do-able. Guess it coming so close to home (and yet not home thank goodness) is getting to me... 

As I said before, I don't like to talk about things that are too personal, and don't expose my feelings about a lot to many, but I know that the few of you that read my posts are close to the same age and are  probably experiencing the same things. How do you deal with it? Or is it just a matter of 'accepting it and moving on' - not easy to do.

And something else... I think as I age, I'm becoming more sensitive, more sentimental, more compassionate...  and although I'm aware that this isn't a bad thing, it makes one 'tear up' way too easily  (I mean I was taught 'stiff upper lip and all that'...).

Well, I've decided to post this... probably TMI as they say these days. But at least I wrote it down and got it out of my system.

Thanks for being there...

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

just pics... and a few posters

See the lizard sunning himself in front ?

My son sent me this pic a while back when they were living on Oahu. He built the little sailboat and apparently

 the lizard decided to Captain it...

And DH's brother sent us this one recently when their 

Night Blooming Cereus bloomed 

This is just a close up of one bloom,  but he actually had a total of 38 blooms over 3 nights 

These flowers are gorgeous and have the

most heavenly scent

granddaughter getting her next belt...

This is our youngest granddaughter 

getting the next belt 

in Tai quan dao

*****************************

Next are just a few posters that I like:

 

...and 

I'm going to close with this poster

 (as I wonder this myself

 every time I see the feral cats

 watching me)

As always, thanks for visiting.  I really appreciate your taking the time to check out what I have to say (even when it isn't much). 

  Most of us have so much going on in our lives

 (and in those close to us)

 that we don't share... 

Why? 

Don't know... 

too personal? Too scary?

Maybe sharing it would make it real?

whatever...

But I appreciate being able to share 

what I feel comfortable sharing.

Hugs (virtual),

Rian

scalloped potatoes, home-made bread, and the power of choice...

Cheeky Chick on kitchen cup

Making individual scalloped potatoes! I saw this recipe somewhere... can't remember where... but thought I'd give it a try. It's pretty simple, basic, and good! And since our grandson loves potatoes (almost any kind), I thought this would be a possible new addition to our normal everyday menu (which has gotten a bit boring over these last 2 years). Besides, I had 2 baking potatoes in the pantry that would be growing eyes if I didn't do something with them soon.

And I have to say that it went over well. The first time I made it, I didn't have any heavy cream, so I just used evaporated milk (which we always have for both my tea and the feral cats' cream). This second time I did use the heavy cream - both were good!

Here is a picture: (minus the one I ate as a sample check)

And here is the recipe: (easy peasy)

Ingredients:

Unsalted butter (for ramekins)

1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I use triple cheddar)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp finely chopped chives (I use onion)

1/4 tsp AP flour

1 1/4 lbs potatoes (sliced thin)

kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (1/4 tsp each unless you like more salt)

1 cup heavy cream (can use evaporated milk)

Directions:

Butter ramekins well

Preheat oven to 350 

Combine cheddar, parmesan, chives, and flour

Add potatoes and mix well

Add salt and pepper

Then 

divide half the potatoes/cheese mix into the 6 ramekins,

pour half the heavy cream divided among the 6 ramekins

And repeat with a 2nd layer of potatoes and heavy cream

Put ramekins on baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil

Bake 45 mins at 350

Uncover and bake another 15 mins in 425 oven.

Run a knife around the edges before serving.

**************************

Also DH has a retired male friend that has taken to baking fresh home-made bread. He actually makes really good loafs of white bread... and has been bringing some over to us. It reminds me a little of eggbread. But  since we basically only eat bread slatered with unsalted butter  and heated in the Aga with our coffee/tea every morning, it works out well. 

Here is a picture of his recent gift:

Now it's not gluten free - so outside of tasting a tiny bit, I stick with my Canyon BakeHouse GF bagels and sliced bread (although I have cheated on occasion and had a bite of Central Market's pretzel bread - which we all love).

I'm not sure if gluten is a problem for me. But my niece who is a Pediatrician told me it wouldn't hurt to try going gluten free for a few months and see what I thought. So I have. It hasn't been that hard. The conclusion I've come to these last 6 months is inconclusive. I don't think I have an allergy to gluten... but I may have a sensitivity to too much of it. The reason I say this is because I can cheat on occasion with no bad results. But if I cheat too much, I have a problem.  It's a choice. 

*****************************

The more I think about it, everything we do in life is a choice. It may seem sometimes that we don't have a choice... but I think we always do. Here are a few sayings I've come across recently about 'choice'.

...and this last one is the kicker:

Thanks for visiting! (It was a good choice - I hope)

Hugs virtual,

Rian

haircut! quilt, and tiny snake...

haircut Oct 2021

OK, I finally did it! It's been almost 2 years since I've had a haircut and it was getting pretty long.  I have to say that it was easy to pull back into a ponytail every day, but I'm not sure that is good for your hair. Anyway, I bit the bullet and had it all cut off Friday. And it was good to see the gal that cuts my hair. She lives in the Hill Country of Texas, so only comes in to take appointments one week each month. I was lucky to catch her in last week.

*************************

Also I finished my pandemic quilt and am almost finished my Hawaiian one. This is a picture of the Hawaiian one. Bought the fabric right after we returned from visiting our son in Oahu... but hadn't gotten around to putting it together until now. Almost finished quilting it... then there's just the binding left to do.

Had to show you the backing... as it took me a while to find backing that reminded me of the ocean. This is what I chose.

****************************

That's about all I have today. DH and I did take a walk around the neighborhood Saturday morning. It's been in the 60's early in the day lately... so we walk before the temp starts climbing. We did find a tiny young snake (about 6 inches long) on the sidewalk. DH thought he was dead... but apparently he was just 'sunning' himself as when I touched him, he started wiggling. I picked him up and put him in the grass so he wouldn't dry up in the sun (but I'm not sure he appreciated the gesture - as he was flipping his little tail like the cats used to do when they were angry). 

*****************************

(oh,.. update on flu shot :

didn't even feel the nurse give it... 

and no sore arm!)

******************************

Life (and the pandemic)

Don't know why I'm posting more than usual lately, but perhaps I'm making up for the days I didn't... or for the days to come when I might not.

Hope you're having a good weekend!

Hugs (virtual),

Rian