Pottage Cottage
Combo Cottage (as in combo organs)
Dotage Cottage
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Can I admit something here?
There's something I've wanted to do for a long time, but haven't found just the right opportunity to do it.
I've wanted a blog name with the word "cottage" in it.
But I cannot seem to come up with anything fresh . All the ones I've thought of are already taken. Even the name I have now was already taken. How does one find an original name at this point?
I don't live in an actual cottage, but I love the cottage style of coziness and homeyness.
Any suggestions?
I've wanted a blog name with the word "cottage" in it.
But I cannot seem to come up with anything fresh . All the ones I've thought of are already taken. Even the name I have now was already taken. How does one find an original name at this point?
I don't live in an actual cottage, but I love the cottage style of coziness and homeyness.
Any suggestions?
Home today
No PT for me today. I'm definitely not well. Good old sinus pain and general ickyness abound. Robert had to run some errands, so I had him drop off some homemade goodies to the PT ladies as a Happy New Year gift. They are so nice. I really enjoy seeing them every time I go there.
Tonight we have our oldest daughter over for snacks and fun. We'll watch Babe (our tradition) and will most likely have some Wii time as she loves playing with her younger siblings on it. I'll just veg on the couch, most likely. Not much energy to do anything else.
Hope you have a lovely evening with lots of celebrating!
Tonight we have our oldest daughter over for snacks and fun. We'll watch Babe (our tradition) and will most likely have some Wii time as she loves playing with her younger siblings on it. I'll just veg on the couch, most likely. Not much energy to do anything else.
Hope you have a lovely evening with lots of celebrating!
Not quite resolutions
What kinds of things are you hoping to accomplish in the new year?
Since going through this long recovery I've been pondering what I'd like to do when I am fully recovered. Of course, the things I loved doing before will be on the list, like stamping, gardening, canning, organizing, decorating. But some things I had put aside I'd like to take up again: sewing, quilting, cross stitching. Some new things I'd like to try are needle felting and jewelry making. I've really been taken with some of the artistry I've seen on certain blogs. It gets my creative juices flowing. I'm just dying to create again.
Some things on the must-do list are getting back on the health bandwagon with watching my food choices more closely and exercising regularly again. If I want the stamina to be creative I must put some order back in this area.
Another area I'd like to get more serious about is saving money. We've been slack, of late, and I'd like to focus on some goal setting to keep us on track.
How about you? Do you see areas you'd like to improve or are there things you'd like to learn in the new year?
Since going through this long recovery I've been pondering what I'd like to do when I am fully recovered. Of course, the things I loved doing before will be on the list, like stamping, gardening, canning, organizing, decorating. But some things I had put aside I'd like to take up again: sewing, quilting, cross stitching. Some new things I'd like to try are needle felting and jewelry making. I've really been taken with some of the artistry I've seen on certain blogs. It gets my creative juices flowing. I'm just dying to create again.
Some things on the must-do list are getting back on the health bandwagon with watching my food choices more closely and exercising regularly again. If I want the stamina to be creative I must put some order back in this area.
Another area I'd like to get more serious about is saving money. We've been slack, of late, and I'd like to focus on some goal setting to keep us on track.
How about you? Do you see areas you'd like to improve or are there things you'd like to learn in the new year?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Therapy report
Please forgive me for being a slacker about approving comments and responding. Your comments DO mean a lot to me! Hopefully, I'll get to them soon.
You might want to skip this post if my shoulder therapy bores you. I won't mind. ;)
Even more exercises are on my daily roster. I am now to do some work on a pulley where I pull down with my left hand to raise my right arm up. I am also to put the light saber (aka "stick") behind me and grab it with my right hand and pull to the left. Later they'll have me pull it up my back. That was always the hardest thing for me to do, especially when showering. That motion kept aggravating my shoulder. It'll be nice to do it without pain one day.
So it seems like I'm spending lots of time exercising, doesn't it? I do feel tons better for it, I won't deny it.
I'm wearing the sling less since my shoulder is feeling stronger and more stable. Still doing ibuprofen around the clock, with a break for Lortab at night.
Today I have a bit of a cold. I think I picked something up at church Sunday. The guy in front of us was a bit under the weather and I shook his hand before I knew it (he coughed later and I could tell his lungs weren't clear - dern. Can't we skip the handshaking in the winter?). Ingesting lots of vitamin C, probiotics, and PG Tips with honey. Tomorrow is my next PT session and I'd like to avoid spreading this. May have to skip that one. We'll see.
Thus ends the therapy and general health standing report. heh
You might want to skip this post if my shoulder therapy bores you. I won't mind. ;)
Even more exercises are on my daily roster. I am now to do some work on a pulley where I pull down with my left hand to raise my right arm up. I am also to put the light saber (aka "stick") behind me and grab it with my right hand and pull to the left. Later they'll have me pull it up my back. That was always the hardest thing for me to do, especially when showering. That motion kept aggravating my shoulder. It'll be nice to do it without pain one day.
So it seems like I'm spending lots of time exercising, doesn't it? I do feel tons better for it, I won't deny it.
I'm wearing the sling less since my shoulder is feeling stronger and more stable. Still doing ibuprofen around the clock, with a break for Lortab at night.
Today I have a bit of a cold. I think I picked something up at church Sunday. The guy in front of us was a bit under the weather and I shook his hand before I knew it (he coughed later and I could tell his lungs weren't clear - dern. Can't we skip the handshaking in the winter?). Ingesting lots of vitamin C, probiotics, and PG Tips with honey. Tomorrow is my next PT session and I'd like to avoid spreading this. May have to skip that one. We'll see.
Thus ends the therapy and general health standing report. heh
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Accomplishing small things
I know today is supposed to be a day of rest, but I couldn't take it anymore. I HAD to clean something. Do you know what torture it is to have the clean gene but not being able to use it? I got sick of sitting around watching the kids trying to keep order around here. They were inwardly crying out for their mother to be their mother again. I could hear it, I tell ya!
So I got the dining room table wiped, fresh placemats put on and the advent wreath removed and the fruit display thingy back on the table. You don't know what that did to my psyche. I think that table may have been wiped twice? since my surgery over a month ago. The placemats were changed once. Can you imagine?
Once the fruit was back on its proper dishes I threw out the bad fruit that was hiding underneath it and cleaned part of the kitchen counter. I moved stuff and wiped behind and underneath. I had the 12 yo put the bagged russets into the potato bowl I keep on the counter and wiped some more. I could sense the glee in my children seeing their mother "doing something".
Next, I dealt with the laundry room. I dusted the machines and spritzed them with Mrs. Meyer's Basil window spray and wiped them clean with paper towels. I also dusted the water heater. Yesterday I got the floor in there swept and the stray fabric softener sheets thrown away.
I feel like a new woman. I'm ready to tackle the Christmas mess, but don't worry, I'll get lots of help and will not push too hard.
Just feels good to be "doing something" for a change.
So I got the dining room table wiped, fresh placemats put on and the advent wreath removed and the fruit display thingy back on the table. You don't know what that did to my psyche. I think that table may have been wiped twice? since my surgery over a month ago. The placemats were changed once. Can you imagine?
Once the fruit was back on its proper dishes I threw out the bad fruit that was hiding underneath it and cleaned part of the kitchen counter. I moved stuff and wiped behind and underneath. I had the 12 yo put the bagged russets into the potato bowl I keep on the counter and wiped some more. I could sense the glee in my children seeing their mother "doing something".
Next, I dealt with the laundry room. I dusted the machines and spritzed them with Mrs. Meyer's Basil window spray and wiped them clean with paper towels. I also dusted the water heater. Yesterday I got the floor in there swept and the stray fabric softener sheets thrown away.
I feel like a new woman. I'm ready to tackle the Christmas mess, but don't worry, I'll get lots of help and will not push too hard.
Just feels good to be "doing something" for a change.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Recipe: Robert's Awesome Chex Mix
Every Christmas my hubby makes his own rendition of Chex Mix that is so good you can't stop eating it. He doubles this because it disappears fast! This year we tried it with Smart Balance instead of butter and it's just as delicious.
Robert's Awesome Chex Mix
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups pecan halves
1&1/2 cups Cheez Its, or other cheese crackers
1&1/2 cups pretzels
9 TBLS butter or Smart Balance
3 TBLS Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp seasoned salt
1&1/2 tsp garlic powder
1&1/2 tsp onion powder
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Measure out first 6 ingredients into a baking pan (we use an aluminum roasting pan). Set aside.
In a microwavable bowl, melt the butter/Smart Balance. To the melted butter/SB add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix thoroughly and continue mixing as you pour it evenly over the cereal, pecans, cheese crackers and pretzels. Using 2 wooden spoons, stir the cereal mixture well.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, removing every 15 minutes to stir. Let cool. Store in airtight container.
Robert's Awesome Chex Mix
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups pecan halves
1&1/2 cups Cheez Its, or other cheese crackers
1&1/2 cups pretzels
9 TBLS butter or Smart Balance
3 TBLS Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp seasoned salt
1&1/2 tsp garlic powder
1&1/2 tsp onion powder
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Measure out first 6 ingredients into a baking pan (we use an aluminum roasting pan). Set aside.
In a microwavable bowl, melt the butter/Smart Balance. To the melted butter/SB add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix thoroughly and continue mixing as you pour it evenly over the cereal, pecans, cheese crackers and pretzels. Using 2 wooden spoons, stir the cereal mixture well.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, removing every 15 minutes to stir. Let cool. Store in airtight container.
The Christmas Story Twitter-style
Priceless! Ignore the part about the Magi showing up at the stable.
Tweets to Fussypants for this one.
Tweets to Fussypants for this one.
And now for the after-Christmas ramble
Ah, no one wants to remind themselves that it's Friday around here. That lazy holidayness has hit our home. Yet, it's that dreaded day where the bathrooms need cleaning and the dust is getting visible and here I am having to rely on children who would much rather be playing their new Wii games than scrubbing out a toilet. And like most moms, I wish I could just do it myself (cheerfully, I might add!) than ask for their help. But such is life.
No, this is not the most memorable Christmas for my children, but it's what we have. Next year Mom will work her buns off to make everything special, but not this year, m'kay?
Actually, I must give credit where it is due. My children exercised incredible restraint yesterday by not only NOT looking in their own stockings before we got up (our tradition), but they gave us ours before opening theirs. I was impressed beyond words. And they were all thankful for their gifts which were not elaborate. And the boy was forgiving when he realized that we had given him the wrong Lego Castle set. Silly us, we thought there was just one!
So lots of plodding and feet-dragging going on, and we're putting pizza night off until tomorrow since we have leftovers to use up. Our Christmas dinner was simple: ham, potato salad, green bean casserole, and rolls, with lots of snackies for dessert. I've been so bad. My hubby's Chex mix is to die for and I have eaten way too much of it. It has that ingredient...the one that makes you unable to control yourself. He makes one more batch tomorrow and then I think we're done with it for the year.
Exercises are going well. I have 2 new ones I started Wednesday that require me to hold a stick (cane, broom handle, light saber) in my left hand and push the end into my right palm while pushing my straightened right arm back. The other is where I do the same thing only with my right arm bent at 90 degrees and aimed away from my body. Both have given me far more flexibility in just the last two days. Pretty neat, methinks.
Hubby got a few deals while he was out earlier in the day. He found my new favorite tea (PG Tips decaf) at Cost-Plus World Market and picked up a couple of boxes. Teresa, you've spoiled me. Now Twinings tastes like dirty dish water in comparison! I'm a PG Tips snob!
Hope you are having a blessed after-Christmas rest!
No, this is not the most memorable Christmas for my children, but it's what we have. Next year Mom will work her buns off to make everything special, but not this year, m'kay?
Actually, I must give credit where it is due. My children exercised incredible restraint yesterday by not only NOT looking in their own stockings before we got up (our tradition), but they gave us ours before opening theirs. I was impressed beyond words. And they were all thankful for their gifts which were not elaborate. And the boy was forgiving when he realized that we had given him the wrong Lego Castle set. Silly us, we thought there was just one!
So lots of plodding and feet-dragging going on, and we're putting pizza night off until tomorrow since we have leftovers to use up. Our Christmas dinner was simple: ham, potato salad, green bean casserole, and rolls, with lots of snackies for dessert. I've been so bad. My hubby's Chex mix is to die for and I have eaten way too much of it. It has that ingredient...the one that makes you unable to control yourself. He makes one more batch tomorrow and then I think we're done with it for the year.
Exercises are going well. I have 2 new ones I started Wednesday that require me to hold a stick (cane, broom handle, light saber) in my left hand and push the end into my right palm while pushing my straightened right arm back. The other is where I do the same thing only with my right arm bent at 90 degrees and aimed away from my body. Both have given me far more flexibility in just the last two days. Pretty neat, methinks.
Hubby got a few deals while he was out earlier in the day. He found my new favorite tea (PG Tips decaf) at Cost-Plus World Market and picked up a couple of boxes. Teresa, you've spoiled me. Now Twinings tastes like dirty dish water in comparison! I'm a PG Tips snob!
Hope you are having a blessed after-Christmas rest!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas, my friends!
We had a full day of PT, shopping, and light-looking and eating out at our favorite Oriental restaurant and exchanging gifts with my friend, "M", as is our tradition, and I'm beat. And we still have to get last minute things ready for The Big Day. The kids are not in bed yet and it's 11:30 pm!
Trying to keep things in perspective as I struggle with my physical limitations at such a demanding time of year. I have not focused as I should on the true meaning of Christmas. I've let the craziness of the everyday rob me yet again of the deep pondering that I wanted to do about the coming of our Savior into this world as a helpless baby. But I can start now.
I ran this last year and I'm running it again because it puts the focus right where it needs to be...on Christ.
May you all have a blessed Christmas! See you at the other end!
Trying to keep things in perspective as I struggle with my physical limitations at such a demanding time of year. I have not focused as I should on the true meaning of Christmas. I've let the craziness of the everyday rob me yet again of the deep pondering that I wanted to do about the coming of our Savior into this world as a helpless baby. But I can start now.
I ran this last year and I'm running it again because it puts the focus right where it needs to be...on Christ.
May you all have a blessed Christmas! See you at the other end!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Great ideas for tree decorating
I love Joy's idea of putting her village scenes under the tree. Might need to try that one. And then look at the Christmas trees all over her house. I especially love the kitchen one in the crock!
Pre-Christmas ramble
A mom choosing to recover from surgery during the holidays is not the smartest mom on the block. But it had to be since I procrastinated. The house isn't as clean as I'd like it to be. I've not been able to make goodies like I normally would. We can't visit family after the holidays like we might normally do, which is so disappointing. It's just all so different. On top of that I have so much "homework" to do from my PT sessions. Exercise, rest, exercise, rest, exercise, rest. Such is my day.
So many limitations. Being that I'm a "doer" I'm having a rough time with it all even though I know it's only temporary. Still, the days of "not doing anything" drone on for me.
Yesterday before going to my PT session (and after I did my make-up, btw), I had an emotional meltdown. It wasn't just because of all I've lived with physically for the last month, but it had a lot to do with it. There are also some side issues that are weighing on me. Personal family issues I can't share about. Sometimes it's all so overwhelming. The holidays should be a positive time, and yet I've brought so much trouble on us this year in many ways. Thankfully, it is only for this year, I hope.
Anyway, during said meltdown, I had a good cry and pretty much ruined my make-up, which made it worse because of the difficulty I have in putting it on in my limited state. But I got it together after hubby fixed me a lovely breakfast and my PT session went very well. My therapist wants me on round-the-clock ibuprofen for inflammation. Considering that it makes me sleepy and zoned out I wasn't happy to hear it. But I am complying. Just gotta have more coffee and tea to keep me awake, I guess.
Today I get my eyes examined for new glasses. We had to run by the eye doctor's office after a pt session the other day to get hubby's glasses adjusted and I figured now was as good a time as any to get my exam appointment made. It's been years. The last doctor on our insurance plan was a little loose with his tongue and let out a cuss word here and there without it seeming to bother him in the least that he was in mixed company (I'm so old school, so uncool). And he specializes in treating children! I would never bring my children to a cussing doctor in any profession. There was quite a bit of male bravado, too. Ugh. No, thank you. So I go to the new eye doctor hubby goes to since finding him on our plan and I have no worries. Hubby liked him. No weird personality issues to deal with.
Speaking of which, I need to get ready. God bless you all as you prepare for the holidays!
So many limitations. Being that I'm a "doer" I'm having a rough time with it all even though I know it's only temporary. Still, the days of "not doing anything" drone on for me.
Yesterday before going to my PT session (and after I did my make-up, btw), I had an emotional meltdown. It wasn't just because of all I've lived with physically for the last month, but it had a lot to do with it. There are also some side issues that are weighing on me. Personal family issues I can't share about. Sometimes it's all so overwhelming. The holidays should be a positive time, and yet I've brought so much trouble on us this year in many ways. Thankfully, it is only for this year, I hope.
Anyway, during said meltdown, I had a good cry and pretty much ruined my make-up, which made it worse because of the difficulty I have in putting it on in my limited state. But I got it together after hubby fixed me a lovely breakfast and my PT session went very well. My therapist wants me on round-the-clock ibuprofen for inflammation. Considering that it makes me sleepy and zoned out I wasn't happy to hear it. But I am complying. Just gotta have more coffee and tea to keep me awake, I guess.
Today I get my eyes examined for new glasses. We had to run by the eye doctor's office after a pt session the other day to get hubby's glasses adjusted and I figured now was as good a time as any to get my exam appointment made. It's been years. The last doctor on our insurance plan was a little loose with his tongue and let out a cuss word here and there without it seeming to bother him in the least that he was in mixed company (I'm so old school, so uncool). And he specializes in treating children! I would never bring my children to a cussing doctor in any profession. There was quite a bit of male bravado, too. Ugh. No, thank you. So I go to the new eye doctor hubby goes to since finding him on our plan and I have no worries. Hubby liked him. No weird personality issues to deal with.
Speaking of which, I need to get ready. God bless you all as you prepare for the holidays!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thumbs way, WAY up!
If you happen to see this brownie mix on the shelf at your local store, try it. The brownies are fudgy and dense like good brownies should be, but low in fat. Everybody raved about them. They were really good! Not the healthiest in the world, but alright for an occasional treat.(Click to enlarge image on the right to see nutritional info.)
The cold has finally come
All this frigid weather everyone else has been having is finally making its way here to Georgia. We woke up to 16 degrees this morning. Nothing like those further north of us, but it's nice to get some wintery weather for a change after getting up in the 70's last week. Some snow would be nice. I don't think it'll last very long, though. Supposedly, we should be back in the warm temps by Christmas. *sigh*Got another pt session today. Woke up to a blast of fear. Why is that? Performance anxiety, maybe? Fear of pain? Prayer and giving myself a good talking to has helped ease the feelings. Just wish it wouldn't happen in the first place. I hate starting the day out that way.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Reconcilosec and krumkake - an odd post title, I know
Found this funny video at Yard Sale Kind of Luck, where Kelli also posts about making Norwegian Krumkake! (which sounds like "crumb kaka", sorry) I miss my grandmother. She's not deceased yet, but her dementia pretty much has taken her away from us. She used to make Krumkake every Christmas, as well as Serinakaker and Yulekake. She made Christmas so special at her house.
Now, on to the fun. My family could use some of these as, I imagine, most families could. Wouldn't it be nice if we could reconcile so easily?
Now, on to the fun. My family could use some of these as, I imagine, most families could. Wouldn't it be nice if we could reconcile so easily?
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Heard in our house this evening...
8 yo: "Is he (Blankie) done? (in the washer? dryer?)"
Daddy: "I just put him in the dryer."
8 yo: "Good! Will you get me the one with the holes in it?" (an alternative blankie with a mesh design)
Daddy: "Sure."
8 yo: "'Cause he's close (similar) to Blankie...at least he works!" (??)
Daddy: "I just put him in the dryer."
8 yo: "Good! Will you get me the one with the holes in it?" (an alternative blankie with a mesh design)
Daddy: "Sure."
8 yo: "'Cause he's close (similar) to Blankie...at least he works!" (??)
Thought-provoking
Friday, December 19, 2008
Paper (or fabric) Christmas trees
I shared this idea on my stamping blog. Easy and fun. Pull out that whimsical fabric and have at it!
Better
This session of physical therapy was much less painful than the last one. Same therapist, new understanding of what I should allow, pain-wise. Apparently, my old school thinking of no pain, no gain is now thrown out of the window. So I should expect less pain in future visits. Good thing. I was really wondering if I could go through with it if this was what I had to look forward to. Should've known I was in need of a thinking adjustment.
It's amazing how much homework they give! Poor hubby. He has so much on him with work and running things at home, and now he has to help me with some of my homework, too. Thankfully, he will have 2 weeks of vacation time coming up starting next week. That will free him up greatly. He now has to help me sit with my arm propped up for an hour with a heating pad on it and he's got to hold my arm while I try to raise it over my head while lying down. That on top of cooking, cleaning, helping me bathe and dress and even go to the bathroom. Good grief! I'm a full time job for him!
It's amazing how much homework they give! Poor hubby. He has so much on him with work and running things at home, and now he has to help me with some of my homework, too. Thankfully, he will have 2 weeks of vacation time coming up starting next week. That will free him up greatly. He now has to help me sit with my arm propped up for an hour with a heating pad on it and he's got to hold my arm while I try to raise it over my head while lying down. That on top of cooking, cleaning, helping me bathe and dress and even go to the bathroom. Good grief! I'm a full time job for him!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Math-U-See gets even better!
For my homeschooling readers who use, or are thinking of using, Math-U-See (the best math program out there, IMO, thanks to their dvds), they have made some significant improvements that will make their program even closer to perfection.
Steve Demme shares the changes in this post with video.
You rock, Steve!
Steve Demme shares the changes in this post with video.
You rock, Steve!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The torture begins
Well, yesterday was a piece of cake compared to today. This therapy session was much worse. I had a different therapist and she was much harder on my shoulder. Not that she was a bad therapist. Just that the real work begins, I guess. Once it was over I was pooped. It didn't help that I woke up with a sinus headache. She applied heat before manipulating my shoulder so it would have a wider range of movement. Most of what she did was to keep my arm up and over my head. Very unpleasant.
I think I'll skip the Lortab until I get home next time. It only made things worse. Friday is my next torture session. Hope it's not so bad as this one. Still fighting the headache.
I think I'll skip the Lortab until I get home next time. It only made things worse. Friday is my next torture session. Hope it's not so bad as this one. Still fighting the headache.
Scottie goodness for Teresa and Becky
Teresa and Becky are Scottie lovers, so this post I ran across of a Scottie Tree is for them and any other Scottie lovers that come here. Someday I hope to be the proud owner of a Scottish Terrier, meseff.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
First physical therapy session
Well, they didn't put me on The Rack. heh The therapist had me lay down and she moved my arm out to my side and up over my head with me trying to relax. Hubby was there with me and was amazed that she could do that to my arm without it bothering me...much.
My back started spazzing out which is probably due to so little use over the last few weeks. I had not taken any pain meds beforehand because I wanted to be fully aware of any pain I was feeling. She said I could take some if I wanted to and that I would definitely feel it if it was too painful. So tomorrow and Friday I go back and I will take maybe a third or a half a Lortab just to cut the edge of the pain. Otherwise, I only really need it at night.
I was given some new exercises to do. One is where I put my arm in a pillowcase (to make it easy to slide) and sit beside a table and slide my arm forward, pulling it back with the other hand. I'm to try to stretch forward as much as is comfortable. I already feel more limber just after this one session. She had me practice this one for her a few times.
The next one is the same except I am to slide it at a 45 degree angle.
Then I am to sit beside the table, resting my arm on the table to my right, and lean forward keeping my arm still but lowering my upper body. This is to stretch the shoulder.
Then I am to do shoulder shrugs and scapular pinches (trying to touch the shoulder blades together). I'm also to continue the pendulum exercises, but I was shown the proper way to do them. I was being too stiff and she wants me to put my whole body into it and totally relax my arm at the same time. Can you say elephant trunk?
The staff at this place was so nice. I was quickly put at ease and I told the receptionist how much I appreciated their kindness. To me, kindness is so very important. I want to be treated like a human being, not a number. And they certainly did that. I pray God's blessings on them.
Once I was done with the therapy, the therapist hooked me up to a machine that eases pain by sending electrical pulses through the exercised area. She also put an ice pack on my shoulder.
About the ice pack: She said we can make our own by putting 3 parts water to one part rubbing alcohol in a double bag (2 Ziplocs). Freeze it and it will have a slushy consistency. You can adjust the slushiness by either adding water to harden the slush more or alcohol to loosen it. Nifty advise, eh?
So, thus ends my first experience in physical therapy. Tomorrow we do it again.
My back started spazzing out which is probably due to so little use over the last few weeks. I had not taken any pain meds beforehand because I wanted to be fully aware of any pain I was feeling. She said I could take some if I wanted to and that I would definitely feel it if it was too painful. So tomorrow and Friday I go back and I will take maybe a third or a half a Lortab just to cut the edge of the pain. Otherwise, I only really need it at night.
I was given some new exercises to do. One is where I put my arm in a pillowcase (to make it easy to slide) and sit beside a table and slide my arm forward, pulling it back with the other hand. I'm to try to stretch forward as much as is comfortable. I already feel more limber just after this one session. She had me practice this one for her a few times.
The next one is the same except I am to slide it at a 45 degree angle.
Then I am to sit beside the table, resting my arm on the table to my right, and lean forward keeping my arm still but lowering my upper body. This is to stretch the shoulder.
Then I am to do shoulder shrugs and scapular pinches (trying to touch the shoulder blades together). I'm also to continue the pendulum exercises, but I was shown the proper way to do them. I was being too stiff and she wants me to put my whole body into it and totally relax my arm at the same time. Can you say elephant trunk?
The staff at this place was so nice. I was quickly put at ease and I told the receptionist how much I appreciated their kindness. To me, kindness is so very important. I want to be treated like a human being, not a number. And they certainly did that. I pray God's blessings on them.
Once I was done with the therapy, the therapist hooked me up to a machine that eases pain by sending electrical pulses through the exercised area. She also put an ice pack on my shoulder.
About the ice pack: She said we can make our own by putting 3 parts water to one part rubbing alcohol in a double bag (2 Ziplocs). Freeze it and it will have a slushy consistency. You can adjust the slushiness by either adding water to harden the slush more or alcohol to loosen it. Nifty advise, eh?
So, thus ends my first experience in physical therapy. Tomorrow we do it again.
Introducing!
The newest additions to our rattie collection:
Daisy (the cream one), Lily (the silver one), and Petunia (the black one)! Sorry the pics aren't better. We took them this evening when we could get the girls to be still enough. Normally they bounce around like popping corn! Lily and Petunia are Rexes like their uncles, Oscar and Barney. Daisy is like her deceased Uncle Jeremy - no Rexiness. Petunia is the boisterous, pushy one. Daisy is the brave one, and Lily waits to see if the others do things before she will. Funny how their personalities are so distinct already. And they're ALL Dumbos!! YES!!!
These girls know they are loved. They've already become fully acclimated to our family. If I open the cage door I get 3 ratties immediately crawling on me. Big difference from Thursday when they wouldn't let us touch them!
Daisy (the cream one), Lily (the silver one), and Petunia (the black one)! Sorry the pics aren't better. We took them this evening when we could get the girls to be still enough. Normally they bounce around like popping corn! Lily and Petunia are Rexes like their uncles, Oscar and Barney. Daisy is like her deceased Uncle Jeremy - no Rexiness. Petunia is the boisterous, pushy one. Daisy is the brave one, and Lily waits to see if the others do things before she will. Funny how their personalities are so distinct already. And they're ALL Dumbos!! YES!!!
These girls know they are loved. They've already become fully acclimated to our family. If I open the cage door I get 3 ratties immediately crawling on me. Big difference from Thursday when they wouldn't let us touch them!
Monday, December 15, 2008
A husband meme
This was fun. Bethany posted hers and here's mine. PGH, feel free to correct me if I got anything wrong. :)
1. He’s sitting in front of the TV: what is on the screen? Antiques Roadshow or ASK This Old House.
2. You’re out to eat. What kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Bleu cheese or Caesar (whatever it's called).
3. What is one food he doesn’t like? Macaroni and cheese, no way, no how.
4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? When we eat out he buys a robust red wine most of the time. The more robust, the better.
5. Where did he go to high school? Hammond High, in his hometown in Louisiana.
6. What size shoe does he wear? Size 12 or 13 depending on the shoe style.
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Hahaha!!!
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? A grilled Reuben or pastrami on pumpernickel with the weirdest mustard we have on hand.
9. What would the Husband eat every day if he could? Chinese food.
10. What is his favorite cereal? If for health's sake, Blueberry or Strawberry Mini-Wheats or Grape Nuts; If for taste only, Cap'n Crunch lol.
11. What would he never wear? Birkenstock sandals, even though he's got the sexy legs to pull it off. *sigh*
12. What is his favorite sports team? Not big into sports.
13. Who is his best friend? Me, I think.
14. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do? Worry.
15. How many states has he lived in? 3: Louisiana, Michigan and Georgia.
16. What is his heritage? Scottish/German.
17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind? Red Velvet cake the way his mom makes it.
18. Did he play sports in high school? Nope. He was a total geek.
19. What could he spend hours doing? Working on his combo organs or spending time with me. We love being together.
Care to play, anyone?
1. He’s sitting in front of the TV: what is on the screen? Antiques Roadshow or ASK This Old House.
2. You’re out to eat. What kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Bleu cheese or Caesar (whatever it's called).
3. What is one food he doesn’t like? Macaroni and cheese, no way, no how.
4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? When we eat out he buys a robust red wine most of the time. The more robust, the better.
5. Where did he go to high school? Hammond High, in his hometown in Louisiana.
6. What size shoe does he wear? Size 12 or 13 depending on the shoe style.
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Hahaha!!!
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? A grilled Reuben or pastrami on pumpernickel with the weirdest mustard we have on hand.
9. What would the Husband eat every day if he could? Chinese food.
10. What is his favorite cereal? If for health's sake, Blueberry or Strawberry Mini-Wheats or Grape Nuts; If for taste only, Cap'n Crunch lol.
11. What would he never wear? Birkenstock sandals, even though he's got the sexy legs to pull it off. *sigh*
12. What is his favorite sports team? Not big into sports.
13. Who is his best friend? Me, I think.
14. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do? Worry.
15. How many states has he lived in? 3: Louisiana, Michigan and Georgia.
16. What is his heritage? Scottish/German.
17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind? Red Velvet cake the way his mom makes it.
18. Did he play sports in high school? Nope. He was a total geek.
19. What could he spend hours doing? Working on his combo organs or spending time with me. We love being together.
Care to play, anyone?
Total revamp
Wanted to have a background, so I went back to the Denim template and will stick with it for awhile. The only thing that bugs me about the Denim template is that it takes longer to load. Not sure how to improve that or even if I can. Hope you like the new design! I did tweak it some. It's wider than regular Denim, for one thing.
Improving by the minute
Despite the grey, dreary weather outside I am feeling better by the minute. My hormonal storm has moved on and the clouds in my head are clearing. It's Monday and the laundry is piled high and the 12 yo is not moving any faster than usual to shrink it, but I still feel optimistic. Let's hope it lasts!
We had a whole glorious week without the Wii, but, unfortunately, today it comes back out...that is, if the kids get their chores and school done. Can you tell I'm sick of it? It's mainly because I don't like anything technological that dominates my children's thoughts. Probably because of my weakness for the Innernets, which IS better than it used to be, btw. BTDT too much, I guess.
Tomorrow I go for my first session of physical therapy. I have visions of being put on "The Rack", but I imagine it will be gentler than that. My hubby works for a hospital system that has rehab centers all over town and he declares to me that one of their top priorities with patients is pain management. Isn't that great? I so often worry needlessly.
We finished Bleak House the other night, and both of us agreed that we'd miss it now that it's over. We were sad for it to end (me after watching it a second time). You get to love/hate the characters so much. I could do without Smallweed, though. ;)
We watched Little Women (with Wynona Ryder) after that because:
a. it's a perfect Christmastime movie,
b. Hubby had never seen it from beginning to end,
c. it went perfectly with a late night snack and a cozy fire in the fireplace,
d. it's just perfect, in general.
We started watching David Copperfield last night, and my poor hubby was afraid he'd not be able to watch the whole thing because of the horridness at the beginning. It is pretty dark. Not a cheerful movie, except in spots. And I must say I cannot get enough of Imelda Staunton. She rocks as an actress!
I spent a good part of yesterday watching Cranford again while hubby and the kids were at a Christmas party. I just love that series. Yes, I know, I'm watching a lot of movies, but there is little else I can do right now. I can read, but it doesn't seem terribly attractive to me, especially when I have so many lovely videos at my disposal.
Need to grade math and get this show on the road. Dragging my feet with this grey weather. Makes me lazy.
Hope you have a lovely day. Stay warm!
We had a whole glorious week without the Wii, but, unfortunately, today it comes back out...that is, if the kids get their chores and school done. Can you tell I'm sick of it? It's mainly because I don't like anything technological that dominates my children's thoughts. Probably because of my weakness for the Innernets, which IS better than it used to be, btw. BTDT too much, I guess.
Tomorrow I go for my first session of physical therapy. I have visions of being put on "The Rack", but I imagine it will be gentler than that. My hubby works for a hospital system that has rehab centers all over town and he declares to me that one of their top priorities with patients is pain management. Isn't that great? I so often worry needlessly.
We finished Bleak House the other night, and both of us agreed that we'd miss it now that it's over. We were sad for it to end (me after watching it a second time). You get to love/hate the characters so much. I could do without Smallweed, though. ;)
We watched Little Women (with Wynona Ryder) after that because:
a. it's a perfect Christmastime movie,
b. Hubby had never seen it from beginning to end,
c. it went perfectly with a late night snack and a cozy fire in the fireplace,
d. it's just perfect, in general.
We started watching David Copperfield last night, and my poor hubby was afraid he'd not be able to watch the whole thing because of the horridness at the beginning. It is pretty dark. Not a cheerful movie, except in spots. And I must say I cannot get enough of Imelda Staunton. She rocks as an actress!
I spent a good part of yesterday watching Cranford again while hubby and the kids were at a Christmas party. I just love that series. Yes, I know, I'm watching a lot of movies, but there is little else I can do right now. I can read, but it doesn't seem terribly attractive to me, especially when I have so many lovely videos at my disposal.
Need to grade math and get this show on the road. Dragging my feet with this grey weather. Makes me lazy.
Hope you have a lovely day. Stay warm!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A particularly bad month
Blech. So glad to be on this side of the monthly misery. This month was particularly bad. I think I need to start getting a daily dose of soy again. I kinda forgot about that little detail in all the other details of daily living (especially lately) and neglected to bolster my hormones. Melissa, I do have some of that cream.
Apologies to the men for the following...
I have 2 days per month when I am in complete misery. I get incredible headaches when the cramping is really bad. Kinda creeps me out a bit. But I have found that a heating pad on my mid-section helps with the cramps and an ice bag on the back of my neck helps with the headaches. It's not terribly easy to cope with just now, what with my arm being in a sling and all. This was probably the hardest time for me. But it's coming to an end.
Should be back to myself pretty soon. Almost there!
Apologies to the men for the following...
I have 2 days per month when I am in complete misery. I get incredible headaches when the cramping is really bad. Kinda creeps me out a bit. But I have found that a heating pad on my mid-section helps with the cramps and an ice bag on the back of my neck helps with the headaches. It's not terribly easy to cope with just now, what with my arm being in a sling and all. This was probably the hardest time for me. But it's coming to an end.
Should be back to myself pretty soon. Almost there!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
More ratties??
Yes! Tomorrow we pick up 3 girl ratties from the same person who gave us Barney, Oscar and our beloved deceased Jeremy. These girls are from an oops litter where the boys' sister got into the cage with the boys' brother, (she's apparently skilled in making herself into a rat sandwich through the bars) so there's a bit of inbreeding which most likely happens in the wild anyway, but not enough inbreeding in their genes to warrant serious defects or anything according to a rat expert she consulted. Our boys are all neutered and we'll most likely get these girls spayed to keep down the incidences of tumors. So no breeding worries here.
We're taking 3: a cream, a black and a silver. They've already got names and everything: Daisy (cream), Lily (silver) and Petunia (black).
Here's a pic she sent me of the girls when they were few weeks younger. Two of the creams are already taken, and there will be one black left, but she has other girl ratties who will take her in with them. Aren't they adorable??
Can't wait to meet them!
(Click pic to enlarge)
We're taking 3: a cream, a black and a silver. They've already got names and everything: Daisy (cream), Lily (silver) and Petunia (black).
Here's a pic she sent me of the girls when they were few weeks younger. Two of the creams are already taken, and there will be one black left, but she has other girl ratties who will take her in with them. Aren't they adorable??
Can't wait to meet them!
(Click pic to enlarge)
The Christ in Christmas
Please read this post by Jen at Conversion Diary. But keep a tissue handy; you might need it.
What I loved about Christmas was Christ
What I loved about Christmas was Christ
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
These are gone now...
...but they sure were good. Animal crackers dipped in white bark coating and sprinkled with nonpareils. We had these with a little milk and A Charlie Brown Christmas after an evening of the girls and hubby getting the little lit houses all set up and the tubs back in the attic, plus getting the outside lights up. It won't be much longer and we'll be completely finished - er, I mean, they'll be. All I'm doing is directing.
I'm quite proud of my 12 yo. She may drag her feet at doing the laundry, but she sure keeps the pace when decorating! She made these cookies, btw. And no one had to tell her to do it either. Wish she'd be that way with the laundry.
I'm quite proud of my 12 yo. She may drag her feet at doing the laundry, but she sure keeps the pace when decorating! She made these cookies, btw. And no one had to tell her to do it either. Wish she'd be that way with the laundry.
Real and FREE
If you want some real tree smell in your house, but have an artificial tree like we do, you can make wreaths and sprays and such with real limbs cut off of real Christmas trees at places like Home Depot. They have bins set aside just for limbs for the taking. Take advantage of these free gifts!
Feeling glad
Call me a Pollyanna, but I'm not going to let the depressing attitudes that the media has fostered get me down for the holidays. Our generation hasn't learned yet to be content with the abundance we've experienced and it needs to start NOW. I mean, my house is full to bursting with abundance. I have so many projects I could do right now that wouldn't cost me a penny.
What brought this post out of me was that after our outside Christmas lights were finished being put up this evening, I looked around our neighborhood and saw NO other Christmas lights. People usually have them up by now, but this year it seems people are letting the economy dictate their happiness or the lack thereof and it saddens me. The economy goes up and down all the time. This time it may go down much further, but it will go back up eventually. Until then we have much to be thankful for and there is much we can do that is inexpensive right now. We can "take joy" in the little things as Tasha Tudor often said.
Making hot chocolate doesn't cost much. Putting up last year's decorations costs nothing. Listening to Christmas music costs nothing. Singing Christmas carols is free. Making Christmas goodies can be cheap.
We've been taking plain animal crackers and dipping them in melted white chocolate bark. My friend, "M" gave us a fondue pot last year that only needs a tea light to warm its contents. Then the kids sprinkle nonpareils on them while they're cooling. Easy and cheap and yummy!
Don't let the news get to you. In fact, I'd recommend turning it off most of the time. I've been avoiding most news and all the radio commentators because I want to be content and it is their job to take away my contentment and instill fear with non-stop negative reporting. I won't have it. I had my fill before and after the elections. Now it's time to get on with life, at least for the holidays. I hope you're seeking contentment, too. As is often said, God is in control.
What brought this post out of me was that after our outside Christmas lights were finished being put up this evening, I looked around our neighborhood and saw NO other Christmas lights. People usually have them up by now, but this year it seems people are letting the economy dictate their happiness or the lack thereof and it saddens me. The economy goes up and down all the time. This time it may go down much further, but it will go back up eventually. Until then we have much to be thankful for and there is much we can do that is inexpensive right now. We can "take joy" in the little things as Tasha Tudor often said.
Making hot chocolate doesn't cost much. Putting up last year's decorations costs nothing. Listening to Christmas music costs nothing. Singing Christmas carols is free. Making Christmas goodies can be cheap.
We've been taking plain animal crackers and dipping them in melted white chocolate bark. My friend, "M" gave us a fondue pot last year that only needs a tea light to warm its contents. Then the kids sprinkle nonpareils on them while they're cooling. Easy and cheap and yummy!
Don't let the news get to you. In fact, I'd recommend turning it off most of the time. I've been avoiding most news and all the radio commentators because I want to be content and it is their job to take away my contentment and instill fear with non-stop negative reporting. I won't have it. I had my fill before and after the elections. Now it's time to get on with life, at least for the holidays. I hope you're seeking contentment, too. As is often said, God is in control.
Thrifty decorating inspiration
Well, icky hormones are taking a little break before the great leap, so I thought I'd share a site that I find so inspiring. It's called Joys of Home. Joy is incredibly gifted in taking ordinary, cheap things and transforming them into beautiful and up-to-date decorations, furnishings, and what not. She has so many great ideas. And being that she is a serious thrifter she can inspire even the smallest decorating budget.
HTML snow!
Well, I knew it wouldn't be long before I'd just have to post something. Blame Melissa for informing the whole world (and me) that there is this cool snow effect for Bloggers to grab. And blame me for thinking that I must share it with you, regardless. Do you think the snow will accumulate at the bottom of this page? Probably not. Too warm here in Georgia for snow to stick even to the bottom of my blog.
Blah blah blah blah blaaaah blah blah blah blaaaah
I'm in a wrestling match with icky hormones and we all know who wins, right? So you'll find me scarce for a couple of days, which when translated into Kimberly language, means that a flood of posts will enter my brain as soon as I hit the "publish post" button on this post and then I will wish I hadn't said so. Isn't that always how it is? I think I'll go take a nap. Maybe then the posts won't come.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Just for the record...
I started that new exercise today where I am bending over at the waist and swinging my arm like a pendulum (well, barely moving it right now). Not fun. But neither were the first exercises when I started them. Now they're a breeze. I anticipate these getting easier each day...just in time to start physical therapy! :-P
Nicholas Nickleby'd out
I spent the greater part of this afternoon and evening watching the Nicholas Nickleby series with Charles Dance and James D'Arcy (once there was nothing left for me to do around here).
So good, but very depressing. You really get a feel for how those Yorkshire boys' schools really were. It's amazing that any human could allow another human to live in such filthy, wretched conditions, especially when it's children.
Teresa, you would be amused to see Pam Ferris (Laura Thyme of Rosemary and...) in an absolutely raucous role as Mrs. Squeers. Oh my! I bet she had fun in that role. She was quite, um, earthy in it.
I don't recommend letting your children watch it. It's got some pretty heavy stuff in it.
If you'd like to watch it for free, someone has kindly uploaded the whole series on YouTube. It runs as 2 episodes that are split up into a bunch of 10 minute segments.
Start here.
They are labeled as "1 part 1", "1 part 2", "1 part 3", etc, etc, on up to "2 part 1", "2 part 2", and so on.
Enjoy!
So good, but very depressing. You really get a feel for how those Yorkshire boys' schools really were. It's amazing that any human could allow another human to live in such filthy, wretched conditions, especially when it's children.
Teresa, you would be amused to see Pam Ferris (Laura Thyme of Rosemary and...) in an absolutely raucous role as Mrs. Squeers. Oh my! I bet she had fun in that role. She was quite, um, earthy in it.
I don't recommend letting your children watch it. It's got some pretty heavy stuff in it.
If you'd like to watch it for free, someone has kindly uploaded the whole series on YouTube. It runs as 2 episodes that are split up into a bunch of 10 minute segments.
Start here.
They are labeled as "1 part 1", "1 part 2", "1 part 3", etc, etc, on up to "2 part 1", "2 part 2", and so on.
Enjoy!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Music added
I put a little Christmas music up for your enjoyment. It's for them that wants it. I know how it feels to get that jolt when you're not expecting music to come on. No fun!
I set it to play randomly. Do you prefer that or do you like songs to stay in the same order every time? I'm torn.
I hope my little collection blesses you!
I set it to play randomly. Do you prefer that or do you like songs to stay in the same order every time? I'm torn.
I hope my little collection blesses you!
Teresa!!
Look at what else came in the mail from said friend. Girl! You are too sweet! Thank you! I will drink a toast to you as I watch these. PG Tips tea and tarts will be consumed in your honor. Btw, I absolutely love PG Tips decaf! DE-lish. So flavorful and no bitterness anywhere in sight. It is my new favorite!
(((Teresa), you are too good to me!
(((Teresa), you are too good to me!
To all my readers who use IE...
...my apologies for the goofy right sidebar. I had no idea that it was not in its proper place. I use Firefox and only rarely get onto IE. But I like to check how things look from there now and then. Is this the equivalent of a person's tag showing? ;)
Does it look right on your monitor now?
Does it look right on your monitor now?
Friday, December 5, 2008
Post-op and more
I went to my post-op appointment this morning. Wow, what a long wait this time! I don't mind waiting in a doctor's office, but this time we didn't get out until over an hour and a half later!
The stitches were removed and the doctor said I was doing well and he'd see me in 5 weeks. In the meantime, I'm to start a new exercise on Monday where I bend forward and hang my arm down like I'm trying to pick something up. Then I am to swing it forward and back and side to side for around 5 minutes several times a day.
Then starting week after next I go to physical therapy 2-3 times per week for the next few weeks. Once I see him again I'll find out how much longer the therapy will need to continue at that point.
He says I can go without the sling if I want to during the day, but to wear it at night. I plan to keep it on just to remind me not to raise my arm up. I'm so afraid I'll forget! Don't want to go through this again!
After the doctor visit, hubby and I had lunch at 2 Dog Cafe in Gainesville. He had a black bean burger and split pea soup and I had a Cheesehead sandwich (open-faced and baked with several cheeses on it) and fried green tomatoes. The cheese was very salty and was a bit too heavy for my taste. Had it been more conservatively apportioned I think it would've been better. The fried green tomatoes were so-so. The tomatoes were terribly bland (a light salting would've been nice) and the corn meal crusts slipped right off of them, making it hard to dip and eat them. Hubby had a side order of some kind of pepper mustard that was really good for dipping my cheese sandwich in. The breads on our sandwiches were delicious. Hubby's looked like a ciabatta roll. I'm not sure what mine was...some kind of artisan bread.
The atmosphere was cute, artsy and eclectic and I enjoyed it very much. The service was friendly. I'm not giving up on their food, though. Next time I'll try something else on the menu and see how it goes. Boy, do I sound like a foodie snob, or what!
My friend "M" is here today to get the kids through their cleaning jobs. It's nice having the help. The hardest thing about being so helpless right now is trying to keep after others who are supposed to be doing your job for you. "M" is able to get the kids more motivated than I can since she doesn't have the frustration factor I do with dealing with it every day.
Hubby made us a lovely steak dinner for our anniversary (steaks from Sam's Club, so very reasonable). We got sucked into watching 3 episodes of Bleak House together. It was much easier to understand the second time for me. We'll probably watch another one tonight after the kids go to bed. Such a great, great, weird series! One thing I love about British period pieces is that the actors are normal looking, not plastic-y as is the trend in Hollywood. Real faces and teeth (but for some I HOPE they are not their real ones! lol)
Pizza dough is a-rising and we hope to decorate the tree tonight.
Hope your evening is a good one!
The stitches were removed and the doctor said I was doing well and he'd see me in 5 weeks. In the meantime, I'm to start a new exercise on Monday where I bend forward and hang my arm down like I'm trying to pick something up. Then I am to swing it forward and back and side to side for around 5 minutes several times a day.
Then starting week after next I go to physical therapy 2-3 times per week for the next few weeks. Once I see him again I'll find out how much longer the therapy will need to continue at that point.
He says I can go without the sling if I want to during the day, but to wear it at night. I plan to keep it on just to remind me not to raise my arm up. I'm so afraid I'll forget! Don't want to go through this again!
After the doctor visit, hubby and I had lunch at 2 Dog Cafe in Gainesville. He had a black bean burger and split pea soup and I had a Cheesehead sandwich (open-faced and baked with several cheeses on it) and fried green tomatoes. The cheese was very salty and was a bit too heavy for my taste. Had it been more conservatively apportioned I think it would've been better. The fried green tomatoes were so-so. The tomatoes were terribly bland (a light salting would've been nice) and the corn meal crusts slipped right off of them, making it hard to dip and eat them. Hubby had a side order of some kind of pepper mustard that was really good for dipping my cheese sandwich in. The breads on our sandwiches were delicious. Hubby's looked like a ciabatta roll. I'm not sure what mine was...some kind of artisan bread.
The atmosphere was cute, artsy and eclectic and I enjoyed it very much. The service was friendly. I'm not giving up on their food, though. Next time I'll try something else on the menu and see how it goes. Boy, do I sound like a foodie snob, or what!
My friend "M" is here today to get the kids through their cleaning jobs. It's nice having the help. The hardest thing about being so helpless right now is trying to keep after others who are supposed to be doing your job for you. "M" is able to get the kids more motivated than I can since she doesn't have the frustration factor I do with dealing with it every day.
Hubby made us a lovely steak dinner for our anniversary (steaks from Sam's Club, so very reasonable). We got sucked into watching 3 episodes of Bleak House together. It was much easier to understand the second time for me. We'll probably watch another one tonight after the kids go to bed. Such a great, great, weird series! One thing I love about British period pieces is that the actors are normal looking, not plastic-y as is the trend in Hollywood. Real faces and teeth (but for some I HOPE they are not their real ones! lol)
Pizza dough is a-rising and we hope to decorate the tree tonight.
Hope your evening is a good one!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
This is for my husband
Today is our 26th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe we've been together that long, yet it seems like we were always together.
I loooove you, my wonderful husband!
I loooove you, my wonderful husband!
Decorating for the holidays
In case anyone new to my blog thinks that those Christmas pics are from this year, I want to dispel that rumor. We are not that organized around here! lol Nonono. Those are from the last 2 years.
This is all we've done so far this year:
Put up the tree last night. Just the tree. The lights go on tonight and the rest goes on tomorrow. Then Saturday is the day we plan to put everything else up. When the 12 yo dusts the living room and dining room tomorrow I'll get her to box everything up from the dusted surfaces and we'll stick it all up in the attic until after Christmas.
The girls are drawing and coloring and taping pictures all over the place! They are very excited about the decorating and just must do something. I know how they feel, which is why I got my blogs and website in the spirit as soon as I could.
Oh, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute!
This is all we've done so far this year:
Put up the tree last night. Just the tree. The lights go on tonight and the rest goes on tomorrow. Then Saturday is the day we plan to put everything else up. When the 12 yo dusts the living room and dining room tomorrow I'll get her to box everything up from the dusted surfaces and we'll stick it all up in the attic until after Christmas.
The girls are drawing and coloring and taping pictures all over the place! They are very excited about the decorating and just must do something. I know how they feel, which is why I got my blogs and website in the spirit as soon as I could.
Oh, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Just want to say...
Thank You, God for:
- My wonderful doctor
- all the kindness shown me in the surgery center
- pain meds!
- the nerve block for my arm - a major blessing
- getting the IV needle in the very first time - can you tell I've had issues?
- my wonderful husband who was my medical advocate when I couldn't think straight
- arthroscopic surgery
- the anesthesiologist who was so attentive
- the ability to sleep through surgery (isn't that the coolest?)
- bedpans when you need one
- the sling that holds my arm still
- my servant husband who happily helps dress me, bathe me, and feed me when I need him to
- praying friends
- a warm house
- a friend who brings over lots of food as well as flowers and balloons and who has helped keep our house cleaner
- a friend who sends me yummy things in the mail
- children who mostly help (Lord?)
- the holidays
- you all
Care package goodies from afar
Well lookie what came in my mail today! Thank you, Teresa, for this British-y goodness! You're such a sweetie!!
Hearing and seeing
I began reading Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens the other night. Last night as I was finishing up Chapter One (it's very rich and must be read slowly) I was struck by one part where 2 sons responded to what their father had said all their lives. They both saw what he had said in completely different ways. One thought his father was teaching him to live a secluded country life while the other was thinking he was teaching them that money was the most important thing.
The reason it struck me was that here were two people hearing the same words, yet...
Often when we talk to our kids I wonder what they're really hearing. Or when I behave a certain way I wonder how they'll perceive it. We really have no control over how our kids will see us as parents, how they will remember us. This is hard for me as I don't like being misunderstood. Yet even Jesus was misunderstood. So maybe our prayer should be that God would give our children "ears to hear and eyes to see". May He filter our words and actions through His grace.
The reason it struck me was that here were two people hearing the same words, yet...
Often when we talk to our kids I wonder what they're really hearing. Or when I behave a certain way I wonder how they'll perceive it. We really have no control over how our kids will see us as parents, how they will remember us. This is hard for me as I don't like being misunderstood. Yet even Jesus was misunderstood. So maybe our prayer should be that God would give our children "ears to hear and eyes to see". May He filter our words and actions through His grace.
Illegal Cheese from Chef!
Here's an example of what makes Chef! so likable. There is some crude language in this clip, so please don't watch if you're sensitive to that.
In these scenes Chef is trying to get "real" Stilton, not pasteurized.
In these scenes Chef is trying to get "real" Stilton, not pasteurized.
Morning ramble
We've got a nice dusting of sparkly sugar over everything this morning. My gardening mind is thinking of all the insect eggs that are being done in by it. The colder the winter (I know it's still technically fall) the less buggy the following summer. Gardeners love that.
It was funny yesterday as hubby was making the turkey soup and was gathering up the boocoo herbs he needed. He realized we were out of bottled sage and I had the nerve to suggest he run up to the store until I realized that we had a whole sage plant in the garden! Duh. This is not the first time I've done that either.
Well, no barking doggies and no getting up in the middle of the night last night. I think that cranberry juice must settle the bladder or something.
We watched the very last performance of Good Neighbors (originally referred to as The Good Life) last night. They performed their last show in front of the Queen. Talk about pressure! She and Prince Philip came to watch the last episode, in person. It was pretty cool. Not sure why the show didn't run beyond 4 seasons. Just as with Fawlty Towers and Chef! I will have to content myself with what they did create. Chef!, btw, is a bit crude at times, just in case you want to check it out. We pick around those parts.
Still feeling the relief of a Republican win in our state senate. Even though Chambliss is considered a RINO, he's friendly toward homeschoolers and is pro-life. That's what mainly matters to me. He's the "lesser of two evils", if you will. That's all we conservatives are being given these days, unfortunately. Hopefully, the great loss we've experienced from the recent elections will bring us back to our senses as a party. Otherwise, our party will just burn up. Let's hope true conservatism rises from the ashes.
Hope you have a lovely day, my friends!
It was funny yesterday as hubby was making the turkey soup and was gathering up the boocoo herbs he needed. He realized we were out of bottled sage and I had the nerve to suggest he run up to the store until I realized that we had a whole sage plant in the garden! Duh. This is not the first time I've done that either.
Well, no barking doggies and no getting up in the middle of the night last night. I think that cranberry juice must settle the bladder or something.
We watched the very last performance of Good Neighbors (originally referred to as The Good Life) last night. They performed their last show in front of the Queen. Talk about pressure! She and Prince Philip came to watch the last episode, in person. It was pretty cool. Not sure why the show didn't run beyond 4 seasons. Just as with Fawlty Towers and Chef! I will have to content myself with what they did create. Chef!, btw, is a bit crude at times, just in case you want to check it out. We pick around those parts.
Still feeling the relief of a Republican win in our state senate. Even though Chambliss is considered a RINO, he's friendly toward homeschoolers and is pro-life. That's what mainly matters to me. He's the "lesser of two evils", if you will. That's all we conservatives are being given these days, unfortunately. Hopefully, the great loss we've experienced from the recent elections will bring us back to our senses as a party. Otherwise, our party will just burn up. Let's hope true conservatism rises from the ashes.
Hope you have a lovely day, my friends!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Some of you might be wondering...
...how the cranberry juice worked last night. Well, all went well until around 5 am when Scotty barked to go out. Perhaps we should give him some?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Catching up
With all the pain, pre-surgery, and the mild depression that went with it I was getting woefully behind in so many things...like grading math. And my sweet angels are like every other child when Mom is not on the ball - they take advantage. Well, mostly the girls. They are my messies, my lazies, my entertainers. They need a firm hand to keep them on task. I haven't been that firm hand lately and it shows. I found out that they were not doing their math everyday like they were claiming. *sigh*
But today I awoke with new mommy vigor after not having to get up even once to go to the bathroom last night. And my pain was never so bad that it got me out of bed, so I awoke a new person. Could it have been the cranberry juice I'd drunk the night before? (Hubby had the same blissfully uninterrupted night's sleep and drank some as well) Or could it have been someone's prayer answered? I don't know, but I'm thankful. I'll be drinking cranberry juice every night as long as it works.
So, feeling very momish this morning I have decreed that there will be no Wii until the girls get completely caught up on their math. Son already is, but there are still chores to be done by all. They have a full day ahead of them and I feel up to the task. And tonight hubby will take them to the distribution center for Operation Christmas Child in Atlanta to volunteer some time there as a family. I wish I could join them, but alas, not this year. "PGH" corrected me. They're not going to work as volunteers; they're going on a tour. The two youngest are still too young to volunteer. I think you have to be at least 13.
Hubby made turkey stock from the turkey carcass yesterday and today he will skim off the fat. Tomorrow he will make Turkey Carcass Soup. Lovely name, eh? That's what Jane Brody calls it in her Good Food Book. Tonight it will be something simple like hot dogs.
Oh, btw, Melissa, "pgh" stands for "pretty good husband". My hubby named himself that when signing cards to me. He calls me his "wonderful wife" and I, of course, call him my "wonderful husband". He humbly refers to himself as "pgh" in his cards and elsewhere. It's one of those little things between us.
Hope the sun's out where you live! It's good to see it here!
But today I awoke with new mommy vigor after not having to get up even once to go to the bathroom last night. And my pain was never so bad that it got me out of bed, so I awoke a new person. Could it have been the cranberry juice I'd drunk the night before? (Hubby had the same blissfully uninterrupted night's sleep and drank some as well) Or could it have been someone's prayer answered? I don't know, but I'm thankful. I'll be drinking cranberry juice every night as long as it works.
So, feeling very momish this morning I have decreed that there will be no Wii until the girls get completely caught up on their math. Son already is, but there are still chores to be done by all. They have a full day ahead of them and I feel up to the task. And tonight hubby will take them to the distribution center for Operation Christmas Child in Atlanta to volunteer some time there as a family. I wish I could join them, but alas, not this year. "PGH" corrected me. They're not going to work as volunteers; they're going on a tour. The two youngest are still too young to volunteer. I think you have to be at least 13.
Hubby made turkey stock from the turkey carcass yesterday and today he will skim off the fat. Tomorrow he will make Turkey Carcass Soup. Lovely name, eh? That's what Jane Brody calls it in her Good Food Book. Tonight it will be something simple like hot dogs.
Oh, btw, Melissa, "pgh" stands for "pretty good husband". My hubby named himself that when signing cards to me. He calls me his "wonderful wife" and I, of course, call him my "wonderful husband". He humbly refers to himself as "pgh" in his cards and elsewhere. It's one of those little things between us.
Hope the sun's out where you live! It's good to see it here!
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