I haven't been doing

very well at sticking with anything. I've been doing better than I was, but I'm still not doing as well as I had hoped. I cheat a lot, kind of. I guess I'm not really cheating if my goal is to just cut back and make changes. All that said, my knee has been bothering me today. Today felt like a way that I don't like feeling. I'm serious here. I want to make changes. I'm 52. I need to make changes. I want to be doing better before July 17th. I was looking around today and saw several recommendations for THIS book. 

I researched a little and bought it. It's short so I read most of it during rest time today. It basically says everything I've been hearing and trying. I hope it was the pep talk I needed. It reminded me that feeling better starts with me and that doctors are just going to give me meds to fix symptoms. It just made me feel more determined to do better. I wanted a Coke, but I didn't get one. Yes, I had a Diet Dr Pepper instead, but cutting out the sugar has to be a little better, right? Besides, I didn't even finish it. You know why? I got in the pool and got busy moving.

Anyway, it's time to straighten up and fly right. Things are changing in a way that I don't like. I can't give up everything. I do love sweets and I do need comfort food, but that's probably a whole other issue. I'm going to keep on doing better, making changes, and adding those fruits and vegetables. I stopped for a small coffee after dinner. I needed dessert so I feel like it could've been worse.

UGH. Getting old is hard. Trying to do the right thing is even harder.

Meanwhile, while I'm struggling to make better choices, the grandkids are living their best, carefree life.

And I love it.

It's summer and

things are busy. Things are busy and I'm tired. Are naps frowned upon during summer? Don't naps and summer go hand in hand? It seems like they should.

We made pizzas the other day for lunch. We used premade crusts and I let the kids DIY their toppings. The granddaughter made mine.

Trying to do better, mine was red bell pepper and spinach. Today's lunch was a spinach salad with leftover grilled chicken. Just when I start to give up on myself, I go and make a good decision. 

That's about it around here. I've been babysitting, trying to eat better, and catching up (and finishing) The Handmaid's Tale. I quit watching after season 4. I got bored with it. Now that it ended, I felt like I should see how it all played out. I thought I had one season to watch, but it was two. It was hard to start back up with season 5. I kept going, playing it while I was doing housework. I finally finished. It was meh. I think I was just over it all. I was tired of the story. I was tired of their characters. I was tired of their acting. I do appreciate the closure, though. The final episode was boring, but I did appreciate it. I read that there will be a spinoff. No thanks. I'll just let somebody fill me in.

I wish I could power through meatless Mediterranean meals as well as I did that show. 

Oh, well. That's about all I've got.

I tried a new

 recipe and I think it might be Mediterranean Diet friendly. If it isn't, it's still a healthier version. It's THIS spinach dip recipe.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel since I'm not a fan of Greek yogurt, but it's a winner for me.

No, I know the Fritos in the back aren't Mediterranean Diet friendly, but I needed something tried and true for an accurate taste test.

I made the dip because I'd planned on having it for Cosme's tennis tournament that was postponed due to a case of the crud. I needed to use everything before it went bad. Now I have plenty of vegetables for snacking. I also made all the kabobs from the tournament menu. While I was out at the grill, I noticed a plant coming through the landscaping rocks. I had a feeling a knew what it was, so I searched for an ID and I was right.

I don't know how a tomato plant would end up growing right there.  It looks like I'm also growing a straw wrapper from a juice box. 

That's it for now. I just had to share that healthier recipe.

In one of the

several articles I skimmed over to learn about the Mediterranean Diet, I read that it's also about your lifestyle. Not just like exercise, but like doing and enjoying all the things. I read that I should get out more. Here's the thing, when I think of the Mediterranean, I think of outdoor dining. It probably has nothing to do with anything, but I do enjoy it. That's my excuse and I'm doing it. Every chance I get, I'm outside eating, taking a break, or even on the computer. Really, I should be out there right now but I've got somewhere to be this morning. (A school event. How's that for getting out and doing?) If I didn't have to leave soon, I'd be out there right now typing this and eating some toast. 

Maggie enjoys the scraps company, too.

Speaking of, here's an update on the einkorn bread. It makes good toast, but it makes really good cinnamon toast.

Oops! My alarm to get ready and low battery notification went off at the same time. Better go charge so that I can use this thing outside when I get back. 

Living that lifestyle, y'all. 😁

(At least how I have it pictured in my head)

I'm not 100%

in the Mediterranean Diet groove yet. You know what's better than nothing? Baby steps. I wouldn't even say I'm taking baby steps. Let's go with preteen steps. For example, several times I've had a snack of nuts, grapes, and a little cheese. I've been making more choices like that. Today's lunch was along those lines. 

I made chicken salad yesterday and since all the bread was white, I used some new crackers I found. Beet and seed. 

Are they better for me than white bread or white crackers? I don't know, but it kind of felt like it. Now, let's talk about that chicken salad. (Yes, I know that chicken isn't on the top of the list for the Mediterranean Diet... Like I said, preteen steps.) I normally make it with chicken, mayo, celery, salt, and pepper. The other day I picked up a jar of Hellman's with olive oil. I'd never tried it, but I figured that using it without even sampling in almost a pound of chicken was a good idea. You know what? It is not the same. It tastes fine, I guess, but it really threw me off in chicken salad. It does not taste the same as plain mayo. I added more salt. I added apples. I didn't know what else to do so I gave up and put it in the refrigerator. Maybe being chilled helped. Maybe the crackers helped.

I also decided that this afternoon was the perfect time to try my hand at a loaf of einkorn bread. I used this recipe. I think my flour being all-purpose might've made a difference. While I do like the bread, the dough was pretty sticky. And looking back to link the recipe, I see that I actually made the wrong one. Oh, well. Live and learn. All that said, here's my loaf.

I'm happy with it. Maybe it'll be good with my latest batch of chicken salad. Maybe it'll be good in the morning as cinnamon toast. PRETEEN STEPS.

Things took a turn with

the bread making. I went to the doctor and she saw signs of inflammation and tested me for it. For that reason, I bought some einkorn flour to try. Let me back up a little. I freaked out and went into full panic mode and started researching. Things happen and I'm not young, I get it, but I don't want to be stuck on medication if I can help it. I'm not good at it. I get sidetracked and miss days. I'd like to try to get my body evened out naturally - if it's an option. In my research, I found that the Mediterranean Diet is best for inflammation. While I say that I'm trying it, that's exactly it. I'm trying. It's hard to stick with something when people around you are doing things differently. I'm trying to do better. I'm adding more things that are in agreement with the Mediterranean Diet to my meals. I'm eating more leafy greens. I'm eating more broccoli. I'm also cutting back on other things. What sucks is that there are so many things on the Mediterranean Diet that I hate. I'm trying. I'm really trying. That brings me back to einkorn flour. It's supposed to be the best, most natural, and really good for your gut. I haven't made any yet, but right about the time all this happened, a cupcake shop posted that she is now carrying einkorn sourdough. (Is that a sign or what?) I bought some and am liking it. So, soon I will try baking a regular loaf.

I've also started drinking a lot of water. I still have a Coke daily, but sometimes I skip and sometimes I don't finish. I haven't had any Diet Dr Pepper. I just figured I'd stick to water. I'll have tea here and there, but it's mainly a coffee in the morning, water, an afternoon Coke, and then water. Fun, fun.

In addition to dietary changes, I'm still researching. I already take so many vitamins and supplements and now I've just added a few. Turmeric, anyone? I went for acupuncture. He recommended the Blood Type Diet. Guess what is considered best for me. Basically, the Mediterranean Diet. In better news, it's also suggested that different blood types require different forms of exercise. Who knew? Not me. So instead of cardio and all that rough stuff, I'm better off with yoga and pilates. I guess that's a win.

Now that I've sat here and typed while I finish my oatmeal, einkorn toast, and water, I guess it's time to load up on my vitamins. 

In related news, I bought something. 

I'm going to blame it on The White Lotus, season three. Victoria Ratliff's resort wear is everywhere. I bought it because I thought it would be great for wearing around the pool. I did not buy it because I'm in my Mrs. Roper era. Besides, she was younger than I am now... 

I've been thinking about the

Pullman loaf pans for a few years, but I didn't think I'd stick to making sandwich bread enough to commit to them. Mrs Baird's has been fine and is good. Last year though, I started noticing that I would forget about a loaf for a while and there was never any mold. Bread used to always mold, always. I left some in the drawer and a month past its expiration date, it looked and smelled fine. That's not right. I kept on with my store bought bread and that was that. A few months later, I saw a video of a guy pointing out the same thing. That was it. I started buying store made bread and it would get moldy days later, but it didn't taste great. Back to those Pullman pans...

I ordered a couple of the pans with lids off Amazon. I've emailed USA Pan because that lid with the sticker? That one has a sticky residue that I can't get off.

Anyway, I went ahead and tried a sandwich bread recipe from She's In Her Apron. She made it with three pans, but that didn't work great for me. I did try it three different ways. I made one loaf in the pan with the lid, one in the other pan without a lid, and the third loaf was in a small loaf pan. 

The small loaf had issues.

See the little chunks? What causes this? Did I cut it before it cooled completely?

The next two did fine.

No lid on the left and with the lid on the right.

I also bought a slicer.

I waited longer for those two to cool and I think that helped.

I also bought bags.

I bagged it all up and that was that. It is good, but it's more crumbly than Mrs Baird's - not as soft, chewy, and flexible. Is that from the preservatives? I need to do some more research. I need to practice more. I mean this was my first attempt. I need to figure out where to make changes. I'm sure it's operator error, but still. I just need to work on it.

I want to keep on. I want to know what's in my bread. I want to know it won't last long and will mold like bread always used to - like it is supposed to.

Yesterday was not

about doing better. I didn't go for a swim. I didn't go for a walk, really. I kind of did. I went to the farmers market and Angleton Market Days. I bought a jalapeño cranberry jelly and then sat around last night and ate some.

Camp Snap vintage filter

All I've been wanting to do lately is sit out on the patio. I had snacks out last night and we had friends over and drinks. Did I get enough? No. I was back out this morning with coffee.

Camp Snap vintage filter

Can't stop, won't stop. Well, I will if the weather has any say. Which, it does. Instead of starting off the day with swimming, it threw a 49 degree curveball so now I'm in pants and a hoodie and planning on a walk. Whatever.

Doing better has

begun. Does everyone do this before a yearly checkup? Surely they do. So after going out to Giovanni's and having a bourbon and Coke, it was too pretty out to call it a night. Cosme went for a swim and while I was just lounging, I had a glass of water. A step in the right direction.

Taken yesterday evening with the Camp Snap vintage filter

This morning, instead of going for a walk, I decided to get in the pool. WOW. That was tiring. Sheesh. I guess I need to add that to my list. Also, instead of coming in and grabbing a Diet Dr Pepper, I have a glass of water. TCB 

If I can just stick to it and make habits out of all this, I'll be in business. 

Today was a day

of making appointments. UGH. Being an adult can suck. Getting old is no fun. Oh well, at least I have a few weeks to try and do better. Wish me luck.

I took this with my Camp Snap camera. It's a fun little toy. I do get a lot of meh images, but it's fun. I've had it set to b&w for a while. I think I'll switch to Vintage and see where that gets me.

hello, is it me

 you're looking for?

I've been away for a bit. I think I might want to come back. I don't know. I get busy. I get distracted. I question the blog. Why should I do it? I don't want to talk to anyone. I don't want comments from strangers. I'm antisocial. I'm an introvert. I'm weird. I also want an outlet. I get bored with social media. Bored? For the most part. Annoyed is better. Things are one-sided here. It's me. I don't get ads popping up. I don't get recommended videos. I don't get clips from old tv shows that I never watched. Really, I don't get views. Are blogs even a thing anymore? It's quiet here. I don't do anything that would get attention. I just have an outlet. I can share photos. I can vent. I can do whatever I want. 

While I think I have more time on my hands to get back into stuff like this, I really don't. I want to make more time for my camera. I want to share pictures. I just want a space of my own without any of the social media nonsense and obligations. So, here I am.

I let my photography website go. I probably lost my name, too. I don't know. I might find out. I might add it here. I don't really have time for all that anymore. Wait. I don't make time for all that anymore. 

Anyway, that's where I stand. I'll probably be back more often. I did find something I want to try. (Oh, great. Another project for me to flake out on...)

Okay. I'm out for now.

I moved the recliner

 to the kitchen for a couple of days so that I could visit with Cosme while he's spending so much time on the computer.

10/26/2023

Then I missed another day.

Yesterday I went to West Columbia with Cosme, Paige, and the granddaughter for the CHS Halloween festival and a walk through the haunted woods.  I wasn't going to do the walk, but Cosme insisted.  It was a little intense for the granddaughter so one of the workers let us sneak out an early exit.  It was the chainsaw that did it for her.  I can't say I was upset about cutting it short.

10/28/2023

Haunted houses and trails just aren't my thing.  I like to scare, not be scared.

And I did it

again.  I missed getting a picture for 10/23/2023.  It was a busy day.  I was babysitting, the guys were working from home while slammed with work, and Mom had an injured eye and I needed to get her to a doctor.

Then the next day came...

I picked up donut holes and kolaches and then went to sit with the grandson.  I caught him feeding donut holes to his dino, but missed the picture.  I asked him to do it again.  He let me know the dino didn't want another donut, but gave him a bite of kolache.

10/24/2023

Today was picture day for the granddaughter and busy schedules had me going to get her ready and dropped off at school.  Fixing hair has never been a strong point of mine so I'm hoping I did okay with her requested pigtails.

10/25/2023

 Now I'd just like to squeeze in a little bit of rest.  I have just under an hour before I need to get back to my duties, but I also have chores that need to be done.  Maybe I'll just flip a coin.

The last day of the fair was Saturday

so we all went back, but this time Cosme went with us.

10/21/2023

 

Here is Cosme with the granddaughter and daughter-in-law. Now we have a whole year before we have to go back out there.

I spent the day cleaning and doing chores and didn't think about my picture until almost 11:00. 

10/22/2023

I grabbed my camera, turned on my phone's flashlight, and got this.  It isn't quite focused, but it's what I got.

Well that didn't take

long for me to forget a day.  Oh, well.  Moving right along...

I wanted to get out and go for a walk so the grandson and I walked down to the mailbox.  We stopped to see the inflatable dragons on the way.

10/17/2023

The next day we went down to Lakeside Park for a little bit.

10/18/2023

We had to get in some carnival time at the fair.

10/19/2023

And when you're so tired at the end of the day and think about the picture you didn't get...

10/20/2023

 

I'm pretty sure

I already posted these pictures, but I think I deleted the post.  I don't know.  So, let me reshare what I did the week before last...

I made chili in the crockpot.

10/11/2023

I did a grocery pickup at HEB, where I always try to park in this spot for the granddaughter... and get a picture to show when she isn't with me.

10/12/2023

I waited until the end of the day to pick up my camera and figured I'd get this on an evening coffee run.

10/13/2023

We went to the fair parade and waited for the daughter-in-law and granddaughter to come by on a float.

10/14/2023

I had Pillsbury cookie dough in the refrigerator and baked cookies.

10/15/2023

 

The grandson and I

10/10/23

made a quick trip to Kroger this morning. He saw "watermewon" and wanted one, but we didn't get any.

We ended the week with

10/6/23

some outdoor playtime in the driveway.

We ended the next day with

10/7/23

some outdoor playtime in their driveway and street.

We ended the weekend with treats

10/8/23

from the ice cream truck in our driveway.

It sounds like we spent the weekend in the driveway.

I started the week with

10/9/23

sangria for lunch.  I met a friend for lunch at La Casona since it was a holiday and we both ordered a sangria, but they brought us wine.  We corrected them and they brought us the sangria, but told us we still had to pay for the wine since we already drank some of it... HELLO? Whatever.

None of us know why

 

10/5/23 - 50mm, Canon 5d Mark ii

the grandson insists on taking the tires off of all of his vehicles.  It's just something he does. 

Yesterday was perfect

 

10/4/23 - 50mm, Canon 5d Mark ii

for napping.  The sky got dark, the rain picked up, and we weren't leaving the house, so the grandson got tucked in with one of his tv shows going and fell asleep. I stayed right there and enjoyed the weather, trying to stay awake.

Also, I was current on all my sinus/allergy meds and vitamins, so it feels like the crud might be going away for a bit.

It's a good thing

that we got some outside playtime yesterday.

10/2/23 - 50mm, Canon 5d Mark ii

The granddaughter had some outdoor playtime after school.  I pulled the camera out for a few pictures, including one she got of me.

Today was a different story.  The weather blew in.  After so long of little to no rain and water restrictions in place, the rain decided to try and make up for all of it. 

10/3/23 - 50mm, Canon 5d Mark ii

Cosme's office lost power so he had to load up his stuff and come home to work.

More rain is expected tomorrow...

I waited a few days

 to post, but it was worth it.  I'm back on my own computer, not the one we shared for a few years.  Also, I'm back in the world of Mac.  Mac was hard, then I got used to it, then mine crapped out on me, then I went to the world of Windows and the adjustment was so hard, now I'm back and remembering how different and easy it is.  

Anyway...

9/28/23 - 50mm, Canon 5d Mark ii

The grandson and I were waiting in the pickup line to get the granddaughter after school.

9/29/23 - 50mm, Canon 5d Mark ii

IT RAINED! It was wonderful.  All the yards look terrible.

9/30/23 - 50mm, Canon 5d Mark ii

One coffee, one tea, and one phone.  By the end of the day, it was one coffee, two teas, and two Cokes.  I sat in the recliner most of the day, just trying to rest and deal with the crud... that's been around for a week now.

10/1/23 - 50mm, Canon 5d Mark ii

The return of the Mac.  Things have changed a little since I bought my last MacBook back in 2011.  Where are the USB ports? Where do the batteries go in the mouse?  What is going on?  I think it'll be like riding a bike.  I feel like I'm off to a good restart, much like this photo challenge and posting.