good news in the

world of dog meds.  The Trifexis went over really well with Maggie and Archer.  I let the pills sit out for two days and with them being cut up with half the dose covered in cheese and the other half covered in peanut butter, they gobbled it up like candy.  Now I just need to do that all the time.  I wonder if it'd make Strat's meds any easier to go down.

I got my NOLA painting back from Michael's.  I had an issue with it but I won't point it out because so far, nobody else has noticed except me.  Anyway, I went in and talked to them about getting it framed.  I found the perfect frame.  Have you ever priced custom framing?  Sheesh.  They were having a sale for 70% off.  He did let me know that it was going to cost more because "see that purple band around it?" Yes.  "That means it's Premier and one of the more expensive frames."  That's usually how it works for me.  Here's a little fun fact.  Dodo took me shopping for China and we were looking at patterns on display at Chesney's.  Dodo told me to pick the one I liked best so I did.  Donna Ruth, the owner of Chesney's, commented that it was the most expensive pattern they had.  At that point Dodo patted (that doesn't sound right, patted. Pat? Patted? The internet grammar police say it's patted so I'll go with it) me on the back and said, "good girl"... that's Dodo for you.  Now back to the frame, I found a few lower priced ones but nothing looked as good as that first one.  So guess how much a custom frame for a 22x22 inch canvas costs at 70% off.  $250.  Oh, but at first it was $350 until he realized I didn't need the glass on it.  I didn't do it.  Sure, it was pretty and when you think of it as basically a fixture in the house, it makes sense to pay good money for something custom like that.  Here's where my problem is, what if I want to move it and that frame doesn't look good in the new spot?  Then I would have spend $250 for the painting to look awesome while it temporarily hangs near the dining table.  Since I'm so indecisive, I decided to go without for now.

Here it is, taking the last spot of wall space at the entry.

And now a panoramic view

That was something I accomplished on my headache free Tuesday, getting that painting on the wall.  For my headache free Wednesday I spent some time at the car dealer for one of those periodic checkups.  That really makes for a wasted day.  I hate sitting there and waiting.  I especially hate waiting when everyone around me is sniffling, sneezing and coughing.  Why can't people be more considerate?  Sure, it might just be allergies but even so, don't do that.  I don't even like going around people when I might appear to be contagious.  Same goes for the people who take their sick kids to the grocery store.  I understand there are situations where kids have to go while you pick up their prescriptions or whatever but in that case, don't let them wander off and play in the toy section (contaminating all the toys that will be purchased and taken home for other kids to play with) while you wait... another story for another day.

Now I'm off to research a lens.

the good news is

Strat has a bladder infection.  The bad news is, Strat has a bladder infection.  I say it's good news because as I mentioned yesterday, I don't really have the time or understanding of cat therapy for behavioral issues... like that would be an option.  The bad news is he's on antibiotics for 12 days and then he has to go get retested.  That's 2 1/4 pills a day for 12 days.  While I was at the vet's office, I picked up Maggie and Archer's Trifexis for fleas and heartworm.  I wrestled with them a couple of months ago and the vet tech recommended opening the pill and letting it air out for a day or so before giving it to them.  I tried that last month and still had to wrestle them.  This time I'm letting them air out longer and I've cut the pills (in half for Maggie and quarters for Archer).  Once they've aired out I'll put a dab of peanut butter on them or wrap them in cheese.  Although last month, with the full size pill, they managed to eat the cheese and spit the pill out.  Wish me luck... lots of luck.

I probably should have found out who manufactures all these meds and invested early on.  While we're on the topic of could've, should've, would've, I probably should have gone to vet school.

I also took a Zyrtec D as soon as I woke up this morning.  While that headache went away yesterday, it came back around 2:30 in the afternoon.  It wasn't playing around either.  It was totally kicking my butt.  I took an antihistamine, had some caffeine and put a washcloth with peppermint oil over my nose and mouth.  I woke up on defense today.  I decided I'd make time and eat something.  Here's what sucks.  Every morning Cosme has an egg and a couple of sausage links with toast and orange juice.  Today I popped a Jimmy Dean sandwich in the microwave.  He ate and left.  This was the one morning where I actually would've eaten an egg.  Normally 5:00 is too early to be hungry but man that egg sounded good.  I hate those Jimmy Dean sandwiches and wasn't about to dirty up the egg pan so I psyched myself up for a piece of peanut butter toast.  Now let's all hope that works.  Seeing how yesterday's headache made me feel almost totally out of commission, I've started attacking my chores early today.  I'm at it strong and hard this morning.

More good news is I probably won't bake another cake today.  I was happy with the one I made yesterday.  It's three layered but I cut into one of the layers so I could figure out the best frosting for it.  I'm keeping that one for us and I'm looking for a home for the two-layered cake that's left.  I have go by the church today so I think I might see if they'll eat it in the office.

Vanilla cake with almond buttercream frosting

I'm signing off and getting back to TCB.  I won't let another headache stand in the way of what needs to be done around here today.

i think i waited too

long to eat and take a nasal decongestant.  I had a lot of running around to do this morning and my head is paying for it.  I had to drop Strat off at the vet because, well, he's having a bit of an issue.  I'm hoping it's something simple that meds can fix because if it's an attitude problem, I don't have time for cat therapy... or a major health crisis.  He is down a few pounds though.  The last we weighed him, he was 32 pounds.  Today he's at 22.4.  I guess not using that "eat whenever you want" canister has paid off.

That new cake recipe I tried out yesterday didn't turn out so hot and it might've all been my fault.  I tried this recipe I found on Pinterest.  I probably messed up when I put it in one 9" pan instead of two but it would've been so thin if divided.  Since I had all the batter in one pan, it took longer to bake.  When the time was up I checked and the middle was runny so I dropped the temp to 300.  I checked it a bit later and it looked nice.

I could tell the edges were overdone though.  See how easily that knife slides right through the middle?

It wasn't like that on the edges.

The knife just wanted to smash the edges down.  Oh well, the cake had a good flavor (I added almond instead of vanilla) but I think I'll just go back to the drawing board.  I've got a few more recipes I'll try before I need to bake the real deal on Saturday.  I stopped by Kroger this morning to replenish some of my baking supplies so we'll see how it all turns out.

Now for some good news.  My headache is just about gone.  Either the sinus meds are kicking in or that lunch I just had was the answer.  I think it might've been the salami I added to my ham sandwich, or the Chili Cheese Fritos.  Now I'm going to get back on my chores and baking.  It should be so much easier without my head throbbing.  I'll keep the chips on standby.

what can i

say?  I've been busy.  I had a post going and left the house and never finished it.  Like I said, I've been busy.  I had birthday stuff going on, I've had raffle ticket stuff going on, I've had doctor appointments going on and then there's all the regular stuff that was also going on.

Want to hear some good news?  I'm all checked out and healthy.  And the B word I was fearing from the eye doctor?  He suggested a new type of lens that's "made for people our age who aren't quite ready" for the B word.  It's some new technology thing that helps all the strain on your eyes from computers and all the gadgets it takes to survive in today's world.  I should have my new glasses in a few days.

Oh, the dentist said everything looks good and to keep doing what I'm doing.  (I'm assuming he means the routine I started 3 weeks before my appointment.)

I did walk away from all of that with one prescription but it's just for vitamin D, a rather large dose at 50,000 whatevers with one a week for eight weeks, but it's just a vitamin.  After the 8 weeks I'll start taking a smaller, non-prescription strength daily.  I'm okay with that.  One thing I did read after researching what all vitamin D deficiency can bring on is that it might be linked to my skin and stomach issues, which always show up together.  I'm hoping that's the answer.

So the doctor visits are done and the church bazaar is next weekend which means the end of raffle ticket duties.  Hopefully everything will start slowing down after that... hopefully.

Today I'm going to try out a new recipe.  I'll need to get other stuff baked during the week too since I signed up to bring baked goods for the bazaar's cake walk.  Today's recipe is just one I want to try out before putting my name on and turning it in.  Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to share pictures of a wonderful cake that looks as good as it tastes.  Maybe.

since i'm feeling

so much better today, I'll tell you about our breakfast at Snooze.  A while back I'd read that it was about to open in Houston so you know what that means, don't even think about trying it out for a while.  We gave it a while and then a little bit longer.  Before we'd even planned on our museum visit Friday, I woke up deciding we'd go to Snooze.  Actually, my plan was to leave the house by 7:00 so we could try and beat the (if any) Friday morning crowd.  Then I checked the museum's website and saw those onsite tickets and that totally put the early Snooze plans on the back burner.  So, we drove down the street to Snooze after the museum.  There were no spots available in their lot but we only had to circle the block a few times before finding a spot.  After the second time to circle, I asked Cosme if he wanted to just eat somewhere else.  He said no that since we were already there, he wanted to stay.  Part of me wondering if this is really what was going on in his head, I know it was halfway going through mine.

*replace all the fun, vacation and Marty Moose references with pancakes and breakfast

We ended up parking a couple of blocks down the road, which really wasn't that bad.  The place was full but there was only a 15-20 minute wait.  We could have waited outside and played some of the games they have set up but standing room only with a/c was a better option.  We saw a couple get up from the bar and decided we'd just eat there.

I had the Hill Country Mule while Cosme had one of their mimosas.  I'd been wanting to try some of their pancakes, like the peach pie pancakes, blueberry danish pancakes or pineapple upside down pancakes but I chose the breakfast pot pie instead.  It's rosemary sausage gravy over a puff pastry and topped with an egg. 

It was so good.  Cosme had the Havana Daydreaming sandwich.  It was pork, ham, gruyere, pickles and an egg with dijon hollandaise on a hoagie roll.

It was awesome.

Of course I didn't think we could leave without trying a pancake so we shared a cinnamon roll pancake.  (Seen in the background of my sandwich).  We were stuffed and totally happy with our decision to stick around and circle the block a few times.  That parking spot we eventually found down the road?  Yeah, well, that was much needed after we ate.

Mine.  After.

There's a mummy exhibit opening at The Museum of Natural Science on the 24th that I'm excited to see.  Maybe we need to plan to go see it and try some of the pancakes afterwards.

All this talk has me wanting something bready and sweet.  Maybe I'll get some dough rising and cream cheese softened.  By the time my roast is done in the oven, it'd be time to put something else in.  I like where this is headed but I wonder if I have all the other ingredients.  I guess there's only one way to find out.

it's like it's all

going to even itself out this morning.  (which is much better than it could be)

Bad news: I'm not feeling the best.
Good news: My appointment with the eye doctor was actually today and not later so I got to cancel it.

Bad news: The only cold ginger ale I had was a flat 2 liter.
Good news: I have plenty of cold Coke and I put more ginger ale in to get cold.

Bad news: These Kroger brand graham crackers aren't as good as Honey Maid.
Good news: At least they're the ones with cinnamon.

Bad news: I have a long list of things I'd planned to do today.
Good news: What doesn't happen today can always happen tomorrow, no biggie.

I was going to talk about the late breakfast we had at Snooze after the museum on Friday but I don't think the stomach can handle it right now.  Maybe tomorrow.  For now I'll hit the snooze button on Snooze.  Like how I did that?

Instead I'll talk about a couple of other things.  First, I sold raffle tickets in Sweeny and West Columbia yesterday.  They're big rivals when it comes to football and maybe other things I guess but I know they have their big Battle of the Bernard every year.  After I did pretty well at selling tickets in Sweeny, I thought I'd egg on the WC Facebook people by telling them how they shouldn't let Sweeny outdo them.  But... they did.  WC was defeated by Sweeny.  Heck, I was even wearing a maroon shirt (WC's color) and Sweeny still stepped up. After the WC shift, I had to go back to Sweeny for another shift.  I decided on the way over there I'd 1) have to invest in more blue shirts and 2) get lunch in their town to give some support back to them.  That whole lunch thing was easier said than done though.  I think there were three restaurants open yesterday, that's including Sonic (where I did get a drink from earlier) and Subway.  The third was a seafood restaurant and when I had the idea to stop for lunch I meant pick something up, not sit there and eat with the town.  I'd been standing around outside perspiring all morning.  I just wanted to grab a bite and head home.  So... I stopped in WC for BBQ on the way home.  Sorry, Sweeny.  But I'd like to let Sweeny know that it really wasn't the best and had their BBQ place been open, I DEFINITELY would have stopped there.

On Saturday the new light for Dodo's painting came in.  I hooked it up and then realized the stupidest thing.  The switch to turn it on is maybe a foot from the plug.  That means that unless I get an extension cord for the length, I'll have to move the buffet every time I want to turn that thing on or off.  Needless to say, I'm attaching an extension cord today.  The light is okay and unlike the other one, it works.

I just realized I have to go to Lake Jackson today.  That can't be put off until tomorrow because the cats are out of food.  I think I might as well stop for tortillas while I'm there and just make tacos tonight.  Sounds easy enough.  Oh well, I'll go try to convince myself I feel like going. ugh. This won't be easy.

we actually made it

to the museum today.  I looked online and saw they offered a few Fast Pass tickets on-site but there were only a few available and those were offered on a first come, first served basis.  We made it to the museum at 10:15 and our tickets for the exhibit were 11:30.  No problem, it wasn't like there was plenty to walk around and see while we were there.

When I was a teenager, MFAH didn't issue stickers but little metal clip on pins.  We always thought we were so clever and would keep these and wear them other places... like to school.  I don't guess I have to spell out what MFAH would stand for.

We saw some awesome ancient Roman and Egyptian artifacts, we saw some Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Seurat, Renoir, Matisse, Cassatt, Chagall, Cezanne, Picasso, Lichtenstein, and so many more.  I've never really been a fan of Jackson Pollock but I really liked the colors in Overall Composition.  And then there's what was up there with one of my favorites of the day, At the Table of Monsieur and Madame Natanson by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. 

I had to get a picture of this dog's face.  He was horrified that two cows were fighting.

Then came the reason we went.  The exhibit by Yayoi Kusama.  It was two walk-in type of installments.  The first, Love is Calling, was cool.  It almost seemed cartoonish to me but it was cool.  Maybe a better description would be groovy or trippy, I don't know.  It was cool though.  We went in as small groups of probably no more than 10 for three minutes.  It was a room of mirrors with these tentacle-like things sticking out of the floor and ceiling.  They seemed like those inflatable yard things.

The next, Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity, was just awesome.  It was SO cool.  It was just the two of us in this time, probably since no more than four were allowed at a time.  It was a small room but we were limited to standing on a small platform, surrounded by lights, mirrors and water.  I wish we had three minutes in this one but it was only 45 seconds.  We both really enjoyed this one.
 

After that we left.  We headed down the road for a late breakfast but I'll talk more about that later, maybe Monday.  Now I'm making plans for a mummy exhibit that starts on the 24th at The Museum of Natural Science.  I'm excited about that one too.

day two of the

Doctor Visit Tour 2016 is down and it was a hit.  It's usually really hard for people to find a spot to get blood from me.  This only took a second and she was done.  She did tell me once she got everything going that I could relax my hand.  I played it off real cool like, with an "oh, ok" like I was only doing it to make her job easier.  Little did she know I had no idea my hand was clenched that tight until she said something, that was pure nerves.  Now let's just hope all the readings come back fine.  I'd hate to think that my little reward for getting all that past me ends up being something the doctor says I need to cut back on.

Replenishing my system after that 17 hour Coke-free zone.

So yeah, I probably should cut back on McDonald's Cokes and tacos from Jack in the Box but I needed it.  Fasting takes a lot out of me... like the small amount of will power I do have.  Speaking of no will power, I have some buttermilk I need to use.  I think I'll make a sheet cake.

Remember that museum exhibit I talked about that I REALLY wanted to see that weekend a while back?  Well, it ends on the 18th and guess what.  Really, guess.  It's sold out completely until then.  MFAH is staying open for 24 hours on the last Saturday and even THAT is sold out.  Oh well, at least there are other people's photographs.  I'll just drown my sorrows in this large Coke from Mcdonalds.  I guess it'd suck even more if there was no Instagram.  Maybe Cosme will feel sorry for me and want to take me somewhere else... I hear there's something cool at the Museum of Natural Science and I think I even had an email from them this morning.  I'm on it!

First I better get back into my routine, you know, the routine where I don't sit in bed all morning to avoid accidentally eating something.  I'm going to make the most of this day and I'll start with the laundry!  (I honestly don't mean for that to sound so pathetic.  I'm enjoying not having anywhere to be or anything to do and am sincerely looking forward to doing laundry.) 

i just had a

Coke and I could really use another.  Today was day one of the Doctor Visit Tour 2016 and ugh...  It started off with me trying to fast but then 8:30 rolled around and I needed something to eat.  I know, you're probably surprised to find out but not all my breakfasts are as glamorous as a bowl of instant oatmeal.  Who do you think I am?  A real housewife of Beverly Hills?  Today it was just toast.

I figured if that killed any chance of routine blood work, then I'd have to make an additional appointment for that... much earlier than 2:00 in the afternoon.  By 10:30 my head was killing me.  I needed more food and caffeine but I just drank a Fresca.  I'd already had food and drink so I could've just gone all out and had a decent meal.  Since I have anxiety issues, there's no way my nerves would've let me have a meal anyway.  I went without anything else.

Once at the doctor, we were notified she was running about 30 minutes late.  No big deal.  It started pouring as I'd pulled up and I wasn't about to get back out in the rain.  Once my turn came to be called, I went on back for my checkup.  The doctor started to talk about hormones and everything else that comes along with getting older.  I told her I didn't need to consider any of that right now because I was probably going to end up with the B word at the eye doctor and that's too much OLD stuff for right now.  Then we started talking about eyesight.  I do have to go back tomorrow for blood stuff but it's first thing in the morning (well, 9:00 so maybe first thing for them).  So for now I've stuffed my face and am wondering if I should take more ibuprofen for this headache.  By the way, she doesn't expect anyone to fast that long and always just issues the paperwork to come back.  Next time I'll try to remember that.

The photo challenge for today was "the little things".  I took a picture but didn't post it so I'll just share it here.

The little things.  I read more and saw she was referring to little things that happen and not just the big events.  I could have posted this though.  Yes, pen caps are little but when you think how important they are, how many pens we'd have to throw out and waste if we didn't have them, the little things really do matter.  (Wow, I could've gotten all deep and philosophical on you.  Lucky for you it's not really my style.)

I pepped myself up and planned what I'd make for dinner tonight (yes, it's that time again where I try to get out of the restaurant habit) but I think I've talked myself out of it.  As delicious as my meal plan sounds, La Casona sounds a lot easier.  The will power is weak with this one.  La Casona it is.  Let's face it, after the dull meals I've had today and the breakfast I won't have tomorrow, I think I deserve a little something special.  Don't you?  Thanks for backing me up on that, you're awesome.

that was some

holiday weekend.  I didn't do much but that's okay.  Most of the time I enjoy days like this one here so well represented by Strat.

I'd actually like a redo.  I'm tired and don't really feel like doing much.  And boy, there's a lot I need to get done before 10:30.  For starters, I need to call the chiropractor in a few minutes and start that back up.  I haven't been in a couple of months and I guess it's a lot like anything else.  It's easy to fall out of the routine.

We did fix the fence problem, now that the dogs (more specifically, Maggie) has chewed away at a large portion of the gate.  She's been so rebellious lately.  I was out there trying to fix it on my own the other day and needed to get behind the thorny bougainvillea.  I didn't have any rope but I had plenty of ribbon.  I might not be outdoorsy but I am a little crafty.

I think they compliment each other.  The next day I went to Lowe's and bought something to tie around the other bougainvillea so that maybe it'll start growing up instead of out.  I guess I could do a before and after picture.

I also think I need to start making sure my computer files are backed up to an external hard drive.  I've had my laptop for 5 years now and it's dragging.  I'm not ready for another laptop yet.  I have the 17" Macbook and I think they quit making these.  I'm pretty sure they only have 13" and 15" now.  I would get one for my birthday but I've already started some birthday shopping and I'm also planning to get a new phone in October.  I told Cosme that I know I say it every upgrade season but this year I've stressed several times MAKE ME GET THE PHONE WITH MORE MEMORY.  I'm so cheap I usually back out of spending the extra money but I have too much going on to keep playing games with this "storage full" nonsense.  I've deleted so much and I just don't know what else to do other than get more space.  Well, I guess I could not be so dependent on my phone but please... (insert scoff here)

I guess I'll go get dressed and make that call to the chiropractor.  Can I just relive this moment for a second longer?

i finally made it to

Pearland Wednesday.  I was really looking forward to getting over there and picking up pillows and possibly a throw for the bed.  I bought the plain grey bedspread because I figured it'd be so easy to add those pops of color.  So I realized that the navy might make it look too Dallas Cowboys, remember?  I decided to go with it anyway.  It looks totally Dallas Cowboys.

This is only a grey sham with a navy and silver pillow and I also plan to get white sheets but still.  I'm feeling a little discouraged.  I have two more pillows I want to order online and then I'd like to find a smaller rectangle pillow or bolster to go in front of the navy but I kind of think I'm headed down the wrong road.  I just don't know.  Maybe I'll make a trip to Houston or Sugarland.  There are still another couple of stores I'd like to check out but right now I'm only feeling Dallas Cowboys about this direction.  But I like the grey! And I like the blue!  I feel like a lighter blue won't be bold enough.  I'm also thinking maybe if that middle pillow weren't solid navy the navy and white one I put back to get this one that it might work better.  ugh.  This is so discouraging, much like Tony Romo's medical chart.  Maybe I'll just end up doing black and white but that's not really me... at all.  This is so hard.

In the meantime, Cosme and Eric went to Arlington to a Cowboys game yesterday.  Maybe it's a sign that I should definitely go with the color scheme.  Maybe it won't look so footballish if I add more black and white.  Or maybe I should've just had them pick up some pillows and lamps while they were at the stadium.  No.  I haven't totally given up hope.  Yet.

So while they were at this game, I was getting pictures and videos.  They sat in the Founder's Club.  Founder's Room?  Whatever it's called, it's special.  They had free food and drinks all night as well as getting to go down to the tunnel to see the players, cheerleaders and Jerry Jones as they all came out.  I was pretty jealous.  They sent me pictures of them eating their sliders and prime rib while I had my nachos.

They sent me another picture during halftime when they went back for huge boiled shrimp, some crab something and lots more.  I thought about going to get a bowl of cereal.  It ended up with the Cowboys losing but the experience was pretty awesome and they're looking forward to going back.  They did get a tshirt for me - I just hope it fits.

Now I need to TCB and hope this sinus headache goes away.  I woke up with a really bad one this morning and now I'm waiting for my Zyrtec to jump into action... still waiting.