today. I for sure need to clean the cat/craft room. I've been meaning to do that since before Harvey hit. I just have to tackle it and get it over with. ugh. I don't feel like it.
I'm tired. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen yesterday. I had shrimp cleaned and marinating early, then I made taco meat for today, then I prepped the shrimp for the grill, then I made sweeties, then I started dinner... All this involved a couple of loads in the dishwasher and I still need to empty that. Speaking of grits, I added the usual to our grits last night but also added diced chilis. We liked it and I'll definitely do it again, if not every time. I'd planned to make an egg this morning and have that with leftover grits but when the alarm went off, I put jeans on and went to Shipley. I'm too tired to even fry an egg.
Instead of doing the usual pink sweeties with white icing, I colored them since Halloween is right around the corner.
Purple and green. They remind me of The Joker.
I guess one of the other things I need to do today is find my closet.
I know it's around here somewhere.
I have a bad habit of taking off my shoes and just walking away, even if it's as I finished washing dishes. Done with the dishes, done with these shoes, I'm just done. I couldn't find a pair of shoes a couple of days ago because I couldn't remember what I was doing the last time I wore them. Then I remembered I had been watching tv. There they were, in front of the couch. And just an update, right now that pair of blue flip flops is at the island, where I was standing when I finished eating my breakfast. Done with breakfast, done with shoes, walk away.
I've really got to get busy. The sun will be up before I know it and then I'll feel like the whole day is slipping away.
1, 2, 3, GO.
i made another trip to
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Lake Jackson yesterday. That trip was another stop at HEB to get some bags for Lauren and then I had to pick up a couple of ink pads from Hobby Lobby. While in Hobby Lobby, I checked out the Christmas ornaments. New year means new ornaments for everyone. They have so many it's almost too much to pick from. Then I started wondering which ones we already have. It'd be nice if they'd retire the designs so I don't have the option to duplicate. I don't even know how many cameras, airplanes and video game controllers we already have. So yesterday I was looking everything over. I didn't buy any but saw some cute ones.
With all the drama in the neighborhood lately, I thought about this one.
A few months ago I would've considered this one. I guess I could still get it, to represent my 8%.
I liked this one because I've never been one to turn down a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
I don't ever remember turning down bacon either.
I guess I'll wait closer to Christmas, maybe after I've decorated the tree so I can make sure I don't have any repeat ornaments. They'll also be nice and picked over by that time so it should make the decision making process so much easier. I just finished a breakfast taco not too long ago and I really can't look at that bacon ornament right now.
I think it's time for a Coke. I've already cleaned shrimp for tonight and made taco meat for tomorrow (trying to get all the stinky stuff out in the garbage) but now I need to take care of those two softened sticks of butter so I can make a batch of sweeties. Oh, that's about 7 dozen. Maybe I'll drink the Coke and take a break first. Those sweeties cookies are good but they sure are a lot of work.
Okay. I need to get busy before I lose all motivation.
With all the drama in the neighborhood lately, I thought about this one.
A few months ago I would've considered this one. I guess I could still get it, to represent my 8%.
I liked this one because I've never been one to turn down a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
I don't ever remember turning down bacon either.
I guess I'll wait closer to Christmas, maybe after I've decorated the tree so I can make sure I don't have any repeat ornaments. They'll also be nice and picked over by that time so it should make the decision making process so much easier. I just finished a breakfast taco not too long ago and I really can't look at that bacon ornament right now.
I think it's time for a Coke. I've already cleaned shrimp for tonight and made taco meat for tomorrow (trying to get all the stinky stuff out in the garbage) but now I need to take care of those two softened sticks of butter so I can make a batch of sweeties. Oh, that's about 7 dozen. Maybe I'll drink the Coke and take a break first. Those sweeties cookies are good but they sure are a lot of work.
Okay. I need to get busy before I lose all motivation.
i denied having an
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
issue yesterday. Remember, the issue about staying home and keeping to myself? Fine. I know that the first step is admitting you have a problem. Or maybe admitting your problem is the step after denial? Is denial a step? It seems like denial would be part of the problem and no way part of the solution so the road to a solution requires a step. Said step would clearly be acknowledging the problem. Maybe that first step is admitting you have a problem. If it's not, it should be. I do know they're both involved when people have problems. Anyway, something happened yesterday and I won't dare post it here because I would be totally embarrassed and ashamed if word got around. Right now only two people know what I did, Cosme and Lauren. I laughed at myself because I was just talking about it here yesterday and a couple of hours later, I proved my point. I can't post it here, not knowing if this post will ever be seen by (doubt it) or repeated to (highly unlikely but not impossible) a certain someone. I would go into full blown panic mode if that happened. I don't like being rude or hurting feelings but I still gotta be me. So this situation happened in slow motion. The pieces, clues and realization just clicked together one by one in my head. Three words: fight or flight. I don't care if some people know, I just can't post it here. If you were to ask Cosme or Lauren, they wouldn't think it's a big deal but I do because 1) this totally relates to what I talked about yesterday and 2) I'm nice and they're both... well... not as nice as me. Not that they aren't nice but have you been around the three of us? I'd win that contest. I'm not saying landslide but... yeah, pretty much.
So I went on this outing yesterday. I went to HEB for a few things and found some really cute shopping bags. I bought them.
Halloween is coming.
I also picked up some of their praline pecans from the bulk aisle and some apple slices for us to try out. I guess they're dried apple slices but they have cinnamon on them. I almost couldn't eat them because of a flashback of a bad headache/nausea episode brought on by cinnamon oil but I powered through it and ate the apple and liked it.
Afterwards I went to Target to find a Fry Daddy. That was my second store to hit and my second time to not find it. They don't even have a spot for it on the shelf. Amazon, here I come.
Yesterday I had the dogs inside, expecting the yard crew. I looked over because Maggie was starting to bark in her sleep (she always has crazy dreams with twitching, moving and barking) but Archer was just chilling. I had to get a picture because of those teeth.
It's a terrible picture because it was dark over there and I had to zoom in but again, those teeth. Who doesn't love a good picture of a dog resting his face with teeth showing? Or, who doesn't love a bad quality picture of a dog resting his face with teeth showing? Maggie eventually woke up and when the yard crew had the blower going outside, she sat and stared at me like I was making her miss out on the best chase ever. I still didn't let them out. Oh, I hear the yard looks good. I haven't gone out to see it. No, it's not because I'm a hermit and need to stay inside after a day like yesterday. Or maybe it is and I'm back to denial.
So I went on this outing yesterday. I went to HEB for a few things and found some really cute shopping bags. I bought them.
Halloween is coming.
I also picked up some of their praline pecans from the bulk aisle and some apple slices for us to try out. I guess they're dried apple slices but they have cinnamon on them. I almost couldn't eat them because of a flashback of a bad headache/nausea episode brought on by cinnamon oil but I powered through it and ate the apple and liked it.
Afterwards I went to Target to find a Fry Daddy. That was my second store to hit and my second time to not find it. They don't even have a spot for it on the shelf. Amazon, here I come.
Yesterday I had the dogs inside, expecting the yard crew. I looked over because Maggie was starting to bark in her sleep (she always has crazy dreams with twitching, moving and barking) but Archer was just chilling. I had to get a picture because of those teeth.
It's a terrible picture because it was dark over there and I had to zoom in but again, those teeth. Who doesn't love a good picture of a dog resting his face with teeth showing? Or, who doesn't love a bad quality picture of a dog resting his face with teeth showing? Maggie eventually woke up and when the yard crew had the blower going outside, she sat and stared at me like I was making her miss out on the best chase ever. I still didn't let them out. Oh, I hear the yard looks good. I haven't gone out to see it. No, it's not because I'm a hermit and need to stay inside after a day like yesterday. Or maybe it is and I'm back to denial.
I don't have any pictures
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
to share today. Most of the time my pics come from my phone and believe it or not but I haven't even done my photo challenge since... I don't know, sometime last week? I did it one day thinking I was ready to jump back in after taking a break for a few days but apparently I thought wrong. I just haven't been feeling it. It's not that I'm bored with it, I just don't want to do it. It's not the people because most of the strangers I deal with on Instagram are nicer and more pleasant than some of the real life people I know on Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, I guess I haven't been on there as much either. Lauren and I were talking about an outfit for the wedding. She mentioned that she didn't like her arms to show. I said that I don't either and I also don't like my legs to show. I added that most of the time I don't even want my face to show and prefer to just stay tucked away in the house. I guess now I don't even want my thoughts to show. Okay, this might be sounding like an actual issue now - and it's not. And I'm not in denial.
One of the reasons I like to stay home is to keep an eye out on things. Yesterday I left for the store and noticed there were a few policemen in the neighborhood. One driving through the neighborhood isn't a problem. After I saw that one, I noticed two parked on their motorcycles and then another coming through the back entrance. Something was definitely up. I found out a little later that a man broke into a house in the back of the neighborhood. The woman was home and in her bedroom feeding her 5-week-old baby. She heard a noise and then saw the man and his car in her driveway. She then heard glass shatter. The man broke her backdoor with one of her landscaping rocks. She ran out the door with her baby and keys and started to back out but his car was blocking her in. He banged on her car window and she ended up hitting his car in the process of getting away. I don't want to sound trigger happy or that I just want to shoot someone (even if I did, I wouldn't admit it online in a public blog) but I sure wish she would have shot him. I have no idea if this family owns guns or not. I don't know them. I do know that I love a story with a happy ending where the good guy shoots the bad guy. Maybe that's the beginning of a different issue but when I hear a story about a good guy getting the bad guy, it honestly puts a smile on my face. I wouldn't say it makes my heart happy (at least not online in a public blog), but the warm and tinglies are definitely there. I should also add that it's times like this that I appreciate a barking dog.
Now, what's for breakfast? Maybe some food will inspire me to get back to that photo challenge. I doubt it but maybe. I guess this trigger happy hermit will go find out.
One of the reasons I like to stay home is to keep an eye out on things. Yesterday I left for the store and noticed there were a few policemen in the neighborhood. One driving through the neighborhood isn't a problem. After I saw that one, I noticed two parked on their motorcycles and then another coming through the back entrance. Something was definitely up. I found out a little later that a man broke into a house in the back of the neighborhood. The woman was home and in her bedroom feeding her 5-week-old baby. She heard a noise and then saw the man and his car in her driveway. She then heard glass shatter. The man broke her backdoor with one of her landscaping rocks. She ran out the door with her baby and keys and started to back out but his car was blocking her in. He banged on her car window and she ended up hitting his car in the process of getting away. I don't want to sound trigger happy or that I just want to shoot someone (even if I did, I wouldn't admit it online in a public blog) but I sure wish she would have shot him. I have no idea if this family owns guns or not. I don't know them. I do know that I love a story with a happy ending where the good guy shoots the bad guy. Maybe that's the beginning of a different issue but when I hear a story about a good guy getting the bad guy, it honestly puts a smile on my face. I wouldn't say it makes my heart happy (at least not online in a public blog), but the warm and tinglies are definitely there. I should also add that it's times like this that I appreciate a barking dog.
Now, what's for breakfast? Maybe some food will inspire me to get back to that photo challenge. I doubt it but maybe. I guess this trigger happy hermit will go find out.
our church bazaar
Monday, September 25, 2017
is coming up and I ordered a print to donate to the silent auction. It's coming from a company I've never ordered from before and it's something different for me. The image will be on slats. Here's the example of it from the website.
I sure hope it turns out okay. The bazaar is the 8th and my print is expected to be delivered on the 4th. If it gets here in time, then I'll just worry about whether or not anybody wants it. I know there are a lot of Aggies and I really don't see them wanting this print, unless they just have a thing for cows. I guess they could remove the top slat and have it fit into that whole "saw 'em off" thing.
That's about all I've got going on. I spent a lot of time with a sore back over the weekend while trying to get envelopes addressed. Today I'm hoping the roofing guy that I thought said he'd come Saturday shows up. If not, no biggie. I've got another guy's number. I also have the yard and flower beds being taken care of today or tomorrow. Not that I sit out in the yard all the time but I sure do like a cleaned up yard, especially when the flower beds are done. I have a leftover chicken in the fridge that needs to be turned into chicken salad so the carcass can go out in today's trash. I could go on but I'm sure everything I've mentioned so far has everyone on the edge of their seats. I know I am... I even thought about making some bread today. Oh, a cliffhanger! Will she or won't she? Stay tuned and find out tomorrow. One thing is for sure in the cards and is already happening. The dogs have some kind of critter trapped in the tree. While they are in the process of losing their crap over it, I'm about to lose my crap over all the barking. Time for some music while I start cleaning. Oh, bet nobody saw that one coming.
I sure hope it turns out okay. The bazaar is the 8th and my print is expected to be delivered on the 4th. If it gets here in time, then I'll just worry about whether or not anybody wants it. I know there are a lot of Aggies and I really don't see them wanting this print, unless they just have a thing for cows. I guess they could remove the top slat and have it fit into that whole "saw 'em off" thing.
That's about all I've got going on. I spent a lot of time with a sore back over the weekend while trying to get envelopes addressed. Today I'm hoping the roofing guy that I thought said he'd come Saturday shows up. If not, no biggie. I've got another guy's number. I also have the yard and flower beds being taken care of today or tomorrow. Not that I sit out in the yard all the time but I sure do like a cleaned up yard, especially when the flower beds are done. I have a leftover chicken in the fridge that needs to be turned into chicken salad so the carcass can go out in today's trash. I could go on but I'm sure everything I've mentioned so far has everyone on the edge of their seats. I know I am... I even thought about making some bread today. Oh, a cliffhanger! Will she or won't she? Stay tuned and find out tomorrow. One thing is for sure in the cards and is already happening. The dogs have some kind of critter trapped in the tree. While they are in the process of losing their crap over it, I'm about to lose my crap over all the barking. Time for some music while I start cleaning. Oh, bet nobody saw that one coming.
something happened last
Friday, September 22, 2017
night and without going overboard with the TMI, I'll just say I had an upset stomach. I baked a chicken and macaroni and cheese for dinner. After dinner a had a small slice of cake. A little later I started having stomach issues. I'm hoping it doesn't have anything to do with the cake and thinking maybe it was just time for my stomach to have one of its spells (which it does every once in a while). Just to try to rule out the cake, I'm having some for breakfast. If my stomach freaks out again, I'll cry. If it doesn't freak out, I'll celebrate with more cake.
Speaking of trying to take care of myself, after the last sinus stuff I had that totally wore me down and left me without any energy, I started taking vitamins. My problem with vitamins is, other than not being consistent with them, I can't swallow a bunch of pills. I can do three max. I'm not talking about at a time, I just have an issue after so many pills. If not by the third one, I'm definitely gagging the fourth one up. So, when I went to find a vitamin to help me with my energy, I found B12candy gummies. Now gummies, I can definitely do that.
These vitamins are delicious and I wouldn't mind taking more than two a day (when I remember to take them). Last week I read about Omega something-or-other. I know the article said to make sure to get plenty of fish in your diet and since I hate fish, I don't get any. I think maybe it was skin related? Whatever, I stopped and checked out the different varieties and then I saw them. Gummies.
So I bought some.
They're not as good as the B12. I surely don't want more than the daily two. Yuck.
Then I thought about it. If the Omega something-or-other helps make up for fish in your diet, what exactly can be in these not deliciouscandies gummies?
Oh. That totally makes sense. I see now how they can be good for you but disgusting as well. They don't taste like a filet-o-fish or anything but they're not near as good as candy. That's what I was looking for, candy vitamins. Looks like I'll either buy a pill or not worry about taking them.
In more delicious news, it's been a few minutes since I've had the cake and my stomach seems to be doing fine (knock on wood). Time to celebrate! Cake, anyone?
Speaking of trying to take care of myself, after the last sinus stuff I had that totally wore me down and left me without any energy, I started taking vitamins. My problem with vitamins is, other than not being consistent with them, I can't swallow a bunch of pills. I can do three max. I'm not talking about at a time, I just have an issue after so many pills. If not by the third one, I'm definitely gagging the fourth one up. So, when I went to find a vitamin to help me with my energy, I found B12
These vitamins are delicious and I wouldn't mind taking more than two a day (when I remember to take them). Last week I read about Omega something-or-other. I know the article said to make sure to get plenty of fish in your diet and since I hate fish, I don't get any. I think maybe it was skin related? Whatever, I stopped and checked out the different varieties and then I saw them. Gummies.
So I bought some.
They're not as good as the B12. I surely don't want more than the daily two. Yuck.
Then I thought about it. If the Omega something-or-other helps make up for fish in your diet, what exactly can be in these not delicious
Oh. That totally makes sense. I see now how they can be good for you but disgusting as well. They don't taste like a filet-o-fish or anything but they're not near as good as candy. That's what I was looking for, candy vitamins. Looks like I'll either buy a pill or not worry about taking them.
In more delicious news, it's been a few minutes since I've had the cake and my stomach seems to be doing fine (knock on wood). Time to celebrate! Cake, anyone?
yesterday was my birthday
Thursday, September 21, 2017
and we did things my way. We had cake
and then we had dinner.
This morning I started off my first full day of 45 with Icy Hot because I slept wrong. On the bright side, I also started off my day with cake.
I took it easy yesterday morning. After Cosme left for work I made myself breakfast and sat in bed and ate while catching up on dvr. I had put a clapper on the lamp on his nightstand a while back because it made it easier. (Although, it doesn't scare him near as much when he's sleeping and I tap him to turn off his lamp versus when he's sleeping and I do two loud claps.) Anyway, I was sitting there watching tv and his lamp clicked off. A few minutes later I pressed pause on the tv and was playing Gin Rummy on my iPad. The lamp clicked on. A little later it clicked off. A little later it clicked on. I asked if someone was trying to tell me Happy Birthday. A few minutes later it clicked off for the last time. I took that as a yes.
I saw this book the other day and took a picture of it, thinking I'd research it and see if it's something Eric needs. I'm sure he doesn't want any recipes but is it like an etiquette AND cooking guide for guys? I'll research. (Research would also include finding a cheaper copy.)
UPDATE: I just researched it. While Amazon does have it listed for $21 (but not with Prime), it's probably not something he needs.
I also saw this at the same store. I guess it just goes on a shelf? It's some kind of decor.
This is it from a different angle.
I didn't bother looking at the tag for the price. I knew I wouldn't buy it. I looked at the tag to make sure I read the description right.
Yes. It is, in fact, "Rings on Wood". There you go. Without bothering to flip the tag over for a price check, I'm sure it wasn't cheap. First of all, it's Rings on Wood in a department store. Second, this store wants $32 for a book on a southern gentleman's kitchen. No thanks, I'll pass. I'm sure it would make a great space filler on a bookcase somewhere but I just don't need it. Now had it been Squares on Wood... I would've had a hard time walking away.
I need to sign off now so I can get the garbage out, right after I read up on when my next dose of Icy Hot can be applied.
and then we had dinner.
This morning I started off my first full day of 45 with Icy Hot because I slept wrong. On the bright side, I also started off my day with cake.
I took it easy yesterday morning. After Cosme left for work I made myself breakfast and sat in bed and ate while catching up on dvr. I had put a clapper on the lamp on his nightstand a while back because it made it easier. (Although, it doesn't scare him near as much when he's sleeping and I tap him to turn off his lamp versus when he's sleeping and I do two loud claps.) Anyway, I was sitting there watching tv and his lamp clicked off. A few minutes later I pressed pause on the tv and was playing Gin Rummy on my iPad. The lamp clicked on. A little later it clicked off. A little later it clicked on. I asked if someone was trying to tell me Happy Birthday. A few minutes later it clicked off for the last time. I took that as a yes.
I saw this book the other day and took a picture of it, thinking I'd research it and see if it's something Eric needs. I'm sure he doesn't want any recipes but is it like an etiquette AND cooking guide for guys? I'll research. (Research would also include finding a cheaper copy.)
UPDATE: I just researched it. While Amazon does have it listed for $21 (but not with Prime), it's probably not something he needs.
I also saw this at the same store. I guess it just goes on a shelf? It's some kind of decor.
This is it from a different angle.
I didn't bother looking at the tag for the price. I knew I wouldn't buy it. I looked at the tag to make sure I read the description right.
Yes. It is, in fact, "Rings on Wood". There you go. Without bothering to flip the tag over for a price check, I'm sure it wasn't cheap. First of all, it's Rings on Wood in a department store. Second, this store wants $32 for a book on a southern gentleman's kitchen. No thanks, I'll pass. I'm sure it would make a great space filler on a bookcase somewhere but I just don't need it. Now had it been Squares on Wood... I would've had a hard time walking away.
I need to sign off now so I can get the garbage out, right after I read up on when my next dose of Icy Hot can be applied.
the other day I pulled
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
into the driveway and noticed a butterfly sitting on the walkway. I got out and took a picture with my phone.
I couldn't tell if he was alive or dead. I don't know much about butterflies but this one seemed dead. But why is that big body attached to him? Why were his legs on his backside? Are butterflies really that hairy? Anyway, a little bit later I left and he was gone. When I got home he was back again and in the same spot but he still wasn't moving. I don't know. I figured it must have something to do with all the mosquito spraying being done, maybe it's making the butterflies comatose or something.
On my morning walk I saw this guy on the sidewalk in the back of the neighborhood.
Still not moving and just sitting there. I was trying to take advantage of all these weird half-dead butterflies and get even closer when this one decided to flutter off in my face and leave. I guess he was fine after all. I guess the other one was fine too, just making me think he was dead.
Oh and this is what it looks like when you think you're getting a picture of a butterfly on the sidewalk and then he decides to come back to life and scare you.
Also, the one on my walkway hasn't been back. I guess he's done pranking me. The joke's on him though. I already got the picture I wanted.
I couldn't tell if he was alive or dead. I don't know much about butterflies but this one seemed dead. But why is that big body attached to him? Why were his legs on his backside? Are butterflies really that hairy? Anyway, a little bit later I left and he was gone. When I got home he was back again and in the same spot but he still wasn't moving. I don't know. I figured it must have something to do with all the mosquito spraying being done, maybe it's making the butterflies comatose or something.
On my morning walk I saw this guy on the sidewalk in the back of the neighborhood.
Still not moving and just sitting there. I was trying to take advantage of all these weird half-dead butterflies and get even closer when this one decided to flutter off in my face and leave. I guess he was fine after all. I guess the other one was fine too, just making me think he was dead.
Oh and this is what it looks like when you think you're getting a picture of a butterfly on the sidewalk and then he decides to come back to life and scare you.
Also, the one on my walkway hasn't been back. I guess he's done pranking me. The joke's on him though. I already got the picture I wanted.
i've been slacking the
Monday, September 18, 2017
last few days and I'm blaming it on Thursday morning. It was Cosme's morning to take breakfast to work so I woke up at 3:30 and made about 30 breakfast sandwiches.
I don't want to see a breakfast sandwich for a while. The rest of Thursday was business as usual and no nap. I didn't go to bed early as I had planned/hoped and Friday was another day of TCB. For those reasons, the blog was neglected. Then to make everything even worse, I've had sinus drainage since Saturday and just haven't felt awesome. I'm getting really sick of sinus and allergy stuff.
On Thursday, in the middle of whatever I was doing, I decided to sit and take a break. I thought I was going to pass out. It was cool inside and I was just sitting in the quietness on the couch. I decided that maybe if I got outside in the sunshine I might wake up a little. I went out on the back porch and grabbed a chair and plopped it down in the middle of the yard. Guess what. The sun does not wake you up.
The dogs and I enjoyed lounging for a bit.
The sun hid behind a cloud and it got a little less bright and that brought Archer back over to the chair. Maggie decided that Archer and I both needed a good licking.
It didn't take long for me to realize that if I sat out there much longer I'd pass out just as easily as I would have passed out inside. I went back inside.
The dogs acquired what I can only think was once a purple ball. I'm guessing one of the neighbors accidentally hit it over the fence.
Rest in peace, purple ball. It probably only lasted a matter of minutes once it cleared the fence, assuming that's how it got here.
I started to go on morning walks last week when the cool weather came back, back when it felt like fall. Maybe that's why I've got all the sinus issues going on. I walked on Wednesday and Friday and was going to pick back up today with a Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine. The air outside is so thick I'm dreading it today. Summer is back. Maybe I should just stay inside. Although, there's a small chance of rain everyday this week so I think I'll just man up and go for the walk. Besides, I told myself the other day I wasn't allowed to go for a pedicure unless I stuck with my plan. Screw it. I'm getting my clothes on and going for a walk. What is it "they" say about starting now and maybe wishing you'd started when you thought about it? I don't know. I know there's some kind of phrase or something. I could be way off but I'm pretty sure there's something along those lines that's supposed to make you want to get up now. I do know the phrase "why start today what you can put off until tomorrow" (imagine that) but that's not the one I'm looking for.
I'm going for my walk now because I really need that pedicure.
I don't want to see a breakfast sandwich for a while. The rest of Thursday was business as usual and no nap. I didn't go to bed early as I had planned/hoped and Friday was another day of TCB. For those reasons, the blog was neglected. Then to make everything even worse, I've had sinus drainage since Saturday and just haven't felt awesome. I'm getting really sick of sinus and allergy stuff.
On Thursday, in the middle of whatever I was doing, I decided to sit and take a break. I thought I was going to pass out. It was cool inside and I was just sitting in the quietness on the couch. I decided that maybe if I got outside in the sunshine I might wake up a little. I went out on the back porch and grabbed a chair and plopped it down in the middle of the yard. Guess what. The sun does not wake you up.
The dogs and I enjoyed lounging for a bit.
"Isn't this awesome? Just resting in the sun?"-Archer |
"Okay, I've had enough. Y'all can stay there while I move to the shade."-Archer, 5 minutes later |
The sun hid behind a cloud and it got a little less bright and that brought Archer back over to the chair. Maggie decided that Archer and I both needed a good licking.
"Okay, I've licked you now it's your turn to scratch my belly." |
It didn't take long for me to realize that if I sat out there much longer I'd pass out just as easily as I would have passed out inside. I went back inside.
The dogs acquired what I can only think was once a purple ball. I'm guessing one of the neighbors accidentally hit it over the fence.
Rest in peace, purple ball. It probably only lasted a matter of minutes once it cleared the fence, assuming that's how it got here.
I started to go on morning walks last week when the cool weather came back, back when it felt like fall. Maybe that's why I've got all the sinus issues going on. I walked on Wednesday and Friday and was going to pick back up today with a Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine. The air outside is so thick I'm dreading it today. Summer is back. Maybe I should just stay inside. Although, there's a small chance of rain everyday this week so I think I'll just man up and go for the walk. Besides, I told myself the other day I wasn't allowed to go for a pedicure unless I stuck with my plan. Screw it. I'm getting my clothes on and going for a walk. What is it "they" say about starting now and maybe wishing you'd started when you thought about it? I don't know. I know there's some kind of phrase or something. I could be way off but I'm pretty sure there's something along those lines that's supposed to make you want to get up now. I do know the phrase "why start today what you can put off until tomorrow" (imagine that) but that's not the one I'm looking for.
I'm going for my walk now because I really need that pedicure.
to weed or not to
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
weed? That is the question.
I've been noticing a weed growing that I kind of like. I've been pulling it but it keeps coming back. It's less like a weed but more like ground cover. I think it's pretty. When I was out pulling weeds yesterday, I looked at it and thought that maybe I should just leave it there. Would the neighbors think I'm crazy for growing weeds as plants? Would I be similar to a crazy lady who keeps "critters" for pets? (Speaking of which, I scared Cosme last night when I saw a gecko go across the bedroom floor. After researching, this variety is actually a house gecko and they eat bugs and mosquitoes so I'm not on a mission to hunt and kill.) So yeah, I probably won't be the lady keeping possums or mice as pets but that weed might just make me the one with the weird yard.
I took a picture of it and googled "weed or ground cover" this morning. What do you know, a picture of it came up in the images. This weed has a name, Purslane.
I really like the waxy look of the leaves and stems. After reading up a little (when I say "little", I mean a few paragraphs on wikipedia), I see that it's also edible. It's added to dishes in other places, mainly Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Mexico. Now, I could say I want to save time and not pull it OR since I'm 98% European (thanks, DNA testing) I can fall back on that and leave it. In Greece they add it to feta, onion, garlic, tomato and olive oil. That could be delicious. It also has more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable. It's also full of vitamins and dietary minerals. Now, considering the fact that I was about to have a Little Debbie for breakfast the other day, none of that vitamins and mineral junk really does much to push my decision one way or the other. I'm thinking of the important things here: it's pretty and it's one less thing to worry about.
Maybe I'll let it get a little out of hand and see how it looks when there's more of it. If the flower bed starts looking like a crazy lady lives here, I'll pull it. Who knows though. I have an extra pot. Maybe I'll put some in it over by my herbs and see how it does. It's not like adding healthy stuff to my food will kill me... unless I'm totally wrong about this being purslane and this is actually a poisonous weed that has instructions somewhere to "absolutely, positively, DO NOT ingest". If that's the case, learn from my mistake and eat the Little Debbies... and don't take advice from wikipedia.*
*I will definitely research this a little more before putting it in my mouth.
Side note: I like how my next level of research is asking friends on Facebook.
I've been noticing a weed growing that I kind of like. I've been pulling it but it keeps coming back. It's less like a weed but more like ground cover. I think it's pretty. When I was out pulling weeds yesterday, I looked at it and thought that maybe I should just leave it there. Would the neighbors think I'm crazy for growing weeds as plants? Would I be similar to a crazy lady who keeps "critters" for pets? (Speaking of which, I scared Cosme last night when I saw a gecko go across the bedroom floor. After researching, this variety is actually a house gecko and they eat bugs and mosquitoes so I'm not on a mission to hunt and kill.) So yeah, I probably won't be the lady keeping possums or mice as pets but that weed might just make me the one with the weird yard.
I took a picture of it and googled "weed or ground cover" this morning. What do you know, a picture of it came up in the images. This weed has a name, Purslane.
I really like the waxy look of the leaves and stems. After reading up a little (when I say "little", I mean a few paragraphs on wikipedia), I see that it's also edible. It's added to dishes in other places, mainly Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Mexico. Now, I could say I want to save time and not pull it OR since I'm 98% European (thanks, DNA testing) I can fall back on that and leave it. In Greece they add it to feta, onion, garlic, tomato and olive oil. That could be delicious. It also has more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable. It's also full of vitamins and dietary minerals. Now, considering the fact that I was about to have a Little Debbie for breakfast the other day, none of that vitamins and mineral junk really does much to push my decision one way or the other. I'm thinking of the important things here: it's pretty and it's one less thing to worry about.
Maybe I'll let it get a little out of hand and see how it looks when there's more of it. If the flower bed starts looking like a crazy lady lives here, I'll pull it. Who knows though. I have an extra pot. Maybe I'll put some in it over by my herbs and see how it does. It's not like adding healthy stuff to my food will kill me... unless I'm totally wrong about this being purslane and this is actually a poisonous weed that has instructions somewhere to "absolutely, positively, DO NOT ingest". If that's the case, learn from my mistake and eat the Little Debbies... and don't take advice from wikipedia.*
*I will definitely research this a little more before putting it in my mouth.
Side note: I like how my next level of research is asking friends on Facebook.
a while back
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Eric made a trip up to see Lauren and they went to Dolly Python, a shop in Dallas. I asked him to get an old camera for me while they were there and he did. This camera also had a roll of film left in it. I finished off the roll and sent it in for developing. Here's what we got.
Looks like a family road trip and they definitely went to the continental divide. The pictures aren't very clear but a few of the faces can be made out. Were they from the DFW area? Did the camera just end up there? Who knows but I'll more than likely share what there is on Facebook and Instagram, just to see if they can get around.
Speaking of not very clear, I also sent in a roll from my Diana f+. Here are a couple.
Looks like I should keep working on that and today might be a good day. I think I also might need to start carrying a notebook. I'll probably look more like Jimmy Olsen or a tourist than anything. I'll have to write down everything I take pictures of. While I'm at it, I'll need to keep up with what kind of film is in there. It seems like there would be an easier way. This film stuff is difficult to keep up with. Sure would be nice if cameras went digital or something.
Looks like a family road trip and they definitely went to the continental divide. The pictures aren't very clear but a few of the faces can be made out. Were they from the DFW area? Did the camera just end up there? Who knows but I'll more than likely share what there is on Facebook and Instagram, just to see if they can get around.
Speaking of not very clear, I also sent in a roll from my Diana f+. Here are a couple.
Double exposure but I don't really remember what/where. |
Looks like I should keep working on that and today might be a good day. I think I also might need to start carrying a notebook. I'll probably look more like Jimmy Olsen or a tourist than anything. I'll have to write down everything I take pictures of. While I'm at it, I'll need to keep up with what kind of film is in there. It seems like there would be an easier way. This film stuff is difficult to keep up with. Sure would be nice if cameras went digital or something.
i had to make a trip to
Monday, September 11, 2017
Houston to pick up Strat's flea drops from his vet. While paying, I saw these cat collars on display.
They're not like regular collars, they feel like they're made of neoprene or something and attach with velcro. I wanted to get one for Strat. Guess which one.
Did you guess Fat Cat? If so, you're right. Then I thought about it and it seemed a little mean. Like, does he really think people need to be reminded that he's fat? Does he need to be reminded that he's fat? I don't think I need a "fat girl" necklace to be reminded of anything. (Isn't that what mirrors are for?) So, I didn't get it. Well, that reason along with the fact that his neck is bigger than his head so it probably wouldn't have stayed on anyway.
Here he is watching Eric stream online.
Here he is watching me wash dishes and eat grapes.
Speaking of eating. Kroger is having a sale. Last week Cosme mentioned that Oatmeal Creme Pies sounded good. They're on sale for 99 cents when you buy 5. Guess who went shopping?
I also managed to have breakfast that didn't include a Little Debbie. Well, that's only because I have way too much bread on hand so I made French toast. So I guess it was a win/win situation. I didn't have a Little Debbie and managed to work on our bread overage. On the other hand, it could also be a lose/lose. I had to have French toast for breakfast and in the process, missed out on Little Debbie. Oh well, I had plenty of sugar so now I need to get up and get moving to 1) take advantage of any sugar high and 2) feel like I'm doing something to balance out all the sugar I just had.
They're not like regular collars, they feel like they're made of neoprene or something and attach with velcro. I wanted to get one for Strat. Guess which one.
Did you guess Fat Cat? If so, you're right. Then I thought about it and it seemed a little mean. Like, does he really think people need to be reminded that he's fat? Does he need to be reminded that he's fat? I don't think I need a "fat girl" necklace to be reminded of anything. (Isn't that what mirrors are for?) So, I didn't get it. Well, that reason along with the fact that his neck is bigger than his head so it probably wouldn't have stayed on anyway.
Here he is watching Eric stream online.
Here he is watching me wash dishes and eat grapes.
Speaking of eating. Kroger is having a sale. Last week Cosme mentioned that Oatmeal Creme Pies sounded good. They're on sale for 99 cents when you buy 5. Guess who went shopping?
I also managed to have breakfast that didn't include a Little Debbie. Well, that's only because I have way too much bread on hand so I made French toast. So I guess it was a win/win situation. I didn't have a Little Debbie and managed to work on our bread overage. On the other hand, it could also be a lose/lose. I had to have French toast for breakfast and in the process, missed out on Little Debbie. Oh well, I had plenty of sugar so now I need to get up and get moving to 1) take advantage of any sugar high and 2) feel like I'm doing something to balance out all the sugar I just had.
i just put up a
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
blog post from my website. It's nothing amazing, just a few scenes from Texas. The more I looked at it, the more I thought about the scene from Goodfellas where the helicopter is following Ray Liotta. I guess it also doesn't help that Cosme has been watching the US Open everyday and one commercial plays every break with this song.
Anyway, here's the link to my post.
I really want to get out and get more but I don't really know which roads are open and all that. Also, we know how I freak out around water and that has me a little terrified to get out and see it, especially alone and not knowing what I might stumble upon. Yikes. I was supposed to have gone on a Capture Crawl with Houston Center for Photography on August 27 but that was canceled because of flooding. It would've been awesome too. It was a Theater District Open House in Houston. I was really excited about it and then flooding happened. Figures. I guess now I'm trying to find ways to fill that void.
Oh, Cosme's drive to work yesterday morning sucked but not nearly as bad as his drive home, where he went a few blocks in a matter of minutes... 40 minutes to be exact. He left for work earlier today. It sure will be nice when everything clears up and the entire city isn't limited to a few roads. Okay, so maybe "a few" roads is an exaggeration but it sure doesn't seem like it when you're driving on them and trying to get around. I'm so happy I need to make a trip up there tomorrow.
For now though, I'll worry about breakfast.
Anyway, here's the link to my post.
I really want to get out and get more but I don't really know which roads are open and all that. Also, we know how I freak out around water and that has me a little terrified to get out and see it, especially alone and not knowing what I might stumble upon. Yikes. I was supposed to have gone on a Capture Crawl with Houston Center for Photography on August 27 but that was canceled because of flooding. It would've been awesome too. It was a Theater District Open House in Houston. I was really excited about it and then flooding happened. Figures. I guess now I'm trying to find ways to fill that void.
Oh, Cosme's drive to work yesterday morning sucked but not nearly as bad as his drive home, where he went a few blocks in a matter of minutes... 40 minutes to be exact. He left for work earlier today. It sure will be nice when everything clears up and the entire city isn't limited to a few roads. Okay, so maybe "a few" roads is an exaggeration but it sure doesn't seem like it when you're driving on them and trying to get around. I'm so happy I need to make a trip up there tomorrow.
For now though, I'll worry about breakfast.
my last post was
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
last Tuesday. Or maybe it was the Tuesday before that? Whichever, that Tuesday my biggest concern was a broken garage door and finding a cereal box big enough to put my head in for the next eclipse. You know what? Things went downhill fast. At that point there was a disturbance in the gulf. This disturbance that was probably going to bring rain to the southern part of Texas and northern Mexico went ahead and turned into a tropical depression, then on to Tropical Storm Harvey and also decided to turn a little more northward. The forecasters let us all know it would hit south of Corpus Christi and by then it would be a category 1 hurricane. Our issue was the projected route. After it hit Corpus, he was going to make a loopty-doo and come towards us.
Thursday came and as we stocked up on things, Harvey decided to strengthen more. Before we knew it, Harvey was a category 3 hurricane and Corpus Christi was going to get hit hard.
I went down to the hardware store and bought sandbags and sand because I was so afraid the back porch would flood.
Friday we all watched as the rain started and sometime that night, Harvey made landfall as a category 4 hurricane at Rockport. From that point to right now, I couldn't tell you which day was which or what the date was. I do know those first few days were bad. We were on the dirty side of the storm and boy, was it dirty. I guess we were basically under a tornado warning for a couple of days. While we didn't sleep very well in the beginning, we slept a lot. I
realized during Harvey that hunkering down translates to eating and
sleeping on rotation. We picked up as many meals as we could to save
our food supply. I think Saturday was the day the rain really hit. We watched as it decided not to drain and slowly creep up our yard. That night, before we went to bed, the water was at our front porch. There was nothing we could do but sit and wait and listen as more rain fell and filled our yard. It was pretty overwhelming for me. I did a lot of pacing and I'd go from being frustrated to stress crying. It wasn't fun. I laid in bed and decided I'd go start moving things to higher ground but made a stop in the bathroom first. The toilet wouldn't flush. I knew we had a problem. My pace/panic mode went from 3 to about 9. We got some things moved and Cosme went outside to pull his car up (thank goodness he didn't give me details until the water drained the next day). It was at this point the rain slacked off and I was able to sleep for a couple of hours. I knew as long as it wasn't raining, it wasn't getting worse.
I got out of bed at 7:30 the next morning and took my first pictures of the water level. This was our situation.
By 2:30 we had a sidewalk again. All we needed was for the rain to stop.
This is the water/debris line from the driveway. Now imagine the water along with the slope.
That's why Cosme kept his mouth shut the night before.
As soon as I woke up and saw that the water had gone down, that made it better. I know we didn't have it near as bad as some people but it was a stressful situation, especially when all you hear are reports of more rain and it's all happening in the middle of the night so you can't see anything and your imagination goes wild.
Ever since then, the whole area has been in a state of unrest. We've got houses all over the place flooded. I've offered friends who are flooded out and living in hotels use of our washer, dryer and kitchen. Yesterday was Labor Day so today is the first "normal" day for us. Cosme is back at work, although his route is still flooded so he's finding an alternate.
Here's the thing though. I don't like to get sappy and emotional. Yes, I'm known to angry cry but that's different. Angry cries usually accompany me hitting or throwing things. Wait. I know how that sounds and it's not a tantrum. It's a release. A release of negative energy, that sounds better. Whatever... Anyway, we were at church on Sunday and this couple sat in front of us. I was doing fine and minding my own business until I realized they were from the evacuee shelter a couple of blocks down. Then I saw her get emotional. Then I saw her husband get emotional. Then I got emotional. I had tears coming out of my eyes in public and I'm sure people saw me. I was embarrassed. Well, I was totally embarrassed until I heard sniffles coming from somewhere behind me and then I was only a little embarrassed. Then I wondered if somebody was sniffling because they saw me getting teary. Then my embarrassment level went up a smidgen more. I hope I managed to hide my red nose and teary eyes from enough people because I'm not that person. By the end of it, I had exchanged phone numbers with the lady and ended up taking them a Walmart gift card with some clothes from my closet. Their dog had puppies two hours before they evacuated. They got out with two bags, their dog and a tub with the eight puppies. Everything else was left, including their two flooded cars. So yeah, I'm trying to avoid showing up at the church until anyone who might've seen my brief display of emotion has had enough time to forget about it. I might go in a couple of days to help out. Since our church is a couple of blocks down from the old junior high (the makeshift shelter), our main hall is set up as a donation center for anyone needing clothing, food, toiletries, dog food, toys or anything else that might have been dropped off.
So now I'm going to find out what the date is and start on chores like I would have two weeks ago. Maybe we can avoid Hurricane Irma, which wasted no time forming, and things can stay on the track to normal.
This is after it hit but still shows the loop projection. We're the Corgi. |
I went down to the hardware store and bought sandbags and sand because I was so afraid the back porch would flood.
This put me at ease. |
I got out of bed at 7:30 the next morning and took my first pictures of the water level. This was our situation.
By 2:30 we had a sidewalk again. All we needed was for the rain to stop.
This is the water/debris line from the driveway. Now imagine the water along with the slope.
That's why Cosme kept his mouth shut the night before.
Ever since then, the whole area has been in a state of unrest. We've got houses all over the place flooded. I've offered friends who are flooded out and living in hotels use of our washer, dryer and kitchen. Yesterday was Labor Day so today is the first "normal" day for us. Cosme is back at work, although his route is still flooded so he's finding an alternate.
Here's the thing though. I don't like to get sappy and emotional. Yes, I'm known to angry cry but that's different. Angry cries usually accompany me hitting or throwing things. Wait. I know how that sounds and it's not a tantrum. It's a release. A release of negative energy, that sounds better. Whatever... Anyway, we were at church on Sunday and this couple sat in front of us. I was doing fine and minding my own business until I realized they were from the evacuee shelter a couple of blocks down. Then I saw her get emotional. Then I saw her husband get emotional. Then I got emotional. I had tears coming out of my eyes in public and I'm sure people saw me. I was embarrassed. Well, I was totally embarrassed until I heard sniffles coming from somewhere behind me and then I was only a little embarrassed. Then I wondered if somebody was sniffling because they saw me getting teary. Then my embarrassment level went up a smidgen more. I hope I managed to hide my red nose and teary eyes from enough people because I'm not that person. By the end of it, I had exchanged phone numbers with the lady and ended up taking them a Walmart gift card with some clothes from my closet. Their dog had puppies two hours before they evacuated. They got out with two bags, their dog and a tub with the eight puppies. Everything else was left, including their two flooded cars. So yeah, I'm trying to avoid showing up at the church until anyone who might've seen my brief display of emotion has had enough time to forget about it. I might go in a couple of days to help out. Since our church is a couple of blocks down from the old junior high (the makeshift shelter), our main hall is set up as a donation center for anyone needing clothing, food, toiletries, dog food, toys or anything else that might have been dropped off.
So now I'm going to find out what the date is and start on chores like I would have two weeks ago. Maybe we can avoid Hurricane Irma, which wasted no time forming, and things can stay on the track to normal.
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