i've been sitting here working

on a to-do list as well as making some changes on the Grandmothers' Recipe blog.  I noticed the background I'd applied way back wasn't really working so great anymore.  I went with one Blogger offered and made a few color and font changes.  Done.  Next I should probably work on adding pictures and making the ones I have better.

As for the to-do list, I'm just trying to figure out what all else I need to get and when I'm going to get it.  I have more presents to get. I also have food I need to go get.  Oh, but in order to get all the food, I need a list of what all I plan on making.  This is SO my thing.

Those fuel points I didn't get from Kroger?  They emailed me back saying they needed a few bits of info from my receipt.  That was the 18th and I replied immediately.  I still haven't heard back so I'm calling today.  I have more gift cards to buy and I'm not playing around.

The dogs are sitting in their cage by the bar right now.  Why?  Because they're weird.  I let them out earlier and after breakfast and bathroom, they wanted back in.  Whatever.  It's not hurting anything.

Okay.  I feel a little motivation starting to kick in.  I need to take advantage of it.  I also need to see if I'm expecting any deliveries today.  Oh yeah, all that wrapping I wanted to do?  I got to do it and I cut my finger in the process.  It's all back to Even Steven.

i wanted sweetness yesterday

and I'd had pralines on the brain a week or so back so I made pralines.

I doubled the batch.  For some reason I thought the 15-20 the original recipe made for wouldn't be enough for the two of us.  I scooped them out onto parchment paper to cool and then scraped the pot with a spoon for the dried up residue left behind.  Then I found out that scraping the pot after pralines has a lot more impact than licking the bowl and spoon after mixing a cake.  I didn't feel so good.  I think I might've had too much sugar.  Later on we had ice cream with praline crumbled on top.  I never thought that Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla wouldn't be very sweet.  It's like the sugar overdose fried my tastebuds.  That wasn't very enjoyable, not being able to taste the ice cream, but I ate it anyway.  I should probably have ice cream by itself tonight, just so I can appreciate the taste of Blue Bell.  I should also stock up on more Ginger Ale if I plan on licking a praline pot again.

last Tuesday it hit me that

Christmas was only two weeks away.  That was a week ago.  Christmas is one week away.
ONE WEEK.

I did get things ordered and now I'm working on the rest of my list.  There are a few gifts that have me stumped but I think it'll all be things I can buy locally and not have to order.  I wish I had everything here because I'm in the mood to wrap presents.  At least I'll have one arriving today.  I think the other things arriving today are stocking stuffers.

For now though, I'm a little irked.  I had a plan.  I needed some things from Amazon.  I went to Kroger to buy Amazon gift cards so I could get double fuel points.  I came home to order the things from Amazon through Ebates so I could get cash back on certain purchases.  I was just about to throw my Kroger receipt away but first I wanted to make sure I got double fuel points.  I didn't get ANY fuel points, not one.  I looked up my card's account and that purchase doesn't even show up.  Thinking back, I don't even remember if he asked for my Kroger card so I could get any points.  There was an issue with one of the cards so I had to go back and get another.  I'm wondering if that caused a distraction.  Anyway, I emailed Kroger this morning.  If I don't hear anything back, I'll head down to the store with my receipt and used gift cards.  Seriously, that was over 600 fuel points.  Heck, that was 1200 fuel points.  That's $1 off a gallon with fuel points leftover to go towards another fill up.  I for sure want my fuel points.

Okay, I'm creating scenarios in my head now.  Time to sip on this Coke and simmer down.  Perhaps a blueberry muffin will help.  I have two packets of mix that need to be baked.  I should probably make those.

I should probably get busy on other things too because ONE WEEK.

i've talked about the different

personalities of our dogs lots of times.  Maggie is the leader and she's stubborn.  Archer is the helper and possible voice of reason.  (At least that's what I'll assume is happening when she's up to no good and he's standing back while barking at her.  Or, when they busted out the fence and Maggie stuck around to visit with the police while Archer bolted and ran back into the yard.)  When we go outside, Maggie enjoys our company unless she's doing her own thing.  Archer, on the other hand, will drop what he's doing to see if we need his help.  Sometimes Maggie won't even pay attention to us in the backyard while Archer is more like our shadow.

We've been having to lock them up because of the fence.  I found somebody on Varage Sale to come replace pickets.  They came on Saturday and for now, our fence doesn't have any gaps in it. (Knock on wood.)  He put the old pickets with the fence sections we already have collecting out there.  We let the dogs out when he was finished.  I looked out the window a little bit after that and Maggie was snooping around the old pickets.  Then she decided she wanted one.

Maggie picked out the one she wanted and then started to haul it to different spot to chill.  Archer was by her side watching.  I can't tell in the picture if he was joining in and got hit in the face or if he decided to put his mouth on it to help.  Based on his legs, it looks like he was trying to catch up and is getting hit in the face.

She got it where she wants it and now it's probably in a million shreds.  So while Archer is a great helper, Maggie really is a hard worker... as long as it's something she wants to do.  I wonder if she'd want to haul the wood to the street for trash pickup.

the new episodes of

Vikings started back up on The History Channel on November 28.  We were excited.  While at my doctor appointment on the 28th I kept reminding myself that as much as I didn't want to be there, at least I had Vikings to look forward to.  When the time came, we didn't get around to watching.  No biggie but then it hit me that we'd never watched directly from tv, it was always Amazon Prime.  That meant I didn't have a dvr set.  That meant the November 28th premier wasn't recorded.  I set the dvr and saw that while we'd catch every other episode, the first one for the second half of season 5 wouldn't air again.  Great.  We were stuck.  We couldn't continue without season 5, episode 11.  That went on for a couple of weeks while I accepted the fact that we would have to catch up online later.

A couple of days ago I checked the History Channel app on my iPad just to see if that episode might be up even though I knew it wasn't on Amazon.  There it was.  I told Cosme.  He wasn't thrilled about watching it on an iPad but I reminded him of our Amazon Fire Stick and there you go.

Last night we caught up on the Fire Stick via The History Channel app.

We were not disappointed.  I need more ASAP.  Cosme woke up this morning still analyzing with predictions about that final scene.  I can't wait for next Wednesday.

I really should've started

Christmas shopping months ago.  Like, January.  This is hard work.  I've got my lists going and I'm thinking hard.  I have ideas for most of it.  You know who's hard to shop for?  Mom.  She's picky and if it's something she really wants, she probably already bought it for herself.  More than anything though, she's picky.  She's a lot like Papaw.  The only difference is, Mom will admit it.  I've got a couple of ideas but it's still hard.  Kind of like I go into most things over thinking, I do the same for Christmas.  I think I try to put too much thought into gift buying.  This year though, I've purchased a few things not because it's something that someone has asked for or needs, but I've bought a few things because THIS reminds me of that person and I think they need it.  You know what?  That makes gift buying SO much easier.  So just a heads up, there's a chance Christmas gifts might not be exactly what were wanted but it's what I felt like buying.

There are a few boxes under the tree from Chesney's.  Eric knows it's china.  Does he want china?  No.  Is he getting china?  Yes.  It was place settings left over from what we ordered plus a few pieces from a broken up place setting (that she sold to me at cost).  I'll confess though, he will be getting something else and the china is really just a wedding present wrapped in Christmas paper to look good under the tree.  I did threaten him though that if he didn't watch it, that would be his only Christmas gift.

A few of Lauren's presents are things I thought she could use.  Did she ask for them?  No.  I saw them and decided I thought she could use them.  They're wrapped under the tree.

I messaged somebody last night about coming to replace some fence pickets.  I sure hope they'll do it. I'm not willing to get back there and the price was reasonable.  We just need a fix so the dogs can run around without me worrying about them busting through to the highway.  I know the fence really needs to be replaced but pump those brakes.  One thing at a time.

Okay, let's get back to shopping.  Gift card, anyone?

i think i did too

much yesterday.  I was worn out last night.  I took two Tylenol and fell asleep pretty early.  Or, is that how every day is supposed to end?

Remember the time I called someone to come fix what was bound to be faulty wiring and it ended up I just needed new light bulbs?  I'm sitting under one of those fixtures now.  I left the bulb in that he put in until I make it to Lowe's to get more.  I think the wattage on this one is sun.  It's SO bright, TOO bright.  I probably won't make it over to Lake Jackson today so I guess I'll just sit here and work on my tan.

It was brought to my attention yesterday that Christmas is two weeks away, yesterday.  I didn't realize that.  I mean I knew we were in December and Christmas was definitely close but two weeks away just wasn't registering.  Half the presents wrapped under the tree aren't even from us.  I need to get busy busier.  I've been working on lists but wow, I've got some shopping to do.

I am five weeks post hysterectomy today.  My doctor called yesterday to let me know the official lab results from the fibroids came back and while they did look weird, they were fine and just degenerating like she thought.  (That doesn't mean they were going away, it just means their blood supply was cut off and they were dying and changing consistency.)  So now I have one less thing to worry about.  Well, I wasn't worried about the fibroids but now I can claim to have one less thing to worry about, focusing all my extra energy on shopping.

Amazon, here I come.

so far everything's going

okay.  This is the tree as of this morning.  All the lights I added last week are still on.  There are still a couple of sections where lights are out but it's not worth the trouble to get them on.  I'll deal with it.

A few years ago, not long after we switched to a 9' tree, Mom told me I needed a bigger tree topper.  You might can see it in the tree post from last week... maybe not though.  When I put the tree up this year, Eric told me I need a star and not a finial.  While Paige and I were out shopping one day, I found a sparkly red star.  I bought it.  It's not positioned perfectly but that's something I'll have to work on another time, maybe.

You know, I'm not into shine and sparkle but when it's about Christmas, my tune changes.  I need it.  Speaking of tunes, I need to start some Christmas music.  I had Alexa playing some the other day but she didn't quite get it at first.  I asked for her to play Christmas music by Elvis.  She started with King Creole and ended up playing it three times with other non-Christmas music.

I woke up on Saturday with tons of motivation to TCB.  I made breakfast for us and then I started cleaning.  It felt good.  I took a few breaks in between chores but I got a lot done and I felt like I'd accomplished quite a bit.  I'm hoping for a repeat today so I can get to a few things I missed over the weekend.  Only a few more weeks until I'm released.  This Wednesday will be 5 weeks since surgery.  Next week should technically be the date of my 6-week followup but the holidays messed that up for me.  Anyway, I can't wait to be back to normal.  I know I haven't mentioned that yet.

I'm hungry.  I need breakfast.  I need to start a roast in the crockpot.  I also need to get started on everything else.

i went to dollar tree

yesterday and got some little ornaments to add to the new trees by the door.

They're cheap and plastic.  The tree can fall over and if the ornaments were to break, it's no great loss.   Same thing goes for if the weather starts to ruin them.  I can just buy more later. While I am working on sprucing up the trees, the cords are still just like "BOOM, here we are".  I guess it might help if one weren't striped like a candy cane.  But I guess it does kind of match the rug.

Sheesh.  I REALLY need to clean the door.  I'm sure repainting is due but man, give me a break.  I'm hoping it just looks worse in the picture... but I doubt it.  It does look pretty rough in person too.  Let's face it.  We need a new door.  I hope I can get through the day with the will power to not drag out the pressure washer.  I really don't see what it would hurt though.  Maybe.

I also added some red mesh I had in the garage.  I just stuffed it in the base.  Does it help?  Should I take it out?

The wreath has so much red and no gold so I figured I could fill the empty base with it.  Here it is when I step back.

Does it need more?  Did I do it right?  I just don't know.  I think I might have an idea about the cord situation though.  I'll look into it today.  You know what?  The more I look at the garland, the more I think I need red ribbon with gold instead of gold ribbon with red.  I'll have to start a list of things to buy at the end of the season for next year.

I'm tired.  I dozed off last night watching tv and when I woke up, I felt so well rested.  Wonderful.  I ended up going back to sleep at 2:45.  Today I might take advantage of recovery mode.  Rest sounds good right now but I'll give it some time.  I've got plenty I'd like to do first.  Being this tired might be the only thing stopping me from pulling out the pressure washer.

One thing I need before anything?  Breakfast.  One thing I'm not in the mood for?  Breakfast.  I think I'll make some chicken nuggets and fries instead.  Ugh.  I'm tired.  I won't let it stop me right now though.  I've got to stick to getting back into my routine.  I've got to get started early to keep me motivated.

Okay, I'm doing this.  (yawn)

ups delivered my

package last night.

I got two of these.

I was hurrying to get them set up in the dark and they still need work.

They need a little more fluffing.  I'm also not happy with all the cords showing.  I don't know though.  I mean it's not like anybody will be surprised to see that all the lights are plugged in since they are on.  (It might look magical but that's where the magic ends.)  I also think there needs to be something in the pot as a filler.  It looks so stark.  I'm also wondering if the trees need red bulbs to tie in all the red on the wreath.

Oh, how I'd love to clean the porch.  One day soon I'll be cleared to sweep but until then, I notice everything that needs sweeping and it's driving me nuts.

Speaking of recovery, while I'm still taking it easy, I'm managing to work on my routine.  (This blog, for starters)  I've been doing more and it's an awesome feeling.  When I woke up this morning I thought about what all I can get done today.  It hit me that one day soon, probably not long after being released, I'll think back to being in bed with limited activities and miss it.  Oh, I did add more lights to the tree yesterday.  It wasn't fun but once I finished, I stepped back to look and was glad I did it.  I'll get a picture of it today and hope I don't jinx anything, causing more lights to go out.

Time to make the bed.

TCB and loving it.

and just when it seems

like things aren't going my way, I'm back to Even Steven.  I was bummed about the lights yesterday but plugged in a new strand and they worked.  I decided to make the best of it and just add more lights.  Yes, I'll need to take down ornaments but seeing those bright lights kind of pumped me up.

I needed to go to Kroger to pick up my Clicklist order so I thought I'd stop at Walmart for more lights.  I also needed to get something to plug in two more things on the front porch.  I'll post a pic when they come in (Wednesday?) and are set up.  So I picked up my Kroger order and stopped at the gas pump.  I didn't have a credit card on me.  I called Cosme and he still had my card from when we went to eat after church on Saturday.  No problem.  I decided to fill up later.  I did see about $20 in my purse so I figured I had enough to get some lights and a plug.  I headed to Walmart and after I picked up the things I needed, while making sure I didn't go over $20, I headed to the food section to grab some hamburger meat.  I'd already decided to make meatballs for dinner and even though I had ground beef out to thaw, I figured a fresh package would be easier and I could get a head start.  I picked up a few more grocery items before making it to the beef and decided I didn't want to cut it close with my cash so I left it at that.  The ground beef I had would have to thaw in time.

I left Walmart after spending $13 and went home.  I started to bring in the bags of groceries, leaving the heavy stuff for Cosme to get later.  I saw my bag of chicken breasts and noticed another bag with cold stuff.  What?  I didn't order anything cold other than chicken.  I investigated.

It was two packages of ground beef.

Huh...  I figured I messed up and accidentally ordered it.  I checked my receipt and didn't see it.  I called Kroger because that's a lot of meat and I didn't want it to be a test where I am pointed out every time I go to the store as that dishonest lady who thought she was being sly and getting away with something.  Also, somebody else wasn't going to be happy when they got home and didn't have all their meat.  Kroger thanked me for letting them know so they could replace it in the other order and told me to keep it.  So, now I have fresh ground beef.  I also decided since the weather was so pretty, I'd grill burgers instead of making meatballs inside.  Then I realized I probably couldn't pour charcoal on the grill and might not should be lifting the lid.  I made burgers inside and that was fine.

So yeah, Even Steven had me not feeling totally bummed about the lights on the tree.  And today I will start on the lights.  I wasn't looking forward to it when I woke up but then something the doctor told me hit.  If I'm going to do something like that, I have to plan on it taking a little longer with breaks and resting periodically.  I'm going to try it.  I don't have anything else that has to be done today.  My goal is to fix the tree... and make meatballs.

before surgery I made sure to get

the Christmas tree up and decorated.  I did.  A few sections of lights didn't work so I added more.  I have a whole section out now.  I'm furious.  I'm mad because I can't add more lights without undecorating a large section of the tree and so far, I haven't found an easy fix.  Let me clarify this.  I'm not furious about having to take everything down, that irritates me.  I'm angry because now I'm on the mend and I shouldn't be doing that.  I went to the trouble of getting it up and going before surgery and now it wants to crap out on me.  That's why I'm angry.

One of the pre-lit strands has a few bulbs out on it but I think the main problem is the fused bulb, according to YouTube.  The base on that is longer so my regular replacement bulbs won't reach.  I also learned on YouTube that a lot of the newer trees make it so you can't replace just the bulb.  I tried swapping out a bulb from a new strand into the fused base but that old bulb isn't going anywhere.  I just had an idea though.  I think I'll swap a few of the fused bulbs around to see if anything changes.  Maybe that's not even the problem.  Wait.  You know what the problem is?  A pre-lit tree.  This is my last one.  As much as I hate stringing lights on a tree, I hate this predicament even more.

I'm about to need a Coke.

I did accomplish something yesterday.  I made breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  That was a first in a while.  I also cleaned the kitchen, did a little laundry and made the bed.  I had a sore incision last night but took ibuprofen and went to bed.  My goal for the week is to make all/most of our meals.  Wish me luck.  I'll start with breakfast.  I'll eat my breakfast and try to focus on all the things I can do as opposed to the things I can't.  Oh, and isn't it funny how my brain picks now to decide I need to pressure wash the front porch?  Typical.

Ugh.  I'm going to go take out my frustration on breakfast.  A little emotional eating never hurt anyone, right?

my last blog post was

about pre-op.  This week I went for a three week follow up.  It was supposed to have been two weeks but that fell on Thanksgiving.  She wants me to come back for a four week follow up to be released.  It'll be five because four falls on Christmas.  Whatever.

My incisions are healing and the doctor reminded me that my innards are not healing at the same rate.  Well, they might be healing at the same rate but there's a lot more healing needed in there.  I feel it.  It doesn't take much to make me need a nap.  I did a little too much yesterday by putting Christmas lights around the trees outside.  I ended up needing a long nap and later on a dose of super strength ibuprofen.  Paige came over to help me finish decorating.  It's really hard to sit back and not do anything when stuff needs to be done.

I've played a lot of games on my iPad and caught up on a lot of dvr.  I've also watched a lot of YouTube.  I never thought I'd sit around and watch YouTube but it's easy and addicting.  YouTube has taught me that I can buy things from Dollar General for a penny, people leave the Mormon church for similar reasons, and I could never live the van life.  Oh, I've also learned it's #vanlife.  I've also been looking up hysterectomy recovery videos to compare my progress.  It seems like my stuff is going more smoothly than most of the videos I've seen.  KNOCK ON WOOD.

My surgery wasn't bad.  I really wasn't in pain afterwards, it was mainly pressure.  The pain I did have wasn't from incisions or anything but from gas.  The gas pain is for real.  Somehow the gas they fill you with during surgery works its way up to your shoulder blade afterwards.  My first nurse let me know some people think they're having a heart attack.  Thanks for the heads up... (eye roll) I could barely move.  Oh, regular gas causes pain too.  It's definitely not pleasant.  One of the ways they say to get rid of the gas is to move.  When my nurse was taking me on my first walk, we made it to the end of the hall and she told me to let her know if I need to turn back.  No.  We would walk the block.  Halfway around the floor, she told me I was doing really well.  The only thing that kind of bothered me was the pressure.  It felt like my insides were dropping to my abdomen.  The nurse also suggested I stick to a liquid diet for the nausea caused from anesthesia.  There was no nausea but I did have a scratchy throat from the tube being down it.  One of my first questions, "my throat hurts, was there a tube down it?"... Yes.  I stuck to pudding, macaroni and apple juice for the rest of the day.  The scratchy throat lasted for about four days.  Up next, TMI (as if the surgery itself isn't...).  Oh, the doctor also said to eat or drink foods that would help me poop.  She said I DEFINITELY did not want to end up constipated.  While I was halfway enjoying the thought of what not needing to go to the bathroom might feel like, I obeyed.  I had Eric and Paige bring popcorn.  It didn't really work.  I ended up taking a stool softener and still nothing.  I realized the popcorn was missing something, something I hadn't had for a few days.  Coke.  Three sips later and I was in the bathroom.  It wasn't fun but I was in there.

I think that's all the major stuff.  One of the hardest parts has been being useless.  I haven't been able to do anything.  At my follow-up on Wednesday, she told me I could start doing a little more.  Still no vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing, hauling laundry baskets, you know... the stuff I do all the time with no problem.  It's frustrating, really frustrating.  I had Cosme pour Tide into a small cup so I could at least wash a few clothes.

I guess that'll be it for now.

I went for pre-op at the

hospital on Thursday and then tomorrow I go for pre-op with my doctor.  Surgery is Wednesday morning.  This sucks.  I can't wait for this to all be over with.  My nerves can't handle it.  My stomach is in knots and I could probably throw up.  My mind doesn't let me sit here and appreciate the fact that I'm fine with nothing going on right now, I can only focus on what's to come.  Luckily, I've put off so much of my stuff that needs to be done so I should be too busy to sit around and dwell on anything... but I'll manage to anyway.  Ugh.  When starting junior high makes you break out in hives, it's probably a good sign of things to come.  I guess we've always known I'm a little anxious and worried.

Anyway, today I need to:

• Clean the cat room
• Make macaroni and cheese
• Finish decorating the tree
• Do some ironing
• Make a list for Kroger Clicklist for later in the week
• Clean
• Worry

I'll probably get two or three of those done, worrying being one.  One thing I'd really like to get done is getting the Christmas lights hung on the trees out front.  I won't be able to though.  I had to break into that stash to hang more on our PRE-LIT TREE.  So not only am I down the 400 I added to our Christmas tree, but two of those strands ended up in the garbage.  Also, remember I had Antonio trim the trees a few months ago?  I'll need to take the lights up higher this year.  So... I could probably use another 1000 lights or so.  And now that there's a baby in the picture, I feel like I should add something to the yard.  Maybe one of those inflatables?  Maybe the lit up dog I didn't get last year?  Maybe I'll save it for next year when 1) I don't have a ton of other things going on and 2) she'll see that there's a lit up dog in the yard.

On the plus side, I messaged a friend yesterday who just had a hysterectomy and asked her a few questions.  I found out she was walking a flight of stairs the next day.  I don't even think it's the thought of the actual surgery that's bothering me (as much as that stuff makes me weak and queasy), but just the production of it all.  The build up and hype of "surgery" and "hospital stay" and what to expect during recovery.  I hear that the gas build up is one of the worst parts about it.  That has me stressing about maybe I should lay off Coke until gas isn't a problem.  Why add bubbles to a full stomach?  I don't know.  I'm rambling now and lucky for you, I probably won't have much time to post before Wednesday.

And now I'll get on with my list.
TCB

i don't even want to

look at my Facebook memories today.  It's Halloween and for the first time in a while, we're not doing anything grand to scare all the kids.  Then again, Halloween has started out that way a few times before and ended with me in costume on the front porch with lights and smoke.  This year though, not only am I thinking about getting my Christmas tree up this weekend, but it's supposed to rain.  Thinking back though, it was supposed to rain last year AND the Astros were in the World Series so we had two things going against us... and it ended up being awesome.  I don't know.  I'll probably drag out my hooded robe and a mask at the last minute.  I might even change out a light bulb or two.  One thing is for sure, Eric and Paige are coming over and we're watching Ghost Adventures.  I'll make burgers and chili con queso for this evening.  Anyway, that's that.

I tend to buy the same candy every year.  I make sure to get Snickers (Cosme's favorite) and Kit Kat (my top pick among Halloween candy) and then there's everything else.  Like most people, we spend the few days before Halloween picking through and snacking on what we like.  When Halloween comes, I make sure to give the little kids Dum Dums and for the rest, I focus on getting rid of everything else (going easy on the Reece's cups), hoping any leftovers will be what we like.  This year though, as I was dumping all the candy into the tub, I noticed the assortment bag also had Heath bars.  My absolute favorite candy bar is Skor... so basically, Heath.  And once again, because I can't go to the store and buy an actual candy bar for myself, I've been digging out and hiding all the Heath.  They might only be about as big as my thumbnail but it's the first time I've had them in the mix and I like it.

Okay.  I can't take it.  I just had Alexa play some creepy music and ate a Heath.  We won't be going all out tonight, but I will scare a few kids.  It just won't be Halloween if I don't.  Now I need to start planning and setting up.  I know it's supposed to rain but I will at least set up the entryway to scare a few kids.  Hopefully, we'll still have candy left.

i just made my

pre-op appointment and it's the day before my surgery.  I also asked and I know I'll have to stay at the hospital for at least 24 hours.  So, it's all about to happen.  I know people, well, women have this done all the time and there are people having worse things happen but I am 46 years old and the only surgery I've ever had was having my wisdom teeth taken out.  I've never had stitches or casts or anything like that.  The only time I used crutches was when I fell in the backyard and twisted my ankle.  I'm about as inexperienced as they come.  I'm not complaining about that but it sure doesn't help.

I will complain about this though.  I wanted to get the refrigerator and freezer cleaned out yesterday.  I didn't get it done but did manage to finish the refrigerator this morning.  I just went to take the can out to the street and it looks like I just missed the garbage truck.  Now I've got a lot of old food, litter box, and dirty diapers all sitting out in the trashcan until Monday.  I might need to keep the garage door open.  Don't be jealous.

I've been on a chicken tender and chicken nugget kick lately.  I was being a little adventurous and dipped them in ranch dressing instead of ketchup.  I thought it would be nice to have some sweet and sour dipping sauce or even Chick-fil-a's Polynesian sauce so I looked up some copycat recipes on Pinterest.  I mixed it up and it was pretty close.

Yesterday I finally got around to trying it on nuggets.

No.  It's actually not close at all.  It wasn't bad but it wasn't Polynesian sauce.  I decided it'd be easier to buy a jar of sweet and sour sauce... or just go back to ketchup and ranch and save the sweet and sour for McDonalds and Chick-fil-a.

I've really got to TCB today.  I need to work on portraits and go pick up the book of the dead from the church that needs to be finished by Wednesday.  I also need to schedule in some time to worry about surgery stuff.

you know those headaches

you get when you don't get enough sleep but then you get more sleep and you have a different headache from sleeping too much?  That happened yesterday.  I had it under control and then the rain came.  I read a cousin's post on FB about no line for voting in the rain and thought I'd try that Angleton line again.  I got dressed and headed over, walked right in, and voted.  No line at all.  It's amazing what rain will do for you.

I knew I wanted to wear a hoodie and t-shirt.  I didn't necessarily need to be waterproof but I did want the hood and a little protection from the breeze.  I pulled a Texas t-shirt off the hanger, one of my new birthday presents from Mom and Dad that I picked out at Madeline's, and threw it on.  I put on a pair of shoes and decided against them.  I bought a pair of black Vans for Las Vegas when Lauren and John got married but I don't know, there's something about them that just doesn't feel right.  I've just always felt like they look weird on me.  Anyway, to go with my red Texas t-shirt,

I put on my red Converse.

I grabbed my purse and hoodie and headed out the door.  When I got out of the car and started walking into the Courthouse Annex, I all of a sudden felt like the diehard fan at a football game who ends up on camera with the painted face.  Don't get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with my red t-shirt and red shoes but with all the political drama and the #redwave, I felt like a rebel.  I was hoping nobody there thought I was trying to make a statement because that definitely wasn't the case... not that there's anything wrong with that.  It's not that I was scared that people would think I was voting red because maybe I was or maybe I wasn't, it's nobody's business, I just simply don't like drawing attention to myself.  I try not to get too political on social media because I've seen normally nice people get really ugly and I don't need any of that.  Anyway, as usual, my brain was probably making more out of the situation than it should have.  I didn't make eye contact with the few people I saw on my way in or out so I didn't notice if I got any glares but I also didn't get any high fives like our team just scored the winning touchdown.  Also, nobody poured their beer on me so I guess that's always a plus.  

I made it back to the car and headed to the grocery store.  By the time I got home, my head was THROBBING.  It was horrible.  This was a sinus headache.  UGH.  I worked on it and it finally mostly went away.  It really messed up other things I wanted to get done yesterday but I managed to get over to vote and picked up a few things for dinner.  The funny/awesome thing is Eric called to see what we were having for dinner and said they'd probably come by to eat.  I changed the menu from a new chicken recipe using things I had to pick up at the store to take-out Chicken Express.  My head really enjoyed that.  Now I'm excited that yesterday's dinner will be today and I don't have to go to the store in the rain again.  Oh, there's also one drumstick leftover so I know what's for lunch.   

Let's get this headache-free morning started!

it's been a slow

morning.  Eric and Paige went to the movies last night and we babysat.  Time out.  I don't know if I'm going to mention the baby's name on here, being all public space and everything.  I think we'll refer to the baby as Little E.  Okay, so Eric and Paige went to see Halloween last night and we watched Little E, or as it might one day be shortened to, Lil E.  They left when Eric got back from class.  Not long after they left, Little E got hungry so we warmed up a bottle and she ate.  One thing we've noticed about Little E is she has a few hours at night where she likes to fight sleep.  She finished her bottle around 10:00 and wanted to look around at things and then she was done.  She was ready to fight sleep.  Cosme had already gone to bed so it was just the two of us at this point.  She got tired of my bouncing, talking, and patting so I did what I have done a couple of other times and pulled up some classical music on YouTube.  A little swaying and a few notes of Mozart later, she was relaxing and the "I might just doze off" zone.

Just a few minutes later, Eric and Paige let me know they were on their way to pick her up.  By the time they got here, she was ready for more food and a new diaper.  Anyway, I got to bed a little later than normal so I've been dragging a bit today but nothing too bad.  That's one of the benefits of not having anywhere to be the next day, I can stay up late if I want.  As if I needed any encouragement to chill a little longer, it started raining not long after I told Cosme I was going to get back in bed.

I might go try to get a few things done now... or I might sit and listen to the rain.

without getting myself too

worked up with anxiety and nerves, I need to start seriously getting into TCB mode for surgery.  It's 2 weeks and 2 days away.  I need to do some serious prep work.  I've already made a color-coded laundry instruction sheet for Cosme (with pictures).  Did anyone expect anything different from me?  I need to print it out, insert into a page protector and hang in the laundry room.  I need to think of other things I'll want/need that I probably won't feel like explaining.  Today I need to sit down and figure out what all needs to be done and make a big ol' to-do list.  One of the first things will be cleaning out the freezers and refrigerators, but mainly the freezers.  I need to get those stocked up with plenty of tv dinners.  I guess I also need to call my doctor's office this week and make sure we're still on for November 7th and see if there's anything else I need to do.  I'm pretty sure there's a pre-op appointment I need to schedule.  I also want to know how long I can expect to be in the hospital, without her telling me exactly what she plans to do.  I just want to be surprised when I wake up.  Don't tell me how many incisions or how big they are.  Yes, I like to plan but I also tend to worry.  Let's save the planning for fun stuff like which cabinet I'll clean out today.  I'll have a bag packed for the hospital, just in case I need to stay longer than planned.  I'd just rather not know details until I wake up after surgery.  Enough of that.  I need to focus on getting everything cleaned and organized and ready for recovery mode.  I figure I can tackle one project at a time.  I plan to set aside at least one day for each task.  I also have a list going of things I'll need to pick up from the store before then.  Oh, I also need to work on getting portraits out this week too.

Before anything though, I need to get dressed and go vote.  One of the things I worried about with my original surgery date of October 10th was getting out to vote.  After being rescheduled to the 7th, I was relieved that voting wouldn't be an issue... especially since I always vote early.

Time to get busy.

i have one more recipe

to share.  Red Beans and Rice.  Hey, it's chilly outside and I had a loaf of french bread we were finishing.  Anyway, I've made this recipe before and we really liked it.  When I made it before, I posted a picture on Instagram and I had some NOLA people assume I lived there and tell me how good it looked.  I corrected them and told them I'd take that as a compliment.  I'm not sure about this time.  They probably wouldn't have said anything with this batch because it didn't quite look the same.  Also, as for the picture, I think I overdid it on the rice.  I had to go back and add more beans to my bowl.

I don't know if last time I didn't add enough water or if this time I added too much but I'm thinking it was not adding enough last time.  I just remembered that last time I didn't soak my beans first.  I'm sure that had something to do with it.  I guess it was a combination of the two.  Maybe this is how they're supposed to be and last time they were too thick.  Whatever, the flavor was good.  Next time I probably won't soak the beans because I really don't see much point.  You know, maybe that's why I had to use a bigger pot this time.  I was starting off with swollen beans.  Ahh, it's all starting to make sense now.  You see?  This is the exact reason I share recipes here.  I not only have quick access but now I'll remember how to make my beans soupier, if desired.

Oh well, I probably won't share another recipe for a few days... unless we get sick of beans.

i think i might be

a little more prepared for the weather today.  There was a reason I wasn't feeling it yesterday, sinus and allergies.  I didn't feel like making breakfast when I got up from the computer and went to lie down instead.  That tea I made?  It came right back up.  After I lost my morning tea, I rested for a few minutes and then came into the kitchen for a little breakfast.  That helped.  What also helped was putting on my hoodie and warm, cozy house shoes.  This morning when I took the dogs out, I was ready.  I'm feeling so much better this morning.  It's also a little earlier than when I normally take them out (I usually wait for the sun to come up).  I didn't want to sit there under the bright patio lights so I just turned on the string lights, turned off the patio lights, dressed accordingly and chilled on my iPad.

The only thing missing was hot chocolate... and socks.

There is one thing that sucks about this morning.  I have to go to the store.  I pulled out my red beans and rice recipe last night and realized I didn't buy any sausage.  I have the bacon and ham hocks but no sausage.  What was I thinking?  Simple.  I wasn't.  I have my bacon cooking now and as soon as that's ready, I'll change clothes and head to the store.  On a positive note, I'll have a bacon sandwich for breakfast.  Things are already looking up.

so yesterday I made

the roast and baked bread as I had planned, amped up for the cold weather.  I'm over it now.  Today it's in the 50s and I'm ready for the 60s-70s.  I wasn't made for chilly weather.  I'm feeling it too.  I woke up needing a nasal decongestant (nothing new there) but I just feel the cooler weather.  It's literally something in the air.  I don't like the whole vibe it's putting off.  I'm not ready for needing a hoodie and socks.  I put thieves and peppermint in the diffuser.  I made myself a cup of hot tea but put ice cubes in it so I can tolerate it right now.  I think I put too much ice.  I added local honey because it couldn't hurt.  I want to go back to bed.  Wake me when the temps rise a little.  Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the break from the heat but isn't there a happy medium with the weather?  Oh, wait.  I think they call that California.  I'll suffer with the Texas temps.

This was yesterday, not today when it was too breezy and chilly.

The dogs, gathered at their drinking hole.  Well, one of their drinking holes.  They're weird.

I need breakfast.  I'd love oatmeal but I don't feel like making any.  I'd use an instant package but I'm running low and would rather save it for a time when I'm really needing oatmeal but don't want to make it in a saucepan... times like this morning, but more desperate.  I don't want to waste it on a morning when I'd just love it.  Maybe I'll make toast.  I need something.  I need to eat something and go sit by the diffuser and absorb cold-fighting stuff.  That's what it is.  This weather reminds me of being sick and I'm not in the mood for being sick.  It'd help if this sinus drainage and allergy crap would go away.  Maybe then I'd appreciate the cooler weather and not associate it with my itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose, and sneezing.  I'm done.  I'm not going to sit here and dwell on it.  I'm going to have some toast, do some chores and catch up on some dvr.  I'll pretend it's yesterday when it was 78 degrees.

i tried a new recipe

and we loved it.  I wanted something sweet.  The other day I pulled up a recipe on Pinterest for a cinnamon cake or cinnamon roll cake or something.  I clicked on the link and planned to make it until I saw a recipe listed for this Honey Bun Cake.  I had to investigate.  I had all the ingredients and needed to try it.  It sounded too easy to pass up.  The base of it was a boxed yellow cake mix and it's made in a 9x13 pan.  I added a little bit more cinnamon to the brown sugar middle part and ended up having to double the icing.  I also cut the cooking time down by about 5 minutes because it was starting to smell a little too done.

The recipe said to let it cool but we didn't.  How could we go wrong with a hot honey bun?  That sounds impossible.

It was really good.  You can see how moist it is in the picture.  I poured a full glass of milk to go with it.  Good move.  I'll for sure make this again.  In just about 24 hours, it was half gone.  It won't last much longer.

I was scrolling through recipes on the blog and saw the one for Egg Roll Bowls from January 22.  I still can't eat egg rolls.  They were SO good I couldn't help myself from overdoing it and overdosing.  I just wonder when I'll be able to eat another egg roll.  Who knows...  I haven't had a pistachio in about 5 years.  After eating so many one Halloween and coincidentally waking up with a stomach bug the next day, being horribly sick is all I can think of when I see pistachios.  I can actually look at a bag of them now.  For a while, I couldn't even do that.  I couldn't even look at the word PISTACHIO without my mouth getting the vomit waters.

While I'm on the topic of food, I'm about to start a roast for tonight.  A cool front is coming through and I'm ready for it.  We'll have roast tonight and tomorrow I'll make red beans and rice.  I hope the cooler temps stick around because I'm in the mood for that and the slow-cooking food that comes with it.  I think I'm also ready to not have to go anywhere.  Doesn't everyone hunker down when the temps drop to the mid 60s?  No?  Oh well.  Imagine how bad I'd be if I lived up north... and by up north, I mean north of Houston.  Oh, I should probably bake some french bread to go with the beans and rice for tomorrow.  Now we're talking.  I've really missed fall.

I think I'll go put on some socks and something plaid or a hoodie and sit here and wait for the fall weather.  That sounds awesome.

i miss my

MacBook.  I just had a really hard time getting this computer to start up where I needed it to start.  Maybe that's an operating system?  That sounds good.  I have a feeling it's because the electricity went out for a few minutes yesterday.  Anyway, I needed it to start up in a certain operating system and it took a while.  Whatever.  I'm back up and running and using this one until it craps out.  Before I focus on computers though, my next upgrade will need to be a phone.  Mine is getting a little sluggish.  I guess that's expected since I will have had it for two years next month.  I'll probably go in and upgrade in November.  I really do miss iPhone but the two most important things to me on my phone are the camera and memory.  Samsung beats Apple in those two categories (in my opinion) so I'll stick with Samsung.  Oh, then there's also the wireless earbuds.  I'd lose those things within the first hour.

Today was the day my surgery was originally scheduled.  I would be fasting right now and would need to leave in two hours.  Instead, I just ate peanut butter toast and will pick up Paige and Ellie in a bit and go to Madeline's.

This is weird.  I just got a popup notice from Pinterest letting me know that someone saved one of my pins.

The notice isn't weird but the person's name, ABriana Brandt.  Although ABriana is unusual, it's the Brandt part that's odd, in case it wasn't clear.

I need to go finish some laundry and dishes so I can get ready to go to WC.  That sounds like so much more fun than having surgery.

the sun is still shining and

it's pretty awesome.  Just ask Archer.

I took my camera outside with me and was sitting on the patio.

He knew I had it and I'm pretty sure this is what was going on in his head.

"OMG.  She's back at it with that stupid camera."

"Maybe if I ignore her, she'll give up."

"Wow.  She's persistent, I'll give her that.  Maybe she'll stop if I just give in."

"Here, woman.  CHEESE."

Then I stopped and we were both happy.

we had our second day

of sun yesterday and today is starting off the same.  I don't know what to do with myself.  The dogs enjoyed it.  If I get several mosquito coils going this morning, it would make it better.

I got a call from my doctor's office.  It looks like the Christmas tree is going up the weekend after Halloween.  I love having an excuse to put the tree up early.  Sure, I could do it whenever I want but this seems like a legitimate reason.  Oh, crap.  I just realized something.  The surgery is scheduled for 8am and I have to be there two hours early.  That means I have to leave the house around 5am.  Oh well, I guess it's better than when it was scheduled for 1:30pm.  That's a long time for fasting... like I'd be able to eat anything anyway with my nervous stomach.

I really wanted french fries for lunch yesterday.  They sounded good and I was about to make some until I remembered I needed to post two recipes for easy access.  I had a frito pie instead.  I could've had chili cheese fries but I don't think this chili would be good with fries.  It's not like hot dog chili, but more like taco soup in a way.  I've made it a few times and might have posted the recipe link before but if I did, I can't find it.  THIS is it.

I put it in a cutesy little paper boat like they would do at a concession stand.  Not only did I think it would look cute for the picture, but it was one less dish I had to wash afterwards.  I might need to do that more often.

I need to go clean shrimp now.  It's garbage day and I need to hurry and get the shrimp debris out.  Too bad shrimp and grits wouldn't work in those concession stand paper boats.  Oh, but fried shrimp would...

when I was cleaning out

my phone pics yesterday, I found these of the dogs.  I don't think I've shared any of them but then again, maybe I have.

Here's Archer wanting to check out the mosquito coil.

Here's Maggie with her arm around Archer.

Something was going on out in the street in front of the neighbor's house.  It was so interesting, but probably not as interesting as the dogs thought it was.  I guess if it had been, I would've gotten a picture of whatever was going on instead of the dogs looking at it.  Also, remember back when Archer was the smaller dog and could walk under Maggie?  

 Here's Archer using Maggie as, I don't know, not quite a pillow.  It's a good thing she's not a gassy dog.

The dogs came inside and got in the cage.  Well, Archer got in the cage.  I don't know what was up with Maggie.  Did she think she was in the cage?

She stayed there like everything was normal, looking around like she was waiting for me to close the door.  Was she pretending to be in the cage so I'd shut it and forget about her?

Side note: There have been a few times when I've let them in the cage and walked away, clearly not thinking, without shutting the door.  One time I was in the laundry room and heard crazy breathing.  I turned around and saw a dog standing there.  I screamed.

Yesterday I did my post then went on with my old routine of feeding the dogs, starting laundry, washing dishes, starting dinner in the crockpot, etc.  That was the first time I'd done that in a while.  I've been blaming my lack of motivation on being worried and only having surgery on the brain but there was one thing different about yesterday than most of the days we've had lately.  It didn't rain.  Maybe it's a little bit of everything making me draggy, weather and worry.  Or, maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to slack off...

Speaking of getting back into my routine, I've actually done some cooking in the last few days and need to share the recipes here.  It's things I've made before but like I've said, I need easy access.  I guess I'll check today to make sure they're not already up.  I just assumed they weren't.  I could do it now but oatmeal and toast are calling.  I need breakfast.  I'm outta here.

I was cleaning out some

pictures from my phone.  Here are a few of the things I don't think I ever shared.

I was looking at ladders online.  I think I found one I want at Harbor Freight.  It's that one that folds and extends and does different things.  Giant something or something Giant, I think.  Anyway, I found a good price on it there.  I took a closer look at the product's picture.

I am definitely no handyman but this picture bugs me.  Where is the paint on his roller?  The only paint I see on his tray looks white?  Is that even paint?  Is it a liner?  If it's a liner, then where's the paint?  Why is he wearing safety glasses?


Speaking of bugs.  I was taking a break on the bed.  I was lying there and reached for my iPad when I noticed this cicada by my head.

I squealed and quickly got up.


This was one of the mushrooms I swung at in the backyard.

We went for bbq one day and for some reason my brain added the word "weed" in there.

I read "We're smokin' weed in Texas"... okay?

I had to polish some silver and decided the job could be easier.  I went to Walmart and picked up some TarnX to use instead of the cream I already had.

OH. GOOD. GRIEF.  That was the WORST smelling stuff EVER.  It was like a mix of tar, sulphur and dog mess.  I opened windows, lit candles, started peppermint in the diffuser, and then I put it under the sink and started scrubbing a little harder with the cream.

That's a few of the things that have been going on while I haven't been posting.  Tomorrow I'll share a few pictures of the dogs that I found.

i realized something

just now.  I think this whole time I've been totally unmotivated, it's been raining.  Sure, there's a lot going on and I've been stressed but it's also been raining almost every day.  I'm so tired of the rain.  That being said, let's move on to the other thing keeping me unmotivated... stress.  I was supposed to go to a pre-op appointment this morning but I cancelled.  I asked my doctor to reschedule my surgery to November for a few reasons.  I haven't heard back but I sure hope it's doable.  I know it might seem crazy to schedule a surgery that'll have me in bed for a while right before Thanksgiving but I think it'll work out better that way.  It also gives me more time to get stuff done and ready.  I told Cosme he might have to cook the Thanksgiving meal and he's fine with that.  I'll help as much as I can but there's always the chance that I can't.  I really hope it all works out.  Also, just to be on the safe side, our Christmas tree will go up before surgery.  I don't care if it's scheduled for November 1.  I cannot risk not being able to put the Christmas tree up.  I'll have it up on Halloween if necessary.  I could just put it off until I'm recovering so that Cosme would have to do it but it's the Christmas tree and that's when my control-freak comes out big time.  So as nice as it would be to sit back on the couch while I direct and point at what needs to go where, wait... maybe the tree doesn't have to be perfect.  Maybe one year of me not doing it won't be horrible.  I don't know.  I talk a good talk but when it comes down to it, I won't be able to stop myself.  There's no way I can direct him on getting that bow arranged up top.  It might not matter.  The doctor could call back today and tell me how I messed up and should've kept the October appointment because now she can't do surgery until days before Christmas.  Nope.  No can do.  Looks like surgery will have to wait.  Christmas is more important than surgery.  Then again, after paying for surgery, there might not be much to Christmas.

Now that Negative Nelly has voiced her opinion, I'll try to end this on a positive note.

- Yes, it's been raining every day but it wasn't in the form of a hurricane.
- Planning for surgery is a hassle but it's an option.
- I could put our Christmas tree up right now if I wanted to.

Now I'm off to look for motivation somewhere.

the mosquitos weren't

nearly as bad on the back porch this morning, but I sprayed some Cutter just in case.  The dogs had their breakfast and they ran around for a minute and then they were ready to come in.

I was looking over my DNA results last night and somehow things have changed.  However it works, my Irish went way down and my Norwegian went up quite a bit.  This is more like the numbers I expected to see in the beginning.

I need to make a list and go to the store.  I seriously need to TCB.  I had to put chips in a quart sized bag for Cosme's lunch this morning because I ran out of sandwich bags.  I also need ingredients for dinner.  I think I'll make spaghetti and meatballs.  Oh, I'm having my birthday dinner and cake tonight because my actual birthday is tomorrow and we're all scheduled to be at the hospital tomorrow for a delivery... unless she decides to come a day early and then I guess I'll have my birthday dinner when I can.  Anyway, meatballs will hold up well in the refrigerator in case it comes to a quick change in plans tonight.  I think I'll start them kind of early and have them ready ahead of time.  I think I'll also go get a manicure and pedicure first.

Time to get things done.  Doing a blog post is a step in the right direction.  There might be hope for me yet!

i didn't even remember

my password to get in to my blog.  It's been THAT long, I guess.  I really don't know how long it's been.  There's been way too much going on (mainly in my head) to keep up with anything.  Sure we've had the typical baby false alarm with one hour of sleep, Mom going to the ER, biopsies... just regular 2018 stuff, but then there's also my head.  What do I need to do today?  Am I forgetting anything?  Do I need to do anything to get ready for the baby?  Can I start prepping what I'll need for my surgery's hospital stay?  What will I need for recovery?  How long will it take to recover?  How will everything I need done get done?  Why is my phone acting up?  Should I got to AT&T today to have it checked out?  Will it stay charged long enough to get hospital pictures?  Do I need a longer charger for my hospital stay?  What can we have for dinner today?  Am I forgetting anything?  Do the dogs need to go out?  Is it going to rain today?  When will I have time to get Strat to the vet? 

With all of this other stuff going on, what's not going on is me cooking and cleaning.  I've really been slacking at staying on top of things.  For real.  At first I was in shutdown mode and all I had on the brain was surgery and being scared.  I've gotten over that (for the most part).  Sure, I really wish I didn't have to do it but I think all the fear has settled.  I know it's no big deal but I'm someone who has never had surgery and I'm not used to that kind of stuff.  Now I'm just trying to get back on track with my chores and routine.  You know, so it can all be thrown off again when I'm stuck healing in bed.

Things I've learned that have been confirmed in 2018:
1.  I absolutely CANNOT multitask.
2.  2018 is too much and needs to calm down.

I'm hoping that things will calm down soon.  I mean, doesn't everyone have an anxiety attack at the doctor's office?  Good.  I was starting to get a complex.

Anyway, I'm working on getting back into my routine.  I've done a few things around the house this morning but have lots more.  First thing I did was start mosquito coils going at the front and back doors.  The mosquitos are really bad at the front door.  Maybe it's the shade?  I don't know.  They're not horrible at the back door but I do have to sit out there so the dogs can have their free time.

I heard the mosquito plane fly over twice yesterday.  They really need to head to Brazoria because it's WAY worse over there.  It's horrible.

Okay, I'm getting up from this chair now.  I need to take advantage of what little motivation I have.

I have officially

gone into shut down mode. I talked to my doctor yesterday and am having surgery in a out a month. Until then, I will be a bundle of nerves. It's fun. Shut down mode involves zoning out and only focusing on worrying, crying, nausea, diarrhea, zero motivation, and lots of sleeping.

This sucks so bad. I hate it. I wish they didn't have to tell me everything. I wish there was no prep stuff. I wish they could just surprise me, knock me out, and do it.

Ugh.

Where's a time machine when I need it? I need December. Stat.

trying to finish off a box

and having a different brand of oatmeal yesterday makes this HEB brand I'm having today even more awesome than usual.  I know I've mentioned it several times in my quest to find the most delicious cinnamon oatmeal but for real, HEB has the best.

Maggie was being unusually calm for a minute yesterday.  They had just finished breakfast and done a little running around and Maggie came over wanting scratches, no licks involved.

She licks.  She gets excited and licks the air.  She loves to lick.  Yesterday she was totally chill and just wanted to hang out.

Then time was up and she started licking again.  Oh, and that licking the vet told me she needed to stop?  She's still doing it.  I put some lavender oil in a dish with some water and rubbed it on her go-to scratching/licking spots yesterday.  She seemed to like it (or maybe it was just the rubbing) and I liked the smell.  Archer wanted a little too so they both smelled a little fresher yesterday.  I'll put some more on her this morning.  If nothing else, she'll smell nice for a little bit.

i tried another new

recipe last night and I really had high hopes.  It was THIS ravioli I found on Pinterest.  We also finished off the chicken I made the other day.  That recipe also came from Pinterest and was HERE.

So this was the chicken that we thought needed a pasta to go with it after we only had zucchini with it the first time.  We decided this pasta was probably not the right match.  First of all, I didn't have any capers for the ravioli.  Second, Cosme doesn't care for artichoke unless it's with spinach and lots of cheese in a dip.  Third, I found out that I don't care for sun dried tomatoes.  Oh well.  I really, really wanted it to be a hit but it just wasn't.  It wasn't that it was bad, it was more of a "it's not you, it's me" thing.

Back in shower news, I spray painted a chair.  Somewhere, packed deep in the 11 years of this blog, there is a picture of a little red chair.  It was a chair I got from Dodo that she had in the shop for a little bit.  She said it was Dad's so I asked if I could have it when she was done with it.  I guess she had painted it pink for the shop because I'm sure Dad didn't have a pink chair.  Anyway, she gave it to me and I painted it with a white crackle paint.  When photography entered the game, I painted it red.  Now that there is a baby coming, I sanded it down, primed it, and painted it again.

I roughed it up a little.  And a side note, if you paint something with crackle paint, those remnants are pretty much around forever.  I sanded and sanded and sanded.  I ended up leaving some of it since I was going to distress it afterwards.  Here is a close up of a few spots where I roughed it up.

I think I'm done with it.  The more I look at it, the more I wonder if I should do more to it.  Anyway, that should match some of the other stuff they have going on in her room and if it doesn't, I'll keep it here and maybe paint it again.  Ohhh, or maybe paint designs or pictures on it.  Okay, now I'm just getting carried away.  Maybe I'll just keep it here.

Right now the dogs don't care what my plans with the chair are, they're just worried about their breakfast plans.  Before I go feed them, I have to tell a little story about something that happened yesterday.  First of all, I leave the tv on sometimes with the sound turned down.  Anyway, I was checking to see if a package had been delivered and Archer started barking one of his territorial barks.  I walked back to the living room and asked what it was, wondering if he saw someone trying to get in a back window or something.  He looked at the tv and back at me.  There was a cat on tv.  It was funny.  The commercial ended and he never got worked up again.  I'll give him breakfast now and keep him from getting worked up again.