5 thing Friday - feeding myself, sweet potato plant, heart charm, license, BP cuff

Although I am not posting menus, I have settled into a dinner cooking routine of 4 nights out of 7 and having very simple things to eat when I get home from work.  A quesadilla, bowl of cereal, or Chick-fil-A chicken patty with some mac and cheese helps me avoid most kitchen duty on days I work.

If I make a big pan of something, I can portion some of it out for work lunches. Here I fixed cacio e pepe ravioli from TJ with some ground beef, marinara, the rest of a tomato I was trying to use up, and about a cup of frozen peas.  'Twas pretty good and freezes well.

About twice a week for lunch I have one of those chopped salads with cabbage, etc., and some added protein, plus dibs and dabs of other things (pickles, beets, the rest of the 3 bean salad that was lurking in the fridge).  I never thought it particularly hard to feed myself until Mark died. You wouldn't think it should be so difficult to manage.

I'm trying to grow a sweet potato plant here from an actual sweet potato.  Will it work?  I'm not sure, but please notice my use of large paper clips since I didn't have toothpicks.  (Also the recycled pasta jar from the ravioli.) This window is the one that gets morning sun.  Its been so pretty outside that I am ready to bring all of my plants back out of the garage and arrange them on the patio.

Happy Valentine's Day to me.  I added a charm that finishes out my charm bracelet in a very pretty way.  {I had the armadillo removed, as it was heavier than the other charms and made the bracelet feel bulky and slide to one side} A reminder to show myself some kindness and love.  I have been wearing it and enjoying the pretty sound it makes and the good memories it invokes.

I have been missing Mom lately.  While I was working on the photo project I found this old driver's license of hers.  In high school, it used to make me laugh when she pulled it out while writing a check somewhere.  She was in the middle of saying "yes, I'm ready!" when the woman snapped her photo. 

She would say "stop acting the fool!" as I laughed away.

 When she got her new license she sent this to me.  I was in college and we wrote each other letters all of the time. It lives above my desk now and makes me smile.  She looked so young here, and so thin.

The dental hygienist used a wrist BP cuff for me last week that seemed like it was more accurate than the bulky arm one I have.  And easier to use!  So I bought myself one with some HSA $.  I need to pair it with the app and it will sit right here on my desk.  My BP is well-managed, but I want to take charge of recording it and reporting back to my doc, holding myself accountable for taking care of ME.

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!

Gina

Empty Nest menu #159 and walking

On Thanksgiving morning I walked the 5 mile turkey trot at a local park's track.  It was a beautiful morning - cool and sunny.  And there weren't very many people out.  Perfect.

Not gonna lie, it was challenging.  I had to stop a couple of times to rest and reply back to text messages.  I probably need to increase my walking time during the week.  Walking is the best exercise for me - no schedules, no special equipment, and easy on my body.

Monday - Green Chili Chicken Crockpot, rice, corn {off today}

Tuesday - Thanksgiving Shepherd's Pie* for one {book club in p.m.}

Wednesday - Dinner salad with sliced chicken breast {lunch with a friend, holiday movie at home}

Thursday - Quiche for One with bacon, skillet potatoes {spirits class at Total Wine, afternoon telehealth, grocery shop}

Friday - French bread pizza, side salad {finish wrapping gifts, lunch with Scout}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed

*as I was cleaning up the kitchen on Thanksgiving I filled two small oven proof dishes with layers of stuffing, turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes and stored them in the freezer.  I will thaw and bake covered 'til heated through.

Gina

5 thing Friday - BTS, book club, deer, tire woe, end of physical therapy

I pride myself on not having to know when the first day of school is now.  For years, the back to school prep for four kids during the hottest part of summer almost sent me over the edge.  When I see moms in the store, list in hand, kids trailing behind them, I feel thankful.

Some places are calm and quiet now, like Half Price books, where I sold back almost all of the DVDs, a couple books, and a puzzle while I picked up a copy of the next book for book club.  I figure I will keep book club, even though they lean towards Sci/Fi.  It was fun to meet other adults for a beer and talk.

I was noticing that this particular shrub out front didn't look as full as the others.  Was I not watering it enough? (we definitely need rain) Same with the Wandering Jew pictured below...

A bunch of the tops were gone and I noticed a leaf now and then outside of the edging.  Then early one morning I noticed two deer in the front yard, feasting.

A quick order to Home Depot and a painless pick-up process got me a spray bottle of deer spray.  Do you know they make a spray for just about anything you want to discourage in your yard?  It smells so bad, but it actually works.  I am OK with the deer peacefully chowing down in the nearby greenbelt.  But in my landscaping, they are giant rats and need to mosey on.

Brigid managed to run over a carpet razor, slashing herself*.  I should have taken a photo of it - it was impressive.  Props to Traveler's roadside assist who sent someone out in 6 p.m. Austin traffic within minutes to change the tire.  Then it was off to Discount Tire the next day for a new tire and the hazard certificates on all four tires.  July and August have been pricey months.

*note: I think I handled that pretty well!

This week was my last in physical therapy for my old lady shoulder.

The PT asked me how I felt and said she thought it could be graduation day for me - yay!  I got through my routine in record time and banged the celebration gong while everyone applauded, then signed the banner.  I have been a bit sore here and there, but feel back to being strong.  I will continue my home exercises and be mindful of body mechanics.  Work smarter, not harder, Gina.

Happy weekend!

Gina

Thankful today

 Its been a crazy summer - every other week it seems like there is a new thing to deal with.  I could get myself worked up over the hard stuff, or I could reframe it.  It seems right to acknowledge the struggles, but maybe just as right to express the gratitude, and may be even more so.  Gratitude is hardest to find when you need it the most, but the practice strengthens us and can be life changing, shifting our perspective from scarcity to abundance.  Every day I want to give my brain some proof that life is good.  

So this week:

*I am thankful that I have the money to buy a new tire after I ran over a carpet razor!  The new tire is on its way to the store as I type this, and by tomorrow this will be remembered as a minor inconvenience.

*I am thankful for my friend, Deb.  She loves and accepts me without judgement and has been a good listener these last few weeks. Having this strong social connection is a blessing to me.

*I am thankful for the mail order prescription service my employer provides.  They are friendly and helpful on the phone, its cheaper than a retail pharmacy,  and I get my refills delivered to my house fast. 

*I am thankful that the washer repair was relatively fast and easy, and that I had the funds to cover that expense.  I got the new dryer vent installed and the whole nook painted and we're back in business!  

*My shoulder did not hurt with all of the hard work in the laundry nook, so I am counting shoulder improvement as a Big Win.  PT is going well and I am experiencing very little, if any, pain. 

There is a lot for me to feel thankful for right now!

Gina

Random thoughts #2

Another booger of a week and I'm blaming this one on the heat, and shoulder pain.

a win this week: getting a Kenalog shot in my shoulder

This week I have discovered that I cannot work at the same intensity and for the same amount of time as I used to be able to in the summer.  The last four years has made a big dent in my stamina and overall health.  Where I felt capable and strong physically, I now feel like I need to be very mindful of the way I approach big projects and heavy lifting. I always have felt like a strong person, but there are limits that come with aging.  To help with that, I will be seeing a physical therapist and working on building some shoulder and upper arm strength.

All that to say: I don't have a 5 thing Friday post.  Just some random thoughts about dealing with ricketty A/C joints, and Central Texas summer heat, which is kicking my rear.

Just another reminder to me to sloooowww dowwwnnn.

Happy Independence Day Weekend,

Gina

Monday menus #98

Well darn.

I was all excited about drinking "dirty diet cokes" with the new flavors of creamer that have come out, until I got the results from my food sensitivity test...

It turns out that eggs, milk (casein)*, almonds, garlic, poppy seeds, and pomegranate are the trouble makers.  Plan B is to get some sugar free Torani syrups, Plan C can be to explore dairy free creamers, and Plan D can be to drink plain old diet coke and coffee.  I'm going to finish up what I have in the way of creamers, in either case.

Monday - kitchen closed

Tuesday - Chicken and Peppers, jasmine rice {on call}

Wednesday - Pulled Pork, chopped salad {roast a small turkey, morning telehealth appt., afternoon dietician appt., on call}

Thursday - Happy Birthday, Gina! {dinner out, Candlelight Concert}

Friday - Turkey over chopped salad {might put the trees up, but I probably won't decorate them}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed

*Many foods contain casein, which is a protein found in milk.  For example: milk, butter, yogurt, ice cream, half and half, sour cream, pudding, custard, sherbet, hot dogs, lunch meat, sausage, creamed soups and veggies, soup bases, white and milk chocolate, and dietary supplements and protein powders.

Gina

Monday menus #97

On the advice of a friend I took a test to see which foods might be causing me some issues - bloating, irregularity, stomach upset, reflux, and the usual all over gross feeling after a meal. 

Turns out that I am sensitive to eggs, cow's milk, almonds, pomegranate, and poppy seeds.  So after I use up or get rid of those components and see how an elimination diet works for me, I will report back.

Monday - kitchen closed

Tuesday - Chinese takeout (save half for a weekend meal) {tattoo day}

Wednesday - Taco Salad (no cheese)

Thursday - Chicken Pot Pie, side salad

Friday - Crockpot Chicken Drums, baked sweet potato {payday}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed

Gina

5 thing Friday - hair, eating out vs. cooking, pancakes, Teddy, chai latte

Just a reminder: this is where I am starting out with my hair loss: 

I did see the dermatologist and she took two scalp biopsies which, along with hair loss from stress,  shows a type of problem that will respond to Minoxidil.  (Did you know that Minoxidil is a blood pressure medication?  I did not!)

Since I am already on a BP med, I have to keep better track of my BP and any symptoms that are related, like dizziness.  I'm not going to let this weird me out.  My PCP said we can adjust my BP med.  The dermatologist also suggested deep tissue scalp massage, a red light, and rosemary oil.  As usual, I am on board with trying everything to see if it works.

This reasonably sized lunch was $17(!) and is the problem I am having with not wanting to cook.  There's always a trade-off, so I may have to rethink my stance on not cooking. 

Something I will never get tired of is a fresh bed of greens topped with a protein and various veggies, with a squiggle of dressing.  So this will likely be on my menus forever.  I usually buy a 2# package of ground beef, make my own taco seasoning, then store it in ziplocs in the freezer.  Easy peasey.

I also mixed up a big batch of pumpkin pancakes this week and froze some in containers for work breakfasts.  I added in egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla protein milk.  They are delightful! Having something good to look forward to eating at work goes a long way on a long shift.

Teddy came to visit.

He alternated between ignoring me, and eyeballing me.  His mama gave him a bath before he came over, but little does she know he's been rolling around in the grass and taking naps outside.

Which is OK, because a work friend turned me on to this instant tea and I sip it while he does his thing.  Tis the season for a warm comforting cuppa while you are wrapped in a blanket on the back patio.  I highly recommend!

Gina

5 thing Friday - mug, getaway, wine, pizza, shepherd's hook

The hospital system I work for recently had a cyber attack event (it was in the news) and after a few tense weeks, it was resolved, much to everyone's relief.

In appreciation, they sent everyone one of these insulated mugs.   I ordered a vinyl decal for it from my favorite Etsy lady, but I'm not sure I will take it to work.  I've been on a mission to drink more water, so this might live at my reading chair.  In any case, I would never spend $40+ on a mug for myself, so this is a very nice gift!

Dry cereal makes a good snack to munch while you read, btw.

I took a short-ish trip to the Hill Country for an overnight stay.

A place to relax in peace and quiet.  It was lovely.

I enjoyed a glass of wine* from a winery that Mark and I hadn't gotten around to visit - Sangiovese, his favorite.

I packed my own dinner, which was a great idea as the roads leading out to this place were narrow and winding - at night I would have been lost finding my way back!

Along with just sitting and enjoying solitude, I enjoyed time reading and journaling.  At night I lay on the top of the picnic table staring at the stars.  I had great cell service, so I was even able to attend my telehealth appointment.  Then at 11 a.m. the next day, I headed homeward.

I stopped at a favorite pizza place and may have enjoyed some beer* along with my lunch.

Along with the decal, I'm thinking about ordering this shepherd's hook for a gold chain I already have.  I think it would be a neat way to wear a jumble of gold charms.  I always feel nervous ordering jewelry from Etsy, though.  And for sure, its not something I need, strictly speaking.

All in all, it was a good week.  The break was needed, mornings are cooler, the weekend is here!

Gina

*I think I am officially over wine.  I've noticed that, as I age, it tends to affect my sleep and make me feel dicey the next day.  Really, same with beer. One is nice, two is too much, and I really value my overall health more!

5 thing Friday - needles, spiced coffee, potpourri, techie, ladder

 I had quite the fun/painful week.

(covered in tegaderm which I will remove later today)

On Tuesday, I got a largish tattoo on my left arm.  Eventually I will add more to it, and I will take a photo of the whole thing to show when it is more healed.  Then we will chat about it!

Adding vanilla protein milk to Trader Joe's pumpkin spiced cold brew is a delightful mid-morning iced coffee break.  Although the weather here is heating back up, I can sip this and pretend we will get cooler temps before October rolls around...I think of The Girls' birthday (yesterday) as being the official start of Fall.

And speaking of that, I did buy a bit of Fall potpourri for that pretty bowl I found.  I added pinecones and some jute wrapped balls to it.  The enclosed "cinnamon oil" smells like nothing, but its pretty, so it stays.

Flu shot? Check. RSV shot? Also check.  It was a week of needles.

I really meant to work on my tablet last week, but I dragged my heels a little.  Then it took 10 hours to charge.  But yesterday I finally did get going on it!  Much as its frustrating to learn techie type things by yourself, you sometimes have to flex that mental muscle and do it.

We haven't had any sort of ladder program for X-Ray techs at work in years.  So when they announced that we are now qualified to participate, our manager encouraged us to go for it.  My department is committed to making sure that all of us get support and recognition.  What a difference your boss makes, right?  This is on my short list of things to work on tomorrow!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Gina 

Monday Menus #81

 On rainy days, I still sit outside, just under the patio. Thunder and the sound of the rain, plus a lit citronella candle, adds to the ambience.

Today I took a mental health day.  Fittingly, its supposed to rain well into Wednesday.  I will definitely have to find some things to do indoors to keep from going stir crazy!

Monday - Taco Rice (two meals of taco meat, brown rice, corn, black beans, purple onion, cheese)

Tuesday - BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, salad {might take myself to a movie}

Wednesday - Salmon, sweet potato 

Thursday - Leftovers from Monday {dentist appt}

Friday - Takeout, and save half for a weekend meal {groceries, clean carpets, payday}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed

Gina

Monday menus #77

 I'm trying hard to improve my physical (and mental) health and to that end, I have made some big changes in how I go about my day.

yellow bell pepper with whipped cream cheese and two eggs - delish

Have I lost a lot of weight? Why, no.

BUT, I have increased my fruit and veggie consumption, decreased alcohol/beef/butter/fast food, and changed up my meals schedule so that I'm not having dinner at 8:30 p.m.

Monday - kitchen closed

Tuesday - Grilled Chicken Summer Salads (romaine, chicken, pico, avocado, black beans, lemon dressing)

Wednesday - Ravioli with Marinara, zucchini or yellow squash {on call tonight}

Thursday - Alamo Bowls with Poblano Sausage (brown rice, corn, sausage, pico, cheese) {mow the yards, on call tonight}

Friday - Tuna Salad on whole wheat toast, watermelon chunks {replace air filters, virtual meeting with dietician}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed

Gina

5 thing Friday - books, tennies, stitchin', turquoise, fly trap

The Goodwill where I shop is tiny, but has such a good selection of all kinds of books.  And the people that work there are friendly.

Yesterday I spent $8 on four new-to-me books.  Two bucks a book is not terrible, especially for the ones that made it to a bestseller list.  I would rather read a paper book in my hands vs. using the Nook, or listening to a book on tape.  And it gets me out of the house, which is no small thing.

Turns out that my cheapie tennies (on the left) were to blame for some recent foot trouble.  The foot doctor recommended a few brands, but I had already ordered the Altras, and Amazon would not let me cancel the order.  I also have a pair of Brooks coming...  Might just keep both pair, dunno, will compare.  Its not like this is the last pair of tennies I will ever buy and a spare pair might be nice.

A sweet kit sent to me by a friend who loves to stitch.  I had the very small hoop in my stash, so it got a couple light coats of the gold spray paint and a ribbon from my trims box.  Might be time to make a few more to give as gifts.  I think this one is destined for The Girl's tree.

A couple of years ago, my mother was pestering me every time we talked, wanting to buy me a stained glass window.  I have just never been interested in owning one, and I have no place to put it.  I said "you know Mom, you could gift me the turquoise pendant I have never seen you wear".  She had no memory of it and at the time we couldn't find it in her jewelry box, which in hindsight, is odd.  But I did eventually come to own it and it reminds me of when I was 13 and OBSESSED with turquoise jewelry.  I wore it yesterday and thought of her, nothing new there.

What a gross photo...

The Season of Flies is upon us, and since I want to sit out on my patio without being swarmed I have refilled my fly jar and hung it nearby for the all the flies to come enjoy.  It smells like decomp, but within days is FULL of dead flies.  Refills are cheap.  I am a fan.

Gina

5 thing Friday - beans, walking, habits, speaker, junk

 I rediscovered a couple of recipes that call for black beans and decided to cook my own because I can make them low salt with no additives, and they are cheaper than canned.

Also, its easy to soak them during the day, let them cook in the crockpot at night, then cool and bag them for the freezer in the morning.

One $1.50 bag of beans = 5 cans of cooked beans, more or less.

This is the view as I trudge along on my daily walks.  It takes me 15 minutes to get to the end of the street and back.  The road is nice and wide and has minimal traffic.  I have made a commitment to myself to walk four times a week for a minimum of 15 minutes and its kicking my rear, but these are early days.  Years ago I walked an hour at a time several days a week.  It will take me time to build back up to that, and its only going to get hotter so I have to get started on this.

I'm also dropping some bad habits I had started for no good reason.  You know the ones?  One day you wake up and think "why am I doing that?".  Chips with lunches, soda too often, white bread, eating late, yada yada.  Habits aren't preferences so I am changing it up.

I bought a neat doo-dad that makes the Google speaker into a plug-in basically.  No cord!  I tested it in the kitchen, but this one is for the back patio.  I may order another one of them, but at $16 they weren't super cheap.  Still, I rely on the Google Lady to give me the forecast, news, and muzak and this saves space.

A reminder of where I started in the garage.

Scout was out in there with me last week and I was explaining to him why the garage was such a bone of contention between Mark and I, and why it always made me stressed.  This is why.

Therefore, every bit of progress made out here I credit myself for and I am very pleased with myself.  I know it is a job that seems to drag on forever.  But it won't.  Its taking me just the right amount of time to resolve, considering where I started.  When he and Bubbie move out, one day, it will

be even emptier.

We pulled things out of the attic that I forgot I had.

Some of them I have no idea what to do with.  Does this machine work?  Who knows.  But I have another one to get rid of, too. 

Some of it I can keep, some of it must go.  I pulled out Mark's hiking pack and emptied it of expired meds and hand gels and such.  Found $10 cash.  Donated some tent stakes.  Tossed old Boy Scout handbooks into the recycle bin. Divied up the useable stuff to Scout and Bubbie's packs.  Gave away the extra charcoal bin and two mats on the Buy Nothing page.  Left to decide: the wine fridge, a camp kitchen, the pizza oven.  Scout and I will recycle that big steel cabinet soon.

And some of the collection of cast iron was passed on to a co-worker who likes to cook outdoors, because I don't want to store these things forever and at least I know they can bless someone else.

Gina