Where did I go you ask?
Nowhere...but it's the only excuse I can think of for not writing.
I would love to go somewhere on vacation, but we can't. Besides the four cats inside, we also have a bunch outside. They're not ours...they hang around so I feed them. That has been going on for years.
And now that we have a new neighbor, problems have started. They have a two-year-old. The outside cats wander into their yard and they leave things behind. You cannot teach a cat to stay out of someone else's yard, so there is nothing we can really do about it. We have been approached by them about the problem. The way I see it, it's not really my problem. Like I said, they are not our cats; they just like to live on our property.
Weeks ago the wife told my husband she was going to plant sunflowers along the property line. Once the sunflowers grew nice and tall, the only thing that did was hide their redneck yard from my eyes. You would think they were running a day care center for all the crap in their yard.
Today after the husband came home from work, he seemed like a man on a mission. While I sat here working on my computer around 6pm, I heard banging noises coming from next door. I looked out the window to see him walking quite fast back and forth along his garage. Then I saw the fence. At first I thought he was going to fence off the part around his pool, but later I saw that he is putting the fence on the outside of the sunflowers. Whatever.
All I can say is he needs an awful lot of that fencing to keep the cats out of his yard. His yard is very long and narrow and it is going to take more than what he brought home to get the job done. Of course, I could be wrong...he might have something else in mind. Maybe he is just going to box off a portion of his backyard. Then that part will look just as bad as the other side of his house where he has it fenced off with a garden and also to keep their son out of the street.
When I heard they were buying the place and our wonderful bachelor neighbor was moving to South Carolina I was worried that something like this would happen. That neighbor kept the outside landscaping immaculate. But then I found out these people have three cats inside so I felt a little better. Well, that didn't last too long.
Before I get too bitchy and whiny I had better stop right here because I could write a book. I have not spoken one word to either of them (my husband is the social butterfly in this family) and I do not intend to get cozy with them in the future.
What once was a cute little bungalow with gorgeous landscaping is now closer to the equivalent of living alongside of Honey Boo Boo.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Finally Some Good News
My doctor called me back after having to go through hoops with voice mail to his office. I called before he had his first patient but he didn't call me until he was finished with his last patient, which I knew would probably happen.
We had a nice little chat, and the good news is that all my tests came back negative or normal. The only thing he could see on the kidney ultrasound is that one kidney is a tiny bit smaller than the other. I'm not sure if they are supposed to be the exact same size, but he said it is nothing to worry about because other than that everything looks good: no masses, no stones, no fluid collections...
Believe me, I have been under this veil of worriment for many months now and it is good to know that all that worrying was basically for nothing. The other good thing about it is we are now going to get rain every day this week through Friday and maybe longer.
Can you imagine how I would feel still worrying about my health and having rain every day? Yikes!
We had a nice little chat, and the good news is that all my tests came back negative or normal. The only thing he could see on the kidney ultrasound is that one kidney is a tiny bit smaller than the other. I'm not sure if they are supposed to be the exact same size, but he said it is nothing to worry about because other than that everything looks good: no masses, no stones, no fluid collections...
Believe me, I have been under this veil of worriment for many months now and it is good to know that all that worrying was basically for nothing. The other good thing about it is we are now going to get rain every day this week through Friday and maybe longer.
Can you imagine how I would feel still worrying about my health and having rain every day? Yikes!
Monday, July 29, 2013
It Happened Again
How many times can one person's credit card be hacked and used? It happened again for me just a few days ago. It all started when my husband and I returned from doing errands and found two phone calls on our service. I called the credit card company and got everything straightened out. But first I went into the card company's website to check and see what charges were on there that didn't belong and then I called them.
I don't know how it's done, but someone had my card number and used it at a T@co B3ll store in Cypress, CA, at 11:00pm for $14 and change. That is what showed on my account. That same person went to the T@rget store close by, apparently right after eating their free meal, and tried to charge the card with another $45 and change. Apparently that was declined, so someone was on the ball doing their job.
I live on the East Coast. I have never set foot in a T@co B3ll store and I visit our T@rget a few times a year. Maybe 2 or 3 times. I have never been to California. I was furious when I found out about these charges. The credit card company has already wiped the one off that was on (and it was pending). They not only called me, they also emailed me. A new card is on its way and my account is clean.
Last year my debit card number was used in another state as well. It's very hard to keep up with thieves. It's very hard to get accounts straightened out once something like the theft of a card number is stolen and used. It's also very sickening. And it keeps happening. This is about the 3rd or 4th time for me.
On another subject, I had my renal ultrasounds done this morning and also gave more blood (without having to fast) at another place. Now the worst part: waiting for the results. The blood test results will be mailed to my home and I should have them by the weekend, if not then on Monday. I have to call my doctor for the ultrasound results. I will drag my feet on that and maybe wait till next Tuesday when I know he is in his office and I am more braver then.
I don't know how it's done, but someone had my card number and used it at a T@co B3ll store in Cypress, CA, at 11:00pm for $14 and change. That is what showed on my account. That same person went to the T@rget store close by, apparently right after eating their free meal, and tried to charge the card with another $45 and change. Apparently that was declined, so someone was on the ball doing their job.
I live on the East Coast. I have never set foot in a T@co B3ll store and I visit our T@rget a few times a year. Maybe 2 or 3 times. I have never been to California. I was furious when I found out about these charges. The credit card company has already wiped the one off that was on (and it was pending). They not only called me, they also emailed me. A new card is on its way and my account is clean.
Last year my debit card number was used in another state as well. It's very hard to keep up with thieves. It's very hard to get accounts straightened out once something like the theft of a card number is stolen and used. It's also very sickening. And it keeps happening. This is about the 3rd or 4th time for me.
On another subject, I had my renal ultrasounds done this morning and also gave more blood (without having to fast) at another place. Now the worst part: waiting for the results. The blood test results will be mailed to my home and I should have them by the weekend, if not then on Monday. I have to call my doctor for the ultrasound results. I will drag my feet on that and maybe wait till next Tuesday when I know he is in his office and I am more braver then.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Finally Found Time To Write
I must admit, I have been quite lax lately. And for that I am sorry. I have some great excuses, too, but I won't go into detail...you just wouldn't understand. No major changes in my life, still have my four little fur babies, still married to the same man, still on my low sodium diet...
My biggest excuse is some health issues I have been dealing with over the past year. Hopefully it's nothing, but I won't find out till a few tests are done which won't be until next Monday.
I had my regular doctor visit a few days ago. A week prior to the appointment I had blood drawn for numerous tests. My cholesterol seems to be under control after years and years of fighting it and always losing the battle. I haven't made major changes in my eating habits other than curtailing the sodium in the foods I eat. That also keeps me away from foods that have a lot of fat in them, too, so it is a win-win situation.
Another problem I had been having for years and years was high blood pressure. Of course, whenever I went to the doctor's office it was always off the charts most of the time due to White Coat Syndrome. The doctor's know that exists but very few believe you when you tell them you have it. My low sodium diet has also brought my readings way down to normal and below.
There is one area that the blood tests showed that causes some concern on my part, but the doctor explained to me why those readings are higher and out of the norm. One of the things we will do is get another blood test done but this time I will not be fasting. Doc explained that fasting dehydrates the body causing those few readings to go higher than normal. So if that is the case then my readings should be a lot lower when those tests are done one day next week. It will be odd to not fast before getting blood drawn, since I have never had that luxury in the past.
Because of the dehydration and other things, it was decided to take me off the water-retention pill I have been on since being diagnosed with high blood pressure over ten years ago. Now I have to take a blood pressure reading at least once a day and let my doctor know what those are...in case they start going up again.
When I start having health-related problems, my mind dwells on those things and other things do not get done. I have been reading a lot of blogs (I cannot let a day go by without doing that at least), but I have not been commenting on any of them and I have not been thinking of things to write on my blog either despite the fact that ideas do come to me...I just was not in the mood to write about those ideas..
Once all these test results come back (should be within the next two to three weeks at least), maybe I can get back to normal and not dwell on my health issues. Bear with me.
My biggest excuse is some health issues I have been dealing with over the past year. Hopefully it's nothing, but I won't find out till a few tests are done which won't be until next Monday.
I had my regular doctor visit a few days ago. A week prior to the appointment I had blood drawn for numerous tests. My cholesterol seems to be under control after years and years of fighting it and always losing the battle. I haven't made major changes in my eating habits other than curtailing the sodium in the foods I eat. That also keeps me away from foods that have a lot of fat in them, too, so it is a win-win situation.
Another problem I had been having for years and years was high blood pressure. Of course, whenever I went to the doctor's office it was always off the charts most of the time due to White Coat Syndrome. The doctor's know that exists but very few believe you when you tell them you have it. My low sodium diet has also brought my readings way down to normal and below.
There is one area that the blood tests showed that causes some concern on my part, but the doctor explained to me why those readings are higher and out of the norm. One of the things we will do is get another blood test done but this time I will not be fasting. Doc explained that fasting dehydrates the body causing those few readings to go higher than normal. So if that is the case then my readings should be a lot lower when those tests are done one day next week. It will be odd to not fast before getting blood drawn, since I have never had that luxury in the past.
Because of the dehydration and other things, it was decided to take me off the water-retention pill I have been on since being diagnosed with high blood pressure over ten years ago. Now I have to take a blood pressure reading at least once a day and let my doctor know what those are...in case they start going up again.
When I start having health-related problems, my mind dwells on those things and other things do not get done. I have been reading a lot of blogs (I cannot let a day go by without doing that at least), but I have not been commenting on any of them and I have not been thinking of things to write on my blog either despite the fact that ideas do come to me...I just was not in the mood to write about those ideas..
Once all these test results come back (should be within the next two to three weeks at least), maybe I can get back to normal and not dwell on my health issues. Bear with me.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
How DId We End Up In Hell?
By Saturday I think I will be well done, as in cooked or baked.
Yes, folks, that is supposed to be the last day of this current heat wave in the Northeast. I have lost count of how many heat waves we've had this year, but so far this one is the worst of the bunch.
We haven't hit 100° yet but the heat index has gone over that. It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the humidity. That is what makes it so oppressive, as the meteorologists like to say. They use that word a lot.
We had to go out on errands this past Tuesday and Wednesday, but that is the extent of it...I do not plan on going away from this house till next week. I prefer to stay inside where the air conditioning feels so good and quite a haven after I feed the cats outside in the morning and again in the evening. There is no relief at all out there. It's like a jungle.
Stepping outside these days in like getting slapped in the face in slow motion. Nothing moves fast out there.
By Sunday we are supposed to be in the mid 80's with less humidity. That day can't come soon enough.
As to the question, How hot is it? I can't even come up with a good answer to that either.
Yes, folks, that is supposed to be the last day of this current heat wave in the Northeast. I have lost count of how many heat waves we've had this year, but so far this one is the worst of the bunch.
We had to go out on errands this past Tuesday and Wednesday, but that is the extent of it...I do not plan on going away from this house till next week. I prefer to stay inside where the air conditioning feels so good and quite a haven after I feed the cats outside in the morning and again in the evening. There is no relief at all out there. It's like a jungle.
By Sunday we are supposed to be in the mid 80's with less humidity. That day can't come soon enough.
As to the question, How hot is it? I can't even come up with a good answer to that either.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Wiped Out
I'm not really wiped out, I just couldn't think of a better title.
I have watched five races in two days, so you might say that wiped me out. My eyes are still focused and not crossed at least.
Saturday I watched the NASCAR Nationwide race which was on at the same time the IRL (IndyRacing League) race was on so I was switching back and forth between the two, and later in the evening I watched the NASCAR truck race.
Today I watched the second Indy race (Two in Toronto) and the NASCAR Cup race.
None of my drivers won in their respective race but most of them did finish fairly decent.
My two days of heaven and solitude are just about over and then it is back to the craziness of the weekdays. Why do I say heaven and solitude? Saturday my husband went to a family picnic and I chose to stay home for numerous reasons. The main reason is because his side of the family and I are like oil and water...we simply do not mix well together. His ex goes to those gatherings and I prefer to maintain my sanity by staying as far away from her as possible. The other reason is, I would not have been able to watch any racing yesterday and that is simply out of the question.
I was raised in a racing family and it is very hard to rinse one's blood once that has happened. I will go to my grave probably preferring racing over certain people. Yes, that makes me a loner to a certain degree, but I honestly prefer it that way. It keeps me happy and quite balanced.
Next weekend the only race being televised is the Nationwide race on Sunday. I will have to be happy with that, as the Cup guys take a much needed break to catch their breath and regroup.
I have watched five races in two days, so you might say that wiped me out. My eyes are still focused and not crossed at least.
Saturday I watched the NASCAR Nationwide race which was on at the same time the IRL (IndyRacing League) race was on so I was switching back and forth between the two, and later in the evening I watched the NASCAR truck race.
Today I watched the second Indy race (Two in Toronto) and the NASCAR Cup race.
None of my drivers won in their respective race but most of them did finish fairly decent.
My two days of heaven and solitude are just about over and then it is back to the craziness of the weekdays. Why do I say heaven and solitude? Saturday my husband went to a family picnic and I chose to stay home for numerous reasons. The main reason is because his side of the family and I are like oil and water...we simply do not mix well together. His ex goes to those gatherings and I prefer to maintain my sanity by staying as far away from her as possible. The other reason is, I would not have been able to watch any racing yesterday and that is simply out of the question.
I was raised in a racing family and it is very hard to rinse one's blood once that has happened. I will go to my grave probably preferring racing over certain people. Yes, that makes me a loner to a certain degree, but I honestly prefer it that way. It keeps me happy and quite balanced.
Next weekend the only race being televised is the Nationwide race on Sunday. I will have to be happy with that, as the Cup guys take a much needed break to catch their breath and regroup.
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
My Personal Opinion Only
If I want to see something about truth or actual facts I will watch a documentary. And then I am no longer being entertained, in my mind.
When I heard Johnny Depp was making a movie titled The Lone Ranger a few years ago I was very excited. I thought July 3, 2013, would never get here I was that anxious to see it. I told my husband it would be an absolute must to see that movie in the theater and not wait for it to be on TV.
I read some reviews and none of them were very nice both toward the movie or Johnny. One particular reviewer was quite open with his statements and let me just say they were very harsh. I couldn't believe my eyes were actually reading those statements. At that point I wasn't sure I actually wanted to see the movie at all. I am not one to be brainwashed or re-directed but, boy, was he doing a good job.
What I had to do was forget everything I knew about the Lone Ranger from the television show of years ago. I had to erase my images of both Tonto and the Lone Ranger completely from my mind. And actually it wasn't all that difficult to do. I am a grownup, I can distinguish between real and unreal...and those two characters are and never were real.
So with an open mind I went to see the movie with my husband who was also quite eager to view it. We both love movies of the Western genre and we both adore Johnny Depp no matter what he appears in or who his character is.
After all, we only wanted to be entertained. And entertained we were. Thoroughly entertained. So much so that I would go to see it again. I am only wondering what movie those critics were watching when they wrote those horrendous reviews. Perhaps they think Tonto and Jay Silverheels, the actor who portrayed Tonto in the TV series, are actually the same people? Perhaps they felt Tonto was not portrayed correctly? Or the Lone Ranger was portrayed as an inept fool by Tonto? I have no idea what they thought.
C'mon people...it's a comedy for heavens' sake. Nothing more, nothing less. If you like Westerns, if you like Johnny Depp, then go and enjoy the movie. If none of those interest you, I am sure you can find many movies with no plot that are as dull as a doorknob.
One more thing: the last action sequence is worth the price of the ticket.
Monday, July 01, 2013
Someone Else Is Always Worse Off Than I Am
I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. -Anonymous
I always think of this saying whenever I complain about something and then I find out there are others far worse off than I am. Take for example the heat waves we have been enduring for a few weeks, with many more to come. We are far better off than those poor souls out West. The only difference there might be is that we also have high humidity with our heat, and that can choke a horse to death.
This week is a loaded week for us. We have a lot to do. It is time for the place I got my new glasses to call and let me know they are ready. They told me 7-10 business days, and tomorrow is the 10th day. I am anxious to get them as they will be my first pair of transitions.
Our pickup truck needs brake shoes and it seems as if my husband wants to get that done this week as well. He asked me today if we really need to go for groceries on Wednesday. That is our normal day to go and we usually go to two different stores. One has fantastic everyday prices and the other has fantastic sales. There are a lot of items I like to buy that one store doesn't have but the other one does, so it is a must that we visit both. Once in awhile we will only go to one if the other doesn't have a good sale.
Racing takes place in Daytona this weekend. Activity starts Thursday rather than Friday. That puts me in a bind as well but I may have to forgo some of that.
I won tickets to the Kutztown Folk Festival. We used to go there a lot and it has been a few years since we last visited. My German heritage on my father's side makes me want to go so I sent in the contest form and won the tickets. I have no excuse not to go and it lasts through Sunday.
Herein lies the problem with all this activity this week, and I may have even forgotten some of it. Saturday night my upper outside thigh started to hurt and by Sunday morning I could hardly walk upon arising. At first I thought it was my hip but it's not that, it's something else. I spent most of the day in my recliner feeling no pain. But whenever I got up I would have to limp and the pain was excruciating. This morning when I got out of bed I felt fairly decent but within a few hours I was back in the recliner, took a nap, and when I got up I felt so much better.
I am hoping this pain goes away so I can walk without looking like some sort of drunken idiot. I have been using Icy Hot and taking Tylenol. Fingers crossed it gets better. I only wish I knew how it manifested itself in that particular muscle. Lord knows I don't do anything to cause such a thing to happen.
(Sorry about the caps but it carried through from the anonymous saying at the beginning.)
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Holy Hell Where Did June Go?
It's hard to believe today is the last day of June and tomorrow is July 1st already. Why is it when one gets older the days fly by faster and faster?
Funny story: well, at least I think it was funny. Today is our day to get flyers for various stores in our area that start the new sales week. We used to get those flyers on a Sunday but our newspaper decided they were going to split up Saturday's and Sunday's editions and give us the flyers on a Saturday instead of Sunday. As if I wasn't confused enough before. I paged through our local Kmart and told my husband that they have jeans on sale. He mentioned he needs new ones. Making a long story short we decided to drive over to the store and see if he could find any. Halfway there I realized something and I asked him when this new sale period started. He didn't know. I said I think the sale doesn't start till tomorrow (Sunday). I was right. So we tried to make a day of it rather than turn around and go home. That would be a total waste of gas.
We did go to Kmart, looked at the jeans, and left. We went across the street to Ollie's (an outlet store that makes big buy-outs of merchandise), bought a few things there and went next door to Wendy's. Wendy's is not my favorite fast food restaurant. As a matter of fact, it is on the bottom of my list. I had a very bad food experience and it was this very same store where it happened.
We ended up at husband's son's house to see his new gazebo, stayed there for a bit, and then headed on home to watch the prerace shows. They were supposed to be racing Saturday night in Kentucky but mother nature had other ideas and it was rained out. It will be run Sunday at noon. I have no plans so that works out for me. My driver, Dale Jr., is on the pole.
Funny story: well, at least I think it was funny. Today is our day to get flyers for various stores in our area that start the new sales week. We used to get those flyers on a Sunday but our newspaper decided they were going to split up Saturday's and Sunday's editions and give us the flyers on a Saturday instead of Sunday. As if I wasn't confused enough before. I paged through our local Kmart and told my husband that they have jeans on sale. He mentioned he needs new ones. Making a long story short we decided to drive over to the store and see if he could find any. Halfway there I realized something and I asked him when this new sale period started. He didn't know. I said I think the sale doesn't start till tomorrow (Sunday). I was right. So we tried to make a day of it rather than turn around and go home. That would be a total waste of gas.
We did go to Kmart, looked at the jeans, and left. We went across the street to Ollie's (an outlet store that makes big buy-outs of merchandise), bought a few things there and went next door to Wendy's. Wendy's is not my favorite fast food restaurant. As a matter of fact, it is on the bottom of my list. I had a very bad food experience and it was this very same store where it happened.
We ended up at husband's son's house to see his new gazebo, stayed there for a bit, and then headed on home to watch the prerace shows. They were supposed to be racing Saturday night in Kentucky but mother nature had other ideas and it was rained out. It will be run Sunday at noon. I have no plans so that works out for me. My driver, Dale Jr., is on the pole.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Our Girl Dakota-Sioux
She is the only four-legged female in the house but she rules with an iron fist. Our three boys know where they stand with her.
She will be seven years old later this Fall. Dakota was acquired from a local shelter along with her brother, Junior.
For the longest time, Dakota was very stand-offish and aloof. She did not give two figs about who we humans were as long as the food, water, and treats kept coming. Eventually she developed a strange growth in her right ear. A trip to the vet, an overnight stay for surgery, and a few days later she was back home with us.
Dakota became a different cat after her surgery. She transformed into a very loving cat, one that wanted to be with me a lot more than before.
Today she is the most affectionate cat in the house. She lays with me at night on the recliner while we watch TV. Well, I watch...she snoozes. Prior to her falling asleep she makes biscuits (kneads me), and then she settles in for a nap.
Dakota is quite the talker, too. Maybe that's because she's a female? When she wants something she lets me know and does not give up till she gets her way. I usually know what she is asking for, but there are times I don't know and then she gets frustrated. Hey, I do my best. I do not speak cat but I sure do try.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
barra de la leche de gato
The above two litters are the only kittens that stay by the house. Slash gave birth to two kittens less than a month ago. She had them in the greenhouse where they stayed for a few days before she decided to move them. Mother cats are forever moving their litters. When it rains heavily, she brings them to the greenhouse; otherwise they are kept out of sight where it is cool on these very hot days we are currently having.
Nine kittens and counting...
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Ouch!
First of all, congratulations to Regan Smith, Dale Earnhardt Jr's driver, for winning the Nationwide race in Michigan on Saturday.
After that race was over I watched the Indy cars at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, WI. Marco Andretti had the pole. He led the first 61 laps.
A bad pit stop (fueling issue) put him behind the 8-ball and many laps later the car stopped dead on the track. They said later that it was an electrical problem. He did get back on the track but was many laps down. Marco went into the race 22 points out of first place but because he finished 20th in Saturday's race he fell to third in the points, now 50 out of first. I think it's 50, it could be 51, they don't post the points online as quickly as I would like so I rely on what I see on TV directly after the race, which isn't always correct.
Love thy neighbor...a few towns away, but a neighbor nonetheless.
Congratulations to the winner of the race, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco's teammate. Ryan celebrated in Victory Lane with his 6-month-old son, Ryden. What a great father's day gift for Ryan.
After that race was over I watched the Indy cars at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, WI. Marco Andretti had the pole. He led the first 61 laps.
A bad pit stop (fueling issue) put him behind the 8-ball and many laps later the car stopped dead on the track. They said later that it was an electrical problem. He did get back on the track but was many laps down. Marco went into the race 22 points out of first place but because he finished 20th in Saturday's race he fell to third in the points, now 50 out of first. I think it's 50, it could be 51, they don't post the points online as quickly as I would like so I rely on what I see on TV directly after the race, which isn't always correct.
Congratulations to the winner of the race, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco's teammate. Ryan celebrated in Victory Lane with his 6-month-old son, Ryden. What a great father's day gift for Ryan.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Sunday, June 09, 2013
What A Great Weekend For Racing
All my drivers in the four racing venues I follow did well this weekend. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., finished third in the Sprint Cup race today and moved from sixth to fourth in the points.
Elliott Sadler finished third in the Nationwide Series race.
Marco Andretti finished fifth in the IRL (IndyCar) race.
Chase Elliott won the ARCA race.
This photo above is Chase with his famous father, Bill Elliott. Chase is now 17 years old and is running limited races in both the ARCA series and the truck series this year. He does well in both series.
Before there was a Dale Earnhardt, Jr., on the scene, I was a Bill Elliott fan. I discovered him back in the early 80's when I first became attracted to NASCAR racing.
When Chase was born I kind of figured some way or other he would be involved in racing. Bill didn't push him, he left him follow his own path to see what he really wanted to do with his life. He tried a few different sports before he finally settled on racing, and I am glad he did.
His full name is William Clyde Elliott, named after his father, but his godparents started calling him Chase when he was small and it stuck. How fitting a name is Chase for such a youngster to be really good at what he does.
Two weeks ago when Chase was in the truck race he got nailed twice for speeding in or out of the pits and had to go to the rear of the pack. He persevered, never gave up, and finished in the top five. This past Saturday he had to start 32nd (there were 33 cars in the race), by lap 18 he was up to fourth, and went on to win the race. With that win, Chase made history because he became the youngest ARCA race winner.
He is a developmental driver signed by Hendrick Motorsports...a very wise choice made by Mr. Hendrick as he watched Chase coming up in the ranks of racing.
Chase's next step probably will be in the Nationwide Series and eventually the Sprint Cup series. I'll be watching and waiting.
Elliott Sadler finished third in the Nationwide Series race.
Marco Andretti finished fifth in the IRL (IndyCar) race.
Before there was a Dale Earnhardt, Jr., on the scene, I was a Bill Elliott fan. I discovered him back in the early 80's when I first became attracted to NASCAR racing.
When Chase was born I kind of figured some way or other he would be involved in racing. Bill didn't push him, he left him follow his own path to see what he really wanted to do with his life. He tried a few different sports before he finally settled on racing, and I am glad he did.
His full name is William Clyde Elliott, named after his father, but his godparents started calling him Chase when he was small and it stuck. How fitting a name is Chase for such a youngster to be really good at what he does.
Two weeks ago when Chase was in the truck race he got nailed twice for speeding in or out of the pits and had to go to the rear of the pack. He persevered, never gave up, and finished in the top five. This past Saturday he had to start 32nd (there were 33 cars in the race), by lap 18 he was up to fourth, and went on to win the race. With that win, Chase made history because he became the youngest ARCA race winner.
He is a developmental driver signed by Hendrick Motorsports...a very wise choice made by Mr. Hendrick as he watched Chase coming up in the ranks of racing.
Chase's next step probably will be in the Nationwide Series and eventually the Sprint Cup series. I'll be watching and waiting.
Friday, June 07, 2013
This Just In...
Before I get started telling you all about my recent vacuum cleaner purchase, I would like to address the fact that we are in the midst of Tropical Storm Andrea. Of all the weekends to visit us, when NASCAR is at the Pocono track, just north of us, for the race on Sunday. Cup practice and qualifying have already been canceled. Thanks, Andrea. Oh well, the truck race is tonight and being run in Texas, the Nationwide race is Saturday night being run in Iowa as well as the IRL open wheel race being run in Texas during the same time span. I will be switching back and forth as usual.
So let's get on with this review. After many agonizing days, and I mean many days/weeks, I finally made my choice as to which vacuum cleaner I was going to purchase. I had it narrowed down to around three choices. One of them, made in Germany, was just too darn expensive, but it would have been my first choice if that wasn't an issue.
So I wavered back and forth between the two choices that were left. I watch a certain shopping channel and it just so happened that they had one of my choices as their special value of the day. Sometimes those items sell out early but I decided to sit on my decision until I was really sure it was what I wanted. I exhausted every avenue available to me by reading lots of reviews on both vacuums until I was so exhausted I decided to get the special value and be done with it.
Hey folks, it's purple! My favorite color. But that's not the reason I chose this particular vacuum cleaner. I have 4 cats and carpeting throughout the house, so therefore I need a lot of suction all the time. And this seemed to be the one that would give me that.
When it first arrived and after I put it together, I tried it out and was quite happy with what I was seeing and how it handled. I didn't want something that was heavy or hard to maneuver and it only weighs about 14 pounds. A week went by and yesterday I finally decided to really put it to the test.
It has lived up to my standards. It has drawn things out of the carpeting (cat hair) that my other cleaner left behind time after time. It does not throw dust or allergens back into the air, but contains all that in the bag less bin. Which, by the way, is so easy to use. My other vacuum had the same setup but I had to stand on my head to get everything out of the bin even after removing the cup. What I like about this one is the ease of removing the entire bin (the purple part), walking to the trash, push a button on top and the bottom drops open, and I never have to touch anything.
Another feature I love is how well it gets everything along the walls. With my other vacuums I used the hose and an attachment and lost suction. I would have to take the attachment off, get down on my knees, and get those areas that way by making sure the entire opening of the hose was covering the carpet. Now I can stand up and be normal and save my back. And I also find that this vacuum is very maneuverable allowing me to get at places I couldn't with the old cleaner, which is yet another plus.
And lastly, I don't have to buy anything anymore in the way of belts, filters, or bags because there aren't any to replace. The filter is washable and there aren't any belts whatsoever. That was a huge problem with my last cleaner as I was breaking belts a lot and they aren't cheap.
So there you have it. One more problem solved. Next?
So let's get on with this review. After many agonizing days, and I mean many days/weeks, I finally made my choice as to which vacuum cleaner I was going to purchase. I had it narrowed down to around three choices. One of them, made in Germany, was just too darn expensive, but it would have been my first choice if that wasn't an issue.
So I wavered back and forth between the two choices that were left. I watch a certain shopping channel and it just so happened that they had one of my choices as their special value of the day. Sometimes those items sell out early but I decided to sit on my decision until I was really sure it was what I wanted. I exhausted every avenue available to me by reading lots of reviews on both vacuums until I was so exhausted I decided to get the special value and be done with it.
When it first arrived and after I put it together, I tried it out and was quite happy with what I was seeing and how it handled. I didn't want something that was heavy or hard to maneuver and it only weighs about 14 pounds. A week went by and yesterday I finally decided to really put it to the test.
It has lived up to my standards. It has drawn things out of the carpeting (cat hair) that my other cleaner left behind time after time. It does not throw dust or allergens back into the air, but contains all that in the bag less bin. Which, by the way, is so easy to use. My other vacuum had the same setup but I had to stand on my head to get everything out of the bin even after removing the cup. What I like about this one is the ease of removing the entire bin (the purple part), walking to the trash, push a button on top and the bottom drops open, and I never have to touch anything.
Another feature I love is how well it gets everything along the walls. With my other vacuums I used the hose and an attachment and lost suction. I would have to take the attachment off, get down on my knees, and get those areas that way by making sure the entire opening of the hose was covering the carpet. Now I can stand up and be normal and save my back. And I also find that this vacuum is very maneuverable allowing me to get at places I couldn't with the old cleaner, which is yet another plus.
And lastly, I don't have to buy anything anymore in the way of belts, filters, or bags because there aren't any to replace. The filter is washable and there aren't any belts whatsoever. That was a huge problem with my last cleaner as I was breaking belts a lot and they aren't cheap.
So there you have it. One more problem solved. Next?
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Hello Beautiful Weather
A lot of people don't like summer and the heat it brings with it. I, on the other hand, welcome summer with open arms. I hate winter, I hate the cold air, I hate the ice, I hate the dampness, and I hate the snow the day after. One thing I do like and appreciate is newly fallen snow, especially as it is falling. There is just something magical about that time, so I can't complain about it.
But the next day when things start getting ugly, then it makes me yearn for the warm days of spring and summer. Actually, we did not get to experience spring this year. But that's okay...God willing, I will be around for it next year.
My days are fairly routine. We keep Mondays and Tuesdays open for appointments and if there aren't any, those days become lazy days for us. We do what we want inside or outside and just enjoy the day for what it is.
Wednesdays we do our grocery shopping. These days a person has to visit at least two stores. In our case, what one store doesn't have, the other one does. I am careful on the amount I spend at both stores so it is never out of control.
Thursdays my husband usually goes to an auction. He loves his auctions and getting together with a lot of his friends. It is his day away from working around the house and also away from me. And it also gives me a day of peace and quiet to get things done I ordinarily can't do when he's around.
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are filled with nothing but racing on TV, but I don't sit and watch it non-stop. Sometimes there isn't much coverage on a Friday so we take advantage of that and go shopping just to get out of the house for awhile.
And all that brings me to why I don't blog like I wish I could. I just do not have enough material to blog. If I post once a week I call it a good week. Sometimes I get an idea and I formulate in my mind what I want to say and it sounds so brilliant. But when I actually sit down and want to type what I was thinking, I draw a blank. And there went another good post. Poof! Up in the air. I try, believe me, I try. It just doesn't happen. The reason for this post is because I love to type. I always did and I will till the day I die provided my fingers work that long.
And now it is time to go gather my coupons for tomorrow's shopping spree. Whee!
But the next day when things start getting ugly, then it makes me yearn for the warm days of spring and summer. Actually, we did not get to experience spring this year. But that's okay...God willing, I will be around for it next year.
My days are fairly routine. We keep Mondays and Tuesdays open for appointments and if there aren't any, those days become lazy days for us. We do what we want inside or outside and just enjoy the day for what it is.
Wednesdays we do our grocery shopping. These days a person has to visit at least two stores. In our case, what one store doesn't have, the other one does. I am careful on the amount I spend at both stores so it is never out of control.
Thursdays my husband usually goes to an auction. He loves his auctions and getting together with a lot of his friends. It is his day away from working around the house and also away from me. And it also gives me a day of peace and quiet to get things done I ordinarily can't do when he's around.
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are filled with nothing but racing on TV, but I don't sit and watch it non-stop. Sometimes there isn't much coverage on a Friday so we take advantage of that and go shopping just to get out of the house for awhile.
And all that brings me to why I don't blog like I wish I could. I just do not have enough material to blog. If I post once a week I call it a good week. Sometimes I get an idea and I formulate in my mind what I want to say and it sounds so brilliant. But when I actually sit down and want to type what I was thinking, I draw a blank. And there went another good post. Poof! Up in the air. I try, believe me, I try. It just doesn't happen. The reason for this post is because I love to type. I always did and I will till the day I die provided my fingers work that long.
And now it is time to go gather my coupons for tomorrow's shopping spree. Whee!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Why Do These Things Happen To Me?
Yesterday when I went for the newspaper, as I was walking back up the driveway I fell. I landed on my knees, the heels of my palms, and the side of my face twisting my glasses. I am still trying to figure out what happened. I did not trip as there are no holes in the driveway, I did not fall over my own feet as I would have remembered doing that, and I was not lightheaded or dizzy.
I picked myself up, brushed myself off, and continued on my journey back to the house wondering what the hell had just happened. It was almost as if someone had come up from behind and with their two hands pushed me so violently as to make me fall forward with that kind of force. I will never know what really happened so I just tried to forget about it. My husband found a little pebble and blamed that.
Today I finally went to get a haircut and afterward my husband decided we would have an early dinner so we went to the diner not too far away. Normally I order either a grilled chicken breast or a California hamburger. Today I wanted to be a little different and ordered what I thought was stringed pork, grilled, on a roll. I was even asked if I wanted mustard to put on the sandwich. I asked my husband how do they grill stringed pork as opposed to slow cooking it. You see, I thought it would be like the pork you get in a BBQ sauce but without the sauce.
When it came to the table, I took one look at it, and told my husband this is not what I ordered. He said it most certainly is. I denied it. I told him I would never, ever order pork roll. For one, I don’t like it, and for another, it has far too much salt in it for me to be able to eat. So he switched our sandwiches since he had ordered a California hamburger and he knows I can eat those. He hates pork roll he told me later. He should have ordered something else but he gallantly ate it using the mustard that was supplied. He said the mustard overwhelmed the taste of the pork roll…which he says is nothing but glorified bologna. I agree and that's why I hate it.
For the life of me I could not understand how I ended up getting something far different than I thought I had ordered. We asked to see the menu and there it was: grilled pork roll in all its glory. I was wrong. It read exactly what it was. How did I get stringed pork out of that? The only thing I could come up with was when I saw the word roll I must have thought, in my weak little mind, that it was pork on a roll, and not pork roll.
But in all of the confusion I can only ask, how many other husbands out there would do that for their wife? After we were finished eating I felt so bad for him. I guess I just need to pay better attention to my surroundings and what I think I am reading.
I picked myself up, brushed myself off, and continued on my journey back to the house wondering what the hell had just happened. It was almost as if someone had come up from behind and with their two hands pushed me so violently as to make me fall forward with that kind of force. I will never know what really happened so I just tried to forget about it. My husband found a little pebble and blamed that.
Today I finally went to get a haircut and afterward my husband decided we would have an early dinner so we went to the diner not too far away. Normally I order either a grilled chicken breast or a California hamburger. Today I wanted to be a little different and ordered what I thought was stringed pork, grilled, on a roll. I was even asked if I wanted mustard to put on the sandwich. I asked my husband how do they grill stringed pork as opposed to slow cooking it. You see, I thought it would be like the pork you get in a BBQ sauce but without the sauce.
When it came to the table, I took one look at it, and told my husband this is not what I ordered. He said it most certainly is. I denied it. I told him I would never, ever order pork roll. For one, I don’t like it, and for another, it has far too much salt in it for me to be able to eat. So he switched our sandwiches since he had ordered a California hamburger and he knows I can eat those. He hates pork roll he told me later. He should have ordered something else but he gallantly ate it using the mustard that was supplied. He said the mustard overwhelmed the taste of the pork roll…which he says is nothing but glorified bologna. I agree and that's why I hate it.
For the life of me I could not understand how I ended up getting something far different than I thought I had ordered. We asked to see the menu and there it was: grilled pork roll in all its glory. I was wrong. It read exactly what it was. How did I get stringed pork out of that? The only thing I could come up with was when I saw the word roll I must have thought, in my weak little mind, that it was pork on a roll, and not pork roll.
But in all of the confusion I can only ask, how many other husbands out there would do that for their wife? After we were finished eating I felt so bad for him. I guess I just need to pay better attention to my surroundings and what I think I am reading.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Here We Go Again
This weather is enough to drive me bonkers. More so than I already am. The temperature reached a whopping 50° Friday afternoon. It is currently 46° with the wind blowing causing a wind chill.
Just a few days ago it was so hot and in the 80's that we were ready to turn on the air conditioners. And now I am ready to turn the heat back on. But I won't.
My vacuum cleaner has arrived and I spent some of yesterday assembling it. They give you cartoon instructions so I ended up running back and forth to the computer where I found a video on how to assemble it. I haven't plugged it in yet but once I take it for a test run and put it through some hoops, I will post about it. I hope it will be good news and not bad. I really don't want to have to deal with sending it back if it comes to that.
So here we are in the midst of a holiday weekend that, for us, kicks off the start of summer. I will be doing some grilling, only not outside. I used to do all the grilling outside and then one day I decided I had enough. To me, that should be the man's job but my husband didn't want to do it either. I got tired of running in and out all the time. So I bought a Panini/griller combination and it has been working out just fine.
I am looking forward to all the races I will be able to watch starting with the Nationwide Series tonight in Charlotte NC. Sunday morning is the start of the Indy 500 and then later that night will be the longest NASCAR race, the Coca-Cola 600, for the Cup Series also run in Charlotte NC. Fingers crossed it doesn't rain and all three races go off without a hitch.
Nothing much has been happening in this part of the world and therefore I don't have much to write about or I would be doing that on an almost daily basis. I must add here, though, that I was mighty disappointed with that jury on the Jodi Arias case. If they can convict a person of first degree murder adding another verdict that it was cruel, then they should be able to agree on either life or death. I know what I would have done.
Just a few days ago it was so hot and in the 80's that we were ready to turn on the air conditioners. And now I am ready to turn the heat back on. But I won't.
My vacuum cleaner has arrived and I spent some of yesterday assembling it. They give you cartoon instructions so I ended up running back and forth to the computer where I found a video on how to assemble it. I haven't plugged it in yet but once I take it for a test run and put it through some hoops, I will post about it. I hope it will be good news and not bad. I really don't want to have to deal with sending it back if it comes to that.
So here we are in the midst of a holiday weekend that, for us, kicks off the start of summer. I will be doing some grilling, only not outside. I used to do all the grilling outside and then one day I decided I had enough. To me, that should be the man's job but my husband didn't want to do it either. I got tired of running in and out all the time. So I bought a Panini/griller combination and it has been working out just fine.
I am looking forward to all the races I will be able to watch starting with the Nationwide Series tonight in Charlotte NC. Sunday morning is the start of the Indy 500 and then later that night will be the longest NASCAR race, the Coca-Cola 600, for the Cup Series also run in Charlotte NC. Fingers crossed it doesn't rain and all three races go off without a hitch.
Nothing much has been happening in this part of the world and therefore I don't have much to write about or I would be doing that on an almost daily basis. I must add here, though, that I was mighty disappointed with that jury on the Jodi Arias case. If they can convict a person of first degree murder adding another verdict that it was cruel, then they should be able to agree on either life or death. I know what I would have done.
Monday, May 20, 2013
A Little of This A Little Of That
Well, here it is Monday already. Another week gone down the drain and hardly anything accomplished as usual.
It looks like a week of rain every day but the temperatures will be in the 80's for a couple days. I know we need rain, but it's hard on the cats with kittens. Speaking of them, the nanny and the mother brought the three little kittens back up to the hothouse. They are getting big.
There are a few races coming up that I am looking forward to: the Coke 600, which is the longest race on the NASCAR Cup circuit, and the Indy 500. I have been watching the qualifying for the 500, something I haven't done much in the past. It always seemed to be boring but for some reason this year it wasn't. All five drivers on Team Andretti made it into the top 10, with Marco Andretti, my favorite, starting on the front row in the third spot.
My latest quest was to find a good vacuum cleaner that will not only do well on my carpets but also pick up the cat hair that four cats leave on a daily basis. Actually I started looking for one a month ago when my vacuum started playing games. It stopped working. It's not that old and hasn't been over used either. I unplugged it like the manual said, waited about half an hour, plugged it in and started vacuuming again. Only to have it stop dead once again. I was not in the mood to wait another half hour so I unplugged it and banished it to a corner.
After researching endlessly, and driving myself more insane than I already am, I finally found what I want and it should arrive by the end of this week. I decided to spend a lot more money than I normally do for a vacuum cleaner only because I am tired of having them crap out after a few years.
The only problem I have now is that I have no excuse not to use it. I think I am going to enjoy vacuuming though. That last statement is something I thought I would never admit, let alone write it down.
It looks like a week of rain every day but the temperatures will be in the 80's for a couple days. I know we need rain, but it's hard on the cats with kittens. Speaking of them, the nanny and the mother brought the three little kittens back up to the hothouse. They are getting big.
There are a few races coming up that I am looking forward to: the Coke 600, which is the longest race on the NASCAR Cup circuit, and the Indy 500. I have been watching the qualifying for the 500, something I haven't done much in the past. It always seemed to be boring but for some reason this year it wasn't. All five drivers on Team Andretti made it into the top 10, with Marco Andretti, my favorite, starting on the front row in the third spot.
My latest quest was to find a good vacuum cleaner that will not only do well on my carpets but also pick up the cat hair that four cats leave on a daily basis. Actually I started looking for one a month ago when my vacuum started playing games. It stopped working. It's not that old and hasn't been over used either. I unplugged it like the manual said, waited about half an hour, plugged it in and started vacuuming again. Only to have it stop dead once again. I was not in the mood to wait another half hour so I unplugged it and banished it to a corner.
After researching endlessly, and driving myself more insane than I already am, I finally found what I want and it should arrive by the end of this week. I decided to spend a lot more money than I normally do for a vacuum cleaner only because I am tired of having them crap out after a few years.
The only problem I have now is that I have no excuse not to use it. I think I am going to enjoy vacuuming though. That last statement is something I thought I would never admit, let alone write it down.
Monday, May 13, 2013
House of Panic
After the installer left life went on for us. No, it didn't. I lied.
When I went to use my computer later in the day, getting on to the Internet was a long and tedious chore. I did get there but it took longer than usual. About an hour later when I wanted to use it again, I no longer had a connection. Things just weren't right, so I mentioned something to my husband.
He said when the two of them were in the basement they did notice a bunch of wires hanging down near the alarm box so he just kind of tucked them up and out of the way. That was the wrong thing to do.
Later when he went down to finally try and fix the problem after hearing me complain a lot (something I am very good at doing), he found that the two wires that were supposed to be together were barely touching. That explains why getting on to the Internet was sporadic. I could and then I couldn't and then I could. Finally the connection was broken all together. Until husband soldered the two wires together.
Once again my knight in shining armor saved the day.
I cannot stress it enough how the feeling of panic sets in when one loses their connection to the Internet. It is not a good feeling. It is a feeling I do not want to experience again. Not in the too distant future anyway.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Amazed
Yes, I am amazed...that some of you never heard of Craig Ferguson. This is what Wikipedia has to say about him in just the first paragraph:
Craig Ferguson (born 17 May 1962) is a Scottish-born American television host, stand-up comedian, writer, actor, director, author, producer and voice artist. He is the host of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, an Emmy Award-nominated, Peabody Award-winning late-night talk show that airs on CBS. In addition to hosting that program and performing stand-up comedy, Ferguson has written two books: Between the Bridge and the River, a novel, and American on Purpose, a memoir. He became a citizen of the United States in 2008. For several years he performed as a stand-up comedian under the stage name Bing Hitler.
Before his career as a late-night television host, Ferguson was best known in the United States for his role as the office boss on The Drew Carey Show, Nigel Wick (1996–2003). He also wrote and starred in three films, directing one of them.
Does any of this ring a bell now?
I guess I just presumed everyone here in the States has heard of him, but I was wrong. Please forgive me.
I also wrote that I felt a connection to Rod Stewart and I am going to assume, once again, that you have heard of him. Rod's new CD will be out on Tuesday. It is the first album of songs that he has written in 20 years. His song writing ability came back to him as he was writing his autobiography a year ago. I have ordered it after having listened to all the songs on this wonderful thing called the Internet and it sounds like a winner to me.
Craig Ferguson (born 17 May 1962) is a Scottish-born American television host, stand-up comedian, writer, actor, director, author, producer and voice artist. He is the host of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, an Emmy Award-nominated, Peabody Award-winning late-night talk show that airs on CBS. In addition to hosting that program and performing stand-up comedy, Ferguson has written two books: Between the Bridge and the River, a novel, and American on Purpose, a memoir. He became a citizen of the United States in 2008. For several years he performed as a stand-up comedian under the stage name Bing Hitler.
Before his career as a late-night television host, Ferguson was best known in the United States for his role as the office boss on The Drew Carey Show, Nigel Wick (1996–2003). He also wrote and starred in three films, directing one of them.
Does any of this ring a bell now?
I guess I just presumed everyone here in the States has heard of him, but I was wrong. Please forgive me.
I also wrote that I felt a connection to Rod Stewart and I am going to assume, once again, that you have heard of him. Rod's new CD will be out on Tuesday. It is the first album of songs that he has written in 20 years. His song writing ability came back to him as he was writing his autobiography a year ago. I have ordered it after having listened to all the songs on this wonderful thing called the Internet and it sounds like a winner to me.
Friday, May 03, 2013
Just Another Scot
I am addicted to Craig Ferguson. There, I said it. Now everybody else knows. I have read his books and followed his addiction problems over the years. He sobered up around 20 years ago.
What is my connection? Could it be because he is Scottish? Think so? Possibly.
I used to watch him as Mr. Wick on The Drew Carey Show but it is a lot different now when I watch him. It has to be the Scottish blood running through my veins, because I haven't missed a single show. It comes on at 12:37am and lasts an hour. And, believe me, I am glued to that TV set. All 61 inches of it.
Oh, and by the way? I have a very strong connection to Rod Stewart as well...
Monday, April 29, 2013
Lost
Spring has arrived. But as of now we are having damp, dreary weather accompanied by rain and lots more rain. And more of the same tomorrow. But at least it's no longer cold. And I know warmer weather is on the horizon.
The three little kittens that were brought to our greenhouse by their momma when they were just days old are now able to walk albeit they are still a bit wobbly. Their eyes have been open for almost a week. They recognize my voice. In all my years of caring for cats that come and go, these are the first kittens I have been able to watch grow. Other times the mothers have taken their litters away and have hidden them on our property elsewhere. This litter is being cared for by their mother and another female that had her litter but lost both kittens. A mommy and a nanny.
Other than caring for the cats that are outside and my four fur babies inside, life goes on. My husband and I relish the fact that neither of us has to get up to the sound of an alarm clock these days. And on rainy days like we are having, sleeping late is wonderful. Nowhere to go, no special place to be, and no one to nag.
All that will change once the weather gets much warmer and the sun shines almost every day. Then we will out and about and not cooped up inside the house.
So till next time, take care, stay safe and know that I am still here thinking about all of you and feeling guilty as hell for not writing more often.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I Have Finally Struck Gold
Last September I decided to try and cut back on my salt intake. I read that people with high blood pressure should only eat 1500 mgs a day. That is the number I stuck to and never went over it. In the first few weeks there were times I was woozy so with my doctor's help I cut back on some of the meds. That worked because the wooziness stopped. But the lack of salt in my diet left me wondering if I would ever enjoy food again in the way that I had become accustomed to.
And so I began my hunt. I researched salt substitutes and thought I found one only to find out that it contained potassium chloride which can mess with blood pressure medications, and not in a friendly way. So I had to stop looking in that direction. Although I will admit I really didn't stop trying. Then I turned to sea salt. Well, guess what? Sea salt contains sodium chloride, too. I actually thought there was something on the market for my problem. Wrong. So no salt substitutes. If one is not on BP medication, then a salt substitute is fine.
The product I finally discovered (and I can't remember how it happened) is pictured at the beginning of this post. I in no way am being paid to write about the product. I am just so happy I found it and even if they did want to pay me, I would probably still write about it without payment of any sort. Yes, folks, it is that good.
First let me tell you what it does not contain: salt, sugar, MSG, preservatives, chemicals of any kind, and most of all...no potassium chloride. There are no fillers either so it means you use less to get the best flavor you want.
I tried it on my eggs this morning. That is one food for me that needs a salt flavor added to it. Tomatoes are another. Let me tell you...I wanted to do back flips after eating my eggs but I have a bad back preventing me from that little escapade. So I decided I would go one step better...I thought I would tell my readers (the few I have). Hopefully this will help someone out there, if not you yourself, then a relative or friend who is struggling with the problem I have.
The name of the company is Benson's Gourmet Seasonings. Use your favorite search engine to find it. They sent a little packet of chili mix which I will use as soon as I can because that is one dish I sorely miss eating.
Once you arrive at their website you will see the other blends they have available. I ordered mine last Friday and they were shipped that night. I received them yesterday so it only takes a few days from the West Coast.
After all these months of research, things have finally come to fruition for me. That makes me very happy.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Two Bad Races In Two Weeks
Right about now I am ready to call it quits with NASCAR racing.
No, that's not what I meant to say. Let's just say I am a tad upset with what has happened to Dale Earnhardt, Jr., in the past two weeks.
Last week at Martinsville it was an issue with the track bar and he finished in the 24th position.
This week it was an issue with his battery and he finished in the 29th position.
Three weeks ago he was first in the points. After having two bad races, he now is tied for 5th place which actually puts him in the 6th position.
I truly hope things get better before they get a lot worse. Otherwise you will find me in a corner somewhere mumbling incoherently.
No, that's not what I meant to say. Let's just say I am a tad upset with what has happened to Dale Earnhardt, Jr., in the past two weeks.
Last week at Martinsville it was an issue with the track bar and he finished in the 24th position.
This week it was an issue with his battery and he finished in the 29th position.
Three weeks ago he was first in the points. After having two bad races, he now is tied for 5th place which actually puts him in the 6th position.
I truly hope things get better before they get a lot worse. Otherwise you will find me in a corner somewhere mumbling incoherently.
Monday, April 08, 2013
Well, Well, Well...
Warmth at last.
75° today.
More to follow.
I am loving it.
Ahhhhhhh...
Finally!
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Still Nothing Of Value To Write About
We have gone through the Spring Equinox (first day of Spring) and we have gone through Easter and the entire Holy week, and we are still experiencing stupid winter weather. It dips below freezing at night and doesn't get much warmer during the day. To say I am fed up with this weather is putting it mildly. And I would like some mild weather. Soon.
One of our outside cats had her babies overnight in the greenhouse. When I went out to feed this morning, she was in the back corner on the straw with four little ones, all identical, nestled to her belly. And so it begins...we have other pregnant ones that will soon follow suit, but they will probably have their kittens at other locations on our property.
While reading my morning newspaper I try to keep an eye out for something interesting to write about. But by the time I am finished with the paper, my mind is so convoluted with all the stories that they become one and I don't know where to start.
I certainly don't want to get into a heavy subject here but, believe me, I wish I could. I climb onto my soapbox just about every day. Too bad that the only ones to hear me are my poor husband and my four fur babies and they just sit there on their haunches, heads cocked, trying to figure out what it is I'm saying and why I am so angry.
It feels good being on that soapbox but it would feel so much better if someone who cares would listen to me. Alas and alack there is no one. Sometimes my husband will utter something or we will get into a heated argument over something, but that is as far as it goes. So I go on my merry way daily bitching about one thing or another. Sometimes it feels good just to say some things out loud.
One of our outside cats had her babies overnight in the greenhouse. When I went out to feed this morning, she was in the back corner on the straw with four little ones, all identical, nestled to her belly. And so it begins...we have other pregnant ones that will soon follow suit, but they will probably have their kittens at other locations on our property.
While reading my morning newspaper I try to keep an eye out for something interesting to write about. But by the time I am finished with the paper, my mind is so convoluted with all the stories that they become one and I don't know where to start.
I certainly don't want to get into a heavy subject here but, believe me, I wish I could. I climb onto my soapbox just about every day. Too bad that the only ones to hear me are my poor husband and my four fur babies and they just sit there on their haunches, heads cocked, trying to figure out what it is I'm saying and why I am so angry.
It feels good being on that soapbox but it would feel so much better if someone who cares would listen to me. Alas and alack there is no one. Sometimes my husband will utter something or we will get into a heated argument over something, but that is as far as it goes. So I go on my merry way daily bitching about one thing or another. Sometimes it feels good just to say some things out loud.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
A Good Race Results Day And A Very Happy Me
What an awesome day. Team Andretti finished first and third in the Izod Indy race with James Hinchcliff taking the top spot and Marco Andretti finishing third.
The ending of the NASCAR race was super awesome. Not so much who won, because I put that driver at the top of my you-know-what list (put an s in front of hit), but that ending was one of the best I have witnessed in a long, long time. California racing has always been sort of a snooze-fest...but not today.
Dale Jr. started in the 15th position but was moved up to 13th due to a car ahead of him having to go to the rear for an engine change. He had an unhappy car in the beginning, but Steve Letarte (crew chief) worked his magic and dialed the car in giving Dale Jr. the advantage of running in the top ten for the middle of the race. By the end of the race he had fallen as far back as 24th but was able to bring himself up into the top ten again with a few laps to go.
The leaders took each other out, the third place car then went on to win, and Dale Jr. finished second. Junior now has five straight top ten wins and is in the points lead...12 points ahead.
This is a photo of the happy driver in the media center after the race. Love that smile.
The ending of the NASCAR race was super awesome. Not so much who won, because I put that driver at the top of my you-know-what list (put an s in front of hit), but that ending was one of the best I have witnessed in a long, long time. California racing has always been sort of a snooze-fest...but not today.
Dale Jr. started in the 15th position but was moved up to 13th due to a car ahead of him having to go to the rear for an engine change. He had an unhappy car in the beginning, but Steve Letarte (crew chief) worked his magic and dialed the car in giving Dale Jr. the advantage of running in the top ten for the middle of the race. By the end of the race he had fallen as far back as 24th but was able to bring himself up into the top ten again with a few laps to go.
The leaders took each other out, the third place car then went on to win, and Dale Jr. finished second. Junior now has five straight top ten wins and is in the points lead...12 points ahead.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Still Here...Not Going Anywhere
It may say Spring on the calendar but in this part of the country Winter just doesn't want to let go. We just had a snowstorm a few days ago that gave us 3 inches and another one is due in a few days. Depending on which way it moves from the West depends on whether we get rain or snow. March has been notorious for snowstorms with heavy snowfalls for us.
Despite Winter being so thick-headed, it hasn't stopped me from enjoying my racing. As I type this I am watching qualifying runs for the Nationwide Series. That race will be on later today, when I will be cheering my driver Elliott Sadler for the win. Sunday is the Sprint Cup race. Dale Jr. qualified half decent and it's a track where he enjoys racing at Fontana, California, so I am hoping for good results from him.
Also on Sunday the Izod Indy Car Series gets started. Their first race is in St. Petersburg, Florida. That race starts TV coverage at noon and the Cup race gets started around 3:15 so I may get to see most of the Indy race. If not, I will be switching back and forth between the two.
Today's newspaper has an article on Marco Andretti, who drives the #25 RC Cola Dallara Chevy in the Izod Series. He used to drive the #26 but felt it has been bad luck. He went back to school in the off season to learn not to overdrive his car. This is his 8th season. He is 26 years old. I have been a fan of his, his father's (Michael), and his grandfather's (Mario) ever since Mario got into the racing business. Their home base is in Nazareth, PA, which is only a few miles from where I live.
Marco is one of the reasons I follow the Indy Car Series. The other reason is his teammate, Ryan Hunter-Reay...last year's champion.
I would like to say that winter can stay around for as long as it likes so long as I have my weekend racing, but that would be a lie. Winter sucks...racing rules.
Despite Winter being so thick-headed, it hasn't stopped me from enjoying my racing. As I type this I am watching qualifying runs for the Nationwide Series. That race will be on later today, when I will be cheering my driver Elliott Sadler for the win. Sunday is the Sprint Cup race. Dale Jr. qualified half decent and it's a track where he enjoys racing at Fontana, California, so I am hoping for good results from him.
Also on Sunday the Izod Indy Car Series gets started. Their first race is in St. Petersburg, Florida. That race starts TV coverage at noon and the Cup race gets started around 3:15 so I may get to see most of the Indy race. If not, I will be switching back and forth between the two.
Today's newspaper has an article on Marco Andretti, who drives the #25 RC Cola Dallara Chevy in the Izod Series. He used to drive the #26 but felt it has been bad luck. He went back to school in the off season to learn not to overdrive his car. This is his 8th season. He is 26 years old. I have been a fan of his, his father's (Michael), and his grandfather's (Mario) ever since Mario got into the racing business. Their home base is in Nazareth, PA, which is only a few miles from where I live.
Marco is one of the reasons I follow the Indy Car Series. The other reason is his teammate, Ryan Hunter-Reay...last year's champion.
I would like to say that winter can stay around for as long as it likes so long as I have my weekend racing, but that would be a lie. Winter sucks...racing rules.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I Am Back From Nowhere
For the past week I have done absolutely nothing. I have been in the house the entire week. I have no excuse either. It's just something I chose to do. Especially when the weather sucks.
However, things are starting to look up. The weather is starting to change for the better, little by little, every day. Except today it rained well into the afternoon. The temps aren't anywhere near where they were last year at this time but that's because we've had warmer winters for the past few years. We got shocked into reality this season. My heating bill can attest to that.
One of my cats, the only female we have, was sick for a few days. She went into hiding. That was my first clue. I dealt with it as best as I could. It wasn't easy. I determined that she was having stomach problems, so I started feeding her something for her problem which is Forti-Flora made especially for cats with problems like hers. She loves it and for the life of me I don't know why...it tastes horrible. But the vet says cats love it and their tastes are different than humans.
I have finally made the switch to holistic dry food for the cats. I had been thinking about it for awhile, especially since the second youngest one has issues with leaving little presents for me every once in awhile. He has had a sensitive stomach from the day he was brought inside at five weeks of age. The new food is completely grain free and free of a lot of other things cats don't need that is in cheaper foods. I am in the process of weaning them from the other food and we are almost at 100% of the new food. I am hoping this will be the answer to many of their problems.
I haven't looked when I last posted something on here, but I am sure it's been awhile. Now that racing has started and with the weather getting nicer, maybe I can make time to post more often.
However, things are starting to look up. The weather is starting to change for the better, little by little, every day. Except today it rained well into the afternoon. The temps aren't anywhere near where they were last year at this time but that's because we've had warmer winters for the past few years. We got shocked into reality this season. My heating bill can attest to that.
One of my cats, the only female we have, was sick for a few days. She went into hiding. That was my first clue. I dealt with it as best as I could. It wasn't easy. I determined that she was having stomach problems, so I started feeding her something for her problem which is Forti-Flora made especially for cats with problems like hers. She loves it and for the life of me I don't know why...it tastes horrible. But the vet says cats love it and their tastes are different than humans.
I have finally made the switch to holistic dry food for the cats. I had been thinking about it for awhile, especially since the second youngest one has issues with leaving little presents for me every once in awhile. He has had a sensitive stomach from the day he was brought inside at five weeks of age. The new food is completely grain free and free of a lot of other things cats don't need that is in cheaper foods. I am in the process of weaning them from the other food and we are almost at 100% of the new food. I am hoping this will be the answer to many of their problems.
I haven't looked when I last posted something on here, but I am sure it's been awhile. Now that racing has started and with the weather getting nicer, maybe I can make time to post more often.
Monday, March 04, 2013
A Nose Tale
When I was old enough to realize that, I asked about it. My mother said it had been broken when he was younger.
As I got older, I developed that same bump on my nose but my nose had never been broken. I was quite conscious about it for most of my life. And then about 10 years ago (I can't remember the year and I'm too lazy to look it up), while I was walking toward a closed door and up a slight incline at a farmer's market, I tripped on a thin bar that had broken away from a sign placed near the door and to the side. The bar was right in my path, but unnoticeable.
I slammed nose first into that unyielding steel door. The result was a cut on the bridge of my nose, black eyes, and a hairline fracture...which I didn't learn till much later. (Note: a small Slip And Fall lawsuit was initiated and I received a small award with the help of a lawyer since the owner of the building would not accept blame at first).
I may have not gotten the amount of money I felt I should have but I did end up with something much better: my nose is straight and no longer has that dreaded bump. So bad things can develop into good things.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Will Winter Ever Leave?
This weather is getting to be a bit much in my household. I am so tired of snow or rain depending on the temperature. Right now it's 35° so the result is rain. I am so looking forward to Spring this year more than ever.
This part of the country usually gets heavy snowfalls in late February through mid-March. That means we still have a chance of something happening before we hear all those birds singing or flowers blooming or trees budding. Things that perk me up. Things that make me happy as hell. Instead, it's the same old nonsense week after week after week.
Punxsutawney Phil lied to us. He said we would have an early Spring. Instead we are having what we get every year: six weeks of ugly Winter weather from the time he made his prediction on February 2nd.
Easter arrives early this year, it's on the 31st of March. Unless we get instant warmth, it looks like we will have much the same weather then as we are having now. Quite depressing. I have what they call cabin fever. I have never had it before, but I guess there is always a first time for just about everything.
There is a shiny black Harley in our garage just biting at the bit...waiting to be taken out in the warm sunshine carrying two people who are quite eager to do the same. So come on Spring...get with the damn program already!
This part of the country usually gets heavy snowfalls in late February through mid-March. That means we still have a chance of something happening before we hear all those birds singing or flowers blooming or trees budding. Things that perk me up. Things that make me happy as hell. Instead, it's the same old nonsense week after week after week.
Punxsutawney Phil lied to us. He said we would have an early Spring. Instead we are having what we get every year: six weeks of ugly Winter weather from the time he made his prediction on February 2nd.
Easter arrives early this year, it's on the 31st of March. Unless we get instant warmth, it looks like we will have much the same weather then as we are having now. Quite depressing. I have what they call cabin fever. I have never had it before, but I guess there is always a first time for just about everything.
There is a shiny black Harley in our garage just biting at the bit...waiting to be taken out in the warm sunshine carrying two people who are quite eager to do the same. So come on Spring...get with the damn program already!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
My Freaky Hysterical Day
It all started when we were leaving the house to go for breakfast and then do some grocery shopping.
There are two locks on our front door, a regular one most houses have and a deadbolt. Due to the cold weather, the deadbolt has been giving me trouble when I want to lock it once I am outside using the key. This morning was no different. I had already put the house alarm on inside but now I was outside having problems. I tried at least five times and every time I tried the door it would open without being locked. Eventually I tripped the inside alarm by opening the door once too often. Usually when that happens I can catch the alarm right away and stop it from going crazy. Not so today.
Believe me, you do not want to hear something as maniacal as that sound. It is deafening. When I heard it go off (husband was already sitting in the truck waiting for me), I left go with a few obscenities and then ran inside to the monitor pad. All I saw were four little furry beings running in all directions in leaps and bounds trying to get away from the horrific sound they were hearing for the first time.
Not only does an irritating alarm go off inside the house, but we also have one hooked up for the outside which blows directly to the closest neighbor. I can only thank God they were not home as they just moved in recently. Hearing that alarm outside one would think a prison was nearby because it is just as deafening as the inside alarm.
Within seconds the alarm company called to find out what was happening. Husband, who had come inside, answered the phone. Meanwhile I am pounding on that damn monitor to try and get it to stop. My husband said they told him I should hit our code and then OFF. I did...many times...but I guess in my hysteria to get it to stop I was not doing it right. Eventually it worked.
I am quite happy that there was no one around to capture the nutcase I had become on film.
When I calmed down somewhat we decided not to put the alarm on while we were away and we went for breakfast. What I didn't know was that I was so upset that anything I ate would not agree with me and it didn't. Off to the store we went. I was nauseous for the entire shopping excursion and all I wanted to do was get home to the comfort of my recliner.
In my state of mind everything that could go wrong in a grocery store, did. I could probably write again as much as I already have about those incidents but living through them once is quite enough, so I will not repeat them.
We came home, I put away as much of the groceries that I could, and I headed for my recliner and some NASCAR practice sessions on TV for the race this Sunday. I took a nap, woke up and had some Greek yogurt (yum) to help settle my stomach, and went back to napping. Within an hour or two I was fully awake, fully refreshed, and husband had the deadbolt lock fixed so that doesn't happen again.
I have only been complaining about it since he installed it months ago. Typical.
There are two locks on our front door, a regular one most houses have and a deadbolt. Due to the cold weather, the deadbolt has been giving me trouble when I want to lock it once I am outside using the key. This morning was no different. I had already put the house alarm on inside but now I was outside having problems. I tried at least five times and every time I tried the door it would open without being locked. Eventually I tripped the inside alarm by opening the door once too often. Usually when that happens I can catch the alarm right away and stop it from going crazy. Not so today.
Believe me, you do not want to hear something as maniacal as that sound. It is deafening. When I heard it go off (husband was already sitting in the truck waiting for me), I left go with a few obscenities and then ran inside to the monitor pad. All I saw were four little furry beings running in all directions in leaps and bounds trying to get away from the horrific sound they were hearing for the first time.
Not only does an irritating alarm go off inside the house, but we also have one hooked up for the outside which blows directly to the closest neighbor. I can only thank God they were not home as they just moved in recently. Hearing that alarm outside one would think a prison was nearby because it is just as deafening as the inside alarm.
Within seconds the alarm company called to find out what was happening. Husband, who had come inside, answered the phone. Meanwhile I am pounding on that damn monitor to try and get it to stop. My husband said they told him I should hit our code and then OFF. I did...many times...but I guess in my hysteria to get it to stop I was not doing it right. Eventually it worked.
I am quite happy that there was no one around to capture the nutcase I had become on film.
When I calmed down somewhat we decided not to put the alarm on while we were away and we went for breakfast. What I didn't know was that I was so upset that anything I ate would not agree with me and it didn't. Off to the store we went. I was nauseous for the entire shopping excursion and all I wanted to do was get home to the comfort of my recliner.
In my state of mind everything that could go wrong in a grocery store, did. I could probably write again as much as I already have about those incidents but living through them once is quite enough, so I will not repeat them.
We came home, I put away as much of the groceries that I could, and I headed for my recliner and some NASCAR practice sessions on TV for the race this Sunday. I took a nap, woke up and had some Greek yogurt (yum) to help settle my stomach, and went back to napping. Within an hour or two I was fully awake, fully refreshed, and husband had the deadbolt lock fixed so that doesn't happen again.
I have only been complaining about it since he installed it months ago. Typical.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Another Major Accomplishment for Danica
Danica Patrick has been one of my favorite drivers ever since she hit the IRL. I followed her while she accomplished these major feats:
The only woman to win a race in the IndyCar Series.
The only woman to lead a lap during the Indy 500.
The highest finish by a woman (third) in the Indy 500.
And now...
The only woman in NASCAR history to win a pole for the Daytona 500 as well as a pole in any Cup race. She has already won a pole in the NASCAR Nationwide series, which is a step down from the Cup series.
Yes folks, my heroine has won the pole position for the 55th running of the Daytona 500 which will be next Sunday, February 24th.
And no matter what happens in that race, no one can take her accomplishments away from her. She worked long and hard to get to where she is today. She has proven many times over that she is not just another driver, not just a cartoon character. Now, if only some of her fellow drivers would stop trying to sabotage her on the track, I believe she has the potential to do a lot more for NASCAR.
Go Danica!
The only woman to win a race in the IndyCar Series.
The only woman to lead a lap during the Indy 500.
The highest finish by a woman (third) in the Indy 500.
And now...
The only woman in NASCAR history to win a pole for the Daytona 500 as well as a pole in any Cup race. She has already won a pole in the NASCAR Nationwide series, which is a step down from the Cup series.
Yes folks, my heroine has won the pole position for the 55th running of the Daytona 500 which will be next Sunday, February 24th.
And no matter what happens in that race, no one can take her accomplishments away from her. She worked long and hard to get to where she is today. She has proven many times over that she is not just another driver, not just a cartoon character. Now, if only some of her fellow drivers would stop trying to sabotage her on the track, I believe she has the potential to do a lot more for NASCAR.
Go Danica!
Thursday, February 07, 2013
My Weekly Check-In
Sorry I only get to do this once a week but my little pea brain is not generating anything to write about.
We are about to be slammed by a nor'easter and depending on which meteorologist you listen to, it could either be huge or not much at all as far as how much snow we end up with on the ground. I will wait it out and see what we get and when we get it. It's arriving Friday afternoon.
Other than this impending snowstorm, I am very excited that in just a few days, February 16th to be exact, my NASCAR racing season starts. First off will be the Spr**t Unlimited. Up until this year it was known as the Budweiser Shootout.
The following day there will be qualifying for the Daytona 500. Only the first row will be set. The remainder of the field will be filled with the two dual races the following Thursday. And then the big one...the Daytona 500...will be run on the 24th.
I cannot contain my excitement and am looking forward to this new season.
Just a little word here as to the result of the Super Bowl: Yuck! I am a fan of the New York Giants, but my secondary team is the San Francisco 49ers. I have been a 49er fan since the days of Joe Montana. Colin Kaepernick is shaping up to be quite the quarterback, too.
That's it for now...I need to find a good place to hibernate during this upcoming storm. Or not.
We are about to be slammed by a nor'easter and depending on which meteorologist you listen to, it could either be huge or not much at all as far as how much snow we end up with on the ground. I will wait it out and see what we get and when we get it. It's arriving Friday afternoon.
Other than this impending snowstorm, I am very excited that in just a few days, February 16th to be exact, my NASCAR racing season starts. First off will be the Spr**t Unlimited. Up until this year it was known as the Budweiser Shootout.
The following day there will be qualifying for the Daytona 500. Only the first row will be set. The remainder of the field will be filled with the two dual races the following Thursday. And then the big one...the Daytona 500...will be run on the 24th.
I cannot contain my excitement and am looking forward to this new season.
Just a little word here as to the result of the Super Bowl: Yuck! I am a fan of the New York Giants, but my secondary team is the San Francisco 49ers. I have been a 49er fan since the days of Joe Montana. Colin Kaepernick is shaping up to be quite the quarterback, too.
That's it for now...I need to find a good place to hibernate during this upcoming storm. Or not.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Confused And Befuddled
I cannot believe this weather. Just a few days ago we were dealing with 10° weather and today it was 65°.
And tomorrow it will be cold again once all this rain passes through and brings the next cold front with it.
Any wonder people get sick. We went out today to get our groceries as we usually do on a Wednesday. I was able to shun my heavy winter coat and wear something lighter.
These upcoming days will be a different story. But that's OK, I don't plan on going anywhere. I don't like going out into the cold crap during the winter. I have plenty of things to keep me occupied inside.
I am currently discovering new ways to cook without using salt or sodium-laden products for that matter. I will be attempting to make sauteed mushrooms...something I have never had in my house: fresh mushrooms. And yet I love them however I can get them. I also will be attempting a carrot dish as well as a slaw mixture. And I must not forget the pancakes I am making from scratch using a sodium-free baking powder.
Of all the dishes I have been preparing for our dinners, only one did not turn out well. And that was turned into something else the following day, which did turn out quite well. Where there's a will, there's a way.
That's it for now. Stay warm, stay dry and for those of you who don't have to worry about that...I don't know what to tell you.
And tomorrow it will be cold again once all this rain passes through and brings the next cold front with it.
Any wonder people get sick. We went out today to get our groceries as we usually do on a Wednesday. I was able to shun my heavy winter coat and wear something lighter.
These upcoming days will be a different story. But that's OK, I don't plan on going anywhere. I don't like going out into the cold crap during the winter. I have plenty of things to keep me occupied inside.
I am currently discovering new ways to cook without using salt or sodium-laden products for that matter. I will be attempting to make sauteed mushrooms...something I have never had in my house: fresh mushrooms. And yet I love them however I can get them. I also will be attempting a carrot dish as well as a slaw mixture. And I must not forget the pancakes I am making from scratch using a sodium-free baking powder.
Of all the dishes I have been preparing for our dinners, only one did not turn out well. And that was turned into something else the following day, which did turn out quite well. Where there's a will, there's a way.
That's it for now. Stay warm, stay dry and for those of you who don't have to worry about that...I don't know what to tell you.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
In A Deep Freeze
Brrrrrrrr...
Dang, it's cold in these parts. Which is part of the reason I haven't posted in the last few days. Running around the house trying to keep warm. Just kidding.
Seriously, last night it was 12° when I climbed into bed around 2:30am. They are forecasting 6° overnight tonight.
We have been in this deep freeze a few days and we won't get out of it until next Monday when they expect it to go above freezing.
So I have been hibernating. I go outside twice a day to feed the cats and give them fresh water. Each time I have to break the ice out of their water bowl using a screw driver. We have well water just for use outside and even that is frozen so I have to take water from the faucet inside. Husband shut the water off to that faucet.
Patience is a virtue...so they say...I will be back when I thaw out. Unless something really spectacular happens and I just have to write about it. Don't hold your breath. Trust me, if really exciting things happened around here I would be posting almost every day.
For those of you who are following my blood pressure issues, my doctor visit earlier this week went way better than I expected. So as of now, my blood pressure readings are lower than ever (below the national standards), my cholesterol readings are lower than ever (also below the national standards), and my diet is coming along losing a few pounds here and there (not below the national standards).
Dang, it's cold in these parts. Which is part of the reason I haven't posted in the last few days. Running around the house trying to keep warm. Just kidding.
Seriously, last night it was 12° when I climbed into bed around 2:30am. They are forecasting 6° overnight tonight.
We have been in this deep freeze a few days and we won't get out of it until next Monday when they expect it to go above freezing.
So I have been hibernating. I go outside twice a day to feed the cats and give them fresh water. Each time I have to break the ice out of their water bowl using a screw driver. We have well water just for use outside and even that is frozen so I have to take water from the faucet inside. Husband shut the water off to that faucet.
Patience is a virtue...so they say...I will be back when I thaw out. Unless something really spectacular happens and I just have to write about it. Don't hold your breath. Trust me, if really exciting things happened around here I would be posting almost every day.
For those of you who are following my blood pressure issues, my doctor visit earlier this week went way better than I expected. So as of now, my blood pressure readings are lower than ever (below the national standards), my cholesterol readings are lower than ever (also below the national standards), and my diet is coming along losing a few pounds here and there (not below the national standards).
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Outsmarted
I am so angry with myself that if I could kick me in the arse I would...tenfold.
I made my own chili using several different recipes as a guide. I bought no salt added tomato products. I used all natural products. I even bought the kidney beans you have to soak overnight. And I bought my first jar of cumin. I took note, however, that I would replace the chili powder with a fresher jar the next time I went shopping.
I fried the 90% hamburger along with the freshly diced onions, added that to my slow cooker and then added the remaining ingredients. Within a few hours things were smelling mighty delicious throughout the house. What I smelled was total success.
Dinner time arrived, we sat down and ate our chili. It tasted quite good. I was real proud of myself since I always relied on those packets of chili seasoning whenever I made chili over the years.
That was two days ago. Fast forward to this afternoon while we were having chili leftovers. I like my chili hot. Which means I add more powder at the table. I did that and then while I was eating I picked the jar up and started reading it. I don't know why I did that but I sure am glad I did.
Do you people know that there are 35 milligrams of sodium in an eighth of a teaspoon of chili powder? My recipe called for two tablespoons of it. I should have just stuck with one of those packets. I was furious. At myself and at the people who make the powder. Better yet, had I know that I would never have attempted to make chili.
I have since found out I can make chili powder without sodium. Had I any smarts I would have found that out in the first place. I am trying so hard to cut back on my sodium intake and the industry makes a fool of me. Or was it the devil?
I made my own chili using several different recipes as a guide. I bought no salt added tomato products. I used all natural products. I even bought the kidney beans you have to soak overnight. And I bought my first jar of cumin. I took note, however, that I would replace the chili powder with a fresher jar the next time I went shopping.
I fried the 90% hamburger along with the freshly diced onions, added that to my slow cooker and then added the remaining ingredients. Within a few hours things were smelling mighty delicious throughout the house. What I smelled was total success.
Dinner time arrived, we sat down and ate our chili. It tasted quite good. I was real proud of myself since I always relied on those packets of chili seasoning whenever I made chili over the years.
That was two days ago. Fast forward to this afternoon while we were having chili leftovers. I like my chili hot. Which means I add more powder at the table. I did that and then while I was eating I picked the jar up and started reading it. I don't know why I did that but I sure am glad I did.
Do you people know that there are 35 milligrams of sodium in an eighth of a teaspoon of chili powder? My recipe called for two tablespoons of it. I should have just stuck with one of those packets. I was furious. At myself and at the people who make the powder. Better yet, had I know that I would never have attempted to make chili.
I have since found out I can make chili powder without sodium. Had I any smarts I would have found that out in the first place. I am trying so hard to cut back on my sodium intake and the industry makes a fool of me. Or was it the devil?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Nasty Weather Has Arrived
Yes, it has arrived as I type this. Right on target like the meteorologists have been saying all day. Our area will end up with 1-2 inches of snow and a trace of ice coating. Then it will turn to rain Wednesday afternoon and hopefully wash it all away. That's the easy part. Now they tell us an Arctic Blast is coming. Those are really nasty. Sometimes it gets so cold you don't want to step out of the house. I didn't stick around to see exactly when that is going to hit us but it will be within the week. The less I know, the better I feel.
On another note, I will soon begin to write about my journey into the land of high blood pressure, why I have it, how long I have been dealing with it, and what I have done in the last three months to give it a one-two knockout punch. I have a doctor's appointment next Tuesday and I am quite anxious to see if what I have been doing is working.
For now, it is time to go snuggle under the covers...
On another note, I will soon begin to write about my journey into the land of high blood pressure, why I have it, how long I have been dealing with it, and what I have done in the last three months to give it a one-two knockout punch. I have a doctor's appointment next Tuesday and I am quite anxious to see if what I have been doing is working.
For now, it is time to go snuggle under the covers...
Friday, January 11, 2013
Fooled Again
For almost a week, maybe more, we have been told by the meteorologists on various news programs from Philadelphia (including our local affiliate) that warmer weather was coming. Like 60° kind of weather. Philadelphia's temperatures are usually at least 5 degrees higher than ours but our paper said that by Sunday we would hit 57°.
Now that may sound really nice to the rest of you. Upon opening my newspaper and reading the weather page it does show 57° for Sunday. However, it also shows rain from today through Tuesday...and maybe longer since they can only fit 5 days in their space for upcoming weather.
I know it is highly doubtful we will reach the temperatures forecast because at this time of the year when we get rain it is always cool and damp. Always.
Yeah, I am a little disappointed. Wouldn't you be too?
On the other hand, the good news for the day is I was able to watch winter testing at the Daytona race track earlier today. What a glorious sight to see those cars on the track in brilliant sunshine! With 2012 behind us, which included Dale Jr. missing two races due to his concussions, I am once again ready for the 2013 season. Bring it on!
Now that may sound really nice to the rest of you. Upon opening my newspaper and reading the weather page it does show 57° for Sunday. However, it also shows rain from today through Tuesday...and maybe longer since they can only fit 5 days in their space for upcoming weather.
I know it is highly doubtful we will reach the temperatures forecast because at this time of the year when we get rain it is always cool and damp. Always.
Yeah, I am a little disappointed. Wouldn't you be too?
On the other hand, the good news for the day is I was able to watch winter testing at the Daytona race track earlier today. What a glorious sight to see those cars on the track in brilliant sunshine! With 2012 behind us, which included Dale Jr. missing two races due to his concussions, I am once again ready for the 2013 season. Bring it on!
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Meatloaf and Justified
For want of a better title, I decided this one would do. Besides, they are the two subjects I am going to write about.
Today I made meatloaf in my slow cooker. I never thought it was doable but I rarely use my oven these days, so I thought I would give it a shot. Of course, I checked it out online before deciding to make it in the slow cooker.
I should not have worried. It turned out absolutely fine. Moist and tasty and it even had a crust on the outer portion much the same as when it's done in an oven, except an oven tends to dry it out considerably. I have never made meatloaf using the standard recipes...I have always used Spatini. That is a seasoning that came three packets to a box and was sold in most grocery stores, but a few years ago someone decided they no longer wanted to sell it that way. I was able to find a distributor online but the downside is you can only purchase it in institution-sized packages. I had to have my Spatini so I purchased it.
However, I am now on a self-induced low sodium diet which is working great and has brought my blood pressure down considerably. I am not going to go back to my old ways so now I have all that Spatini on hand. Oh well, live and learn.
I did use some Spatini to make my meatloaf with today because I'm not quite ready to make it the standard way. But what I do on days like this when I have a meal with a higher sodium content than I would like is to compensate and eat lower sodium foods or foods with no sodium content the rest of the day. My standard is no more than 1500 milligrams of sodium per day and I rarely get to 1000 milligrams.
Now that I have eaten my spectacular meatloaf I am ready to watch the first episode of the new season of Justified tonight. It is one of my favorite shows, right up there alongside of Sons of Anarchy. I wait religiously each year for both those shows. It always seems, however, that as soon as their seasons start, they are over in a flash.
So there you have it...meatloaf and Justified.
Today I made meatloaf in my slow cooker. I never thought it was doable but I rarely use my oven these days, so I thought I would give it a shot. Of course, I checked it out online before deciding to make it in the slow cooker.
I should not have worried. It turned out absolutely fine. Moist and tasty and it even had a crust on the outer portion much the same as when it's done in an oven, except an oven tends to dry it out considerably. I have never made meatloaf using the standard recipes...I have always used Spatini. That is a seasoning that came three packets to a box and was sold in most grocery stores, but a few years ago someone decided they no longer wanted to sell it that way. I was able to find a distributor online but the downside is you can only purchase it in institution-sized packages. I had to have my Spatini so I purchased it.
However, I am now on a self-induced low sodium diet which is working great and has brought my blood pressure down considerably. I am not going to go back to my old ways so now I have all that Spatini on hand. Oh well, live and learn.
I did use some Spatini to make my meatloaf with today because I'm not quite ready to make it the standard way. But what I do on days like this when I have a meal with a higher sodium content than I would like is to compensate and eat lower sodium foods or foods with no sodium content the rest of the day. My standard is no more than 1500 milligrams of sodium per day and I rarely get to 1000 milligrams.
Now that I have eaten my spectacular meatloaf I am ready to watch the first episode of the new season of Justified tonight. It is one of my favorite shows, right up there alongside of Sons of Anarchy. I wait religiously each year for both those shows. It always seems, however, that as soon as their seasons start, they are over in a flash.
So there you have it...meatloaf and Justified.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Bye Bye Christmas
All the decorations inside are now in the basement either nestled in their tote beds till next year or waiting for the missus to put them somewhere.
The decorations outside are still there. My husband is half Russian so I keep those up till after his Christmas is over and that will be in a few days. We don't celebrate it, per se, I just do it out of respect.
As of right now we are still having bitterly cold weather but in a few days that will change. The thermometer will be nudging 50° for a day or so and I can't complain about that. Not in early January anyway. I will take all the warmth I can get these days.
Not that I want to rush the days by (Lord knows they go fast enough as it is), but I am looking forward to Spring as I usually do. Actually I daydream about it. And what it brings: summer!
Seriously, those of you who are also experiencing cold weather, can't you just picture yourself smack dab in the middle of a super hot day in summer? I sure as heck can. I don't care how hot it gets either. I prefer hot weather to this stuff that wants to hurt my bones.
And I know for a fact the cats outside would be a lot happier if we had warmer weather, too. They will get a little glimpse of that in a few days. I think I will go outside and sunbathe right alongside of them. Not.
The decorations outside are still there. My husband is half Russian so I keep those up till after his Christmas is over and that will be in a few days. We don't celebrate it, per se, I just do it out of respect.
As of right now we are still having bitterly cold weather but in a few days that will change. The thermometer will be nudging 50° for a day or so and I can't complain about that. Not in early January anyway. I will take all the warmth I can get these days.
Not that I want to rush the days by (Lord knows they go fast enough as it is), but I am looking forward to Spring as I usually do. Actually I daydream about it. And what it brings: summer!
Seriously, those of you who are also experiencing cold weather, can't you just picture yourself smack dab in the middle of a super hot day in summer? I sure as heck can. I don't care how hot it gets either. I prefer hot weather to this stuff that wants to hurt my bones.
And I know for a fact the cats outside would be a lot happier if we had warmer weather, too. They will get a little glimpse of that in a few days. I think I will go outside and sunbathe right alongside of them. Not.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Here We Go Again
For some reason we keep getting these new years so that we can get a clean start, only to muck it up somewhere down the line. Let's hope this year is much better than last year.
January...not exactly one of my favorite months, but if we get through it everything will be fine. It's all downhill from here, right? And when we do get through the coldest month (in these parts anyway), we can start looking forward to Spring.
I love Spring. It is my favorite month. Provided it arrives early and is not all wet and slushy. Or the buds pop out on the trees and then we get a cold snap. That's rude and it ruins my life. I love the new flowers, the buds on the trees, and eventually the warm breezes that follow. Oh boy, I just pictured myself somewhere in the south of Italy sitting in the garden of my villa overlooking a beautiful ocean view...
Getting back to Spring: most of all it means something special is just around the corner: NASCAR! Usually by the end of each season I am tired of all the BS that went on in racing, but then being away from it for two and a half months I start to get antsy again. That feeling is working its way back in to my psyche. It means I still have life in me.
January...not exactly one of my favorite months, but if we get through it everything will be fine. It's all downhill from here, right? And when we do get through the coldest month (in these parts anyway), we can start looking forward to Spring.
I love Spring. It is my favorite month. Provided it arrives early and is not all wet and slushy. Or the buds pop out on the trees and then we get a cold snap. That's rude and it ruins my life. I love the new flowers, the buds on the trees, and eventually the warm breezes that follow. Oh boy, I just pictured myself somewhere in the south of Italy sitting in the garden of my villa overlooking a beautiful ocean view...
Getting back to Spring: most of all it means something special is just around the corner: NASCAR! Usually by the end of each season I am tired of all the BS that went on in racing, but then being away from it for two and a half months I start to get antsy again. That feeling is working its way back in to my psyche. It means I still have life in me.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Where The Heck Did That Holiday Go?
It's hard to believe Christmas was two days ago. These past two days flew by so fast I am still spinning.
I hope all my readers (what few I have) enjoyed their holiday. Christmas for us was quiet as it was just the two of us. My daughter and Jeff were here the following day and we all had a good time.
The weather outside is frightful (to quote a song I once heard) and we are in for more on Saturday. It all depends on which way the wind wants to blow as to whether we get a lot of snow, or maybe nothing at all. Right now we are quite iced over.
I have finally come to terms with snow and lousy winter weather. It no longer bothers me. I hated it when I had to drive to work in snow or ice. It took many years for me to get that out of my system but I can finally say it is gone for good. I don't care if it starts snowing and never stops. Except when we have to get more groceries in.
All in all this holiday season has not been too bad. Before I know it the New Year will be here. And if that darn fiscal cliff is not avoided, well...things will get out of hand. It should be interesting to watch all that unfold. But let's not spoil this season and enjoy what we have while we can.
I hope all my readers (what few I have) enjoyed their holiday. Christmas for us was quiet as it was just the two of us. My daughter and Jeff were here the following day and we all had a good time.
The weather outside is frightful (to quote a song I once heard) and we are in for more on Saturday. It all depends on which way the wind wants to blow as to whether we get a lot of snow, or maybe nothing at all. Right now we are quite iced over.
I have finally come to terms with snow and lousy winter weather. It no longer bothers me. I hated it when I had to drive to work in snow or ice. It took many years for me to get that out of my system but I can finally say it is gone for good. I don't care if it starts snowing and never stops. Except when we have to get more groceries in.
All in all this holiday season has not been too bad. Before I know it the New Year will be here. And if that darn fiscal cliff is not avoided, well...things will get out of hand. It should be interesting to watch all that unfold. But let's not spoil this season and enjoy what we have while we can.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Junior, Dakota-Sioux, Punkin' and Eli would like to say:
Have A Meow-y Christmas.
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