A little this and that

"As we navigate this strange and anxious world, choosing joy becomes more than a personal act of resilience — it becomes a radical gesture of hope."

– ZACHARY KAI

I saw this quote online and saved it for the day I needed it.  Yesterday I had the blahs.  The day before, I had outright depression.  I don't know why for either.  Nothing particularly wrong except for the messy house I live in with J&M (and that does really get to me - childhood trauma - I had a messy Mother). 

Or it could be because I fell in the backyard and it occurred to me that I was entering the "Danger of Falling" era of my life. I told everybody it was a motorcycle accident.  That sounds less aged. Anyway, that's my story, and I'm sticking by it.  

So last night, I was surfing on Pinterest and saw a post asking, "Do you have empty notebooks lying around?" or something like that. I have always loved pretty notebooks. I was quite a note-maker and jotter-downer in the old days, and I still buy a pretty notebook when it jumps into my basket, but mostly, I don't use one except to record my sugar highs and lows.  

So that got me thinking. It's something I used to enjoy. Would I still enjoy it? Well, if you use Pinterest, you know that once you click on a subject, a thousand posts on that subject will start popping up. So I started a new board and started adding ideas to journal about.  

Somehow, I got to music lists. Of course, being 101 years old, I went back to the 70s, then the 60s, then feel good in the morning, and then dancing in the kitchen list. Ok. That was a good start, except I used the Spotify app on my phone, which is not a pretty notebook, and even though I only use it for sweepstakes, I started there. I have the free version of Spotify, so there is a commercial every other song, but I started two playlists: 70s Jams and Dancing in the Kitchen. 

If I continue to use it, I might try the paid version with no commercials. Like my new blog on entering contests, I tend to start off hot and heavy and then fade. But for now, I have free tools to use for journaling and music playlists, so we'll see.  

So I've jollied myself out of the blahs. 

Feeling Groovy...

Beware of Stampeding Cows

 It's Rodeo Time here in Houston, and my Son has rounded up his Little Cowboy and Cowgirls for some special family time.

Can you believe how grown-up the Little Girls are?  The oldest Grand Girl is practicing for her driving test. Grandson still wants to join the Police and is attending college again.  The youngest is a preteen. Heaven help us.  

I've been playing around with a new website, SharingMySweeps.blogspot.com. I've also been researching Sock Dolls. I am thinking about making a few to give away or sell. My daughter had one when she was young and loved so much. I'm not sure if I have time for both creative endeavors.  Both are still in the thinking stage.  

Like Trumpty Dumpty, I'm wishy-washy and have reverted to reading the news.  Hahaha.  Love Canada, Mexico, and the rest of the World standing up to him. I really shouldn't say that out loud. Sorry.

More later ...

How Politics has affected my Sweepstakes entries

Let me explain. I use a contest-sharing site that, for a small monthly fee, has a new list of contests each day. This site, SweepsAdvantage.com, does not sponsor the contests; you pay only to read the list and link to a contest that interests you. 

After I choose a contest to enter, I click on the link supplied by SweepsAdvantage.com and enter my information on the Contest Sponsor's entry page. Then, I often have a chance to receive extra entries by clicking on a link to the Contest Sponsor's social media page. I have/had social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TicTok, YouTube, and Pinterest.   

    SweepsAdvantage web page 🠊 Contest Sponsor's Entry Page🠊 Contest Sponsor's Social Media Page (Facebook,  Instagram, X, TicTok, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.)

I deleted FB first because I could not control the negative memes I reposted of Trumpty Dumpty and his friends. I consider myself one with great control, but my need to be ugly about our political situation was making me a lesser person than them. Also, I want Mr Z to realize his removal of verifying truth was unacceptable.  

I kept FB's sister site, Instagram, because I use it frequently to enter contests.  I haven't decided how to get around this dilemma.  

I also deleted X/Twitter, which I used only for occasional contests, to show King Musk what I think of him. I'm sure it did not significantly reduce his income.  

I also deleted TicTok, which I only used for contesting. 

I still have YouTube and Pinterest accounts open, which I am deliberating on pending further research. 

For now, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest will remain, while my chances of gaining extra entries from deleted social media sites will decline.  

BTW, I recently unsubscribed to all of my paid and unpaid news subscriptions.  However, like Shirley, other news sources from new and varied sources keep popping up.  I keep unsubscribing as they appear, but I can't help but see the headlines that depress or anger me to no end.

Sometimes it hurts to make a point. 

More later ...

Finally Another Win

 Generally speaking, I have not had much luck winning any of the many Christmas-time contests.  Finally, I broke the losing streak by winning a 24" Monitor from ViewSource.  

I cannot download an image for some reason, but it is nice, and my daughter, who works from home twice a week, is excited.  

I tried hard to win my son tickets to the Super Bowl, but no luck.

I have a major birthday this month, 75 yo. We are having a Mexican Food Birthday Buffet at my son's house.  

I have had a particularly hard time hearing at my son's house because of the open ceiling to the second floor and the tile flooring.  I will get to try out my new hearing aids there. Since my son bought them for me, I really hope they will allow me to hear conversations there.  

I've turned off all the news pages I used to read online.  I know it's wrong to play ostrich when things aren't going your way, but I am truly afraid for our country's future.  

I swiped this from Debra's post on Aliens because this is exactly how I'm feeling.  

More later ...  

 

When Hell Freezes Over

 You heard it here first.  Apparently, it is the end of the world as I know it.  Trump is President again and it snowed in Texas.  Couldn 't be crazier. 

 

The only thing missing is Zombies. 

More later ... 

Generators and Winter Storms

 I've sworn to buy a generator after every hurricane and power outage. Now, we have a winter storm over parts of the country, and I am a bit worried about the power going out.  

I can take the cold if the power fails, but my diabetic apparatuses need electricity to keep my insulin flowing. There is no need to worry yet. Hopefully, my son or sister will have power if it does go out. However, I have been entering every contest with a generator as a prize.  

Speaking of, I recently entered a contest for my son. The prize was a ride in the Goodyear Blimp. Doesn't that sound like fun?  

Also had an experience where Venmo notified me I had won $1450.  There are contests that pay you through Paypal, Venmo, or CashApp. I looked at the notice and researched the sender, but it was all fake.  Part of a scam where you deposit their money and then they request a refund, and they get your banking info.  I did nothing with the money, then got a request for the refund and still did nothing, and then it disappeared from Venmo, where my banking info is NOT saved. Truthfully, it would have been so much fun to have won that money.  

Here is my Buddy trying to help me make the bed. He loves it when I lift the blanket into the air. 

More later ... 

December update and new Booties

 Well Hey There.  It has been some time. 

Buddy and I are still staying with J&M (daughter and partner). 

I have not been entering online contests much lately so I was late entering contests for December, so hoping for, but not expecting a big win.  I have mainly concentrated on trips for the kids. There were quite a few Super Bowl packages I entered for the Son and then trips around the US but mainly concentrating on New York for the Daughter. 

I finally went to the Dentist about my broken-off crown, only to be told about a dozen other problems.  Ba Humbug. 

I have lost about 30 pounds on Ozempic and have had little problem with it after the initial break-in period.  I did notice I have been losing a lot of hair lately.  I researched any connection between hair loss and Ozempic, and while it is not directly linked, it is linked to poor nutrition.  Guilty. 

I have enjoyed buying some new clothes lately and retiring old standbys.  For some reason, I seem to have gone shoe crazy.  I always go down a foot size when I diet. So when I ordered a pair of Kenneth Cole Reaction booties, and they fit so well I ended up buying 3 or 4 more pairs.  I feel rather snazzy in my Leopard print or snakeskin booties.  

Do you think it was an attempt to move the focus point from my pink scalp and thinning white hair to my trim feet?  I'll never tell. 

More later .... 

 

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

Another tropical Storm, Francine, is heading up the coast of Texas and Louisiana. We could use a little rain but no loss of power, P.L.E.A.S.E. 

I'm all settled in my daughter's house. I made a little video to show how I set up my furniture in the room, but it was too long to post.   

So how is it here? It's really not bad, considering there are five people in total: J&M, me, J's stepson (17), and M's daughter (20). It's definitely out of the fire and into the firing pan, but considering I have lived by myself for so long, it is going well. The worst part is sharing a bathroom. Hahaha. The best part is having good food available both as snacks and cooked meals.  

Buddy has finally come to terms with the backyard.  At first, he would only stand by the door if I took him out.  Now he is a full-fledged outdoor pooper.  I'm so excited for him to finally have a yard again. 

Beautyrest pillows are Buddy-approved.

                                                                    

When I first came to stay with J&M during the hurricane, I fell in love with my daughter's Beautyrest pillows. I had been unhappy with my pillows for a while, and now I understand why. I was buying hard pillows that were not squeezy like these. I had no idea that I would like squeezy pillows.  I am sleeping better here.  Apparently, the right pillow can make for a better night's sleep.

Healthwise, I am doing better. This is most likely due to the excellent food, but also because I have been trying to go outside and play with the plants and throw the ball for the big dogs regularly. It's too bad mall walking has fallen out of favor.  Our nearest mall is a ghost town. That would also have been a good thing for me to do right now.  

I found a Pilates place I could go to.  I'm waiting to hear from them.  It looks really nice so it is probably too expensive for me!!

More later ... 

If I have Power, that is. 

     

Hello Again

Well, it has been a brutal summer, weatherwise and otherwise.  

I am making the final move to my daughter's house. I came to stay with her after Hurricane Beryl when my power was off for two weeks and never left. It gave me a good taste of living with them, and I decided it was time to make the move permanent. 

I lost power twice this summer, each for over a week. It was particularly rough because I couldn't charge my insulin pump or keep the insulin cold in the refrigerator. Of course, this could happen in the new house, too, but at least I would not have to deal with it alone.  

The final boxes and aquariums will arrive tomorrow. For this last stage, I hired professional aquarium movers. Who knew there was such a thing as a professional aquarium mover?

My health has been up and down. The girls are cooking good meals for me, and my daughter has added my glucose reading app to her phone to monitor my glucose levels.  

Buddy has gotten used to "our new bedroom."   There are three other dogs and a cat living here. One is mean to him, and then the neighbor's dog chased him outside, so he stays in the bedroom. We have a lovely backyard, but he doesn't want to be out there. As soon as it cools a little, I will try to walk him in the little park nearby.  

The kids and grandkids had a family beach day.  They pitched a tent cover, brought chairs and a grill, and had a great time.  I had to pass.  The weather was just too hot. 

This could have been a Marie picture, like all her great bird pictures. That is my son and the littlest Grandgirl—not so little anymore. 

 I did have to go to the hospital last week when my glucose level hit 592. They didn't give me enough insulin while I was there, but they did provide me with blood pressure pills since it also spiked.   I'm lucky not to have stroked out, so with the help of my daughter and her partner, now referred to as J&M, I'm getting very serious about lowering my numbers.  

To get more exercise, I've decided to take up line dancing again once my strength is better. I last listened to country music a long time ago, even though we used to go country dancing every week when I moved back from Louisiana. J&M promised to accompany me to get me started, so I won't back out!  

That's about it. Nothing fun—just packing and unpacking. Oh, I forgot to say that the grandson and girlfriend came over and took most of the furniture to their new apartment, so I'm happy about that. 

More later ... 

Update

 Quick note.  I'm fine but had serious insulin problems. Power is still out so I'm staying at daughters.  

More later ... 

Hurricane Beryl and the new Bug-Out Bag

 This is just a quick pre-Hurricane Beryl post. It is Sunday afternoon, about 5:00, and we have just had one good rain with reasonable wind so far. They are looking into Monday morning for more special effects, but who can tell.  

At this point, I believe it will come through between Corpus and Houston, with the dirty side toward us, which means lots of rain and wind. 

I don't want to leave my house. I know it's stupid, but it could just as quickly move toward the area where my son lives if I go there. 

The power will undoubtedly go down again, so it's time for serious battery charging. 

Luckily, I found a new insulated bag last week to keep my insulin in if the power goes out. During the power outage, I lost the insulin in the fridge, so I ordered some of those igloo-freezer thingys. Now, I can load my supplies in my Bug-Out Bag to keep them cool or grab and run. Great find just in time. 

Yesterday, my daughter was at the beach in Galveston. Perfect weather.  Oh, Mother Nature, you rascal. 

More later ... 

Sharing a little smile and random thoughts

 I came across this old picture of the youngest Grand Girl.  Love the Red Heels. 

I had another eye check-up yesterday because the doctor decided I needed another vitreous exam (the gel-like fluid that fills your eye. It's full of tiny fibers that attach to your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye.) 

Once again, I passed with flying colors.  I am so thankful.  My hearing has become so bad that I would be lost without the ability to read. 

I am still losing weight on the Ozempic, slowly but surely.  The stomach problems have lessened plus I now understand what to do with the symptoms. I still wouldn't recommend this drug.  I'll let you know what I've lost after the next dr. visit. 

I have heard from so many Type 2 diabetics saying how great Mounjaro is at keeping their A1C (sugar levels) near perfect but that they are now unable to get the drug. Hello, let's put people to work and make that stuff. There is no reason to have a shortage. I wish the weight loss drugs were nearly as efficient for Type 1. Oh well, I'm thankful for what I've got.  

I finally watched Oppenheimer.  I was reluctant but found (what I could hear) that the science/exploration was fascinating.  I'm going to have to rewatch it with captions on.  Of course, the outcome is a bitter pill, and I won't get into that. Then, I started a new library book that was in my queue.  The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos.  The story is set in the present, in Nevada, near all the testing sites, and flips back and forth from the 1950s Russian spy point of view.   I enjoyed it if you are interested. 

My daughter and her girlfriend have started having me over on Thursday nights (her work-at-home day) for the supper of my choosing. Last night was the third week. We had chicken, rice, and broccoli casserole, and it was so good, with such a cozy, down-home feeling.  I am really enjoying both the weekly companionship and the delicious food.   

I'm still trying out my new Electrical service provider. I hope to save a little money this year. I'm also praying we don't have another heat dome settle over us like last year. During one hurricane season, we had extensive flooding because a dome settled in over the rain for several days and could not move on. We got so much more rain/flooding than we would have from just the hurricane. Please, no more domes.   

If I had a young family member looking into a field to study, meteorology might be an up-and-coming field. 

I gave my daughter one of my favorite pictures for her new house, so my oldest Grand Girl, the artist, is painting a picture of my guppies to hang in its place.  This picture of my aquarium is not clear, but you can tell they are colorful.  I can't wait.  

Now, the most essential part: Like Margaret, I don't want to constantly complain, but being unable to find my words drives me crazy, and it's getting worse. I've been referred to a neurologist, which means more doctor appointments and tests. I'm not ready for that... yet. It is in the near future. 

Also, my hearing has drastically decreased.  I'm so tired of having to tell people sorry I can't hear.  Damn, getting old is a drag. ..

More later ...

Houston Power Outage - It was so much worse

 Before I say how happy I am that Hurricane Alberto landed well below Houston, I want to tell you how traumatic the May Power Outage was for me. 

First of all, I did not prepare for the storm like I usually do during hurricane season.  I had very little food I could eat without cooking or refrigeration.  

On Wednesday, I heard the storm blow through.  For the damage it did, I swear it only lasted 30 minutes, but they said an hour.  It tore the roof off several rows of apartments at my complex.  Luckily, on my row, only my neighbors across the sidewalk had any damage.  

You can see the infamous blue tarp covering the missing roof and a few of the missing singles. However, for this neighbor, the missing roof soaked not only their apartment but also the one below. You can also see where some of the grass was destroyed when the forklifts brought in dumpsters to completely strip both apartments down to the studs. They did move residents to empty apartments where they could. 

The Heat became more unbearable as each day passed. On the first and second nights, I slept fitfully. The third night was so bad that I decided to abandon the ship on the fourth day.

Why did I wait so long?  There was no electricity at my daughter's new house or my sister's house.  My son was on vacation that weekend, and I could not reach him.  He did not answer his phone or text.  Later, he asked why I did not contact him sooner.  I wanted to tear off his arm and beat him with it, as my mother used to say.  (Wasn't that strange to say to someone, but it made us kids laugh). 

On the second or third day, a Walmart near me had backup power, so like many others, I sat on the floor in Walmart and charged my insulin pump and phone. 

On the fourth day, I was headed to a library they had opened as a cooling/charging zone.  Thank you to the City of Houston.  However, on the way to the library, I passed a hotel with a hand-painted "we are open" sign and pulled in.  (The sign was to advertise the opening of a new hotel, but it was not open during the outage.)  

When I pulled up, I saw a woman sitting on her phone in front of the hotel.  I parked haphazardly in front of the hotel to talk to her, and when I got out, the little brain inside my keyfob fell out, and I could not start my car without it.  

The day was so hot.  My car was in the direct sun.  I asked everybody who pulled up to help me look; no one could see it. I was getting sicker and sicker from the heat and worry.  I tried to sit in the shade but was too nauseous to sit or lie. I thought I might be having a heat stroke. I gave up and called my sister to come get me, and I would just leave my car parked crazy in the parking lot.  As I was gathering the items I wanted to take with me out of my car, I found the "brain" in the side pocket of my purse and canceled my sister.  I still haven't figured out how it could have fallen in there. 

Then I put the keyfob back together and started the car, I headed straight for home. I texted a big HELP to my son and DIL this time.  I should have included her before because she checks her phone.  

They called a little while later and were back from vacation.  They came and got me, and apparently, I scared them to death.  After Son told everyone how sick I was, I got several lectures from my daughter and son. 

When I got to their house, all I wanted was to bathe and sleep. (I could only take cold sink baths during the outage.) However, Son made me lie on the couch so they could see me and watch a movie with them.  

During this time, my insulin pump kept going off constantly because my sugar was so high. Also, remember that all the restaurants and fast food joints were closed with no power, and I didn't have very much to eat, but then you're not so hungry when you are that hot.  

Before I left with my son, I exchanged phone numbers with my upstairs neighbors. She texted me about four hours after I left and said the power was back on. My daughter and sister did not get power for another day or two, but the guys who came in to assist our City Power Company were amazing. I saw at least 20 trucks with multiple men. I am so thankful to them. 

I came home the next day.  

I'd like to warn everyone about a potential problem that I saw happen. There are hotels on every corner in Houston, and the central booking systems for most hotels were working. Folks were getting confirmed reservations at hotels that were closed because they had no power.  

Buddy was also badly affected by the heat. He slept for several days after the power was restored.  This picture is from today.  He slept on the cooler tile floor for most of the outage. 

Me and My Ozempic

 First, I am still having problems with my blog reader.  I tried working on it again but it wasn't an easy fix.  I'll research it further.  

I started taking Ozempic last week.  Yesterday, I took my second (once-a-week) shot. Here's my opinion so far. 

First, remember I am Type 1 and not Type 2 diabetic.  Type 1 no longer produces any insulin.  Type 2 still produces some insulin, and this drug is supposed to help increase that production, which is why it is recommended for Type 2. As a Type 1 whose insulin production can't be increased, it was recommended for me because of my weight.   

Side effects.  OMG, yes, I have the nausea side effect.  About the second day, I started feeling like I was pregnant.  How could I remember what pregnancy nausea felt like 50 years ago?  Because I had that gut-wrenching yellow bile nausea that came up every day.  I was sick most of the time with both of my pregnancies.  Hope this doesn't foretell how long the nausea will last.  

I read that just like pregnancy, crackers or soup in the morning, can help with Ozempic nausea. Crackers have never helped my nausea, but the ramen noodles have. I have also noticed my skin has gotten even drier (diabetes pulls the water into the blood stream to help it move along.) I hate putting on hand lotion but I'm doing it as well as drinking more water.  Ugh. 

What it feels like.  I feel long and lean like a ballerina. I don't know what that means because I certainly don't look it and can't tell any difference in my clothes. I'll have to research that and see if anyone else feels it.  I don't have any scales, so it will not be until my three-month doctor's appointment before I know the weight loss.   

Hunger.  For me, this is the most amazing part.  I am very rarely hungry now.  I feel full and satisfied most of the time.  I think this is why some people gain 3X the weight back.  Without this drug, people probably return to their previous eating habits. 

Otherwise: my daughter's lease on her apartment near me is up next month, and she and her girlfriend have rented a house with room for me.  My lease is not up until September, so considering my options.  

Buddy still will not go for long walks since the dog attack. Since I need to step up my exercise to offset any (more) saggy skin, I'm trying to figure out a new plan.  There is a park near the new house. I'll have to do a trial run and see if he will walk there with me.  

The Grand Girls did not come over for Spring Break (sob). Apparently, the neighborhood they moved into is full of kids, and my Son is enjoying them being outside. I knew it was coming, and I'm glad for them. I'm just sad my time with them is limited. 

I have not won any more contests and am only entering a few because I still feeling a little bit of burnout. 

More later ...

 

Arrgh

 WARNING:  Don't stand too close to me.  

Both my Blogspot and Bloglovin' are acting up. All comments on Blogger are going straight to moderation - not just you, Margaret.  I use Bloglovin' as my reader, and posts are not popping up for most of you.   I hate this.  I will take a nap and fix it when I get up.  Arrgh, I'm aggravated. 

I also lost one of the lenses in the glasses yesterday.  Don't know when or where.  How could I not notice? 

After the freeze killed most of my plants, I started emptying my flower pots today.   So sad, 

More later ...

Dog Attack, Vertigo and No Wins

 So much has happened since Christmas.  This year, we all went to the "other relatives" house and planned a New Year's Day get-together. Well, between Christmas and New Year's, my sister's ex-father-in-law came down with COVID-19 and had to be hospitalized, and then two in her family got a light case after spending Christmas with him.  So, New Year's was canceled.  Disappointing.

Then, a day or two into the New Year, when my son and DIL returned from his free trip to Las Vegas for New Year's Eve (thanks to Me winning the Mario Lopez contest), the whole family came down with some bad cough.  So again, no family get-together.  

I may be overly cautious when I stay away from as much sickness as possible, but it is how I live now.  

Shortly thereafter, I was walking Buddy one night.  Just strolling with him on a long lead.  I hear this grunt and look back, and a Husky who lives in a house bordering the apartments and who escapes frequently had Buddy off the ground and in his mouth.  I screamed such a blood-curdling scream that I scared myself.  He dropped Buddy, and I picked him up and ran to my daughter's apartment.  

We checked Buddy over, and there was one little puncture but no blood. So Buddy and I left her apartment with him on a long lead and headed for the mailboxes.  Almost to the mailbox, I heard another grunt, and the Husky had Buddy off the ground and in his mouth again. Again, I screamed what I thought was really loud and expected neighbors to come out with rifles loaded, but no.  I'm still pondering this. 

That is not the end.  Several nights later, Buddy and I had only gone about two apartments down the sidewalk when I saw the Husky.  The neighbors told me they thought three Huskies lived at that house.

The Husky came running towards us, not really looking like it wanted to attack, but after my previous encounters, I took no chance.  Since Buddy was on a long lead again, as I tried to pull him in and as the dog was advancing, I started twirling Buddy in the air (he wears a full harness).  

Buddy was looking at me like WTF as he circled through the sky, and the Husky was looking at the sight when a second Husky came running around the corner.  By that time, I had pulled Buddy into my arms, and I went running for my door.  

Of course, the door was locked, and I was fumbling with the key.  Finally, I get in and look at the dogs, who are still standing on the sidewalk, not trying to come onto my front patio.  Just looking, I would never have been afraid of them.  But then again, being overly confident around dogs can be hazardous to your health. 

I told the apartment manager, who told me she had already filed a report against the Huskies for killing cats.  So I called and reported the attacks to the City of Houston, who said they did not usually do anything about the dog-on-dog attacks, but after putting me on hold and reading the prior report, they seemed to take it a little more seriously. 

So now little Buddy has become a complete house dog. No multiple trips around the complex.  He no longer barks to go outside; he barks when he wants his puppy pad changed - which is every time.  Who knew a dog could be so particular. 

I have never heard from the City.  I have not seen the Huskies in my limited time outside. Once again, my life was spun out of control, and I have adapted to the change.  

My apartment manager bought me one of those loud screamers and I keep it on me when out of doors.  I was never scared of a dog before, but this one is taking some time to wear off.    

Vertigo is back with me with a vengeance. I sat up in bed too fast the other morning, fell, but luckily into the bed, and nearly threw up by the time I got to the bathroom.  Appointment with ENT on Feb. 26.  On to neurologist after if need be.  I know there are some exercises where you throw yourself around on the bed to get something back into place, but it makes me so nauseous I just can't do it. 

Finally, No Wins over the Christmas-New Year's contest period. I entered a kazillion contest, but then so did all the other contesters, and that is the name of the game.  You can't win if you don't enter, but even if you do enter, you still rarely win.  

More later ... 

Won a Box of Eggos

Yes, Eggos.  Obviously, it wasn't the Grand Prize, but I'll take it. The Grand Girls love them. 

I bought myself a Christmas present.  I got my colors/seasons done by a young lady whose company was really fun.  

Buddy also got an early Christmas present - a new dog bed.  It is actually a cat bed but because he is so smallish, it fits him well.  

We were at Petco getting his dew claw clipped again and he did such a good job of guarding the checkout line that I thought a reward was in order.  

Here is a picture of the Grand Girls and their Dad at Thanksgiving at my sisters' house.  Christmas will be quiet for me, and we will all meet up again on New Year's Day for lunch at my sister's, except for the Son, who will be in my newly won contest of New Year's Eve in Las Vegas.  

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope the New Year brings peace and kindness worldwide. 

More later. 

You are not going to believe this

No, I didn't win the HGTV House or a new car, but I did win a trip in my Son's name to Las Vegas to see Post Malone on New Year's Eve with a flight and hotel room provided at the new (opening Dec. 16) Fountainbleau Hotel in Vegas. 

The award value comes in about $3,400, which, of course, he will have to pay taxes on. This surpasses the monetary value of the Rakuten win, and that was really great.  

For those of you, like me, who don't know who Post Malone is, he is a big thing in the young and the recording industry.  Bunch of #1 and Grammys. 

Since the Hotel is just opening, we are hoping he gets a room upgrade to a suite, but we're not greedy, and we'll take what we get.  

Guess I'll be babysitting New Year's Eve this year.  

Can you believe it?  I am so stoked.  I'll share pictures after the trip. 

More later ... 

Another thought

 If anyone uses Instagram and you would like me to notify you of contests I enter there, just let me know my Insta address is @love.sweeps. You can see on the circle highlights which contests I have entered if you're just curious. Rakuten is one I won off Insta. 

A Slew of Gifts

Yesterday, as the rain arrived, so did multiple packages from my Rakuten win. 

Boy oh boy did it feel like Christmas around here.  

I called my daughter to come over and see my prizes.  She left with the Electric Kettle and teas.  

My son came over at lunch and made off with the Roku speaker.  Apparently the Grand Girls like to put on YouTube and dance to the music.  Glad to share with them. 

My son, the skeptic, is finally starting to pay attention when I tell him I have entered a contest for him.  It is like the Lottery.  You have a hard time believing somebody will win and my old boss, the attorney, used to laugh as we bought Lottery tickets for the group.  However, once we started getting Lottery Winners as clients, he changed is mind too.  We had 3 lottery winner clients.  They made a believer of me.

Margaret asked about where I find these contests.  I use one main site that I have to pay for although they offer a free version at Sweepsadvantage.com . The reason I use the pay version is so I can save my entries to know that I have entered a contest or if the contest is for daily entries, I can pull them up quickly.  I also like a free site at Sweepstakesfanatics.com . 

But the most important thing about sweepstaking is to have a dedicated email for your sweeps only because it will fill up fast.  The other problem is, of course, your phone number. The majority of contests require a phone number but you can chose only those that do not.  If you have a landline you never use, this works great.  Just turn it off or unplug.  If you're like me and have only a cell then you are in for a lot of ringing.  My default ring tone is "Happy".  If that plays I am happy not to answer it.  All of my contacts, including professionals I use, have a different ring tone.  So any other song but Happy is someone I want to answer.  

I downloaded an app that makes ringtones from music. I can't remember the name of it but if anyone wants to know, just ask. 

Fall is my favorite time of the year.  I like chilly weather and soft cuddly clothes.  Hot chocolate and Hot Apple Cider.  

That about ends this post.  Buddy says Hi from his snug little bed.

 More later ...