Friday, August 21, 2020
We can only be hopeful for the future
Monday, August 17, 2020
Of course I watched the Democratic Convention
Actually, I don't usually watch televised programs like the debates, etc., but I was kinda curious to see the platform and staging they would use. I thought it was pretty good. I'll try to watch Biden's part tomorrow if I can remember. I forgot tonight and got in during the middle. I'm curious to see what Trump's platform and staging will be like. He should still have some good connections to the film industry and could have a really good program (politics aside) but if he tries to take charge then it may be like everything else he mismanages.
I had intended to mail in my vote but now I'm not so sure. If I have to I'll vote in person but really did not want to stand in those lines with all those people.
Oh, by the way, my favorite line from Day 1 of the Convention was Beto - he said that we are the calvary (as in no one else is going to save us). For me, that was motivating.
Elsewhere around the campus: My daughter and her girlfriend got married early this month. Of course, the Church was closed and it was a big rigamarole to make appointments to get license from the courthouse and then schedule an appointment with JP. It was just a small affair. There could only be 6 people so it was the two of them, their/her son, Daughter's best friend and her son, who is my daughter's godchild, and then my Grandson who was the family representative. The pictures with the face masks are hilarious. They all wore fancy tennis shoes with their fancy clothes. Yes, that is my daughter's sense of humor. Daughter wore a cute islet white sundress and they celebrated with a fancy cake and fake champagne. All in all, it was a very cute wedding.
Well, I haven't won any contest since I last posted. I'm sure that million-dollar prize is just around the corner though.
I'm still spending my days entering sweepstakes, painting rocks, and canvas panels and trying to clean out the extra/girls' closet. It is mostly neat and organized but I am having trouble getting rid of some of my craft/junk things. You know the feeling? "But I might want it someday." Yeah, like not in the past 5 years but someday I might.
Well, that's about it. Stay safe.
More later .....
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
I can't believe it myself
One video projector, one projector screen, one branded bluetooth speaker, two branded blankets, two branded chairs, one branded cooler and one branded bar tool kit
Friday, July 24, 2020
Another #Sweepstakes Win
I am one of 500 winners in the Quaker Chewy Camp Chewy Sweepstakes.
$250.00 multi-merchant gift card, select Quaker Chewy products of Sponsor’s choice , and Quaker Chewy “Camp Chewy” items, which shall include the following:Camp Chewy Sign, Two Camp Chewy Logo Patches, Camp Chewy Snack Sack/Fanny Pack, Camp Chewy Mini Lantern, Tie Dye Kit Inflatable Bowling Set, Stomp Rocket, Portable Bags Set
If anyone is a Packers fan let me know. I have an easy contest from the Greenbay Packers.
I'm back on mornings again and I really love it. My blood sugar was just right the other morning and I did a half dozen chores I'd been needing to do. I understand now what they mean when they say that sense of accomplishment when you get up early and get to it.
Its been pretty muggy and uncomfortable here but at least that heatwave broke. I can't imagine what my utility bill will be this month and next.
Tropical Storm cautions are out as a slight possibility. I need to start stacking up on my bottled water and other supplies. My grocery already runs out of bottled water at times so add storm preparations to the mix and it will be impossible to find bottled water.
I've spent a lot of time doing contests because the TV has been so pitiful. My sister, BIL and her daughter came over Sunday and bought me so plants and lunch. I really didn't want them to come but I guessed she needed an excuse to get out so I went along. I kept my mask on.
Speaking of Masks, I saw a City Bus drive by, and on the digital signboard above the windshield it flashed back and forth between the name of the route and "masks are required." I think it is already a state or city ordinance but I thought it was interesting to see.
Another mask story, I saw a City Garbage Truck, the kind with the long arms that reach out and dump the garbage in the back, and supposedly no personal interaction is needed between the driver, the garbage cans, and their owners. The driver, the sole occupant, was wearing a mask. I guess it is part of the City health ordinances.
I don't wear mine in the car because no one is with me. I have it on walking to the car and then I take it off until I get ready to exit the car. Do you wear your mask in the car?
I guess you have heard the bruhaha that the school Barron Trump goes to will not be open for face to face for the coming school year. What does that say about the Prez trying to force schools to open everywhere else. I'm sure he will say something about it being a private school over which he does not have control. I guess this case that what is good for the goose is Not good for the gander.
I shouldn't spread this but I will. If you ever go on Twitter, check out #IfMomsRan2020. I haven't read all the posts but there were some cute ones and some whose opinions I agree with. Thank goodness I'm not a Mom of small children now. My heart breaks for all they go through.
You've heard Texas is still one of the hotspots. I'm so thankful to say I do not know anyone who has been hospitalized or died from COVID.
I liked Princess Beatrice's wedding dress. I'm a little plain so it might just be my type of dress, plus I like that it was her Grandmother's dress.
More later ....
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Another Baseball #Sweepstakes
Take that Goya
Speaking of food, I have decided to try to start cooking again. I haven't cooked-cooked in years. I can open a can, a frozen dinner, make a sandwich or cereal. Occasionally, I get on a breakfast craving and have eggs and bacon and Bisquick biscuits - that's cooking for me.
With the cost of groceries rising as well as my blood sugar levels, I decided to see if I could make a change in my habits. I will say on my own behalf that if you had to figure out 30 carbs and 15 protein with each meal you ate - you would hate the thought of fixing a meal too.
Anyway, I ordered a new crockpot and a couple of crockpot cookbooks and I will see how it goes. If you've ever cooked for one you know how boring it is and the amount of fresh food that can be wasted.
I never was a great cook or an imaginative cook or even really enjoyed cooking. So this will be a Pandemic as well as healthy/wealthy attempt at finding something to do. Wish me luck. Hahaha.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Telescope #Sweepstakes
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Baseball #Sweepstakes
It's a Heat Wave
I saw this funny somewhere. It is not Buddy but looks just like him. I may ask the Artist Grand Girl to make some faces for me.
I'm still hearing bits about not letting the Republican Convention come here. Some people are really mad at the Mayor and others agree that it should not happen. I saw the Prez had a face mask on at the Walter Reed Hospital. Thank you big dummy.
The Texas Governor is threatening serious lockdown/facemask/whatever if we don't get the new virus to calm down. And then there is the idiot in Florida who wants school children back in school. I know a couple of mothers who would go for that. Hahaha. It does seem that children don't catch if very often but we are seeing more young adults/teens who are catching it now.
Here is my latest rock. The colors came out really well and I'm pleased. I wonder if I can start a business like the Pet Rock phase, only call it the Pandemic Rock. Hahaha.
I've spent a lot of time entering giveaways. I won another giveaway from a Chakra Incense company. They emailed me that my prize is on the way. I remember it included Essential Oil and Incense but I don't remember the other two things. It will be fun to see.
It seems like I haven't seen a real person, except for the grocery store, in so long. I talked to my sister and my best friend for about an hour each. My sister thought she had a version of COVID because she slept for about 5 days straight. Several other people she works with got the same thing. Have you heard of anyone reacting like that? I have been worried about her because she had the breast cancer/radiation that they caught early. But she is keeping in touch with all her doctors and has had her meds changed in case that was it.
I am back to watching documentaries for lack of anything better. I watched one on this Japanese military guy who they say really started the whole Japanese aggression a good while before WWII. It was really interesting to see the films from the pre-WWII era to the end. I also watched a separate one on the fight for Burma. That was incredible what they went through. These types of documentaries should really be shown to the high school students. It makes such a difference over what you read in a history book.
I know, I'm strange. It's my parent's fault. My Dad loved being a Marine and we watched every war movie with him. What little girl didn't want to sit beside Dad and watch movies. My Mom loved PBS and Documentaries. And remember, this was in the days of 1 TV in the house.
My daughter and her girlfriend were supposed to get married next month. She said she called the Courthouse to check on the marriage license since the Governor was closing things down. She was to call and make an appointment to get the license and then they will just go to the JP. She had intended to have an outside wedding at the Church but it's locked up. She was told they could only have 6 people at the JP wedding. That takes the pressure off me. They will have a big party when things are back to normal. I'm afraid they will have a lot of time to save up.
More later. ..
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Shirley Valentine and the Republican Convention
I doubt I would jump on a flight to Greece for a two-week adventure even if I did win it free. I enter contests for travel. Mostly here in the US but some European trips as well. I suppose I would go but would probably take the cash option if offered.
I received my little prize from the (CBD) Brothers Apothecary. I have not tried the tea yet but I ordered some capsules that promote deeper sleep. The pills contain Valerian, Chamomile, Melatonin, and Skull Cap. I took one last night at about 9:00 pm. I thought it might take up to an hour to kick in but I started yawning about 9:30. I went to bed and listened to my book for a while. My Fitbit said I went to sleep at 10:54 pm. I woke at 8:30 but was still tired so I listened to my book for a little while and fell back asleep until noon.
I often wake up too tired to get up so I'm not sure if this was the effect of the pill or my natural body response. I think I'll try another one tonight just to see if it makes me sleep an extra long time again. If so, I'll know to try it when I have those sleepless nights and stay up until 8:00 in the morning.
We had to cancel the Grand Son's 21st birthday party. We made plans the week before when they announced the reopening of Texas only to close it again. I really hated to miss celebrating this special birthday with my favorite person in the whole world but I read a news comment about a family holding a party for grandparents. The host had the virus and didn't know and infected many family members including the grandpa who is hospitalized and not doing well.
I'm glad I saw the Grand Girls the week before because I would not have let them come over this week and I would have missed them for another long, long while. They had expected to reopen schools in August but I imagine that will not happen.
I don't know where my brain has been but I just heard they are planning to hold the Republican convention in Houston. Not No but Hell No. That's all we need to have a bunch of outer towners running around mixing their virus germs with our virus germs. That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard but then my check comes every week. I'm not sure how I would feel if I was losing everything like so many people.
There is a difference between what you do out of necessity for your family and a high faluting vacation starring the Orange Cheeto. Bah Humbug.
More later ....
Thursday, June 25, 2020
The Big Texas Race to the most infected
Having said that, I took a risk and the Grand Girls came over and spent the night. It was the youngest's 7th birthday and I passed on her party but allowed them to come over. It rained off and on so we didn't really get any fun walks or nature collections. I had also charged all the cameras and we were going to do a photo safari but that got rained out. We collected rocks to wash and paint but they didn't have time to dry out after washing because of the rain on the porch. I think the Girls would be happy to get back to school. They are supposed to open in August but who knows.t
Buddy is better. It turns out that it was his front leg that was hurting him. Sometimes when he first gets up he has a little bit of a limp - kind of like I do. I wonder if he is copying me.
My oldest Grandchild, Shaun, is turning 21 today. When he was young his father lived near me and we spent a lot of time together. I was thinking about how long I yearned to be 21, to be grown up - so nobody could tell me what to do. Yeah, right. Luckily he is not so head-strong.
Oh, and I won Second Place in another contest. It was from the Brothers Apothecary and has something to do with CBD. I won some tea and Wildflower infused honey. I have no idea what I'm getting but I ordered some evening relaxation pills out of appreciation. Hahaha. I don't think they'll make me high. I don't know what is legal in Texas so it is all going to be a surprise. I'll let you know.
More later .....
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Summer in the Sun
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Just a Share
This throwback of Dianna Ross and the Supremes is from a Post about her Christmas playlist. How many of you had the record player in a case. I sure did.
More later ....
Monday, June 15, 2020
This, That and the Other
I also won 3rd place on Gardentowersproject.com. My prize was $100 off a Garden Tower (see picture below). Unfortunately, the Garden Towers run about $300 so the balance was beyond my means so I had to pass. My wins amounts to an hourly rate of about 02 cents an hour for my invested time! Ha.
I got a coupon from the place where I get my oil changed but I doubt I've driven 50 miles since this virus started. I've topped off my gas once just to use the gas coupon you get from Kroger. I need to top it off again just in case I have to run from the zombies or any other virus that might attack us. Hahaha.
I can't think of anything else I can share. Life is so dreadfully mundane - and that's not too bad.
More later ....
Friday, May 1, 2020
Lost my Blogging Mojo
I locked my keys in the car this week. There was quite a panic on my part. I was about ready to break either a car window or a house window. I had a spare car key in the house but I did not have a house key stashed outside. I've ordered a hide-a-key for the car and I have a stash place on the porch now.
I also had the unfortunate timing to get locked out of my apartment on a day the office was closed. They are only open on Tuesday and Thursday except for special requested maintenance. I called the answering service to see if he might be on the complex but they couldn't find him. Another reason to panic over the keys I could see lying in the driver's seat.
I was rescued by a young policeman who stopped to mark a broken down car parked out front. I asked him if he could help but he did not have any equipment. He said he would see if a wreck was nearby that they would normally lend a hand (at that point I would have been glad to pay). He ended up finding another police car who came by and did the trick. The second set of police had two officers. The second young officer was so nice but the other seemed a little put out. In fact, he told me it would have cost me $60 for a tow driver to unlock.
I didn't tell him that I let my AAA expire in January as I had never used it for several years. Will definitely renew when my check comes in May.
More later ...
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Answering Machines
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Not a lot to say.
Anyway, glad to support a home-store. The masks I bought are made of white dotted cotton and have a pocket for inserts. I bought 2 and figured I could wash them in the sink with lots of bleach and the white material wouldn't fade much. Speaking of, I guess I need to order more bleach. I keep it on hand for cleaning but only buy the smallish bottles. If I can find a large one, it won't go bad if this "thing" should happen to end before the bleach does.
Life has been so boring. I signed on for a free week of Starz and watched Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. I had wanted to see it but had negative feelings about the fact they used the Sharon Tate murder story. Turns out, I loved the ending and wish it had been true for that poor group of friends.
I have washed so much TV that I may never watch it again after we are released. I have watched parts of the worst programs I've ever seen on Netflix and Amazon Prime. The fact that they cancel shows I love and spend the money making these awful programs astounds me. I know there are all kinds of different tastes out there but I have to seriously worry about the people that like some of these programs. Hahaha. They'd probably laugh at my choices too.
Other than the need to make a grocery trip, everything is fine. My sleep is back to rotating around the clock. No problem. It's not like it prevents me from going anywhere. Buddy and I take our two walks a day. No long walks. Only had one person walk next to me on the sidewalk and she was talking on her phone and probably (hopefully) didn't realize she wasn't distancing. I usually go to the street (luckily we have those extra-wide streets with bike lanes) if I see someone else on the sidewalk and they do not look like they are going to distance themself. Since she was coming up behind me I expected her to move to the street. Ha. I wish I could teach Buddy to growl on command.
More later ...
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
So, what's new?
The weather has been very pleasant and my walking numbers are up. Buddy has been hanging out on the balcony and we are working on "no barking" but I think he is bored too.
Our meal delivery only lasted four days. I think their volunteers probably petered out. I only got one meal out of it because of my insulin timing and it was roasted drumstick and potato with orange slices. Tasted so nice. I really appreciated it since I don't cook anymore and can't go out to restaurants now. I did hear about two local restaurants that were still serving but I just don't see the sense in risking that - says the woman who went out for chocolate.
My oldest Grand Girl made me sign on to something called Marco Polo. It is a chat line. I usually send her pictures and texts to her phone anyway but this way it records a little video, I think, and you talk or send videos back and forth like a CB (remember those?). So I've sent pictures of Buddy playing and the fish swimming. They are not really at the conversation stage or so I thought until Grand Girl said she had a friend waiting to Chat so she would talk to me later. I am being dragged into the future whether I want to or not.
I don't have any masks and don't have a sewing machine to make one but decided if I do need one I am going to cut up a puppy pad the size of a bandana and wear it. I mean if nothing leaks through to my floor then it ought to protect me from an airborne virus.
More later. ....
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Some Pleasant News
Then yesterday we got a notice that the organization supporting our apartments would be providing lunch for an undetermined time on Monday through Friday from 11 to 12 at one of the large patio areas.
The area has tables, chairs and couches that were spread out to allow for social distancing. I arrived at 11:00 and a few neighbors were already there. Our craft counselor who works for the organization and was organizing the event told us that the food was delayed because they had such a large turn out at all the locations they support.
I talked to a couple of my neighbors and then decided I would walk Buddy and come back. When I came back lunch had still not arrived but I had to go home and eat because I had already taken my insulin.
I know some of the people living here (55+ community) have health problems and some don't have cars.
For some, this may be the one good meal they have. I thought this was so kind in this time of unpleasantness.
PS I have worn the new shirts I bought. I look really good watching TV. Hahaha.
More later....
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Grocery Shopping
I was able to get toilet paper and paper towels but some of the strangest things were out. I only eat the solid white albacore tuna and there was none, but there was regular tuna so I got what I could get. I eat a lot of tuna for my protein so the better quality is important.
It went on like that. I eat specific food over and over to keep my sugar level and to make it easier to keep my cabinet stocked. Here were some surprises.
Peanut Butter. I only eat Jiff Crunchy. None. I was that much surprised since that is a Hurricane basic but there were other brands of Creamy available. I didn't realize Jiff Crunchy was a favorite.
Cereal. When I eat cereal I usually eat Honey Nut Cheerios. None on the shelf. Regular Cheerios and thousands of other brands - shelves were quite full - so I had to go for the knock-off Honey Nuts in a bag. You know the kind I mean?
Milk. I don't drink a lot of milk but when I do I drink 2%. So, there was whole milk and 1% milk so I got the 1% to go with my fake Honey Nuts.
I got two small bags of dog food but forgot puppy pads. Duh. I plan on walking a lot more but they are a necessity. Always out for emergency needs. No. 1 item on my next trip.
I bought Boost Glucose Control for sudden drops in sugar. I usually drink Rich Chocolate which is palatable. I bought two cartons but ended up with 1 Vanilla. Yuck. It may turn out to be ok but I generally don't like Vanilla drinks. Oh well, time to learn.
I needed garbage bags. I usually buy Kroger brand with the pull string which holds up pretty well. Not today. I picked up the kind where you tie the flaps. They may work just fine but I'm frustrated that in my haste to get through the store I ended up buying some of the wrong items.
I spent more than I have ever spent in my life but I do not feel that I took more than I should. I have heard that a few stores are having the first hour of the day for seniors only. I think that is nice but I haven't heard Kroger is doing that. I did see that the reduced hours are 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Very reasonable for working people I think.
I did talk to a couple of neighbors yesterday. It seems we have all got cabin fever. The schools are closed so the traffic is reduced significantly. I've seen a lot of dog walkers I've never seen before. I wonder if some of those people are working at home now.
I looked at paperbacks in the grocery store but I have used the library for so long that I had sticker shock.
Did you see this meme. So funny.
More later.....