My phone says it is 46° in Houston. I had the best sleep last night rolled up like a mummy. To toast the cool weather here are a couple of pictures of a guy who really knows how to sleep. Buddy.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Saturday, March 5, 2022
Gluten-Free Contest
This one is for you gluten-free friends. This sight has quite a few contests for gluten-free foods. I don't use gluten-free products so I don't enter, but judge for yourself if it interests you.
( 2 Winners ) Two lucky winners will receive either:
1) A quarterly shipment of 4.5lbs of our all-purpose flour. The first shipment will include 1 dozen snack size coffee cakes. Retail value of $124+ shipping.
2) A quarterly shipment of 1/2 dozen coffee cakes and 1/2 dozen brownies. Total retail value $186.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Football Draft Pick
Football is not my sport, but I know my son would love this, so I entered. I did not read the rules yet, but some contests tell you that the win cannot be transferred and there are others that allow you to take a reduced amount as a cash payout. If neither of these options were available to me, I would probably pas on the win, and they would pick another winner. Again, don't forget you may owe taxes on large wins like this. If you look to the Hits below you will see that 1224 have already entered from this site since Feb. 23. It is hard to win the big ones but somebody does.
For a chance to win enter the Dallas Cowboys Make Liberty Tax Your #1 Draft Pick Sweepstakes. There will be one (1) grand prize package (the “Grand Prize”) consisting of two (2) tickets to the 2022 NFL Draft; roundtrip domestic airfare for two (2); one (1) night hotel stay, double occupancy; and transportation to and from the 2022 NFL Draft. The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of the Grand Prize is four thousand five hundred U.S. dollars ($4,500.00). Enter to win the Dallas Cowboys Make Liberty Tax Your #1 Draft Pick Sweepstakes today and go to Las Vegas!
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Heavy Metal/Punk Rock Contest
Heavy Metal and Punk Rock are not my genre but for those still love it, here's a contest that may interest you. IHeartRadio has lots of sponsored contests. Some I enter but most I don't. Hahaha
For a chance to win enter the iHeart The Stadium Tour Sweepstakes. One (1) Grand Prize: For winner and one (1) eligible guest.
Domestic roundtrip airfare for winner and one (1) eligible guest between the major metropolitan airport nearest prize winner’s primary residence and (in the event of any dispute, airport shall be as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion) to destination airport of Miami, Florida.
2 front row tickets to June 18, 2022 show at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
2-night hotel stay (one room/standard double occupancy).
Meet & Greet with Def Leppard.
Meet & Greet with Motley Crue.
Meet & Greet with Poison.
Exclusive tour merch package.
Prize provided by Live Nation.
Approximate Retail Value of the iHeartRadio Sweepstakes (“ARV”): $3,000.00.
Monday, February 28, 2022
Another Sweepstakes Example
This sweep comes from Omaze.com . This site offers fantastic sweepstakes as a draw for contributing to various good causes. It also allows you to enter the sweep without contribution. From the research I've done this is a legitimate sight although their "administration" fee to the charity might be heafty. I don't know. But I do know from my sweepstakes newsletter that there have been wins through both the donation and free entries. This is part of the email I received today:
The total number of entries you are allowed is 6,000. So, between free and/or donation entries, 6,000 entry points is all anyone can have.
And no, I have not won - YET.
More later ...
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Sweepstakes Example
I saw this contest today and thought it was a good example of a nice sweeps that I wouldn't enter.
The main reason I wouldn't enter this contest is that, even though I would love to have a fancy-smancy closet, since I live in an apartment it would not be something I could take with me. Certainly, I could walk away and leave the closet fixings, like I do when I install curtain rods over windows, I would still have to pay taxes on the $10,000 worth of accessories and workmanship. You have to be careful about which contests you enter because of taxes.
The Maurices Ultimate Closet Refresh Contest prize consists of and is limited to (i) a professional closet reorganization from The Home Edit in an amount up to $10,000 (date, time, manner of completion, design, materials and personnel utilized, and other items, are all as determined by Sponsor or its designees (including The Home Edit) in their sole discretion); closet reorganization in anticipated to occur during March, 2022, and (ii) a shopping spree trip to Nashville, Tennessee, which consists of and is limited to (A) round-trip coach airfare for winner between the major metropolitan airport nearest to prize winner’s primary residence. The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of the prize is fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Dumb things I do
My grandson informed me that I talk out loud while I am typing. Since he said that I have caught myself a few times. When did this start? Why did it start?
On the other hand, I was very interested to read what Jean had to say about reading aloud. I'm going to start doing this. I talk so little I'm sure I sound faint and weak. Or, I could just start annoying the hell out of people standing in line near me. Hahaha. Nope, won't do that. They may breathe cooties on me.
Maybe, reading out loud while blogging will add to my 20 minutes needed.
Buddy totally approves of the weather lately. Several afternoon siestas have been scheduled in the warm sun.
I had a terrible week last week with medical issues. I had to get another c-peptide blood test. Essentially, it proves that you have Type 1 diabetes as opposed to Type 2. Medicare requires this for the insulin pump. Like someone would lie and want to have an insulin pump when they didn't need it. Ha.
Turns out I had to retake the test because my blood sugar was too high when I took it last time. Hello? So, I retook the test while fasting, again. They had to stick me three times to get the blood. I have rotten veins and especially after I have been denied my morning coffee. My arms are useless so they have to take it from the top of my hand.
I got my results back and I was three points over what the high mark again. She hasn't called me to tell me if I have to retake the test again. I am seriously thinking about giving up on the pump.
The doctor changed my insulin dosage from a certain amount with each meal to counting carbs and basing my insulin intake on that. Brother, give a girl a break.
That's all for now ...
Sunday, February 6, 2022
Watching 1883
I just discarded the last three unfinished posts which is why you haven't heard from me in a while. That and the cold ...
I know Margaret's laughing at me, as well as the rest of you Yankees, but it has been downright chilly. We've had a few days of <40, and the Buddy walks have had me looking like the Pillsbury Dough Boy while all bundled up.
So, I've been contesting and watching TV. Has anybody else been watching 1883 with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Sam Elliott. It is a Western on Paramount+. In case you don't know how they are, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are a real-life married couple who are country/western singers.
We get Paramount+ on Amazon Prime as a paid add-on. Growing up in the 1950s, television was all about the western (and Disney on Sunday night). I still like a good western which I watch from time to time on Pluto's western channel.
Does anyone else watch 1883? McGraw and Hill are fairly good actors considering they are singers. Tim McGraw is coming to the Houston Rodeo this year. I'd like to go and see him (even though I am not up on country western, or any other singers), but I guess that would be dumb to be in a crowd like that.
I keep a selection of shows from different channels that I can watch/listen to while on the computer. CSI (Vegas, the original) is another one I can watch and contest at the same time. I also like the new CSI:Vegas which they brought back with a few of the original actors. I don't know if it will continue. I've seen something about the originals not wanting to continue with the project.
Friday, January 7, 2022
I didn't realize I haven't posted since that dark cloud was over my life. I'm glad to say it finally dissipated in time for me to get one heck of a cold/virus.
My Grandson and I both got it from my daughter whose step-son had it. Dang. I should have stayed in lockdown but since Grandson is working at Olive Garden and bringing home all kind of bugs, I imagine, I thought I could sneak through. No luck.
He and I have been locked in this house, so to speak, since Christmas Day when it started with a sore throat, and I had to cancel Christmas Celebration with Grand Girls. So, we rescheduled for New Year's but no, we were worse by then.
Today I got up and made myself go to grocery store. Even though I have been walking Buddy throughout most of this, I still needed to build up my strength.
So, I'm glad to let you know that dark cloud did not suck me up like a tornado and send me to the of Land of Oz. Hahaha. Maybe this virus really was a bad trip to Oz.
Other than that, Buddy also got sick. He had this huge knot in his neck gland. Luckily it started going down pretty quick. He didn't eat for about two days when it started so I was giving him all kind of fruit and baby aspirin to help his sore throat. He did loose a little and weight and looks really good. I wish I could miss eating for two days and be back to my fighting weight. Yeah, man.
Got word that the Son and girlfriend are getting married in Las Vegas on 02/22/2022. I don't think I'll be going. The exposure to Covid or other bugs is too great for me. Thank goodness for videos. They don't have live stream, but we will get to see the video.
In other news, I got an early Christmas gift from my other DIL. Socks with a real picture of Buddy, not just a chihuahua in general. How cute!
Perfect present for me.
The new and improved Buddy.
More later ....
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Hello Again
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
A Couple of Wins
I was notified Monday that I won a Planters Peanut Nutstologia Gift Box worth $200. It did not say what was in it but I assume, other than a large can of Planters Peanuts, something like a baseball hat with PP emblem or possibly a stuffed Mr. Peanut. Since it is a take on nostalgia, who knows.
The second prize was a bit unusual. Buddy won a photo contest and a $100 Visa card from BarkWiki. Not too bad, Buddy.
My poor cut finger is still killing me. Yes, Shirley, I should have gotten that tetanus shot. You know that kind of stuff worries me. Because the cut was across the first bend/knuckle, every bend bothers it. And, since this is a major contest time, I am doing my best to enter without using that finger.
More later ...
Friday, December 3, 2021
A Small Injury
This will be a short post as I have injured my right index finger and it is very hard to type without it.
Of course, Buddy had to check out the smell of blood and bandage and ointment on the hand meant for scratching him.
How did I manage to be so clumsy? I slammed the iron gate to the front mailbox center on my finger. Not sure how I managed that but I did.
The cut is short but right at the first bend so I tried to apply plenty of bandages to remind me not to bend it and open the cut. There is also a nice bruise on the other side of my finger.
I think I could have used a stitch or two but I just couldn't muster a visit to a medical quick stop as I don't have a regular physician, just my endocrinologist.
As a diabetic, I am particularly careful about injuries. My diabetic BIL has had some awful happenings to his feet and I don't want anything cut out or off.
Long story short, I won't be typing comments for a short while but I will be reading, so keep me informed.
More later ...
Saturday, November 27, 2021
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Comparison of Old and New Apartments
First of all, this apartment is on the ground floor. Some seniors like the second floor because they think it is safer from break-ins. I haven't had any fear about that. After all, I have the guard dog, Buddy, that can hear a leaf drop. Like me, however, he might not always have good hearing so those window clips are in place.
I love walking straight out the door and not down two flights. The last house I owned was a rancher and I think if I bought another house, which I will not, it would be one level.
Handrails in the bathroom. I really do miss having them. I only used them for their intended purpose once and that was the time my knees just would not lift me out of the bathtub so I used the slanted handrail to wrench myself up hand over hand. I think they are worth the money, or if you are of the opinion, the unsightliness.
I love my patio which is larger than my balcony at the old place. No more moving plants in and out. I'm going to have my son staple heavy plastic around the frame when it gets cold - which is only three days in Texas. I do miss having a yard though. I think yard work was my only physical workout. After the kids were out of the house I would change into my garden clothes when I got home from work and dig and rake and plan to my heart's content. I've always been attracted to nature whether walking or photographing. The weather is just right for both now. So I think I would lean toward having a yard with the hope that I could just hire a lawn boy when the time came.
Speaking of walking, Buddy and I do quite a bit of walking around the complex. We have our little trails we follow and he trots ahead of me with the pleasure of a plantation owner. But we try different routes also. He is starting to get used to having different people than the seniors at our old place. Like his owner, he is not big on new people. It is interesting to see him when he thinks he knows somebody. Ears down and tail-a-wagging he goes running to meet them.
Parking is fairly decent. There are three parking spaces very near my apartment and that is so nice to bring in the groceries. Beats the heavy bags and two flights of stairs.
Only the bedroom is carpeted here. The vinyl flooring is nice but I forgot how much Buddy sheds. I am kind of grossed-out thinking how much dog hair must have been in my old carpeted apartment. I have a few rubber-backed throw rugs by the doors now but the larger room rugs I purchased are too slippery - and yes I did forget to get the non-slip backing. So rugs are on hold for now. If the floors get too cold this winter I may reconsider.
My kitchen cabinets are too high, as most are for me. What is the answer to that? Not too high but not too low so I have to bender over and dig in the back. Luckily I do not cook a lot so do not have much that I have to stand on the stool to reach.
Since I fell again the other day while standing on the couch and nailing pictures up, I have come to accept that my days standing on ladders and couches are over. I feel sure that kitchens will be redesigned for seniors in the coming years.
So no to stairs, yes to lawn. Yes to bathroom handrails, no to slippery rugs. Door knobs, not sure yet. I've always had a lot of lamps but now they are all on. All things I never took into consideration before.
More later ...
Friday, October 29, 2021
I'm so excited - Chocolate Time
I am feeling so happy and contented that I'm scaring myself. Hahaha. It is probably the Serotonin from the chocolate I've been sneaking.
Another new thing Bud is doing. Sticking his tongue out, just barely. He has never done this before and only started in recently. Anybody had this experience - with their dog, I mean.
In keeping with the Halloween theme. This is my daughter's step-son several years ago. I thought it was perfect.
More later ...
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Old Dog - New Tricks
Buddy has taught himself a new trick. I heard him whinning this morning and I couldn't see him from my post in my chair. Finally got up and he was sitting by the front door and wanted out. Yes mam, I got my walking shoes on and off we went. At the old apartment, he would wait by the kitchen door until I had some coffee and whine till he got his breakfast Beggin' Strip. What is confusing is when he sits at my feet and whines. Breakfast or walk? I ask him and he just licks his lips in reply. I think that means either.
Happenings: I got an email from Mary Jane Kolassas explaining the "Pros and Cons of Retiring in a Nudist Community." I haven't read it yet. The laughter tears makes the print too blurry.
Other Events: I put a sheet on my new/old chair because Buddy seemed to like sitting in it.
More later ...
Friday, October 22, 2021
Doctor's Visit and Dexcom Download
I had to drive across town to my doctor's office to pick up my the insulin that had come in from the drug manufacturer. I was just there on Tuesday for my regular visit but I won't complain when the price is free. Thank you and I'm glad to make the drive.
Tuesday's doctor visit was the first visit since I got my Dexcom. The purpose of the Dexcom is to share the data the it collects with the doctor's office so she can keep a closer look on my numbers and when and why they change. We had a little trouble getting the data to down load while I was there so I spent the next morning on the phone with a Dexcom tech setting up my laptop to dispense the data.
I don't know if the phone app or the laptop started downloading but they got my info and she gave me a bunch of suggestions. (Insert: Head spinning) She has started the process for ordering my insulin pump and said they were supposed to call me. Oops, I'm not in the habit of answering my phone unless the ring tune is set to a song assigned to one of my (few) callers. If it rings my general ring tone I just let it go to voice mail.
Have you or your dear one been receiving 20 calls a day about Medicare registration. Dang. Give me a break.
Speaking of which I have decided to downgrade my drug policy with the same company SilverScript/Aetna. Since I am getting my insulin which was the big expense, from the manufacturer, I will not be spending that $100+ a month. So I have changed from $70 a month with no deductible to $7 a month with a nearly $500 deductible.
My plan is that if the drug company was to drop me or the program, I would be back to old school purchases of $100+ a month. I'd rather take a beating than try to understand the drug policies. I'm not sure when this happened. I used to be the go-to person in my family if you have some tech issue or need research issue. Don't know when I lost it. Kinda sad.
On my drive from the doctor's office, I stopped by the new apartments they are building that my old Manger will run. They are in a good location so we will see what happens when the time comes up. On my Tuesday visit to the doctor, I went by my old apartments and had coffee with my friend that lived next door.
I've realized since I've moved that I miss those old folks. Lady dog walkers like me. Couple of old guys I would stop and chat with. I don't think I ever made friends with neighbors like I did with these. I'm not much of a friendly person or social butterfly but I'm glad to know I can still make friends.
I have a new library that's very nice, can't wait to take the Grand Girls. I forgot to ask if they have a meeting room and if it is open for use again. My old library had closed their meeting room. I hope to try again with the Online Contest Club to share my knowledge and love of computer sweepstakes.
More later ...
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Not a lot to share. I'm at the stage where I have to leave things sit for a little while to see if it is going to stay where I put them. I was trying to hang a picture and fell off the couch, bounced off the coffee table and hit my head with a good smack on the floor. I lay there, made sure I was ok but gave up hanging pictures. I need a couple of nails on the patio for hanging baskets and one picture that I will probably hang by the time someone comes over to help. Yes, I've learned my lesson.
Buddy is really enjoying the floors. He is dragging his blankets all over the place and burying his bones here, there and everywhere.
I've found my way around to several really nice shopping centers. This old area I live in is surrounded my nice beautiful home so after I get off my street I really enjoy going places. I went to my third and nicest Kroger today. I also found the branch of my Bank is the same center. Going home though, I missed my turn but I knew another way to get home.
The Grand Girls may come over this weekend. I feel bad for my son because it is probably an hour drive one-way if he doesn't use the toll road.
I went to my endocrinologist yesterday and she was happy with me except we couldn't get the Dexcom G6 to download all of my information, just a month's worth. She is going to start working on the insulin pump order now.
I'm feeling peaceful about this move. However, my former next door neighbor told me that our old apartment manager is going to work for a new complex being built that is regular and senior apartments. I don't know anything about them except they will be in the old neighborhood, more or less.
I figured I'd get on the list and decide when the time comes if I want to go.
More later ...
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
A Hot Tub and a Hot Toddy and I will be fine
I told you my Chromebook died the week of the move. That was awful. Like when you put your car in the shop and you keep having the urge to go somewhere just because you can't. Luckily, I could read my email on my phone - I'm beginning to feel like we are way past the Jetson's, except for the flying cars.
I bought a new HP Windows laptop. This old dog is learning new tricks or reviving old ones with Windows. The purchase was kind of a reckless decision on my part. I walked into Target for something I needed for the new apartment and as I walked past the electronics I just made the decision I needed a new laptop and I needed it now. Usually I research a purchase like that to death. Luck is on my side, I am quite pleased with the new HP.
Did I tell you I knocked the big TV over and now it has lines and stripes across the screen. I've still been watching it because I'm so tired in the evenings, I'm not really paying attention so who cares if there are lines. I did get my smaller TV out and started reloading my favorite channels. I hate user names and passwords. I really want one for e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.
I have only one more box to unpack. Yahoo. However, I will be culling out all the boxes and tubs we put on my closet shelf. The storage around here is almost non-existent. I don't have room for my kitchen items and I don't even have that many. Good thing I don't cook.
I think I will feel like I really live here when I try to enter a room and know where the light switch is. I'm still scratching empty walls.
I did get most of the money promised from the Old Apartment Management. By the last day, I thought the old Manager was going to cry. Apparently she was as stressed by the Old Managements lack of organization as I was. Anyway, I got the dog deposit. Can I say it again $400. You'd think I was keeping an elephant in my apartment for that money. The Old Management also gave me the prorated rent for October at the new place and $1000 for the deposit. Now they have a strange deposit policy here. You can pay $1,000 as a refundable deposit or you can pay $20 extra a month for no deposit/no refund. So I applied the $1000 to my November rent so now I won't be paying rent out of my pocket until December. The Old Management is supposed to mail me the balance of the payout which is about $325. Hopefully they will but I feel good about what they have done without it.
Most importantly, Buddy also got a new leash.
More later ...
Monday, October 11, 2021
I'm sooooo tired
The good news is that I am here. The week of the move and the actual move were full of trials and tribulations. The worst was (1) my laptop died, (2) Buddy's retractable leash died and (3) the new apartment management was just starting the make-ready of my new apartment about 30 minutes before the truck arrived. I had to threaten to have all my possessions deposited on the grass if they did not let me move in as is.
I was shown a supposedly comparable apartment when I toured the complex but my apartment is so different from it. In fact, it is much cuter which was a pleasant surprise. Buddy loves the cool flooring.
I am downstairs, which I love, but on our walks Buddy keeps trying to go up the stairs like at our old apartment. I have lovely views out my windows and, of course, I set my patio up first.
I'm very happy I made the move and I will tell you more of the stories later on.
Until then ...