After missing three days of exercise this week, I was anxious to get on the treadmill this morning. I'm always more energized after a workout.
Once I was ready for the day, Hubbie and I went to the greeting card shop, where I picked up a retirement card for our Extension Services agent, who will be honored at a party next week before she leaves the job in January. We Extension Homemakers members will really miss this special lady, who has been so helpful to our organization. She is a relatively young woman, only in her 50s, but she needs to stay home and take care of her mother, who is in ill health and needs constant attention.
From the card shop, we went to the WDCS to shop for groceries and incidentals for Thanksgiving. While I was there, I picked up what I thought was a cheap pair of glasses to use with my new laptop. There was no price listed on the glasses, but I figured they'd be no more than $5, so I was surprised when the clerk rang them up at nearly $20! I went ahead and paid for them, but I'll be taking them back for a refund on my next trip.
It was nearly noon by the time we got back home from shopping. At 1:30 p.m., Mother and I went to a jewelry party, held by one of the Master Gardeners, who sells a variety of pieces, including some that she makes herself.
A small group gathered in her living room, where the host led us in games of Bingo for jewelry prizes. I won two games and chose a diamond-like circle on a silver chain for myself, and then let Mother choose a prize for my second win. She doesn't wear jewelry, so she chose a chunk of sparkling amethyst rock to set in her kitchen window.
I also bought a pair of very pretty, brown, cat's eyes earrings that will work well with a blown glass pendant piece that Hubbie gave me.
The hostess served a tasty pumpkin/cranberry bread, snack crackers topped with cream cheese and sliced fresh strawberries, and fresh veggies and dip, and punch to drink, served in a very pretty, small punch bowl that she said she got at a local antique shop.
The hostess also provided a radio, and from time-to-time, we listened for the score of our state's favorite college football team. At home, Hubbie and I continued listening to the nail-biter game that ended in a heart-breaking loss for our team.
Before Mother and I came home, we stopped by a wholesale store, where I found a pair of glasses for $1.97. I won't make a fashion statement in them, but they are just fine to use with my laptop.
For supper tonight, Mother fixed a very tasty turkey noodle soup, fashioned after a recipe she saw on a TV morning show. Here's her version:
Turkey Noodle Soup
1 lb. ground turkey (the original recipe calls for leftover cooked turkey)
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove chopped (she used the equivalent of garlic in a jar)
1 quart-size box low-sodium chicken broth, (or two cans of broth)
1 and 1/2 cups uncooked noodles
1 can carrots, drained and rinsed
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed (original recipe doesn't drain the beans)
1 tsp. thyme
Saute' turkey until meat turns white; add onion and garlic and saute' until onions are translucent. Add broth, noodles, carrots, beans, and thyme. Cook until noodles are done.
This soup was very satisfying, served with grilled Swiss cheese sandwiches.
Later, Hubbie and I listened to the radio, as our favorite college basketball team played in another nail-biter that also ended in a loss.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, Nov. 21
I skipped water aerobics this morning, in favor of traveling with Hubbie to another town to buy a laptop computer. I've been mulling over my options for a long time, and decided to bite the bullet today and get one. Hubbie offered to pay half of the cost, which was enough incentive to make me ready to purchase.
I bought the model recommended by my computer guy, who also owns the store that sells them, and who willingly helps me when I run into problems...often without extra charges to me. Today, he knocked $50 off the price of the computer, and traveled to my house to set up the wireless router without charge.
At the store, I learned that the computer guy's wife is pregnant with her third child. Several years ago, when I was a job placement specialist for disabled people (a state agency job), I worked with this 30-something lady.
Back home, Mother and I began tasks related to having a houseful of family for Thanksgiving...ironing a stack of table clothes, getting out serving dishes and platters, making a shopping list of groceries and incidentals, moving furniture around to make space for dining tables, etc.
And, of course, I began the process of getting acquainted with my new laptop.
I bought the model recommended by my computer guy, who also owns the store that sells them, and who willingly helps me when I run into problems...often without extra charges to me. Today, he knocked $50 off the price of the computer, and traveled to my house to set up the wireless router without charge.
At the store, I learned that the computer guy's wife is pregnant with her third child. Several years ago, when I was a job placement specialist for disabled people (a state agency job), I worked with this 30-something lady.
Back home, Mother and I began tasks related to having a houseful of family for Thanksgiving...ironing a stack of table clothes, getting out serving dishes and platters, making a shopping list of groceries and incidentals, moving furniture around to make space for dining tables, etc.
And, of course, I began the process of getting acquainted with my new laptop.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, Nov. 20
For the second time this week, I skipped my exercises...this time because I had an appointment to have blood work done at 9:45 a.m. Because I couldn't have anything to eat after midnight until after the appointment, I didn't want to make myself even more hungry through exercise.
Fortunately, I didn't sit long in the waiting room before I was called back to the lab. I was out of the clinic before 10 a.m. But then I had to go to the WDCS for a loaf of bread, and a pound of ground meat for making chili. I wanted ground beef, which Hubbie prefers, but the store didn't have 97 percent fat free, so I opted for ground turkey.
Back home, I fixed myself a breakfast of scrambled egg substitute, half a toasted bagel, half a fresh orange and a cup of hot decaf tea for breakfast. Then I put the pot of chili on to simmer for a few hours. This is the same salt-free chili I made for us to take to Branson a couple of weeks ago, which was good on a windy-cold night like tonight.
Since breakfast was so late, I skipped lunch. Mother came over at 12:30, and we went to a 1 p.m. scrapbook club meeting at the Extension Office. We didn't accomplish a lot, but we enjoyed visiting with the other members.
At 5 p.m., Mother and I went to a Weight Watcher's meeting for our monthly weigh-in. Mother's weight stayed the same, but drat it, I gained two pounds. Too many restaurant meals and noshes at community events. So I'll be exerting my willpower over myself until I lose the extra weight.
Back home, Hubbie had heated the chili for our supper. I was ready for a bowl of the steaming stuff, since I was chilled and hungry.
After supper, I made a bowl of sugar-free Jell-o, with mixed fruit and fresh bananas, which was good as a snack later in the evening.
At 7 p.m., we turned on the radio and listened as our favorite college basketball team won over their opponents.
Fortunately, I didn't sit long in the waiting room before I was called back to the lab. I was out of the clinic before 10 a.m. But then I had to go to the WDCS for a loaf of bread, and a pound of ground meat for making chili. I wanted ground beef, which Hubbie prefers, but the store didn't have 97 percent fat free, so I opted for ground turkey.
Back home, I fixed myself a breakfast of scrambled egg substitute, half a toasted bagel, half a fresh orange and a cup of hot decaf tea for breakfast. Then I put the pot of chili on to simmer for a few hours. This is the same salt-free chili I made for us to take to Branson a couple of weeks ago, which was good on a windy-cold night like tonight.
Since breakfast was so late, I skipped lunch. Mother came over at 12:30, and we went to a 1 p.m. scrapbook club meeting at the Extension Office. We didn't accomplish a lot, but we enjoyed visiting with the other members.
At 5 p.m., Mother and I went to a Weight Watcher's meeting for our monthly weigh-in. Mother's weight stayed the same, but drat it, I gained two pounds. Too many restaurant meals and noshes at community events. So I'll be exerting my willpower over myself until I lose the extra weight.
Back home, Hubbie had heated the chili for our supper. I was ready for a bowl of the steaming stuff, since I was chilled and hungry.
After supper, I made a bowl of sugar-free Jell-o, with mixed fruit and fresh bananas, which was good as a snack later in the evening.
At 7 p.m., we turned on the radio and listened as our favorite college basketball team won over their opponents.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wednesday, Nov. 18
The water at the pool was reasonably warm today, making water aerobics pleasant. But I didn't enjoy the icy blast that took my breath away on the walk between the gym and another building. The space between those two buildings forms a wind tunnel that made me yearn for a hat and gloves and something heavier than a denim jacket this morning.
At the pool, I learned that one of the members lost a sister this week, which is all the more sad because she lost another sister just a few months ago, and a third sister is dying of cancer and not expected to live until the new year. My heart goes out to her.
As difficult as losing siblings is, how much more difficult it must be for a member of our scrapbook club (and former member of water aerobics), who is losing a second son to cancer. She is traveling to Los Angeles tomorrow to be him. It has been only five short years since she lost her other son. I can't even imagine the anguish she must be feeling.
The rest of the morning following water aerobics was pretty routine. I called other members of our scrapbook club to remind them of our meeting tomorrow afternoon, and made a list of errands for this afternoon. Then I did this-and-that household chores, while Hubbie peeled turnips to be boiled and put in the freezer, and Mother scrubbed potatoes to boil and cool for making beef hash for supper.
Since I've agreed to lead a gingerbread house workshop for kids in December at the art gallery, I needed to shop for supplies. The workshop isn't until Dec. 13, but our schedule will be pretty tight after Thanksgiving, so I want to get things organized for it ahead of time.
After lunch, Hubbie and I went to the everything's a dollar store, as well as a couple of grocery stores and the WDCS, picking up advertised bargains, as well as supplies for the workshop.
When we got back home, Hubbie took Shih Tzu to the vet for a deep cough she developed yesterday. The vet prescribed an antibiotic. Shih Tzu has always been subject to chronic bronchial problems, but now that she's 14 years old, it's especially worrisome when she gets a malady.
At the pool, I learned that one of the members lost a sister this week, which is all the more sad because she lost another sister just a few months ago, and a third sister is dying of cancer and not expected to live until the new year. My heart goes out to her.
As difficult as losing siblings is, how much more difficult it must be for a member of our scrapbook club (and former member of water aerobics), who is losing a second son to cancer. She is traveling to Los Angeles tomorrow to be him. It has been only five short years since she lost her other son. I can't even imagine the anguish she must be feeling.
The rest of the morning following water aerobics was pretty routine. I called other members of our scrapbook club to remind them of our meeting tomorrow afternoon, and made a list of errands for this afternoon. Then I did this-and-that household chores, while Hubbie peeled turnips to be boiled and put in the freezer, and Mother scrubbed potatoes to boil and cool for making beef hash for supper.
Since I've agreed to lead a gingerbread house workshop for kids in December at the art gallery, I needed to shop for supplies. The workshop isn't until Dec. 13, but our schedule will be pretty tight after Thanksgiving, so I want to get things organized for it ahead of time.
After lunch, Hubbie and I went to the everything's a dollar store, as well as a couple of grocery stores and the WDCS, picking up advertised bargains, as well as supplies for the workshop.
When we got back home, Hubbie took Shih Tzu to the vet for a deep cough she developed yesterday. The vet prescribed an antibiotic. Shih Tzu has always been subject to chronic bronchial problems, but now that she's 14 years old, it's especially worrisome when she gets a malady.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday Outing
Just knowing I needed to get up at 5 a.m. this morning was enough to keep me from falling asleep after we went to bed early last night. It was past midnight when I last checked the clock, and I definitely wasn't ready to crawl out of my warm cocoon before sunrise this morning.
But no matter how organized we try to be the night before a trip, it still takes us two hours to get ready to leave...three hours, if we're going on an RV trip. So we have to rise early on trip days.
At 7 a.m., we headed into the glaring sunrise to take the camper to another town a couple of hours away for heater repair. It was cold this morning, but the truck warmed up quickly, and as we traveled, we enjoyed an audio book...a love saga about three generations of women, called "River of Hidden Dreams," by Connie May Fowler.
Once we'd unhooked the camper at the RV repair business, we stopped by Daughter's house to leave an old computer for Son to break down for parts for repairing other computers.
Then we went shopping at a department store that we don't have in our town, where I found a turquoise sweater and matching turtleneck knit shirt on sale. I got a 15 percent Senior Day discount on the items, and used a gift card to purchase them.
From there, we went to a ladies' intimate apparel shop, where I picked up a free item, using a "no purchase necessary" coupon sent to me in the mail.
Then we met a friend for lunch at a soup and sandwich restaurant. Just as we finished eating, Hubbie's sister and nephew dropped by. They had already eaten lunch, but they spent some time visiting.
About 1:30, we bid goodbye to our friend and family, and went to a discount warehouse store to pick up several food items, particularly fresh fruits. We also got tubs of yummy dates for snacking and baking.
I selected a jar of pickled asparagus, too, that are much lower in sodium than regular pickles. I plan to eat a small portion with Thanksgiving dinner, so I won't feel so deprived of the black olives that I dearly love.
From the warehouse store, we went back to the RV repair shop. The camper was ready, so we hooked up and headed home.
There were lots of hawks perched on utility wires today. I suppose in cold weather, prey like mice are holed up to keep warm, which makes that food source harder for the hawks to catch.
Egrets flew over the shorn and scorched rice fields, too, looking for remaining grain.
We arrived home before sunset, in time for Hubbie to unhook and secure the camper in its customary spot on a gravel pad under the trees.
It was a good day.
But no matter how organized we try to be the night before a trip, it still takes us two hours to get ready to leave...three hours, if we're going on an RV trip. So we have to rise early on trip days.
At 7 a.m., we headed into the glaring sunrise to take the camper to another town a couple of hours away for heater repair. It was cold this morning, but the truck warmed up quickly, and as we traveled, we enjoyed an audio book...a love saga about three generations of women, called "River of Hidden Dreams," by Connie May Fowler.
Once we'd unhooked the camper at the RV repair business, we stopped by Daughter's house to leave an old computer for Son to break down for parts for repairing other computers.
Then we went shopping at a department store that we don't have in our town, where I found a turquoise sweater and matching turtleneck knit shirt on sale. I got a 15 percent Senior Day discount on the items, and used a gift card to purchase them.
From there, we went to a ladies' intimate apparel shop, where I picked up a free item, using a "no purchase necessary" coupon sent to me in the mail.
Then we met a friend for lunch at a soup and sandwich restaurant. Just as we finished eating, Hubbie's sister and nephew dropped by. They had already eaten lunch, but they spent some time visiting.
About 1:30, we bid goodbye to our friend and family, and went to a discount warehouse store to pick up several food items, particularly fresh fruits. We also got tubs of yummy dates for snacking and baking.
I selected a jar of pickled asparagus, too, that are much lower in sodium than regular pickles. I plan to eat a small portion with Thanksgiving dinner, so I won't feel so deprived of the black olives that I dearly love.
From the warehouse store, we went back to the RV repair shop. The camper was ready, so we hooked up and headed home.
There were lots of hawks perched on utility wires today. I suppose in cold weather, prey like mice are holed up to keep warm, which makes that food source harder for the hawks to catch.
Egrets flew over the shorn and scorched rice fields, too, looking for remaining grain.
We arrived home before sunset, in time for Hubbie to unhook and secure the camper in its customary spot on a gravel pad under the trees.
It was a good day.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, Nov. 16
I've had a really busy day today! It started with water aerobics, of course, led by the alternate again.
A member who hasn't attended in a long time returned today. She said her sister's granddaughter was killed in a horrible auto accident at the beginning of the month. The young woman was only 21 years old. I remember seeing her obituary and wondering what had happened to her, though I didn't know she was related to this lady. How sad.
When I got back home, I located a greeting card I made a couple of years ago...a Thanksgiving card using dried, pressed leaves...to send to our regular water aerobics leader. The card has been in a drawer, waiting to be given to a special person, and today it's on it's way to her.
After lunch, Hubbie and I ran errands...including to the hospital, where I visited with the Cardiac Rehab staff, one of whom had called me this morning while I was at water aerobics. Since we were going to be in the area, I decided to just drop by and find out what she wanted.
She asked me to participate in a filming of survivor stories for the "Go Red" heart luncheon for women in February, and also to agree to model clothes during the event. I'm excited to do this. It'll be a lot of fun, and I hope, helpful to others. It was about two weeks after I attended last year's event that I had my heart episode, and I feel that information I got at the event helped me recognize my symptoms in time to be treated without suffering irreversible damage.
From the hospital, we went to one of the stores that has a sale every weekend, where I used a $10 coupon I received in the mail. I was thrilled to find a Chinese red, suede-like, jacket that will be perfect for the "Go Red" event. And with my coupon, I got it for only $11!
Then we went to the WDCS for this week's groceries, and then backtracked to a grocery store that had turkeys on sale, and to another grocery store for more of the 99 cent onions.
After we got home, about 3 p.m., I talked with the public relations person at a local bank, who is in charge of the "Go Red" event, and we set a date for my filming, which right now is Dec. 2.
I also got a call from a friend who lives in a town a couple of hours east of us, who wanted to complete arrangements to meet us for lunch while we are in that town tomorrow. We have to take the camper over there for repairs early in the morning, so we plan to do some shopping while we wait, as well as have lunch with this friend.
A member who hasn't attended in a long time returned today. She said her sister's granddaughter was killed in a horrible auto accident at the beginning of the month. The young woman was only 21 years old. I remember seeing her obituary and wondering what had happened to her, though I didn't know she was related to this lady. How sad.
When I got back home, I located a greeting card I made a couple of years ago...a Thanksgiving card using dried, pressed leaves...to send to our regular water aerobics leader. The card has been in a drawer, waiting to be given to a special person, and today it's on it's way to her.
After lunch, Hubbie and I ran errands...including to the hospital, where I visited with the Cardiac Rehab staff, one of whom had called me this morning while I was at water aerobics. Since we were going to be in the area, I decided to just drop by and find out what she wanted.
She asked me to participate in a filming of survivor stories for the "Go Red" heart luncheon for women in February, and also to agree to model clothes during the event. I'm excited to do this. It'll be a lot of fun, and I hope, helpful to others. It was about two weeks after I attended last year's event that I had my heart episode, and I feel that information I got at the event helped me recognize my symptoms in time to be treated without suffering irreversible damage.
From the hospital, we went to one of the stores that has a sale every weekend, where I used a $10 coupon I received in the mail. I was thrilled to find a Chinese red, suede-like, jacket that will be perfect for the "Go Red" event. And with my coupon, I got it for only $11!
Then we went to the WDCS for this week's groceries, and then backtracked to a grocery store that had turkeys on sale, and to another grocery store for more of the 99 cent onions.
After we got home, about 3 p.m., I talked with the public relations person at a local bank, who is in charge of the "Go Red" event, and we set a date for my filming, which right now is Dec. 2.
I also got a call from a friend who lives in a town a couple of hours east of us, who wanted to complete arrangements to meet us for lunch while we are in that town tomorrow. We have to take the camper over there for repairs early in the morning, so we plan to do some shopping while we wait, as well as have lunch with this friend.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, Nov. 16
We awoke to a sunny, but cold day. I usually skip the treadmill on Sundays, but since I missed a session last Thursday, I made up for it this morning. While I was on the treadmill, Mother put a beef roast, potatoes, carrots, and onions in the slow cooker. We added mashed potatoes, and gravy made from low-fat, low sodium beef broth, to the meal. There's enough beef left for a couple of more meals this week.
Our choice of music today was a pop and rock selection from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. We spent part of our afternoon in the usual manner for Sunday...reading the newspaper, programming the DVR for our favorite shows this week, and relaxing.
Then at 3 p.m., we went to a free folk concert at one of the local colleges. The concert, performed by three artists-in-education, was unique in that the three (one woman and two men), write much of their own story-telling music. They call their music "folkgrass," which is based on real-life stories about people they meet around the state, one of whom lives in our town.
One story, for instance, is about an older man who, in the throes of a heart attack, envisions himself crossing a river as a turtle, with his children on his back. He prays to reach the other side of the river safely, and if he is delivered safely, he'll spend the rest of his life making musical instruments for children. He delivered on his promise, and several of his unusual creations, made from whatever he could put his hands on, were on display tonight.
Each of the folks who are featured in a song, is also featured in a photo/quilt block, which is pinned to a clothesline onstage. The barefoot female artist performed in overalls, with pants legs cut short and patched in bright patterned materials. She played a fiddle, while one man played guitar or banjo, and the other man played upright bass and a washboard.
It was a shame that only a handful of us showed up for this very entertaining performance.
The group is touring the state, in an effort to help keep alive the folk/bluegrass genre. They have been awarded a grant to publish a book and CD of their music for sale, the proceeds of which goes to buy instruments for disadvantaged children.
They sold books and CDs to nearly everyone in attendance, but unfortunately, we had no cash with us tonight, so we are hoping the CD will be available for sale at our art gallery, where I can pick one up this week.
Our choice of music today was a pop and rock selection from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. We spent part of our afternoon in the usual manner for Sunday...reading the newspaper, programming the DVR for our favorite shows this week, and relaxing.
Then at 3 p.m., we went to a free folk concert at one of the local colleges. The concert, performed by three artists-in-education, was unique in that the three (one woman and two men), write much of their own story-telling music. They call their music "folkgrass," which is based on real-life stories about people they meet around the state, one of whom lives in our town.
One story, for instance, is about an older man who, in the throes of a heart attack, envisions himself crossing a river as a turtle, with his children on his back. He prays to reach the other side of the river safely, and if he is delivered safely, he'll spend the rest of his life making musical instruments for children. He delivered on his promise, and several of his unusual creations, made from whatever he could put his hands on, were on display tonight.
Each of the folks who are featured in a song, is also featured in a photo/quilt block, which is pinned to a clothesline onstage. The barefoot female artist performed in overalls, with pants legs cut short and patched in bright patterned materials. She played a fiddle, while one man played guitar or banjo, and the other man played upright bass and a washboard.
It was a shame that only a handful of us showed up for this very entertaining performance.
The group is touring the state, in an effort to help keep alive the folk/bluegrass genre. They have been awarded a grant to publish a book and CD of their music for sale, the proceeds of which goes to buy instruments for disadvantaged children.
They sold books and CDs to nearly everyone in attendance, but unfortunately, we had no cash with us tonight, so we are hoping the CD will be available for sale at our art gallery, where I can pick one up this week.
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