Wednesday, August 29

Up at 6:30 to get ready to go to water aerobics. The pool was nice and warm again, and about 22 of us showed up for the session.

News from the pool: two of the ladies, including our leader have recently been diagnosed with Graves Disease, of which hyperthyroidism is a symptom. Coincidentally, both are scheduled to see the same specialist in the capital city next month, on the same day, within an hour of each other's appointment times. At that time, a course of treatment will be determined.

One of the ladies, who has been absent for several months following joint replacements to both knees and both hips, finally returned today. Another lady returned after rotary cuff replacement in one shoulder.

Lots of the ladies have experienced dibilitating joint problems that have eventually resulted in surgery. I feel very fortunate that so far I have had no such problems, and really don't expect to develop any.

Lots of conversation about lots of things today, none of which was about the Republican Convention, since we studiously avoid talk of politics.

Back home, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and once I was ready for the day, the three of us worked to make a big pot of potato soup. Hubbie peeled and sliced the potatoes, Mother chopped onions, celery, and carrots, and I put the recipe together.

Started by cooking the potatoes, carrots, and celery in two quarts of water until tender; drained the veggies (saving the water), and sauteed the onions in six tablespoons of margarine, along with pepper, no-salt seasoning, and paparika, until tender; added six tablespoons of flour, and slowly added a cup and a half of milk; when the mixture thickened, I added the veggies and potato water; when it came to a boil, added a cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Let the soup cool a little, then put it in a soup keeper for the refrigerator. The soup will be comforting during the next couple of days if Hurricane Isaac moves up through the middle of the country, bringing storms and drenching rain to our area.

After lunch, around 12:30, Mother and I went to the beauty salon for haircuts. Our appointments were for 1 p.m., but even though we were early, the stylists were not busy, so they were ready for us.

I hadn't washed my hair this morning after water aerobics, and I apologized for how unruly it looked. The stylist laughed and commented that my hair was clean, going on to comment that some of her older costumers, who get their hair "set" don't bother to wash their hair between appointments...anywhere from a week to three weeks.

The stylist is particularly bothered by customers who have been hospitalized for quite a while, but still don't wash their hair before visiting the beauty shop. "Sick hair" is very smelly, she said, and she hastens to use a highly scented shampoo on them to quickly get rid of the odor.

All the stylists in this shop are very nice, though, and wouldn't dream of turning away these elderly ladies, no matter how off-putting their hair might be.

The owner of this shop has recently decided to open a new shop in the storefront next door...this one will feature costume jewelry, handbags, some clothing, a cosmetic studio, etc., and today she asked customers to suggest names for the store. My suggestion was Unique Chic, which she really loves. So I'll be interested to hear what name she ultimately decides upon.

Note: while Mother's stylist was cutting her hair, she asked me to come over to the chair for a minute. She found a raised red spot on top of Mother's head, and advised me to keep track of it for a week or so.

If it doesn't disappear, I'll have her doctor take a look at it. The last spot the stylist pointed out to me went away of its own accord in a couple of weeks. It's good, though, that the stylists pay attention to things like this.

Back home, Mother headed to the couch for a nap, while Hubbie went out to mow the yard, and I did this and that.

Later, Hubbie peeled and diced potatoes, and once Mother finished her nap, she put together a recipe for the oven...the potatoes, with chopped onion, seasoned with no-salt seasoning and pepper, and drizzled with olive oil. I baked the potatoes in the oven, and then later added a dish of beans and ham, and a dish of whole kernel corn to the oven. Once the meal was cooked, I baked a batch of cornbread to go with it.

Accompanied Mother home after supper, and then Hubbie and I watched TV as usual, including a Lifetime Movie Network 2010 film, called "Patricia Cornwell's The Front." A female district attorney (Andie McDowell) assigns a murder cold case to a detective, but his life is endangered in the process.

Made a batch of instant chocolate pudding for a snack, and took a dish of it to Mother. Finished the evening with a one-hour murder mystery show.