Woke up at 5:30, and then, except for dozing off and on, couldn't get back to sleep. Hubbie finally woke up around 8 a.m., and by then I was plenty ready to get up.
After breakfast, I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises. In the meantime, Hubbie went to the closest grocery store to get a package of cinnamon candy for making candy apple jelly. When he got back, he accompanied Mother to our house.
Once I was ready for the day, I gathered the ingredients and supplies for making the jelly. In an effort to help me, Hubbie went to the storeroom to fetch a large bag of sugar. In so doing, he knocked a quart jar of honey onto the tile floor, where it smashed, allowing the honey to ooze into a huge puddle of sticky mess. Took both of us to clean it up, and in the process, Hubbie managed to cut his finger on a piece of the glass.
By now, it lunchtime. Mother had her usual Ramen noodle soup, while Hubbie and I had PB&J sandwiches.
Afterward, Mother and I made the jelly. She likes projects like this, where she can feel useful by measuring ingredients, and pouring jelly in the jars, etc. I do whatever is necessary at the stove, since she doesn't cook anymore.
Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle after that, and Hubbie and I goofed off until time to watch our favorite college basketball team as they squeaked to a two-point win.
At halftime of the game, I paused it, so Hubbie could go to a fast food restaurant to get cups of chili, using a coupon to get a free small cup for Mother. After we'd eaten, Hubbie accompanied Mother back to her house.
After that we watched TV for the evening, including a 2009 movie called, "The Damned United." The movie is based on the true story of Brian Clough and his 44 days as manager of the reigning football (soccer) champions of Leeds United (England) in the 1970s.
We followed that with the 1999 movie "Brokedown Palace." A couple of young women who go on vacation in Thailand end up getting arrested for smuggling drugs. The movie explores the harsh Thailand legal system.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Friday, Feb. 15
Good grief! How did the scientists miss the fact that a meteorite was catapulting toward earth? Hundreds of unsuspecting Russians were injured when the heavenly body smashed into a city there yesterday. Scientists explain that the meteorite was too small to be detected by current methods.
We were up at 6:30 this morning to get ready for water aerobics. Chilly day, but the water in the pool was great. There weren't as many lap swimmers today, and they left around 8:30, which made more room for those of us who swim in the deep end before the session.
Around a dozen of us showed up. Our regular leader still didn't come. Besides her, there are a few others unable to attend...two are recuperating from shoulder surgery, and one, a diabetic, is experiencing blisters on her feet, and a black toe (not good news).
On the light side, during the water noodle exercises, one lady was having trouble with her noodle, which was bent in the middle. "My noodle is limp," she commented, as she flopped one end of it up and down. Naturally, we all immediately got the same mental image, which caused us to burst into laughter. I don't know what the young man exercising at the edge of the pool must have thought. His back was turned to us, so maybe he didn't catch the joke. Or maybe he just politely ignored it.
Back home, I warmed up with a couple of cups of coffee, and checked my social network page on my tablet, where I learned that another member of my high school class has died. There were only twenty-five in our class, and she is the seventh one to pass away. She was not only a classmate, but she was also related to my children on their father's side.
Sometimes, notices of deaths of folks we knew seem to come in bunches...yesterday's newspaper contained an obituary announcing the death of one of my former college professors. He was in his 80s. He taught Western Civilization...not my favorite subject...and his classes were always tough. I took two semesters under him.
By the time I was ready for the day, it was lunchtime. I fixed Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and Hubbie and I had leftovers.
Mother returned to her puzzle afterward, while Hubbie and I went to the college where I swim to see a "Small Works on Paper" art exhibit. This is a traveling exhibit from the Capital City museum. One of our local artists is featured. Hers is a pencil drawing of a boy Aztec dancer. Charming.
Other works include a black and white photo of the midsection of a woman, with her jeans unzipped, to display a large, vertical scar. The photo also displays a portion of her pubic hair. Another photo is of a fawn lying dead in tall grass, having been shot in the side. And another photo shows an infant suckling at its mother's breast.
In drawings, a graphite and ink work shows a child of about seven years old, holding a hunting dog pup under one arm, and a rifle under the other. Another digital photo shows a woman in a straw hat looking over the distance of a field toward a large tree. This one reminded me of a famous Andrew Wyeth painting.
Funny: at the college, before we went into the art gallery, we noticed a couple of young women in thigh-high skirts. We noticed them because it was a quite chilly day...too cold for bare legs. One young lady wore a flimsy skirt that blew up in the back as she was walking up a flight of stairs, revealing her thong-panty behind. Hubbie and I had to laugh at that.
Back home, we relaxed until time to prepare supper. I played on my laptop and read tonight's local newspaper, the front page of which featured a story about a former water aerobics member. "A few weeks ago, (name) laid down her choir book for the last time," the story began.
"Oh, no!" I exclaimed to Hubbie. "(Name) has died. I hate to see that!"
"I saw her name," Hubbie said, "and I thought I recognized it."
"She was 92...." I said, trailing off. "No, wait," I added, as I read the article further, "she didn't die. She just retired from the choir because of her failing eyesight!"
I had misinterpreted "laying down her choir book for the last time" as a nice way of saying she'd passed on!
Later, I made a breakfast casserole from biscuits, which I'd crumbed in the blender, to which I added egg substitute and sauteed green onions and bell peppers, plus spices. I poured the mixture over leftover fried potatoes, and topped the dish with Monterey Jack cheese. Served slices of French bread with it. Strange meal, but Mother and Hubbie commented on how good it was.
Afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and around 7 p.m., we went to the college where we'd toured the art exhibit to attend a chamber music concert. But wouldn't you know it, two of the world's biggest people plunked themselves down directly in front of us! This man and woman must weigh 350 pounds each. We had to try to peer around them to see the performers.
We always enjoy visiting folks at these events, and tonight, we talked with the wife of the former president of the college. She was wearing a sheer white blouse with unusual ruffled three-quarter-length sleeves. These were not small ruffles, but large, black trimmed ones. She said that her husband asked her what in the world possessed her to buy it. It certainly got a lot of attention, and I had to admire her for having the courage to wear it.
We also visited with a lady who told us that the former professor who recently died had suffered several setbacks before he died. He'd lost a great deal of weight, and was prone to falling. He also had alzheimer's disease. What a pity that a man as brilliant as he was had to lose his faculties. What a cruel disease.
Tonight's concert was performed by a string quartet from the Capital City. The program featured works by Franz Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven. The Beethoven piece was written by him toward the end of his life, when he was completely deaf. The finale was a cocophony of unpleasant sounds (we were warned that this would be the case) called Grosse Fuge, Op. 133. We were told that most 19th century critics dismissed this work, calling it "repellent", "incomprehensible, like Chinese" and "a confusion of Babel."
The quartet ended around 9:15 p.m., and we were home by 9:30. There were refreshments at the event, and we brought home a few cookies, but I preferred to snack on a hunk of dark chocolate cake, with a cup of coffee, to warm up, because the temp is dropping drastically tonight.
Watched a little TV, and then headed to bed.
We were up at 6:30 this morning to get ready for water aerobics. Chilly day, but the water in the pool was great. There weren't as many lap swimmers today, and they left around 8:30, which made more room for those of us who swim in the deep end before the session.
Around a dozen of us showed up. Our regular leader still didn't come. Besides her, there are a few others unable to attend...two are recuperating from shoulder surgery, and one, a diabetic, is experiencing blisters on her feet, and a black toe (not good news).
On the light side, during the water noodle exercises, one lady was having trouble with her noodle, which was bent in the middle. "My noodle is limp," she commented, as she flopped one end of it up and down. Naturally, we all immediately got the same mental image, which caused us to burst into laughter. I don't know what the young man exercising at the edge of the pool must have thought. His back was turned to us, so maybe he didn't catch the joke. Or maybe he just politely ignored it.
Back home, I warmed up with a couple of cups of coffee, and checked my social network page on my tablet, where I learned that another member of my high school class has died. There were only twenty-five in our class, and she is the seventh one to pass away. She was not only a classmate, but she was also related to my children on their father's side.
Sometimes, notices of deaths of folks we knew seem to come in bunches...yesterday's newspaper contained an obituary announcing the death of one of my former college professors. He was in his 80s. He taught Western Civilization...not my favorite subject...and his classes were always tough. I took two semesters under him.
By the time I was ready for the day, it was lunchtime. I fixed Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and Hubbie and I had leftovers.
Mother returned to her puzzle afterward, while Hubbie and I went to the college where I swim to see a "Small Works on Paper" art exhibit. This is a traveling exhibit from the Capital City museum. One of our local artists is featured. Hers is a pencil drawing of a boy Aztec dancer. Charming.
Other works include a black and white photo of the midsection of a woman, with her jeans unzipped, to display a large, vertical scar. The photo also displays a portion of her pubic hair. Another photo is of a fawn lying dead in tall grass, having been shot in the side. And another photo shows an infant suckling at its mother's breast.
In drawings, a graphite and ink work shows a child of about seven years old, holding a hunting dog pup under one arm, and a rifle under the other. Another digital photo shows a woman in a straw hat looking over the distance of a field toward a large tree. This one reminded me of a famous Andrew Wyeth painting.
Funny: at the college, before we went into the art gallery, we noticed a couple of young women in thigh-high skirts. We noticed them because it was a quite chilly day...too cold for bare legs. One young lady wore a flimsy skirt that blew up in the back as she was walking up a flight of stairs, revealing her thong-panty behind. Hubbie and I had to laugh at that.
Back home, we relaxed until time to prepare supper. I played on my laptop and read tonight's local newspaper, the front page of which featured a story about a former water aerobics member. "A few weeks ago, (name) laid down her choir book for the last time," the story began.
"Oh, no!" I exclaimed to Hubbie. "(Name) has died. I hate to see that!"
"I saw her name," Hubbie said, "and I thought I recognized it."
"She was 92...." I said, trailing off. "No, wait," I added, as I read the article further, "she didn't die. She just retired from the choir because of her failing eyesight!"
I had misinterpreted "laying down her choir book for the last time" as a nice way of saying she'd passed on!
Later, I made a breakfast casserole from biscuits, which I'd crumbed in the blender, to which I added egg substitute and sauteed green onions and bell peppers, plus spices. I poured the mixture over leftover fried potatoes, and topped the dish with Monterey Jack cheese. Served slices of French bread with it. Strange meal, but Mother and Hubbie commented on how good it was.
Afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and around 7 p.m., we went to the college where we'd toured the art exhibit to attend a chamber music concert. But wouldn't you know it, two of the world's biggest people plunked themselves down directly in front of us! This man and woman must weigh 350 pounds each. We had to try to peer around them to see the performers.
We always enjoy visiting folks at these events, and tonight, we talked with the wife of the former president of the college. She was wearing a sheer white blouse with unusual ruffled three-quarter-length sleeves. These were not small ruffles, but large, black trimmed ones. She said that her husband asked her what in the world possessed her to buy it. It certainly got a lot of attention, and I had to admire her for having the courage to wear it.
We also visited with a lady who told us that the former professor who recently died had suffered several setbacks before he died. He'd lost a great deal of weight, and was prone to falling. He also had alzheimer's disease. What a pity that a man as brilliant as he was had to lose his faculties. What a cruel disease.
Tonight's concert was performed by a string quartet from the Capital City. The program featured works by Franz Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven. The Beethoven piece was written by him toward the end of his life, when he was completely deaf. The finale was a cocophony of unpleasant sounds (we were warned that this would be the case) called Grosse Fuge, Op. 133. We were told that most 19th century critics dismissed this work, calling it "repellent", "incomprehensible, like Chinese" and "a confusion of Babel."
The quartet ended around 9:15 p.m., and we were home by 9:30. There were refreshments at the event, and we brought home a few cookies, but I preferred to snack on a hunk of dark chocolate cake, with a cup of coffee, to warm up, because the temp is dropping drastically tonight.
Watched a little TV, and then headed to bed.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, Feb. 14
Today is Valentine's Day. Hope everyone had a happy one.
Up at 7:30 and donned my exercise clothes. Had every intention of doing a session after breakfast, but never did get around to it. Hubbie and I exchanged Valentine's cards, and then he got ready to go to a Master Gardener meeting at 10 a.m. When he came downstairs, I noticed he was wearing a red shirt, so I asked if he'd chosen the color for Valentine's Day. "No," he said. "I just wanted a shirt with long sleeves and a pocket."
Before he left for his meeting, he accompanied Mother to our house.
Around 10:30, Daughter called to wish us a happy Valentine's Day, and to chat for a while. Afterward, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I started to do stair stepping exercises. But Mother was having trouble completing the puzzle, which only had few remaining pieces. So I stopped to help her. I found she'd put some pieces in the wrong places, which was why she couldn't fit the ramaining pieces in.
Once the puzzle was completed, I located a new one for her, and helped her set it up. By now it was well after 11 a.m., so I abandoned my exercise plan and got ready for the day.
Hubbie returned from his meeting at noon. After lunch, he went out to work in the yard, and Mother and I watched the movie musical, "Mama Mia," until just before 2 p.m. At that time, I paused the movie so Hubbie and I could run a few errands...to the Literacy Council office, now housed at City Hall, where I picked up a new teacher's manual, a student workbook, and other level-four materials for my ESL student; to a Red Box to try to rent the movie, "Anna Karenina" (but it's not yet available); to a bookstore to see if the movie was available there (but it isn't); and to a farm store for a bag of fertilizer.
On the way home, saw that flock of wild turkeys in a pasture again. And jonquils are blooming along the roadsides. At home, Hubbie went back into the yard, and Mother and I finished our movie. Afterward, I accompanied her back to her house.
Around 5 p.m., Hubbie and I went to a popular steakhouse for supper. Took us two days to decide which restaurant we wanted to go to. First, Hubbie made reservations at a restaurant on the river a couple of days ago, but when he learned that we'd have to pay an extra $20 for the privilege of listening to a band we've heard a dozen times before, we decided to cancel the reservation.
Next, we decided to go to a new Italian restaurant, and we stopped by there yesterday to pick up a menu. At home, Hubbie said he wasn't impressed with the look of the restaurant, so we decided maybe a trip to that eatery for lunch someday would be a better idea.
Finally settled on the steakhouse. Good thing we arrived at 5 p.m., because by the time we left an hour later, folks were squeezed into the waiting area, and standing in line outside. We decided against steak, and opted instead for Hawaiian chicken on a bed of rice pilaf, with a side of steamed veggies, which was a healthier option than some other menu choices
Saw a spectacular sunset on the way home...the sun glowing red on a backgound of pink and purple clouds.
Later, we watched a 1997 movie we borrowed from the library..."Last Stand at Saber River," starring Tom Selleck. We've seen this movie before, but Hubbie didn't seem to remember it.
Up at 7:30 and donned my exercise clothes. Had every intention of doing a session after breakfast, but never did get around to it. Hubbie and I exchanged Valentine's cards, and then he got ready to go to a Master Gardener meeting at 10 a.m. When he came downstairs, I noticed he was wearing a red shirt, so I asked if he'd chosen the color for Valentine's Day. "No," he said. "I just wanted a shirt with long sleeves and a pocket."
Before he left for his meeting, he accompanied Mother to our house.
Around 10:30, Daughter called to wish us a happy Valentine's Day, and to chat for a while. Afterward, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I started to do stair stepping exercises. But Mother was having trouble completing the puzzle, which only had few remaining pieces. So I stopped to help her. I found she'd put some pieces in the wrong places, which was why she couldn't fit the ramaining pieces in.
Once the puzzle was completed, I located a new one for her, and helped her set it up. By now it was well after 11 a.m., so I abandoned my exercise plan and got ready for the day.
Hubbie returned from his meeting at noon. After lunch, he went out to work in the yard, and Mother and I watched the movie musical, "Mama Mia," until just before 2 p.m. At that time, I paused the movie so Hubbie and I could run a few errands...to the Literacy Council office, now housed at City Hall, where I picked up a new teacher's manual, a student workbook, and other level-four materials for my ESL student; to a Red Box to try to rent the movie, "Anna Karenina" (but it's not yet available); to a bookstore to see if the movie was available there (but it isn't); and to a farm store for a bag of fertilizer.
On the way home, saw that flock of wild turkeys in a pasture again. And jonquils are blooming along the roadsides. At home, Hubbie went back into the yard, and Mother and I finished our movie. Afterward, I accompanied her back to her house.
Around 5 p.m., Hubbie and I went to a popular steakhouse for supper. Took us two days to decide which restaurant we wanted to go to. First, Hubbie made reservations at a restaurant on the river a couple of days ago, but when he learned that we'd have to pay an extra $20 for the privilege of listening to a band we've heard a dozen times before, we decided to cancel the reservation.
Next, we decided to go to a new Italian restaurant, and we stopped by there yesterday to pick up a menu. At home, Hubbie said he wasn't impressed with the look of the restaurant, so we decided maybe a trip to that eatery for lunch someday would be a better idea.
Finally settled on the steakhouse. Good thing we arrived at 5 p.m., because by the time we left an hour later, folks were squeezed into the waiting area, and standing in line outside. We decided against steak, and opted instead for Hawaiian chicken on a bed of rice pilaf, with a side of steamed veggies, which was a healthier option than some other menu choices
Saw a spectacular sunset on the way home...the sun glowing red on a backgound of pink and purple clouds.
Later, we watched a 1997 movie we borrowed from the library..."Last Stand at Saber River," starring Tom Selleck. We've seen this movie before, but Hubbie didn't seem to remember it.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Wednesday, Feb. 13
Today is Grandson's sixteenth birthday. Happy Birthday, Grandson!
Up at 6:30 to get ready for water aerobics. It was a dreary-looking, overcast day, but I was glad to see that there was no snow on the ground.
The pool was nice and warm, and sixteen of us showed up. Several of us arrive about 30 minutes before the aerobic session, so we can swim in the deep end. This morning, though, several lanes of the pool were being used by young men. We supposed they are students at the college. We know that the time before 8 a.m. is open to lap swimmers, but there is rarely anyone there, except us, at 7:30. Today, though, we had to squeeze up in a couple of lanes at one side of the pool, while the young men finished their laps.
Once again, our regular leader was unable to attend. She is having an awful time getting rid of that sinus infection. She's now on her third round of antibiotics. So she is grateful that the substitute leader is keeping the group going in her absence.
Today, the substitute leader brought live long-stemmed roses for us...one for each member...for Valentine's Day. That was such a nice gesture. She also said she has ordered more water noodles for us, in different sizes. Larger ones create more resistance, she said. So I'd like to try one when they come in.
Back home after aerobics, I warmed up with a couple of cups of coffee, and then baked a chocolate cake from a boxed mix. The cake is for Valentine's Day, but I figured we would indulge in slices of it tonight. After the cake was baked, I got ready for the day. While I did that, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. And then he went to the vet's office to pick up a red and white lacy scarf for his sister, who wanted one after she saw mine. We'll give it to her for her birthday on Feb. 23.
By now, it was lunchtime. I fixed Mother her usual lunch of Ramen noodle soup, and for Hubbie and me, I made bean sandwiches...leftover beans and ham, mashed, with mustard added. I heated the mixture, and then spread it on a slice of toast, topped it with diced sweet onion and a slice of American cheese. Heated this in the microwave until the cheese was melted, and then topped it with another slice of toast. Served the sandwiches with veggie chips.
After that, Mother worked on her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library to take back four movies we borrowed last week, and pick up four more; to the newspaper office to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest; to the bank; to a department store to use a $10 coupon (I found something I needed that cost exactly $10, and was surprised when no tax was charged on the item, so it was completely free); to a candy store to buy a quarter pound of Mother's favorite brand of jelly beans for Valentine's Day; to the WDCS; and finally, to the gas station.
What a pleasant day for errand-running. The chilly morning turned into a sunny, mild afternoon. Back home, I relaxed and read my John Grisham novel until time to prepare supper.
Around 4 p.m., Mother joined me in the kitchen, where she fixed coleslaw, and made galic butter to spread on French bread. I put a dish of leftover goulash in the oven to heat. The meal was good, with a side of cottage cheese for Mother and me, and leftover corn-on-the-cob for Hubbie.
Afterward, I fixed containers of the food for Mother to have for her supper tomorrow night, since Hubbie and I will be going out to eat for Valentine's Day. Mother was invited, of course, but she declined.
Later, Hubbie and I watched our favorite college basketball team as they played to a nail-biter win on the road...their first SEC road win. Yay!
Up at 6:30 to get ready for water aerobics. It was a dreary-looking, overcast day, but I was glad to see that there was no snow on the ground.
The pool was nice and warm, and sixteen of us showed up. Several of us arrive about 30 minutes before the aerobic session, so we can swim in the deep end. This morning, though, several lanes of the pool were being used by young men. We supposed they are students at the college. We know that the time before 8 a.m. is open to lap swimmers, but there is rarely anyone there, except us, at 7:30. Today, though, we had to squeeze up in a couple of lanes at one side of the pool, while the young men finished their laps.
Once again, our regular leader was unable to attend. She is having an awful time getting rid of that sinus infection. She's now on her third round of antibiotics. So she is grateful that the substitute leader is keeping the group going in her absence.
Today, the substitute leader brought live long-stemmed roses for us...one for each member...for Valentine's Day. That was such a nice gesture. She also said she has ordered more water noodles for us, in different sizes. Larger ones create more resistance, she said. So I'd like to try one when they come in.
Back home after aerobics, I warmed up with a couple of cups of coffee, and then baked a chocolate cake from a boxed mix. The cake is for Valentine's Day, but I figured we would indulge in slices of it tonight. After the cake was baked, I got ready for the day. While I did that, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. And then he went to the vet's office to pick up a red and white lacy scarf for his sister, who wanted one after she saw mine. We'll give it to her for her birthday on Feb. 23.
By now, it was lunchtime. I fixed Mother her usual lunch of Ramen noodle soup, and for Hubbie and me, I made bean sandwiches...leftover beans and ham, mashed, with mustard added. I heated the mixture, and then spread it on a slice of toast, topped it with diced sweet onion and a slice of American cheese. Heated this in the microwave until the cheese was melted, and then topped it with another slice of toast. Served the sandwiches with veggie chips.
After that, Mother worked on her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library to take back four movies we borrowed last week, and pick up four more; to the newspaper office to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest; to the bank; to a department store to use a $10 coupon (I found something I needed that cost exactly $10, and was surprised when no tax was charged on the item, so it was completely free); to a candy store to buy a quarter pound of Mother's favorite brand of jelly beans for Valentine's Day; to the WDCS; and finally, to the gas station.
What a pleasant day for errand-running. The chilly morning turned into a sunny, mild afternoon. Back home, I relaxed and read my John Grisham novel until time to prepare supper.
Around 4 p.m., Mother joined me in the kitchen, where she fixed coleslaw, and made galic butter to spread on French bread. I put a dish of leftover goulash in the oven to heat. The meal was good, with a side of cottage cheese for Mother and me, and leftover corn-on-the-cob for Hubbie.
Afterward, I fixed containers of the food for Mother to have for her supper tomorrow night, since Hubbie and I will be going out to eat for Valentine's Day. Mother was invited, of course, but she declined.
Later, Hubbie and I watched our favorite college basketball team as they played to a nail-biter win on the road...their first SEC road win. Yay!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Tuesday, Feb. 12
Woke up at 6:30 this morning, although, since I didn't need to go to the pool, I could have slept later. Instead, I laid there wide awake until Hubbie woke up at 7:30.
Did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast, and then got ready to go to an educational luncheon at the hospital conference room at noon. Since a cardiologist was scheduled to speak about women and heart disease (because February is American heart month), and because Valentine's Day is Thursday, I decided to wear a red jacket over a black turtleneck shirt and black pants. For jewelry, I wore a couple of heart pendants given me by Hubbie.
Around 10:30, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and at 11:30, we headed to the hospital, where I found I was not alone in my choice of colors...lots of women were dressed in red and black.
Lunch today was braised chicken seasoned with parsley, green beans, oven fried potatoes, and mixed fresh fruits. Hubbie commented that the meal was good, though he would have liked to have bread and a dessert with it. I pointed out that the potatoes constituted the carbohydrate, the meat the protein, the green beans the vegetable, and the fruit the dessert. So it was a heart-healthy, balanced meal.
Funny: as Hubbie was attempting to spear a grape with his fork, it shot off his plate and landed in his spoon. He then ate the grape off the spoon. I asked him if he planned to do that with all his grapes (though I doubted if he could do it again, even if he tried).
The cardiologist who spoke gave a lot of good information, though he tended to drone a little bit...enough that Mother, Hubbie, and the guy right behind Hubbie nodded off at one point.
One thing the cardiologist touched on was the ejection fraction, which is how well the heart is pumping. He stated that the EF of a healthy heart is 60%. I found this to be interesting, because when the tech at my cardiologist's office called a few days ago to report the results of my tests, she mentioned that my heart is pumping at 60%, "which is good," she said. Until today, I wondered if 60% was something that could be improved upon, but apparently not.
The luncheon lasted until shortly after 1 p.m., and we were back home by 1:30. Mother really enjoyed the outing. It has been a while since she's been out of the house, beyond walking back and forth between our houses.
We didn't do anything productive this afternoon. Mother opted to work on her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and I watched the Westminster Dog Show, which I'd recorded on DVR last night.
Around 4:30, I began preparing supper...goulash made with macaroni in a sauce of leftover homemade tomato soup mixed with some of the leftover beans and ham. Mother decided she'd had enough for lunch, and she didn't need supper. She chose to go home instead. Hubbie accompanied her.
Hubbie and I waited until 6 p.m. to eat. Served the goulash with coleslaw. Later, we watched a couple of one-hour shows, and then the State of the Union address.
Note: wondering if we will get any of the predicted snow for our part of the state tonight. Our county is not in the winter weather advisory. But a few weeks ago, we weren't in the advisory area, either, and we got snow anyway, which caused all sorts of traffic problems, since it came as a big old surprise in the middle of a busy weekday morning.
Did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast, and then got ready to go to an educational luncheon at the hospital conference room at noon. Since a cardiologist was scheduled to speak about women and heart disease (because February is American heart month), and because Valentine's Day is Thursday, I decided to wear a red jacket over a black turtleneck shirt and black pants. For jewelry, I wore a couple of heart pendants given me by Hubbie.
Around 10:30, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and at 11:30, we headed to the hospital, where I found I was not alone in my choice of colors...lots of women were dressed in red and black.
Lunch today was braised chicken seasoned with parsley, green beans, oven fried potatoes, and mixed fresh fruits. Hubbie commented that the meal was good, though he would have liked to have bread and a dessert with it. I pointed out that the potatoes constituted the carbohydrate, the meat the protein, the green beans the vegetable, and the fruit the dessert. So it was a heart-healthy, balanced meal.
Funny: as Hubbie was attempting to spear a grape with his fork, it shot off his plate and landed in his spoon. He then ate the grape off the spoon. I asked him if he planned to do that with all his grapes (though I doubted if he could do it again, even if he tried).
The cardiologist who spoke gave a lot of good information, though he tended to drone a little bit...enough that Mother, Hubbie, and the guy right behind Hubbie nodded off at one point.
One thing the cardiologist touched on was the ejection fraction, which is how well the heart is pumping. He stated that the EF of a healthy heart is 60%. I found this to be interesting, because when the tech at my cardiologist's office called a few days ago to report the results of my tests, she mentioned that my heart is pumping at 60%, "which is good," she said. Until today, I wondered if 60% was something that could be improved upon, but apparently not.
The luncheon lasted until shortly after 1 p.m., and we were back home by 1:30. Mother really enjoyed the outing. It has been a while since she's been out of the house, beyond walking back and forth between our houses.
We didn't do anything productive this afternoon. Mother opted to work on her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and I watched the Westminster Dog Show, which I'd recorded on DVR last night.
Around 4:30, I began preparing supper...goulash made with macaroni in a sauce of leftover homemade tomato soup mixed with some of the leftover beans and ham. Mother decided she'd had enough for lunch, and she didn't need supper. She chose to go home instead. Hubbie accompanied her.
Hubbie and I waited until 6 p.m. to eat. Served the goulash with coleslaw. Later, we watched a couple of one-hour shows, and then the State of the Union address.
Note: wondering if we will get any of the predicted snow for our part of the state tonight. Our county is not in the winter weather advisory. But a few weeks ago, we weren't in the advisory area, either, and we got snow anyway, which caused all sorts of traffic problems, since it came as a big old surprise in the middle of a busy weekday morning.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Monday, Feb. 11
Had one of those nights when I woke up at 4:30 and tossed and turned until I went to sleep again, and then woke up at 5:30, and tossed and turned until I want back to sleep. Then I woke up to the sound of the alarm at 6:30. Dragged myself out of bed to get ready for water aerobics. But it was one of those mornings when I couldn't seem to get launched, so it was around 7:45 before I got on the road to the gym.
I was afraid I'd have trouble finding a parking space at the college, but I didn't. Nice and sunny outside, but still a bit chilly for the walk to the gym. The pool, though, was heavenly warm. Sixteen of us showed up today, including the leader. Today, the leader conducted the session for the first fifteen minutes, and then turned it over to the substitute for water noodle resistance exercises. She seemed really tired today, so I think she welcomed someone else taking over.
Before we began aerobics, I asked the leader how she was feeling after her recent illness, and she said she still wasn't over it. She's lost her appetite, she said, and only wants to eat frozen fruit pops, or canned fruits, and only small portions of those. No wonder she's tired. She's not getting enough nutrients.
Funny: during the session, one member commented that she'd calculated how many glasses of water she needs to drink per day, according to literature that was included in the exercise book the substitute leader provided last week. Her calculation was based on her weight (she's considerably overweight), plus her medical condition of diabetes. According to the formula provided in the literature, she's to drink 23 glasses of water a day! We're thinking that's a bit too much...she could drown trying to drink that much.
Not only was it chilly, but a wind kicked up on my walk back to the van after aerobics. So when I got back home, I was more than ready for hot coffee. While I relaxed, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. We didn't accomplish anything before lunch.
After lunch, Mother worked on her jigsaw puzzle, Hubbie ran errands, and I relaxed with my John Grisham novel. I had already prepared today's lesson for my student a few days ago, so I didn't need to do that today.
I met with my student at 2:30 as usual. In keeping with her constant generosity, she brought with her a large hunk of pineapple upside down cake. It looks delicious, but it's very yellow, so she probably made it with a store bought cake mix, so I won't eat it. But there's plenty for Hubbie and Mother.
Today, we reviewed several lessons in an effort to strengthen some weak points that showed up in the student's evaluation last week. The light bulb went off for her in most of it, but she is still foggy about the proper use of prepositions. So I will be looking online for lessons to e-mail to her.
Last week, the student told me that her husband had the flu. She said he is much better this week, but now her mother-in-law has fallen ill with it. She said it has been very difficult dealing with her, because she has alzheimer's disease, and so must be physically lifted in and out of bed. She is very child-like because of the disease, and seems incapable of helping herself up and down.
Back home, Hubbie had heated leftover beans and ham, fried potatoes, and cornbread and biscuits, from yesterday's lunch, and Mother had made dressing for coleslaw, for tonight's supper. It was all very good again.
Afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he and I watched an episode of "Downton Abbey," from the PBS channel.
I was afraid I'd have trouble finding a parking space at the college, but I didn't. Nice and sunny outside, but still a bit chilly for the walk to the gym. The pool, though, was heavenly warm. Sixteen of us showed up today, including the leader. Today, the leader conducted the session for the first fifteen minutes, and then turned it over to the substitute for water noodle resistance exercises. She seemed really tired today, so I think she welcomed someone else taking over.
Before we began aerobics, I asked the leader how she was feeling after her recent illness, and she said she still wasn't over it. She's lost her appetite, she said, and only wants to eat frozen fruit pops, or canned fruits, and only small portions of those. No wonder she's tired. She's not getting enough nutrients.
Funny: during the session, one member commented that she'd calculated how many glasses of water she needs to drink per day, according to literature that was included in the exercise book the substitute leader provided last week. Her calculation was based on her weight (she's considerably overweight), plus her medical condition of diabetes. According to the formula provided in the literature, she's to drink 23 glasses of water a day! We're thinking that's a bit too much...she could drown trying to drink that much.
Not only was it chilly, but a wind kicked up on my walk back to the van after aerobics. So when I got back home, I was more than ready for hot coffee. While I relaxed, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. We didn't accomplish anything before lunch.
After lunch, Mother worked on her jigsaw puzzle, Hubbie ran errands, and I relaxed with my John Grisham novel. I had already prepared today's lesson for my student a few days ago, so I didn't need to do that today.
I met with my student at 2:30 as usual. In keeping with her constant generosity, she brought with her a large hunk of pineapple upside down cake. It looks delicious, but it's very yellow, so she probably made it with a store bought cake mix, so I won't eat it. But there's plenty for Hubbie and Mother.
Today, we reviewed several lessons in an effort to strengthen some weak points that showed up in the student's evaluation last week. The light bulb went off for her in most of it, but she is still foggy about the proper use of prepositions. So I will be looking online for lessons to e-mail to her.
Last week, the student told me that her husband had the flu. She said he is much better this week, but now her mother-in-law has fallen ill with it. She said it has been very difficult dealing with her, because she has alzheimer's disease, and so must be physically lifted in and out of bed. She is very child-like because of the disease, and seems incapable of helping herself up and down.
Back home, Hubbie had heated leftover beans and ham, fried potatoes, and cornbread and biscuits, from yesterday's lunch, and Mother had made dressing for coleslaw, for tonight's supper. It was all very good again.
Afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he and I watched an episode of "Downton Abbey," from the PBS channel.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday, Feb. 10
Slept late, until nearly 8:30 this morning, and skipped my exercises. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30, and we got a pot of pinto beans started cooking. Mother chopped onions, carrots, banana peppers, and cubed ham for the beans, and I added cans of chicken broth and beef broth, plus spices.
While the beans cooked, we watched "A Charlie Brown Valentine," followed by "The Help." Both features are appropriate for February...the Charlie Brown one for obvious reasons, and "The Help," in recognition of Black History Month.
The beans and ham were especially good today, served with potatoes fried in olive oil, and corn-on-the-cob. Hubbie did the honors of peeling the potatoes and slicing them in the processor. Mother mixed a batch of cornbread to go with the meal. I baked a pan of canned biscuits, too.
After lunch, Mother worked on her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and I shopped for groceries at the WDCS. I wasn't exactly in the mood for shopping, but since we were out of milk and bread, there wasn't much choice. At least it was a nice, warm day to go out, unlike yesterday, when it was a little stormy.
Back home, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. As soon as I'd put the groceries away, I made raspberry Jell-O with fruit cocktail.
Then Hubbie and I settled in to watch TV...a couple of movies borrowed from the library. The first was an oldy-goldy, "The Final Countdown," a 1980 sci-fi film about the USS Nimitz and its crew being catapulted via an extraordinaty lightning storm back to Dec. 7, 1941, just before the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
The second film was "Northanger Abbey," a 2005 BBC production. The movie is, of course, based on the novel by Jane Austen. A young woman is addicted to gothic novels, and when she's invited to an eerie family estate, she lets her vivid imagination run away with her.
While the beans cooked, we watched "A Charlie Brown Valentine," followed by "The Help." Both features are appropriate for February...the Charlie Brown one for obvious reasons, and "The Help," in recognition of Black History Month.
The beans and ham were especially good today, served with potatoes fried in olive oil, and corn-on-the-cob. Hubbie did the honors of peeling the potatoes and slicing them in the processor. Mother mixed a batch of cornbread to go with the meal. I baked a pan of canned biscuits, too.
After lunch, Mother worked on her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and I shopped for groceries at the WDCS. I wasn't exactly in the mood for shopping, but since we were out of milk and bread, there wasn't much choice. At least it was a nice, warm day to go out, unlike yesterday, when it was a little stormy.
Back home, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. As soon as I'd put the groceries away, I made raspberry Jell-O with fruit cocktail.
Then Hubbie and I settled in to watch TV...a couple of movies borrowed from the library. The first was an oldy-goldy, "The Final Countdown," a 1980 sci-fi film about the USS Nimitz and its crew being catapulted via an extraordinaty lightning storm back to Dec. 7, 1941, just before the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
The second film was "Northanger Abbey," a 2005 BBC production. The movie is, of course, based on the novel by Jane Austen. A young woman is addicted to gothic novels, and when she's invited to an eerie family estate, she lets her vivid imagination run away with her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)