Slept late this morning, until well after 8 a.m. Did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30, while I got ready for the day.
We didn't do much for the rest of the morning. After lunch, we traveled to another town about 45 minutes away. The purpose of the trip was to pick up paintings belonging to my former Literacy Council student. Several weeks ago, she'd asked that I pick them up at my convenience and mail them to her at her new residence in Florida.
Since it was a nice sunny day (if a bit cool and windy), and we had nothing important planned, I thought it would be a great time to combine the errand to the art gallery with an autumn leaf-peeping/photo safari.
I called the gallery just after noon, and was told that the paintings would be gathered and ready for me when I arrived.
The road leading to that town winds up a hillside, with vistas of the autumnal trees, rolling hills, and the valley below. At one point, travelers cross a dam, where there is an overlook park for snapping pictures of the river, lake, and colorful hills.
This is a popular tourist spot, so lots of folks were there with small cameras and cell phones. I was amused when one older gentleman and his wife strolled up to the overlook and he began taking pictures with a cell phone. As he watched me rapid shooting with my 35mm digital camera and telephoto lens, he joked that I should think about getting a serious camera.
The art gallery is on the square downtown, and it took only minutes for me to complete my errand there. Afterward, I walked across the street to snap a picture of a display of American flags on the courthouse lawn. The flags are a memorial honoring fallen soldiers.
Headed back home mid-afternoon, and arrived around 3:30 p.m. While I uploaded photos to my social network page, we watched a Hallmark Channel movie..."The Good Witch's Destiny," starring Catherine Bell. The Good Witch series is charming family friendly fare.
Later, I heated leftover chili for Hubbie's and my supper, and sweet potato (served with a slice of rye bread) for Mother, who wasn't in the mood for chili tonight.
As I was finishing dessert, Niece from New York called. We chatted for a long time...well, actually I mostly listened while she talked. None of her immediate family live nearby, and those who live in the state are all male (her brothers and son), so she gets lonely, and needs to talk with female relatives from time-to-time. I'm glad to lend an ear.
While I was on the phone, Hubbie accompanied Mother home, and then he and I watched our favorite college football team as they played to another disappointing loss.
Spent the rest of the evening watching one-hour shows.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Friday, Nov. 1
First day of November...Thanksgiving coming up.
We were up at 6 a.m. so I could get ready for water aerobics. It was a little cool this morning, but not bad at all. The water in the pool was toasty, and twenty-five of us attended aerobics.
Back home afterward, I had a couple of cups of coffee, and then headed upstairs to get ready for the day. In the meantime, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. He also put sweet potatoes in the oven for our lunch.
We had the sweet potatoes with slices of buttered rye bread. Afterward, we went to the fairgrounds for the Extension Homemakers annual holiday craft sale. Mother enjoys going to this event mainly to visit with ladies she hasn't seen for a long time.
Other than picking up an EH logo t-shirt that I ordered just to contribute to the cause, and buying some washcloths that were folded and stitched to make small pockets for holding dental hygiene tools, we didn't buy anything. The washcloths are intended for travel, but I'll use them all the time just to cover my toothbrush, etc., to keep them protected against stuff in the air.
Back home, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I went on a photo safari around town. Had a heart-stopping moment at a traffic light, when we started into the intersection on a green light, and a car full of young people blew through a red light, coming within inches of hitting us broadside.
On the way back home from that, we stopped at the church down the road from us that sponsored a pumpkin patch. Folks who wanted them could pick up as many of the remaining pumpkins as they wanted, since someone is to come by tomorrow and gather what's left to be dumped on a compost pile.
At home again, I heated leftover beef stew, and cooked noodles to spoon the stew over. We had the meal with slices of buttered rye bread.
Afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he and I went to the movie theater to see the 3-D feature, "Gravity."
There were only six of us in the screening room tonight, and we waited until well past the scheduled 7:30 view time for the movie to begin, and when it didn't, a guy behind us went to see what the problem was. Seems the protectionist had not been informed that there was an audience in that room. No audience, no movie.
This a very intense film, with realistic effects. It's best seen in 3-D, which affords viewers a sense of floating out in space. Views of the earth are spectacular. It's takes special brave souls to go into space. I am not one. I'm very glad to be tethered to earth.
Back home, we had helpings of no-crust pumpkin with whipped topping, watched a TV show and the news, then headed to bed.
We were up at 6 a.m. so I could get ready for water aerobics. It was a little cool this morning, but not bad at all. The water in the pool was toasty, and twenty-five of us attended aerobics.
Back home afterward, I had a couple of cups of coffee, and then headed upstairs to get ready for the day. In the meantime, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. He also put sweet potatoes in the oven for our lunch.
We had the sweet potatoes with slices of buttered rye bread. Afterward, we went to the fairgrounds for the Extension Homemakers annual holiday craft sale. Mother enjoys going to this event mainly to visit with ladies she hasn't seen for a long time.
Other than picking up an EH logo t-shirt that I ordered just to contribute to the cause, and buying some washcloths that were folded and stitched to make small pockets for holding dental hygiene tools, we didn't buy anything. The washcloths are intended for travel, but I'll use them all the time just to cover my toothbrush, etc., to keep them protected against stuff in the air.
Back home, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I went on a photo safari around town. Had a heart-stopping moment at a traffic light, when we started into the intersection on a green light, and a car full of young people blew through a red light, coming within inches of hitting us broadside.
On the way back home from that, we stopped at the church down the road from us that sponsored a pumpkin patch. Folks who wanted them could pick up as many of the remaining pumpkins as they wanted, since someone is to come by tomorrow and gather what's left to be dumped on a compost pile.
At home again, I heated leftover beef stew, and cooked noodles to spoon the stew over. We had the meal with slices of buttered rye bread.
Afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he and I went to the movie theater to see the 3-D feature, "Gravity."
There were only six of us in the screening room tonight, and we waited until well past the scheduled 7:30 view time for the movie to begin, and when it didn't, a guy behind us went to see what the problem was. Seems the protectionist had not been informed that there was an audience in that room. No audience, no movie.
This a very intense film, with realistic effects. It's best seen in 3-D, which affords viewers a sense of floating out in space. Views of the earth are spectacular. It's takes special brave souls to go into space. I am not one. I'm very glad to be tethered to earth.
Back home, we had helpings of no-crust pumpkin with whipped topping, watched a TV show and the news, then headed to bed.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Thursday, Oct. 31
Happy Halloween! Another month gone...Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner. I'm not ready.
We slept late this morning, until nearly 8:30, but I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30. Didn't do much for the morning after I got ready for the day.
After lunch, which included apple slices and caramel dip for dessert (regular caramel apples on sticks are not on our food list anymore), Mother and I put together a pot of chili to simmer for the afternoon. Mother diced veggies...bell pepper, banana peppers, and onion...and I completed the recipe.
Afterward, we watched the musical movie, "Sweeney Todd," starring Johnny Depp. It's a really bloody version of the story, so we had to keep in mind that all that "blood" was fake. The version starring Angela Lansbury is less bloody...maybe we should have watched that.
While we watched the movie, Hubbie went to a grocery store for a few items, including fat-free evaporated milk for making a no-crust pumpkin pie. When he returned, I mixed the ingredients and put the pie in the oven. It was baked and still slightly warm for supper.
Movies and a chili supper...that's our traditional Halloween fare. Mother was ready to go home shortly after we ate. She wanted to be in, with her front porch light off before dark, even though we haven't had trick-or-treaters stop by in several years. Other than wrapped soft peppermint Christmas candy, we don't have anything to offer ghosts and goblins.
Tonight, Hubbie and I watched the Charlie Brown features on a local channel, then went to the Chiller channel for spooky movies. We entertained the idea of going to the movie theater to see "Gravity," but decided tomorrow night might be better.
************************************************************
Around 9 p.m., we learned that a tornado touched down in a town where several of Hubbie's relatives live. Fortunately none of the family were injured, but there has been damage to homes and businesses in the community. We should learn more on the news tomorrow.
Heavy rain and possible storms were predicted for today, but our town received only about a half inch of rain before the storm passed to the east and the sun came out.
We slept late this morning, until nearly 8:30, but I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30. Didn't do much for the morning after I got ready for the day.
After lunch, which included apple slices and caramel dip for dessert (regular caramel apples on sticks are not on our food list anymore), Mother and I put together a pot of chili to simmer for the afternoon. Mother diced veggies...bell pepper, banana peppers, and onion...and I completed the recipe.
Afterward, we watched the musical movie, "Sweeney Todd," starring Johnny Depp. It's a really bloody version of the story, so we had to keep in mind that all that "blood" was fake. The version starring Angela Lansbury is less bloody...maybe we should have watched that.
While we watched the movie, Hubbie went to a grocery store for a few items, including fat-free evaporated milk for making a no-crust pumpkin pie. When he returned, I mixed the ingredients and put the pie in the oven. It was baked and still slightly warm for supper.
Movies and a chili supper...that's our traditional Halloween fare. Mother was ready to go home shortly after we ate. She wanted to be in, with her front porch light off before dark, even though we haven't had trick-or-treaters stop by in several years. Other than wrapped soft peppermint Christmas candy, we don't have anything to offer ghosts and goblins.
Tonight, Hubbie and I watched the Charlie Brown features on a local channel, then went to the Chiller channel for spooky movies. We entertained the idea of going to the movie theater to see "Gravity," but decided tomorrow night might be better.
************************************************************
Around 9 p.m., we learned that a tornado touched down in a town where several of Hubbie's relatives live. Fortunately none of the family were injured, but there has been damage to homes and businesses in the community. We should learn more on the news tomorrow.
Heavy rain and possible storms were predicted for today, but our town received only about a half inch of rain before the storm passed to the east and the sun came out.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Up at 6:30 to get ready for water aerobics. It was a very mild morning for the walk to the gym, and the water in the pool was wonderfully warm, too. A record twenty-four attended today, some of them in costumes.
My effort at a costume....a black swimsuit, and a pair of tiger cub ears...was paltry beside some others. Our leader wore a bright pink wig, and a lavender hat. Another lady wore a ghoul mask and hood; another dressed as a bag lady; one wore a witch's hat and long gray hair, plus a black cape; another donned a skunk hat, while one lady wore a cap with a catfish appearing to swim through the top. Of course, the lady who wore a cape, and the one who wore a raincoat (bag lady) took them off before getting in the pool.
Back home afterward, I enjoyed a cup of coffee while Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and then went to meet an appointment with his doctor to see what the problem is with his big toe.
Before I went upstairs to get ready for the day, I gathered veggies ....onions, carrots, celery, banana peppers...for Mother to cut up for beef stew. When I was dressed, I put the stew together...seasoned the beef and dredged it in flour, then browned it; put it in the slow cooker; added chicken and beef broths, and more spices...no salt seasoning, pepper, paprika, garlic, basil, oregano, bay leaf, and rosemary. The meal cooked all day, tempting us by the hour.
Hubbie returned around 11:30, and said his doctor had done a blood test and e-rays, but found nothing visible to cause his toe to hurt, which indicated that it is probably gout. The doctor recommended he try taking an OTC medication, and if that doesn't work, he can give him a steroid. Later today, the pain had subsided, so maybe it'll go away soon. But he will probably have attacks of it from time-to-time.
In researching gout, my suspicion that the disease is more prevalent in men than in women was confirmed...it is ten times more prevalent in men. Certain foods can trigger an attack, like some meats, breads, and grains.
After lunch, Hubbie rested, while Mother and I made another dozen jars of crab apple jelly. About two cups of juice remained after we measured for the jelly. But it was the juice at the bottom of the container, and it was very cloudy. So Hubbie decided to help out by straining it through a cloth, so it could be stored in the freezer. When time permits, I'll add the juice to some regular apple juice to make more jelly.
It was 2 p.m. by the time we finished the jelly-making project. I'd been up and going since water aerobics this morning, so I was plenty ready to relax for a while and watch a movie. We watched the 1979 version of "Dracula," starring Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier, and Donald Pleasence.
Later, we had the beef stew with biscuits and some of the crab apple jelly. Afterward, we accompanied Mother to her house, and then Hubbie and I went to the WDCS for a few grocery items. There was no Sure-Jell there, so we had to go to another grocery store to get some.
Back home, we watched the 2007 apocalyptic movie, "I Am Legend," starring Will Smith. A plague kills almost everyone, and turns the rest into monsters. A lone survivor and his dog wander the streets looking for other survivors. He is a doctor, who struggles to find a cure for the disease.
My effort at a costume....a black swimsuit, and a pair of tiger cub ears...was paltry beside some others. Our leader wore a bright pink wig, and a lavender hat. Another lady wore a ghoul mask and hood; another dressed as a bag lady; one wore a witch's hat and long gray hair, plus a black cape; another donned a skunk hat, while one lady wore a cap with a catfish appearing to swim through the top. Of course, the lady who wore a cape, and the one who wore a raincoat (bag lady) took them off before getting in the pool.
Back home afterward, I enjoyed a cup of coffee while Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and then went to meet an appointment with his doctor to see what the problem is with his big toe.
Before I went upstairs to get ready for the day, I gathered veggies ....onions, carrots, celery, banana peppers...for Mother to cut up for beef stew. When I was dressed, I put the stew together...seasoned the beef and dredged it in flour, then browned it; put it in the slow cooker; added chicken and beef broths, and more spices...no salt seasoning, pepper, paprika, garlic, basil, oregano, bay leaf, and rosemary. The meal cooked all day, tempting us by the hour.
Hubbie returned around 11:30, and said his doctor had done a blood test and e-rays, but found nothing visible to cause his toe to hurt, which indicated that it is probably gout. The doctor recommended he try taking an OTC medication, and if that doesn't work, he can give him a steroid. Later today, the pain had subsided, so maybe it'll go away soon. But he will probably have attacks of it from time-to-time.
In researching gout, my suspicion that the disease is more prevalent in men than in women was confirmed...it is ten times more prevalent in men. Certain foods can trigger an attack, like some meats, breads, and grains.
After lunch, Hubbie rested, while Mother and I made another dozen jars of crab apple jelly. About two cups of juice remained after we measured for the jelly. But it was the juice at the bottom of the container, and it was very cloudy. So Hubbie decided to help out by straining it through a cloth, so it could be stored in the freezer. When time permits, I'll add the juice to some regular apple juice to make more jelly.
It was 2 p.m. by the time we finished the jelly-making project. I'd been up and going since water aerobics this morning, so I was plenty ready to relax for a while and watch a movie. We watched the 1979 version of "Dracula," starring Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier, and Donald Pleasence.
Later, we had the beef stew with biscuits and some of the crab apple jelly. Afterward, we accompanied Mother to her house, and then Hubbie and I went to the WDCS for a few grocery items. There was no Sure-Jell there, so we had to go to another grocery store to get some.
Back home, we watched the 2007 apocalyptic movie, "I Am Legend," starring Will Smith. A plague kills almost everyone, and turns the rest into monsters. A lone survivor and his dog wander the streets looking for other survivors. He is a doctor, who struggles to find a cure for the disease.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Slept late, until 7:30 this morning. Did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning, and we decided to make a batch of crab apple jelly before I went upstairs to get ready for the day.
I thought I would need to strain the juice through cheesecloth, since it was so cloudy when I put it in the refrigerator last night. But by this morning, the cloudiness had settled to the bottom of the container, so there was nice clear juice at the top to work with.
The jelly recipe used seven cups of juice and nine cups of sugar, so we got a dozen jars of jelly. Only one is not sealed, so Mother will take that jar home with her.
It was 11:30 by the time we finished making the jelly, so I fixed Ramen noodle soup for Mother's lunch, and Hubbie made grilled cheese sandwiches for the two of us. Afterward, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I finally showered.
Spent the afternoon reading newspapers and playing on my e-tablet until around 4 p.m. At that time, I filled a microwave dish with leftovers for Mother to heat for her supper later. At 4:30, I put a pan of leftovers in the oven to warm, while Hubbie and I attended a reception at the art gallery at 5 p.m.
Before we left the house, I turned the oven off. The meal would stay warm until we returned.
The purpose of the reception was to announce that a business adjacent to the gallery is being closed and sold, and the gallery has obtained funds to buy not only the space it how occupies, but the adjacent space as well.
So the state senators from our area, along with our town's mayor, who were instrumental in helping to fund the project, were on hand for the announcement. A large group of folks...art gallery board members, visual arts committee members (of which I'm a member), and patrons of the arts attended.
We enjoyed visiting with folks. One of our friends, and her husband, are over-the-moon excited about the impending arrival of triplet grandchildren, due in a couple of months. She told us that the triplets consist of twin boys, and a girl. They, and the parents of the babies, were hoping for either two boys and a girl, or two girls and a boy, so everybody is happy.
Talked with a community theater member who has had a stressful week...her mother, who has been residing in an independent living home, had an accident recently that has limited her mobility. The living center has notified our friend that her mother can no longer stay at the center and had to be immediately moved. Fortunately, a space became available at a nearby nursing home, so our friend had to rush to move her mother.
Also talked with a lady who is on the friends of the college library executive board. She was thrilled to learn that I've been invited to sit on the board. I'm joining the board as an alumna of the college, and the husband of this lady is my former art professor.
We were back home around 6 p.m., ready to eat, since it was about an hour past our usual supper hour.
Hubbie was plenty ready to leave the reception, because a few minutes before we left, he began experiencing a pain in the arch of his left foot. Before long, he was limping around on that foot. Standing for an hour at the gallery didn't help.
We are mystified as to what is wrong with his foot, but if it doesn't straighten up by tomorrow, I think he would be advised to visit his doctor.
I thought I would need to strain the juice through cheesecloth, since it was so cloudy when I put it in the refrigerator last night. But by this morning, the cloudiness had settled to the bottom of the container, so there was nice clear juice at the top to work with.
The jelly recipe used seven cups of juice and nine cups of sugar, so we got a dozen jars of jelly. Only one is not sealed, so Mother will take that jar home with her.
It was 11:30 by the time we finished making the jelly, so I fixed Ramen noodle soup for Mother's lunch, and Hubbie made grilled cheese sandwiches for the two of us. Afterward, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I finally showered.
Spent the afternoon reading newspapers and playing on my e-tablet until around 4 p.m. At that time, I filled a microwave dish with leftovers for Mother to heat for her supper later. At 4:30, I put a pan of leftovers in the oven to warm, while Hubbie and I attended a reception at the art gallery at 5 p.m.
Before we left the house, I turned the oven off. The meal would stay warm until we returned.
The purpose of the reception was to announce that a business adjacent to the gallery is being closed and sold, and the gallery has obtained funds to buy not only the space it how occupies, but the adjacent space as well.
So the state senators from our area, along with our town's mayor, who were instrumental in helping to fund the project, were on hand for the announcement. A large group of folks...art gallery board members, visual arts committee members (of which I'm a member), and patrons of the arts attended.
We enjoyed visiting with folks. One of our friends, and her husband, are over-the-moon excited about the impending arrival of triplet grandchildren, due in a couple of months. She told us that the triplets consist of twin boys, and a girl. They, and the parents of the babies, were hoping for either two boys and a girl, or two girls and a boy, so everybody is happy.
Talked with a community theater member who has had a stressful week...her mother, who has been residing in an independent living home, had an accident recently that has limited her mobility. The living center has notified our friend that her mother can no longer stay at the center and had to be immediately moved. Fortunately, a space became available at a nearby nursing home, so our friend had to rush to move her mother.
Also talked with a lady who is on the friends of the college library executive board. She was thrilled to learn that I've been invited to sit on the board. I'm joining the board as an alumna of the college, and the husband of this lady is my former art professor.
We were back home around 6 p.m., ready to eat, since it was about an hour past our usual supper hour.
Hubbie was plenty ready to leave the reception, because a few minutes before we left, he began experiencing a pain in the arch of his left foot. Before long, he was limping around on that foot. Standing for an hour at the gallery didn't help.
We are mystified as to what is wrong with his foot, but if it doesn't straighten up by tomorrow, I think he would be advised to visit his doctor.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, Oct. 28
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready for water aerobics. It was a relatively mild morning, but very foggy. I took extra care exiting my driveway, since visibility was reduced around that curve. The pool was nice and warm, and twenty-three of us enjoyed it.
Today, a new lady joined us. Her name is the same as mine. She now makes four of us with the same name. Our leader brought this to the attention of the group by joking, "everyone whose name is not (my name), please raise your hands."
Back home afterward, I enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee, while Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. Instead of going right upstairs to get ready for the day, I decided to get Mother started pulling the stems of crab apples, so I could simmer them for juice.
I washed a batch of the apples, and then decided to help Mother with the project. Pretty soon, Hubbie joined us. It took a long time to prepare two gallons of the fruit.
Once the apples were ready, I simmered two pots of them. It was 11:30 before they were done, so I delayed showering and dressing until after a lunch of Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and PB&J sandwiches for Hubbie and me. Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle afterward.
Finally, I was ready to go upstairs. When I was dressed, Hubbie and I ran errands...to the bank, to the pharmacy, and to the dollar store, where I bought a "Halloween costume" to wear to water aerobics on Wednesday...a child-size head band with little tiger ears on it. I'll wear it with a black swimsuit.
From there, we went to the WDCS for a few groceries. Last stop was the gas station.
At home, I juiced the crab apples. Got about a gallon of juice for making jelly. There are still three more pounds of the apples to process tomorrow. If there's time, I might make a batch of jelly, too.
Once the juice was in the refrigerator, I relaxed for a while, and then around 4 p.m., Mother diced veggies and grated cheese for making an omelet for her supper. She chose an omelet for supper, because Hubbie and I were scheduled to go our insurance company's annual meeting/dinner.
When Mother's supper was ready (the omelet, plus the last of the pumpkin muffins), Hubbie accompanied her to her house, and then he and I went to the college down the road for the meeting/dinner.
We were an hour early, and still folks were lined up all around the large room and out the back door. It took about twenty minutes to finally arrive at the serving area. We estimate around 300 people attended.
The meal was the same as every year...catfish and trimmings. I wondered aloud why the company doesn't serve a healthier meal...wouldn't healthier food help reduce illness, thus saving health insurance dollars?
The tables tonight were decorated with red and white check paper picnic table clothes. Centerpieces were tins designed with ears of corn on the top, and holding packages of popcorn wrapped in twine. Attendees who picked up programs with red stars on the back won these centerpieces. No red stars for us. Nor did we win any of the door prizes.
But, thankfully, the meeting, which started at 7 p.m., was over by 7:30...lots of folks were in a hurry to get home to watch the World Series. We like to keep up with who's winning, but we are not baseball fans, so we don't watch the games.
At home, we finished the evening watching one-hour shows on TV.
Today, a new lady joined us. Her name is the same as mine. She now makes four of us with the same name. Our leader brought this to the attention of the group by joking, "everyone whose name is not (my name), please raise your hands."
Back home afterward, I enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee, while Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. Instead of going right upstairs to get ready for the day, I decided to get Mother started pulling the stems of crab apples, so I could simmer them for juice.
I washed a batch of the apples, and then decided to help Mother with the project. Pretty soon, Hubbie joined us. It took a long time to prepare two gallons of the fruit.
Once the apples were ready, I simmered two pots of them. It was 11:30 before they were done, so I delayed showering and dressing until after a lunch of Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and PB&J sandwiches for Hubbie and me. Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle afterward.
Finally, I was ready to go upstairs. When I was dressed, Hubbie and I ran errands...to the bank, to the pharmacy, and to the dollar store, where I bought a "Halloween costume" to wear to water aerobics on Wednesday...a child-size head band with little tiger ears on it. I'll wear it with a black swimsuit.
From there, we went to the WDCS for a few groceries. Last stop was the gas station.
At home, I juiced the crab apples. Got about a gallon of juice for making jelly. There are still three more pounds of the apples to process tomorrow. If there's time, I might make a batch of jelly, too.
Once the juice was in the refrigerator, I relaxed for a while, and then around 4 p.m., Mother diced veggies and grated cheese for making an omelet for her supper. She chose an omelet for supper, because Hubbie and I were scheduled to go our insurance company's annual meeting/dinner.
When Mother's supper was ready (the omelet, plus the last of the pumpkin muffins), Hubbie accompanied her to her house, and then he and I went to the college down the road for the meeting/dinner.
We were an hour early, and still folks were lined up all around the large room and out the back door. It took about twenty minutes to finally arrive at the serving area. We estimate around 300 people attended.
The meal was the same as every year...catfish and trimmings. I wondered aloud why the company doesn't serve a healthier meal...wouldn't healthier food help reduce illness, thus saving health insurance dollars?
The tables tonight were decorated with red and white check paper picnic table clothes. Centerpieces were tins designed with ears of corn on the top, and holding packages of popcorn wrapped in twine. Attendees who picked up programs with red stars on the back won these centerpieces. No red stars for us. Nor did we win any of the door prizes.
But, thankfully, the meeting, which started at 7 p.m., was over by 7:30...lots of folks were in a hurry to get home to watch the World Series. We like to keep up with who's winning, but we are not baseball fans, so we don't watch the games.
At home, we finished the evening watching one-hour shows on TV.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Sunday, Oct. 27
Up around 8 a.m., showered and dressed. Sis accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning.
This morning, we were ready to get the pears into the freezer. Since Sis's peeler needs to clamp to a surface, we didn't want to use it on my counters or the dining room table, so Hubbie cleaned an old desk from the sunroom that is being used for plants and brought it into the kitchen. We scoured it and disinfected it, and then set to work.
Well, actually, Sis set to work. She used the device to core, peel and slice enough pears to fill five quart bags for the freezer. The task was completed in just a few minutes. After watching her, I'm convinced I need a peeler, and will be soon be searching for one.
The pears are cooking pears, so they will need to be made into jam, pear honey, or used in cobblers.
Tomorrow, I hope to cook and juice the crab apples Sis brought. Then, as time permits, I'll make jelly from the juice. I obtained a crab apple jelly recipe from a friend at the swimming pool...she called me Friday to dictate it to me. Sis copied the recipe, too.
When the pear project was done, I made a recipe of Spanish rice, using leftover Swiss steak in sauce, and adding salsa, brown sugar, and other spices, and Monterey Jack cheese. We had the rice with canned corn, sliced tomatoes topped with cottage cheese, and slices of Scottish struan bread.
Spent the afternoon watching movies...both versions of "War of the Worlds." Mother and I had watched these a couple of weeks ago, but Sis was in the mood to see them, and we didn't mind watching them again.
Later, for supper, I heated barbecue from the freezer for Sis and Hubbie, and a bowl of macaroni and cheese for Mother. I opted for fried eggs and pumpkin muffins.
Afterward, Sis gathered her things and headed home. Mother stayed around for a while to watch a little TV, and then Hubbie accompanied her home. He and I continued watching TV until bedtime.
This morning, we were ready to get the pears into the freezer. Since Sis's peeler needs to clamp to a surface, we didn't want to use it on my counters or the dining room table, so Hubbie cleaned an old desk from the sunroom that is being used for plants and brought it into the kitchen. We scoured it and disinfected it, and then set to work.
Well, actually, Sis set to work. She used the device to core, peel and slice enough pears to fill five quart bags for the freezer. The task was completed in just a few minutes. After watching her, I'm convinced I need a peeler, and will be soon be searching for one.
The pears are cooking pears, so they will need to be made into jam, pear honey, or used in cobblers.
Tomorrow, I hope to cook and juice the crab apples Sis brought. Then, as time permits, I'll make jelly from the juice. I obtained a crab apple jelly recipe from a friend at the swimming pool...she called me Friday to dictate it to me. Sis copied the recipe, too.
When the pear project was done, I made a recipe of Spanish rice, using leftover Swiss steak in sauce, and adding salsa, brown sugar, and other spices, and Monterey Jack cheese. We had the rice with canned corn, sliced tomatoes topped with cottage cheese, and slices of Scottish struan bread.
Spent the afternoon watching movies...both versions of "War of the Worlds." Mother and I had watched these a couple of weeks ago, but Sis was in the mood to see them, and we didn't mind watching them again.
Later, for supper, I heated barbecue from the freezer for Sis and Hubbie, and a bowl of macaroni and cheese for Mother. I opted for fried eggs and pumpkin muffins.
Afterward, Sis gathered her things and headed home. Mother stayed around for a while to watch a little TV, and then Hubbie accompanied her home. He and I continued watching TV until bedtime.
Saturday, Oct 26
Slept late this morning, until around 8 a.m. Sis accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning.
Sis had brought pears and crab apples with her, and we thought we might prepare the pears for the freezer this morning, using an automatic peeler that Sis also brought. But it was such a nice day that I proposed we go on an outing to a pumpkin farm later. So we postponed the pear project until tomorrow.
We relaxed and visited for the morning, and then at lunchtime, I fetched a couple of packages of pancakes from the freezer and heated them in the oven. For toppings, we had a choice of pear honey that Sis made and brought with her this trip, or sugar-free syrup mixed with failed blackberry jelly. It was a satisfying meal.
Afterward, we loaded up and went to the pumpkin farm, about an hour away. This was our first trip to the site, directions to which are to travel about halfway between two towns, then turn left on the road that is across from the John Deere place. We had no trouble finding it.
We were surprised when we arrived to find that there was an $8 per person entrance fee. Once inside, folks had to fork over $5 per person to ride in a horse-drawn wagon, go on a hayride, or ride a tram-style vehicle.
Hungry folks could buy $3 hamburgers from a food shack, or buy jams, jellies, etc., at another building.
The farm is geared toward young families, with hay bale tunnels, huge tractor tires painted white and fashioned into a sea serpent to play on, a very large tree stump to climb on, playground swings with tunnel slides, a life boat capsule sunk into the ground to climb in and out of, a sunflower field, a cotton patch, where kids can pick cotton, pumpkin patches, where pumpkins are on the vines (folks can choose and buy one), a corn field maze, a petting zoo, a corn cob shooting range, an old piece of farm equipment for kids to play on, etc.
We meandered around and looked at stuff, and I took lots of pictures. We also wandered a little way through the corn maze, but we passed on the rides...partly because they weren't handicapped accessible, and partly because we didn't think there should have been a charge after the pricey entrance fee. They did drop the fee to $3 later in the afternoon, but we were ready to leave by that time.
Even though it was a mild afternoon, it was windy, so I saw right away that Mother was going to get chilled. So I traded coats with her, because mine...a fuzzy lined one...has a nice warm hood. Still, by 3 p.m., she was plenty ready to get back to the warmth of the van.
We were back home around 4 p.m., and I put leftover beans and ham dinner into the oven for supper. Since my oven was occupied, Sis took a recipe of cornbread to Mother's oven.
Supper was ready a little after 5 p.m. Afterward, we played Skipbo for the evening. Mother won two games, Sis won two games, and Hubbie won one. Nothing for me this time.
Around 9 p.m., Sis accompanied Mother to her house, and Hubbie and I finished the evening watching TV.
Sis had brought pears and crab apples with her, and we thought we might prepare the pears for the freezer this morning, using an automatic peeler that Sis also brought. But it was such a nice day that I proposed we go on an outing to a pumpkin farm later. So we postponed the pear project until tomorrow.
We relaxed and visited for the morning, and then at lunchtime, I fetched a couple of packages of pancakes from the freezer and heated them in the oven. For toppings, we had a choice of pear honey that Sis made and brought with her this trip, or sugar-free syrup mixed with failed blackberry jelly. It was a satisfying meal.
Afterward, we loaded up and went to the pumpkin farm, about an hour away. This was our first trip to the site, directions to which are to travel about halfway between two towns, then turn left on the road that is across from the John Deere place. We had no trouble finding it.
We were surprised when we arrived to find that there was an $8 per person entrance fee. Once inside, folks had to fork over $5 per person to ride in a horse-drawn wagon, go on a hayride, or ride a tram-style vehicle.
Hungry folks could buy $3 hamburgers from a food shack, or buy jams, jellies, etc., at another building.
The farm is geared toward young families, with hay bale tunnels, huge tractor tires painted white and fashioned into a sea serpent to play on, a very large tree stump to climb on, playground swings with tunnel slides, a life boat capsule sunk into the ground to climb in and out of, a sunflower field, a cotton patch, where kids can pick cotton, pumpkin patches, where pumpkins are on the vines (folks can choose and buy one), a corn field maze, a petting zoo, a corn cob shooting range, an old piece of farm equipment for kids to play on, etc.
We meandered around and looked at stuff, and I took lots of pictures. We also wandered a little way through the corn maze, but we passed on the rides...partly because they weren't handicapped accessible, and partly because we didn't think there should have been a charge after the pricey entrance fee. They did drop the fee to $3 later in the afternoon, but we were ready to leave by that time.
Even though it was a mild afternoon, it was windy, so I saw right away that Mother was going to get chilled. So I traded coats with her, because mine...a fuzzy lined one...has a nice warm hood. Still, by 3 p.m., she was plenty ready to get back to the warmth of the van.
We were back home around 4 p.m., and I put leftover beans and ham dinner into the oven for supper. Since my oven was occupied, Sis took a recipe of cornbread to Mother's oven.
Supper was ready a little after 5 p.m. Afterward, we played Skipbo for the evening. Mother won two games, Sis won two games, and Hubbie won one. Nothing for me this time.
Around 9 p.m., Sis accompanied Mother to her house, and Hubbie and I finished the evening watching TV.
Friday, Oct 25.
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready for water aerobics. I expected the van windows to be covered in frost, but they were not. It was very chilly outside, though, so my fleece wear and a coat felt very good. I even donned gloves this morning.
Though there was no frost at our house, the fields along the way to the college were white with it, and the windows on cars left on the parking lot overnight were frosty.
The pool was nice and warm, though. I wondered if many ladies would show up today, but there were twenty-two of us.
Back home afterward, I thawed out with a cup of coffee, then headed to the shower. Sis accompanied Mother to our house around 9 a.m., and Mother helped get a pot of ham and beans started. She had sorted the beans last night, and I soaked them overnight. This morning, she diced onions, carrots, and banana peppers, and cubed the ham. I added them to the beans, along with cans of beef and chicken broth, and various spices.
In the meantime, Sis used a certificate for a free oil change to get her truck serviced at a local garage. We had gotten the certificate at a silent auction, but it was about to expire, and neither of our vehicles needed an oil change. Since Sis would have been unfamiliar with where the garage is located, Hubbie led her there.
Later, after lunch, Mother helped me make a batch of chai tea, to be given to Daughter-in-Law for her birthday. And then she and Sis worked on her jigsaw puzzle, which they finished today.
I put together gift bags for both Daugher-in-Law and Granddaughter, as well as cards and cash for Great-Grandson and Great-Granddaughter. Besides the chi tea, I added a pint jar of homemade strawberry jam to Daughter-in-Law's gift bag. Granddaughter's gift was three half pint jars of various homemade jellies.
Hubbie shopped for a few groceries, and when he got back, I made a batch of chocolate cupcakes.
We expected Grandson and his family to visit tonight, so we could see the new baby. They had hoped to be here around suppertime, but weren't able to get here before 7 p.m.
For supper, Hubbie peeled and sliced potatoes, which I fried, and Mother sliced and seasoned green tomatoes from our garden, which I also fried. Mother made dressing to be added to slaw, and I made a double batch of cornbread, plus baking a pan of canned biscuits. Sis prepared two boxes of macaroni and cheese, since we figured Great-Grandsons might not appreciate the rest of the meal.
The four of us sat down to supper at our usual 5 p.m. hour, and when Grandson and family arrived, they chowed down.
Naturally, we immediately fell in love with our newest great-grandchild, an adorable baby girl. We couldn't get enough of holding her. We enjoyed the two cute, cute boys, too, but because the baby is so new, she got the most attention.
I took lots of snapshots of the baby with family, but I'm never pleased with photos I take inside our home, which is dark and not conducive to photography.
The few hours that Grandson and family were here flew by. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing them, and hope it won't be long before we see them again.
Not long after they left, Sis accompanied Mother to her house. We watched a one-hour show on TV, and then headed to bed.
Though there was no frost at our house, the fields along the way to the college were white with it, and the windows on cars left on the parking lot overnight were frosty.
The pool was nice and warm, though. I wondered if many ladies would show up today, but there were twenty-two of us.
Back home afterward, I thawed out with a cup of coffee, then headed to the shower. Sis accompanied Mother to our house around 9 a.m., and Mother helped get a pot of ham and beans started. She had sorted the beans last night, and I soaked them overnight. This morning, she diced onions, carrots, and banana peppers, and cubed the ham. I added them to the beans, along with cans of beef and chicken broth, and various spices.
In the meantime, Sis used a certificate for a free oil change to get her truck serviced at a local garage. We had gotten the certificate at a silent auction, but it was about to expire, and neither of our vehicles needed an oil change. Since Sis would have been unfamiliar with where the garage is located, Hubbie led her there.
Later, after lunch, Mother helped me make a batch of chai tea, to be given to Daughter-in-Law for her birthday. And then she and Sis worked on her jigsaw puzzle, which they finished today.
I put together gift bags for both Daugher-in-Law and Granddaughter, as well as cards and cash for Great-Grandson and Great-Granddaughter. Besides the chi tea, I added a pint jar of homemade strawberry jam to Daughter-in-Law's gift bag. Granddaughter's gift was three half pint jars of various homemade jellies.
Hubbie shopped for a few groceries, and when he got back, I made a batch of chocolate cupcakes.
We expected Grandson and his family to visit tonight, so we could see the new baby. They had hoped to be here around suppertime, but weren't able to get here before 7 p.m.
For supper, Hubbie peeled and sliced potatoes, which I fried, and Mother sliced and seasoned green tomatoes from our garden, which I also fried. Mother made dressing to be added to slaw, and I made a double batch of cornbread, plus baking a pan of canned biscuits. Sis prepared two boxes of macaroni and cheese, since we figured Great-Grandsons might not appreciate the rest of the meal.
The four of us sat down to supper at our usual 5 p.m. hour, and when Grandson and family arrived, they chowed down.
Naturally, we immediately fell in love with our newest great-grandchild, an adorable baby girl. We couldn't get enough of holding her. We enjoyed the two cute, cute boys, too, but because the baby is so new, she got the most attention.
I took lots of snapshots of the baby with family, but I'm never pleased with photos I take inside our home, which is dark and not conducive to photography.
The few hours that Grandson and family were here flew by. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing them, and hope it won't be long before we see them again.
Not long after they left, Sis accompanied Mother to her house. We watched a one-hour show on TV, and then headed to bed.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Up at 6 a.m. to be dressed and ready for when the painter came. He was scheduled to be here around 8:30, but he was delayed, and didn't come until after lunch. When it became apparent that he wasn't going to show up this morning, I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises.
He arrived shortly after lunch and went to work to finishing painting the kitchen. It was around 5:30 before he got done.
I accomplished nothing while he worked...just entertained myself with my e-reader, and newspapers. Hubbie worked outdoors, and Mother worked on her jigsaw puzzle.
For supper, I heated a variety of leftovers. While we were at the table, Sis arrived and joined us. She is scheduled to spend a few days.
After supper, I decided to make a batch of pumpkin muffins, using a recipe that Sis posted on a social network page. The recipe calls for nothing more than a yellow or white cake mix, and a can of pumpkin. They are very tasty.
After supper, we watched all of this season's new NCIS episodes, which I'd recorded on DVR. Afterward, Sis accompanied Mother to her house.
Tonight is predicted to be the cold enough to produce frost in the morning. It's difficult for me to force myself out of bed on cold mornings to go to water aerobics, but I'll do it.
He arrived shortly after lunch and went to work to finishing painting the kitchen. It was around 5:30 before he got done.
I accomplished nothing while he worked...just entertained myself with my e-reader, and newspapers. Hubbie worked outdoors, and Mother worked on her jigsaw puzzle.
For supper, I heated a variety of leftovers. While we were at the table, Sis arrived and joined us. She is scheduled to spend a few days.
After supper, I decided to make a batch of pumpkin muffins, using a recipe that Sis posted on a social network page. The recipe calls for nothing more than a yellow or white cake mix, and a can of pumpkin. They are very tasty.
After supper, we watched all of this season's new NCIS episodes, which I'd recorded on DVR. Afterward, Sis accompanied Mother to her house.
Tonight is predicted to be the cold enough to produce frost in the morning. It's difficult for me to force myself out of bed on cold mornings to go to water aerobics, but I'll do it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)