We slept until after 8 a.m. this morning. Did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 10 a.m. Once I was dressed and ready for the day, I didn't have much time to accomplish anything before lunch.
Hubbie did the honors of making grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. Afterward, Mother started a new jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I ran errands. Went first to a department store, where I meant to pick up shirts for both Mother and me, for which I could use $10 coupons.
The shirt I was going to get for Mother was the chambray one I saw yesterday, but in looking at it again, I saw that it really wasn't roomy enough. But I did find a very pretty cotton one with tiny blue and green vertical stripes that I thought she'd like. I used one of the $10 off coupons and purchased it with a gift card given to her by a family member.
I saw a shirt I liked for myself, too, but wasn't willing to pay the price, which I think is exorbitant for simple cotton shirt.
From there, we went to a grocery store to pick up this week's free item...a package of frozen stir-fry vegetables...and two pounds of white American cheese for making pimento cheese. Our last stop was the WDCS for more groceries.
Back home, I spent an hour or so sorting books and discarding some for the college book sale. About 4 p.m., Mother and I went to the kitchen to begin supper preparations. Tonight's fare was bagel pizzas, salad, cottage cheese, and canned pears for dessert.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, and Hubbie accompanied her. Then he watched NCAA games on TV, while I read the newspaper, played on my laptop, and read my novel on my tablet.
It was a nice day today, if a bit cool and windy.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Friday, March 28
Up at 7:30 to get ready to go to a bridal shower at 10 a.m. Skipped my exercises and just went ahead and showered and dressed.
It was frustrating trying to find something to wear suited to this in-between weather that threatened rain later. Finally settled on khaki slacks with a three-quarter-length-sleeve orange sherbet knit shirt, and a white cotton sweater. Wore canvas flats with a pink and orange sherbet floral pattern.
At 9:30, Mother and I headed to the Extension Services office for the shower honoring the agent for Extension Homemakers and 4-H. Mother was comfortably attired in black slacks, with a white mock turtleneck knit shirt and a fleece jacket with a blue and beige floral pattern. This is a jacket Hubbie and I gave her for Christmas.
It was a nice, sunny morning, though rain, and maybe storms, were predicted for later in the day. This morning, though, we could see that the earth is waking up after a long, cold winter. Everywhere spring is in evidence...native purple ground cover, Bradford pear trees blooming bridal veil white, magnolia trees in showy pink blossoms, bright yellow forsythia bushes, and riots of jonquils and daffadils along roadsides and in yards.
The ES agent is to be married in May at the arts museum in the capital city. When we arrived, she handed me an invitation to the wedding addressed to our scrapbook club. I doubt any of the ladies will want to attend this evening wedding an hour and a half away, but I'll relay the information to them anyway.
The conference room of the ES office was quite chilly, so it was good that Mother wore that jacket, and I wore a sweater. We could tell by the varying attire of the other women that everyone had as much difficulty as we did choosing something to wear that would be comfortable, yet festive.
Around 25 ladies attended the shower, so the honoree received lots of nice gifts. Most of them were ones she had listed on registries around town, but a few were originals, like a beautiful hand crocheted afghan in her chosen household colors, her wedding invitation professionally framed, a potluck dish carrier monogrammed with her soon-to-be married name, and four dryer balls (these are yarn wound around something...I don't know what...that will prevent static in the dryer).
The refreshment table was very nicely decorated in the bride's chosen wedding colors of yellow and coral. Refreshments were a potluck of spinach dip and crackers, sausage balls, two kinds of roll-ups, fresh fruit, orange and yellow cupcakes iced in orange and yellow flowers, brownies, snicker doodle cookies, mini-blueberry muffins, etc.
There wasn't much I could select, since a lot of it contained yellow dye. I don't eat sausage, so the sausage balls were out. The roll-ups included yellow cheese, so those were out, too. I stuck with the fruit, mini-muffins, and spinach dip and crackers, and a brownie. Mother, though, was able to sample most of it. We were encouraged to bring cupcakes home with us, so I did, since I knew Mother and Hubbie could eat them. I snared two brownies for myself.
We were back home shortly after noon. Mother really enjoyed this outing, which allowed her to visit with ladies she hasn't seen in a while. At 92, she was no doubt the oldest lady there, so the other ladies wanted to pat her and hug her. Later, she said they "hovered" over her.
Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle this afternoon, while Hubbie went outdoors to dig plants in our yard to offer at the plant sale later in April, and I went shopping.
I stopped first at the greeting card shop, where I bought a jigsaw puzzle, using a 30% off coupon, and a gift card given to Mother for her birthday. She still has enough on that card to buy another puzzle when new ones come in. A store staff member took my name and number, so she can call me when new puzzles arrive.
From there, I went to a department store. I took the intimate apparel back that I bought a few days ago, so I could return it, then purchase it again using a $10 coupon we got in the mail. I used another $10 coupon to buy an on-sale lightweight jacket (wish I'd had it this morning for the shower). The jacket is in muted floral tones of coral and beige, and is reversible to an animal print.
I browsed petite blouses hoping to find one for Mother, since she has a gift card to this store. I did find an on-sale chambray shirt in her size, but wanted to check with her first to see if she wants it (she does).
In the misses department, I saw a coral plaid blouse that I like, but decided to come home and print more $10 coupons from the store's online site before buying these items. I plan to go back tomorrow and get the two blouses (Hubbie can go along and use one of the coupons).
From this store I went to a dollar store to buy vitamin E face cream. I doubt that I'm looking any younger from using this cream, but does make my face feel smooth and hydrated. And the cream is only $2 for a large jar. While I was there, I found a really nice graduation card.
Back home, Mother and I went to the kitchen to begin supper preparations. She diced onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper, which I sauteed for Ziplock bag omelets. Hubbie helped by washing large red potatoes for baking.
Later, I cooked the omelets (using egg substitute), and put sliced and buttered French bread in the oven to heat. The omelets, potatoes, and bread were a very good Lenten Friday meal. But unfortunately, one of the potatoes was bad, so the three of us had to share the remaining two. They were large enough to serve the three of us, though.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he watched NCAA basketball games on TV, while I played on my laptop and read my novel.
It was frustrating trying to find something to wear suited to this in-between weather that threatened rain later. Finally settled on khaki slacks with a three-quarter-length-sleeve orange sherbet knit shirt, and a white cotton sweater. Wore canvas flats with a pink and orange sherbet floral pattern.
At 9:30, Mother and I headed to the Extension Services office for the shower honoring the agent for Extension Homemakers and 4-H. Mother was comfortably attired in black slacks, with a white mock turtleneck knit shirt and a fleece jacket with a blue and beige floral pattern. This is a jacket Hubbie and I gave her for Christmas.
It was a nice, sunny morning, though rain, and maybe storms, were predicted for later in the day. This morning, though, we could see that the earth is waking up after a long, cold winter. Everywhere spring is in evidence...native purple ground cover, Bradford pear trees blooming bridal veil white, magnolia trees in showy pink blossoms, bright yellow forsythia bushes, and riots of jonquils and daffadils along roadsides and in yards.
The ES agent is to be married in May at the arts museum in the capital city. When we arrived, she handed me an invitation to the wedding addressed to our scrapbook club. I doubt any of the ladies will want to attend this evening wedding an hour and a half away, but I'll relay the information to them anyway.
The conference room of the ES office was quite chilly, so it was good that Mother wore that jacket, and I wore a sweater. We could tell by the varying attire of the other women that everyone had as much difficulty as we did choosing something to wear that would be comfortable, yet festive.
Around 25 ladies attended the shower, so the honoree received lots of nice gifts. Most of them were ones she had listed on registries around town, but a few were originals, like a beautiful hand crocheted afghan in her chosen household colors, her wedding invitation professionally framed, a potluck dish carrier monogrammed with her soon-to-be married name, and four dryer balls (these are yarn wound around something...I don't know what...that will prevent static in the dryer).
The refreshment table was very nicely decorated in the bride's chosen wedding colors of yellow and coral. Refreshments were a potluck of spinach dip and crackers, sausage balls, two kinds of roll-ups, fresh fruit, orange and yellow cupcakes iced in orange and yellow flowers, brownies, snicker doodle cookies, mini-blueberry muffins, etc.
There wasn't much I could select, since a lot of it contained yellow dye. I don't eat sausage, so the sausage balls were out. The roll-ups included yellow cheese, so those were out, too. I stuck with the fruit, mini-muffins, and spinach dip and crackers, and a brownie. Mother, though, was able to sample most of it. We were encouraged to bring cupcakes home with us, so I did, since I knew Mother and Hubbie could eat them. I snared two brownies for myself.
We were back home shortly after noon. Mother really enjoyed this outing, which allowed her to visit with ladies she hasn't seen in a while. At 92, she was no doubt the oldest lady there, so the other ladies wanted to pat her and hug her. Later, she said they "hovered" over her.
Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle this afternoon, while Hubbie went outdoors to dig plants in our yard to offer at the plant sale later in April, and I went shopping.
I stopped first at the greeting card shop, where I bought a jigsaw puzzle, using a 30% off coupon, and a gift card given to Mother for her birthday. She still has enough on that card to buy another puzzle when new ones come in. A store staff member took my name and number, so she can call me when new puzzles arrive.
From there, I went to a department store. I took the intimate apparel back that I bought a few days ago, so I could return it, then purchase it again using a $10 coupon we got in the mail. I used another $10 coupon to buy an on-sale lightweight jacket (wish I'd had it this morning for the shower). The jacket is in muted floral tones of coral and beige, and is reversible to an animal print.
I browsed petite blouses hoping to find one for Mother, since she has a gift card to this store. I did find an on-sale chambray shirt in her size, but wanted to check with her first to see if she wants it (she does).
In the misses department, I saw a coral plaid blouse that I like, but decided to come home and print more $10 coupons from the store's online site before buying these items. I plan to go back tomorrow and get the two blouses (Hubbie can go along and use one of the coupons).
From this store I went to a dollar store to buy vitamin E face cream. I doubt that I'm looking any younger from using this cream, but does make my face feel smooth and hydrated. And the cream is only $2 for a large jar. While I was there, I found a really nice graduation card.
Back home, Mother and I went to the kitchen to begin supper preparations. She diced onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper, which I sauteed for Ziplock bag omelets. Hubbie helped by washing large red potatoes for baking.
Later, I cooked the omelets (using egg substitute), and put sliced and buttered French bread in the oven to heat. The omelets, potatoes, and bread were a very good Lenten Friday meal. But unfortunately, one of the potatoes was bad, so the three of us had to share the remaining two. They were large enough to serve the three of us, though.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he watched NCAA basketball games on TV, while I played on my laptop and read my novel.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Thursday, March 27
Up at 7 a.m., so Hubbie could get ready to go to a Master Gardener training session at 8:30. He left home around 8:15, and I did stair stepping exercises after breakfast. I skipped the resistance bands and weights exercises, since we'd done barbell exercises at water aerobics yesterday, and my muscles needed rest today.
As soon as I got dressed, I checked on Mother, and accompanied her to our house. She went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I went upstairs to my office to continue sorting books and culling those to be donated to the college library book sale. Inside one very old book, I found a sales receipt from an Illinois grocery store, dated 1953. I was amused by the back of the receipt which reads:
THANK YOU
WE TAKE PLEASURE IN THANKING YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE.
WE BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU BOUGHT OF US TODAY WILL GIVE YOU ENTIRE SATISFACTION.
IF THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG ABOUT THIS TRANSACTION, WE STAND IN READINESS AT ANY AND ALL TIMES TO CHEERFULLY RECTIFY SAME.
WE SPECIALIZE IN FRESH DRESSED POULTRY.
WE WANT YOUR TRADE SOLELY UPON THE MERITS OF OUR GOODS.
WE DELIVER
A.M. AND P.M.
The receipt indicates that patrons of the store were allowed to buy on credit, because this day's purchase of $3.89 was added to an amount carried forward of $15.41.
I stopped sorting books in time to put lunch on the table...the usual for Mother, and the remainder of the split pea soup for Hubbie and me. I wasn't sure if Hubbie would return for lunch, since I knew that various MG members had provided food for the training. But shortly after noon, he did come home.
After lunch, he returned to the training, scheduled to continue until 4 p.m. Mother and I went to the kitchen and put together lasagna. I gathered all the ingredients and implements, and then coached her, while she layered the ingredients into the baking dish. I put the dish in the fridge to be baked later.
Mother went back to her puzzle after that. She was having difficulty completing the border to it, since it was all black. So before I returned to my book sorting chore, I helped her get the border finished.
The puzzle she is working on is a photo of the Kremlin in Russia. She has been able to complete those colorful buildings, and all that remains of the puzzle is the black sky background. I don't know if she'll be able to complete that alone. I might have to help her some more with it.
Back upstairs, I sorted books for another two hours. I managed to cull a couple of stacks of books from two shelves, including all the James Michener novels. I've read some of them, but they are so ponderously large that I don't think I'll read the others, unless I decide to download them to my e-reader.
Even after eliminating stacks and stacks of books from the shelves, many still remain. But now the shelves are freshly washed, and I've perused the books on them, so I know which ones are beckoning me.
Many of the books I've kept are classics that I've read in the past and may or may not re-read in the future. But they are like old friends, and I like seeing them there.
At 3:30, I put the lasagna in the oven, and then Mother and I prepared individual salads, and she prepared garlic French bread for the oven. Hubbie returned shortly after 4 p.m., and we had supper at our usual 5 p.m. hour.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, and Hubbie accompanied her. Then he watched NCAA basketball games on TV, while I read my novel and played on my e-tablet.
I thought about attending a jazz concert at the college where I attend water aerobics, but since it was such a dreary, rainy night, and I knew Hubbie would rather stay home and watch basketball games, I decided against it.
As soon as I got dressed, I checked on Mother, and accompanied her to our house. She went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I went upstairs to my office to continue sorting books and culling those to be donated to the college library book sale. Inside one very old book, I found a sales receipt from an Illinois grocery store, dated 1953. I was amused by the back of the receipt which reads:
THANK YOU
WE TAKE PLEASURE IN THANKING YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE.
WE BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU BOUGHT OF US TODAY WILL GIVE YOU ENTIRE SATISFACTION.
IF THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG ABOUT THIS TRANSACTION, WE STAND IN READINESS AT ANY AND ALL TIMES TO CHEERFULLY RECTIFY SAME.
WE SPECIALIZE IN FRESH DRESSED POULTRY.
WE WANT YOUR TRADE SOLELY UPON THE MERITS OF OUR GOODS.
WE DELIVER
A.M. AND P.M.
The receipt indicates that patrons of the store were allowed to buy on credit, because this day's purchase of $3.89 was added to an amount carried forward of $15.41.
I stopped sorting books in time to put lunch on the table...the usual for Mother, and the remainder of the split pea soup for Hubbie and me. I wasn't sure if Hubbie would return for lunch, since I knew that various MG members had provided food for the training. But shortly after noon, he did come home.
After lunch, he returned to the training, scheduled to continue until 4 p.m. Mother and I went to the kitchen and put together lasagna. I gathered all the ingredients and implements, and then coached her, while she layered the ingredients into the baking dish. I put the dish in the fridge to be baked later.
Mother went back to her puzzle after that. She was having difficulty completing the border to it, since it was all black. So before I returned to my book sorting chore, I helped her get the border finished.
The puzzle she is working on is a photo of the Kremlin in Russia. She has been able to complete those colorful buildings, and all that remains of the puzzle is the black sky background. I don't know if she'll be able to complete that alone. I might have to help her some more with it.
Back upstairs, I sorted books for another two hours. I managed to cull a couple of stacks of books from two shelves, including all the James Michener novels. I've read some of them, but they are so ponderously large that I don't think I'll read the others, unless I decide to download them to my e-reader.
Even after eliminating stacks and stacks of books from the shelves, many still remain. But now the shelves are freshly washed, and I've perused the books on them, so I know which ones are beckoning me.
Many of the books I've kept are classics that I've read in the past and may or may not re-read in the future. But they are like old friends, and I like seeing them there.
At 3:30, I put the lasagna in the oven, and then Mother and I prepared individual salads, and she prepared garlic French bread for the oven. Hubbie returned shortly after 4 p.m., and we had supper at our usual 5 p.m. hour.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, and Hubbie accompanied her. Then he watched NCAA basketball games on TV, while I read my novel and played on my e-tablet.
I thought about attending a jazz concert at the college where I attend water aerobics, but since it was such a dreary, rainy night, and I knew Hubbie would rather stay home and watch basketball games, I decided against it.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Wednesday, March 26
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready for water aerobics. Very chilly this morning...chilly enough for me to see my breath, and for a the van's windshield to sport a little frost. It was coat, hat, and gloves weather.
Thankfully, the pool was pleasant, though not as warm as it was on Monday. Only eleven of us showed up. I guess others chose to stay snug in their warm beds, rather than face the cold morning. Some are absent because of health problems.
One lady suffered small spine fractures that required surgery. The fractures didn't happen because of a fall, but probably from osteoporosis. She is in her early 80s. She's now convalescing at an independent living center.
Another lady had pre-cancerous spots burned off her legs and arms, so she won't be back until sometime in April.
A third lady is scheduled to undergo an artery catheterization to check for blockage, because she has been experiencing exhaustion, shortness of breath, etc.
A couple of ladies have been absent for more than a week, so we are getting concerned. Our leader or someone will be checking on them to see if they are okay.
Interesting news from the pool: our lifeguard revealed that his wife left him back on Dec. 24, leaving their two-year-old daughter with him. His mother is taking care of the child. He has seemed unusually quiet for a while, and I guess this is the reason.
There will be no water aerobics session on Friday, since the lifeguard/coach will be out of town with the baseball team.
Back home, I warmed up with a cup of coffee, and then Hubbie put color in my hair in anticipation of a haircut appointment this afternoon.
By the time I was ready for the day, it was near lunchtime. Mother had her usual Ramen noodle soup, and I scrambled egg substitute with mushroom, green onions, bell pepper, and cheese, and served the meal with toast and jelly.
Around 1:30, Mother and I went to the beauty shop. We arrived a little early, but our hairdressers were ready for us. After my haircut, a lady sitting next to Mother and me commented on how pretty my hair looked, and how the cut complemented my "long neck." Hm-m-m, I've never thought of my neck as being long. In fact, I've always thought of it as being rather short, because I can't wear dangling earrings, like my sister can.
I attributed the way my hair looks to the talent of my hairdresser, but my hairdresser said that I have "good hair," making it behave correctly after a cut. Really? I've always consiered my hair to be difficult to manage, since it has refused to cooperate in any other "do" except this short cut.
I guess after all these years of being aggravated with my hair, I should now, in my old age, try to show it more respect.
Back home, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I went upstairs to my office and sorted another shelf of books. I wonder why I chose some of these books in the first place, since when I tried to read a few pages of them today, my eyes immediately glazed over. Maybe I judged them by their flyleaf synopses alone.
Later, for supper, we had leftover split pea soup and bran muffins. Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, and Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched TV for the evening.
Thankfully, the pool was pleasant, though not as warm as it was on Monday. Only eleven of us showed up. I guess others chose to stay snug in their warm beds, rather than face the cold morning. Some are absent because of health problems.
One lady suffered small spine fractures that required surgery. The fractures didn't happen because of a fall, but probably from osteoporosis. She is in her early 80s. She's now convalescing at an independent living center.
Another lady had pre-cancerous spots burned off her legs and arms, so she won't be back until sometime in April.
A third lady is scheduled to undergo an artery catheterization to check for blockage, because she has been experiencing exhaustion, shortness of breath, etc.
A couple of ladies have been absent for more than a week, so we are getting concerned. Our leader or someone will be checking on them to see if they are okay.
Interesting news from the pool: our lifeguard revealed that his wife left him back on Dec. 24, leaving their two-year-old daughter with him. His mother is taking care of the child. He has seemed unusually quiet for a while, and I guess this is the reason.
There will be no water aerobics session on Friday, since the lifeguard/coach will be out of town with the baseball team.
Back home, I warmed up with a cup of coffee, and then Hubbie put color in my hair in anticipation of a haircut appointment this afternoon.
By the time I was ready for the day, it was near lunchtime. Mother had her usual Ramen noodle soup, and I scrambled egg substitute with mushroom, green onions, bell pepper, and cheese, and served the meal with toast and jelly.
Around 1:30, Mother and I went to the beauty shop. We arrived a little early, but our hairdressers were ready for us. After my haircut, a lady sitting next to Mother and me commented on how pretty my hair looked, and how the cut complemented my "long neck." Hm-m-m, I've never thought of my neck as being long. In fact, I've always thought of it as being rather short, because I can't wear dangling earrings, like my sister can.
I attributed the way my hair looks to the talent of my hairdresser, but my hairdresser said that I have "good hair," making it behave correctly after a cut. Really? I've always consiered my hair to be difficult to manage, since it has refused to cooperate in any other "do" except this short cut.
I guess after all these years of being aggravated with my hair, I should now, in my old age, try to show it more respect.
Back home, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I went upstairs to my office and sorted another shelf of books. I wonder why I chose some of these books in the first place, since when I tried to read a few pages of them today, my eyes immediately glazed over. Maybe I judged them by their flyleaf synopses alone.
Later, for supper, we had leftover split pea soup and bran muffins. Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, and Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched TV for the evening.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Tuesday, March 25
Up around 7:30 this morning, despite watching our favorite college football team play until midnight. And drat it, they lost by a wide margin. I'd set the TV timer in the bedroom, and we drifted off to sleep in the last few minutes of the game, but by that time, our team was ten or eleven points behind.
I might have snoozed a little later this morning, but Hubbie needed to get up to go to Master Gardener plant dig at the home of one of the members. He accompanied Mother to our house before he left.
I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast, then got ready for the day.
Mother and I spent the rest of the morning watching "Dancing With the Stars."
Hubbie returned right at noon, in time to join Mother and me for lunch. Mother opted for her usual Ramen noodle soup, and I had heated leftover casserole from last night for Hubbie and me.
After lunch, Mother and I worked on getting a pot of split pea soup ready to simmer. She sorted the peas, then diced onions, carrots, and banana peppers, and cubed ham for me. I washed the peas, added the veggies and ham, along with two cans of chicken broth, and a can of beef broth, and spices...pepper, paprika, no salt seasoning, garlic powder, and thyme, and started it simmering.
Then Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, Hubbie snoozed in his recliner, and I went up to the office to sort books, culling out those that I want to donate to the college library book sale in a couple of weeks. I only got one shelf done, because it took time to read a few pages of each book to see if stories grabbed me.
Some inexpensive books that I bought at yard sales, or that I acquired free from some source or other a few years ago and never got around to reading, might have seemed intriguing at the time, but now don't seem to interest me.
Also, if the print is too small in books, I'm no longer interested in straining to read them, since I can download books to my e-reader, then adjust the print size to suit my aging eyes.
Around 4 p.m., Mother and I went to the kitchen again, this time to make bran muffins. I gathered the ingredients, mixing bowls, implements, muffin tin and recipe, and Mother mixed the batter while I read the recipe to her. Then she spooned the batter into the muffin tins, and I put it in the oven. This is really a one-woman job, but Mother likes to help with food preparations.
Shortly after supper, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched TV for the evening.
I might have snoozed a little later this morning, but Hubbie needed to get up to go to Master Gardener plant dig at the home of one of the members. He accompanied Mother to our house before he left.
I did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast, then got ready for the day.
Mother and I spent the rest of the morning watching "Dancing With the Stars."
Hubbie returned right at noon, in time to join Mother and me for lunch. Mother opted for her usual Ramen noodle soup, and I had heated leftover casserole from last night for Hubbie and me.
After lunch, Mother and I worked on getting a pot of split pea soup ready to simmer. She sorted the peas, then diced onions, carrots, and banana peppers, and cubed ham for me. I washed the peas, added the veggies and ham, along with two cans of chicken broth, and a can of beef broth, and spices...pepper, paprika, no salt seasoning, garlic powder, and thyme, and started it simmering.
Then Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, Hubbie snoozed in his recliner, and I went up to the office to sort books, culling out those that I want to donate to the college library book sale in a couple of weeks. I only got one shelf done, because it took time to read a few pages of each book to see if stories grabbed me.
Some inexpensive books that I bought at yard sales, or that I acquired free from some source or other a few years ago and never got around to reading, might have seemed intriguing at the time, but now don't seem to interest me.
Also, if the print is too small in books, I'm no longer interested in straining to read them, since I can download books to my e-reader, then adjust the print size to suit my aging eyes.
Around 4 p.m., Mother and I went to the kitchen again, this time to make bran muffins. I gathered the ingredients, mixing bowls, implements, muffin tin and recipe, and Mother mixed the batter while I read the recipe to her. Then she spooned the batter into the muffin tins, and I put it in the oven. This is really a one-woman job, but Mother likes to help with food preparations.
Shortly after supper, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched TV for the evening.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday, March 24
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready for water aerobics. Br-r-r, chilly morning. Great weather for a coat and gloves. The sun was bright, though...blindingly so, which made it difficult to see the road leading to the college. I crept along, trying to use the center line as my guide, and hoping I didn't cross into the other lane. The driver behind me must have been driven crazy with my frequent brake applications. I later learned that driver was the husband of one of the water aerobics members, and she said he had trouble driving in that blinding light, too. Glad he didn't rear end me.
It was brisk for the walk to the pool, but not windy, thank goodness. I was glad to find the water in the pool was toasty warm. Fourteen of us enjoyed the session. We could tell the coach/lifeguard was embarrassed about oversleeping on Monday, but we assured him that we have all overslept. It happens to everyone at one time or another.
Back home afterward, I warmed up with cups of coffee, then got ready for the day. In the meantime, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she went to her jigsaw puzzle.
I didn't accomplish much for the rest of the morning, other than called the Extension Services office to find out where the agent for the Extension Homemakers has registered for wedding gifts. She is to be married in May, and the members of our organization have been invited to a bridal shower on her behalf on Friday. The shower includes lunch.
I thought I might need to go to the greeting card shop for a bridal shower card, but then decided to look through my stash of cards, where I found an appropriate one.
We each had something different for lunch, and afterward, Mother returned to her puzzle, while Hubbie and I ran errands...to the post office to mail coupons to Granddaughter; to the tax preparer's office; to the greeting card shop to look for a jigsaw puzzle for Mother; to a department store to take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-60%-off sale on intimate apparel (purchased with a gift card); to a grocery store to pick up this week's free item (none to be had today, but more is on the way) and prescriptions, which weren't ready yet; to a gift shop to buy Jelly Belly's (none to be had today); to the cable company office to complain that the program guide on the TV wasn't working (but has since righted itself); and to the WDCS.
Later, Mother and I fashioned a casserole for supper using the leftover Spanish chicken and whole kernel corn from yesterday. Mother diced the chicken, while I cooked a batch of instant rice. We layered the chicken and rice, and tomato sauce from the chicken mixed with the corn, and topped it all with Monterey Jack cheese. Served the meal with leftover sweet potatoes, and slices of buttered and heated French bread. It turned out to be a very tasty meal.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched one hour shows until 10 p.m., when we watched our favorite state college basketball team in tournament play.
It was brisk for the walk to the pool, but not windy, thank goodness. I was glad to find the water in the pool was toasty warm. Fourteen of us enjoyed the session. We could tell the coach/lifeguard was embarrassed about oversleeping on Monday, but we assured him that we have all overslept. It happens to everyone at one time or another.
Back home afterward, I warmed up with cups of coffee, then got ready for the day. In the meantime, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she went to her jigsaw puzzle.
I didn't accomplish much for the rest of the morning, other than called the Extension Services office to find out where the agent for the Extension Homemakers has registered for wedding gifts. She is to be married in May, and the members of our organization have been invited to a bridal shower on her behalf on Friday. The shower includes lunch.
I thought I might need to go to the greeting card shop for a bridal shower card, but then decided to look through my stash of cards, where I found an appropriate one.
We each had something different for lunch, and afterward, Mother returned to her puzzle, while Hubbie and I ran errands...to the post office to mail coupons to Granddaughter; to the tax preparer's office; to the greeting card shop to look for a jigsaw puzzle for Mother; to a department store to take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-60%-off sale on intimate apparel (purchased with a gift card); to a grocery store to pick up this week's free item (none to be had today, but more is on the way) and prescriptions, which weren't ready yet; to a gift shop to buy Jelly Belly's (none to be had today); to the cable company office to complain that the program guide on the TV wasn't working (but has since righted itself); and to the WDCS.
Later, Mother and I fashioned a casserole for supper using the leftover Spanish chicken and whole kernel corn from yesterday. Mother diced the chicken, while I cooked a batch of instant rice. We layered the chicken and rice, and tomato sauce from the chicken mixed with the corn, and topped it all with Monterey Jack cheese. Served the meal with leftover sweet potatoes, and slices of buttered and heated French bread. It turned out to be a very tasty meal.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched one hour shows until 10 p.m., when we watched our favorite state college basketball team in tournament play.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Sunday, March 23
Up at 7:30, but skipped my exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 10 a.m. She did her usual Sunday routine of clipping coupons for Granddaughter, and filling her medications pill carriers.
It was another day for watching hours and hours of NCAA basketball games. Hubbie paid more attention to them than I did.
Mother and I started lunch preparations around 11 a.m. Today, we had Spanish chicken, using a Weight Watchers recipe. This is steamed chicken, because it uses water instead of oil. The meat is seasoned with a variety of spices...garlic powder, basil, pepper, Paprika, parsley, and no salt seasoning, then cooked in a quarter cup of water for ten minutes, after which it is turned and cooked another ten minutes. A can of tomato sauce (and more water if necessary) is added, and the chicken is cooked another ten minutes, or until it is done. Very tasty dish. I served the chicken with leftover sweet potatoes, canned whole kernel corn, and homemade bread.
Mother went back to her puzzle after lunch, and Hubbie and I continued watching NCAA games. Well, he paid more attention to them than I did. I spent the afternoon reading the Sunday newspaper, and finishing my novel, which is a real page-turner. In this turn-of-the-century novel, based on the lives of the author's forbears, the four-year-old daughter of the main character is kidnapped, and the mother struggles to scrape together ransom money. And then, fearing the kidnappers will kill her daughter anyway, devises a very clever way of assuring the child's safe return.
Around 4:30, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. I sent the rest of the salmon loaf with her to use in a sandwich for supper. Also sent chips and a slice of angel food cake.
Watched NCAA games for the rest of the evening. I like ball games, but I grew weary of these.
It was another day for watching hours and hours of NCAA basketball games. Hubbie paid more attention to them than I did.
Mother and I started lunch preparations around 11 a.m. Today, we had Spanish chicken, using a Weight Watchers recipe. This is steamed chicken, because it uses water instead of oil. The meat is seasoned with a variety of spices...garlic powder, basil, pepper, Paprika, parsley, and no salt seasoning, then cooked in a quarter cup of water for ten minutes, after which it is turned and cooked another ten minutes. A can of tomato sauce (and more water if necessary) is added, and the chicken is cooked another ten minutes, or until it is done. Very tasty dish. I served the chicken with leftover sweet potatoes, canned whole kernel corn, and homemade bread.
Mother went back to her puzzle after lunch, and Hubbie and I continued watching NCAA games. Well, he paid more attention to them than I did. I spent the afternoon reading the Sunday newspaper, and finishing my novel, which is a real page-turner. In this turn-of-the-century novel, based on the lives of the author's forbears, the four-year-old daughter of the main character is kidnapped, and the mother struggles to scrape together ransom money. And then, fearing the kidnappers will kill her daughter anyway, devises a very clever way of assuring the child's safe return.
Around 4:30, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. I sent the rest of the salmon loaf with her to use in a sandwich for supper. Also sent chips and a slice of angel food cake.
Watched NCAA games for the rest of the evening. I like ball games, but I grew weary of these.
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