Here's a picture of my kitchen. It doesn't really show, but I have a lovely view out that window of my neighbor's rose bushes. They are multi-colored and really quite beautiful.
Thrifty And Frugal Thursday
5 hours ago
Monday, June 29, 2009
Cool at last!
I came home today to a blissfully cool house. The a/c units were cleaned and serviced, coolant added to both units, and a part was replaced on one unit. What a difference!
Here's a picture of my kitchen. It doesn't really show, but I have a lovely view out that window of my neighbor's rose bushes. They are multi-colored and really quite beautiful.
Here's a picture of my kitchen. It doesn't really show, but I have a lovely view out that window of my neighbor's rose bushes. They are multi-colored and really quite beautiful.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
A quiet Sunday morning
It’s a quiet Sunday morning. I was awake early and couldn’t go back to sleep. It’s been really, really hot. Last night at 10:00 the heat index was still 100 degrees. The actual temperature was in the 90s.
I missed a party yesterday. It was a party I’d helped plan and prepare for. But when it came right down to braving the 100+ degree heat and humidity … I just couldn’t do it. My muscle pain is so much better for the most part – with the exception of “fits and starts” as I call them. But the heat is just doing me in. I feel like a flake and a failure for missing it. I don’t know that people will understand. I don’t even know that I understand.
I’ve been reading a book: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia by R. Paul St. Amand, M.D. It’s been very informative and eye-opening for me, and it has sort of reinforced some things that I suspected were true. Since receiving this diagnosis several months ago, my doctor has given me meds, yes, but virtually no information about this disorder. I don’t do well with no information. I crave information… So I’ve been reduced to getting all my information from the internet. Now … don’t get me wrong … the internet is a wonderful thing. But it can be deceitful and downright dangerous if you tend to believe what you read. (And, News Flash: I tend to believe everything I read – which is insane. I have to struggle not to take everything I read to heart, even when I know it could be blatantly false.)
Our house is still hot. There’s a service person coming tomorrow “between 8 and 12” and I am anxious to get both units serviced and working properly.
More later --
I missed a party yesterday. It was a party I’d helped plan and prepare for. But when it came right down to braving the 100+ degree heat and humidity … I just couldn’t do it. My muscle pain is so much better for the most part – with the exception of “fits and starts” as I call them. But the heat is just doing me in. I feel like a flake and a failure for missing it. I don’t know that people will understand. I don’t even know that I understand.
I’ve been reading a book: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia by R. Paul St. Amand, M.D. It’s been very informative and eye-opening for me, and it has sort of reinforced some things that I suspected were true. Since receiving this diagnosis several months ago, my doctor has given me meds, yes, but virtually no information about this disorder. I don’t do well with no information. I crave information… So I’ve been reduced to getting all my information from the internet. Now … don’t get me wrong … the internet is a wonderful thing. But it can be deceitful and downright dangerous if you tend to believe what you read. (And, News Flash: I tend to believe everything I read – which is insane. I have to struggle not to take everything I read to heart, even when I know it could be blatantly false.)
Our house is still hot. There’s a service person coming tomorrow “between 8 and 12” and I am anxious to get both units serviced and working properly.
More later --
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
There's good news and bad news
The bad news is, the high was 99 degrees today, with a heat index of 110. And, when I got off at 5:00 it was still 98! The good news is, my car’s A/C is working great since they fixed it.
The bad news is, when I got home it was 83 degrees in my house, although the thermostat was set to 74. The good news is, our home warranty (which was included when we bought the house) covers the air conditioning units.
The bad news is, we have to use AHS’ authorized service people to fix our A/C instead of the guy we’ve used before and trust, AND we have to wait for them to call us. The good news is, they called me this afternoon.
The bad news is, their first available opening is next Monday from 8:00 to 12:00. What the ?????????
I’m still trying to think of the good news.
The bad news is, when I got home it was 83 degrees in my house, although the thermostat was set to 74. The good news is, our home warranty (which was included when we bought the house) covers the air conditioning units.
The bad news is, we have to use AHS’ authorized service people to fix our A/C instead of the guy we’ve used before and trust, AND we have to wait for them to call us. The good news is, they called me this afternoon.
The bad news is, their first available opening is next Monday from 8:00 to 12:00. What the ?????????
I’m still trying to think of the good news.
Monday, June 22, 2009
It's Monday, what's new with you?
Tonight I tried a new recipe -- grilled boneless/skinless chicken breasts with a peanut sauce. I gotta say ... I was not thrilled. My sweet husband almost without fail compliments my food, and he dutifully said, "the chicken is good," but I noticed that he didn't eat all of his ... hmmmmmmmm.
So anyway, nothing ventured, nothing gained. It's not something I'll make again, but it didn't hurt to try!
The heat is still oppressive. We think our A/C units need to be serviced (we have two), because the house is just not cooling properly. Hope it's not going to be a huge expense! Anyway, I'm going to call the guy tomorrow. So time will tell... In the meantime, we are guzzling iced tea like there's no tomorrow.
Here's a shot of our breakfast area. It's pretty with the morning sun shining in. The shelves are full of cookbooks, and they are not nearly all I have. (It's a sickness, what can I say?)
Chance's favorite spot is here:
He can see what's going on in the neighborhood, if any dogs are daring to walk down his street, etc.
Finally, here's a shot of the fireplace area in our den. The picture above it is not a final choice -- it's just there temporarily until we find one that we agree on and that's the right size and scale. It's a process, and one that is taking longer than I thought. Oh well, it's okay ... time is one thing we've got lots of (I hope)!
So anyway, nothing ventured, nothing gained. It's not something I'll make again, but it didn't hurt to try!
The heat is still oppressive. We think our A/C units need to be serviced (we have two), because the house is just not cooling properly. Hope it's not going to be a huge expense! Anyway, I'm going to call the guy tomorrow. So time will tell... In the meantime, we are guzzling iced tea like there's no tomorrow.
Here's a shot of our breakfast area. It's pretty with the morning sun shining in. The shelves are full of cookbooks, and they are not nearly all I have. (It's a sickness, what can I say?)
Chance's favorite spot is here:
He can see what's going on in the neighborhood, if any dogs are daring to walk down his street, etc.
Finally, here's a shot of the fireplace area in our den. The picture above it is not a final choice -- it's just there temporarily until we find one that we agree on and that's the right size and scale. It's a process, and one that is taking longer than I thought. Oh well, it's okay ... time is one thing we've got lots of (I hope)!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Pictures and Friday check-in
I am here to tell you, summer has arrived in the city of Memphis, TN. Maybe not on the calendar, but definitely on the thermometer. It has been HOT and HUMID … ugh! Temp in the 90s and heat index in the 100s. And being “the age I am,” makes it all the worse. Heat just seems so much … hotter!
So here I sit, my little red fan pointed directly at my head, while I wait for the house to cool down. Chance is out in the back yard (how can he stand it?), saying hello to the big dog who lives behind us. Hubby is picking out a movie for him to watch tonight (not me; I’ll be watching “What Not to Wear” – it’s a new one tonight). And Boots is … well, I’m not sure exactly where Boots is. He was lying on the dresser in our room earlier (under the ceiling fan), but then he has lots of hiding places.
Here’s a picture of a pretty plant I got to go on what was my microwave stand (I now have a “cubby” that holds the microwave, which is great).
And, here’s a shot of our bookcases. They are still a work in progress, so things come and go, almost daily …
Finally, here's a sweet picture of Chance. He fell asleep on a pillow last night and I couldn't resist ...
More later --
So here I sit, my little red fan pointed directly at my head, while I wait for the house to cool down. Chance is out in the back yard (how can he stand it?), saying hello to the big dog who lives behind us. Hubby is picking out a movie for him to watch tonight (not me; I’ll be watching “What Not to Wear” – it’s a new one tonight). And Boots is … well, I’m not sure exactly where Boots is. He was lying on the dresser in our room earlier (under the ceiling fan), but then he has lots of hiding places.
Here’s a picture of a pretty plant I got to go on what was my microwave stand (I now have a “cubby” that holds the microwave, which is great).
And, here’s a shot of our bookcases. They are still a work in progress, so things come and go, almost daily …
Finally, here's a sweet picture of Chance. He fell asleep on a pillow last night and I couldn't resist ...
More later --
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Happy Flag Day
Happy Flag Day, ya'll!
I'm grateful to have been born in the United States of America. It could just as easily been some 3rd world country, you know? So many freedoms and privileges I enjoy every day.
Hope everyone is having a great day. I sort of overdid things yesterday and am very sore and achy today. But as the day goes on, I am feeling a bit better. I'm still learning how to navigate this fibromyalgia stuff...but I am learning!
More later --
Friday, June 12, 2009
The verdict is in ...
... and I love my Sleep Number bed! I have my side very firm and my hubby has his side significantly softer, and we are both happy. Hallelujah! Now if I can just find a pillow. I have fibromyalgia and arthritis, so sleeping (among other things) can be a challenge. I’m thinking about trying one of the water-filled pillows. Anyone tried one, who can give me their take on it?
Today we had some bad weather move through Memphis. I had to drive home through some pretty wicked lightning, wind, etc. There were branches in the road, somebody’s mailbox was in the road, even our trash can was out in the street. Made it home safe and sound, though, and have been watching people on the news who did not fare as well as we did – trees down on homes, a tractor-trailer overturned on the highway, over 100,000 without power, and such.
But we are in for the night and happy to be. Chance is lying on the couch next to me. I think Boots is still hiding in my closet (he doesn’t do storms very well). Hubby is watching something on his computer in the study, and I’ve got “What Not to Wear” on the TV in here. So life is pretty good.
More later --
Today we had some bad weather move through Memphis. I had to drive home through some pretty wicked lightning, wind, etc. There were branches in the road, somebody’s mailbox was in the road, even our trash can was out in the street. Made it home safe and sound, though, and have been watching people on the news who did not fare as well as we did – trees down on homes, a tractor-trailer overturned on the highway, over 100,000 without power, and such.
But we are in for the night and happy to be. Chance is lying on the couch next to me. I think Boots is still hiding in my closet (he doesn’t do storms very well). Hubby is watching something on his computer in the study, and I’ve got “What Not to Wear” on the TV in here. So life is pretty good.
More later --
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thank you, Helene ...
... for following my blog! You are such a talented artist; I love looking at your creations on your blog. I can only imagine how beautiful they would be in person.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Just another manic monday ...
… not really, I just love that song. It’s been a good day.
Dropped my RAV 4 off today during lunch to get some routine maintenance performed – AC service, tire rotation, radiator flush/fill, and oil change. It will be ready when I get off today at 5:00.
A co-worker followed me to the repair shop, and then I went to a shoe store with her. I found a pair of shoes! This is a big deal, because I have wide feet and always have to buy my shoes online. But these are so cute – sort of “Mary Jane” type shoes, but very comfortable and lightweight, with good support. So I am pretty excited about that find.
We had a couple over Saturday night for dinner and a movie. I work with the lady, and her husband and my husband sort of hit it off when they first met – seemed to have a lot in common. And you know, it can be hard when you’re a couple to find another couple that both the husband and wife feel comfortable with and enjoy spending time with. We’re really lucky in that regard because we do have another couple that we’re both very close to.
But anyway, I’m getting off-track here. So, this couple – John and Vickie – came over Saturday evening. They got the grand tour of our new house, we had a nice meal together, and we watched “The Italian Job.” Not the new one; the original one with Michael Caine and Benny Hill. Such a good movie. It was a really enjoyable evening.
Chance was on his best behavior; he sat on everyone’s lap. (They have a miniature schnauzer of their own at home, and they even dog-sat for us when we were called out of town unexpectedly, so he was very comfortable with them. But who am I kidding … he never meets a stranger anyway.) I told them he is an “equal opportunity lap dog.”
And, wonders never cease, Boots even came out near the end of the evening. My shy kitty never comes out when people he doesn’t know are in the house. But he did Saturday night. So that was a First.
So anyway, it was a very nice evening – our first experience hosting someone in the new house. We’ll be doing it a lot, because we love to have people over; in fact, we’re having people over this Saturday evening for dinner, too.
More later --
Dropped my RAV 4 off today during lunch to get some routine maintenance performed – AC service, tire rotation, radiator flush/fill, and oil change. It will be ready when I get off today at 5:00.
A co-worker followed me to the repair shop, and then I went to a shoe store with her. I found a pair of shoes! This is a big deal, because I have wide feet and always have to buy my shoes online. But these are so cute – sort of “Mary Jane” type shoes, but very comfortable and lightweight, with good support. So I am pretty excited about that find.
We had a couple over Saturday night for dinner and a movie. I work with the lady, and her husband and my husband sort of hit it off when they first met – seemed to have a lot in common. And you know, it can be hard when you’re a couple to find another couple that both the husband and wife feel comfortable with and enjoy spending time with. We’re really lucky in that regard because we do have another couple that we’re both very close to.
But anyway, I’m getting off-track here. So, this couple – John and Vickie – came over Saturday evening. They got the grand tour of our new house, we had a nice meal together, and we watched “The Italian Job.” Not the new one; the original one with Michael Caine and Benny Hill. Such a good movie. It was a really enjoyable evening.
Chance was on his best behavior; he sat on everyone’s lap. (They have a miniature schnauzer of their own at home, and they even dog-sat for us when we were called out of town unexpectedly, so he was very comfortable with them. But who am I kidding … he never meets a stranger anyway.) I told them he is an “equal opportunity lap dog.”
And, wonders never cease, Boots even came out near the end of the evening. My shy kitty never comes out when people he doesn’t know are in the house. But he did Saturday night. So that was a First.
So anyway, it was a very nice evening – our first experience hosting someone in the new house. We’ll be doing it a lot, because we love to have people over; in fact, we’re having people over this Saturday evening for dinner, too.
More later --
Friday, June 5, 2009
New bedroom pictures
Just have a minute to spend here tonight, but wanted to post a couple pics of our bedroom with the mattresses and bedding -- yea!
As you can see, the kitty likes our new bed.
I am looking forward to trying out the Sleep Number mattress. Hopefully it will help us both have a good night's sleep.
More later --
As you can see, the kitty likes our new bed.
I am looking forward to trying out the Sleep Number mattress. Hopefully it will help us both have a good night's sleep.
More later --
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thanks, Wayne ...
...for following my blog, and for all the great blogging advice and information you provide at your terrific blog!
Today’s been a quiet day. There’s been a gentle, soaking rain that’s moving out tonight, and it’s considerably cooler this evening – it actually feels great outside – about 61 degrees. It’ll be back in the 80s tomorrow and close to 90 again by Saturday.
One of my co-workers and I went out to lunch today, to Buffalo Wild Wings. Thursday is 60-cent boneless wings day. It was great. I’ve been taking my lunch a lot lately, just trying to be more frugal, but it was nice to get out of the office for an hour.
Tomorrow our mattresses come! I’m really excited about that. Although, as I told my husband last night, “I’m sort of going to miss our dark, quiet guest room.” It’s very cozy with only one window, and our bedroom has three huge windows, so I think it won’t be nearly as dark. My husband kindly offered to let me sleep in the guest bedroom any time I want. (Gee, thanks, honey.)
Here’s a picture I took of Chance awhile back. I think his toy needs to be j-u-s-t a tad bigger...
One of my co-workers and I went out to lunch today, to Buffalo Wild Wings. Thursday is 60-cent boneless wings day. It was great. I’ve been taking my lunch a lot lately, just trying to be more frugal, but it was nice to get out of the office for an hour.
Tomorrow our mattresses come! I’m really excited about that. Although, as I told my husband last night, “I’m sort of going to miss our dark, quiet guest room.” It’s very cozy with only one window, and our bedroom has three huge windows, so I think it won’t be nearly as dark. My husband kindly offered to let me sleep in the guest bedroom any time I want. (Gee, thanks, honey.)
Here’s a picture I took of Chance awhile back. I think his toy needs to be j-u-s-t a tad bigger...
Monday, June 1, 2009
A sunflower for you
Today was a pretty good day, for a Monday. Mondays are hard, I guess, for most everyone. I know they are for me. Only four more days until the weekend, though!
I just read the paragraph I just wrote, and you would think I hate my job. Which is not true, by the way. I almost always like, and sometimes love, my job. But, I’ve been having some health issues, and it is really doing a number on my motivation. Pain makes me not feel like doing much of anything. Additionally, it has not been very busy at work lately (at least at my desk), which in a way is a blessing, but in another way, it is perpetuating my lack of motivation. However, these lulls never last long, so I’m trying to appreciate it while it’s here. Crazy-busy days will return before long, I have no doubt.
Here's a picture I love:
I just read the paragraph I just wrote, and you would think I hate my job. Which is not true, by the way. I almost always like, and sometimes love, my job. But, I’ve been having some health issues, and it is really doing a number on my motivation. Pain makes me not feel like doing much of anything. Additionally, it has not been very busy at work lately (at least at my desk), which in a way is a blessing, but in another way, it is perpetuating my lack of motivation. However, these lulls never last long, so I’m trying to appreciate it while it’s here. Crazy-busy days will return before long, I have no doubt.
Here's a picture I love:
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