Farewell, 2023

Dear 2023:

I am not going to beat around the bush, 2023.  I am glad to see you go.

You cost me a lot of money during your 365 days here: major repairs to the Silver Bullet, major repairs to the water leak, minor repairs to the kitchen sink and the bathroom, a whole garage roof replacement, a bathroom renovation; I could go on but I will stop here.  In your defense, I am thankful that I had the money to pay for all of those expenses.

You also cost me a dear friend - not their physical death, but the death of our friendship. In August, a very close and long-time friend said he was (and I quote) "cutting off" a few of his friends; unfortunately I was one of them. It was all on him - it wasn't because of something I did.  This really hurt me, and honestly, I am still hurt over it. I saw him this fall when we both were at a funeral home visitation at the same time.  I was surprised that he spoke to me - he didn't ask how I was; instead his only words to me were asking how my dad was doing.  And as I left the funeral home, he caught up with me and gave me a hug. But once again, in your defense 2023, you brought me together with two new friends.  

Goodbye, 2023.  I am hoping your predecessor will be easy on me.

Covid 19 Update

 Once again, I will estimate that a fourth of the shoppers and workers at the grocery store were masked up today.  In fact, it might be a bit more than a fourth.

I heard from two friends that tested positive for Covid a couple of days after Christmas.  Both of them had their vaccines and boosters.  They both said that they didn't feel very bad - but still have been staying away from people just because.

Once again, stay safe. 

Thank You, Weatherazzi

 The Weatherazzi here are calling for a dusting of snow late tonight/early tomorrow.  I'm sure this is driving everyone into a frenzy to get to the grocery for milk and bread.  I'm sure glad I didn't need anything from the grocery store today because I'm sure it would be a madhouse.  

Stay tuned for a weather update.  

What The What?

 When I found out that our local Staples was closing mid-January, I went up there two weeks ago to stock up on my favorite Parker pen refills and other things they had on sale.  One thing I wanted was a pack of paper for my small 5 x 7 inch binder I use for taking notes from church's Sunday sermons.  They were out of the paper, and weren't getting more in the store.  I forgot about it until a few days ago, when I went online to Staples website and ordered a pack.  It was only $1.89 with free shipping.  A great deal.  Fast forward to yesterday when it arrived.  Let me remind you it was a small pack of paper and the box that it was in could have held two regular sized shoe boxes.  I just shook my head as I opened it up.  Surely Staples could have sent it in a padded or even unpadded envelope instead of a big box.  Oh well.  

Christmas Review

 I apologize for not posting the past couple of days.  But the Old Man and I had a great Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

For Christmas Eve, we had our family traditional snack supper -- lots of big peel and eat shrimp, cheeses, veggie tray and chips and dips.   For our Christmas dinner, we also had our traditional meal - green bean casserole, potato salad, ham, and fruit salad. 

We've had a great Boxing Day today, and later on I will be fixing breakfast for supper - eggs, bacon, biscuits and fruit salad. 

So all in all, Christmas 2023 was great. The Old Man was happy with two new shirts and a new pair of pants, and I was happy with my Oral B rechargeable toothbrush.

We are thankful to be blessed. 

Covid 19 Update

 I've heard of two more relatives that have Covid - my second cousin and his wife both have it.  At least they have it at the same time.   

At the grocery yesterday, I still say my estimate of a fourth of the shoppers and employees were masked up, including yours truly. 

I'm sure that a lot more people will be getting Covid with all of the Christmas gatherings being held in the next few days.

Stay safe.  

A Long Winter's Nap

Me and the Old Man were worn out yesterday after four fun-filled days of visiting with my Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband. In fact, we were so worn out we both went to bed at 9:30 last night.  We both had a great night's sleep, and still got up at our normal time of 8:30.  We are both refreshed and ready for Christmas.  

The Party Has To End

 My Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband left at noon today to head back home to northern Indiana.  The Old Man and I think this was the best Christmas visit we've had from them so far.  That is not to say the other visits were bad; this visit was a day longer than they normally stay, so we had more time to fit in more fun and visiting.  

We hated to see them pull out of the driveway today, but we are already looking forward to their end-of-January birthdays visit.  

A good time was sure had by all. 

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

 My Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband came down from up north (LaFayette, IN) Sunday afternoon and the Christmas festivities are in full swing.  I made sure I had everyone's favorite adult beverages and plenty of homemade Chex mix on hand.  And for the record, the Dear Husband said I make the best Bloody Mary ever.  But I digress.  Yesterday we spent the day talking and laughing, and then we piled in the Silver Bullet and went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner.  When we got home, we all played a cut-throat game of Louisville-Opoly (the Louisville version of Monopoly).  When the game ended, yours truly was declared the winner.

Once again, a good time was had by all. 

Covid 19 Update

 Once again, I would estimate that about a fourth of the shoppers and workers at my Kroger grocery store were masked up yesterday.  And a friend's travel plans had to be changed when her son called her yesterday morning to let her know he just tested positive for Covid.  Needless to say, she won't be traveling to visit her son for a couple of weeks. 

Stay safe. 

Step It Up Saturday

 My Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband had planned to come down Monday evening for their annual Christmas visit.  But due to some onforseen circumstances, she called today to ask if it would be OK for them to come down tomorrow afternoon after they get out of church.  That put me in bust-a-move mode.  I had planned to sweep and mop on Sunday evening, but that stepped up to this morning.  I got it all done, went to the grocery store, and finished a few things around the house in preparation for their visit.  As I type this, I'm tired and am going to my recliner for an hour or two of rest.  I know that makes me sound like and old grandma, but it is what it is.  

Flashback Friday

 After being able to find one of the few small live Christmas trees in the south end yesterday, today was the day to decorate it.  I'm not ashamed to say that I dreaded it.  I thought back to all of the years that my Sweet Mother would decorate our Christmas tree.  She did the majority of the decorating in the early mornings before me and the Old Man had gotten up for work.  

Today's decorating didn't go so well; I sure could have used my Sweet Mother here to decorate the little tree because I sure had trouble.  But I digress.  The tree is decorated, and the lights are working, and best of all - it came on at 4:00 like I had the timer set for.

Merry Christmas. 

It Will Begin To Look A Lot More Like Christmas

 We had a situation here at The Compound this week.  I was unable to find a small 2-3 foot live Christmas tree like I've found the past three years.  I called four different Krogers (where I'd bought them before) and they all said they didn't get any this year.  I called all of the big box stores, nurseries and other places and had no luck.  But something told me to go Home Depot.  Keep in mind I called and they said they didn't have any.  I sure scored when I went there and found about a dozen of them still in stock.  And the lady what checked me out gave me 50% off!!!  Score.   

Update From The Compound

 The Old Man and I were able to get to our haircut appointments this morning.  His back was really hurting him, but he made it there and back home safely.  Now we will look spiffy for Christmas.  

Covid 19 Update

 At the grocery store yesterday, I noticed a lot more shoppers were masking up than they have in previous weeks.  By my estimate, I'd say a fourth of the shoppers and employees were wearing masks.  

On a related note, the Alabama cousin's wife has Covid for the fourth time.

Stay safe. 

Who Knew? Evidently, Not Me

Wednesday evening, the Old Man wanted a snack, and out of the blue he asked for Chex Mix.  Let me say that he's never asked for Chex Mix before; in fact, he's said repeatedly when I offer him some "I don't care for it like you do."  That having been said, I told him I would make a batch. Needless to say I bought all of the ingredients last Saturday at the grocery but hadn't taken time to make it.  So yesterday afternoon, I made a big batch of it.  

There are few smells coming from the kitchen that are more pleasing and enticing than homemade Chex Mix baking in the oven.  I think I would buy a Chex Mix candle if they sold any.  But I digress.  The Old Man was happy last night with Chex Mix to go with his Scotch. 

Update From The Compound

 Luckily for us, the plumber was able to get here Monday afternoon.  After about three hours of work, the shower is draining like it should, and the toilet is not leaking and is also working like it should.  I was afraid to look at the bill after listening to them use the snake - it sounded like a jackhammer.  But I digress.  The check I had to write wasn't as big as I thought it would be, thank goodness.  

Tis The Season

 Yesterday was a busy day here at The Compound.  I stepped out of my comfort zone and hosted my first luncheon.  Two of my good friends from my Bible Study Fellowship group came and had lunch with me and the Old Man.  I fixed the easiest thing I could - vegetable soup.  And both friends carried on and on about it and had me give them the recipe before they left.

It was a great way to sort of kick off the Christmas season.  We had the family room and outside decorated so things were very festive.  

It was a great day and I am so glad the Old Man really enjoyed it.  It gave him other people to talk to besides me. 

Happy National Cookie Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very Happy National Cookie Day.

This public service announcement has been given to you early enough so you have time to either make or buy some cookies this afternoon and celebrate.  I know the Old Man and I will be having cookies tonight with some egg nog.

Enjoy!

Another Check To Write

 To make the long story short, the drain in the walk in shower installed a couple of months ago isn't draining.  Luckily I was able to take a quick shower today before it flooded the bathroom.  We're waiting for the plumber to call tomorrow to hopefully be able to get here quickly to fix it.  

Surprisingly I'm not stressed about it.  I just want it fixed.

Stay tuned. 

Security Tip Saturday

 I made my weekly trip to Kroger's today, and once again, I was amazed at how women are just not aware.  I saw three women leave their grocery carts with their purses in them while they wandered around shopping.  

For my female Faithful Readers, please don't do that.  Keep your purse with you at all times, or better yet, don't take your purse in and put it in the shopping cart. 

Stay safe. 

Flashback Friday

It seems that White Castle fans are all in an uproar because they switched from Big Red to Barq's cream soda.  Personally, the Old Man and I think they taste the same.  But I digress.  It made me think back to the days when we had Tiger Red cream soda. 

I remember getting these at the little market two houses down from The Compound back when I was a kid.  I honestly don't remember getting Big Red there, even though the label on Big Red says "since 1937."  All I remember is Tiger Red sure tasted good - maybe even better than Big Red or Barqs.