Farewell, 2021

 It's time to say farewell, 2021.  When you leave, please for the love of all that is holy, take Covid-19 with you.  

Nuff said. 

Slow Cooking In The New Year

 I am proud to say I've made great strides in my cooking this year - I've gained more confidence and have gotten a bit more adventurous.  This week, I got two slow cooker recipe books on eBay - one is all meat dishes and the other is 1001 slow cooker recipes.  

My goal is to use our cool Crock Pot (with a timer) twice a week making meals.  

Stay tuned.

Rain Rain, Go Away

 I swear it seems like it has rained or drizzled every day for the past month.  I'm over it.  I want to enjoy some cold winter weather, minus driving in the snow and ice.  It hasn't been below freezing in almost a month, too.  Bring on the cold and clear weather. 

Re-entry Tuesday

 It was a very busy day at work for re-entry Tuesday  -- having to fill in a few days worth of scheduling into one.  But I made it.  And after tomorrow,  I will have another mini-vacay four days off. 

We would like to thank the Stouffers people for making awesome lasagnas.  

Nuff said.

Post Christmas Blues At Work

 Let me preface by saying I am still full of the Christmas spirit, but I was not full of cheer when I had to roll out of bed at 6:30 this morning and head into work.  I didn't sleep well last night, and woke up feeling tired.  So did the Old Man.  I'm blaming it on the crazy weather and barometric pressure we've had the past couple of days.  Today when I went to work, the temperature had risen to 64 degrees.  When I went home today, it was 73.  Enough of this nonsense.  Let's get cold and stay cold for a while. 

So Much For A White Christmas

 We set a record yesterday according to the Weatherazzi.  The high on Christmas Day here in the 'Ville was 75 degrees.  Yes, 75 degrees.  

Bring on the cold. 

Merry Christmas

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very Merry Christmas.

The Old Man and I have had a great Christmas.  We spent they day just relaxing and watching TV and eating and drinking.  

On this day, we said extra prayers for so many of our friends who are fighting Covid right now.  We also said prayers of thanks that the Lord has protected us from Covid so far. 

Happy Christmas Eve

TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a happy Christmas Eve. 

In keeping with TWIT's Flashback Friday posts, I can't help but think back to Christmas Eve when I was a kid.  

After breakfast on Christmas Eve morning, I would get to open one present.  I would always pick a present from my Aunt Helen and Uncle Roy.  Being their favorite (and only niece) they would always send me two presents.  But I digress.  One of my favorite Christmas Eve presents from them was a Christmas stocking with "Ho Ho Ho" on it.  It was filled with some of my favorite candies, five dice, and some Yahtzee score pads.  Of course, I still have the stocking. 

Another Christmas Eve tradition that is still alive today is a snack supper instead of a full meal.  The menu hasn't changed much over the decades: shrimp, little buns with ham, a cheese ball, and spinach dip.  I can hardly wait till supper time. 

Happy Christmas Eve Eve

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a happy Christmas Eve Eve. 

Santa has already given me great gifts for Christmas: the Old Man is happy and feels great and is getting around much better without his cane, and I don't have to be back at work until Monday.   You can't ask for much more than that. 

Wednesday Updates

 I am glad that this day is over, and I don't have to be in the office for four whole days.  That's a big enough Christmas present for me.  I don't want or need any gifts - I'm just happy to spend Christmas with The Old Man while he is still happy and feeling good.  That's all I can ask for. 

Pre-Christmas Mini Vacation Re-Entry Report

 Even though I was off for only two work days, re-entry today was a bitch.  I clocked in a half hour early, and clocked out a half hour late trying to catch up.

Only 146 more days I have to deal with that.   

Nuff said. 

Pre-Christmas Vacation Report

 We had a great drama-free pre-Christmas vacation this weekend with my Favorite Cousin and her husband.  We ate, drank, told stories and laughed a lot.  The travelers just pulled out of the driveway and are headed back home, and I'm glad I'm not in the office today.  And I'm even more glad that I only have to work two days and then will be off for four days.  And next week, I only have to work three days, and then will be off again for four days.  When I look at the calendar, the week before Thanksgiving week was the last time I worked a full week at work, and the first week after New Years will the first full week I will have to work since late November.  Can't beat that at all. 

Saturday Updates

 I was having so much fun yesterday, that I forgot to post.  We had a great Saturday with my Favorite Cousin and her husband.  We had a big breakfast, and then watched TV, listened to great music, ate, drank, and were merry.   You can't ask for much more than that.  

On the way home from dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant, I took the long, scenic way home so they could see some Christmas lights.  The only thing missing from that trip was us not singing Jingle Bells. 

Friday Updates

The Old Man said his tests today were a breeze.  He said when they did the stress test and revved his heart up, he didn't feel any difference -- no heart racing nor shortness of breath.  The technician said that was a good sign.  And we think so, too.  

Thursday Updates

 I'm off from work tomorrow and Monday and will be spending the long weekend with my Favorite Cousin and her husband from LaFayette, IN.  It's been a while since we've been together and we are looking forward to a great time together. 

I ask for prayers for tomorrow - the Old Man has a stress test and another echogram.  He's totally fine with it, and is happy and at peace.  So we just pray for no drama with the tests.  

I Need Some Of Santa's Elves

 I've got a lot to do here at The Compound and at work tomorrow in preparation for a visit from my Favorite Cousin and her husband on Friday.  The Old Man and I have procrastinated and now we are busting a move tonight and will again tomorrow to get the house cleaned.  It's all coming together tonight, and after putting dishes away from the dish washer and then filling it again, I'm going to call it a night and rest.  We've gave it a good lick tonight.  Tomorrow evening, all I need to do is wrap our presents for my cousins, and then tidy up the kitchen and we'll be good to go.  But in the meanwhile, I could sure use some of the elves. 

Tuewday Updates

 It's been a busy Monday and Tuesday at work and at The Compound.  We're getting ready for our Christmas visit from our kinfolk from the North (LaFayette, IN).  They will be rolling in on Friday and visiting us for a few days.  So we're busy here getting the house all spruced up. So I don't have much time to chat. 

The Twelve Days of Christmas Price Index 2021

Every year since 1984, PNC Bank has released the PNC Christmas Price Index, which tallies how much each gift in the famous song would cost based on today’s market rates. The picture is not pretty this year, partly because the inflation rate is up to 6.2%, which is the highest it’s been since November 1990.

The Christmas Price Index is also up, PNC reported. The goods in the song would cost, on average, 5.7% more this year relative to pre-pandemic pricing, which is the largest increase since 2013.

PNC said that comparing 2019 data gives a more realistic picture than comparing 2020 pricing, when it may have been even harder than usual to obtain some of these specialty items due to lockdowns. For instance, the ladies dancing would have exceeded the limits for gatherings in 2020, and may not have been able to dance in formation due to social distancing.

Related: Fed Chair Powell Says Omicron Poses ‘Increased Uncertainty for Inflation’

So how much would all those gifts cost in 2021 dollars?

• A Partridge in a Pear Tree ($222.68): These have gone up largely due to the tree they live in.

• Two Turtledoves ($450): These birds cost 50% more compared to 2019.

• Three French Hens ($255): With the price of groceries rising, it’s not surprising egg-laying hens rose in price by more than 40% this year.

• Four Calling Birds ($599.96): These pets did not rise in price since 2019, presumably due to lack of demand.

• Five Gold Rings ($895): The price of gold has risen since 2019. Perhaps consider NFTs to show your love, instead?

• Six Geese-a-Laying ($660): Again, egg-laying birds rose more than 57% this year. At this price, you’d better hope one lays a golden egg.

• Seven Swans-a-Swimming ($13,125): Swans are super-expensive and hard to keep as pets. They should be kept in pairs or they get lonely. Cost aside, giving the gifts in this song is starting to sound like a really bad idea.

• Eight Maids-a-Milking ($58): Until the federal minimum wage goes up, the price for eight maids-a-milking will stay stable. Although if you want to keep those maids around in a tight labor market, you should probably pay them at least what they’d earn at Walmart.

• Nine Ladies Dancing ($7,552.84): The price for these performers hasn’t risen since 2019. Maybe they’re just happy to be dancing in front of a crowd again.

• Ten Lords-a-Leaping ($11,260): In a perfect example of the gender wage gap, the Lords received a raise from their 2019 rates, coming in 12.6% more expensive.

• Eleven Pipers Piping ($2,943.93): We don’t know the gender of the pipers, but they also received a 7.1% raise from their 2019 rates.

• Twelve Drummers Drumming ($3,183.17): Likewise, the drummers also received a 7.1% increase, showing the value of live music as we return to public gatherings.

In total, PNC Bank reports the cost for all 12 gifts at $41,205.58.

The Blessing (or Curse) of Compounding Presents

It’s important to keep in mind that the presents in the song could add up to orders of magnitude more because they compound daily. That is, on the first day of Christmas, your true love might give you a partridge in a pear tree. On the second day, you’ll receive another partridge plus two turtledoves.

By the end of 12 days, you’ll have 12 partridges (and their pricey perches!), 24 turtle doves, 60 golden rings (yikes!) … you get the picture. What are you supposed to do with 144 well-paid drummers? Start a marching band?

Thank You, Lord

 Thank you, Lord that Louisville and more specifically The Compound was spared in last night's devastating tornadoes.  Unfortunately, the town of Mayfield, in the south western part of the state was hit the hardest.  A candle factory was demolished, with over 100 workers inside. 

To say "our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tornadoes" doesn't even come close. 

Hunker Down

The weatherazzi is getting everybody all worked up over possible tornados and badass storms tonight.  All I can say is have your cell phones charged up, which you should do every  day regardless of the weather forecast.  But I digress.  Put your cell phones on your chargers now, and make sure you know where flashlights are in case we have a power outage.

And above all else. hunker down. 

Thursday Updates

 I checked my checking account this morning online, and saw that the property tax payment was taken out this morning.  Merry Christmas to me.  But I am thankful that I had the money in the bank for it. 

As for us at The Compound, the Old Man and I seem to be trying to catch a cold.  Last night and this morning, he and I both had some long sneezing fits.  We don't feel bad, and we don't have a fever, thank the Lord.  So we are hoping it's just a cold trying to set in.  And I hope we have the cold prayed away. 

Stay tuned. 

Weird Wednesday

 Today started out weird.  To the north of us got a heavy dusting of snow, and the Sherman Minton Bridge and the Clark Memorial Bridge were shut down during the morning commute due to slickness.  We didn't get a flake at The Compound nor at Work.

Then at work, two very long time employees retired today.  I can only imagine the freedom that they felt when they walked out of the door for the last time this afternoon. 

Then tonight, the Old Man said today's supper was his very favorite of everything I cook.  It was an easy easy burrito casserole.  As long as it makes him happy, I will keep in rotation for every other week.

Now after taking 4 bags of stuff from the closet out the curb for garbage pick-up tomorrow, I'm ready to crash.

Mini Re-entry

Mini Re-entry was very busy today. I worked through lunch and stayed over a half hour to get caught from being off two days. 

But I was am home now and after a frustrating trip to the grocery store, I am waiting for my potatoes to roast in the oven.

All in all, it was a pretty good day.

Back To Reality

 It was a great four-day mini vacation, but it's back to the office tomorrow.  But it was a great four days off.

I accomplished a lot in the closet clean-out.  I am way ahead of my deadline of New Year's Day.  On Saturday, I might not get a lot done because I need to switch gears and get the back bedroom cleaned up for the annual Christmas visit from my cousins up north in Lafayette, IN, but if I have time and feel motivated, I will work on it some. 

And I made a great pot of beef barley stew for supper tonight, along with a batch of Red Lobster biscuits.  Believe me when I tell you I think I could have eaten 4 of the biscuits, but I stopped at 2. 

I'm hoping for a drama-free re-entry tomorrow, but am preparing for a very busy day.

Stay tuned. 

Sunday Updates

 Today, I have various updates.  Let's go. 

First of all, to answer some questions, Large Marge is doing great.  She's very active, and still lets me pick her up and love on her (regardless of the fact she killed her sisters).  She even picked at my shoelaces today - something the Girls did when they were younger.

Second, we finished our secret Christmas craft project today.  I will post a picture soon of our magnificant creation.

Third, thanks again to Neighbor Nick for getting up the leaves in our yard.  He said he was happy to do it, since the leaves were from his trees. 

Fourth, I am very happy that I am off from work again tomorrow.  I have a batch of beef barley soup prepped and ready to get in the Crock Pot in the morning, and then I will once again reach my goal of getting at least two bags of stuff out of my Sweet Mother's walk-in closet.  We might even go for three bags.   At the grocery yesterday, I bought a cool as-seen-on-TV stick-up battery powered light so I can see in there.

Stay tuned. 

Saturday Updates

 I spent about two hours this morning working on our Christmas Craft Project.  It is still going well.  Then I went to Krogers and spent about an hour there - the majority of the time talking to a former coworker who I ran into.  Then I came home and helped the Old Man make a revved up carrot cake.  Now I'm ready to do nothing.  

I'm off on Monday, and after breakfast I will start back in on the closet clearing out.  At Krogers today I found just what I was looking for - a battery powered stick-up light.  Now I can see what I'm doing in there. 

Stay tuned. 

Friday Updates

 I am proud to report I made good progress today in cleaning out my Sweet Mother's walk-in closet.  I carried out two garbage bags full of clothes and shoes.  I will get back at it again tomorrow, and am going to make myself clear out at least one bag of clothes and stuff every day.  So far, so good.  

We also made some tweaking to our Christmas decorations at The Compound, and tomorrow, I plan to hang a big wreath out on the back porch ramp.  We also worked on another batch of our Christmas craft project.  

Stay tuned. 

Thankful Thursday

 It is Thursday, and I am thankful that I am off tomorrow and Monday.  I had some vacation days left that I needed to use or lose, and I sure as hell was not about to lose them.  So I am looking forward to a hopefully awesome four-day weekend -- a mini vacation, if you will. 

Stay tuned. 

Almost Worry-Free Wednesday

 This was a pretty good Wednesday compared to others.  There are a few things I've been "concerned" about but I didn't let them get to the worry level today.  So all in all, it was a good Wednesday. 

Each day this week, we've put up some sort of Christmas decoration, and the family room and dining room are looking pretty festive. 

Stay tuned. 

Fill In The Blank Tuesday

 We got not one, not two, but four big promotion annoucements at work late this afternoon.  As I type this, I am still trying (key word) to wrap my head around them and sort them all out.  There's not much else I can say except I am thankful I am retiring in July.

Stay tuned. 

Re-Entry Monday

 Today was Re-Entry Monday - going back to work after being off for a week.  It was busy as all get out, but I made it through.  I was thankful that I was busy from the time I clocked in to the time I clocked out - because it kept me from being tempted to get online and buy something on Cyber Monday.  

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

 When the morning started, the game plan for decorating the family room and dining room for Christmas was as follows:  I had to do laundry, so I decided that each trip I had to make back up from the basement, I would bring up a box of decorations, with the intent of decorating on this coming Friday when I am once again off from work.  At the time, that was a good plan.  But The Old Man had other ideas.  Fast forward to this moment in the afternoon, when we are now about 80% decorated.  The Old Man will finish up tomorrow, placing our big angels throughout the family room and dining room.  

And add to this, a special secret Christmas decoration that he and I are planning.  

Stay tuned. 

Straightening Saturday

 I spent a good two hours this morning going through our pantry, throwing out old stuff and reorganizing.  I even took time to update my pantry inventory spreadsheet, which took some time.  But it is all organized and everything is easy to find.  And I can consult my spreadsheet to see if I need to replenish anything.

All in all, it was a great Saturday.  

Black Friday

 Today started out to be a Black Friday.  Two days ago, I dropped my LG phone and shattered the glass back cover.  It worked fine, but looked like hell.  This morning I took it to a phone repair shop in our hood, and within an hour, it was as good as new.  And the price was very cheap.  I hope I don't have to go there again, but if I need a cell phone repair, that's where I'm going.  Thanks, Cell Phone Wizard.  You rock.  

Happy Thanksgiving

TWIT and I would like to wish you,faithful readers, a very happy Thanksgiving. 

I am thankful that the Old Man and I have had a great, restful week off so far . 

Thankful Tuesday

 During this season of thanksgiving, I am thankful for my vacation days that are letting me have an awesome, restful week away from work.  

Nuff said.  

Memory Monday

 Our visiting friend KD asked if we could go to the cemetery where my Sweet Mother is buried, and we headed out to Radcliff this morning.  It is a veteran's cemetery, and it was cool (for lack of a better term) to see all of the same uniform gravestones all in neat rows.  

This was the first time the Old Man and I have been to the cemetery.  It's not because we don't care; we know that she's not there - she's up in heaven.  And we didn't bring flowers - something that others would bag on us for.  But for as long as I can remember, my Sweet Mother would say "bring me the flowers while I live" and that's what we did while she was alive. 

I thought that it would hit me and the Old Man hard this morning, but it didn't.  My Sweet Mother's spirit was definitely with us while we were at the grave site.  

Soggy But Not So Bad Sunday

It rained most of the day today, and it was cold, but it was still a great Sunday. 

Our old family friend KD was in town visiting us this weekend, and he had pre-Thanksgiving dinner with us today.  He brought a couple bottles of great wine from the Biltmore Estate winery, and we all three ate turkey, dressing, dumplings and a plethora of other side dishes until we were about to pop.  But the best part was just being together, and me and the Old Man being thankful that a friend would take off from work, and spend $$ for a hotel just to come and visit with us. 

We are truly blessed, and thankful.  

Saturday Updates

 Friday was a crazy crazy day - at work and at The Compound.  But today has been a great day so far.  I did a lot of cleaning this morning to get ready for an old friend coming to visit us tomorrow.  We will be having our official Thanksgiving Day dinner tomorrow instead of Thursday.  Everything is on order, and we are looking forward to getting visit with our old friend.  

I did a lot of housework and cleaning this morning to get ready for our dinner tomorrow, and now, I am read to sit on the couch and rest until suppertime. 

Something You Are Seeing Every Day Update

 A friend and faithful reader texted me last night after reading about Something You Are Seeing Every Day.  He said that on his way to and from his work place, he, too, has seen a few wigs and weaves out in the middle of the road.  And he lives in South Carolina.  So this is not a trend just in the 'Ville.

Stay tuned for more reports.  

Wednesday Update

 The Old Man and I went out for supper tonight, and on the way to our favorite Mexican restaurant, I saw not one but two wigs out in the road.  I just don't know what to think about this.  

Something You Are Seeing Every Day

 For the past few weeks, on my drive to work and to home, and on the errands I run on the weekends, I have been seeing wigs and weaves out on the road.  I just don't have an answer for this.  I don't have a clue how the wigs and weaves ended up from someone's head to out on the road.  But I for sure have been seeing them almost every day.  

If anyone has any insight on this, please let me know.  

I Caved

I am not ashamed to admit that I caved in this afternoon.  I was frustrated about something at work, and I turned on the Holiday Traditions channel on Sirius XM on my phone . It changed my mood instantly.  Thank you posthumously Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.  

Soggy Sunday

 As I type this, it's raining lightly,and the rain combined with some wind is making it also rain leaves.  Other than finishing up a load of laundry and taking some stuff down to the basement, I don't  plan to do very much other than sit on the couch and watch TV and read.  It seems like a very good day for things like that.  

More DIstractions

Once again, I am apologizing for being distracted and not posting.  And once again, there is a lot going on at work and at The Compound.  At times I think I should just stop posting on TWIT for the sake of posting, and then I think no, I am going to keep on posting.  Anyhoo, thanks for the few faithful readers that I still have that read TWIT every day.   

We do have a weather update - it's cold today.  And a bit windy.  And I'm glad that I got my chicken coop chores done early, and glad that I got my grocery shopping done so now as soon as I post this, I am going to get on the couch and enjoy a good cup of coffee. 

Then There Was One

 I am very sorry to report that we lost another chicken yesterday.  Now, Large Marge has the coop all to herself. 

We looked at the date on the first pictures we took of The Girls on the day I brought them home from the post office, and it was in April 2017.  It sure feels like I've been a chicken farmer for longer than four and a half years.  But I digress.

The Old Man and I are wondering how long Large Marge will be with us.  Stay tuned. 

Thank You For Being A Friend

 TWIT and I would like to thank some work friends today for the favors they did for us.  Bill P and Jammie for using your awesome wood working skills for my craft project.  And to Chris K for cleaning the seats in the van and most importantly for cleaning the disgustingly dirty inside windshield.   I will definitely use you soon to get the old Ranger truck detailed.

I am so blessed to have such good friends that help us out.  

Merry Christmas Already Update

 After supper tonight, the Old Man and I started on a Christmas craft project.  We had a rocky start, but after a few tries, we achieved the results we wanted in the first phase of our project.  

Tomorrow, I will talk to a friend out in the factory who does a lot of woodworking crafts, and ask a big favor from him to cut some "things" for us. 

Stay tuned. 

Thank You, Daylight Savings Time

 TWIT and I would like to thank Daylight Savings Time for giving us all an extra hour of sleep last night.  I know I sure enjoyed it.  And I don't even mind that it will be getting darker sooner, either.  I am just thankful for my extra hour of sleep last night.  

Covid 19 Update

 At the grocery store today, I would say there was about 50% of the shoppers wearing masks.

Watching the Breeders Cup races today, there was about 99% not wearing masks. 

Flashback Friday

 This picture was taken on the tarmac as Diva Stacy and I were getting on the plane to go to Memphis in October 2010.  We are for certain that this is a picture of The King.  And we will swear to it till our dying days.  

Merry Christmas Already

 We haven't even recovered from Halloween, and Thanksgiving is weeks away, but it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the 'Ville.

Tuesday morning, I took a different route to work and on that road I saw the first house fully decorated for Christmas - complete with tons of lights and lots of inflatables.  All I will say about that is if it makes you happy, go for it.  And I will say that I would not want to have to pay the next two months of electric bills for them.

Second sign of Christmas is coming: on November 1, Sirius added at least 87 Christmas music channels, including themed channels for Kwanza and Hanukah.  Let me add a note: Sirius has a regular all-the-time channel of Christmas music just in case you wanted to get into the spirit early in March or August.

Third sign of Christmas is coming: also on November 1, a local radio station switched their format and is playing nothing but Christmas music until midnight Christmas day.  

Welcome Cold Weather

TWIT and I would like to welcome winter weather to the Ohio Valley.   The temperatures are forecasted to be at around 30 every night for the rest of the week. So tonight after supper, the Old Man and I will be going out to winterize the chicken coop; meaning, we’ll stretch the extension cord from the barn to the coop and plug in the Girls’ heated waterer. 

 

This year, we are trying a new winter water system – a double-walled waterer and a heated base.   The actual waterer is two pieces – the outer part that simply twists off, and the inner part that will hold the water.  And it sits on the heated base.  So there will be no more fussing and cussing like in years past when I had to flip their heated waterer upside down to fill it, which usually ended up getting more water on my feet and legs than in the waterer.  

 

Stay tuned.  

 

Happy Halloween

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very happy Halloween.  

Personally, I've been tricked and now I want some treats.  This week, I came down with a pretty strong case of Pink Eye in my right eye.  I've been using some eye drops, and have been wearing my [annoying] glasses since Thursday night, and my eye is slowly getting back to its original color.  But I'm not ashamed to tell you as I type this, I am wiping away tears with a Kleenax: I just finished chopping an onion for my chili, and I've never cried like that before when chopping onions. 

But I digress.  After I get my chili done, and after we watch our church service online, I'm heading up to Walgreens for BOGO free bags of candy.  Don't judge; the Old Man and I deserve our share of Halloween candy, too.  

Saturday Updates

 Well, faithful readers, for the past few days I've been dealing with a bad case of pink eye.  Luckily, it's been quite a while since I've had it. 

The OTC drops seem to be working, thank goodness.  My eye isn't as red as it was yesterday.  But trust me - if it isn't better by Monday I will call the doctor.

Till then, I will continue to wear my glasses, which I hate to wear because they fog up when wearing my mask.  But it is what it is.

Stay tuned. 

Flashback Friday

 

Tiresome Tuesday

 Today just wore me out.  I hit the ground running the minute I clocked in at work, and didn't stop until after 5:00.  Then it was visits to two Walgreens before I was able to get a prescription for the Old Man.  Then it was home to fix supper, which took longer than I thought.  The dishes are in the dishwasher, and everything is cleared away. Then I had to lug a 50 pound bag of chicken feed from the van to the carport, and then go feed and water the girls.  I wish ( key word) I could go to bed right now.  

Shingles Shot Updates

 Thank goodness the Old Man was feeling much better today, and his bruise is healing.  I'm still having soreness in my arm.  It still hurt last night when I turned over on my left side.  But I'll stop whining now. 

I Officially Feel Old

Yesterday, I got my first shingles vaccine.  It made me feel old.  But I'm pushing 60, and after making it through the Covid pandemic unscathed, I sure as hell don't want to get shingles.   I get my second shingles shot after Christmas.   Then I'm going to wait a while and get my pneumonia vaccine.  I decided it was best to get all of these vaccines now while I still have good insurance before I retire.

I'm not going to lie - the shot yesterday hurt way more than my three Covid shots and my flu shot.  I got the shot in my left arm in preparation (since I sleep primarily on my right side) and it hurt whenever I rolled over on my left side.   

I'll stop whining now.   

Flashback Friday

It's a little over a week until Halloween.  When I was a kid, I would have put on many different costumes by now, trying to find the perfect one.  Instead, I'm trying to get shingles vaccines booked for me and the Old Man.   That's life when you get old. 

Still Distracted

 I'm still distracted tonight, faithful readers.  But tonight, I'm blaming it on the Old Man.  For the last 20 minutes, he's been switching the cable channels back and forth from the Houston/Boston game to Mash and it's making me crazy.  If I had access to any Xanax, I think I'd take one.

Stay tuned. 

Distracted Again

I apologize again, faithful readers, for being distracted.  Nothing is wrong but I've once again been distracted at home and at work.  

There's not that much news to tell anyway, but I do try to post something every day, and feel bad when I miss.  

Thanks for still reading TWIT. 

Covid 19 Update

 We have four friends that have made it through Covid 19 in the past few weeks, and now we heard of two more that just were tested positive. 

This isn't getting much better.  I'm just thankful that me and the Old Man have our three shots, along with flu shots, and are feeling fine. That's all I can ask for. 

Flashback Friday

 This was my Grandma's favorite time of the year: MLB playoffs.  She loved watching them.  Back in the day, they would come on in the afternoons.  She would make sure supper was on the stove so she could sit in her rocking chair and watch the ballgames.  Her favorite team was the New York Yankees; mainly, because she loved Reggie Jackson.  A friend gave her a Yankees ball cap, and she would wear it proudly when the Yankees were playing. 

I guess it carried over to me and especially to the Old Man - because we've been watching the playoffs for two weeks now.  And will continue to watch in Gram's memory.

A Wacky Wednesday

 We had more than our share of wackiness yesterday, faithful readers.

First of all, once again, we didn't get our newspaper.  I think that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Secondly, something went wacky with the cable - the Old Man couldn't get it to change channels.  I came home during my lunch break and after about five minutes, everything was in working order.

Thirdly, we had a power outage at work for about an hour.  "Just an hour", you are probably thinking.  But that hour was during our busiest and most critical time of the day when it comes to production.

I'm hoping for a much less wacky Thursday.

Stay tuned. 

Prayer Requests

 One of our most dear friends at church died on my birthday back in January.  She was the minister to the senior adults.  But more than that, she was an awesome prayer warrior.  Her gift was praying for people -- over the phone, in text messages, emails or snail mail.  Since she died, I felt like it was my job to continue her prayers -- praying for friends, family and strangers if they asked for prayers.   

Since then, I can't begin to tell you the times that the Old Man and I have gotten phone calls, texts, and emails asking us to pray for them.  I truly feel like we are doing what we are meant to do - carry on for our dear friend Vicki's prayer ministry.

That having been said, we've got a list of twelve friends and family that we are praying for today.  We've got so many people on our prayer list that we are going to start our night prayer time in a few minutes so we will get everybody covered.

So, if any of you, faithful readers, have prayer requests, just let me know and me and the Old Man will get you all prayed up.

Thank you again, Vicki, for your prayer legacy.  I hope that we can do you proud to carry on. 

Covid 19 Update

Today, they laid to rest a dear coworker from the factory who died last week from Covid.  I also found out another coworker tested positive a couple of days ago and is having a pretty rough time with the symptoms.  And we found out that my cousin's husband's neice's (stay with me) 8 year old daughter and 13 year old son both have Covid.  The boy is especially in need of extra prayers -- just a few weeks ago, he rang the bell and finished his cancer treatments that he's been going through.  This kid has fought cancer for over two years.  And to make things worse, he is Autistic. 

This is getting more scary to me than it is getting better, faithful readers.  All I can say is to wear your masks, keep your distance from others when possible and get your vaccine. 

Security Tip Sunday

I've noticed a very disturbing trend lately: people hanging their work ID badges on their rearview mirrors.  As a security consultant, and as a person who [I think] has common sense, I do not recommend this. I noticed 4 ID badges in plain sight when I walked from the parking lot into the grocery yesterday.  The badges give a lot more information to thieves than you think.  First of all, it has your picture.  Then your first and last name.  And where you work.  Thieves could look at the badge, see your name and know that you are not at home.  It only takes a few seconds to do an online search to get an address.  And it would only take a few minutes for the thieves to get to their house and break in - knowing full well they aren't at home.  Same thing for during the work day. 

I know keeping track of your work ID badge is just one more thing you have to keep track of, but keep it in your purse if you are a woman, or if you are a man, keep it with your wallet at home on your dresser.  Or put it in the glove compartment.  Just remember that you put it in the glove compartment. 

 

Covid 19 Update

 The Old Man and I are now officially triple vaxxed.  We went Thursday night and got our third Pfizer booster.  We woke up yesterday morning feeling fine - not even the least bit of soreness on our arms where they gave us the shots.  We still feel fine, thank the Lord. 

It was a bit ironic to me that on Thursday - the day that we got our third boosters - a friend/coworker died from Covid.  He wasn't vaccinated, and from what I heard, the guy died alone in his house.  And it could have been prevented.  

It Was A Weird Wednesday

 Yesterday sure was a Weird Wednesday.  Me, the Old Man, some friends, co-workers and kinfolk had weird vibes going on.  I was thankful when 10:00 came around so I could just go to bed and hope for a better, non-weird Thursday.  

Stay tuned. 

Thank You, Monday

 My Monday started out pretty shitty.  The garbage bag was leaking all over the kitchen floor as I started to take it out to the big garbage can.  Thank goodness I caught it in time and dragged the kitchen garbage can out to the big garbage can to keep leakage down to a minimum.   And before that, I had double bagged two Kroger bags and poured some old veggie soup in it to throw away, only to find the bags had a small hole.  But once again, I was able to intercept and avoid more leakage.  

Luckily, those were the only two big messes today.  The rest of my Monday went great. 

Stay tuned. 

Thank You, Saturday and Sunday

 I would like to thank Saturday and Sunday for coming this week.  

This week was without a doubt the busiest week I've had at work in years.  We are backordered on so many pumps that we normally would have thousands, if not tens of thousands, in stock.  It's truly a scheduler's nightmare.  But I made it through the week, and don't have to schedule anything for two days. I sure will be taking advantage of that. 

Thursday. Thursday

 It was a crazy busy day at work.  I got an hour of OT today just trying to keep up.  

As I sit here right now, I have ten minutes before our burrito casserole is done.  I wish I could take a quick cat nap in these ten minutes but it's not possible.  I'm calling it now --- tonight, I am going to bed at 10:00.  So let it be said, so let it happen. 

I Feel Like A Slug

I have felt like a slug tonight.  After fixing supper, taking the garbage can out to the curb, and feeding the Girls, I spent most of the evening on the couch.  I don't feel sick - was just tired.  I think the past months of being crazy busy at work has caught up with me. But I only have to deal with that for 204 more work days.   

Trying Tuesday

 This has been a very trying Tuesday.  I can't really say it's been all that of a bad day - just trying, and also tiresome.  It's only 7:20 at night, but I'd like to go to bed right now and get a long sleep.  If only I could. 

Monday, Monday

 I hope the first hour of my Monday doesn't set the tone for the rest of the day.  I committed a cardinal sin here in our house: I forgot to fix the coffee last night before I went to bed. 

Stay tuned for updates. 

Covid 19 Update

 I went to the grocery this afternoon, and I would guess that I saw about 50% mask wearing.  It was definitely more than my trip to the grocery store last week.  

Flashback Friday

 Note: I typed this post yesterday and thought I posted it but I didn't.  

For some reason this week, I thought of something that my Grandmother always had in her purse.  It was a short, little metal tube.  I think originally, it was intended to hold some dimes in case you needed to use a pay phone (which also could be the topic of another Flashback Friday post).  But instead, my Gram always had 3 or 4 Certs mints in it.  It had a little ring with a clasp, so you could put your house key or car key on it, or clip it to your purse, which she did.  

I was telling one of the SF's about this, and she said her Grandmother had one, too.  Except she kept old school saccharin tablets in hers. 

When Gram died and we went through her things, I would have given anything if we could have found that little metal thing; I would have kept it forever. 

Isn't It Ironic

 This is a big day in the history of my family.  It is the anniversary of Grandma and Grandpa Puckett, aka Clara and Cliff (the Old Man's parents).  And it is the birthday of my Sweet Mother.  

And on this day, my boss is getting married.  I hope this day will bring her blessings.  

More Peace In The Valley, Bigtime

 I was exposed to some coworkers last Friday who tested positive for Covid on Saturday.  So all weekend I kept deciding if I should get tested or not.  I had no symptoms, but all I could think about was keeping the Old Man Safe.  So I made an appointment and was tested today during my lunch break.  By the time I got back to work, I had an email saying I had tested negative.  Thank you so much, Lord.  Nuff said. 

Peace In The Valley

 It sure was peaceful in my department at work yesterday.  My boss is out for two weeks for her wedding and honeymoon, and her boss is out for two weeks quarantining.  Yep, it sure was peaceful. 

Monday, Monday

 As a dear friend's great-granddaughter would say when she messed in her pants, it was a shitty mess today.  

It started off driving to work in a downpour.  Then once at work, the problems started and it continued until time to go home at 4:30.  

At least I won't have to deal with any BS in the office tomorrow - I am working from home.  The Old Man has a cardiologist appointment at 10:40, so with it being in the almost-middle of the day, I decided to work from home before and after the appointment.  But I am sure I will deal with BS via email, the phone, or Microsoft Teams tomorrow.  At least I won't be going into it blind sided. 

Super Saturday

 Even though I was frustrated with losing my downloaded music from my iPhone after last week's iOS update, it still turned out to be a super Saturday.  

The Old Man treated me to dinner at my favorite restaurant, The Bristol.  Let me say that their always awesome Green Chili Wontons and Artichoke Fritter were the highlight of my meal.  The Old Man had his first Hot Brown and he said he'd order it again.  Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had the Bristol Burger with blue cheese on it.  When we got home last night, I was looking on FB and discovered that yesterday was National Cheeseburger Day! 

I would have been happy to go up to Frisch's and eat, with the say the Old Man is walking and feeling so much better.  So I was a little surprised when he called me at work Friday and said he wanted us to go there.  I made sure to drive home a different way so he could see more scenery, and I think his neck was sore when we got home from his head turning from side to side to look out the windows.  

But all in all, it sure was a super Saturday.  And I'm looking forward to an equally super Sunday.

Stay tuned. 

Another Bad Week With Electronics

 I connected my newish iPhone to my computer last night to do a backup.  At least I thought I was doing a backup.  When I checked on my phone, almost all of my music was gone; the only songs on there were ones I had purchased from the iTunes store.  I spent an hour last night trying (key word) to get it to sync with my iTunes library but it didn't work.

I'm up fairly early for a Saturday and am trying (key word) once again to get my songs back.  

Stay tuned. 

Winter Is Coming

 I had to run an errand during lunch break yesterday, and on my way back to work I spotted the first pair of winter time Ugg Boots.  They were worn by a late teens/early twenties girl.  Never mind the temperture at the time was 86 degrees.  Maybe she knows something we don't know? 

Question Of The Day

 Why is it that the last hour or two of your sleep is always the best?  If any of you, faithful readers, has an explanation, please share it with the rest of us.  

Apologies, Again

 I apologize once again, faithful readers, for not posting regularly.  And once again, I've been distracted.  Nothing is bad wrong - just distracted thinking about the possibility of a future pretty big home project.  I've also been distracted thinking about a few close friends going through some very rough times right now. 

Stay tuned. 

I Did Forget

 Forgetting dates and appointments is something that I just do not do.  I have my old school planner book that is up-to-date with all I need to know, and I even have a separate pocket calendar that I keep in my purse where I write down the days off that my coworkers in my department have scheduled, so I can refer to that when we schedule doctors appointments for the Old Man.  But today, I sure did forget.  

I was glad I checked email this morning as soon as I got up, because the Louisville Bats emailed me to remind me that today's game is at 1:00 instead of 7:00.  

I WIll Never Forget

 Social media is full of stories, pictures, and remembrances today of 9/11.  I honestly don't see how anyone could forget that day.  

I was at my desk in the Purchasing department at work when my Sweet Mother called me to tell me about the plane hitting the first tower.  As we were talking on the phone, she stopped talking mid-sentence, and then her next words were "Oh dear God - another plane hit the other tower."  We talked for a couple more minutes, and told each other "I love you" and then I went to join coworkers who were scared and praying. It wasn't long till we got word that the Pentagon had been hit by a plane, and that a fourth plane had crashed in Pennsylvania.  We didn't have internet access so we couldn't get up-to-date info, but somehow my boss had found a small portable TV and he had it on his office.  I remember vividly watching with a few coworkers, and all of us gasping when we saw the two towers fall.  

Maybe an hour later, I was walking back from out in the plant, honestly thinking "is today going to be the end of the world?" When I got back to my desk, I had a voicemail message from the Old Man, telling me that he and my Sweet Mother were meeting our pastor and his wife at church, and would have it open in case anyone wanted to stop in to pray. 

Today, as we remember, I think we all need to stop in and pray.  

Thankful Thursday

 The Old Man and I were both tuckered out tonight, because we dozed off and on most of the time this evening.  And that's OK.  There's no napping rules here at The Compound.

Work was crazy busy again today, and with the latest hurricane moving inland, I'm sure we'll stay busy for a while.  But as of today, there are only 217 more work days (not including vacation days) that I will have left before I retire.  For that, I am thankful. 

Wishful Wednesday

 Yesterday was one of the busiest days I've had at work in months.  I started working 15 minutes before it was official clock-in time, and worked through lunch, too.  We're selling lots of pumps now, thanks to all of the rain we've had.  Add to that the fact that the parts shortages makes it a scheduler's nightmare.  Today, I am hoping and wishing for an easier day.

Stay tuned.

Happy Labor Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very happy Labor Day. 

I did more than my share of laboring in the past week, so I haven't done much laboring all weekend.  And other than getting some hamburgers going, I don't plan on doing much laboring the rest of the day. 

COvid 19 Update

 I write this post with a heavy heart.  This morning, we lost another dearl friend to Covid.  Big Lewis gave it a good fight over the past three weeks, but the virus was too strong.  He was a mountain of a man, and next to me, gave the best hugs ever.   For years and years, he performed in the Stephen Foster Story singing 'Old Man River".  And sang for all of his life.  

For some reason, he always called The Old Man "Governor".  And I can remember vividly he was at our home and made Gram laugh.  I can still hear his big ole laugh.  And I know he's probably up in heaven right now making Gram laugh.

RIP, Lewis.  You left quite a legacy.  Your work on earth is done.  

Covid 19 Update

 Tonight, we have two friends that are in the hospital fighting the Covid virus.  And people still don't believe that the virus is a real thing.  

There are no words.  

Wishful Wednesday

Work was crazy busy today.  I was just thankful that I only have 221 more work days to come into that place.  And that is not counting vacation days.  For that, I am truly thankful.

I'm distracted once again, faithful readers.  I've been dealing with something here at The Compound that is taking all of my attention.  And add to that, I am dealing with a situation with an old friend who is going through some major, major stuff right now. 

It's times like these that I would like to either run away or just hide in my bedroom.  But neither of those things are an option.

The thing I'm dealing with here at The Compound is probably insignificant in the whole scope of things, but it bothers me nonetheless.  It will get cleared up eventually.

The situation with my friend is what is really troubling me.  All I can say is stay tuned. 

Not All That Terrible Tuesday

 It's not been that terrible of a Tuesday, but it has had it's moments.  We are still dealing with parts shortages at work, and have had to shut two assembly lines down this week and most likely next week.  This is not a good time for production schedulers.  This is why I write down my schedules old school so I can erase and redo them before entering them in our computer system.

But as of today, I have approximately 230 work days before I can retire.  And that doesn't take into account vacation days.

Stay tuned. 

Covid 19 Update

 On yesterday's weekly trip to the grocery store, more masks were clearly visible.  I would estimate that about half of the shoppers and 100% of the workers were masked up. 

Electronics Update

 iPhone:  I can't remember if I mentioned problems with my iPhone.  When someone would call or when I would call someone, they couldn't hear me and I couldn't hear them.  I spent hours Googling the problem and looking on YouTube to no avail.  I called Apple and they told me to take it to an Apple store and they would diagnose the problem and give me a cost on the repair.  That wasn't going to happen. So I took matters into my own hands.  When I bought the phone on eBay, I also bought a two year warranty.  Score.  I filed a claim and two days later they said I could either get it repaired and they would reimburse me or they would send me a check for what I paid for the phone.  Of course I chose the check.  Then I bought another phone (a slightly new model) on eBay and also got the two year warranty with it.  It took about an hour this morning fooling with iTunes and doing updates but the new-to-me iPhone is all set up with the same songs, apps, videos, pictures, etc as the previous iPhone.

HP Printer:  For months I wouldn't be able to print because it would always say "printer offline."  Unplugging it and plugging it back in would usually fix it, but for the past week that solution hasn't worked.  So I ordered a USB cable from Amazon and connected the printer to the trusty Dell desktop computer and now I can print.

There's only one remaining electronic/digital issue I need to fix: the remote key fob for the Odyssey fell apart. So once again, I turned to Amazon and bought a new one.  When it gets here, I will try (key word) to program it following the "easy instructions" that will be included with it.  

Stay tuned. 

Thankful Thursday

 It's Thursday and I am thankful that I am taking a vacation day tomorrow so I will have a hopefully drama-free three day weekend to enjoy.

Stay tuned. 

Wishing Wednesday

 I wish that Diva Stacy and I were at the Kentucky State Fair right now and we were able to get the awesome fudge "like Grandma tried to make", and my favorite country ham biscuit and her favorite cinnamon iced biscuit.

We are hoping for next year.

Stay tuned. 

Meatloaf Tuesday

 Today was Meatloaf Tuesday.  And it was awesome.  The Old Man and I both had two slices of it for supper tonight.  I think my Sweet Mama would have approved of the recipe. 

Update On The Old Man

I've another good report on the Old Man.  Today, he had to visit his primary care doctor as a follow-up from the trip to the ER last month.  He got a good report from him, and the doctor told him he'd see him again in six months.  

On the way home from the doctor, we stopped at Walgreens and the Old Man got his shingles vaccine.  He told the pharmacist that he wanted his flu shot, too, but they didn't have any of the vaccine yet. So he told him to come back in 2 weeks for that.  And he has to go back in October for the booster shot for the shingles vaccine. 

As I type this, I can hear him snoozing in his recliner.  I hate to wake him up to go to his favorite Italian restaurant but it is what it is.

Stay tuned.  

More Technical Difficulty

 I spent an hour of my precious Saturday trying (key word) to get my printer working.  And I've spent almost an hour this Sunday morning trying.  I got fed up and ordered a USB cord from Amazon and will connect the printer to the computer in hopes that it will work.

Stay tuned. 

More Distractions

 I apologize once again, faithful readers.  I was still distracted this week.  I am worried about some friends that are having very rough times right now.  Diva Stacy broke her foot; an old friend's sister has been in the hospital for over a month now with heart, lung, and now kidney issues; and add to this the rapidly increasing cases of Covid again. 

I've spent a lot of my time this week praying.  And I am going to continue to do so.

Stay tuned. 

Terrible Technical Tuesday

 My bad luck with anything electronic or digital continues.

I still haven't resolved the issues with my iPhone and still can't receive or make phone calls. 

And today at work, our copier crapped out just when I needed to make 11 copies of our daily production schedule report and 11 more copies of tomorrow's production schedule.  Luckily I was able to walk across the building and use a copier over by the HR department.

I'm waiting for the next shoe to drop. I hope I didn't jinx myself.

Stay tuned. 

Update On The Old Man

 We just got home from the Old Man's follow-up visit with the heart failure center.  They wanted to see him to follow-up from his visit to the ER last month.   I am very very happy to report that he got great news!  First of all, his kidney numbers had increased a bit, and that is a huge answer to many prayers.   Second, his hemoglobin count was up as well!!  And the doctor didn't find any signs of fluid retention.  For all of these things, we are so thankful.  

Why Me?

 This has been a rough few weeks for me when it comes to anything electronic or digital.  

It all started out two weeks ago when my Facebook account was hacked.  And then it has just progressed.  This morning, I spent an hour trying (key word) to get my printer working.  After an hour I finally got it to print. 

I could go on and on about other electronic or digital things in my life that aren't working right now, but I would just bore you.

As always, stay tuned. 

Covid 19 Update

 On my weekly trip to the grocery store, I would estimate that about one-third of the shoppers were wearing masks today, including me.  That was a visible increase than last Saturday.  

And I am not ashamed to say I'll be wearing my mask tonight at the Bats game, either.  

Stay tuned. 

Apologies, Faithful Readers

 I sincerely apologize, faithful readers, for not posting this week.  I've been very distracted the past few days.  There's nothing really wrong - it's just that I get home from work, fix supper, then clean up the kitchen and then I've just sat on the couch watching the Reds games with the Old Man.  

I am going to try to do better. 

Stay tuned. 

Weekend Update

 It's Tuesday and I was distracted yesterday and didn't post, so here is the Weekend Update.

First and foremost, the Old Man is still feeling good. No breathing issues, and just slight stomach issues, but his appetite is still good.  And best of all, he is moving around much better - without his cane and walker.

Nadine's house next door, and S&S's house two doors up have contracts out, so we will be getting new neighbors soon.  I can only hope they will be as half as good as the neighbors we've had. 

I am still waiting to hear from Facebook and my bingo game about getting my accounts restored.  I'm not putting much credence in that. 

My Good Shepherd Security Consulting iPhone is having issues.  I can't hear someone when they call, and they can't hear me when I make a call.  But I can hear them and they can hear me when I am using earbuds, so I think that will be the route I take until I have the patience to deal with it.  It's not like I'm getting any business calls these days anyway.  So I guess it's all good. 

We are in the beginning stages of another heatwave.  When I got home tonight, I checked the Dark Sky app on my phone and it said it was 91 degrees and felt like 102 degrees.  I believe it.  It's windy, and it makes you feel like you are out in the middle of a hair dryer.  

Stay tuned for more updates. 

Sunday, Sunday

 It's been an awesome Sunday so far.  The Old Man is still feeling good, and is getting around without his cane and walker still, and for that we still give thanks to the Good Lord. 

I made spaghetti sauce today and we just finished eating spaghetti and salad and garlic bread like little piggies.  And had our favorite Bully Hill Red Banty wine to wash it all down.   Later on tonight, I am going to fix stuffed peppers and have them ready for the Old Man to put in the Crock Pot tomorrow.   I have the rest of the week's meals and lunches all planned out, so I'm going to go sit on my ass for a couple of hours. 

Covid 19 Update

 On my weekly trip to Krogers, I would say that about 25% of the shoppers were wearing masks today, yours included.  All of the workers were masked as well. 

Stay tuned. 

You Can Have A Little Something

After a lot of emails back and forth, I think "(key word) that my bingo game site will be able to restore my game.  They said they would email me when they had it completed.   At least it's a little good news from the hacking.

Stay tuned. 

Still Can't Have Nothing

 With the big Facebook hack on Saturday, I lost all of the levels I had acquired on a bingo game and another game that I have been playing since I got on Facebook eons ago.  You can't have nothing.  

But so far, my bingo game site has said they can recover my account.  We'll see.  It's not the end of the world with everything else that is going on right now, but it still makes me mad.  

As always, stay tuned.  

Can't Have Nothing

 Almost everything electronic or digital that I have has malfunctioned or broke down or quit this week.  Maybe I need to go back to the Flintstone era with using a bird to peck onto a tablet.  

Take That, Red Lobster

 To go along with our shrimp scampi tonight, I made some Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits.  I used the box mix and I am here to tell you they were better than any me, the Old Man and neighbor Nicky Boy said they've had at Red Lobster.  I had two, but if I hadn't had shrimp scampi and salad, I could have easily eaten four with another glass of sweet tea to wash them down.  I am going to break my arm patting myself on the back tonight. 

A Good Way To Start The Week

 Even though I was still hacked off at most likely losing my Facebook account, today turned out way better than I anticipated.  And I give all the credit to the good Lord.

The Old Man spent most of the afternoon outside puttering around - trimming some bushes and weeds, and just puttering around.  He said he hadn't walked this good without his cane or walker in ages.  His breathing is still good, and his stomach is better.  Once again, we give all credit to the good Lord. 

Not A Good Way To End The Weekend

 I woke up this morning to find that my Facebook account had been hacked.  At 11:31 last night, some effer in Chicago hacked into my Facebook account.  When I read the notification from Facebook this morning, I followed their instructions to have them deactivate the account.  I had to submit info to them in hopes that they would be able to reactivate it.  I really don't care about all of the friends posts - I just don't want to lose the pictures I had stored through there.

Stay tuned. 

Covid 19 Update

 I went to WalMart before work on Friday, and made my weekly trip to Krogers today, and saw a lot more masks being worn than last week. I'm not ashamed to say I had mine on, even though I am vaccinated.  I've also noticed a few more masks being work in the office.

Stay tuned. 

Finally Friday

 Once again it is Finally Friday, and I don't have to go into work for two whole days.  That makes me feel a bit better with my upcoming retirement.  Nuff said. 

Hot Hot Summer

 When I left work today at 4:30, the temperature was 93, but with the humidity it felt like 107.  That's just too damned hot.  

Another Shortage

 First it was the shortage of the Mt. Olive Munchie Kosher Dill Pickle pieces.  Now it's a shortage of MinuteMaid Fruit Punch. 

They have been out of it at my Krogers and at the BetterWay convenient store by work for over a week.  I have a half of a two-liter bottle here at home and I am rationing it until I can find more. 

I hope the fruit punch doesn't go by the wayside like the MinuteMaid OrangeAde did a few years ago.

You can't have nothing. 

File Under: WTF?

 

During the past year and a half, we survived a toilet paper shortage, and a few months ago we made it through a gasoline shortage.  Today, we seem to be in the midst of a dill pickle shortage.  

I went to two grocery stores this morning before work in search of the elusive Mt. Olive Munchies only to find none in the stores.  In fact, there were no plain old dill pickle slices, either.  They had plenty of dill pickle spears and whole dill pickles, and had tons of bread and butter pickles in all varieties, including the Mt. Olive Munchies, but I don't want bread and butter pickles, damnit.  I want Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Munchies.  I guess I'll have to go on Amazon and order some. 

Stay tuned. 

Happy Life Day To Me, Part 2

 Since I've been celebrating my Life Day, I've tried to do something that I've never done before.  And believe me when I tell you, Life Day 2021 is no exception.

This morning, I talked with the head of HR, my boss, and my department head, and told them that I was announcing my retirement.  The glorious, glorious day will one year and one day from today - July 27, 2022.  I will be 59 and a half that day, and the time is right.  This December will be my 32nd anniversary here, and I repeat, the time is right.  

I just hope that the next year goes by as fast as the last year has.

Stay tuned. 

Happy Life Day To Me

 Today, I am wishing myself a very happy Life Day.  On this day back in 1992, I was in a very bad wreck and had to have my right foot rebuilt.  The Lord saw me through it and other than some arthritis in the bad foot, I am fine. 

On this day every year, I celebrate life - not just my life, but the lives of my family and friends who were with me every step of the way: from being in the hospital for 10 days, to weekly rehab, to being off from work for almost six months.  I could not have made it without the Lord and them. 

I always celebrate and do something special on my Life Day.  Stay tuned for an update on how I celebrated today. 

Never Too Old To Learn

 Today, I learned something new, faithful readers.  I did something I never thought I would do.  I cut down a pretty good sized bush. 

It was at the end of our driveway, and it has grown like crazy and it made it a little hard to see traffic coming down the road.  So with the supervision and instruction from the Old Man, I got the choppers and took care of it.  He told me to cut it about half way down, but I went a bit farther and chopped it off about 3/4 of the way down.  I'm glad I went out after breakfast before it got to be 187 degrees and got it done. 

Finally Friday

 I am praying that this weekend is less eventful than last weekend.  Amen. 

Update On The Old Man

 I am still happy to report the Old Man is doing better this week.  He's slept in later, has had more appetite, and feels better all over. 

Today, his BFF came by to visit, and stayed with him for over three hours. He said they talked, laughed and reminisced.  I think the visit did both of them a world of good. 

Once again, thanks for the thoughts and prayers.  They truly mean to much to us. 

Update On The Old Man

 Let me preface by saying I had a few notes asking to post updates on The Old Man.

That having been said, he seems to be still doing better.  He is eating a bit more at breakfast and supper, and has told me he's had lunch during the day.  So the appetite increase is still a big answer to prayer.  And his breathing is still good, thank the Lord.

As for me, I had a rough night, but have regrouped.  When I went to take the bag of garbage out tonight, it busted open.  That called for about a half an hour of cleaning the floor.  But I got it done.  And now I am going to get on the couch with a cocktail and have Wednesday Evening Cocktails with the Old Man.

Stay tuned.

Update On The Old Man

 I am very happy but not surprised that prayers are still being answered for the Old Man.  

He had a pretty good day yesterday, and he especially enjoyed sitting out on the back porch after supper visiting with our neighbor Nicky Boy and one of his dogs Maya.  And he also especially enjoyed his supper - I made meatloaf for the first time, and I am here to tell you that he told Nicky Boy it was (and I quote) "as good as my mama made."  He ate a pretty good slice of the meatloaf, too.  

And the best report of all so far is his sleeping.  He slept until almost 7:00 this morning!

Thanks again for the well wishes and prayers, faithful readers. 

Update On The Old Man

 Yesterday was not the ideal way I wanted to spend my Saturday, but it is what it is.

For the last few weeks, the Old Man has had some shortness of breath and some times when he felt weak. He would eat something and then feel fine.  For the past two weeks, he hasn't had much of an appetite, either.  When this started, I told him that he needed to be straight up with me and tell me when he felt he needed to go to the hospital. Well, yesterday morning was the time.  I had gotten home from the grocery store, and he and I were watching Gunsmoke when he said it was time to go.  He wasn't gasping for air or anything severe like that, but he said he wanted to feel better.

We got to the hospital in record time thanks to no traffic.  I dropped him off in the ER and got him checked in and while I was parking the car, they had already taken him back and given him an EKG. 

The xrays and tests showed he was anemic, and also has some bleeding in his stomach.  We are praying it it is just a bleeding ulcer.  To make the long story short, they doubled his pee pill for the night time dose from one half to a full one.  And while there they gave him an IV of Lasix (pee pill) and two IV's of meds to help coat his stomach.  I will call his heart failure center doctor tomorrow morning to follow up, and will call a gastroentologist to get an appointment to see exactly what is going on with his stomach.  He's not thrilled about the two more pills he will have to take a few times a day, nor is he happy with having to see another specialist, but as he said, it is what it is.

He had a good day today - his appetite came back a bit, thank the Lord.  And he's been "peeing like a race horse" as he said.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and thoughts.  I will keep you posted.

Stay tuned. 

Finally Friday

 It's been a long, hard week at the office and at The Compound, faithful readers.  I'm just thankful that I don't have the weekend to hopefully refresh and regroup before we start it all over again on Monday.

Stay tuned. 

Thirsty Thursday

 After fixing a home-run supper tonight as The Old Man said, I had to do some chores.  Now we are ready to get settled in for Thursday Evening Cocktails. 

Wet Wednesday? Let's Hope Not

 We've had monsoons and flash flooding for the past four days.  But today, the weatherazzi said it would not rain today.  Let's hope they are right.  Because they have more rain in the forecast for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  

Stay tuned. 

Glad It's Over

 The day started out great.  Even though the Old Man was up at 3:00 and into his recliner, he had a great day.  He said he got his sleep out, and was wide awake.  So he got up and came to the family room and got in his recliner, and he said he read 1st and 2nd Corinthians and Galatians in his Bible.  I can't think of a better way for him to spend his time.

My morning didn't start out as great as his did.  My boss was all over my ass like a diaper rash on a baby's bottom.  But I persevered.

Stay tuned. 

A Good Day Was Had By All

 On Friday evening, an old friend from our Ridgewood Baptist Church days came to visit us from his home in Greenville, SC.  And another old, childhood friend also from Ridgewood came from her home in Leavenworth, IN to visit as well.  We had an awesome visit.  The Old Man said it was the best night he's had in a year and a half.  And I have to agree.  As Gram said back in the day, "Old time friends - they're the best."

CSI: The Compound

 I forgot to mention more vandalism from the Monday Morning Robbery Attempt.  The Low Life went into the chicken pen, knocked over the Girls' waterer, and then left the door open.  Thank goodness the Girls didn't escape.  

Quite A List

 Here is a list of all of our stuff that the Low Life had intended to steal and had piled up in the trailer and wheel barrow:

My Sweet Mother's little red wagon

An old tube amplifier

Extended small branch trimmer

A big rubber tub that we raised the Girls in when they were chicks

2 post hole diggers

A big snow shovel

A little show shovel

2 old garden hoses that had a dozen dry rotted holes

Electric weed eater

4 shovels

A hoe

My work laptop charging cord

A bar that goes in the back of the Odyessy to hang clothes on when you travel

A garden spade

A piece of rusty chain

A piece of rope

The Old Man's Mantis rototiller

A big plastic garbage can

A table umbrella that had so many tears in it that it looked like fringe

One piece of the Girls' first small chicken coop

Fireplace poker

A gas can one-fourth full of gas

A plastic bucket

The Girls' heated waterer

6 pieces of glass window panes that we took off of the barn

Here is a list of the stuff he had put in the back of my Ranger:

Corn hole boards

Half of the jack that was in the cab of the Ranger

A jug of laundry detergent (I forgot to bring it in from the store)

An old fire extinguisher that was also in the cab of the Ranger

A messenger bag (the only things in it were a legal pad, two pens, and the minutes from our church's           women's group meetings)