The Second Happiest Day Of The Work Year

Today is the second happiest day of the year here at ZCO: it is the day that we hear what our profit sharing "check" will be.  We still refer to it as profit sharing check, even though they are direct-deposited.  But I digress.  It is still the second happiest day of the work year.  The happiest day will be in a week and a half when the money is deposited in our checking accounts. 

Stay tuned.   

Soup-er Sunday

The kitchen smells soupish right now.  The Old Man and I did some chopping and we have a big pot of vegetable soup on the stove.  

As a kid, I never would eat Grandma's vegetable soup.  She would give me mostly the broth with a few potato and meat chunks.  But with the recipe we use now, I do everything except lick the bowl.  One of our former pastor's wife gave us the recipe years and years ago when my Sweet Mother found out she was diabetic.  The recipe was endorsed by the American Diabetes Association, too.  And best of all with this recipe is the fact that other than potatoes and celery, the vegetables are all canned.  Yes, I know that they're of sodium, but the recipe doesn't call for any salt, and in stead calls for a couple of spoons of chicken base. 

 

Where Hsve All The Good Men Gone?

What ever happened to being nice and helping people?  Evidently, some of my coworkers have forgotten all about those character traits. 

 

I didn’t pay attention this morning when I got out of the Odyessy in the parking lot and left the lights on.  When I went out at lunch to run an errand, I made this discovery.  But I digress. I limped back into the Engineering department (yes, my left knee is still hurting) and asked my friend AK if I could use the company’s jumper box.  He got it for me, and offered to come out and hook it up, but I told him I’d done it so many times on my old cars, I could do it with my eyes closed.  But the point I want to make there is that he offered to help.

 

Fast forward to a few minutes later when I was out there with the hood up on the van and connecting the cables to the battery.  Not one, not two, but four of my male coworkers all passed me by and did not help, or even ask if I needed help.  One of them was even parked right next to me in the parking lot.  It really pissed me off, but then I thought that they all will probably get bad karma from that. 

 

I told this to two of my best friends here, who in my opinion are two of the best guys I have ever been friends with, and both of them were pissed off.  One of them even asked if I would mind if he confronted those four.  I told him I appreciated his kind gesture, but I felt pretty confidant that all would get payback for being unkind.

 

 

 

Update From The Compound

 The kitchen smells awesome this morning - the Old Man and I made one of favorites: Margarita Cake.  I just took it out of the oven and I would like to just crawl into the middle of the bundt pan and eat my way out.  But I will use restraint, and let it cool and bit and then pour the awesome icing over it (which contains tequila, triple sec and lime juice).  

Large Marge is doing good.  Giving us an egg every other day or so - just enough for the Old Man's breakfasts. 

My knee is killing me today, but I'm not letting it keep me down.  I walk a bit every hour to keep from getting all tightened up.  I'm not going to lie - I'm dreading my trip to the grocery store this afternoon, but I just took some extra strength Tylenol and before I go I will put some Aspercreme on it. 

The Old Man is still doing pretty good.  His itching has eased up quite a bit, and for that we are thankful.

And speaking of thankful - we're glad it has quit raining. 

I Want To Live Mas

I apologize if I have already mentioned this; I'm getting old and forgetful.  But I am thrilled to death because they are building a Taco Bell about a mile from work.  Last Monday, they put up temporary fencing around the lot, and on Friday I saw where they had put a Port-A-Potty up by the fencing.  Then yesterday on my way home, I saw where they started to clear and level the lot and had spread some gravel.   

I just hope it's open before I retire so I can go there for lunch.  And the timing is perfect - some time in March, Taco Bell is re-releasing the ever popular Mexican Pizza. 

Update From The Compound

 I hope my Tuesday is better than my Monday.  

The Monday started out shitty.  I was coming out of my bedroom after getting dressed, and stupidly tripped over my own two feet and fell in the hallway.  Unfortunately, I landed hard on my bad knee.  And my face hit my cellphone I had in my hand, giving me a black eye.  Thanks to some concealer, it wasn't very noticable. 

After work, I had to go to my friend and former boss' house and feed the fish in his big pond in the middle of a monsoon.

Then, when I got back home, I did my part and went to the back field to pay my last respects to Maya, one of Neighbor Nick's German Shephards. I went out in my rain gear and boots to help him dig a fitting grave for her.  She was a great neighbor dog.  She loved my Sweet Mother and the Old Man.  When he would bring her and her brother Hunter over, she would always gravitate to my parents.  

Rest in peace, Maya.  

Scallop Sunday Review

 The Old Man and I were very pleased with my baked scallops and Bruschetta.  The scallops were tender and not rubbery, and the Bruschetta was straight up just like we get at our favorite Italian restaurant.  The Old Man said I scored a home run. 

As the weeks and months go on, I get more confidence in my cooking. I love it when someone says "that sure was good." 

Scallop Sunday

 The Old Man and I have been wanting some good scallops for awhile.  So today I ventured to the big Kroger and got us a $$$ pound of fresh scallops, and this evening I will attempt to bake them for us.  We are also going to make some Bruschetta, just because the Old Man wanted some.  I am happy to oblige.  So later on this evening, he will be my sous chef and help me as we make scallops, Bruschetta and long grain rice. 

Stay tuned for a review. 

Covid 19 Update

Once again today at the grocery store, I was in the minority of mask wearers. And once again, I am ok with it. You already know so am fully vaxxed and boosted, but I still don’t want to catch the Covid or anything else from people not wearing masks. 

Finally Friday

I know I was off Monday and only had four days to work this week, but it was a very long four days.  As I inch closer to my retirement day, the work days seem to get longer and longer.  But I digress.  As of today, I have 112 more work days, not counting any vacation days that I will take.  I think I can handle it.

We had great fish from the Masonic lodge tonight, washed down with good cold Bud Lights, and I have a nice fire going in the fireplace.  I'm hoping for a nice, warm, drama-free night.  And hoping for a drama-free weekend. 

Stay tuned. 

Update From The Compound

 For some reason, I am more tired on Wednesday, and don't do squat after supper other than taking the garbage can out to the end of the driveway.  Last night, the Old Man and I had been dozing while watching TV, and at 9:30 we both said screw this, and got up from our recliners and went to bed and had a good night's sleep.

It's been raining since about midnight last night, and as I type this it is still pouring.  Ditches and streams were way full on my way home from work, and if it doesn't stop soon, there will be problems in the morning.

In the meanwhile, three hours north of us, my Favorite Cousin in LaFayette is expecting 6 -8 inches of snow today and tonight.  And it was just a few days ago when they finally got rid of all of the snow they got two weeks ago.

For us here in the Ville, it was in the 60's yesterday, and this morning when I left for work it was 62 but has dropped to the low 50's, and tomorrow's high is supposed to be in the mid-30's.  As my Grandmother would have said, this is pneumonia weather.

Stay tuned. 

I'm Going To Get Used To This

 I took a day off from work yesterday to take the Old Man for his six-month check-up with his primary care physician.  We were back home by 10:00, so I guess I could have gone on into work, or worked from home.  But I didn't.  And I liked not having to go to work.  Yep, I sure am going to get used to this come July 27.  

Super Bowl Review

 Let me preface by saying the majority of Super Bowl watchers will disagree with my review, but this is my blog and I can say whatever I want to.  That having been said, I think over all it was the worst Super Bowl that I have watched.  

The actual game: it was lackluster, but that was partly due to both teams having a good defense.  Even if the Bengals had won, I would still have said I thought it was one of the worst. 

The commercials: this year, I couldn't even come up with enough commercials that I liked to make a top five list, much less coming up with a top ten list.  My two favorites were Skechers with Willie Nelson, and the Doritos with the sloth and other animals eating the chips. 

The half-time show: anyone that knows me knows I have no use for hip-hop and rap.  I watched it, mainly because I was too lazy to get up off of the couch.  Super Bowl 2006 still is in my record book for the best half-time show with the Rolling Stones. 

Better luck next year. 

Super Sunday

 It's Super Bowl Sunday, faithful readers, and TWIT and I would like to with the Cincinnati Bengals the best of luck today.  Even though I think Sean McVey is by far the hottest NFL coach ever, I hope the Bengals kick the Rams' asses.  We've always rooted for the Bengals because they are the closest team in proximity to Louisville.  And I followed them closely when the very adorable redheaded quarterback Andy Dalton was on the team.   But I digress. 

The Old Man and I are having our Sunday dinner early today so we will not be too full for our Super Bowl queso and Tostitos Scoops tonight.  

Go Bengals. 

Covid19 Update

 At the grocery store today, I am sad to say I was in the minority with mask wearers.  And you know what? It didn't bother me.  I still will wear my mask until who knows when, just to keep me and more importantly the Old Man safe.  Sure, we've both been vaxxed and boosted three times, but that will not protect us from catching it.  I'm starting to think wearing masks might be the new normal.  And you know what?  I'm OK with that for our health's sake.  

Finally Friday

 It was another long ass day at work.  I can't express how glad I am to not have to deal with that place until Tuesday morning.  I took a vacation day on Monday - the Old Man has his six month check-up with his PCP, and I would rather just take the day off than to deal with coming in later or leaving early.  But I digress.

I am glad I don't have a lot of housework to do tomorrow other than mopping the bathroom floors, and the usual weekly trip to the grocery.  If I was really motivated, I'd mop the floors tonight and have it done, but I don't see that happening. 

Stay tuned. 

It’s Been A Long Week

It has been a long, long week. Work was extra busy, and we’ve been busy in the evenings here at The Compound this week. But tomorrow is Friday, and then I will have two days off from work. 

Stay tuned. 

Perfect Timing

 I'm not proud to admit this, but I was feeling very sorry for myself this past weekend.  I'm not going into details, but suffice to say I was Pitiful Pearl on Saturday and most of Sunday.  The thing that snapped me out of it was a card I received in the mail.  

I actually got the card in Friday's mail, but I was working from home and it sat on the kitchen table until Sunday afternoon when I saw it and opened it.  It was a "thinking of you" card from a sweet friend at church.  In it, she wrote "Happy Birthday A Week Late" and then went on to write a few lines that snapped me out of my pity party.  It was perfect timing. 

Monday, Monday

It was a long ass day at work.  I got spoiled from working from home on Thursday and Friday.  But today, it was back in the trenches. 

The Old Man said tonight's supper was his second favorite on our rotation: taco soup with some great queso and fresh Tosito's Scoops.  He already requested another jar of the same queso and another bag of  Tostio's Scoops for Superbowl Sunday.  I will be sure to get them on the way to work tomorrow before the mad rush is on for Super Sunday. 

Large Marge is doing fine - thank you for the comments asking about her.  She's the only one in the coop. but she's still giving us an egg almost every other day.  That's all I can ask for - it keeps us in business for the Old Man's breakfasts. 

I'm off to the recliner now and that's where I plan to be for the rest of the evening.

Stay tuned. 

Sunday Updates

 We had a drama free Sunday so far here at The Compound.  I'm waiting for our pork roast to finish in the air fryer, and then I will bake a peach pie for dessert.

I'm already dreading re-entry to the office tomorrow, but I am thankful I had a good two drama-free days of working from home. 

Not much else to report, so I'll go check on my pork roast and baked potatoes.

Stay tuned. 

Another Ice Storm 2022 Update

 I bundled up and went out through the frozen tundra today to check on Large Marge.  She doesn't like walking on the snow and ice, and I can't say I blame her.  But she has plenty of food inside the coop, and if she gets thirsty enough, she can walk outside to the heated waterer and get a drink.  But she's doing fine.

I was happy to finally find saltine crackers today on my trip to Krogers.  They've been out of them for a few weeks, so I picked up two boxes today, along with two boxes each of Archway oatmeal raisin and windmill cookies, just because. 

I'm in for the rest of the weekend.  As soon as I post this, I am heading to the couch for a nice nap.  And will have another nap tomorrow I'm sure in between doing laundry and fixing a pork roast in the air fryer.

Stay tuned.

Ice Storm 2022 Update

 Luckily for us, the most we got here at The Compound was a few hours of sleet and an inch of snow on top of that.  We are in a little pocket right on the river, and I cannot begin to tell you the number of major storms and tornados that dodged us.  

The company was closed today, so everybody was working from home. I was busier today than I'd expected, but yet the day has dragged on by.   While I was waiting for our frozen pizza to bake, I bundled up and cleared the snow off of the back porch ramp and then spread rock salt down on the thankfully thin layer of sleet.  The front porch steps are clear, so if I want to venture out to the mail box I will be safe.  But I think I'll wait until tomorrow when I go to the grocery store. 

Ice Storm 2022

 The Weatherazzi had me and a lot of my coworkers all worked up today about the ice storm, so a lot of us worked from home out of precaution.

Here at the Compound, we just started to get the ice about two hours ago.  It's not been as heavy as they said, but it's still coming down.  The road still is clear by the way cars are zooming up and down, so that's a good sign.  

We are as prepared as we can me if we get more ice tonight.  I just pray the electric lines hold up and we don't lose power.  

Other than that, there's not much to update on so far, thank goodness.  I've got to go now and get my cornbread out of the oven. 

Stay tuned. 

Be Safe On Thursday

  As I type this, the Weatherazzi is getting us all worked up over our forecasted big snow and ice storm on Thursday. To make your trips to and from work or wherever easier, here's some tips to follow:

First of all, go to the drug store or dollar store and buy a cheap plastic spray bottle, and fill about 2/3 full with good old rubbing alcohol and fill the rest with water. Spray it on your windows, windshield, mirrors, and windshield wipers and the ice will come off effortlessly. While you’re at it, open your car door and spray it on the black door seal so your door won’t freeze. Also, spray your wiper blades. Ice and snow will come off with little or no effort, and your wipers won’t freeze up.

Second, keep a broom in your car during the winter; preferably one with a long handle. Use this to brush snow off of the roof of your car. I hear reports of windshield wipers that quit working because when the car would stop, mounds of snow that had been on the roof of the car slid down the windshield, bogging down the wipers.

Third, and this probably should be first, make sure you have a decent, sturdy ice scraper. Usually once or twice a winter, I see people trying (key word) to scrape ice off of their windows with a credit card. And with the ice forecasted to hit after we get to work tomorrow morning, as a precaution bring your ice scraper in with you as you leave your car and head into the office.

Fourth, and once again, this might need to be first, for goodness sake wear some snow boots in weather like this, or at least take them with you if it's supposed to snow later in the day. Now is not the time to worry about being a fashionista; you need to worry about keeping your feet warm and dry, and more importantly, worry about not falling down and breaking a hip.

Fifth, stop on your way home tonight or else go out later this evening and fill up your car with gas.

Sixth, make sure your cell phone is fully charged.

Last but certainly not least, take a few minutes today to put together an emergency kit for your car.

1. A couple of blankets

2. Some bottles of water. Wrap some aluminum foil around them before you put them in your car and they will be less likely to freeze. Or else, just put them in a bag and take the bag inside your office when you get there. But remember to bring the bottles with you when you go home.

3. Some packages of peanut butter crackers, granola bars or protein bars

4. If you are crazy and don't wear them in the snow, take a pair of snow boots with you

5. A flashlight with batteries that work

6. Make sure your cell phone is charged up before you go to work and before you leave work to come home. I can't stress this enough

7. A small shovel

8. Remember if you are stuck on the road, only run your car for 10 minutes every hour.

While you’re at it, put together an emergency kit to keep at the office just in case. If we happen to get a lot of snow and/or ice, there are going to be a lot of people that will opt to stay at work instead of trying to get home.

Here's some things you should get together for your office kit:

1. At least a 2-day supply of any prescription and OTC meds that you take daily

2. A pair of sweats in case you have to sleep in your office (you want to be as comfy as you can)

3. A couple cans of soup or something that you can easily heat up in the office lunchroom microwave

4. Your cell phone charger

5. Contact lens saline solution and contact lens case if you are a contact lens wearer

6. Grab one of the blankets that hopefully you will have in your car emergency bag

7. A few bottles of water

You will probably think of other things you'd like to put in your emergency bag, but these are basics that will get you through.

Stay safe.

Tuesday Update From The Compound

 As soon as I ate my last bite of potato soup tonight, I went out and got the trusty charger/jumper box from being charged and hooked it up to the battery on Tiny.  She started right up.  I've still got it running now to charge the battery, and as soon as I finish this post, I am going to drive it around for a bit. 

After I clear the supper dishes, I'm going to go over my check list and start getting things in order for the upcoming ice/snow storm on Thursday.  I will have all of my chargers charged up, and will have both of our portable TV's charged up as well.  And I will bring up a small portable gas grill from the garage that I bought on sale a few months ago, and will bring up a couple of the Coleman gas canisters too, just in case the power goes out.  I've already made sure I can get into the garage through the side door in case the power is out, and I made sure I can reach the rope attached to the garage door opener so I can open the garage if there is no power. 

On my trip later driving Tiny, I plan to go to Krogers and pick up two more cases of fire logs just in case.  So all in all, I think we will be prepared if the power goes out.  We have about two days supply of firewood in the carport if we need it, too.  

So all in all, stay tuned.