The Friday Five ~ May 8, 2020

The Friday FiveThe week sped by and this week, unlike the last few, found many things happening. Many ideas flowing through my brain. So here we are, this week’s Friday Five!

  1. Many people have been lamenting on their Covid-19 hair. There is hardly a natural blond left among us. Many people, like me, have discovered, much to their surprise, that their lovely light brown hair, is, in fact, nearly completely gray!
    My hair has also grown at least one and one-half inches (closer to 2) and I sort of like it a little longer. I confess, a month ago to becoming frustrated with my bangs and trimming them. The lucky thing for me is, when you have curly hair, your bangs pretty much look fine even if they are not perfectly cut. Also, despite my gray roots, curly hair allows you to hide the gray, so most days I don’t feel too bad about the whitening roots. I think I will keep the length but get rid of the white when I go back to my salon. (I am not sure when. They’re opening on the 11th of this month, but I do not feel safe or ready for this.)
  2. My eye is doing better. But here’s the thing. Each night I have to put this weird salve into them, and I have to tell you, after that you cannot see a blasted thing! Nor can I see when I wake in the night and stagger to the bathroom. It is so strange. By morning, for the most part, I can see through this vaseline haze, but not always.
  3. Like Friday morning. I needed to get a urine same from Anneliese. I got up, dressed for the day, and grabbed my jacket, and the little pan on a stick that I catch Anneliese’s urine in. I couldn’t see perfectly, but good enough. It was cold, so I put on my jacket, put a leash on Anneliese and out we went. There was a pallet with patio blocks on it, and of course, it was right by this, under an apple tree that Anneliese wanted to go.
    She squatted down and I put the pan under her, and she went. yay! Then it all went to hell. She turned quickly, the leash dragged into the urine, flipped up and suddenly I was splashed with urine. And so were my clothes. I did not lose the sample and quickly tucked it into a Ziploc bag. I came in, stripped out of my clothes, tossed them down the stairs to go into the laundry, and then went and showered! Ugh! You have not lived until you have been splashed by dog-pee!
  4. Because the trip out to my Vets is 25 miles each way, I try to do it as infrequently as I can. I got a card reminding me that Lili needed shots at the end of the month. I called and asked if I could bring Lili too, for her shots and to have her ear checked? Sure!
    So I put my two sick doggies and the Ziploc bag of wee-wee in the car and off we went.
    The end result is that Lili still has an ear infection and it was cleaned and part one of the antibiotic was put into her ear. Part two will go in next week.
    Anneliese still has her UTI. So she is back on the Bactrim and will take it for three weeks.
  5. The birds were all at the feeders today. (Thursday) The Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Baltimore Orielles, Chickadees, and Blue Jays. I saw Robins pulling up worms, my Raven flew into the yard and we had a Redtail Hawk come and perch on one of the apple trees as he scouted the field for mice. All this action leads me to believe that the snowstorm they are forecasting with very cold temperatures, is going to happen. Birds always know.

So there we go. This week’s Friday Five. All in all, not a bad week at all. Busy yes, but good. I hope this finds you all well and enjoying your Spring or Autumn.

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I Do Love Nature, I Really Do!

Wednesday was sort of a crazy day. I did manage to get a lot of things done, but it seemed like the Native Wildlife was keeping me on my toes.

During the day it was my birds. Several times during the day I could hear them squawking at me. Especially at the end of the day when I pulled in the bird feeders. There was a Redwing Blackbird who was just chewing me out!

My phone rang, just as the sunset and it was my neighbor warned me that the Mother and her two cubs were in the neighborhood (in fact, quite close by), and I should be careful with the dogs.

Lili would run from the Bears, I’m fairly sure. I think Arnie would too, but Anneliese, (who is blind as a bat) would smell it and bark like crazy.  actually would be afraid for her.

So, the feeders are in, the dogs are also in, and I am a wreck!

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All this from the woman who lives for the Sunday TV marathon of Northwoods Law, on Animal Planet. Most of the episodes have been shot in New Hampshire. A few here or there were filmed in Maine, but they only allowed filming for a couple of seasons and then ceased filming there due to controversies.

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Our New Hampshire Fish and Game Wardens are a good bunch. They not only work their regular job for our State, but back in the days of being social, the Wardens would appear at Camping, Hunting, and Fishing Events.

In any case, you have to know that I do love nature and I love creatures, but not the scary ones and not in my back yard.

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The Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  Question day this week lands on Cinco de Mayo. Are/were tacos on your Tuesday night menu? Hardshell, soft shell or just gimme all the tacos? Are you even a fan of Mexican food? Do you like your salsa mild, spicy, or somewhere in between? Margaritas-Frozen, on the rocks, or no thank you? Have you ever been to Mexico

I love Mexican food, but right now, it has no place on my menu (for me). I plan to make Jack hardshell tacos, with refried beans, spicy salsa, and guacamole.
I have been to Mexico three times and have gotten sick all three times. So, it is no longer on my list of destinations.

2. What’s something you may do this month?

I hope I am able to buy some baby plants. Tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, and summer squash. I would love a little garden to tend during this Pandemic.

3. Tell us what’s happening in your state or town as far as restaurants, salons, parks, beaches, businesses opening up. How do you feel about it? Are you out and about or hunkered down? Do you wear a mask?

First, yes I always wear a mask. I also wear gloves and I change gloves often. Our State is opening very slowly. Hair salons can open with a long list of regulations. Our beaches are still closed, but that isn’t too bad because it is still cold up here.
I am still hunkered down. When I go out I still wear protective gear and wash, wash, wash my poor dried up hands. I think they’re moving too fast.
That being said, New Hampshire is very much a tourist destination. People from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts have summer homes up here. As they return, our numbers are soaring.

4. Mother nature, everybody and their mother, mom jeans, like mother like daughter, soccer mom, mother hen, mother lode, necessity is the mother of invention, stay-at-home mom…pick one and tell us how it applies to your life right now.

It’s getting pretty around here, so I will pick Mother Nature. Once we get through “Mud-Season” New Hampshire is quite lovely. In another two weeks, our fruit trees should be blossoming.

5. April showers bring May flowers…what’s blooming in your yard or garden today?

Forsythia.

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But there are tiny buds on our Apple, Peach, and pear trees. Soon…

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m tired. I’m really tired.

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Not just physically tired, but some days I am just weary. In the last few days, I have felt this quite a bit. It’s an effort just to keep everything going.

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The Power of Suggestion

I had a bunch of urgent errands to do on Monday. What this meant was, that I got up, put on some easily washable clothes, and prepared to go out and face the world.

With mask and gloves, I went to get the mail, and also to the grocery store. I just needed to get fresh vegetables and a few other little things. Then it was off to the eye doctor.

I had the lens removed today from my injured eye. It did not feel great, but it was not nearly as bad as it had been when I first went to him last week.

I was sent home with gooey ointment and will to see him in 10 days for a recheck.

On my way home I was thinking of the wonderful shower I would be taking upon arrival.

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I don’t know about any of you, but when I have been out in this germy world, I come home and immediately strip down, run through the house and take a shower.

As I thought about this I began to think about my face. Ever since Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx told everyone to wash their hands and not to touch their face, suddenly that is all my hands want to do!

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I’ve never been a big make-up wearer, and so the hand to face thing was never a problem for me until the good doctors told me NOT to touch it! Now all my hands want to do it itch or brush aside something on my face. It all means touching my face!

As I drove I thought about the things I love to feel on my face. I love to feel Dove soap, as it slips around and washes my face. I love the smell and the softness of it.

I love to feel the saltiness of the Ocean and taste it on my lips. Both are so calming.

But nothing ever made me want to constantly touch my face until now. I know, it’s the power of suggestion!

So, for now, I need to stop thinking about my eye and my face and all that other crap and focus on something else. Did I mention I just downloaded the Prequel to the Homeland Series?Homeland: Carrie’s Run: A Homeland Novel (Homeland Novels Book 1)” and “Homeland: Saul’s Game: A Homeland Novel (Homeland Novels Book 2)”.

Now that my eye is on the mend I can get back to reading!

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Happy Birthday, Jack

Today is the 82nd birthday of my husband Jack. It’s quite a milestone for him and for us. We met many years ago and were friends for a long time. We saw each other through many difficult times in life, and eventually, when we figured it all out, we got married and started our life together. That was over thirty years ago. How the time has flown.

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Today we celebrate Jack’s birth and here is hoping for not only a happy day but a healthy and wonderful year ahead!

It’s All About..What I Eat

Recently, a friend of mine, who lives at a distance asked me what I’ve been eating while in isolation, that has me losing weight?

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My sister Mel & Me Christmas.  /  Me. Taken 2 days ago.

I’ve lost close to 36 pounds. It’s not always easy, but I am determined to get to my goal. I truly want to be the best me that I can.  I will detail it a bit for her and for you.

Before I get started I need to mention I am following the Weight Watchers (Green Plan). It’s the one plan where counting your points and weighing and measuring is important.

My favorite breakfast is my Banana Pancakes. It’s made with 2 tbs of Kodiak Pancake mix, 1/4 cup of egg whites, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 package of Splenda, a sprinkling of cinnamon, and 1 medium banana. Mix all together and cook in a frying pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.

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I love this and it is my preferred main course at breakfast. I also eat fat-free yogurt and a mix of berries. The total points for this meal, and my coffee with fat-free creamer, is 5 points.

Lunch is mostly vegetables. My favorite veggie is Eggplant. Even during this isolation time, I have been able to get beautiful eggplant.

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I roast it, and then have it with a garden salad.

I also drink copious amounts of herbal teas. Since I am not a fan of water, the herbal teas are nice.

My snacks are mostly fruit. I wrote about my love of Koru Apples and I am good for 1-2 of those a day.

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Dinner (supper) is where I get a bit point heavy. Chicken, turkey, or fish tend to be lower in points (and favorites). I have pretty much given up pork, but really do enjoy a good steak. So, I eat beef once in about 10 days.

I will eat two veggies at dinner. Usually a freshly made vegetable, or a salad, with a leftover vegetable from the day before.

Dessert is a Yasso Frozen Yogurt Bar. Yummy!

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Now here are a few things I don’t do. I pretty much have given up on carbs. I do not metabolize them like most people. If I do have anything, it’s perhaps a low carb/calorie bread to make a tuna sandwich. But pasta and potatoes and I just do not get along.

I am never hungry. If I do feel like eating then salads or apples give me the desired crunch!

I have great recipes that I fall back on, and every day I commit to making this new WW Plan work for me.

One thing is for sure. Eating the fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy proteins have me feeling pretty darn good. I sleep better at night and actually have more energy during the day.

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It’s All About…Taking Care of the Little Things

I went back to my Optometrist on Friday and my eye is healing very slowly. Due to that, I still have the special contact lens in and will return to see him on Monday at 12:30.

It’s really funny when I think of all the weird medical things that have been happening during the Pandemic.

All three dogs have had issues, my blasted eye, and Jack ran out of patio blocks and was threatening to go out in search of them until I found them three towns over.

So despite the fact that we are supposed to be sheltering at home, I certainly have been out quite a bit.

I have two things I need to handle next week. Two bits of stupidness. Two bills that never should have been sent. So on Monday, I will spend probably more time than I care to admit, being on the phone to handle these two bills.

I’m also thinking about getting an Air Fryer. Does anyone have one they like? Make and Models and a little about them would be greatly appreciated.

I hope you are having a great weekend!

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The Friday Five ~ May 1st

The Friday FiveWelcome to May! The first day of May, the first Friday too. Here we are entering our third month dealing with this horrible Virus.

As the week comes to an end, here are the five things happening in my world.

  1. It’s been an odd week. I’ve actually been out quite a bit. Visits to the Vet and visits to my Optometrist kept me on the road.49814900472_ae65db4627_3k

    Jack’s hearing aids came back via the US Postal Service and that meant that a trip there was also in the cards.

  2. I have had almost no desire to cook this week. However, that doesn’t mean I got off scot-free. Meals were prepared and some frozen and some just eaten.
  3. Rain arrived, bringing with it a fair amount of gloom. Today I must be out and about and of course, it is supposed to be a real soaker of a day! I do not care because I will be out!
  4. Have you all seen Meghan Markle’s alleged face-lift? I was shocked. I think she must have gone to a really good doctor because the face-lift came out pretty well. I mean, as face-lifts go. What do you think? It is also my guess that she had some botox and dermabrasion too.
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    Before and now.

    The new picture was taken from a video she made for her Charity helping women find jobs. Here is the video.

    Guess we know why she hurried back to LA at the end of her last UK visit.
  5. Since we are still self-isolating in our State, I have found some businesses that are considered necessary. We needed to get more patio blocks 16 X 16 inches in both red and charcoal. They are made by a cement company. They are considered necessary. Our blocks arrive later today.

Also necessary are the railroads. Today an engine pulling six cars heavily laden with railroad ties went by our house. They’re headed north to repair the winter damage.

So that’s it for the first day of May. Enjoy the day, and dream of Spring and the departure of this darn Virus!

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Well, This is New

Wednesday morning I woke about 3 AM. As I staggered to the bathroom, I was hit with terrible pain in my right eye! I thought perhaps my eye was dry, so I put in some artificial tears.

I tried to go back to sleep, but the pain was getting worse and worse.

By 5:30 I gave up and got up. I washed out the eye, and put more artificial tears in, and grabbed a warm washcloth. Nothing was really working. The pain was so bad, that tears were flowing and falling down my face from my right eye.

Why do things like this happen in the middle of an epidemic?

I looked up my Optometrists Web site to see what his hours were and saw he is only seeing emergencies a few hours per day. I was so lucky to call early and get fit right in.

I had diagnosed myself with a scratched cornea, but found out that I had a “Corneal Abrasion”. You see, my right eye dried out so much that the lid stuck to the eyeball in the right side of the eye. When I woke up and opened my eye, I tore the skin off part of the eyeball.

Sweet Mother of God, did that hurt!

I thought I would need to goo up the eye and wear a patch, but no. What he did was place an extended wear, soft medicated contact lens in my eye as sort of a band-aid. As soon as the contact lens was in place, I felt instant pain relief!

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I need to wear this lens for a few days so the cornea (eyeball) can repair itself. The luckiest part of it all is, when it hurts this badly, all you want is a relief. So I got right into the doctor before there was any infection.

I go back on Friday so he can reexamine it. Probably I will be able to remove the lens too, but I may need to wear it through the weekend.

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The Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond. Here’s my x-ray question…when was the last time you felt like Superman? What’s your superpower? Explain.

This morning when I stepped on the scale and realized in 4 short months I have now lost 35.2 pounds! My superpower isn’t losing the weight, but by planning, cooking, and tracking the healthful foods that are making me work toward my goal of being healthy and slender!

2. Are you a fan of the ‘superhero’ type movies? If so what’s your favorite?

Not really, but since my grandson, Quinn wants to be Spiderman,

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 I will say the Spiderman series.

3. Have you postponed or canceled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so when do you think you’ll feel comfortable going back? How about other routine medical procedures?

I just had my teeth cleaned in February. Whew! I do need to schedule a mammogram and my colonoscopy. Both were canceled due to the Epidemic.

4. What’s something that makes you feel youthful? Something that makes you feel ‘not so youthful’? Tell us why.

Ha! After all this time without seeing my hair-stylist, the very gray roots on my head probably are what makes me feel older. As far as youthful, well it’s all in my mind. In my mind, I think young, but in a wiser kind of way. Oh, if only I knew then what I know now.

5. I feel compelled to include some sort of corona related question in the HP these days. What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made you stop and think, ‘Dorothy we’re not in Kansas anymore?’

Several. One was shocking! A young mother had her perhaps six-month-old baby in the grocery carriage and the baby was chewing on the handle! Ewe! Disturbing. The other was seeing a big, burly, motorcyclist, get off his Harley in leather boots, jean shorts, that had been torn to the knees, a t-shirt, with a puffy camo vest, a bandana on his face and another one on his head. Oh, and I almost forgot, his 8-inch beard was sticking out every which way! I smiled and stifled a giggle behind my own mask!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I guess my biggest thoughts right now revolve around the Covid-19 Virus and how long I’ve been away from my family and friends. I miss them all so much and I hope and pray that this will all begin to abate soon so that we can get together again.

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