Just One Day 5.31.16

Today stands alone for an update since yesterday was included in the weekend's.

I created a very aggressive to do list for the day.  In fact, DH doubted that it was possible to get everything done.  The day's turned out pretty successful.  I had one item (painting the steps fro the garage) that could not be completed because of a paint brush problem but otherwise, everything was done or at least started.  I'm starting on a Minecraft quilt that has a billion different colors and pieces.  Unfortunately, it is done as a quilt along so there is no comprehensive list of colors or sizes.  I'm trying to use as much of my stash as possible.  It's a challenge to get started.  I got all of the pig done except two little pieces for the eyes - I need some black fabric.

I ran over to Walmart after dinner and picked up 10 fat quarters ($1 each).  I was able to assemble the pig completely.

Weekend Update (including Memorial Day) 5.30.16

This weekend seems like it came and went in a blur primarily because it seems I have been unwell all weekend.

Saturday started out harmless enough, DH and I went to breakfast as usual and then came home to do a few chores.  Afterward, he headed out to do a little riding/shopping and I headed to the grocery store.  I had a good list but found no Boston Butts large enough to make the effort.   I altered my shopping plan but still managed to get most of the sale bargains on my list.

By the time I headed home, I could tell I had a migraine brewing,  I took some prescription medication as soon as I got home and then a short nap.  Unfortunately, my headache (the vision part) was back again.  I call this a double migraine.  I took a couple of Advil to boost the pain relief and managed through the rest of the day.  

I went on an errand with DH to look at a motorcycle he had found.  We decided to eat out since it was getting late.  By the time we were seated at Olive Garden, my tummy was already painful.  Later that evening, what ever I ate that disagreed with me came for a return visit.  I was miserable.

Sunday, I still was not feeling well all day - Queasy tummy and an off and on headache all day. I managed to wash and fold some clothes and unload and reload the dishwasher.  DH and I ran back over to the grocery store to pick up a few things.  I made us some stuffed potatoes for dinner. 

By Monday morning, my tummy problems were much better but I still had a headache.  I decided to just make the best of it.  I washed more clothes (how do two people have so many dirty clothes?), ran the dishwasher again.  By early evening, I managed to even mow the grass.

I'm not entirely sure what cased my tummy issues: food poisoning, tummy bug, or headache side effects.  Regardless, I'm glad it's over.  I have a FULL list for tomorrow.

(Thursday and) Friday Update (5.27.16)

Thursday got off to a rough start.  After a shower and breakfast, I had a migraine start and it required pharmaceuticals and a short nap.

I walked over to the neighborhood Dunkin Donuts to meet someone about a stroller I had for sale.  We haggled a little and he bought it. Yea!  Of course, the money will go to DD as it was originally gifted to her.

The afternoon has been very quiet as I am really not feeling 100%.  I'm washing some clothes and will start some dinner soon.  I'm also ironing some clothes.

Friday - So with a low productivity Thursday under my belt, my plan for Friday was to get up and get to the grocery store by mid-morning,  I expected to have a six year old dropped off after lunch time for a few hours.  I got an early morning call that some unfortunately tummy bug had invaded the babysitters home and staff and two little ones would be in my care for the day.  I took the worlds quickest shower .. Not more than two minutes, dressed quickly and droved to pick them up.  While I was out and they were tucked in their car seats, I filled up the car with gas.

Once we were at home, the littlest one needed a splash down (not quite a full bath but enough warm water and soap to clean off what was dirty) because his diaper did not do its job.  Once he was cleaned up, I turned my attention to his car seat.  I pulled the cover off and ran it through a quick wash in the washing machine.  I could really figure out how to get the straps completely out but I did pull them out enough to wash them down with a soapy washcloth, rinse and set in front of a fan to dry.

Lunch as pretty sparse as I had intended on grocery shopping this morning but I was able to put together a can of spaghettos for the toddler, baby food for the baby and a cheese quesadilla for me.  By that time, I was ready for a nap but apparently, I was the only one.  The baby went to sleep around one, the toddler by 1:30 and the six year old arrived just before 2.  Fortunately, they took a good nap and by the time they were up, their Mama was her for them.

While I had planned to cook and serve spaghetti for dinner, we went out for simplicity's sake.

(Tuesday and) Wednesday Update

Tuesday:  I got some checks deposited in the bank today including the check from selling the car.  I also got some chores done around the house including spraying again for insects.  This time of the year, they want to come inside to be with us.

I also spoke with our new insurance company to understand better what we're covered for and how to get the most health care at the lowest cost.  We have a high deductible but we also have co pays and coinsurance.  I also learned that we have the best coverage for lab and tests when the billing entity is NOT a hospital.  

Wednesday:  Today, I was going to do some chores outside but it got hot too quickly and there was no line on the weed eater.  Instead, I shifted gears and painted a few little projects: both sides of a door, a bathroom window and door frame.

Still watering my little patch of grass seed.  I'm really keeping the water to a minimum - ten to fifteen minutes maximum, two to three times a day.  I can't afford a water bill like the last one.

I will be beginning to watch my electricity usage beginning tomorrow.  It is getting warmer/hotter every day and the air conditioner runs more and more.  I try to keep it off until at least four o'clock when I usually start dinner preparations.  The house is usually shaded from the sun except for between 4-6 pm.  I will try to find and unplug as many things as practical (unused clocks, toasters, excercise bike, etc.). Lamps will be off during the day unless they are needed.  My bill for last month was $100.  I already use ceiling fans and for fans to move air during the day.

Monday 5.23.16

Today, I worked on some laundry (two loads), unloaded the dishwasher, general household pick ups, etc. 

I'm also working on freshening up my Spring wreath.  I had an old grapevine wreath that I put some old (as in 35 year old) silk flowers in.  I took all the flowers out and washed in some laundry and dish soap.  It clean them up a lot, they still don't look new but much better.  The grapevine wreath was also very dirty so I washed it (soak and swish) in some dish soap and Murphys Oil Soap.  I'm hoping that this will clean it up and keep it from drying out as well.  I reassembled and will add some new ribbon and have a "new wreath" for next spring.

I had a few quick errands that I took care of in one trip and later today, I'm heading to CarMax to finalize the car sale.  Our payoff was a little lower than I thought so the balance to our savings will be a little higher.  It's done and we are officially a (technically) one car family.  This will reduce our monthly expenses, including the expected reduction in insurance, by over $400 and put a bit into savings.

I'm formulating a menu for the week - still may have some minor changes:

Monday - out after CarMax trip

Tuesday - Salad at home

Wednesday - Italian chicken with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans, caprice salad

Thursday - tbd: breakfast, salad, other

Friday - spaghetti with side salad

Weekend Update 5.22.16

Saturday morning started with breakfast out at our usual favorite place.  After picking up a little and turning the dishwasher on to do its thing, DH headed out to get a quote from CarMax to buy our extra car.  I picked him up and we got a bite to eat while they were working on the quote.  It took a while longer than we had expected so we spent some time waiting at CarMax.  They made us an offer that we felt we could accept but our bank was not open to get a payoff quote.  I will be heading back over there Monday to finalize the deal.  

We rounded out the day by spending some time with MJ (the littlest grandson) while his Mom and Dad headed to a wedding.  He went with us to the grocery store.  Our original plan was to put a couple of steaks on the grill but we elected to pick up a rotisserie chicken instead.  It was really good.

We had great fun watching the little one as he is learning to crawl and playing with his toys.  He was supposed to spend the night be he was overly tired and resisting going to sleep.  Since they were headed right by our house, they stopped by and picked him up.

Sunday we are some potato pancakes, bacon and eggs for breakfast at home.  Interested to know how well the lawnmower would crank and run after our repairs last week, after breakfast I went out and mowed the lawn.  I think, and DH agrees, that it still needs a new spark plug but it ran fine and even re-cranked without a problem after it shut off while I was mowing in the back yard.  (Too much stuff under the blades to mulch at one time.)

DH headed off for a short motorcycle ride and I went to Walmart for a few things we needed there: butter, cheese, etc.  I also found two great deals: a four box package of tissues for $1.50 and a two pack of disenfectqnt wipes for $2.50.  Both were marked clearance.  I also spent about $8 on supplies to make a new Summer/Patriotic wreath for the front door.  My previous wreath was made from a styrofoam form and coffee filters.  (I will reuse the form and I moved the red, white and blue flowers to the new wreath.)

I also was able to reframe a cross stitch that I made and framed almost 30 years ago.  The fabric had come loose from the matting and it was wavy under the glass.  I washed it, dried it flat and then stem pressed it smooth.  I cleaned the frame and the glass and reassembled adding new backing paper and tape.  I was unable to find paper tape so I used plastic packing tape.  I'm not sure what they use in the framing places now.

After dinner, I walked over to the Dunkin Donuts to pick up a couple of boxes of kcups.  I ran an errand and get exercise at the same time.  I had hoped to see Mars tonight but no luck so far.

Wednesday Update 5.18.16

Monday I had a to do list that was very long.  Most things were routine but I did a few things outside, inside things like washing some curtains, packaged up some bacon for the freezer, et .  I also ran some errands to the drug store, grocery store.  I updated the insurance information with the drug store.

Tuesday I had lunch with two friends from work.  I always enjoy enjoy getting together with them.  I took home my friends curtains.  She wants to make them into a bed skirt which I think is doable.  I'm waiting for measurements before I get started.

I also emailed a second employment agency looking for an appointment.  (Still have not heard back from them.  I may move on to my next choice if they cannot return an email.)

Wednesday, I met with an employment agency and I am now signed up to take on temporary, contract and permanent positions they may have.  This is the way I have found my last two jobs so, aft searching on my own for a few months, this is my new direction.  I'd really like to take on a short term assignment fairly quickly to get re-acclimated to the work cycle.

I also managed to find those items I shopped for last week - on sale.  Still need to find a couple of pairs of jeans.  Maybe I'll go shopping Friday to see what I can find.

Weekend Update

Saturday turned out to be a busy day.  DH went on a charity (motorcycle) ride.  I spent some time with the littlest one while his Mom prepared for a party later in the day.  I was able to get a load of clothes washed while we played.   I made homemade salsa and DH tried his hand at making homemade guacamole using Alton Brown's recipe.  It was so good that I even ate a little of it.  We spent the afternoon and evening at the party but by 8:30 ish we were bushed and ready for home.

Sunday, we had breakfast at home with what we had on hand.  Thankfully, I purchased a large package of bacon from Sam's club last week so I added some frozen hash browns and a couple of fried eggs - breakfast. 

After our coffee, I loaded up the dishwasher and ran a load of laundry.  Then, I helped DH with the lawnmower repair.  Mostly, I just handed him stuff and held parts in place while he attached.  While I ran down to McD to pick us up a burger, he finished it up and by the time I returned, it was cranked and running.  I was able to mow the yard once again.  DH says that this is the last time he will repair it and if it breaks down again (and I can't fix it), we need to buy a new one.  We spent about $1300 on this new and have had it for 13 years.  I would guess that we've spent about $400 or less in repairs since we've had it, mostly in the last 3-4 years.  

I decided that our unusually cool weather was cause for one last pot of soup.  I went to the grocery store for a few things we neede ($41) and got some beef to make a pot of vegetable beef soup.  We ate that tonight and have plenty for one more meal and maybe a lunch or two.  We'll be eating a salad once or twice this week and maybe some Italian chicken.

I was able to get my new pants altered to fit my waist better.  I still need to hem.

Almost forgot, I convinced DH to trim the back of my hair (the very ends).  I had a Carol Brady 70s flip going.  A hair cut for me is $40 plus a tip.

Friday 5.13.16

I did a little shopping today. 

Originally, I went to purchase some "unmentionables" but had no luck.  Instead, I surprisingly found a pair of pants at Belk.  I had a gift card that covered the price and left me with a balance on the card.  (I will probably be going back to Belk to shop for a few new things.). I will need to do a minor alteration to reduce the size of the waistband and hem them.  I hope to get this done this weekend because I have an interview with a staffing company next Wednesday.

We've had some disappointing results with trying to sell our car.  Apparently, it's not worth what we believe it to be worth.  The trick will be finding someone who wants that exact car to get a price we can be happy with.  We have had calls from wholesalers and brokers but we believe most of these to be scams.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Where has the week gone?  

Wednesday I went over to the hardware store trying to order a Carbeurator for our lawnmower.  We couldn't determine which one we needed so I came home empty handed.  I tried to crank the lawnmower but I was unsuccessful.  

It was Taco night.

Thursday seemed to be a highly unproductive day.  Seems like everything I tried to do was somehow stymied.  I ran to the store later Thursday afternoon to pick up some deli rolls.  I planned to have sub sandwiches quickly before we headed to DS's graduation an hour up north.  We got delayed so we elected to head directly to the graduation and we had a salad and a piece of pizza afterwards.

Friday, DH had the day off so we started with our favorite breakfast place.  After breakfast, I washed a load of clothes and ran the dishwasher while he washed his bike.  He was able to get the lawnmower cranked so I mowed the lawn and afterward, he removed the Carbeurator from the lawnmower along with the air filter, fuel line, and gas tank.

After lunch, I ran up to the hardware store, carb in hand, and ordered the new unit.  I also got a new fuel line, fuel filter, and cut off valve.  The part is expected Tuesday.  Meanwhile, everything is airing out and I will clean up the engine and surrounding areas over the weekend.  

I also stopped by Sam's Club and picked up a package of lettuce, broccoli, strawberries, and a toiletry item.  Dinner tonight will be the sub sandwiches planned for last night.  Maybe we will also have a few strawberries after.

Tuesday

It rained again last night so no need to water.  I moved the car we have for sale only to realize that we've killed the grass underneath.  No worries, once the grass dries out, I will cut that area really short and put down seed.  We're trying to get the Bermuda from next door to fill in that area and I already have the seed.  As the weather is warming up, it's perfect timing to germinate that seed.   Only issue now is that our lawnmower continues to leak gas into the carbuerator.  Looks like I need to find a rebuilt carbuerator to fix this problem.

Today, I also cleaned the kitchen garbage can (inside and out) after I put the garbage on the curb.  One load of clothes washed as well.  I did a quick pass as cleaning the dining room floor.  It will get another go over after dinner tomorrow.

As part of my job search, I uploaded my resume on to three sites that specialize in placement - both temporary and permanent.  I will be following up with them within the next few days.

I was able to do a little more quilting today.  I'm hoping that my horizontal lines will "match up" with the horizontal piecing on the back.  

I have finished another series by Jeanette Oke and will return to the library soon.  I did have to buy one of the books through Amazon because it was not available at the library.  After this book, I will be taking a break.  This makes my goal of 12 books (plus one) this year.  

Monday

It rained Sunday so no watering was required today.  Instead, I pulled some weeds in our front bed and sprayed Roundup again on some oth weeds.  

I made one run outside the house:  I returned the tubing to Home Depot and put $10 in my pocket for the week, I picked up a prescription at CVS (free), and a burrito at Taco Bell.

Finally, I was able to get the quilt on the quilt frame no began some initial quilting.  All the clean clothes are folded.  The cast iron (and the stove top) have been cleaned.  I cut some oregano and rosemary and put it out to dry.

Saturday and Sunday

Saturday was filed with the usual things.  DH went out on his bike and I went in search of "tubing."

My Grace Z3 quilt frame uses clear plastic/vinyl tubing to hold the leader cloths in place.  When I bought the frame (second hand), it had one set of tubes for the larger, queen size.  It worked great when I used it on my Dresden quilt before.  Now, I want to use it to quilt my newest project which is a lap/nap size and can be done on the smaller (54") width.  The problem is that my tubes are too long and I really didn't want to cut them.  The manufacturer sells a new set for $10 but, according to their website, they charge $21 to ship.  I found some tubing at Home Depot but it was too stiff.  Someone suggested aquarium tubing so I went to an aquarium store Saturday and found it.  Ten feet for $2.99.  It works great.  I think it may be just a tad bigger but that works.  I got the leader cloths made and installed Saturday.  I will get the quilt pinned on Sunday.

We also went window shopping at some motorcycle stores.  Still trying to decide how we want to spend our free time and money in future years.

I managed to get all the dishes washed tonight including doing all the glasses by hand and running a vinegar load in the dishwasher.  

We took in a baseball game (kids) and made dinner at home.  Redbox movie for entrainment.

Sunday -  Breakfast at home: home fries (leftover baked potatoes), bacon, scrambled eggs with basil, tomato and mozzarella cheese (expiring soon).  Mostly laundry today and a trip to the grocery store.  Impressively, I stayed right on my grocery list (no extras).

I watered a few spots early today but it rained so I didn't have to water much.