Today I made baklava.
Haven't tasted it yet.
Haven't tasted it yet.
I picked Frederick up from the framers today.
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One of my cross-stitch ufos is finally done.
I present to you Frederick the Literate:
I just need to iron it and take it to be framed.
I present to you Frederick the Literate:
I just need to iron it and take it to be framed.
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I got all the test results back from my physical. Everything's good except my cholesterol which is high (like it's been for years). I'm contemplating on whether i want to go on medication or not.
I also got the mammogram results. All clear. Seven years cancer free now. I also see the doctor (he's a surgical oncologist) as part of the follow-up and I was really touched when he extended his condolences for dad and said he'd read his obituary. He met my father when I was first diagnosed and we were going over the surgery options. Every time I saw him for follow ups, he always asked about dad. He is one of the best doctors I've ever had. He always takes his time to talk and listen.
I also got the mammogram results. All clear. Seven years cancer free now. I also see the doctor (he's a surgical oncologist) as part of the follow-up and I was really touched when he extended his condolences for dad and said he'd read his obituary. He met my father when I was first diagnosed and we were going over the surgery options. Every time I saw him for follow ups, he always asked about dad. He is one of the best doctors I've ever had. He always takes his time to talk and listen.
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Today:
- I had my yearly physical today.
- The nurse wasn't able to do a blood draw today for blood work because the veins in my left arm were not cooperating and she didn't want to poke me multiple times. They're not allowed to jab my right arm for anything due to removed lymph nodes.
- Pap smear - ugh.
- I got the pneumonia vaccination
- And the TDAP booster.
- Went to my Tuesday old people zumba class
- Go to the lab for bloodwork with phlebotomists who can deal with my non-cooperative veins
- Stop at MArket Basket and pick up a few necessities
- Annual mammogram day - ugh.
- Going to miss old people exercise class. See above
- Go to the crafting social group and hopefully finish Frederick the Literate which has been a ufo for *mumblemumble* years
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Former co-worker just called. I didn't answer.
She left message saying she and her son were on their way. She wants me to call her as soon as I get her message because she "needs to tell me what's going on." Who knows what sort of persecution complex conspiracy she's on to now.
Then, to put the cherry on top, she says she's hoping to get a place in the town where they used to live. So she's moving across half the country in a Uhaul with all their belongings and she doesn't have a place to live yet. She sure as hell won't be staying with me.
Needless to say, I will not be calling her.
She left message saying she and her son were on their way. She wants me to call her as soon as I get her message because she "needs to tell me what's going on." Who knows what sort of persecution complex conspiracy she's on to now.
Then, to put the cherry on top, she says she's hoping to get a place in the town where they used to live. So she's moving across half the country in a Uhaul with all their belongings and she doesn't have a place to live yet. She sure as hell won't be staying with me.
Needless to say, I will not be calling her.
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- Went to the bank and opened a checking account for my father's estate. The lawyer said it was necessary. I'll need to hire a CPA next year to do the taxes. Especially because I'm planning on selling the GE stock he inherited from my mother. It's like fifteen shares total. Not a windfall or anything. I'm going to call my financial advisor Monday and see if he can take care of it for me.
- Defrosted the freezer in garage. It hadn't been done in four years and was overdue. It took a little over two hours. After I emptied it, I unplugged it and left the door open for an hour. That softened the accumulated ice enough to let me begin scraping it off along with the judicious use of a blow dryer for the stubborn bits. And th best part, it turn back on when I plugged it back in. That freezer must be at least twenty-five years old.
- Nephew came by for a visit. I gave him a bunch of tomatoes and peppers. He also reconnected the downspout to the gutter for me. It came loose when I was trying to adjust it.
- Finished listening to Artificial Condition. Put a hold on Rogue Protocol with Libby. Borrowed the audiobook of Black Orchids by Red Stout as a comfort read.
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I asked my nephew if he knew any plumbers. He did. I called first thing Monday. I name dropped my nephew and the plumber said he'd come as soon as he finished the job he was on. He got to my house around 10 and was finished by 11. I'm $325 poorer but the sink is fixed.
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Peppers anyone?
That's not even everything that I've picked. I gave my nephew and two neighbors a bunch. There's still more on the plants.
( 2 turkeys and 2 babies )
In the bad news department, the pipe under the bathroom sink is broken. *sigh* I'll be calling a plumber on Monday
That's not even everything that I've picked. I gave my nephew and two neighbors a bunch. There's still more on the plants.
( 2 turkeys and 2 babies )
In the bad news department, the pipe under the bathroom sink is broken. *sigh* I'll be calling a plumber on Monday
1) I finally cut the cord and got rid of cable. Kept the internet and the phone. Verizon had some streaming bundles: Netflix/HBO Max and Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ for $10/month. I went with the Netflix bundle. I was also able to add my Trac phone to my account as Verizon bought them for a $15/month discount. My bill's going down about $100. 🎉🎉🎉
2) I've already binged The Pitt. Loved it! I'm working on Sense8 (I know like 10 years late) and enjoying it. I've also watched Murderbot. A bit different from the book but still liking it a lot.
2a) The Old Guard 2 came out last week. ( spoilers for tog2 )
3) My container garden is growing. I've already harvested 3 little zucchini and a bunch of peppers. There are lots more peppers on the plants. The tomato plants are loaded with tomatoes. I noticed today that a couple are just starting to ripen.🍅🍅🍅
4) My flowers on the other hand are suffering from the curse of bunnies. They have destroyed the pansies by first eating all the flowers and then eating the plants practically to the dirt. They're eating the lilies. Even digging up some of the bulbs. There's lots of clover for them to eat but no, they have to eat my flowers. 🌷🌼🌺
5) I bought two new recliners to replace the ones I have. They'll be delivered Tuesday.
6) I had a carpenter ant scare and had to call an exterminator. Turned out it was carpenter bees and they treated for those and I haven't seen any further evidence of activity. Now I have a service contract with them and they'll come and spray twice a year and I can call any time for any problems that arise.🐜🐝
7) Still going to two exercise classes a week offered by the Senior Center (it's so weird to say that. I became old enough to join last year.😕🤔)
8) In the unexpected expenses department, I bought a new refrigerator this morning. The old one had been making concerning noises for a while. But last evening, I opened the freezer to get some ice cream and it was soft. I fiddled around with it a bit and got it going again. I decided it was time to replace it before cheetohlini's tariffs and shortages happen. I ended up buying from a local appliance store rather than a big box store. I need a smaller sized one and I prefer the freezer on the bottom. It was actually a little cheaper and it'll be delivered on Saturday.
2) I've already binged The Pitt. Loved it! I'm working on Sense8 (I know like 10 years late) and enjoying it. I've also watched Murderbot. A bit different from the book but still liking it a lot.
2a) The Old Guard 2 came out last week. ( spoilers for tog2 )
3) My container garden is growing. I've already harvested 3 little zucchini and a bunch of peppers. There are lots more peppers on the plants. The tomato plants are loaded with tomatoes. I noticed today that a couple are just starting to ripen.🍅🍅🍅
4) My flowers on the other hand are suffering from the curse of bunnies. They have destroyed the pansies by first eating all the flowers and then eating the plants practically to the dirt. They're eating the lilies. Even digging up some of the bulbs. There's lots of clover for them to eat but no, they have to eat my flowers. 🌷🌼🌺
5) I bought two new recliners to replace the ones I have. They'll be delivered Tuesday.
6) I had a carpenter ant scare and had to call an exterminator. Turned out it was carpenter bees and they treated for those and I haven't seen any further evidence of activity. Now I have a service contract with them and they'll come and spray twice a year and I can call any time for any problems that arise.🐜🐝
7) Still going to two exercise classes a week offered by the Senior Center (it's so weird to say that. I became old enough to join last year.😕🤔)
8) In the unexpected expenses department, I bought a new refrigerator this morning. The old one had been making concerning noises for a while. But last evening, I opened the freezer to get some ice cream and it was soft. I fiddled around with it a bit and got it going again. I decided it was time to replace it before cheetohlini's tariffs and shortages happen. I ended up buying from a local appliance store rather than a big box store. I need a smaller sized one and I prefer the freezer on the bottom. It was actually a little cheaper and it'll be delivered on Saturday.
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A former co-worker called me last week. We were...work friends. We never socialized outside of work.
She left the company before I did and moved to Ohio; she'd call me occasionally to talk.
She's one of those people who 1) thinks she's knows everything and 2) makes everything about her. The last time she called before this most recent one was probably 18 months ago. She asked so I was trying to tell her about everything I was going through with my father. Her response was to tell me not to trust doctors and do some woo-woo shit. Then going on about how terrible her life is. Then she started in on how she wanted to move back up here and she needed people to help her.
This time I told her dad had passed. She started with how she knows how hard that is. Her mother died (so did mine). Her brother died (so did mine). Then she started with how the landlord and other tenants were harassing her. Playing loud music ALL THE TIME (except for when she was on he phone with me.) And somehow causing electro-magnetic interference that destroyed her phone and that she could feel and measure. Again she told me how she wanted to move back and needed help. I basically just hmm'd in response to everything she said.
She's called twice more. First early Monday morning (I didn't answer) asking me to call someone in government to help her. How I, in MA, was going to do that, I don't know, considering I only know she lives in Ohio somewhere. And again a half hour ago (didn't answer) telling me she was being evicted. The other tenants were sending electrical shocks through the floor. She needed help to move. She has two kids in their early to mid twenties. Her oldest got married and moved to Finland. The other one lives with her.
I think she thinks I'll say "Hey, no problem. I'll help you move and you can stay with me." Nope. Ain't gonna happen. I can't block her because the phone number she has for me is a landline. Honestly it sounds likes she's in the middle of a mental health crisis. But there's really not much I can do about that.
/venting
She left the company before I did and moved to Ohio; she'd call me occasionally to talk.
She's one of those people who 1) thinks she's knows everything and 2) makes everything about her. The last time she called before this most recent one was probably 18 months ago. She asked so I was trying to tell her about everything I was going through with my father. Her response was to tell me not to trust doctors and do some woo-woo shit. Then going on about how terrible her life is. Then she started in on how she wanted to move back up here and she needed people to help her.
This time I told her dad had passed. She started with how she knows how hard that is. Her mother died (so did mine). Her brother died (so did mine). Then she started with how the landlord and other tenants were harassing her. Playing loud music ALL THE TIME (except for when she was on he phone with me.) And somehow causing electro-magnetic interference that destroyed her phone and that she could feel and measure. Again she told me how she wanted to move back and needed help. I basically just hmm'd in response to everything she said.
She's called twice more. First early Monday morning (I didn't answer) asking me to call someone in government to help her. How I, in MA, was going to do that, I don't know, considering I only know she lives in Ohio somewhere. And again a half hour ago (didn't answer) telling me she was being evicted. The other tenants were sending electrical shocks through the floor. She needed help to move. She has two kids in their early to mid twenties. Her oldest got married and moved to Finland. The other one lives with her.
I think she thinks I'll say "Hey, no problem. I'll help you move and you can stay with me." Nope. Ain't gonna happen. I can't block her because the phone number she has for me is a landline. Honestly it sounds likes she's in the middle of a mental health crisis. But there's really not much I can do about that.
/venting
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I went to see Materialists this afternoon. Partly to get away from this hideous heat though I was planning on seeing it in any event. It got me thinking that the last time I actually went to the theater to see a movie it was Knives Out. Call it the Evans effect. 😀
I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's a decent rom-com that definitely has something to say about dating and "checking all the boxes."
The acting was good but Dakota Johnson somehow managed to not have much chemistry with either Pedro Pascal or Chris Evans imho.
Chris Evans looks especially soft and huggable in it.
I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's a decent rom-com that definitely has something to say about dating and "checking all the boxes."
The acting was good but Dakota Johnson somehow managed to not have much chemistry with either Pedro Pascal or Chris Evans imho.
Chris Evans looks especially soft and huggable in it.
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I dropped off some equipment (walker, shower chair, etc.) at the Masons. They loan donated medical equipment to anyone who needs it.
I went to the No Kings protest in my town. Turnout was great. I was talking to one of the volunteers and she estimated there were over 500 people. Although I have to say, where are the young people? Probably 95% were 40+. And of those most were 60+. I talked to one group and they told me they protested the war during the 60s & 70s. If there were more than 50 people in their 20s, I'd be amazed.
I also stopped by the Farmer's Market (first one of the year) and bought a half pound of divers scallops. I'm going to simply sear/pan fry them for dinner.
I have successfully made Italian pastry cream. Go me! I have frozen puff pastry shells to bake and fill.
Not something I did today but I had been looking for something to plant where a blue spruce used to be. The spruce blew down in a micro-burst probably 15 years ago now. I wanted something that would be pretty but wouldn't get huge. So last week, my nephew and his wife got me Japanese Maple for my birthday.
( look at the pretty little tree )
I went to the No Kings protest in my town. Turnout was great. I was talking to one of the volunteers and she estimated there were over 500 people. Although I have to say, where are the young people? Probably 95% were 40+. And of those most were 60+. I talked to one group and they told me they protested the war during the 60s & 70s. If there were more than 50 people in their 20s, I'd be amazed.
I also stopped by the Farmer's Market (first one of the year) and bought a half pound of divers scallops. I'm going to simply sear/pan fry them for dinner.
I have successfully made Italian pastry cream. Go me! I have frozen puff pastry shells to bake and fill.
Not something I did today but I had been looking for something to plant where a blue spruce used to be. The spruce blew down in a micro-burst probably 15 years ago now. I wanted something that would be pretty but wouldn't get huge. So last week, my nephew and his wife got me Japanese Maple for my birthday.
( look at the pretty little tree )
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I started my little container garden over the weekend. So of course it's been raining ever since.
The herbs: chives, oregano, lemon thyme, parsley, and sweet basil. They're going to live on the back porch.
The vegetables: zucchini, tomatoes (beefsteak, heirloom beefsteak, and early girl), and peppers (banana, cubanelle, and poblano).
The herbs: chives, oregano, lemon thyme, parsley, and sweet basil. They're going to live on the back porch.
The vegetables: zucchini, tomatoes (beefsteak, heirloom beefsteak, and early girl), and peppers (banana, cubanelle, and poblano).
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The house is finally painted. It's needed to be done for a few years but my father would not have handled strangers well. I changed the color from light gray to colonial blue. It's not quite as blue in person as it is in the picture. I'm very happy with how it turned out.
The picture is kinda crappy really but I'm too lazy to take another one.
I engaged in a bit of retail therapy today. Since I think the price of electronic devices is going to skyrocket or simply become unavailable due to cheetohlini, I decided to buy/replace my tablets. Yes, I know Amazon is evil but sometimes you have to deal with the devil.
My 12 year old Fire HDX 7 died at the beginning of the year. So it's being replaced with a Fire HD 8.
My 6 year old Fire HD 10 has started having charging issues. The connector has to be positioned just right for it to charge. It is being replaced with a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.
I also bought a Kindle Paperwhite so I could have a dedicated e-reader for ebooks and downloaded fic.
And for the hell of it, I bought a cheap separate MP3 player so I don't need to use my phone for music and podfic.
The only other thing I want to buy is a new more comfortable chair for the living room. Once I get that I won't be making any more big purchases for the rest of the year.
The picture is kinda crappy really but I'm too lazy to take another one.
I engaged in a bit of retail therapy today. Since I think the price of electronic devices is going to skyrocket or simply become unavailable due to cheetohlini, I decided to buy/replace my tablets. Yes, I know Amazon is evil but sometimes you have to deal with the devil.
My 12 year old Fire HDX 7 died at the beginning of the year. So it's being replaced with a Fire HD 8.
My 6 year old Fire HD 10 has started having charging issues. The connector has to be positioned just right for it to charge. It is being replaced with a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.
I also bought a Kindle Paperwhite so I could have a dedicated e-reader for ebooks and downloaded fic.
And for the hell of it, I bought a cheap separate MP3 player so I don't need to use my phone for music and podfic.
The only other thing I want to buy is a new more comfortable chair for the living room. Once I get that I won't be making any more big purchases for the rest of the year.
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I had a dream last night. I was in some sort of bar/club playing some sort of card game. There were multiple small rectangular table that could seat 3 or 4 people on one side with a dealer/bartender on the other side. Anyway I was playing the card game and told the bartender I wanted water not another cocktail. The next thing I know CKR comes up beside me and gives me a hug. And I said to him "You just made my day." He gave me that blinding smile of his and a little peck on the lips. Then he sat down and played cards with me.
What the actual hell subconscious?! That was just so random.
What the actual hell subconscious?! That was just so random.
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Rest in peace, dad.
September 27, 1931 - March 1, 2025
September 27, 1931 - March 1, 2025
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I am absolutely gutted.
I am filled with existential dread.
I feel as if they've just handed the election to cheetohlini.
I fear we're staring at the end of the U.S. as a democracy.
I am filled with existential dread.
I feel as if they've just handed the election to cheetohlini.
I fear we're staring at the end of the U.S. as a democracy.
I am filled with existential dread.
Background first. My father has very few teeth left, none on the top and 7 on the bottom. He has a top denture that he refuses to wear because he doesn't like how it feels. He has a partial for the bottom that snaps on to his existing teeth to secure it. This one he wears maybe 60% of the time.
Friday after dinner, he started complaining about one of his teeth. It's loose and has been for a few years. He says it hurts when he presses on it. Of course I tell him not to do that. But he keeps pressing on it, wiggling it, and brushing it obsessively. Then he starts asking about going to a doctor. It's obviously not an urgent situation. I tell him I'll make an appointment on Monday.
All weekend, he complains and asks about the appointment. I tell him he has to wait until Monday. Then he forgets and it all starts over in a couple of hours. Repeat.
Fast forward to this morning. He asks again about an appointment. I tell him I'll call as soon as the office opens. I call and get an appointment.
I tell him tomorrow at 10 I'm taking him to the dentist. And he asks why: His tooth is fine, it doesn't hurt, cancel the appointment. *sigh*
I'm not cancelling because as soon as I do, he'll start complaining again.
It's all so exhausting.
Friday after dinner, he started complaining about one of his teeth. It's loose and has been for a few years. He says it hurts when he presses on it. Of course I tell him not to do that. But he keeps pressing on it, wiggling it, and brushing it obsessively. Then he starts asking about going to a doctor. It's obviously not an urgent situation. I tell him I'll make an appointment on Monday.
All weekend, he complains and asks about the appointment. I tell him he has to wait until Monday. Then he forgets and it all starts over in a couple of hours. Repeat.
Fast forward to this morning. He asks again about an appointment. I tell him I'll call as soon as the office opens. I call and get an appointment.
I tell him tomorrow at 10 I'm taking him to the dentist. And he asks why: His tooth is fine, it doesn't hurt, cancel the appointment. *sigh*
I'm not cancelling because as soon as I do, he'll start complaining again.
It's all so exhausting.
I tested positive for covid this morning. Symptoms started yesterday: headache, sinus pressure, nose running like a faucet, scratchy throat. I have a call in to my pcp to hopefully get paxlovid.
I just hope I don't give it to my father.
I just can't figure out where I could've gotten it. I stay awake from crowds.
I just hope I don't give it to my father.
I just can't figure out where I could've gotten it. I stay awake from crowds.
I've gotten through the initial setup. Jumping through all the hoops that Microsoft throws at you is a pain in the ass.
I need to get a Bluetooth mouse as my current wireless mouse didn't install when I tried it. I hate touchpads.
I got Firefox installed but my bookmarks and passwords are mia. I searched a bit and think I found a way to get them back. My add-ons all came though when I signed into my account but they need to be tweaked some.
I still have to decide whether to install office from the disks I own or to download office libre. I need to install vlc player and other miscellaneous programs.
I need to get a Bluetooth mouse as my current wireless mouse didn't install when I tried it. I hate touchpads.
I got Firefox installed but my bookmarks and passwords are mia. I searched a bit and think I found a way to get them back. My add-ons all came though when I signed into my account but they need to be tweaked some.
I still have to decide whether to install office from the disks I own or to download office libre. I need to install vlc player and other miscellaneous programs.
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My new laptop has arrived. Now I'm dealing with the irrational dread of having to set it up. Hopefully I'll have gathered up enough courage to tackle it this afternoon.
ETA: Fingers crossed that when I install Firefox all my bookmarks and add-ons come with it.
ETA: Fingers crossed that when I install Firefox all my bookmarks and add-ons come with it.
They have called this day the Eleventh of March! And whomsoever of you gets through this day, unless you are shot in the head or somehow slain, you will stand at tiptoe when e'er you hear the name again, and you will get excited at the name March the Eleventh!
We happy few, we few, we band of brothers. Our names will be as like household names. And those who are not here, be they sleeping or doing something else, they will feel themselves... sort of crappy. Because they are not here to... to join the fight, on this day, the Eleventh of March! - Buck Frobisher, RCMP, due South: Call of the Wild
We happy few, we few, we band of brothers. Our names will be as like household names. And those who are not here, be they sleeping or doing something else, they will feel themselves... sort of crappy. Because they are not here to... to join the fight, on this day, the Eleventh of March! - Buck Frobisher, RCMP, due South: Call of the Wild
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Look at this big boy that was wandering around my backyard this morning.
They have called this day the Eleventh of March! And whomsoever of you gets through this day, unless you are shot in the head or somehow slain, you will stand at tiptoe when e'er you hear the name again, and you will get excited at the name March the Eleventh!
We happy few, we few, we band of brothers. Our names will be as like household names. And those who are not here, be they sleeping or doing something else, they will feel themselves... sort of crappy. Because they are not here to... to join the fight, on this day, the Eleventh of March! - Buck Frobisher, RCMP, due South: Call of the Wild
We happy few, we few, we band of brothers. Our names will be as like household names. And those who are not here, be they sleeping or doing something else, they will feel themselves... sort of crappy. Because they are not here to... to join the fight, on this day, the Eleventh of March! - Buck Frobisher, RCMP, due South: Call of the Wild
