tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101247972024-03-13T23:57:36.870-04:00Silvergirl's JournalSilvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-88413440922073069732010-07-21T10:28:00.001-04:002010-07-21T10:29:47.761-04:00Is anybody there?I haven't written for at least 6 months. I have been having more fun on FB, and enjoy listening to Youtube. I've been busy with other things as well.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-36155286368152809712010-01-20T03:14:00.002-05:002010-01-20T03:20:18.862-05:00Being EricaI just watched a CBC show called "Being Erica" and I love it.<br /><br />I've been busy lately. I had to ask to be released from a calling, because I had 2 callings. I could not do both well, because they take up a lot of my time. I found out from my DH that anyone who took on the first calling was not supposed to take on a second one. It was another case of one hand not knowing what the other hand was doing. All I can say is "Whew!" I'm glad to be down to one.<br /><br />I've been reading "The Sociopath Next Door" and it is very interesting. I am supposed to be reading the book for tomorrow's book club, but I am so enthralled with the first book. The book club is reading "Jacob and the Prodigal", which is very bible scholarly, and takes some intense concentration on my part to read. <br /><br />Oh, and I belong to 2 book clubs. The other club is reading a book I read a while ago.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-71337460461418282662009-12-21T22:42:00.002-05:002009-12-21T23:03:06.088-05:00Delivering ChristmasI was given an assignment to deliver 5 bags of Christmas goodies. My "boss", if I could call her that, came over last evening to bring the bags, so I could take them to the Primary workers who live near me. I am the Primary Secretary, and my "boss" is the Primary President. We work at teaching the kids from ages 18 months to age twelve. <br /><br />So today I had DH drive me to other people's houses. But first he needed to go to the church building and do some shoveling. The people in charge had asked him to come at 7 PM tonight, but he was afraid there would be a freeze over, and it would be too hard to remove the snow. We do have quite a few members who own snow blowers, but for some reason, they didn't think of using those. There is one in the church's shed, but they aren't sure where the key is. <br /><br />So, DH drives past there earlier this morning to see what needs to be done, and some wonderful soul had already been there, and used a snow blower to clean off most of the walkways. DH took DD back to the building and they shovelled a little bit to make sure it was clear. <br /><br />DH has been shovelling and blowing snow for the past 2 days. He could not take his snow blower to church because he uses an electric blower. That way, he doesn't have to worry about gas, but he would need an outside electric outlet to use it at church, or open up a window inside the building, with the cord hanging out. It's not the best way to clear up the snow.<br /><br />We went to our first stop, and dropped off a bag to a young woman named Anna, who is 6 months pregnant. Her dogs were all excited, but I did not venture into her house. She said thanks a couple of times, and we left. Next stop - another duplex a few doors up from Anna's place. I knew the person, a widow named Sue, would most likely still be at work. Sue is a widow. I knocked, and heard more doggie excitement, but no Sue. I left the bag's handle draped over the door knob, with her Christmas card tucked into the door frame. <br /><br />The next stop: Matt and Sue Ellen's apartment. Sue Ellen is one of the counselors working in Primary, and I had to drop off the Primary class rolls for this coming Sunday, as we will be traveling up to Cashtown for a family Christmas dinner. We visited with Matt, and Sue Ellen was still at work, because she works from 11AM until 7PM. <br /><br />Then we drove over to a married couple's home to deliver 2 bags of goodies, because they both work in Primary. I knocked on the door, and there was no answer. However, the door swung open on it's own, and I left the bags and card right there next to the door. I think the wife was home, and she was probably occupied someplace in the house where she could not hear us knock.<br /><br />So, the last place was a street close to home. When we arrived, we could see that the driveway had not been cleared off yet. I wondered if they were home. Well, they actually have 2 driveways, and neither one was clear. Then we saw Brenda in her neighbors driveway. I gave her the gift bag and card, and DH decided to help her clear one of her driveways. I have a bad shoulder, so I sat it out inside, while they cleared off the driveway. <br /><br />DH is such a helper!<br /><br />Anyway, my MIL called tonight to thank us for the candy we sent her. We always buy some candy from Rhebs, and we know the family likes it. We love it, too, and always have a box at Christmas.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-74954089541152271672009-12-20T00:07:00.002-05:002009-12-20T00:14:06.412-05:00Soooo...I'm pretty happy right now. DH is home for the rest of the year, there is major snow on the ground, I'm ready for Christmas (almost), I'm feeling okay. What more could you ask for?<br /><br />Last week I would have liked a little slower pace, because I have two callings at church. Both were keeping me very busy. I also have to do housewife stuff, so housework suffered.<br /><br />I've been watching HGTV a lot lately, and drooling over the kitchens and bathrooms. The house we are in right now has a small kitchen, and a small bathroom. I like the kitchen window, which is good for growing herbs. I will be planting seeds there soon. I only have one lonely lemon verbena plant there now. <br /><br />I don't like the fact that there is no window in our bathroom. We actually have 2 bathrooms, and neither one has a window. I know we will have to rectify that when we build our retirement home. DH said to make a list, so windows in the kitchen and bathroom are on my list. Also, a much bigger kitchen, and a master bathroom.<br /><br />Merry Christmas!Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-23107438041230584022009-12-02T13:44:00.002-05:002009-12-02T13:53:47.201-05:00Almost ready!For Christmas, that is. It's been a month since my last post. Time sure does fly by so quickly these days. I've had some amazing things happen this month. I signed onto a family search program that my church has, and I am adding to my family tree. It's so much fun, and I've done some of the temple work for my family. My parents have been gone since 2002, and 2007, so I've started them off one November 20th by doing their baptisms and confirmations. It just so happens that November is both of their birthdays, so happy birthday, Mom and Dad.<br /><br />I also started the work for one ancestor who had her work done previously by someone who erroneously did the work as though she was a man. I know she was a female, because I've been to her grave. She is buried next to her husband on the Evergreen Cemetery on the Gettysburg Battlefield in PA. I've been there several times. I need to get those pictures of graves together in one place in a scrapbook.<br /><br />I also had a great Thanksgiving with a lot of the family in attendance over in Harpers Ferry, WV. It was good to see all of the youngsters.<br /><br />I also got a new laptop computer, and a new 7" television to set next to the computer. I originally thought the television would make a good kitchen tv, but it does not pick up the on air channels very well, so it's hooked up to cable, and gets quite a few channels. I can also detach it from the cable and play videos though a USB port or using a SD card.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-17670341960748370102009-11-03T12:48:00.004-05:002009-11-03T12:56:06.277-05:00Post Halloween<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SvBuMveJSfI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ZERdYddrtrU/s1600-h/caitlin+rocker.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SvBuMveJSfI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ZERdYddrtrU/s320/caitlin+rocker.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399937118397614578" /></a><br />There is still too much candy in the house, and my resistance is low. Eeek!<br /><br />I am looking forward to seeing family at Thursday's wedding in the DC Temple. Then afterward we are going to the Cheesecake Factory for linner (that's the meal between lunch and dinner). I haven't been to the CF since my Baltimore days, so it's been about 10 years ago, at least. The one at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore is usually hopping with so many people, but since we will be dining (or is it linnering) at the White Flint Mall location in the middle of the day, it should not be too crowded. The reviewers at Yelp say that service can be bad at that location. <br /><br />DD had fun on Friday at a church single's barn dance. She dressed up like a rocker, took the guitar hero guitar as a prop, and did her hair and makeup. She doesn't usually wear makeup. She looked really pretty, as you can see in the photo.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-66842739233037590042009-10-30T07:46:00.002-04:002009-10-30T07:53:06.932-04:00Spring Vacation planningWell, I've been looking at places to stay in Orem/Provo Utah this Spring, and now that I have the dates for DD's spring break (March 29th - April 4th), I guess we can start making reservations. I have a few places that are quite reasonable, and they are not actually hotel or motel rooms. They are apartment style rooms with full kitchens in a house. One place is right in Provo, where MIL lives, and the other is in Orem, which is right next to Provo. We are going out there to celebrate MIL's 90th birthday. Her birthday is actually on the 8th of April, but school is very important to DD, so I'm sure family will understand. <br /><br />Now we also should figure out which classes DD will be taking, as that will impact our travel plans. This past semester, she to spread out her classes over the week, so she doesn't get into a crunch time with papers and projects all due on the same day. It has worked out well for her, and she's getting good grades. We will start the registration process this weekend, so we can be sure she has the classes she needs, and that we can choose our travel times according to her classes.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-69195688566313575432009-10-23T19:20:00.001-04:002009-10-23T19:23:22.575-04:00BooksI've been reading Moss Hart's Act One. It's the rags to riches story of his journey to becoming one of Broadway's top playwrights. It's a good read, but I wish there was more. He died not long after writing it. <br /><br />I've also read Kitty Carlisle's memoirs, Kitty. She was Moss Hart's wife. I saw quite a bit of her on television. I did not know that she sang, because I never saw her sing anything. She was on a popular game show.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-8600743103223952752009-10-23T10:58:00.006-04:002009-10-23T11:08:31.800-04:00In the Dark<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SuHFw8SREnI/AAAAAAAAAGY/-5820lWSLx8/s1600-h/woolly_bear.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 156px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SuHFw8SREnI/AAAAAAAAAGY/-5820lWSLx8/s320/woolly_bear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395811273173701234" border="0" /></a>For Tummy, I present a picture of a Wooly Bully.<br /><br />The "In the Dark" title refers to us yesterday, and we didn't have tv or internet for a while, either. It just helped realize how much we depend on electricity. I think our next house will be solar, with maybe a windmill assist, if it all works out.<br /><br />There are so many things you cannot do without electric power. Like get some decent sleep, because you rely on a CPAP machine, or vacuum you house, or turn on a fan, or the stove. You get the picture.<br /><br />I'm glad it's back on now.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-22673656806228637692009-10-22T16:51:00.002-04:002009-10-22T16:58:24.144-04:00First post of OctoberBecause Tummy said so!<br /><br />I've been kind of busy or tired or a bit of both. I'm doing okay most days, but the right knee joint and the left arm rotator cuff make me scream out sometimes. I've been asked to be a secretary for the kids group at church, so that is taking up my time as well. Not paid work, but I do enjoy data and reports.<br /><br />The big problem came up my second Sunday on the job. My church has had a lot of families move into the area, and I don't know the kids' names. It's been frustrating. Some families are easy, because either the kids look like their parents, or all of the kids look somewhat alike, or sometimes both.<br /><br />Made my doctor's appointment, and tried to switch from my ho-hum doctor to a nurse practioner, who seems to care more, but the lady at the desk said I could not do that. DH reminded me that I could, because he did it. I think the NP is busy, but the doctor is probably losing patients because of her table side manner. Oh, well, I'll need to get a referral for an endocrinologist and another for the joint problems anyway. I may shop around for some other doctor's office after the first of the year.<br /><br />DD is doing great art work in her 2 art related classes, just like I knew she would. She's still nervous and anxious, though.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-5332879496637380932009-09-13T02:53:00.002-04:002009-09-13T03:14:16.266-04:00Lucky Corner VietnameseWell, we finally found a restaurant that we really can rave about here in Frederick. It's called the Lucky Corner Vietnamese. <br /><br />Since restaurant.com was having a sale on certificates at 90 percent off, I used the opportunity to buy 16 certificates, and the Lucky Corner was one of them. It is in downtown Frederick, about a 5 mile drive from where we live. <br /><br />We started with shrimp spring rolls, which were both hot an delicious. We shared the 2, but I could have devoured 2 all by myself. It was 2 PM, and we were both hungry.<br /><br />DH ordered the shrimp curry, and I had the chef's special chicken, which was supposed to be fashioned after General Tso's chicken. I've eaten in quite few chinese places in this town, but this was the absolute best I have ever tried. My chicken dish was very good, with lots of different veggies. I'm really into veggies, and it looked a lot healthier than any of the offerings of General Tso's chicken I've experienced in other restaurants anywhere. I ate about 2/3 of it, and only half of the white rice, so I took the rest home in a box. I deliberately saved some room for dessert, though the serving size was generous. It was spicy, and included broccoli, baby corn, cauliflower, red bell pepper, bok choy, and maybe a few other things I can't recall at the moment.<br /><br />DH's curry shrimp was tremendous as well. He had quite a few shrimp in his dish, and they were in the 26 to a pound variety. He grabbed for the water frequently. His vegetable was green beans, and his dish was a little spicier than mine. I think I liked my dish better, but I do want to try new dishes each time I return here.<br /><br />So we ordered dessert, and at first I was going to try the fried bananas, but I asked the waitress before she left what the chocolate truffle was like, and I changed my order to that. DH had ordered the pineapple sorbet. When it arrived, it was contained in a half of a baby pineapple shell. It was so cute, and dang it, I forgot my camera. I usually take pictures of every meal we eat, so I can remember our food. <br /><br />Anyway, the chocolate truffle was more like a chocolate ice cream with vanilla center, coated with cocoa and small pieces of nut, accompanied by whipped cream and a cherry, which was placed on the flat dish that was holding the parfait dish containing the truffle. I enjoyed it immensely, and even let DH have a couple of bites. I tried his sorbet, and it was like a pina colada sorbet. You could taste the pineapple and coconut. <br /><br />We ordered some chicken curry for DD, who decided to opt out and stay home. She missed out on dessert though. Her loss. <br /><br />I went back to Restaurant.com for more certificates while their 90 percent sale is still going on. They were out of stock for the $25 Lucky Corner certificates, but they still had the $10 certificates, so I ordered 4 of them to use during the coming year. You can use one per month, and you have a year to use them up. <br /><br />The prices for thier food was also reasonable. Our total bill came to just under $35, with tip included and the certificate amount subtracted. We've paid at least 3 times that much for meals we didn't care for at premium restaurants. The atmosphere was just okay, but they made up for it with their friendliness.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-74073583718861038402009-08-03T08:54:00.002-04:002009-08-03T09:05:04.716-04:00Sweet Note<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When DH was rummaging around last week, he found a note from "Mom". He thought it was from his mother, but when I saw the handwriting, I knew right away it was from my own mother, written 3 days after my DD was born, back in 1990. <br /><br />It is yellowed with age, written on the back of an envelope, and it gave me the warm fuzzies. Here it is:<br /><br />"Hi There, 3-13-90<br /><br />This is something I thought you might like to put with the baby's prints. I found it about a week before I went into the hospital and meant to give it to you when you were here.<br /><br />Anyway, Love Mom<br /><br />I can see both of you in the baby's picture."<br /><br />Yep, that was my mother. She and I did not get along sometimes, but I really appreciate this note, now even more because mom passed away in 2007. The item she was referring to in the note was the black footprint they took when I was born. So all this time I've been passing for white, hahaha!<br /><br />Speaking of White, we went to the annual White family reunion. The family is still growing, and the parking lot (a weedy lawn) was filled to capacity. We got there just a little late because of getting lost. We were driving down an unknown road, but thought we were going in the right direction. We stopped and asked a man how to get to Mummasburg road, and he chuckled.<br /><br />Man: "You're on Mummasburg Road!"<br /><br />Me: "Oh good! Thanks!" *blush*<br /><br />More later, because I really need to get to the gym.<br /></span></span>Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-52847375710218369572009-07-22T16:00:00.002-04:002009-07-22T16:06:54.724-04:00My latest interests<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I've decided to make homemade soap again. I have some lye, and I've borrowed a book from the library. I also have some recipes on a paper that use beef fat. The book uses mostly oils of various sorts - olive, jojoba, coconut, etc. I will be making a couple of small batches of soap to try it out.<br /><br />There is the cold process, which involves stirring the stuff together, and letting it saponify, or the hot process. I can use one of my slow cookers for the hot process. <br /><br />At the same time, I am looking to buy some citric acid. So far, the only place I can buy it is online, but I have not yet looked at A.C. Moore. I want to make bath bombs. These will be used by me initially, but I also want to make some for gifts.<br /><br />While searching online, I found out about soap nuts. Soap nuts are a natural soap that actually grows on trees. You can use them as laundry soap, and for other things. I am interested in the laundry soap because it is more natural than the commercial kinds, and you don't need fabric softeners. I have been using vinegar in my rinse water instead of fabric softener sheets, anyway, because it's not full of undesirable chemicals. <br /><br /><br /></span></span>Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-14728356561489931222009-05-23T02:56:00.005-04:002009-05-23T03:10:17.936-04:00Random stuffTeaching DD how to drive is a learning experience for me. I'd forgotten that you have to learn how to back up, by turning your steering wheel in the opposite direction of where you what to go. That, pulling into a parking space in a parking lot can be tricky, if you've never done it before.<br /><br />I went shopping for a cast iron frying pan to cook eggs in. So far, it is not seasoned well enough to be truly non-stick. I went looking for an 8 inch pan, figuring I could experiment with it before buying a larger heavier cast iron pan. They are relatively low cost. I guess I should cook bacon in the new pan a few times to really grease it up.<br /><br />I have ants in my kitchen, and don't know how to get rid of the rascals. DH has tried to find the source, as they usually trail up the side of the house, but he has put ant poison on the outside of the house. They are still coming, even though he has gotten rid of some of them. I'll bet they have a nest somewhere underneath our siding.<br /><br />We only have 2 window air conditioners installed right now. We need the bigger one in the living room put in, but DH is not feeling well right now. He has a bit of work to do this weekend, and took Friday off, but he's not doing much besides mowing the grass.<br /><br />I can't seem to get everything done lately. I guess I just have to face the fact that I can't do it all. Having to sleep with a mask on, and take insulin, plus the pills, plus trying to learn new ways to cook better food, have all taken some of my time.<br /><br />I am switching from credit card to debit card, and it's made the budget a little tight. I will be glad when June comes around, and money should not be so tight. <br /><br />I had a Nathan's hot dog at the Get Go, and it wasn't all that great. I guess I had so many good dogs off the grill last week, that it paled in comparison.<br /><br />I really want to go to The Tree of Life spa out in Patagonia, Arizona, so I can get off insulin, but I don't have the money. I don't know how much it costs, but I would like to try it.<br /><br />I have a nice life, but the physicality of being too fat is a problem I need to deal with right now.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-54330363825446977652009-05-06T23:18:00.002-04:002009-05-06T23:28:34.631-04:00April Rain in May<span style="font-size:130%;">It's been raining hard here most of the day, and it has been for the past few days. It makes it okay to go shopping for food, but getting in and out of the store is kind of tricky. <br /><br />I've developed a yen for people watching from my Ford Escape. I decided to watch to see whether someone is fit or fat - most of the people are the former, not the latter. It was a good exercise in seeing how others might see me. I am definitely not fit, but would really like to be. I plan on buckling down any day soon, lol.<br /><br />Really, my doctor's appointment went pretty well Friday, except for the fact that she sent my prescriptions to the pharmacy, only to have me call and ask about them, to find out they were not there. I was miffed, because I had not expected that. Because it was after office hours when I found out they had not been received, I could not call the doctor to have her resubmit.<br /><br />I called Saturday, but the office doesn't answer their phone then, either. Then I decided to wait until Monday, because I thought the after hours person on the doctors line would have straightened it out for me by then, but nooo.<br /><br />I really didn't need that stress, but after all was said and done, I got my thyroid meds in time, and received an invitation to mystery shop for the pharmacy. I like that idea, as long as they reward me. I guess all is well that ends well, except for the unnecessary wear and tear on my nerves. I hope I never have to resort to nerve pills, like my poor mother. <br /><br />Anyway, I did better overall with cholesterol, blood sugar, and thyroid function. I am happy to hear that. I could do so much better though, so I will try harder to stick to a better diet, and exercise plan.<br /></span>Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-33853444795710762652009-02-17T19:38:00.004-05:002009-02-17T19:48:16.526-05:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SZtZgvwX-iI/AAAAAAAAAFU/6jpcXnpjybc/s1600-h/ww+dress.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303931405268941346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SZtZgvwX-iI/AAAAAAAAAFU/6jpcXnpjybc/s320/ww+dress.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Waiting for some books from Amazon to arrive. Yesterday was President's day, and there was no mail, but I did receive a package from The Woman Within. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I had ordered 3 tops and 4 dresses. DH was home, and I gave him a little fashion show. Two of the dresses are really nice enough to wear to church. The other 2 are more like house dresses - or ones that I would wear because they are comfortable. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All of the clothing is knit, and I like that material. The picture of the purple dress is one of the nicer dresses, though it is in a beautiful blue green color. I like it very much, and I've ordered a lacy crocheted sweater that will look good over it. </div><div> </div><div>We used a Restaurant.com certificate yesterday to go to the Bombay Grill on Market St. in Frederick. We took DD along, and we all enjoyed the lunch buffet. It was great, and the little walk down Market St was enjoyable, too. The parking at the meters is free on Federal Holidays.</div><div> </div><div>We went past a couple of restaurants that have piqued my interest. One is a vegetarian restaurant, but it has other foods as well. It's called the Orchard. The other is across the street from The Orchard, and it's called the Tasting Room. Both have menus posted outside, so it gave DH a chance to see what they offer.</div>Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-91678073943957420462009-02-06T22:57:00.003-05:002009-02-06T23:06:38.640-05:00Another coldWell, at least I haven't had a cold for almost 2 years before this one hit me, but I really don't like being infected with something that cuts my sleep short. Then one night, I could not wear the CPAP mask because my sinuses were totally blocked.<br /><br />Well, I am almost well enough to be considered normal - almost. I can't wait until I stop having coughing fits or sneezing. <br /><br />Today I went shopping at the Common Market, and on the way home, I decided to shop at the Dollar tree. The Common Market's prices are high on a lot of things, but the value for the meats is not too bad. For example, the ham steak is priced $3 more per pound, but it is boneless, and seems like much more meat than the regular kind. This brand is also nitrate free, so I know it is better for my family. I love the taste of it, too.<br /><br />I also bought some organically raised chicken, and it was so tender and tasty the last time I cooked it, I totally felt it was worth the extra money. <br /><br />The dollar store had quite a supplyof frozen strawberries, frozen peppers and onions for stir fry, and frozen meals that I buy for DD to cook for lunch. I think I am stretching a dollar there, but I am paying the extra dollars at the Common Market. I am hoping it will all balance out.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-47944165058272031802009-01-12T02:34:00.002-05:002009-01-12T02:42:33.151-05:00So I am ready to do a little experimentI'm setting up a hydroponic system in my kitchen. I have a sunny windowsill, so I thought it would be a good idea, instead of buying an expensive aerogarden (which I think are really cool looking, though), I have devised a plan to build my own. <br /><br />I am planning on using a baby wipe container, which doesn't hold much, and a couple of 2 inch net pots, with pieces of rockwool to start the seeds. I have a very small aquarium pump, with a small bubbler to start off with. It came with a one gallon aquarium that I am not using right now.<br /><br />Now all I need to do is cut out holes in the container and figure out what kind of nutrient to use. I was thinking of using Miracle Grow, but I still need a definitive recipe. I feel like this is just a little experiment, and if I fail, I will at least learn something from it. <br /><br />I also planted wheatgrass in a windowbox inside my kitchen window. It grew! I am so excited. I soaked some wheat kernels from my food storage wheat, and planted them in some dirt. They have grown about 3 inches and are looking fine. <br /><br />I ordered a wheat grass juicer and a yogurt maker. I plan on saving some money making my own yogurt, because I buy the plain kind anyway, and I add my own fruit. <br /><br />I'll have to report back and take pictures of my results.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-91396789525095775142008-12-27T18:40:00.002-05:002008-12-27T18:40:59.498-05:00*stomach gurgles**coping with the stomach flu*<br /><br />Hope you all are well! Happy Holidays!Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-82725377531990721242008-12-23T04:44:00.002-05:002008-12-23T05:14:36.667-05:00Visit to Baltimore<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We had a nice day, going into Baltimore to buy some candy at Rheb's. While there, we saw our former neighbor who works in the store. The store is located in our old neighborhood, and we used to walk 1/2 a city block to get there. The candy is really good, and there were lots of people buying their candy today. They are always busy this time of year.<br /><br />The little candy factory is in the basement of a townhouse on Wilkens Avenue, and the candy is sold in a converted garage made into a store behind the candy factory. One year, they bought out free samples for people who were waiting in line. The samples were quite edible, just not "perfect" enough to make it into a Rheb's candy box. <br /><br />The factory hires seasonal help to make all their Christmas candy, and the factory is kept busy almost day and night during the days before Christmas. <br /><br />So, I told our former neighbor we were going down the street to visit her aunt. That small neighborhood houses a lot of their relatives, which is nice.<br /><br />We dropped in on Sandy, and she was surprised. Of course, she said her house was a mess, but really it was like ours, so we felt at home. She is a bit older than we are, and has 2 grown kids in their 40's. Her mother lives with her, and her husband was off driving a truck. They have a farm in Delmar, Delaware with 50 acres, and an old farm house, where they hope to retire someday, but with the economy being the way it is, they just don't know how long it will be before John can quit his job, and move to Delaware.<br /><br />They bought the farm back in the 80's, when the price was just $120K. Now it's worth much more than that, because there are people who want to buy a farm with horse stables in that area, and there aren't that many of them available. <br /><br />John and Sandy are planning to build a new home, and tear down the old one.<br /><br />Anyway, it was nice to see someone from the old Baltimore days. As neighbors, we shared so many memories. <br /><br />Then we went to Wendy's to eat. There was a Santa Claus there, but we were the only customers in the place. The real action was across the highway at the new Super Walmart, with a lot of other eateries available. I wonder if this Wendy's can stay in business.<br /><br />We went over to Walmart, and found it to be busy, but bigger than the either of the 2 Walmarts we have in Frederick. It was nicely laid out, to display all of their pots and pans, and kitchen stuff. I only wish I had a bit more browsing time.<br /><br />We went from there to my parent's old house, where my brother and sister still live. It had changed, and fortunely, they had taken up the old smelly carpet, and gotten rid of the 2 cats who weren't using the litter box. They did clean up some stuff since I'd seen it last.<br /><br />My brother was the only one home when we got there, and we had a nice talk. I didn't bring up the will yet, because I needed to feel him out, and find out how his health is, and what's going on between him and my sister. He opened up to us more than he ever had before, and I was grateful he was talkative. It is hard for him, because he suffered a stroke about 5 years ago, and has trouble enunciating his words.<br /><br />Joe has been paying the utility bills, and keeping Wendy afloat, while she waited for a judgement on a SSI case. She is going to receive a settlement soon, which will help her get back on her feet. She has gained at least 50 pounds, and looks very tired. She is bi-polar, and on about 11 different medications. <br /><br />Compared to their lives, my life looks like a piece of cake. It did me good to see them, and they were happy to see me. It might have been the box of candy I'd bought for each of them. :D <br /><br />Just kidding. I know they really love me, but sometimes it's hard to stay connected to your siblings, when life takes you here and there. I found out through Joe that Wendy still has the same boyfriend, the boyfriend who stole money from my father when my father was dying. The boyfriend who is a drug addict. <br /><br />Well, at least Joe doesn't do hard drugs anymore. I think he just smokes a little weed. He knows better, but only because of that stroke that almost took his life. He told me he does go to the doctors every 3 months, which is good. His right side is numb, so he can't drive, but I think he has a small motorized bike of some kind. <br /><br />I had a nice talk with my niece Carrie who has taken up residence in the living room as her place to sleep, compute, and watch television. She is looking for her own place, and is working at the aforementioned Walmart. <br /><br />I told her to look into the Lansdowne Apartments where I used to live. She said they had a 2 year waiting list. That was the same thing they had told me back in the 70's when I phoned to inquire about an apartment. Then, I had decided to go into the rental office there, and ask if I could put in my application. <br /><br />Well, I was floored when the manager told me there was an apartment available within a month's time. I was happy, though, and the apartment was nice.<br /><br />I told Carrie to just go visit the office. Maybe she could get an apartment sooner than she thinks.<br /><br /><br /></span></span>Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-64448997173396521612008-12-22T02:58:00.002-05:002008-12-22T03:21:08.257-05:00Church partiesWe had an international dinner Friday night, and I bought Hungarian stuffed cabbage with barbecued ribs on top of it. It was delicious, if I say so myself. The barbecued pork ribs were gone before I knew it.<br /><br />We had all kinds of Asian, European, Hispanic, African, and more I can't even remember, dishes. I sampled a lot of different things, so I basically had small bites of a large variety of foods. I loved it, especially when I scored a piece of chocolate cake that was really moist, the way a good chocolate cake should be. <br /><br />The next day, I had leftover stuffed cabbage, and if there's anything better than stuffed cabbage, it's leftover stuffed cabbage. I remembered that it was that way when my mother made it when I was growing up. I did not exactly use her recipe, but threw one together with a general guideline of an online recipe. I used cooked brown rice, ground turkey, and ground pork in mine. I filled up a roasting pan with cabbage rolls filled with the meat mixture, added a can of sauerkraut, topped it with a can of tomato paste, topped that with the pork ribs, and cooked it for 2 hours in a 350 oven. It was nice and done when I took it out, and I put some homemade barbecue sauce on it for the last 15 minutes. The ribs looked a lot better wearing the sauce. <br /><br />Then we had a little gathering after church today, and I brought some pigs in a blanket that were from the frozen section of the dollar store. I had cooked them on the indoor grill last night, and then heated them up to serve at this little after church party. They went quickly. Most of the finger food was sweets, at least when I got to the tables, but there were some grapes, and some cheese and crackers.<br /><br />DH asked me if the "pig" in the blanket was sausage. I told him I thought they were hotdogs, but really did not know, because I had not made them from scratch. He was surprised to learn they were from the dollar store. I did bring 2 packages, so it only cost me $2 to look like a good cook. Well, at least to some people at the party, lol. I did not even try them. I'd had them before and really did not think they were all that great. People at our church parties will eat just about anything, though. <br /><br />As I put the plate of food on the table, I turned, and an acquaintance of mine was spilling her plate, so I helped her get it upright. She coldly said, "Thank you.", and then turned to her son who is 15 years old, and weighs about 300 pounds. She was asking him what the food I had brought out was. He had already scarfed one down, and was grabbing some more. He told her they were sausages. <br /><br />I mention this here, because this woman has been difficult for me to deal with for the past few years. I thought we were okay, but recently she's been complaining about something that happened 2 years ago, when I could no longer help her family in a driving situation. <br /><br />Well, just to get it off my chest, I've done a lot of favors for this person, and she still did not appreciate it, and still doesn't understand why I had to stop doing this almost daily driving favor. I have sleep apnea, and it is severe enough that I've had to curtail my driving for my own personal needs, like going across town to shop. I stay closer to home now, and I only drive when I'm rested enough. I can't take a chance on getting into an accident.<br /><br />I really can't help it, but the whole thing just makes me sad. I thought the problems we had were water under the bridge, but I think she takes joy in holding grudges against me. Well, I have my own life and all that. The weird thing is that my family has helped hers and taken them all out to dinner since that time. You would think I would have been forgiven, but apparently not.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-14655717602823345122008-12-15T01:52:00.005-05:002008-12-15T02:00:58.733-05:00Family Christmas Photo<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SUX_-E4yEuI/AAAAAAAAAFI/V1tWfH3nayU/s1600-h/FAMILY+CHRISTMAS+PHOTO.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279907580090651362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SUX_-E4yEuI/AAAAAAAAAFI/V1tWfH3nayU/s320/FAMILY+CHRISTMAS+PHOTO.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, here it is - my family in a Christmas photo. That's me on the left, DD in the middle holding Dusty Sneakers, and DH. This was taken after Church in our backyard, where we figured the light would be better. </div><div> </div><div>Merry Christmas, everyone!</div>Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-89531692249084545012008-12-14T05:25:00.001-05:002008-12-14T05:26:24.319-05:00Blogger is driving me crazy!That last post was supposed to be separated into paragraphs. Blogger kept taking out my blank lines, so it doesn't look as 'readable' as I would like it to be.Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-4375502900478324092008-12-14T04:41:00.017-05:002008-12-14T05:27:41.712-05:00I Scored at Linens and Things<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SUTdLPGz8gI/AAAAAAAAAFA/n7WDy_re3Ic/s1600-h/laser+cut+tablecloth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279587848288465410" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SUTdLPGz8gI/AAAAAAAAAFA/n7WDy_re3Ic/s320/laser+cut+tablecloth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SUTdK2z2ZSI/AAAAAAAAAE4/lu25Bz_0q0Y/s1600-h/comforter+set.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279587841766483234" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BeTKjr51FQA/SUTdK2z2ZSI/AAAAAAAAAE4/lu25Bz_0q0Y/s320/comforter+set.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">The only thing that bothers me about buying from them is they don't accept returns, but the price on a Super set = a comforter with bedskirt, 2 regular shams, 2 European shams, 2 decorator pillows was too low for me to resist, and I love the look of the set. I really want to dress up the bedroom. I also bought 2 tablecloths - again, too cheap to pass up. The whole order with shipping was $49 and some change. I can't beat that with a stick. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">The tablecloths are laser cut with holly leafs around the edges, and I bought two different sizes because of the leaf in the table changing the table size. I only wish they had it in red, but alas, it was only in green. Buy one, get the second one for 50 percent off the already low price of $3.24. Wow!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">Another bargain I got recently was a pair of prescription glasses for only $1 plus shipping. They look like reading glasses, but I bought them in my nearsighted single vision prescription. They are really cute, too! I only paid $5.95 total, and I got a hard case with them, too. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">I bought another pair at an optical place, and using our insurance, I paid $118 for them. I think they are just okay, nothing too great. I was a little too quick in deciding on them. I thought they were cool because they came with magnetic polaroid shades that are easy to put on and take off. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">When I came to pick them up, they told me to pick out a soft cloth case - which is totally worthless, IMHO. If I wanted a hard case, they would charge me an addition $7.50. No wonder their store has so few customers when I've been there.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">I've since told DH to cancel my optical insurance because I have to go to an eye specialist anyway, because of my diabetes. They eye specialist gives me my prescription on a laminated card, and I can use it to order glasses online. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">My next pair will be rimless with progressive lens and transition (the darkening out in the sun). These will cost me approximately $80 on the web. Also, I don't like that the insurance only covers new frames every 2 years. I want new ones every year, and I can easily afford them at the online prices, without paying for the stupid insurance.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">I'm coming out of a depressed mood. I'm struggling to get things done, for health reasons. I'm suddenly realizing how high maintenance my life has become. I have to inject myself with insulin every day. I have to wear a sleep mask for my sleep apnea. I have to take prescription medications. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">I think I'm feeling better now, though.</span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">Oh, and I found 2 hard eyeglass cases in new condition for $1 each at Salvation Army last night, so I am all set.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div></div></div></div></div>Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10124797.post-59606001407184834022008-11-05T00:01:00.004-05:002008-11-05T00:12:29.027-05:00Change is good, sales are even betterBarack Obama is to be our next President. He is giving his first speech as President Elect as I am typing this. <br /><br />I am proud of him. I wanted him to win. I believe in him. This is the first election that I have felt this way about any candidate. I hope he is up to the challenge in taking on this job. <br /><br />Barack's kids are getting a new puppy! Woo Hoo!<br /><br />Earlier today I went shopping for a pair of Naturalizer shoes. I had preselected them last week, and had to wait until today to purchase them, because my credit card cycle begins today. I was a little concerned that they might not be there in my size, but not only were they still there, but there was a "Senior Sale" I had to ask at what age do they consider someone to be a senior. Happily, the lady behind the cash register said age 55, so I told her I was 56. Then she asked to see my driver's license. Woo Hoo. I don't look my age.<br /><br />Anyway, I got 15 percent off, so I saved $7.50. That was a nice reward for waiting to buy my shoes. The only problem is, I want to go back tomorrow to see if there is anything else at the Bonton I would like to buy on the Senior Sale. The sale is on for today and tomorrow only.<br /><br />I took my DD to vote for the very first time. She and I are both elated because Barack Obama won. Yayyyy!Silvergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06342048799657036522noreply@blogger.com4