Progress – & – Projects

All the kind words left on my almost abandoned blog are much appreciated. My annoying upper respiratory infection is fading every day to the point my husband and I went grocery shopping together. I consider this not only progress in my health but also attitude.

The fact our lives turned around so fast has left my emotional responses behind. We all know many caregivers never see conditions improve and I have unending respect for their forbearance. Thus I also feel shame over some lingering depression.

But his regained interest in food, and thus my cooking and baking adventures, has provided a huge boost. Roasting my homegrown pumpkins, their seeds, and trying my hand at smoking meats and baking various breads, pies, making apple butter, and even turning apple scraps into apple cider vinegar are rewarding busywork. We are even considering a little distillery kit to make my vinegar less watery.

Did you know there is such a thing as Mother of vinegar, and that it’s a symbiotic relationship between beneficial yeast and bacteria? Are you a fan of vinegar in general or specifically?

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Turning a Virtual Corner – & – Virtually Coughing Up a Lung

I’ve learned over the years that even with the best health care available we must advocate for ourselves. Sometimes, though, we need the help of a bright physician who’s on his game. This has been one such occasion.

When the awesome Dr. T advised my husband to stop taking a multi-purpose medication his kidneys not only improved but his appetite returned and dizziness went away. He has also been taken off all blood pressure medication that was described decades ago. I thought once you got on meds for high blood pressure you never stopped.

As I type my husband is seeing the kidney doctor again. We agree the specialist will be happy with ongoing improvements. I’ve been driving my husband everywhere for months and his regained confidence behind the wheel is a blessing in more ways than one because I developed a nasty upper respiratory infection, no doubt due to stress.

I cannot recall the last time I fell ill, having learned a long time ago that I must wash my hands after traveling even a short distance and to never touch my face while out and about. It probably looks odd if other drivers notice me scratching the side of my nose through clothing. I don’t care.

Pasts illnesses have been much more painful; my throat isn’t aching and my headache mild. Last night, though, I couldn’t stop coughing up phlegm between around 2am and sunrise. It finally eased up and my man bought me some cough syrup. For a while there I feared coughing so hard that I ended up with a detached retina.

Can you believe my husband thought he was dying just a week ago? And how fortunate are we to have such a great medical team?

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My Mundane Adventures

My husband spent three days hospitalized for kidney issues. His primary care doctor thought taking him off a certain medication would turn things around but the nephrologist disagreed.

Fortunately, Dr. T was correct while the kidney doctor’s hospitalization order gave me a tiny respite. I remained busy, such as taking one of our two cars in for repairs, yet otherwise enjoyed extra peace and quiet.

Now he is home sleeping as I type this Wednesday evening around 6pm. Fingers crossed, changes made to medications will improve our quality of life. He regained a reasonable appetite following weeks of forcing food down. And I hope his downbeat demeanor improves.

On a funny note, my adventures regarding the auto repair shop proved a bit crazy. We scheduled a tire rotation, oil change, and the impetus for the appointment was having a check engine light investigated. Knowing all this would take some time I asked for their free shuttle service and had the driver take me to a local gourmet market.

I’ve done this once before. The shop encourages folks to linger in two comfortable seating areas. I settled in with a bagel and interesting beverage. They offered a turmeric and ginger spiced chai latte. I enjoyed the interesting warm drink most and anticipated a tasty lunch of perhaps a lamb pie or fresh made sushi.

However, just before noon I received notice that the diesel fueled vehicle needed serious repairs to the tune of over $1000 (USD) and a necessary part wouldn’t arrive until the next day. We decided to make the investment.

All I needed to do now was get a ride home. Upon calling I was told that our home ranged well beyond their complimentary car service area but she’d check with the manager.

I’m happy to report he made the correct choice. After being customers who’ve spent thousands of dollars over the last two decades I planned to raise hell if refused transportation.

What looks like snow is residue from the
failed diesel exhaust residue tank...

When dropped off by the driver I went to dig out my house key. I’m sure you can guess that it was attached to the car key fob left behind.

We are blessed with kind neighbors, one of whom gave me a ride that took forty minutes total round trip plus the time it took recovering my house key. In gratitude, the least we can do is offer him and his wife fuel point savings from grocery shopping, most of which will expire before we can possibly use them all.

Are you a fan of any particular herbs and/or spices? Have you ever found yourself locked out of your home?

 
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My very Biased Toktoberfest 2024 Family Winner

My husband accused me of faking this... Nope.
How can anyone fake silly Polly's pose?
All I can say to our silly girl is,
"Please don't ever change."

 

It's Tocktoberfest! And here's Terra...

She is Our Sleek Multi-toed Athlete...

It's Tocktoberfest! Dandelion offers our first entry...

Finally, a Fan of the Tunnel

A True Classic & Old Memories

In the eighties, my father purchased numerous decaying Chevrolet Corvettes. I remember returning from high school and getting to work sanding refurbished fiberglass chassis parts. We called one that he resold the “Roach Coach” because years in a farm field took their toll.

My parents joined a ‘Vette club that hosted car shows and other social events. And yes, I also helped detail cars for competitive events. Believe it or not, old toothbrushes proved great for polishing tiny crevices.

Mom drove a 1984 model (bought used yet pristine) while Dad’s lipstick red ’69 Stingray with shiny chrome accents was my favorite. We used to laugh about that car being my age. My folks even raced these vehicles a few times. Picturing my mother wearing a racecar helmet and ear to ear smile still brings me joy.

Those experiences stayed with me; I not only purchased bank checks featuring various models but can still give a rough estimate of when a certain body style came out. Stumbling across a mid 1950’s model this week, I had to take a photo.

What a beauty...

If the driver had been present you can bet a short conversation would have ensued. In fact, I will shout out to those driving any vintage automobile, exchanging pleasantries if parked or even stopped at a traffic signal. I don’t despair upon seeing cars in rough shape, either, quite certain they’ll get deserved renovations.

My husband and I prefer more practical rides. Yet I consider my appreciation akin to my married self ogling an attractive person, aside from polite discretion, of course.

Do you remember when merchants more readily accepted paper checks over credit cards? Is your community a car culture or more vested in public transport?

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Old Timers Moving On – & – an Apology

First, I want to let our blogger friend Strayer know that her tireless work is much appreciated. I’m sorry that no web browser I’ve tried will let me comment today. ~rolls eyes~ Be that way, Google…

So, anyway, my husband and I moved into our home in 1994. We bought a flat screen television that year, an expensive investment. Years ago we planned on buying a high definition unit when the old Sony died. But it’s hung on all these decades (!) and weighs more than we can now lift together.

Together deciding we would finally replace it, my husband did excellent research. He discovered a unit that fit our living space and even the old stand (!), whose own heavy components I assembled.

Before this new Samsung arrived we needed to clear space and contacted 1-800-JUNK. These crews don’t just haul things to a garbage dump, they donate/recycle everything possible; I’ve seen their work on shows about hoarders.

This super kind and competent duo gave a fair estimate, we agreed, and they quickly loaded up a broken treadmill, miscellaneous outdated electronic devices, plus the dinosaur television. This all happened a day earlier than expected, mere hours after our new TV was delivered.

Impressed by their service, my husband added a tip to the reasonable fee. And I made sure to leave a good review. Even our cat Dandelion was happy because the guys doted on her while the twins hid.

The way things worked out is awesome,
and "Titan AE" looks amazing...

Can you believe our receiver has since died? How lucky are we that the television has decent sound?

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Keeping Busy – & – Keeping it Local

I wish my husband wasn’t so adamant about following current events. He considers it his duty to track the status of human conflict. I have no idea why.

Sometimes I try blocking out whatever bad news he’s hearing by lying on the bed with my fan on high for white noise, often with a cat or two (or even all three). He doesn’t understand the level of my futile empathy, though, evidenced by later regurgitating stuff I didn’t need or want to know.

My defenses against pointless anxiety and depression are, as stated first, keeping busy. My summer gardening provided much relief, as do cooking and baking. To his credit, he praises all my efforts.

What he also misunderstands is how, an equal introvert by nature, I’ll speak to strangers hoping to spread a little joy. I’ll compliment a person’s appearance, comment on trivial matters, or simply smile at their children. My favorite tactic is spreading laughter.

Oftentimes I say, “Excuse me” after bumping into a person or obstructing his or her path.

The most common friendly response these days is, “You’re okay.”

To that I gravely reply, “No, I’m not.”

It never fails to elicit at least a small chuckle. And some amused folks agree with my comedic sentiment.

Are folks around you mostly polite or more on the rude side? When others apologize by saying, “I’m sorry,” should I look them from head to toe and reply, “Yes, you are.”

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Another Movie Review

Though the original “Beetlejuice” came out the year before I met my husband, we both saw it in theater and enjoyed it. Never expecting a sequel, I was skeptical until discovering positive buzz online.

It’s not for everyone (but what is?). In particular many scenes contain an extreme gore factor, however comedic.

We enjoyed this film immensely. The plot offering fresh ideas instead of just being a nostalgia fest impressed me, as did some surprising twists. The great Willem Dafoe gave a standout performance; his acting range never ceases to amaze me.

I’ll end my humble little post at that. Ragweed pollen has my sinuses pounding. lol Just know the returning cast and newcomers to the franchise performed wonderfully.

Do you suffer allergies? Is there a particular season you prefer?

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Pumpkins – & – Lucy the Octopus

As our growing season winds down I’m happy to have harvested four Jarrahdale pumpkins. They are more gray than blue but much like those seen at a garden center last autumn. These last three will be indoor décor until winter, when I’ll process them for foodstuffs.

I would be devastated if some prankster smashed these...

 

I’ll make an effort to display them through a front window. Meanwhile, I hope to try growing more colors as shown below. The one problem is having enough space for their vines. My husband joked about buying a patch of farmland and I am starting to think we should look into it.

I could buy 3 packs of seeds for the cost of 1 of these...

Before processing my first one, Terra had to investigate. In other words, she decided to provide an adorable photo bomb.

“I’m all you need for fall decoration, Mom.”

Last but not least, here is a video my husband discovered. If you think octopuses are creepy, feel free to skip. They sure are smart. It’s a true shame most species only live two years.

Does your area provide community garden spaces? Should I see if any neighbors would be willing to invest in some land?

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Neighborly Neighbors

Blogger friend Pam kindly nudged me on never having posted about something I had essentially promised. So here are a few examples. A young couple bought the house next door and they are both sweet as the day is long. 

The dear lady is rather addicted to an online auction site, bidding on items more for the rush of winning than purchasing things they need or especially want. She gifted me a restaurant quality patio umbrella and this cool garden arch.

Her husband said they like how I used colored duct tape on the support bars, as well as my solar powered neon flamingos...

The gal across from us gives me things from their salvaging expeditions, like an entire box of artificial sweetener. One of her friends is equally kindhearted. The other day she ran over and gave me a mummified garden gnome plushy.

By the way, I am having format issues, so let me ask here what I should name this fellow. And have you ever seen Halloween themed gnomes?

 

Garden Duty

As the title suggests, gardening has kept me busy, both outdoors and in the kitchen. Starting vegetables from seed has proven a huge success and provided the joyous challenge of preservation. It’s also a pleasure sharing with those who often reciprocate in their own way.

(More on neighborlyness later)

My pumpkin plants are doing well. However, it didn’t occur to me that last year’s squash bug infestation would emerge from the same plot for a similar feast. ~shakes head~ The following video shows one silly misadventure.

The yield continues being awesome. There are more tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkins coming to fruit.

I am happy these innards are not stringy...

... as seeds were easily separated for roasting.

I harvested my second blue pumpkin today. It’s being left to cure/dry in our cool cellar.

 

Did you know pumpkins are really difficult to hand process for foodstuff? Do you think I should save all the next for display?

Why Our Carpet Looks Awful

This house, built in 1978, has all original carpet as far as we know. My husband and I had one bathroom and the kitchen renovated years ago, plus new entryway flooring installed. Outside is another story altogether. Anyway, the following illustrates why we’ve left the carpet alone.

While I make grooming attempts, Terra and Polly wrestling gets the job done better. Check this out…

I must be clear that we’d rather have our silly kitties than a neat and tidy house. They are well behaved felines with only the expected issues.

Meanwhile, Dandelion is a long legged female with great strength. We think she never enjoyed a proper kittenhood before we took her in. By the way, my husband doesn’t know she’s shredded anything but cat furniture.

Look at those pink ear tips as she
surveys her efforts...

Do you prefer rugs and carpeting? If not, what is your favorite flooring material?

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Human Quirks

We all are red blooded and weird in our own ways. Liz A covered this in her post about fascinating human aspects.

A strange phobia has plagued me since before I can remember. My mother, having heard her little girl screaming, found me staring at the backyard play swing blowing crazily in the wind. I later stopped enjoying my grandparents’ front porch if anyone or thing made the bench swing sway askew.

Discovering others with my phobia comforted me a few years ago. Much later, however, my husband saw my face turn ashen at sight of a swirling indoor grocery store sign. He thought I was about to have a stroke. Laughing about it now, I make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat there and keep my eyes lowered in known trigger areas.

I have it easy compared to some folks disturbed by dangling jewelry and even their own hair blowing in the wind. In addition, fixed objects such as vertical blinds don’t trigger my anxiety and my mind conjures ocean wave sounds during high winds. This 2015 blog post and the commentary in particular provided additional insight into my hating unexpected loud sounds.

Do you suffer any unusual anxieties? If so, have you found relief?

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Seriously Silly & Silly Seriousness

When I shared finding a huge bargain on cut flowers, a kind comment from Andrew reminded me my lack of clarity. Each bunch consisted of a single coloration, so my tricolor bouquet would have cost $24 (USD) while I paid one eighth (!) that price. And in addition, Jungle Jim’s market had a sale on white button mushrooms. One of the tasty fungi made me giggle before I sliced, diced, and fried them up.

Putting the butt in button... ~shakes head~ Sorry

Did you know that the common white mushroom I photographed is an immature version of the more expensive crimini and portabello varieties? By the way, dear Mariette, please correct me if I’m wrong. If you are a mushroom culinary aficionado, do you prefer milder or more earthy flavors?

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Bargain Finds – Flowers and Fungi

I know not everyone enjoys the taste/texture of mushrooms. My husband and I adore all varieties. Shiitakes are a favorite for cooking but tend to be expensive.

Growing in My Yard; I Dare Not Taste It

To our joy, we found shiitakes sold for a reasonable price at the international Jungle Jim’s market in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Dried versions in a distant aisle were even less expensive by weight. However, we were happy with our fresh, more familiar find in the produce section.

While he ordered lunch at the indoor sandwich shop I went to wash my hands and found a ridiculous markdown on cut flowers. Originally priced at $7.99 (US), these bunches were being offered at 99 cents each. Petals fell off as I trimmed stems and put the flowers in a vase but they remain festive.

They had been painted, of course...

Do you think any average person nowadays could justify spending eight dollars for something so ephemeral? And are your local stores having huge sales on items they can’t sell otherwise?

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A Cute Visitor to My Yard

Warning: if crickets give you the creeps, give this three second video below a skip. Should I have named this little critter Jiminy?

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Update on the Vegetable Garden

Having grown so many viable vegetable plants from seed, I am so much more invested than in previous years that I stroll around several times daily. Most discoveries make me happy. Now I’m facing a serious issue.

While my container grown tomatoes are thus far unharmed, the corner patch became infested by tomato hornworms. I spent a good while Wednesday morning pulling off and discarding these repulsive caterpillars. Fat and alien in appearance, they cling to the foliage for all they are worth. And their frightening camouflage would have allowed them to decimate every plant if not for their distinctive droppings.

I’m so glad I can recognize this berry-like poop…

On a bright note, an adult moth became trapped in my pumpkin netting (revenge is sweet). Being smaller than its offspring makes the winged bug no less ugly. Unlike most moths’ elegant tapered thorax, those of Manduca quinquemaculata appear revoltingly bloated up to the sharp pointed end.

It did not have a happy ending...

That evening I used the netting for my pumpkins to cover the neighboring tomato plants, as well. And I’m leaving another bit of netting looped over the trellised EarthBox plantings as an extra precaution.

Much to my dismay I saw more droppings early the next day and had to remove another stomach-churning monster. So I bought a spray bottle of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Thursday afternoon.

We once purchased a concentrated form, which I looked for at the store to no avail, but it’s for the best. These natural and effective living bacterium do not have a long shelf life. In fact, we still had the concentrate which is doubtless inert after perhaps an entire decade (!), and I’m a bit annoyed that the label didn’t include a production date. My belated research following the same day application also irked me. This ready-to-use product’s label neglected to inform me that sunlight degrades the product.

I should have waited until evening. But I did not use the entire bottle yesterday and emptied it this morning after killing a small caterpillar. Anyway, this article provided other fascinating information. Humans first discovered Bt’s benefits in the early 1900’s and some field crops have been modified to include the gene responsible for the bacterium’s all important crystal protein.

Did you know that modern Bt strains have also become an essential weapon in the battle against West Nile Virus? And since profit drives more research than human welfare, do you think genetically modified foods pose a health risk?

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Questions, Answers, & an Issue

I asked the artificial intelligence on my smart phone about squash bees. To my astonishment, these insects were noted as pollinating anything squash related except pumpkins.

These insects fit the description otherwise. Maybe my blue variety attracts them or they have no other preferable plants nearby. As for the behavior I filmed, it seemed like a signal to others of their species but the information also indicated these pollinators build solo underground nests.

Then again, perhaps it’s a mating posture. Ooh… That could be interesting research as nature does fascinate me.

The issue relates to my largest pumpkin growing within the confines of my obelisk trellis. I didn’t think about this until the other day. ~shakes head~ Making sure this beauty reaches healthy maturity is my newest challenge.

I look forward to watching it turn blue.

I have an idea of turning it on its side and adding support netting as their shape is squat. It’s both surprising and dismaying my online research hasn’t offered suggestions.

Is this not a good problem to have? What do you think I should do if the fruit starts becoming malformed?

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Buzz, Buzz

Before and After

My cacti began inundating our walkway again. So I decided to tackle the overgrowth on Tuesday the 9th despite extreme humidity.

The growth rate is insane...

This stretch of cement could use a power wash. Oh, well. I will get there eventually.

Outline created by an outdoor mat...

Isn’t nature amazing?

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How Old Are You, Exactly?

 

The Pumpkin Patch

I have become a very attentive gardener protecting my pumpkin plants with overnight netting. It’s a joy watching fruit set and grow.

Look at these little beauties...

And every day I learn more techniques and benefits of growing this dusky blue heirloom Jarrahdale variety, so named after the Western Australian city known for its original cultivation. I hope no insect pests steal my harvest.

I cannot believe the rapid growth...

Would you ever be interested in having infinite garden space? If so, what all would you grow?

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A Garden Update

Thanks to all for the well wishes and suggestions for my pumpkin growing adventure. One developing fruit appears super healthy and a little larger (!) every day.

I wonder when the blue skin will become evident...

To my delight, more and more female flowers are appearing on the two largest plants. The fact I started everything but our Swiss chard from seed makes this season even more special.

Cool, huh?

My netting has been protecting the plants overnight. Finished eating a farmers market cantaloupe I tossed the rind into the backyard jungle as compensation to our deer.

Every morning I get to see adorable little bees marching upward to freedom. It never fails to make me smile.

Isn’t it neat that we have a pollinator named after the insects’ favorite pollen source? Do you think the bees wake up as if they’d been on an alcoholic bender, wondering where they are and why they never made it home?

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Sharknado!

I don’t know if you’ve even heard about the spoof disaster series involving man eating sharks getting pulled into a waterspout and raining down on unsuspecting citizens. Seeing the first (also maybe second), I found the premise delivered a fun and silly popcorn movie night.

Well, Terra discovered my cute stuffed shark, an adorable reminder of those films. This is probably not the healthiest (communist Chinese made) human toy for pet play. However, she appears to use her paws more than teeth. I didn’t know cats batted prey out of the air like that.

Wouldn’t she make a great huntress? Do you think I should be on the safe side and take the stuffed animal away?

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Anticipation

My husband and I hope my successful seed starting early this spring pays off. Almost all the tomatoes and peppers look promising.

I remain most excited about my Jarrahdale pumpkins. This blue variety is said to have tasty roasted flesh/seeds besides being decorative.

They did receive damage early on which I now believe almost certainly to have been done by grazing white-tailed deer. Since that discovery I go out in the early evening and cover them with netting which gets removed early the next day (well, as early as I’m willing to tumble out of bed).

Do these stems appear bitten off to you?

On the subject of tumbling, adorable pollinators tumble over one another within each pumpkin blossom (!) and often overnight within the netting. My latest video is below.

I have my fingers crossed that the bitten off stems don’t introduce disease or that insects attack. The season is yet young. Wish me luck.

Aren’t these little bees adorable? Don’t you hope and pray that pollinators facing extinction is vastly exaggerated?

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This Woman Groomed the Tiniest Poodle in the World

This video is not short but I couldn’t resist sharing. Feel free to just enjoy the opening.

Do you tend to notice that men often walk the tiniest pooches while women often have more massive pets? Do you think it’s a security issue for a lone female out walking?

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Welcome to the Neighborhood

After reading Andrew’s post about nice neighbors I decided to share my latest experience. This past Monday evening I sat outside enjoying the night air when the newest homeowner next door called out, “I have some things for you.”

She offered two rather expensive items I could very well use but tried to decline. I conceded after hearing about her online auction addiction. She bids on unnecessary things just for the rush of getting cheap purchases. That knowledge and trading a few jars of homemade pickles made me feel better. Now I have a lovely garden arch and giant patio umbrella needing assemblage.

This event happened after my recent effort to cheer up a woman who lives a few blocks over. I walked over carrying a cute, smiling, cartoonish anthropomorphic sunflower complete with green arms and legs. Upon receipt of my silly gift, she began weeping.

The stories of mistreatment by some neighbors and even her own family break my heart. Sometimes they sound unbelievable. I stopped by today on my way home upon spotting her and her husband outside. Like me, she works hard doing yard work and I wanted her to know about my recently purchased handy weeding tool.

This made yanking weeds a hundred times faster and easier;
I think the handle on my Amazon purchase is longer...

Aren’t good neighbors a tremendous gift? And do you believe in Karma?

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Giraffe Chiropractor at Oakland Zoo

My husband found this amazing video I need to share. Sad to say, his brothers didn’t bother opening the link he sent them.

How can anyone be too busy for such a short, adorable video? I think they missed out, don’t you?

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One Classic Ride

I lifted weights today after a long lapse. My excuse for avoidance has been gardening duties and this heat wave put a halt on that. But then I bought a fast food lunch. Oh, well; two steps forward, one step back. Right?

My unhealthy craving paid off in the form of sighting a gorgeous classic car. Its kind owner allowed a photo.

I apologize for the poor lighting...

Can you believe the condition of this 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood? Isn’t it incredible that the original owners (according to the driver) have maintained and driven the car all these decades?

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The Big Chill

The other day I decided to inventory frozen foodstuffs. We’ve been stocking up on sale items, especially buy-one-get-one-free (!) deals, which I often proceed to repackage in vacuum sealed bags. Yet regardless of packaging I like to rotate items from the cellar to the kitchen, putting newer stuff in the deep freezer.

I decided utilizing a portable cooler would aid my efforts and thus toted fresh purchases down the stairs. Then I went further, stashing newer pork items at the bottom, older ones atop, and putting the entire cooler inside. Before finishing up I heard my phone announce a text message.

But where was it? I looked on the main floor all the while knowing it to be futile. Finally, I remembered. That wheeled cooler has outside pockets to hold shelf stable items like my smart phone. ~shakes head~ I’m also grateful for not having buried the cooler under a whole lot.

Whew! My husband would’ve put me in the deep freeze if my awesome cellular phone became damaged. I promptly disassembled the Otterbox brand case and thoroughly dried all three pieces. By the way, there is still another unused layer; I don’t like carrying it on my waist and the part with the clip is too big for my everyday fanny pack and most purses.

Have you ever seen the 1983 flick “The Big Chill”? And can you recommend another protective phone case brand?

What a great cast...

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