Sunday, July 6, 2025
A Reality Recheck
On Friday my husband received a call from his dialysis team. His kidney function has improved enough that he might be able to end this (quite literally) draining procedure, have the itchy temporary port removed, and once more take full showers.
And I am proud to announce that my courageous, chivalrous friend has been seeing a grief therapist after his dear lady’s passing. In decades past Scars might have let guilt, anger, or sheer bereavement overtake him.
Our dear friend Phoenix is also doing well. His employer grants every consideration regarding his leg amputation. I’m thankful he is valued and gets satisfaction from his work.
What’s your favorite way of avoiding reality? Or do you prefer charging headlong to forge a brighter future?
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Apologies for My Absence – & – Better Days Awaite
The friend I’ve mentioned several times, Scars, finally convinced his lovely lady (S) to move up from her tiny Texas town. She adored taking care of him and his ailing father. Unfortunately, less than a year later S succumbed to her long suffered epilepsy, and stayed in a coma for over a week. Even after being removed from life support her body continued fighting.
Now she is at rest, though, about an hour after Scars held the phone so S could hear the voice of one final person. His lady had taken care of an ailing matron back home and we believe this gave the ultimate closure necessary.
On the bright side, S’s ordeal healed several estranged relationships. It’s too bad her siblings and adult children didn’t show S adequate respect or affection during her lifetime.
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This is the first time carrots worked for us & we look forward to eating cabbage... |
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Corn designed for container growing... ~fingers crossed~ |
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Pointy leaves give away the cucumber... |
Can you believe I managed to confuse my pepper breeds before transplanting? Do you know that young cucumber and pumpkin plants look almost identical? ~rolls eyes~ Four cucumber plants will keep us very busy pickling this summer.-
Sunday, May 25, 2025
My First Harvest of the Growing Season
Okay, I suppose a single item doesn’t really constitute a harvest. But this little sugar snap pea tasted delicious. Fingers crossed, I’ll be gathering many more in future.
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I find these little blooms pretty but the intricate transformation engulfing the one below astonished me. |
Can you believe I split that tiny nibble with my husband? Do you enjoy eating any pea variety?
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Saturday, May 24, 2025
A Tale of Three Kitties
Polly is known as The Great Ribbon Slayer. I think she wanted her sister’s assistance when this image was taken.
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I just needed a beauty shot before continuing... |
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Your photos cannot do my majestic beauty justice... |
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Excuse my superior digestive system, frail human... |
In my effort to apologize for shaming her I took this much more flattering photo of her lounging. It disturbed her nap, though, so I guess a further apology is needed.
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I am gorgeous no matter what you do to my fur... |
Should I expect a thanks from craft stores for protecting their stock of ribbons? Do you think I have a future as a pet grooming trendsetter?
Thursday, May 22, 2025
The Good, the Not Too Bad, and the Chilly
Tomato and pepper plants hate cold; some crops do well, at least, such as carrots, lettuces, cabbage, & broccoli... |
Since they are so territorial I decided to purchase more feeders from Amazon; they’re just plastic yet very affordable. One broke several years ago after decades of service.
Unfortunately, two out of four arrived broken. Amazon customer service gave me a refund without even requesting the photo I took. A similar situation happened when I received a hand held extension cord caddy. The all important hand grip was missing. I accepted another refund and plan to shop locally.
It’s no big deal. Oh, and I solved a different niggling little nuisance regarding hummingbird feeders. It’s easy to lose track of when they were refilled, resulting in mildew. Ugh… This spring it occurred to me that filling each with a small amount forces me to change out the solution virtually every day.
Not only is cleaning less a chore, it also reduces wasted sugar. I call that a win/win. Now I only hope consistent high winds relent and temperatures rise a bit.
Are you experiencing unseasonable weather? If so, what type?
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Saturday, May 10, 2025
Step by Step Gardening
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Step One |
Once the container is topped off with perlite, the next step inspired me to start calling these bags my cauldrons. By the way, my plastic bin is a repurposed trash can.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Crazy “Deals” (?)
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I must admit to wearing a similar boot but mine were of fabric and had a straight heel... Yikes! |
Isn’t it fascinating how medical conditions are named? Do you have issues with foot pain?
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Sunday, May 4, 2025
My Little Helper
Do you think I should offer some of my extra little vegetable plants to friends and neighbors? Would you accept such an offer?
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Saturday, May 3, 2025
Good Fortune
Have you heard the history of fortune cookies deriving from Japan? Are you a fan of any Asian cuisine? -
Friday, May 2, 2025
Busywork
My husband has been driving himself to medical appointments (!) while I work around the house. Outdoors, I’ve exhausted myself in the pleasurable endeavor of vegetable garden preparation. Recently I knocked down two annoyances.
The easy one was getting our portable electric car charger mounted on the garage wall; that’s bothered me for years. Replacing a toilet seat proved more taxing but I’m happy it’s done.
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The seat should remain tightly in place, and I like the chromed hinges... |
How are you doing these days? Do you have any fun seasonal plans? -
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Why I Have Been Absent from Blogging
This morning he told me not to make the hour long round trip unless he gets cleared. So far, we’re still on hold. I’ll explain why later.
Like last year, a prescription medication caused an acute kidney injury. This time an extreme potassium buildup caused even more damage. He spent two days in intensive care. That was scary, especially due to his negative mindset.
Thank heaven, improved organ function has cleared his mind. He no longer talks like he’s about to die. ~shudder~ Meanwhile, until his kidneys fully heal he needs thrice weekly dialysis and can not take his oral diabetic medicine.
Thus I’ve been shown how to administer insulin using an injector pen, as well as install/replace the subcutaneous blood sugar monitor. Neither procedure is overcomplicated and we are grateful for these scientific advances. But please wish me luck.
The reason he’s still stuck in hospital is because there is a scheduling issue with our local DaVita Comprehensive Kidney Care center. My guy’s medical team won’t let him out in case the next round of dialysis due tomorrow must be done on an inpatient basis again.
Update! The typical Monday, Wednesday, Friday outpatient schedule can be altered to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Maybe some locations aren’t open on weekends. ~shrugs~ He’s staying overnight but I will bring him home in the morning. ~fingers crossed~ His spirits are high and he’s in good hands; I couldn’t ask for more.
Are you or a loved one prescribed numerous pharmaceutical drugs? Do you question some as necessary, perhaps even detrimental?
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Tuesday, March 25, 2025
The Floof of Doom
As mentioned before, our kitties each have multiple silly nicknames. Polly with all her extra toes and fluffy fur still earned some boss ones, or what I like to call Biker names. One of them follows the theme from my title: Floofing Thunder. I literally knew some bikers who went by Lightning and Thunder, some of the sweetest guys you can imagine.
The one used specifically for my title is especially appropriate for this post. I had my Suncatcher unit that simulates sunlight, gifted a few years ago by my husband. She got on the cat tree beside my desk and sat just far enough forward that the bright beam below lit her fur just so.
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She believes in catch and release, even for the most annoying bugs... |
Is she adorable even looking somewhat villainous? Are you familiar with products that allegedly lessen depression from Seasonal Affective Disorder?
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Sunday, March 23, 2025
Anticipation
I forgot my chosen date falls in late April. ~sigh~ However, I had picked the least busy weekday and earliest time slot to avoid both crowds while also saving some money. Loads of children are painfully noisy and also heat up the space unbearably.
My dear husband not only came through with this gift, earning my silly happy dance that morning, he also recalled the proper date. Fingers crossed, traffic through Cincinnati won’t be terrible that day.
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This is a cool place... |
Do you enjoy watching aquatic life? Have you ever walked through such a tunnel?
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Long Overdue - A Glimpse of Upcoming Spring
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These crocus blooms have faded already, replaced by daffodils... |
I am, of course, so sad about all those devastated by tornadoes and high winds. We are blessed that Ohio has thus far been spared, not to mention being insolated from the countless horrors people bring upon one another every day. ~sigh~ So, I hope my simple photo at least brightens your day.
Did you know that carrots are notoriously difficult to grow? Can you believe one of the tomato seeds has sprouted in just a few short days?
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Thursday, March 6, 2025
Outrageous Winds, Minor Crummy Luck – & – Deranged Behavior
Once I returned home my husband told me he heard our pellet grill blown off the back deck. I disentangled the mess and can only hope it will be safe to use. We shall see.
On Tuesday I went swimming. Near the end of my laps, the female lifeguard bent down to me saying, “Ma’am, I promise you’ll want to get out of the pool now.”
I’d witnessed a strange exchange between a sketchy looking guest and the male lifeguard. The guest left, then returned, and I saw a call being made. As it turned out, this persistent swimmer defecated in the pool. I can only imagine his nasty act stemmed from mental illness.
I informed another swimmer and soon after warned two women entering the area. To lighten the mood, I added, “Fingers crossed, it’s just a candy bar.” The women knew this old movie scene and laughed, much to my delight.
Are you familiar with this relevant film reference? Either way, have you seen the flick “Caddy Shack”?
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Another Look at the Bright Side
On the flip side, his cute big eyes and adorable whiny mantra almost swayed me to drive him to our car’s oil change appointment. He offered lunch. Much less food orientated, I asked him to sweeten the deal. He asked what I wanted.
I requested a walk. We didn’t even set a place or precise date. Yet suddenly, now he’d resolved to drive himself. So I stayed home and cooked a big pot of stew.
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Not an image of mine, but this recipe looks amazing... |
Is there anything better than warm soup on cold days? Do you have a favorite comfort food?
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Saturday, March 1, 2025
Looking at the Bright Side
Knowing he was on blood thinners, I dashed into their home searching fruitlessly for something to staunch the flow and ran back out asking what I should do. Less stunned now, he calmly told me where to find medical supplies before suggesting I just bring out a roll of paper towels. I returned with both but stood shaking and useless, offering little more than a hug.
Just days prior a doctor removed fourteen staples after a freak accident (he’d been walking around the foot of his bed!), gouged open that exact area. I’m ashamed to have done nothing much but stand there yesterday, eyes averted from the wound, when I should have called his wife. I didn’t know she would soon return.
Lucky for us both she did and charged over shouting, “What are you doing? What are you doing?” I can only imagine how angry the whole situation and especially that careless neighbor’s junk pile made her.
What stands out to me is how calm he stayed, complaining about ruining a good pair of jeans and kindly telling me to stop shaking. He even apologized to the scrap collector for bleeding on her driveway. This morning he sent a text message thanking me for my caring concern and love.
I need to share this with the neighbors, a lucky photo taken earlier this week... |
Can you believe what appeared to be a catastrophic wound required just six stitches? And isn’t it funny this very same neighbor, in a dream last night, said his wife would provide me first aid training? -
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Memories
Now I can almost envision Grandma’s old fashioned washer. It had a ringer, two rollers squeezing water from garments one at a time versus our modern spin cycle. I don’t recall if this was all electric or hand cranked.
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An Older Model, for Sure; Thanks go to the stock photographer |
One summer, a neighbor girl insisted on harvesting some of Grandpa’s flowers. Her boorish nature weakened my timid protests. My grandfather emerged from the house spouting righteous indignation.
I burst into tears. What’s her name ran home.
After her shamed retreat my Grandpa expressed sorrow. He never blamed me but knew favoring his granddaughter could, as we would term it today, exacerbate a toxic relationship. My love for him grew even stronger that distant day.
How do you launder your clothes? Can you imagine trekking to a river with a washboard and clothes basket like so many hardworking souls (past and present) around the world?
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Friday, February 21, 2025
Every Rose Has its Thorn
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My husband approved my purchase since my birthday was a few days earlier and I asked for nothing special... |
They aren’t as fragrant as those I recall from the 1980’s. In addition, a lot of petals landed on the floor while the thorny, dry woody stems made trimming them a chore. While roses are much cheaper now, I’d be angry if my full price bouquet rotted in under a week.
Do you purchase cut flowers? If so, did you know that a slanted knife cut allows the stems better water absorption than a scissor's pinch?
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Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Bargain Buys, an Unexpected Neat Find, and the Golden Tooth
Since my journey started at the pharmacy, however, I passed by the clearance shelves. And wow, did I score big. It’s a shame that many party planners passed up overpriced snack items. And I sometimes think many folks don’t realize these shelves exist along the back wall.
I do not care at all about American football but this seasonal find is awesome. |
My neatest find came about due to the fact I was trying to find a cheaper carton of eggs than what we usually purchase. These wheat free wraps are like pillow-soft flour tortillas. I ate two today, wrapping one around bacon and cheese and the other with cold fried chicken and lettuce.
I found these on sale, too; otherwise, I may have to pass on them. |
As for the golden tooth, it isn’t but should be. My husband’s twenty-one year old root canal failed and has an underlying infection. I figured he would just have it pulled at his advancing age. But I understand it’s about quality of life. Still, the cost of another root canal is around three thousand US dollars. And that’s after the other thousand dollar dental surgery he had on another tooth.
The front of this same grocer had shelves stocked with tasty pistachios at a way higher price... |
Do you make a point of checking clearance items, wherever you shop? And do you find yourself overlooking products new to you while shopping for staples?
Thursday, February 6, 2025
A Very Productive Day and a Surprise Family Reunion
The first point is a long overdue post. On January 28th my husband needed a computer part replaced. Knowing this installation might take a few hours we wanted some diversion. I found the perfect place, Jungle Jim’s international market. He appreciated my idea; the man adores different foods.
Not only did driving surface roads prove easy but I discovered a branch of our new Internet service provider therein. My guy’s honorary military discharge grants some small discounts. This latest requiring in-person verification, we expected another road trip until that day.
We also replenished favorite foods. The shrimp chips were too pricey, as were many items. Various dried noodles are a different story. Despite the recommended shelf life, most types don’t spoil for a long while.
We also stocked up on pickled herring. It’s in the German section.
On that note, my brother and I planned a meeting with our spouses at a German style sausage house in Columbus, Ohio last Sunday. The distance is almost perfectly halfway between our residences.
What stores do you frequent? Does your grocer offer international products?
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Tuesday, January 28, 2025
It’s Another Day in Paradise
Meanwhile, our cellar flooded yet again, the most recent of countless events. This time we’re going to remove the oft saturated carpet bits. We should have done it decades ago. The multiple times it’s been pulled up and replaced upon getting professionally dried have left ragged edges.
Our first occurrence happened in spring of 1995 (!) when I didn’t disconnect the garden hose before the previous winter’s freezing temperatures. Turning on the faucet poured water onto the downstairs carpet until I discovered the source of the sound. My father should have taught me this, but alas, no…
This week’s leak came from our furnace humidifier. It started small and my husband changed the filter, which should have ended it but instead made things worse. The serviceman who came out determined that the new filter wasn’t properly seated, disabling proper flow through the pipe system. The money spent wasn’t a total waste; this guy said the water flow was too high and turned it down. My restating this fact finally comforted my husband.
Fortunately, a fan running on high seems to be drying the carpet. Perhaps next month we’ll hire the junk removal service we engaged last year. Those folks will take away all the half empty paint cans, etc., as well as sections of carpet. Everything is reportedly recycled in an appropriate manner or receives proper disposal. I’ve been bagging up obsolete electronics and whatnot.
Can you believe three water heaters failed over the decades, each dumping their entire contents? Isn’t it a silly but fun theory that our home hosts a mischievous water sprite?
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Monday, January 13, 2025
Only Me
Dumb me, I bought a 2024 version. I decided not to let this bother me as the snippets remain enjoyable.

Do you enjoy nature shows? Is there one particular animal you most appreciate?
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Lucky Us
A neighbor helped me shovel upon our return home. He’s perhaps thirty years old and said he took a pain pill for his back, planning to clear our entire driveway. We convinced otherwise. Our cars can power through several inches, after all.
Interestingly, the young gentleman offhandedly reminded me that the paved portion between sidewalk and street is called an apron in US lingo. I suppose it’s due to tapered ends resembling an apron’s skirt.
Meanwhile more snow fell, as did darkness, and while shoveling gets harder as the years pass, I grew determined to retain passage. Discovering a light powder had fallen I grabbed my shop broom.
Dragging and even pushing light loads proved easier than expected. I proceeded to do the same for several neighbors. One fellow came and helped, shoveling more of my driveway after seeing me. He felt guilt despite the times he’s done the same winters past.
Our area seldom sees more than a few inches of the white stuff or we’d consider purchasing a snow blower. Perhaps we’ll hire a service in future years. I wish our drifts could be air dropped over fires around the world. ~sigh~ At least we’re getting plenty of ground water here.
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My mother gifted me this waterproof fedora decades ago... Cool, no? |