Can you all forgive me if I'm fried today? Went to the foot doctor - again - and the side hole looks terrible. I don't know what is going on with that but it just really got to me this morning. As I was getting ready to put his shoe on, I noticed he had bled through his dressing. The new dressing is supposed to last up to 7 days but I'm changing it pretty much on Thursdays and Mondays. I was surprised to see the breakthrough bleeding this morning. The wound was wicked ugly this morning. I'd love to post pictures, but I don't want to gross people out. They're on my Facebook page but there's no way to "hide" them here for those with a weak stomach.
The doctor - Sir Chops A Lot - took quite a bit more off the surface and made it bleed. A lot... In fact, Ron bled all over the floor and the carpet and they had to clean it up and re-dress his foot. Ron's been referred to a new doctor, a plastic surgeon who is also a wound care specialist. We see him on Monday morning. We see the wound care team at the hospital every 2 weeks, the foot doctor on opposite every 2 weeks, and now this guy. April has a lot of appointments because Ron also sees his kidney doctor on the 27th and the neurologist (I think) on the 29th. I have to double-check that and see. My supervisor was a little perturbed with me yesterday because I forgot to tell her of one appointment - the chiropractor, which he also sees on Mondays and Fridays. I laughed it off and said that Ron had changed the appointment from this past Monday to yesterday (Wednesday) instead and I didn't realize it until yesterday. All truth... Said I am to the point where I sometimes have trouble keeping up with all of his appointments. I just made myself a dental appointment for the 28th but I guess I'll be changing that to some other time in the future.
I am so emotional these days. I feel everything right at the surface and just don't know when the breaking point will be. I think I'm there and then I suck it up and go some more. But, I don't honestly know how much more I can suck it up. At what point does the human actually break and totally lose it? I don't know, but I really don't want to find out, either. I'm trying to maintain a cheerful attitude, and I mostly do - even if it's all for show. I can't let "them" see me break and I can't let "them" seem me in anything less than a positive attitude. I don't want to jeopardize my job by anyone thinking I'm having a mental breakdown.
I joined the YMCA so I could go exercise - and I fully intend to get up in the mornings and go. But by the time morning rolls around, I've had such a rough night that I cannot get myself out of bed or motivated. I'm so busy taking care of everyone else (mostly Ron) that I have no time or desire to take care of me. I want to - I just don't "want" to. Does that make sense? Ron says I'm just too tired. My hip hurts, my shoulders hurt, my back hurts, my neck hurts (upper shoulders down through my mid-back). I just don't know what to do with me so I do nothing.
I know I sound depressed and I probably am - a little bit anyway. I don't know how anyone could live my life and not have at least a bit of depression affect them. Just got to keep the faith and keep putting one foot in front of the other - day in and day out. I just know know how much longer these "feet" are going to do the walking.
I really want to lose more weight and feel better about myself, in clothes and out (LOL - TMI!) but until something else in this life gives a bit, I don't see where or how I can do that. Ron's supposed to go back into the scooter and not walk for the next two weeks so loading and unloading that will maybe boost my metabolism again. Or not... He is also supposed to see the brace guy on Monday afternoon to see if he can modify this walking cast to take the pressure off the outside of the foot. I put it on Ron this morning and before I head to work, I want to see if he can walk in it and make sure that he's not bleeding through the dressing again. If he can't walk well enough in it, I'll be bringing the scooter into the house.
We're going to see Shaun and Jenny over Memorial Day weekend so he's got to be mobile by then. We're not planning on taking the scooter because of travel concerns with it. I may need to re-think things but at this point, I'm planning for a positive outcome.
I'm sure you all will get to (or have to) hear all about it in the next few weeks. LOL - sorry... You're all my sounding board as I sure can't tell Ron what all is on my mind. He already feels guilty enough that I have to do as much as I do.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
And then, there were 11!
We now have 11 eggs in our duck nest. Mama duck is pretty protective (only natural) but she will let us go in and out the front door. This morning, the drake was in our garage (I had it open as I was going in and out of the house), so I started quacking at him. LOL - he quacked right back.
Can't wait to see the little ducklings once they hatch. I think it should be soon.
Can't wait to see the little ducklings once they hatch. I think it should be soon.
House Preparation
Things my house needs before we can put it on the market:
• Finish the kitchenette downstairs. Rex has the tile laid for the counter tops but there are a few places where they need to have some more grout added. Once that is done, Amy and I can finish staining the cabinets and Rex can hook up the plumbing to the sink.
• Clean the fridge. This has dust from the tile saw and just needs a good wipe-down.
• Finish painting the downstairs ceiling. Most of this is finished but there are still some places in the middle that are not finished.
• Clean up the floors downstairs so carpet can be laid. Carpet needs to be ordered and paid for, first. Hmmm… That presents a tiny bit of a problem but not terrible – just need some extra funds.
• Hang the curtain at the other family room window. It’s bought – just needs to be hung. Me on a ladder doesn’t go over so well, unless I’m speaking “over” in a completely literal sense.
• Add caulking to Isaiah’s window. For some reason, there’s breeze blowing in there. Got the caulk; just need to get it added.
• Replace light bulbs. This sounds like a no-brainer, but let me repeat… Me on a ladder doesn’t go over so well.
• Clean and organize the garage. Get things ready for the garage sale. Sort through Ron’s tools and figure out which ones are going and which ones are staying. The first pile should be the biggest. I hope. Trying to part a man from his tools is like trying to part a man from his tools.
• Stretch and clean carpet. Doesn’t sound like that big of a deal to get this done; just need to find who does it and how much it will cost.
• Outside beautification. The ducks probably don’t count as beautification. Mama duck is pretty adamant that I’m not getting in that flower bed anytime soon. So, will see what can be done on the other side of the sidewalk. Would like some stuff done in back, especially around the utility stuff but not sure what.
• Clean stuff off the deck. Only thing I want left on there is the grill. Need to get a little table for 2 and a couple of chairs. Not sure that is in my budget, though. Wait… I don’t have a budget. I’m “stealing from Peter to pay Paul” as it is.
• Touch up painting and wall repair on the inside. You know how wheelchairs can scuff up walls and doors? You don’t? Well, come on over to my house and let me show you. While you’re there, don’t be surprised if I put you to work.
• Replace the sink and faucet in the kitchen. These are purchased (thank you, Amy) and ready; just need to be installed.
• Paint Isaiah’s room a lighter color. Great color for a kid and it’s decorated so cutely with Cars-themed things. We love it, but as they say in the business sometimes you have to impersonalize something to make it attractive to others.
Who wants to be my knight(s) in shining armor and take care of these “little” things for me??? LOL!
Amy also has to decide on what she’s actually moving up to Rex’s. The light in Isaiah’s room needs to be replaced. It’s adorable, but not suitable for a basement bedroom. Need to get that swapped out so it can go in the garage sale pile. I know Amy has a buffet/china hutch that she’s going to sell. We have a coffee table, 2 end tables, and a sofa table set that I want to sell. I may also put my dining room and hutch set up for sale. We don’t need that big of a table and I don’t want to pay to move it. I also have a bedroom set – solid Oak – for sale. It’s a four poster bed (big headboard and foot board), triple dresser, mirror, and nightstand. It had two nightstands but Ron spilled water on the top of one so it’s not worth anything to sell. The mattress is nearly new (pillow top) and it cost $800 just by itself. I hope I can get $1,000 for the set. Amy thinks it’s too old to get that much money, but something made like that is pretty timeless and it’s still in perfect condition (I am a very careful person). We bought it in 1996 and, although we had two other pieces (a wardrobe and a tall dresser) that we have since sold, we paid almost $5,000 for the whole set. That was also without a mattress.
The garage sale should have a ton of household stuff in it. I am totally downsizing and only keeping things that really mean something to me and would be too hard to replace.
Like Ron.
• Finish the kitchenette downstairs. Rex has the tile laid for the counter tops but there are a few places where they need to have some more grout added. Once that is done, Amy and I can finish staining the cabinets and Rex can hook up the plumbing to the sink.
• Clean the fridge. This has dust from the tile saw and just needs a good wipe-down.
• Finish painting the downstairs ceiling. Most of this is finished but there are still some places in the middle that are not finished.
• Clean up the floors downstairs so carpet can be laid. Carpet needs to be ordered and paid for, first. Hmmm… That presents a tiny bit of a problem but not terrible – just need some extra funds.
• Hang the curtain at the other family room window. It’s bought – just needs to be hung. Me on a ladder doesn’t go over so well, unless I’m speaking “over” in a completely literal sense.
• Add caulking to Isaiah’s window. For some reason, there’s breeze blowing in there. Got the caulk; just need to get it added.
• Replace light bulbs. This sounds like a no-brainer, but let me repeat… Me on a ladder doesn’t go over so well.
• Clean and organize the garage. Get things ready for the garage sale. Sort through Ron’s tools and figure out which ones are going and which ones are staying. The first pile should be the biggest. I hope. Trying to part a man from his tools is like trying to part a man from his tools.
• Stretch and clean carpet. Doesn’t sound like that big of a deal to get this done; just need to find who does it and how much it will cost.
• Outside beautification. The ducks probably don’t count as beautification. Mama duck is pretty adamant that I’m not getting in that flower bed anytime soon. So, will see what can be done on the other side of the sidewalk. Would like some stuff done in back, especially around the utility stuff but not sure what.
• Clean stuff off the deck. Only thing I want left on there is the grill. Need to get a little table for 2 and a couple of chairs. Not sure that is in my budget, though. Wait… I don’t have a budget. I’m “stealing from Peter to pay Paul” as it is.
• Touch up painting and wall repair on the inside. You know how wheelchairs can scuff up walls and doors? You don’t? Well, come on over to my house and let me show you. While you’re there, don’t be surprised if I put you to work.
• Replace the sink and faucet in the kitchen. These are purchased (thank you, Amy) and ready; just need to be installed.
• Paint Isaiah’s room a lighter color. Great color for a kid and it’s decorated so cutely with Cars-themed things. We love it, but as they say in the business sometimes you have to impersonalize something to make it attractive to others.
Who wants to be my knight(s) in shining armor and take care of these “little” things for me??? LOL!
Amy also has to decide on what she’s actually moving up to Rex’s. The light in Isaiah’s room needs to be replaced. It’s adorable, but not suitable for a basement bedroom. Need to get that swapped out so it can go in the garage sale pile. I know Amy has a buffet/china hutch that she’s going to sell. We have a coffee table, 2 end tables, and a sofa table set that I want to sell. I may also put my dining room and hutch set up for sale. We don’t need that big of a table and I don’t want to pay to move it. I also have a bedroom set – solid Oak – for sale. It’s a four poster bed (big headboard and foot board), triple dresser, mirror, and nightstand. It had two nightstands but Ron spilled water on the top of one so it’s not worth anything to sell. The mattress is nearly new (pillow top) and it cost $800 just by itself. I hope I can get $1,000 for the set. Amy thinks it’s too old to get that much money, but something made like that is pretty timeless and it’s still in perfect condition (I am a very careful person). We bought it in 1996 and, although we had two other pieces (a wardrobe and a tall dresser) that we have since sold, we paid almost $5,000 for the whole set. That was also without a mattress.
The garage sale should have a ton of household stuff in it. I am totally downsizing and only keeping things that really mean something to me and would be too hard to replace.
Like Ron.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
March for Babies
If any of you read blogs on my blog roll, then you've probably come across The Wilson Triplets. I work with their father and have an up close and personal interest in walking this year in the March for Babies. I'm proud to be a part of James' and Maranda's team. As a team, we're trying to raise $960. My personal goal for that is $50.
If you read my blog, their blog, or any other blog - would you please consider donating? You can donate by visiting my page and clicking the link to donate. Any amount you can pledge will help.
Thank you...
If you read my blog, their blog, or any other blog - would you please consider donating? You can donate by visiting my page and clicking the link to donate. Any amount you can pledge will help.
Thank you...
Monday, April 5, 2010
New day - return of old problems
Ron had a pretty good weekend, but by the end of the day yesterday and today, he's wiped. He doesn't know exactly why he's so exhausted but said he just doesn't have any energy to do anything. I don't know anymore.
I changed his bandage today and the hole looks odd to me. Not worse, but definitely not better. Instead of having the normal "edge" of the wound, there are splits going off of it in several different areas. It reminds me of looking at a target through a scope, where you see the circle with lines coming off of it at the 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 positions. He has all of the lines except the 12:00 one, but in that position the edge is rougher and not a smooth margin at all. I know he's depressed and I really try to not show my displeasure or concern over it, but I don't always make it.
It has got to be very discouraging for him. I know - you all have heard me say that many times before. Today I have to admit that I am having one of those days, as well. I'm just tired. Tired of the never-ending medical problems. Tired of never being able to make plans because he might not feel like going. Tired of feeling guilty if I leave him home alone and tired of feeling left out if I stay home because he doesn't feel like going.
I know that he doesn't want me to miss out on things and he would never make me choose to stay home - that is MY choice and one that I (mostly) gladly make. That doesn't mean that I'm not sorry that I'm missing things. That doesn't mean I don't wish that he felt like leaving the house for things other than doctor's appointments. I tried to get him to go to dinner tonight but he didn't feel like it. I've got green beans, potatoes, and biscuits cooking and he doesn't feel like eating that, either.
I know I'm whining and I apologize. But, there are some days that I just want to check out of this life and into the next. That's a metaphoric comment. You know... "Check, please!" Go somewhere else and try that on for size. Just being difficult...
Thanks for letting me whine...
I changed his bandage today and the hole looks odd to me. Not worse, but definitely not better. Instead of having the normal "edge" of the wound, there are splits going off of it in several different areas. It reminds me of looking at a target through a scope, where you see the circle with lines coming off of it at the 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 positions. He has all of the lines except the 12:00 one, but in that position the edge is rougher and not a smooth margin at all. I know he's depressed and I really try to not show my displeasure or concern over it, but I don't always make it.
It has got to be very discouraging for him. I know - you all have heard me say that many times before. Today I have to admit that I am having one of those days, as well. I'm just tired. Tired of the never-ending medical problems. Tired of never being able to make plans because he might not feel like going. Tired of feeling guilty if I leave him home alone and tired of feeling left out if I stay home because he doesn't feel like going.
I know that he doesn't want me to miss out on things and he would never make me choose to stay home - that is MY choice and one that I (mostly) gladly make. That doesn't mean that I'm not sorry that I'm missing things. That doesn't mean I don't wish that he felt like leaving the house for things other than doctor's appointments. I tried to get him to go to dinner tonight but he didn't feel like it. I've got green beans, potatoes, and biscuits cooking and he doesn't feel like eating that, either.
I know I'm whining and I apologize. But, there are some days that I just want to check out of this life and into the next. That's a metaphoric comment. You know... "Check, please!" Go somewhere else and try that on for size. Just being difficult...
Thanks for letting me whine...
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
Blessings to you all. I pray this Easter Sunday has brought you peace and joy and great memories.
Ron and I decided kind of "last minute" to go eat dinner with Rex, Amy, and Isaiah. Rex marinated a tenderloin and then applied a dry rub to it and smoked it. Oh my goodness! It was spectacular! He also fixed Rosemary potatoes, sauteed fresh asparagus, and we also had fresh broccoli, bread, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Yum... I have lunch tomorrow.
I have much to be thankful for this Easter. As I think back on past years, especially those of my childhood, I see so many "scenes" that play across my mind... Kathy (my sister) trying to get an egg out of a rose bush, Dana (my cousin) pouting on the swing because she hadn't found the "golden egg" (worth a whole dime!), Jerry (my brother) toddling across the yard, trying to pick up eggs and put them in a basket, and dressing up in our new "Sunday best." Each year we always got a new church outfit, complete with hat and gloves. I remember shopping for new clothes and having so much fun finding just the perfect outfit.
My parents weren't much on going to church every week, but they did make sure we went. They went to church in their later years, after Kathy died. I am grateful that my parents made sure we went to church as children. Like Rae, I'm not a "Bible thumper" but I have deep faith and know that without it, these past few years would have been insurmountable.
Thank you to all who read and follow my blog. I appreciate your comments and your support.
Teresa
Ron and I decided kind of "last minute" to go eat dinner with Rex, Amy, and Isaiah. Rex marinated a tenderloin and then applied a dry rub to it and smoked it. Oh my goodness! It was spectacular! He also fixed Rosemary potatoes, sauteed fresh asparagus, and we also had fresh broccoli, bread, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Yum... I have lunch tomorrow.
I have much to be thankful for this Easter. As I think back on past years, especially those of my childhood, I see so many "scenes" that play across my mind... Kathy (my sister) trying to get an egg out of a rose bush, Dana (my cousin) pouting on the swing because she hadn't found the "golden egg" (worth a whole dime!), Jerry (my brother) toddling across the yard, trying to pick up eggs and put them in a basket, and dressing up in our new "Sunday best." Each year we always got a new church outfit, complete with hat and gloves. I remember shopping for new clothes and having so much fun finding just the perfect outfit.
My parents weren't much on going to church every week, but they did make sure we went. They went to church in their later years, after Kathy died. I am grateful that my parents made sure we went to church as children. Like Rae, I'm not a "Bible thumper" but I have deep faith and know that without it, these past few years would have been insurmountable.
Thank you to all who read and follow my blog. I appreciate your comments and your support.
Teresa
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Where are Bob and Jillian when you need them?
Like a lot of people, I've been watching The Biggest Loser. I really like that show. This is only the 2nd season that I've watched. I didn't really watch more than an episode or two of any of the previous seasons. Last year, I really got interested in some of the contestants (especially Shay and Abby) and cheered for their successes and hoped for them to overcome their hurdles.
This year, I am really drawn to several of the contestants. Two have already gone home (Cheryl and Sherry) and I am really cheering for O'Neal and Sunshine. And - for Victoria, who just got her chance this week. I hope she can stay for a while. She's done great on her own but having Bob and Jillian there will really help. Her mother was so compelling, asking - no, really begging - the other contestants to vote her in. She had my vote from the minute Ali said the existing contestants would vote for one of the outcasts to come back.
Now, I wish I had someone like that at my house to cheer me on. I bought a Pilates PowerGym last summer and then LeCole and the kids moved in. I had no place to put it because the room it was going into was the room they moved into. When they left, I just didn't get it going again. Now, with Amy getting married (we're going to Jamaica), I'm back in the mood to get this excess weight off and get into shape.
I'd like to be 30-40 pounds lighter by September. Even 20 would thrill me. So, this morning I started working on the machine. I am very sore. Very. V.e.r.y. S.o.r.e. I worked for only about 5 minutes this morning but I was able to go for about 10 minutes this evening. Now, I wish I had this morning's soreness instead of tonight's soreness. Those gals make it look so easy on the video. Yeah, right - it's sooooo easy!
I also bought a Wii game called "Just Dance." I can't even do the novice moves. A dancer I'm not. Never have been able to display any rhythm of any kind. It's funny to watch me try, though - but don't count on getting the opportunity. LOL - these dance moves are for me and me alone to witness. Well, Ron gets to watch, too. We had a good laugh yesterday morning at my lack of coordination.
Tomorrow, I'll work on the machine again. I might take my blood sugar first, though. This morning, I thought I'd really worked up a sweat but come to find out, I was having a low blood sugar instead. Tomorrow, I'll be a little bit more prepared - and do it a bit smarter - to do my exercise.
This year, I am really drawn to several of the contestants. Two have already gone home (Cheryl and Sherry) and I am really cheering for O'Neal and Sunshine. And - for Victoria, who just got her chance this week. I hope she can stay for a while. She's done great on her own but having Bob and Jillian there will really help. Her mother was so compelling, asking - no, really begging - the other contestants to vote her in. She had my vote from the minute Ali said the existing contestants would vote for one of the outcasts to come back.
Now, I wish I had someone like that at my house to cheer me on. I bought a Pilates PowerGym last summer and then LeCole and the kids moved in. I had no place to put it because the room it was going into was the room they moved into. When they left, I just didn't get it going again. Now, with Amy getting married (we're going to Jamaica), I'm back in the mood to get this excess weight off and get into shape.
I'd like to be 30-40 pounds lighter by September. Even 20 would thrill me. So, this morning I started working on the machine. I am very sore. Very. V.e.r.y. S.o.r.e. I worked for only about 5 minutes this morning but I was able to go for about 10 minutes this evening. Now, I wish I had this morning's soreness instead of tonight's soreness. Those gals make it look so easy on the video. Yeah, right - it's sooooo easy!
I also bought a Wii game called "Just Dance." I can't even do the novice moves. A dancer I'm not. Never have been able to display any rhythm of any kind. It's funny to watch me try, though - but don't count on getting the opportunity. LOL - these dance moves are for me and me alone to witness. Well, Ron gets to watch, too. We had a good laugh yesterday morning at my lack of coordination.
Tomorrow, I'll work on the machine again. I might take my blood sugar first, though. This morning, I thought I'd really worked up a sweat but come to find out, I was having a low blood sugar instead. Tomorrow, I'll be a little bit more prepared - and do it a bit smarter - to do my exercise.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday dinner
Ron loves fried chicken. He shouldn't have the skin so when I make it, I usually put a fast one on him and give him "pretend" skin. I do it by creating such a flaky, fluffy coating that when he's eating it, he doesn't realize there is no skin there.
First, clean your chicken, remove the skin, and soak it in a mixture of egg, milk, and butter - with just a little bit of salt and pepper.
While it's soaking, create a batter using flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a secret recipe of herbs and spices. Kind of sounds like the Colonel... But, mine is better.
I use 1 teaspoon each of rosemary, thyme, sage, cumin, parsley, poultry seasoning (it's got some of the same stuff but I use it anyway), and then about 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Pepper (don't measure) and onion flakes (about 2 teaspoons) follow. Then I add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
Take your chicken out of the wet, cover it with the dry, put it back in the wet, and then back in the dry. Deep fry until it's crispy and done.
Delish.
To not waste the skin, I boiled it and then removed and tossed them. The stock got used to make noodles with. I served those over baked potatoes. Side dish was broccoli florets. He loved it.
He has lunch tomorrow, I have lunch tomorrow, and we have dinner one more night. Easy peasy.
First, clean your chicken, remove the skin, and soak it in a mixture of egg, milk, and butter - with just a little bit of salt and pepper.
While it's soaking, create a batter using flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a secret recipe of herbs and spices. Kind of sounds like the Colonel... But, mine is better.
I use 1 teaspoon each of rosemary, thyme, sage, cumin, parsley, poultry seasoning (it's got some of the same stuff but I use it anyway), and then about 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Pepper (don't measure) and onion flakes (about 2 teaspoons) follow. Then I add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
Take your chicken out of the wet, cover it with the dry, put it back in the wet, and then back in the dry. Deep fry until it's crispy and done.
Delish.
To not waste the skin, I boiled it and then removed and tossed them. The stock got used to make noodles with. I served those over baked potatoes. Side dish was broccoli florets. He loved it.
He has lunch tomorrow, I have lunch tomorrow, and we have dinner one more night. Easy peasy.
Guess who (or what) is back!!!
I looked out the front door this morning and saw tracks in the snow. Hmmm... Those weren't there last night when I went to bed, so I peeked out the window and, much to my surprise, saw mama duck.
I scared her when I took the picture, so when she moved, I saw she had brought back some of her baby eggs. I wonder where the others are.
I decided that she might be hungry, so I came back inside and broke up a large piece of bread for her and tossed it out onto the sidewalk. I didn't want her to stray too far from her nest so I opted to take these pictures through the glass on my front door. They don't seem to have too much glare on them.
If I thought I could get by with it, I'd throw out a winter scarf for her to pull into her nest but I'm afraid that she would just totally spook. One of the eggs looks like it's got a crack in it. I am almost sure that's from her moving it from one place to another and then back again. It's supposed to get really nice this week so maybe these babies will make it.
I'm not too keen on having duck poop on my sidewalk, and this means that I really won't be able to work in my flower bed to plant some new stuff, but I guess that will be OK. She makes a nice conversation piece. I can give directions to my house with "I live in the place behind the duck house." LOL!
I scared her when I took the picture, so when she moved, I saw she had brought back some of her baby eggs. I wonder where the others are.
I decided that she might be hungry, so I came back inside and broke up a large piece of bread for her and tossed it out onto the sidewalk. I didn't want her to stray too far from her nest so I opted to take these pictures through the glass on my front door. They don't seem to have too much glare on them.
If I thought I could get by with it, I'd throw out a winter scarf for her to pull into her nest but I'm afraid that she would just totally spook. One of the eggs looks like it's got a crack in it. I am almost sure that's from her moving it from one place to another and then back again. It's supposed to get really nice this week so maybe these babies will make it.
I'm not too keen on having duck poop on my sidewalk, and this means that I really won't be able to work in my flower bed to plant some new stuff, but I guess that will be OK. She makes a nice conversation piece. I can give directions to my house with "I live in the place behind the duck house." LOL!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Nice conversation
I just had a very nice conversation with Skippymom from I Make Soap. We have a lot in common and we both like to talk. LOL! It was very nice to put a voice with the blog. Pooldad and the girls sound like they're wonderful family members to have. You're right - you are very blessed. It's so nice to have such loving and caring children and spouse. I think Wallene sounds charming and I bet she is a cheerful little thing - kind of like Isaiah - always happy. (Well, he's not always happy if he's getting into the kind of trouble that six year-old boys get into!)
While we talked, I made Ron some chili. He's been in the mood for chili for a while and since it is so cold outside, I decided I was also in the mood for chili. Chicken noodle soup is another cold weather favorite, but I didn't thaw out chicken today; I thawed out hamburger. There's a recipe on the back of the Williams' seasoning packet, but the only thing I follow from there is how much water I put in (1 cup). I didn't have all the ingredients of my regular chili, but I think this turned out pretty good.
Today's Chili
1 pound ground beef (good quality; not much water or fat content)
diced onion (or dried onion flakes if you don't have an onion)
1 packet of Williams' seasoning (the size that is for 2# of hamburger)
1 cup water
1 can chopped tomatoes with Italian seasoning
1 can tomato sauce
3 cans red kidney beans; drained
Brown the hamburger; add onion or onion flakes once the hamburger is about 1/2 finished. Drain off any fat/water. Add the chili seasoning, water, chopped tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well until all the powdered seasoning is well absorbed. Add the kidney beans and cook until all the flavors have blended well.
I usually let it simmer 30-45 minutes on low heat. You can add shredded cheese, sour cream, crackers, etc. but we like it pretty much without any additions. Ron would have eaten shredded cheese in his but we didn't have any.
My usual chili has a can of chicken stock instead of water, 1 can of black beans, 1 can of Ranchero pinto beans, and 1 can of Mexican-style red beans. It won 2nd place in a chili cooking contest at work so it must be pretty good.
Thanks, Skippymom! We'll have to do that again.
While we talked, I made Ron some chili. He's been in the mood for chili for a while and since it is so cold outside, I decided I was also in the mood for chili. Chicken noodle soup is another cold weather favorite, but I didn't thaw out chicken today; I thawed out hamburger. There's a recipe on the back of the Williams' seasoning packet, but the only thing I follow from there is how much water I put in (1 cup). I didn't have all the ingredients of my regular chili, but I think this turned out pretty good.
Today's Chili
1 pound ground beef (good quality; not much water or fat content)
diced onion (or dried onion flakes if you don't have an onion)
1 packet of Williams' seasoning (the size that is for 2# of hamburger)
1 cup water
1 can chopped tomatoes with Italian seasoning
1 can tomato sauce
3 cans red kidney beans; drained
Brown the hamburger; add onion or onion flakes once the hamburger is about 1/2 finished. Drain off any fat/water. Add the chili seasoning, water, chopped tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well until all the powdered seasoning is well absorbed. Add the kidney beans and cook until all the flavors have blended well.
I usually let it simmer 30-45 minutes on low heat. You can add shredded cheese, sour cream, crackers, etc. but we like it pretty much without any additions. Ron would have eaten shredded cheese in his but we didn't have any.
My usual chili has a can of chicken stock instead of water, 1 can of black beans, 1 can of Ranchero pinto beans, and 1 can of Mexican-style red beans. It won 2nd place in a chili cooking contest at work so it must be pretty good.
Thanks, Skippymom! We'll have to do that again.
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