Been second guessing myself a lot lately about putting things here.
I never did that before.
Hmm.....
I wrote a post and decided to not publish it.
So here it is Friday mornin' and I got nothin'
I'm going to bring you back to 2011.
Most weren't around then.
Go ahead, more TMI and poor Rick right here
Have a wonderful weekend.
I'm on deck duty as well as watching a lot of baseball this weekend.
Go Yankees!
Friday, May 31, 2019
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Is May doctor month?
May seems to be doctor month and no one told me.
I saw my eye doctor about this damn mass in my right eye.
Bottom line, not getting bigger, has stayed the same.
But I still have very, very bad vision in that eye.
My ophthalmologist is a cute tiny woman with a pixie hair cut.
She wears the best shoes I might add. I asked how the heck she wears these all day. She told me she sits a lot. We both laughed.
When she came into the room and said she was so excited to see me.
Huh? I mean to tell you I wasn't feeling the same.
She went on to explain to me that she went to a conference and brought my information to talk to others about this mass. Apparently, she shared the photos of my eye, my tests, my plethora of things they had me to do to be sure I didn't have cancer anywhere in my body as well as my eye.
She said only 2 people had heard of this. They told her that when a tumor in your eye is fought off by your immune system and then it just kind of "melts" and that is the mass. Hmm....not sure I'm buying that.
Me, with 2 autoimmune diseases has a strong enough immune system to fight out a tumor? Damn, I'm strong! If this were true then I'd like it anywhere else but sitting on my retina.
While she was excited by this information it really does me no good
It's still here. They can't remove it or I will lose my sight completely with or without glasses or a lens in my eye.
She said she still isn't 100% sure what this is. But she wanted me to know that over 30 doctors looked at my info and they were all befuddled except the 2 surgeons who told her the above information. Nothing new since I have seen a plethora of top doctors in the Metro Area. She and I agreed to continue to monitor this but I am not going as often now since it isn't getting bigger.
I know nothing more than before. Except I had 20/20 vision and then this happened. I do a lot of my sight by my left eye and it gets tired.
So I am doing less computer and less phone. It helps me. More than just my eye I might add.
I am seeing another doctor for a 2nd opinion on this Achilles. I love this doctor who I saw once before. But he no longer takes my insurance. I am going to pay out of pocket to see him. I am in a lot of pain. I have swelling. Wearing the apparatus I was given does nothing. I need relief. I need to walk and I need to climb stairs about 30x a day. I can't deal with this.
I do have an update.
I should have articulated what Rick was doing much better on my decking post. So easily as possible, I will say that the reason Rick could not just unscrew the screws is that he couldn't see them.
You see we put a product on this that turned to cement we swear.
It was by Rustoleum. I hated it immediately but I came home to find Rick doing this and not much but the steps left so it was too late to yell STOP.
So here is a photo of where the nails are on the old deck. See 'em?
Yep that is an issue.
So Rick cut the wood which was like cement and it dulled 5 saw blades.
When we could see the screws, the heads were filled with this crap.
I tried to help by removing all the stuff in the screw head but it took FOREVER. The stuff is so hard like a rock in the screw head.
Hence Rick having the issues he was having.
He also was using a crowbar. BUT yesterday he bought a deck wreaking bar, which I didn't know was a real thing. But it is. He came home and ripped out a board in a split second and I have a feeling this weekend most will be done now.
So there ya go....
I saw my eye doctor about this damn mass in my right eye.
Bottom line, not getting bigger, has stayed the same.
But I still have very, very bad vision in that eye.
My ophthalmologist is a cute tiny woman with a pixie hair cut.
She wears the best shoes I might add. I asked how the heck she wears these all day. She told me she sits a lot. We both laughed.
When she came into the room and said she was so excited to see me.
Huh? I mean to tell you I wasn't feeling the same.
She went on to explain to me that she went to a conference and brought my information to talk to others about this mass. Apparently, she shared the photos of my eye, my tests, my plethora of things they had me to do to be sure I didn't have cancer anywhere in my body as well as my eye.
She said only 2 people had heard of this. They told her that when a tumor in your eye is fought off by your immune system and then it just kind of "melts" and that is the mass. Hmm....not sure I'm buying that.
Me, with 2 autoimmune diseases has a strong enough immune system to fight out a tumor? Damn, I'm strong! If this were true then I'd like it anywhere else but sitting on my retina.
While she was excited by this information it really does me no good
It's still here. They can't remove it or I will lose my sight completely with or without glasses or a lens in my eye.
She said she still isn't 100% sure what this is. But she wanted me to know that over 30 doctors looked at my info and they were all befuddled except the 2 surgeons who told her the above information. Nothing new since I have seen a plethora of top doctors in the Metro Area. She and I agreed to continue to monitor this but I am not going as often now since it isn't getting bigger.
I know nothing more than before. Except I had 20/20 vision and then this happened. I do a lot of my sight by my left eye and it gets tired.
So I am doing less computer and less phone. It helps me. More than just my eye I might add.
I am seeing another doctor for a 2nd opinion on this Achilles. I love this doctor who I saw once before. But he no longer takes my insurance. I am going to pay out of pocket to see him. I am in a lot of pain. I have swelling. Wearing the apparatus I was given does nothing. I need relief. I need to walk and I need to climb stairs about 30x a day. I can't deal with this.
I do have an update.
I should have articulated what Rick was doing much better on my decking post. So easily as possible, I will say that the reason Rick could not just unscrew the screws is that he couldn't see them.
You see we put a product on this that turned to cement we swear.
It was by Rustoleum. I hated it immediately but I came home to find Rick doing this and not much but the steps left so it was too late to yell STOP.
So here is a photo of where the nails are on the old deck. See 'em?
Yep that is an issue.
So Rick cut the wood which was like cement and it dulled 5 saw blades.
When we could see the screws, the heads were filled with this crap.
I tried to help by removing all the stuff in the screw head but it took FOREVER. The stuff is so hard like a rock in the screw head.
Hence Rick having the issues he was having.
He also was using a crowbar. BUT yesterday he bought a deck wreaking bar, which I didn't know was a real thing. But it is. He came home and ripped out a board in a split second and I have a feeling this weekend most will be done now.
New Decking.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
They Can't Read Your Mind.
I was left a comment that made me think of something that not only happens to her but most women I know.
God knows I deal with it and have dealt with it a lot in the past.
In ancient times when Rick and I first moved in together, I noticed something.
If I asked him to do something it would take forever.
Oh in his defense not always, just most of the time.
I would say something thinking he forgot about my request.
I mean I asked for this 2 weeks ago. He would then say I was nagging.
"I'll get to it"
Okay then. I wouldn't have to ask again if you'd just do it when asked.
I didn't understand this.
When we went to counseling before we got married I brought this up.
The counselor made me laugh when she said, "you can't expect it on your timeline if you don't give him one?" HUH?
She said you must tell him what you'd like done and a date.
Be specific. He can't read your mind, Margaret.
She repeated Rick is not a mind reader. (well hell no because he wouldn't do a lot of his dumb shit if he were)
She gave an example to say, 'Rick I would like it if you could hang that picture for me by Friday.'
She went on to explain, this way he has a deadline, this way he knows you want it done now or by said date/time.
My first thought was why the hell am I asking him if I want it done in 6 months from now? How stupid would that be?
But I listened to her and I tried it. I mean I was paying her.
By God, it worked.
Rick's response was he didn't realize it had to be done right then.
OMG.
Yes, after my head exploded I said nothing like what was really swirling in my head. Instead, I nicely said I don't understand that but from now on I will give you an exact time.
I just wanted to not argue so if this was the way I'd try it.
I felt he wasn't listening and he wasn't respecting me when I asked him something. He felt it was no big deal and I didn't say it had to be done right now. So he didn't understand me either.
After we learned this we both were aware of it more and that too was helpful. One day I asked him to hang a planter but I went a bit further and said I wanted this planter hung by 5pm on Saturday. That made him laugh like crazy. He said, just saying Saturday is fine enough Margaret. Not really Rick because I wanted it up before company comes so 5pm would give me a comfort level.
He said, "Oh I get that." Good, he is getting it now. I don't pick arbitrary dates and times, there is generally a reason but if there is not and I just want it done, then be like Nike and just do it! :-)
Over the years this has continued.
I never ever ask him to do something without a timeline per se.
I will say things like, "Can you please help me reach the wiggly waggly thingy I can't reach...right now?"
Will you be able to get his painted by Sunday?
And even now when I begin to ask something he will usually just jump in and say, "when do you want it done by?"
So, ladies, it works.
I know, I know, you're thinking why should I have to f-ing tell him this?
If I ask I want it done now. But apparently, they don't think like that.
They think, Okay I'll do it, but the games on. So it gets pushed aside and more often than not, they forget until the question comes from you again and then you are accused of nagging.
So try it next time. Especially when you tell them it bothers, hurts, fries your ass, or insert your emotion here. For some reason every woman I have told this after our counseling session decades ago says it works and has stopped a lot of arguments.
I was charged an arm and a leg for that advice.
So there ya go, counseling for free that was passed on by our counselor.
God knows I deal with it and have dealt with it a lot in the past.
In ancient times when Rick and I first moved in together, I noticed something.
If I asked him to do something it would take forever.
Oh in his defense not always, just most of the time.
I would say something thinking he forgot about my request.
I mean I asked for this 2 weeks ago. He would then say I was nagging.
"I'll get to it"
Okay then. I wouldn't have to ask again if you'd just do it when asked.
I didn't understand this.
When we went to counseling before we got married I brought this up.
The counselor made me laugh when she said, "you can't expect it on your timeline if you don't give him one?" HUH?
She said you must tell him what you'd like done and a date.
Be specific. He can't read your mind, Margaret.
She repeated Rick is not a mind reader. (well hell no because he wouldn't do a lot of his dumb shit if he were)
She gave an example to say, 'Rick I would like it if you could hang that picture for me by Friday.'
She went on to explain, this way he has a deadline, this way he knows you want it done now or by said date/time.
My first thought was why the hell am I asking him if I want it done in 6 months from now? How stupid would that be?
But I listened to her and I tried it. I mean I was paying her.
By God, it worked.
Rick's response was he didn't realize it had to be done right then.
OMG.
Yes, after my head exploded I said nothing like what was really swirling in my head. Instead, I nicely said I don't understand that but from now on I will give you an exact time.
I just wanted to not argue so if this was the way I'd try it.
I felt he wasn't listening and he wasn't respecting me when I asked him something. He felt it was no big deal and I didn't say it had to be done right now. So he didn't understand me either.
After we learned this we both were aware of it more and that too was helpful. One day I asked him to hang a planter but I went a bit further and said I wanted this planter hung by 5pm on Saturday. That made him laugh like crazy. He said, just saying Saturday is fine enough Margaret. Not really Rick because I wanted it up before company comes so 5pm would give me a comfort level.
He said, "Oh I get that." Good, he is getting it now. I don't pick arbitrary dates and times, there is generally a reason but if there is not and I just want it done, then be like Nike and just do it! :-)
Over the years this has continued.
I never ever ask him to do something without a timeline per se.
I will say things like, "Can you please help me reach the wiggly waggly thingy I can't reach...right now?"
Will you be able to get his painted by Sunday?
And even now when I begin to ask something he will usually just jump in and say, "when do you want it done by?"
So, ladies, it works.
I know, I know, you're thinking why should I have to f-ing tell him this?
If I ask I want it done now. But apparently, they don't think like that.
They think, Okay I'll do it, but the games on. So it gets pushed aside and more often than not, they forget until the question comes from you again and then you are accused of nagging.
So try it next time. Especially when you tell them it bothers, hurts, fries your ass, or insert your emotion here. For some reason every woman I have told this after our counseling session decades ago says it works and has stopped a lot of arguments.
I was charged an arm and a leg for that advice.
So there ya go, counseling for free that was passed on by our counselor.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Decking
Rick is talking to our neighbor Tom while putting in the new patio.
(ETA....labor day at this point)
I heard this because I was bringing him water refills and he was stopping for a minute so I thought I'd view the progress or lack of progress.
Tom: How are you doing this deck in 92-degree heat and humidity man?
Rick: I don't know! But I can't let it get to me like these damn boards are getting to me.
Tom: What's up with the boards?
Rick: The bastard that put this deck in has deck screws every 16 inches and they are in so damn well. I am using the crowbar after I am sawing the boards. It is taking me 3 times as long to get out the deck than I ever thought it would.
Tom: But the wood is in good shape right? You can still use your foundation. Or are the boards warped?
Rick: Oh yeah, the wood is in great shape, it is treated wood and nothing is wrong with it at all. I am so lucky. But the damn floorboards aren't easy to get up at all.
Tom: Who did the floor I'd hire him?
Rick: I did. I'm not hireable after this job. I realize I can no longer do big jobs like this anymore. Too damn old.
Tom: Damn it's looking so good too.
Rick: Bite me, Tom.
Yep, Rick got a whole 17 boards in.
Cut around the air conditioner and water meter.
It took him so long to get up the old boards I couldn't believe it.
I kept thinking, why wouldn't you just let someone demo this for you?
He is so damn stubborn. 2 days of work and out of 50 boards, he did 17.
Oiy Vay, it may be labor day before we get to use our patio.
It's one thing when it is about money but this time it is because of Rick.
While we women bemoan getting older. He for some reason seems to think he is 35. I don't get it.
I also know that Rick is handy and has done this type of work his whole life. It truly pains him to watch someone do stuff that he thinks he knows how to do or can do better. He is a bit anal retentive about how things are done. But I knew this was bigger than him. He forgets his age. I know he is far more fit and able body than most men his age. But it is stupid to not hire someone. Once he got the 17 boards of decking removed, it was a piece of cake to put on the new boards. By this time it was Sunday night. He was exhausted.
7 hrs a day in 92-95 degree heat and humidity is tough.
He was so sore on Monday morning I suggested he take the day off and allow his body to chill out for the day. He still has a very heavy week of physical labor remember. He poo-pooed the idea. But after breakfast, he decided I may be right. (go figure) You know as he got out of his chair and had to moan because every muscle in his body was yelling at him.
So we both took Izzy swimming and just did normal things one does on a day off.
His right hand is so sore from the use of this deck wreaking bar. Grabbing his cocktail yesterday was now a left-handed job since he is right-handed. I admit that bad wife may have laughed a bit.
Every time Rick is in this one city he stops into the Sherwin Williams to buy paper and supplies he is accosted by day workers.
They always want a job.
I suggested he offer them a job of tearing out the deck. They could have this done in no time and wouldn't cost us but a few hundred dollars. He laughs but yesterday I think he actually thought about it.
The new decking is in the driveway so when he needs a new board he walks to the driveway. The neighbor who saw him working in this horrific heat and humidity came over to Rick in the driveway with a bottle of Gatorade. She said you need some electrolytes buddy! She too asked him why the hell he was doing this in this heat. Well, it's summer and it will barely be below 90 so that's why. When our business is slow it's cooler but money is tighter so you have to do what you have to do.
You know like hire a guy. 😊
He said the Gatorade really helped him because he was winding down and it gave him a 2nd wind. He was drinking gallons of water. But that probably was just washing away his electrolytes. I told her we'd have her over to enjoy the new deck as soon as it was done. We both laughed at the same time. I guess she assumes what I am assuming.
Poor bastard.
(ETA....labor day at this point)
I heard this because I was bringing him water refills and he was stopping for a minute so I thought I'd view the progress or lack of progress.
Tom: How are you doing this deck in 92-degree heat and humidity man?
Rick: I don't know! But I can't let it get to me like these damn boards are getting to me.
Tom: What's up with the boards?
Rick: The bastard that put this deck in has deck screws every 16 inches and they are in so damn well. I am using the crowbar after I am sawing the boards. It is taking me 3 times as long to get out the deck than I ever thought it would.
Tom: But the wood is in good shape right? You can still use your foundation. Or are the boards warped?
Rick: Oh yeah, the wood is in great shape, it is treated wood and nothing is wrong with it at all. I am so lucky. But the damn floorboards aren't easy to get up at all.
Tom: Who did the floor I'd hire him?
Rick: I did. I'm not hireable after this job. I realize I can no longer do big jobs like this anymore. Too damn old.
Tom: Damn it's looking so good too.
Rick: Bite me, Tom.
Yep, Rick got a whole 17 boards in.
Cut around the air conditioner and water meter.
It took him so long to get up the old boards I couldn't believe it.
I kept thinking, why wouldn't you just let someone demo this for you?
He is so damn stubborn. 2 days of work and out of 50 boards, he did 17.
Oiy Vay, it may be labor day before we get to use our patio.
It's one thing when it is about money but this time it is because of Rick.
While we women bemoan getting older. He for some reason seems to think he is 35. I don't get it.
I also know that Rick is handy and has done this type of work his whole life. It truly pains him to watch someone do stuff that he thinks he knows how to do or can do better. He is a bit anal retentive about how things are done. But I knew this was bigger than him. He forgets his age. I know he is far more fit and able body than most men his age. But it is stupid to not hire someone. Once he got the 17 boards of decking removed, it was a piece of cake to put on the new boards. By this time it was Sunday night. He was exhausted.
7 hrs a day in 92-95 degree heat and humidity is tough.
He was so sore on Monday morning I suggested he take the day off and allow his body to chill out for the day. He still has a very heavy week of physical labor remember. He poo-pooed the idea. But after breakfast, he decided I may be right. (go figure) You know as he got out of his chair and had to moan because every muscle in his body was yelling at him.
So we both took Izzy swimming and just did normal things one does on a day off.
His right hand is so sore from the use of this deck wreaking bar. Grabbing his cocktail yesterday was now a left-handed job since he is right-handed. I admit that bad wife may have laughed a bit.
Every time Rick is in this one city he stops into the Sherwin Williams to buy paper and supplies he is accosted by day workers.
They always want a job.
I suggested he offer them a job of tearing out the deck. They could have this done in no time and wouldn't cost us but a few hundred dollars. He laughs but yesterday I think he actually thought about it.
The new decking is in the driveway so when he needs a new board he walks to the driveway. The neighbor who saw him working in this horrific heat and humidity came over to Rick in the driveway with a bottle of Gatorade. She said you need some electrolytes buddy! She too asked him why the hell he was doing this in this heat. Well, it's summer and it will barely be below 90 so that's why. When our business is slow it's cooler but money is tighter so you have to do what you have to do.
You know like hire a guy. 😊
He said the Gatorade really helped him because he was winding down and it gave him a 2nd wind. He was drinking gallons of water. But that probably was just washing away his electrolytes. I told her we'd have her over to enjoy the new deck as soon as it was done. We both laughed at the same time. I guess she assumes what I am assuming.
Poor bastard.
Friday, May 24, 2019
TMI
This falls under TMI...you've been warned
I have a bladder/UTI infection. I had one when at my fathers funeral.
My sister gave me her script and I took it and was doing far better.
At one point they began a prayer & they were waiting on me who was AGAIN in the bathroom.
So apparently this bugger likes me and came back.
Is there anything worse than having burning pee every 5 minutes?
Oh, wait there is, having to walk a dog when you have to pee every few minutes.
Izzy and I were walking as we do and man I had to go. No woods around to duck into. Just houses. We were about 7 blocks from our home.
I normally don't have her on a leash. She will never ever leave my side. But I always carry it with me. Yesterday her limping was worse so I let her just walk at her pace and chill and smell every blade of grass as she likes to do.
All of a sudden the limp got worse. She laid down on the sidewalk and looked up at me. Oh, I knew she didn't want to walk anymore. But I can't carry 73lbs 7blocks. Not even 1 block. AND I had to pee. I am torn. I am looking at her sad puppy eyes and yet I wanted to scream, hurry we have to hurry, mommy has to pee.
But I squatted down and rubbed her for a bit and she got up and walked a bit more. Then stops to sit. Oh dear lord, I really thought I was going to pee myself. I decided to put her on the leash. This way she'll walk a bit faster. For some reason, she always walks faster on a leash. I know she is hurting but I can't pee my pants in public. Not gonna happen.
I got the leash on her and she got up and walked then we stopped one more time and I stood on the sidewalk while she rested doing the pee-pee dance for all to see. Hopefully, they thought I was a chubby runner who's dog stopped and I was just keeping the pace in place.
Hey, I have to think of anything other than them pointing at the old lady doing the pee pee dance on the main thoroughfare.
I had to RUN. I was now a block away, I could see my house for heaven's sake. I am saying things to this dog like she understands my need to hurry. She did not.
Now I was thinking about those damn "sexy" diapers and how one of those right now would come in helpful. I made it home...just barely.
Later in the day, another damn walk. But this time we had a full wooded area. Izzy and I went into the woods and I had to do it. I wish I could have peed and taken a picture of Izzy staring at me.
She was so confused and it was just the damn funniest thing.
We went waaaay off the trails because I was not going to be seen doing this. I haven't peed outside since camp as a kid. But I had to go.
Izzy stopped and had the funniest look on her face. She just stared at me with a tilted head. It made me laugh out loud. Then I got her to walk home. Whew.
I can not walk a dog with a bladder infection unless I wear depends.
I won't wear depends so as soon as Rick gets home I made him walk her the rest of the night. Thankfully it rained Thursday afternoon and she won't go out in the rain. Thank God!
Here are some other things I saw this week to share.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!
I have a bladder/UTI infection. I had one when at my fathers funeral.
My sister gave me her script and I took it and was doing far better.
At one point they began a prayer & they were waiting on me who was AGAIN in the bathroom.
So apparently this bugger likes me and came back.
Is there anything worse than having burning pee every 5 minutes?
Oh, wait there is, having to walk a dog when you have to pee every few minutes.
Izzy and I were walking as we do and man I had to go. No woods around to duck into. Just houses. We were about 7 blocks from our home.
I normally don't have her on a leash. She will never ever leave my side. But I always carry it with me. Yesterday her limping was worse so I let her just walk at her pace and chill and smell every blade of grass as she likes to do.
All of a sudden the limp got worse. She laid down on the sidewalk and looked up at me. Oh, I knew she didn't want to walk anymore. But I can't carry 73lbs 7blocks. Not even 1 block. AND I had to pee. I am torn. I am looking at her sad puppy eyes and yet I wanted to scream, hurry we have to hurry, mommy has to pee.
But I squatted down and rubbed her for a bit and she got up and walked a bit more. Then stops to sit. Oh dear lord, I really thought I was going to pee myself. I decided to put her on the leash. This way she'll walk a bit faster. For some reason, she always walks faster on a leash. I know she is hurting but I can't pee my pants in public. Not gonna happen.
I got the leash on her and she got up and walked then we stopped one more time and I stood on the sidewalk while she rested doing the pee-pee dance for all to see. Hopefully, they thought I was a chubby runner who's dog stopped and I was just keeping the pace in place.
Hey, I have to think of anything other than them pointing at the old lady doing the pee pee dance on the main thoroughfare.
I had to RUN. I was now a block away, I could see my house for heaven's sake. I am saying things to this dog like she understands my need to hurry. She did not.
Now I was thinking about those damn "sexy" diapers and how one of those right now would come in helpful. I made it home...just barely.
Later in the day, another damn walk. But this time we had a full wooded area. Izzy and I went into the woods and I had to do it. I wish I could have peed and taken a picture of Izzy staring at me.
She was so confused and it was just the damn funniest thing.
We went waaaay off the trails because I was not going to be seen doing this. I haven't peed outside since camp as a kid. But I had to go.
Izzy stopped and had the funniest look on her face. She just stared at me with a tilted head. It made me laugh out loud. Then I got her to walk home. Whew.
I can not walk a dog with a bladder infection unless I wear depends.
I won't wear depends so as soon as Rick gets home I made him walk her the rest of the night. Thankfully it rained Thursday afternoon and she won't go out in the rain. Thank God!
Here are some other things I saw this week to share.
I saw this woman at this computer screen and thought, gee I could see that one without my reading glasses.....maybe.
Did your Dad teach you to change a tire? Mine did when I bought my first car. (18) I've never done it except when my father made me when he was teaching me. So I guess I know how, but do I remember this? No.
💕
Oh, how I love this dog's face!
This woman told Rick this week that his repair skills were off the chart good. I showed him this and said he should charge more and say this. Of course, we both know you can't say this but he did indeed like that idea.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Patio
We put in a patio/deck of wood at our townhome the year we moved in.
Our home was completed & we moved in on January 15, 2000.
That spring as soon as Rick could he built our deck/patio.
It was the first weekend in April when he did this and he did it in one long weekend. Long days but he did it all.
Ah, the good old days of youth.
Our yard had a big slope. So much so that we had to dig holes in the ground so our table was level. Hence the step down into the garage if you can see that. We needed to do something like a deck and that gave us the motivation to begin as soon as April came around.
We've known we had to replace the patio.
The wood is almost 20 yrs old and showing its age.
You know, like it's owners.
Unlike our neighbors who used untreated wood, we used treated wood and our has lasted. (theirs lasted 3 years until their foot with through their floor)
I knew it had to be done but I was really, really hoping for next year.
After the shutdown and the grief that financially caused us I really didn't want to spend the money.
We looked into wood again and we looked into composite decking like Trex. Lots of companies other than Trex out there now.
I did not want to use pavers. Some composites were so outrageous and over 7+K for our tiny little yard as you see here. Those prices are without installation I might add. Just to purchase the "wood"
Our piece of "land" to deck is between both sides of the fence.
As you can see here, not much in area, but a lot in money.
This picture was back in 2015. The wood here has a coating of this product that was supposed to give it life, but it was horrendous but it was on so I pretended it wasn't there and it just was what it was.
Once our neighbors Danielle and Tom tore out their rotting wood deck and put in pavers Rick was saying we should do ours.
He hung over the fence and said to them that he had patio envy.
They found him funny. I did not. I damn well knew he was serious.
I was a bit jealous too but I begged, not yet, pleeease!
One of the steps was shot and as I went down the step the edge broke off and I lost my balance. I did not fall but damn it Rick was out there and saw what happened. I would NEVER have mentioned this to him.
So between keeping up with the Jones's and the rotting steps he was convinced this must be done this year. He was determined.
You don't mess with a Taurus who is determined. You pray.
We spent so much time researching and what is most fun is all the comments we did not ask for but got anyway.
We did the big box stores but found no one had answers.
We called companies we were looking at they gave us their sales points.
Then we began telling people what we were thinking of doing and we got more info than you could believe. They couldn't wait to tell us all the negatives and some of the positives but as people are prone to do, most were negative.
We heard there would be mold on a composite, beware.
We heard it is so hot that you can't walk on it.
Ah, we wear shoes but that is a good point for the dog.
If it isn't sealed pollen will get in the grooves. (who would buy it unsealed? and is that even possible?) The negatives went on and on. Most from people who didn't even have it but "heard"
One guy who has a composite deck said it was too hot on his feet so he won't get on his deck.
I asked if he wore sandals or shoes in the summer. He said no. (in my head I was rolling my eyes) He said he was told about mold but when talking to the person who he was buying this from they said that happened with Trex when they first made their composite. Now it is wrapped and this is not an issue. Well, gee that was helpful.
When I made a few calls to composite companies like Trex and all their competitors I asked about a mold issue. One man laughed and said Trex was first and they did have that issue but none of us have that issue anymore including Trex. He went on to explain the "wrapping" and how that prevents this issue. I asked all the questions about the negatives we had heard. He was wonderful. He was honest and frankly I wish I could have afforded to buy from him. But he was the most expensive one we talked to. The only negative all the companies agreed on was the heat factor on your feet. So thankfully we have a lot of area rugs and that we wear shoes. For Izzy, this will be an issue, but to be honest, she hates it in the back because it is all sun. We'll have to figure that part out I suppose.
We went to the lumber yard and the cost of a mid-range composite vs wood was a difference of less than $100. To both of us, we felt going composite was the right thing to do. This is not our forever home. We hope to be out of this home in 2 years. If we are lucky enough to do that we also know that composite is far better for resale. Yes, I even asked all the realtors who call us to work for them this question. It was a big fat unanimous yes, it does sell better in resale because lazy homeowners feel there is no work or they don't have to replace in a couple of years. Okay, that made sense so composite it is.
So Rick will begin putting in our new deck this weekend.
I insisted we hire someone. But like waiting until next year, I was vetoed.
A couple of evenings ago I saw my neighbor Danielle who just put in the pavers. I told her that because she redid her patio/deck now my husband has to keep up with the Jones. It's your fault, Danielle!
She laughed at me and said, "I think I'm sorry".
I saw her in the afternoon after the composite was delivered and sitting in our driveway. She said, "Oh you'll have a new patio pretty soon."
I said, "remember Rick is doing this, we may not have a new patio until fall"
She thinks it's so wonderful because Rick doing this saved us half the cost. She would not have done pavers she tells me if her husband could do what Rick does.
We were told at the lumber store that if we had it installed by someone it would be what we paid for the composite. So double...yikes. So we can't afford that.
But we can't afford Rick to get hurt either.
I made sure to tell the old man I live with that this doesn't have a timeline.
Take your time I keep repeating.
In my mind I am screaming you wanted to do this and it better be done for us to enjoy the season.
BUT, instead, I insisted it didn't matter and to take his time. It's not urgent. I have asked him many times, you sure you want or can do this?
He laughs and tells me he put the first deck in didn't I?
Why yes you did...but what I didn't say was he was only 43 almost 44 when he did the last one. That 20 years makes a difference
I have asked Rick about timelines before. Once when he put the pendents lights that hang over my kitchen island I asked how long it would take. I was heading to the store and to do some errands.
He told me 45 minutes tops.
I came home 2 hrs later and he was cussing and having hissy fits.
Our ceiling looked like swiss cheese and that is no exaggeration.
After I heard the issue I understood his frustration.
But it took 8 hours for him to came up with a remedy for the issue he was having. 8 hours, not 45 minutes.
So I don't ask how long anymore.
I know what he tells me will never be the real ETA anyway.
I hope to be able to post photos of the new patio before September.
Keep your fingers crossed!✌
Our home was completed & we moved in on January 15, 2000.
That spring as soon as Rick could he built our deck/patio.
It was the first weekend in April when he did this and he did it in one long weekend. Long days but he did it all.
Ah, the good old days of youth.
Our yard had a big slope. So much so that we had to dig holes in the ground so our table was level. Hence the step down into the garage if you can see that. We needed to do something like a deck and that gave us the motivation to begin as soon as April came around.
We've known we had to replace the patio.
The wood is almost 20 yrs old and showing its age.
You know, like it's owners.
Unlike our neighbors who used untreated wood, we used treated wood and our has lasted. (theirs lasted 3 years until their foot with through their floor)
I knew it had to be done but I was really, really hoping for next year.
After the shutdown and the grief that financially caused us I really didn't want to spend the money.
We looked into wood again and we looked into composite decking like Trex. Lots of companies other than Trex out there now.
I did not want to use pavers. Some composites were so outrageous and over 7+K for our tiny little yard as you see here. Those prices are without installation I might add. Just to purchase the "wood"
Our piece of "land" to deck is between both sides of the fence.
As you can see here, not much in area, but a lot in money.
Once our neighbors Danielle and Tom tore out their rotting wood deck and put in pavers Rick was saying we should do ours.
He hung over the fence and said to them that he had patio envy.
They found him funny. I did not. I damn well knew he was serious.
I was a bit jealous too but I begged, not yet, pleeease!
One of the steps was shot and as I went down the step the edge broke off and I lost my balance. I did not fall but damn it Rick was out there and saw what happened. I would NEVER have mentioned this to him.
So between keeping up with the Jones's and the rotting steps he was convinced this must be done this year. He was determined.
You don't mess with a Taurus who is determined. You pray.
We spent so much time researching and what is most fun is all the comments we did not ask for but got anyway.
We did the big box stores but found no one had answers.
We called companies we were looking at they gave us their sales points.
Then we began telling people what we were thinking of doing and we got more info than you could believe. They couldn't wait to tell us all the negatives and some of the positives but as people are prone to do, most were negative.
We heard there would be mold on a composite, beware.
We heard it is so hot that you can't walk on it.
Ah, we wear shoes but that is a good point for the dog.
If it isn't sealed pollen will get in the grooves. (who would buy it unsealed? and is that even possible?) The negatives went on and on. Most from people who didn't even have it but "heard"
One guy who has a composite deck said it was too hot on his feet so he won't get on his deck.
I asked if he wore sandals or shoes in the summer. He said no. (in my head I was rolling my eyes) He said he was told about mold but when talking to the person who he was buying this from they said that happened with Trex when they first made their composite. Now it is wrapped and this is not an issue. Well, gee that was helpful.
When I made a few calls to composite companies like Trex and all their competitors I asked about a mold issue. One man laughed and said Trex was first and they did have that issue but none of us have that issue anymore including Trex. He went on to explain the "wrapping" and how that prevents this issue. I asked all the questions about the negatives we had heard. He was wonderful. He was honest and frankly I wish I could have afforded to buy from him. But he was the most expensive one we talked to. The only negative all the companies agreed on was the heat factor on your feet. So thankfully we have a lot of area rugs and that we wear shoes. For Izzy, this will be an issue, but to be honest, she hates it in the back because it is all sun. We'll have to figure that part out I suppose.
We went to the lumber yard and the cost of a mid-range composite vs wood was a difference of less than $100. To both of us, we felt going composite was the right thing to do. This is not our forever home. We hope to be out of this home in 2 years. If we are lucky enough to do that we also know that composite is far better for resale. Yes, I even asked all the realtors who call us to work for them this question. It was a big fat unanimous yes, it does sell better in resale because lazy homeowners feel there is no work or they don't have to replace in a couple of years. Okay, that made sense so composite it is.
So Rick will begin putting in our new deck this weekend.
I insisted we hire someone. But like waiting until next year, I was vetoed.
A couple of evenings ago I saw my neighbor Danielle who just put in the pavers. I told her that because she redid her patio/deck now my husband has to keep up with the Jones. It's your fault, Danielle!
She laughed at me and said, "I think I'm sorry".
I saw her in the afternoon after the composite was delivered and sitting in our driveway. She said, "Oh you'll have a new patio pretty soon."
I said, "remember Rick is doing this, we may not have a new patio until fall"
She thinks it's so wonderful because Rick doing this saved us half the cost. She would not have done pavers she tells me if her husband could do what Rick does.
We were told at the lumber store that if we had it installed by someone it would be what we paid for the composite. So double...yikes. So we can't afford that.
But we can't afford Rick to get hurt either.
I made sure to tell the old man I live with that this doesn't have a timeline.
Take your time I keep repeating.
In my mind I am screaming you wanted to do this and it better be done for us to enjoy the season.
BUT, instead, I insisted it didn't matter and to take his time. It's not urgent. I have asked him many times, you sure you want or can do this?
He laughs and tells me he put the first deck in didn't I?
Why yes you did...but what I didn't say was he was only 43 almost 44 when he did the last one. That 20 years makes a difference
I have asked Rick about timelines before. Once when he put the pendents lights that hang over my kitchen island I asked how long it would take. I was heading to the store and to do some errands.
He told me 45 minutes tops.
I came home 2 hrs later and he was cussing and having hissy fits.
Our ceiling looked like swiss cheese and that is no exaggeration.
After I heard the issue I understood his frustration.
But it took 8 hours for him to came up with a remedy for the issue he was having. 8 hours, not 45 minutes.
So I don't ask how long anymore.
I know what he tells me will never be the real ETA anyway.
I hope to be able to post photos of the new patio before September.
Keep your fingers crossed!✌
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Joe Walsh and Rick
While working my husband sent me a text today.
It said, "I just heard my new mantra song by Joe Walsh, I.L.B.T"
I text back, what does that mean?
He sent me this 😉
Okay, this has nothing to do with work I don't know what he is talking about. I just figure when he gets home he will elaborate.
Then a few hours later he sends me this photo from someone's bathroom.
He asks, what the hell is this supposed to be? (not the brush)
Here is the photo. Go ahead make it bigger. Any ideas please share.
When he got home he told me the song title showed on his radio as I.L.B.T.
I said I gathered that, but what does it mean?
And by God, the damn fool had never heard it before and had memorized the lyrics and began to sing it to me.
I Like Big Tits. That is the name of the song by Joe Walsh.
Yes, that Joe Walsh from the Eagles & James Gang
I had to google the lyrics to see if he was saying the right thing.
How the hell did he memorize this already and never heard it before?
I ask him this and he tells me well, I'm a boob man it was easy.
Oh my God, what a man-boy.
While the song does sound like my husband who calls boobs eye magnets, I can't believe they made a song about this I say to him.
He said didn't they have a song called I love big butts awhile back?
Yes, they did you are correct.
Then he reminds me I should be happy he is a boob man because I have big boobs.
Then as he does he will repeat the Seinfeld remark, "Why would I be a leg man I have legs?"
He makes himself laugh. I only shake my head at him and walk away.
These are brain stimulating conversations that we have at our home.
But neither of us know what this butt looking thingy is in that bathroom.
Obviously not boobs.
It said, "I just heard my new mantra song by Joe Walsh, I.L.B.T"
I text back, what does that mean?
He sent me this 😉
Okay, this has nothing to do with work I don't know what he is talking about. I just figure when he gets home he will elaborate.
Then a few hours later he sends me this photo from someone's bathroom.
He asks, what the hell is this supposed to be? (not the brush)
Here is the photo. Go ahead make it bigger. Any ideas please share.
When he got home he told me the song title showed on his radio as I.L.B.T.
I said I gathered that, but what does it mean?
And by God, the damn fool had never heard it before and had memorized the lyrics and began to sing it to me.
I Like Big Tits. That is the name of the song by Joe Walsh.
Yes, that Joe Walsh from the Eagles & James Gang
I had to google the lyrics to see if he was saying the right thing.
How the hell did he memorize this already and never heard it before?
I ask him this and he tells me well, I'm a boob man it was easy.
Oh my God, what a man-boy.
While the song does sound like my husband who calls boobs eye magnets, I can't believe they made a song about this I say to him.
He said didn't they have a song called I love big butts awhile back?
Yes, they did you are correct.
Then he reminds me I should be happy he is a boob man because I have big boobs.
Then as he does he will repeat the Seinfeld remark, "Why would I be a leg man I have legs?"
He makes himself laugh. I only shake my head at him and walk away.
These are brain stimulating conversations that we have at our home.
But neither of us know what this butt looking thingy is in that bathroom.
Obviously not boobs.
Fatigue
I haven't been feeling myself for a while now.
I normally bug the shit out of my husband with my energy so he even has noticed.
After dinner, I am the first one to jump up and say, 'let's go for a walk'
Okay, I am second - Izzy is first.
While Rick is normally winding down in the evening I am running around doing things.
I normally drive him crazy with the energy and he will tell me to just sit for a while. So I will sit to appease him and watch TV, but a book is in my hand or in winter its knitting or something. To just sit is not my thing.
But of late, it's all I can do.
I am so tired. Fatigued I would say. It's heavy.
Last evening I had a burger (no bread) and coleslaw I made that I must say was killer. I even had a couple of tater tots which is Rick's thing.
I began to clean up the dishes when Rick and Izzy were heading out for their walk. I said I was going to stay behind and finish.
But I didn't finish.
I put things in the dishwasher and left the things that needed washing in the sink. I NEVER DO THAT.
I went to the sofa and grabbed the remote and put the Yankee game on the ole telly. Might as well watch the game while doing dishes.
I went back to the sink and stood there and thought, nope I need coffee.
So I made myself a quick cup and sat down. I thought I'd drink this, get some energy and do the dishes. But I sat down on the sofa, crossed my legs as I do under me and grabbed my coffee.
I awoke at 4am. Same spot.
Rick told me this morning that he came into the house to find me sleeping upright, legs folded and my coffee cup in my hand on my legs. Amazed that nothing spilled. He grabbed it from me and put it on the coffee table. I never woke up. He then said he pushed me over so I would be laying down. Again I did not wake up. I woke up at 4am because Izzy came downstairs to wake me. She didn't need to go out, she just thought she'd come to nuzzle with me. She went back to sleep. I did not.
There I was fully clothed and had been sleeping since 7:30pm when it was light out. Fully awake now and it's dark out. This was backward.
I am blaming this on my diet. I have not been eating well. Oh, I never eat gluten because of celiac but I have been eating things I don't normally eat. (Grains and sugar.) And not only do I pay for this in weight gain but I think this is what is affecting me regarding being tired. Maybe not. But I am going to start there. This fatigue is really getting to me and I don't like it. It is all I can do most days to stay awake all day.
A friend said it was age. I don't buy that either.
I realize we slow down as we age. I have. However, this is different.
This has been going on for a couple of months now.
I blow things off thinking I will do it later and later never comes.
Again, so not like me. At my dad's funeral, I went back to my hotel to change and laid across the bed and slept. I thought it was just the stress of the whole thing. But now I know something is going on.
Spring and summer bring on the visitors and our home becomes a hotel.
There is so much that goes into this that I have got to get my energy back or this will be very bad when folks show up.
Our first visitors are on June 4th. Second arrive the 13-16th.
All invited themselves. One as halfway point on their 12 hr journey.
The other for a wedding in the area.
So my energy has got to get back to normal to cook, clean, etc for company.
We may have to move to Hawaii for fewer visitors.
Oh wait that would only bring more wouldn't it?
I normally bug the shit out of my husband with my energy so he even has noticed.
After dinner, I am the first one to jump up and say, 'let's go for a walk'
Okay, I am second - Izzy is first.
While Rick is normally winding down in the evening I am running around doing things.
I normally drive him crazy with the energy and he will tell me to just sit for a while. So I will sit to appease him and watch TV, but a book is in my hand or in winter its knitting or something. To just sit is not my thing.
But of late, it's all I can do.
I am so tired. Fatigued I would say. It's heavy.
Last evening I had a burger (no bread) and coleslaw I made that I must say was killer. I even had a couple of tater tots which is Rick's thing.
I began to clean up the dishes when Rick and Izzy were heading out for their walk. I said I was going to stay behind and finish.
But I didn't finish.
I put things in the dishwasher and left the things that needed washing in the sink. I NEVER DO THAT.
I went to the sofa and grabbed the remote and put the Yankee game on the ole telly. Might as well watch the game while doing dishes.
I went back to the sink and stood there and thought, nope I need coffee.
So I made myself a quick cup and sat down. I thought I'd drink this, get some energy and do the dishes. But I sat down on the sofa, crossed my legs as I do under me and grabbed my coffee.
I awoke at 4am. Same spot.
Rick told me this morning that he came into the house to find me sleeping upright, legs folded and my coffee cup in my hand on my legs. Amazed that nothing spilled. He grabbed it from me and put it on the coffee table. I never woke up. He then said he pushed me over so I would be laying down. Again I did not wake up. I woke up at 4am because Izzy came downstairs to wake me. She didn't need to go out, she just thought she'd come to nuzzle with me. She went back to sleep. I did not.
There I was fully clothed and had been sleeping since 7:30pm when it was light out. Fully awake now and it's dark out. This was backward.
I am blaming this on my diet. I have not been eating well. Oh, I never eat gluten because of celiac but I have been eating things I don't normally eat. (Grains and sugar.) And not only do I pay for this in weight gain but I think this is what is affecting me regarding being tired. Maybe not. But I am going to start there. This fatigue is really getting to me and I don't like it. It is all I can do most days to stay awake all day.
A friend said it was age. I don't buy that either.
I realize we slow down as we age. I have. However, this is different.
This has been going on for a couple of months now.
I blow things off thinking I will do it later and later never comes.
Again, so not like me. At my dad's funeral, I went back to my hotel to change and laid across the bed and slept. I thought it was just the stress of the whole thing. But now I know something is going on.
Spring and summer bring on the visitors and our home becomes a hotel.
There is so much that goes into this that I have got to get my energy back or this will be very bad when folks show up.
Our first visitors are on June 4th. Second arrive the 13-16th.
All invited themselves. One as halfway point on their 12 hr journey.
The other for a wedding in the area.
So my energy has got to get back to normal to cook, clean, etc for company.
We may have to move to Hawaii for fewer visitors.
Oh wait that would only bring more wouldn't it?
Monday, May 20, 2019
Water and Wine
As you all could assume, I was right.
Over the years I have explained to Rick many times that sometimes I am less right but I am never wrong. Here it is again in print from the doctor.
The doctor wrote back a long email explaining it all to Rick.
Nothing is water except water. That is what he needs to hydrate his body/organs. Water. Not water with shit in it to make him feel like he's drinking pop. (lemons or fruit is fine)
It took me years to get him to quit the pop habit. (which he did last year.) Aspartame is probably in the top 5 of bad chemicals for your body (Go ahead see for yourself)
Because of his kidney issues, I am forever asking him to drink water.
I don't expect him to love it. But it's his medicine!
After he read the doctors response he looked at me and just said, "Damn it, Margaret!"
What?
"I really wanted to be correct on this one."
I asked, "you wanted to be right or you wanted to be right because you don't wish to drink 2 liters of water a day?"
Both, he responded.
I admit it made me chuckle. I am not doing this to be a pain in the ass to him, really I am not. That just happens to be a fun outcome for me. ...tee hee. Seriously I just want him to live a long and healthy life with me.
I don't want to give him my kidney just yet.
I made him laugh the other day when I told him I didn't want to give him my kidney. He said we don't even know if you're a match. I said I am I just know and damn it you are not getting it yet, so drink the damn water mister! If you don't try you don't deserve my kidney. That comment made him really laugh.
From your comments, I see most don't like water.
While I don't understand that, you all can drink whatever makes you happy.
(At least today we are still allowed to do that, who knows).
Water is the only thing that quenches my thirst and I just love water.
As much as wine actually.
So now you know I must really like water.
Speaking of wine, it is that time of year now where I am drinking Peggy's summer water, or as others refer to it, Rosé wine.
Dry Rosé is my summer jam.
In fact, I had some Saturday.
Because working with my husband and living with him just isn't enough 24/7 time spent with him (oh please!) I went with him on Saturday on 2 estimates.
The two estimates were in the same town and I had birthday plans for the boy so I went with him. He did the 2 estimates and off we went to play.
Lunch and a lumber company. Fun right? For Rick it was.
Rick enjoys spending time in a hometown lumber yard and hardware store like I enjoy a spa day. I don't get it but I'm not supposed to.
We received a gift card to Coopers Hawk 2 years ago from Rick's daughter. We never used it until now.
We finally went there on Saturday. It was nice. We just bellied up to the bar which is our favorite way.
Rick's favorite thing to eat is hands down a burger.
We had heard that this place had awesome burgers.
Rick will confirm now that it is indeed true.
It is now in his top 2 of great burgers.
I had a salad that was just as awesome. I love a great salad. Thank goodness since that is normally all I can eat on any given menu. This one had dried fruit, (cherries) roasted nuts, apple, goat cheese, avocado. Yummo as Rachel Ray would say!
But the place is all about the wine.
So we let our bartender chose the wines.
This young man was so good. He was very friendly, helpful and talkative, but not so much he bugged us.
He made a great choice of a red to compliment Rick's burger.
I knew I wanted a rose and asked him that it just be dry, not sweet.
He made a great choice for me!
Because it was Rick's birthday and I told bartender Josh, he gave us each a chocolate truffle for dessert for free as well as Rick got a free drink.
OMG were these truffles ever good. Very good unamerican tasting chocolate. The chocolate was a very European type rich creamy chocolate which if you've never had is far superior to anything we make here.
The truffles were made in house no less by their pastry chef!
I'd go back just for a sample of truffles and glass or two of wine!
The hell with the food.
And hey, remind me next time to marry a man who is a pastry chef and a masseuse. Just sayin'.....
We will go back to this place. It is casual and nice.
Do you have a Coopers Hawk where you live?
Over the years I have explained to Rick many times that sometimes I am less right but I am never wrong. Here it is again in print from the doctor.
The doctor wrote back a long email explaining it all to Rick.
Nothing is water except water. That is what he needs to hydrate his body/organs. Water. Not water with shit in it to make him feel like he's drinking pop. (lemons or fruit is fine)
It took me years to get him to quit the pop habit. (which he did last year.) Aspartame is probably in the top 5 of bad chemicals for your body (Go ahead see for yourself)
Because of his kidney issues, I am forever asking him to drink water.
I don't expect him to love it. But it's his medicine!
After he read the doctors response he looked at me and just said, "Damn it, Margaret!"
What?
"I really wanted to be correct on this one."
I asked, "you wanted to be right or you wanted to be right because you don't wish to drink 2 liters of water a day?"
Both, he responded.
I admit it made me chuckle. I am not doing this to be a pain in the ass to him, really I am not. That just happens to be a fun outcome for me. ...tee hee. Seriously I just want him to live a long and healthy life with me.
I don't want to give him my kidney just yet.
I made him laugh the other day when I told him I didn't want to give him my kidney. He said we don't even know if you're a match. I said I am I just know and damn it you are not getting it yet, so drink the damn water mister! If you don't try you don't deserve my kidney. That comment made him really laugh.
From your comments, I see most don't like water.
While I don't understand that, you all can drink whatever makes you happy.
(At least today we are still allowed to do that, who knows).
Water is the only thing that quenches my thirst and I just love water.
As much as wine actually.
So now you know I must really like water.
Speaking of wine, it is that time of year now where I am drinking Peggy's summer water, or as others refer to it, Rosé wine.
Dry Rosé is my summer jam.
In fact, I had some Saturday.
Because working with my husband and living with him just isn't enough 24/7 time spent with him (oh please!) I went with him on Saturday on 2 estimates.
The two estimates were in the same town and I had birthday plans for the boy so I went with him. He did the 2 estimates and off we went to play.
Lunch and a lumber company. Fun right? For Rick it was.
Rick enjoys spending time in a hometown lumber yard and hardware store like I enjoy a spa day. I don't get it but I'm not supposed to.
We received a gift card to Coopers Hawk 2 years ago from Rick's daughter. We never used it until now.
We finally went there on Saturday. It was nice. We just bellied up to the bar which is our favorite way.
Rick's favorite thing to eat is hands down a burger.
We had heard that this place had awesome burgers.
Rick will confirm now that it is indeed true.
It is now in his top 2 of great burgers.
I had a salad that was just as awesome. I love a great salad. Thank goodness since that is normally all I can eat on any given menu. This one had dried fruit, (cherries) roasted nuts, apple, goat cheese, avocado. Yummo as Rachel Ray would say!
But the place is all about the wine.
So we let our bartender chose the wines.
This young man was so good. He was very friendly, helpful and talkative, but not so much he bugged us.
He made a great choice of a red to compliment Rick's burger.
I knew I wanted a rose and asked him that it just be dry, not sweet.
He made a great choice for me!
Because it was Rick's birthday and I told bartender Josh, he gave us each a chocolate truffle for dessert for free as well as Rick got a free drink.
OMG were these truffles ever good. Very good unamerican tasting chocolate. The chocolate was a very European type rich creamy chocolate which if you've never had is far superior to anything we make here.
The truffles were made in house no less by their pastry chef!
I'd go back just for a sample of truffles and glass or two of wine!
The hell with the food.
And hey, remind me next time to marry a man who is a pastry chef and a masseuse. Just sayin'.....
We will go back to this place. It is casual and nice.
Do you have a Coopers Hawk where you live?
Friday, May 17, 2019
Randomness
I had a post all queued up to be published this morning.
But at 11pm I deleted it. I just didn't need to put that out there.
Politics are getting to me and I prefer to keep them off here for the most part.
It's getting harder and harder though.
This morning Rick text me about the first job of the day.
He used the word 'lollygag'.
I wrote back to Grandpa and said, my goodness that is an old word I haven't heard in a long time where did you pull that out of?
He texts back that he is not a grandpa and just because his vocabulary is broader than mine I shouldn't make fun of him.
So I wrote back that he is indeed old and he will be 64 on Sunday remember?
I don't use those words mister because I am younger than you.
I got a finger emoji back.
I wrote back that I was going to HR about him.
Fun work shit at 8am. God isn't it 5pm yet?
_____________
I am going to lament about my hair for a moment.
I hate it.
The end.
Today is a hat day. Besides it is going to rain all day and walking a dog I might as well have on my NYY baseball cap right?
I only have about 6 more months of ugly grow out to go. Oh dear.
______________
I saw a segment on The Today Show that I thought was really cool.
It is a restaurant in Connecticut where you get 3 books for free with your meal.
It is part library and part restaurant. You can search for a book for yourself or someone else. Kids books, adult books. I'd so eat there!
______________
Rick's birthday is Sunday and he usually wants this particular cake or peanut butter pie with a chocolate cookie crust.
I'm going for the peanut butter pie this year.
After his visit to the doctors yesterday he now will try to diet after his birthday weekend. That usually lasts 2 weeks and then he will whine, "I just can't do it anymore."
I have been nagging him about his weight of late. He won't listen to me.
He came home from the doctors yesterday and he told me that she really gave it to him for his recent weight gain.
Stress eating or not, stop it she told him.
She also needs him to drink more water.
(Rick has stage 3 kidney disease and it's been holding steady)
So my husband thinks drinking water means, kool-aid, coffee, and Buble.
Okay, kool-aid is made with water but it's not drinking water even if you don't use sugar but Stevia.
He laughs at me. Making fun of me is more like it.
I told him it would be like me saying I need to eat more eggs so I have more cake because they are in there. This has been an ongoing discussion in our home since his return from the doctor.
Buble is not different than pop to me. It's carbonated flavored water.
Just drink water with fruit then. I don't understand his issue with water.
He needs to drink it - WATER, no added ingredients.
He actually wrote an email to our doctor to have her settle this battle.
It should be interesting. I know she will laugh at us as she always does.
He is convinced I will be embarrassed. I said I won't be embarrassed if I'm wrong. But you will be when you need a new kidney from not drinking enough water!.
Do you think drinking more kool-aid, coffee or buble constitutes taking in more water to flush one's kidneys? Am I wrong? Come on, let me hear it even if the old fart is correct.
But at 11pm I deleted it. I just didn't need to put that out there.
Politics are getting to me and I prefer to keep them off here for the most part.
It's getting harder and harder though.
This morning Rick text me about the first job of the day.
He used the word 'lollygag'.
I wrote back to Grandpa and said, my goodness that is an old word I haven't heard in a long time where did you pull that out of?
He texts back that he is not a grandpa and just because his vocabulary is broader than mine I shouldn't make fun of him.
So I wrote back that he is indeed old and he will be 64 on Sunday remember?
I don't use those words mister because I am younger than you.
I got a finger emoji back.
I wrote back that I was going to HR about him.
Fun work shit at 8am. God isn't it 5pm yet?
_____________
I am going to lament about my hair for a moment.
I hate it.
The end.
Today is a hat day. Besides it is going to rain all day and walking a dog I might as well have on my NYY baseball cap right?
I only have about 6 more months of ugly grow out to go. Oh dear.
______________
I saw a segment on The Today Show that I thought was really cool.
It is a restaurant in Connecticut where you get 3 books for free with your meal.
It is part library and part restaurant. You can search for a book for yourself or someone else. Kids books, adult books. I'd so eat there!
______________
Rick's birthday is Sunday and he usually wants this particular cake or peanut butter pie with a chocolate cookie crust.
I'm going for the peanut butter pie this year.
After his visit to the doctors yesterday he now will try to diet after his birthday weekend. That usually lasts 2 weeks and then he will whine, "I just can't do it anymore."
I have been nagging him about his weight of late. He won't listen to me.
He came home from the doctors yesterday and he told me that she really gave it to him for his recent weight gain.
Stress eating or not, stop it she told him.
She also needs him to drink more water.
(Rick has stage 3 kidney disease and it's been holding steady)
So my husband thinks drinking water means, kool-aid, coffee, and Buble.
Okay, kool-aid is made with water but it's not drinking water even if you don't use sugar but Stevia.
He laughs at me. Making fun of me is more like it.
I told him it would be like me saying I need to eat more eggs so I have more cake because they are in there. This has been an ongoing discussion in our home since his return from the doctor.
Buble is not different than pop to me. It's carbonated flavored water.
Just drink water with fruit then. I don't understand his issue with water.
He needs to drink it - WATER, no added ingredients.
He actually wrote an email to our doctor to have her settle this battle.
It should be interesting. I know she will laugh at us as she always does.
He is convinced I will be embarrassed. I said I won't be embarrassed if I'm wrong. But you will be when you need a new kidney from not drinking enough water!.
Do you think drinking more kool-aid, coffee or buble constitutes taking in more water to flush one's kidneys? Am I wrong? Come on, let me hear it even if the old fart is correct.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Over The Hump
Okay, this one really makes me happy.
I can smell this photo. I love it.
I watched the news the other night - this is how I felt afterward.
Ah Dino.
Now, this is a serenity prayer.
I'm sure most women have seen this. There was a recent event (The Ms. Awards) with Gloria Steinem and this was her quote that was posted on Instagram that she said at the event. More and more of our rights as women are being stripped but by God, you can get a gun easily to kill. You know, killing 'em once out of the uterus is just fine.
If I were dying I know who I'd use my first bullet on.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Wet Vac
It was raining yet again yesterday. It was very cool too, like a fall day.
My baseball game canceled due to the rain and soggy field.
We couldn't continue the work we began outside.
It's been raining so much it's crazy.
Last evening after dinner we walked Izzy for her last very long walk of the day.
The rains had stopped and it was cool but a lovely night for a walk with the old man and his dog. (she's not mine when he is home.)
We came across a woman in her massive yard using a wet vac.
I pointed this out to Rick and we both had a good laugh.
I realize everything is just drenched but a wet vac for your lawn?
We found this rather funny. At one point she stood up and rearranged her boobs and then went back to being bent over and vacuuming her lawn.
Rick whispered to me, well we got here in perfect time.
Of course, he would notice the boob touching and re-arranging.
If I hadn't been there he never would have noticed the damn wet vac!
But go ahead, ask what she was wearing - he will remember the midriff top and tell you her cup size. He is gifted like that.
We got back home just past 8pm.
Just as I sat down on my little corner of the sofa a TV commercial came on.
Rick was now in his chair, Izzy at his feet.
I was only partially paying attention to the television as I was trying to get comfy all while holding my cup of coffee and my book. Getting my short legs all folded under me to settle in and read for a while.
The commercial was for adult diapers that claim to be pretty and dare I say sexy.
They are lying.
Just because you put them on a very attractive woman in pretty clothes does not make wearing diapers sexy or pretty. Necessary, but those that need them should not be lied to and told they are sexy.
As this beautiful woman slips her slinky lacy dress over her diaper the voice over is talking about how your evening is going to go.
It's all sexy music and play.
Just as the man approaches this woman and touches her lower back in the commercial Rick says, "Oh take my diaper off me big boy!"
Which in turn makes the coffee fly out of my mouth across the coffee table much to Rick and Izzy's surprise. It's like it's my milk and I'm 10 all over again.
Damn him, he can even make a "nice" commercial dirty.
And I am the 12 yr old who giggles at him.
Which only encourages his behavior. But that really did make me laugh and it made me look up and see what was happening in this commercial.
Seriously I get the embarrassment and or shame of having to wear this type of garment. But the hell with that, if you need it, wear it, do so without shame or embarrassment.
No worse than a hearing aid if you ask me.
Something one needs so you wear it.
If it is necessary for leaks, so be it.
But don't sell it as sexy, cause it ain't sexy.
My baseball game canceled due to the rain and soggy field.
We couldn't continue the work we began outside.
It's been raining so much it's crazy.
Last evening after dinner we walked Izzy for her last very long walk of the day.
The rains had stopped and it was cool but a lovely night for a walk with the old man and his dog. (she's not mine when he is home.)
We came across a woman in her massive yard using a wet vac.
I pointed this out to Rick and we both had a good laugh.
I realize everything is just drenched but a wet vac for your lawn?
We found this rather funny. At one point she stood up and rearranged her boobs and then went back to being bent over and vacuuming her lawn.
Rick whispered to me, well we got here in perfect time.
Of course, he would notice the boob touching and re-arranging.
If I hadn't been there he never would have noticed the damn wet vac!
But go ahead, ask what she was wearing - he will remember the midriff top and tell you her cup size. He is gifted like that.
We got back home just past 8pm.
Just as I sat down on my little corner of the sofa a TV commercial came on.
Rick was now in his chair, Izzy at his feet.
I was only partially paying attention to the television as I was trying to get comfy all while holding my cup of coffee and my book. Getting my short legs all folded under me to settle in and read for a while.
The commercial was for adult diapers that claim to be pretty and dare I say sexy.
They are lying.
Just because you put them on a very attractive woman in pretty clothes does not make wearing diapers sexy or pretty. Necessary, but those that need them should not be lied to and told they are sexy.
As this beautiful woman slips her slinky lacy dress over her diaper the voice over is talking about how your evening is going to go.
It's all sexy music and play.
Just as the man approaches this woman and touches her lower back in the commercial Rick says, "Oh take my diaper off me big boy!"
Which in turn makes the coffee fly out of my mouth across the coffee table much to Rick and Izzy's surprise. It's like it's my milk and I'm 10 all over again.
Damn him, he can even make a "nice" commercial dirty.
And I am the 12 yr old who giggles at him.
Which only encourages his behavior. But that really did make me laugh and it made me look up and see what was happening in this commercial.
Seriously I get the embarrassment and or shame of having to wear this type of garment. But the hell with that, if you need it, wear it, do so without shame or embarrassment.
No worse than a hearing aid if you ask me.
Something one needs so you wear it.
If it is necessary for leaks, so be it.
But don't sell it as sexy, cause it ain't sexy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)