what are you doing right now?

[giramomma]

So sad at an article that came out regarding a school board decision.

In 2022, parents are still raising their kids to be racist/elitist.  Oh, not overtly.

When are folks going to learn that we need to do better than just not using the "n" word an/or play a game of educational NIMBY.

Seriously, if I could do it all over again I would have gone into education. Well, k-12 education, and then moving into administration so I could really make a difference.

[raeoflyte]

I forgot about teacher gifts and with school likely canceled Thursday and no school Friday, I'm in trouble. But I'm just going to get target gift cards and dc always gets their teachers candy preference so it should be a quick trip to the store.


Why do I try to work this week? I think 8 weeks vacation would be the way to go.

[Artemis Windsong]

I am fortunate that my cookies from friends are coming on nice dessert plates for me to keep. I do collect larger plates. The small ones are beginning to take over. I buy picture holders and displayed the Christmas ones outside on my patio table. Just a bit of festive. It just dawned on me to continue doing that with the new ones that aren't Christmas.

I admired my friend's small books - 3" x 4". Tied with a little ribbon, she gave me 4 Holy Bibles and 3 other titles. She's collected for over 40 years. I put them under them under the Christmas tree. Another friend has the nursery rhyme tiny books. She used those to decorate the tables at her 80th birthday. I have seen her special shelf!

With all the Christmas cookies and eating out, I'm back to reducing calories. So far, it's working.

What I am pondering. A friend said that since the golf shop is closed on Christmas Day, golf is free. I'm not so sure about the free part.

[TheOtherMe]

I extended my stay here an extra day.  The way it was booked, I can cancel until Dec 23.  I don't like the snow forecast and I am no longer used to driving in it.

Seems like my sister never got the message in her head that the Toronto family isn't coming for Christmas.  She called through FB Messenger to tell them not to come because of the storm prediction and that the gifts will be late.  She wanted to know when are they coming here and if they knew when I am going there.  They know she is not tagging along with me ever again, so told her no on me and they don't know when they will be in Iowa.  

Then she wanted to talk to the Toddler.  He was at daycare.  If you want to talk to him, it has to be on the weekend or evenings.  She knows he goes to daycare.  Oh, she thought it might be closed for the holidays.  No, it's closed December 26 and January 2.  They leave on January 3 for Aspen.  

[TheOtherMe]

Pink, it really hurts watching as you deal with Mister's parents.  It's so difficult watching this sometimes slow decline.  I don't think they had a good doctor here but he was the doctor who delivered my sister's kids.  That gives you the correct idea that he is old.  

It's things like what Mister's dad did with the rice cooking that I wanted dad in a higher level facility than independent living.  He needed to be watched over and cared for after he quit bathing, etc.  I don't know that it would have extended his life, but he would have had a higher quality of life and that is what I was wanting for him.

[swamp]

Dec 19, 2022 18:57:27 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Y’all, Mister’s Dad’s Doctor finally called in the stuff for Dad that he was supposed to have done last week. When we took him to the Doctor last week, the back of his hand was red and painful, tender to the touch, from the IV when he was in the hospital. It had/has a small raised part in the middle of the redness. So he was going to call in some antibiotics for that.

He also said that it seems like Dad is having a lot of anxiety about Mom being so sick, so he was going to give him something for that. I asked was it something he would just take when he’s feeling anxious, or what. He said no, he will take it once a day. 

Then, I SPECIFICALLY ASKED HIM, SO IF HE DOES HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON LIKE EARLY DEMENTIA, THAT THE NEUROLOGIST IS GOING TO TEST HIM FOR, WILL THIS MEDICINE AFFECT WHATEVER CONDITION HE MIGHT HAVE, LIKE MAKE IT WORSE?

My apologies for yelling, but I’m kind of pissed off now. He told me no.

Mister just got home with the medicine and came and stuck the patient info sheet under my nose. The very FIRST FUCKING LINE says it can cause death in older patients experiencing dementia!!! And any patient that takes it must be watched closely because, in summary, it can very negatively affect their mental health. And under all those warnings in that box, it says this medicine is prescribed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 

Why the FUCK would he give a patient that has to go to a neurologist to be tested for dementia that medicine? I’m not a damn Doctor, but I thought to ask if the medicine would cause more problems if he does actually have dementia. Because TO ME, even though I’m not a Doctor, my brain tells me that if something is already going on with somebody’s brain, you should probably be careful with giving them medicine that affects the brain. And the Doctor said no, it won’t cause any additional problems even if he does have dementia.

Is DEATH not a freaking problem?! Or is it that he doesn’t fit the description of “older” because he is 68?

Somebody, please make it make sense. I might not be so upset had I not specifically asked about it. Is it just me, am I wrong to be upset about it? What if Mister was not a responsible type person and just gave it to his Dad without reading the patient info?

This is the man that Mister just realized put a pot of rice in the microwave while I was gone to the Doctor and Mister was still at work. He said he didn’t know the pot was metal, he thought it was a plastic pot. I said (gently) “think about what you just said. You thought a pot that we use to cook on the stove was plastic”? He said “I’m sorry, my mind don’t be right sometimes”.

Lord help us.

DH is a pharmacist.  He has had plenty of conversations like that with doctors.   They don't know shit about drugs.  They get their one "go to" drug and stick with it.   

[swamp]

Dec 19, 2022 23:25:10 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

I bought a container of what I thought was cut-up cantaloupe.
I eagerly opened it, only to find it's some kind of cut-up squash. The label just says courgette, so no idea what kind.  I didn't have my reading glasses with me to check what I was buying.
I've never cooked squash, ever. My BFF serves it at Thanksgiving, and it's usually watery and completely tasteless. Feh!
I didn't  know what to do with this unfortunate purchase.
So, I boiled it, and added S&P. No good. It needed something. I added a bit of brown sugar, a generous helping of butter, and some cinnamon.
Now it's edible.

Mix with spinach, red onion, and craisins.  Roast it with olive oil infused with garlic and oregano. 

Or boil it and mash it up with lots of butter. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Dec 20, 2022 11:01:18 GMT -5 swamp said:

Dec 19, 2022 18:57:27 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Y’all, Mister’s Dad’s Doctor finally called in the stuff for Dad that he was supposed to have done last week. When we took him to the Doctor last week, the back of his hand was red and painful, tender to the touch, from the IV when he was in the hospital. It had/has a small raised part in the middle of the redness. So he was going to call in some antibiotics for that.

He also said that it seems like Dad is having a lot of anxiety about Mom being so sick, so he was going to give him something for that. I asked was it something he would just take when he’s feeling anxious, or what. He said no, he will take it once a day. 

Then, I SPECIFICALLY ASKED HIM, SO IF HE DOES HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON LIKE EARLY DEMENTIA, THAT THE NEUROLOGIST IS GOING TO TEST HIM FOR, WILL THIS MEDICINE AFFECT WHATEVER CONDITION HE MIGHT HAVE, LIKE MAKE IT WORSE?

My apologies for yelling, but I’m kind of pissed off now. He told me no.

Mister just got home with the medicine and came and stuck the patient info sheet under my nose. The very FIRST FUCKING LINE says it can cause death in older patients experiencing dementia!!! And any patient that takes it must be watched closely because, in summary, it can very negatively affect their mental health. And under all those warnings in that box, it says this medicine is prescribed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 

Why the FUCK would he give a patient that has to go to a neurologist to be tested for dementia that medicine? I’m not a damn Doctor, but I thought to ask if the medicine would cause more problems if he does actually have dementia. Because TO ME, even though I’m not a Doctor, my brain tells me that if something is already going on with somebody’s brain, you should probably be careful with giving them medicine that affects the brain. And the Doctor said no, it won’t cause any additional problems even if he does have dementia.

Is DEATH not a freaking problem?! Or is it that he doesn’t fit the description of “older” because he is 68?

Somebody, please make it make sense. I might not be so upset had I not specifically asked about it. Is it just me, am I wrong to be upset about it? What if Mister was not a responsible type person and just gave it to his Dad without reading the patient info?

This is the man that Mister just realized put a pot of rice in the microwave while I was gone to the Doctor and Mister was still at work. He said he didn’t know the pot was metal, he thought it was a plastic pot. I said (gently) “think about what you just said. You thought a pot that we use to cook on the stove was plastic”? He said “I’m sorry, my mind don’t be right sometimes”.

Lord help us.

DH is a pharmacist.  He has had plenty of conversations like that with doctors.   They don't know shit about drugs.  They get their one "go to" drug and stick with it.   

I worked in the College of Pharmacy at UNMC.  They all said the same thing.  

[TheOtherMe]

An over the counter drug was suggested for dad.  He couldn't remember to take it so it was of no help.  

[susana1954]

weltschmerz , down here in the South, we generally love squash.  But it is typically yellow summer squash and zucchini.  I wouldn't begin to know how to cook the one you pictured, but some of the ladies at church make bread with it.  So your recipe sounds close to what they probably do to make it edible.  

I decided to make a list of "yearly" expenses that I generally cash flow on a month-to-month basis.  This is everything from the safety deposit box rental to Costco membership to Penny's monthly vet expenses to filters for the refrigerator.  It does not include internet or prescription copays or anything I pay every month.

$3000!  And I really couldn't see anything I could eliminate.  I am not a fan of monthly subscriptions so I am still using a 2015 copy of Quicken.  It does include car insurance, umbrella insurance, and pest control.  But still . . . !!!!

So I called my internet provider, and the customer representative lowered my internet/house phone by $25 a month for 12 months.  They also sent me an application to apply for a federal subsidy!  I don't begin to qualify, but it was nice of her to look out for me.  I have only been their customer for 18 years.

[andi9899]

Dec 19, 2022 19:07:30 GMT -5 giramomma said:

I kept down a popsicle and jello.

I've also slept most of the day.

I need to g back to sleep.

Feel better soon!

[andi9899]

Dec 19, 2022 20:48:35 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Oh my, there is a lot to read about Adult Day Care here, I’m going to wait until tomorrow morning to read all that, because my brain is pretty much done for tonight. 

But I am relieved that if that’s something that will work for Mister’s Dad, we have an option. Even if we have to pay for it. And I say that without having any kind of idea how much it costs, so that includes “if we can afford it”.

I would rather do something like that if possible, than have someone in my house 9 hours/day to be with him.

I don't know if you said this, but is Mister’s job one that can be done from home at least a day or two per week? I know yours isn't, but can't remember about his.

[bean29]

Dec 19, 2022 23:25:10 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

I bought a container of what I thought was cut-up cantaloupe.
I eagerly opened it, only to find it's some kind of cut-up squash. The label just says courgette, so no idea what kind.  I didn't have my reading glasses with me to check what I was buying.
I've never cooked squash, ever. My BFF serves it at Thanksgiving, and it's usually watery and completely tasteless. Feh!
I didn't  know what to do with this unfortunate purchase.
So, I boiled it, and added S&P. No good. It needed something. I added a bit of brown sugar, a generous helping of butter, and some cinnamon.
Now it's edible.

My family always adds butter and maple syrup- but they like butternut squash.  I don't like the texture, so it is something I do not ever eat.  Glad you were able to fix it up.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Dec 20, 2022 6:12:28 GMT -5 finnime said:

I know it's absurdly difficult, Pink Cashmere . Mister's parents ideally would have a geriatrician or at least a skilled internist/family medicine doctor or nurse practitioner who cared for them. People go on for many years with barely adequate medical care. Problems are only clarified by a crisis. It should not be this way.

I wish I could help.

Sending you strength and wisdom and all the hugs. 

Geriatricians are hard to get into.  Nebraska Med has a whole building devoted to it but the wait list is huge.  It's not a popular sub-field.  There is way more demand for it than there are practitioners.  My dad keeps trying to get my grandma into one and the wait list is ridiculous.  At this point in the game for us it isn't even worth the effort.

She hadn't been to a doctor in years and like a lot of old people her doctor was just as old as her because she didn't trust those young-ins to know what they are doing. 

My dad had a huge row with her about grandpa's tumor removal.   The guy who performed the surgery is one of the top neurosurgeons in the area but since he was only in his mid 30's he clearly doesn't know what he's doing let's get that guy over there that is 102 and still uses leeches.

My dad won that one.

It's rough.  I get that they built up trust with this person and back in their day you had one town doctor who know "everything" but when they are giving out of date care or seem to just be coasting till retirement that's not who you want taking care of you for the big things like dementia, a brain tumor or your freaking knee surgery.   Unfortunately by the time it gets to where it is undeniable, they need that specialized care the damage is done.

[countrygirl2]

Pink, try some of this. Bring your dad a plate, coffee cup, even some silverware from his house. Maybe a bowl he is used to heating stuff up in. Perhaps a blanket and pillow he uses, just some little things he recognizes to use. It could make a difference, he is totally out of his place where nothing is familiar. That could make him feel lost.  I don't know if you want to but maybe even his favorite chair like a recliner or something like that. You never know till you try. That will give him familiar items to relate to.

As far as doctors try to find a geriatric specialist, they deal with the elderly. Ask your nurse for someone, they generally know the good docs.

As far as squash or zucchini. We really like this, it's something I came up with. I dissolve a beef bouillion cube in butter or you can use margarine, then slice and fry the zucchini, I don't peel it just wash. Once it's pretty done, kind of soft, put mozzarella cheese over it and let it melt. We really like that and it can be a meat substitute.

I'm washing linens today so we can come home to clean beds. I always like to do that. I'm going to empty the fridge tomorrow. Today need to take more up to the blessing boxes. I took a box yesterday and some bags and left bread, eggs, on top and a quart of milk. In the box I put potatoes, apples, oranges, onions, and a bag of flour plus some grape jelly.  I don't want to put the bologna or hot dogs in there as I think dogs would get it so goes on top. 

I see someone has put fish taco sauce for goodness sake that doesn't seem very practical. And some fish fry meal, guess it would be good if people here are still fishing in this weather but not something I would give. I have carrots, eggs, more bread, and milk to put out today. 

DD is picking out a few toys to give away also. I'm not sure what she has picked out. 

Hubs is getting deicer and stuff ready to go. It sounds like it could be bad the day we are due to leave.

Ok, back to work.

[countrygirl2]

I couldn't believe the price of eggs yesterday. At Save A Lot 30 eggs were $7.75, a dozen over $5. At the other store which is expensive they were 6 for $2.09 and a dozen at different prices. $3.49 and $4.49.  Then I was at Walmart and looked. $2.57!! What a difference.

Usually save a lot is less expensive.

[stillmovingforward]

Dec 20, 2022 2:44:44 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Dec 20, 2022 1:18:53 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

I want a Soda-Stream for Christmas. I can't ask DS for one. Usually, he buys whatever I want, from ipads to really expensive cookware. This year, he has to pay $10,000 in back taxes from 2021. I told him not to get me anythig.

Does anyone have one?    Do you like it? Pros and cons?

I had one for a very short time. I tried it (adjusting the amounts each time) and I didn't care for it, at all. I gave it to my niece, who loved it.
A matter of taste, I guess.

We love ours and use it all the time. We like sparkling water and don't drink soda. We do not appreciate single serving containers and like being able to reuse bottles. It did take a bit of getting used to.

[snapdragon]

It's been a morning -

Started about 12;30 Am when someone ordered Door Dash and they attempted to deliver to me instead of the apartment complex next door. I was sleeping pretty well before that happened. -- I am going to have to put the sign up again.

Really tired and want a nap sooo bad but I am dealing with paperwork instead.

The headache I have had for the last few days is much better but still present due to weather (I hope).

[wvugurl26]

I got my hair done this morning. My niece is in cosmetology school. The teacher let her use the better quality color glaze she had bought for me at the supply store. It was $30 for cut and style. I think I owe $15 for glaze. I tipped my niece $40.

The last time I went to the spa where my niece works the stylist asked why my niece wasn't doing my hair. That was six months ago, she didn't feel comfortable at that time.

[weltschmerz]

Dec 20, 2022 11:07:51 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

weltschmerz , down here in the South, we generally love squash.  But it is typically yellow summer squash and zucchini.  I wouldn't begin to know how to cook the one you pictured, but some of the ladies at church make bread with it.  So your recipe sounds close to what they probably do to make it edible.  

I decided to make a list of "yearly" expenses that I generally cash flow on a month-to-month basis.  This is everything from the safety deposit box rental to Costco membership to Penny's monthly vet expenses to filters for the refrigerator.  It does not include internet or prescription copays or anything I pay every month.

$3000!  And I really couldn't see anything I could eliminate.  I am not a fan of monthly subscriptions so I am still using a 2015 copy of Quicken.  It does include car insurance, umbrella insurance, and pest control.  But still . . . !!!!

So I called my internet provider, and the customer representative lowered my internet/house phone by $25 a month for 12 months.  They also sent me an application to apply for a federal subsidy!  I don't begin to qualify, but it was nice of her to look out for me.  I have only been their customer for 18 years.

I had to go back to the store (which is across the street) and asked them what kind of squash I bought.  Butternut.
It was quite tasty once I finished with it.
Like I said, BFF cooks it on the holidays, and it's pretty nasty just boiled.

[Deleted]

We had our special Christmas breakfast at the taqueria this morning. We and other regulars were invited to be served homemade foods prepared by the staff. It's hard to imagine but these men and women spend all day on their feet at the restaurant, and then go home to cook great things to serve the next morning. We had chunks of pork stewed to incredible tenderness in a chili sauce with a 2-Kleenex heat rating, tamales, refried beans, flour tortillas, a shredded chicken pasta salad, fresh fruit salad, rice pudding and chocolate cake with a vanilla cream topping. We brought a lot home for snacking later.

I got a kick out of the rice pudding which was exactly the same as my Arkansas mother's and DH's Cajun mother's - rice, milk, sugar, raisins and cinnamon. Lebanese rice pudding uses pistachios instead of raisins and cardamon instead of cinnamon. It's a small world at heart

[weltschmerz]

Dec 20, 2022 12:51:47 GMT -5 soupandstew said:

We had our special Christmas breakfast at the taqueria this morning. We and other regulars were invited to be served homemade foods prepared by the staff. It's hard to imagine but these men and women spend all day on their feet at the restaurant, and then go home to cook great things to serve the next morning. We had chunks of pork stewed to incredible tenderness in a chili sauce with a 2-Kleenex heat rating, tamales, refried beans, flour tortillas, a shredded chicken pasta salad, fresh fruit salad, rice pudding and chocolate cake with a vanilla cream topping. We brought a lot home for snacking later.

I got a kick out of the rice pudding which was exactly the same as my Arkansas mother's and DH's Cajun mother's - rice, milk, sugar, raisins and cinnamon. Lebanese rice pudding uses pistachios instead of raisins and cardamon instead of cinnamon. It's a small world at heart

I wish we had more Mexican food up here, or even Tex-Mex.

[weltschmerz]

I have to take a bus today to go to the audiologist and the optometrist because I need a new frame for my reading glasses. Then Dollarama for lightbulbs and a lock.
Everything is in the same mall. It's a 10 minute bus ride away.
I should get my ass in gear.

[minnesotapaintlady]

I am very displeased with our weather forecast.  I can deal with the -40 windchills, but  6-10 inches of snow followed by several days of blizzard conditions could put a huge damper on plans...like picking up DS from school before Christmas.

[Pink Cashmere]

Dec 20, 2022 11:18:59 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Dec 19, 2022 20:48:35 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Oh my, there is a lot to read about Adult Day Care here, I’m going to wait until tomorrow morning to read all that, because my brain is pretty much done for tonight. 

But I am relieved that if that’s something that will work for Mister’s Dad, we have an option. Even if we have to pay for it. And I say that without having any kind of idea how much it costs, so that includes “if we can afford it”.

I would rather do something like that if possible, than have someone in my house 9 hours/day to be with him.

I don't know if you said this, but is Mister’s job one that can be done from home at least a day or two per week? I know yours isn't, but can't remember about his.

No, he can’t work from home unfortunately.

[CCL]

Dec 20, 2022 11:30:19 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Dec 19, 2022 23:25:10 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

I bought a container of what I thought was cut-up cantaloupe.
I eagerly opened it, only to find it's some kind of cut-up squash. The label just says courgette, so no idea what kind.  I didn't have my reading glasses with me to check what I was buying.
I've never cooked squash, ever. My BFF serves it at Thanksgiving, and it's usually watery and completely tasteless. Feh!
I didn't  know what to do with this unfortunate purchase.
So, I boiled it, and added S&P. No good. It needed something. I added a bit of brown sugar, a generous helping of butter, and some cinnamon.
Now it's edible.

My family always adds butter and maple syrup- but they like butternut squash.  I don't like the texture, so it is something I do not ever eat.  Glad you were able to fix it up.

I think squash is yummy! We grow it in the garden and eat them all winter

[bean29]

DH decided we are going to Mexico with his friends next week. From the 30th to the 3rd.

He does not care that it is a bad time for me to be gone from work. I will have to try to find a dog walker. I walk the dogs 2x a day, no matter how cold it is. Hopefully I can get someone for at least some of the days.

[chiver78]

Dec 20, 2022 12:33:03 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Dec 20, 2022 11:07:51 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

weltschmerz , down here in the South, we generally love squash.  But it is typically yellow summer squash and zucchini.  I wouldn't begin to know how to cook the one you pictured, but some of the ladies at church make bread with it.  So your recipe sounds close to what they probably do to make it edible.  

I decided to make a list of "yearly" expenses that I generally cash flow on a month-to-month basis.  This is everything from the safety deposit box rental to Costco membership to Penny's monthly vet expenses to filters for the refrigerator.  It does not include internet or prescription copays or anything I pay every month.

$3000!  And I really couldn't see anything I could eliminate.  I am not a fan of monthly subscriptions so I am still using a 2015 copy of Quicken.  It does include car insurance, umbrella insurance, and pest control.  But still . . . !!!!

So I called my internet provider, and the customer representative lowered my internet/house phone by $25 a month for 12 months.  They also sent me an application to apply for a federal subsidy!  I don't begin to qualify, but it was nice of her to look out for me.  I have only been their customer for 18 years.

I had to go back to the store (which is across the street) and asked them what kind of squash I bought.  Butternut.
It was quite tasty once I finished with it.
Like I said, BFF cooks it on the holidays, and it's pretty nasty just boiled.

that's an odd looking butternut, from the pic you posted. glad you made it work! I typically peel and cube it up, tossed in olive oil with cinnamon and nutmeg. roast at 400 for about 40-45min. bonus - my dogs both like it as well, so we share

[Deleted]

Back from my errands. Picked up a refill on my one prescription even though I won't need it for awhile, since the sticker price before the annual Medicare deductible is pretty hair-raising. No generics and no bargains through GoodRx, etc. Redeemed a 40% off coupon on another purchase. Bought a few groceries and I see that the grocery store supply pf bath bombs is dwindling pitifully, which is probably good news. I'd hate to think what I spent on them over the last 4 or so years- grandkids love them. Fortunately there was one left last week with a Hot Wheels toy inside and I got it for DGS. On the way out I noticed bags of food that the store will give to the needy at Christmas and bought a couple of those, too. Good cause and look at all the $$ I saved not buying bath bombs.

It's "only" about freezing out there and I can't stand it. And I'm headed 180 miles North tomorrow.

[bean29]

DD says her boyfriend will be gone the 31/1st and she is off 1st and 2nd. My son said he could take them too. I think we just need Dog walkers 2x a day. In-laws are our normal Doggie Daycare, so I think they will be happier with Grands.