Poor Jim's Gut!

So yesterday, Jim finally had his CT and the news isn't great. It was a long process and a long day for Jimmy. He got the call for when he needed to be at the hospital around 10:00. They told him he had to be in at 2:00 to drink the contrast over an hour then wait a half hour for the contrast to take affect and then his scan was around 4:00. When he was out, the nurse said Dr. Flora would want to talk to him but unfortunately, he was running an hour and a half behind and Jim would need to wait. Thankfully, however, they got back to him (without seeing the doc) and told him he could go home, that the doc would call him and discuss treatment.  His doctor called around 6:00 while we were at Shooters and told Jim his abscess has grown and he will be scheduled to have it drained (they should call today to schedule...not sure when). In addition to this, he wants Jim to talk to the surgeon about most likely having this part of his colon removed. He said that the diverticulitis issues will just keep happening otherwise. I've been reading up on this but will wait to hear from the surgeon about the details of the surgery and recovery. The abscess procedure should be outpatient but that isn't definite...we'll see. I'm hoping this can all get taken care of before next week when we're supposed to go to PIB. But...who knows...Jim's health comes first. PIB may be off the table. 

As you can imagine, with all that, I didn't sleep much last night. It wasn't that I was overly distracted and worried about Jim (there was some of that) but my shoulder is giving me major fits. With everything Jim's dealing with though, I'll be sucking that up and just deal with the pain. Sucks though...I constantly have to adjust my position at night and it's basically a constant pain every time I move my left arm. Fucking sucks and it's not getting better. I'll definitely need a nap today...hopefully I'll be able to get one in. Maybe while laying in the sunshine? 

Not sure what's in the cards for today. I'll walk Scout here in a minute and then Reggie. It's a lovely monring, in the high 50s and I'm not sure it's warm enough yet for a bike ride. We'll see. I feel like I need to change it up and get on the elliptical today. We'll see...especially since I'll be walking a lot...that may be more than my feet can handle. 

Not sure of what's for dinner. With everything going on...I haven't made a menu for the week. Guess I should do that but I don't know if Jim will be able to eat or what. Considering what a planner I am, you can imagine my angst with all of this up-in-the-air shit. Oh well, as Maggie just reminded me, I can't control everything and I just need to roll with the punches. 

K - I'm out. I listening to a good book by the way. It's called, If The Creek Don't Rise by Leah Weiss...really good with good readers. 

Happy Tuesday! Later!

Add Birds To The List

I found a dead bird in the living room yesterday so I guess we can add our fine feathered friends as prey for Scoutie as I believe he was the culprit. I'm not sure what kind of bird it was but it was small. Damn dog! 

Apparently there were a lot of storms around Chicago overnight and our local news station is reporting on it like it was our own city. They were showing pictures of some of the damage, and the weather person said about one photo: "Here you can see a car on top of the driveway." Um...where else should it be? Of course it was a car on ITS top in the driveway...he misspoke. Dummy! 

Update on Jim: Friday, he had an appointment with his GI doc. We didn't really expect much with this appointment but of course I should know from past experience that when we're not expecting anything the shit will certainly hit the fan. I got a call from Jim while he was there because the doctor wanted send him immediately to the emergency room for a CT and bloodwork. Here was the issue: Jim's still having some pain (mild) and off and on diarrhea and the doc thinks that his diverticulitis wasn't cleared up by the antibiotics and his abscess is worse. When I asked if it could wait until Saturday (I had been having a cocktail with my neighbors when this all went down so didn't want to drive.) he tells me that he could be septic (though he has no symptoms of that) and he could die. Jeez! The other issue for me with all this was he wanted to send Jim to a Mercy hospital which I'm NOT happy about. I am NOT a fan of Mercy! In the end, we opted to NOT go to the hospital because Jim's oncologist was in agreement that it could wait until today. He's going to put an order in for Jim to get a CT today to see what's going on. This will happen at St. E's (which makes sense anyway since that's where his original CT was done and where his oncologist practices). Most likely, he said, Jim will need to be admitted to the hospital to get his abscess drained which will mean he'll have to be there a couple days. We'll see though. 

With all that, I've been a bit worried about Jim...constantly keeping my eye on him. However, his gut has been the least of his problems these past two or three days. His hip is giving him major fits. He's not been able to sleep in bed since Thursday and instead had to sleep in the recliner or love seat downstairs. I keep telling him to use the Voltaren I got him and he's finally listened to me. Hopefully that will help him.  

The weekend was pretty chill. Jim did go to work on Saturday because he wanted to finish the job he was meant to complete today. He ended up being there for a full day (typical) but at least he won't need to worry about that. Other than that, we just hung out here. I made some delicious ribs yesterday as well as potato salad and crack green beans. We have a ton of food in the fridge so we'll have leftovers tonight (or at least I will in case Jim's in the hospital). 

My neighbors are out of town until Thursday so Jim and I (with the help of their mother) are taking care of their dog. Jim's over there now letting him out. I'll take him on a walk after Scout and then around 2:00 my neighbor's mother will come let him out (she just lives on the next street up from ours...walking distance). Jim usually goes over around dinner time to cuddle and I have my tea with him before putting him to bed for the night. He's a sweet dog and if it weren't for Boo, I'd just bring him over here...he's so easy and good. 

And with all that, I'd best get a move on since I don't know when we'll have to head to the hospital. Keep your fingers crossed for Jimmy and I'll update you all later. Happy Monday! Later!

I've Discovered...

...I'm a messy eater. When I compare my placemat with Jim's, mine is always a mess. My napkin is always smeared with schmootz, not to mention my seat cushion. I mean, what's happening? Is it that I am just shoving food in my mouth and it's falling out or am I dropping food everywhere from my fork? It's a conundrum! 

In Jim news, he's feeling better but still not great. He's got an appointment today with his gastroenterologist at 4:40 so we'll see what happens.  Fingers crossed. 

I had a lovely day yesterday and got a lot done. Well, not a LOT but I got the whole lawn mowed and that's a task. I also took a lovely bike ride and laid out. Today I'll clean the house after walking the boys. I doubt I'll get a ride in depending on when I get the house cleaned...rain is moving in around lunch time. We'll see. 

This weekend is going to be a stormy one. They're expecting strong storms tonight and that doesn't make me happy. The biggest threat is heavy rain and high winds. Those two words are my nemesis. I hate hearing that. Fingers crossed we are spared. 

Ooh, my dinner last night was amazing (Red Pepper with shrimp, herbs and pasta). It was simple, easy and really light. I used linguine instead of the fettucine it called for...I'm not a huge fan of fettucine because too often it clumps and doesn't come in wheat. Jimmy was in heaven. I served it with asparagus and will certainly make that again! 

Dinner tonight will be grilled pork chops, green beans and Right Rice. 

Did I mention that Jim and I finally ordered a new front door? This is a mockup of it. It doesn't show the hardware but you get the idea. I can't wait for it to be in! I hate my front door and lately it's been sticking and the handle is all effed up. Ugh! 

And that's all I've got. Time to wrangle the pups and get them walked. Happy Friday! Have a great weekend! Later.

Cool Summer Nights

I love it when the temps are like this in the summer: Low humidity, cool temps at night, clear bright blue skies and temps that don't get too hot. Today will be the last day for a while with this kind of weather as we'll have some pop up storms tomorrow, ramped up humidity and temps in the 90s. That's fine though...it is summer (or almost). 

It was so lovely to be back in Columbus the last two days. The weather was super, Eva and I got to play a lot in the pool, I managed to get some sun and Maggie and I finally got some in person quality time after more than a year. I'll try to make this a weekly or bi-weekly thing this summer weather permitting. 

The dogs were happy to see me but not like last time I went away. Being gone only 2 days I don't think they missed me that much. They only missed their walks on Tuesday so that's good. 

In Jim news: He's having gut issues again. I've messaged his doc and we'll see what happens from here. Maybe more antibiotics maybe a colonoscopy? Not sure it's the diverticulitis but what else could it be? Ugh! He's feeling okay but just having to be on the toilet a lot (sorry about the details). 

Last night I watch the documentary on the Real Housewife and her husband (Erika and Tom Girardi). I was interested to see what the deal was since A) I watch the RHBH and B) this is a well-renowned lawyer (Peter Coyote's character in Erin Brockovich) who's won billions for people who have been hurt by "the man" and big business. I was hoping such shittiness of character wasn't true but this guy seems like a total snake! And a manipulator and I can't imagine Erika didn't know about some of the shady shit he was doing. Not to mention her name is on a lot of his "businesses" which is not good if she's hoping to claim innocence. Most likely she was just loving living that opulent life and didn't care where the money came from and stuck her head in the sand choosing to feign ignorance. Truth will out!

Plans today: I'll walk the dogs after this then either get on the elliptical or ride my bike. I feel like I need to take advantage of the weather as much as possible when it's this nice. Plus I need to mow the lawn which means I'll be on my feet a lot anyway so the elliptical should probably wait until tomorrow. Other than that, I might lay out and read and relax and hang with my boys. 

Dinner tonight: Red pepper pasta with shrimp. Maggie made it last night and said it was a hit. 

And that's about all I've got. Happy Thursday! Later! 

The Band Is Back Together

I finally got to meet Birdie (aside from the drive-by I got when Trip, Susan and JJ took her to Columbus) and I told Jim ro prepare Boo for a new sister because I’m gonna have to steal her. She’s too cute and sweet.  However, Buster might have a problem with that although he tries to be all tough and gruff with her but it’s just show. 

Anyway, I got here yesterday around 10:15 and from there we took Eva to her fishing camp. There was a miscommunication, however, between Maggie and Eva’s friend’s mom and they ended up not signing up for the camp so we grabbed Eva, shoved her back in the car and Maggie, Eva and I hightail it back to the house so we could hang at the pool and play. It was lovely. 

So Maggie and I discovered how to make homemade Magic Shell (chocolate ice cream sauce that hardens) and man oh man, how did I not know about this years ago? So easy…just two ingredients (chocolate morsels and a couple tablespoons of coconut oil). And I’m sure it’s be easy to flavor it up with mint or peanut butter using extract. A little ice cream a few strawberries topped with M&M (Maggie & Muir) Magic Shell…delicioso! 

So plans for today: swimming, tanning, playing with Eva in the pool (diving games…and Eva cheats). Eva has a softball game tonight and the we’ll have dinner after. I’ll head home tomorrow but I plan on coming back as soon as possible. 

K- time to suit up. Happy Tuesday…later! 

Mmm...Peaches

I bought a case of peaches when I went to Costco last week and MAN are they delicious! I'll have to take a couple north so they don't go bad before I get back. 

So yeah, headed north to Columbus today to hang with Maggie and Eva. (And Charlie but he's crazy busy with work right now so I expect I won't see much of him.) It's supposed to be a nice couple of days so I'm hoping to get my tan on...finally! No other plans while there. 

The weekend was good...pretty relaxing. Some bike riding happened and some Shooters. I hung out with Cari on Saturday and we just laid out in her front yard while the kids played. I did get a nice base so should be ready to go today at Maggie's. We also got the new TV up which wasn't too terribly difficult. However, with my shoulder issues, it was a little dicey there for a minute while I held the 50 pound thing up and Jim attached it to the wall mount. Thought I might die but it got done. 

I'm listening to a really good book, by the way: The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain. I'm about midway through it and it's quite good...recommended! 

Today's plans are to finish up here and get on the elliptical. I'll then shower and give the dogs a quick walk (probably only a mile each...just to give them a little something before I head out). I hope to be on the road by 8:00ish. God, I hope I remember the way...it's been about a year since I've been to Maggie's. Can't WAIT to meet Birdie! I'll make sure, however, that I give Bussie a LOT of love before I say "Hi" to her so he doesn't feel slighted. 

In Jim news: He's doing well. Finished up his antibiotics and will have a follow up in about a week. I'm guessing with the high dose of meds he was on to tackle the diverticulitis...all should be well...for now. I'm sure this will be something that pops up occasionally. He started his chemo meds back up again yesterday and that always takes some getting used to again...they make him extra tired and run down so he took it pretty easy this weekend. His feet are also giving him fits but we're working on that. 

Okay well I'd best get moving to keep to my timeline. I'm not sure I'll post tomorrow but I'll try to post on FB with pics of my time in Columbus and with Eva et al. Happy Monday! Later!

It's Finally Friday!!!

Not that it matters to me really but I'm happy for Jim that it's Friday especially since he needed to be at work today at 6:00. And maybe he'll get off early and we can meet at Shooters! That would be nice. 

Man are the chickens next door loud this morning. I love hearing them...they're funny! 

Last night's dinner out with school friends was fun. We met at my local Mexican restaurant - El Picante - and enjoyed a lot of laughs. There were a few rumors floated around about one of my admins maybe taking a job at another district...we'll see. I don't but much stock in rumors but who knows. The rumor involves the district where my old principal went so who knows...he's huge on recruiting former posse members. I can't say that I'd be all that upset if this admin went and I know a lot of other teachers would say the same. 

So as I said, Jim was up EARLY today. I stayed in bed and tried hard not to move so as to not entice the boys into standing on top of me and kissing me all over. Unfortunately, I sneezed and from there it was all over. That said, I ended up getting out of bed at 5:00 so I ended up making Jimmy his breakfast to take with him. Unbelievable it's pretty light out so after I finish this I might just get my walk on with the boys and get that over with. I'll probably take a bike ride too since the weather is cooperating but wait until after "rush hour". 

Weekend plans: Oh!!! I bought a TV. I got a Sony 65" 4K HDR LED with Smart Google TV. All that just means that it has a high resolution and REALLY clear and bright picture. It will be delivered tomorrow morning and I can't wait. I'll be excited to see what's what with the Google TV aspect of it. Regardless though, it will be nice to have all the apps on the TV that I want to use. (My current TV is too old to allow for certain newer apps like HBO Max and Youtube TV.) No other real plans this weekend. Jim can't drink until Sunday (antibiotics) which doesn't really seem to bother him but he already told me he definitely wants to go to Shooters on Sunday for a beer and Megatouch. 

Oh, I went and got my toes done yesterday. I was sitting there looking at my gnarly feet yesterday and thought, "WTF!?" And so I grabbed my purse and headed up. I only had to wait about 10 minutes and got a nice sugar scrub pedi for my tootsies and they look so pretty. At least I know Eva won't make fun of my toes when I see her next week. 

Okay well, that's all I've got. Time to finish drinking my coffee and walk my boys. Happy Friday! Happy weekend! Later! 

Loves Me Some Farro!

Last night for dinner I made "grilled" chicken and the farro dish that Maggie turned me on to. First, I put the chicken in quotes because instead of grilling outside, I did the chicken on my Cuisinart Panini Press and I'm telling you what, there's something about cooking it that way that makes it super delicious. The chicken comes out perfectly evenly cooked and tender. Not to mention the marinade I used was yummy. Second, that farro dish is scrumptious! It takes a long time to make because you make it like you would risotto (continually adding broth to get the farro cooked, which takes about 45 minutes) but it's well worth it. Add the fact that it has peas and asparagus in it as well! Does it get any better? Well yes it does because it makes a TON and so now I get to have it for lunch! Woot! 

Dinner tonight: I'm going out. I got a message from Jane (another teacher at school) who lives near me asking if I wanted to have dinner with her and Diane (who is in the area house/dog sitting) so we'll go to the local Mexican cantina. Yummy...I'm always up for Mexican. 

I started watching the latest "Dirty John" season which focuses on the Betty Broderick story. (From the 80s; the woman who killed her ex-husband and his wife while they were in bed.) It's really good. (Amanda Peet plays Betty and she's really awesome.) I mean, yes, she was nuts but if half of what the series put out there is true about how badly Dan Broderick (the husband) screwed his wife in the divorce, I can't say I wouldn't have gone a little nuts myself and wanted revenge. Watch it...on Netflix. GOOD! Oh, and if you never watched the original Dirty John, watch that too. SOOOOOO good! 

My plans today: I'm going to start by walking the dogs after posting. I think I may be able to get in a bike ride after that if the rain holds off. Speaking of which, I walked the boys yesterday in the rain and it was actually quite lovely. It was pouring by the time I got to Boo but he was fine with it. Anyway, after I bike ride, I'll shower and head to Costco I think. Jim needs new socks and I could use a few things from there as well. I'll then head over to Best Buy and do a little research on TVs. We'll see...the TV as it is now doesn't drive me nuts but more and more I notice the sun spot that's there. There is a possible fix but I just don't think it's worth it considering the TV is at least 8 years old. I'll also head to Kohls to get some shorts and look at shoes (I need new sneakers). 

And that's all I've got. Time to get a move on. Happy Thursday!!! Later!

Another Rainy Day

I'm just about over this rainy, cloudy weather! I am pale as shit and not happy about it! That will hopefully be remedied by this weekend or at the latest next week. The plan - if the weather cooperates - is to head to Maggie's on Monday and spend some time in Columbus. Fingers crossed that the weather forecast doesn't change. 

Speaking of weather - can I just tell you how annoying the weather forecasters were? They kept talking about the rain moving in at lunch time so of course, I hightailed it through my walk with the boys so I could haul ass and mow the lawn and then bike ride. I got it all in by 10:30 and then guess what? Yep, it never rained...until late evening. Ridiculous. I mean, I nearly killed myself getting everything done. But...at least I was done with all my shit by 10:30 and could then relax. So I guess I shouldn't really be bitching. 

My plans today: I finally got to have breakfast with Jimmy. These past two days, he's had to be at work at 6:00 so I didn't get a chance to feed him. Today, however, he doesn't need to be in until 7:00 so at least I'll know he's eaten today. After this, I'll either walk the dogs (if the rain holds off) or get on the elliptical. Then I'll clean the house. I need to get my closet cleaned out and with it being a rainy day, it might be the perfect time for that but we'll see. From there I'll just chill...read, watch some TV...who knows? 

Jimmy's feeling good. He's got about 1 day left in his antibiotics for his diverticulitis. Hopefully that will be the end of that. It's hard to tell though since he never really had many symptoms. 

Dinner tonight: Let me preface...I was sitting here typing and Jim was getting up from the table, having finished his breakfast. I told him to go to the fridge and tell me what the last thing on the list was (the dinner menu). So he goes up and squints and says, "CORN FLAKES!" I said, "It's not corn flakes...look again." He said, "Muir! It says corn flakes!" I said, "What does it say under 'Friday'?" He said, "You don't have a menu up and it says CORN FLAKES!" So of course I have to get up and look and I say, "It says FRIDAY, Bratts/Metts corn fries...dummy!" I mean dude! It's a menu, not a grocery list! Obvious by the fact that there's a list of each day, underlined, and then a meal underneath! He acts like a dummy on purpose, doesn't he? 

Anyway, I'm not going to do Bratts/Metts until Friday so I think tonight I'll make the Farro dish with asparagus and peas with a grilled chicken. I've made chicken the last two days but that's okay...Jim doesn't care. 

Right, so I'm off...it's not raining so I think I can get a walk in with the boys. Happy Wednesday! Later!m

Ouch!!! My Shoulder!!!

So my shoulder just isn't getting better. In fact, yesterday it pained me more than it has since it started hurting. Sleeping was ROUGH last night too. I'm on the fence as to what to do about it. Here's the issue: I'm pretty sure it's a torn labrum but to get it checked out again after so many years (2015) I know I'll have to get an MRI with contrast. The last time this happened, I was in so much pain from the shot of contrast that it made me cry and I don't want to do that again just to find out that I have a partially torn labrum and need PT. Here's the other issue: I'm worried that there's something else going on. What if it is worse and needs surgery. Beause I can tell you that if I move it in a certain way, it feels like it's about to pop out of joint. Ugh! So what I might do is try some exercises specific for a labral tear and hope that things get better. We'll see.

I emailed the lawyer yesterday about the crazy parent trial telling her I was available on July 12th. Well, apparently the judge needs all of those involved to be there and because some aren't available on that day, they need to put in for a continuance. I then need to let her know which Mondays I'm available so she can coordinate it with the other witnesses. What a pain in the ass. I don't see this happening this summer since, well, it's summer and people have vacations planned. Annoying. And then, if it goes into the school year, I'm not taking a personal day or a sick day for this shit!

So my plans for today: It's going to start raining around lunch time so before then I need to mow both the front and back yard (it's so long) and walk the boys. I'll probably walk the boys after I finish here then mow the lawn. Then maybe if it's still not raining, I'll take a bike ride. I don't want to get on the elliptical because by the time I finish with the lawn and pup walks, my feet will be killing me. We'll see. 

I started a new (to me) series yesterday: Luther. It's a BBC production with Idris Alba and SO good! If you have the ability, watch it! Really good! Plus Idris Alba is handsome! 

Dinner tonight: I've got some chicken marinating (sort of a Mexican marinade) and I'll grill that up later and then make a Southwest salad. 

Did I mention that I think my family room TV is dying? It's got this bright spot on it which looks like the sun and usually isn't bothersome because most times it just looks like the sun is shining in whatever I'm watching but I expect other shit to start happening to it. I'm not completely annoyed by this because my current TV is older which means I can't get a lot of apps I like to use on it. I have to go through a Roku which is annoying because it's slow and just one more stupid remote to have to use. We'll see. I started looking at options last night. Looks like the a 65" with all the specs I want is about $900...not too terribly bad but just one more thing, right?

Okay - time to get my boys walked and mow the lawn. Happy Tuesday! Later!

A Regular Routine

And I'm back! I have to say that as much as the reason sucked for why I was in Tennessee last week, Richard's memorial service was so lovely! I think that it was exactly what Richard would have wanted and I'm sure he was with us, watching us and enjoying watching the people who loved him and he loved getting together and remembering him. It was so nice to hear other stories about him as a father, friend and grandpap as well as thinking back to the many memories I have of him. He would have loved it...I'm sure he DID love it!

The best thing about this past weekend, however, was reconnecting with my stepbrothers, especially Tim and his wife Steph and their two kids (whom I had never met). I don't think I've seen them in over 20 years...probably more like 25.  It's so funny how even though there has been such sporadic meetings with us all, when we do get together there's an obvious connection. We all talked about committing to finding a time when we can get together and maybe vacation somewhere soon. Would be so much fun! I hope it happens! 

But now I'm home and it's so nice to be sitting with my pups again! They keep coming up to me and demanding love. I know I was only gone for 4 days but they seemed to really miss me this time around. Well, I'm happy to stop whatever I'm doing and love and squeeze the daylights out of them. 

Along with having my pups with me again, it's so nice to be back to my regular exercise routine! There were a couple days over the last 4 that I didn't complete all my rings on my Apple watch and that hasn't happened in months. Which means, I've got a lot of making up to do over the next week not to mention a little detox needed (there was a LOT of imbibing over the last 4 days!) 

I did manage to do yoga while I was in TN and walk a couple days but it just wasn't what I normally do and I now feel like a slug! When I got home yesterday (after treating Jimmy to Shooters and walking the pups) I took a lovely bike ride, which helped to ease my mind but I won't be able to do that today because of course it's raining.  I also won't be able to mow the lawn like I was hoping to do (it's so long) and who knows when that will happen as we're looking at rain all week. Ugh! This summer needs to shape up! (But at least the cicadas aren't bad at my house...yet!)

So, today, I will make my menu and head to the grocery. Other than that and getting on the elliptical and finding a lull in the rain to walk the boys, I think I'll just chill out...maybe take a bubble bath and read my book. 

Not sure what's for dinner tonight although Jim said he wanted bratts and metts but not today. Something on the grill though if the weather cooperates tonight. 

K - that's all I've got. Happy Monday! Later!

Cat On A Tear!

Dinah is a kook! (One of Mom's cats.) She's causing quite the ruckus...trying to chew on my computer power cord, falling off her cat tower and falling on top of Whiskers who was in Mom's lap! She isn't doing much for her defense against the fact that I think Mom gives Whiskers much more leeway than Dinah. She's such a trouble maker! 

Speaking of trouble makers: Crazy parent from school is still causing problems. So I don't know how much you may remember from the saga that never seems to end. Last I mentioned, I believe I told you about the district filing harassment charges against her. Well, after a few court dates, continuances and attempts to get her to admit guilt and settle, she's decided to plead not guilty and go to trial. I got an email yesterday from the prosecutor telling a group of us that she was offered a diversion program with mental health treatment but she refused to admit any wrongdoing. What does this mean for me? Well, now, because I'm a potential witness, I have to be available for trial on July 12th. Ugh! Who knows if it will get that far and thankfully I have documentation for the harassment I suffered but what a pain in the ass. I mean, chick don't you want to move on from this? Well crazy doesn't think rationally so what did I expect? Oh well...we'll see what happens and I'll keep you updated. 

So plans today: I've eaten and done yoga. Thankfully it's finally stopped raining here so after I finish here, I'll head down to town and the Greenbelt to walk. I'll stop at the grocery after, come home, shower and do some things around here with Mom. Anne and Madison should be here around 1:00 or 2:00. I'll probably head to the hotel for check in (by 3:00) and wait for Maggie, Eva and Charlie to get there. From there, we'll probably head back to Mom's to hang out and eat dinner. Not much else happening here. 

And that's all I've got for now. Time to get going! Can't wait to walk...I didn't get to do anything yesterday other than yoga and I think that's the first time in months that I didn't close my "move" circle on my Apple watch. I know I'm a nuts but what are you going to do? 

K - happy Friday! I'll post again on Monday! Later!

Settled In TN

I made it down in a pretty uneventful drive south. There was rain most of the way down but it was light with not too much traffic and not too many trucks. (Northbound was a different story but I'm hoping that on Sunday, when I return, there won't be nearly as many oversized trucks.) There wasn't much construction until Tennessee but even that wasn't too terrible. 

I arrived at around 12:45 and once I unpacked my car, Mom and I headed out to Kroger for a few items. We then went to pick up some dinner for later (Chicken Salad Chick) and returned home to just settle in, talk, watch TV and hang. 

Today I woke up around 5:15 but laid in bed for a bit until I got a text message from Jim asking if we had any powdered creamer (more on that in a minute). I got up, had some coffee watched some Morning Joe (was so nice to see everyone in studio) and then did some yoga. I've just finished breakfast and after posting this, I'll shower and then Mom and I plan on heading out to get the alcohol for Saturday. I also need to stop and get some tweezers because even though I SWORE I packed mine, I can't find them. And no one wants to see me without my daily needed plucking. Not much else is planned for today aside from getting some stuff done around the house. I might try and go walking but the weather isn't being very cooperative. Stupid rain. 

In Jim news, I was sitting around with Mom last evening, around 6:00 and my phone rang. I was a Kentucky number and I thought it might be Trip calling from Rafferty's so I answered. It was Jim's oncologist, which kind of freaked me out. He was calling because he couldn't get ahold of Jimmy. (Remember Jim had a scan yesterday.) I asked, "Uh...what's going on?" Since obviously, him calling me when he can't get Jim at 6:00 at night on the day of his scan can't be a good thing. Apparently his scan revealed that Jim has diverticulitis. We knew that this could be a possibility because his colonoscopy several years ago revealed he had divericula (pockets that form in the colon wall). When it becomes infected, it's called diverticulitis. The doc believes that a week on antibiotics should clear it up especially since Jim's not having any current issues. When it gets really bad, the doc said they have to go in and drain the abscess...ugh! (And this is why Jim was texting about powdered creamer because he's not supposed to have dairy while on the antibiotics...or alcohol...that would suck!) 

And that's about all I've got. Time to get showered and dressed. Happy Thursday (how is it Thursday already?!). Stay dry! Later!

Up & At 'Em

Usually on the night before heading out on a road trip, I don't sleep well but I slept pretty well last night. I woke up around 1:30 and laid there for a few but fell back to sleep to wake up again at 4:30. I fell asleep again and finally got up at 5:00. Jim was already up because he remembered (thankfully) that he has a scan this morning at 7:00 and needed to drink his contrast. I don't think his follow up is for another couple weeks. I'll keep you updated on the results. They're looking most at his gut and checking to see if something is up with his colon. 

So I've exercised, showered and just finished my breakfast. It's raining so I don't think I'm going to get to walk the pups but I might get them out on a little jaunt just to give them a little something. I'm packed, for the most part, just need to pack up the car. 

Plans today: Once I get there, I believe Mom and I will head out to get beverages for Saturday. Other than that, no plans. I'll be in Tennessee until Sunday. The plan is for me to hang with Mom and do whatever needs to be done over the next couple days. Anne and Madison will come down on Friday which is also when most others should arrive I assume. Tom and Karin (cousins) will stay with Mom as will Anne and Madison so on Friday I'll move to the hotel. That will be nice because I'll get to have some extra time with Eva and JJ...and others. The service for Richard is on Saturday with a get together at Mom's after. I'll hit the road, probably pretty early Sunday to get back with time to maybe treat Jimmy to Shooters. 

And that's about all I've got. I'll bring my computer down to TN so I can blog and maybe even do some school work (I'm still working on my science class for next year). 

Wish me luck that I don't run into too much rain on my way down and I get there safely. Happy Wednesday! Later!

Yoga Doing Its Job?

Have I mentioned my hurt shoulder? As you may or may not remember, several years back I was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff in one shoulder and a torn labrum in the other. The tears weren't too terribly bad (I think 40% in one; 50% in the other) and PT helped plus there was no way I was going to get surgery for only partial tears considering the recovery for shoulder surgery is awful. Anyway - I've not had pain for a long time. I think I can chalk a lot of that up to yoga and fitness. 

Last Saturday, however, while at PIB, I woke up with terrible pain in my left shoulder. I didn't do anything that I can remember I just woke up and it hurt. And it's hurt ever since. I hadn't been on a regular yoga routine so I decided to start it back up again. And today (knock on wood) I woke up in a lot less pain. Hopefully that will continue but I'll also continue with the yoga in the hopes that it goes away totally. 

Yesterday was nice. We went to Raeburn for a little get together and pizza. We got there around 1:00 and hung out until about 5:00. So good to see Cullen...hopefully it won't be as long next time we see each other. Christmas maybe. 

Today I'll be getting ready for my trip south tomorrow. I really only need to finish up laundry, do some grocery shopping and pack. Unfortunately it's going to be raining on part of my trip at least which I hate. However, once I get farther south into Kentucky, I should be able to drive out of the rain. Fingers crossed because I don't want to drive through the mountains in the rain. 

I'll probably get up early tomorrow (around 5:00) so I can eat breakfast with Jim, exercise, get the boys walked and hit the road around 8:00. That will put me at Mom's around noon. 

What else? It's my first real day off for summer and it's downright chilly. Not that I'm complaining really but this summer is really starting off slowly. 

Oh, the cicadas. So I mentioned that Jim and I went to a party on Sunday in Amberly which is just about 10 or 15 minutes away. There, the cicadas were definitely louder than at my house but they weren't awful. At Raeburn? They were near deafening! I mean LOUD! However, they weren't a menace. They were flying around a bit but they didn't bother us sitting outside on the deck so that was good. I'm sure it's not the height of them yet since they've only been out for about a week...we'll see.

And that's all I've got. Time to get my yoga on. Happy Tuesday! I'll post tomorrow and I'll most likely post through the week...I plan on taking my computer with me. Later!

Happy Birthday Boys!!!

Look who turned 4 today!!! Happy birthday boys! I'll stop on the way home from Raeburn today to pick up some frosty pup ice cream to celebrate...they are very excited. 

Not much happening here. I wasn't going to post since it's a holiday but thought I'd better since it's A) they boys birthday and B) Monday and I don't want to get yelled at by a couple certain someones. 

This weekend was cold but not bad. On Friday after I finished up at school (around 10:00) I headed to a local breakfast joint to join a couple colleagues for a couple mimosas. From there I did a LOT! I went to Aldi, Costco and Target. I came home and walked the pups, cleaned the house, did a bunch of laundry and then met Jim around 3:30 at Shooters. A good way to start this vacay out. 

Saturday was good, low key. Jim and just hung out, went to Shooters and Little Miami...had a nice little fire in the early evening with the neighbors and then Doug and Lauren came over for some cards after dinner. 

Sunday I mowed the lawn, took a lovely (windy) bike ride around the neighborhood and then around 3:00 we headed out to Jim's friend Dan's house where he was having a little party to celebrate his two daughters graduations...one from high school the other from law school. We were out of there by 6:00. Jim's feet were killing him from standing. 

Today we're headed to Raeburn around 1:00 to see Cullen and hang for a bit and have some pizza. Other than that, no plans. 

Tomorrow I'll be getting ready to hit the road and head to Tennessee. I just need to figure out what I'm taking...not much to prep really. I'll probably try and get on the road around 8:00 and I'll be home on Sunday. I'll stay with mom Wednesday and Thursday and then head to a hotel for Friday and Saturday since others will be coming in and staying with her...no big deal. 

And that's all I've got. I'm going to go kick Jim's ass in Skip-Bo and then walk the boys and take a bike ride before hitting the road for Raeburn. Happy Memorial Day to all and happy birthday to the best brother pups in the world. Later!

"Work Day"

I put that in quotes because in reality, I'll be heading into work today to grab a cup of coffee, pack up a couple things to bring home, attend a short meeting and then head out for the summer. I was going to work on moving things back to our old room (we're getting it back next year) but they had to use it yesterday for AP testing so I said "Fuck It!". Someone else can move my shit! Considering they do this to us every other year (move us) it's the least they can do. I'm sure the week before school starts back up, I'll have to move my shit but I'm not going to worry about it until then. 

After I finish up at school, I'll head to Aldi then Costco and then come home and hang with my pups. I'll also clean the house, top to bottom and walk my boys so Jim can have a break. His feet have really been bothering him lately. He actually made an appointment with the podiatrist but couldn't get in until late July. Typical. Until then, I may get him some Voltaren to try and help but he'll have to be regimented with it for it to work. 

Knock on wood but the cicadas aren't really that bad here yet. I still expect them to get a lot worse but I've still not had one beam me in the head or face while biking and they aren't flying around. I just hear them in the trees. 

Weekend plans: Nothing major. We'll just hang. Sunday we're going to a graduation party for our friends daughters. One is graduating from high school and the other just finished law school. They live in Amberly and I bed the cicadas are a LOT worse there. I may have to take a hazmat suit with me. I'm sure we'll head to Shooters Saturday. Not much else in the plans. 

Dinner tonight: Homemade meatball hoagies with corn and maybe some French fries/carrot fries. 

And that's it. Happy Friday and summer break! Later!

I Made It!!!

Not only did I make it through yesterday (barely) but I made it through a school year of Covid!!! I have to say that through it all - the unknown, the masks, the zooming, the quarantines, etc. - the thing that got me through it all was (not to sound corny) the kids. I had great kids this year...truly I did. Were there times when some of them frustrated the bejesus out me? Sure but that's par for any school year. The kids this year were just troopers. I didn't have a trouble maker in the bunch and I can't imagine the stress they all went through. I credit the kids with helping me muddle through this unprecedented, confusing and whacked-out year. 

So yeah, yesterday I just never felt great. I was run down and tired and by the time 2:30 rolled around, I knew there was no way I was going to get my normal after-school routine going. In fact, when I got home, after hugging on the dogs I took a lay down. I can't say I slept because the pups were very active but I rested until puppy dinner time. It did a world of good and I managed to take Scoutie on a nice walk. Jim and I then went to Shooters for dinner because I didn't have it in me to cook. When I got home, I basically headed straight to bed. I'm now reenergized and I think I can get through one last day of school (especially since I'll be showing movies all day). 

Dinner tonight: Curry chicken salad and corn on the cob. Yummy!

I do have to head in to school tomorrow but really it should just be a morning breakfast meeting, final paperwork filing and then I'll be headed to Aldi and Costco. It's going to be a yucky day so I'll just come home, clean, exercise and celebrate with the pups. 

And that's about all I've got. Oh, I just looked outside and it's really foggy out there! K - happy Thursday! Later!

Quinoa Is Not My Friend

Remember a couple weeks ago when I posted about being violently ill the night before? I had made a dinner with chicken and a fig jam? And quinoa? Well, it happened again last night. The most horrible part about all this - aside from puking for hours and having the worst gut pain and nausea - was it hit while I was about 2 miles away from home on a walk with Scout. I tried to get a hold of Jim to come pick me up but he was on a walk with Boo. I did make it home (I was basically running by the time I reached my street) but it was a near miss. I walked in the door, threw my shit down, told Jim to unharness Scout, ran upstairs and threw up. And then kept throwing up and throwing up. It was horrific. This went on for about an hour and then I went to bed (around 8:00). I woke up again at 11:00 and got sick one more time then went to bed and laid there in pain for another hour. Around midnight Jim had to get out of bed because he had leg cramps (we're falling apart) and I said, "You okay?" He was but he then said, "You sound better." And I was...no more pain, no more nausea, no more barfing. Thank God that was over. Now I'm a little tired but fine. 

As I was hurling over the porcelain throne last night I thought What the hell is this!? And I realized that both times this happened I had made quinoa for dinner. So this morning I googled it and sure enough a LOT of people get the "quinoa stomachache". Apparently it's got a compound on the hard shell called saponin that a lot of people can't tolerate. They say that rinsing the grain gets rid of this but I've ALWAYS rinsed my quinoa before cooking and I've rinsed it thoroughly. They also say that if you don't get a lo of fiber in your diet, quinoa may pose an issue but I get a TON of fiber! I even take fiber every day. Needless to say, I will NOT tempt fate again and I'll be staying away from quinoa forever! Nothing is worth that! 

In other news I've got two days of school (with kids) left! Woot! We'll be starting a new movie in LA today - Time Traveler's Wife. We're also watching E.T. in science and I'll start something new in Government today. Not sure what. I've also been working on revamping my Earth Science class for next year. I've got Unit 1 mostly done and will hopefully get a good start on the first semester over the next couple days. Definitely something that I'll be working on through the summer but no big deal. 

And that's about all I've got. I gotta go bring in the cushions as we're getting rain today. 

Happy Wednesday! Later!

Just Not Me

I got an email this morning from  the "provider" of my scholarship student. This woman was SUCH a pain in the ass while I was trying to write my scholarship student's IEP (these are students who don't go to our school but are in another program due to a disability for which the district pays). I tried several times to get information about the student and she said she'd get the info to me but then never would. The parent even had to get involve to get the shit I needed. It was ridiculous. Anyway - she sent me an email requesting I send her the IEP. I'm SO tempted to not send it immediately...until maybe I get 2 or 3 more requests. The problem with this is it's just so not me to do a thing like that. I mean, yes, I'm passive aggressive and all but when it comes to paperwork for school I'm hesitant. We'll see. Maybe a little lesson here isn't totally out of the realm of possibility. 

So I was hoping I wouldn't have to teach science next year but because one of our teachers is taking another position in the district and we're not replacing him, I have to. Originally, yesterday when I got the email, I was told I was slated to teach Algebra which is a bunch of horseshit. I said, "Yeah, no...not comfortable teaching something I've never taught before." Especially when I was going to teach science and I've been teaching science for the last three years and I've already got that mapped out. Stupid. There are other issues which are annoying as well but it's the way my administration works. Some people get screwed while others are...what's the opposite of screwed? Whatever...I just have to grin and bear it and do my job and only worry about myself no matter how fucked up it is. Breathe...it's almost summer! 

Dinner tonight: I think I'm going to grill some chicken since it's going to rain tomorrow and it's going to be another scorcher today. I think I'll do a spicy curry and honey mustard marinade. Yum! 

And that's about all I've got. School is all movies all day long. I'm just over it. With all the kids losing their Chromebook, what am I expected to do? Plus, after this weird Covid year, I deserve to just rest and get shit done this last week. (I'm just babbling and trying to make myself feel not-so-guilty about slacking off.) 

K - happy Tuesday! Later!

A Perfect Weekend

It really was a perfect weekend at the Bay except that it's never long enough and always flies by way too quickly. 

To recap - I got up around 4:00 on Friday morning to exercise and get everything ready. We got to the ferry just before 10:00 and got on the boat that came in just after. After unloading the car, making the bed, opening the windows and walking the pups, we headed out to lunch and beers. Originally we were going to eat at Reel Bar but there was nothing on their menu I wanted (it isn't their full menu yet) so we ended up at Frosty's and Big Man Burrito. After that we went home and Jim napped and I took Scout out for a longer walk. We decided to eat out Friday and went to Goat...yummy as usual. 

Friday overnight into Saturday, Scout was up all night watching animals and at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30, he woke us up (and the neighbors it turns out) screaming at whatever animal he spied in the yard. We did close off the front porch where he was going to watch but forgot about the windows into that room which he jumped through (they were open obviously). He so silly. Scout certainly didn't make friends with the neighbors that night. BTW - he didn't do it on Saturday but then we were hip to his antics and closed that room off completely from jump. 

Saturday - the Crew's Nest ended up having a surprise opening of the pool so around 1:00 - when the clouds moved out - we headed over and enjoyed the pool for a couple hours. Oh, of course we went to Frosty's for breakfast and it was delicious! We skipped lunch Saturday but had an early drink with Mike next door and then went to the Crew's Nest for dinner. It was really good and busy. 

It's so good to see the island getting back to normal and I know the residents are thrilled as well but most of the businesses up there are having a REALLY hard time finding help. In fact one restaurant is going to have to go to all take out because they can't get enough employees. Ridiculous! Oh well. 

Sunday Jim and I woke up early, I walked Scout and then we got everything ready to hit the road after we had breakfast at Frosty's. We had to wait for one boat but were on the 10:00 ferry and home by 1:30. Can't wait to head back. 

BTW - the boys were GREAT (aside from Scout's late night animal watching). Not only were they happy just to be with us but they were such great little car riders. 

So this week at school will be a waste for the most part. The kids are starting to hand in their Chromebooks today, I believe, which means they won't be able to do their work and this is a problem and why I'll be showing movies for the week. I'll also be finishing up my paperwork and wrapping things up. I might even try to get my room moved as much as possible (we're going back to our old room next year). Other than that...nothing exciting here. 

K - I need to do a few things before I head out. Oh, cicadas are emerging...you can certainly hear them in the trees but they aren't flying around being annoying...yet. 

Happy Monday! Later!

Keurig Woes

My Keurig has been acting like a dick lately. When I brewed my cup this morning, the whole thing blew up and sprayed watery coffee grounds all over the damn place. GOOD MORNING! I did a little research and it looks like the rubber gasket thingy in the k-cup holder is spent. Ugh! Not an easy replacement but I'll try to find something. At first this was only happening to Jim so I thought, "Well, he's a fool...he probably did something wrong." Guess not. I'll search for a replacement pod thingy later. 

I went out after school to see Diane yesterday...hadn't seen her in well over a year. It was good to see her! I miss seeing her face every day at school. We went to Ramsey's...I didn't eat but I wanted to. I love Ramsey's. However, I just can't eat "dinner" at 3:00. I did enjoy a couple beers though. When I got home around 4:30, Jim helped me do some dinner prep work, we walked the dogs and I got a 1/2 hour bike ride in. 

I'll be doing a lot of prep work for heading to the bay after school today: Grocery, packing, finishing up laundry. I can't decide if I'll cook tonight or not. I might just grill something easy...something that won't leave leftovers. 

I look forward to being at the Bay but I always sleep like shit beforehand. I worry about the pups going up with us...only because I know that Boo can be an asshole and I hope there aren't other dogs up there to give Boo issues. Oh well, I can only control what I can control and we'll just go with the flow. 

Tomorrow morning I'll probably get up early and do a little workout before making breakfast, packing up the car and getting on the road. My goal is to get on the road around 6:00. We'll see. I'll try not to stress about it. All that to say I probably won't post tomorrow...I'll just have too much to do getting everything ready including Jim so...sorry.

And that's all I've got. Happy Thursday! Stay safe! Get vaccinated people! Later!

Bummer Loss

Sad to see Charles Grodin died. He was in one of my fave movies - Seems Like Old Times...I could watch that movie over and over again. Hmm...maybe I need to show that to the kids. What "reason" could I give for showing it? I'll think about it. 

Headed out after school to meet Diane and others from school for an "early dinner". Now, I won't be eating because I don't eat dinner at 3:00 in the afternoon. I don't eat dinner before it's technically "evening" but I will have a beer or two. I look forward to seeing Diane too. I haven't laid eyes on her in forever! (She's in my part of town dog sitting). 

I took a really nice bike ride yesterday...went about 10 1/2 miles and it was terrific! I really can't wait to get down to the trail but with the cicadas coming/here I don't see that happening for a while. I haven't seen any yet but I'm keeping my eyes peeled. 

Looks like there's going to be a shake up at school for next year. It's looking like one of our teachers is headed into another position at the JH and they won't be replacing him at the HS. Our numbers are so low that we knew it could happen but the biggest issue will be how the teaching schedule of those still at the HS will be affected. I really don't care for myself as long as I don't have to co-teach (well, I guess I do care) but that isn't really something that is being talked about happening. We'll see. It is what it is, right? I mean, I've weathered worse. And really, this isn't bad...it just is. 

Dinner tonight: Chicken burgers I believe...with tomato mozzarella salad and fries. Yummy. I'll probably have to take a bike ride (short) after I get home late...I'll figure something out. 

And that's all I've got. Time to get moving. Happy Wednesday! Ooh, tomorrow is my Friday since I'm taking off so WOOT! Oh, and if you're an Ohioan, register for your million dollars if you've been vaccinated. Later!

Alone Time

 First of all - I saw this on Twitter and thought, "Hmm..." So I looked mine up...disappointing: Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" was #1 on my 7th birthday. I guess in terms of 2021, that's pretty good but it's just not my fave song. In case any of you are intersted (to my readers) here are you #1 songs for your 7th birthdays: 

• Mom (6/28/1945) - Les Brown's "Sentimental Journey"
• Maggie (10/16/1975) - Neil Sedaka and Elton John's "Bad Blood" 
• Trip (10/17/1973) - The Rolling Stones "Angie" (Who the hell is Angie, Trip!?) 
• Anne (3/29/1971) - The Temptations "Just my Imagination" 
• Becky (4/6/1962) - Shelley Fabares "Johnny Angel"
• Dad (4/17/1944) - Guy Lombardo "It's Love-love-love" 
• Aunt Kathleen (11/27/1954) - The Chordettes "Mr. Sandman" 
• Jim (2/8/1975) - Ohio Players "Fire" 

Very interesting...or not...but funny. I know most of these songs but had to look up "Bad blood" and I definitely wasn't familiar with Guy Lombardo's song. I'll be keeping Jimmy away from any fire, that's for sure and I'd seriously like to know who the hell Angie is, Trip! HAHA! 

So Jim's going to go to Fritz's and hang with him after work today which means no cooking for Muir (I'll make a cobb salad of some sort) and a little alone time! It also means I have to walk both dogs but that's okay too. 

I got some good sleep last night...much needed. I was struggling yesterday and just really run down but I feel much better now. Although I was dreaming of sweets all night long, it felt like. I kept dreaming of chocolate cakes and delicious looking desserts and in my dreams I just couldn't bring myself to eat any of it. Part of the problem being that next to each of the desserts was a calorie card and I don't think any of the cakes or pies was under 2000 calories. Weird

That's about all I've got. A little rain possible today and then the heat wave starts. It's supposed to get near 90 this weekend here but we'll be in PIB where I'm hoping the weather isn't that hot. 

K - happy Tuesday! Stay healthy! Later. 

Nine Days!

Well, really 8 for me since I'm taking Friday off. I'm so excited to be able to see the end is truly near and know I'm going to make it. 

Weekend news: Friday Jim and I went out for hibachi...it was delicious. Saturday we did some final planting and then went to lunch at Shooters. Dinner was at Jim's brother's house. It was the two of us, Fritz, John and Emily (Jim's sister and brother-in-law) as well as Katie (Jim's niece) and her boyfriend. It was actually a lovely evening. Of course we didn't eat until after 8:00 but that was expected and Fritz tried hard. I really enjoy Katie's company and can't believe the girl who I used to tutor when Jim and I first were dating is now 34 years old. Crazy! 

Sunday we did a little playing of cards with the neighbors...I took a lovely bike ride...Jim wanted pizza so we ordered out. I took a bath before hitting the hay around 8:30. I didn't sleep great mainly because Jim was fidgety and moving his feet every 10 seconds or so and driving me nuts. I was on the verge of kicking him around 3:30 but he either stopped or I just finally fell back to sleep. Ugh! 

I'm wrapping things up at school this week. We'll finish the novel we're reading in LA tomorrow and then I'll give the kids a test on it. We're also finishing up history and by next week, it'll be pretty much movies all week since they'll be collecting the kids Chromebooks starting next Monday. Bam! 

Okay that's all I've got. Shrimp tacos with avocado crema and Mexican street corn for dinner tonight. Happy Monday! Later! 

Almost Cut Off My Finger

I was chopping an onion last night for dinner and nearly chopped off my finger. Thankfully I only slightly sliced my middle finger before throwing the knife down but it was a near thing. When I did it, Jim said, "WHAT HAPPENED!?!?" I said, like I always do, "I'm fine! I cut myself." Jim: "Again!" Here's the thing though, yes, I cut myself on occasion. I slip with my knife but if you take the the ratio of times cut v. how often I wield a knife, it's got to be a reasonable number, right? I mean, yes! It is! Anyway - the moral of the story is...local wood makes good! Ha, just kidding the moral is, be more careful, Muir! 

I got the front yard mowed yesterday and man was it a bitch! I don't know why it was so exhausting...maybe because I was just tired or maybe because it was really sunny and hot or maybe it was because the grass was so long or maybe because the lawn is lumpy in parts and hard to push my mower. Whatever, I'm just happy that it's done and I don't have to do that over the weekend! And it looks awesome! Our grass right now is so thick and green and our yard looks so pretty. 

Speaking of which, Jim went out and got mulch yesterday and that will be done over the weekend which means the yard is going to look even prettier. Just in time for the cicadas to emerge and send me indoors where I won't enjoy it. Ugh! Dread. 

I think I just invented a new word. I kept trying to type "Maybe because" above but kept typing "Maybecause" I think this should be a new word. Kind of how altogether probably came about (probably was all together originally). 

Tonight Jim and I have plans to go to Takugawa for dinner. It's a local Japanese hibachi restaurant. We'll see if that still plays out after working all day. I tend to crap out when it comes to going out. I'm just so lazy on a Friday night (and Saturday...let's be real). 

School should be easy today. First of all seniors won't be around. Second it's movie day in history and science. Yay! 

Ooh, a week from today Jim and I should be headed north to PIB. Woot! We'll be taking the dogs and I hope the weather is good. 

And that's all I've got. Time to head up and then out. Happy Friday! Happy weekend! Stay safe and get vaxed so you don't have to wear a mask! Later!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Man, yesterday was busy! Aside from working, I also came home, did ab and arm work, ellipticaled, walked Scout, mowed the back lawn and made dinner. I realized that when I finally was able relax on the couch around 7:00, it was the first time (aside from eating dinner) that I had sat down. It was good to get the yard mowed, however. Today I'll do the same thing but mow the front yard. Ugh! I'll sure be glad when tomorrow rolls around. 

I made a new recipe (thanks to Maggie's recommendation) last night: Cheesy Spring Farroto (a play on risotto using farro). It was so good! And really it wasn't cheesy at all...I only put in a bit of parm and that just elevated the flavor. Jim loved it too and I can't wait to have it for lunch today! I'll have to find some other farro recipes...it's a great alternative to rice which is so starchy and full of cals. BTW - if you decide to try this out, it says it takes about 15-20 minutes to make and that's a lie. When you're ladling in the broth, like you do risotto, it takes a LONG time - more like 40 - 45 minutes. Just a little tip.

So yeah, I'll be racing home today to get my shit done so I can get the front yard mowed. And since that's a lot bigger than the back yard, it'll take a bit longer. Which means I'll need to make something easy for dinner. I'm thinking about my broccoli/chickpea stir fry. Yummy! 

Speaking of mowing the lawn, yesterday I realized that Scout was acting like a nut while I was mowing. He was running from one side of the yard to the other like a bat outta hell. I realized, he was trying to wrangle a bunny under the deck that he couldn't get to (thank God). He'd go from one side, and the bunny would flee to the opposite side so Scout would run around to that side. Boo was there but just chasing Scout like it was a game of tag. He didn't realize there was a bunny playing the game as well. I love Boo but I'm realizing that he's more of a muscle head than a brainiac. 

Okay well, time to get a move on. Today is the given date for the estimated arrival or emergence of the cicadas. However, with the chilly weather we've had, the ground just isn't warm enough yet. They're now saying probably this weekend we'll start seeing those little bastards rear their ugly red eyes. Ugh! Dread! 

Happy Thursday! Stay safe and get vaxed! Later!

You'll Be Relieved To Know...

...I didn't barf last night! Woot! Now that's an accomplishment. Especially since I had peas and corn for dinner with meatloaf. That could have been a shit...well, barf storm. 

Jim was late last night and I had planned on mowing the lawn and obviously couldn't because I had to walk both dogs. It's a jungle out there I'll tell you. I'll do it today but my mower is going to be pissed at me. 

In other news, I'm running incredibly late and need to get a move on. I apologize for such a short post. Not that I really care about getting to work. I don't have anything I need to get to. All my meetings are done. I've gotten a huge chunk of final paperwork complete and halfway downloaded. I'm trying to do some prep work for next year and it's going to be independent work for my LA classes today. So who cares, right? 

I finished my most recent book on audio yesterday - Commonwealth by Ann Patchett and I really liked it. I'm now onto The Searcher by Tana French (she writes thrillers in Ireland). So far I'm enjoying it and I'm really enjoying the reader which is everything in audiobooks. 

Dinner tonight: I'm either going to grill some pork chops or make some shrimp tacos with avocado crema. Just really depends how much time I have after everything I need to do after school. We're allowed to leave early today - 2:00 - so that should help.

And that's all I've got. Time to get a move on. Happy Wednesday! Later...stay safe and try not to throw up! Ha! 

Rough Night

Last night after dinner, I started feeling iffy. I performed my normal routine: finished dinner, went up and pulled out my clothes for today, washed my face all while my tea was being brewed then went downstairs to finish watching Lester and then the Wheel. Unfortunately, that wasn't in the cards. After I came down and sat on the couch with my tea, my belly started doing crazy things. I went up stairs and for the next several hours, I was in hell. First of all (and not to be too graphic) my delicious meal (fig and balsamic glazed chicken with walnuts and gorgonzola) came back up (won't be making that again for a long while). I then had the worst abdominal pain, nausea and chills ever and could only lay in bed, sitting slightly up, and hope that it would subside. Jim came to bed around 10:00 and I was still in hell but between then and about 1:00, I managed to fall asleep and when I woke up (the dogs got in a tiff) I was completely fine. No more chills, no more pain, no more nausea. Thank God! 

I don't know if whatever that was came from something I ate or just some sort of fluke but it's been a LONG time since I've had stomach issues and I didn't miss it! Horrible! 

Not much else is happening here. Oh, my oven did a great job yesterday in cooking my meal...regardless of the fact that it came back up. Speaking of which - the oven, not my barf - Jim got home early yesterday so from school, I set the timer on the oven just to mess with Jimmy. Ha!!! (I mentioned I can control the oven remotely, right?) Jim thought it was funny! 

I don't have much else to talk about. School is school. The kids are getting a bit restless but then so am I. I'm going to show the "Aristocats" in Government since we just did a little lesson on the aristocracy. I kept calling "aristocrats", "aristocats" and couldn't get it right. It was kind of ridiculous. 

K - I'm done. Happy Tuesday! Fingers crossed I get through my day without barfing. Ugh! Stay safe and barf-free. Later!

Bonus Toothbrush

Last week Jim's electric toothbrush crapped out. It's kind of a knockoff Sonicare from QVC (called PureSonic) which lasted about 7 years. Pretty good. So I went online on Monday and ordered him a new one. It was delivered on Wednesday and Jim was a happy guy. Fast forward to yesterday - Jim and I were installing the oven and cooktop (more on that later) and we opened the front door to take our old cooktop out and there was a package on the front stoop. I took it in, wondering what the heck it was because I couldn't remember ordering anything (not completely out of the norm) and opened it and it was another toothbrush. Weird. So I went onto my banking app to ensure I didn't get charged twice and as of now, I haven't been charged at all. Not even for the original order. Weird. I'll keep an eye out but I guess now I have a new electric toothbrush. Bam! 

So yeah, we installed the oven and cooktop. We tried to get it done Saturday but Jim was confused by the wiring and wanted to get an electrician's opinion. However, I wasn't willing to keep putting it off, having no oven and looking at it sitting in my living room. So I did a little internet research and figured out what was what. The cooktop was easy to install and really the oven was as well but we had to get our neighbor over to help Jim lift it into the slot and then do a little trim/sanding down of our cabinet to get it to slide in. All in all, it took about 2 hours to get it all done. 

The cool thing about the new oven is I can control it remotely. I can sit on the couch if I want and preheat the oven or preheat it from wherever. Cool! 

I didn't use the oven last night but that's okay...I did the prep heating to get that chemical smell out. I'm just happy that I have my oven clock back. I hated not having that. 

Other than all that, the weekend was filled with flower buying and planting and a jaunt to Shooters. I'm done with my flowers except I need to get a couple pots planted and then transfer my hibiscus into pots. Oh, and no one had rosemary so I need to find some of that. 

School should be easy this week. Just finishing up things. Seniors will be done this week but I don't really have any seniors so that won't affect me. 

And that's all I've got. The rain is out and shouldn't rain again until...of course...the weekend. Happy Monday! Later!

Plans Foiled

Spring started out with lovely weather and temps but lately those lovely days are harder to come by. In fact, I was all excited about this weekend because I was going to buy flowers and hopefully plant - at least my back deck flowers. However, Sunday is supposed to be a total washout! Of course. Well, we may go buy the flowers and at least have them to plant...get that over with. We'll see. 

I'm excited for a day - well, partial day - of movie watching. I'm showing The Nutty Professor in science but we finished Rocky IV last week in history so I don't know what to show now. Maybe something about a monarchy? (We're learning about governments around the world.) I'll have to think about it and search the different forums I have available for tuning in. Language Arts, we're still reading. No days off there because we have a book to get through before the end of the year. 

Did I mention that they're moving us back to our old room for next year? On the one hand I'm happy about having a window back. However, it will mean we're back to cramped quarters. And, currently our old room is partially packed with crap since they used the room (the other half they weren't using as a Covid holding area) to store extra desks, computer carts, tables and other shit. You know they won't get that shit out so we can organize until 2 or 3 days before school starts. Lisa and I talked about it and may try and convince our principal to get that shit moved out so we can move the major stuff before the end of the year. We'll see. I'm sure that won't happen. 

Got startled awake at 4:00 this morning with the boys having a tiff. Like I've mentioned, they've been sacking out on the bed in my dressing room/spare room/exercise room and I guess Scout moved and scared Boo and - BAM! Dog fight. Well, not really a fight just a lot of snarling and barking and growling. Damn dogs! They just don't usually sleep that close to each other. 

Dinner tonight: I'm making broccoli/chickpea stir fry tonight with rice. Something quick and easy. No real plans for the weekend...except maybe buying flowers and definitely installing the oven and stovetop. We'll go to Shooters on Saturday because they typically close on Mother's Day. And that's it. 

K - I'm out. Happy FRIDAY!!! Stay safe and dry this weekend. Later!

Already Love

Even though I haven't installed the oven yet, I love it already. I love that it has a key pad and a steam clean button. I can't wait to get it in the wall and start cooking. I haven't opened the box with my new stovetop yet but it isn't much different from what I have...just new and improved. 

Jim's feeling much better, you'll be happy to know. He got (as he put it) the best night of sleep he's had in a long while. Thank God. I hate when Jim's feeling puny. 

So to preface - Boo and Scout have found a new place to sack out: The trundle bed in the spare bedroom. It's packed with cozy pillows and once I saw they love it so much, I put an extra cozy fleece blanket up there for them to nest in. Well, last night Boo woke me up barking at 11:30. I got up thinking he wanted outside but when he saw me get out of bed, he led me into the spare bedroom, stood in front of the bed and started barking at Scout who was apparently sleeping in the spot Boo wanted. I mean, REALLY!? I shook my finger at him, turned around and yelled over my shoulder at him, "You need to figure these things out for yourself!" Jeez! And then of course, I kept thinking Boo was barking in my sleep and I kept waking up. What a turdkey! 

School: Nothing major. I have lots to grade when I get there. I thought I'd do some work yesterday but decided to clean the house instead. Which mean, I need to get a move on. 

Oh, Mom, you're going to have a delivery today at some point so look for it. 

K - happy Thursday! Stay safe! Later!

Unexpected

Had to take a day off today, unexpectedly but it's a good day to do it since most of my planned assignments were all independent work for the kids. Additionally, my oven and stovetop are FINALLY being delivered today! Woot! I don't know that Jim and I will get these installed today but at least they'll be here and I'll have my oven back! Not that I've missed it all that much but I'll be happy to have my oven clock back. Isn't that funny? More than anything, since my oven busted, I've missed my clock. Ha! 

Speaking of Jim, he's struggling again lately. First his gut is giving him fits again and his hip is really causing him a lot of pain. He did have a consult with his new GI guy who is ordering up a CT to get a good look at his colon. He's thinking it's either diverticulitis or IBS. He gave him some pills for pain as needed. We'll see. In terms of his hip, he is having a hard time getting comfortable, even in bed and ended up going downstairs last night and sleeping in the recliner. I feel bad for him. He's definitely in the wrong job for someone with such hip and joint issues. Maybe my smoothies with moringa will help him (is supposed to be good for people with stomach complaints and arthritis). We'll see. 

What else? Not much. The rain is finally moving out. Oh, I had my final IEP meeting. It was really an amendment so took about 15 minutes. It was easy and over quickly. Now I just have to file that paperwork, do my final progress reports for the end of the year and BAM! Done for the year. 

Dinner tonight: I was going to make cobb salads last night but since I took off, I decided to treat Jim with dinner at Shooters. He barely ate and didn't even drink a beer so he was a cheap date last night. Anyway, I'll do the cobb salads tonight. 

Okay - I'm going to go do some yoga and then hop on the elliptical. Happy Wednesday and Cinco de Mayo! Later!

How Do You Not Know

I just read a story on Instagram about a woman on a flight from Salt Lake City to Hawaii who gave birth. Here's the kicker: SHE DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS PREGNANT! Now, I would understand if she were only a few weeks a long but she was 29 weeks! I mean, WHAT?! How do you not know?! So weird. 

Yesterday I forgot to post a HAPPY BIRTDHAY to JJ! How is that kid 13 already!? It's crazy! He's a teenager! Love that kid! He's so sweet and kind and funny! Can't wait to see him and celebrate. Hopefully soon! (Notice his smile? That's a Muwee smile!) 

What else? I feel like I had something to talk about but it seems I don't. 

I dreamt of Jim Acosta last night. He's a reporter for CNN. I'm not sure why but we were holding hands and I pulled my hand away from his and said, "I'm sorry!" (Cause I thought he was married) and he turned to me and said something like, "No...it felt right." And I said, "It DID feel right!" And so we clasped hands again and just sat there. It was weird. When I told Jim this he told me I was talking in my sleep but he didn't hear what I was saying. He told me he was going to put a note pad next to his side of the bed so he can write things down I say while sleeping but he hasn't. Oh well. 

Nothing major at school today except a quick IEP amendment meeting. Hopefully that won't take too long. I always say that and then it ends up taking forever! 

And that's all I've got. Dinner tonight is going to be Cobb salad. Simple and easy. I hard boiled my eggs this morning. One less thing for me to do. 

I'm back on my smoothie kick. Mainly because it's easier to add my new supplement - moringa - to the smoothie. Jim likes it. I just do a banana, spinach and almond milk with a little peanut butter protein powder. 

K - gotta motor. Listening to a good book, by the way - Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. (She also wrote The Dutch House which I just finished listening to). Recommended. Happy Tuesday! Later

Down To 19!

Under 20 days until the 2020-2021 school year is in the can! It's been a weird year but the one thing it showed me was that things are never as bad as you think they're going to be and this too shall pass. 

The weekend was good. The weather was lovely. Though we didn't do much, I did manage to get the front and back yard mowed and I took a bike ride both days. We made it out to lunch on Saturday (went to Dillys in Mariemont) and of course our weekly Shooters jaunt. 

Jim tried to take a bike ride with me but just couldn't do it. He made it about 2 miles and I'm hoping he'll keep trying. The problem is his hip is just shot and no amount of exercise is going to fix what's wrong. He really does need another hip replacement. I told him to ask his oncologist if it was possible for this to happen but I don't know if he asked. Not to mention the waiting list for these surgeries are probably long. We'll see. 

This week shouldn't be too out of the norm. I have an amendment IEP tomorrow which should only take about 15 minutes or so and it's on Zoom so it should be pretty painless. Other than that, school will be pretty regular. Most teachers are starting to wrap things up and we won't have exams so that's good. Seniors will be done for the most part by Friday (they'll have things for next week to do but no classes). That's exciting. 

We've got lots of rain over the next couple days but I think we'll have windows for dog walking. 

Speaking of dogs...Boo is a bunny killer. Friday as Jim and I were eating dinner, I realized that I hadn't seen Boo for a while and Scout kept going out on the deck, looking around, obviously trying to clue me in that Boo was somewhere he shouldn't be. Turns out, he had gotten under the deck and found a nest of bunnies. He managed to kill two before I could get to him. Ugh! It was pretty horrible (I can't get the sound of a bunny screaming out of my mind) and of course now Scout is doing everything he can to get under the deck to chomp on some bunnies too. Needless to say, I'm not happy with Boo but what're you going to do? 

K - well, I've run out of time and need to finish getting ready. Happy Monday! Stay safe and get vaxxed! Later!