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not gourmet quality lunch

but mighty tasty. I fixed myself a piece of "gravy bread" for lunch--bread, lightly buttered, laid on a plate with some of the sauce from last night's stew on it. As I was fixing it, it reminded me of a somewhat amusing story about my mother. She was a teetotaler. Said she had never tasted an alcoholic beverage in her life. This was said with some pride. She seemed to be convinced that alcohol possessed some mysterious power--like one sip would suck the unsuspecting into a life of alcoholism. I happen to be of the opinion it's a bit more complicated than that.

Once while my parents were visiting, I made a pot roast. I added some red wine to the gravy. At dinner I was told what a good job I'd done. She used bread to sop excess gravy from her plate. During the after dinner clean up, I found her spooning the gravy into her mouth. She also made herself several servings of "gravy bread" with that gravy and was heard smacking her lips. Given the way she went after that gravy, I think I am glad she was a teetotaler..........

Good but not breathtaking.............

I made beef stew tonight. I've had a package of stew meat lurking in my freezer ever since I spotted it weeks ago in the area where they sell "best by" dates that are about to expire. Needless to say I got quite a deal. I decided to try beef stew in the Instant Pot.

Anyway, I should tell you I've never been a big fan of beef stew--mostly because when my mother used to make it, it was dry and tough. I can testify that THIS beef stew is as tendeeeeer as you could ever want. I think it could have used a bit more robust flavor though. Maybe it could have had more spices, or better broth (I should have used my own home-canned broth instead of store bought boxed stuff). But, it's tasty and has some vitamins and minerals in it which are good for this ole body. Here's the link to the recipe I used https://thesaltymarshmallow.com/best-ever-instant-pot-beef-stew/    

Try it--you may like it, particularly if you're a beef stew lover. I spent about $8 on the meat, added maybe $1 worth of veggies and I figure I'll have at least four meals to freeze. Not too hard on the budget. I think I'll keep checking those "Manager's Specials"--may be I'll find some more stew meat one of these days.

 

Did my six...........

Felt like garbage the whole time--a little feverish, pain across my left kidney, a few other discouraging signs. I am thinking of going to an Urgent Care tomorrow to see if I can get someone to ordr a urine test. I'm not sure 7 days of an antibiotic really did the trick. The antibiotic I took is a broad spectrum antibiotic, perhaps not too effective with the particular bug that got me.

I did manage to get earrings in my ears today--first time since the hand thing started.

I an scheduled off tomorrow. They offered me an eight-hour shift but I turned it down. I would have loved the money, but after tomorrow I am scheduled for three days in a row. I thought upping that to 5 in a row was too much for a person who felt as bad as I did today. At the very least, I think I need to give my body some time to recover. A kidney infection that goes septic is a pretty serious thing, I think............

So, anyway, at worst I'll be at home tomorrow and, at best, I'll be at Urgent Care. But for now I'm headed to bed!

Bizarre behavior

For most of the evening last night, I had stomach cramps and diarrhea. Thankfully it stopped. Nevertheless, I went to bed an hour early in case I'd have to be in the bathroom for an extended time in the middle of the night. The night passed peacefully. As usual, I got up hours before I was due at work. I got ready and headed out on time and all was well.

As I drove I realized the stomach cramps were starting up again, mildly at first but getting worse. Finally I was nearer the store than to home when I realized my problem was worse than just cramps. I almost fell getting out of the car, feeling weak and woozy. I headed into the store and straight for the restroom. I made it just in time. Finally, I realized my heart was pounding a mile a minute plus. I decided I had to go home. I hadn't clocked in--just headed straight for the restroom. However, when you call in, you have to speak to a manager. So, they wouldn't let me leave til I talked to a manager. Except, all the managers were in a meeting at the back of the store. So, I had to stand there and wait for one to appear. Those minutes turned out to make the drive home stressful as I arrived just in time to throw my stuff on a nearby table and head straight for the bathroom as fast as I could.

So I'm home for the day and feeling awful. I'll bet they haven't had many people drive to the store to tell them they wouldn't be there...................In full makeup and dressed for work, hair all done up...........

Another day

I worked today. I was blessed to be sent to Lumber. I didn't sit much because it was busier than usual. But even a few moments help. The big challenge was walking down there and back twice. The walking was truly painful. But, I did it.

I've actually accomplished a little tonight though I did need a lie down when I got home. I think someone came to the door. I was not dressed and sound asleep so I'm not sure. I keep forgetting that I'm not allowed to sleep from February to mid-April. Anyway, Parker never barks but either he did today or I dreamed it...........

I did manage to get some banking done on the way home. I still have trouble with the ATM machine. Pushing buttons with my left hand is hit and miss.

It looks like hours are increasing--saints be praised. I have several 4-shift weeks coming up, It's been a long dry spell in the paycheck department.

Anyway, it's late and I'm off to bed. Just wanted to check in.

I need a hairdresser.........

With this strange thing in my left hand, one of the hardest things is getting my hair to look decent. I can't manage a curling iron. The curling brush has a very large barrel, better for longer hair. I have trouble with aiming the blow dryer. This morning I tried hot rollers. But, I have to work so slowly I was burning my fingers. Now I have velcro rollers in my hair. It was quite the effort to get them in. Hopefully my hair will look better after this than it looked yesterday. I've also discovered the left arm is somewhat effected.

Sewing...............I have the itch again. I think the last time I made apparel was the wedding dress I made for my daughter. That was in 2005. It was a nightmare. First, I lost the instruction sheet, so I had to guess when to do what. Second, my daughter only made herself available for one fitting. In that it had a scalloped lace overlay for the skirt, I REALLY needed more. Hemming was a guessing game. The lace overlay had to be shortened from the top where it joined the bodice. I was a nervous wreck on the eve of the wedding and still hemming that darn dress in my hotel room! The dress turned out beautiful, by the way, but it was such a stressful traumatic experience, I thought I was done sewing apparel for life. But, maybe not...........

The situation is that I have lost so much weight that I have nothing to wear but my work wardrobe. For summer, that's shorts and tees. Here in the desert, you can go almost anywhere in shorts and tees, but I might want something a little dressier for church. I literally have nothing that doesn't hang on me like a tent. So, I have the itch..........I really can't do anything about it for a month, but, maybe then...........

I am on the last two antibiotics for this infection. I wish I felt more like I was doing better. I'm still bone tired and the flank pain is still with me though a bit less. The hand is still not performing normally. I can do more with it sometimes, but it's not reliable. I had a woman pay for a purchase yesterday with $1 bills. It was embarrassing because I had a hard time counting the money to verify her count--but if I didn't recount, my drawer could have come out over or under. I just about have the head cashiers trained to count the money for me when they bring me change. Otherwise they'd be standing there a lot longer than they have time for.

Today is payday--always a blessed event in my life. I thank God that I've been able to continue working through this mess.

That's it for now. Time for me to find something to eat in the kitchen.

I worked today

and I struggled. It seems I am getting the symptoms of this UTI in reverse. As I remember it, one of the first things that happens is urinary frequency. Also, fever. Here I am, more than halfway through the antibiotics with both problems. I had some training materials I had to get through so I spent about an hour sitting down which was a blessing. The "flank pain" was bad today. Also, my heart rate could have subbed for the drummer of a rock'n'roll band. I have struggled with leg pain for years now. It's worse than ever. The only relief is to stop walking, Coming into the store requires I walk in this big loop around the front of the store. I usually make it in and then have to stop til the pain lightens. They act as though I'm going to fall over dead when I stop. I give my standard answer:  "I'll be fine as soon as I stop walking."

I was told years ago that the mark of a good manager is that he/she considers a problem, makes a decision on the best course of action, and then defends the decision. I asked last week if I could come into the store thru the exit door instead of the entrance. This would save about 69% of the big loop. I was told "no". It is against store policy. In truth, the reason for this policy is so that they can easily track you in case you abuse the time allotted for breaks, which I do not. So, the decision is that I must continue to endure the pain so they can more easily make sure I haven't turned into an employee who takes advantage of the store, experiencing a change of character after almost three years. Yet, they like to say we are "family". Do you have a family member you would choose to suffer additional pain? I don't.............

I was asked if I could work tomorrow. Stupidly I checked my schedule and said I'd do it. I failed to take into account that I'm sick and could use the time off to rest and heal. I do have this belief that if I am offered extra hours, it is an offer that comes from the favor of God. I suppose you'd be silly to turn down an opportunity God gives you. There's that old adage: "If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it". I guess that sums it up..........

I came home from work and went to bed shortly thereafter. I got up at midnight and I'll head back to bed fairly soon. Part of this was typed with two hands...........

Whose dog is this?

My dog Parker is 11 years old this year. We had a first last night. He has slept with me every night basically since Joe died. He's a weird guy. He has never shown a whole lot of affection nor does he seem to want it. In fact, if you touch him, he jumps. He's a foundling so I have no idea what might have happened to him as a young pup, but since he's been here, this is the way he behaves.

I woke up in the middle of the night to go to the restroom. I was sleeping on my side with my back to "his" side of the bed. I was shocked to find him curled up against my legs. In all these years, that has never happened. I've had some cold nights I'd have been thrilled just to be able to put my icy feet somewhere close to him, but he'd move away. I did what I needed to do and came back to bed. When I woke up this morning, it was deja vu. There he was, curled up again, in the crook of my legs...........

I'm confused, but I'm happy with this new attitude of his. He may learn how to be a much-loved dog at his ripe old age!

An offer I couldn't refuse

My direct supervisor came to me a couple of days ago and asked if I'd like to work in the cash office. The hours are wretched--it's a 4-hour shift starting at 5;30AM! But it would be cool to be home, work-day finished by 10AM, allowing for commute. The best part about it--you get to sit down! For right now they just need someone for backup. I would be continuing to stand my "watch" at a register at more normal times when not needed in the cash office. The funny thing is, I just had a conversation with the Lord about finding me a job in the store where I could sit down. If He wants this to happen, it will.

I've been thinking a lot about self-checkout lately. That makes cashiers superfluous and unemployed. I don't see this new thing as being at risk of automation. It's been said by our store manager that our store will NEVER do self-checkout. However, it is obvious that corporate is trying to trim payroll costs. And our store manager is not one to buck corporate............Plus, it's likely a good skill to have.

God knows best. We'll just see what He has in mind.............

I have flanks?

I've watched enough Civil War/WWII/VietNam Conflict movies to know that groups of soldiers have flanks. I also knew that horses had flanks. I never thought of myself as having flanks. But, according to Dr. Google, pain in the flanks is another symptom of this UTI I have. I have had a lot of pain when walking, but I've had pain when walking for years. I have noticed though that the pain starts sooner. Lately, I start to hurt when all I've done is walk from the front door to the van. And it hurts like a bugger--hips, buttocks, thighs. Makes walking miserable--more so than usual.

I have been having weirdness with the van. The ABS and Brake light comes on sometimes. There's no predicting when. It acts like a "short" somewhere. I dropped the van off yesterday at 8:30AM. They were to check it out. They brought me home and that was the last I heard from them til I called them a little after 5. They are telling me my battery needs to be replaced and it's putting out low voltage. They think that's the root of the problem. I guess I'll go lookin' for a second opinion on the battery and, if necessary, a replacement battery.

I'm still typing with just my right hand. I did manage to turn a key in the lock with my left hand yesterday. I've also been able to open several sweet 'n'low packets without using my teeth. I've learned that opening a jar is possible if I push it tightly against my body and then twist the lid. Baby steps.............