Cooking vs. Eating

I am still trying to use foods from my freezer, but last week the plans just went awry. Some of you may have no problems with time management and understand fully what your limitations are. Evidently I am not one of those. I truly thought I would be cooking every night except Thursday. 

I had forgotten about meeting TheHub's brother and his wife for dinner Tuesday, and my original plan for driving to Nashville was to leave about 9, turn around and be home by 3:30. I also did not plan on having so many leftovers from the night Son3's friends were here.

But, and this is a big but, I would not change a thing about last week.  I got to spend the week doing things with/for the people I love most, and I can always find food at scads of places near my house. I will choose time with them over using food from the freezer any day.

What I planned on using from the freezer (Go ahead and laugh)

turkey sausage 

brussels sprouts

chicken breast

keto bread

ground chuck

salmon filets

cauliflower rice

corn on the cob

green beans 

Mexican pot roast

Monday: I would have cooked Monday, but we had a lot of pork and fixings leftover from Sunday night. Leftover bbq pork, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, tea

Tuesday:  We had plans to meet BIL and SIL in Tuscaloosa for dinner at Evangeline's

Duck breast or halibut, mushroom risotto, sautéed spinach, wine

Wednesday: My BIL had told us about buying steak at Costco. I probably never would have tried it if not for his recommendation. (He actually raises cattle and is a little discerning when it comes to beef quality). We bought it and tried it___delicious!

Grilled steak, tossed salad, green beans, tea

Thursday: I was at the play venue all day and had nothing to eat but a couple of cups of coffee. Son2 was the same, so after the event with the set broken down and everything loaded in the trucks we planned on going out to dinner. Unfortunately all of the good restaurants in the area had quit serving for the night, which left us with only fast food options. 

Whataburger. Who says you can't have a fun after play meal for 7 at a fast food place?

Friday: TheHub decided he could drive with me to Nashville to take Son3 to meet DIL3 there, but it was going to have to be after a meeting he had scheduled. We did not leave Birmingham until about 1:30 and arrived in Nashville just in time for the afternoon drive time traffic. It took a much longer than normal amount of time to drive through town to East Nashville. We literally dropped Son3 off in the driveway of his friend's house before turning around to sit in more traffic and make our way back to Birmingham.  We  got to Athens, Alabama (just across the state line) and needed a break. What better place to break than Buc-ee's?

Turkey sandwich or chicken sandwich, coffee or water, buc-ee's hot potato chips

Saturday: Once again I had nothing to eat all day and was hungry when I got home from driving to  and from the middle of nowhere (50 miles from here with road construction and serious delays) to a baby shower. When we finally made it back to the house I declared I was not cooking and we decided it might be a good night for a pizza,

Italian sausage, bell pepper, mushroom and onion pizza

Sunday:  I did not really want to cook, but I figured after nights of either eating out, eating in the car, or doin take-out, plus the 5th night eating take out leftovers I could not really insist on another night doing nothing.

Chicken in cilantro cream sauce, roasted corn, coleslaw

Freezer Inventory I actually used

turkey sausage - breakfast casserole for Son3 and friends

green beans - steak dinner

2 small chicken breast - Sunday dinner

corn on the cob - Sunday dinner

Possibilities to use from the freezer this week: 

brussels sprouts

keto bread

ground chuck

salmon filets

cauliflower rice

Mexican pot roast

duck breast 

keto "cornbread"

marinara sauce

chicken breast

asparagus

Have a great week staying on plan, going off plan, or with no plan at all.

Dang Good Week

This week started with a bang and ended with one too. It has been a long time since I had so many things to do all week, but this was almost non-stop filled with old and new friends and family. 

And though I loved it, I still have a mound of sheets and towels to wash and return to the  appropriate rooms.

Even with the laundry, a little bit of chaos, and extra activities it was a great week that I will remember. I had a great time!

Sunday: We woke, went to church then hurried home to do the last details getting ready for guests. Son3 and three of his friends arrived a little after noon to spend the night, before continuing on to a bachelor party in New Orleans. 

One of the guests was a first generation son of Polish immigrants. He brought us some wonderful treats that he grew up eating.  Candies, cookies, and sausages, oh my! I immediately put bowls of candies and plated the cookies so everyone could enjoy them throughout the day/ evening. Can't wait to eat the sausages, ham, and smoked ribs another day.

In the evening we had an extended dinner with fantastic conversation.

Monday: The houseguest who had driven them from NYC wanted to have his car looked at before they left. It had started making a wonky noise as they neared Birmingham.  We told him a nearby place we have used for simple repairs and he planned on taking the car in an having it checked. When he went outside to start his car he noticed antifreeze all over the driveway. A tow truck and a several hours repair job was needed.

I was very happy (for them ) the breakdown happened in my driveway rather than down the road. At least they could have somewhere to stay while they waited, plus they were able to use my car to go do a couple of things instead of just sitting in a repair shop. 

Their joy? About 6 hours later than they planned on leaving, they finally left with a road ready  car. 

I sent the remaining candies with them because, as delicious as they were, TheHub and I did not need them here. Neither of us have ever met chocolates we didn't like.

It was great meeting a couple of new guys as well as seeing Son2 and his friend T. (the groom) whom we have known for several years.

Tuesday: My beloved sister and I left early to go to Independence Place. The participants were not there; they were busy practicing the play,  so we painted props without interruption. The no interruption was good, for we were finished much sooner than we normally would have.  But those interruptions provide so much joy and laughter.

After we finished we rushed back to my house just in time for me to throw off my painting duds and change into something more appropriate for an appointment TheHub an I had. Meanwhile, I got to talk with Sluggy until TheHub arrived at home. We left as soon as he got here, took care out a little business followed by a pick up order from our favorite wine shop along with some funny texting with both Kim and Sissie.

We came home, changed into nicer clothes then drove to Tuscaloosa to meet TheHub's youngest brother and our SIL for dinner. I love meeting them!

Wednesday: The day was a drop dead gorgeous day! My redbud trees are in full bloom and were the first thing I saw when I sat down at the kitchen table to have my morning coffee. Joy!

Thursday: The day of the long anticipated play was finally here. I went out early to do whatever gophering needed to be done. As it turned out other than picking up a few items as I drove in and spotting Son2 while he was adjusting stage lights then handing him whatever he needed, I had to do very little.  

I enjoyed a long cup of coffee and conversations with some of the other volunteers and a couple of my cousins before the doors were opened to the general public. 

Son3 's friends dropped him off at the play so he got to watch it also

I cannot tell you how much I loved watching the participants perform and hearing the audience all celebrating their unique abilities. It was wonderful. 

A most special joy was after the play. TGS (our temporary grandson who is living with Son2 and DIL2) saw  Son3, ran up to him, grabbed him and said "You Came!!!!!!!" while grinning from ear to ear. 

TheHub and I got to meet TGS's parents finally and they told us he talks to them about us regularly. One of his endearing traits is to qualify everyone. For example he never mentions his siblings without calling them  M, my sister or E, my brother. We found out when he speaks to his folks about Son3 he calls him  "Son3, my cousin".

Friday: TheHub and I drove to Nashville to drop Son3 off at a friends house. DIL3 was flying in to meet him there and they were going to spend a little time checking out the city before he flew back to New York. The joys was we had a few additional hours to talk with Son3, then TheHub and I had an uninterrupted 3 hours of conversation on the way back.

Saturday: My Beloved Sister and I had to drive about 50 miles from my house for a baby shower for one of my cousin's daughter. Normally I probably would have skipped the shower and just ordered a gift and had it shipped to her , but she miscarried her first pregnancy and is facing some complications with this one. She is such a sweet young woman and we wanted to do everything possible to be supportive.

On the way to the middle of nowhere (the shower site), there was interstate construction and the drive there took forever. For a significant length of I-59 we were driving under 6 miles an hour. The good thing was having my sister with me because we laughed about silly things throughout the entire delay. 

We arrived a tad later than planned, but still in time to see many more of our female relatives.

And the mom to be was so excited to have so many of her "people" there.

Loved seeing her be so happy, and am glad the event is now in my rearview mirror. 

I am looking forward to a calmer week now.

Look for your joys no matter how large or small they are. They are always there!

May all your weeds be wildflowers,

Anne

The Big Freeze(r)

I did not do as well using things from the freezer as I had planned to. Life get in the way sometimes, huh? I guess it is a good thing I don't expect life to be a straight path from a to b, to c, to d . . . 

What I hoped to use from the freezer last week

pork al pastor tortilla dish

browned ground beef and onions egg roll bowl

turkey sausage

turkey burgers

chicken breasts

keto bread

cauliflower rice stuffed pepper soup

brussels sprouts

What was actually used

1 pack browned ground chuck with onions

2 tuna steaks

keto "fries"

1 pack pork al pastor

1 pack frozen ground chuck

1 pack cauliflower rice

the rest of the turkey burgers

Monday: An unexciting day needed something tasty at least.

Eggroll in a bowl, tea

Tuesday: Happy Valentine's Day. Rather than fight crowds at restaurants we opted to eat at home

Grilled tuna steaks, salad, mashed potatoes or keto fries, tea

Wednesday:  I was volunteering at IP so TheHub and I got home at about the same time and decided to just go out to eat.

Wedge salad, tea 

Thursday: I spent the day working upstairs getting the bedrooms and baths ready for guests this weekend. Dinner needed to be a quick meal.

Keto tortillas with pork al pastor, salsa, coleslaw, water (I forgot to make tea Thursday morning)

Friday: The night was very cold and just begged to be a soup supper.

Stuffed pepper soup, tea

Saturday: We intended to cook a steak out, but got caught up in a basketball game on TV, and decided we would settle for quick comfort food.

Grilled veggie covered turkey burgers, sans buns (meant to have Brussels sprouts with this but it didn't happen)

Sunday: Son3 arrived with his friends, headed to New Orleans. Since they are from the NYC area they all wanted bbq. I did not have enough time when I heard what they wanted to smoke a butt but it was easy enough to get since there are bbq joints everywhere around town .

Pulled pork, okra, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, banana pudding, half moon cookies, Bluebell ice cream (different folks wanted different things)

And finally, I hope to use 10 items from the freezer this week:

turkey sausage

brussels sprouts

chicken breast

keto bread

ground chuck

salmon filets

cauliflower rice

corn on the cob

green beans

Mexican pot roast

Have a great week staying on plan, going off plan or with no plan at all!

Joy of Feeling Better

The 7th week of 2023 started out with me coughing and feeling tired and then Monday afternoon came and it felt like someone had flipped a switch. All of a sudden I felt like myself,  just a tad less energetic than normal. I was so happy to feel good again. 

Sunday: I was feeling much better with the exception of coughing my foolish head off. I am very thankful  for Maebeme from My Life, My World . A year or so ago she mentioned a specific cough syrup, Buckleys, which can be found in Canada, or sometimes from Amazon. She mentioned how bad it tasted (like you are taking a spoonful of ammonia mixed with liquid skunk) but also mention how well it works. It is much easier to take when you have no sense of smell or taste, but it did work well to tame the cough for a while.

The devil cough syrup would quiet my cough for about an hour and then it was back full force .

I skipped going to church because I figured no one would like to sit around someone who sounded like I did, and while TheHub was there I started getting Super Bowl treats made.

We watched the game and were both disappointed  The Eagles did not win, but it was a great spectator game anyway.

Monday: I stayed home, not to stay away from anyone, but because I didn't have anywhere I really wanted to go. Instead of cleaning the house getting ready for weekend houseguests, I read. Oh well, I thought maybe I would clean the house Tuesday.

Tuesday: Instead of cleaning I remembered I was supposed to be back at my happy place. I painted a giraffes, neck,  a hippo, and assorted bit and pieces of other African animals for the upcoming play. It was go good to be back!

I was late getting TheHub a Valentine's card and stopped at the store on my way home from IP. I already knew I was making a Valentine's meal complete with champagne, but you have to have a card, right?

I could not find one that said what I wanted to say until I found a Spanish card with the English translation on the back of the card.  Of course I bought it, (neither of us speak Spanish) said nothing about the translation and gave it to TheHub. Naturally since sarcasm is my native language, I signed it, "And I mean every word".   After we laughed about it I did tell him to turn it over.

Wednesday: I had to skip my class because I had missed helping with the play costumes and props the week before while I was sick. There was still a lot to get done, so I went. My greatest joy of the day was interaction with one of the participants J.  On most occasions his verbalization is one syllable which is usually "fine", when asked how he is. Wednesday he was playing the music to Mario Cart and I asked him if he liked to play. His response to me was "Play Mario Cart__At Home". Play Mario Cart__At Home", which is about the equivalent of a full conversation with some of the other participants. After that he reached out and gave me a hug, which he has never done. He is pretty touch averse unless he is trying to get someone to go walk with him, so I was overwhelmed.

When both TheHub and I got home we decided to go out to eat and watch the Alabama basketball game at a little local joint. I enjoyed dinner, but realized that we needed to scoot home and watch the game there. I know at home TheHub yells at the refs, I just did not realize he would be so vocal in a restaurant. It was not really a yell, but was a loud statement of displeasure. Won't do that again unless we are in a sports bar.

Thursday: This should have been the day for me to get ready for houseguests, but I had a digital library book that was about due to be returned and it had 3 people waiting for it, so there was no option to renew. Obviously, instead of cleaning I had to read.

Friday: I woke and thought about cleaning the house, but then I thought I really needed to read a little more because I only had 6 hours left on the library book loan, so I read a while, then started cleaning the upstairs, putting on the sheets that had been washed and put away from the last guests to use them. This is one of those rare visits when I would be needing all four extra beds. So there was a flurry of bed making, and general cleaning, except for the bathrooms. For some silly reason I like to do those right before guests get here. Anyway the upstairs was done with the exception of vacuuming and the bathrooms.

Saturday: TheHub and I went to get our passport photos taken. When we saw them we kind of laughed at the people who looked so much older than our last photos. How did that happen???

We did a minimum of running around, then came home  for me to start getting the main floor in company shape, while TheHub did a project outside. Later in the evening we watched the Alabama/Georgia basketball game. (I mistakenly thought the guests would be here Saturday. I was wrong )

Look for your joys, they are always there!

May all your weeds be wildflowers,

Anne

Thoughts For Food

The freezers still very full, but when I open it there is no longer the fear of a frozen avalanche. I managed to use 7 items* from it this week, and the only thing that was added was a single serving of Sloppy Joe's.  I think this week I am going to make myself use 8 items from the freezer.

Even though I am no longer challenging myself to stay out of the grocery stores and did go to three of them this week, I bought less than 20 items, most of which was produce. I got me some coffee too, because I had run out of the real stuff and was drinking a decaf/espresso powder blend that was not great.

I had delicious regular coffee a few mornings last week, and it is true about the little things meaning a lot.

Monday: I had a container of chili in the freezer but there was not enough for two of us. Instead I made a small recipe of cornbread and partially baked it in a loaf pan. Once the top had set I covered it with shredded sharp cheddar, then spread the chili over the cheese, and returned it to the oven until the cornbread was cooked through.  I added a sprinkle of parsley strictly for visual appeal before serving it. It was surprisingly good. 

Cornbread chili casserole, coleslaw, tea

Tuesday: In my mind I had taken the pork al pastor out of the freezer to thaw, but when I looked in the refrigerator meat drawer (naturally about 15 minutes before it was time to eat) I found I did not. Fortunately I had some leftover rotisserie chicken from Sunday's lunch  in the drawer and could create a quick dinner.

Chicken alfredo, 3 bean salad on lettuce cups, tea

Wednesday: It was a ballgame night here and TheHub likes to have a ballgame type meal (translation, teenage food)

Sloppy Joe’s, chips, Brussels sprouts, tea

Thursday: I needed something quick (translation, I forgot to take anything out of the freezer in the morning) so I looked through the freezer for something that would be the easiest to thaw in the microwave. Glad I had sausage and a rice mix in the pantry.

Conecuh sausage jambayla, coleslaw, tea

Friday: Out to eat. We were running a few errands (I was double masked). Then we stopped at a fast food place where we sat in the corner away form everyone.

Fish sandwich

Saturday: The day was rainy and dreary which cancelled our grilled tuna steak plans

Collard green/black eyed pea soup, rolls, fresh pineapple, tea

Used from the freezer

Container of chili

Small pack ground chuck w/ onions

pack of conecuh sausage

black eyed pea/collard green soup mix

1 package chicken broth

1 frozen pizza

1/2 bag Brussels sprouts

1 turkey burger (lunch)

1 hash brown patty (lunch)

Used from the pantry

corn bread mix

can of 3 bean salad

fettuccine noodles

4 quart tea bags

2 individual bags of chips

jambayla package

1/2 jar of Alfredo sauce

boxed jambayla mix

1/2 can tomatoes

2 ham boullion packets

What I hope to use from the freezer this week

pork al pastor

browned ground beef and onions

turkey sausage

turkey burgers

chicken breasts

keto bread

cauliflower rice

brussels sprouts

I guess I will see how it goes.

Have a great week staying on plan, going off plan or with no plan at all!

* I listed 9 items used from the freezer, but the turkey burger and the hash brown patty were both part of packages that still have several more servings. I 'm not going to count them as "used" until they are actually all gone.

Limited by Coughing

The week was neither good nor bad, but I was still coughing pretty badly and just did not need to be around people. I recognize that I have a moral responsibility to the community at large, but I do not like having to stay home, and start feeling like a big cat in a cage, pacing back and forth. Instead of just being stuck at home I start to think I am trapped, and I don't like it at all. 

Sunday: After a seriously long, hot, shower, I dressed for the day (fashionista that I am) in sweats and a camo thermal shirt to cough my stupid head off lounge the day away. I still felt pretty bad, but the upside was I managed to finish a book between naps, coughs and sneezes, and  Paramount+ released a new episode of 1923.

Monday: I had planned on feeling much better than I did. The cough was still relentless, but I needed to get a few things from the grocery store. I double masked and made a quick trip, under ten minutes, making sure I stayed far away from other shoppers and also making sure I only touched items I was going to purchase. I was even a good Girl Scout and wiped the buggy handle (that's cart for those of you who don't speak southern) with a disinfecting wipe after returning it. I do not want to share this crap with anyone. When I got home the day was so incredibly gorgeous, I sat outside on the front steps for a while.

Tuesday: I felt much better even though I was still battling the cough. 

I sat outside and enjoyed the weather a bit, plus I got to see quite a few courting birds. I saw a couple of fights too. A pair of male cardinals were in a frenzied contest vying for the attentions of a female who sat on a branch watching the melee. I am not sure who the victor was, but I imagine some nest building will be going on shortly.

I also saw/heard a beautiful woodpecker, pecking away at the tree in my next door neighbors yard.

While I was sitting outside I took inventory of all the work we have to do to get things ready for spring. Ugh! The seriously cold spell we had did some damage to some of the plants in the yard. I hope just a shave and a haircut will be all it takes to get them looking decent, but I have a feeling the butterfly bush is toast. No matter, we will have a ton of work to do to make the yard look decent.

Wednesday: Normally I would have gone to class, but this cough was relentless. I was probably no longer contagious, but if I were one of my classmates, I would not have wanted to be in the same room with me.

I stayed home, sat outside and read for a good part of the day.

Thursday: I was still staying away from all humans with the exception of TheHub. I did have a couple of nice telephone conversations with My Beloved Sister and another friend. And I watched/mostly listened to Derry Girls. What a wonderful ensemble cast.

Friday: TheHub came home from work early and for the first time in a week I felt almost human. We ran a few errands, then went out to eat. Ok not really! We went to Culvers (a fast food place) and ate a fish sandwich and had a diet root beer, which might be the best root beer I have ever had.

Saturday: Whatever this mystery illness is, it has really worked a number on me. I have been so tired and had no energy. I was actually glad it was a rainy dreary day so we could stay at home and do virtually nothing. We read/ate/watched the Alabama -Auburn basketball game/watched a new to us series/ lather, rinse, repeat. I am more than ready to feel normal again.

Look for your joys, no matter how small. They are out there!

May all your weeds be wildflowers,

Anne

January Challenge Is Done! What's Next?

I finished the challenge for January without shopping for anything but produce and bread with a couple of exceptions. I did buy 2 Aldi seasonal items. (I've learned if you see something seasonal to go ahead and get it because most likely it will not be there the next shopping trip) I also bought 6 cartons of sale priced mushrooms, which were dehydrated and now live in a Duke's mayonnaise jar. 

TheHub bought ice cream for the brownies and also a 6 pack of ice cream sandwiches the night of the 31st. And yes I did eat some of each, cause even though I might have a food use/ no shopping mission, I am not stupid.

Now that February is here, I will lighten up on the produce and bread only rule, but I am still planning to only use proteins from the freezer. Even after using food storage for the month, I still have a gigantic food inventory here. So my rule for February (Following The Hawaii Planner's tip) is to use a minimum of 5 items from the freezer each week.

Any food I list as used  will come from storage and not be something I bought during the week.

Monday Meals

Breakfast: coffee

Lunch: avocado, cabbage. tea

Dinner: honey garlic chicken over risotto, coleslaw

Snack: sourdough toast with jelly

Tuesday Meals

Breakfast: coffee

Lunch: Peanut butter, graham crackers, tea

Dinner: "hamburger"with all the fixings, hash browns

No longer posting the full days meals, back to dinner meals only

Wednesday: TheHub and I got home at about the same time, and I had nothing planned for dinner. He stopped at Publix and picked up a fried chicken breast for him and a thigh for me. I cobbled the rest of the dinner from pantry items.

Fried chicken, potato salad, stewed tomatoes and okra

Thursday: I was feeling really rotten and when I feel really bad I love either hot and sour  soup or tom yum soup. The Chinese place is a tad closer than the Thai one, so hot and sour won.

Hot and sour soup, dumplings (take out)

Friday: I was hungry but was having a hard time tasting anything, so I rode through the drive through with The Hub to pick up something a tad spicy.

Tacos from Taco Bell (Thankfully I could at least feel the heat from the taco sauce)

Saturday: TheHub had gone to a fundraiser and I was not really hungry.

Chicken noodle soup and crackers

Sunday: I was still not feeling well so we went the Chinese route again

Hot and Sour Soup

Bought  for the week (before Feb 1)

hamburger buns

ice cream sandwiches

bananas

Used for the week (After Tuesday the listings will only include existing pantry or freezer items)

From the freezer:

1 cooked chicken breast

1 pack Impossible Beef

2 hash brown patties

From the refrigerator

John's slaw dressing

butter

soy sauce

jelly

mustard

ketchup

mayonnaise

dill slices

pickle relish

Produce

cabbage

avocado

1/2 bag coleslaw

garlic

lettuce

mushrooms

1 onion

From the pantry

honey

red pepper flakes

salt

pepper

olive oil

mushroom risotto pack

sourdough bread

canned tomatoes and okra

peanut butter

graham crackers

canned potatoes

chicken noodle soup

The concept of using five freezer items per week got derailed since I felt bad and did not really cook__at all.

Planned freezer uses for this week***

1 pack pork al pastor

1 pack browed ground beef with onions

2 tuna steaks

carton frozen chili

1 pack chicken

1/2 bag Brussels sprouts

*** No clue how I will use any of these yet, but I did already take some things out of the freezer this morning to thaw.

And as usual, if anywhere has stellar meat/chicken or fish deals, I will buy it and freeze it. Judging from the ads the past few weeks, I am not counting on it.

Sometimes Just Enough is Enough

The 5th week of the year came and went and was not exactly what I had planned, but like most weeks, It was enough

Sunday: We woke, got ready for church, went, then came flying home for a quick bowl of soup before going to see Hamilton. We both loved it, and now are going to read The Federalist Papers, hopefully with different eyes. 

We have had season tickets to the Birmingham Broadway series for many many years. Like most venues, we could improve our seats each season as they become available when the previous seat holders did not renew. About 5 years ago we managed to score the perfect ones, so now we are 6 rows from center stage. It means we have to keep our season ticket status, even years when the plays are not that good. But I can honestly say, keeping them through the lean show years was worth it after seeing Sunday's performance.

Now I just hope when the new season is announced Hades Town will be one of the shows. Birmingham is not a top tier city so we don't usually get the newest touring shows, but my fingers are crossed.

Monday: I should have cleaned the house and done ALL the laundry, but I didn't. I probably should have felt bad for not doing it, but I didn't do that either.

Tuesday: I was supposed to go paint at Independence Place, but was dealing with arthritic hands that were not working well enough to hold the paint brushes I was using. Instead I stayed home and read.

And another happy aside, Son2 and DIL2 closed on their house. Immediately after closing they went there and began pulling up the carpet in the bedroom. Though I should have, I did not volunteer to help.

Wednesday: After my Wednesday class I was driving and my phone rang. What a delight! I got to talk with Sluggy while I made my way across town.

I went to Independence Place to paint spots on the giraffe's neck and legs, and to add dimension to the rhino's body. It is my happy place. 

On the way home I felt peckish and needed a little something so I did what I rarely do, scooted through Starbucks drive through for a flat white. I generally drink my coffee black, but just wanted a little more without going the latte or cappuccino route.

Thursday: Back to IP to put the finishing touches on all of the masks, the giraffe, and the rhino. The play will be in a couple of weeks, so getting it finished was imperative.

On the way home I noticed I could not stop sneezing and by the time I pulled in the driveway my head felt like it weighed 50 pounds. 

Friday: I woke to a totally liquid head. Yep, I was ill, and cold. I took a shower to get warm and there is a serious joy having a steaming hot shower when you feel like crud. 

TheHub brought a couple of covid tests home from work and as soon as he got here, I took one___negative and I was thrilled about that, but I still felt like crap.

Another thing that brought joy was TheHub's recliner. Generally I avoid it like the plague, because I do not want to turn into a recliner lady, but when I tried to lie on the bed I could not breathe worth a flip, sleeping in the recliner became a really good solution.

Saturday: I still felt like crud, but the liquid head had migrated to my chest and I spent most of the day rocking in the recliner while drinking hot tea or ginger ale and barking like a seal. At least that is what the cough sounded like to me.

I hate I felt so bad because we had dinner tickets to a fundraiser that supplies summertime math instruction mixed with sports to kids who need a little help and structure. TheHub went anyway and said I missed a nice event. We had gone last year and really did enjoy it.

Instead I sat in the recliner with a shawl and a blanket, watching Legends and Lies: The Patriots. It was very interesting, especially after seeing Hamilton on Sunday.

Look for the joys, however small. You are sure to find them.

May all your weeds be wildflowers.

Anne