Restless by William Boyd
Halfway through with this WWII spy story. Enjoying it.
2. I remembered to make dental appointments for each of us this month (prompted by email reminder that we shouldn't let our insurance benefits go unused for the year). We hadn't used this insurance before, as I think we had to have it for at least a year before coverage kicked in. I'm not sure that's right, but it was something like that. So I wasn't sure what it would actually cover, but a preliminary check by the dentist's office was that it would pay 80% of my visit today for exrays and cleaning. The dentist came in to look at the images, and said I was blessed with really good teeth. Boy, don't I know it! Sixty-seven years old and no cavities! (I did have one small cavity once, but I don't count it because I broke the root of that tooth grinding my teeth in my sleep about twenty years ago, so it is gone and has an implant in its place.) Carey's appointment is next week. It will probably be more expensive, because he wasn't quite as lucky in the teeth department.
3. I have a book ready to pick up at the library tomorrow. And I found another that I'm looking forward to, but I'm number sixteen in the reserve line for it. But that's good, because I have plenty of others to finish in the mean time.
4. We were going to go to the movie theater tomorrow for the Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale opening day. But with my dodgy knee, I really don't want to do all that walking, so I think I'll wait for streaming release. Besides, do I need all that expensive, salty, greasy popcorn? No. Want it? YES, but I'll live. :)
5. I still have all the ingredients in the fridge, so tonight I think I'll try to replicate the omelet I made last week.
What we ate this past week:
Saturday: Family supper at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: takeout barbecue baked potato
Monday: frozen pot pies
Tuesday: oven-ready meal from grocery: salmon, potatoes, green beans
Wednesday: homemade meal from freezer: Jambalaya
Thursday: takeout burgers
Friday: omelet
**designates meatless meal
So he says, two of my siblings (family of 11 kids) want to know why your mother was buried in a little town in Nebraska and not with your dad. I told him she wasn't. (Well, she was buried in a little town in Nebraska [still is], but not the one he named. And she is lying next to my dad.) He said, "I texted them your number, and said call this number to find out. But I'd be surprised if they call." (I'm not even sure he told them whose number he sent them. LOL)
I told him, "Well if you give me their numbers, I can go one better and preemptively text them a photo of the headstone with both names on it." He thought that was a great idea, and was tickled that they would receive it out of the blue.
This is where the story gets interesting. I texted both of his siblings. My youngest cousin (baby of the 11 kids, and maybe a whole 6 months younger than me) texted back thanks, and we talked a little about our boys (now men). Then he texts me, "Well, explain this to me," accompanied by a photo of a funeral card with my mother's name on it...almost. I told him the birth and death dates were not mom's nor was the middle initial.
He said, "Well, I'll be darned. I don't know why we have this funeral card. I guess it's a mystery that will never be solved." Maybe I should add here that the card was dated 1985, and they had apparently been holding on to it all these years later.
I had to laugh, because my mother would have. I told him that Mom would have gotten a kick out of his confusion, because she loved to trick people...maybe she still does? :)
He replied, "Yes, she would." I could almost see his smile.
It was just a nice little connection with family that hasn't seen or talked with each other for too long, and it reminded us all of our connection, and our parents.
And some unknown lady with a familiar name. :)
2. After bemoaning the sad state of my bra-drawer contents, I decided to buy a new model to give it a try. If it passes the comfort and support test, I will get more before letting the old ones go.
3. I remembered to water the plants before they croaked. Honestly, these monsteras are the hardiest plants ever!
4. I started the next book for book club. It was one we chose because it had been an Amazon First Reads option that several of us had clicked on for free (for Prime members), and others of our group were able to get it for free as well after the club met.
5. I have a 2026 calendar (23" x 34") in my shopping cart. It's the whole year on one large sheet, and it has daily squares big enough to write a couple of appointments on. It can just sit there till I have other things to add to the order.
What we ate this past week:
Saturday: Family supper at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: leftovers
Monday: takeout Tex-Mex
Tuesday: Poppy Seed Chicken, Cranberry Sauce
Wednesday: grazed the fridge
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: Omelet: bacon, onion, yellow bell pepper, variety cubed cheese, eggs
Forty-eighth challenge finish of the year.
2. While talking with financial planner (former boss) about rolling it over, we couldn't help talking books. He asked how many I had read so far this year. When I told him, he groaned a bit that I was ahead of him again. We talked about best books we had read this year, and he told me about his favorite so far. I looked it up later, and it is one of a trilogy about traveling in the U.S. None are available at our library, so I ordered used, "very good condition" copies of each of the three to put away for somebody's Christmas present. We've always enjoyed his book recommendations. (That makes three Christmas gifts so far.)
3. We still had a $50+ credit at the vet, so that was nice to get subtracted from our bill for Rudy's annual exam and vaccines.
4. I've lost fifty pounds since I retired from full-time work, and my blue jeans are too big. I've put off buying new ones, but the time was now or have them fall down. I received an email this week that offered 40% off denim items, so I took advantage.
5. I don't frequent Starbucks. I don't get manis or pedis. I've gone a loooong time since my last hair cut. I use the lilbrary as my first choice of obtaining books.
What we ate this past week:
Saturday: leftovers
Sunday: takeout barbecue
Monday: pot pies
Tuesday: Homecooked meal from the freezer (curry)
Wednesday: Homecooked meal from the freezer (meatloaf & twice baked potatoes)
Thursday: 15 Bean Soup
Friday: Linguini with Lemon Cream Sauce w/ Chicken
**designates meatless meal
2. My sweet husband cleaned the window exteriors; something I would not even think about doing in the summer heat, and I didn't ask him to do it either, but that's just the kind of guy he is, always looking for something to be doing. Sometimes his hyperactivity makes me crazy (because it makes me feel like a slug staying in air conditioning and reading a good portion of the day, LOL). I can honestly say that I have never ever nagged him about doing anything...because if I even mention that I'm thinking about doing something, it's done before I know it.
3. As I was doing laundry, I pulled the step stool in and dusted the open shelving and neatened them up. I wanted something pretty, so looked through the china cabinet and found a hand-painted plate and plate stand. I was happy for cheap. Shopped my own inventory.
4. I have another Christmas present ticked off the list. That makes two so far. :)
5. Aside from an appointment last week, volunteering at the library, dropping off at Goodwill, and picking up prescriptions and grocery order. I'm not venturing out much. This is my estevation season (definition: [zoology] prolonged torpor or dormancy of an animal during a hot or dry period.
What we ate this past week:
Saturday: Family supper at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: out for Mexican food (and was extremely ill that evening and next day). Our favorite place was closed, so we tried a different place. :(
Monday: Turkey & Rice Soup (homemade)
Tuesday: Spanish Rice
Wednesday: Charcuterie Board (test run)
Thursday: Breakfast for supper
Friday: Sausage, Rice, & Green Beans stovetop skillet dinner
**designates meatless meal
2. I found a way to pay almost half for the bacon I prefer, at least some of the time. (see Monday's post).
3. I've reached the end of my rope waiting to get the motivation to get the house decluttered. My friend Catherine was scheduled to host the next book club meeting, even though she is booked up till just a few days before the meeting. So I asked her if I could have it at my house this month instead. I have a serious case of clutter blindness, so I need outside motivation, like public humiliation if it's a wreck when people show up. :) Let me assure you in case you are worried, there's no trash, I do throw trash away. Nor is stuff all over the floor with paths through it. Good grief, Carey would not put up with that. It's just that I cover tables, desktops, a couple of chairs, with mail, packages, crafts, books, etc. Oddly, my closets stay mostly neat and organized...it's the horizontal surfaces out in the open that are a jumble.
So far I'm doing a little bit every day. The whole house won't be completely decluttered by the 20th, but the rooms people see should be. And hopefully the forward progress will propel me forward on my journey.
4. I've already read this month's book club selection, but it's been several years. I just checked out the audiobook from the library so I can listen while I declutter.
5. On Fridays after 5pm, Schlotzky pizzas are only $5. Carey had one of their sandwiches, but I got the personal veggie pizza. (I know, I know, that is hardly even a fringe frugality.)
What we ate this past week:
Saturday: Family Supper at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: Pasta Salad with red, yellow, and green bell peppers, golden Greek peppers, grape tomatoes, red onion, carrot, celery, yellow squash, zuchini, cubed turkey, & dressing
Monday: Shrimp Gumbo
Tuesday: leftover pasta salad
Wednesday: Carey made a sandwich; I ate more pasta salad.
Thursday: we can't remember...possibly pasta salad...don't judge me, please
Friday: takeout sandwich/pizza
**designates meatless meal
I'm very happy to have finally realized that there is a way to save on my favorite bacon even when it's not on sale.
3. I've resisted the temptation to pre-order the new Ken Follett book coming out in September. I know the library will get it pretty quickly, so I'll just watch the new acquisitions list to get on the reserve list early.
4. I haven't purchased any craft and/or hobby items. I'm not being very creatively productive since I've spent so much time reading this year.
5. Received a refund check of $89 from dealership where new car was purchased. Not sure why, but I'll take it!
What we ate this past week:
Saturday: Family Supper at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: leftover quiche for C; turkey sandwich for me
Monday: frozen pot pies
Tuesday: Meatloaf, Twice Baked Potatoes, Corn
Wednesday: Salmon, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans
Thursday: out for burgers
Friday: Spanish Rice
**designates meatless meal
Oh well, the one with all the pieces can be donated to the library now. LOL
2. I did a rough inventory of the chest freezer. I had a sale turkey from 2024 holiday season in there taking up a good portion of the space. I decided to bite the bullet and roast it and use the FoodSaver to prepare small, usable amounts of the meat, and freeze them ready to use for casseroles and salads and sandwiches.
Additionally there is 20 pounds of flour in the freezer, along with several packages of bacon, sausages, a couple of large bags of pecans from Costco, various bags of frozen vegetables, and three Dreamsicles.
In my opinion upright freezers are much more efficient to organize and access, and the most useful thing about a chest freezer would be a scenario where you might have a dead body that need's hiding. I would dearly love to have an upright freezer, but as long as this one does the job it can stay.
3. Grocery total this month is lower than expected. I'm not sure why, but I've been a little creative in cooking with what we have. Mostly because I don't want to go out into the heat to restock.
4. Frugal fail: Carey took the new car in to get an estimate on replacing the passenger side external rearview mirror. Wish I didn't have to claim responsibility for that one...it was sheared off by the menu board/speaker while I was backing out of a Sonic parking spot. $1,200+.
5. Frugal fail: I caved and resubscribed to Audible. I have projects to do, but I need to be reading! I checked the library for the audio book, but I was something like 21 on the waiting list. :( Now if I can just find my earbuds. Found 'em! :)
On the menu this week:
Saturday: Family supper at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: BLTs
Monday: Quiche (red onion, bell pepper, broccoli, cheddar & parm)
Tuesday: leftovers
Wednesday: Turkey Penne Casserole
Thursday: out for Tex-Mex
Friday: leftovers
1. My first grandson's birthday was this week, and we celebrated it on Saturday night at Kasey and Beau's. I made him a card, a batch of Snack Crackers, and a pair of funny socks I had put back for him. He works with special-needs kids, and him wearing funny socks is one way to engage them.
2. Drove 500 miles to spend my sister's birthday with her. She broke her wrist a couple of weeks ago, so I was hoping I could be helpful to her, but she didn't let me do much. It was very nice to visit with her, and I loved getting to see her grandson (whom I hadn't seen since he was a little guy) and got to meet his wife and kiddoes.
My sister had supper planned for all of us, and only needed a little help in the kitchen. I had baked a cake at home before we left, and took it to have. I also took a couple of homecooked meals from our freezer, so she could take a couple of nights off from cooking when she wants to. Went back to see sis again, and got in another afternoon visit before heading back home.
3. A great friend of mine lives near my sister, so we got to meet for lunch while I was there, and talked non-stop.
4. While we were gone, Jared took care of Rudy for us.
5. Picked up sewing machines (2) from repairman yesterday. Not cheap, but worth it; and I'm really pleased to have found a good repair option. I have a backlog of projects to get going on.
What we ate this week:
Saturday: Family supper at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: leftovers
Monday: supper at my sister's house
Tuesday: big lunch out w/ friend, so skipped supper
Wednesday: Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Thursday: Tuna Salad Sandwiches again (we love them)
Friday: Green Salad w/ remainders of vegetable tray I took to book club today.
**designates meatless meal
2. Speaking of phone bills...back in the day, my sister and I would have to try to never let our husbands get the mail for fear they would see our phone bills. Those were some big phone bills. In the past week, I have talked to her for about three hours (combined total), and to the other Kathleen for about an hour and a half (combined total). I am SO very happy we have unlimited talk and text nowadays.
I don't care that Carey gets the mail these days. Because not only are the phone bills lower now than they used to be, the bills come to my email inbox not the post box. LOL
3. There wasn't anything on the calendar this week, so mostly hung around the house; read, laundry, repeat.
4. I've been using the dregs of a bottle of shower gel (diluted) to clean the toilet. I don't do that if the toilet gets really dirty, but as per my FlyLady days, if you 'swish and swipe' the toilet daily, it never gets really dirty, and she also said "Soap is soap, so use up what you have."
5. I've kept the houseplants that I bought in spring 2024 alive for over a year now. My son thought all this time that the large monsteras (2) in the living room were artificial! He has not paid attention to how much they've grown! I saw a really large monstera either on the web or tv recently, and it scared me how big they get! If mine get much bigger, I may have to adopt them out to new homes before we have to carry machetes to hack our way through the jungle. :)
What we ate this week:
Saturday: Family supper at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: Tortilla Soup
Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: takeout fried chicken
Wednesday: leftover Tortilla Soup
Thursday: takeout sandwiches
Friday: Chicken Curry
**designates meatless meal
2. Aside from groceries and bills, I only spent $2.15 for a Kindle book.
3. No takeout or meals out this week.
4. I put two birthday cards in the mail this week. One of them late, but oh well.
Speaking of mail, the postage rates are going up again on July 13 -- a one ounce letter will go from 73¢ to 78¢. I still have plenty of forever stamps to last a good while.
5. I have thought about getting my hair cut every day this week, but I continue to put it off. It's hot, and all I do is pull it up off my neck anyway. For sure I'll get it cut sometime before grandson's December's wedding. :)
This week we ate:
Saturday: Family dinner at Kasey & Beau's
Sunday: Summery Pasta Salad w/ Chicken
Monday: Honey Garlic Chicken
Tuesday: Quesadillas w/ Guacamole
Wednesday: leftover pasta salad
Thursday: Mexican Cornbread Casserole
Friday: leftovers
**designates meatless meal