Haircut

 On Saturday evening Tommy asked me if I had Bandaids. Of course I do, but asked why he wanted one. Where the dermatologist burned off a huge skin tag, he had scratched the itchy scab. It was open, raw, and bleeding. I told him the toothpaste I was using would help him since he said it was still itching. He let me put some on the open sore of this huge skin tag. He immediately said it was no longer itching. Today, he had his t shirt off and I asked how it was. He said he had forgotten about it. He felt and was surprised the Crest was still there. He said he has never put Crest on his skin. 

Tonight, I cut his hair. He was a pain most of the time. I could barely stand to cut it, so tomorrow I will do a little bit more to fix it when my standing ability recovers. Halfway through, I had him go into the bathroom to look at it. He took a pick and combed it over. There was hair six inches long that would be three inches below his ear when the combover fell down or blew down. The man has plenty of hair and not a bald spot anywhere. 

Fortunately, he will forget to do the combover. He always does. The barber he went to before I started cutting his hair put a part half an inch above his ear. She was 35. Did she not notice he had plenty of hair and did not need a combover? Did she assume an old man needed a combover despite his abundant hair?

I need to call for a haircut well before Easter. She will be very busy after this week. 

Since the wind was down today, he went to car and found the woman salesperson's card at car dealership. It was in the car like I thought. Nothing blew away outside. I wonder about the roof. We stayed home today. I was antsy to go out but kept myself under control. 

It has been several hours since I cut his hair. He has combed it without a combover. See?

Tornado stories are horrifying. There has only been reported one death so far. That could be because the Weather forecasters dominated the television all day Saturday, people listened, and took shelter.

How did you fare in the tornado outbreak and the wind? 

Have you ever put Crest or other toothpaste on any skin irritation? 

Car Shopping

 We had something to do today which was cancelled, maybe because of impending storms. I said to Tommy, "Why don't we go to the car place and look at cars?" After we finally figured out where I was talking about, we went there. 

As we were talking to saleswoman, she asked if we were interested in a hybrid I said no as Tommy said yes. I was shocked. So, we tried a hybrid. Well, I test it for ease of entry and if it hurts my back. 

There were brilliant blue like we wanted, new cars. Tommy was willing to buy that for me! I want a light car for safety reasons. I said wistfully that I wished they were pink. She said I could 'wrap' it. Like Saran Wrap? 

Is this wrapping sturdy? I never heard of it.

She said to come back tomorrow and they would get one like we wanted. I think we cannot buy a newer car since the seat backs have changed. 

This woman was doing a good job helping us. She was black, but when she went back inside for something, a very stern-looking black man came back out with her. He was looking very stern. He quickly came and leaned on the window on passenger side and said, "Now, what is it you are looking for? I looked him dead in the eye without a bit of friendliness in my demeanor and said, "We have already told her what we want. She knows, and she is doing a very good job helping us." He said he was just trying to help her. I said something to the effect that it did not appear she needed any help. Finally, he asked her what we wanted. He treated her so nasty. I told her I hated he talked down to her. She said the guys in there always treated her that way. 

I told her she should get some fuzzy slippers instead of the heels she was wearing. She said she was required to wear heels, and bitterly said the guys could wear sneakers. I would hate to be in the workforce this day and age. Flat shoes are okay for teachers and researchers, thankfully. My neighbor had to wear a longline bra and a girdle and heels and hose to teach first grade! She taught 80 years ago.

We came home after picking up bread bogo at Publix. Shopping for cars is exhausting. 

We tried to pick up a prescription for me, but it was not ready for the third day. Finally, after returning and sitting in line for over 45 minutes, we got both. There were only two people/cars ahead of us. Eventually, there were 8 behind and 5 of them left. This was the cream for me to rub on my endometriosis. NOT Thankfully, there were directions on the tube. 

Chances are great we will have an outbreak of tornadoes. I will sleep here in my chair in the living room until I cannot sleep. I would hate to lose all my possessions again. The tree in the backyard will come down in the wind one day. It is so weak and large that it would come through my bedroom in the front of the house. Yikes. Lights are in place. We both have our chargers on our chairs. We won't be stuck in the reclining position...lol. 

Tommy went into the kitchen to get his dinner as I wanted none. After 30 minutes and little noise, I went there to see what was happening. He was making a pizza! I had  bought a package of three pizza crusts on sale. He said he could not make pizza because he had no pizza pan. I do think there are round pizza pans, but he was having none of it. I told him the crust would work on the big rectangular pan, and if it did not, just fold up two of the sides. 

Finally, today, I told him to remember the crusts, the pizza sauce, cheese, and the hamburger meat he had cooked. And that he could put anything on it that he wanted. So, he was making pizza. He got a huge salad and looked happy. I wonder why he pushes so about some simple things.

At this point, we are watching the weather for a possible tornado. The wind made it hard to walk up the ramp, but the wind is down now. 

Are you in danger of violent weather according to the television? 

Yellow

                                                                  

 my yellow countertop

I was not connected to the internet and did not know why. So, Tommy called provider. At some point I told him to get them to connect the new router they sent via Amazon or someone. He came today and had the job done quickly. He then spent time at the box outdoors. Now, we have 5G. Before, we had 2G and 5G. I have no idea what the deal was. Since I only got up from a nap because the tech arrived, I had no questions. 

Tommy told me the neighbor's roof was peeled back. I was shocked and went to the door to see. When the tech came and said he was going to the end of house, I asked him if he would go back far enough into the backyard and see if he could see roof damage. He could see no damage.

The weather guy said we only had 1/2 inch today. Amazing when it was supposed to be stormy and rainy. More will be coming. So far, I have not been aware of wind around here. I did notice that LA is rather clear of rain or any evidence of the hurricane when I look at a weather map. 

Last night, I went to bed before 2 am, early for me. Then, I slept only two hours and was wide awake. I think it was shortly before noon I could sleep. Then, I got up after the guy came, and was back in bed by 3:30 pm.. I awoke at 6 or so. This pattern leaves me less productive and frazzled. 

I had baked chicken, slaw, and green beans, a meal I love. Tommy had meatballs with spaghetti sauce over them, slaw, and green beans and an apple. Maybe he had potatoes and carrots. I will have an apple later. 

Maybe this malaise is part of recovery. I did get lots of clutter cleared from around my chair. Each time I left the room, I took something with me. I can really tell the difference in level of chaos. The table is visible!

Yesterday, I mentioned again this month about painting the kitchen. He just sort of agreed. Then, I showed him a paint sample card and said I thought this would be cheery and add light. It was Valspar 3011-1 Yellow Chimes. He thought that would be too much yellow on the walls. (I was thinking maybe brighter would be better.

In my house I had a yellow counter and yellow floors and loved both! The yellow floors had white sponge marks. I cannot stand a butter yellow, just the lemon yellow. You may not have liked my yellow counters! You can say so now and not disparage something right in my house.

Understand that would mean painting the cheap paneling. Before, he had become angry, saying it would look horrible to paint the paneling. Now, he is okay with painting paneling. This is a good development since the kitchen is so dark and dingy, even with one light fixture. Progress is slow around here. Three weeks ago, I left a note on woman's house next door, asking her to ask son about electrician. Nothing. 

The cleaner is set to come tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed. 

How is the tornado affecting your area? I hope no tornados.

Have you ever had someone take a message or leave a message and totally screw it up? 

Baby Bananas or Bananitos and Free Thursday Dinner

Written last Thursday night. I did get worse and published that on Sunday.

For years, it seems, I have seen baby bananas and thought nothing except that they were cute, a novelty. Finally, one day last week I became consumed with finding out about them. One produce employee assured me they were edible when green as grass because they never turn yellow. Well, I doubted that, and I was correct. 

For my first experiment, I bought one tiny banana about three inches long and paid ten-cents, including tax. Two days later, I bought one that did not look so battered and paid twelve-cents, including tax, for this one. Then, I waited and waited. 

Finally, the first one ripened some. So, I decided to eat it. The description says baby bananas are thing-skinned. I had to use a thumb nail to peel the skin from the flesh. Next time, I will use a dinner knife or the bowl of a spoon. Yes, the skin is very thin. The baby bananas don't really look like a banana inside even though the flesh is pale yellow. 

The taste is banana-y, but not so delicious. The mouth feel is the worst part. I cannot say they are slimy, but they are incredibly smooth, smoother than large bananas. 

I still have the last one I bought. This one will be allowed to become very yellow to see if that will improve the taste and texture.  Oh, these are $3.99/lb. The cost will assure I never buy these again. 

Thursday night, I went to the free dinner: spaghetti, roll, salad of greens and dressing and a piece of chocolate bundt cake. There was little meat but the taste was superb. The "meat" may have been soy. I hope not. I really appreciated not having to cook dinner. 

A group from south Alabama had a skit for us or a group of skits. It was all interesting and not too preachy. I laughed lots and shushed two women talking within six inches of my back as they leaned toward each other. I was not subtle the last time I shushed them loudly. They immediately started talking again. So, I turned to look right in the face of one woman. That woman said, "Well, we are still going to talk."  And, they did!  Amazingly, there were people all over the back of the dining room talking, not even whispering. 

A woman (39) sat down and asked me if she could share her addiction story. She did. It was tragic (involving the accidental death of her only son), but hopefully she will have a good outcome. I gave her the bunny for her youngest daughter. Remember the bunny I was given in WM? 

In telling her story, she said Bradford, a business for treating drug addicts, a residential program, allowed her to go there for free! 

She wants to get her GED. I told her that once she got her GED that Wallace Community College would allow her to take one class tuition-free. She was happy about that. I then told her she could get a grant to pay for her tuition and not have to pay that back. She seemed truly happy about the news. 

She may not use the information immediately, but I planted the seed. She might even pass that information along to others living in the women's facility for drug addicts. 

I did little today, but it was more than I can usually accomplish.  I cannot stay outside long because of the allergens in the air. I have an earache and a fever. (Thursday) It is enough that I am pleased with myself. 

Tuesday No, today is Monday! 3/19/18

This week. I ate the other banana when it was more ripe. Yuck is all I have to say. It is sweet and creamy like the internet says, just not for me. Little kids would love it. I still feel ill and am not wanting to type much. I will spend my energy watching for tornadoes.

Your turn

Have you ever eaten baby bananas? Can you give me a clue about how yellow they need to be? What is your opinion of baby bananas taste or texture? 

Getting Ready for Irma

Even though I am in the northern third of Alabama, I am getting ready for a hurricane. Well, the remnants will be here and possibly cause trouble. High winds bringing down trees onto power lines and tornadoes are all we have to worry about. Where I live, there is no threat of heavy rain.

I have had the water and food covered for anything. I needed bread, just because I needed bread. the shelves are three quarters gone. People had left all the whole grain wheat that I cannot eat. Finally, I found a white bread that looked tolerable, not one I have eaten ever. A loaf of rye looked good, so I got that. This is not hurricane prep! I just wanted bread and only had ends left.

What am I doing in prep?
*washing clothes
*making sure every dish is clean
*gathering all the flashlights, electric candles, and headlamps and putting batteries into one
*making sure the car is not parked under a dead limb...lol.
*feeding Dominique early tomorrow and again just before the wind is dangerous
*filling up the car early tomorrow
*secure lawn chairs trash cans.

The last time I lost electricity, it was from a tornado and my electricity was out for five days. So, I wash clothes.

Paper plates, bowls, and glasses are at the ready. I just don't want rotting dishes sitting around. I will wash each few pieces I use all day tomorrow.

All the flashlights and batteries are within arms' reach, but I just want to make sure they are ready.

It is dicey finding a place on this tree-filled lot where the car is safe! I may park on the street in front of my neighbor's house since she moved.

I will not feed Dominique in a strong wind. There was a knife with a 10+ blade that flew in my yard during the last tornado. Enough said.

I should have put gas in today. Tomorrow, there may be lines and some gas stations may be out. I doubt the last, but who knows?

Maybe I will get up as soon as gas stations open and fill up the car. My car had just been filled before the tornado that turned out the lights and gas pumps.

There is no way I want to lose my lawn furniture or trash cans or have one thrown through a window. I will put them against the retaining wall. They may blow over, but they will stay here in my yard. If I can, I will get someone to turn over the larger of the two tables. I can turn the smaller one over, legs up. The picnic table will be fine. If it blows away, we have real trouble! At any rate, I cannot turn it over.

I did buy six bananas. It is cool enough  they won't get too ripe right away. Plus, they are tiny bananas, the kind I need to eat.

I can eat bananas, apples, grapes, crackers, cheese, applesauce. Some cans of food I can eat without heating: tuna, chicken, green beans, peaches. So, I will not starve at all. There were many shoppers at WM buying for the remnants of Irma. They thought the electricity might go out if there were a electrical problem. I just went for bread.

And, it is my birthday! I suppose I will stick close to home tomorrow on the 11th, but I had no great plans, anyway!

Are you preparing for winds or rain from Irma? What are you doing? If you are not preparing and do not need to do so right now, what would you do if you were fearing electrical outage or too much rain?

From a Rainy Day to Tornadoes

Thursday was annoying with continual rain. Finally, I decided to watch Dr. Oz. No, I am not because the weather stations all are looking for tornadoes. Yes, there were tornadoes around Birmingham. If you hear names like Fairfield on the news, that is one of the many cities that are butting Birmingham. This all happened 50 miles south of me.

This was just a tropical depression or something, never a hurricane, but it spawned tornadoes with 120 mph winds. I don't think Cindy came ashore that strong. Flooding happened in the same neighborhoods where it always floods. The annoying rain was not annoying anymore! Tomorrow, the weather will be the same but worse.

It was expected that Gulf Shores would get whipped around. Us, too. But, these tornadoes, while not unusual, were not what I expected here.

As soon as it quits raining, the yellow kitty will be trapped and turned in the be fixed at the animal shelter.

Update: Exbf said the tornadoes hit within three miles of him. He, also, is in metro Birmingham. He was only aware of sirens going off, but saw no bad weather.

It's time for The Gong Show. Remember that? This one cannot be as good as the one from the 1970s.

Has anyone gotten bad weather from Hurricane Cindy? Do you remember The Gong Show?

Wasted Food and the Weather

Yes, I was ill. The last two days I felt like slicing and dicing to dehydrate. But, before that when I was so ill, I wondered if preparing food to heat for that long and might have germs on it was such a good idea. Storing germs is not my idea of a prudent practice. My focus the last two days has been on laundry and dishes and getting my strength back, not food conservation.

Bananas and celery and blueberries would have to wait. I wasted 10 lbs of bananas, bought at $0.39/lb. Three pretty heads of celery mostly wilted because of the wait for me. Then, there were four quarts of fresh blueberries that Charlie gave me, all moldy. Really, I would have dumped the blueberries in a pot and cooked them down, but I had nothing clean in which to cook them. sigh....sigh. Two quarts remain for me.

Bananas would have lasted for a week even if they were bruised and going South fast. However, the temperatures at night have been in the 60s. Yes, January in the South was warm this year. The kitchen is the warmest room in the house. This all makes for very warm bananas this last week. Some developed mold, making them unsuitable for the hens. Plus, they are too far gone for me to handle without gagging, even for freezing them.

Just a few smoothies have been made from salvaged bananas and blueberries. I still crave gravy! No, I am not indulging, just feel like gravy would be good for me. What? You mean gravy is not infused with miracle drugs, minerals, and vitamins?

Just the weather for a minute
I love warm weather. I hate cold weather. However, a warm day in the winter fills Southerners with a nagging little dread--will we have a tornado? Yessiree Bob! Last night, we did. It was 68 degrees at 3 am this morning. We had a night of violent weather, tornado warnings, and tornadoes. It all hit south of me, and only one six-foot, one-inch limb fell from my huge trees! I did get the tremendous winds and rain. The hens and I made it!

So, being ill proved to be wasteful to me. It cannot be helped. Cooked food is out in the garbage can. Produce goes to the compost. Hens are eating lots of protein-filled chicken. I am trying to regain control over the kitchen and food.

Aaaack! I forgot about the dozen apples that did not like sitting around in a warm kitchen...mumble...mumble.  It was one whole week, just lost.

Your turn
Does illness along with poor planning ever force you to throw out food?

Helicopters and ambulances and sirens

I may have mentioned that the night of the tornado devastation I heard ambulances all evening and at night in bed. The next morning I awoke to helicopters and chain saws. The window ac usually drowns out all noise and distractions since I have a hard time sleeping.

Since then, helicopters are still in the air. Usually, I hear one each weeks or so. Ambulances are running more often. Is this my imagination? Possibly. Only two people were killed in our county. I wonder if people are suffering from stress-related or stress-exacerbated problems so that there really are more ambulances with sirens blaring. Or, am I extra sensitive to the sounds that were accompanying the disaster? I wonder.

Every Wednesday at noon, tornado sirens blare over the whole county. This last week, one week after the tornado, the "practice" sounding of the sirens was cancelled. I do believe that the well-orchestrated sirens and constant information about tornadoes helped us the have a low mortality rate. Plus, in the last 40 years, many people have been killed in our county.

Any tornado in the area of Smith Lake follow highway 69 to the City of Cullman. Sometimes, the tornado takes a path a little to the north of the city; sometimes the path is a bit to the north. In either of these instances, it rarely touches down.

The last tornado in 2008, I think, hit an entirely different section of town, a bit to the north and in an area with less affluent residents. This time, the more affluent areas of town were affected.

I was thinking today that our preparation, maybe over-preparation to some, accounts for the lack of a high death toll. Maybe it is like many things in life, preparation makes the difference between a poor outcome and a less traumatic outcome.

Your turn
Does your area, your family, and you take seriously the preparations and warnings for your local or area natural disasters?