It's a Wrap

 One less thing on my project list...all the wood carved Christmas ornaments have been wrapped...I am a tad fussy with them and wrap them in wax paper first then in tissue paper.  I gathered all the Christmas boxes and small bags that I had on hand. 

I still need mailers and a few boxes.  

We had a quiet day on Monday.  We sat outside in the sunshine for a bit.  Then we watched Grey's Anatomy and I watched Far Guy sleep.  He is very tired. 

What's Cooking?  Baked Chicken and green beans with bacon and vinegar. 

Minnesota Weather: Sunny  High 58F or 14C Low 31F or -1C

The deer ate all  but two of the apples we put in the bird bath.

Far Side

Let there be light

 The light in the kitchen stopped working...after 27  some years it just gave up.   It wasn't the brightest anyway. 

I ordered a light from Walmart and it was delivered.  Far Guy installed it one day when I ran some errands.  I asked him if he shut off the circuit???   He didn't he just shut the switch off.   Why did I ask? 

One day at noon we were working in the garage...he was hungry and went into the house all by himself to make lunch.  He put English Muffins in the toaster...one got stuck and began to burn.   He unplugged something (the coffee maker) and began to pry the burning muffin out of the toaster with a knife.  When he went to dump the crumbs into the garbage he realized that he had unplugged the coffee maker instead of the toaster.  

His Guardian Angel was working overtime.  Throughout his life she has been really busy...saving him from certain death many times. 

I am positive that she has been keeping him safe until of course his numbered days are up.  After all God is in charge. 

Let there be light!

I am making Far Guy rest...some days he thinks he is 17 again.  Every day we put behind us toward recovery from the Saddle Pulmonary Embolism the better.  

Thank you for all the prayers they are appreciated! 

Far Side

Saddle Pulmonary Embolism

 That is a new one for Far Guy.  He was seen in the local ER and after only a short wait was seen by a very kind knowledgeable Doctor. 

After a CT scan....

He has a Saddle Pulmonary Embolism that covers his pulmonary artery at the fork where the arteries split right and left into his lungs.    He was given Eliquis which will eventually dissolve the clot/clots.  It all takes time and will not happen overnight.  In the meantime I have both eyes on him.  

Far Guy made the decision to come home, he could have stayed in the hospital.  

The Doctor said that if we had not come into the ER that the clot would have killed him.

One day at a time.

I believe Far Guy had an "event" on Thursday morning as he was putting on his socks he made a strange thudding noise and said "What was that?"  At that time his oxygen sats went into the 60's. As you all know we waited in the ER for four hours that same day without being seen. 

Far Guy had pulmonary emboli before that were treated with Coumadin....probably about ten years ago.

Far Side

Frosty Morning

 We had a nice frost. 

You can also see how that Popple spit its leaves all over the lawn:(

My sister sent a photo of the frosty morning at her place.  She is retired now and starting her first week as a retired person.

Far Guy is a tad better today.  He had several naps.  Perhaps he can avoid an ER visit...I am hopeful that the antibiotic and the steroids are finally working. 

We had company on Friday morning...Jen and Maddie and in the afternoon my other baby brother and she who sees robins first. 

I did a couple of loads of laundry and a bunch of stuff that never shows. 

What's cooking:  Leftover pizza

Minnesota weather: High 45F or 7C  Low 23F  -5C 

Far Side

Book Club 2026: November

  I missed Book Club yesterday.  After Far Guy's Infusion we readed to the ER as he had an episode where his Oxygen sats plummeted into the 60's.  We waited there four hours to be seen...at which point he ran out of supplemental Oxygen and said "Let's go home I can get better care there." 

Anyway this was the book.  twice by Mitch Albom.  I enjoyed it very much and give it a 9 out of 10 stars.  Far Guy is reading it now.  So I can have a discussion with him when he is done reading. 

I have two eyes on Far Guy and I know a place Up North where they have more than one Dr on duty in the ER. 

What's cooking?  We had water for lunch. So when we got home I made a Pizza for supper and it was really good!

Minnesota weather:  The sun nearly blinded me.  High 40F or 4C Low 26F or -3C

Far Side

Napping all day

 How do you nap all day?  Why???  Your appointment to get the Infusion (rituxuximab) was preceded by IV Benadryl...and Benadryl makes me sleepy!  Rituximab targets a white blood cell called a B cell.  It is complicated but the short and sweet of it... the rituximab binds to a certain protein on the B cell and marks it for death either directly like an assassin or indirectly by ordering the hit by my antibodies.  So murdering cells is what it does...hopefully the cells that cause the inflammation.    Will it work to help my Rheumatoid Arthritis pain and joint destruction?  Perhaps...at least it is worth a try.  

The infusion took about five hours and I slept through most of it.  Tiff and Lynn took good care of me. They are Far Guys favorite infusion nurses.  

Far Guy stayed at home, he is not feeling great...shortness of breath...change in weather?  Who knows but he was started on antibiotics and steroids on Sunday. 

One day at a time...with extra naps for a few days as my body reacts to the murderous medication.

Naps are good. 

What's cooking?  Far Guy put chicken in the roasting pan.  So chicken sliced up with a baked potato.

Minnesota Weather: Rainy  High 48F    Low 36F

Far Side 

Vote!

 We took Ranger Blue and ran errands along the way to vote....  recycling and the post office! 

Hope you all voted!  

I finished freezing the last of the apples!  The last few ended up in the bird bath for our deer friends. 

Christmas Cards are progressing as planned. 

Minnesota weather: Dreary and spitting rain.  High 50F or 10C Low 46F or 8C

What's Cooking:  Leftovers out of the fridge.

Far Side

Rainy Day

 It rained most of the day on Monday.  Not sure how much we got a couple of inches for sure. 

The rain is causing theses leaves to fall...and with a bit of a wind it is depositing them in the yard.  Oh well they will rot on the ground or blow away. 

I worked on many things throughout the day ...none of which show.  I got the Ranger out took it to the mailbox and then left it out for the rain to give it a good wash...the ultimate multi tasking! 

My goal of four water colored Christmas cards a day throughout November is going well after two days:)

What's Cooking:  Pork Roast slices with stuffing and a bit of gravy along with bacon/vinegar green beans.

Minnesota Weather:  High 56F or 13C  Low 47F or 8C  Rain at least it is not snow!

Far Side

Apples

 Our oldest daughter brought us a whole bunch of apples from their apple trees.   

I made an apple crisp.

I will end up freezing some of it...it is Gluten Free so I pawned some off on my other baby brother. 

I peeled and peeled apples...sliced them into cold water with some lemon juice...let them sit.  Then drained them off and put them on a towel to dry...I covered them with another towel and patted them dry ...then in a single layer onto parchment paper lined cookie sheets and into the freezer.  Once frozen they were sealed in our food saver bags. 

Here they are...there is enough in this bag for a 9x9 baking pan.  I have some bags that are perfect for a 9 x 13 pan too. 

It has been a project!

What's Cooking?  Not a thing...we went out for pizza. 

Minnesota weather:  Really nice for November!!   High 64F or 18C  Low 54F or 12C

Far Side

Halloween Report

We had four trick or treaters.  Our niece Stacey and children; Ava, Kelly and Lola.

Good to have some help with the candy! 

Our Great Grandchildren....photos by Maddie.

Hey Mikey

CeeCee 

Peach 

Baby K and her Dad! 

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!

Far Side 

Halloween!

 Halloween Candy!  and I have more than enough for the less than 10 kids we will get.  I bought the candy awhile ago one day when Far Guy was having his Moh's procedure and I had lots of time to wander around Walmart. 

Friday we refreshed all the No Hunting signs along our property lines.   Wouldn't want someone wandering in here shooting toward houses.  And yes the deer come through here every day.  

The yard is looking pretty good for this time of year.

What's Cooking?  A pork roast, mashed potatoes, GF gravy and carrots.  Of course it will feed us for several lunches and another supper...that is the good part....but kitchen clean up kinda sucks.  Far Guy is a trooper and washes all the dishes. 

Minnesota Weather: Nice sunny day!  High 53F or 12C   Low was 36F or 2C.

The Halloween report will happen tomorrow...if there is anything to report!

Chance used to love Halloween!  He loved seeing all the little kids! 

 

He was not real thrilled to wear the hat! 

Far Side

Thursday

 Our normal Thursday began early with a virtual visit with the Rheumatologist.  Since my symptoms are getting worse (more joint pain) he is going to try a different new to me infusion.   So I had to visit the lab and leave 17 vials of blood.   I hope the insurance approves the infusion....and I pass all the lab tests. 

Later in the morning I dropped Far Guy off at his weekly infusion.  I went to Walmart for a grocery pickup and then inside to return an item.  Then to L & M Supply, Hugo's, bank and gas station.   We got a car wash after I picked up Far Guy.  Then home to unload everything.  Last week I was spoiled as I had all the groceries delivered to the door!

One load of laundry was done and I had a long nap!  

 The road home

What's Cooking?   Brats and a baked potato...carrots and blueberries. 

Minnesota Weather: I saw the sun and had to put on my sunglasses!!!  High 44F or 7C  Low  32F or 0C

Far Side

Busy week

 Monday I had lunch with my Aunt Judy...she is a widow, her husband was my Uncle Dennis one of my Mother's brothers..  She has been on my list all Summer, we had a lovely visit!  She is one of the last three people on my Mother's side of the family/ brother, and two sisters in law from that generation.

I am slowly working on the Christmas cards...I am going to have to set some type of daily goal soon like maybe November 1st...so that will spur me on to get them done in November...I am thinking four cards a day should get me to my goal! 

I got a few Christmas Ornaments ready to deliver/mail...it is a project in progress. 

Laundry, cleaning and napping is important too! 

I finished this baby afghan recently.

It is a pattern called Granny Square Shell.  I really like the easy pattern that is a repeat so I don't have to think too much!   The yarn is Stylecraft Special DK the colors are Shrimp and Apricot. 

What's Cooking?  Gluten Free Apple Pancake

Minnesota Weather: Dreary  High 52F or 11C  Low 32F or 0C

Far Side

The Hills

 We took Ranger Blue for a ride up to Smoky Hills Tower.  You can see a long ways from up there. 

The leaves have all fallen off...

Far Side

Inside the red coffee can

 The most important part of the winter survival kit is the red coffee can. 

Here is ours refreshed.

The metal can on the left hold the tea lights...you would be surprised how much a tea light heats up a metal can!  (The pretty wrapped tea lights came from my parents 50th Anniversary in 2000) the lighter and matches also go into the metal can.  Then there are hand warmers and snacks. It all fits in the red coffee can nicely. 

Cross that project off my Fall project list!  Note that many people have shovels, bags of sand, jumper cables etc inside their vehicles all Winter. 

Years ago we had a friend who was stranded in a snowstorm...before cell phones were popular.  He burned newspapers and all kind of paper in his car to stay warm.  He was a salesman so he had lots of stuff to burn!

Minnesota weather:  Cooler   High was 44F or 7C   Low was 36F or 2C 

What's cooking?  Spaghetti and GF cheddar biscuits

Far Side

Happy Birthday Jody!

 It is my other baby brother's birthday today.   I was nine years old when he was born. 

Here he is sitting by his birthday cake when he was 2 years old back in 1962.  Others in the photo are maternal cousins  Dwight, Dean and Tim. 

Photo was taken at the farm...I still have that table in the garage...we found it at the dump one day many years ago and rescued it.  The table is grey as are the chairs.  The curtains our Mother sewed ...the fabric was yellow with shades of brown circles. 

We went out for a late lunch on Saturday to celebrate Jody's birthday!  

Happy Birthday Jody!

Far Side

Progress on Projects

 I finished painting the last of the Christmas ornaments and a few more have been delivered.  One of these days I will have a wrapping and packaging party!

I finalized the Christmas card design for this year.   I like it very much...but it will be time consuming.  I have been working on it while watching TV...it is a stamped watercolor card. 

Far Guy is wood carving roses...he may have to move from the garage into the greenhouse/woodshop where it is warmer. 

I updated the Winter Survival Tote in the car and got out the ice scrapers.  I have yet to refresh the snacks in the red coffee can in the tote...that will happen soon.  I need to buy some hand warmers.  We have extra mittens, a hooded sweatshirt and a quilt...and the red coffee can that I am updating.

Sadly I brought in the outdoor dog water dishes...probably no visiting dogs for a bit. 

Minnesota Weather: High 59F  or 15C   Low 31F or -1C  It rained.

Far Side

Books and a friend

Friday afternoon I met with long time friend Susie for lunch.  We try to get together twice a year for our birthdays and Christmas.    We had a great visit and then we played the slot machines.  I won a little and Susie won a lot!!  It was a fun afternoon!

I gained four books.  My total is now back up to 69 books waiting in the wings:(

I sent three books with Susie...The Midnight Library which I wrote about a few days ago. AND

Fighting Back by Deena Burnett a recommendation from Betty.   It was a faith filled book.  It was also sad in some parts...I gave it a 9 out of 10 stars.  I finished reading this book back in September.  

Foxfire Bride by Maggie Osborne.  Historical Romance at its finest that takes place out West during the Civil War.  I give it a 9.5 out of 10. 

Susie belongs to a book club that meets in person vs my virtual book club. We need to get together more so we can talk about books! 

Minnesota Weather...a cold front came through and it rained.  High 70F or 21C   Low 56F or 13C.  We will have a couple of days of highs in the 50's and then the 40's.  November is close to being upon us. 

Far Side

Mulching is over!

 I am declaring leaf mulching done for the year!  I was really lucky that my baby brother has a huge mulching mower and he came through our yard a couple of times. 

The mower was washed off and is drying overnight before Far Guy puts it away for the Winter.  My red boots were washed and my lawn mowing clothing is in the washer...so I am done. 

The weather was great yesterday as I made the rounds for the last time. 

Not sure when this Popple will lose its leaves but they can blow away!

My other baby brother has some trees that are still losing leaves...but I got what I could. 

Sounds like snow is in the forecast for next week.  Far Guy moved my regular snow shovel and my electric snow shovel to the front door. 

I mowed off the wild gardens West of the house, the ones East of the house are mowed in the Spring.

We still have a few things to do outside yet....but we are hopeful and will leave the patio table and chairs out for a few more days!

Minnesota Weather:  High 71F  or  22C  Low 55F or 13C  

What's Cooking: Eggs, sausages and potatoes:)

Far Side

In between

 I read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.  I enjoyed it very much and give it a 9 out of a 10 on my reading scale...at Good Reads I gave it a 4.5 out of 5. 

The bookmark is a gift from Betty!  I love it...red is my favorite color!

Yesterday Far Guy got his stitches out...he had a basal cell carcinoma on his forehead and had a Moh's Surgery a week ago.  It is a good thing he sees the Dermatologist every six months.

Minnesota weather: Beautiful for October!  High 67F or 19C    Low 39F or 4C. 

I wish this beautiful weather would stay all Winter!

Far Side