I have a new Doctor, which is all well and fine, except that means I had to have an intake appointment. The Doctors we saw at our previous clinic kept leaving due to conflicts with administration, and we got sick of it. So, I set up an appointment with the same doctor my husband, parents, … Continue reading I Loathe Intake Appointments
Meet Andrew, Our Grill
It's FINALLY warm enough that we can grill out! Normally we would be going to our in-laws to grill, but my mother-in-law is unavailable, and they are both in Madison. So we dragged out our grill, Andrew. Why does our grill have a name? Well, Andrew was abandoned in a park in Madison a few … Continue reading Meet Andrew, Our Grill
Oh, Dentistry, Why Are You SO Cruel
I had a dentist appointment this last week, and I warned the dentist that, having EDS, it would be hard to numb me and it was likely to wear off early. She believed me, and started me on the middle grade stuff. Sounds good, right? No. NO. It took ELEVEN shots to numb my face … Continue reading Oh, Dentistry, Why Are You SO Cruel
Oof! That Was Brisk!
For a few months now, we've been noticing that our hot water heater isn't doing that great of a job. It used to be that the shower turned all the way on was excruciating. Now, my husband who likes his shower lukewarm turns it up all the way and it's just right. Which means that … Continue reading Oof! That Was Brisk!
That Bird is STEALTHY I Tell You
I had mentioned that we are putting out feed for the birds right now. (I say 'we' because my husband has been kind enough to feed them when they ran out and I wasn't home.) We have a little Downy Woodpecker who loves the Suet, and I enjoy watching him. He/she is pretty aggressive and … Continue reading That Bird is STEALTHY I Tell You
I Have a Jungle in My Closet
My plants have been growing like crazy, and I have some photos for you all! Now, keep in mind that this is the first time I've ever done seed starts, so I'm not that great at it. Here are the largest of my plants, the tomatoes and basil. I've already moved them into slightly larger … Continue reading I Have a Jungle in My Closet
Can We Please Not Do That Again: Anxiety Edition
I hadn't had a full out anxiety attack in months - I'm pretty aware of what things might set me off, and I'm careful to take my medications prior to expected events. So, I freak out, but I don't actually have an attack and can calm down with some work. As a side not, I'm … Continue reading Can We Please Not Do That Again: Anxiety Edition
Gut Issues, Revisted: The Guttening
Or something like that. I had no idea what to call this post! BUT, we're addressing my husband's gut issues!!! We have a new doctor. The other clinic we'd been seeing doctors at was aggravating their doctors enough that they were leaving after 6-12 months, and that was aggravating us. Because who likes retelling their … Continue reading Gut Issues, Revisted: The Guttening
Making Our Own Dog Food?
Up until now, the dog food brand we've been giving our puppers had avoided any of the hugely public lawsuits or failed testing. But... that's no longer true. There's a lawsuit regarding ridiculously high levels of lead in that dog food, and we're worried. There just isn't very much regulation in the dog food industry, … Continue reading Making Our Own Dog Food?
This Car is Cursed
My car started making a noise up in the front left, kind of a scraping rumble, and it was getting louder, so we brought it into the shop. It turned out to be a wheel bearing, which they repaired, and they warned us the second on in the front would fail eventually. *headdesk* This car … Continue reading This Car is Cursed
Keto Update: March
I've been about 90% keto for the last two weeks. I say 90% because I went over carb count a few times, BUT I didn't eat grains, starches, or sugars. The result? I started out at 300.2 lbs. Today I was at 295.6 lbs. So, a loss! I think I should make some sort of … Continue reading Keto Update: March
Squirrels Are Skittish Creatures
I SO wish I had caught photos of this. We had a big squirrel feeding on the bird seeds on our rail, and it was bright and sunny outside, so the house was dim to him. My husband walked up near the window to watch him. He didn't notice. So my husband unlocked the door. … Continue reading Squirrels Are Skittish Creatures
Why Am I Hearing Spring Bird Calls?
I'm not someone who feeds birds. My mom feeds hers extensively, and I'm pretty sure they think she's a blond haired goddess because when she's outside the fly right up to her and land on feeders she's holding. I like watching them at home, but I'm a bit indifferent to feeding them. Until I saw … Continue reading Why Am I Hearing Spring Bird Calls?
Valentine’s Day! Totally Forgot to Share.
I completely forgot to share how my Valentine's Day went! We don't usually make a big deal of this holiday - we're pretty sweet on each other all the time, so ramping that up gets ridiculous. We had some dates while we were dating, but he shows me every day that he loves me. Plus, … Continue reading Valentine’s Day! Totally Forgot to Share.
So Let’s Talk About Keto
See this? This was me for the last two weeks. That's an ice cream bowl. (And Tundra, who just seems to know when you're unhappy and comes and cuddles.) Ice cream for the sad, reading for the escape. I had a rough bit after my Grandpa died, and I wanted nothing more than to eat … Continue reading So Let’s Talk About Keto
Interesting Things Just for You: Syrmor Youtube Channel
My husband ran across a Youtube Channel I thought you lovelies might like. *smile* Syrmor has a Youtube Channel where he hangs out in Virtual Reality chat and meets various people. It's totally wholesome goodness (so far as I've seen), kind of like a Humans of New York but in VR. You can find it … Continue reading Interesting Things Just for You: Syrmor Youtube Channel
Just a Leaking Hose!
I have my Outback back - it turned out to be just two leaking hoses, so it was an easy fix. This car has been so frustrating! I still have more repairs that need to be done on it, but we need to build up our emergency and repair funds more before I do them. … Continue reading Just a Leaking Hose!
Goodbye to My Grandpa
I've mentioned that my Grandpa was in hospice, and that we went up suddenly to see him and drop off my mother to help with care. We left Sunday, and on Thursday, Valentine's Day, the hospice nurse told my mother 72 hours or less. Late Thursday night, my dad called my husband while I was … Continue reading Goodbye to My Grandpa
Outback in the Shop Again – Thank You to the Gentlemen at the Twin Bluffs Bar
On the drive back from Minneapolis it was snowing and miserable. On the Minneapolis/St. Paul belt line, visibility was roughly 25-50 yards. And it was a long and miserable drive, even when we cleared the cities and the visibility improved: It was fairly cold, so the snow drifted a lot and the road was slippery. … Continue reading Outback in the Shop Again – Thank You to the Gentlemen at the Twin Bluffs Bar
Our Hotel Might Have Been on Fire… Hard to Tell
We drove my mother up to Minneapolis this last weekend so that she could care for my Grandfather. He's in hospice and doing poorly. She stayed in his apartment, but they paid for my husband and I to stay in a nearby hotel as a 'thank you' and also possibly a 'stay out of my … Continue reading Our Hotel Might Have Been on Fire… Hard to Tell
Thank You Semi, But I’ll Keep My Windows
I left work early on Friday so that we could drive my mother to Minneapolis to take care of her father. He's in hospice, and the local family is wiped from caring for him alone. So, I'm scooting home, a bright sunny day and a road trip ahead of me. A semi in oncoming traffic … Continue reading Thank You Semi, But I’ll Keep My Windows
Wisconsin, You’re Drunk
After our snow day on Monday last week, we had a cold snap. And I mean COLD snap. Our offices were closed, and I got to take Wednesday and Thursday off as we all prepared for ridiculous temperatures. On Wednesday, it got down to -27, not counting wind chill. We drove over to my parents' … Continue reading Wisconsin, You’re Drunk
New Car: 2005 Subaru Outback… L.L. Bean Edition
We found a new car! Here she is! She's a 2005 Subaru Outback... the L.L. Bean edition. She's showing her age in the interior, but there's only one spot of rust we could find on the outside! AND she literally checks every box I had on my wish list down to the paint and cladding … Continue reading New Car: 2005 Subaru Outback… L.L. Bean Edition
The Forester Is Dead
My 2001 Subaru Forester was struggling to start, so I brought it in to the shop. They initially found an intake problem and fixed that, and it improved. But then it started giving off blue smoke and struggling more. You Subaru fans know exactly what this is a sign of. Yes. The EZ30 head gasket … Continue reading The Forester Is Dead
Wee Baby Plants!
I planted a bunch of herbs, and LOOK AT THE WEE LITTLE SPROUTS! They're not doing great, but I MADE LIVE PLANTS OH PLEASE DON'T DIE. A little leggy, but I moved the light down and it's helping! Advice for sprouting plants? Inquiring minds want to know!
Sprouts FAIL
I thought growing sprouts might be a good idea. I followed the directions exactly. Changed the water 4 or 5 times a day. They barely sprouted and then died and smelled like FEET. What am I doing wrong?!?
Moved the Grow Light Upstairs So The Neighbors Don’t Think We’re Growing Pot
So the grow light set up in the basement looked very nice, but the light was so bright that it looked like we were either summoning aliens with our landing lights or have the largest grow operation East of the Mississippi. Neither of these are ideal. So, I moved it upstairs. Oddly enough, it stands … Continue reading Moved the Grow Light Upstairs So The Neighbors Don’t Think We’re Growing Pot
It Snowed~!
It snowed about 8 inches or so, and it was nasty driving for a few days, but today it's beautiful out. We went to my in-laws' during the storm and came back home for drinks. And then we drunkenly staggered around shoveling snow. It turned out surprisingly well considering my lack of interest in this … Continue reading It Snowed~!
Herbs for my Grow Light!
This was another of my Christmas presents, from Sustainable Seed Company, although I got them through Amazon. This is the set I got. (Spoiler: affiliate link!) It was kiiiiind of one I picked out for myself... I did all of the Christmas shopping, so this is what my husband gave me. But I love that … Continue reading Herbs for my Grow Light!
Grow Light Huzzah!
I received a grow light for Christmas from my mother-in-law and it's WONDERFUL. I've wanted grow lights for years, and so this was super happy making! This was the sole reason we cleaned the basement! Here's what it looks like assembled: It was moderately easy to put together, but I wasn't able to push all … Continue reading Grow Light Huzzah!
My Husband’s Christmas Gift Silly
My husband got this set of Mario magnets for Christmas! It's pretty obvious they're not officially licensed, but they are cute and kind of fun!
Cleaning the Basement for the First Time
We cleaned our basement! Cleared out empty boxes and made sure that as much as possible was off the floor because we do have occasional trickles of water. Also made sure my emergency water supplies were on the BOTTOM instead of over things they could ruin! Here's a look: The basement came with the white … Continue reading Cleaning the Basement for the First Time
Memories of My Grammy
I received several AWESOME gifts for Christmas, including a grow light. There wasn't anyplace on the first floor where we could set it up, so I decided to put it in the basement. So my husband and I cleaned the basement, and I took some time to open boxes I hadn't open in years. And … Continue reading Memories of My Grammy
Puzzling the Neighbors – Gingerbread House Edition
This is a little older, but I wasn't able to get the photos my family took from it until now. I had a close friend, who is military, drop by my parents around Thanksgiving. She has been having a hard time, and I remembered that she loved making Gingerbread Houses, so I picked one up … Continue reading Puzzling the Neighbors – Gingerbread House Edition
Oh, Beauteous Day, My Tea Plant Is Here!
You would think that, since every other nursery waits to ship, that the Camellia Forest Nursery would also wait until reasonable weather to ship their plants. Nope. It was 25 degrees yesterday when I found the notification that my tea was being delivered. I was at work. 45 minutes away from home. Cue frantic call … Continue reading Oh, Beauteous Day, My Tea Plant Is Here!
Our Washer Isn’t Dead But it Gave Us a Scare
So, as is usual on my last-day-before-work, I got my laundry together and waltzed over to the washing machine, set it up, and turned it on. Or not. It didn't turn on. The light was still on, so it couldn't be the breaker. Went downstairs and flipped the breaker anyway. No good. My husband peeled … Continue reading Our Washer Isn’t Dead But it Gave Us a Scare
Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ
Okay, so this is as much swearing as this blog's going to get! And only because it is the actual name of this business. We had our year-end work meeting in Dodgeville this year, and we ate at Bob's Bitchin' BBQ! This involved quite a hike for everyone, but we got to see our Janesville … Continue reading Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ
Floofer Transport!
We follow an Alaskan Malamute rescue, IAMRA, and we try to support them. My parents look there first when they're looking for a new dog, and they've been wonderful. I follow them in their private Facebook Group for prior adopters, and they put a call out for transport help this week. An elderly, blind and deaf, … Continue reading Floofer Transport!
My Car Has Been Violently Starting
My car has been violently starting lately... shaking and shuddering and sounding downright awful. It's especially bad since the cold weather started. So I finally brought it in to the shop, and my husband was wonderful and drove me to work Thursday and Friday. Turns out a gasket wasn't sealing, so it was tricking the … Continue reading My Car Has Been Violently Starting
Wrapped and Ready To Go!
The last of the presents I've ordered have arrived! Nothing big, but I did almost all of my shopping online during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and now everything is accounted for. *smile* We were within budget, and we were able to find gifts for everyone in our immediate family. I spent last night wrapping … Continue reading Wrapped and Ready To Go!
How Many Cavities Did You Say?!?
So, when I got my dental insurance for the first time since 2002, I got to go in and get my teeth checked. FOURTEEN YEARS of no dental care, just desperate brushing. At the time, they flagged a ridiculous number of problem areas but only focused on the badly cracked tooth and three large cavities … Continue reading How Many Cavities Did You Say?!?
Rare Seeds Catalog Has Arrived!
There's a lot of unusual plants I would like to grow, or just ones that aren't usually carried by the seed companies that sell in stores in our area. I ran across the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed website when I was looking for my mom's favorite, Buttercup Squash. You can see their listing for it … Continue reading Rare Seeds Catalog Has Arrived!
All Meat Diet for My Husband?
I've mentioned it before, but my husband has huge gut issues. He appears to have Celiac's and almost certainly a corn allergy/intolerance, but no matter how careful we are with his food, he just keeps getting sicker. I mean, he's down to rice, peas, and eggs. It's that dire. And if he so much as … Continue reading All Meat Diet for My Husband?
I’m an Amazon Affiliate!
What does that mean? It means if you go to Amazon from any affiliate link I provide, and you purchase anything (not just the item I link to), I'll receive a percentage of that sale. It doesn't cost you anything, but it helps me out! So, what this means is that anytime I link to … Continue reading I’m an Amazon Affiliate!
The Grump: The Running of the Squirrels
My first guest post from none other than my dad! I'm so excited to share his writing. We've been encouraging him to post publicly for years! *smile* Anyway, here he is! Originally written February 12th, 2015 but never shared with the public. Heading photo: the dogs involved. The laugh of the day came early. I … Continue reading The Grump: The Running of the Squirrels
A Front Moved Through and It Was Awful
We had a spat of nice, spring weather, and I was loving it... until a front moved through. Because Wisconsin. Temperatures dropped. The wind picked up. I had a combination of an allergy and pressure based headache and miserable joint aches that I could barely think through. It was awful. I ended up taking a … Continue reading A Front Moved Through and It Was Awful
Behold! A Toilet at Last!
Our toilet has been acting up for years... it doesn't want to flush, it takes a ton of water, and it's aggravating all around. Clogs on literally NOTHING, takes three or four tries to flush, overflows, runs continuously until you jiggle the handle... the works. No amount of additives or plunging has helped. My husband … Continue reading Behold! A Toilet at Last!
Who Knew? It Wasn’t About a Horse Dying
Have you ever had one of those TV shows or movies where EVERY SINGLE TIME you see it on TV, or when you walk in and a friend is watching it, you see THE SAME SCENE. I have that with The NeverEnding Story movie. (Affiliate link. Spoiler: There are several affiliate links in this post … Continue reading Who Knew? It Wasn’t About a Horse Dying
Caught You, Red Headed Woodpecker!
Okay, I can't take credit for this at all, but my husband caught a photo of the Red Headed Woodpecker! He had to zoom in like crazy, hence the graininess - I don't have a particularly nice camera. But! There it is! PROOF! And I just had to share. *smile*
Save, Save, SAVE!
We're expecting financial difficulties - I've mentioned before that I am a Project position AND that I need accommodations to work. Well, there's been a lot of upheaval, so it's likely that my position won't be renewed. Add to this, the fact that I can only work a 32 hour week BUT ALSO need to … Continue reading Save, Save, SAVE!
Crocuses! Spring!
There are wee little crocuses coming up in the neighbor's lawn, and this is super exciting! I received the sesame seeds I ordered which was also a nice surprise. Not for cooking, you see, but for planting. It's the end of March, and most of my plants are scheduled to arrive in April, and I'm … Continue reading Crocuses! Spring!
