It's Officially Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone. Have fun and be safe.

Homemade French Onion Soup And A Movie

Even though I have been extremely uncomfortable with back pain and pain radiating into both legs, I was able to get it together enough to put on the soup pot and make some Homemade French Onion Soup for MSM and myself.  He said he was hungry for Applebee's soup but did not necessarily want to drive to Sonora (23 miles) to get some. So, we looked their recipe up on the Internet and proceeded to prepare some. We used this recipe - Baked French Onion Soup. 

 

There was such a nice aroma from the sautéing onions on this nice autumn day.

And, this is what it looked like when taken from the oven. It was very good. However, I am going to make a different recipe that I made many times in years past. It is a little different and I would like to compare the two recipes. But, it sure looks pretty ~ doesn't it? 

And, then we had time for an afternoon movie which we enjoyed. Well, I must call it a day and get some rest. I am hoping to go to church in the morning. 

I wish you a Good Weekend.

Me And My Friend

For the past two days I have been with my closest friend at the doctor's office and/or hospital. On Tuesday she was told the results of a breast needle biopsy and it was not very good news. She has a small lump and she is scheduled for surgery next week. The good news is that it will be done in the surgi-center as an out-patient procedure. The surgeon was very optimistic regarding the expected outcome and follow-up care which may be radiation therapy for six weeks. But, as we all know, until the pathology report is completed it is impossible to rest easy. However, she has a great attitude and I think she will do very well. She has two daughters that live out of the area but close enough to be attentive. And, they are very supportive.

Since we finished at the doctor's office after 5 PM on Tuesday, I took her out to dinner at a favorite restaurant. We had a nice dinner of comfort food that included meat loaf and mashed potatoes. It tasted so good on a rather coolish evening. And, today, we went out to lunch and later we stopped at Starbuck's for one of their seasonal beverages. Of course, I had my favorite Salted Caramel Mocha!

Life has lots of challenges, but it always makes me feel good when I can do something helpful for others. I hope you will keep my friend in your thoughts for her to have a good recovery.

Thank you and take good care of yourself.

Gone Fishin' With A Wollybugger!

Just a photo or two of MSM for today.

Wishing you a Wonderful Day.

Enjoying The Colors Of The Season

Here are a few photos from our road trip to Hope Valley this week. It was a wonderful day and we had a grand time. As you can see, the weather was perfect. We started out at about 2000 foot elevation and we traveled to 8700 feet elevation. It is enjoyable to see the variation in vegetation at different elevations.

And, now a few fun photos. When we came around a turn we were so surprised to see the beautiful sight of a herd of cows. They looked like they found a little corner of heaven. When I approached they looked so curious with my presence. They looked me straight in the eye and almost talked to me. At least that is what it felt like. How is that for "one with nature"? We traveled along enjoying natures beauty with the convertible top down. Some of the yellow aspen trees almost looked iridescent with the bright sunshine and a lovely breeze blowing their leaves.

We stopped in Markleville at Wolf Creek for lunch. I enjoyed a very fresh healthy salad and MS had a Reuben sandwich with onion rings! I took one bite of one of his onion rings and it was exceptional. And, then I stopped. Oh! I felt so righteous. The best part is that my tummy felt healthy. We walked along main street which very very short and stopped at the deli and had a little ice cream cone. Picture us sitting on a park bench in front of the deli eating ice cream and enjoying the bright sunny day. Yes, there are some good things about retirement age.

Our timing for this little trip was perfect. The leaves were just starting to fall. This was the colors at their best for this part of California. I have never been to see the colors in New England. However, we are planning to make a trip next fall to that area as well as visit New York City and Washington D.C. Our "Colors" were at their peek and the businesses were getting ready to close for the winter. The deli was closing the next day. They get a lot of snow in the area.!

Wishing you a Wonderful Day.

Autumn Colors Before My Eyes

Every Autumn I look forward to the WINGED EUONYMUS (also called Burning Bush)  to start turning colors. It never disappoints me. I can see it through my dining room window and it is the most dramatic change of color in my garden. Before long the STELLATA MAGNOLIA tree that is nearby will be turning from green to a vibrant yellow. That is pretty much the extent of color changing in my garden. When I planted my garden I wanted to be able to see both of these impressive bushes/trees from my dining room. And, I certainly am enjoying them.

Today we are taking a drive to the high country in the Mercedes Convertible to see the change of colors around Hope Valley which is quite close to Lake Tahoe. It is nice that we can do it in one day. I reluctantly mention the convertible because when MSM spontaneously bought it with cash a little over a year ago I was not very happy because of issues surrounding our relationship at the time. I will say, however, that I would not let him put it in my name as he wanted! Besides, I already have a converible!  Now, really, I must say it is a pretty little silver car.

At this time my main objection is that it is not as confortable for my back as the other car which is what we use for travel of any significant distance.  I think the discomfort is primarily because it sits closer to the pavement than the Cadillac Crossover and all the bumps and vibrations are more pronounced in my back. But, I will wear my back brace and that always helps. I am sure we will have a beautiful time and it will be nice to have the top down. Afterall, MSM really likes his "little toy" and he really likes driving it. There is nothing like a late in life "mid-life crisis",  now is there? 

Wishing you a Very Happy Day filled with the beauty of Autumn. 

Something To Soothe The Ills of the Day

Doesn't this Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha (Espresso and steamed milk, blended with mocha sauce and toffee nut flavored syrup. Topped with sweetened whipped cream, caramel sauce and a mixture of turbinado sugar and sea salt) look heavenly. I didn't say healthy ~ it has 420 calories!  Well, it tastes even better than it looks, if that is possible. And, what a fabulous beverage for a rainy day or a sick day. This is only one of their autumn offerings and I like them all.

As you may have noticed,  I have been MIA for awhile. And, that is because I have had one medical issue after another for at least the last six months.  At the moment, I am sitting here with a headache, sore throat and hacking cough that started about a week ago. And, just prior to that I underwent an endoscopy which revealed gastritis with ulcers. Even though I have been having symptoms I was very shocked when I went for the follow-up appointment. I guess I was shocked partly because I did not know that two biopsies were taken at the time of the endoscopy. In addition, Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease was determined.  So, now I have modified my dietary intake including portion control and my symptoms are not as severe. I am doing well with this change and it feels wonderful to feel healthier. I guess all of this should not be such a surprise with all of the restaurant food I have been eating in the past year and a half.

One of the difficult changes is that I have had to stop taking all NSAIDS(non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs). After twenty years of using them for control of back pain following a back injury/surgery,  the time has come to stop because of damage to my stomach. This issue along with the increased stress of being in a relationship after many many years of going solo has brought this medical situation to the forefront. At least my blood pressure is behaving and seems to be under control. Now, I have to work some more on methods of pain management, perhaps some more hypno-therapy. 

All of this is a real test of my relationship. And, I am thrilled to tell you that MSM has been very supportive of me with "all of this stuff going on".  Also, I must tell you that in the past few weeks he celebrated his One Year Anniversary of Sobriety. What a wonderful and impressive accomplishment! Really, it is awesome!  

The weather is progressing into a beautiful Autumn and it is time to make a visit to Apple Hill. We are planning on that little outing in the next week or so.

Thanks for listening. At least I am on the right track to regaining my health. Oh, and my doctors have been very  good.  And, that is a lot to be thankful for.

I hope you are having a Wonderful Week. I'll be back when I can.

Good Morning October

~ ~ ~ And, what a lovely morning it is! The sky is clear, the sun is shining and the air is a little crisp. Just a beautiful beginning of a fall day and new month. The photo is from my calendar that hangs on the wall in the kitchen. The calendar artist is Ann Langston from  Belvedere Calendar and the monthly pages are changed each month to show a new picture. It is always fun to see what the next picture will be! It hangs in an 11x14 inch acrylic frame. I have been ordering these calendar for many years now and I never have been disappointed with the artwork. It is fun and whimsical and I can see it every morning when I am preparing my morning coffee.

Isn't she pretty? I guess it is time for me to start putting out a few fall decorations. I do not decorate as much as I did in the past. One reason for that is that my house isn't as big and there is less space to fill. But, I have a nice entry hall table that I like to use. And, you will see a photo when I finish decorating.

I hope you have a nice weekend. There are activities (Grape Stomp, Craft Fair and Food) downtown today and tonight we have a Birthday Party to go to. So, that will be fun.

Take Care.