PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 30

Photo Challenge picture of the day.

I spent the day with my long time friend B. We had the best time! We picked up where we left off back in 2001. The last time I saw him was the day before the 9/11 attacks when I flew back to the West Coast.

We went with my parents to a half and half vegan/non-vegan restaurant. The food was good.

Then we went shopping. We got a bit lost with the crazy GPS on my phone. It took us back to the airport for some reason. B thinks it misses the airport!

We went to Target and I bought a new headset for my iPod. It still didn't work. We decided to go to the Apple Genius Bar and see if they can fix it before my flight back.  Off we went to the mall. What a mall!! The geniuses at the Genius Bar fixed my iPod in 10 minutes. There was something stuck in the headphone jack. I am super happy. Music on the way home.

Then we walked around the mall.  We laughed and laughed.

We had to get back for the pre-wedding dinner. I needed to dress and get my camera. I was not going to let this occassion go by without photos .

There was plenty of food and many friends and family to talk to. There were fancy desserts that were like show pieces.

I thing everyone had a good time.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 29

Photo Challenge picture of the day.

Today I flew to Raleigh, North Carolina to attend my brother's wedding.  It was a long trip getting ready in the morning and getting across the country.  Actually it was a long week getting ready.  Since I had a dog sitter staying at my home, I had to make the house presentable.  I had to get the dog's food ready.  I made pouches of chicken and rice and pouches of broth and froze them.  The dog sitter just has to take them out of the freezer and feed the dogs.  It just took a lot of work.

The flight went well.  There was an empty middle seat. Not something you see every day on a flight.  I could not get my GPS to see that I was in NC.  It kept thinking I was in the west coast.  It said it would take 4 days to get to my hotel from the airport.  I got lost going to the hotel.  I finally found it.

I am here and happy in my hotel room.  I have been in contact with the dog sitter and gotten happy dog photos. The heater in my room didn't work at first and I had to call maintenance.  It kind of works now.  I have it set to 75 degrees and I am still cold.  The maintenance man told me I need more amino acids because I am getting sick.  Okay.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 28

Photo Challenge picture of the day

The city inspector came today to inspect the work on my electrical work completed about two months ago. I was worried that my contractor had not pulled a permit (one that I paid for) and was giving me the run around.  My contractor knew the inspector very well and the inspection took all of two minutes. I got my sticker and the guys chatted for another 15 minutes. Then the inspection was over.

Now I have to wait for the electric company to contact me to come out and inspect it then this months long process is complete.

Happi seemed better today. Much more energy and more demanding like herself.

Lucky is limping on her bad foot. She definitely needs another antibiotic shot on Friday. My friend M is going to take her since I can't take her Friday.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 27

Photo Challenge picture of the day.

Happi is feeling much better today.  Like her old self!  The antibiotic shot the doctor gave her is working.  The doctor called and said it will only last about 5-7 days so she may need another shot on Sunday or Monday.  It can't wait until her surgery on Thursday.

I had my mammogram today. Always such a pleasure.  Someone needs to find a better way to get this accomplished.  The tech was joking that you always here about who invented the Slinky or the Monopoly game but no one has come forward to say they invented the mammogram machine.  I don't think they would be so popular.  Yes it finds breast cancer but, gosh, it is not the most pleasant experience!

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 26

Photo Challenge picture of the day.

What a day! 

Last night after I wrote my post, I called the vet on the emergency line to see what I should do about this situation.  She peed in the house 6 times and once on my bed.  The poor girl was in a bad way.  The doctor said to bring her in first thing in the morning and he would run a test on her.

I brought her in at 7 am and they did an ultrasound on her belly.  They checked her kidneys and stomach.  They also ran tests and she has no kidney infection.  That is the good news.

At this point if you are squeamish, stop reading!  I'm going to talk about women's stuff.

It turns out that her vulva is not protruding as it should.  It also has scar tissue probably from her licking it when she has had these UTIs.  To fix this, they have to do a bit of doggie plastic surgery.  It is a little surgery to fix her female bits that way the urine will not get trapped and then get infected.

Squeamish folks can start reading again.

While she is under anesthesia, they are also going to finally do an endoscopy and see what is wrong with her tummy.  The current thought is that she has some bacteria that is trapped in her tummy and the current antibiotic is not killing it.  Until they know what bacteria it is, she will not get better.  So they will go in and take some samples and culture them.

The poor dog has such a bad time with sedation.  She was so out of it.  She peed all over because she could not walk.

This evening the new dog sitter came by to do a check in.  Lucky is in love with her.  Or maybe it is her treats.

In all the confusion, I forgot my RA doctor appointment.  I remembered it in the morning but in the afternoon while caring for Happi, I totally forgot.  I hope the doctor's office is okay with it.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 25

Photo Challenge picture of the day.

Today has been a tough one for Happi.  She must have eaten something that didn't agree with her tummy.  Then she was peeing all over the house.  I tried to put doggie diapers on her but that didn't go so well.  I wish I had a video of this exchange.  Me chasing her all over the house, her running away from me scared.  Upstairs, downstairs.  Finally I realized it just was not going to happen.  Someone needs to make a doggie diaper that doesn't need dogs with long tails to shove the long tail through a little hole.  As soon as I grabbed Happi's tail, it was all over.  Then I cut the diaper and put it around her tail and taped it.  But do you know how hard it is to hold a dog, hold two sides of a diaper and a long piece of packing tape in place?  At least with a baby, they can't run away.  And you can't get the tape stuck in their fur!  It was a mess.  Happi was having none of it.

I took back three digital cable boxes.  Here where I live you can only view TV with a digital cable box.  It is a little box that is attached to your cable line and to your TV.  Since I am "cutting cable", I disconnected the boxes and took them back to the cable company.  I know have two cable boxes and basic cable.  I have Hulu live TV, HBO now, Showtime and Netflix and it all costs less than what I was paying just for Cable.  I should have "cut cable" a long time ago.  I am saving $50 a month.  Who cares if I can see the Military Channel?  I have the basic channels and that is the most important.  I am even thinking of getting rid of cable all together and just go with Hulu, Hbo Now, Showtime and Netflix.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 24

Photo Challenge picture of the day.

Today the gardener came to clear out the backyard for the winter.  She cut all the vines back to the fence.  She trimmed this weird plant back that has grown out of control.  It filled a whole compost bin.  I am super happy with the results.  We also spoke about plans for the spring.

I spent the evening cooking chicken and rice to make frozen meal packets for the dog sitter for my upcoming trip. This way all she has to do is defrost a packet overnight and Happi's food is ready to go.  I really love my dog to cook and cut up breast after breast of chicken. I also bought and cooked way more than I needed so I have it in the freezer. What do I know about chicken?

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 23

Photo Challenge picture of the day

It is still raining.  The rain has cleared the air.  It can stop now.

I had a check in call with the vet.  It has been 2 months since Happi's surgery.  She seems to be doing pretty good.  She slept through the night last night so that is progress.  Lucky is not doing as good.  She is having problems from either the antibiotics or some new biscuits and it is upsetting her tummy.  She would not eat her breakfast and whined and shivered all day.

I am trying to get a project done and the whining was getting to me.  The doctor said if she didn't eat dinner and seemed worse to bring her in tomorrow.

Later today she ate some chicken broth and rice but no kibble and curled up near the heater.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 22

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo Challenge picture of the day:

It is still raining.  The sky is blue and the air is clear.

I woke up and cooked chicken and rice for the next few days for the dogs.  Then I took the dogs for a walk when the rain stopped for a few minutes.  Then I started cooking for Thanksgiving.  I am going to some friend's house for appetizers.  They are eating very late so I am just staying for a few hours.

I made Cauliflower Buffalo Bites for us to munch on.  They turned out okay but I ran out of Panko before I was done so some of the bites don't have any crunch.  The guys liked them and kept the leftovers for tomorrow.

Then I made Kabocha Squash Soup again.  The Kabocha squash was not as fresh as the one I got from my delivery service. The Kabocha squash is the round green item in the right back in the photo.  The soup tasted okay but it wasn't as tasty as the soup I made a couple of weeks ago.  I did the best that I could.  The guys liked it and ate a bowl each.  Once again the guys loved it and kept the leftovers to eat tomorrow for lunch.

I spent three hours with the guys talking and catching up since the kid was at work.  There was a little thing that came up.  It reminded me of the stories my sister-in-law writes about with her kids.  I take my friends son to places to give my friends some respite and also because I really enjoy spending time with their son.  One of the things we do a lot is go to the movies.  He and I enjoy the same types of movies: Star Wars, Superheros, and fantasy.  His fathers are not as keen on those types of movies.  So I step in and take him either by myself or with a group of folks.

Usually he pays for his own way.  For about the last six months he has been showing up and saying he forgot the money or he doesn't offer to pay and I don't bring it up.  So I end up paying for the movie since these days I have to buy the tickets in advance.  A few months ago, my friend H bought the tickets and he didn't pay H back and I had to cover him.

Last night I found out in passing conversation that his parents have been giving him money for the movies and he has not been giving it to me.  His one dad was so angry we had to calm him down.  The other dad was more rational and we made a plan for the future to make sure I get the money and he is held accountable for giving it to me.  I have also been instructed to make him pay for his own snacks at the theater.  The kid has a job and since he has been keeping the money, he should be paying for his own snacks.

Overall it was a good adult time.  It was nice to have somewhere to go and not have to stare at a dead bird.  I had just enough food for the afternoon and came home to eat the rest of my butternut squash soup.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 21

Photo Challenge picture of the day:

Yes, leaves change color in California! 

Oh, it rained!!  All day.  Yay!  I went out to run an errand and I forgot I have not put the stuff back in the trunk of my car after getting it fixed from the accident.  So I had no umbrella.  Of course the minute I parked the car, it began to pour.  I had to run a city block to and from the vet's office to pick up the dog food I paid for but forgot to get yesterday.  It is only water and I dried quickly.  

The funniest thing I heard today:

Today's forecast: mostly rainy with a high chance of "I can finally breathe."

Lucky update: she is reluctantly wearing the cone-of-shame.  Last night she climbed in bed with me and cuddled so close to me she was almost on top of me.  I allowed it because I know she is so miserable and feels horrible.  Normally she would be shooed back to her bed or put in her cage.  I hope I am not starting a bad habit I am going to have to break later.  She just looks so pitiful and makes these little sighing/whining noises.  She just can't get comfortable but it is more important that she doesn't lick her foot.  I don't want her to lose her toenail.  She has already lost 1/3 of her teeth.  

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 20

Photo Challenge picture of the day.

I saw this on my way to my client's office today.

My day started out early.  I had to take Lucky to the vet first thing.  Turns out she has a cut at her toenail on her left back foot.  It is infected.  One of three things will happen: 1) she will heal and be fine, 2) the toenail will fall off and she will be fine or 3) they will have to remove the toenail and she will be fine.  She was not happy when the vet touched her toe in the exam.  The vet says to me I will send you home with oral antibiotics and a topical cream.  I said to him didn't you just see how she reacted when you touched her toe?  Do you want me to get bit?  The vet says We also have an antibiotic shot that lasts 10 days and an anti-itch shot that lasts 10 days also. I said I want that!  So they gave her the shot and she seems better.  I have not taken off the cone except for her to eat, then it goes right back on.  If she is still having toe issues in 10 days she has to get another shot.  Since it will be right in the middle of my brother's wedding, my friend offered to take her.

For dinner I made a lovely Vegan Curry Butternut Squash Soup with Kale.  It is so super good.  I didn't cook the butternut squash enough.  Well, that isn't right.  I don't think I made all the pieces of butternut squash even so when they cooked there were some that didn't cook as well as the others.  Most of the pieces were thoroughly cooked but a few where a little firm.  Next time I will take more time.  It was late and I was in a hurry.  I also cooked the rest of the butternut squash by cutting slices and roasting in the oven.  I can eat them over the next few days on a salad or in a grain bowl or a burrito.  The uses are endless.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 19

The Photo Challenge picture of the day. For the lack of another picture: 

Lucky in the cone of shame.

The bad smoke is back again. It smells like there is a fire in the neighborhood.

This morning I woke up to Lucky chewing her back foot. It did not look good. I know her nails need to be trimmed and with this bad air it has been hard. Businesses have been closed.

I called the vet and I will be taking her in tomorrow morning. Meanwhile she is in the cone of shame to keep her from chewing her foot.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 18

Photo Challenge picture of the day. A Thanksgiving wreath.

I have been wondering if this is the best month to be doing a photo challenge. I can't go outside and take photos so it isn't much of a challenge or maybe too much of a challenge.

I decided to run a few errands: pet store, food store, library drop off.  Then home to do some work.

Until tomorrow..

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 17

Photo Challenge picture of the day.

My gardener was supposed to come and work on the devil ivy today but she asked to postpone until next week due to the air quality. So I ran a few quick errands. I worries my mask. I had to get my mail from the post office, pick up my meds and put something in my safe deposit box.

I also got some makeup removal pads to use with my eye wash spray. I use it to clean off my eye lids and keep from getting eye infections. So far this is the best eye medicine. It is not goopy or sticky or annoying like the other medicines.

Then I went to see Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald with my friends kid.  It was a good movie. It had a slow start and, I'll be honest, I started to doze a bit but then it picked up. I was happy I went to see it.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 16

UGH!

Photo Challenge picture of the day.  I had a picture I took yesterday and I was going to use that picture but I have not left the house today due to the "Very Unhealthy Air Quality".  It is a purple on the air quality chart.  That is one level lower than Maroon.  Maroon is toxic air.

This was taken today.

This was weeks ago.

The smoke hurts your lungs if you go outside.  Today two people I spoke to were sick from the smoke.  One person said their doctor said it was like carbon monoxide poisoning.  Both of them got lightheaded then began vomiting.  Both, it turns out, had leaks where the smoke was coming in a vent and they were breathing it in.

This is so bad they have cancelled all schools, tourist attractions, public transportation is free, and libraries are staying open late so people have a clean place to go.

I am supposed to be at a going away party for a colleague but I am not leaving my house.  My gardener called to say she is coming next week instead of tomorrow.  I am supposed to go to the movies tomorrow and I think it will be okay.  What better place to be than a movie theater!?

Of course, we have it easy.  We have a home to sit in.  We have our lives. We have our jobs.  We have our dogs and families.  For us it is an inconvenience.  For those in the fire zone, they have lost their homes, animals, family members, and jobs.  My heart goes out to them.  Please donate to a reputable organization to help.

For animal relief, the Butte Humane Society at 2580 Fair St. in Chico is accepting pet supplies, such as wet and dry dog and cat food, litter boxes, kennels and carriers, leashes and toys. For those who don’t live nearby, the Humane Society also set up an Amazon wish list to donate pet supplies online.

Or you can donate to the San Francisco SPCA Disaster Relief Fund that has taken in 30 injured animals.  The Fund is going to take care of their injuries, house them and reunite them with their owners when the time comes.  San Francisco SPCA shows up to most disasters to assist with animal rescue.

Help if you can.  The animals always get forgotten.  They are wo/man's best friend.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 15

My Photo Challenge picture of the day.

 
Yesterday the air quality was Red -Unhealthy but today it was Purple -Very Unhealthy.  This is super bad.

The air quality is not getting any better.  The people who live in the fire area have lived through a horrendous situation.  My heart bleeds for them.

I heard from the vet.  Happi's test results say that she does not have an UTI.  Her kidney function is elevated.  Her pee is diluted again.  It can mean she has a kidney infection.  So the plan is to put her on the  antibiotics for a month.  At three weeks I am to bring her in and test her to see if her kidney function is normal.  If it is while on the antibiotics, then it is a kidney infection.  So we wait and see. 

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 14

Here is my Photo Challenge picture of the day.

I saw this and it looked cool.

I saw my primary doctor today.  We talked about my weird reaction to the Shinrex shot.  My lymph nodes being inflamed in my underarm and upper arm.  The lymph nodes are getting better. They don't hurt anymore.  They are still swollen.  I am supposed to get my second Shinrex shot in early December.  I am going to wait for at least another month and get the shot in my right arm this time.  Spread the love!

Then we talked about what to do with my other medications: Xeljanz.  Do I go on it while I am having these issues with the Shinrex shots?  Do I take the antibiotics for the Ocular Rosasea?  Or will that complicate things?  I don't want to go on antibiotics now with my brother's wedding trip coming up.  Then there is this horrible smoke in the air.  Will I have to go on a puffer?  Last time I used a puffer I got thrush and then I had to take another medicine to get rid of it.  Each medicine means another complication.  So I have to think this all through carefully.  Taking Xeljanz and having the complications with Shinrex could make the complications worse.  So right now I am staying off the Xeljanz which means no relief from my RA so I can get the shingles shots and don't get shingles.  Right now I am staying inside my home so I don't have to use a puffer and get thrush.  It is all trade-offs.

Then I got my flu shot.  So at least I won't get the flu on my trip.

I also took Happi to the vet because I think she is getting another UTI.  They ran some tests and I will get the results tomorrow.  She has lost 4 pounds since her surgery.  Poor baby.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 13

Here is my Photo Challenge picture of the day.

I like the pattern of this picture.

I went to my clients office today and almost the whole staff stayed home.  Their office had whiffs of smoke and I could not breathe.  I came home and came into the safety of my home.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 12

My photo challenge photo of the day

I thought it was a funny picture.  Sort of like a mix of Pinocchio and a tree.

Happy Veterans Day!  It is so sad out west.  The fires are burning worse than ever.  People are dying.  The air is choking us all.

Here is a photo of Lucky on her walk with the dog walker in the middle of the day.

I am staying inside all day.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 11

Photo Challenge picture of the day

 I thought this onesie was so adorable and funny at the same time.  It has dogs dressed in holiday sweaters.   And what is up with the white belly?  I could not figure that part out. 

Okay my post for the day.  I am cutting the cable cord. Friday I tried to watch a show on On-Demand.  It said $5 to rent.  WHAT??  I tried a bunch of channels and shows and they said the same thing.  I do not want to tell you what I pay for cable and I pay for two premium channels and get one for "free" in the package.  I tried those premium channels on-demand and once again $5.  I thought it must be a mistake.  So yesterday I called the cable company and they told me that on November 3, they changed the policy and many channels are no longer free for on-demand.  The letter explaining will be mailed out next week.  WHAT?  That seems a bit backward.  Aren't you supposed to get the letter first? 

I spent the evening figuring out what to do.  I checked out HBO Now, Showtime, and Hulu.  They all have 7-day trials so I can try them out. 

This morning I called the cable company and told them I was canceling my premium package.  The customer service person seemed unconcerned.  I have been a customer for more than 25 years and I guess that means nothing these days.  I now have basic cable and that may be going away soon.  I want to check out Hulu first to see if I like it.

Then came the time consuming part.  Last night I tried to log into Hulu with no success.  Today I called customer service and told them I was unable to log in.  I had a Hulu log in about 10 years ago when it was a free service.  Turns out my log in was active in the free service but I was unable to use it with the current service.  The nice guy had to contact three different departments to clear it up but it got straightened out.  I got the free 7 day trial. 

Now I have to see if I like it.  It has DVR, on-demand and live TV.  So far so good.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 10

I decided to go shopping today. The air is unbreathable so I figure a store would be a good place to kill a few hours.

I needed to buy some new jeans. I found two pair of blue jeans (light and dark) and three pair of these new pants that are jean-type material but cut like nicer pants. I got them in tan, slate, and blue.  Then I got a new coat for colder weather.

Pretty successful shopping trip.

I came home and tried on all the clothes for my brother's wedding trip. I think I am ready to go.

Here is my Photo Challenge picture for the day.

A view from my balcony. I can normally see for miles. The smoke is so thick there is no disability and the air quality is miserable.  My heart goes out to all the people in the fire areas. Such a tragedy.  Despite what you hear it has nothing to do with forest management.  It has to do with years of a drought causing dry brush and Santa Ana winds. Now if you want to discuss whether people should continue to build in areas where fires, floods, hurricanes, etc keep happening, I will be happy to discuss that.

Until tomorrow. .

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 9

Photo Challenge picture for today

You are probably asking why a mask?  Because there are fires everywhere and it is hard to breathe.  The smoke is so thick I have to wear a mask.  During the last two fires I had horrible issues with my asthma and had to take medicine for weeks to clear it up.  I also had eye infections due to the debris in the air and my eyes having no ability to clear it out.  So this time around I am wearing a mask whenever I go outside and staying inside as much as I can.  I am going to use the eye wash and eye drops that the doctor prescribed.  I want to be healthy for my brother's wedding.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 8

My Photo Challenge picture is

It made me think of Thanksgiving.

I went to see my Breast Cancer doctor today.  I had an ultra sound of my breast and everything looks good.  I have to get my yearly mammogram in a few weeks.  There was a discussion about taking Tamoxifen in one year.  I need to do some research and see if I want to do that.  There have been studies that show that in cases like mine where multiple family members have had breast cancer, taking Tamoxifen can reduce the rate of breast cancer by 96%.  I would have to stop taking hormones so that is something to research. 

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 7

My Photo Challenge Photo today is

Isn't that a great pumpkin?  I saw it today on a dog walk.  It is an interesting color.

My handyman came today to install my new shower head.  My shower head flew off a while ago when I turned on the shower one morning.  I thought for sure the shower head broke the glass shower wall but it didn't.  I had to order a new shower head from the company that matches my bathroom faucets.  Unfortunately that company discontinued my model and finish and I had to buy another model and finish.  That model could not be shipped to my area for some strange reason.  So I had to have it shipped to my brother's home (thank you!) and he shipped it to me.

I have been using the rain shower head but it just isn't the same as a regular shower head. 

My handyman arrived and installed my new shower head.  I was so happy to have a working shower again.    It has three settings and I can't wait to use all three.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 6

Today is election day. I voted last week when I mailed mine in. I knew I would be busy today so it would be better that I did my ballot early.  There was a lot to vote for this time.

My Photo Challenge picture for today is

These were on my way to my clients today.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 5

It is that time of the year again. I have to choose my insurance for 2019. Will I keep my current insurance plan or change to another plan?

I have to figure it all out and I am a bit behind the eight ball. I have to compare the plans and decide.

My Photo Challenge picture:

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 4

Wow!  Today was fun.

I was very unexcited to go to this event today.  It was a going away dog party for my old dog walker.  She, her partner and her baby are moving to Portland.  We all met in a popular park on a sunny Sunday.  All I could think was Ugh.  Parking will be a pain and I have to bring Lucky who hates being in the car.  I have to leave Happi home alone because she can't walk that far.

Well, I was wrong.  I found parking super close and we had a pleasant walk to the picnic area.  Lucky had a super big smile on her face from the first minute.  She was running around smiling.

Then she was sitting pretty while she got cookies.

It was a fun event with nice people and nice dogs.  Lucky had a good time and got lots of attention.  She is zonked out now.

I tried her new seat belt basket for the car.  It is a basket that goes in the front seat and she sits in it and gets seat belted in.  Since the basket is not on the seat of the car, the air bags will not go off.  It allows her to see out the window, therefore she will not get car sick.  She twisted herself around on the way to the park but on the way back, she was just fine.  I think it will be great.  She doesn't hate it and I feel she is safer not running around the front seat.

Here is my photo of the day.  I brought my camera to take photos of the dogs and this was my best photo:

He was a sweet dog and so photogenic.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 3

It was a nice warm day and I completed some tasks that had been on my to do list for some time.  Cleaning the bird cage, putting away the empty fish tank, and then I ran to the bank and the post office.

I stopped off to get a sandwich and I asked (as I always do) if the deli worker would "PLEASE change her gloves, thank you I am a vegan".  The deli worker made a snarky remark and then laughed.  I said "I asked you nicely".  The woman in line next to me looked at me and made a face like "she had nerve".  I said to the lady "you know there are other places to get a sandwich that won't give me attitude".

I walked away from the counter and went to the checkout.  I was just going to walkout without the sandwich but I shop at this store A LOT and I know the manager.  I asked if he was working today.  He was.  He asked me what happened and I told him.  He walked right over and asked another staff person to make me a sandwich.  The original sandwich was available but he said don't take it.   We had a long talk while my sandwich was being made.  I have lived in the area for 25 years and have shopped in that store for that long.  I want the store to succeed and we talked about how he needs to know if his staff are treating people rudely otherwise people will just stop shopping there and he will never know why.  I maybe a nudge but I will tell you why I am dissatisfied so the manager can fix it.  Then if it doesn't get fixed, I will decide if I come back.  He told me he wants to know.  He gave me the sandwich for free and said thank you and have a nice day.

I have to say, I really enjoyed that sandwich!

While in the store I took a photo for the Photo Challenge.

It made me smile!

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 2

I took down the Halloween decorations today.  They were put up on the 30th so they weren't up for very long.  I am just too busy these days.  I was thinking of all the things going on in my life and it is no wonder I am scattered: I still have the ant problem in the kitchen and I can't figure out where they are coming from, my family friend is ill and not doing well, I am concerned about Happi and have to be constantly cooking fresh food for her, Lucky is acting up because she is feeling left out, I am planning for my trip to my brother's wedding and clothes and dog sitters, etc., I have new clients and current clients vying for my time, I am planning to drop a current client in a month, and my house is a disaster.  It is no wonder I am scattered!

Here is my Photo Challenge picture for today.  I was taking down the Halloween decorations and Lucky was a bit put out by the large spider.

I also got my veggie and fruit box. This time there was a bit of an issue.  I had ordered my list and that was not what I got.  I think the packer got distracted halfway through.

I ordered

• Satsuma Mandarins
• Spaghetti winter squash
• Cauliflower
• 4 Bartlett Pears
• 2 Honey Crisp Apples
• 3 Kiwis
• Green Kale
• Carrots

I got

• Satsuma Mandarins
• Spaghetti winter squash
• Acorn Squash
• 2 Bartlett Pears
• 3 Kiwis
• Green Kale
• Carrots

So no apples, 2 pears were missing, the cauliflower was missing.  But I got an acorn squash.

I called up and told them and I am getting a $13 credit.

Until tomorrow...

PHOTO CHALLENGE DAY 1

Today I am starting a new challenge.  I love photography and over the years I have been influenced/convinced not to take pictures.  I used to take pictures all the time.  So my new challenge is to take an interesting photo a day for one month and post it.

I like these interesting succulents.  The flowers are colorful and sweet. It looks like a cauliflower in a way.

I spoke to the doctor today about Happi and we are going to monitor her.  She went for a walk but was super slow and only went about 1/2 block and turned around and came home.  I gave her an anti-inflammatory pill to see if that helps.

I was without the internet almost all day today.  It is amazing how much we rely on the internet. I could barely get anything done.  No work, no skype, no Echo timer, no Netflix, no music, no email.  What a day.

Until tomorrow...