LANDSCAPER POSTPONED

 The landscaper was supposed to come today but he begged off. He changed it to tomorrow.  It rained so hard today and the temperature dropped. It looks like it is going to rain a lot in the coming days. 

I just got a notice that my book club will not be meeting in December because a person in charge forgot the date of the meeting is during their time off. The book we are reading is pushed back until January. I think that is good because I am not finding my free time during the holidays to read. All those Christmas Movies to watch! 

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER IS ALMOST HERE

December is a busy month for me. There is Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year's Eve. I also have a few birthday's and anniversary's. Lots of cards and presents this month. I have to get ready and organized. 

I bought a new monitor for my computer. I have been sitting at my desk instead of my couch. It is hard to look at a laptop on a desk with bifocal type glasses and sit up straight. A monitor is needed. I also had to get a webcam and wireless keyboard and mouse. I think this will help my neck issues. I just have to remind myself to straight up. I am working on not slouching. 

Until tomorrow...

LUCKY'S COAT ARRIVED

 Lucky's new coat has arrived. I tried putting a coat on Lucky when she was a pup but that did not go too well. I got the coat on her but she attacked me every time I tried to get it off her. When I finally got it off her, I returned it to the store. 

 Now that she is older, I thought I would try again. Plus she has been shivering since it has been unseasonably cold. Normally it gets in the 40s during the night. It has been down in the 40s during the day! I know for those of you in the north or the mid-west that is nothing but your houses are made for that weather. Our homes are not made for this type of weather. Our homes do not have double paned windows, good insulation and actual heat. My heat is one small vent in each room. 

Until tomorrow...

FEELING A BIT BETTER

 I am feeling better but not 100%.  My new Oculus VR showed up yesterday and I have been playing with it. I walked through Anne Franks house and virtually fished. I find it super interesting. 

I am working my way through the Christmas Lifetime movies. They put me in the spirit. 

Until tomorrow…

ROUGH DAY

 I am not sure why I feel so crappy. I have pain in my rib cage and I am a bit coughy. I tested and it isn’t Covid.  I am laying around and watching Christmas movies. I did a couple of loads of laundry. 

Until tomorrow…

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

 I had a busy day. I had the landscaper guy coming to discuss the backyard. We talked about the plans and after a bit of time we decided to change the plans a bit. I wanted more green space. It looks like the work may begin soon. I had almost given up thinking it would happen this year. 

I had another appointment and wouldn’t you guess both men showed up at the same time. I had to juggle the appointments. Both men were nice about it. 

Then in the afternoon, I had my third try to get a pneumonia shot. Here is the play-by-play:  I showed up and they told me they weren’t sure they had the vaccine. Then, once they found it, they asked me my birth date and said I was too young to get the vaccine. At this point I am frustrated since this is my third time going through this. Then I filled out the paperwork and was given my vaccine. This all took 25 minutes. As I was leaving one of the phlebotomist told me goodbye and « see you next time » . I’ve had more vaccines this year than I’ve had since I was a baby. 

Until tomorrow…

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 I decided to spend Thanksgiving at home. I had a lazy morning and then took Lucky for a walk. While watching the Dallas game I cooked mashed potatoes, stuffing, delicata squash, cranberry sauce, and Brussels sprouts. It was a vegan feast. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Until tomorrow…

FIRST DENTAL APPOINTMENT IN ONE YEAR

I finally got a dental appointment. It was my first appointment in one year. I was ready for the bad news. During my dental lapse of 2020 I had major dental issues. This time I was ready to hear awful news but I didn't hear any. No cavities and no cracked teeth. No crowns needed. No root canals. 

I did hear some old news that my gums on two teeth have receeded badly due to my grinding. I had two options: grafting of cadaver gums or fillings. I chose fillings because I don't have dental insurance. 

I also talked about my front teeth that are messed up due to my grinding (despite wearing braces as a kid). So I'm going to get Invisiline to fix that issue before my teeth are totally messed up. 

But I was happy to hear overall my teeth are good. 

I came home and worked on a work project and took Lucky for a couple of walk. She once again ran around the block.

Until tomorrow…

A DEAD FIREPLACE

I have been months behind in invoicing my clients. Today I finally caught up.  It is a great feeling. Getting all that work done is such a weight off. 

Lucky’s sweater showed up and it was too small. I’m returning it and I bought another one in the correct size. 

The chimney people came this morning and I got some unexpected news. My fireplace back wall up in the chimney is loose and some of the grout has come out between some of the brick. That means the fireplace is no longer useable. On the positive side I didn’t use it and asphyxiate myself or burn my home down.  They could not clean out the dryer vent either for a complicated reason. So they were gone in 20 minutes. 

I began researching electric fireplace inserts. I am going to have a fake fire in my fireplace. At least it will be warm. 

Until tomorrow…

FINALLY HEARD FROM LANDSCAPER

After calling on Saturday and making an appointment for Lucky to see the vet this afternoon, I called and cancelled it this morning. Instead I spoke to the veterinarian. He agreed with me that she did not need to go in and see him but the shivering that she was having is probably due to continued infection from the upper respiratory infection. So he is prescribing another two weeks of antibiotics for her upper respiratory infection. She had the upper respiratory infection for quite some time before she got antibiotics for it so he feels that it may take some time for her to get rid of it. Although she is feeling much better he's worried that it's going to take a little time for her to completely get rid of it.

I did send lucky with the dog walker and he said that she mostly stayed with the pack but when they got close to his car she took a shortcut. He said he turned around and suddenly she was gone and he saw her doing a shortcut and she arrived to the car faster than everybody else. So maybe she was a little tired and wanted to get to the car quickly. Who knows but she did walk the whole time so that's good news.

I had another busy day at work and realized at 1:30 I had been sitting at my desk continuously since 9:00 in the morning.

At 8:30 tonight I suddenly got a text from the landscapers assistant from months ago asking if I'm still looking for someone to work on my backyard. I texted back that I was and we are meeting up on Friday. I'm quite excited about this.

I headed to bed early this evening because I have a little bit of an upset stomach that I can't figure out why I have it but I don't have a fever and I took a covid test and it's negative. Maybe I ate something that didn't agree with me. I have to wake up early because the fireplace guy is coming and I need to be ready. I had a fun time cleaning out my fireplace this evening to get ready. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR OF VEGAN COOKING COURSE

 The Vegan Lavender Blueberry Cheesecakes taste delicious. They look so vibrant.  The inside is vanilla and cocoa butter and the outside is lavender and blueberry. 

I showed up for virtual book club but they were having technical issues. It didn’t hurt too bad because  I only read about 1/ 5 of the book. 

Until tomorrow…

DAY TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE OF VEGAN COOKING COURSE

I was so excited to wake up and make a dessert from my cooking course. First my neighbor wanted to borrow a few things and I went over to say goodbye to their little kids. That pushed back my timing. 

Then I guess I got my days mixed up. My friends came by at 2 pm but I thought our meet up was 2pm Sunday. Otherwise I would have made this dessert yesterday. Now I had nothing to serve them. They brought me a lovely bouquet of flowers. I felt like a horrible host. Luckily I was not in the middle of heating something up. 

After they left I finished the entremet. I hope they come out okay. We will see tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Until tomorrow...

SECOND TRY AT PNEUMONIA SHOT

 I was planning on baking today but instead I decided to spend my day off being, well, off. I did a whole lot of nothing. I am not very good at doing nothing. I sit and think about all the things I could be doing. I am trying to teach myself to be okay doing nothing. Or not much of anything. 

The pneumonia vaccine saga continues. To catch you up a few weeks ago when I received my flu shot I was also supposed to get my pneumonia shot. I didn’t end up getting the pneumonia shot because the pharmacy didn’t know which shot to give me. I found out which shot to get and today was my appointment. I got there (I am starting to be a regular there) and the phlebotomist said they ran out of the shot I needed. He needed to order more and he made me a new appointment. Let’s give it a third try. 

I walked Lucky twice and ran into a couple of neighbors. I invited them over this weekend to sit outside and catch up. It should be fun.

Until tomorrow…

DAYS NOT GOING AS PLANNED

Some days do not go as you plan. I had an interview for a gig today. First my video conference had no audio so I restarted while the people waited then I tried dialing in with my phone and both the computer and the phone had audio. Finally I had audio but once the interview started I kind of wished it didn't. The people didn't have clear questions and were fishing for answers. It was clear I was not the right person. 

That evening I was on the phone with a long-time associate and we got talking. Turns out he needs a project manager and I can do the work. He was coming up with projects while we were on the phone. He said he asked his old project manager a question and hadn't heard back for weeks. What? His list is my gain. 

Until tomorrow...

LUCKY HIT A MILESTONE

I know I have been going on about my dog Lucky a lot recently. It was just such a shock when she collapsed out of the blue and her recovery has been so slow. Today was another milestone. After dinner I took Lucky for a walk and once again she dragged me around the block. Is it because she is happy or is it because she is cold? I don't know and don't care. Then when we got home she wanted to play fetch. I throw a tennis ball in the house and she brings it back. (Yes, I know you know what fetch is) This is her second favorite game. She wanted to play for 30 minutes. Now, she is sleeping. She was so happy. 

I had another busy day working. I had groceries delivered. It is not that didn't have food but I didn't have many basics and food that I want. Things like vegan butter, crackers, powdered sugar, and pancake mix. Essentials. 

Until tomorrow...

EIGHTEEN YEARS. IN HOME

I can't believe I moved into my home eighteen years ago today. It does not feel like 18 years ago. I moved in and then a few years later construction started. Then there were the after construction years. My memories are broken up like that. 

I had another crazy day of work today. I have another interview with a potential client on Thursday and I am beginning to think I should pass on the gig. 

I finally found time to online food shop tonight. I was honestly running out of necessities. This morning I ran out of butter. That's when you know the situation is getting desperate. Food will be delivered tomorrow. 

Until tomorrow...

GOOD LUCKY REPORT

 Lucky went with the dog walker today. She was excited to go to the door when he arrived but then tried to back out part way down the stairs.  I shut the door and made her go. The report was that she walked the whole way (almost 2 miles) but was at the back of the pack. Much better than last time when she only walked 1/2 way, was slow and had to be put back in the car for a nap. I was told that her ID charm on her collar may be too heavy so I ordered her a new one that is super light. I have noticed that it drags lower than before. I usually take her collar off in the house since she has been sick. But overall a good report. She came home and immediately looked for food and fell asleep. Then she ate a big dinner and wanted to play. 

I worked all day. No time for anything else. It was non-stop. I don't think I signed up for this but suddenly everything has gone crazy. It is good to feel needed. 

Until tomorrow...

FINISHED THE COOKIES

 I got up and had a plan for the day. It was sent into a bit of chaos when the wifi went down. I had to make another plan for a while. 

I made the icing for my cookies and it didn't come exactly like I wanted. It was more like a glaze than icing. I made due but it wasn't ideal. The cookies look cute; especially the leaves. 

There are acorns, pumpkins, squirrels, and leaves. They taste good and that is most important. 

I took Lucky for two walks today. The second walk which was around dinner time was the fastest. She practically ran around the block. I don't know if she was cold or hungry but I was gasping for air. I contacted the dog walker and told him she was ready to go with him again. 

Until tomorrow...

BAKED COOKIES

 I wanted to sleep late today but my left eye is having issues. This time of year my eyes are a mess. 

After paying bills, I took Lucky for a walk and mailed the bills. When we got back, I baked some cookies. I plan to ice them tomorrow. After making the cookies, I needed to lay down a bit. Then a client called and I had to do something for 15 minutes. After eating dinner, I called it a day. I watched TV and tried to clear out my DVR because it is time for 25 movies of Christmas. I love Christmas movies. Last year I watched all 25 movies. 

Until tomorrow…

VÉTÉRAN’S DAY

 Happy Veteran’s Day! I decided to take the day off or so I thought. I had a client make an appointment for 11am that I needed to attend. It was a really good meeting but I wanted a day off. 

I was supposed to take Lucky to the vet to get tested to make sure her UTI was all gone but I called and since she is now on more antibiotics they want me to wait. The antibiotics mess up the test.

Then a client contacted me and said I needed to do some paperwork someone today. Ugh! Then another client emailed that I needed to invoice by the end of business today so they can bill someone else. So I spent an hour getting that completed. There went my relaxing day! The struggle is real when you are a small business owner. 

I decided order food to be delivered. I was tired. I got Mediterranean food. It was so good. I got tofu and veggie kabobs with rice pilaf and hummus. This one is going on repeat! 

Until tomorrow…

TREE TRIM

Today started out with a quick and early trip to the post office to pick up Lucky's medicine that was delivered to the wrong address. I took Lucky with me for a fun ride in the car. I gave her the antibiotics and she was sound asleep for hours. 

After a solid chunk of work hours, it was time for the tree guys. Five guys showed up and took care of my white birch in about one hour. Two guys climbed it and the other three took care of the branches and put them in the chipper. Then they cleaned my backyard better than it looked before they arrived. They even took a giant ivy root at my request and put it in the chipper. When the root was first dug out and wet it weighed about 80 pound but now that it was dry the guy said it only weighed about 25 pounds. I could have picked it up! 

The tree looks great. It is thinned out and made smaller. I keep cutting it back every couple of years. 

I spoke to my doctor about my RA doctor's appointment a few weeks ago. I am making a plan for my next appointment. 

Until tomorrow...

MEDICINE NO SHOW

 Work has been non-stop. Busy every day, all day. 

I waited for two days for Lucky’s medicine and it didn’t show up today. I called the company and found out that a few weeks ago they were bought over and when their databases merged, some customers addresses got messed up. Her medicine got shipped to another address. I will get it tomorrow. 

Lucky wanted to play tonight. She grabbed her toys and we played her favorite « catch me, catch me ». Where one of us runs around and the other tries to catch the other.  I think she had fun. 

Until tomorrow…

SAVED $250 TODAY

 I woke up early so I would be ready for the tree trimmer. I have a large white birch in my back yard and every couple of years it needs to be thinned and shaped. I have a tree guy who used to be a forest fire fighter come and cut it. His guys do a great job.  Anyway, I waited and waited and they didn’t come. It was raining on and off and I kind of thought they might not come but I got no phone call. I finally called and he said didn’t you get my message? He left a message at some random house where some people are probably very confused. 

The tree guy ended up coming later to see the tree in the rain. He remembered the tree once he arrived. He wanted to charge me X to trim the tree and I said WHAT? You charged me Y last time. It was $200 less. So he said okay I’ll charge you Y. He is coming back on Thursday. 

I called the chimney sweep while I was on a roll. I also asked about their drier vent cleaning. He said he would charge me A. I said how about you charge me B. He said how about we meet in the middle?  Basically I saved $250 between the two services! 

It was such a cold and rainy day. Lucky stayed inside.

Until tomorrow…

BUSY MONDAY

Today was nothing much. Just a lot of work. 

I cancelled my foot doctor appointment because I haven't been to physical therapy yet. 

Lucky was a ball of energy today. Her medicine for her upper respiratory infection is in transit and should arrive tomorrow.

That was basically my day. Like I said, boring. 

Until tomorrow...

VEGAN CHILI

 Today was all about taking care of Lucky and doing Laundry. All the "L"'s. 

Lucky is doing better today. She slept a lot but is not making that noise as much. It was rainy so I kept her inside. I also cancelled the dog walker for tomorrow. I think until she gets her medicine she should stay stationary.  

I did three loads of laundry and washed dishes. Big fun here! I tried to relax since my neighbors had a fire engine at their house at 5:45 am. I got up to make sure everything was okay. I could not fall back to sleep and of course it was Day Light Savings Time so it was SO early. 

I made vegan chili for dinner. It is very good but it was too watery. I ate it with rice so the rice soaked up the liquid. I guess I should have cooked it longer. I was in a hurry. 

Until tomorrow...

ANYONE SAY HAIRCUT?

 I took Lucky for a walk between the rain drops and I thought she was doing good but 3/4 of the way around the block she got ill. I carried her home. Then she seemed fine! I can't wait to get her medicine. I think she has been licking her legs and paws and that made her sick. 

I did errands today like putting away the Halloween decorations (they needed to dry from the rain). Once I got those tasks done, I decided to cut my own hair. Don't get too excited. I just gave myself a trim. When I went to see the hairstylist down my block she said I needed a trim and then my hair would look better. I have cut my hair many times before when it was short so how hard could it be?! I watched a youtube demo and bought the right items. I got in front of a mirror and I did it. I won't say it is perfect (there is a piece in the back I do need to trim a bit more) but it looks pretty good. I only took about 1-1/2 or 2 inches off. It looks healthier now. Those inches will grow back quickly. My hair grows very  fast. In 2 years it has grown past my shoulders from a haircut that was about 2-1/2 inches long. If it looks healthy I am happy. 

Until tomorrow...

BACK TO THE VET TO GET A DIAGNOSIS

 I took Lucky to the veterinarian again. I was so concerned with her heavy and loud breathing even when she was awake and sitting still. The vet said she has an upper respiratory infection and needs antibiotics. The antibiotics need to be ordered from a dog pharmacy and will take a few days. Meanwhile I am giving her human cough meds. It seems like it is the same type of infection she had before. 

 I took care of a bunch of errands: getting bird food for Sunny, dropped off my ballot, and dropped off two packages. I returned my Oofos shoes and the scissors that I got that were not what were advertised. I am getting replacement Oofos in another size and my money back on the scissors. I already bought another pair of scissors. 

It was a busier day than I expected when I a client called with an emergency. Even though I am trying not to work on Friday's, I will take emergency calls and emails. I got other emails and responded that I would respond back on Monday. 

Until tomorrow...

WHAT A DAY

I love my business. I keep saying it. I love my business. Today was a crazy day. I had clients with a COVID outbreak, someone going on pregnancy leave, and person going out on medical leave all on one day. Talk about keeping me on my toes. Do all the emergencies have to happen on one day? 

I had a chance to take Lucky around the block at lunch time and again, she practically ran. Then tonight she was very energetic. I am very happy. 

I had a quick dinner so I could watch a virtual live book discussion of a book I read "Ear Hustle". It is about a podcast that was started at CA State Prison San Quentin. It was very interesting. 

Until tomorrow...

LUCKY RAN ON HER WALK

 It rained today again. I worked most of the day. 

At about 5 pm I asked Lucky if she wanted to go for a walk. It had stopped raining. She jumped up and practically danced to her leash. We got outside and she ran down the sidewalk. We ran into a friend and I thought she would be excited but she just wanted to keep running around the block. Run she did. I was gasping for air. Then she came inside and ate. It it was good to see her snapping back a bit more. 

My eye was worse this morning. Luckily the eye wash arrived. The medicine should arrive tomorrow. 

My scissors also arrived today. I bought scissors to trim my hair. I was going to go somewhere to get my hair trimmed but then I found a website that shows me how to trim my own hair. I bought two pairs or scissors and one pair didn’t come as advertised so I am sending them back. 

More rain tomorrow.

Until tomorrow…

TEAR DUCT BLOCKED

 Happy November!!  

I woke up with a blocked tear duct. My eye was scratchy for the last few days but I thought if I used my eye wash I could beat it. It didn’t work and my eye lid is swollen and itchy.  I checked the eye wash and it is expired by a few months but I need to use it until I can get some more delivered. 

I called the eye doctor and ugly the medicine refilled. That will be delivered in a couple of days. I also made a eye doctor appointment. I need new lenses. 

It is raining so Lucky does not want to go outside. 

Until tomorrow…