Patience

 

MRI Results

 I had an MRI in Jefferson last fall. They have the latest and greatest in MRI machines. That is what they told me and since I had nothing to compare it to I didn't know. It took about 10 minutes and it was easy peasy! So when I had one here I expected it to be similar, although when I asked about it he said we want one with more detail than the one you had last fall. So it was a whole different experience. I had many deep breathing episodes and periods of time where I had to talk myself out of feeling claustrophobic. I would not be wanting another one!

The results were given to me this morning by phone. I have a gallstone and/or stones in my bile duct. I was told the surgery is outpatient with an anesthetic. Someone will be calling me this afternoon with the time and place.

I have been dealing with the situation for quite some time and it has been worsening. It will be a relief to have it taken care of.

When I had my gallbladder out in my 20's I was in the hospital for a week and my incision was from stem to stern. It was a big deal in those days. I never dreamed I would have to deal with it again! I had no idea they could form again in the bile duct. I guess if you live long enough these things can come back to haunt you.

Last year, about this same time is when Butch had a small bowel blockage caused by scar tissue he had from an appendectomy when he was 18!

They say after 50 it is patch, patch, patch!

Tuesday Night Trivia

 We had 6 teams for trivia Tuesday and that is a high for the season so far. There were quite a few new people and we did indeed have a very good time. Renie was under the weather so Butch filled in and we kept him running. We may even grow a bit for next Tuesday night because some of the people were new and plan to bring more folks with them next week. The more the merrier!

Computer Crickets....

 I haven't been on the computer. Odd for me, I know. I am finally getting my Puffy Bile duct attended to. Tuesday I had an appointment with the gastroenterologist and was quickly scheduled for an ultrasound on Wednesday and then quickly scheduled for an MRI this morning at 7:15am. Yes, that is right 7:15am. So now we wait to hear the next step.

The probing around on my abdomen for the ultrasound set off an episode so I am thinking the time is right to get it taken care of.

In a general way, how do I feel? I feel fine.

Devon Hiller is Student of the Month!

 

These Days...

 These days when someone asks, "How are you feeling?". They REALLY want to know how you are feeling!

We are feeling fine by the way. I do have an appointment with a GI on Tuesday and I have many questions for him. For those who do not know or remember I have an enlarged bile duct that needs some attention. I found this out last fall as a result of an MRI. The episodes from this little puffed-up fellow are getting more frequent. Thus the search for a solution to getting him unpuffed.

Sunshine!!

 

2 Thoughts on Weather

 We have had a streak of cold and wetness with intermittent periods of sunshine and dryness. It has completely flipped on us from the months of October, November, and December. This is not the first time this has happened. My hopes were so high when we were on our first round of nearly perfect days. So okay I can be on board with a change for a while but now it is time to see the sunshine again...every day...for weeks on end! No, we are not shoveling snow or slipping on the ice and we are grateful for that. Please, oh please, come back to the winter weather of South Texas that we know and love! Enough already!

There is a glimmer of hope in next week's forecast.

Okay, Let's see...

 Darrel and Linda are having a good time and enjoying their leisure. Because of the cold weather, they are perhaps getting a bit more leisure than they planned on but on the other hand, they find themselves quite busy. They have friends and family in the Rio Grande Valley for the winter and have been enjoying getting together with them. They also have taken a liking to Trivia. I have been having a steady 4 teams show up and sometimes more. I have hopes they will like it here enough to come back next season and maybe stay longer.  It has been enjoyable having them here.

Renie and I finally bundled up in northern style to walk this morning and it felt very good to be back at it. We plan to be at the pool hall for a session later this afternoon. We are anxious to get back to that too. I have been happy with my play for the most part but there is always room for improvement. I have a long way to go to be in Butches caliber but I give him more of a challenge than I used to.

We asked our home seller if we could show the place to Darrel and Linda and she agreed. It was a bit like getting a glimpse of a Christmas Present and getting my nighttime wheels turning. It is still over a month before we can move in and get acquainted. We will enjoy it thoroughly when the time is right. 

Winter Gardens Golf Course

 On our morning walk, we thought the golf course made a pretty picture with the fog lifting. Trophy Gardens and Winter Ranch share the 9 hole golf course. If you happen to be a resident of either park it is one of your benefits.

Nuevo Progreso Mexico- January 5th

 Butch, Barb, Linda and Darrel

Darrel and Butch at Jessicas

Linda and Renie at Jessicas

Back in Hibernation

 I handled 10 days of hibernation very well. But adding 5 more days to it isn't sitting well. A cold spell has settled in and they say it is for a week. The worst of it is today, or so they say. It is currently 34 degrees. Bah Humbug

Remember?

 Remember the Magic 8 Ball?

https://www.thundercloud.net/infoave/new/the-magic-online-8-ball/

Pretty Cold!

 We are having a cold spell. The high today has already happened. When I got up at 6:00AM  it was 52 and it is going down as the day progresses. It is currently 11:21 am and the temp is 48. It is supposed to start raining in about an hour. I will have to bring in my geranium because it is supposed to be 32 overnight sometime. This is not our first winter storm, south Texas-style. We are predicted to have a week of this. Hardly seems fair after coming off ten + days of quarantine. Oh well...heavy sigh. After all, it is winter here too. It is just that this place is where, most of the time, the weather is a non-issue. So we will find things to do to fill our time and give our mind something to do until the weather decides to straighten itself out.

A few weeks ago we had pictures taken for a book-style directory. The pictures were professionally done at no cost to us unless you might want to order extras. I am betting you know the answer to that one if you know us at all! We were gifted one 8 x 10 and a free directory for sitting still, getting our picture taken, and sitting through a sales pitch. We were happy to oblige.

It was a windy day and I forgot to fix my hair after entering the building. I am sorta/sorta happy with mine. Butch doesn't like his but he is trying to get used to it.

Here is the result:

Barb on 1/18/2022

 Candy takes my picture at Trivia every Tuesday night.

Out of hibernation

 We are doing fine. Feels a little strange and slightly illegal to be out and about. Played pool with the women yesterday and plan to again today. Renie and I just agreed to resume our morning walk today. The current temp is 49 degrees. We do have a week-long cold front headed our way so this could be one of our last chances. January is winter in Sunny South Texas with highs in the 50's/60's and lows in the 40's. February is too. Spring happens in March.

Today’s thought

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” ―Maya Angelou

LOL

 

Back in Business

 I fixed that Runza casserole yesterday and it was a BIG treat for both of us. It has always been one of my standbys. Years ago, I am guessing 47, we lived in Aurora NE. The Nebraska Furniture Mart was in Omaha and we shopped there on occasion and thus we were acquainted with Mrs. B., the Russian lady along with her husband who started the furniture business. Runzas are a Mrs. B. recipe and the casserole is a mutation of it. I found it in the newspaper many years ago and it has become and remained a family favorite. Butch and the boys are always up for Runza Casserole.

I cut the recipe in half for just the two of us. And I don't add the hot sauce.

    Runza Casserole       

      2 lb Hamburger

      2  Onion, Finely Chopped

      4 C.Cabbage, Shredded

            Salt & Pepper, To Taste

      2  pkg  Refrigerated Crescent Rolls

      1 lb Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded

Brown hamburger and onion, drain. Put cabbage on top of the meat and let steam for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper. Using one tube, spread the crescent roll pieces over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Spread hamburger/cabbage mixture on top. Add a layer of cheese. Using the second tube of crescents, place it on top of the cheese. Bake in 350 F. degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes, covering with foil the last 10 minutes to soften the crust

[Note: One of my standby recipes that Butch is always happy to see on the table. ]

Here is the original Runza recipe. Years ago in Nebraska, there were Runza Restaurants. I hated to see them go. https://myfarmhousetable.com/nebraskas-homemade-runza/

On the 9th day

 of Covid, I can tell you that I have worn nothing but pajamas, not the same ones, for all those days. Have not been outdoors even! Yes, I am ready for the big reveal but I have not suffered any from the time spent in isolation. It gives a person time to get things done, catch up, and simply reflect on the simple things in life.

The basic update is that we are both doing fine. An occasional cough and or sneeze, nothing big or alarming although Butch has always scared small children when he blows his nose. In fact, even I will jump if caught off guard.

I defrosted the fridge yesterday. Caught up on laundry today. Just took hamburger out of the fridge for Runza Casserole for supper.

And a nap is starting to sound like a good idea!

Freedom Day

 Monday will be our freedom day. The recommendation is 5 to 10 days of quarantine and Monday will be day 11. We are both feeling fine and ready to resume life as we know it in Sunny South Texas.

Lack of snacks! Butch and I have eaten everything even resembling a snack. The downside is we have no snacks, the upside is we will probably be a few pounds lighter on the scale. We are both looking forward to our next restock at Costco and H.E.B. I waved my grocery lists in his face yesterday. The lists are long!

Don't get me wrong! We have plenty of food. I have discovered in the past few years that I can go a strong two weeks and even longer without going to the grocery store. I still have brat burgers, hamburger, pulled pork, bacon, eggs, cheese, Beef broth, Chicken broth, onions, green and red peppers, celery, white radishes, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and a good imagination. Snacks? 

No, don't have snacks.

So what is on the snack list? Ice Cream, popcorn, nuts (all kinds), chocolate, dried cherries, etc.