Busy work

 Kind of managing to keep busy. These are the masks I made a while ago that didn't feel good when wearing them. I used regular elastic for the ear loops and it was too stiff and uncomfortable. So Bill ordered me some of the soft round fuzzy elastic to redo them. Here they are will the old elastic cut off.  Well except for one.

Didn't take long to replace all of them. Now they are comfortable to wear. 

Monday was cold - but didn't get around to doing any cooking. Spent half the day waiting for the NASCAR race from Sunday to finish. It never did. 

In fact they didn't race yesterday either. Hopefully they will race this afternoon. But unfortunately the race is the same time as a soccer game we want to watch. So have the soccer game set up to record.

Yesterday was cold too so got out the makings for chicken empanadas. Made five or six dozen, forgot to count. I did the filling and Bill did the empanadas.

These are cooling down, getting to separate and freeze. Good snacks when traveling or stopping for a night.  Though I'm not real sure I like chicken ones - the ground chicken doesn't act like ground beef. It cooks into ugly clumps. Tastes okay though. 

Another puzzles from the same box, checked, they are made in China. This time I wore a mask but still got runny nose and sneezes. If I want to do another puzzle I'll take one from a new set and hope they don't bother me. 

This morning at 9:30 it was already warmer than it got on Monday and Tuesday.

Finished the smoothing/grinding of all the pieces of my new project. Next step is to put the copper foil on the pieces. Then it will have to wait until spring when I can set up in  the garage to do the background. 

The RV is still in the shop, waiting for some new tires. 

Finally Sunday's NASCAR race finished. And the driver I follow #18 won. It has been 34 races since he won last. I'm sure the neighbors wondered why I was screaming.

Keeping myself amused

 We had planned on working on getting the RV ready for the trip south this week. Well plans are made so we can change them I guess. The RV is still in the shop waiting on batteries to be delivered. We are waiting for more lab test results, which we can't get until late next week, then see doctor again. So we have a few blank days in front of us. 

So I decided I'd start on a stained glass piece I've been thinking about for several years. A companion piece to this one which now is in one side of the window in our computer room. I made this one when we lived in Indiana to cover a rock chip in one of our living room windows. Got the ideas for both from a restaurant in Mazatlan. Do you see the butterflies and leaves in it. 

So here is the central pattern for the new one. I had just enough of the green glass to do it. 

Very rough cutting the pieces. 

Adding the accent pieces. I've been racking up the steps between the garage, cutting the glass and the sewing room where I have the pattern. Each piece takes several back and forths. 

Friday nights sunset.

All the con trails from the planes in the sky. 

Sunrise yesterday morning. 

Don't know if this mornings sunrise was pretty or not. Too darn cold to go outside and look. And the wind is howling. Our front awnings sound like they are going to fly off the side of the house.

Can hear the wind in this one. 

Took this about 7 a.m. Wasn't it just a few days ago that I was complaining about the heat? High today in mid 50's.

And then we had a hard time trying to figure out how to turn the thermostat from AC to heat - it's been so long ago that we needed heat. YES we have the furnace running. I was even cold. 

Another 500 piece puzzle done. It is really weird there is something about this set/box of puzzles that makes my eyes and nose run and makes me start coughing after about 45 minutes of working on them. So I have to stop and walk away for a while. 

Have done the fine grinding/smoothing of the first seven pieces. So far they are all fitting together. Too cold in the garage today to work on any more. 

Actually I am waiting for yesterday's NASCAR race to start. But looks like there is a lot of rain in the Dallas,TX area. Don't know if they will be able to race today or not. 

I think later we will make some chicken empanadas for snacks. Several dozen probably. At least it will warm up the kitchen. Or maybe I'll make peanut butter cookies. Lord knows I sure don't need them, but...

Scenes from Las Vegas

Things did not go well with the two different doctors yesterday. We are both on antibiotics so all should turn out well. 

Just some pictures I took on the way - way across town - to the doctor's office. The reflection in the building is a new hotel being built. It is going to be really big. 

This is the new hotel, it will be a Resort World hotel.

I always do a double take when we pass this building. They sell manikins. 

This wall has had the American Flag painted on it for at least 17 years. Some one must be keeping it up. No peeling or faded paint on it. 

And here is what I managed to catch of this mornings sunset. Was up at 5:03 - ugh way too early. 

Across town again today to visit our youngest son at his business. New metal plants in the center divider. They look real until you look really close at them. Sure saves on the watering and maintenance while looking great. 

The High Roller was s l o w l y revolving. Little by little things are opening up. 

Found our son's business. Was surprised at this mask holder. What a good idea. A napkin holder! His business is a cleaning service for homes and offices and industrial businesses. 

This is how the ladies leave the towels in the bathrooms. On display in one of the offices. 

Stopped at the Argentine market and restaurant to get some empanada dough. Will make chicken empanadas sometime in the next couple of days. 

The reflection of the same new hotel in another building. It sure is red.

The RV is still at the RV doctor - seems to be a lot of doctoring going on. Waiting for a couple of batteries to be delivered. Stopped at Pharmacy to pick up Bill's antibiotics. Only three days worth. Pharmacist says it is pretty powerful. A powder that has to be dissolved in water then immediately drank. He was pleasantly surprised at the taste, said it was an orange flavor. 

Then on home. I fixed one of Bill's favorite meals for his birthday dinner - chicken Paella. Turned out really good. 

And on to  another day. No errands tomorrow, no chores that need to be done, no doctors that need to be talked to. Whew - hopefully quiet day. 

Drastic change in weather

Oh my gosh, I knew it was finally going to get cooler, but this is a whole lot cooler. Bill is going to freeze. And we might get rain Sunday night and Monday. 

Had an emotional melt down the other evening. I think everything is just catching up with me. I complained loudly about how warm it was in the house, so Bill took pity on me and turned the thermostat down. Then he was cold. Ended up wearing long pants and a sweat shirt! I continued my sulking - got out a 300 piece puzzle and did it while listening to old sad country music. 

Heard, kind of, from doctor after many calls to them. They made Bill an appointment for Wednesday to see the doctor again. Think it is just an infection, but then they added, "If his symptoms get worse go to emergency." Now that is scary. What symptoms??? He feels fine - he says.  My results weren't back yet so have to call again today. [After another phone call found out my results were in doctors office last Thursday.] So  many changes since I started this yesterday. This morning Bill has an appointment clear across town with an infectious disease doctor and I now have to see our primary doctor this afternoon - I will be getting the appointment that was originally for Bill. What a mess. And still no real answers. When we get home in the spring will be looking for another primary doctor!

We got our second shingles shot two days ago, boy is my arm swollen and sore, even ran a slight fever yesterday. Feels okay today. 

I decided I like to be able to hang my mask around my neck when going between errands so made another beaded strap. The one on the mask I'd made when I was making the beaded necklace, so just starting the new one. 

Got it done, remember the necklace? The new strap is the top one. So now I have two just in case one breaks. They are so light weight can't even feel it on my neck. 

I can change them from mask to mask. Not making one for Bill, think he'd feel a little silly with flowers around his neck. 

Went over to the RV yesterday and it wouldn't start so called FMCA Roadside Assistance to get a jump start. They told me our account had expired. I was sure I'd paid it but didn't argue and after hanging up went on line and to check it out. Oops - maybe I didn't renew it in May. Then we went back to the RV and I looked for the paper work, sure enough I'd renewed it in May. After checking both cards I realized they had different membership numbers on them. So guess a phone call is in order later today. Finally got it started and right now it is at RV doctor being checked, belts, batteries, tires etc. Don't need any problems while on the road.  PS - called them and got my money back for duplicate membership. 

I would like just one day with no drama. 

AAARRRGGG! Home from one doctor on way to another.

Waiting game

 I tried this recipe in the air fryer. Didn't take pictures of my attempt - sure didn't look like their picture. They say to cut eggplant in 1" slices...well I cut it into about 3/4" slices and there is no way in heck you can roll up a 3/4" slice of cooked eggplant. It is just too thick. Before I go further though, it was very good when put together. I made a couple of changes used Italian flavored hummus and mozzarella cheese. Next time I'm going to cut the slices less than 1/2" thick. 

Just a picture from my walk yesterday. Liked the colors. 

Also another home really decorated for Halloween. 

This morning we went to the market, mainly just to get out and about and then to the pharmacy where we got our 2nd Shingles shot. We are now all done with shots - thank goodness. Also trying to get my prescriptions in order for our winter trip ... Hopefully they are all straightened out now.

We are still waiting to hear from our primary doctor with the results  of last weeks tests. Some of which might or might now put a damper on our plans to leave in a couple of weeks. 

There is also some concern about being able to drive into Mexico. We know of several people who have done it lately but just to check we got in touch of a friend in San Carlos and asked if any Americans in RVs had stopped at his campground lately. The answer was yes, of course. There is no problem on driving into Mexico. I finished another 500 piece puzzle. Very pretty and took some time.

Walking and walking.

And a few more days pass. We still have not heard from our primary doctor about the results of the tests he had us take last Monday. Nothing like wondering and worrying for a week or so. Hope we do hear from him tomorrow or the next day. 

Made another outing to WalMart, again spent an obscene amount of money on things for the winter. From now on shopping on line, a lot cheaper. 

Thursday I heard big trucks outside, looked out the window and saw this large hunk of machinery - FROM THE GAS COMPANY! Lots of other trucks, pickups and men swarming out. What the heck?

Now that is a lot of machinery. Finally got close enough to one of the men to ask what was going on. He said, nothing to worry about [his opinion] Just a small gas leak. Why the huge pieces of machinery? We always bring them in case things are worse then reported. Oh Goody! But guess it was JUST a small leak as they were gone in less than a half hour. It was behind a neighbors house. 

Went for a walk yesterday morning. At 8:30 it was still cool enough to go outside. Thank goodness - though today and for the next few days the highs will be in the low 90's. Is summer never going to end?

Back to walk. 55 minutes, 5920 steps equals 2.3 miles. My goal is 3 miles in 60 minutes. Guess I'll have to pick it up a bit. Some of the homes here really go out for Halloween decorations. 

Just a pretty bush and the blue sky. These yellow bushes bloom most of the summer. 
Another really decorated home. Lots and lots of spiders and shadows of the web and big spider on the front of the house. 

As I continued walking I started to notice the smoke from the California fires starting to creep into our beautiful blue sky. 

The oleanders are outdoing themselves this year. Maybe they like the dry weather. No rain here for over 180 days. And none in the forecast. 

Getting heavier and browner.

Going to turn the air purifier back up on high for a few days I guess. 

Just returned from today's walk. Didn't do quite as good. Guess my enthusiasm didn't match my capabilities. only 4500 steps, 1.75 miles in 35 minutes. Slowing down. Not quite so much smoke in the air today. 

NASCAR race on today to take up some of my time. 

Lots going on

Been an interesting few days again. I've been keeping busy still making masks. And finishing the lion puzzle - the one in the header. It is my favorite so far. Took about four days to finish it. Each piece had from two to five colors on it.  Finished these masks a couple of days ago. My goal was to have enough masks we could wear them once - like you are supposed to - then put them in laundry and get a clean one for next outing. 

Bill has been working on a charging station for all of his drone equipment, batteries, tablets, etc. He is setting it up in the case he had left after the drone crash the other week. 

When not in use it closes up and takes up very little space. 

This is what he used last winter - it took up a quarter of the sofa! Big improvement. 

The sunrise Monday morning, not spectacular but colorful. Always starts the day out good. 

And from there the day went downhill. We had our - we thought - final doctor appointment with our primary doctor. Well we walked in feeling great and left feeling overwhelmed and horrid. He didn't like some of the findings on the tests we took. So had to have more lab work done - yes both of us. And waiting to get results. But he doesn't have time for an office appointment so he will let us know what is going on in a telemed conference. HUH? No idea how that will work out. Office girl told to me check my laptop for a camera??? [When I said I didn't think it had one, their answer was to go buy a new one!!!] She told me what to look for and luckily it has one. Scared myself silly when I pushed the right button and my face popped up on the screen. She is supposed to call sometime this week to walk me through setting up whatever program I need and to give us a time for the conference. Of course they bill just like an office visit! Thank goodness for insurance. 

Finally finished up all the masks I'd started. Making no more. Put sewing machine to bed until Spring. 

After the doctor's appointment we went to the WalMart we used to go to on the south west side of town. Little nicer area we thought. Had to get some more OTC meds for the trip. Almost everything we wanted was in locked cases. Had to find someone to unlock them - plural. That was a surprise. I asked why and he told me things were being stolen at an alarming rate. Stuff like allergy meds and vitamins??? 

Thinking about bringing the RV over here to the house one day this week to start loading some of the stuff in it. Just extra supplies for the winter. 

Then a few more trip related errands to run.