Sunday, January 18, 2026

Just a quick catch up

 


Good morning.  I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we are already halfway through January. I started a post last Sunday, but my head wasn't in the right place, so I didn't post anything. The first week of the new year started with TBG spending two nights in the hospital. This was the first time in the 40 years we've been together and it was pretty stressful but between perseverance and a lot of prayer we made it through. 

I'm thankful for having a full pantry and living very close to the hospital because I was able to make him meals from home, so he didn't have to eat the shit 'food' from the hospital. 

Binx missed him SO much.  He kept looking at the door wondering where he was and both nights he slept on his side of the bed the entire night.  When TBG got home that Wednesday afternoon Binx was so happy and he started running and playing again right away.  



Thankfully he is doing much better but still has a little way to go before he is back to his baseline.   

He spent the rest of that week at home so last Saturday I knew he needed to get out for a bit. I suggested driving out to Yellen Hellens for ice cream after two quick errands I needed to run. Even though it was cold, the ice cream and the drive through the country did him a lot of good.  We shared one of their top desserts and it hit the spot.  He kept saying it felt so good to be out so I'm really glad we went.


This past week was a back to normal and TBG was able to go back to his Tae Kwon Do school which helped him feel a bit more like himself.  Seeing someone you love in pain and feeling down is hard, so this made me feel better too.

I have a long list of books to read so I started reading Food for Thought by Alton Brown and I'm really enjoying it.  I've always been a fan of his and the essays tell a lot about him and his thoughts.


We missed our December trip to Firefly Grill, so we decided to do that yesterday and we both had a great time. The atmosphere and the food is always top notch there and again just getting back to normal activities made us both feel so good.  Again, the ride was so good for both of us and just as we got about 30 minutes from home it started snowing.  The huge snowflakes were so pretty coming down.



Meals this week were...

Chicken and rice veg bowls with cheese roll up
LO beef short ribs, potato and cheese pancakes with salad
LO chili
Chicken, loaded baked potato and salad
Lamb burgers with 'fries'
We both had a big lunch so I used the half of pound of lamb left from the night before and made lamb and potato hand pies with a salad.


Tonight, we're having coho salmon with sides to be determined.  I'm leaning towards a spicy slaw and rice.

I hope everyone is doing well and had a better beginning of the new year than we did.  Tell me how things are with you?





37 comments:

  1. That is a rough start to the new year for you both. I hope TGB continues to improve and get stronger. Isn't the food at the hospital terrible? I was so angry at the meals brought to my mom, who was listed as diabetic (she was on metformin at the time). ALL CARBS! When I said something, the staff told me it was to get her stronger. SMH. It's because it's cheaper!!!
    I remember Watergate Salad from my childhood. That's funny that it's now an ice cream sundae.

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    1. Thank you. It was a rough start to the new year. I don't even know how they can call it food at this hospital. I'm thankful we live close by. That is ridiculous they were giving her all carbs as a diabetic especially.
      I remember Watergate Salad too, so I had to try the ice cream sundae, and it did not disappoint.

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  2. Oh Lori, I am so sorry! What a way to start the year. I am glad your man is feeling better and continues to do so, cozy and safe at home. Your meals sound delicious, and I am so glad you are back to being Home Sweet Home!

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    1. P.S. I love your new look here!

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    2. Thank you, Billie Jo. Two days there was enough for both of us and we are very happy to be home.

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  3. Sorry that you had a rough new year, Lori. At least was Binx there for you. I like Alton Brown too.

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    1. Thank you. I'm really enjoying his book of essays.

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  4. I'm sorry you both had such a crummy week. So thankful he's back home and you've had a few nice outings. Hooray for you, bringing food to the hospital.
    Your meals sounded good!

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    1. Thank you. They were pretty simple outings, but he had been couped up and he appreciated them so much you would have thought I took him to Paris. lol

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  5. Sorry to hear that TBG was in the hospital. Nice that you were able to take him meals so he didn't have to suffer through hospital food.
    I'm glad he's feeling better now. Hopefully the rest of the year will go better than the start of it.

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    1. Thank you, Ann., I knew he wouldn't touch the hospital food and probably would have ended up with a stomach issue if he did so I'm glad we live close by making it doable.

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  6. I am so glad TBG is doing better and that you BOTH are happier getting back to normal. It is amazing how animals can miss people.
    It sounds like your little outings were the right 'medicine' for you both.
    Hope this week is great.

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    1. Thank you Cheryl. The outings were just enough to make him feel human again which was good for me because I hate seeing him in pain.

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  7. Did I tell you I have a Binx of my own? In a way. Black cat showed up at work and he/it/she comes in regularly to sit on laps and make itself at home.

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  8. I'm so sorry your husband hasn't been well but glad he's home and doing better now. I hadn't thought about how he might be missing your food (what a great way to keep his spirits up). Take care of both of you!

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    1. Thank you! The 'food' here is atrocious plus we didn't want to end up with stomach issues on top of everything else. Luckily it was doable because we live close by.

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  9. I'm sorry your family's year is off to such a rough start. I'm glad TBG is doing better. This are weird, for lack of a better term.

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  10. Thant sundae looks so good! I am going to try that for a dessert sometime.

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  11. Hope the Husb is doing better, very scary! I love pistachio anything! Not Bossy here

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  12. Good to hear BG is back home and doing well. Hope the year takes a turn for the better.

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  13. Glad the worst is over for y'all.
    I hope it snows here this winter. I even get excited just seeing flurries!

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    1. Thank you. It sounds like you might get your wish next week with snow.

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  14. I'm glad TBG is feeling better now. I remember when my husband had colon surgery and just going out for a ride after being home for a week felt so good! I hope he continues to heal. That sundae looks really good!

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    1. Thank you Jeanette. Yes, after being in the hospital and then at home for days, he really just needed to get out of the house. He was so happy those two days, so I know it did his soul good.

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  15. That Watergate Sundae looks amazing! I used to like the Watergate salad. It’s been about 20 years since I’ve had that, maybe longer.

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    1. It was really good. I haven't had Watergate salad in at least that long. Stay warm.

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  16. Hi Lori! I'm so glad that he's doing better. I can understand that kind of stress as well. It's not fun. Love that you were able to make him food. This is very, very good to read.

    I have a Brown book from back in the day. It's a baking one that I love. I haven't seen this book. It looks like something I'd enjoy.

    I'm audio booking two book. Harry Potter and a Wrinkle in Time - with bluetooth headphones for both. Really love that.

    Reporting in about the sugar cooking candle. I wanna say yesterday was day 9 and now the smell hasn't changed in a day. I'll smell it later today. Up until now, the smell changed a bit each day.

    The unscented one is burning overall well. I've only had it on twice so we'll see what happens the third go. Not a tunnel but I did notice some to the side wasn't the same burn however, I had the candle near a draft (sorta), so there's that to consider.

    Have you a Hobby Lobby near you?

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    1. Thank you, Ivy. Yes, it is stressful, isn't it? I knew he wouldn't eat the hospital food and while I didn't cook up anything fancy, at least I knew the ingredients in it. And he got the nutrition he needed.
      This book of Alton Browns is essays on his experiences and thoughts on food and cooking. I've really enjoyed it.
      We do have a Hobby Lobby, and I will be going to check out their kits. I really want to try making wood wick candles. I appreciate all of your knowledge from your experience. Interesting that the sugar cookie candle changed a bit each day. I would imagine they have to cure a bit.
      Have a great Friday and a great weekend.

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    2. Yeah, it's a lot when our spouses are sick. You done good by bringing him food. Like you say, you know what's in it. I love that.

      Groovy on Brown. When we hit Barnes next I'll have to take a look. Have you seen his YouTube channel?

      I held off last week buying more wax bricks until I see how the smell of the Sugar Cookie goes. I have enough wax for one more medium candle or two small ones. So I don't wanna get tooooo much. Just sorta make a candle or two as needed.

      For now.

      Wishing you a great rest of your week too!

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    3. I haven't seen Brown's YouTube channel, and I will have to check it out. Thank you.
      I still haven't made it to Hobby Lobby because of the snow, but I hope to soon.
      I can't wait to hear about the sugar cookie one.

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  17. I am literally just reading Alton Brown's book right now! I probably found out about it thru you anyway. Hope your hubby is feeling much better. Mine had to have a PET scan the other day; it takes hours as you wait around in the hospital. Your blog looks so different now! Looks like a big change-up. Hope all is going well for you.
    cheers
    sherry

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    1. I'm enjoying Alton's book. I hope your husband is doing ok. Health issues are so stressful for everyone. TBG is doing better. I wanted a cleaner, simple layout and thought this was good. Take care my friend!

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