Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread May 31-June 6 2026

[SouthernBreeze]

I look at having the house stained and this old tree cut down as huge preps. We're getting all the maintenance work done on the house, and it will be 20 yrs., before it needs it again. Keeping up house maintenance can be expensive, but important, so we're doing it, before the cost gets out of hand. Same with the tree. We have the money to do it now, but in the future we might not have it. Insurance won't cover the tree falling on the house if it is dead. It's a concern every time the wind blows hard like in the storm, yesterday. The ground is so soggy, it wouldn't take much.

We're just trying to cover everything we can in case we aren't able to for whatever reason in the future. The world has already gone crazy, and it will only get worse by the day. We see huge dark storm clouds on the horizon for the whole world.

 

[ginnie6]

well its cloudy and cool today. Currently 67 and a breeze. I thought it was supposed to be sunny. Oh well! Doing some laundry today and deciding if I want to go to Hobby Lobby. I'm thinking I'll wait. I need more yellow fabric to keep on working on Tito's quilt and I might as well go ahead and get the red for the border. Its just the thought of having to go somewhere lol. Of course if I go I could stop and get some vitamin C and some pool chemicals......

 

[Pebbles]

I have a blog, and actually have a very tiny youtube channel. I've thought about it, but that's about as far as I've gotten. There are a LOT of herbalists and homesteaders out there who already have channels.

What a beautiful website Moldy!! I am glad you mentioned it. I am just starting to learn how to properly use herbs. Thank you.

 

[WanderLore]

Sitting here while they put good used tires on. Brake job on front is next soon.
All manner of stuff going on. I found a horse rescue that is fantastic and so I'm on the waiting list for the two horses, by end of summer or early fall.
My daughter is helping a lot. Her and my son are going over to a property I sold years ago. They have to tear it down and said we could have things we left in there.i can't go over. Too emotional for me.
Very dry here and no rain till Friday they said and we haven't had any I think in 10 days.

 

[nomifyle]

LOL! The way it looks right now, it's going to take him all summer just to get our house done in between rain and storms. Then, we have a 150+ year old 90 ft. tall dead oak tree in our yard that needs cutting. If he had time, I'm sure he would love to come down and help you out. It's been a while, since we were that far South. We love visiting Natchez. How far are you from there?

Doc is a great guy, he’s had an interesting life.

 

[Doc1]

LOL! The way it looks right now, it's going to take him all summer just to get our house done in between rain and storms. Then, we have a 150+ year old 90 ft. tall dead oak tree in our yard that needs cutting. If he had time, I'm sure he would love to come down and help you out. It's been a while, since we were that far South. We love visiting Natchez. How far are you from there?

We're just outside of Poplarville, about thirty miles south of Hattiesburg if that gives you an idea of where we are. We're not especially close to Natchez, though. If you and Cary ever come to this area, you're certainly welcome to stop by for coffee, or perhaps we can all go out to lunch.

Best
Doc

 

[moldy]

The people I have met from TB are just amazing people. Maybe we need to plan a Colorado meet up.

 

[Digger]

I have caught 7 more mice. 5 at the Turkey pen and 2 at the door going under the house. I ordered 2 more traps from Amazon. The local stores didn't have the plastic window in the top. I want to be able to see if I have a mouse or that the bait is undisturbed. I also bought an in door outdoor humidity and temperature screen. It has 3 sensors to put in different rooms or outside. I am going to put a sensor in each incubator. Both of my incubators are plain with no digital read monitoring. One is about 37 years old and I ordered it from Sears when they were still a useful store. The other is just a styrefoam one from the feed store. It's probably 10 or more years old. But I do think low humidity was the problem with the chicken eggs. I did end up with 2 chicks out of 7 eggs.

Today I worked in the garden while hubby cooked bacon. I planted a few more cucumbers and put up their trellis. Then I weeded a little and picked a pint or so of strawberries. I froze a quart of strawberries yesterday. It's so humid that it's miserable outside.

I worked on the chicken grow out pen. I want to move the young Buff Orpingtons and Guineas to it today. I killed a small black snake in it when I started working. I don't like snakes at all. I have lost too many young birds to black snakes. Hopefully, that is all of them for awhile. I have to set up the feeders and waterer and I will be ready to move them.

The dead pine tree in our small hay field came down during the storms over the weekend. I am glad that's on the ground. We lost some dead limbs here and there too in the back yard.

I canned 9 quarts of canned coleslaw over the weekend from cabbage I bought at the Mennonite farm stand. I need at least one more canner full maybe 2 to have enough. I make regular coleslaw except when I need a quick side dish.

Have a good day everyone.

 

[Meemur]

That's great about the horses, Wanderlore! The dogs can go with easily go with you, but it's hard hauling horses around. I hope they find wonderful homes!

Today was another day where I hit the ground running and am just now sitting down. But it's fine: it's all my tasks. I'm focusing on my stuff for the next few weeks, various house and outside projects that are half-finished or just stupid looking, like the floating deck in the back yard from the last owner that is starting to come apart.

I may rent a truck, demolish it, and fill in that area with fabric cloth and gravel. I will discuss all that with several of the guys who do dirt work before I attempt it, but I think that would solve several drainage problems, plus it wouldn't rot or need much in the way of yearly maintenance, if done correctly.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We're just outside of Poplarville, about thirty miles south of Hattiesburg if that gives you an idea of where we are. We're not especially close to Natchez, though. If you and Cary ever come to this area, you're certainly welcome to stop by for coffee, or perhaps we can all go out to lunch.

Best
Doc

I know where you are! Been to Hattiesburg several times, but not recently. Thanks for the invite!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Shopping is done for another 2 weeks or so. I got everything on my list, and Cary did, too. Glad to be back home with the a/c running. It's very hot and humid outside.

No rain so far, and tomorrow's forecast is to be sunny skies and hot, until Sunday.

Too tired to cook, so I'll just make chef salads. Something cold sounds good. Lettuce is chopped and the eggs are boiling. Chopped already cooked chicken and ham from the freezer. I'll add other things to it, too. I got lots of fresh produce, today.

 

[Doc1]

LOL! The way it looks right now, it's going to take him all summer just to get our house done in between rain and storms. Then, we have a 150+ year old 90 ft. tall dead oak tree in our yard that needs cutting. If he had time, I'm sure he would love to come down and help you out. It's been a while, since we were that far South. We love visiting Natchez. How far are you from there?

A 90' tall oak is very tall. If the whole thing is merely dead-but-not-rotten, you have a huge amount of expensive firewood. Be careful if you hire a tree surgeon to take it out. I guarantee that they give you a quote to drop it and haul the wood away. They're going to "haul" it right into their bank account.

Some species of oak are difficult to split, but they all have value as firewood. If I were closer to you guys, I'd offer to help. As you may recall, I have back trouble, but I do have my own climbing gear and try to do all of our own trees. For me, the key is to take it slowly and rest often.

Best
Doc

 

[SouthernBreeze]

A 90' tall oak is very tall. If the whole thing is merely dead-but-not-rotten, you have a huge amount of expensive firewood. Be careful if you hire a tree surgeon to take it out. I guarantee that they give you a quote to drop it and haul the wood away. They're going to "haul" it right into their bank account.

Some species of oak are difficult to split, but they all have value as firewood. If I were closer to you guys, I'd offer to help. As you may recall, I have back trouble, but I do have my own climbing gear and try to do all of our own trees. For me, the key is to take it slowly and rest often.

Best
Doc

We've already had one just as tall and old taken down 2 yrs. ago in our front yard. This one died over the winter, but it was already dying. We have 3 yrs. worth of firewood already under roof. We have no place for anymore, plus, Cary just can't do it anymore himself. He's just going to have the tree service haul it all off. This tree service cuts trees they bring down into logs. They have a certain area close to town where they dump it. People can go there, cut up what they want, for free.

I hope we don't lose anymore. These two are the oldest and tallest. We have 4 big oak trees and 4 small ones left in the yard, plus 3 hackberries. Lots of pines on our property as well. Not to mention a huge mulberry tree and a giant pecan tree. All on 1 1/4 acre.

 

[patriotgal]

I got brave today and am tackling the blanket room. It literally is a small room filled with blankets and bedding. I bought 8 of the big blanket bags from DG. Not enough. DHs gma made us a quilt every year for Christmas. I was given a quilt for graduation and my gma made us a quilt as a wedding gift. One of my elderly aunts gave me a huge box of quilts she made and was going to get rid of. This is in addition to other quilts given to us. I also have quite a bit of linens with lace on them, done by gma. I have a big stack of donate blankets for the thrift store. Plenty of kid blankets in there.

I have tried to pare the collection down as much as possible. I am not, at this time, getting rid of any family quilts or the chenille bedspreads that are my age. My girls do want some of them so there's potential homes for some of them. Right now I need to find the photos gma took of every quilt she made. Identifying all of them means a lot to DH. I know the photos are in an envelope with her things.

DH and I have items that go back to our great grandparents and their kin. I need to take pics and put stories with things just in case anyone is interested after we are gone.

 

[connie]

I imagine family will want some of those quilts. I inherited quite a few over the years from various family members. Gave one to each of my children and also the grandchildren. Still have a few.

 

[Digger]

That should read 9 pints of coleslaw, not quarts.

 

[Wildwood]

I should do that but keep forgetting. I do have a phone in the basement.

Stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column, so nerves are constricted. Nothing can be done other than physical therapy or the pain center. I DO NOT WANT TO GO TO THE PAIN CENTER!!!!!!! My late dh went to the pain center for many years and got a lot of relief with surgery, physical therapy, years of pain meds, spinal cord stimulator, shots, nerve burning and finally a morphine pump. I know rules have changed and pain meds are very restricted now, but I want to avoid them.

I have half a dozen canes from dh in the basement and two other walkers. His walker is too wide for me and won't go through the bathroom door. The one I'm using came from either an auction or a thrift shop for $15 or maybe was my m-i-l's. I'm not sure of the condition of the third one. I think if I get to the point I need a walker most of the time, I will ask my doctor for a RX for a new one fit to me. I tried a cane and they do not work for me. My late d-i-l had a newer walker with the seat which would be perfect for me, but I donated it to the nursing home when she passed. Hindsight ... sigh.

My mother had one of those walkers and it was amazing. Later, daddy used it...the height is adjustable. They were pretty expensive when my mother needed one because they were somewhat new but I've seen one very similar at WM for a very reasonable price. If your insurance will pay for one, that's the route I'd go. They are night and day different from the old school walkers...so compact and portable and easy to maneuver...they turn on a dime lol.

 

[anna43]

My mother had one of those walkers and it was amazing. Later, daddy used it...the height is adjustable. They were pretty expensive when my mother needed one because they were somewhat new but I've seen one very similar at WM for a very reasonable price. If your insurance will pay for one, that's the route I'd go. They are night and day different from the old school walkers...so compact and portable and easy to maneuver...they turn on a dime lol.

They are much better than the old aluminum walking frames for sure. However, they are harder to put into a vehicle and take up more space.

I got a call just before Bible study that our leader was out of town on a medical appointment. I said I'd go and if anyone showed up, we'd go ahead. No one showed up. Two ladies are sick, one out of town, one on medical appointment and another two just didn't show. Decided if I was going to lead a study with just myself I'd do it at home.

Just realized the rhubarb I'd cut this morning got left in the garage. Guess I'd better see if it's worth rescuing. Got sidetracked -- typical.

 

[Wildwood]

That should read 9 pints of coleslaw, not quarts.

I wish we had menonites near us. I love canned slaw and haven't canned any in a few years but I make fresh slaw about once a week. I made fried cabbage for supper and it was so good.

I started out planning a meal of all home canned stuff, decided to switch the canned chicken to a meat loaf to use some ground beef, decided lima beans would be good with the meat loaf so I put the purple hull peas back in the pantry, saw some cabbage in the fridge that needed used and switched it for the green tomatoes I was going to fry so they went back to the pantry. The only thing that stayed the same was the corn bread and sweet tea lol. We get a lot of mileage out of a big meat loaf so that will be a good thing. I'll do the original meal later this week.

 

[Wildwood]

They are much better than the old aluminum walking frames for sure. However, they are harder to put into a vehicle and take up more space.

I got a call just before Bible study that our leader was out of town on a medical appointment. I said I'd go and if anyone showed up, we'd go ahead. No one showed up. Two ladies are sick, one out of town, one on medical appointment and another two just didn't show. Decided if I was going to lead a study with just myself I'd do it at home.

Just realized the rhubarb I'd cut this morning got left in the garage. Guess I'd better see if it's worth rescuing. Got sidetracked -- typical.

You could pull a lever and fold mama's flat for transporting but I drive an Element with a good sized space behind the last seat so maybe that is why it seemed so easy. I would throw that walker back there and Daddy and I would take off on our next adventure...miss him so much.

 

[moldy]

DH is upset at my 'hoarding', meaning I dont' know what, but I'll do some cleaning tomorrow. He said, 'stuff gets misplaced and you accuse me of taking it." Well, yes and no. I do sometimes misplace things, but I don't accuse him of taking it. Moving it is a possibility. Sigh.

Today has been OK, even though Joint Commission showed up. That always stresses out everyone. Tomorrow is a busy day - client, work meeting, and running errands will take up most if not all of my day. Sigh - again. It's ok - Friday is coming sooner or later!

Right now I need to find the photos gma took of every quilt she made. Identifying all of them means a lot

That is a great idea!

 

[Wildwood]

DH is upset at my 'hoarding', meaning I dont' know what, but I'll do some cleaning tomorrow. He said, 'stuff gets misplaced and you accuse me of taking it." Well, yes and no. I do sometimes misplace things, but I don't accuse him of taking it. Moving it is a possibility. Sigh.

Today has been OK, even though Joint Commission showed up. That always stresses out everyone. Tomorrow is a busy day - client, work meeting, and running errands will take up most if not all of my day. Sigh - again. It's ok - Friday is coming sooner or later!


That is a great idea!

I feel your pain...with all my buying for my antique booths and running a small side business, it gets a little overwhelming in here at times. I'm trying to do better and if I could ever retire, this place would be spotless but I'm still working and doing all the things it takes to keep this place functioning. DH would love to say something at times but he's old enough to know I don't respond well to criticism and he can't cook.

Edited to add...yes, things get misplaced here too.

 

[WanderLore]

Rats..we've had so many this spring that I told son we'll have to start naming them.
I'm killing them off as best I can. I'm listening to one behind the fridge now.

Just errands and stuff and things at home to do today. We are enjoying this grill very much.

Coffee..

 

[ginnie6]

It's clear and sunny this morning here. Supposed to hit 80. I need to go clean that stupid pool. I've never been this late opening it. I know the grands will enjoy it if I ever get it open, I will too but man it's a LOT of work right now!
I don't have anything on the agenda today except that and working on Tito's quilt. What a nickname for a kid.......
Lots I could do though.
Rufus ended up getting a bath last night, he was itching and scratching and gnawing. I know he doesn't have fleas and he was shedding so bath time. Y'all I had him neutered years ago but no one told me I should've had him spayed too! He gave birth to a chihuahua last night! I was grabbing handfuls of hair from the drain. Who knew a short haired dog could loose that much hair and not be bald? He definitely felt better after that. Smelled better too lol.

 

[Wildwood]

Coffee..

I agree. It's the only thing that has me upright this morning. I feel like I'm coming down with a cold but I'm sure it's my allergies. I spent too much time outside yesterday.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

85 degrees with less humidity and sunny skies for today. It's supposed to stay this way, until Sunday. Cary just went outside to get started on the house.

I'm slowly regaining my strength, and I feel pretty good, so I've got a lot of things to catch up on, today. Things have really piled up on me, since I got sick. To tell the truth, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed this morning. I'll work on things, until my energy runs dry. Hopefully, it will last all day.

 

[Digger]

I worried about the young birds I moved to the grow out pen yesterday. But they were fine this morning. I checked the mouse trays. The one by the door under the house is empty, but the one by the Turkey pen has several.

Hubby cut hay and saw a lot of field rats. I guess it's just a really bad year.

 

[Meemur]

I'm thankful! No rats and few mice here -- the hawks get them -- plus there's a new owl that hooted into the wee hours. I hope it moves back to the deep woods.

Low 80s with increasing humidity. I took my walk and did some garden work. My nose is running, too, but there is also a ton of pollen around. I'm going to inhale some steam soon.

Anna, I hope you get some nice rain and no storms with this next front coming in.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I've done good so far. I've managed to do 2 loads of laundry, got both dried, folded, and put away. Chopped a basket of nice green bell peppers for the freezer that I bought at the farmer's stand, yesterday. They made almost a whole gallon of chopped green peppers. Washed dishes from lunch and supper last night. I just finished chopping lettuce for our taco salad, tonight. I still have things to do, but might wait, until tomorrow to do those. I want to save enough energy for my walk, later.

Cary is making good progress on the house. The south side of the house is much drier than the north side. He said it was taking more stain, so we might have to go back for more. We'll see. I hope not! That stuff was expensive!

 

[Meemur]

SB, it would be even more expensive if you had to hire a painter! It's great that he can still do that. I'll bet it looks wonderful!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

SB, it would be even more expensive if you had to hire a painter! It's great that he can still do that. I'll bet it looks wonderful!

I don't even want to think about having to hire it done! We've already been out around $500 for everything to do it, already. The stain by itself was over $300. Bought a 5 gal can of it, and that probably won't be enough.

It's going to look really good when it's finished. This stain is a bit darker and thicker than what is on it now. This stain is more of a dark brownish color which goes perfectly with our buttercream gingerbread trim work. The aluminum siding on the back is also the same buttercream color. We matched it with the paint for the trim work. We might decide, later on, to repaint all the trim work, too. I usually do all of that, except what is too high for me to reach up on the roof.

 

[anna43]

Currently 84º/feels like 87º, 40% humidity and 15 mph wind. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow and we need it.

I used spading fork to loosen the grass in a strip 12" by 10' then got on my hands and knees to pull the grass and other weeds. I planted my cucumbers when I finished. I then hoed around the few things that are growing, less than 1/4 of the lettuce I planted, a sparse double row of radishes, a sparse double row of beets, and two (out of 10 seeds) of acorn squash and a hill each of summer squash and zucchini. The peppers are looking good, but I will need to water if it doesn't rain. Tomatoes are okay but not great. I pruned lower leaves from them which should help. I still need to put the cages around them. The peas I planted have been overwhelmed with creeping charlie and grass so they will either grow or not, too much for me to deal with. The large, unfenced area west of the fenced garden is growing in weeds to the point I'm thinking it's time to mow. Maybe till and plant grass seed. I hoed the potatoes last week, but they probably need it again. I ran out of steam and didn't even check!

I've learned not to lean over so if something in on the floor/ground it's either get on my hands and knees to deal with it or get the grabber. Weird that getting up and down is less painful that leaning.

I vacuum sealed the chicken I cooked and chopped and got it into the freezer. It will keep a good long time now, but canning would have been better. I just didn't want to LEAN over and pick up the canner. I've managed to do physical therapy exercises two days in a row so praying I can keep that going.

I have one shade tree left south of the house and I think it's dying. It leafed out but now it's raining leaves like it is October. I need to find someone qualified to check it but have no idea who. I called the Extension Service on the neighbor's tree (same variety) that I had taken down, and a lady came out who knew less than me. She said she'd have the state forester stop but he never did so I went ahead and took it down. It turned out to be very badly rotted in the middle. I'm concerned the one in front of the house might be in the same condition and it is a BIG tree that could take out my house and potentially power lines.

 

[moldy]

Got most of my errands run today and met with a client. Feels like I didn't do enough, even though I know I did.

 

[CaryC]

Thanks for the invite, I appreciate it. Generous neighbors can't be beat.

But it's kind of like when you're laid up in the hospital for a couple of weeks in a leg and arm cast, in traction, head bandaged and one eye. And all your neighbors come by and visit, and say:

How sorry they are, that you're in that shape and get well soon, and as they leave, they say: If there is anything I can do, let me know.

And you reply back: My lawn needs mowing. And when you get out of the hospital you can't see your house for the grass and weeds.........

So, if there is anything I can do, just let me know.

Just poking at you bro. I'll probably go on disability when I'm done.

BTW yesterday, while I was staining the house..... we have an old huge dead tree in the yard, waiting on the cutter guys. And the 3 Cooper Hawks (mom dad and youngster)use it as a resting area during the afternoon. 95-100 feet high and they can see everywhere. They had their heads bent over looking down at me. I figure they were wondering what on God's green earth was that guy doing. But they just sat and watched, and would whistle every once in a while.

Then later on they were joined by 2 vultures. Heads all hanging down watching me. Waiting on me to die. I disappointed them, and they had to find their lunch elsewhere.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Finishing up on some things I didn't get to, yesterday. I did get my walk in, though. I've already changed the bedsheets. Got those in the washer, now. I'll hang them outside to dry, since it's going to be another beautiful day. Got the bedroom furniture dusted and floor swept. The rest of the house needs sweeping and dusting, too. I'll get to it, later. I'm taking a coffee break right now.

Cary is already staining. I don't think we are going to have enough stain to do the whole south side. He has a checkup at our PCP next week, and he can stop in at LOWE's for more stain, then. It's probably going to take another 5 gal can to finish the south side and do the front, the front on the porch and up on the roof.

He ask me this morning for a supper request. Something we haven't had in a long time. Boiled egg with mayo sandwiches, LOL. With him working all day in the sun and heat, he hasn't been too hungry for anything heavy. I guess it's time for me to switch over to my summer menus. We eat lighter and simpler during the hot summer months.

 

[summerthyme]

Anna...I'm not sure what state you're in. But Google "(your state's) Department of Forestry", and see if you can find a number/person to call.

The tree may just be stressed from something (too much rain, or drought..either one can cause them to drop leaves)...or, it may be dying. Have you noticed it change colors earlier in the fall than others of the same species? That's always been our most reliable indicator. In fact, on our farm, I made a point of watching for early color in our 60 acres of woods... when I saw a patch of color in late August or early September (our peak leaf color season was always around Columbus Day), I'd hike to the spot and mark the tree.

If hubby didn't get to cutting it over the winter, most times, it would be visibly having problems...usually shown by big branches in the crown dying.

Summerthyme

 

[Meemur]

Anna...I'm not sure what state you're in. But Google "(your state's) Department of Forestry", and see if you can find a number/person to call.

Anna is NW of me in Iowa in an area that zoning forgot. It's hard to get officials to go do things out there, which is great for prep reasons but not as good when you want something done!

As for me, it's an early lunch because breakfast was coffee and toast. It was a "doctor day," and I didn't get up as early as I should have. It wasn't bad: mostly blood draws and other checks. Fortunately, my BP was in the normal range, so no one suggested meds. I'm still trying to find a DO but in the meantime, I've got to stay on top of several potential issues, so I'm at this clinic that I don't like that well.

One of the nurses commented on my weight loss, and we discussed it a bit. She's taking GLP-1. I shared my opinion that the Mediterranean diet combined with walking at least six days a week, with two- three days of lifting light weights, was a safer and better long-term option. I suspect I was wasting my breath because she doesn't cook, which is the cornerstone on keeping on track. I also suspect that's why she was north of 250 pounds, but I didn't comment on that, just on what I was doing. Maybe something I said will inspire her. I believe that the GLP-1 stuff is poison long-term, but I didn't say that, either.

 

[ginnie6]

Well the shopping is done and I’ve started on the pool. Probably shouldn’t be playing in water when my nose is still stopped up but it must get done! I’ve got one month to have this pool party ready and it’s going to take a week to fill it. It’s hot out here too! I scooped as much of the gunk out as I could and started filling. I’m watching the time and my water pressure as Dh is worried about the pump. Today is perfect timing to start this since he’s coming in tonight. The new hoses will be in this afternoon too thanks to Amazon lol. So maybe if the weather holds and I can stand the cold water it will be open next weekend. Now to check out some new floats for the kids!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Anna is NW of me in Iowa in an area that zoning forgot. It's hard to get officials to go do things out there, which is great for prep reasons but not as good when you want something done!

As for me, it's an early lunch because breakfast was coffee and toast. It was a "doctor day," and I didn't get up as early as I should have. It wasn't bad: mostly blood draws and other checks. Fortunately, my BP was in the normal range, so no one suggested meds. I'm still trying to find a DO but in the meantime, I've got to stay on top of several potential issues, so I'm at this clinic that I don't like that well.

One of the nurses commented on my weight loss, and we discussed it a bit. She's taking GLP-1. I shared my opinion that the Mediterranean diet combined with walking at least six days a week, with two- three days of lifting light weights, was a safer and better long-term option. I suspect I was wasting my breath because she doesn't cook, which is the cornerstone on keeping on track. I also suspect that's why she was north of 250 pounds, but I didn't comment on that, just on what I was doing. Maybe something I said will inspire her. I believe that the GLP-1 stuff is poison long-term, but I didn't say that, either.

Both, my PCP and Rheumatologist, highly recommended the Mediterranean diet for me. I've been on it for months, now, and I can really tell it, too. I've lost 25 lbs. so far. When I get lax with my eating plan, I can tell it. My body just doesn't feel the same, plus, I'll gain a pound or two. Not only do I feel better, since I started my eating plan, but it doesn't seem I have as much inflammation as I once did. This latest bad flare up was the first I've had in a while. It's not a cure-all for Lupus, but it sure helps.

 

[anna43]

Eye doctor for post-surgery vision test for new lenses this morning. Picked one new frame and kept not so old one and ordered new lenses for it. I always want two pair of glasses although with the cataract surgery I can now see without glasses. For many years I was so near sighted I was basically blind without glasses. Anyway, I should have both back within a week to 10 days. It will be nice to have focus again!! I can see but focus is off which makes reading difficult.

According to radar we're having light rain showers ... I'd call it sprinkles. It's forecast for rain through 11 p.m. this evening. I hope we get real rain without storms.

I'll try to reach the state forestry service online if I can. I have a 1-800 number for the Extension Service in Ames that I could try, and they might be able to give me a direct number for forestry. The local office has nice but uninformed on trees staff. Through the years the Extension Service has been absolutely wonderfully helpful both in Iowa and when we lived in Wyoming. Making all the high-altitude baking and canning changes was easy with their information. I have the National Center for Home Food Preservation on my favorites list and when I see idiot (dangerous canning suggestions) on U-tube, I refer people to them.