Song of the day: Hmmm. There wasn’t any for a change. Strange, huh? That hardly ever happens. But okay, it’s late, I haven’t edited a single word today yet and I really need to get to bed on time a bit.
So. What to say. The past couple of days involved the hospital a lot. Had to get up earlier than usual for it. Yesterday because we really had to be on time to talk to the doctor and today because we had to feed the dogs first. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s stick with yesterday first.
There were the usual chores, followed by quickly gathering stuff for grandpa and eating cereal on the run as breakfast, so we’d be able to leave on time. When cousin Ed and I arrived grandpa’s roommate informed us they had taken him out for a full body scan around nine o’clock, so we settled in for a wait, and didn’t see him until after eleven. He’d had a bad night…well, morning anyway. The confinement of that tube nearly drove him bonkers, he said, and he had some bad moments when he saw us sitting there. All the tension and fear just came flowing out, I guess. Did managed talking him out of it, chatting about normal stuff that would remind him of home while we waiting for the doctor to come and tell us what the heck was going on. The doc finally arrived and explained that grandpa’s problem wasn’t so much his head, but his heart. They think he has Atrial Fibrillation (also called Cardiac arrhythmia), which caused a clod to travel to his brain and mess with his speech. Luckily that effect was only temporary.
Grandpa wasn’t having any of it. He finally, with a lot of negotiation agreed to a final, echocardiogram, but no more than that. I get it. Truly, I do, in particular since doctors seem to be doing little more than guess about causes while they go through a whole battery of tests. Added to that, yesterday’s doctor was a bit of an arrogant fella who expected you to say yes and amen to his every “wisdom”. If there is one thing that sets grandpa up, it’s that. But anyway, we discussed his options, and did finally decide to follow the doctor’s advise, if for no other reason than the fact that he didn’t know what else to do.
Once grandpa was settled for the night, we left for home, arriving there somewhat late, but determined to head into the yard where we could at least harvest some fresh Broccoli. Got a nice big batch, and what was too far gone already we cut for the dog food. Luckily the four-legged ones love everything related to the cabbage family.
Did manage to eat a piece of meat. It wasn’t easy, but I choked it down (good Sammie), along with an alcohol free beer for all those awesome nutrients that not a single pill can replace. *sigh*
Of course we had way too little time, because we had to cancel our Wednesday Spanish lesson and rescheduled for yesterday afternoon. Regretfully I was already running on fumes by then, so, how much of yesterday’s lesson stuck, I don’t know.
Afterward we had to stop in the village to pick some stuff up for mom, and thereafter, we needed to go to town to pick up a donation, of course. It wasn’t much, but all the bits help, ya know.
So then there was cooking, followed by cutting dog bread (normally grandpa does that), edits and then going (blissfully) to bed at around one thirty in the morning
Which brings us to today, which started even earlier, because we still had to do laundry, soak and mix the food prior to big brother and me leaving to visit with grandpa. This time he was sitting on his bed eating breakfast, and once again being somewhat overwhelmed by emotions he had managed to keep capped so well during the night. I left him and big brother to chat and went looking for the doctor. I explained to her (had a different doctor again today) that he’s an old stubborn man and that he wanted to go home. She wasn’t happy, but she did admit that there really wasn’t anything they could do to stop him if he insisted. I promised her I’d talk to him again, and did. We discussed all his options, and finally did decide that for the time being it was safest to just go along, have these last tests done, get his medication sorted and then later see what to do next…but only if he could get out of the hospital for a bit. He needed fresh air. Normally he is outside all day, and that dry air in there is driving him insane (I have a similar problem), and he wanted out.
So the doctor came in and I said, “okay but he really wants to go out for a bit” which she interpreted as that he was refusing treatment and wanted to go home. So we cut her off before she could finish, saying “no, no, no. He’s agreed, but he needs fresh air” to which she responded with much relief, and basically ushered us out of the door.
We had a nice walk, keeping grandpa nicely distracted by talking constantly. He was in much better spirits at the end. His face was less red, and way less tense. So we chatted some more while he sat in bed, and then, when he was picked up for his echocardiogram, we waited the promised ten minutes (which in the real world lasted one hour, but who’s counting) until he got back and then said our goodbyes. Tomorrow we’ll just have to visit again.
Once home we headed into the yard to set up the fence for the sugar peas. We’ve been trying to for several days now, but it just didn’t work out. Harvested some things, and then had to hurry back up so we could take Knight II to his checkup at the vets. The wound is gradually, but slowly healing, and the vet appears happy with it. Picked up some veggies at the vegetable center and then hurried on home so I could get started on supper. Chard with potatoes for us, and kale with mashed potatoes for tenant and grandpa. He’s complaining that he’s constantly hungry, and he wants us to take him some cookies. So I decided to just make him one of his favorite dishes and see how that works for him. Hah. When I offered he told me not to bother. We talked for a bit and suddenly out of the blue he asked, “so you’re making cabbage with potato mash, huh?” to which I answered affirmatively and asked if I should take him some anyway. Again he said no, but I’m not taking his word for it. Stubborn old fool.
No market for me tomorrow, but plenty to do, to say the least. There’s pie to make, burgers to defrost, tenant to help (she asked if I could help her practice walking again), dogs to feed, a car to load, grandpa to visit, a donation to pick up and…probably several more things that I can’t think of right now because my eyes are falling shut. Gotta hit the sheets. I’m pooped.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Carp!
Song of the day: “Sympathy for the devil” by Guns ‘n Roses. Very appropriate, somehow.
Well, let’s start with the bad news first, shall we? No sense in postponing the inevitable. It’s grandpa. This morning, while I was hanging laundry, he came there to pass through to the lower yard, after which we had a short chat. He complained how he’d had a really, really bad headache this morning, but other than that everything appeared to be fine. So we proceeded with our chores, big brother and I going up to feed the dogs cut bread for a change. You remember the why, right? Teeth, chewing. It should help some.
They loved it. The hunters treated the bread like prey and the fat ones treated it like treats. Chaos, for instance had three pieces wedged in his mouth, taking them off to a secluded corner. Indigo shoveled four pieces into her mouth before she tottered off to enjoy it some place private. I tossed a piece to Abacara, who had just picked up a bigger chunk and then proceeded to try take the smaller piece as well. Hah. Seriously, I should have taken pictures. It was hilarious.
While we were doing that, grandpa came to join us, looking a little lost. Then, while I started questioning how he was doing, he became a little desperate about being unable to finish his sentence. In the end, when I continued to prod him, he just kept repeating, (trying to bravely laugh it off) “I don’t know”. In the end, when it became clear that he wasn’t joking, we decided to take him to hospital.
First, he wanted to eat something, though, and I hadn’t had breakfast yet, and needed to call our teacher to cancel our lesson today. And then we were on the road, arriving at the hospital around noon. That’s when the waiting started. Luckily I had my manuscript with me, because that way big brother and I could get some serious work done during the long hours that passed from thereon.
We waited for the triage, explained everything, and waited again. We went into the doctor’s office, explained the problem, and waited again. Got called back again because she wanted to make sure she had heard right (only speech problems, no motor problems, she checked) and then we waited again. The blood test, and more waiting. The MRI, and waiting. The X-Ray and waiting until we got called into another doctor’s office for the results. Nothing conclusive, but if we could please wait for the internal medicine doctor who was supposed to look everything over and make a diagnosis. I asked if it was okay if we left for a bit first to get something to eat, and that was fine.
Big brother was waiting outside (only one companion is allowed in the waiting area) with some foodstuffs from the supermarket. We ate some, and grandpa seemed to be doing a little better. He wasn’t as vague, and as long as he didn’t think about it too much he could finish sentences. A late lunch over and done with, it was back to the waiting area for us. Gradually, as the hours passed, he seemed to be improving bit by bit, but when the internal medicine doctor had her turn, she informed us that there was a small irregularity in his brain scan with what could be proof of a small stroke. They want to keep him for a few days. Drat! Poor old fella. He tried to put a brave face on, but he hates it, I’m sure. Added to that, I do think he was pretty afraid, despite the fact that he was trying to hide it from me.
So there was more waiting, I tried to cheer him up a little by pointing out that at least it wasn’t a tumor or anything, and that we caught it pretty early, so with a little luck this would be over and done with. He wasn’t happy, but managed to hold onto a sad little smile all while we waited. Then of course we had to go to the infirmary, and he had to take off his clothes, shoes included, and dress in hospital pajamas. That hit him hard, I think, and he was constantly cold. I did manage to cheer him up a little again when he had to get in the wheelchair so he could be brought to his room, where I was sorry to have to leave him for the night. Such a horrible moment, when you have to leave someone on their own in that white hospital bed.
But it had to be done. I packed up the bags, said my goodbyes, and headed for the stairwell while phoning big brother. He picked me up at the front entrance and before you know it we were on our way home…with a slight detour to the gas station where we gassed up prior to heading for the hospital. Apparently, in the excitement, big brother forgot to put the lid back on. Luckily someone had brought it inside, and they’d kept it for us. Yay.
Cousin Ed had made soup when we got home, so we got some pumpkin in at least. Then there were the multiple pages of the paper we edited today. Only managed to get half of them done on the computer, but what the hey. Grandpa's doggies aren't happy, in fact they are sitting in front of his window like littler ghosts, waiting for him to come home. *sigh*
As for yesterday…who gives a fig. I’m sure drawing a blank. I’m sure we did something…just like this morning for that matter. There’re always chores to do, and I vaguely remember there having been a pick up in town. Other than that…you’ll just have to do without.
Time for bed. I gotta be at the hospital at ten tomorrow.
Well, let’s start with the bad news first, shall we? No sense in postponing the inevitable. It’s grandpa. This morning, while I was hanging laundry, he came there to pass through to the lower yard, after which we had a short chat. He complained how he’d had a really, really bad headache this morning, but other than that everything appeared to be fine. So we proceeded with our chores, big brother and I going up to feed the dogs cut bread for a change. You remember the why, right? Teeth, chewing. It should help some.
They loved it. The hunters treated the bread like prey and the fat ones treated it like treats. Chaos, for instance had three pieces wedged in his mouth, taking them off to a secluded corner. Indigo shoveled four pieces into her mouth before she tottered off to enjoy it some place private. I tossed a piece to Abacara, who had just picked up a bigger chunk and then proceeded to try take the smaller piece as well. Hah. Seriously, I should have taken pictures. It was hilarious.
While we were doing that, grandpa came to join us, looking a little lost. Then, while I started questioning how he was doing, he became a little desperate about being unable to finish his sentence. In the end, when I continued to prod him, he just kept repeating, (trying to bravely laugh it off) “I don’t know”. In the end, when it became clear that he wasn’t joking, we decided to take him to hospital.
First, he wanted to eat something, though, and I hadn’t had breakfast yet, and needed to call our teacher to cancel our lesson today. And then we were on the road, arriving at the hospital around noon. That’s when the waiting started. Luckily I had my manuscript with me, because that way big brother and I could get some serious work done during the long hours that passed from thereon.
We waited for the triage, explained everything, and waited again. We went into the doctor’s office, explained the problem, and waited again. Got called back again because she wanted to make sure she had heard right (only speech problems, no motor problems, she checked) and then we waited again. The blood test, and more waiting. The MRI, and waiting. The X-Ray and waiting until we got called into another doctor’s office for the results. Nothing conclusive, but if we could please wait for the internal medicine doctor who was supposed to look everything over and make a diagnosis. I asked if it was okay if we left for a bit first to get something to eat, and that was fine.
Big brother was waiting outside (only one companion is allowed in the waiting area) with some foodstuffs from the supermarket. We ate some, and grandpa seemed to be doing a little better. He wasn’t as vague, and as long as he didn’t think about it too much he could finish sentences. A late lunch over and done with, it was back to the waiting area for us. Gradually, as the hours passed, he seemed to be improving bit by bit, but when the internal medicine doctor had her turn, she informed us that there was a small irregularity in his brain scan with what could be proof of a small stroke. They want to keep him for a few days. Drat! Poor old fella. He tried to put a brave face on, but he hates it, I’m sure. Added to that, I do think he was pretty afraid, despite the fact that he was trying to hide it from me.
So there was more waiting, I tried to cheer him up a little by pointing out that at least it wasn’t a tumor or anything, and that we caught it pretty early, so with a little luck this would be over and done with. He wasn’t happy, but managed to hold onto a sad little smile all while we waited. Then of course we had to go to the infirmary, and he had to take off his clothes, shoes included, and dress in hospital pajamas. That hit him hard, I think, and he was constantly cold. I did manage to cheer him up a little again when he had to get in the wheelchair so he could be brought to his room, where I was sorry to have to leave him for the night. Such a horrible moment, when you have to leave someone on their own in that white hospital bed.
But it had to be done. I packed up the bags, said my goodbyes, and headed for the stairwell while phoning big brother. He picked me up at the front entrance and before you know it we were on our way home…with a slight detour to the gas station where we gassed up prior to heading for the hospital. Apparently, in the excitement, big brother forgot to put the lid back on. Luckily someone had brought it inside, and they’d kept it for us. Yay.
Cousin Ed had made soup when we got home, so we got some pumpkin in at least. Then there were the multiple pages of the paper we edited today. Only managed to get half of them done on the computer, but what the hey. Grandpa's doggies aren't happy, in fact they are sitting in front of his window like littler ghosts, waiting for him to come home. *sigh*
As for yesterday…who gives a fig. I’m sure drawing a blank. I’m sure we did something…just like this morning for that matter. There’re always chores to do, and I vaguely remember there having been a pick up in town. Other than that…you’ll just have to do without.
Time for bed. I gotta be at the hospital at ten tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Doing some comparisons
Song of the day: well, beside a really annoying children’s song from eons ago it was still “Things” only this time the one from Dean Martin and Nancy Sinatra.
Well, it was an incredibly busy weekend. First there was the Saturday market, which meant getting up at 6:20 in the morning and starting on the morning rituals involving a large mug of coffee that I basically scorched my throat on. *sigh* Hung the laundry quickly, and then headed up for the pancakes grandpa had made for breakfast. Had to hook the wagon up, got a phone call from mom with the whens and hows of this new market where we’ll be taking over someone else’s stand for the next few months. We arrived about ten minutes late but met with this fella who explained everything and then disappeared without a trace. We started setting up on the rather gray morning with clouds literally everywhere. Not a nice sunny market day, nor was it a nice market like on Sundays. There’s no friendly good mornings from the other stand holders. No smiles and waves to newcomers, just everyone shlogging through the motions of survival. Nothing against survival, mind you, but it does make the day less pleasant.
First off we had to set up the market tent mom borrowed from a friend and then I was basically on my own since big brother had to pee and there was not a single bathroom in the vicinity. Aaaahhh! Bless Funny Beach in that regard. Four bathrooms at a market are a blessing. Anyway, due to that little disaster, I basically did the set up on my own. Not that I mind all that much, considering I can bee incredibly fussy, but what the hey. Had it all set up to my satisfaction at a quarter to ten. Yay.
Only a short market in comparison, I assure you. I could easily stand there (my new shoes made it pretty darn comfortable, by the way. Got some new sneakers with extra spring (gel) in the heels. It made all the difference. My feet were tired afterward, rather than excruciating. Heck, I don’t even mind that they’re of this neon yellow. Hah) without hoping for the hours to pass. Did get the “need” to pee at around eleven, which got me a bit panicked. Cousin Ed and tenant were going to show up around that time, but didn’t, meaning that I kept postponing, and postponing some more until I was just about ready to just leave big brother the stand and head to a restaurant for relief.
Cousin Ed arrived around one, meaning I left them all to it and rushed off. Aaaagh. I made it, so I picked up tenant, and together we meandered around the market for a bit. Found a nice bit of ceramics for my kitchen, along with some of those beautiful pots with the permanent clips to shut them. I’ll need to find some more, but when I do, they’ll look grand on the shelves. Yay. Also these wonderful soup cups in the same style as that big set of plates I bought some months ago.
Also found a set of backseat seatbelts that we can use to replace the broken ones in the back of the Land Rover. Also found some oven dishes and had to call grandpa to ask if he could measure the new oven, but they were too short, darn it.
Tenant appeared to enjoy our short trip too, so it was a pity that her outing had to be cut short due to mom having an appointment for which she needed the car.
But anyway, by the time I finished my roaming of the stands it was almost two, and big brother had already started packing up. Took us about an hour and a half, which is nothing short of a record. Yay.
In the end we didn’t sell all that bad. The 2nd hand stuff definitely covered the expenses made, but regretfully there was no real profit. Did have a few nice chats with folks, but it was business, rather than just a nice day of watching people. Not even the customers are friendly. In fact they rush past as fast as they can, almost afraid to show any interest from fear of being hassled. Only few were up to a little chat, which is a pity, because it is those that make the day fun, don’t they? It would be so nice if everyone just figured out that a market would be so much more fun if everyone just relaxed and tried to have fun. It’s not as if a sour face and worries are going to make the profits any higher. *double sigh*
Had to go home the roundabout way because we’d agreed to pick up some stuff, and when we got home we had to unload prior to heading out again. Luckily it turned out that the trip was worth it in the end. Got some seriously nice stuff.
Once home there was plenty to do to prepare for Sunday market. There was some reloading, and of course the making of the yogurt sauce and a new pie. Opted for a lemon pie this time round and it worked splendidly. Yay! It was fluffy, the lemon piece just right, and yummy. Managed a few pages for the edit, but really had to head for bed early rather than risk a breakdown while on the market.
The day started off hazy, with clouds thick over the valley. It didn’t look promising, but I shlurped coffee, went to the coffee to bake the burgers and left at a quarter to nine with everything packed and a miserly rain coming down. *sigh*
We took a long time unloading, in particular since we didn’t dare risk unpacking everything with the threat of rain. It continued to look threatening, but everyone insisted it would pass (it didn’t) but since the temps were nicely warm we started with the tables and the big metal construction. Didn’t finish setting up until noon, but it did look rather splendid with the quilts hanging high, as well as my tie dyes. It all looked great.
Had a few more good responses to my patties, and even sold a packet, but the weather was appalling enough (even had stuff get wet at some point) for folks not to come to the beach. *sigh*
Did sequester myself in the restaurant at some point where one of the employees at some point came up to me, gave me a hug and two kisses claiming that my lemon pie was delicious. That sure made me chortle.
Turns out that another guy really liked it, because when we decided to start packing up (early, because the weather was not improving and we did get the expenses back) he came up to me and started asking me what it would cost to make him like eight or nine pies per week. There was some talk, negotiating, but he wanted to think on it some. Would be fun, because he wasn’t particular about which fruits, meaning I could experiment.
Did have a few nice chats, and this somewhat cute (if too young) drunk man started, with a lot of difficulty, asking me where the toilets were, made my day. Realizing he was English in about three seconds, I put him out of his misery and explained where the toilet was. He looked at me oddly (drunk, remember) and said, “You’re English, right?” which had me laugh and wave him off. Gawd, a bit of good news after all. Oh, and I did manage to write two pages for E.D., which is something at least. Loading took us about two hours and fifteen minutes, at which point we headed home and got there around six, for a change.
Tenant was in good spirits, and Sally a bit withdrawn, but according to her not feeling too bad despite a carpy morning. Totally didn’t feel like cooking, so I was happy to hear that big brother had baked spaghetti. Big brother was in a pissy mood, by the way. Turns out he worked with the computers most of the day, and hadn’t managed to solve the problem. Which reminds me. The problem is that both mom’s and little sister’s computers gave the spirits, and since they’re the same, big brother is trying to see if he can make one Mac out of two. He hasn’t succeeded yet…and kept on bursting out swearing like a sailor while we were unloading because he couldn’t put it out of his mind. The day got finished up with some edits, but not much.
What else?
Ticks. We’re facing a plague. Per plucking session I take off an average of 40 of the little pests, I check about ten to thirteen dogs a day, and some of them twice. You do the math of how many I’m putting out of commission per day. *sigh* Tack bath, asap…well, as soon as the weather improves again. Today it was downright nippy. Couldn’t do that to the poor critters.
Today involved catching up on all the neglected chores, then some more edits and practicing our Spanish. Didn’t manage a lot, darn it, which is very annoying. The dogs were rather happy with our being home, so they needed attention too. And the Knight needed to go to the vet with his stitches, of course, so we had to stop around four (again didn’t get around to eating meat, darn it) and head out.
Arrived at the vet, who was running a little late because she needed to make a house call later on. I warned her that Knight lost a stitch of two, only to have her discover that he lost all but one. But the wound is healing, so we’re going to see how it goes until Friday. Thank gawd we don’t need to pay for checkups, because it would cost an even bigger fortune. *sigh*
Also got new prescriptions for Sonia (who’s doing way better, thankfully. She’s actually running about again) and Empy, and much to my relief that doesn’t cost extra either. Let’s just hope that vets don’t start going bonkers like doctors and charge 15 (to 30) bucks just to prescribe something. *sigh*
Went past the vegetable distribution center afterward and got a nice batch of veggies for the dogs. Was really necessary too, considering grandpa used the last bit for tomorrow already. New plan, by the way, due to the teeth problem the dogs are always suffering from (aftermath of dog kibble, mind you) we’ve decided to follow mom’s suggestion to feed the dogs dry hard bread once a week, or so. It’s true, back in the day when we still did that occasionally, their teeth were downright beautiful. It should also help their gums. We’re going to have to see how that works, but it’ll be worth a shot.
Well, it’s late again, so I better leave it at this and see if I can get to bed in time for a change. I’m out.
Well, it was an incredibly busy weekend. First there was the Saturday market, which meant getting up at 6:20 in the morning and starting on the morning rituals involving a large mug of coffee that I basically scorched my throat on. *sigh* Hung the laundry quickly, and then headed up for the pancakes grandpa had made for breakfast. Had to hook the wagon up, got a phone call from mom with the whens and hows of this new market where we’ll be taking over someone else’s stand for the next few months. We arrived about ten minutes late but met with this fella who explained everything and then disappeared without a trace. We started setting up on the rather gray morning with clouds literally everywhere. Not a nice sunny market day, nor was it a nice market like on Sundays. There’s no friendly good mornings from the other stand holders. No smiles and waves to newcomers, just everyone shlogging through the motions of survival. Nothing against survival, mind you, but it does make the day less pleasant.
First off we had to set up the market tent mom borrowed from a friend and then I was basically on my own since big brother had to pee and there was not a single bathroom in the vicinity. Aaaahhh! Bless Funny Beach in that regard. Four bathrooms at a market are a blessing. Anyway, due to that little disaster, I basically did the set up on my own. Not that I mind all that much, considering I can bee incredibly fussy, but what the hey. Had it all set up to my satisfaction at a quarter to ten. Yay.
Only a short market in comparison, I assure you. I could easily stand there (my new shoes made it pretty darn comfortable, by the way. Got some new sneakers with extra spring (gel) in the heels. It made all the difference. My feet were tired afterward, rather than excruciating. Heck, I don’t even mind that they’re of this neon yellow. Hah) without hoping for the hours to pass. Did get the “need” to pee at around eleven, which got me a bit panicked. Cousin Ed and tenant were going to show up around that time, but didn’t, meaning that I kept postponing, and postponing some more until I was just about ready to just leave big brother the stand and head to a restaurant for relief.
Cousin Ed arrived around one, meaning I left them all to it and rushed off. Aaaagh. I made it, so I picked up tenant, and together we meandered around the market for a bit. Found a nice bit of ceramics for my kitchen, along with some of those beautiful pots with the permanent clips to shut them. I’ll need to find some more, but when I do, they’ll look grand on the shelves. Yay. Also these wonderful soup cups in the same style as that big set of plates I bought some months ago.
Also found a set of backseat seatbelts that we can use to replace the broken ones in the back of the Land Rover. Also found some oven dishes and had to call grandpa to ask if he could measure the new oven, but they were too short, darn it.
Tenant appeared to enjoy our short trip too, so it was a pity that her outing had to be cut short due to mom having an appointment for which she needed the car.
But anyway, by the time I finished my roaming of the stands it was almost two, and big brother had already started packing up. Took us about an hour and a half, which is nothing short of a record. Yay.
In the end we didn’t sell all that bad. The 2nd hand stuff definitely covered the expenses made, but regretfully there was no real profit. Did have a few nice chats with folks, but it was business, rather than just a nice day of watching people. Not even the customers are friendly. In fact they rush past as fast as they can, almost afraid to show any interest from fear of being hassled. Only few were up to a little chat, which is a pity, because it is those that make the day fun, don’t they? It would be so nice if everyone just figured out that a market would be so much more fun if everyone just relaxed and tried to have fun. It’s not as if a sour face and worries are going to make the profits any higher. *double sigh*
Had to go home the roundabout way because we’d agreed to pick up some stuff, and when we got home we had to unload prior to heading out again. Luckily it turned out that the trip was worth it in the end. Got some seriously nice stuff.
Once home there was plenty to do to prepare for Sunday market. There was some reloading, and of course the making of the yogurt sauce and a new pie. Opted for a lemon pie this time round and it worked splendidly. Yay! It was fluffy, the lemon piece just right, and yummy. Managed a few pages for the edit, but really had to head for bed early rather than risk a breakdown while on the market.
The day started off hazy, with clouds thick over the valley. It didn’t look promising, but I shlurped coffee, went to the coffee to bake the burgers and left at a quarter to nine with everything packed and a miserly rain coming down. *sigh*
We took a long time unloading, in particular since we didn’t dare risk unpacking everything with the threat of rain. It continued to look threatening, but everyone insisted it would pass (it didn’t) but since the temps were nicely warm we started with the tables and the big metal construction. Didn’t finish setting up until noon, but it did look rather splendid with the quilts hanging high, as well as my tie dyes. It all looked great.
Had a few more good responses to my patties, and even sold a packet, but the weather was appalling enough (even had stuff get wet at some point) for folks not to come to the beach. *sigh*
Did sequester myself in the restaurant at some point where one of the employees at some point came up to me, gave me a hug and two kisses claiming that my lemon pie was delicious. That sure made me chortle.
Turns out that another guy really liked it, because when we decided to start packing up (early, because the weather was not improving and we did get the expenses back) he came up to me and started asking me what it would cost to make him like eight or nine pies per week. There was some talk, negotiating, but he wanted to think on it some. Would be fun, because he wasn’t particular about which fruits, meaning I could experiment.
Did have a few nice chats, and this somewhat cute (if too young) drunk man started, with a lot of difficulty, asking me where the toilets were, made my day. Realizing he was English in about three seconds, I put him out of his misery and explained where the toilet was. He looked at me oddly (drunk, remember) and said, “You’re English, right?” which had me laugh and wave him off. Gawd, a bit of good news after all. Oh, and I did manage to write two pages for E.D., which is something at least. Loading took us about two hours and fifteen minutes, at which point we headed home and got there around six, for a change.
Tenant was in good spirits, and Sally a bit withdrawn, but according to her not feeling too bad despite a carpy morning. Totally didn’t feel like cooking, so I was happy to hear that big brother had baked spaghetti. Big brother was in a pissy mood, by the way. Turns out he worked with the computers most of the day, and hadn’t managed to solve the problem. Which reminds me. The problem is that both mom’s and little sister’s computers gave the spirits, and since they’re the same, big brother is trying to see if he can make one Mac out of two. He hasn’t succeeded yet…and kept on bursting out swearing like a sailor while we were unloading because he couldn’t put it out of his mind. The day got finished up with some edits, but not much.
What else?
Ticks. We’re facing a plague. Per plucking session I take off an average of 40 of the little pests, I check about ten to thirteen dogs a day, and some of them twice. You do the math of how many I’m putting out of commission per day. *sigh* Tack bath, asap…well, as soon as the weather improves again. Today it was downright nippy. Couldn’t do that to the poor critters.
Today involved catching up on all the neglected chores, then some more edits and practicing our Spanish. Didn’t manage a lot, darn it, which is very annoying. The dogs were rather happy with our being home, so they needed attention too. And the Knight needed to go to the vet with his stitches, of course, so we had to stop around four (again didn’t get around to eating meat, darn it) and head out.
Arrived at the vet, who was running a little late because she needed to make a house call later on. I warned her that Knight lost a stitch of two, only to have her discover that he lost all but one. But the wound is healing, so we’re going to see how it goes until Friday. Thank gawd we don’t need to pay for checkups, because it would cost an even bigger fortune. *sigh*
Also got new prescriptions for Sonia (who’s doing way better, thankfully. She’s actually running about again) and Empy, and much to my relief that doesn’t cost extra either. Let’s just hope that vets don’t start going bonkers like doctors and charge 15 (to 30) bucks just to prescribe something. *sigh*
Went past the vegetable distribution center afterward and got a nice batch of veggies for the dogs. Was really necessary too, considering grandpa used the last bit for tomorrow already. New plan, by the way, due to the teeth problem the dogs are always suffering from (aftermath of dog kibble, mind you) we’ve decided to follow mom’s suggestion to feed the dogs dry hard bread once a week, or so. It’s true, back in the day when we still did that occasionally, their teeth were downright beautiful. It should also help their gums. We’re going to have to see how that works, but it’ll be worth a shot.
Well, it’s late again, so I better leave it at this and see if I can get to bed in time for a change. I’m out.
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