A LONG Day

Outside my window... The blinds are closed, but today I saw a four-legged creature sitting in the middle of one of my garden plots eating the chard. I’d been wondering about the culprit; I didn’t think it was caterpillars because there was no evidence of any hiding among the leaves. And then the carrot tops were eaten nearly to nubs. That destruction happened so quickly, I felt sure it wasn’t insects. When I raised my voice the critter waddled off into the shrubbery before I could identify it. Its coat was roughly the same gray-brown as an Eastern cottontail’s, but the creature was larger, moved differently, and seemed less skittish than rabbits ordinarily are. So, I only know that caterpillars don’t deserve the blame.

I am thinking... that it has been a L-O-N-G day—it felt like three days rather than one. I woke just before 3 am after a mere 2.5 hours of sleep. Despite the insane hour, I truly was awake. I emptied the fridge of leftover ingredients and ran the dishwasher, watered the seeds I recently planted in the garden, and breakfasted on two fresh homemade blueberry muffins and some tea before doing errands. I did crash for a 3-hour nap afterwards but, whew… man. A 24-hour day that’s somehow been 72 hours long.

I am thankful... that I have loving parents who bless me. I appreciate their financial help without which I’d already have had to default on my mortgage loan due to this lengthy period of unemployment.

In the kitchen... For lunch (and dinner) I made Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta al Forno to use up the mozzarella cheese I had on hand. It wasn’t amazing, but it was filling and substantial food which was satisfying enough.

I am wearing... the same pajamas I had on last night, but I DID get dressed today—khaki Dockers and a yellow, tan, and khaki print knit shirt. I even put on gold earrings. So there. I do own real clothes. ;-)

I am creating... an enjoyable Saturday evening. I purposely set aside other pursuits in order to have time to read.

I am going... Actually, I already went. I headed to the library, the pharmacy, my parents’ house, and the bank. I also stopped by the Dollar Tree just to browse. I only bought black ink pens which I need for the substitute teaching paperwork and some gift wrap for my dad’s upcoming birthday. $2.12—not bad. If I actually sleep (or if I at least rest tonight so that I’m not utterly wrecked), I’d like to get to church tomorrow morning. More errands coming up on Monday.

I am wondering... what I can come up with to celebrate my dad’s birthday.

I am reading... Carved in Bone. This time, the library did have it in stock just as the catalog promised. So far, I like it better than Jeffrey Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme series though both deal with forensics. Bass’s writing flows. The story is set in and around Knoxville, Tennessee, and the main character, a professor, uses words such as “reckon” in addition to more scholarly vocabulary. I declare, he makes me feel right at home with those Southern phrases!

I am hoping... to sleep tonight—an oft repeated wish.

I am looking forward to... reading more of my book. My preference is to read an entire book in a single sitting, but it’s really not practical; my muscles stiffen, my eyes tire, I stay up too late, and important tasks are left unfinished. I really am trying to show some restraint—really.

I am hearing... blessed quiet—only the a/c at work and the ticking of a clock. I live near a speedway, but thankfully they’ve wrapped up a bit earlier than sometimes. There is a noise ordinance in place so the races are supposed to cease at 11pm. However, in the past, they have not been good neighbors, always pushing up to and past the deadline. The events last for hours so by the end of a race day, I am usually ready to pull some hair out—preferably theirs! Not really, but it does get wearying. I am appreciative of the greater respect that they seem to be showing this season.

Around the house... I haven’t emptied or reloaded the dishwasher or done any laundry today. I ran out of steam and opted to rest—my nap wasn’t enough to energize me. A break is well and fine, but I need to stay on top of things so that work doesn’t pile up and overwhelm me.

I am pondering... who might be calling me at nearly midnight. A wrong number? I elected not to answer since it didn’t seem to be someone I know.

One of my favorite things... toddlers and preschoolers. An out-of-state friend posted pictures on Facebook of her three-year-old daughter performing a song with her VBS class on stage at their church. Funny and sweet but it makes me miss that precious girl!

A few plans for the rest of the week: fingerprints, TB test, and I really need to get my hair trimmed. I can’t recall when I last had it cut, but the ends are splitting and it needs to be neatened up. I usually go to Fantastic Sam’s or some other inexpensive walk-in place—it’s just a trim, not rocket science. But I always put it off because I hate waiting and twiddling my thumbs in the salon. It’s got to be done though so I need to just get it over with. School has resumed in our area, so maybe the wait will be short…

Butternut Squash Blossom in My Garden

This journal entry is part of The Simple Woman's Daybook project.

Way Past Time for an Update!

I ended up starting the job at the call center. I've nearly completed the 10 weeks of training and should get a pay raise to $9/hr. next week. It's likely I'll have to fight them for it because the company seldom does things in a timely manner. I like the work sufficiently, but I will also begin looking for a different job shortly because of the low wages.

My current schedule is 2nd shift, from 2:30 to 11:30pm. Surprisingly, this works fairly well for me given my sleep disorder. My days off are Tuesdays and Saturdays-- I'm not sure how refreshing it is going to be having only one day off at a time, but it is rather nice to break up the work week into segments.

I really enjoy my co-workers although company policies and office politics are ridiculous at times. I actually ended up "adopting" a couple of co-workers who've been slammed around by life lately. They've been staying with me for about 7 weeks. Depending on how things go for them, that may continue into the new year. They are most certainly NOT freeloaders, but their situation is personal so I cannot go into detail here. I have helped them, but they have been a blessing to me as well, taking on some of my house projects & "upgrading" my car with maintenance and detailed cleaning. Some good things are beginning to happen for them, but other situations remain unresolved.


My other exciting piece of news is the purchase of an upright piano!!! It is used, but in great condition and will allow me to practice and improve my skills. It will be delivered tomorrow or on Tuesday. I can hardly wait!!! I dipped into my savings for it because it was available at a newly reduced price. It was in the store for quite some time and a previous purchase arrangement fell through-- I think God was saving it for me! ;-)

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A Full Rich Day

I love the M*A*S*H TV series, and watch the DVDs far more often than any sane person should/would. This post title is taken from one episode of the series.

But, it has indeed been a full, rich day for me. (Or rather yesterday was-- I can't sleep and am taking advantage of my insomnia to write this, but I can't keep my tenses straight, so bear with me.)

I got to church this morning, which was great. Moved to tears by the very first worship song-- a fast-paced old hymn. I can't even say why, but it really got to me (in a good way). First message from the new senior pastor too. I'm looking forward to having him; apparently he'll start officially at the beginning of June (after leaving the church where he presently ministers and moving his family up to Kentucky). Yay! The long search and wait is over.

A good friend shared some personal information with me privately on Facebook; I was glad she opened up and honored to have been trusted.

My brother and sister-in-law are moving to a new apartment. Their new duplex neighbors are people they go to church with, and they won't have to commute any more. So awesome.

I did lots of cooking and baking as well: granola, crustless pumpkin pie, and a pseudo-Thanksgiving meal of turkey meatloaf, scallion mashed potatoes, and green beans. I had so much fun playing in the kitchen. I was singing at the top of my lungs and doing my private "funky chicken" and booty-shaking dances between chopping and measuring and stirring. It was gray & raining outside, so it was the perfect way to spend a drippy day: celebrating life, life, life-- and that more abundant! The giving thanks of my pseudo-Thanksgiving was real. ;-)


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On the Way Home

It's EARLY in the morning, but I'm awake. My aunt and uncle are sleeping in one bedroom. My dad is snoring on the couch hide-a-bed with Mom in the living area. I'm propped against my bed's headboard waiting until a decent hour for breakfast so I don't interrupt the sleep of others.

Yesterday, I skipped out on the waterway taxi because I was pooped. I napped and showered while everyone else was out. I did get to socialize with my aunt and uncle over dinner and afterwards in our suite. Plus, some of us took a final walk on the beach with the full moon shining down on the water. Lovely. I was marveling again at how awesome the Bahamaian sand was, and my dad came up with a good description-- he said that sand is like powdered sugar and regular beach sand is granular like ordinary sugar.

I'm mostly packed up except for a few items I will use this morning. Today we fly back to Kentucky. I'm eager to see my garden and harvest some radishes. Hope all is doing well-- I know we've had some wild weather during my absence.

It will finally be time to plant the seeds that need frost-free weather. I'm going to try to get it done quickly since thunderstorms are predicted in the coming days.

I will miss the ocean, but it's been a good trip, and I'm also looking forward to the comforts of home.

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Location:SE 12th St,Pompano Beach,United States

On Not Blogging

Wow, I can't believe my last post was on Friday. I'm feeling very nonverbal lately-- not unhappy, just contained. The little I want to say I have said on Facebook and haven't been interested in duplicating here.

On Sunday I actually went to church for probably the second time this year. Amazing-- everything just came together perfectly: sleep/health, will/motivation, timing/preparation. And, it was an encouraging service, because a "permanent pulpit supply" has finally been found-- the man chosen will preach the services until a new senior pastor can be found, but he is not "on staff" in any other sense. He does a fairly good job of the messages, although it's still a trifle slow and simple for my liking. However, I think his desire for the church's growth in this interim period is genuine, and that means a lot. I also think this is a better move than rotating oodles of people through the pulpit-- not all of whom were capable of taking a Sunday service despite effort.

Yesterday, I went to the sleep doctor. His advice was to reduce the sleep med dosage. I agree because after analyzing the log I'd been keeping, I found that I was doing too much sleeping in the day time of late-- there have been a number of reasons for the daytime sleepiness such as the daylight savings time change, allergies & antihistamines, headaches from sun exposure with gardening, TMD splint adjustments and the pain that follows until I adjust, and even the Midrin I've taken for migraines and headaches has a side effect of drowsiness. The bottom line is that if I sleep in the day, I won't sleep at night. So the theory is that by cutting back on the sleep med I won't have too much of the drug in my system to contribute to daytime sleeping. Plus, he worries about patients developing tolerance to the drugs which means upping the dosage. So, it's better if I am taking a smaller dosage to begin with.

As you can see by the timing of this post, however, I am currently awake in the middle of the night. I've had about 3.5 restless hours of sleep so far. But if I can get another 2.5 hours before morning, I'm sure I can make it through the day without napping.

Yesterday evening I went shopping and out to eat with my Mom and our Nashville family friends. I bought some needed items and enjoyed the good food (Panera Bread) and the good company.

Here's a photo of a tree in my front yard which I snapped before we left. (I still need to get some dogwood tree pics before the blossoms are gone; but today I have to do my long delayed taxes. Ugh.)


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A Quiet Movie Day

I was awake for a couple of hours in the middle of the night and didn't feel well the whole morning, so this was a low-key sort of day. I did two loads of laundry (towels) but didn't fold them. I watched the following movies (and simultaneously played on my iPod): the rest of The Guns of Navarone, Westward the Women, In Harm's Way, and Jurassic Park.

My dad delivered leftover fried chicken and mashed potatoes with white gravy, so that made a good lunch. Thanks, Mom!

I did an evening garden check and discovered that one carrot seedling is showing which is remarkably rapid growth, but then we've had the weather for it!

Here's a picture of the mesclun which I'm growing in cut-and-come-again fashion (so I won't be thinning it).


I also took a picture of a wild corner of the yard (which technically doesn't belong to me, but since there's an empty lot next door, I'm claiming it for the time being).


I love the various greens and the contrast of the redbud branch. Plus, the area is tucked away so it seems like a secret garden.

God lifted my spirits this evening, and I am expecting and looking forward to a better day tomorrow.

"Love is right here, love is alive, love is the Way, the Truth, the Life, love is the river that flows through, love is the arms that are holding you... love never fails you."
-From the song performed by Brandon Heath entitled "Love Never Fails"

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Easter Sunday

Despite it being a special occasion, I didn't make it to church today-- only 5 hours of sleep and soooo tired. Dragging, in fact. It took me forever to get my shower and to make the simple ingredients for our Cherry Trifle: yogurt sauce and sugar-glazed walnuts. Mom made the angel food cake, so I only had to cube it and assemble the trifle when I arrived at my parents' house.

Dad grilled steaks and potatoes for us, and Mom roasted the broccoli. She also prepared strawberries with dessert toppings: sour cream & brown sugar plus a chocolate sauce with a hint of orange and vanilla.

As always, we had a great time talking, laughing, and catching up with each other. My brother and sister-in-law are both quick-witted and tend to keep the three of us entertained with their humor and sense of the outrageous. Invariably, one of them says something funny just as my Mom or I take a sip of a beverage-- with predictable results!

It was a good day.

Toward the end of our gathering, I slipped away to take some more spring photos of plants in and around my parents' yard.

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Spring Photo Session

I had to nap about 3 hours in the middle of the day. I feel much better now-- so much so, that I can't really focus on Jesus' crucifixion in the heavy way that some Christians seem to be doing. (I am thinking particularly of something I heard on the radio that didn't sit well with me.)

I am deeply grateful for the love and forgiveness of God, but I'm so caught up in all this new spring life. I don't think He requires that heaviness either. I find NO contradiction in calling this GOOD Friday. He paid a heavy price, but it was one He paid willingly and gladly. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus, "for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." If He hadn't paid that price, where would I be now? I needed it, He did it, and it's okay to rejoice in His love and goodness and power.

I had to do an errand today, and afterwards I went on a photo spree around town. I've been seeing some beautiful blooms as I've driven around, but today, I STOPPED and tried to capture some of it. So, what follows is my little "photo essay". (Now, I just need some dogwood and redbud photos.) Hope you enjoy! ;-)

Tulip Magnolia

My favorite-- The color restores my soul!

Star Magnolia

Magnolia - Not particularly spring-y, but I love its form.

Forsythia-- a golden fountain

Animal-Proofing

Yesterday I did some errands then selected a book to read while eating my lunch; the next thing I knew, it was dinner time! (It was a nonfiction health book, not particularly suspenseful; sometimes I overfocus.)

I took a lovely dusk walk to stretch out the kinks. Someone was barbecuing, and the smell of the sauce was torturously wonderful. Maybe my mom will make some BBQ chicken for us soon. (I can make it, but I think it tastes better when she does it.)

Anyway, my gardening time was a short period just before sunset. All I had the opportunity to do was to cut and secure some bird netting over each bed with the corner stakes assisting; however, I don't think it's going to be effective at animal-proofing. In fact, I may have given the cats a comfy hammock to curl up in.

I woke this morning at 4:30am, scheming about other possibilities: What if I...? Maybe I could try...? Would it work if...? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of using...? Since my brain was definitely awake, I got out of bed shortly after 5am.

It's going to be a rainy day, so I can scheme to my heart's content, but in all likelihood I won't be able to try out any plans today. That's okay though. I need to wash dishes. ;-)

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Reading Health Info

I moved my appointment with the sleep specialist up from June to April; I do not think my insomnia has been sufficiently resolved, and I still need help.

I spent most of the day reading the health information which the patient advocate at my TMD specialist's office provided. Since I have another appointment coming up shortly, I wanted to "prepare" a bit.

Some facts about migraine timing-- they can follow periods of stress, occurring in the "letdown" phase. To counter that, the suggestion was to try to slow down during the stressful period but to pick up the pace a bit afterwards-- the idea being that a more even work/stress load keeps blood vessels in the head from contracting then dilating suddenly and causing a migraine. Helpful maybe, interesting for sure; it encourages me to observe my body's patterns more closely at the very least.

I also read the pamphlets given to me about anxiety disorders. I don't think I have one, but I do believe there are times when hormones cause me to be tense, endlessly indecisive about stupid stuff (like whether to dare to deplete my kitchen pantry of a can of salsa verde by opening and consuming it), and anxious for a few days in a row. I startle easily (at completely unspooky things), have nightmares (usually bugs or intruders, but horrific even if the content seems ordinary), and have serious mental BATTLES not to dwell on life's negatives and lose perspective (depression). Sometimes I lose the battles too despite my best efforts. Win or lose, all I want to do is be by myself, because the battles are fierce and require concentration and reflection to work through.

Those brief periods mimic anxiety disorders and could be taken for one by health practioners looking for buzz words in my help requests-- but I don't believe they are, because the next hormonal shift makes all that nonsense evaporate. Suddenly, no anxiety; I'm just tired instead. And, the 3-day episodes reoccur on a monthly basis-- the details change (what I'm tense or indecisive about), but the essentials remain.

Besides, the meds I take already include one anti-depressant (for hormonal mood swings) and one anti-anxiety drug (to calm my brain for sleep, thus combatting insomnia). Seems to me that if I really had an anxiety disorder or depression that those meds should take care of it. The fact that they don't (during those short episodes) leads me to believe that hormones are the culprits rather than anxiety or depression.

This is a breakthrough for me. I've never been able to state what's happening to me in that phase so clearly before. I fully intend to show this to the health professionals who are trying to help me. And thinking about what I've written, it's no wonder I feel a little crazy or out of control some days-- these ailments do a number on my mind as well as my body. It ain't NO fun, believe me.

Let me just say that here's one female who's longing for menopause. I honestly think heart disease and/or breast cancer (risks of these increase for women after menopause) would be easier to bear than the constant and severe emotional up-and-downs that are the same-old same-old, yet always seem to take me by surprise. I'll take my chances; bring on "the change" even with the risks.

Okay, enough of that rant. Moving on!

****************************************************
I resumed knitting again today. I'd been working on a sock and had almost completed it, but the pattern says to bind off "with double strand"; I don't know what that means and haven't been interested in finding out. I'm sure it's not difficult, but I wanted to knit without practicing new techniques for a while. So I've put that aside and have now resumed a blanket I hadn't worked on since back in October, I guess. I'm ready to finish it (or at least make some progress on it).

Tomorrow I need to do some chores and errands. I've been ailing and "battling" for three days already which is three days too long.

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App Play in the Wee Hours

It's around 5 in the morning, but I've been awake since 4:15. I'm
playing with a new app I've installed that lets you type by sliding
your finger along a keyboard instead of pecking at it. I think it may
be a faster way to type on an iPod though it's hardly necessary if a
full-sized keyboard is available. It allows you to enter personal
names into its dictionary and suggests words you may have meant to
type in a box above the keyboard which can be selected with a touch of
the finger. I think the most limiting feature is punctuation, because
most options are on a second page. Personally, I have a thing for
semicolons and dashes; I get tired of simple sentences and want to
link them for a little variety in looks.

Sent from my iPod

My TMD Visit

I headed to Louisville around noon yesterday, planning to do some errands before my appointment with the TMD specialist. I dropped off a patient assistance program form to my doctor in Mt. Washington (to get some financial assistance with my expensive medication from the pharmaceutical company that makes it), then connected with the Gene Snyder.

I got caught in a thunderstorm, and it was bad-- sky so dark and rain pounding so heavily and fast-- visibility was dreadful. Meanwhile, people driving just as usual! Insane!

Image source:www.geograph.org.uk/.../ 17/1041712_d419805d.jpg
I opted not to do my errands under such conditions but to head for the doctor's office instead. Then the hail started. The ice wasn't that large, but it was coming down so forcefully-- twice it sounded like my windshield had cracked. Unnerving. By that time, I had pulled into the doctor's parking lot. I had to wait until it was safe to get out. Looking out the car window, I could see deep streams of water rushing toward the drains. That was one violent storm!

My doctor was able to squeeze me into his schedule two hours early (since mine was a 20-minute appointment for a bite guard adjustment).

When I left, it was still raining, but a drizzly ordinary rain. I was able to do my errands after all! I bought 8 cubic feet of vermiculite which the man at Frank Otte nursery was just barely able to fit into my trunk. (I had to move some pieces of lumber inside the car with me.) I dropped off a job application at Barnes & Noble and headed home.

Between hormones, stressful driving, and the manipulation of my jaw during my appointment, I had to take Midrin again. It really seems to be doing the job of ending my migraines. I still can't quite believe it, but I love being free of that misery-- very grateful.

I did have trouble staying asleep last night, waking at 4:30am (then napping later when I shouldn't), but the bite guard adjustment seems to be helping. My jaw was a lot "quieter" than usual when I woke. I go back to the doc again in two weeks to have the adjustment checked but so far so good.

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Catch-Up Account

I need to wash dishes, shower, and do some errands, but I've had insufficient sleep for 3 nights running; all I really want to do is crash.

The TMD specialist I saw yesterday sent me home with the equivalent of a fat book's health reading and an appointment for next week to adjust my bite guard. I read some of the info last night, and already discovered a few new facts.

I also stopped by a branch of the Louisville public library. I borrowed some great books: Deerproofing Your Yard and Garden, Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd, and a DK sushi book that's downright amazing! Coincidentally, Ree Drummond (who's blog I follow) has posted an account of a sushi night she hosted (which I just discovered this morning). I decline to eat raw seafood, but I think sushi-making is in my future-- a wonderful intersection of art and cooking and eating!

When I got home, the garden supplies I had ordered the previous day were waiting on my front porch. I was astonished and thrilled-- now that's service! I sent an email to Gardens Alive to thank and compliment them.

I did end up with a bad on-and-off tension headache for which I took Tylenol. I also took 2 whole sleeping pills instead of 1.5 as usual but still awoke a couple of hours early-- with a bad tension headache. I took Midrin, and thankfully that seems to have given the headache a kick in the rear. Now if I could just summon some energy.

I did call the unemployment office to get information about financial assistance for medication. I'll have to go to the appropriate office and apply as soon as possible. $165 for a 1-month supply of one medication (no generic available)-- yikes!

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TMD Specialist

Once again, I've been awake since 4:30am. I did consider leaving the lights off, but there was so much moonlight pouring in (even through my closed blinds) that it seemed a moot point. Possibly a full moon? Maybe just a lack of cloud cover for a change. I'll have to look it up.

In any case, I got out of bed and filled out job applications for Barnes & Noble which I hope to deliver today.

I also have a 2.5 hour appointment in Louisville this morning with a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. Perhaps I can get some help with the muscle-tension headaches and facial pain that dog me. I already wear a bite guard at night, but my current dentist doesn't make adjustments to it unless I ask-- he's a good dentist but TMD is simply not his specialty. I had a great dentist in California, and I can tell a difference in the quality of treatment. Besides, my jaw won't tolerate staying open for a cleaning AND for a bite guard fitting-- recipe for a headache for sure. So if I'm going to have to schedule separate appointments, I'd just as soon see a TMD expert.

Given my lack of sleep, the flashing glare of light through trees on my drive to Louisville, the stress of finding an unfamiliar location in busy city driving, and the delay of food during this lengthy dental appointment, I fully expect that migraine medication will be necessary today. I will pamper myself to the degree possible but will count myself lucky to get through the appointment, get back home, and not vomit. I hope to God the Midrin works again if I end up needing it-- it's on hand in my purse.

Well, off to get ready. I need to leave the house by 8:15 for sure.

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A Busy Morning

This morning I did order two more types of compost over the Internet. Lucky me, it only cost what I would have paid in a store because I had a $25 coupon that took care of the shipping. Those supplies will arrive in two weeks or so. Now I need vermiculite.

I did a load of dishes then a little cooking/baking. A Facebook friend posted a recipe for Bacon, Cheese & Egg Biscuit Cups. I didn't have sufficient bacon, so I substituted breakfast sausage. They taste good, but since I did it ALL from scratch-- even shredding the cheese-- it was a time-consuming recipe to make. By the end, I was ready to toss 'em in the oven come what may. Of course, this may have had something to do with being awake since o'dark-thirty!

I ended up having to sleep a few hours, doctor's orders not withstanding. I was so tired and so painfully keyed up at the same time.

It's funny, I've got my night stash and my plan to sit quietly in the dark if I awake in the middle of the night. But when I woke up at 3:45am, the plan didn't even occur to me. I flipped on the light switch, ambitions and schemes racing through my head, and started singing. I was revved. I wonder if the author of Restful Insomnia has any ideas for that scenario. I still haven't finished the book; I've been reading my way through it incrementally.

Image source (edited): 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-eobVPdeATMlp6JLaCKar8kgMKY9JX2ldUUgCsowbu9mhbkBzTpXiV-dtmJKoOGaiI82cd51ovEDzTwvB2r7HI2Ro21D8ATfNu_JoiMnnNEcIMrzVkTPn-5KICffiF8AKAkgYmKcFBA/s1600-h/P2153559.JPG

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Raised Bed Shopping

I've been awake since 3:45am, so I thought I might as well record what I did yesterday: I used most of my Lowe's Christmas gift card to buy the supplies for the raised beds I intend to build (according to the directions in The All-New Square Foot Gardening book).

I now have landscaping fabric and cut lumber in the trunk of my car, 3.9 cubic feet of compressed peat moss plus bagged compost by my garbage cans, a tarp and deck screws in my laundry room with my drill, etc. (A garage or a garden shed would be lovely, but right now I have to make do where storage is concerned.)

I'm so excited about seeing my visions of backyard produce become reality that I'd like to use today's cold but dry weather to put the frames together.

However, I suppose it makes more sense to gather some remaining supplies first, such as vermiculite and additional bagged compost-- I've only purchased one type so far, but Mel Bartholomew advocates using five kinds to ensure better plant health. That seems wise to me.

I think I will have to do a little shopping online to get what I want. I have a few local places to check too, but I want to be ready to plant some cold weather crops shortly. If I do order online, I'll have to wait for the items to be shipped so I don't want to delay too long.

Incidentally, the men at the local Lowe's were kind and helpful, rounding up the supplies on my shopping list for me (since I'm clueless about identifications and locations in their vast store).

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Insomnia Again

I should be asleep right now, but my brain is acting up. I keep thinking of some disturbing news that I heard today. Normally I would be able to pray for the people concerned and let it rest. But there are times when my brain just can't seem to stop obsessing-- it doesn't really matter what the situation is-- it can even be something positive; my brain just won't drop it. I picture myself giving the command to my brain as one would speak to an overly possessive dog, "Drop it!" Sadly, it's not effective.

Image source: 

http://www.alldogbreeds.net/thumbnail.php?file=236524501_7504f8c358_414598382.jpg&size=article_medium

To complicate matters, the wind is picking up which makes some part of my a/c unit clang-- like lifting and dropping a piece of metal repeatedly. I've examined the unit in the daylight but found nothing glaringly wrong. I don't know if that's how they all are or if something is wrong with this unit. Maybe I need a repair person. Maybe I just need some sort of windbreak in place. Currently, the wind has an uninterrupted path straight toward the unit. I do know that my white noise maker can't drown out that sound-- especially when my brain is bent on obsessing anyway.

The bottom line is I'm awake when I'd rather be asleep. I did take another half of a prescription sleeping pill as my doctor recommended. Maybe it will kick in soon. Meanwhile, I've escaped to the living room to distract myself from the noise and to keep from becoming irritable and frustrated-- emotions hardly conducive to peaceful slumber.

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Building a Night Stash

I'm gathering things I will need if I can't fall asleep or if I wake in the middle of the night-- the goal is to have whatever is required close at hand so I can overcome sleep disrupters, relieve discomforts, and occupy myself quietly, getting some rest even if I am unable to sleep. The idea comes from the book Restful Insomnia which I wrote about in a previous post.

So far my kit consists of a bottle of water, antihistamines, prescription migraine reliever, an eye mask and earplugs (both freebies which may be irritating rather than soothing-- haven't tried them yet) stored in an excessively large Pyrex bowl (that I seldom use) under my bed.

My iPod will be by the rocker-recliner in the living room, plugged in and charging. I will set the brightness level at the lowest setting before bedtime. The iPod has reading material (Kindle samples I've downloaded, free e-book classics, the Bible), pictures to look at (Flickr, Picasa), offers opportunity to jot notes, and has soothing white noise programs (ocean waves, falling rain). My robe, socks, and slippers are stored right by my bed so I can easily put them on before grabbing my bowl and heading to my chair.

Other items I need to add to my stash:

• OTC pain relievers
• Pen and paper
• Dim nightlight

I'm sure I'll think of more things to include in time.

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Greetings to (and From) Kentucky

My bedtime is 10 pm, but it's 1 am now. I tried that sleep thing, but my mind has been busy and whirring all day long-- thoughts coming so fast I hardly know what to do first before the thoughts "evaporate". Now I'm getting hungry to boot.

Lying awake in bed, I realized that most of my Facebook friends are Californians or at least West Coast-based, but surely I haven't lived here in Kentucky for seven years without getting to know some people-- especially having attended 2 churches and doing a customer service job for that time period??? I WAS preoccupied with earning my Master's, and I AM a homebody, but still.... So, tonight I searched for some local people on Facebook. I sent friend requests out to a number of individuals. We'll see if they remember me or even sign into their accounts that often. Time to get connected!

Image source:

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Guess what I had for dinner?

I feel like Julia Child! Of course, it took 3 separate cookbooks to inspire me. I made a blender hollandaise sauce (Joy of Cooking) with lime juice (Recipe 1-2-3 Menu Cookbook) and a dash of Tabasco (Joy of Cooking again). Then I poached an egg in the microwave (Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight...). Really, I don't know why a single person would poach an egg on the stovetop-- this was cinchy and the egg looked just like photos I've seen in cookbooks-- the method was superbly successful. I'd never eaten a poached egg before, but this won't be my last. The hollandaise is ideal with it. Delish! I'll make it as often as my waistline can afford the butter. ;-)

Image source:

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I like the steamed asparagus idea, but I didn't think of that-- I even happen to have some in the frige; I'll go roast some asparagus and a potato to round out my dinner.

Incidentally, I don't know why, but these recipes came together in my head sometime last night when I couldn't get to sleep. Sometimes there IS an "up" side to insomnia. ;-)

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