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The Day in Spikedluv (Thursday, Dec 18)

I did not go downtown today. I still got in some shopping, but only because I needed both milk and gas, so stopped at Stewart’s. And I might have stopped at the Price Chopper that’s ‘in the other direction’ to see what they had.

I visited my aunt, hit the post office to mail a couple more cards, hand-washed dishes, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter. I got leftover pulled pork out of the freezer for Pip’s supper.

I wrote ~600 words on my second fic for

fandomtrees! First draft is done, so I just need to get it typed in and edited. I read more in Boyfriend Material and watched another ep of The Pitt.

Temps started out at 30.9(F) and dropped to 22.1 before I left the house a couple hours later!! The forecast called for the overnight low to be 21, but we were skeptical of that because it was still 39.9 when we went to bed. Apparently Mother Nature was determined to get close to that forecasted low! All the snow that melted yesterday re-froze overnight, so that was fun. Temps reached 50.4 and we had sun today!

Tomorrow is supposed to be a high of 54 with rain in the morning and snow in the afternoon, which means a huge and sudden temperature drop. That’ll be more fun.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has commented on my aunt update posts. I appreciate the hugs and suggestions.

Mom Update:

Mom is not doing well. ( more back here )

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The Day in Spikedluv (Wednesday, Dec 17)

I had a chiropractic appointment, a pedicure (another, different, red polish; she painted a nice snowflake for the design), AND a massage this morning! (Don’t laugh, but I scheduled the massage so I could get a GC for my niece. This massage therapist is local and works alone; it is very difficult to just walk in because the door is locked while she’s in an appointment, so I was like, screw it, I’ll ~make an appointment so I can get the GC. Win-win!)

I did zero shopping which made the morning even better. I did a load of laundry, hand-washed dishes, ran a load in the dishwasher, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, baked chicken for the dogs’ meals, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I cooked a strip roast with potatoes and baby carrots for supper. It was really good!

Today is my first injection of the higher dose of Trulicity (as decided when I had the appt with my PCP last Monday). I hope it doesn’t cause me digestive issues because I have not missed those. *fingers crossed*

I started Boyfriend Material, watched another ep of The Pitt and the current ep of one of my favorite HGTV programs, Fixer to Fabulous. Secrets of the Zoo was my background tv in the evening.

Temps started out at 32.9(F) (the temps got down to 22 before we went to bed, so it had warmed up substantially overnight) and reached 45.3!!! It was mostly cloudy, but the snow melted so that it was tough to walk in.

Today is the first of three ‘warm’ days (though it was only supposed to reach 39). Tomorrow is supposed to be mid-40s and Friday is supposed to hit the 50s! And then drop 20 degrees to being cold again. Me no likey.

Mom Update:

Mom didn’t sound good today. ( more back here )

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Wednesday Reading Meme & Books 101 & 111 of 2025

What I Just Finished Reading: Since last Wednesday I have read/finished reading: The Serpent on the Crown (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) by Elizabeth Peters and Killing Field (A Jack Reacher Novel) by Lee Child.

What I am Currently Reading: I haven’t technically started it yet, but the next book on my list is Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall.

What I Plan to Read Next: I have two library books to pick up, so probably one of those.

Book 110 of 2025: The Serpent on the Crown (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) (Elizabeth Peters)

I enjoyed this! ( spoilers )

I liked this book and have already requested the next. Sadly, I think it's the last in the series that doesn't look back at the ‘lost seasons'. I'm giving this one five hearts.

♥♥♥♥♥

Book 111 of 2025: Killing Field (A Jack Reacher Novel) (Lee Child)

I enjoyed this book, but I wasn't sure I was going to. The authors writing style, with all those short, choppy sentences, drove me nuts. ( spoilers )

I liked this book enough to check out the next in the series; I'm giving this book four hearts.

♥♥♥♥

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The Day in Spikedluv (Tuesday, Dec 16)

I hit Price Chopper, the Pharmacy, and CVS (for mom) while I was downtown.

I did three loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and shaved. I made him cheese sausage for supper (one of the guys at work had it and he thought it looked good).

I watched two more eps of The Pitt. Secrets of the Zoo was my background tv in the evening.

Temps started out at 21.4(F) (it was supposed to be 10, so that was a nice surprise; still cold, though) and reached 31.3. It immediately started going down, but there was no wind (and no more snow clogging the trails) so the walks were actually nice.

Mom Update:

Mom was doing about the same today. ( more back here )

Entry tags:

misc tv,
tv talk

TV Talk: The Pitt & Tracker

9-1-1: On hiatus until Jan 8.

Matlock: Now there are two eps mom and I haven’t watched.

The Pitt: I have heard a lot of good things about this show and was excited when I found out that TNT was going to air the first season. I’ve watched the first three eps so far, and my comments have spoilers for all three eps. ( spoilers )

Tracker: Dang! I was right about the cliff-hanger, but wrong about who would be involved. ( spoilers )

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The Day in Spikedluv (Monday, Dec 15)

Today is Sister A’s b-day! She’s the baby; 10-years younger than me.

I hit Walmart, Dollar Tree and Agway while I was downtown. Dollar Tree was for cards; Agway was for a gift card because I forgot Pip’s dad’s b-day! I was reminded at the Bear’s Dinner and I was like o_O I couldn’t believe I had forgotten it.

I visited mom, hand-washed dishes, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I also mailed more cards at the post office, returned a book to the library, and hit the bank drive-thru. AND I shoveled the sidewalk again.

I watched Tracker and an HGTV program. Dr. Pol was my evening background tv.

Temps started out at 8.8(F) and reached 25.3. I’m not loving this cold.

Mom Update:

Mom was not doing great. ( more back here )

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Rob & Michele Reiner killed

Reading about this was such a shock! How horrific.

Rob Reiner and His Wife Michele Were Killed by Their Son (Exclusive Sources) (people.com)

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The Day in Spikedluv (Sunday, Dec 14)

I did two loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, ran a load in the dishwasher, went for a walk with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, changed kitty litter (my funnest Sunday task), and ordered an Etsy GC. I did not have to make supper because it was leftovers from The Bear's.

I made myself cheesy scrambled eggs for breakfast. I think I’ve mentioned that I hate cooking breakfast for myself. I love breakfast foods, though. I think I’ve discovered the secret. Which is to wait a little while until I’m more awake. Like, don’t try to make breakfast as soon as I’m dressed, but wait until I’ve, say, checked my f-list. Once I’m awake, it feels like less of a chore. When I try to do it earlier, my body is like, you made us get up, and now you want us to cook breakfast, too? What kind of insanity is this?!! o_O

I finished reading Killing Floor and watched the Bills’ game. I enjoy a good come-from-behind win, but they need to stop doing this to me. Evening background tv was Secrets of the Zoo.

Temps started out at 18.7(F) and reached 25.0. We were only supposed to get ‘less than an inch’ overnight, but according to Pip it was more like 2-3 inches. It’s not a lot, but enough to make a mess of the driveway and the walking trails, so he was out snow blowing for a while.

Mom Update:

I talked to mom on the phone; she didn’t sound great. My brother had visited and she was watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, but she said her day had just been so-so. I expect she’s not looking forward to her first PT appointment tomorrow (Monday).

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The Day in Spikedluv (Saturday, Dec 13)

I hit Price Chopper and the Bakery while I was downtown. I actually got breakfast at the Bakery this morning and picked up some GCs there, in addition to my weekly order of Boar’s Head deli meat.

I visited mom, did two loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for a couple walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter. I stopped at Stewart’s on the way home from mom’s (for gas and milk). I mailed a couple more cards at the Post Office and stopped at the library to pick up a book.

I picked up the poinsettia that I ordered from the school band to support Ireland (Sister A dropped it off at mom’s) and am on a new candle scent for the holiday, pine instead of cookies. *g*

I did not have to cook supper because tonight was the garage Christmas dinner at The Bear’s, which is an awesome restaurant. We’ve been going there for years. The meal is served family style, but starts with an appetizer course and a soup or salad course, and is followed by dessert. We get a platter of prime rib (with potatoes and baby carrots) and a platter of Chateaubriand. (I prefer the prime rib.) [And there are plenty of leftovers for people to take home, so I won't have to cook tomorrow, either!]

I started reading Killing Floor.

Temps started out at 23.0(F) (and went down to 21.7 before I left the house) and reached 36.1 (that I saw). It was pretty nice for the drive to the restaurant.

Mom Update:

Mom was doing okay when I visited. ( more back here )

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The Day in Spikedluv (Friday, Dec 12)

This could’ve been a no-shopping day, but it didn’t turn out that way. I hit Walmart, Price Chopper and Agway while I was downtown. Walmart was to pick up some things for mom, both Price Chopper and Agway were quickies for GCs. I figured I’d check Price Chopper to see if they had gotten in more Texas Roadhouse GCs and it just so happened the woman was refilling all the GCs when I arrived! I asked her about Texas Roadhouse and she pulled them out of the bin for me, so that was nice.

I also got Alaska!niece’s box packed up and went to the post office to mail it! Then I stopped at mom’s to drop off the shopping and GCs I’d picked up for her, as I knew she was eager to get some into the mail.

Sister S was at mom’s and while I was there L called because Addilyn wanted to talk to her. (She tattled about seeing me at BK. *g*) They’re currently down at CHOP for Addi to have a bladder scan to make sure it continues to work well. Apparently lack of sensation in that area is common with the spinal injury where she has it from the spina bifida. All good thoughts welcome.

I did three loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, emptied the dishwasher, went for a couple walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, hit the bank drive-thru, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I baked chicken breasts with a honey mustard sauce for supper.

I watched an HGTV program, wrote out a couple more cards, and wrote ~400 more words on my second

fandomtrees fic!!

Temps started out at 17.6(F) and reached 32.7. There was more wind, so once again the walking trails were drifted in a bit and it made for difficult walking.

Mom Update:

Mom was doing okay when I saw her. ( more back here )

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The Day in Spikedluv (Thursday, Dec 11)

I did not go downtown today because I planned to visit my aunt, which is in the other direction. I still went to the McD’s there and got some writing done; ~800 words on a new fic for

fandomtrees!!

I stopped at the Price Chopper there to get GCs for Christmas. (You get 6x the points on GCs this week!) And at a local diner for another GC. I managed to get a good portion of my GCs today, which is nice. (The same GC was not available at my usual Price Chopper OR this one – Texas Roadhouse. Must be everyone wanted to give some Texas Roadhouse love for Christmas? I hope more come in. It won’t be the end of the world if not as I can still get them from Walmart, but I won’t get the points.) I still have to order one (Etsy!) and pick up some at local businesses downtown.

I received a package that contained some Christmas gifts. Other than getting the additional GCs mentioned above, I need to get the package ready to send to Alaska!niece. Hopefully by tomorrow.

I did a load of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for a walk with the dogs, baked chicken for the dogs' meals, prepared a deposit for the LLC, and scooped kitty litter. I also hit the library to return a book and Stewart's. I pan-fried cheese and garlic sausage for Pip because he was intrigued by the idea of sausage with cheese in it when one of his employees brought it in for lunch. I’m not sure I got the right thing, but he liked it well enough.

I watched the first three eps of The Pitt. It is so easy to marathon these eps!

Temps started out at 24.4(F) and dropped to 20.8 in less than an hour, then reached 23.0 for the high. o_O And that doesn’t take into account the wind, which probably makes it feel more like 10 out there. I got to shovel again; between getting a little more snow and the wind causing drifting, I had a bit to clean off the sidewalk.

Mom Update:

Mom was not doing too badly when I visited her. ( more back here )

Aunt Update:

My aunt was not doing well. ( more back here )

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The Day in Spikedluv (Wednesday, Dec 10)

I had a chiropractic appointment this morning. I hit the Pharmacy for myself and Price Chopper to pick up some things for mom while I was downtown.

I stopped by mom’s briefly to delivery her groceries etc, but didn’t stay because of the snow. I also hand-washed dishes, ran a load in the dishwasher, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, e-filed the sales and tire tax for the garage, wrote out a check for my aunt, and scooped kitty litter. I made a wacky cake because I’ve been in the mood and put together the ziti for supper.

I got more Christmas stuff done: I placed two orders and made a list so I could make sure I was on track with GC purchases. The big thing will be if I get things wrapped or bagged ahead of time. I also watched some HGTV programs.

ETA: I forgot to tell you about a poll I saw on Tumblr today. Thinking about my answer to it made me chuckle. It was the last song you heard as a tattoo. I've been listening to the Top Gun CD so the last song I actually heard was the instrumental theme song, which would not make a good tattoo. But I got thinking, it would've been cool if it had been 'Danger Zone'!! And then I thought, it would have been appropriate if it had been 'Playing With the Boys', since that's what I do here on DW. *g*

Temps started out at 30.2(F) and reached 36.3. The snow started about 7:45am, but the roads were coated by the time I left downtown and picked up the dogs (on the way home so I didn’t have to make another trip). It was basically over at 3pm and we only got about 4 inches (out of a possible 8, so that doesn't hurt my feelings). The first time I shoveled the snow was pretty light, but by the second time it had gotten heavier, probably because the temp went up a bit.

Mom Update:

Please see this post for today’s update. I’ve since put in a cut for those who won’t want to read it when scrolling.

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Wednesday Reading Meme

What I Just Finished Reading: Since last Wednesday I have read/finished reading: And to All a Good Bite (Andy Carpenter Series) by David Rosenfelt and Framed in Death (In Death Series) by J.D. Robb.

What I am Currently Reading: The Serpent on the Crown (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) by Elizabeth Peters.

What I Plan to Read Next: I have a library book out, so hopefully that.

Book 108 of 2025: And to All a Good Bite (Andy Carpenter Series) (David Rosenfelt)

I enjoyed this book! ( spoilers )

I don't know why, but I have a soft spot for the Christmas-themed stories in this series. This one was very good; I'm giving it five hearts.

♥♥♥♥♥

Book 109 of 2025: Framed in Death (In Death Series) (J.D. Robb)

I enjoyed this! ( spoilers )

This was a good story and I'm giving it five hearts.

♥♥♥♥♥

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The Day in Spikedluv (Tuesday, Dec 9)

I hit Walmart while I was downtown. (I got to see Baby A – should I change that to Toddler A now?!! *g* – again when I was at BK and Sister S was going through the drive-thru with her. Apparently she loves the hash browns. *g* They were on their way to PT, then school.)

I drove mom to her appointments, did two loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for a walk with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I also hit the post office and the bank.

I ended up making a crustless broccoli and cheese quiche for supper. I'll put the ziti together for tomorrow instead.

I read the Amelia Peabody book and watched an HGTV program.

Temps started out at -3.3(F) (why so freaking cold already?!!) and reached 25.9 (that I saw). BRR!

Mom Update:

Mom was not feeling great today. ( more back here )

Entry tags:

misc tv,
tv talk

TV Talk: Tracker

9-1-1: On hiatus until Jan 8.

Matlock: Mom and I have not yet watched this episode. I’m actually kind of dreading it because I’m worried things are going to backfire.

Tracker: This was a good ep. ( spoilers )

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The Day in Spikedluv (Monday, Dec 8)

I had a dr appt this morning, my annual. I had been putting off several appointments I need to make while taking care of mom and driving her to appointments, so I made several today, including two ultrasounds and my mammogram. I also got a tetanus shot (which I later completely forgot about until my arm started aching a bit in the evening). I was told I could get the pneumonia vaccine, but turned it down for now. (For those of you who get it, what are your thoughts on it?)

I made quickie trips to Dollar Tree and Price Chopper while I was downtown. I had planned to stay home tomorrow morning, since I’ll be driving mom to her appointment, but now I’m not sure what I’m going to do. We’re supposed to get snow on Wednesday, so perhaps I need to get food to plan more meals, just in case. However, we’re only supposed to get 1-3, and as long as they don’t close school the roads should be fine, AND I have my chiropractic appointment Wednesday morning, which I don’t want to miss . . . Ahhh! *pulls hair* Decisions!

I visited mom, did a load of laundry, browned ground beef for tomorrow’s ziti, hand-washed dishes, ran a load in the dishwasher, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter. I also hit the post office to mail more cards and Stewart's (for gas and milk). I shake 'n baked chicken legs for Pip's supper and had some cheese tortellini with butter and grated cheese for mine.

I watched Tracker and read more in Amelia Peabody.

Temps started out at 10.6(F) and reached 17.4. Cold.

Mom Update:

Mom was doing okay when I saw her. ( more back here )

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The Day in Spikedluv (Sunday, Dec 7)

I did two loads of laundry, hand-washed dishes, ran a load in the dishwasher, went for a walk with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and changed kitty litter. I also placed a couple of Christmas orders. I made corned beef (one of Pip’s faves) for supper.

I started the next Amelia Peabody book and watched an HGTV program and most of the Bills game. I say most because I missed the entire fourth quarter (Best Part of the Game!!) due to making supper at that time. When I left the bedroom tv, the score was 28–18, Bills losing. The final was 39–34, Bills won! I mean, I’m glad they won, but I wish I’d seen it!

I also got more Christmas cards done! (If you haven't requested one, but would like a Christmas card from me, comment here!)

Temps started out at 30.9(F) and reached 37.9. The top layer of snow melted enough to be slippery, but it didn't feel warm.

Mom Update:

Mom was not feeling well today when I talked to her. ( more back here )

Entry tags:

The Day in Spikedluv (Saturday, Dec 6)

I hit Price Chopper (yes, again; yesterday’s visit to the other Price Chopper was unplanned and I didn’t get everything on my list *g*), the Bakery, and Agway while I was downtown. I stopped at the Post Office on the way home to mail the rest of my Christmas cards.

I visited mom, did a load of laundry, hand-washed dishes, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, scooped kitty litter, and showered. I made an oven pancake with bacon for supper. Yum! (Thanks,

kat_lair!)

I finished the new In Death and watched an HGTV program. Dr. Pol was my background tv in the evening.

Temps started out at 19.9(F) (which was odd, because it was 9.7 before I went to bed) and started going down until it was 15.1 when I left the house). Better than -7, but still cold! Temps reached 38.7, but there was a breeze and it didn’t feel very warm.

Mom Update:

Mom was doing pretty good when I visited her. ( more back here )

Entry tags:

The Day in Spikedluv (Friday, Dec 5)

I did not go downtown today because I planned to visit my aunt and that’s in the opposite direction and I just didn’t feel like it, you know? So I dropped Grant off at the garage like usual, then came back home and threw in a load of laundry and had some hot cocoa while I perused my f-list.

Then I headed to the McD’s in the other direction and did some writing!!! I got 500 words written on my Murder, She Wrote/Hudson & Rex crossover to bring the first draft to an end. I had typed in some of the story, then handwrote more, so I have that bit to type in now.

From McD’s I hit the post office to mail the cards I had gotten done (and pick up more stamps), visited my aunt, and hit Price Chopper (not originally part of the plan, but I had time, so . . .). I stopped at mom’s for a visit on the way home before picking up the dogs.

Additionally I hand-washed dishes, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, baked chicken for the dogs' meals, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter. I had planned Italian sausage for supper, but Pip gave me a hard time about cooking it inside, so he decided on grilled cheese. *shrugs*

I read more in the new In Death. Dr. Pol was my background tv in the evening.

Temps started out at -6.9(F) (yes, that is a minus sign, as in below zero BRRR) and reached 20.1. (It was around 15 when Pip asked me if I planned on grilling the Italian sausage. I was like, are you frelling nuts?!!)

Mom Update:

Mom was feeling like crap today. Just very weak and sick to her stomach (after just drinking some water). She had to keep taking a break while attempting to make egg salad; she got the eggs boiled, then had to rest. While I was there she peeled them, but asked me to finish it up. I also filled pill organizers and washed her dishes.