Visit to the ER

I went to the ER on Wednesday. My left calf swelled up to about 2 1/2 the size it is normally. It was really sensitive to the touch and just hurt from the pressure of it being swollen. I then also had some chest pain and coughing. Coughing so much that it felt like I had bronchitis. I went to my doctor and he sent me to the ER to check for a blood clot. I had an EKG which was fine. And an ultra sound on my leg and no blood clots were found. 

It actually looks like I have an infection in my leg - they treating me with powerful antibiotics and after not even 2 full days of being on them - my leg swelling has went down and hardly hurts, don't feel the pressure and it isn't as sensitive. It looks like I might have had a small cut that became infected and that sent my body into chaos. 

I fell 2 years ago and I have an area on my calf that normally looks like a very dry patch of skin and I wore a pair of lounge pants last week that are soft on the outside but on the inside not so much. I think they rubbed across the dry patch causing an abrasion that became infected. Even though looking at it there was no visible open scratch. It just became very red...looked angry in the area but when it is very dry - it sometimes does so I didn't think anything of it. 

The ER doctor wants me to follow up with my doctor on Monday. My doctor is out of town so seeing another doctor. But I think everyone will give me the clear that it is better. Because the ER doctor stressed about 10 times if isn't - I would be checking into the hospital for a stay to be treated with even more powerful antibiotic. Already stressing about the ER bill - so don't want to have to be staying in the hospital. 

Michael  of course said that I am worth the expene as he wants me around a long time. He was great - as he knows doctors freak me out and he did really well keeping me calm. 

In the end - I am feeling better and it looks like what they are treating me with is working. I feel better and my leg looks much better. So I think things will be okay. Just very scary. 

I was telling a friend - I think my warranty ran out at 43. I am 44 now but this last year has been a horrible horrible health year for me.

A Dance 'Round the Memory Tree

Tattoos

I have always wanted a tattoo.  One of my friend's husband is a tattoo artist and she has amazing body art. Covering almost everywhere except her face. But big pieces on her arms, legs and back....just everywhere. Another friend, one of my closest friends, Jessica has a star freckles as tattoos and each one represents a person. She told me early this year that she was getting one for me.  It touched me deeply.  Stars shape as meaning to me too so it makes it even more special to think I am going to be a star on her.

On Pinterest, I look at tattoos people post and collect ones I like.  

Here are a few....

Source: blogs.citypages.com via Darby on Pinterest

Michael has a nickname of Spooner and so a spoon seems appropriate. 

Source: fyeahtattoos.com via Darby on Pinterest

I have kind of an obsession for letters and numbers and this combines the two so could be a good tattoo.  My friend with the star tattoos, Jessica, talked about doing a kind of henna-looking tattoo with the subtle brown color and design of henna as a tattoo - I think this would look lovely in a brown.

Source: flickr.com via Darby on Pinterest

Owls, spiders, elephants, turtles, ravens and crows tattoos always get my attention.   Jessica gave me this book called Soul College.   You create cards that have deep personal meaning. Many of them seem to involve animals.  These are the animals that I feel are frequent images in my life that I am pulled towards. They represent aspects of me. 

Source: fyeahtattoos.com via Fabiola on Pinterest

Words - I would love to have a quote tattoo.  I am just not sure I would be able to narrow it down to what quote.  As I love words. 

Gratitude Friday

I have been trying to do daily thankful posts on Facebook so here is the ones I have done so far....


Nov 1 - I am thankful for Michael taking care of me when I have the stomach flu.
Nov 2 - Today I am thankful for feeling better. Stomach flu seems to be gone. I am also thankful for the wonderful aromas going through the house with a new recipe that I made for dinner. Hoping it tastes as good as it smells...will find out in about 10 mins.
Nov 3 - I am thankful for the chance we had this past weekend to take a day trip and see beautiful scenery. I love living in Colorado.
Nov 4 - I am thankful for the beautiful weather we have, that the pantry is now organized after looking like a tornado hit, and for finding my favorite tea (it was buried in the pantry) when I had thought I was out.
Nov 5 - Today I am thankful for being able to stay indoors because it was cold, rainy and windy.
Nov 7 - I am thankful for our kitty cats who amuse me, nice fuzzy socks I got for my birthday that are warming my feet on a cold evening, migraine meds, and a cookbook all about soups that I am reading that make me want to make soup everyday as they look so good.
Nov 9 -  I look at the archives of this website, reading the signs, and it really gets to me. I feel often at times we are struggling but then I read things like I am reading on this website and I am thankful for the roof over our head and the work coming to the business. Michael works really hard and I am proud of all he does to keep moving forward. Our story pales in comparison to most of the folks I read about. We are in the 99 percent - but we're grateful for what we have as so many are in worse shape.
Nov 10 -  I am thankful...that I only have to get through today before getting the last Harry Potter dvd, for the adorable invitation we got in the mail for my niece's 1st birthday, for picking up the Design Sponge at Home book from the library, and that having milk and cereal brings back memories from childhood.
Nov 11 - I am grateful to all the men and women of our armed forces. You and your families have sacrificed so much for all of us...Thank you for your service!

Robert Redford Dessert

I have seen this recipe under many names but it has always been called Robert Redford in my family because it is just as good as Robert Redford. 

First Layer: 1 cup unsifted flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter or margarine softened, 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (have used almonds too)

Mix together flour, sugar, butter and walnuts until crumbly. Press in the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes - until lightly brown. Cool.


Second Layer: 8 oz. package cream cheese - softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup cool whip

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Fold the whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust.

Put the pan in the fridge while you prepare the third layer.


Third Layer: 1 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 3 cup whole milk, 4 egg yolks, 3 tbls butter, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, 3 squares unsweetened chocolate - chopped

In a medium saucepan combine sugar, flour and salt. Gradually stir in milk and chocolate. Cook over medium until thickened and bubbly. Stir constantly. Reduce heat, cook and stir two minutes. Remove from heat. Separate eggs. Beat yolks slightly in bowl. Stir 1 cup of the chocolate mix into the yolks. Return all to saucepan, bring to gentle boil, cook, stir 2 more minutes. Remove from heat - stir in butter and vanilla. Cool in fridge before gently spreading over second layer.


Forth Layer: After the third layer is cool, spread the rest of the whipped topping. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Can't Take It In

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. the nice day trip we had with friends on a drive this past weekend
2. feeling better after the stomach flu hit both Michael and I this past week
3. Roku streaming Pandora for music
4. a soup cookbook that is inspiring me to make soup - everyday - okay not everyday but there are so many good soup recipes out there and I love soup!

5. clean sheets on the bed - I love the smell of clean sheets and the crisp look of the sheet when they are first put on a bed.

Day to Day

I am doing pretty good. I can tell that the asthma problems are coming back at least somewhat and that is distressing me but I just keep hoping it won't come back as bad.  My doctor has 2 new inhalers that will be coming by mail and hopefully they will help.  

Otherwise things are pretty normal around here.  Michael is working and working and working.  And I am doing what I can to help him out but not much I can help with at this time.  So just trying to keep up with my things as I am really behind. 

I am trying to start thinking about Christmas and presents I need to make.  I can't wait to see my family for Christmas. 

So that is about all that is going on here. 

Meatball Soup

We had this soup last winter and I just never got around to posting the recipe. But I can't wait to make it again as it was such a huge hit with Michael. From the first bit Michael was raving about the great flavor.  I didn't add any extra seasonings. The tomatoes with the basil, garlic and oregano plus my homemade meatballs have Italian seasonings in it - those things were the only seasoning for the soup. 


1 bag (16 oz) frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed or homemade meatballs
2 cups beef broth
1 3/4 cup water
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (19 oz) cannellini beans, drained
1 cup frozen carrots
1 cup frozen green beans
1 cup cooked pasta - before serving
Shredded Parmesan cheese - garnish

In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cover and cook on low heat setting 6 to 7 hours. The carrots and green beans can become mushy in a slow cooker so add after 4 hours or 4 1/2 hours instead. Add pasta just before serving. 

Garnish individual servings with Parmesan cheese.

O+S

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. the time we are going to have this weekend - when we go on a little drive with some friends
2. beautiful autumn weather
3. hot apple cider
4. pumpkin recipes - I love pumpkin!
5. clean kitchen floor

Pita Chips

One of our grocery stores has a clearance section of bread. I can buy pita bread from 40 cents to 70 cents a pack just depending how many packages they have left to sell.  I buy them to make pita chips. 


With the holidays parties coming upon, I always like to make and bring these. On their own or with a dip such as hummus. 



Pita Chips

Pita bread 
1/4 cup olive oil
Toppings


Preheat oven to 375. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray. 

Cut pita pockets into triangles and then separate them where they are still connected to the other half. 

Mix oil and toppings. (I did basil, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan cheese, sea salt)


Toss the pieces of pita bread with the oil mixture. Bake for 6-10 minutes until they are crisp. Flip/stir at the half way mark. Let cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.


Some possible toppings:
Sea salt
Parmesan Cheese
Herbs of choice such as basil, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, chili pepper, chipolte, chives, dill and so on.
Garlic
Cinnamon sugar with melted butter instead of oil

Hey Jude

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. having a nice birthday on Tuesday.
2. a beautiful drive through GJ seeing all the colors
3. finding a bag - I have been looking for one for awhile
4. spending time with friends
5. feeling so much better

Channeling Surfing

 * Tomorrow we are going to have lunch at some friends who live in a nearby town. They just moved to the area in August.  It is great to have them near as they are such good people.  So nice to talk and laugh with them. 


* My asthma problems have cleared up. My doctor ended up treating me for bronchitis - using an antibiotic and a steroid. Within 2 doses I was able to lay completely down flat - first time in over 3 months. I used my inhaler once in the 10 days of being on the meds. The day after ending my meds - I have had a few problems. Nothing like before but I did have to use my inhaler and ended up taking sinus meds at night. I am hopeful that whatever is going on is better. I have no doubt from now on for a while I will be easily susceptible to having problems. My doctor wants me to call if it comes back to like it was before the meds. 

* We started using a Roku for the TV.  We are really enjoying it. It is basically streaming content to the TV. All the content except Netflix that I am watching is free. But there are some channels that do cost but so far I am not seeing a need for them. 


That is about all for right now....going to go to bed.

I Go To Sleep

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. feeling better
2. a safe trip to Denver
3. a safe trip home
4. seeing adorable pictures of my niece sitting in a pile of leaves
5. a great muffin I had a Mimi's Cafe and finding the recipe online so that I can try to make them at home

Hoisin Meatballs

This recipe was modified from Hoisin-Glazed Turkey Meatballs - I wanted to have them for dinner instead of as an appetizer.  Also I didn't want to go out and buy anything additional so just worked with what I had on hand so modified the ingredients to work for me. I didn't see the need for the oil although I am sure it gives additional flavor. I also ended up having to add bread crumbs because the ingredients made the ground meat so wet.

Hoisin Turkey Meatballs


2 tablespoons reduced-sodium  Soy Sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root

1 teaspoon sriracha sauce or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 scallions, minced 

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (didn't have any garlic cloves on hand)

1/2 cup  drained, finely chopped water chestnuts
1 pound lean ground turkey

3/4 cup bread crumbs 

1/4 cup purchased Hoisin Sauce

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or tinfoil coated with cooking spray.
2. Whisk  soy sauce,  ginger, garlic powder, sriracha or crushed red pepper, 1 tblsp hoisin sauce and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth. Stir in 2 minced scallions and water chestnuts. Stir in turkey  and bread crumbs until completely combined.
3. Shape the mixture into medium sized meatballs. If you don’t want to cook these right now you could put them in the freezer for later. 
4. Place the meatballs on a pan and bake until the meat is cooked through, 15 to 17 minutes.
5. Brush the meatballs with  Hoisin sauce. Cook meatballs an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with stir fry vegetables and rice. 

Click on the title of the post and then hit the print button. 

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. another visit to my doctor - and maybe this treatment helping even after 1 dose
2. breathing
3. candy corn
4.  finding out that I can freeze my yogurt
5.  Frank and JoAnne giving me all their old encyclopedias - I just made room for them in my studio so that I can use them for art.

#OccupyWallstreet

I have been totally hung up on this website for the last several days. It really is getting to me. I feel often at times we are struggling but then I read things like I am reading on this website and am thankful for the roof over our head and the work coming to the business. Michael works really hard and I am proud of all he does to keep moving forward. Our story pales in comparison to most of the folks I read about. We are in the 99 percent - but we're grateful for what we have as most folks are in much worse shape.

http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/

Live

Live with intention. 
Walk to the edge. 
Listen Hard. 
Practice wellness. 
Play with abandon. 
Laugh. 
Choose with no regret. 
Appreciate your friends. 
Continue to learn. 
Do what you love. 
Live as if this is all there is.
— Mary Anne Radmacher

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1.  a good doctors visit
2. time at Target looking at all the nice fall items
3. finishing the last Harry Potter book - although it always makes me sad finishing a book. I am eager when I start it but when I finish I am sad. I am still thankful for have the opportunity to read all 6 books as they were exceptional.
4. frozen yogurt
5. Alka Seltzer cold and cough - I wouldn't have any sleep without it

Source: nefon.tumblr.com via Chrissy on Pinterest

Hopeful

Well I am hopeful....it was a good visit with my new doctor. He came in with notes he hand wrote out.  And then he really was thoughtful of what to do - really thinking for a solution. He is much different then my previous doctor but he was nice. Going on some new meds and will be seeing him in a week as he feels a couple of the meds should be kicking in by then and making me feel better.  

So I am just feeling hopeful that things will get better.

Adele again

I am not sure I have found a song of hers that I don't like and don't play over and over. This one I played quite a bit last month.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. that I knew the Dad of my best friend from junior high school.  He always made me laugh. I have some very good memories and I am very thankful for them.  I am keeping my friend and her family in my thoughts as her Dad passed away this week.
2. adorable photos that my niece sent us (well her Mom and Dad sent us but it said it was from her)
3. getting some rooms cleaned this week even though it takes so much out of me. I am still recovering.
4. out of the blue email from a good friend who now lives closer to us so we hope to go visit soon
5. the nebulizer I was loaned from the clinic.  I am so thankful that I have had it around as I have needed it.

Cheeseburger Flatbread

I found this recipe on Kevin and Amanda. I did change a few things. 

Cheeseburger Flatbread Melts

1 lb ground turkey browned and drained (ground beef can be used also)
1/4 cup water
1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 pkg dry onion soup mix
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
11 oz pizza dough 
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Brown and drain ground meat. Add water, vinegar, onion soup mix, ketchup, mustard and garlic. Stir to combine and simmer over low heat. 

Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Divide the pizza dough into six to eight equal portions and press the pieces out to make them a little bit bigger. Fry the dough for one minute on each side or until golden brown and bubbly. Remove to a paper towel to drain. Top with beef mixture and shredded cheese.

Makes 6 to 8 flatbread melts. 

NOTES:

* I left out the apple cider the last time I made it and it really didn't change the taste much. 

* I increased the ketchup because I didn't feel it was covering the meat enough when I stirred it in.  But you could try it with the 1/4 cup first and then see if you need a little more. 

* Amanda's recipe uses the thin crust pizza dough but I tried it and then regular but really didn't find much difference except maybe got a little bit bigger pieces of flatbread out of the regular pizza dough. 

Click on the title of the post and then this button to print. 

Turning Tables

I love Adele.  I listen to her quite bit on Pandora.

Gratitude Friday

Today I am thankful for...
1. being able to see Michael do his presentation - He rocked!
2. an evening out with friends
3. a great view from our hotel room in Denver
4. unplugging for the evening and just relaxing
5. time spent with Michael

Today

The Verve

Sick of Being Sick

We were suppose to go celebrate Michael's sister-in-law's birthday yesterday with a surprise party for her but I was up all night with asthma problems. Michael didn't sleep well either so being on the road and driving wasn't a great option for us.  We were feeling so bad about missing it.  It is a milestone birthday and we also missed something else not too long ago that was important to her....so we just wanted to make sure we were there so she knew we loved her.

We were going to do what we call a turn and burn - drive 4 hours to Denver  to the party. Stay at the party for a few hours and then drive all the way back to Grand Junction the same day. It takes a lot out of us and since we had just got home the week before we still aren't really up to speed yet. And we are going to be in Denver again next week it is hard to all this traveling so I guess it was our bodies saying no.

My asthma is still giving me problems. I have an appointment at the end of the month - and it will be someone new I am seeing since my doctor moved in August.

I am just feeling a little frustrated and down because it feels like I am falling behind on everything because I can't breath. I don't have the energy for anything. I am out of spoons. Basically I am sick of being sick.  So I really hope that things go at the end of the month with the new doctor.

Ten Years Later

We watched one of the specials on 9/11 tonight on TV and it was really hard to watch. I cried throughout. I feel so much for those firefighters who have developed cancer.  Again this is one of those things that angers me because we aren't helping them with their medical bills.  A bill passed that didn't cover cancer...that makes no sense to me.  My heart goes out to the rescue workers and their families.

Double Crunch Pie

There are times when recipes don't really turn out how the recipe is stated.  For me it often happens with those recipe club cards that you get in the mail.  I have some from collections from friends and then just sample cards in the mail.

This recipe was one of those...Double Crunch Pie...I had to modify it to make it work. Find the original recipe here.

• 1 (3.8-ounce) package instant chocolate pie filling
• 8 ounces whipped topping
• 1 (6-ounce) prepared chocolate crumb pie crust
• 7 chocolate creme sandwich cookies, crushed into chunks
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips

.

Directions

• Prepare pie filling in a large bowl according to package directions.
• Fold whipped topping into pie filling; stir until well blended.
• Spread pie filling mixture evenly in pie crust. Chill in freezer until slightly set, about 10 minutes.
• Combine cookie chunks, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in a small bowl. Sprinkle over pie filling. 
• Freeze until 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

NOTES:

The original had 15 crushed cookies on top and that would have been mounds and mounds of cookies that wouldn't have fit on the pie. It wouldn't set up and if you see in the picture on the original link the texture of the pie is the same as mine so I believe that it is frozen and not just refrigerated. 

The pie was good. It wasn't spectacular but it tasted good and was easy to make for a quick dessert. 

(click on the title of the post and then hit this button to print)

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. getting a chance to go to Ikea in Denver
2. Michael's parents taking care of our kitty cats while we were out of town
3. the kitty cats - we missed them while gone
4. being home
5. the great photos Michael took of our trip

photo by Michael of The Grand Tetons at dusk with moon

Decorating Eye Candy

Some decorating eye candy from Pinterest....

Source: None via Darby on Pinterest

Source: younghouselove.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: younghouselove.com via Darby on Pinterest

OkGo & The Muppets

YES!

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...

1. meeting Jeff and Kathie - and having such a lovely dinner with them
2. seeing beautiful double rainbows
3. the beautiful Flathead Lake in Montana
4. seeing Yellowstone....Old Faithful
5. just having this time with Michael...I love traveling with him

photo by Michael of Old Faithful

HGTV 24/7

Michael is working all day here in Montana. He brings the laptop and iPad with him so I don't have access to the internet during the day. We should have brought the MacBook so I could have had it during the day - yes we are geeks with too many computers.  I don't watch tv at home but being stuck in a hotel room all day - I am watching tv - HGTV to be precise.  Michael leaves in the morning with HGTV on and comes back in the evening with HGTV still going. He can't understand how I can watch so much decorating/house shows.  I have broken it up with some Food Network. :)

Source: hgtv.com via Darby on Pinterest

I really liked The Antonio Treatment. He did this kitchen above - the back splash is metal made to look like it was cut from old rusted signs into long planks/tiles.  I want to have that in our kitchen as our back splash.

Watching this much HGTV has given me lots of ideas and inspiration.

Dinner with Friends

Tonight Michael and I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Jeff & Kathie from Two Frog Home.  I have known Kathie for many years online. We have exchanged emails, snail mail, and gifts.  She has been an inspiration to me and been on that mental list of someone I wanted to meet - someday. So when Michael said he was going to Montana for business and I could come - I checked the map right away. As soon as I told her we were coming  and where we would be -  she invited us to have dinner with them at their home.

Such a lovely home. We sat on their porch and ate a delicious dinner.  Kathie has a big garden and many of the things we enjoyed at dinner were from her garden.  Dessert was a cherry tart that was outstanding that every time I think about it - my mouth waters. On top of all that and  the lovely evening of conversation and laughter - Kathie sent us home with a big basket of goodies.  Her canned Vanilla pear butter, Balsamic Berry Jam, hand knitted dish cloth, cookies, massage oil she made, stickers and jelly beans. It was so thoughtful.

I was so nervous when I would call to talk to her to set up the dinner but then the night before dinner I realized something that made most of my nervousness go away. I knew without a doubt Kathie was someone who would accept me for me. And that made me feel free to just be and that is rare. I know in this world we are just suppose to be ourselves but I don't feel often people can be truly open and free around people. We all have masks we have to wear to get through the day and I knew I wouldn't have to do that with Kathie. And the evening was exactly that way - I could relax and just be.  Jeff and Kathie made us feel right at home and comfortable.  Kathie is such a lovely person and it made me wish we lived close together as I just had such a nice time being with her.

Michael will probably have to go back a couple more time and one of those times I will probably get to go with him.  I look forward to the next time we can all get together.

*photo by Michael - was taken on our way into the area on Saturday. That is Flathead Lake which was so beautiful. It took us almost an hour to get around just one side of the lake.

You Could Be Happy

I hope you are happy.

Rainbows

We are in Montana.  It was a long drive here but so pretty.

In Utah, we saw a double rainbow. Those were the most gorgeous rainbows I have ever seen. One of them you could see the whole thing from one end to the other. It was incredible. I am not sure I have ever seen a full rainbow before.

Here are some picture Michael caught of them. You will see in the second picture the faint double rainbow. If you click on the photo, it will take you to a bigger view of it.

photos by Michael McGruder - taken August 27, 2011