A Balkan Experience Without Leaving My City

Yesterday I told you about Foster Cat Pimento's medication regimen. His need for medication actually led to a great adventure today.

Pimento has to take antibiotics for 30 days, and he had emptied the first bottle. The animal hospital that partners with the cat shelter is in South St. Louis, a thirty minute drive from the condo. Hubby Tony had volunteered to handle the errand, but when I saw it was going to be the last beautiful day of the season I asked if I could tag along.

We've been to this vet a couple of times and don't even need Google to tell us how to get there any more. After picking up the medicine we got ready to walk.

Wikipedia

We were right in the middle of the Bevo neighborhood, which is known for a windmill-shaped restaurant and beer hall built by the Busch brewing family in the early 1900s as a rest stop between the brewery and their country estate. In the 1990s the neighborhood became a hub for Bosnians fleeing from war in their country. Many of the Bosnians have now moved out to the suburbs, but there are still a several commercial places that cater to the group.

Tony and I ended up strolling for about 45 minutes. The area was a mixture of commercial and residential, with pockets of industrial thrown in. Halfway through the walk the sun was warm enough that my long sleeved fleece shirt was too hot and I was glad that there was a bottle of water waiting for me in the car.

After we started heading towards home I realized that if we killed a little extra time Tony and I would be able to have lunch at the Balkan Treat Box, a restaurant that has been on our bucket list for quite a while. It is known for its authentic Balkan street food, and has won numerous national awards. Tony pulled into a parking spot in front of the restaurant a half hour before they opened. We walked around the area, and when we arrived back at the restaurant they had just opened.

I got the vegetarian pide (Turkish flat bread) of the day, a tasty combination of roasted kabocha squash, kale, and caramelized onions topped with date glaze, kajmak (clotted cream made from milk), and parsley. Tony ordered cevapi (grilled beef sausages), which were nestled into Bosnian flatbread. Next to it were spoonfuls of kajmak and chopped onion to add to the sandwich. Both dishes came with a side of kupus (a pickled red cabbage salad) and a pepper that tasted like a pepperoncini. When the food came we split the entrees in half and shared.

Pide

It would have been nice to continue the adventure after lunch but Tony had a commitment so we headed home. When we came in the front door of the condo Pimento was waiting for us-it was time for his lunch.

Keeping Posted On Pimento

It's been almost a week since Pimento the Foster Cat came home from the animal emergency care clinic. I can't believe I forgot to tell you about his progress!

After a series of medical tests we found out Pimento had a bacterial parasite. He hasn't been outside in months, so I have no idea where he would have gotten it, but it was good to have an answer and solution to the problem.

He came home with a small bottle of steroid tablets and a liquid antibiotic. At my local pharmacy I purchased a bottle of Omeprazole (the same drug that treats acid reflux in humans, which I was surprised to learn can also used for cats). At the pet store I picked up a powdered probiotic.

I have only given medications to cats a handful of times. Unlike dogs, who will eat just about anything if you wrap it in a piece of meat, cats are notoriously difficult to dose. After a little trial and error I remembered the system that works best for me.

• Grab the cat
• Straddle him with his head facing the same way as mine and use my legs to keep him from wiggling away.
• Open his mouth and tilt his head back until I can see his eyes.
• Deposit the pill as far back in his mouth as possible and immediately close his mouth.
• Gently stroke his throat to encourage swallowing.

I've learned that Pimento can go for a Very. Long. Time without swallowing. I suspect that a couple of times the medicine actually dissolved in his mouth.

The emergency vet wants Pimento to be on antibiotics and steroids for four weeks. Just think how proficient I'll be at administering medication by then.

Five years ago today: The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Semi-permitted?

Today I walked in not one, but two places that technically weren't unauthorized but felt like it.

The first one was at a strip mall. Walmart is one of my least favorite stores to shop at, but sometimes it's the best option. This afternoon I needed a roll of package tape, and "Club Wally" has one that's inexpensive and easy to unroll.

The closest Walmart store is at the south end of a large big box shopping center that has two buildings separated by a road that leads to store loading docks. Sunday is a horrible day to hit this shopping center. Traffic is difficult to navigate, and there are a lot of shoppers crossing between the parking lot and the stores. 

To avoid the mess I decided to park in the northernmost section of the lot and walk to my destination. That turned out not to be the greatest idea; I had to maneuver my way around cars pulling in and out of spaces and trot across parking lanes to avoid oncoming cars.

Once inside the store I found what I was looking for and got out quickly.

I wasn't looking forward to the return walk, but as I crossed between the two mall sections I noticed the wide road behind the northern building and realized I could use it to bypass the parking lot. There was a sign that indicated it was only for commercial traffic (i.e., trucks with merchandise for the stores), but I guessed that there would be no unloading happening on Sunday afternoon and it would be safe to walk back there.

My assumption turned out to be correct. However, the loading dock road eventually dumps out onto the main road and I observed that a fair number of vehicles were ignoring the commercial traffic notification. They were also ignoring several stop signs, but the rubber speed bumps just after each stop sign slowed them down.

When I got to the main road I walked on the sidewalk to the parking lot and back to my car.

Later in the day I talked Hubby Tony into another uncertain activity.

Just to the south of our condos a new subdivision is going up. Right now there's just a street and the beginnings of three houses at the top of a hill. I've been wanting to see the lot layout, and because it was Sunday there was no construction work going on. There weren't any No Trespassing signs, so off we went.

I found out that the subdivision is one winding street with a cul-de-sac at the top. It was interesting to observe the sizes of the new builds and see how they integrated with the neighborhoods on either side. After we saw everything Tony and I walked back down the street and over to our street.

Five weeks ago today: A Cat's Bedtime Prayer

A Beautiful Day For Being Out

Today started out brisk, but by lunchtime I was able to ditch my coat. I knew I wanted to get outside for an adventure. Hubby Tony had a dentist appointment, so I was on my own to do whatever I wanted. I decided to go explore a shopping area that's located in a tony part of town. I drive through the area more than I stop there, but I knew it had a great independent toy store, and I've started the hunt for Christmas presents for the grands. 

The toy store was at the eastern end of the shopping area so I started there. The store wasn't busy and an associate was very helpful, giving me a lot of good ideas I can run by Tony before we decide what we want to gift. I was on my way out of the store when I saw copies of a book I had bought for myself last year called Mary Engelbreit's Little Book of Thanks.

The slim book is filled with quotes about thankfulness as well as the delightful drawings that Mary Engelbreit is known for. I decided to buy one for each of my daughter-in-laws.

The books ended up being my only purchase. However, I had a great time walking up and down the street and browsing in gift shops, charity shops, home decor shops, and clothing boutiques (where I pretended that I could afford outfits that would set me back an entire year's clothing budget). 

When Tony sent me a text that he was leaving the dentist's office I decided to head home too. However, instead of going the most direct way I took a scenic route that took me past large houses on rolling acreage, which extended the adventure.

Five years ago today: TOO Close!

Planning And Pizza

Back in February I completed a survey from St. Louis County 2050, which is charged with developing a comprehensive plan for the county for the next 25 years. The survey asked me what I thought about the current state of the county and how it could be better.

After I submitted my results I promptly forgot about the whole thing. Last week I received an email  inviting me to an open house to review the preliminary recommendations and give feedback. In addition to letting me playing a part in the future of the county, the email also promised a free dinner.

I've never done anything like this before, but it sounded interesting. I asked Hubby Tony if he wanted to go. He did. We put the event that was closest to our house on the calendar.

The open house was tonight, held in the recreation complex of a county park. After signing in at a table in the hall we both got a cup that held eight push pins and a promise that once inside the room someone would explain what those pins were for.

The 'room' was a large open area. There was a table by the door holding a projector playing a slide show of charts and maps that summarized the information from the survey. Easels holding large boards were arranged in a semicircle along the far side. We learned that each board had one category of preliminary recommendations. After reviewing all of them, we were to place a push pin on the eight recommendations that we thought were the most important.

Each board had one or two members of the planning team there to answer questions. They were very knowledgeable and easy to talk with. I walked back and forth between boards several times before deciding which items would get my pins.

Shortly after Tony and I finished they announced that pizza had arrived. We went through the line and also picked up ice cream from the cooler next to the table. After eating we decided we didn't have any other questions and decided it was time to leave. 

The last County comprehensive plan was adopted 40 years ago. The new one is supposed to be unveiled later this year. It will be interesting to see if any of my top priorities made the final document.

On The Road To Health

Yesterday you learned about Pimento the Foster Cat's health issues. I'm thrilled to share that he's on the road to recovery.

Last night shortly before bedtime we heard from the shelter that the emergency clinic was still trying to figure out what was wrong with Pimento. The doctor didn't want to send him home prematurely, but as he was feeling better Hubby Tony and I could stop by the clinic for a visit today.

When we checked in at the clinic reception desk this morning for our visit the associate told us her system indicated Pimento had been discharged and was ready to leave! Twenty minutes later a technician came out from the back with Pimento, his medicine, and paperwork. There was no bill; the shelter paid for everything.

As soon as we walked into the condo Tony opened the carrier. Pimento shot out like a cannon. He skulked around looking for somewhere to hide, and eventually decided the safest place was under the bed. I went out to run some errands. When I got back it was time to give the cat his first doses of medicine.

After prodding Pimento out from under the bed and chasing him around the room Tony managed to grab him. I was ready to shove the two tiny pills and a syringe of liquid antibiotic down Pimento's throat. The procedure didn't go particularly well, but I think Pimento ingested enough to get him through to the next dose.

Tony left for a while, and while I was working on dinner Pimento skulked around again looking for a different safe place. Eventually he gave up, and when Tony returned the cat had settled into his favorite spot on the couch.

A couple of hours later I ran to the grocery store to get some things to accompany tonight's meal. When I returned Tony was sitting on the couch, and the cat was sitting on his lap. Both looked satisfied.

Five years ago today: The Installation Is Free

Thoughts and Prayers, Please

Please send healing thoughts Foster Cat Pimento’s way. He needs them.

Pimento was fine on Friday morning. By 10 pm that night he wouldn't eat, had thrown up some mainly digested food from lunch, and had left nothing in his litter box. (I was out for the evening, and Hubby Tony figured out in retrospect Pimento was probably lethargic starting mid-afternoon).

I contacted the shelter first thing Saturday morning. They called around to their vet partners to see if any could see him. The only option was an emergency clinic, so we took him there. Several hours later we learned that they had 'admitted' him so they could do some more tests today.

We're still waiting to hear what's going on.

Infirm Pimento

Five years ago today: Ready or Not, Here We Snow

The First Rule Of Marketing...

Should be to get your potential customer's name right. I've never met a Kathy (which of course starts with the letter K) with a formal name that starts with the letter C (like this recent 'opportunity' to save on insurance that I received in the mail).

I've never been a Catherine, and never will

And if I was inclined to switch to a new company, based on their level of detail I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be this one.

Five years ago: Virtual Sand Art

I Need Your Help!

My blog is supposed to be set up with two columns, with the posts on the left side and several gadgets ('About Me', 'My Original Blog', 'Blog Archive' 'Followers', 'My Blog List', and copyright information) on the right.

However, about three weeks ago things got wonky, and the left column started to show up underneath the posts. The last time I had this issue I fixed it by changing some HTML code. I've made several updates. Sometimes it looks like things are back to normal, but some times they don't.

If you're so inclined, could you please let me know what you see?

All I Can Do Now Is Wait

Missouri is late to the party when it comes to making voting convenient. The only way to vote absentee by mail is if you:

• Are confined due to illness or physical disability (or care for someone in your house who is)
  
• Expect to be absent on Election Day
• Are an election worker, first responder, or healthcare worker
• Are prevented by religious belief from going to the polls on election day 
• Are incarcerated but haven't lost right to vote
• Are an active-duty military personnel (or a close family members living with them) or a Missouri citizen living outside the U.S

The one time I requested an absentee ballot no one verified my reason, and I suspect quite a few people misrepresent their plans in order to get a ballot.

There is also a two-week period of no excuse in-person absentee voting, but it is usually only at the Board of Election Commissioners office. This year it was expanded to 14 locations in the metropolitan area. This option was so popular some people I know waited at a polling place an hour or more for the privilege of casting their ballot early.

That seemed crazy to me, and I decided that my plan would be to wait until Voting Day when there would be substantially more polling places (and hopefully shorter lines). Because voters can choose any polling place in the county, this morning after a chiropractor appointment I pulled up a wait time tracking website and found that the five locations closest to his office had somewhere between zero and six people in line. I headed towards the most convenient one.

The polling place was in a high school gym. It was well organized, with a line up indicator that wound around two sides of the room. However, there was no one in line and I was able to move immediately to a station. The worker scanned my ID, which told him which ballot I needed. After I had my ballot another worker directed me to a seat.

I pulled out my pre-filled sample ballot and got down to the task. Filling out all the bubbles was the hardest part. In addition to the national and state races, there were a half dozen state amendments/propositions, three county propositions, and two local ones. Including votes for a couple dozen judges that were up for retention, that was a lot of marking! 

After I submitted my ballot I chose a sticker from the selection at the machine. The poll worker thanked me for coming in.

 Five years ago today: Adventures In Selling And Buying

From Peaceful To Disgusted

Last night Hubby Tony said he wasn't feeling well and went to bed early. Because Tony wasn't available, Pimento the Cat deigned to come over to my side of the love seat and cuddle.

Thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time and the early sunset it felt very late, although it was only a little after 9:00. I had the television on for noise, but my attention was mainly on my laptop screen. All of a sudden I heard a strange announcement from the screen. It said that the upcoming commercial was a paid political advertisement that by federal law the network was required to carry, it contained disturbing scenes, and viewer discretion was advised.

Just a few seconds after the ad started I saw a graphic image of an aborted baby. I picked up my laptop and held it in front of my eyes so I couldn't see anything else. All of a sudden the house felt scary. When I went to bed I turned on the lights as I went down the hall.

This morning I did research into the topic. I won't refer to the fringe Presidential candidate ad purchaser by name and increase his web presence, I found out that the vile anti-abortion ad has been running in states that have abortion measures on the ballot. The Federal Communications Commission’s rules say that stations are prohibited from rejecting or censoring political ads paid for and sponsored by legally qualified candidates. All they can do is include the warning statement.

Easiest Overwintering Ever

The first summer Hubby Tony and I lived in our condo I got some flowers in baskets to hang on the deck, but it didn't take me long to realize the orientation of the building wasn't conducive to growing annuals. The deck didn't get enough sun for them to thrive, but got too much sun for shade lovers. My solution was to get a supply of metal flowers, which I display in two large ceramic pots filled with pea gravel.

 When the weather turns cool, instead of pulling up spent plants all I have to do is carry my 'garden' inside. I check the flower stems for rust and bundle them together, then carry everything down to the storage area. Flowers go on the shelf. Pots go on the floor

Happy Halloween!

One of the things I love about my area is the local custom of having some type of "trick" to get a "treat". The trick is usually some type of corny joke or groaner.

Our condo building has a buzzer system to let people in, so there will be no trick or treaters tonight. Instead of getting a new supply of one-liners from them, I had to search the internet for my own.

Why don't ghosts like rain on Halloween? It dampens their spirits.

I bought 75 percent of shares in a vampire hunting business. I'm the main stakeholder.

What kind of medicine do witches use on their warts? I don't know, but it's not working.

What do you call a lost wolf? A where-wolf

What does a panda ghost eat? Bam-BOO!

What do you call a movie about zombies finding true love? A zom-com.

What’s the best thing to put into a pumpkin pie? Your teeth.

Why do vampires love baseball? They turn into bats every night.

Which position do ghosts play in soccer? Ghoul-keeper.

Five years ago: The Lee Family

Weather See-Saw

The weather here has been a little bonkers. The average high for late October is in the mid-60° F range, and the average low in the mid-40° F, but only two out of the last ten days were average. Today when I rolled out of bed it was almost 70° F, and the high was forecast to be 86° F! 

The above-average numbers are doing a number on my mind and body. 

• The weather swings have impacted my sleeping. My body had gotten used to brisk overnight temperature, and last night wasn't. I was too warm with the sheet on but too cool without it. I tossed and turned so much I woke up with a stiff neck and a sore lower back.

• It's hard to figure out what to wear. Sunday was one of the normal temperature days. When I left the house in the morning I wore jeans, a long sleeved shirt, a denim jacket, and a fluffy scarf around my neck. This morning when I left for a yoga class at the gym I wore shorts, a tee, and sandals. Later in the day I had to dig through my clothes to find things I thought I was finished with for the year.
  

• The days are getting shorter, which means the sun is lower in the sky at this time of year, but my brain associates warm weather with the length of the day. In the morning the sun should have been much higher in the sky as I was driving to the gym. At the end of the day it felt like it was getting dark way too early.
  

• After lunch Hubby Tony and I took a walk through the neighborhood across the street, where we admired some impressive fall foliage. A brisk wind kept things feeling cooler than they actually were, but I tried to stay in the shade as much as possible because in the sun it was hot! I came home sweaty enough to change my clothes.

Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 80s again before rain comes through and knocks the temperatures back down to normal. I can't wait.

Dramatic Tragedy

On Friday night Hubby Tony and I went to the Hi-Pointe Theater. From now until Halloween they are celebrating with a "Hauntathon".

 I'm not a fan of blood and gore horror movies, but not everything they're showing fits into that category (as evidenced by the marquee sign for the sold-out showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show). Instead, we saw a classic suspense movie-the original version of The Phantom of the Opera.

I thought I knew the plot of Phantom, but my knowledge is based on the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical. It turns out that the title character in the early version was much more malicious. The story revolves around The Phantom (AKA Erik, a disfigured, masked recluse who lives underneath the Paris Opera House), Christine Daaé, (a young opera singer that he mentors from afar, then kidnaps), and Vicomte Raoul de Chagny (Christine's beau). In his lair Erik professes his love but is spurned. He vows to get revenge on both Christine and Raoul.

Every silent movie has a musical accompaniment. I expected some type of traditional organ or piano. Instead, two musicians at the front of the theater played a moody electronic score, which corresponded perfectly with what was playing on the screen and added to the eerie mood. I was caught up in the plot twists and turns. Even though I was pretty sure I knew how things would end it was still bittersweet when the movie was over.

Signage Of The Times

Here's a selection of political items that have recently caught my eye.

Yes it does! Please do it.

Or Indysplendent, Librarytarian, or Greeny?

Yes! And in my opinion the order is important.

Someone repurposed an old Biden sign into an 'H'.

I think it's for Harris, but why not just get a new sign?

A St. Louis-centered sign with the Gateway Arch in the graphic.

STL is a nickname for the city.

Who needs a elephant or donkey?

The Cocktail Party works for me!

(For what it's worth, I tried really hard to showcase both major political parties. In a month of searching, all I could find were standard-issue Trump signs.)

 

Five years ago today: I Could Be A Barking Bison That Grunts

Helpful Or Weird?

Several months ago I often started seeing Google AI (Artificial Intelligence) Overviews at the top of the screen when I did an internet search.

At first I shunned the summaries, preferring to click on the old reliable hyperlinks. However, I'm starting to see the advantages of an artificially generated summary of information from multiple sources.

To see what the AI engine could do I did a search for 'Google AI Overview' (pretty meta, right?). According to the Overview from that search, a generative AI learns patterns and determines which links to include. It's available for some, but not all, searches.

However, not all of the Overview information is correct, and you should do a fact check if the answer doesn't feel right. For example, in my search the Overview said you had to be signed in to your Google account. That was originally true, but changed back in August.

If you use Google for searching you can't turn off the AI Overview feature, but there are a couple of ways to get around it. One is to use the Web tab at the top of the search results just under the search box. Some browsers may not show the Overviews. Depending on your browser, you can install an extension that blocks the feature.

Did you know about the new Google feature? Have you used it? What do you think about it?

Five years ago today: What The Heck Is Cascara?

Creepy, Comical, and Cute

Otherwise known as a collection of Halloween decorations I've seen in the past few weeks.

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For some reason this skeleton walking its canine skellys across a lawn made me think of Son Donald, who is tall and takes his two small dogs out for a walk every day.

This tall skeleton knows its pet owner etiquette. See the poop in the bag its holding?

Skeletons also like to dress up and celebrate the holiday.

This collection of Halloween inspired painted rocks is cute. (Sorry about the glare on the top one.)

Someone left their foot in Aisle 3.

I wonder how often this dude sitting at a cash register gets mistaken for an actual store associate?

Five years ago: Special Sink

What A Difference One Letter Makes

Today I volunteered to hand out information at a vendor booth during a domestic violence awareness walk.

Last night the booth organizer and I were emailing back and forth about the details. I asked her for the address. She gave me a location. Google Maps recognized the address, but said it was in a completely different part of town.

I did some internet research on the event and found out that the actual address needed to include an S (as in SOUTH). With that information I was able to find it just fine.

(And when I pointed out the discrepancy to the organizer, she apologized for forgetting that detail.)

Was It Something I Said?

I've subscribed to dozens of blogs, which means that every day quite a few posts show up in my feedreader. I go through all of them, and try to comment on as many as I can. More and more of the blogs I visit have enabled comment moderation, so my thoughts aren't visible until they're approved. It makes sense; I've noticed that I'm getting more spam comments, so I'm sure others are too.

I also like to find out if someone has commented on my comment and so will revisit the post a day or two later. In the past few weeks there are a couple of blogs where nothing from me is showing up! I like to think that I leave constructive comments but maybe I'm wrong. Or maybe Blogger is up to its old tricks again and sending things to Spam folders?

Feline Ferrying

The cat shelter Hubby Tony and I foster through has an active Facebook group for volunteers. Last week the office posted that they needed a couple of Kitty Taxis (which is taking a cat a vet appointment and bringing it back to the shelter). One of the times fit our schedule, and I said that we would be happy to do it.

The taxi was this afternoon. When we arrived at the shelter the Operations Manager brought the carrier up from the building's Isolation room in the basement. The carrier held David, a sweet orange tabby who didn't look happy to be there.

The shelter prioritizes cats with special needs, and our passenger today certainly qualified. He had recently arrived from another location after his front leg had been amputated. Today's visit was the first one with the shelter's partner vet, who would do a physical exam, take out the staples from the surgery, and put in a microchip.

This is our second time ferrying a cat to this vet. Both the front desk and the medical staff are friendly and professional. After an initial consultation in the examination room the technician took David into the treatment area. Fifteen minutes later he was back, and happy to return to his carrier. The trip back to the shelter was uneventful. 

When David gets a clean bill of health he will get to go to a foster house, and (fingers crossed) eventually to a forever home. He deserves it.

Five years ago today: He Done Her Wrong

Serving Supper For A Slew

Last year Hubby Tony and I headed up the kitchen at our church's Sausage Supper. When it was finished the chair asked us if we would consider doing the job again this year with an eye to finding and mentoring someone to take the job over in 2025. We agreed.

There were multiple planning meetings over the summer and early fall, and the event was yesterday. Some things (like the menu) were the same. Some things were quite different. The biggest change was the assistance of a new church employee. He's the head janitor, but also a caterer with years of experience who operates out of the school kitchen. Early on Tony and I met with him and got some great ideas for simplifying the cooking process. Based on our conversation I typed up recipes, and made copies to tape to a shelf over the kitchen countertop.

Last year our kitchen crew prepared the sauerkraut and green beans. A group of volunteers grilled the sausage. The chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy were outsourced to a restaurant. Over the course of the 2023 event there were some issues keeping the serving trays filled with outsourced dishes, so this year we cooked the mashed potatoes and gravy in house.

There was nothing gourmet or fancy about the food. The sauerkraut and green beans came from a can. The potatoes and gravy started off dried, but each dish was enhanced with extra ingredients. We heard several compliments from diners, and no complaints.

The final numbers won't come in for a couple of weeks, but it will be interesting to see how many people ate. The caterer did all the purchasing, so I don't know how many commercial sized cans and containers we went through, but we cooked more than last year when we used 56 cans of green beans and 27 cans of sauerkraut.

And most interestingly, one of the kitchen workers indicated he might be interested in heading up the kitchen team next year. If he commits, Tony and I will take a step back and act as consultants.

Five years ago: Come See It!

What A Difference A Little Nature Makes

It takes me a while to get going in the morning (ideally, at least an hour at the kitchen table for breakfast/reading the newspaper/checking in on email, social media, and blogs) but after that I find the AM hours are the most productive. After lunch I lose my drive.

Today a fellowship member needed some supplies that I had. She lives an hour west of my house so we arranged to meet halfway. However, when she threw out a meeting time of 3:30 pm I was annoyed; that's right in the middle of my least productive part of the day. However, she really needed the supplies so I agreed.

My route to the meeting location took me west on Interstate 44. Because I'm never out at that time I didn't realize that it was the beginning of rush hour traffic. Another annoyance. Traffic going eastbound was gridlocked for several miles, and decided I would not go home that way.

I gritted my teeth as I navigated around multiple semi trucks and a pickup that was weaving in and out of traffic. The first four miles going west on 44 is lined with development, but all of a sudden you enter the Forest 44 Corridor and there is a dramatic change in the scenery, with rolling hills lined with heavy greenery and no development. That change completely changed my attitude.

Continuing several miles down the highway I passed over the Meramec River, which is straddled by the former city of Times Beach (the site of a major environmental disaster and now a state park). No development here!

In two more miles I was at Eureka and exited the interstate. 

My destination was a strip mall just off the highway. The acquaintance was waiting for me, the supply hand off only took a few minutes, and then it was time to start home.

I had made the decision not to get back on the highway. Fortunately I knew the area well enough to take surface streets-first going north and then east. The trip ended up being just what I needed. The first half consisted of two lane roads that wound up, down, and around the rolling hills. Even though there was very little traffic I didn't feel safe stopping for a photo, it was very similar to this:

Pxhere

After a turn that took me down a subdivision-lined street, the next portion of the drive skirted the perimeter of a state park. Once again there was nature to the right and left of me. I was bummed when the park ended, because the next two turns were onto heavily traveled, four lane roads. Instead of looking at the wonders of nature around me I had to concentrate on the traffic.

Five years ago today: Polite, Pleasant, Personable

Weight Walking

This week I crossed getting a screening mammogram and a bone density scan off my list of things to do. The tests were back-to-back, and the technician told me I would get the results quickly. She was right; before the end of the day the information was in my patient portal.

The mammogram was normal. The bone density showed that my bones needed some improvement. I was sad but not surprised; I'm Caucasian, female, old-ish, with a thin build - all risk factors for osteoporosis. The best way to improve bone strength is with weight bearing exercises. However, when I try to do any type of weights at the gym my left shoulder lets me know that's not a good idea. Time to find a different solution.

I don't know about you, but my mind remembers things and spits them back at random times. Weeks ago I read an article about rucking, which is the act of walking while carrying a weighted backpack. I suspected that would help build bones, and an internet search confirmed my suspicion. I also found out that a good starting point for rucking would be 3-5% of my body weight for either one mile or 20 minutes, whichever is shorter.

I dug around in the coat closet and found a backpack. I dug around in Hubby Tony's pile of hand weights and put an appropriate-sized one in the backpack. Then we went for a walk. The weight on my back was obvious but not particularly pronounced. It was easy to carry, even up the hills.

My friend Google said I should aim to ruck two or three times a week and eventually increase my weight or walking speed. I suppose doing both wouldn't hurt either.

Five years ago today: Flip Flops Lost And Found

Please Do Your Research Before Sharing!

Several Facebook friends have shared this. However, mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can create peracetic acid, which is toxic.

No one takes the time to figure out if things are true or false before the pass them on.

AARGH!

Five years ago today: "I'm Ready For My Closeup, Mr. DeMille"

My Bad

The local district of a fellowship I belong to puts together a page-a-day calendar as a fundraiser.

The orders are placed online. I volunteered to coordinate the order distribution. That means I pick up the calendars at the printer, print out the invoice, and put the orders into an appropriate size bag/mailing envelope/box. The local orders get picked up, and the others are mailed.

Since the beginning of September I have fulfilled dozens of orders with only one problem. It was a doozie.

The errant order was for both shipped and local calendars. When I was packaging them I flip-flopped the numbers, and instead of mailing one I mailed ten! I didn't realized my mistake until the woman who was picking up the local order contacted me to ask why there was only one small package instead of the larger one she was expecting. I was embarrassed, but the woman was considerate about my faux pas.

Ultimately, she took the correct number of calendars from my inventory, and asked her out-of-town friend to refuse the large package so it would come back to me. I put the friend's mailing information on the singleton package and sent it on its way.

Today the postal carrier dropped off the incorrectly mailed package, which looked like it had been through a lot. The plastic envelope had ripped, so the Post Office placed everything in a Damaged Mail plastic bag and used quite a bit of tape to close everything up. When I took the calendars out of the packaging I noticed that a couple had come apart at the top where they were glued together, but I think that can be fixed.

I can guarantee I won't make the same mistake a second time!

Five years ago: Just Me, Myself, And I

Cosmopolitan Caffeine

I don't know who is in charge of coming up with 'days', but it seems like they could coordinate better. Sunday was National Coffee Day. Today is International Coffee Day

The day was very well publicized. My morning cup of coffee hadn't even kicked in when I saw this comic in the newspaper. After finishing the paper I moved over to my email, where Starbucks touted their commitment to "farmers, roasters and baristas who work relentlessly to craft the perfect cup". My next stop was Facebook, where the Nathaniel Reed Bakery invited me to come celebrate the day with them. When I shared the information with Hubby Tony he thought that was a great idea.

We combined our trip to the bakery with some other errands. It was a beautiful day, so after the last stop we left the car and walked the rest of the way. Earlier in the day Tony had wondered out loud what the most popular coffee drink was. I asked my friend Google, who suggested an article called "The Most Popular Coffee Drinks: Comparing Data for Countries Worldwide" on the Coffeeness website. In the interest of international affairs, instead of getting a cup of black coffee we both ordered a cappuccino (which is the most popular coffee drink in 24 countries).

It didn't take long for the associate to have our drinks ready. I enjoyed the perfect combination of espresso and steamed milk with a thick layer of milk form on top, and thanks to the caffeine I was extra energetic on the walk back to the car.

Caffeine Café

Last week I was leafing through the flyer at one of the local grocery stores last week and found out that National Coffee Day was September 29th. I quickly texted the information to Hubby Tony, and we agreed we would have to do something to commemorate the  day.

Boynton

This weekend Tony and I attended a fellowship convention at a resort halfway across the state. It was a lovely event. This morning we checked out of the hotel before today's events started, so as soon as things wrapped up we said our goodbyes and hit the road.

Halfway home I was ready for my afternoon cup of coffee. Tony researched the options at the next exit...two gas stations and a local bakery/deli. Guess which one we chose?

The bakery was getting ready to close for the day, so the associate let us fill our large travel mugs for the price of a small. We also purchased a large homemade chocolate cookie to share. Between the caffeine, chocolate, and sugar I had enough energy for the rest of the drive.

Five years ago today: WHY Is It So Hot?

Masking Up And Moving On

My recent retreat ended on Sunday. On Monday the director sent an email to the team members reminding us about a wrap-up meeting on Thursday night.

The first two responses came quickly--an enthusiastic "I'll be there!" and "Sorry, but I'll be out of town visiting family." The third response was two hours later, and said "Sorry, but I tested positive for COVID". After that, between Monday and Wednesday three other women reported they were also positive.

(For some reason, the past two years the women's fall retreat has turned into a super-spreader event. The men's spring version of the same retreat has had no problems. It's not fair.)

I have had no symptoms. If I had contracted COVID from the retreat, the last day it could have happened was Sunday, so according to CDC guidelines that is my Day 0. Today is Day 5. Following the same guidelines, as long as I am symptom-free I can go about my business as long as I wear a mask in large groups.

Hubby Tony and I are scheduled to attend a fellowship convention this weekend. 

 I waffled over the Thursday wrap-up meeting. Should go and be around others who might be asymptomatic for the virus (and maybe start my clock over again) or stay home in respect for the weekend people?

Thursday morning a team member sent a message that she was not attending the wrap-up, because she going out of town soon and avoiding large crowds. That gave me permission to do the same. I responded to the group with my regrets.

This morning my suitcase includes masks and COVID tests. Just in case. It's a new world.

Love, Wealth, and Success

Rawpixel

 

 

 A woman saw three old men sitting outside her house for a long time. The woman went outside and said, "I don't know you, but I saw you sitting here. You must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."

One of them asked, "Is the man of the house at home?"

She replied, "No."

"Then we cannot come in." said the men.

The woman went inside. When her husband came home she told him all that had happened. He told his wife to go and ask those men to come in and have some food.

She went out and told them, "My husband is home. He is inviting you to come inside and have some food with us."

They replied, "We do not go inside a house together."

When she asked why, one of the old men pointed to one of his friends and said, "His name is Wealth. If he goes with you, your home will be filled with wealth always." Then pointing to the second old man he said, "He is Success. If he goes with you, you will always be successful in any endeavor you start." He then introduced himself as Love, and said "If I go with you, then your home will always be filled with love."

Then Love told the woman to go in and discuss with her husband which one of them they wanted in their home.

Her husband was overjoyed hearing about the men and said, "Let’s invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth."

His wife disagreed and said, "Why don’t we invite Success?"

Their daughter was listening to them and suggested, "Wouldn’t it be better if we invite Love in our home? Then our home will be filled with love forever." Her parents agreed.

The woman again went out and said, "Love, please come in and be our guest."

Love got up and started walking toward the house. Just then the other two also got up and started following him.

The woman asked, "You said you cannot all can come together. I invited only Love. Why are you all coming in?"

The old men replied, "If you had invited Wealth or Success then the other two would have stayed outside, but since you invite Love, wherever he goes, we go with him."

Wherever there is Love, Wealth and Success will follow."

~~Author unknown~~  

Five years ago: Childhood Clutter Clearing

"Combat Con Artists Of World War II"

Hubby Tony and I belong to the Missouri Historical Society. One of their locations is the Soldier's Memorial in downtown St. Louis. Today we went there for the opening of their latest exhibit, entitled "Ghost Army-The Combat Con Artists of World War II".

The Memorial's website described the exhibit, which came from the National World War II Museum, as:

Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II explores the story of the US Army’s 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, a top-secret unit who waged war with inflatable tanks and vehicles, fake radio traffic, sound effects, and even phony generals. This carefully selected group of artists, engineers, professional soldiers, and draftees—armed with nothing heavier than .50 caliber machine guns—saved thousands of lives and played an important part in Allied victory in World War II.

There is no free parking around the museum, but several blocks of on-street spots were reserved for attendees. Tony and I got there early and walked around downtown until it was time to go in. The event started with opening remarks in the auditorium, including from the daughter of one of the Ghost Army members who had St. Louis connections

After the remarks there were three options to choose from. We could go immediately to the exhibit on the basement level, stay in the auditorium and watch a PBS documentary from 2013 called The Ghost Army, or go down to the hall and partake of the complimentary breakfast. We chose the last option, which was a nice buffet that included an egg casserole, pancakes, fried potatoes, bacon, sausage patties, and fresh fruit. 

We took seats at one of the large round tables, and were soon joined by others. After we finished eating we walked back to the auditorium, and joined the video in progress. It moved back and forth between interviews with Ghost Army members and historical perspectives. I learned that the unit operated all over Europe, and used four tactics to confuse the Nazis:

• Visual deception (inflatable tanks, jeeps, airplanes, trucks, and cannons to create the illusion of camps, airfields, and formations)
• Sonic deception (sound projection to produce noises intended to mislead the enemy)
• Radio deception (impersonating Morse Code radio operators from real units)
• Atmosphere (using insignia of actual units to make the enemy think the unit was there)
  

Information about the Ghost Army was classified until 1996. In 2022 members were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

After the video Tony and I went down to the actual exhibit, which had written, audio, and three-dimension components. There were quite a few docents to answer questions and provide additional information. 

The exhibit will be there until the middle of January. If you're in the local area you should really think about going.

Unit insignia sticker

Five years ago: Adventures In Flexibility