FARM FREEZE UPDATE

So, we went to the farm to check things out.

This was last week, it got to a low of 16 at the farm.  This was at 6:33am but I capture this because the "feels like' was 1 degree.  ONE!  Now, we realize that there are plenty of areas in the country that are well below zero for actual temps, but down here in these parts, for us to even feel like it's 1 is highly unusual.

Temps in the teens have definitely turned the grass into normal Winter grass.  I'm OK with that.  No mowing anytime soon.  Speaking of, almost time to send the Zen Machine II off for his annual spa day, ha.

But alas...

...there was a pipe casualty.  Sigh.  This one burst and split.  The water to the house is turned off, but the house is so old and has been patched so many times, we're not sure where the water is coming from, ha.  The only active water to the house is supposed to be the one that runs to the front water faucet.  But wherever, I was able to crawl under the house and patch this. I basically just sealed it off.  There is a small drip now but we can live with that.  It won't be long before we don't have to worry about it.

 

The truck started right up!  Didn't even hesitate.  It's been sitting un-driven for a week, parked outside in the mid teens...meanwhile, my car that was driven just two days before the freeze, and in a parking garage where it didn't freeze, needed a new battery, ha.

I popped the hood on the truck to see what kind of battery it had (the previous owner had replaced it before we bought it) and it's a Duracell.  We didn't even know they made car batteries but hey, this was a great test and it passed!

The plants we took inside enjoyed their respite from the cold and looked great.  We took them all back outside onto the porch and gave them a good drink of water.

We're hoping the fruit trees/bushes survived, they are all hearty down to single digits so fingers crossed there.  Well, except for the fig...not sure if it will come back but we shall see here in a couple of months.

Now we are expecting flooding rains all week.

Never a dull moment in the Houston area!

 

GOOD FOOD AND HOBART SUNDAY

2nd Man continues helping us eat healthy.

Here is a recent breakfast.  He made whole wheat waffles, no butter, a little pure maple syrup, some sliced bananas on the side and two slices of turkey bacon.  We found the Trader Joe's turkey bacon has the lowest calories and has ZERO fat.  Also lowest in sodium compared to other brands.  We still limit ourselves to once or twice a week but still only two slices each.  We really like it and it gives us our bacon fix when we need it.

Hobart has managed the cold blast as best as he can,  by making sure we cover him up and keep him warm!  Because...

#notspoiled

DEAD BATTERY

So this week has been crazy with the cold and on Wednesday, when the roads were no longer icy, we all had to head back into the office.  I went out to my car to start it...DEAD.  So I popped the hood, used my Halo portable jumpstarter and it took about four attempts to get it started.  I hopped in and started to work.  Drove about 3 blocks down the road and everything in the car went dark and it died.

In the middle of the road.

In rush hour.

My heart rate may have gotten a bit elevated, ha.

I hopped out, used the jumpstarter and once again, it took about four attempts before it started.  I figured three blocks from home would get me three blocks BACK so I turned around and made it back to the parking garage.  I left it parked and running while I came in and made some calls.  

As one might imagine, places around town were crazy busy but just down the road was an NTB.  I headed over and got in right away.

I waited about 30 minutes, they tested it and two dead cells.  A couple hundred dollars later, I left with a new battery and a warning to keep an eye on my alternator.  My dashboard display has an option that shows battery voltage.  It was 13.7 when I left, 13.9 when I got to work, 14.2 when I got home and yesterday it topped out at 14.5 which is normal.  I guess that means the alternator is working and doing what it's supposed to do, but I probably should still have it checked just to make sure.

2nd Man's car is rarely driven since he works from home 100% of the time so we're guessing his battery will be dead and/or need to be replaced as well.  We haven't even tried to start it yet.

It's always best to expect the unexpected, ha.

Yesterday was my FIRST full day in the office since my heart attack on 12/8.  It seems like a lifetime ago.  In a sense, I guess it was...a new lifetime now.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

Have worked from home the last couple of days...

And for good reason.  Our roads froze over everywhere.

Here is the traffic map when we woke up this morning.  Ice on just about every roadway in town.  So everyone pretty much stayed home.

More healthy soup to keep us warm...chicken, mushrooms, carrots and lots of healthy, dark, greens.

Warm fuzzy socks on...

...and our wonderful Berkshire velvet soft fuzzy sheets on the bed.

OMG...best. sleep. always.

PREPS FOR THE BIG FREEZE DONE

Saturday was an absolutely beautiful day, before the bottom fell out yesterday and today.

2nd Man had a last minute work meeting online and were it not for needing to prep for the arctic freeze, I would have skipped.  Certainly no mowing this time of year, as you can see above.

But 2nd Family offered to come help so I went on out and we got things prepped.

We left the lights hung up under the house last year so I'm grateful that was not needed.  We did have one that was burned out, thankfully it was near the edge of the house and I could change it easily.  All we had to do was plug them in, one in an outlet on the back of the house and the other on the front porch.

Also got the clamp on lamps in the bathroom (away from anything flammable) and pointed them at the water heater/under the sink.  The bathroom is small, and with both doors closed, it gets nice and warm.

Under that random box (thank goodness for downstairs recycling area) is the pipe and faucet that comes up from the main valve (which is shut off).  It was wrapped with a towel, bubble wrap, a piece of foam over the faucet and another smaller cardboard box with this one over it all and weighted down.  Not the most attractive look but hey, it worked last year.

  

"J" helped me carry the plants in (I got the small ones she got the heavy ones) and we put them in the kitchen and a few in the utility room.  We turned on the two oil filled radiator heaters and all was done.

When I got back into town, 2nd Man had two loaves of whole wheat multigrain bread baking in the oven (he was great and multitasking, ha.  It smelled wonderful and tasted equally amazing.

Now we cross our fingers and wait.

And pay the high electric bill when it comes in, ha. 

Stay warm and safe.  It seems most of the country is in the midst of crazy cold and dangerous weather.

GOOD HEALTHY FOOD AND HOBART SUNDAY

Time for some good food and of course, some Hobart on this cold Sunday!

We're eating a lot of salads, with almost every meal.  This one is arugula, with some shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and sunflower seeds.  Then, 2nd Man made a vinaigrette with balsamic and olive oil, just a couple teaspoons over each. 

Arugula is a heart superfood.  This cheese is recommended, in moderation, and we use paper thin shavings that give us all the flavor with minimal addition.  The sunflower seeds are raw and unsalted.  Lastly, balsamic vinegar and olive oil are also considered superfoods for the heart and lowering cholesterol.

Boom, healthy salad!

Pork chops and lentils.

Chops are lean, thin, pan seared in just a tsp or two of oil, sometimes olive oil, sometimes avocado oil, to keep them from sticking and add some color.  NO salt at all, just pepper and other spices from the cabinet as the sides may dictate.  For the side on this meal, 2nd Man made lentils with garbanzo beans, again no salt, and he used turmeric and some curry.  Is that sour cream?  NOPE!  It's Greek yogurt.  Zero fat and very minimal sodium.  Oh my, so good!

And Hobart continues sleeping next to me on the couch just to keep an eye on me I suppose.  Plus I have to reach over occasionally and pet him.  Because...

#notspoiled

HARD FREEZE COMING

 Welp, here we go again...

An arctic blast is heading this way and will be here Sunday morning.  Lows are going to be extreme (for us and for most of Texas).

We're getting into the teens by Tuesday.

Yikes!

We had hoped to not have to deal with this one more Winter (plants and pipes) but here we are.

As this posts, we are headed to the farm to make preparations.  We left the lights up under the house that I put in last year near the pipes so all we need to do is plug them in.  We do have extra bulbs in case any are burned out.  Then, we will bring all our sensitive porch plants into the kitchen (again, like last year) and turn the heaters on in there and in the mudroom to keep the pipes warm and, of course, the plants alive.

Now...let's hope the Texas power grid stands up to the huge demand that will be placed on it...

HARRY AND DAVID PEARS OH MY

One of the things I got during my recovery was a box of Harry and David's pears and apples.

We had never had them, of course, we have heard of Harry and David's for years.

Let me tell you...we have NEVER had a pear as good as these.  The apples were great too but the pears...

One of the pears in their gift box is always wrapped in gold foil.  It's not any different from the others, just makes one special.  I told 2nd Man that was for the sick person (it's not, ha).

They were SO good.  Turns out the variety they use exclusively are called "Comice Pear".  Now they have rebranded them since they have their own orchards and they call them "Royal Riviera".  Comice pears were first propagated in France in 1856 and were once called the "Fruit of the Kings" because they were a favorite with royalty.  We can see why.

So sweet and smooth and buttery, you can literally just eat them with a spoon.  Wish we could grow THOSE here in these parts.  But alas, we'll have to stick with our old "southern homestead pears" that grow down here in our heat and humidity.

FARM VISIT AND ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY

We went to the farm Saturday to check things out.  I drove all the way out there and back with 2nd Man as my copilot and did great, no problem at all.   It's been over a month since I was last out there and thankfully, it was all good.  "J" from 2nd Family had been watering the porch plants (the avocados, bananas, goji berry, etc) and they were all doing great.

I was hoping the grass hadn't grown since it's Winter and sure enough, it looks about like the last time I mowed it.  We've also had regular rains this Winter and so the fruit tree area is happy.  Of course, they are pretty much dormant now, waiting for Spring!

It was blue skies and an absolutely GORGEOUS day.  I watered the plants on the porch and we took some stuff to the barn/shed.  I also drove Bill the truck since it hadn't been started in weeks.  He kicked right in and started up and I drove around the area for a total of about 10 miles so all is good there.

We just sat on the porch for a while and enjoyed the view and discussed life and how blessed we are.  We also talked about the future and plans, more on that soon (no worries, all good news, ha).

It was one month ago today that I was in critical condition and in ICU following my heart attack and stents.  Wow.  Today as this posts, I'm back in the office, 1/2 day in and 1/2 day work from home this week as the doctor said he wants me to be close to the bed/couch should I need to rest.  Next week will be full time back in the office.

I'm also now wearing my "new bling", ha.  I deleted some info from the photo, phone numbers, names, etc, but you can see what else it says.  It's peace of mind as EMT's need to know about the stents, other info and who to contact I.C.E. (in case of emergency).

Life is good!

GOOD HEALTHY FOOD AND HOBART SUNDAY

2nd Man has been tweaking our normal meals and making them healthier.  Low to no salt, but using so many wonderful spices and seasonings, we don't miss it.  So the other day, he made some vegetable and chicken soup.

Diced up chicken breast (we roast our own, no oil, skinless, no salt, just other seasonings) and then lots of vegetables; mushrooms, onions, carrots, parsley, spinach, and green onions....

Cooked all together with water and low sodium chicken bouillon (the only actual sodium in the entire pot and then it's very little) and an hour later...

We enjoyed a nice bowl of healthy chicken and vegetable soup.  He is also now regularly making loaves of whole wheat bread and multigrain bread so that we control the ingredients.  Low sodium and avocado oil instead of butter.  So good!

For dessert, sliced bananas (super good for the heart) with a sprinkling of sugar and then lime juice and zest over the top of that.  It might sound weird but it is a WONDERFUL combination of flavors.

Of course, here is Hobart...sleeping on the couch next to me, super comfortable, using the couch cushion as his pillow.  Because...

#notspoiled

OFF TO CHECK THE FARM AND A CARTOON FUNNY

As this posts, we are both going to the farm for the first time in a month (!) to check on things.  2nd Family has been watering the porch plants and we've had plenty of rain for the yard/fruit trees.

I'm HOPING the grass isn't 3 feet tall. I doubt it is because we've had some 30's temps so it should be stunted for the Winter. Looking back through my mower app, at least as far back as it goes to 2017 when I got the app, I've never mowed before early March (unless it was to "clear dead brush").

Then we're stopping at the grocery store on the way back.  More healthy food!

Got this get well card and thought it was so funny (especially if you've ever been around cats) and we should share the laugh!

Hope you have a great start to the weekend!

HEART HEALTH UPDATE

Heart update:

He said when they called him, I was listed in "critical condition" with a 99% blockage in the one they call the "widow maker".  But now...

Numbers are all where they should be.

Blood pressure has been normal every day. 

No diabetes.

Cholesterol normal.

My "ejection fraction" is 55% (saw that I should ask about that).  I said "is that good?"  He said "no, that is excellent!"

He took me off of one medication too, but he said I'm genetically predisposed to this so Plavix will be for life.

I asked about damage to the heart and he said they will do an ultrasound in three months to check that as part of a more extensive checkup with EKG and a full blood panel.

Starting exercise in building gym, treadmill, one mile a day, increase 1/2 mile every week but no incline at this time and avoid stairs for another four weeks.

1st Man 2.0

SURPRISE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Today, as this posts, will be my first cardiologist followup to see how I am doing.  I feel great, I just hope that the "inside" is doing as good as I feel on the outside. 

Before we get too far removed from the Christmas holidays, we wanted to share this.  We received a surprise gift from a dear friend...

...delivered by Santa himself of course!

This WONDERFUL red barn ornament for our future farm themed tree.  CLICK HERE if you missed the post.

It's amazing!  So cute and best of all, has the farm name and this year's date.  It will have a place of honor on the tree, starting next Christmas!

And then we got these from another friend who said now that I was home from the hospital, we needed to keep our feet warm.  They are fleece lined and have little silicone gripper spots on the bottom.  They are WONDERFULLY warm and comfy cozy!

I told 2nd Man we might need a whole bunch of these at the farm for Winter.

Funny side note, the hospital gave me a pair of warm socks with grippers of course, but she brought them and said "I didn't know what size you needed so I got these..." they were 4X.  I mean, do my feet look like they belong on someone 7' tall?  Ha.  They kept my feet warm in bed in the hospital, but were useless trying to walk around in them, ha.

MEDICAL ID TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR 2024

On the advice of my doctor, we ordered a couple of things that I will need to keep with me.

One is this pendant.  I can always have it on in case I miss the bracelet and it is to let an EMT or hospital ER know that I'm a prior heart attack patient and have stents.  The back will say that I'm on blood thinners as well as "in case of emergency" info.

Then 2nd Man ordered this for me.  It is filled in with my name, heart issues, stents, blood thinners and I'll have my blood type on there as well as 2nd Man's contact info in case of emergency.

It's a whole new world to learn.  I even have a card that I must carry in my wallet behind my drivers license (that's where EMT's will look for it) that shows the type of stents I have and their location.

Not the way I thought I'd ring in 2024 but, hey, I'm here and that's all that matters!

Here's to a healthy and happy New Year for all of us!