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Borrego Springs, CA

Friday, December 27, 2013

An expensive afternoon

Along about 5:00 this morning, Emma started pacing around and woke me up.  In the six years she’s been with me, she’s only done this a couple of times so I knew I’d better stagger out of bed to take her out.  I just slipped on my Crocs and grabbed a sweatshirt, but I was too late.  She had an accident on the carpet.  I took her out anyway, and she needed it.  I sure wish dogs could have their accidents on the tile rather than the carpet.

Anyway, it turned out to be a dreary chilly overcast day, so I decided not to work.  I had a list of two things to accomplish at home today.  One was the dreaded vacuuming, and the other was to check my pressure regulator on my water hose.  The last day or so, the water pressure at the rig inside faucets has been dwindling.

Since I’m  close to being a professional procrastinator, I didn’t immediately jump to these two tasks.  After all, I had to read blogs and comments and such first.  I appreciate the concern that many of you have expressed about my shoulder.  I want you to know that I have been doing PT exercises all along and am only babying my shoulder as far as reaching overhead until a week from next Monday.  I certainly don’t want my shoulder to freeze up.

Early this afternoon, fellow volunteers Bob and Terry returned from their holiday visit with relatives, and Bob soon was knocking on my door.  It seems their water pressure is next to nothing also.  I tried calling a refuge staff member about our problems, but of course very few staff are working until the new year begins.  They have to use up their vacation days by the end of the year or lose them.  It’s a rather common occurrence at many refuges at this time of year.  So, who knows when this will get looked into.

As far as the vacuuming is concerned, I did my best to clean up the area on the rug with a spray I have for pet stains and odors.  Of course, that means a wet carpet, so I’ve decided it would be foolish to vacuum until the carpet is dry.  Perhaps tomorrow?  I told you I was a good procrastinator.

That brought me to late this afternoon, and I got thinking about Janna’s comment about the Zoomba robot vacuum cleaner.  It’s hard for me to get my mind around a robot vacuuming my rig, but I finally decided that you can’t take your money with you, so I bit the bullet and ordered one.  It had been lurking in the back of my mind especially since my shoulder problem, and the decision reminded me of one made over 40 years ago. 

My younger brother Kurt (Nurse Ratchet) was back from serving in Vietnam and selling Rainbow-Air Vacuum Cleaners.  Though it was very expensive for a new couple starting out, we purchased one from him and I really never regretted it.  I hope it gave him a little commission, and it served me well for many years.  I hope the Zoomba will do the same.

I don’t often get in a shopping mood, but today seemed to be the day.  After ordering the Zoomba, I looked online for some socks.  In June of 2011, I went to a Navy Commissary with my daughter Robyn and purchased some Thorlo walking socks.  They have been the best socks I’ve ever worn, but the tops are getting rather fagged out and falling down to my ankles.  They’re not cheap either, and between the two purchases, I may have to start thinking about getting a job!  Surprised smile

Several readers asked about a recipe for the raisin gravy I made for Christmas.  So, here it is.  I score the ham and put whole cloves into the cross sections of the scoring.  I then pat several handfuls of brown sugar on the outside of the ham.  Put the ham on a rack in the pan, put a cup or two of water under the rack, cover it all with tin foil and bake at 325*.  About an hour before the ham is done, toss in two good handfuls of raisins into the drippings.  After removing the ham, stir in some cornstarch to make the gravy and there you go.  Easy-Peasy! 

I’m off for two days of working the hunter check station this weekend.  I guess I’ve kind of rambled on tonight.  Oh well, that’s the way it is for me…

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

32 comments:

  1. I had frozen shoulder years ago. It was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced. It would bring me to tears, it hurt so bad sometimes. I have a couple cortisone shots, which helped a wee bit. I actually ended up in physio for 6 months and that's what finally fixed it. I hope yours doesn't ever get that bad.

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  2. I love to shop online but don't do much of it anymore. Be sure and let us know how the Roomba works out - I'd love to have one if it really does the job. Hope Emma doesn't get spooked by it.

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  3. I'm glad you are going to try out the Roomba. After your review, I may have to think about one. We just have so little carpet in the fiver. But then again, all those toy lints drive me crazy. And the girls can't hate it any more than they hate the vacuum.

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  4. Can't wait for a report on the Zoomba! Sounds great...

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  5. As a fellow professional procrastinator, I salute you!! Well done! Wish I could be as helpful as many of your commenters and mine. Speaking of which, I'm glad to see google has decided to allow me to be on your blog roll again. Not sure what I did to deserve their reprieve.

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  6. Slacker! What's next, a robot to empty your holding tanks? Hmm, maybe I should invent that... :cD

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    1. Hey, if you invent that, I will be first in line to purchase one....

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  7. Judy I bought 3 pairs of Thorlo socks about 12-13 years ago and you you know...... I just threw a way one pair, the next pair are thread bare around the toes and will soon be on there way out. They were the best socks I ever had!!!

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  8. Thorlos are the only socks I wear. Every November they have a sale where you get a free pair for every 3 pair you buy. As much as I love them, I do not get the wear out of them that some people do.

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  9. My wife Marcia has MS, and has used a Roomba (which is what I think you meant) for many years. We brought it along in our motorhome for this year's travels, and it does a good job, a real good job. When we are moving, I put it upside down in the storage under the couch. Her original one broke a few months ago, and was way out of being under warranty....but for $200 they replaced it...which is half the normal cost. We love the Roomba, I think you will too. --Dave (GoingRvWay.com)

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  10. My friend had the Roomba and he loved it. Fred didn't know what to make of it but it really didn't bother him much. Hope you like it.

    As far as the procrastination thing my friends bought me a sign , I thought about being a professional procrastinator but never got around to it.

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  11. I am anxious to hear about your Roomba or Zoomba..whatever. I am sure Emma will be entertained:)

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  12. OK, it seems that you are going to do a roomba with a zoomba, but my question is, does it get in the corners and along the edges? Yes, yes, I know, I am OCD. I sure hope it works out for you Judy.

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  13. Let us know how that robot works I am I am thinking we need one.

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  14. I agree with the above comments... Thorlo socks are the best... (although I do like SmartWool) and last a LONG time. I think I bought the last ones at REI.....

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  15. I learned about and wore Thorlo socks with my running shoes - for years and years. Now I still love them and haven't run for quite a while. They're the BEST. I'm catching up on blogs reading from recent first; so I don't know all about your shoulder, but no matter what it is, it's a drag to have any kind of joint-type pain. Hope it's better soon; it's pretty difficult to deal with living without both shoulders working. I'll be looking forward to reports on robot vacuum efficiency. As for the procrastination, let's both collect data - maybe we can help one another out!

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  16. I too love Thorlo and Smart Wool socks although lately Costco has been carrying some really nice wool socks at about a third the price--so that's what my feet have been sporting lately. In reply to Nan's comment, yes, the Roomba does get in the corners, she has this little rotating brush which flips the dirt out of corners.

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  17. Our daughter has a Zoomba and loves it!

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  18. Hope the water pressure gets figured out before the first of the year ..or later...when everyone comes back to work. Glad you're doing PT on the shoulder...and thank you for the raisin gravy! :) Happy New Year!!!

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  19. Just a comment about really good socks...Bicycling socks are great, and don't twist, or ride up or down or etc, and last a long time also!

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  20. Roomba or Zoomba I can envision Emma on the attack, best you hook her out or introduce her slowly to the new vac. This would be a great thing for cats.

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  21. I totally get procrastination :) Have spent the last few days looking at my carpet wondering if it needed a vacuum too! LOL
    My friend has a Zoomba and she loves it. Take lots of photos of it when you get it!

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  22. I cannot believe I am writing about socks, but I do, in fact have a favorite. They are Bare Foot brand made in IN. They are really well made and you can even order them in volume with your own design on them for free in you are so inclined. We did a factory tour a few years ago, they are real easy on the feet:)

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  23. I just checked Amazon for zoomba ... what a todo. they aren't cheap f'sure... but I HATE vacuuming ... anxious to read your review~ don't wear socks ~ Hahaa, Jo .. "I thought about being a professional procrastinator but never got around to it."

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  24. Roomba, socks! What's a guy to do. Procrastinate.

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  25. Looking forward to seeing how the robot vacuum works out.

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  26. OKEY, for my two cents worth ...... THE ROOMBA IS A TERRIFIC ITEM ......YES, IT DOES CORNERS AND EDGES !!!! My brothers gave me one two Years ago at Christmas ....and with my Golden Retreiver, DUKE it was wonderful for the dog hair.... Used to unplug it and take it to the mountain house .....finally bought a second one so I didn't have to suit case it around !!!! REALLY A FAVORITE THING IN MY BOOK !!!
    Judy, think you just found yourself a housekeeper !!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!

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  27. Wondering how Emma is now. Could the food have been to rich with the gravy & ham? Can really upset their systems.

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  28. ahhh. . .the Post Office bought me many pairs of ThorLo socks as part of my uniform package. . . I'm way too cheap to throw them away. . .so although they are navy blue. . .I will continue to wear them all until they all wear out. . .pretty sure I have enough pairs to last me the rest of my life. . .LOL!

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  29. and. . .good for you for ordering you a Roomba/Zoomba :) . . .some things are just absolutely worth it!

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  30. Thank you for mentioning the comfy Thorlos on your feet, and we are so happy and honored to know that they are protecting your feet well--- as designed. When you think you might be ready to purchase additional pairs, you may want to give us a toll-free call in the US (888.846.7567) and talk to one of our Customer Care Representatives. They are extremely friendly, very knowledgeable and can partner with you to make sure you get the best Thorlos for your particular feet (and shoes) and also for your particular activity. They may also be able to share some tips that may result in them last even longer. If nothing else, we would love the opportunity to chat with you.Thanks again, and Best Wishes to you and yours in the New Year!!! Thomas at Thorlos

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