Holiday Preparations

Breakfast here at Marshmallow Ranch is determined by Mr. FixIt’s blood sugar. When it’s low, he gets a nice, breakfast and yesterday we had French toast. I made a cooking video of the preparation, but my iPad is running critically low on memory. I need to do some housecleaning in there and get some room back before I can edit and post it.

I had the afternoon to myself as Mr. FixIt went to town and I waited for the furnace dude. As I started decorating, I took some videos of my special ornaments I’ve toted around with me for decades. Again…no room on the iPad to edit, so they’ll have to wait, too. I didn’t put as many things out this year. I wouldn’t say I went minimalist, but I definitely went for a curated look. Mr. FixIt was really happy with it all when he got home.

The heat exchanger was riddled with holes! It’s no wonder it didn’t work…and it’s a miracle we weren’t overcome by carbon monoxide!

The furnace man came at 1:38 and was done at 3:10. He showed me the old heat exchanger and it was riddled with holes. When he was finished, I was happy to discover there was no more rank smell coming from the exhaust outside. I’m guessing our gas and electric bill will improve with the new efficient heat exchanger and every penny saved is a blessing.

Noom gave me a day off yesterday so I didn’t have to record my food. I am nearing the end of the course and they are preparing me for living my life without their daily support. I’ve been down this particular path many times before. I’ve lost the same fifty pounds so many times, I’ve lost count. But, this time feels different. This time was more personal. I’ve been on weight loss programs before, but they were auditory based. I’m definitely a visual learner so reading the lessons every day, especially in the way Noom presents them, has had what I feel is a lasting, lifelong effect on me. This is the first time I’ve really felt confident his is a lifestyle change and not just a fad diet and I’m really excited by that. Again, if you decide you would like to try the app, you can use this link and get two free weeks and 20% off. And, I’ll be happy to help you in any way I can. https://noom.com/r/JthjXSfaA

After Mr. FixIt got home, he helped me put all the boxes for the Christmas decorations back down in the basement so the living room is clean again. I seasoned the cast iron griddle for the second time and took a video of the process. I only need to season it one more time. I love how it came out, so I’m thinking of repeating the same process with my two favorite cast iron skillets and my griddle. They are getting tacky from the kind of oil I used and I’d like them to feel exactly like this new-to-me griddle feels.

I was supposed to join my brother on Skype this week for his semi-annual IP meeting, but it’s been rescheduled for next week due to the holiday. I’ll spend some time in the kitchen today. Mr. FixIt will do the Turkey Trot on Thursday morning with our son’s family. I am more than likely going to stay home and start the turkey so we can have our own little Thanksgiving Dinner in the afternoon. Then the family gathering will happen on Sunday.

If you are traveling this week, do be careful. There are supposed to be storms in the east and we want you all to be safe. My prayers for travel mercies go with you all. And if you’re staying home like I am, I hope you enjoy your day and give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy by living in a free country!

🍁🦃🍁