Deer in the headlights. Photo Credit: scienceabc.com
We didn’t do much yesterday. Watched some football together. Mr. FixIt baked a big batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms. Then around 5:00, we drove to town to get something to eat and go to Ollie’s…a bargain outlet in town that was having a 25% off sale on Christmas and toys for members. As we drove by, the sale had just started and the parking lot was crazy busy, so we decided to run across town to Rural King. We needed bird seed, cat food, and kitty litter. We figured we would hit the sale on our way back through town.
When we got there, the parking lot was just as full, if not worse, and I begged Mr. FixIt to bag it and go home. But the allure of a good sale is something that’s hard to fight. Our first clue of trouble was…there were NO empty carts anywhere. He wandered the parking lot in the dark, hoping for one to no avail. When he came back in, I was standing near the front of the store talking with a friend who was leaving empty handed. She wasn’t going to stand in line for over an hour for cheap, plastic stuff from China. Smart woman!
I asked Mr. FixIt if he was ready to bag it now and he said he was going to make a circle around the store. Which was exactly where the checkout line was…ALL the way around the store. He was gone about five minutes when he came back and agreed it just wasn’t worth it to fight all this. He’s gone to this sale before, but later in the evening when the crowds were thinned out. Of course, by that time, everything is picked over so I’m not sure what kind of “quality items” would be left by that time.
We finished chatting with my friend Stacey then headed home. I’ve told you before, we live about 20 miles from town out a curvy two-lane blacktop. It’s really dark and lonely out those roads, but you still get the occasional oncoming car and have to dim your headlights. I’m really bad about remembering to turn them back on so Mr. FixIt dutifully reminds me every time. As soon as I turned the brights back on, there was a deer alongside the road…preparing to cross in front of me. I slammed on the brakes and the squeal of the tires caused the deer to hesitate and we just narrowly missed her.
This is exactly why I do NOT like to be in town after dark at this time of year. The trip wasn’t for nought…we had dinner out at a totally empty Arby’s and we got our bird and cat supplies. But still, my heart was pounding the rest of the way home. Fortunately, the cars backed up behind me seemed to be fine with the slower speed and we didn’t see another deer near the road.
Remember when I told you about going off coffee and my stomach pain that I’ve been fighting for years totally went away? Well, I though maybe it was because I switched to decaf tea, so last Friday I had one cup of decaf coffee and was absolutely miserable all weekend with cramping. This is very sad, because I LOVE coffee. But I love feeling better more. It didn’t decrease at all over the weekend. As a matter of fact, it’s gotten worse.
If any of you suffer with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), you can relate to how uncomfortable it is. This is my worst time of year for symptoms because they are triggered by rich fatty foods and chocolate, among other things. And what do I do at this time of year? I eat all the bad things. Now, there have been years I’ve skated by without much of a problem. But stress is a huge kicker and tomorrow marks a year since my dear friend Sparky died. I am not afraid to tell you…it’s been hitting me especially hard. I’ll cut out the triggers and meditate extra and pray and increase my exercise and I’m sure it will straighten up soon. If not, I’ll go see my PCP this week. Ugh…not what I need during the holidays.
I was supposed to visit my friend Richard today, but I took a rain check. I am just going to take it easy for the next few days. I’ll order the little one’s Christmas presents online and call it good! Working on the wedding quilt will help my mental as well as physical health. There is power in being older…we know for sure when to say enough is enough.
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“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 ESV
After my gall bladder surgery I learned that low acid coffees, cold brew coffee, and dark roast coffees are kinder to those of us with sensitive systems because they contain less acid. Perhaps you might give those options a try. French Vanilla cold brew is a special treat! Feel better soon ?
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I can relate recently got covid after 2 1/2 years avoiding. Right while work was being done in my kitchen and the holidays are fast approaching. I too have decided to change what I expect from myself over the next few weeks. Which is definitely a form of self care.
I cut out all dairy and life has been grand….
We hit a deer while on camping in Montana 20+ years ago, seeming to skate on injuries. However, it started neck disk issues, which still bother me. I so do not like to drive at night, anywhere. (I lived in WNY until my 30s, my husband is from your neck of the woods, nope, not driving at night much of anywhere, unless unavoidable.)
I get the IBS quandary – it seems like I figure out what all is safe, then my body decides to change things up; acid reflux just adds to the mix for me. I hope your PCP may have some suggestions to help you.
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I left your book and magazines at the museum with Linda and she will give to Richard at dinner Tuesday. Hopefully you can meet with Richard later. The museum was beautifully decorated and bustling with activity and children to see Santa so I slipped out the door. Have a Merry Christmas.? I hate that road during the day sometimes. Someone rode my bumper all the way in town.
Do you go to the church you loved anymore? The one with the young pastor. Sorry if I missed that post if you already explained.
We stopped going to that church for a number of reasons. We haven’t found a home church yet.
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