Seldom does the phone ring at that hour with good news. Such was the case. My Brother in law came and said the center just called and my sister had died.
I was fully awake. Got dressed and we left the house shortly afterwards. Silence. To be expected. I made some light humor about how great the traffic was at that hour.
We got there, didn't have to sign in. They'd cleaned her and did her hair. Was a shock to say the least. Sunk in rather quickly.
Apparently about 11:30 she had called the nurse for something. They came in and she was sitting up. The nurse left to get an aide and when they returned she was slumped over. Of course they did what they could. Had E.M.T's come. She was gone. The hallways were deserted of inmates at that time.
They would store her downstairs but we needed to make arrangements. They didn't really have a morgue. Brother in law took her wallet, phone, and IPad. We went home. I made no jokes about the traffic.
There was little to do at that hour. Said we could make calls at 5 to immediate family. There was nothing anyone could do. I left 2 messages with Dr.s that I'd made an appointment with that morning and afternoon.
To their credit his brother and sister drove 2 hours and were there by 7 or 8. That is about all the credit I will give them.
We went to get the rest of her things. His brother didn't like where I told him to park so he spent the rest of his time looking for parking. It is tight in the mornings. But seeing how they treated my sister I doubt there was much of an effort.
His sister came in with us to clean out her belongings. As I got there, her friends were there with sadness, confusion, and tears.
Generally how it works is when something occurs no explanation is offered. They come and close your doors and tell you not to leave your room.
Condolences were made. I gave the explanation. At one point one of the Dr.s came in. He even told us that the insurance company had said on Monday that she was done. He argued about her health. He won?
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Tuesday
Came home from work. Made my usual call. She didn't need any extras, but she needed a favor. Could I do some laundry for her? I said of course.
Got there as she picked at dinner. She showed me where the clothes were and the detergent. I asked if she wanted to smoke first and she declined. Again not unusual when she was not feeling well.
I put here laundry in and returned. Told her how much time we had. She told me I'd have to stay there when it dried. That's how stuff disappeared. Hell stuff always disappeared there.
Not much talking she was tired and lay down. I reminded her to put on her cpap machine if was going to sleep. I went to dry the clothes and wait.
A dinky little laundry room. A door on either side. There was an inmate I'd seen around in the hallway. Waiting for his sandwiches. You could opt for them instead of the meal if it wasn't to your liking. He always went for the sandwiches.
I would find out at some point after my sisters death that the place had stopped that as well. It was important. Many a night my sister got that instead of the inedible crud fed there.
We talked off and on. I tried not to engage to much. One time I was very uncomfortable with one guy I spoke to near the nurses desk.
Big guy, both in height and weight. He would wander around and pick off the food trays. Usually from the ones that were removed from the rooms. It was gross.
Clothes dried I returned. She was up but out of it. Got her the ice we always got. Asked if she wanted to go out for a ride. I always did. She declined and said she was tired.
I got the ice. Put her clothes away and told her to put her mask on. She bid me a good night and that was that. I don't remember if there was a good night call that night.
About 2 in the morn or somewhere near then the phone rang in my house.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Sunday and Monday.
All I can clearly remember is that I had come home early from the lounge. Bro in law slightly incensed.
"She wants Chinese food. I don't have the money for it. Do you?"
I smiled thinking coldly that he'd bankrupted me. But I'd a plan in mind. Told him not to worry about it.
I had bought a meatloaf mix that morning. It was a good meal and meant leftovers. I called my sister and asked if I what she wanted when I came up.
"Chinese food?" she asked warily
"Oh. I thought I'd bring up some meatloaf with mashed potatoes." I said cavalierly. There was silence. She loved both my meatloaf and always loved mashed potatoes.
"I can hear the smile. Guess I'll get cooking. It's why I came home early and called."
She thanked me profusely. Said she felt like she had a small bug again. Probably better off not having Chinese food.I made the dinner and packed it and went up for a visit. She loved the stuff and asked if I'd leave the container of potatoes. She'd get someone to heat them for her later. A lie. I knew my sister. She'd eat them cold. She loved mashed potatoes.
Crisis avoided. I came home and ate my dinner. Went to bed.
Monday.
No call from her. The usual when she wasn't feeling well. I cooked dinner. Brother in law came back a little early. Said she wasn't feeling to well and told him to leave.
Called for the usual good night call. I can't remember if she answered or not.
"She wants Chinese food. I don't have the money for it. Do you?"
I smiled thinking coldly that he'd bankrupted me. But I'd a plan in mind. Told him not to worry about it.
I had bought a meatloaf mix that morning. It was a good meal and meant leftovers. I called my sister and asked if I what she wanted when I came up.
"Chinese food?" she asked warily
"Oh. I thought I'd bring up some meatloaf with mashed potatoes." I said cavalierly. There was silence. She loved both my meatloaf and always loved mashed potatoes.
"I can hear the smile. Guess I'll get cooking. It's why I came home early and called."
She thanked me profusely. Said she felt like she had a small bug again. Probably better off not having Chinese food.I made the dinner and packed it and went up for a visit. She loved the stuff and asked if I'd leave the container of potatoes. She'd get someone to heat them for her later. A lie. I knew my sister. She'd eat them cold. She loved mashed potatoes.
Crisis avoided. I came home and ate my dinner. Went to bed.
Monday.
No call from her. The usual when she wasn't feeling well. I cooked dinner. Brother in law came back a little early. Said she wasn't feeling to well and told him to leave.
Called for the usual good night call. I can't remember if she answered or not.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Furthermore
It was somewhere in October I think. When that tightrope walker did his stunt in Las Vegas that year. Can I have a more vague reference? Probably. Had my sister out and about in the facility. We'd passed by her friend who seemed to be having a stern conversation with her boyfriend. On the way back we stopped by John's room. He had his usual hanger on's present. He invited us for some Chinese food.
Seemed he always had money for take out and to watch the tightrope walk. That was my sister, a long time Chinese food addict, had her first taste of Moo Goo Gai Pan. I think it was that of the Moo Shoo something. She loved it.
Her friend rolled by. I took my sister out of the room. Seems she'd just broken up with her boyfriend. My sister offered to talk to her. Or they could watch T.V. in her room. She opted to just stay alone for awhile.
My sister told me to go. It was after 8 as I recalled. I did the ice thing and bid her a good night.
Oh the timing is so dizzying right now. Apparently that occurred Saturday November 2nd. We are very near the end kiddies.
Seemed he always had money for take out and to watch the tightrope walk. That was my sister, a long time Chinese food addict, had her first taste of Moo Goo Gai Pan. I think it was that of the Moo Shoo something. She loved it.
Her friend rolled by. I took my sister out of the room. Seems she'd just broken up with her boyfriend. My sister offered to talk to her. Or they could watch T.V. in her room. She opted to just stay alone for awhile.
My sister told me to go. It was after 8 as I recalled. I did the ice thing and bid her a good night.
Oh the timing is so dizzying right now. Apparently that occurred Saturday November 2nd. We are very near the end kiddies.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
September passed
September passed blissfully enough I suppose. Got the book and enjoyed the Hell out of it. The routine was set. I was financially ruined. The electric company alone had wanted about 2 grand now. I was in trouble.
I'd lost my Amex in August. The cable bill and then car inspection. I'd been making paltry payments. They called me. It was actually very pleasant.
They would work with me. Put me on a monthly payment plan. I gave them the digits so they could just take it out of my account. I get it back in August. I was suspended. More than likely when it was paid back I could get reinstated. Thus I learned to live without a credit card.
Sister as I said would have little bouts of not feeling well. Her spirits were up and down. Did the best we could by her.
Home life was terribly stressful. I was down to nothing in savings. Being harassed by gas and electric. I went no where and did nothing. It was actually only by the kindness of my friend at the lounge that let me smoke there. He would often give me some of his own cigars and that was mana. The lounge was the only refuge I had left.
In October 2 more departments ended and many moved down to the new headquarters. So just sadness at work. Nothing was getting accomplished on the home front.
At the facility they had an Oktoberfest of sorts. In the further of the 2 big rooms. Nearest the smoking area. It was cheesy as Hell. But I think some liked it. They handed out half cups of fake beer. and everyone got a piece of pretzel. My sister enjoyed it somewhat. I took her back to her room and said good night.
I'd lost my Amex in August. The cable bill and then car inspection. I'd been making paltry payments. They called me. It was actually very pleasant.
They would work with me. Put me on a monthly payment plan. I gave them the digits so they could just take it out of my account. I get it back in August. I was suspended. More than likely when it was paid back I could get reinstated. Thus I learned to live without a credit card.
Sister as I said would have little bouts of not feeling well. Her spirits were up and down. Did the best we could by her.
Home life was terribly stressful. I was down to nothing in savings. Being harassed by gas and electric. I went no where and did nothing. It was actually only by the kindness of my friend at the lounge that let me smoke there. He would often give me some of his own cigars and that was mana. The lounge was the only refuge I had left.
In October 2 more departments ended and many moved down to the new headquarters. So just sadness at work. Nothing was getting accomplished on the home front.
At the facility they had an Oktoberfest of sorts. In the further of the 2 big rooms. Nearest the smoking area. It was cheesy as Hell. But I think some liked it. They handed out half cups of fake beer. and everyone got a piece of pretzel. My sister enjoyed it somewhat. I took her back to her room and said good night.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
October and the Library forgets me
One of my other joys at the time was watching Burns and Allen from 5 A.M. until 6. I would make sure everything was accomplished by 5. I was still leaving around 6:30, they hadn't taken away the gym yet. It was fun. They were playing the show in order. I loved it. I remembered there was a book written by George called Gracie: A Love Story. I wanted it. I had a gift card from Barnes and Noble. So on a night when I had time to myself I went to it.
Long story short it was out of print and they couldn't get it for me. I was bummed. Was the 1 thing I really wanted.
The next night I saw my sister. She was in her usual bleh mood. Made damned sure we got to her smoking time. I got her ice and left. The library was on my way home. They'd refurbished it a while back. I decided to go in.
We'd had a disagreement.
"Wait you had a disagreement with a library. How does that happen?"
"Shush up and I'll tell you.
Long ago when I had another job I ate up books on tape. I lost one. I offered to replace it they told me to wait. Time passed I went back and said I'd just pay the fine. It was at the time $60, not unusual. I said fine. The next day when I went to pay the fine it had jumped to $300 some odd dollars. No way in Hell I said and didn't go back for over a decade.
So I went in. I approached the counter warily. As one does a wild animal. I explained I needed a card. That I had a disagreement and wanted to see if it cleared up. Well.....
I was no longer in the system at all! I got a brand new spanking card. I could now read books for F-R-E-E!!!!
They didn't have the book. But offered to get one from another branch. I asked how much that would cost. F-R-E-E!
On the way out I snagged a book entitled "Tanks and Trenches" A very good book, with pictures, about world war 1. I recommend it.
Long story short it was out of print and they couldn't get it for me. I was bummed. Was the 1 thing I really wanted.
The next night I saw my sister. She was in her usual bleh mood. Made damned sure we got to her smoking time. I got her ice and left. The library was on my way home. They'd refurbished it a while back. I decided to go in.
We'd had a disagreement.
"Wait you had a disagreement with a library. How does that happen?"
"Shush up and I'll tell you.
Long ago when I had another job I ate up books on tape. I lost one. I offered to replace it they told me to wait. Time passed I went back and said I'd just pay the fine. It was at the time $60, not unusual. I said fine. The next day when I went to pay the fine it had jumped to $300 some odd dollars. No way in Hell I said and didn't go back for over a decade.
So I went in. I approached the counter warily. As one does a wild animal. I explained I needed a card. That I had a disagreement and wanted to see if it cleared up. Well.....
I was no longer in the system at all! I got a brand new spanking card. I could now read books for F-R-E-E!!!!
They didn't have the book. But offered to get one from another branch. I asked how much that would cost. F-R-E-E!
On the way out I snagged a book entitled "Tanks and Trenches" A very good book, with pictures, about world war 1. I recommend it.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Damn some missed me
9 views? Damn now I almost feel bad. On with the show.
I left you the other day going on about an argument that I had once or twice with the B.I.L. Now not at all sure that I covered it. So here is the challenge. If someone asks I'll post it. Otherwise I'll just continue with the ramblings.
September passed easily enough. Did the encouraging of both parties. Never missed a day. Although it was irritating to constantly make sure we never missed the smoking time. And of course I noticed more than once she'd take 2 and not smoke 1 and take it with her. According to Eileen she had her secret spot. What could I actually do about it?
Sadly the game nights and karaoke no longer garnered any interest with her. The games sort of petered out with the last visit. A lot of the people that were there we no longer there. Karaoke was always the same.
But it went along. We'd always stop by and visit her people. It was kind of nice. And a lot of times I'd come by and some would be visiting her.
There was one pronounced melt down. Apparently John had catered breakfast and hadn't included her. I sat in the chandelier room, I brought up a roll and doughnut, and did my best. I would be the only time there was a slight rift. I must say the crew was tight. Whenever they'd order dinner in they always chipped in.
At one point they started to clean and did some kind of improvements. Short lived. Apparently they had an inspection coming up. A couple little bugs here and there. Again no real concerns.
I'd bring food from home when I could. Unfortunately money was extremely tight. Besides the usual extras she still wanted from Sunday shopping. There was always the snacks and soda before I came up. It sucked.
She had considered starting the next round of chemo while she was there.
I left you the other day going on about an argument that I had once or twice with the B.I.L. Now not at all sure that I covered it. So here is the challenge. If someone asks I'll post it. Otherwise I'll just continue with the ramblings.
September passed easily enough. Did the encouraging of both parties. Never missed a day. Although it was irritating to constantly make sure we never missed the smoking time. And of course I noticed more than once she'd take 2 and not smoke 1 and take it with her. According to Eileen she had her secret spot. What could I actually do about it?
Sadly the game nights and karaoke no longer garnered any interest with her. The games sort of petered out with the last visit. A lot of the people that were there we no longer there. Karaoke was always the same.
But it went along. We'd always stop by and visit her people. It was kind of nice. And a lot of times I'd come by and some would be visiting her.
There was one pronounced melt down. Apparently John had catered breakfast and hadn't included her. I sat in the chandelier room, I brought up a roll and doughnut, and did my best. I would be the only time there was a slight rift. I must say the crew was tight. Whenever they'd order dinner in they always chipped in.
At one point they started to clean and did some kind of improvements. Short lived. Apparently they had an inspection coming up. A couple little bugs here and there. Again no real concerns.
I'd bring food from home when I could. Unfortunately money was extremely tight. Besides the usual extras she still wanted from Sunday shopping. There was always the snacks and soda before I came up. It sucked.
She had considered starting the next round of chemo while she was there.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Who me?
Well hello there. Still here somewhat. Let's pick up
I've given you the lay of the land and how things worked. Honestly I cannot say much more than that. Not that I can't but that there is no more to detail. So we'll just start to the point of getting to the end. Damn, remember when this was a blog about me? I'd even get pissed that their bullshit bled in here. And now I'm coming to the conclusion of my sisters' life.
There were as in all places like this, little viruses. They edge in now and again. Are cleared up and such. She had a few bouts. Nothing overly serious. And rarely missed smoking sessions.
Now I know I've given fake names to her friends. But now I say screw that. I'm not going back to read and such. Sorry.
The kid John. Good nature d, a tad wild. He'd brought an interesting atmosphere. I remember one time she called when they were outside racing his little remote controlled car around. She'd had a ball. Cosmo was a work also. Nice guy. Just weird. I thought he was in his late 50's or 60's. Nope his 40's. He had some addiction issues. I never quite figured out why he was there.
The guy Michael in his wheel chair. There's been an accident and he died. Said he met Jesus and was told he could go back but he would have to learn to walk again. Personally I would have checked my ticket right there. "What I'm in?!" He had good family that would take him out time and again. Friendly but not to friendly if you understand. I've already covered Eileen, I know I named her Ellen but to Hell with the name changes I told you. Was happy Patti and her got so close.
There were other secondary characters. But I'll not go into that. Food really sucked there. The place was going to Hell. A lot of times she couldn't eat the dinner and would ask for the sandwich alternative.
I told her at one point that the lawyer I'd gotten for her Social Security dropped her. All because she didn't sign something. Oh well.
I was also very close to bankruptcy at this point. Since the beginning of the year my credit score dropped over 100 points. Yup. B.I.L. stopped giving house money declaring that he had nothing to give.
I can't blame him entirely, wasn't like he was spending it on anything other than beer and smokes. And the added expense of the daily stuff brought up to my sister. Just on my days it added up to $50 a week.
I ran completely out of cigars so my stress was through the roof. Work was wild. Very hard to see people going. And I was incredibly busy. It sucked. I had no refuge at all.
I came very close to pawning my dad's ring. I'm sure it is worth something. I didn't. Instead I got cheated, my opinion, on some coins at a dealer.
I think it was late August or early September when I approached the B.I.L. about having to send the bills to his trustees. I was told we'd have to talk about that.
I've given you the lay of the land and how things worked. Honestly I cannot say much more than that. Not that I can't but that there is no more to detail. So we'll just start to the point of getting to the end. Damn, remember when this was a blog about me? I'd even get pissed that their bullshit bled in here. And now I'm coming to the conclusion of my sisters' life.
There were as in all places like this, little viruses. They edge in now and again. Are cleared up and such. She had a few bouts. Nothing overly serious. And rarely missed smoking sessions.
Now I know I've given fake names to her friends. But now I say screw that. I'm not going back to read and such. Sorry.
The kid John. Good nature d, a tad wild. He'd brought an interesting atmosphere. I remember one time she called when they were outside racing his little remote controlled car around. She'd had a ball. Cosmo was a work also. Nice guy. Just weird. I thought he was in his late 50's or 60's. Nope his 40's. He had some addiction issues. I never quite figured out why he was there.
The guy Michael in his wheel chair. There's been an accident and he died. Said he met Jesus and was told he could go back but he would have to learn to walk again. Personally I would have checked my ticket right there. "What I'm in?!" He had good family that would take him out time and again. Friendly but not to friendly if you understand. I've already covered Eileen, I know I named her Ellen but to Hell with the name changes I told you. Was happy Patti and her got so close.
There were other secondary characters. But I'll not go into that. Food really sucked there. The place was going to Hell. A lot of times she couldn't eat the dinner and would ask for the sandwich alternative.
I told her at one point that the lawyer I'd gotten for her Social Security dropped her. All because she didn't sign something. Oh well.
I was also very close to bankruptcy at this point. Since the beginning of the year my credit score dropped over 100 points. Yup. B.I.L. stopped giving house money declaring that he had nothing to give.
I can't blame him entirely, wasn't like he was spending it on anything other than beer and smokes. And the added expense of the daily stuff brought up to my sister. Just on my days it added up to $50 a week.
I ran completely out of cigars so my stress was through the roof. Work was wild. Very hard to see people going. And I was incredibly busy. It sucked. I had no refuge at all.
I came very close to pawning my dad's ring. I'm sure it is worth something. I didn't. Instead I got cheated, my opinion, on some coins at a dealer.
I think it was late August or early September when I approached the B.I.L. about having to send the bills to his trustees. I was told we'd have to talk about that.
Monday, February 16, 2015
I wasn't going to post today.
But I've just re-read the Chef Boyardee entry. By the way, the generous portion I had packed was a bit much. Was much easier the next day.
Friday I left work. Wished the manager a good trip. He'll be working down in the state where we sent our job. But I've actually enough to do here this week. It will be very hectic. So I'm not sure about posting much more than this today.
We began to hear about the upcoming blizzard. Maybe on Thursday. By Friday night it was an inevitable thing. It was coming. Be prepared. Do not leave homes. All that rot. It would begin about 1 P.M. Saturday. Be warned.
So after a confab at the house, we decided to do food shopping about 12. Just get 2 days errands done in 1. What the Hell.
Well, everyone and their 4th cousin thrice removed was at the grocery store. The parking was horrific. What with the mountains of snow around from the last snow, make that plural.
Actually didn't spend a terrible amount. And tried to make it an easy week for him. Said I wasn't working late and wouldn't be cooking. Menu runs something along these lines.
Sunday baked chicken. Monday chicken parm, I totally cheat and grab 2 cooked breaded slices from the butcher. Tuesday burgers, also from aforementioned butcher. Wednesday grilled cheese, because it's meatless this week. If you know then you know if not it's not important. Thursday should be tuna. Finish off Friday with some pizzas with pre made crusts.
Well first off there was a run on tuna already so didn't get that. The shelves were emptying because of upcoming blizzardzilla. Grabbed a box of coco cheerios and an package of vienna fingers for $1.99. Hell even got a thing of gelato. Oh yeah I was going to really enjoy blizzardzilla.
Next store got the chicken, few veggies, milk. I go to the butcher alone. Well they only had the burgers. Disappointing I figured maybe I'd stop in on Monday.
Got home, consumed yet another portion of spag and meat. What? It's there isn't it? It certainly didn't go bad. Remind me not to tell you that I finished it up on Sunday. Oh nevermind.
I decided to do the bakery run. I just wanted a day where there was not need for me to feel responsible. I got changed, more than a few vienna fingers. And got into bed to wait for the snow. I must've napped a bit. By 4 it was snowing. Like a child I was full of glee.
I've no memory of Saturday nights dinner. I had more fingers, some gelato, and at some point some cheerios. Was I prepared or what.
It really was just nice to have a quiet Saturday night. No guilt about not going out. No urging. No reason to look at the clock and go okay bakery at 7.
Sunday morning. Bizzardzilla was a complete and utter bust. We'd gotten maybe an inch. But I happily had my cronut in bed watching the cooking channels.
Sunday passed well enough. Went out and got some stuff done. Not to much traffic. Stopped by the butcher and got my chicken. Also could not resist these cooked brussell sprouts with pancheta. Had some with the chicken last night. Good stuff. Finishing it with the meatloaf for lunch.
-later
Friday I left work. Wished the manager a good trip. He'll be working down in the state where we sent our job. But I've actually enough to do here this week. It will be very hectic. So I'm not sure about posting much more than this today.
We began to hear about the upcoming blizzard. Maybe on Thursday. By Friday night it was an inevitable thing. It was coming. Be prepared. Do not leave homes. All that rot. It would begin about 1 P.M. Saturday. Be warned.
So after a confab at the house, we decided to do food shopping about 12. Just get 2 days errands done in 1. What the Hell.
Well, everyone and their 4th cousin thrice removed was at the grocery store. The parking was horrific. What with the mountains of snow around from the last snow, make that plural.
Actually didn't spend a terrible amount. And tried to make it an easy week for him. Said I wasn't working late and wouldn't be cooking. Menu runs something along these lines.
Sunday baked chicken. Monday chicken parm, I totally cheat and grab 2 cooked breaded slices from the butcher. Tuesday burgers, also from aforementioned butcher. Wednesday grilled cheese, because it's meatless this week. If you know then you know if not it's not important. Thursday should be tuna. Finish off Friday with some pizzas with pre made crusts.
Well first off there was a run on tuna already so didn't get that. The shelves were emptying because of upcoming blizzardzilla. Grabbed a box of coco cheerios and an package of vienna fingers for $1.99. Hell even got a thing of gelato. Oh yeah I was going to really enjoy blizzardzilla.
Next store got the chicken, few veggies, milk. I go to the butcher alone. Well they only had the burgers. Disappointing I figured maybe I'd stop in on Monday.
Got home, consumed yet another portion of spag and meat. What? It's there isn't it? It certainly didn't go bad. Remind me not to tell you that I finished it up on Sunday. Oh nevermind.
I decided to do the bakery run. I just wanted a day where there was not need for me to feel responsible. I got changed, more than a few vienna fingers. And got into bed to wait for the snow. I must've napped a bit. By 4 it was snowing. Like a child I was full of glee.
I've no memory of Saturday nights dinner. I had more fingers, some gelato, and at some point some cheerios. Was I prepared or what.
It really was just nice to have a quiet Saturday night. No guilt about not going out. No urging. No reason to look at the clock and go okay bakery at 7.
Sunday morning. Bizzardzilla was a complete and utter bust. We'd gotten maybe an inch. But I happily had my cronut in bed watching the cooking channels.
Sunday passed well enough. Went out and got some stuff done. Not to much traffic. Stopped by the butcher and got my chicken. Also could not resist these cooked brussell sprouts with pancheta. Had some with the chicken last night. Good stuff. Finishing it with the meatloaf for lunch.
-later
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Smiling like Chef Boyardee
Was just sitting down thinking about how I'm loathing this blog at the moment. More to the point just that it's taken me out of it. I just want to get to the end point. Maybe start anew. Don't concern yourselves, you're invited. Then I picked up my lunch to put in the fridge. I smiled like a lunatic at the sheer weight of it. And that's where we'll stay for this entree.
Sunday when I did the food shopping I wanted something different. Saw this package of what I assume are mini appetizer meatballs. They looked neat. Confirmed with the butcher cooking temp and time.
Sunday did some chicken parm. Monday night did some meatloaf. And while the oven was heated also cooked the meatballs afterwards.
Tuesday came and I did burgers. Quietly complaining about the all beef diet this week, to myself and the dog. And I started to feel kind of excited about the Wednesday.
I realized what called to me about the meatballs. They looked akin to what used to be, we're talking 40 years ago kids, Chef Boyardee spaghetti and meatballs. From a can. The sad amount of enthusiasm. this was bringing out in me was unreal.
This was a real special treat in our house. Partly because it was a named brand. But also, because it was pre made. This wasn't done in my house. It always had an element of excitement that was unrivaled if I remember correctly.
So Wednesday night I got home. Put some sauce in a reliable pot and swirled in my meatballs. Extremely low heat and covered. I put on some good old whole wheat spaghetti.
Cautioned the brother in law that the meatballs might be spicy for him. Let him take his first. Spag on one side of the plate and meatballs on the other. Never shall the twain meet eh? And I did ask him, no he'd never had Chef Boyardee growing up.
I dumped mine together on the plate. In my childlike glee I forgot the parm cheese. It was awesome. This was probably even closer to the original Chef than that stuff they have in a can today. But damn did I enjoy it.
So of course I wrapped up a generous portion for lunch today. Ahh oh joy oh rapture.
This was a real special treat in our house. Partly because it was a named brand. But also, because it was pre made. This wasn't done in my house. It always had an element of excitement that was unrivaled if I remember correctly.
So Wednesday night I got home. Put some sauce in a reliable pot and swirled in my meatballs. Extremely low heat and covered. I put on some good old whole wheat spaghetti.
Cautioned the brother in law that the meatballs might be spicy for him. Let him take his first. Spag on one side of the plate and meatballs on the other. Never shall the twain meet eh? And I did ask him, no he'd never had Chef Boyardee growing up.
I dumped mine together on the plate. In my childlike glee I forgot the parm cheese. It was awesome. This was probably even closer to the original Chef than that stuff they have in a can today. But damn did I enjoy it.
So of course I wrapped up a generous portion for lunch today. Ahh oh joy oh rapture.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Weekends
Morning. Short one today.
Saturday. I always like to start early. Just something about having a day off. I'm not one to lay about. Do some errands in the morning. Half an afternoon for myself. B.I.L. would take the first shift at the center. I'd come home round 3. He'd be well into round one of his drinking.
Check to see if she asked him to have me bring something up. I'd go up usually between 5-6. Usual stuff. Talk. Maybe push her around the facility. Say hey to friends. Check if there were activities for the night. Smoke. Bring her back. Get ice.
Ice. A very important last detail of the evening. Sometimes if she felt like it she'd accompany me. Most times though she'd be getting to bed as I went for it.
Get home around 7:30. I was so broke that more often than not I had no plans. So I'd just chill for the night. I'd wake up the drunken one. Usually would go to pick up the take out, he was buying after all. Then chill.
It's funny because of something that happened this morning. He came into the kitchen as I made my breakfast. Asked me if I let the dog out last night. I said no. He didn't close the door of his bedroom to the outside. So it he had been cold. I looked at him and told him, that was why I often just came in as he was nodding off. It wasn't the first time he'd let it happen.
Sunday. Bakery run. Shop for food. Either the lounge or other activities. Again he had the early shift. It's been that way since he came out here to live. Gets everything done by 3 so he can start pounding beer and not leave the house.
The only difference is at some point I told him how to cook the precooked chicken I bought. And put in the potatoes for baking. He usually did this fairly well. Unless there were dishes to be washed.
But that pretty much sums up how my time was accounted for in this and the previous entry. I don't feel like correcting that run-on sentence.
Saturday. I always like to start early. Just something about having a day off. I'm not one to lay about. Do some errands in the morning. Half an afternoon for myself. B.I.L. would take the first shift at the center. I'd come home round 3. He'd be well into round one of his drinking.
Check to see if she asked him to have me bring something up. I'd go up usually between 5-6. Usual stuff. Talk. Maybe push her around the facility. Say hey to friends. Check if there were activities for the night. Smoke. Bring her back. Get ice.
Ice. A very important last detail of the evening. Sometimes if she felt like it she'd accompany me. Most times though she'd be getting to bed as I went for it.
Get home around 7:30. I was so broke that more often than not I had no plans. So I'd just chill for the night. I'd wake up the drunken one. Usually would go to pick up the take out, he was buying after all. Then chill.
It's funny because of something that happened this morning. He came into the kitchen as I made my breakfast. Asked me if I let the dog out last night. I said no. He didn't close the door of his bedroom to the outside. So it he had been cold. I looked at him and told him, that was why I often just came in as he was nodding off. It wasn't the first time he'd let it happen.
Sunday. Bakery run. Shop for food. Either the lounge or other activities. Again he had the early shift. It's been that way since he came out here to live. Gets everything done by 3 so he can start pounding beer and not leave the house.
The only difference is at some point I told him how to cook the precooked chicken I bought. And put in the potatoes for baking. He usually did this fairly well. Unless there were dishes to be washed.
But that pretty much sums up how my time was accounted for in this and the previous entry. I don't feel like correcting that run-on sentence.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
To many little things.
I find to many little things to really give a flavor here. I have a little time today. Let me tell you about Tuesdays and Thursdays. Maybe that will help. It doesn't really matter which it is. Both were usually identical.
6:45 in the morn. Arrive at work. Talk to the older co-worker Bob. Lost in the shuffling, his last day was Dec. 31 2014. Then I'd hit the gym
8ish. Return. Check work and maybe talk to Bob some more. Lunatic would come in then who knows what.
Afternoon. At some point my sister would call. Always started out with "Hi, it's me your sister." More often than not some request to bring something up that night. Sometimes to talk for a min or 2. Usually the request.
4:30 leave for home.
5:30 arrive home and call to see what else she needed. Often it was papers if B.I.L. arrived before I left. Stella D'oro breakfast treats 3 or 4. Stop at the store for either snow balls or crumb cake. I mean she was already living out of the vending machines. Or sometimes a mountain dew. This would later be changed to orange fanta soda.
6-6:10 Arrive. On her good days she'd already be out of her room. Sometimes met me in the hall, by the guard desk, or in the chandelier room. Not so good days I'd go to her room. Do some light clean up. We had to leave by 6:20 for the smoke.
I've already given you the lay out of the place I believe so I'm not going to do it again.
If we had time and she was in the mood I'd offer to take her out back. Where she'd go often the first 2 times she was there. Sadly, it wasn't a hangout like it had been. We'd often be the only ones there save the cats and geese.
A lot of times we'd do the grand tour before the smoke if no one was there. You were supposed to be there at 6:25, 5 min before. Of course the kid usually showed about 6:45.
Or we'd do the tour afterwards. A lot of the time it was to check the other vending machine.
One ornery day on this side I didn't have any money. All she had was a $10 bill. I told her the machine didn't take them. She told me she'd done it before with no problem. Naturally we didn't get all the change. It was $5 minus 2 purchases. We left a note at the guard station. It would take months to get the money back.
After her friend Ellen was no longer allowed to smoke. The woman was on a lung transplant list, she only had 1 lung. She apparently passed out in the ante room to the smoking. So on the way back we usually stopped by.
On good days we'd stop at a few other pals and check on the activities in the chandelier room.
7:40 Back in her room. I'd go to get her ice and make sure she had what she needed. Usually go the promise of having the paperwork sent home with B.I.L. the next day.
8 home and dinner.
B.I.L. had M,W,F. He was usually home by 7. Visits were a bit more stressful for them both. Often depended on his mood. Like a lot of people. My sister included. He had not concept of how to be a visitor. Trust me. They both visited me in the hospital. No picnic.
But it often depended on how tired she was. There were odd days when I was home by 7 too. If she was just plain tired.
That's it for today.
6:45 in the morn. Arrive at work. Talk to the older co-worker Bob. Lost in the shuffling, his last day was Dec. 31 2014. Then I'd hit the gym
8ish. Return. Check work and maybe talk to Bob some more. Lunatic would come in then who knows what.
Afternoon. At some point my sister would call. Always started out with "Hi, it's me your sister." More often than not some request to bring something up that night. Sometimes to talk for a min or 2. Usually the request.
4:30 leave for home.
5:30 arrive home and call to see what else she needed. Often it was papers if B.I.L. arrived before I left. Stella D'oro breakfast treats 3 or 4. Stop at the store for either snow balls or crumb cake. I mean she was already living out of the vending machines. Or sometimes a mountain dew. This would later be changed to orange fanta soda.
6-6:10 Arrive. On her good days she'd already be out of her room. Sometimes met me in the hall, by the guard desk, or in the chandelier room. Not so good days I'd go to her room. Do some light clean up. We had to leave by 6:20 for the smoke.
I've already given you the lay out of the place I believe so I'm not going to do it again.
If we had time and she was in the mood I'd offer to take her out back. Where she'd go often the first 2 times she was there. Sadly, it wasn't a hangout like it had been. We'd often be the only ones there save the cats and geese.
A lot of times we'd do the grand tour before the smoke if no one was there. You were supposed to be there at 6:25, 5 min before. Of course the kid usually showed about 6:45.
Or we'd do the tour afterwards. A lot of the time it was to check the other vending machine.
One ornery day on this side I didn't have any money. All she had was a $10 bill. I told her the machine didn't take them. She told me she'd done it before with no problem. Naturally we didn't get all the change. It was $5 minus 2 purchases. We left a note at the guard station. It would take months to get the money back.
After her friend Ellen was no longer allowed to smoke. The woman was on a lung transplant list, she only had 1 lung. She apparently passed out in the ante room to the smoking. So on the way back we usually stopped by.
On good days we'd stop at a few other pals and check on the activities in the chandelier room.
7:40 Back in her room. I'd go to get her ice and make sure she had what she needed. Usually go the promise of having the paperwork sent home with B.I.L. the next day.
8 home and dinner.
B.I.L. had M,W,F. He was usually home by 7. Visits were a bit more stressful for them both. Often depended on his mood. Like a lot of people. My sister included. He had not concept of how to be a visitor. Trust me. They both visited me in the hospital. No picnic.
But it often depended on how tired she was. There were odd days when I was home by 7 too. If she was just plain tired.
That's it for today.
Friday, February 6, 2015
This thing didn't work well
Had nothing but problems with getting into this space today. Just kept crashing. I did manage to read some older posts. 2 classics, the dream and the co-worker. Anyway I have to keep this short since the crashes ate up my free time.
The social interaction at the facility was what was really good for my sister. Completely what she lacked at home. Husband drinking only spent 5 min a night with her until it was time to drink himself to bed.
Occasionally I have to restrain myself from saying these things to his face. In the present obviously.
Me? I'd spend some time. I also had the audacity to have my own life as well. Especially since so much of my time was taken up with these 2.
She had an open door policy in the rehab. I'd often arrive and there'd be 1 or 2 of them in her room with her. The thought occurred to me now if she'd made a good day patient. Possibly. They had them come, you know, people who couldn't or shouldn't be left by themselves.
Although as I think on it, the 2 sides, day trippers and residents never mixed so who knows.
Damn it's that time already. I was just feeling a stride for this. Give me 2 min more.
There were little other occurrences. For instance the paper work I kept asking her for to have filled out. Never got done. In fact the lawyer that handled the SSI dropped her because of it. I don't blame him.
Loosing stride. Probably it til the weekend is over. Supposedly getting a storm too. So maybe middle of next week.
The social interaction at the facility was what was really good for my sister. Completely what she lacked at home. Husband drinking only spent 5 min a night with her until it was time to drink himself to bed.
Occasionally I have to restrain myself from saying these things to his face. In the present obviously.
Me? I'd spend some time. I also had the audacity to have my own life as well. Especially since so much of my time was taken up with these 2.
She had an open door policy in the rehab. I'd often arrive and there'd be 1 or 2 of them in her room with her. The thought occurred to me now if she'd made a good day patient. Possibly. They had them come, you know, people who couldn't or shouldn't be left by themselves.
Although as I think on it, the 2 sides, day trippers and residents never mixed so who knows.
Damn it's that time already. I was just feeling a stride for this. Give me 2 min more.
There were little other occurrences. For instance the paper work I kept asking her for to have filled out. Never got done. In fact the lawyer that handled the SSI dropped her because of it. I don't blame him.
Loosing stride. Probably it til the weekend is over. Supposedly getting a storm too. So maybe middle of next week.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Nervous
I will tell you I was not entirely thrilled with her being back in that place. In fact if it wasn't for her friends and her socialization, I would have insisted on a change. There was one other place, a fair distance away that had a gym and could handle bariatric patients
The food had gotten progressively worse. In fact I do believe something they called a stuffed pepper, by 'something' I mean their version, got some of them sick. Food poisoning? Probably.
The first time both places were evenly matched. Oh I checked up on each one when it was brought up. I remember when she had her surgery and the first time they tried to get her into a rehab. The web site started off by saying it had a strong police presence.
This one and the other ranked 2 out of 5 stars. She liked the idea of being so close to home. And the first time was such a good experience. At the time of her going back it was 1.5 out of 5. Currently it is at 1.
So there were little things. I wasn't terribly pleased with the cleanliness. But as with most things it does depend on the patient. She had the where with all to let them know if she wasn't feeling well. This was important. Of course getting to see the Dr. could be a feat unto itself.
I'm trying to set the scene best I can. This was not an ideal place that did get worse. But did the positives out weigh the bad? My feeling was yes. As long as she was somewhat happy, had friends, and could account for herself.
I just did a complete re-edit. I'm sorry I cannot put down the tale of horror. Deal with it.
The food had gotten progressively worse. In fact I do believe something they called a stuffed pepper, by 'something' I mean their version, got some of them sick. Food poisoning? Probably.
The first time both places were evenly matched. Oh I checked up on each one when it was brought up. I remember when she had her surgery and the first time they tried to get her into a rehab. The web site started off by saying it had a strong police presence.
This one and the other ranked 2 out of 5 stars. She liked the idea of being so close to home. And the first time was such a good experience. At the time of her going back it was 1.5 out of 5. Currently it is at 1.
So there were little things. I wasn't terribly pleased with the cleanliness. But as with most things it does depend on the patient. She had the where with all to let them know if she wasn't feeling well. This was important. Of course getting to see the Dr. could be a feat unto itself.
I'm trying to set the scene best I can. This was not an ideal place that did get worse. But did the positives out weigh the bad? My feeling was yes. As long as she was somewhat happy, had friends, and could account for herself.
I just did a complete re-edit. I'm sorry I cannot put down the tale of horror. Deal with it.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
September
By September things were in a settled rut at the rehab. In fact she'd stopped really even going to the sad little events they put on. Like karaoke night.
There were a few minor sickness scares. Food or bug, never knew which. She was herself in a lot of regard. The 6:30 smoking group. It was actually 6:40 but you had to arrive 5 min early so the door keeper could arrive 5 min late.
There was Mickey. Large guy. He'd been in some sort of accident and couldn't walk. He was hoping to recover. In fact he had a vision. He'd met Jesus who said he could go back but he would have to learn to walk again. So he chose to come back. Me? I would've clocked out right then and there.
"Are you saying I got IN!!!!"
I wouldn't take the chance of blowing it by coming back. But the world isn't me huh?
A new one was a kid named Joe, he'd been in a motorcycle accident. High energy. He was there because of the centers with gym's this was the one that allowed smoking. This apparently is a huge draw.
He and my sister got along quite well. Their rooms were not far. It was nice to see her make friends. In fact she had called me at work one day. She was outside with him, he'd gotten one of those radio controlled cars. They were having a blast.
Astro. Here was someone on oxygen. Yes part of the smoking group. Looked to be late 50's or early 60's. Mumbled at times. But also a nice person. I wouldn't find out why he was there for quite some time.
Ellen came that month I think. She and my sister would become very close. In fact I stay in touch with her. We'll get to tales there later. Eventually she would not be allowed to smoke anymore. She's only one lung. And she passed out from smoking in the area.
I mean there were other side characters. But this was the core group really. Hopefully I'll remember the names I've given them.
There were a few minor sickness scares. Food or bug, never knew which. She was herself in a lot of regard. The 6:30 smoking group. It was actually 6:40 but you had to arrive 5 min early so the door keeper could arrive 5 min late.
There was Mickey. Large guy. He'd been in some sort of accident and couldn't walk. He was hoping to recover. In fact he had a vision. He'd met Jesus who said he could go back but he would have to learn to walk again. So he chose to come back. Me? I would've clocked out right then and there.
"Are you saying I got IN!!!!"
I wouldn't take the chance of blowing it by coming back. But the world isn't me huh?
A new one was a kid named Joe, he'd been in a motorcycle accident. High energy. He was there because of the centers with gym's this was the one that allowed smoking. This apparently is a huge draw.
He and my sister got along quite well. Their rooms were not far. It was nice to see her make friends. In fact she had called me at work one day. She was outside with him, he'd gotten one of those radio controlled cars. They were having a blast.
Astro. Here was someone on oxygen. Yes part of the smoking group. Looked to be late 50's or early 60's. Mumbled at times. But also a nice person. I wouldn't find out why he was there for quite some time.
Ellen came that month I think. She and my sister would become very close. In fact I stay in touch with her. We'll get to tales there later. Eventually she would not be allowed to smoke anymore. She's only one lung. And she passed out from smoking in the area.
I mean there were other side characters. But this was the core group really. Hopefully I'll remember the names I've given them.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Other than that....
Sorry it's late again. I'll try to keep up.
All said and done it was my life. All encompassing once again. Hobbling around on my knee. Visiting my sister, cooking a few nights a week. Dealing with my work situation.
August was sad also. Several departments had their last days at the job. My haven was once again very depressing. Who doesn't dislike saying good bye to people you've known for better than a decade. Not wanting to see the tears in their eyes or let them see the ones in your own. It was rough.
And still the visits to my sister. Small talk. Did you fill out the paper work for social security yet or disability. Yeah you say tomorrow every day.
I had one more appointment with the knee Dr. The cellulitis or however you spell it was gone. The knee had not damage. Exercise was okay, just nothing crazy.
And the knee injury. UGH! It was also what stopped me for looking for a job. I just couldn't imagine limping into an interview and being given a fair chance.
I still tended to baby it and walk carefully. It didn't hurt anymore. But I didn't know what to do. The other person that kept going to the gym, she is a friend, recommended just walking normally.
I was still walking on the ball of my foot. Even though I had full strength and flexibility. But like I said I was babying it. She said it may seem strange, just be careful. And you know what. She was right. I was back to my somewhat normal self within a week.
All said and done it was my life. All encompassing once again. Hobbling around on my knee. Visiting my sister, cooking a few nights a week. Dealing with my work situation.
August was sad also. Several departments had their last days at the job. My haven was once again very depressing. Who doesn't dislike saying good bye to people you've known for better than a decade. Not wanting to see the tears in their eyes or let them see the ones in your own. It was rough.
And still the visits to my sister. Small talk. Did you fill out the paper work for social security yet or disability. Yeah you say tomorrow every day.
I had one more appointment with the knee Dr. The cellulitis or however you spell it was gone. The knee had not damage. Exercise was okay, just nothing crazy.
And the knee injury. UGH! It was also what stopped me for looking for a job. I just couldn't imagine limping into an interview and being given a fair chance.
I still tended to baby it and walk carefully. It didn't hurt anymore. But I didn't know what to do. The other person that kept going to the gym, she is a friend, recommended just walking normally.
I was still walking on the ball of my foot. Even though I had full strength and flexibility. But like I said I was babying it. She said it may seem strange, just be careful. And you know what. She was right. I was back to my somewhat normal self within a week.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Anger and Sadness
There is a last actual post from her on her facebook page in August. After that it was only silly stuff that people put up. You know repostings, pictures of animals and crap like that.
"It's 10 P.M. and I'm crying myself to sleep. I hate being away from home."
Heart tugging and laughable at the same time. I don't need to explain the heart tugging. The laughable part is how true it was that she hated to be away from home. I honestly think she wanted to die at home. But enough of that.
Money of course was tight. B.I.L and I had a go around about getting money from his trust fund. My explaining that it wasn't coming from him or his dearly hallowed F-ING WHORES OF HIS TRUSTEES BRUDDA AND SISTA POO.
To make it worse I couldn't go full out on the arguement because he was a child. And it was close to when my sister would be calling to say good night. She'd hear the tension in his voice and then she would get upset. I tried my best.
But the fact of the matter was that I'd shot my load. I was in August bankrupt.
-sorry it's late.
"It's 10 P.M. and I'm crying myself to sleep. I hate being away from home."
Heart tugging and laughable at the same time. I don't need to explain the heart tugging. The laughable part is how true it was that she hated to be away from home. I honestly think she wanted to die at home. But enough of that.
Money of course was tight. B.I.L and I had a go around about getting money from his trust fund. My explaining that it wasn't coming from him or his dearly hallowed F-ING WHORES OF HIS TRUSTEES BRUDDA AND SISTA POO.
To make it worse I couldn't go full out on the arguement because he was a child. And it was close to when my sister would be calling to say good night. She'd hear the tension in his voice and then she would get upset. I tried my best.
But the fact of the matter was that I'd shot my load. I was in August bankrupt.
-sorry it's late.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Life routines.
So the routine was set up once again. She was doing very well in the beginning. Staying positive.
In the last post I touched on the 3 weeks she was home. I checked, so unlike me. It was in the 12-3 post. What I was going for was a no regrets thing. And I know the B.I.L regrets not spending more time with her during those 3 weeks.
Had my first visit with the knee Dr. Took xrays and such. Was an easy and fun ride. Of course smoking my cigar all the way home. In fact as I recall I saw a Nathans. I made a note to check it out next time.
There was no damage. But apparently some cellulitis on the leg itself. Easily taken care of by a Penniclian derivative.
And that really was it. Other than trying to desperatley get her to fill out paperwork for her disability, for her social security. I mean I had even met with a lawyer. Every day she promised she'd have the paperwork done the next day.
As I mentioned about institutionalization, you fall into ruts and routines which break up, not make up, your day.
Breakfast, gym, smoke, lunch, gym, smoke, dinner, visit, smoke. Occasionally after the last there might be some sort of activity.
I sat through a couple of karoke sessions just to make her happy to have someone with her there. B.I.L. never really did. And I shouldn't say out of malevolence because it wasn't. Just wasn't his thing.
Visit, run home, eat, drink, bed. That was his thing. And unfortunately some fighting. I had to hear about that often. never said a word and such.
Maybe it was late July early August, she got sick. These places breed these illness type things like rabbits. I still think it was related to food poisoning. But it was over after a week.
In the last post I touched on the 3 weeks she was home. I checked, so unlike me. It was in the 12-3 post. What I was going for was a no regrets thing. And I know the B.I.L regrets not spending more time with her during those 3 weeks.
Had my first visit with the knee Dr. Took xrays and such. Was an easy and fun ride. Of course smoking my cigar all the way home. In fact as I recall I saw a Nathans. I made a note to check it out next time.
There was no damage. But apparently some cellulitis on the leg itself. Easily taken care of by a Penniclian derivative.
And that really was it. Other than trying to desperatley get her to fill out paperwork for her disability, for her social security. I mean I had even met with a lawyer. Every day she promised she'd have the paperwork done the next day.
As I mentioned about institutionalization, you fall into ruts and routines which break up, not make up, your day.
Breakfast, gym, smoke, lunch, gym, smoke, dinner, visit, smoke. Occasionally after the last there might be some sort of activity.
I sat through a couple of karoke sessions just to make her happy to have someone with her there. B.I.L. never really did. And I shouldn't say out of malevolence because it wasn't. Just wasn't his thing.
Visit, run home, eat, drink, bed. That was his thing. And unfortunately some fighting. I had to hear about that often. never said a word and such.
Maybe it was late July early August, she got sick. These places breed these illness type things like rabbits. I still think it was related to food poisoning. But it was over after a week.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Surely I'm snowbound when I release this. But will I have electric?
The new routine was generally focused around her smoke. There was a schedule. You could only go at that selected time. She got there herself usually in the daytime. Unless she wasn't feeling well enough.
It's just occurred to me that I don't know if I set up the return properly. Or her last 3 weeks at home. Maybe I did. Not really in the mood to go back and search. I may though, there are a few salient points and a good life lesson in those 3 weeks.
Not snowbound.
B.I.L. would usually go straight there from work. True to both of their natures. When they both worked their whole goals were to go home and stay.
I on the other hand, if on regular hours, would go to the house first. Sometimes I'd wait and get the newspapers from him. I'd take care of the dog. Then I'd call and let her know I was home and ask what I could bring. Usually some stella d'oro breakfast treats; soda; papers if B.I.L. came home before I left; and something sweet like a package of snowballs. That was the routine I ran.
Usually got there in time to see how dinner looked. The food had gone downhill dramatically since her last time here. So bad in fact that she'd often just get a sandwich alternative they'd offer. And of course there were vending machines to supplement themselves on.
Oh and the greed of the place. They owned and stocked the machines themselves. Yup. But let's not go there at all okay.
The one thing I always say when visiting people. Hospital or rehab. Just talk about the small things. When you are stuck in these places time pretty much stops. You know the big things and such that are on the news. It's the minutiae you miss. You tell time there often by activities and which meal it is. Days blend into one another.
So I'd talk about work, people and such. Usually if she was in a good way she'd talk back. About 6 or 6:15 we'd get started. Depending on whether or not she wanted to see the other vending machines. And I understood that. Sometimes just a change of scenery. Something the B.I.L. often just couldn't grasp.
It's just occurred to me that I don't know if I set up the return properly. Or her last 3 weeks at home. Maybe I did. Not really in the mood to go back and search. I may though, there are a few salient points and a good life lesson in those 3 weeks.
Not snowbound.
B.I.L. would usually go straight there from work. True to both of their natures. When they both worked their whole goals were to go home and stay.
I on the other hand, if on regular hours, would go to the house first. Sometimes I'd wait and get the newspapers from him. I'd take care of the dog. Then I'd call and let her know I was home and ask what I could bring. Usually some stella d'oro breakfast treats; soda; papers if B.I.L. came home before I left; and something sweet like a package of snowballs. That was the routine I ran.
Usually got there in time to see how dinner looked. The food had gone downhill dramatically since her last time here. So bad in fact that she'd often just get a sandwich alternative they'd offer. And of course there were vending machines to supplement themselves on.
Oh and the greed of the place. They owned and stocked the machines themselves. Yup. But let's not go there at all okay.
The one thing I always say when visiting people. Hospital or rehab. Just talk about the small things. When you are stuck in these places time pretty much stops. You know the big things and such that are on the news. It's the minutiae you miss. You tell time there often by activities and which meal it is. Days blend into one another.
So I'd talk about work, people and such. Usually if she was in a good way she'd talk back. About 6 or 6:15 we'd get started. Depending on whether or not she wanted to see the other vending machines. And I understood that. Sometimes just a change of scenery. Something the B.I.L. often just couldn't grasp.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Location near her area.
Getting a large snowstorm here. Putting this entry in the vault. But will try to keep it coherent. Writing before I'm at the clock at work. My old department director just did a walk through with the mover. Oh we've tales to tell. But I wish to finish this chapter.
Not every unit near my sister was a single. In fact she was lucky to have a bathroom with a shower. Meaning she didn't have to use the public ones which I'm told were grotesque.
To her left was the nurses station, not to far away. Straight until you did a proper U and it came back was another part of this ward. Down there lie another ice machine and the laundry machines the patients could use.
But at the nurses station, there was a left. It was where we entered. In fact upon exiting I could always wave and say good bye to her from the window of her room. But past that was another common room.
I thought it to be the nicest. There is a large chandler type thing. Just have to not mind the peeling paint. The room is round and is surrounded by windows. The view is of the parking lot, but it did get lots of light in daytime. Many ate their meals here. They also had events.
During one of her stays, I think it was the 2nd. She got involved in a few. Karaoke, family feud stuff. It was good for her. I'd often stay for awhile. So she'd have family to enjoy it with. That crappy sentence actually brought a tear to my eye. Damnations.
And that is the scene. Let it be set and we can begin the last act. I'll weave a little life in here and there. And then what? I don't know.
Not every unit near my sister was a single. In fact she was lucky to have a bathroom with a shower. Meaning she didn't have to use the public ones which I'm told were grotesque.
To her left was the nurses station, not to far away. Straight until you did a proper U and it came back was another part of this ward. Down there lie another ice machine and the laundry machines the patients could use.
But at the nurses station, there was a left. It was where we entered. In fact upon exiting I could always wave and say good bye to her from the window of her room. But past that was another common room.
I thought it to be the nicest. There is a large chandler type thing. Just have to not mind the peeling paint. The room is round and is surrounded by windows. The view is of the parking lot, but it did get lots of light in daytime. Many ate their meals here. They also had events.
During one of her stays, I think it was the 2nd. She got involved in a few. Karaoke, family feud stuff. It was good for her. I'd often stay for awhile. So she'd have family to enjoy it with. That crappy sentence actually brought a tear to my eye. Damnations.
And that is the scene. Let it be set and we can begin the last act. I'll weave a little life in here and there. And then what? I don't know.
The Other Ward.
In order to get to the smoking area you had to go through a door to another section. It was noisy, loud, crazy, and cramped. Many of the rooms had 2 or 3 beds. And some had to be just plain nightmares. This area I felt was a general dumping area. People who had no other place to go, no family. These people were to spend the rest of their lives here.
There was one woman, an oddball. Name of Susan. She was friendly with my sister for a bit. When my sister had smokes to share. When it became a habit and she said no the so called pleasantries stopped. I will say that I never saw a person inhale a smoke so quickly. Susan was an oddball. She'd run anyone over to get outside quickly.
There were other regulars. I can see who I wish to introduce you to as I go along.
Now in this ward, was another turn. Small corridor, tiny eating room. Cannot call it anything but. It looked directly across the courtyard at the smokers.
Another turn and you could tell this was the original wing of the place. Very nice wooden floors. Rooms were multiples here too. People here seemed to be easier going that the smoking ward. And they were quieter. Another turn then you saw at the end of the corridor was another locked unit. That may have been the violent ward, I don't know. I say that because you never saw anyone walking around.
Another turn and it brought you to the front. And a second event room. Spacious, but you could tell it wasn't used as much. Here was the the second set of vending machines as well. I got to know the place pretty well. My sister told me in fact that one night she wheeled herself down there about 1 in the morning. Because the vending machines near her didn't have what she wanted. She saw not one single person. She described it as very creepy. We both agreed that she shouldn't do that again.
There was one woman, an oddball. Name of Susan. She was friendly with my sister for a bit. When my sister had smokes to share. When it became a habit and she said no the so called pleasantries stopped. I will say that I never saw a person inhale a smoke so quickly. Susan was an oddball. She'd run anyone over to get outside quickly.
There were other regulars. I can see who I wish to introduce you to as I go along.
Now in this ward, was another turn. Small corridor, tiny eating room. Cannot call it anything but. It looked directly across the courtyard at the smokers.
Another turn and you could tell this was the original wing of the place. Very nice wooden floors. Rooms were multiples here too. People here seemed to be easier going that the smoking ward. And they were quieter. Another turn then you saw at the end of the corridor was another locked unit. That may have been the violent ward, I don't know. I say that because you never saw anyone walking around.
Another turn and it brought you to the front. And a second event room. Spacious, but you could tell it wasn't used as much. Here was the the second set of vending machines as well. I got to know the place pretty well. My sister told me in fact that one night she wheeled herself down there about 1 in the morning. Because the vending machines near her didn't have what she wanted. She saw not one single person. She described it as very creepy. We both agreed that she shouldn't do that again.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Settling in.
Her routine was set. Gym twice a day. She had access to the smokers group. Simply put you were grouped and could have a smoke at those times in those places. Oh the drama that did go on.
Allow me to introduce some characters. Firstly her old neighbor that had helped was still there. Bob, big fellow, nice guy. He didn't smoke but I had wished at first she was closer to him location wise. The rooms there also had a nicer view of the outside area in the back. You could see the lawn, plenty of cats and such. But that's the way it goes.
The first one was a large dude named Mickey. He was in a wheelchair. There had been some sort of accident and he was paralyzed. Nice enough fellow. Slightly talkative. He lived further down the hall.
After that were just fillers. There would be another dude later on. He'd figure more prominently later on. Mo. He looked to be in his 60's, could be hard to understand, but friendly.
Joe came in later on also. Young kid, late 20's early 30's. A real loose cannon. He also became a friend.
The last was Ellen. I actually do keep tabs on her. She and my sister became very close.
The area given to the smoker group was far down through another ward. Oh we should save that one. That may be an entry unto itself.
Let me finish the point on the smoker group. You had to be there 5 min ahead of time. Although one of the people in charge were hardly on time themselves.
It let out into another squared off courtyard. Some benches. In the first corner was one persons room. I felt bad. I mean anytime they'd want their windows or curtain open there'd be a group of people smoking.
Along the back of the area was the lunch room for a lock down unit. For a long time I thought it was the violent ward. Bothered me a lot. It was actually the dementia ward. Flanking the opposite side was more rooms. But none so close that they couldn't open a window if they wanted. And directly opposite was the other common eating room.
Okay scenery set. Maybe I can get 2 in drafts so I can just release them on the weekend. We'll see. Don't get your hopes up.
Allow me to introduce some characters. Firstly her old neighbor that had helped was still there. Bob, big fellow, nice guy. He didn't smoke but I had wished at first she was closer to him location wise. The rooms there also had a nicer view of the outside area in the back. You could see the lawn, plenty of cats and such. But that's the way it goes.
The first one was a large dude named Mickey. He was in a wheelchair. There had been some sort of accident and he was paralyzed. Nice enough fellow. Slightly talkative. He lived further down the hall.
After that were just fillers. There would be another dude later on. He'd figure more prominently later on. Mo. He looked to be in his 60's, could be hard to understand, but friendly.
Joe came in later on also. Young kid, late 20's early 30's. A real loose cannon. He also became a friend.
The last was Ellen. I actually do keep tabs on her. She and my sister became very close.
The area given to the smoker group was far down through another ward. Oh we should save that one. That may be an entry unto itself.
Let me finish the point on the smoker group. You had to be there 5 min ahead of time. Although one of the people in charge were hardly on time themselves.
It let out into another squared off courtyard. Some benches. In the first corner was one persons room. I felt bad. I mean anytime they'd want their windows or curtain open there'd be a group of people smoking.
Along the back of the area was the lunch room for a lock down unit. For a long time I thought it was the violent ward. Bothered me a lot. It was actually the dementia ward. Flanking the opposite side was more rooms. But none so close that they couldn't open a window if they wanted. And directly opposite was the other common eating room.
Okay scenery set. Maybe I can get 2 in drafts so I can just release them on the weekend. We'll see. Don't get your hopes up.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
moving along and setting mood.
Start with entries posted on 12-3 and 12-4 and the thread gets coherent.
Her room looked out onto the main entrance. Where the ambulances come to pick up and discharge; where food delivery came and went; and people smoked.
She seemed to be doing well. Of course she made more friends. Which in the long run was good. These of course were also people that she smoked with. Oh wait til we get there.
Most of the rooms where she was were private. She was lucky enough to have a bathroom and a shower. I'm told the public showers were quite nasty.
The food had changed. It had gotten worse. We supplied snacks and shit. She went to the gym twice a day during the week. I mean things looked good. She sounded good. I told her about doing a test run to go see the knee Dr. She didn't know why I waited so long.
Now when we first had the option of putting her into this place it was a little better. I of course did a rating check.
The ratings system was out of 5 stars. Unfortunately there are only 2 that serve bariatric patients and have a gym. They both at the time rated 2 out of 5 stars.
When she went back. It was 1.5 out of 5. I just checked as I'm writing it is now 1 out of 5.
sorry on the clock.
Her room looked out onto the main entrance. Where the ambulances come to pick up and discharge; where food delivery came and went; and people smoked.
She seemed to be doing well. Of course she made more friends. Which in the long run was good. These of course were also people that she smoked with. Oh wait til we get there.
Most of the rooms where she was were private. She was lucky enough to have a bathroom and a shower. I'm told the public showers were quite nasty.
The food had changed. It had gotten worse. We supplied snacks and shit. She went to the gym twice a day during the week. I mean things looked good. She sounded good. I told her about doing a test run to go see the knee Dr. She didn't know why I waited so long.
Now when we first had the option of putting her into this place it was a little better. I of course did a rating check.
The ratings system was out of 5 stars. Unfortunately there are only 2 that serve bariatric patients and have a gym. They both at the time rated 2 out of 5 stars.
When she went back. It was 1.5 out of 5. I just checked as I'm writing it is now 1 out of 5.
sorry on the clock.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Back to the summer and I pick up the ever elusive thread.
It's actually odd. I started this particular draft somewhere in mid December. Figure we'll continue a bit and see where this leads.
And so we were back in the swing of things. I'd go up on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work. B.I.L. would do it M,W,F, with a split shift on the weekends.
Thing that still irks me a tad is how easily the routine was to pick up again. Now because I just don't want to, not can't. I'm assuming we are still on the first rehab return of the season. I remember we are past the flu.
Alright now. For the most part I went back. To sort of get recurrent you may want to start with the blogs at the end of August. I do believe I have missed some points which I'll put here.
And so we were back in the swing of things. I'd go up on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work. B.I.L. would do it M,W,F, with a split shift on the weekends.
Thing that still irks me a tad is how easily the routine was to pick up again. Now because I just don't want to, not can't. I'm assuming we are still on the first rehab return of the season. I remember we are past the flu.
Alright now. For the most part I went back. To sort of get recurrent you may want to start with the blogs at the end of August. I do believe I have missed some points which I'll put here.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Duck Soup the aftermath of Daffy
Okay I'm storing these a day ahead of each other. So the actual post date is a day behind. Deal with it.
I stowed all the remains in the fridge. Christmas had been on a Thursday. I needed Friday to make sure I had all the ingredients. A little about this soup.
I chanced upon it whilst scouring the web. The search lead me to Duck soup with dumplings. If you Google just that you should come to the Hunters Anglers blog. Neat blog actually.
What appealed to me was the simplicity......Okay it had dumplings or these little things I think we used to call Spetzle and I don't care how it's spelled. Simple AND DUMPLINGS. You can go read the recipe. It's an interesting blog and site. It's not quite a requirement but a suggestion. Because I'm going to just talk about a few highlights.
I needed to get a few things for the meal. Flour, Carrot, and I've no idea what else. Hell can you remember a year back. I can say that cause its 2015 and this occurred in 2014. Lame but still a valid point.
I started by making the dumpling dough. Simple and easy enough. In hindsight I should have maybe let it set a few hours more to let it dry, or even made the night before. I just followed what was on my screen.
Started browning some onions in duck fat of course. Hell even the recipe said to do that. I did have to cut the duck in half to fit in the pot. Eventually the onions and everything else was in the pot, simmering for 90 min.
The dumplings had to be grated. Like I said I was just sort of following the instructions. Hindsight again says the dough may have still not been totally dried. But Hell I was psyched about making this. So I grated on the large side of the knuckle buster. My knuckles did not become casualties I'm pleased to report. They were tiny as to be expected. I mean I wanted real big gravy absorbing dumplings. You don't get that in soup.
Dropped the dumplings in salted boiling water in batches. Came out well enough. Then it was time to address the soup.
Now having already established it to be a fatty meal to begin with. The soup is also quite fatty. We did add back some duck fat with the onions also.
I'm used to making chicken soup. You strain off some of the scum and fat off the top and such. I always love eating the veggies you put in for flavor.
The veggies in the duck soup were tossed. They were just gross. As for the soup. I used a regular strainer under a fine mesh strainer with a piece of paper towel in it absorb fat and just stuff.
The soup is as pictured in the blog. I must admit while it was very exciting to make. The eating was not so great. I found it bland. The dumplings at least added some texture. But I had a great time making it.. Won't be doing it again however. But am considering making some dumplings for my next batch of chicken soup.
Thus ends my tale of the Christmas Holidays. I hope you all had a nice one. See what I feel like writing tomorrow after I post this blog.
-later
I stowed all the remains in the fridge. Christmas had been on a Thursday. I needed Friday to make sure I had all the ingredients. A little about this soup.
I chanced upon it whilst scouring the web. The search lead me to Duck soup with dumplings. If you Google just that you should come to the Hunters Anglers blog. Neat blog actually.
What appealed to me was the simplicity......Okay it had dumplings or these little things I think we used to call Spetzle and I don't care how it's spelled. Simple AND DUMPLINGS. You can go read the recipe. It's an interesting blog and site. It's not quite a requirement but a suggestion. Because I'm going to just talk about a few highlights.
I needed to get a few things for the meal. Flour, Carrot, and I've no idea what else. Hell can you remember a year back. I can say that cause its 2015 and this occurred in 2014. Lame but still a valid point.
I started by making the dumpling dough. Simple and easy enough. In hindsight I should have maybe let it set a few hours more to let it dry, or even made the night before. I just followed what was on my screen.
Started browning some onions in duck fat of course. Hell even the recipe said to do that. I did have to cut the duck in half to fit in the pot. Eventually the onions and everything else was in the pot, simmering for 90 min.
The dumplings had to be grated. Like I said I was just sort of following the instructions. Hindsight again says the dough may have still not been totally dried. But Hell I was psyched about making this. So I grated on the large side of the knuckle buster. My knuckles did not become casualties I'm pleased to report. They were tiny as to be expected. I mean I wanted real big gravy absorbing dumplings. You don't get that in soup.
Dropped the dumplings in salted boiling water in batches. Came out well enough. Then it was time to address the soup.
Now having already established it to be a fatty meal to begin with. The soup is also quite fatty. We did add back some duck fat with the onions also.
I'm used to making chicken soup. You strain off some of the scum and fat off the top and such. I always love eating the veggies you put in for flavor.
The veggies in the duck soup were tossed. They were just gross. As for the soup. I used a regular strainer under a fine mesh strainer with a piece of paper towel in it absorb fat and just stuff.
The soup is as pictured in the blog. I must admit while it was very exciting to make. The eating was not so great. I found it bland. The dumplings at least added some texture. But I had a great time making it.. Won't be doing it again however. But am considering making some dumplings for my next batch of chicken soup.
Thus ends my tale of the Christmas Holidays. I hope you all had a nice one. See what I feel like writing tomorrow after I post this blog.
-later
Monday, January 5, 2015
Daffy Duck takes center stage
I'd taken the duck out and let it rest on the counter whilst I played about making the stuffing. It was now time to address the star of the meal. And no I did no hokey how do you do.
Firstly I took a picture of the directions with my phone. So I wouldn't have to keep fishing about in the garbage to double check myself. The directions went something like this.
Score skin. Temperature. Cook breast side down for 1/2 hour. Flip duck and cook for another hour. Lower oven then cook for about 30-45 min more.
Well I pricked the skin all over, did a fairly good job. There is a difference between pricking and scoring. In my excitement I just didn't want to cut into the meat. I was satisfied.
The cooking went as planned. Did all the flipping required as well as the temperature change. And my I say I smiled royally when it came out and I had all this gorgeous fat in the bottom. Quite a bit actually. Check back 2 entries for a little information on that.
I let daffy rest, made some candied carrots. Called dinner and carved the beast.
The skin came off reasonably well. Although there were spots of unreleased fat from where I didn't prick it. There is not a ton of meat to be had on it.
I gave the B.I.L. a pass on the stuffing and asked how he liked the duck. He let me know 2 days later he'd have it again.
First and foremost, it does not taste anything like chicken. Now frogs legs yes, duck no. Was not gamey but had a definite flavor. It was enjoyable.
Dinner was pleasant and passed well enough. I kept the carcass. I found a recipe for duck soup I wanted to try. Yup.
T.B.C.
Firstly I took a picture of the directions with my phone. So I wouldn't have to keep fishing about in the garbage to double check myself. The directions went something like this.
Score skin. Temperature. Cook breast side down for 1/2 hour. Flip duck and cook for another hour. Lower oven then cook for about 30-45 min more.
Well I pricked the skin all over, did a fairly good job. There is a difference between pricking and scoring. In my excitement I just didn't want to cut into the meat. I was satisfied.
The cooking went as planned. Did all the flipping required as well as the temperature change. And my I say I smiled royally when it came out and I had all this gorgeous fat in the bottom. Quite a bit actually. Check back 2 entries for a little information on that.
I let daffy rest, made some candied carrots. Called dinner and carved the beast.
The skin came off reasonably well. Although there were spots of unreleased fat from where I didn't prick it. There is not a ton of meat to be had on it.
I gave the B.I.L. a pass on the stuffing and asked how he liked the duck. He let me know 2 days later he'd have it again.
First and foremost, it does not taste anything like chicken. Now frogs legs yes, duck no. Was not gamey but had a definite flavor. It was enjoyable.
Dinner was pleasant and passed well enough. I kept the carcass. I found a recipe for duck soup I wanted to try. Yup.
T.B.C.
Eureka or however you spell it.
The thought occurred to me. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind. Where my lone gray cell reclines with a smoke and a cup of coffee. From those depths came a singular thought. A concept so brash and bold. It rocked the very foundation of all the research I had done. Yes indeed it did. All the recopies, sifting through them to find out the best way to roast a duck. Like the roar of distant thunder the thought did come!
Uh....did you look at the duck to see if it had directions?
As a bolt of lightening I leaped forth from my chair. I opened the door of the refrigerator and savaged the plastic bag that held the duck. Yes Virginia....it came with pre printed instructions. Thus the path was now chosen.
I estimated the time and when about I wished to eat. Okay it gets a little less enthralling here.
I was going to make a simple bread stuffing baked in a bowl. The way we used to do. No fancy stuff, certainly no sausage. I followed along with the recipe. Actually one of the few that did not have all the exact information, as my mom was wont to do on these index cards.
Celery and onions softened, check. Bread check. Egg check. Combine cover and put in oven 20 min then remove cover and cook another 30 min. Check and check.
The part I didn't get right was the adding the stock. There was no real measurement. So I added what I thought was right.
The end result tasted well enough. Overly moist however. So moist in fact; if I hadn't been the one cooking it I would have thought it raw. But I ate it anyway.
Okay tomorrow Daffy takes front and Center.
Uh....did you look at the duck to see if it had directions?
As a bolt of lightening I leaped forth from my chair. I opened the door of the refrigerator and savaged the plastic bag that held the duck. Yes Virginia....it came with pre printed instructions. Thus the path was now chosen.
I estimated the time and when about I wished to eat. Okay it gets a little less enthralling here.
I was going to make a simple bread stuffing baked in a bowl. The way we used to do. No fancy stuff, certainly no sausage. I followed along with the recipe. Actually one of the few that did not have all the exact information, as my mom was wont to do on these index cards.
Celery and onions softened, check. Bread check. Egg check. Combine cover and put in oven 20 min then remove cover and cook another 30 min. Check and check.
The part I didn't get right was the adding the stock. There was no real measurement. So I added what I thought was right.
The end result tasted well enough. Overly moist however. So moist in fact; if I hadn't been the one cooking it I would have thought it raw. But I ate it anyway.
Okay tomorrow Daffy takes front and Center.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Holidays are over eh?
Morning, let's get right into it. We'll recap Christmas and New Year's and then decide on the path of this blog. Not all in one post probably.
I just wanted something different. Used to have an almost sacred family ritual on Christmas Eve. I think for most people like the slavs and polish, that is the night.
It took 40 some odd years, but it was finally broken years back. By my sister and Brother In Law. So Christmas Eve lost some of it's luster. In fact it often just became another night where I'd cook. Anyway.
With the death of my sister this year I wanted something for me. I had assumed the B.I.L. would oil off to his brother and sister. The plan was for Roast duck and stuffing for me. And a nice bottle of champagne. Best laid plans of mice and me?
Well his brother and sister had other plans so he was stuck with me. I told him, not asked, the menu. He seemed open to it. So I ordered the duck from my butcher.
I'd seen that he had frozen duck breasts in the freezer in the store. So I inquired. He said for the price of 1 breast I'd be better off just buying a whole duck. So I said what the Hell. I mean $20 for a whole duck or $18 for a single frozen breast. Not rocket science.
One of the things I liked about it was that I would have plenty of duck fat. What? Seriously? Do some of you never ever eat? Okay.
Ducks are water fowl. They are very fatty. The meat is dark and definitely does not taste like chicken. But the fat of the duck.
Stop. Go Google duck fat right now!
Yup for those that did. You saw right. You can buy this stuff online. It is sought after. It simply makes frying things delicious. Eggs, root veggies for roasting. And it will keep for months in the fridge. So that was the other reason. I wanted duck fat.
I began researching on how to cook the duck. I bought all the necessities. But finding how to cook a duck without all the frills was ridiculous. I did manage to find a nice website that showed a recipe for duck soup. Bookmarked it.
By Christmas morning I had at least 5 different ways to cook a duck with different directions; temperatures; and times. A small nightmare indeed. WTF was I going to do?
T.B.C.
I just wanted something different. Used to have an almost sacred family ritual on Christmas Eve. I think for most people like the slavs and polish, that is the night.
It took 40 some odd years, but it was finally broken years back. By my sister and Brother In Law. So Christmas Eve lost some of it's luster. In fact it often just became another night where I'd cook. Anyway.
With the death of my sister this year I wanted something for me. I had assumed the B.I.L. would oil off to his brother and sister. The plan was for Roast duck and stuffing for me. And a nice bottle of champagne. Best laid plans of mice and me?
Well his brother and sister had other plans so he was stuck with me. I told him, not asked, the menu. He seemed open to it. So I ordered the duck from my butcher.
I'd seen that he had frozen duck breasts in the freezer in the store. So I inquired. He said for the price of 1 breast I'd be better off just buying a whole duck. So I said what the Hell. I mean $20 for a whole duck or $18 for a single frozen breast. Not rocket science.
One of the things I liked about it was that I would have plenty of duck fat. What? Seriously? Do some of you never ever eat? Okay.
Ducks are water fowl. They are very fatty. The meat is dark and definitely does not taste like chicken. But the fat of the duck.
Stop. Go Google duck fat right now!
Yup for those that did. You saw right. You can buy this stuff online. It is sought after. It simply makes frying things delicious. Eggs, root veggies for roasting. And it will keep for months in the fridge. So that was the other reason. I wanted duck fat.
I began researching on how to cook the duck. I bought all the necessities. But finding how to cook a duck without all the frills was ridiculous. I did manage to find a nice website that showed a recipe for duck soup. Bookmarked it.
By Christmas morning I had at least 5 different ways to cook a duck with different directions; temperatures; and times. A small nightmare indeed. WTF was I going to do?
T.B.C.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
