[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

Great! Happy Belated Halloween Beth
(I only just saw this post

[Moose72]

I brought my outdoor chairs and table in. Tomorrow, they start fixing the balconies so just in case I'm first, I removed them. Also, because it was supposed to rain today, but it snowed. It was 32 and "feels like" 23. I took my garbage out with no coat. Burr! The sky was blue with white puffy clouds but it was snowing. Weird. My cousin (2nd cousin really) wants to get together, but unless she comes here I don't want to because of my junky car. That is, I don't drive further than AAA will tow me. Just the reality of having a car with 250,000+ miles on it. I also don't drive the highway because of the car- I'm not afraid to drive it in general. The last time I drove on the highway, I had to because we missed the road that takes you back that's not as high a speed limit. Anyway, she probably doesn't want to drive out here, so oh well. Still taking meds as usual. Nothing to report re bipolar, except that my alarm went off at 7 a.m. and I came out to the living room to turn it off but I got back in bed and didn't get up until 1 p.m. (2 p.m. adjusted)! I hate when I do that. I had a nice HOT cup of coffee from Tim Hortons. That hit the spot!

[Moose72]

I feel so restless in my new apartment. Often, I just stand in the living room and watch the tv. Odd, I know. One day, I cleaned the apartment which I could do again but I really don't think its that dirty since the last time I mopped. I watered my plant today. I do that weekly. I could clear up the dining room table which has mail all over it. I took a shower and put some conditioning spray in it and now it looks nice but I bet it will be messed up in the morning. I should read more. I need a hobby. Wish I could crochet! That's a nice hobby. I'd take photos if I knew what to take them of. I never got the kids' pix taken back in August like I wanted. I can't get them all in the same place at the same time. Heck- I can't even get N1 to come get her mail that's at my place and she lives in the same apartment complex! I also want her to see my new place. I haven't seen N2's new place, either nor has she seen mine. N3 still hasn't gotten a plan to vote. I told him to go vote tomorrow so he doesn't have to wait in line on Tuesday. Plus, he has school Tuesday.

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

I haven't cooked since August when i had that disaster with that bean stew. But i'm eager to save money since i've been looking into my finances. Compound interest is very exciting! Cooking is a way of saving money so i cautiously made an attempt. I laid in a whole whack of my favorite noodles (rotini) during the Spring lockdown and i haven't touched them. So i boiled up a big pot and mixed in some marble cheese i had in the fridge and my favorite frozen veggie mix with lovely edamame beans and these cute little mini corn-on-the-cobs.

I was scared to eat it but it was not bad. It just tasted like the sum of it's parts. I feel true skilled cooking is when the result tastes like more than the sum of it's parts. @Soupe du jour: am i right? But it's all my favorite things so i feel okay about it. Also, i find anything homemade gives a feeling of well-being. I've been eating a brand of frozen mac-and-cheese with 500 calories and 1170mg of sodium. My own cooking sure beats that!

And it was all stuff i had in the kitchen so it was free! And it made four servings!

I did all the dishes and put them away. It was hot hard work.

So that was my little adventure.

Hugs to all who suffer!

Hi whatever2013. I'm guessing you mentioned me because you remembered that I have a passion for cooking. Assuming that, I'm happy to provide feedback based on what you described. So you just boiled the pasta, then drained it, then added grated cheese and cooked/drained frozen vegetables? Correct me if I'm missing anything from your recipe.

It sounds like perhaps a flavorful cheese sauce would be better than just melted cheese, itself. Have you ever made a béchamel sauce? That is a great basis for what I think you were going for. It is made by melting butter in a saucepan, then stirring in a little flour (until light golden brown), then whisking in either just milk or a combination of milk and a bit of broth (chicken or vegetable would seem best in your case). That is then simmered a little while until it forms a thick sauce. Then, take it off the heat and stir in any grated appropriate cheese.

Also, before the flour step mentioned above, extra flavor can be added by first softening finely chopped onion/shallot/garlic in the butter. Also, after the sauce is completed, some nice spices or herbs could be added. Again, the choice depends on what is appropriate for the final desired dish.

Adding cooked/drained vegetables is a great way, in my view, to add more nutrition. Your veggie choices sounded fine to me, but the most common I use in similar dishes is cooked/drained chopped broccoli, peas, asparagus, or carrots. Some chopped spinach can also be nice.

If I was going for more of a macaroni and cheese type meal, my cheeses of choice would likely be cheddar, Colby, Swiss Emmental, Gouda (not smoked), Gruyere, or a high-quality Parmesan (or similar). I assume the marble cheese you used is a combo of two of these. Spices that might be good could be a touch of Cayenne or black pepper or smoked paprika, or even a dash of nutmeg. Herb ideas may include basil, oregano, or even tarragon, marjoram or FRESH parsley. Flavors like smoked ham, cooked drained bacon, lemon rind/juice, etc., can also be nice. Again, it depends a bit on the cheese choice, any protein, flavor matching, and of course preferences. Salt, to taste, is usually mandatory.

If you want, I can recommend two very basic cheese sauce recipes (with and without broth).

Alternatively, an appropriately flavored (herbs/onion or garlic) extra virgin olive oil (no bechamel-based sauce) can also be wonderful. A nice Parmesan cheese on top makes a dish.

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

I’m just sitting in the sun, enjoying a passion fruit mango drink, listening to trains and enjoying this glorious weather. My to do list and schedule are packed but sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses. Very zen today. It will all get done.

I hope everyone enjoyed Halloween. Alas, I got out too late to fully appreciate the Blue Moon. I’ll know better for next time.

Hugs to all.

Sounds so nice! I did pretty much the same thing today. It is restorative.

[Soupe du jour]

As I wrote just above, I did pretty much nothing in terms of our house prep today. Perhaps only helped Hubby get up into the attic to check on the roof leak situation. It rained again today. Rain, rain, go away, don't come back until after next Sunday!

I did cook three meals today. Breakfast was cottage cheese pancakes with raspberry preserves, berries and whipped topping. Lunch was Chicken Artichoke Piccata with Basmati rice and cucumber-tomato-onion salad. Dinner was simply cooked pre-made chicken cheese tortellini with tomato basil sauce and Parmesan cheese, along with cooked peas. There's leftovers from lunch for tomorrow.

I ordered delivery of groceries from Whole Foods for tomorrow. I finally splurged on vanilla cupcakes that have been on my mind. I also ordered a mini fruit tart for Hubby. I do like fruit tarts, but we eat them so often because they are what HE likes most. He dislikes vanilla cupcakes, so they'll be all mine. Too bad. Sometimes I get sick and tired of always catering to his preferences, dietary issues, etc.

@wildflowerchild25, I ordered pork roll twice within the last week, at a diner. My husband hates it, so I rarely eat it. It's possible that it was my last time ever having it. It's not anything I could ever find where I'm moving to. It's not like we can easily make it from scratch. Right?

@Soupe du jour: Wow, that sauce sounds great! I'm sure that's the sauce in the frozen brand of mac-n-cheese that i so love. It's too ambitious for me tho and counter to my main purpose of saving money. I sure envy your skill! Thanks for sharing, it's good to know. I was just expecting a yes or no answer. I saved your post on my hard drive for the future, if i ever get courageous in the kitchen and take a break from saving money. You explained it quite well. I appreciate your time! You did give me the idea of grating the cheese, rather then just crumbling it. Grated would be nicer and not cost anything. See what an amateur i am?!

Yes, cooking is your passion!

[Gabyunbound]

I'm going back to work in the hospital next week and I'm very nervous.

Not just about getting COVID, though that's there, but because my boss just told me what part of my schedule will be (she hasn't, specifically, decided on the rest).

I'm to work at home all day on Monday's (an extra hour was added), and then on Tuesday's I have to drive to a satellite hospital we have which is about 50 mins away from me. I'm deathly afraid of driving, especially in rush-hour, so this is now a source of enormous anxiety. I will also be taking care of that whole hospital (within my profession) by myself because we have a tiny office there and they're only allowing one person at a time to work there.

The following morning I may go to the main hospital to work, and Friday's all day at home. Thank god I get Thursday's off. I have therapy in the morning and then since I have so many doctor's appts, I always schedule them for Thursday's.

But I'm afraid of lack of sleep, which is the BIGGEST trigger for my BP, and all the stress. I'm afraid of the driving. I'm afraid of COVID. I'm deathly afraid of what will happen with this election. My mother is getting more and more ill, and I'm afraid she's in her final decline, I am so afraid for her. I am so frightened...

[daladico]

Still feeling good. I’ve had a “stable” mood for a week and a half, which is a good long stretch for me.
In the back of my mind I always feel like the crash is coming.
Trying to make the most of this wonderful stability while I have it =)
Going on a new hike today, really looking forward to it.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Gabyunbound

...

But I'm afraid of lack of sleep, which is the BIGGEST trigger for my BP, and all the stress. I'm afraid of the driving. I'm afraid of COVID. I'm deathly afraid of what will happen with this election. My mother is getting more and more ill, and I'm afraid she's in her final decline, I am so afraid for her. I am so frightened...

I literally fear a lack of sleep, too. What is it you fear about driving...that you'll fall asleep, or just driving in general?

I can certainly understand your concern about covid. And the election...I know that there are many, many Americans feeling extremely anxious. I certainly am.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by Gabyunbound

I'm going back to work in the hospital next week and I'm very nervous.

Not just about getting COVID, though that's there, but because my boss just told me what part of my schedule will be (she hasn't, specifically, decided on the rest).

I'm to work at home all day on Monday's (an extra hour was added), and then on Tuesday's I have to drive to a satellite hospital we have which is about 50 mins away from me. I'm deathly afraid of driving, especially in rush-hour, so this is now a source of enormous anxiety. I will also be taking care of that whole hospital (within my profession) by myself because we have a tiny office there and they're only allowing one person at a time to work there.

The following morning I may go to the main hospital to work, and Friday's all day at home. Thank god I get Thursday's off. I have therapy in the morning and then since I have so many doctor's appts, I always schedule them for Thursday's.

But I'm afraid of lack of sleep, which is the BIGGEST trigger for my BP, and all the stress. I'm afraid of the driving. I'm afraid of COVID. I'm deathly afraid of what will happen with this election. My mother is getting more and more ill, and I'm afraid she's in her final decline, I am so afraid for her. I am so frightened...

Maybe rush hour won't be as bad as you think. You'll get used to your new schedule and you don't have to drive in 5 days a week, so there's that.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Moose72

...but unless she comes here I don't want to because of my junky car. That is, I don't drive further than AAA will tow me. Just the reality of having a car with 250,000+ miles on it....

I hear you. I'm in the same situation. Thankful for AAA towing!

[*Beth*]

Spent most of Friday lying in bed because I was crying about my daughter. In 4 days it will be 2 years since she has communicated with me. We were best friends, until her husband pressured her that dealing with me going IP was "too much drama."

Anyway, I pulled it together pretty well by Sunday and got several chores done. Even managed not to take a nap.

Speaking of sleep...I slept all the way through the night! Weird. But the sleep seemed kind of light, not a deep sleep. Still, a good thing.

Yesterday and today are Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The "curtain" between our world and the spirit world is supposed to be thin and being in communication with loved ones who have passed on is supposed to be important.

Honestly, although I really like the holiday, it's so colorful, I don't put much stock in the concept. But what do you know...I had a vivid dream last night of my Aunt. She told me she was "visiting" because she wanted to give me her wedding veil. The veil was gorgeous, a long, soft, lace veil, the old-fashioned kind (she would have been married in the early 1940's). What a dream! It was beautiful. I was so happy to see her.

Most of my neighbors are Mexican, so they put little alters with marigolds on them outside on Nov. 1st and 2nd.

Today I'm trying to keep a calm mind about the election tomorrow.

Thank the universe I have an appointment with my therapist today. I just wish it was in person. But, oh, well.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I hear you. I'm in the same situation. Thankful for AAA towing!

My (second) cousin wrote me back and said she can pick me up. Woohoo! I'd rather just have lunch with her, though. I don't know what she's thinking. I don't want to get stuck at her place. After a couple hours, I start to get anxious to go home.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Moose72

My (second) cousin wrote me back and said she can pick me up. Woohoo! I'd rather just have lunch with her, though. I don't know what she's thinking. I don't want to get stuck at her place. After a couple hours, I start to get anxious to go home.

I totally understand. That feeling of being stuck somewhere when you just want to go home...I'd feel kind-of panicky.

Can you tell her you can get together for just lunch because you have *whatever* that has to be done in the afternoon? Maybe something about the balcony workers coming?

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I totally understand. That feeling of being stuck somewhere when you just want to go home...I'd feel kind-of panicky.

Can you tell her you can get together for just lunch because you have *whatever* that has to be done in the afternoon? Maybe something about the balcony workers coming?

I could say that. I just don't want to sit with her at her place for hours. I really don't have that much to talk about. Maybe she does. And I'm not sure that her kids are all out of the house yet. Maybe a kid will be there? Not that I'm against kids- if there is one, it would be my 2nd cousin once removed or something like that-, but they are good at interrupting. I just don't want to sit for hours maybe getting covid.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Moose72

I could say that. I just don't want to sit with her at her place for hours. I really don't have that much to talk about. Maybe she does. And I'm not sure that her kids are all out of the house yet. Maybe a kid will be there? Not that I'm against kids- if there is one, it would be my 2nd cousin once removed or something like that-, but they are good at interrupting. I just don't want to sit for hours maybe getting covid.

I don't blame you a bit!

[Mountaindewed]

I don’t feel good today. Physically or mentally. I cancelled my therapy appointment for tomorrow because I’m too upset at her. Plus with it being Election Day I don’t think I’d be very productive. I’m just tired and in pain today. I’m lying down because I was lightheaded.

I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to gain weight from my new antidepressant so I haven’t been taking it but I can’t get out of bed or do anything productive and I’ve just been so angry and depressed.

[Moose72]

I can see the guys working on the balconies across the parking lot. Don't know when they'll get to my side. They might go to the other side of that building next. Yup! I see that they moved to the side of the building across the parking lot. They seem to be doing something to the underside of the balconies instead of checking inside because they are getting on a short ladder and working with tools under the deck above. They don't need to get into the top balconies for that. Their tall ladder doesn't reach that high, anyway. I feel like taking a nap, but that's never a good idea. Besides- my sheets are in the dryer. Ohh! The truck is on my side now! lol I feel like Gladys Kravitz from Bewitched! I don't think they're going to get up into my balcony.

[wolftrap]

Slept late today, I think exhausted from the time change. My therapist always warns me that I’m very sensitive to it. My town is now on COVID red alert, so I’m cancelling all plans with friends and holing up in my painting studio. Very difficult to focus today, so I took 5mg Adderall. Within 20 minutes I was able to get back to my painting.

Everyone have a safe election day tomorrow!

[Soupe du jour]

I made good progress cleaning up the garage. It's actually easier to do these things without my husband present, since he slows stuff down. He worked in the basement. This week all must be ready because people may be viewing our house as soon as Saturday. Sunday is the open house. We still need the roofers to get their arses here to fix the roof. Then one room's ceiling needs to be repainted. I worry the repaint job won't be good enough. One old water damage spot in another room is still noticeable. Hubby says I am too picky. I say a potential buyer's pickiness will see that as a red flag.

This week will be ultra busy. Stress seems to have no end on the horizon.

I already voted a while back. I am also a bit nervous about tomorrow (and a while afterwards). These past almost four years have been horrible for the majority of the country. And yes, the majority of people! The worst I have ever personally seen in my almost 50 years. I never experienced anything so bad during any past administration, Republican or Democrat. Democrat or Republican.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I don’t feel good today. Physically or mentally. I cancelled my therapy appointment for tomorrow because I’m too upset at her. Plus with it being Election Day I don’t think I’d be very productive. I’m just tired and in pain today. I’m lying down because I was lightheaded.

I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to gain weight from my new antidepressant so I haven’t been taking it but I can’t get out of bed or do anything productive and I’ve just been so angry and depressed.

I'm sorry, Md.

What are you upset at your T for?

It sounds like the antidepressant would be of benefit. I certainly understand the conflict between needing a med, but not wanting to gain weight.

Looking back at having been on weight gaining meds, I would have done something differently. I would have reduced the portions I was eating, very much limited sugar (meds seem to make us crave sugar). I would have planned my meals more carefully and stuck with the plan.

Just some ideas.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by wolftrap

Slept late today, I think exhausted from the time change. My therapist always warns me that I’m very sensitive to it. My town is now on COVID red alert, so I’m cancelling all plans with friends and holing up in my painting studio. Very difficult to focus today, so I took 5mg Adderall. Within 20 minutes I was able to get back to my painting.

Everyone have a safe election day tomorrow!

Thank you

Holing up in your studio sounds perfect to me

Enjoy, and you stay safe, too.

[Mountaindewed]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I'm sorry, Md.

What are you upset at your T for?

It sounds like the antidepressant would be of benefit. I certainly understand the conflict between needing a med, but not wanting to gain weight.

Looking back at having been on weight gaining meds, I would have done something differently. I would have reduced the portions I was eating, very much limited sugar (meds seem to make us crave sugar). I would have planned my meals more carefully and stuck with the plan.

Just some ideas.

My therapist sent an email to my Pdoc and he then took me off welbutrin and topamax and put me on the new med. I felt like she was tattling on me to him.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Moose72

.... I feel like Gladys Kravitz from Bewitched!...