 |
| this is from YouTube |
July has been all over the place so far. This post will probably reflect that. Hang on tight because I have no real idea what this may turn into. Let's go.
1. Cervical Facet Arthropathy/Syndrome and Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection: This all has nothing to do with lady parts; rather, it's all about a pain in the neck. It seems that my most recent falls have exacerbated the arthritis in my neck and exposed a nerve. I've been in pain and physically limited for months and months, and it finally got bad enough that I was referred to a pain specialist. Long story short, we tried medicine, and on Monday a cortisone shot into my neck/spine. If that doesn't hold, next is a nerve ablation. After that, it's surgery to insert pins/rods. I'm Trying Very Hard to avoid that last thing, which is huge and scary and, to me, the very last resort. So far, I'm really pleased with the injection. Fingers crossed that it gives me relief for a long time.
2. Herb Garden Stuff: I've already made a batch of pesto from my basil and parsley and dried some oregano. My oregano is from a plant I put in more than 10 years ago. I've had to seed dill twice now because of this horrendous heat. I have a volunteer tomato plant somehow in there (I haven't planted tomatoes there for decades), and my jalapenos from last year seeded themselves smack dab in the middle of my rosemary. Today I pulled 14 jalapeno plants and put them in huge pots along the drive. I'll be making pesto again this week, provoking much joy from Jared and Sam.
3. Social Commentary Or Just Laziness? You Decide: Sometimes on my walk I am confronted with sights that cause me to ruminate for a block or two. As a former English/Literature/Creative Writing teacher and student, I cannot help but see Deeper Meanings in most things. Plus, it's a nice break from reacting with Just Plain Annoyance. Consider these two related things that caught my eye today:
Is this a commentary on the way Organized Sports have a chokehold on our kids, forcing them into a world of pressure and competition far too early? Is it trying to tell us that kids should be spending more time outdoors in free play, discovering the wonders of Nature? Is it saying that too much money is spent on professional sports--salaries, arenas, merchandise, and the like--perhaps to the detriment of our natural environment? That we've lost our way as to what's Truly Important? I like to give my neighbours lofty, artsy, and highfalutin intentions rather than admit they're just indifferent about their yards. It allows me to maintain my Zen whilst I walk.
4. Weekends At The Lake: Theo was ill over Independence Day with new teeth and a virus, so he couldn't join us, but Sam and Emily (aka Samily) and Zydrunas came for the day. We boated and lunched and hung out. Later that night, Rick and I watched three different fireworks displays from our front yard. We had a makeup weekend last weekend with everyone (minus Emily, who had to work, unfortunately), and it was wonderful. Theo is obsessed with Sam, who he calls Guncle. He drove the boat, talked a lot, danced, and got in the water. He had the time of his life, and we all marveled at how much having him around is like having Zydrunas around. Eerily similar, especially on the boat.
5. Books, Etc.: I've read two books by Jay Winik about the Civil War. I know I've mentioned them in other Comment sections, so I won't talk about them here except to say that they are excellent and captivating. The writing is engaging and excellent. I grew up vacationing in Gettysburg, and I have a bit of an obsession with this period of history as well as President and Mary Lincoln, reading deeply in these areas. Sadly, I just lost my favourite aunt who lived in Gettysburg and who was a very gracious hostess to our family and to me separately. She was also an English teacher, as was her husband. I will miss her much.
I'm now reading--as a palate cleanser--Parallel Lines by Edward St. Aubyn. It is witty, British, acerbic, and smart. Say what you will about Evil Amazon (and there is plenty to), but they let me read the first chapter of books, and this one had me smiling in admiration, recognition (of how one thought leads to another and another), and amusement. I'm only about 45 pages in, and I absolutely love it. I can't wait to read more by this man. If I were sweeter, I'd type out some passages, but honestly, it's time to prep dinner, and I want to get this published. Go read the first few pages. It's so so good.
****
I think this catches us up. I'd like to say that I'll be better at posting more often, but I think we all know how that will turn out. Thank you to those who do post regularly. I wish I knew your secret. Certainly I have time! Perhaps I'll just say I'll Try.
I have no liking for basketball hoops in driveways but that one in the second photo with a plant covering it half up is great.
ReplyDeleteJean--Okay! Noted.
DeleteI have so many thoughts. First of all, I hope you can avoid surgery. That sounds awful. Steroid injections can be so hopeful. I hope you can stop there and not need further treatments! I definitely thought it was going to be a lady part thing based on the title. It reminded me of when I had surgery to repair my labrum in my hip and my coworker mistakenly told her husband I was having surgery to repair a tear in my labia… he told her surely she misunderstood what I was having done. But we had a good laugh about it when she told me!
ReplyDeleteGah, organized sports. People keep telling me that we will someday have kids on a traveling sports team and I just cannot see it happening. It is such a time commitment and with 2 working parents with kind of inflexible hours, I don’t see how we would get the kids where they need to be. I am terribly unathletic so I assume the boys are more likely to be drawn to speech, band, piano, choir, etc. And those are far less intense pursuits in terms of shuttling kids around.
I should tell my dad about the civil war books you’ve read. That is a period of history he’s very interested in. I’m currently reading a middle grade novel called ‘The Labors of Hercules Beal’. I like to read middle grade so I know what books to suggest to my kids as they get older. And they are an excellent pallet cleanser, too. This one has some Greek mythology which I am enjoying. The main character is named Hercules and his brother is Achilles. It’s pretty cute but has some great depth to it.
Lisa--Labrum/Labia--two body parts but not the least interchangeable! LOL
DeleteThank you for your kind words; I want to avoid surgery any way I can. Ugh.
I had two boys, and they were never on any travelling sports teams. And--shocker!--they grew up to be wonderful men. They played pickup basketball, street hockey, rode bikes, and enjoyed watching all kinds of sports. My oldest wrote for sports e-zines and was on several national sports podcasts. He also writes poetry and did readings.He was the COO of a multi-million dollar company before he quit to become a stay-home dad. My youngest built his own (national) prizewinning sports car and does social media as part of his job at a paint, modification, and collision shop where he is the manager. They both love sports, have several fantasy teams, and have a basketball hoop in MY driveway. (Sigh) I could go on, but you get it.
Do tell your dad about Jay Winik's books: April 1865: The Month that Saved America, and 1861: The Lost Peace. They are full of very well-researched material, and I learned many new things.
Great idea reading books in preparation for your kids! I'm so far behind in that genre. Is Encyclopedia Brown still around? I loved those books!
Oh goodness, I too hope that the injection provides lasting relief so you can avoid surgery!
ReplyDeleteHa. I love your take on the overgrown sports equipment. Nature will triumph over all of these human constructs.
Suzanne--Thank you for your kind comment regarding my health concern. I appreciate it so much. I'd do just about anything to avoid surgery. One of my phobias is hospital infections.
DeleteAren't those photos provocative? I like your succinct summation. Nature has a way of rewilding, and in a short time, too.
I've been wondering if I should explore having a steroid shot in my shoulder. I usually just leap ahead (in my brain) to surgery, but I'm sure my insurance will want me to try the shot first anyway. I'm dragging my feet on making any decision because as long as I don't use that arm I'm fine! (Reader, she is not fine - it's her right arm and she uses it for almost everything.)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the loss of your aunt. The area around Gettysburg is so lovely (or was the last time I was there 25 or so years ago).
Now I'm off to check out your book recommendation!
Bug--Thank you for your kind words of sympathy about my aunt. The Gettysburg area has only become more lovely, thanks to concerned citizens and boards, and a commitment to preserving as much authenticity and pristine land as possible. Go back soon; you'll be very glad you did.
DeletePlease do take care of yourself and see a doctor about your shoulder. Waiting rarely makes anything better. I waited far too long, and for what? To have pain make me miserable and diminished. Don't make my mistake.
Zip down to Busy Bee Suz's comment and watch the YouTube clip she included. The author himself talks about his book. Well worth watching!
Great to see you here whenever you get to it. My *trick* to blogging somewhat regularly is to state when I'll be here, right now it is every other Tuesday. Once I say I'm going to do something I do it. That's how I'm programmed.
ReplyDeleteAs for your observation about the meaning of the odd basketball hoop/vine dealio, I like it: "Organized Sports have a chokehold on our kids." It seems to explain it as well as can be expected.
I had steroid shots in my lower back at one point. They worked like magic for a few months, then back to square one. Great while they lasted but insurance said no more so that was that.
Ally--I wish I had that writing discipline. I am more of an Inspiration Writer. Maybe I should make an appointment with myself at least and see what happens.
DeleteI'm concerned about the longevity of the steroid injection, too. Not sure how many they'll pay for until the ablation, but right now, I'm loving this respite from the constant pain and trying not to look too far ahead.
I've always had a bit of bias against organized sports for kids. They SAY it's all about having fun, but let's be real: kids who aren't good don't have a lot of fun and feel lousy, and the kids who are really good feel pressure from everyone. It's a LOT.
I'm so very sorry that your neck pain has gotten to this point. Praying that the injection does its thing and you don't have to do anything further.
ReplyDeleteI can almost smell your herb garden! Yay for volunteer plants coming out of the blue.
Theo at the lake. *Sigh* This must be the most wondrous time for all of you---I can only imagine the simple joys of watching him grow, learn, and just be. I'm so looking forward to all those things.
The Coach and I often lament over people not caring for their property. I mean, we don't all have to have pristine yards, but simply cleaning up garbage/junk, well that doesn't cost anything and just about anyone can accomplish this, or ask for help in doing so.
I just looked up the current read of yours, as I'd not heard of it, nor the author. Did you see this interview on Jimmy Fallon? Do you know who the author dedicated that book to? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVWSBNnqG2s
I'm intrigued by the book and will add it to my list of books to read. Thank you!
BB Suz--Oh, thank you for that YouTube clip! I thoroughly enjoyed it! And now I know about Benedict Cumberbatch acting in a series based upon his books. Love Cumberbatch, too. That clip brought me many treasures; thank you so much. It's a tremendous book; ESB's writing makes me jealous and satisfied at the same time. A gift.
DeleteSuz, I cannot tell you how joyous and huge having a grandchild is. It also reframes your own child in your eyes in a glowing, warming way. I never expected to feel so ... overcome. And intertwined, if that makes any sense at all.
Thank you for your very kind words about my neck problem. I hope it all stops here, too, and that the most I have to do is get another steroid injection far down the line.
My neighbor's yard is a real shit show. I've never been in their house, but by the state of their yard I suspect they are hoarders. Now to my very OCD-like/tidy brain, this caused much consternation when we moved in. We met them when their house caught fire. Their parrot came to stay with me for a few hours. Turns out they are lovely people with four lovely girls AND a house full of pets. I focus on how nice they are rather than the water bottles that roll down the driveway with every storm. (Also ..... thank goodness for wood fences that block most of that view.)
ReplyDeleteHope your injection works well.
I totally get it about trying to post regularly. I, too, have the time. It just doesn't happen sometimes.
Dee--Oh, how nice to see you here in Comments! I've missed you.
DeleteI find that I can ignore a great deal if people are kind, genuine, and just plain nice. Like you, I am tidy, organized, and crave neatness. I know I'm a control freak. But as I've aged, I've found it easier to note things, take a deep breath, and move on with the understanding that Hey, That Doesn't Have To Be My Problem! It's shameful how long this took me to grasp. Honestly.
Still, it would be nice if A Certain Someone I Live With would put things away (and where they belong) in a timely manner. Just saying.
Oh goodness, I hope the steroid injection helps! I knew cervical meant your cervical spine, as I had MRIs on mine a few years ago when I hurt my neck blow drying my hair. For me the solution was chiropractor/physical therapy/yoga. I suspect that the (gentle) yoga helped the most. Surgery sounds horrible and no one I know ever has anything good to say about back or neck surgery.
ReplyDeleteOh, your weekend with Theo made me SO HAPPY. We are going to spend a bit of time with little ones this weekend, at a party. A 3 year old and a 7 month old, and gosh they’re fun!
Blogging…sometimes everything seems like a good idea, and sometimes it all seems like a lot of bother. Glad to see you here whenever you post, and love having your comments on so many blogs.
J--So far, so good with the injection. My neck is a big mess. I'll be the one to say a lot of good things about back surgery. Rick has had two, and they've been a godsend. He has hardware in there now, but his back feels a thousand times better. He can golf again, move with no pain, and is a new man thanks to those surgeries.
DeleteI'm glad that your neck was able to be saved with non-invasive therapies. Mine simply has too much damage. I have stenosis, arthritis, degenerative disks, and a pinched and protruding nerve as well as some vertebrae damage. Those falls really did a number on it. Sigh.
Enjoy your party time with the littles. Kids are the best. And dogs. They really are a great deal alike in their joy and enthusiasm. And complete disregard for what anyone thinks. That last part has got to be the reason for the previous, don't you think?
Agreed! Sigh, I miss having a dog, and Ted is a firm no. I wish there were a compromise. I am so glad to hear such a positive review about back surgery, because when I hear just bad things I think, ‘then why does anyone DO them???’ So that’s a relief, though of course I still hope your injection is enough.
DeleteJ--I can understand Ted's resistance: no wads of hair everywhere; no concerns when leaving the house for any amount of time; no more pet food purchases; no more getting attached and then worrying about the eventual loss and grief (especially yours). Right now, he's Not Ready, and may never be. I already know that once Piper and Marlowe are gone, I am done with pet parenting. Period. And for all the reasons I'm ascribing to Ted, especially the first two.
DeleteI have recently been having issues with a leg that I had operated on years ago and there was a suggestion of a cortisone shot and I turned it down. I guess we'll see if physical therapy can keep me from that option. There was also talk of a fusion of my ankle joint and I think you and I know that was immediately taken off the table! Anyway, I hope the injection makes things better and not just in a temporary way.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is really hard to fit in when life gets in the way. But I do enjoy the community, which is why I always come back to it!
Engie--I tried physical therapy, and it was completely useless. And haphazard in that my "therapist" was a PT assistant who merely looked up things on the computer and said, "Ok. Let's try this." I almost always left in more pain than when I arrived. Your experience will be vastly different, I'm certain; I always had great success with PT up until this last one.
DeleteI'm so sorry about your leg! I'd be adamant about no ankle fusion, too. That is an extreme last resort, I'd think. I chose PT, then meds, then this injection. Fingers crossed that it lasts a long time. What a crummy thing, to have an operation come back to cause you trouble. It's unfair, really, and feels like they should refund you the money for the surgery. At least!
Nance! I hope that the cortisone treatment is one that is effective for you. I know that when it works- it works for quite a long time. I have been so, so neglectful on commenting, but I have been reading your blog this entire time! Thank goodness for Feedly, one of the aggregators that still works! Now that I am back in the land of the writing again, I hope to be a bit more interactive with all of my blog friends, who are all so lovely and I have missed so dearly.
ReplyDeleteGina! It's so good to see you here again, and I'm grateful that you've been keeping up with me.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement regarding my treatment. Right now, I'm just staying In The Now and thinking positively.
I hope you're back on track with writing at your space, and I'll pop over asap. You've been missed, believe me.
I always enjoy your posts, Nance. You make me think! I am sorry about your aunt; it is so hard to lose our elders. I have one remaining aunt but have never been really close to her.
ReplyDeleteI took would be deeply concerned about neck surgery. Aging presents us with such dilemma, and choices between worse and worst options, or so it seems! I hope the injection does its magic for you.
About sports: i abhor them, and it make me seethe inwardly when I hear people say "we" won a tournament or whatever, when as far as I can tell their a$$ never left the couch! We had 5 sons, but only the youngest got into sports. We'll, he was like an only child, 13 years younger than his nearest brother, so it was one way for him to be around other kids, besides school, since the nearest child his age was 3 miles away. The other kids who were closer were much younger, or much older, so he was often lonely. But his baseball days were certainly stressful for us, as we both worked and it was crazy trying to get him to practice and games. Eventually Larry retired (early because of health issues( and thst simplified things. But I really don't understand why the world is so gaga about sports. To me, it's all a huge waste of time and money, and the players are no gods or heroes. You'd never guess that from the way the media and people in general talk about them though.
G Sue--Thank you so much for that compliment. It is very hard to lose Aunt Shirley. She was peppy and fun as well as generous and kind. And here's a fun aside: she was thanked in a Tony Award winner's speech! One of her former students, Beowulf Boritt, won an award for Best Scenic Design in a Play, and thanked her as his former Drama Teacher.
DeleteYou're so right about aging often being a series of unattractive choices. And insurance companies don't make it any easier, do they? Sigh.
I hear all of your thoughts about sports. It can be fun to follow the home team and share in their successes and root for them even when they lose, but it's important to remember that their record doesn't change your life one single bit. And yes, kids on youth sports teams is a misnomer: the parents are on the team, too. Lots of sacrifice is involved by the moms and dads and the siblings, too. It's like another job!
Oh wow, Nance. Here's hoping the injection keeps the pain at bay for a good long time!!
ReplyDeleteThat basketball hoop actually made me a little sad - it's telling me that children used to live/play here and now they don't. Yes, I AM in a mood, why do you ask?
Gigi--Thank you, and I share your hope!
DeleteI understand completely your moody comment. It's odd that I didn't think of it myself, really. I must be...happy!? That injection had a really welcome side effect!
1. Cervical Facet Arthropathy/Syndrome and Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection:
ReplyDeleteOh, dear. So sorry to hear about your neck pain!! I hope the cortisone works and this doesn’t evolve into more serious solutions!
Me personally: I broke the C2 bone at the top of my neck during the Covid crisis. Fell backwards when I slipped on water that spilled out of a bucket I was carrying to the kitchen. Had to wear a neck brace for 4 months, but, as my doctor pointed out: if it had not been a “simple” fracture, I would have been paralyzed. Fast forward to a couple of days ago: My rheumatologist referred me to a spine specialist due to hip and knee pain on the left side + lower back pain. Initial diagnosis from X-rays and bone density tests: osteopenia (first stage of osteoporosis) and scoliosis, a curvature of the spine that is apparently responsible for the hip and knee pain + the pain in shooting pain my left leg that will send me to the floor if I stand up at a certain angle. Needless to say, I walk down stairs gripping the handrail like a granny. Next week I go in for an MRI to see what other charming things they can find. Getting old sucks.
2. Herb Garden Stuff:
If I had a garden, I would plant basil! Love pesto, especially with gnocchi.
3. Social Commentary Or Just Laziness? You Decide:
Not sure what to say about that spectacle! It is rather unsettling. Sticking with your Zen sounds like a plan.
4. Weekends At The Lake:
Love hearing what Theo is up to! So happy you could have those family get togethers to celebrate the Fourth.
5. Books, Etc.:
You have me intrigued with Parallel Lines. Will check it out on Amazon. (I can’t stand Bezos, but Amazon does have a lot of stuff I am finding difficult to find in stores these days.)
Ortizzle--Holy crap! A neck brace for four months? And you were lucky? Goodness. So far, I've been able to avoid a diagnosis for anything to do with bone deterioration, thankfully. I'm sorry to hear that you have those concerns. But I always do try to move with safety uppermost in my mind since I seem to be prone to falls. How ridiculous. I swear that migraine is eating away little pieces of my brain and one day, science will prove me out.
DeleteGetting old is not, as my mother says, for wimps.
Theo is now putting words together to form little sentences. They are endlessly charming, full of nouns and maybe a verb here and there. He also likes to list his people when he rides in the car, reciting all those he knows and loves best as he goes along.
Basil is, to me, the scent of summertime.
Nance, what a relief that this initial cortisone injection is working! Some friends I know have been getting them every 6 months for years when they've been successful. I hope they continue to work for you and no other action is needed, although as we've discussed ablation can be another very effective procedure for many.
ReplyDeleteYour pesto is exceptional so I totally get the family joy!
Oh my goodness, I do want to rush in and clean those messes up but I love how you turned them into a social commentary on sports. There's certainly a lot to be said there. The complete preoccupation with sports and turning players into celebrities (and turning all celebrities into gods) has made me baffled and sad for a long time. (Especially when you look at how little respect and pay teachers are given.) Son was almost on a travel soccer team but there was some snafu with paperwork with the coach and somehow his paperwork wasn't submitted in time. How thrilled I was that that happened. Seriously. It was going to involve travel and commitments plus a good amount of investment financially none of which we were particularly interested in and Son was no worse the wear for not participating. He was disappointed at first but years later said he thought that it was better that it hadn't worked out.
Oh, the joyful lake time with family, especially little Theo! I'm so glad you had a do over. That should always be the fallback plan whenever possible. I know it was disappointing that everyone couldn't make the second weekend but between the two, you had a complete family gathering. Yes, little kids and dogs can offer so much happiness. You can't be thinking about anything else when you're occupied with them. What a gift!
I'm not familiar with either of those authors so I appreciate you sharing them with us. The interview with St. Aubyn and Fallon that Busy Bee Suz shared was particularly interesting. Especially so because I love audiobooks and will be checking out all of his books that Cumberbatch has narrated. I absolutely love that the relationship there was born out of friendship versus simply doing a job/making money. I'm currently listening to Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams about Facebook. Eye opening in ways you both expect and ways you don't.
Last, I'm so sorry about your aunt, Nance. I remember you speaking about her and your visits so fondly. That is such a great loss. I was interested to read your statement in comments that Gettysburg has only gotten better. That's truly wonderful news. Smokey and I traveled through there frequently on our road trips, usually motorcycle trips, and always enjoyed our stays very much.
Love and hugs,
Shirley
Shirley--Thank you for your kind words and remembrance about my dear aunt. I'm glad to bring you that news about Gettysburg. There are a few conservancy groups that have done a great job of not only preserving the physical battlefield, but also the dignity and ambiance of it. They want to prevent any commercialization or trivialization of it. I remember the privately owned Gettysburg National Tower, a monstrosity that was built in the 70s and completely ruined the landscape and decorum of the battlefield. It was highly controversial and finally demolished in 2004 (?), the land being seized by eminent domain. As the Gettysburg Foundation reminds us, "The battlefield is vast. The names are legendary. The experience is humbling."
DeleteThanks for the tip on Careless People. It sounds like something I'd like to read. I currently have two books waiting, but I'm happy to add another. You know how I feel about fb. The title sounds perfect.
I'm making more pesto this afternoon. My basil has loved these hot and humid days. Thank goodness it freezes well because I have a feeling I'll be making it well into September. Jared and Jordan make very good use of it, too, so it won't go to waste, ever. Is there anything better in summertime than fresh tomatoes and fresh pesto?
Kids' sports are a such a tough balance. I know lots of kids who've been saved by sports. It's kept them busy, out of trouble, and kept their grades and attendance up in school. They've made positive connections with other kids and with coaches and faculty and other adults. They've been able to attend college when they would not have otherwise. But those are the truly talented kids, and they don't always end up succeeding. I guess I just don't like so much competition and pressure on kids, especially in this world now with so many other sources of social pressure. It's tough out there!
Finally, thanks for your encouragement about my health situation. I'm taking it one step at a time and just really appreciating this respite from the pain. I'm grateful that I have yet another good doctor who I trust and like. We'll see what happens! XXOO
Nance, I really hope that you don't need surgery. I have two aunts who have had cervical surgery and one got relief from it but the other has had a host of problems since the surgery and is better than before but is still not great. Sorry, I didn't mean to be a downer, but the C region is a difficult one! I am sending good vibes your way that the injection does the trick!
ReplyDeleteI am going to take note of your books but lately my reading has been a bit meh, but I think it is entirely my fault. I cannot concentrate and have been reading more fluff in order to have something to read that I can follow. So when I get my mind back, I will tackle books where I can actually learn something again!
Have you read the book The Guncle? I enjoyed it, and I thought it was a cute name, and it's funny that is what Theo calls Sam. As for your veggies, I found that the cherry tomatoes were always the volunteers; those things are tenacious! And I am horrible with herbs; they always bolt before I can use them up! What is your secret!?
Kyria--You're not a downer at all. I'm well aware of the sensitivity of the C region and the risks of that surgery. It's why I'm trying Everything Else Possible first. I like to be deliberate and risk-averse when it comes to my health. Thanks for the good vibes and the personal anecdotes.
DeleteI've had my ups and downs with reading since The Dreaded Menopause over a decade ago. I do like reading books that teach me something new, too. One of those was Pillars of the Earth by Follett, which taught me a ton about medieval cathedral building and engineering. Fascinating! And it was wrapped in among a great story and characters, too.
No, I have not even heard of a book called The Guncle! I'm going to go check it out and see if it's something I'd like. Theo is OBSESSED with Guncle; it's almost at worship level. Sam is so thrilled.
I dry a ton of my herbs. They're so much better than what you get in the supermarket. And I use fresh in a lot of marinades and pestos. It's rare indeed when a recipe of mine isn't boosted by herbs. And sage especially dries so nicely and is a must with any poultry dish. I just tie the herbs up and hang them to dry on a line in my garage or in my kitchen. And you can freeze pesto in ice cube trays then toss the cubes in a ziplock bag for sauce/soup/marinade down the line.
Hi Nance! I'm so sorry that you're living with a lot of pain, and I know it's exhausting. I hope the cortisone shot will do the trick. I laughed out loud at the vine-covered basketball hoop! You have a great attitude to turn your neighbors' messiness into a social commentary about organized sports!
ReplyDeleteMG--I was in a great deal of pain and frustration with my limitations due to the pain. The cortisone injection has been life-changing thus far. I honestly do not know how the people with chronic pain due to illness or physical circumstance live with it the way that they do. They are superheroes.
DeleteYou know, that vine-covered standing hoop has been that way for decades. It used to look far more artsy, but now it just looks tired and unkempt. That house has a lovely yard, so I really am bewildered by that basketball hoop. It's so out of place.