Sorry for the silence, but life has kept me busy. On the plus side, got Mrs. Broughton’s Asparagus Supreme made and ready to go into the oven today. Each year it is a bit different, depending on what cheeses I can find and how much I tweak it. Today was interesting as I couldn’t find my casserole dish from last year, so had to get a new one and wasn’t sure how much it would hold.
Doubled the recipe but ended up only doing two layers of asparagus, white sauce, egg, and almonds. The white sauce was a bit dark as I put in some smoked sweet paprika with the flour, and I found a hickory smoked sharp white cheese that was amazing but added some color. In addition, had some hard goat cheese, extra sharp white cheese, English coastal cheddar, and real Gruyère. Nice mix that tasted amazing. Will bake it tomorrow just before heading out to the dinner to which I’ve been invited.
The last few days have been interesting. I’ve had some minor medical issues that appear to be mostly sinus. That said, lots of fun waking up because you feel like you can’t breathe. Also fun having the first nose bleed I’ve had in decades, had to put a plug up one side to deal with it.
All of this led to my discovering that the 4+-year-old inexpensive chain-grocery BP machine I had appears to have zorched. No way to recalibrate, cheaper and easier to buy new. Even the newer pulse-ox finger monitor was doing funny. Neither were true medical devices (most inexpensive pulse-ox monitors are not medical but rated sports/aviation as they are not accurate enough to be medical devices, same holds true for a lot of inexpensive home BP monitors). So, after doing some research, got a new medical-grade BP monitor and ordered a new medical-grade pulse-ox.
Really wishing I had gotten the BP monitor a long time ago. When I bought my first BP and pulse-ox, it was a bit of a rush and no real time to research. They got me by and I’m frankly amazed the BP machine has lasted this long. The new machine is nearly fool-proof to use (and, yes, being a fool I need that), far more comfortable, easier to use, and far more accurate. It even can detect if I am starting to go back into afib (I’m not). The new pulse-ox is supposed to be better and even give me perfusion readings. Won’t be here for a day or three, but looking forward to it.
I’m also using a nasal spray that was highly recommended to help deal with the bleeding and the congestion. Two versions: one for everyday use and one for “rescue” use if bad things are already underway. Have used both and things are better. More on the sprays later if there is interest. I’ve had to get a humidifier as well, should be here Friday. Not in the budget or what I wanted to spend money on, but all are worth it in the long-run.
On top of that, I’ve been busy in another area. Short version is that, with the blessing of my Priest, I applied to take some online courses from a seminary. After some e-mail exchanges last week, I had a telecon this last Monday with the very nice lady who is the admissions counselor for the online courses. Not long thereafter, I submitted my application to take two courses this spring semester as part of a non-degree program. Acceptance is not guaranteed, but this is a good first step. Also, were I to end up attending this seminary later, these courses should count towards any degrees or certificates being pursued as I understand it.
Because I am a non-traditional student in a non-degree program (for now), conventional financial aid does not apply. That said, they are aware that I am on disability and will be looking for any options that might apply to me. If there are none, I will only take one course as that would be the limit of what I can finance for now. Really hope something can be found as would love to take both. One is on the Liturgy and Liturgics, and the other is on the Book of Matthew. If I am accepted, can take one or both courses, etc., etc., etc., next fall semester I would be looking at taking some courses I need to take as prerequisites for yet more courses that I would need to take.
I’ve also been playing chauffeur to a 40- or 50-year-old meat slicer (that feels like it weighs 50+ lbs) that came to the Church from Brother Juniper’s. Been a while since it was last serviced, so got it in to service so it is ready for use as needed. The service guy was amazed at how good in shape it is given that it is from the late 80s. Some work was needed, but nothing bad and I am warning everyone the blade is now razor sharp. Frankly, if we keep it serviced and clean, wouldn’t be surprised if we got another 40 years out of it. I’m not sure even Hobart builds them like that anymore. It’s not a Hobart, but a rival, and nice to know what it is and a bit more about it. Even know how to sharpen it at need now.
More soon.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
I’ve had to get a humidifier as well, should be here Friday. Not in the budget or what I wanted to spend money on, but all are worth it in the long-run.
If it’s possible to return it, you can do wonders by placing bowls of water on top of the radiators.
I think having one is for the best, and it is making a positive difference. Sadly, being a basement room, there are no radiators or floor registers.