Whew!

This morning Joey and I had an interesting confrontation. I'm glad that Joey spotted the skunk at as great a distance as she did because I didn't see it right away. Once I did, I pulled Joey back until I saw that the skunk wasn't standing its ground and had run away.

Some of my friends have expressed concern for me on my early morning walks. However, I think they were more concerned about two-legged animals than four. This Iowa farm girl knows better than to tangle with the four-legged kind. I can only imagine the school's reaction if I had to call in sick because I had been sprayed by a skunk.

It's Getting to Be That Time of Year

There's a definite chill in the air and we all know it's inevitable. Winter is on its way. So, today, I mowed the lawn...if anyone is looking for hay to bale, you should have them contact me. I harvested what I could, and I started to winterize my garden beds. I brought in the potted herbs I hope to keep going for a little while longer, and I tied some parsley up to dry. I think I'll try to bring the patio furniture in next weekend. I'll miss those days when I can run out to the garage in my bare feet or grab a few green onions out of the garden. At the same time, I do enjoy the crisp, bugless air. And snow, if it isn't feet deep can make a very pretty picture.

But then, it's time for pumpkin, squash, and soup. It's a time that is more introverted and reflective. I don't know how people live without the changing seasons. I know it would be hard for me to go without.

Scat Cat

Last night and this morning it got very cold. It dropped down to nearly freezing. Lately, a pretty black and white cat has been curling up and sleeping in my patio furniture. This cat is driving Joey absolutely nuts. She must have wakened me at least five times barking her head off. I feel sorry for the cat out in the cold, but I'm going to be bringing the furniture in soon, if nothing else to keep Joey quiet.

I was actually feeling pretty good yesterday. We went to a nearby apple orchard and Ken did a little fishing. I felt like myself again. I thought I had licked the bug. But today, it hit me again. I've been coughing more and my head was stuffed up. Ken and I went to my parents' for lunch and I ended up asking him to take me home early. I just woke up after sleeping for a couple of hours. I feel better than I did, but still I'm not 100%. I guess I can't rush it and take it easy for a couple of days.

However, the good news is that I've lost a couple more pounds. The Weight Watchers thing seems to be working.

A Little Less Gross

I stayed home again today. I feel a bit better, but I'm still pretty sick. The worst part is that I'm feverish. It's 64 degrees outside, and 10 degrees warmer here in the house, but I'm freezing. I just took a shower and I was actually shivering in the shower.

That shower helped though. I hadn't taken a shower yesterday and I felt very gross. Why is it that we feel more scummy after skipping a shower when we're sick than we do if we're well? Maybe it's because of the cold sweats or something. I also stripped the fuzzy sweaters off my teeth...well, at least temporarily. I'm already feeling the fuzz coming back. Gross.

Because I'm cold, I had a tough time trying to figure out what to wear. I settled on an old jumper and turtle neck sweater. I know that I'm an anomaly because I'm more comfortable in a dress than I am in jeans.

All in all, I do feel a bit more human.

I Sdill Hab a Cohd

It's been a lot of fun around here today. I've slept and searched the Internet...Not exactly my most productive day. On the positive side, I don't have any appetite. So, it'll probably prove to be good for the diet, but it's not the way I want to lose weight. Hopefully I'll feel better the next time I post.

I hab a cohd

My sniffles have turned in to a real cold. I won't go into the dirty details in regards to my symptoms, but I'm not having a lot of fun. To top things off, I forgot my cell phone at school. I can't go in to get it, so, I guess I'll have to live incommunicado for the evening.

I made a bowl of chili for supper tonight. What I'd really like is some homemade chicken noodle or chicken and rice soup. But it's too much work for me to do myself. I need to make a batch and have servings frozen and ready to go when I want it.

Poor Joey is suffering as well. I'm not going to take her for a walk this evening. Instead, I've got her tied down in the backyard. She doesn't do that very well. She just sits around on the patio. Granted my grass is so long she'd probably get lost if she ventured into the jungle. She did, however, muster up the energy to chew the UPS guy a new one. I ran out and apologized, but she didn't bother him at all. I just hope she decides to pee and poop while she's out there. Last time I looked, she was all curled up on one of the patio chairs. I watch her like the mother of a 3-year-old, but we've had stray dogs wandering around in the neighborhood before. The husky I saw out there the other day would bite her in two.

I suppose I should make myself another cup of tea. At least now I can drink chamomile because now it won't matter if I fall asleep.

Sniffles and the Red-Eyed Demon Dog

Well, Joey survived her first stint in the cooler. Actually, she was calmer today than she has been when I come home. She's not a yippy dog, but she usually dances around as if she's dancing for her life when I come home. Today, she was downright laid back.

I wanted to use a picture of her for today's blog. I'm a horrible photographer, and every time I'd get a shot of her, she'd either move, or she'd look like red-eyed demon dog. She's actually a very cute dog. Apparently, like me, she simply isn't photogenic.

Last week, I had to deal with a recurrent sinus headache...today, I've got an honest to God cold. It's just a cold, messy and annoying. I'll survive, but I'm not having any fun.

Tonight, I'm having ratatouille again. It isn't quite as good as it was yesterday, but it's still good.