Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[bjw]

Heather, I ate at Cracker Barrel yesterday as well. I hadn't been in a long while as they are a little pricey but they have low carb menus for breakfast and dinner. I will be going back.
I just hate the hot humid weather here in August and so will buy some broccoli sets in September. I love fresh raw broccolli and so does Gavin. I never tried it before and it may fail, but sounds like a good idea.
Jean

[Houston Heather]

Give it about a 2 x 2 foot square for each plant, make sure to put plenty of good stuff in the dirt (compost, composted manure, or both), and water often! It likes small meals of fertilizer, often.

September is the PERFECT time to plant in your area. Gavin will love picking his snack, and even an almost 35 year old like me will eat a lot more veggies, if I'm the one to grow them! It's very very fun to pick and eat something, sometimes they don't even make it to the house.

Sugar snap peas are a BLAST if you have something for them to climb. Gavin can eat them right off the plant, pod and all. I plan to grow some of them, too.

[Houston Heather]

Today we had to get up fairly early to go to Foodtown. The grocery store was nice and quiet, and we had good trips. Ron likes "taking care" of me, so I don't have to lug my groceries home, and I was happy to load up on lots of beverages!

I waited on my morning pills so I would be able to think - I didn't want a repeat of last time. Ugh. I don't believe in making a habit out of skipping or delaying doses.

So, we went. Ron got $20 worth of crap, absolute crap, but he enjoys eating it and we all know that's a HUGE deal. He told me what he wanted over the phone.

I pushed the cart around. I got a cabbage head, they had a nice small one. Some sweet onions, I enjoy them. A tablespoon of chopped sweet onions in a scrambled egg or some veggies? Divine. You get the idea. I still have tons of eggs from the Farmer's Market. I did get plenty of frozen greens because I enjoy them, and even my low-fat Dad can't complain when I tell him "I eat a big bowl of steamed greens every day!"

Meat. I wanted pork stew meat because I want to make a stew with cubed butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pork. However, I forgot the sweets and the carrots at Foodtown. I did get some great looking meat; the stew meat, a pot roast, and some NICE boneless pork chops. I pay for them to take out that bone (an extra $1 a pound) but it's worth it because some of those "cheap" chops can be half bone! It's good for the cat and the neighbor dog, but not for me. I want protein.

I got quite a bit of diet soda, and Ron's junk. Then checkout time and our ride home.

I put everything up and Ron started eating his chips. He ate quite a bit today, along with some chili cheese hot dogs from work. I don't envy his scale tomorrow!

Ron wanted to go to work; he went. I went for my day out. I wanted to get some little pots and maybe some veggie seed. I didn't see any good pots, and the veggie seed was pretty limited. Some of it was racked outside in the sun, heat, and humidity. If anything sprouted after that kind of treatment it would be a miracle!

I brought tons of drinks, and peed my way across Houston. Drink, public bathroom. Drink, bathroom... you get the idea. Hopefully I kept my water balance at a good level. I don't want to get sick!

I decided I will wait until I get my new account, and can call and order seed that's stored properly, seed that's exactly what I want. I noticed I was feeling a little fatalistic.

I chose to ignore it... feeling very disappointed as I walked over to Walmart. Not a good plant selection, no seed, no pots I could use. I mean $1.50 for a little clay pot? No way! I went over to the grocery section. The sweet potatoes looked like scary freaks of nature. I would not want to run into one in a dark alley! I wondered what had been DONE to them... feeling rather negative and gloomy. I passed. I did get an organizer thing, and a nice bag of organic onions from a reputable farm. Ron? He wanted MORE chips, so I got individual portion packs for him so he could be accountable.

While standing in line, I remembered I wanted a vegetable peeler. I got one, then got back in line. By this time, I am very depressed. I knew I needed to eat.

I had to wait in a long line at McDonald's first. I finally got my food, they have a no-bun button now, so it came the way I want it - just naked meat and cheese with a little onion and ketchup.

THANK GOD I carry lithium with me. I was getting my @ss kicked with depression, so I took a 300. That's all I had, I have to fix that. I called Ron, whined, and told him "I'll be better in an hour but it'll be a rough hour."

By the time the hour was up, I was yakking at the bus driver and planning a trip to another grocery store. I found a few nice small sweet potatoes and a carrot. I also got a soda and spent about $3.

After that, I walked over to the Starbucks, the one that's CLOSING ! I got "my" drink. Waaaah. I was feeling good though, the lithium had leveled my mood the way it does. Good stuff.

I read my huge organic vegetable book and drank my thing. It was a little hot and hellish waiting at the bus stop. I was glad to get onto the nice airconditioned bus!

When Ron was little, he said you could smoke on the bus. I can't imagine!

I got off at my stop (another passenger was flirting big-time with the driver) and walked home. Lots of mail, nothing urgent. I really don't like mail unless I ordered something.

I got home and put away the carrot . Then I went out back. The chard was wilted, the collards droopy. Hose time. It is/was so hot I had to direct the flow of water into the empty garden bed for about 2 minutes before it was cool enough to touch! It would have been like putting boiling water on the plants!

Everyone got a NICE long drink. I did some edging with my hand shears. I use the clippings as mulch, if the bermuda-weed hasn't gone to seed. My so-called "Heatwave" tomato looks to be on it's last leg. It's just given up, I think. I won't compost it... yet. But I have some nice "Sugar Lump" cherry tomatoes (started from seed) I'd love to put in that spot!

I shaded the chard with an empty pot, on the west side of the plant. It actually looked a lot better than it did yesterday.

I don't know if I mentioned what I did with the seedlings I started. I put them outside for several days and they refused to grow. I realized, it's too hot for them! I brought them back inside, put them under their grow tubes (2 tubes I prop up over a plastic tray), and they're throwing out new leaves. I can't object, I don't like it outside either! They all look great. In a while, I will need to separate them and repot them. When the divisions get to be a good soda-can size, I'll get them used to outside (aka "hardening off") and then plant them. I'll make sure they have shade, mulch, and plenty of water!

Anyway, I had a lot of fun but dripping with sweat, very lightheaded. I almost passed out on top of my upright rosemary and decided I'd better come in. I got rid of my sweaty clothes and laid down for a nap. I had a great nap.

When I got up, Ron said he'd had a good day except "I had a nighmare I ate a whole batch of potato salad in one sitting!"

[skeopple]

Ron......eating a whole batch of potato salad in one sitting; that's hilarious. Wonder if eating all the snacks make him dream of overeating?

I don't know how you do all you do with the walking, etc., transportation. That alone is enough exercise for several people.

I so enjoy reading about your day trips and gardening. I'm actually learning and remembering the garden tips and facts. But since I didn't think ahead, I'll have DH pick up some organic pea pods tomorrow. Love them things in a tossed salad!

Hugs.

[Houston Heather]

I'm very fortunate Sharon. 1. I have always had to use some kind of public transit, so lots of walking and carrying. 2. I have a really active job, especially since last year, and 3. I never got too heavy (230)to begin with. I felt like crap, aches and pains, women's sizes, but no lasting damage. I really admire people with serious health issues, who are commited to taking care of their bodies with low-carb!

Oh, yeah. Sugar snaps! I'm going to try growing my own this fall, but our weather can be very unpredictable. I'm going to try at least, sugar snaps and also some sweet peas. Yum. Fragrant flowers and delicious "nums" to eat.

Funny, you and I thought the same thing. I told him he was OD'd on white potatoes today, which led to the dream.

When I re-induct (never again because I'm not eating off plan), I always have horrible dreams I'm in a bakery, and have eaten half the merchandise. I stop dead and realize I'm doing Atkins! Oh, no! I BLEW IT! Then I wake up and look at my fridge full of sausage and realize, I didn't.

Here's an awesome garden trip I read in my book recently. When you've done the planting, lay newspaper (about 6-10 sheets thick) on top of the soil. I tore it so it fits around the stem of the plant (did this with a tomato, collard, and pepper with great results). I had a collard that used to wilt every afternoon, for instance. It is very sunny, hot and humid. Poor thing. I hope it doesn't report me for abuse! Anyway, I did the newspaper thing, watered it, laid down some grass clippings, watered it, and laid down some bark mulch and watered it in!

NO WILTING today on the collard, and it was HORRIBLE out! The plain mulch on soil didn't work half as well as what I'm calling "The newspaper trick".

Our local paper uses soy based inks which are harmless.

[skeopple]

We'll have to try that next spring. Too late to plant anything here right now. I'm glad it works!

[Houston Heather]

We've had highs in the upper 90's for months now, so whatever gets them through the summer!

Since your climate is different - you would be zone 4 or 5 as opposed to my 9 - you want the soil to be pretty warm before you put any mulch down.

We have to go to the XXX agency.... eeek! They think he owes money that he doesn't... agh. It should be interesting. "Heather, don't talk". :twitch:

[Houston Heather]

It was fine.

I cooked my brains yesterday, though... nasty headache that wants to be a migraine. Good news though, Chuck took us by Fry's so I got myself a new mouse. Hallelujah!

[Zer]

Funny story about R dreaming about gluttony. Glad he found an appetite! He's not getting pudgy, is he? Hope not!

[Houston Heather]

ZER! ALWAYS good to see you!

No, he's only about his good weight of 138... he had dropped a little, down to low 130's, and wanted to gain a few pounds (!) . We knew that junk food was the way to go!

I feel human again. Since we went to Fry's electronics, I got 2 new things for the computer (generally I hate "new" things): a USB hub, so I can have my media card reader (my secondhand digital camera uses the "old school" SD chips), and my new mouse plugged in at the same time. Love them!

Ron upgraded my internet and saved money in the process, so we're both happy. I really hated my old mouse, I am so glad to toss it!

The new mouse was $8 - Ron was happy to buy it, and the hub was about $7, I was happy to buy it (he said he would buy me a mouse, so that's all I got on his cash). I also got a cute little LED flashlight I can put on my keyring. It runs on triple A's.

When it gets cooler, I'll water the plants. I'm pretty lightheaded right now, I don't want to push myself. No nausea, no pain... that's a good place considering how I felt earlier!

The Phenergan is GOOD stuff. I took a tablet, slept for hours, and woke up feeling like I'd live.

Tomorrow will be fun too, work and Burger King! I finished the afghan Frosty liked to "help" with, so I'm going to put up an August album, and post a link here. If you use Facebook, anyone, you can PM me and I will "friend" you, but you get all the good stuff here.

[bjw]

My Mom says to plant broccoli now but to have plenty of 7 dust as worms love broccoli.
We may go to the market and see about plants and definitely need cow manure to enhance the soil. It is a raised bed that had squash earlier.
Gavin will get a kick out of helping although he said today he did not like brocolli. He used to eat it..go figure.
Anyhow 6 plants is all I can do per your instructions.
Jean

[Houston Heather]

Well, make sure you mix it up. If you can get some marigolds to stick in front of the plants, that would be ideal. Maybe use 1 square foot and plant some chives. The bad bugs and diseases hate marigolds and chives. You could maybe try radishes or beets for Gavin, too. They could go in the front of the bed, in between marigolds. They're fun to plant, and pulling up a big root vegetable is always fun! Radishes are ideal for small children, especially if they like 'em. Square foot gardening is a good book, if you can find it at the library. You might even try carrots if you have a nice loose soil. He could help plant them, and 'most everyone likes carrots.

I have a really nice Italian vining summer squash (hard to find), that's coming along. I am so paranoid about the bugs - this is prime time for them!

Ron actually yelled at me for fixing him dinner. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know we were on a pringles diet.

I fixed myself a wonderful meal. First course: appetizer of cucumber and celery. Cheese course: Cut up mozzarella and sharp cheddar with old-timey tomato. Entree: Scrambled egg with fresh greens, onion, squash, and peppers / pan sausage links/ and about 1/5 cup of fried sweet potatoes (fried in the grease). Divine. I have enough leftovers for breakfast and dinner tomorrow.

The sweet potatoes, I ate last, so I guess they were technically the "dessert" course.

The Farmer's market said YES to me selling transplants. They are very into ecology and organics, so my use of organic potting soil with homemade compost will fit right in.

I figure the broccolis ought to do pretty well, and I started some collards too. I have hundreds of collard seeds, and they do well in heat, cold, and hurricane! About the only veggie I had left after Ike!

I couldn't get fresh greens for weeks after the storm, unless I ate some collards. Last year's are still going well, too.

I think I'll have a lot of fun with this. I can maybe even barter some transplants for farm eggs or something.

[Houston Heather]

My doctor's office called, all the test results are good.

Really goofy and stoned today... I'm glad I am not "sick" but this isn't a treat, either.

[skeopple]

Glad to hear it's a good day for you, Heather. We're right on the line of Zones 3 and 4. Not a very long growing season this year though because our summer has been chilly and cloudy and we're in a drought. Although it is raining a steady good rain today. We went right from spring and totaly into autumn. Sure, global warming. What a farce. It's just Nature's calendar of rotation.

Sometimes the grandbabies eat broccoli. Depends on their mood at the time. They love meat. And raw carrots. Lots of raw carrots.

I was thinking it's Saturday, but it's not. Enjoy a fun Friday!!

[Houston Heather]

I had lots of fun!

First stop, work. I gave Smiley the duck egg (yeah, that's really his name... and he lives up to it! ).

I called my doc and asked him to mail the results to me, they called me back. I explained my dad is terrified I will drop dead of a heart attack due to my "fat intake". She thought it was cute and agreed. Doc always brags on me (even to the office staff!) when I come in, slim, so she knows I've lost a lot on Atkins.

I had Ron abandon me at Burger King I went to Home Depot. Ron wanted a bolt, washer, and nuts. I got 'em.

I walked to Walmart. I got 2 grow lights (boy do I need 'em!). Walmart is competitive with Foodtown on the 6 pack diet dr, so instead of buying 2 bottles of pop out of the fridge, for $2.78, I got a six pack for $2.49. Good deal.

Out to the bus stop. A nice lady from Wisconsin was there! She just moved here... poor thing looked like a boiled lobster! I sang the praises of H-town. She's the kind of citizen I'd love to have.

More waiting in the roasting heat, I drank a zero carb sports drink and soda. Got off at the garden center, looked around, didn't buy anything. I got a recipe for how to grow "money trees" - the owner saw my grow lights!

Ron wanted a lotto ticket, so I bought one. More soda, I wanted a cold pop! I came home, read a garden book, and realized I had to start dividing the seedlings. I spent about an hour outside, dividing and potting them up. I have at least 10 sellable plants now, not counting "my" plants. Of course they need a little growing time, but I may be going to the market sooner than I thought!

I came inside and I'm eating my stew. I made up the recipe as I went along... it's very interesting.

1 pound pork stew meat
1/2 cup carrots
1/2 cup diced sweet potatoes
1 cup cubed butternut squash
3 whole cloves
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/8 t salt

I'm liking it - it's very different and good. The predominant flavor is cloves and cinnamon with pork, and undertones of the veggies. I put in a clove of garlic too but I don't taste it. I think the cloves beat it up!

[Violet Skye]

That ingredient list and spicing sounds very Moroccan. Isn't it amazing how ordinary ingredients become extraordinary when put together creatively?

Heather, have you ever grown eggplant? Mine are at the flowering stage, and I don't know how many eggplants per plant I should expect! Thank goodness I like ratatouille. And caponata. And Eggplant Parm.

[Houston Heather]

I think it could have used a little pepper or garlic, but it was awfully good! I really enjoyed eating it, and I'm happy I have leftovers in the freezer. It's a big change of pace. I tend to get in a food rut so a change is welcome!

With my migraines, I have to be leery of "new" foods, so if I can combine an old food in a new and exciting way, I'm happy!

Yeah, I have an eggplant out in the yard right now.. an "Ichiban". It has a nice fruit about 4 inches long. When "done" it will be about 8 inches. I like eggplant stir fried in the wok, but I was wondering if anyone eats them raw? I let one fruit get overripe and the plant got mad at me... it stopped producing for a bit. As long as you keep them picked, you can have fruits up until frost, and maybe beyond if you covered it really, really well. Regular water, lots of fertilizer, some mulch, it's happy. I have a small tomato cage on mine, when the weather turns I can use it as a base for my "wrappings".

I recently planted some transplants, 2 tomatoes, 2 peppers. The Champion II tomato looks perfect, a lovely textbook plant. It's getting a little more shade than the other, and I think that's the secret (about 6-7 hours of sun). By the time it gets a little cooler, the neighbor's tree will drop enough leaves to give it loads of sun. The Heatwave tomato is miserable, as are the peppers.

Everytime I go outside, I start singing that song "It's too hot, too hot baby! Gotta run for shelter, gotta RUN for shade!" Remember the MP3 player I lost after Frosty died? I found it, it was in something I had given Chuck and he never used it, so he didn't know he had it! I had a lot of fun with it today, it was good seeing my old freind again.

I finally tried the turnips. I fried them in the skillet, with garlic and pepper. Good! I really think they're good. I peeled them, and got small turnips because all the books say they taste better. Peelings went into the compost bucket (a whey protein jar with a screw on lid). I diced the remainder of the turnip and put it in with a huge potroast I'm cooking overnight.

It will be a nice change to the same old potroast. Ron never eats my roast anyway.

[Houston Heather]

Picture time!

Picasa Web Albums - Heather - August 2009

More later, let me know what you think!

[Houston Heather]

My bank still hasn't credited my account, hopefully another day or so will resolve this. I was not in Melbourne!

Last night a funny thing happened in the shower. I was pretty tired and properly medicated, which can make me a little dim.

Earlier in the day, when I was out, I found a black terrycloth headband in my bag. I put it on so I wouldn't be dripping sweat in my eyes waiting on the bus. I have the ability to not-notice things, especially physical sensations. A lot of times I'll look at a leg, see a bruise, and go "how'd I get that?" I honestly don't notice.

It's late. I did all my food prep/cooking. I'm tired, I'm filthy. I need a shower. I get in the shower. I tip my head back and I'm enjoying the water running through my hair, when all of a sudden I hear a thump. I look down. My glasses are off, a large black lump is on the bottom of the shower.

I freak out, what the HELL was on my head? WHAT IS IT? IS IT ALIVE? GET IT AWAY FROM ME? I gingerly prod it with a toe and realize it's the HEADBAND! I didn't notice I still had it on!

I wanted a sleep in day. I forgot to tell Ron, so he wakes me up bright and early at 7. "If you want to work in the garden, do it now because we have a heat index warning!" I groaned and went back to sleep.

I got up around 9:30, it was very nice to not have to hassle with an alarm! Next week, I may be taking some plants to the market, with a very early wake up. I might as well enjoy sleeping in when possible.

I ate some scrambled eggs with veggies. Ron wanted some of the delicious smelling pot roast. He loves it. When do I tell him about the turnips? I didn't feed him any, but it's a little awkward now.

I went out and took most of the photos I posted in the link, then came back in! It is hellishly hot and SUNNY. The weather guys are making rain noises for tomorrow. It would be nice, but I'm not exactly holding my breath. You can bet I will be watering my plants tonight.

[bjw]

I loved your pics Heather!
You have sure been busy.
Jean

[Houston Heather]

A friend of mine retired from the post office, and became a full-time pastor. He is a wonderful, kind sweet man.

He was one of a very few people who could just calm me by being in the same room. He was concerned, but confident that God would work this out for good.

Now his church building has burned down... I gotta get over there with some Bibles!

Massive fire destroys Sunnyside area church overnight - 8/09/09 - Houston News - abc13.com

[Houston Heather]

Today I was starting to get manic... really up, wanted to do an active yardwork project. After work, I ate and took a lithium 150, which did a great job of taking the edge off.

I went outside and did it all. I also had a nice visit with Spotty the Pit Bull through the fence. I'm a master of the flying milk-bone. So he thinks I'm pretty awesome. I was happy to hear him playing with a squeaky-toy.

I came in for my shower/nap. A front came through, bringing rain. Boy, we need it! Extreme drought conditions. I'll have to step out and see how much rain my gauge caught.

Woke up. I feel really hot and groggy. I assume it's meds, and August. I can tell I need to take another lithium soon but I'm not really hungry...so I don't know what I'll eat.

Tomorrow I plan to try to hash-out whatever is going on with the bank. Agh.

4/10 of an inch of rain, according to my gauge.

[bjw]

Heather,
Don't let that problem with the bank drive you nuts. You know you are right so keep that in mind and be firm with bank personale...they work for you!!!
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Love, Jean

[Houston Heather]

Yeah. I can't open up a new account, or buy supplies for my business, until this is resolved! ACK! I still plan to do something fun when I'm done.

[Houston Heather]

I decided to wait on the bank until I have some money with which to open a new account! Worst case I can go old school, fill out the order form manually, and mail it in with a money order. I found some more jiffy-pots yesterday, though, so not a huge rush.

It could only happen to me. My aunt was telling me how her son's gf (girlfreind)'s dad was given a goat. They are looking for a new home for Mr. Goat.

I actually know an old man who'd LOVE a goat! We ride together on Metrolift! He had a goat years ago and loved it like a child, always telling us a new story of the critter's antics. He especially liked how the goat would lie down on top of his feed to keep the cattle away from it.

He was devastated when a feral dog got the goat. Ron and I have told him, we'd love to get you a new goat. Maybe we can help expedite an "adoption". I'm sure the first family doesn't want him/her to be EATEN, and Mr. C would never countenance such a thing either.

[Zer]

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

I decided to wait on the bank until I have some money with which to open a new account! .

If you are on the lookout for a new bank, try USAA in San Antonio for good service and no fooling around. Don't know what your bank is up to, but USAA has been so good to me that I cannot praise them enough!

[Houston Heather]

I'll remember that, Zer.

I didn't have my social security card when I left the house so I skipped the bank visit.

First, I couldn't find my shoes. Still don't know where they are. Then, the neighbor's yapper broke the fence and came into my yard. I ran Yappy off, but then realized "Spot" the pit bull wanted to come play too. I backed up and went into the house when I realized Spotty was mostly through the fence. It's a cute dog, wanted to play or a treat, nice little waggy tail, but it's a breed I'm not comfortable with.

I had to go and ask the neighbor to please barricade the fence. I've done what I can from my side and that was obvious on inspection. Anyway, she was VERY nice, assured me "Pepper" is a delightful, loving dog, and fixed it. Probably the best part of my day.

I left the house with about $30 and my hand cart. I went to the gas station and refilled my jumbo mug, and got a couple cold bottles of soda. Waited on the bus, caught it. Caught the other bus, read a book in between.

I decided to go to the fancy garden center if the A bus came to the stop. If the B bus came, I'd go to Home Depot. I caught the A and went and checked it out. DEAD DEAD DEAD. Nothing good! I left and missed a bus. Ack.

It looked like it wanted to rain. A lot. I went to the Walmart and got some boxes that would fit into my rolling cart, so I could take them to the market full of plants. Thank God what happened happened today, let me tell you.

I called Ron. No answer. I guess he didn't want anything, but discovered later he had been drinking. I hate it when he drinks.

I got the boxes, some supplies to make signs, and spent enough money to leave me a little clearance at McDonalds. It began to rain, so I picked up an umbrella. It was the long stick type and less expensive than the other shorter ones.

I also got a bag of compost. It fit in the box easily and I was thrilled. I love compost. $3 a bag! Awesome.

I briefly considered waiting a few days until I got paid. I could take a cab for about $15 from the Walmart to home. It's still cheaper than the garden center's $25 delivery fee, and the prices were unbeatable (I want some hardwood mulch to add to the compost pile, I have a lot of greens but not enough brown). Then I thought, no, let's TRY. I have TRIED many things I thought were impossible, and I did then, and did them well. Let's see if I can do it, I thought.

Things didn't - fit very well. The umbrella kept falling off to the side and wedging into doorways. I was almost knocked down a few times as I pulled the cart behind me.

I only had $1.07 left. Should have been enough for a double cheeseburger, but the cashier insisted it was more. Cancel the order. Feeling rather humiliated, I left.

The umbrella wedged in the security thing... I got out to the bus stop. Here comes the bus, it's stopping, and I'm 30 feet away. The umbrella wedges in some bushes, and the cart won't roll 'cause something got caught in the wheel, but I catch the bus. I had to manually pick up the cart and run.

I got off the bus and hauled the cart with me. Finally got it loose, the umbrella had to wedge again and I almost fell down. I am DISLIKING the umbrella by now. The wheels on the cart are catching on little 1/3 inch tufts of grass on the dirt path, and almost knocking me down. I call Ron, saying I really need help, but I go to voicemail. I call and call, voicemail.

Then there's a terrible snap, the cart falls apart, and I'm almost in tears by the road. Cars are whizzing past, and there goes my other bus. He kind of paused, I think he's had me ride before, but I have a despairing "Go ahead and leave" wave.

I try to fix it. It's dead. What is it with me and carts? From now on, I'm not using carts unless it has four wheels, a metal handle, and is found in a grocery store or Walmart. Or Sam's Club.

I decide to cry. I hardly ever cry now. I cried and cried and everyone's driving by and it's hot and I realize I will NEVER get my things home, things I truly wanted, unless Ron can help. I can't call a cab with $1 in my pocket and nothing at home.

Ron has cash, and he could call me a cab. I try again. He was slurring his words, and got an attitude. I hung up. Later on I tried again, not wanting to lose something, and he answered the phone in a very hostile manner. I got a little hysterical.

Sad thing about Houston, it's like I was totally alone on the corner. Another good cry, blew my nose on my hankie, and got the compost out of the remains. I'd put it into a contractor bag. I hefted the bag (40-50 pounds) onto my shoulder. Heavy, but maybe I could do it.

I set it down. I had a very thin plastic bag with the plastic boxes and assorted stuff. Maybe I could carry both. I looked at the rest. A dead cart, and an umbrella.

I yelled "I HATE you!" at the umbrella and left it on the ground. I felt better. Someone will find it just when they need it, it's a very popular transfer point for two buses.

I got to the bus stop, cranked my tunes, hungry. I found a meat stick in my fanny pack and ate it. Listened to my tunes. A lady comes up. "Did you know your (thin plastic) bag is ripping?" Great. She wondered aloud about the umbrella and I told her she was welcome to it. I didn't elaborate much.

I caught the bus. I staggered on under my giant plastic garbage bag full of compost and the driver didn't an eyelash. This is the CITY bus! I sit down. More tunes, some diet Dr (I had bought a 6 pack of bottles).

We get to my transfer point, I stagger off. I realize my thin bag is completely destroyed. I will never make it to the transfer point 80 feet away. The compost is incredibly heavy. I think, maybe I can walk to the Starbucks and get ANOTHER trash bag for my Walmart stuff. I get about 10 feet, and realize it won't happen. I'll never make it to the bus stop, much less Starbucks (farther away).

Only one way I can get home my beloved sack of Compost. I call Ron. "Yeah?" VERY hostile, and slurring. Screw it. I hang up.

I leave the compost by the bus stop, label facing outward. It's a busy street. I'm sure it's riding along in someone's car by now. "Hey, look at that! Pull over!"

A lady walks up to the stop as I'm leaving. "You forgot your bag!" I tell her, it's free for the taking now. She agrees it'll go fast. I am really trying to keep it light and not dump on people. I really detest it when Ron does that with me.

I took the compost out of the heavy duty trashbag so someone would take it. I put my Walmart stuff into the trash bag and put the bag over my shoulder. I have a ferocious need to pee, so I have to go to the Starbucks. I tell them I'll be gone soon and just need the restroom, and I leave quickly.

The bus stopped. I got on with my garbage bag and explained, I'm not homeless, the walmart bag ripped on me. Oh, OK. Her exact words: "If it aint dripping, squeaking, crying, or smellin' it can ride." I love City Buses. I get off and walk home lugging my trash bag over my shoulder.

I get home and Ron is snoring and there's an empty liquor bottle on my cutting board. What the hell is that?

AAAAAAGH. I spend a little quality time in the garden. Now I will fix myself a protein shake, I want an easy dinner. I will take my pills. God knows I need a bath.

Unbelievable.

I feel like I need to change my perspective: I'm not a wife, I'm a caregiver who works for rent and utilities. I can give, but not receive. It could have had SUCH a happy ending.

That's what hurts the most.

[Houston Heather]

Something really cool, even though I briefly thought about all the crap candy I could buy for $1, I never seriously considered eating off plan.

Even now.

[bjw]

So sorry you had a bad day. I hope tomorrow will be all blue skies and happiness for you...you deserve it!
Jean

[Houston Heather]

Thank you.

My "treat" when I came home was garden time. It was very calming, especially since I didn't have to worry about strange dogs!

I almost don't want to take my bath, because it might wake Ron up. The evil part of me wants him to wake up and wonder where's Heather? She called me for help... where is she?

God didn't put me here to be hateful, and I know He will deal with Ron properly. I could tell you stories about complete strangers who tore Ron a new one when they overheard him talking to me!

Good news, I am tired enough that I'll sleep great, after my bath I'm going to bed.