Chit Chat ~ Nourishing Nail Oil

We paid our handy-man a partial payment the other day, and low and behold, he never showed up yesterday.  I did get some rest however.  One the of kids wanted to deliver something late, and they didn't show up until almost 8:30pm.  It may sound early to you, but when you are under the weather, it's early.

I've been drinking goldenrod tea, and taking our homemade Four Thieves Vinegar.  The Four Thieves seems to help the annoying cough that developed after everything else.  Thankfully, I have kombucha and other probiotics in stock too.

After speaking with someone who works for a hospital, if your "what feels like" a sinus infection is viral, they do not prescribe antibitiotics.  I'm watching my symptoms closely.   I also talked to someone locally who has the same symptoms, and they too, thought it was a sinus infection (from the severe early on miserable pressure).  It was not.  Again, watching myself closely, but things seem to be better overall (just not completely gone).

(photo from google)

Meanwhile, funny how the small stuff can make you feel so happy and at peace (maybe accomplished is the right word).  The UPS guy delivered a part I ordered for the refrigerator.  We replaced our refrigerator 10 years ago, when ours stopped working.  The kids literally broke the cheese/butter (slides up and down) plastic door at the onset.  I, at the time, was consumed with raising kids, that I didn't think to replace it, nor even thought I could.  It was just never registered on the "important list" or even the to-do list.

We got tired of the butter slices falling out every time we opened the refrigerator door.  I went online and ordered what I thought would be the right replacement door.  We both asked ourselves why we never thought to fix that issue. Wa-la, it fit perfect.  No more butter falling out.  

Other "to-do's" are being adding to the growing list, as I recover from this bug.  

You know what else I am hearing?  That some people are going to work sick, because they are out of sick days.  I guess I better work on my immune system if I want to get back to the stores again.  Sheesh.

From an old blog draft . . . 

I made some homemade nourishing fingernail oil (started using it on 11/13/24).  I realize my nails get a work out with outdoor work, and decided I needed to give it a try.  You can find many youtube videos on making this oil if you are interested. I hope to have an update post down the road.

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As for the current room repair project, we'll see if we can gain some progress today.  

I'm hoping to feel better very soon, as I am pretty sure my husband is tired of sandwiches.  I promised him a meatloaf dinner at the beginning of the week, and well, that did not happen.

Chit Chat ~ Nourishing Nail Oil © December 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Caught the Virus

 Although not nearly as bad as my husband got it, I caught the virus from him regardless.  I do feel taking my 4 thieves, and drinking a good amount of water kept me from getting it as bad as him.

However, I was unprepared for waking up ill, as far as food goes.  I realized, after resting for several hours, that I needed to go tend the hens.  It was the worst, cold and windy day outside as well.  Yes, I did it in pajamas and muck boots, but left the other chores for my husband after he got home.

The only soup on hand was home canned tomato soup, but I did have broth.  I always make sure we have ginger in the freezer.  You can freeze it.

How to Freeze Ginger (is in this post)

I am out in the boonies, so to ask a friend to come by was out of the question, so it all got me thinking.  I also have a limited amount of family, and they all work full time.  It's not like I can get door dash either.   I need to be better prepared in regards to food a sick person may need, when by themselves.  I am prepared otherwise.

I also, wanted to make myself homemade ginger-ale for my stomach, and had ran out of limes (no lime juice in the freezer either).  I am thinking of making a batch of the actual ginger-ale syrup, and freezing that for emergency needs.

According to my research, simple syrup can be frozen, but my homemade ginger-ale recipe contains honey too.  Has anyone had experience with freezing homemade ginger-ale syrup (with the fresh lemon/lime juices added)?

Teas, and medical supplies were on hand, but I will make sure the food/drink list is checked off and well on hand for easy access.  It all got me thinking, because I have always been the one to take care of others my entire life, but my husband was the one to tend to me when I was sick (and he was at work).

I did have our 4 thieves on hand, but to take it, you typically want something in your stomach (as it contains garlic).

I am off to make a list as I think things over.   If you have something you have on hand, that I am not thinking of, please comment below.  Or a food/medicinal item to freeze. 

Caught the Virus  © November 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Recovering . . .slow going . . .

 One thing I realized being sick is, that I am on my own.  Too sick to get the mail?  Don't.  Too sick to do the housework or cook anything? Don't.  It was a rough weekend, as I rested to get over whatever I had.  It was bad enough, that I did not leave my pajamas for a few days.  The first morning I slept the entire day.  The only thing I did was let the chickens out, and that was also in my pajamas.  

I cannot stress on how I cannot wait for the new coop.  It will make my life so much easier in the way of layers.

My husband had brought home a pizza for himself, and chicken noodle soup for me.  The aftermath is yet to be cleaned up around here.

There is one thing I know now.  Do not try to knit when you do not feel good.  At least for me anyway.  I was halfway done with a dishcloth, and messed up, and just frogged it all.  I put it way until I feel better.

My husband was not back to himself either.  I felt so bad we had no breakfast made, no dinners, no lunches, no laundry done, no dishes done from starting to get sick.  When he goes to work, he needs a packed breakfast, lunch and coffee.  At least the coffee can be pre-set the night before.

Homemade Ginger-Ale Simmering (before adding lemon and lime from real lemons and limes)

On a good note, we had medicine, medicinal teas, essential oils, lemons, limes, etc. all on hand.   Thank goodness we were stocked up on tissues.  On a bad note, we live too far away from anyone we know, so we have no one to bring us a meal, or anything we may need.  Sort of stinks in that way, in where people tell you "I wish you didn't live so far away" and such.

We did have one daughter text us and ask if we needed any medications or anything else.  

I realized when I out for the count, and my husband is still not feeling well, we do suffer.  We do are best, but there isn't anyone to cook healthy for us.  

I will have to step up on this, and put some things in our freezer.  Any suggestions for healthy breakfast to freeze (I know oatmeal is a good quick breakfast) when one is sick, or even other meals.  I have never frozen chicken noodle soup, so I am wondering if the noodles go to mush after thawing?

When you are ill, what do you eat for your breakfast if you can?  Just hot tea and toast?

I could see a need for some homemade bread to go in the freezer.  Toast is sometimes needed during times of sickness.  Maybe just some broth in the freezer?

While my husband is still on the mend, he is feeling better.  I hope to be feeling that good in 2-3 days.  He said his lasted about 5 and then he still had to take it slow.

I forgot to ask.  What is your favorite wellness tea with either an herb or medicinal weed or store bought tea?

Random - ness

 

Progress is slow, but continues - cleaned out two boxes of stuff from the computer area (we are talking stuff boxed up since last February/March).   Yes, there are very old floppy discs in that box, ha ha!  

Broke down 4 boxes to get rid of, and in the process, found my devotional, and some forever stamps.   I found a file folder filled with new recipes to try, body butter recipes, salves to try etc.  I'm half tempted to just toss it all out, considering it's all been in a file for many years now.  No surprise there.

Don't laugh, but in the process of that, and opening mail, I lost two lists I had going.  I am sure they went into the trash with the envelopes from the mail, and that bag was already taken outside.  The lists were started again, and carefully placed, so I don't do that again.

Garden seeds have been ordered.  I just have to check the herb garden seeds.  I am pretty sure I need basil, cilantro, and parsley, but will check again this week.

Laundry was started, but I'm limited to two drying racks inside, and I filled my unit in the laundry room that holds shirts on hangers. Just trying to save on my electric bill.

Outside Christmas lights are down and back in storage.  The rain returned, so that is off the list now.

I updated the home journal, and taped the paint swatch inside on the living room page.  I still need to get photos printed to add to the journal for the floor repairs we did.  I am also missing my paint chip for the doors and other trim.  I'm sure I will find it when I do more cleaning.

I think I over did work yesterday, so today it's hunkering in, crochet, thunderstorm day.  I did not sleep well with this sore throat.  I have already been on a round of antibiotics.

My husband's first day back to work was yesterday.  He talked to co-workers, and there is a virus going around with laryngitis.  Lovely.  Also, the trip to FL was a blessing for my husband.  He found out the guy he was to work with, had he not gone on the trip, had covid while we were gone.  

Anyway, I could not sleep with this scratchy throat, so it's ginger root tea today, possibly with honey and lemon.  My husband caught something too now, so he is not sleeping well either.  

I'm thankful for leftovers for tonight.  We have had to purchase eggs this week.  My ladies are not laying again yet, and that is frustrating, but they do deserve a winter break.

Updates and such....

 Well folks, I have not been on an antibiotic for almost 2 years or longer.  They asked me what I was able to take and could not remember, other than I cannot take the z-pac.  

Now I am having other issues, despite eating the BRAT diet, so a call is getting placed to the doctor this morning.  Not sure what he can do, other than change the antibiotic and take another route.  

I'm just not taking chances for things to go south, like they did with the z-pac (put me in the hospital for 14 days).

I am eating my yogurt and taking a prebiotic, but it's not helping.  My cough is a bit better, but we are also going to seek out a different prescribed cough syrup.

In the meantime, I got plenty of rest last night.  I went to bed at 6pm and didn't get up until 7am this morning. I'm still dealing with fatigue.

I haven't felt like crocheting, reading a book....nothing.

It's foggy here and predicted to reach up into the 60's.  Crazy.

I remembered a family member asked me and one other about crocheting her the below afghan, so I looked into it.  Check out the cost of supplies!  Even though I would not need stitch markers or a hook, that is one expensive blanket to make.  I would want labor, so yeah, I am sure it's not affordable to make.  The cost of supplies plus labor would almost make this a $200.00 blanket.

Happy New Year!

 I wish I could say we rang in the new year healthy.  After being in bed for 3 days, because the body aches and fatigue (and fever) were miserable, my husband drove me to an urgent care.

Negative for covid, but had all the symptoms.  I was diagnosed with a sinus infection.  It is the worst one I have ever had.  We've been so careful with germs and staying away from large groups, so this was a huge surprise.

Rest, liquids....you know all the doctors orders.   I hope to be back to blogging soon.

Sunrise ~ Sickness

 

We had a beautiful sunrise the other day, and I could not help myself, but to take some photos.  There is still snow on our porch.

I had plans to take our outside Christmas lights down today, but that is not happening.  I have come down with a sickness, and of course all of our covid tests at home have expired.

I'm doing all I can do from home - mullein tea, eucalyptus/oil rub, 4 thieves, humidifier, diffuser, etc etc.  I really want some homemade ginger ale, but I have zero energy to make it.  I feel like someone beat me up, and the cough is horrible.  So far, no fever.

Not sure if I picked it up while out shopping, or have been over doing things here at the house.  I'll be taking a blog break to heal up and get over this, whatever it is.  The weather isn't helping either.  The frigid temps that we just had are now changing to the 50's with rain.