Sunday

I woke up at 6:30 AM on Sunday. I threw on a robe and put on a pot of coffee. I read my book until the first news came on. Then I watched that, instead. When Joel Osteen came on (he’s a young Texas preacher) I turned the sound up and started to fill in the Blog. I like his rap, although I am decidedly NOT that interested in bible-based churches.

I got some of the Blog post written, but when I went out to get another cup of coffee, last night’s mess was staring me in the face. So, after finishing and posting the Blog entry, I got started on a major cleanup. Everything that could go in the dishwasher did (after I rinsed and scraped it). And, I was left with just the items I need to hand wash (not that insignificant of a pile, lol!)and a messy counter top and cutting board.

About that time, Jake called. He asked me to download a program that would allow him access to my computer, so I did. Mostly he concentrated on my problems (slowness, blue-screen-of-death, etc.). I went back to work in the kitchen while he worked on my computer. I did catch something he muttered under his breath about how he gives people great computers and then they mess them up. I am not laughing as I now know it’s true (Sorry, Dude!)

So, I hand-washed three non-stick skillets (my small one that I used for the grilled cheese sandwich, my 10-inch one I made the sauce in and my 12-inch one I browned the meatballs in and then stuck in the oven). Then I washed the pasta pot and my knives. I let them all air-dry all over the kitchen and got onto peeling veggies for tonight’s supper: A pot roast, made in the oval crock pot.

Peeling got stopped here and there as I fielded many, many calls from the Jakester, asking me to restart the computer and so on. But, by the time he was finished and I verified that the speed upon loading or opening a program had increased, I was done with the veggie stuff. I moved on to the counter top and cutting board.

Now the computer is loading faster, with no occasional blue screen when I click on the Internet. Then he attacked the problem about loading photos to the Blog (I felt bad as I’d taken up a couple of hours of his Sunday already). I went back to the crock pot.

I put in a layer of peeled carrots, cut on the biase and two small peeled whole onions. Next came a layer of my remaining parsnips (I know they won’t have much flavor, but they are getting old) and then a layer of peeled and chunked russet potatoes. I seasoned the roast with salt, pepper, rosemary leaves and some thyme on both sides. I set that in and then topped it with onion rings and a few remaining mushrooms (my usual M.O.) I added about 1/2 cup of water, a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of beef bullion granules. Since it was almost 11:00 AM, I turned it on high (I usually go for low-and-slow, but that’s at 8:00 AM).

Jake called again and told me how to post my pictures now (Google shut down the links we used to use, he said). I tried one and dammed if it didn’t work! I thanked him for all his help, told him to say “Hi” to Carla and we finally hung up for good.

So, now that I didn’t have to worry about the phone ringing, I shaved and showered. Then I got dressed and went to CVS to pick up a prescription, another box of tissues and a get-well card for Carla’s mother.

It was sunny, with a light breeze outside: A perfect Fall day!!

Back home, I went outside and refilled the bird feeder. I noticed the devastation the recent high winds wreaked on my raised bed garden, so I went back inside and fetched my camera. The winds had broken off a Brussels sprout plant and ripped all the peas off the trellis. I took two photos and then yanked the Brussels sprout plants out of the garden (they never did sprout). I took them out back to the compost heap and gave them a proper burial. I put the pea sprouts back on the trellis, but there isn’t much going on there, either. We’ll see…

It really was nice outside. I know I have a lot to do inside, but I put it off for just a bit and carried some of the outdoor statues up to the patio. I can’t bring them inside just yet, as the shelf they go on for the winter needs to be cleared off of tools, etc. It's a domino effect, you see...

Back inside, reluctantly, I started the last load in the washer: my clothes for work. I still had normal “chores” to do, so I don’t think I’ll be getting to any of the extra items on my ToDo list. It’s a pity, really, as I am so uninspired after working all day during the week.

While the clothes were washing and then drying, I ran the vacuum and sweeper, cleaned both toilets and the main bathroom sink. Then I hung up five shirts and five pairs of pants, folded my socks (or is it sox? I can never remember) and the weekend laundry was done.

I decided to eat supper around 7:30 PM. NONE of my normal Sunday evening shows were coming on, but there was a Masterpiece Mystery Movie being shown on the PBS station.

I left the pot roast on “high” too long and the bottom layer was a bit charred. There also was no broth left to make gravy with. Damn! I told you I never use that “high” setting! But I served up the veggies and topped them with butter. I made some horseradish and mayonnaise sauce (I like one part horseradish to three parts mayonnaise, myself) and served that with the beef.

Even the charred parts tasted good!

I watched my movie after making sure everything was buttoned down for the night. I went to bed when it ended at 11:00 PM.