Monday, October 30, 2023

Monday

Dancer Reading Blog Comments

It was another sunny day and while the house felt cold to me (it was less than 60F inside, when I woke up), it went up to 81F, outside, during the afternoon.  I opened several of the windows to let the warm air in, but, the house remained relatively cool and I went outside, frequently, to warm up!

I had another email from Dancer's vet, stating that she had called in the new prescription and answering my questions about the x-rays that had been taken during the visit in September.  According to her, the x-rays were considered "unremarkable", which she said was a good thing; there were no signs of an enlarged heart or lung disease.  I was happy to read that!  

The pharmacy called, too, in the morning, to let me know that Dancer's new prescription was ready for pick up.  So, I drove there and collected the medication (and paid for it!).  No, I did NOT go to the doughnut shop for a doughnut!  Not this time, anyway!  LOL.

After I came home, I tidied the family room and pulled various items out of the laundry closet so that the gas company technician could have easy access to the dryer.  

He was here in the early afternoon and didn't like the "delayed ignition" in the heater.  I told him that the technician who installed the heater had said that a delayed ignition was normal  and he disagreed!  He made some adjustments to the pilot light and that seems to have helped; there is still a bit of a delayed ignition, but, not as bad as it was earlier.  He said that if it gets worse, to give them another call and someone can come out and check it, again.  The dryer was fine, he said (not that I use it that often, but, it's good to know that it is in good working condition).  He checked the water heater, too, and said that the water temperature had been set higher than what the gas company recommends for using less gas.  He reset it 10F lower and told me to try it; if the water isn't hot enough for me, he said I could raise the temperature (there is a knob to turn).  I believe the water temperature was set at that higher temperature either when it was first installed or when the water heater repair person was out fixing a leak; I'm perfectly willing to lower the water temperature to save on my gas bill, as long as I have hot enough water when I shower!  

As usual when someone comes to the house, Dancer hid when the technician was here, but, he came out to check if everything was OK, afterwards:

"I guess it looks OK"

You can see the gas heater on the wall behind the side chair.  That chair is not very comfortable; the chair seat has no cushioning left and you can feel the springs, but, I've placed a spare pillow on the seat as that is the warmest spot in the house during the winter when the heater is on!  

After the technician left, I put all the items back in the laundry closet (the drying racks, the little shelving unit holding laundry supplies, the laundry baskets, etc.)  I looked to see if there was anything I could declutter from there, but, I didn't find anything; maybe I need to look harder!

I took the trash cans to the curb in the evening (and this time, I placed them at the curb and not in front of the driveway; let's see if they get moved!), watched news, had leftovers for dinner, and watched some videos.  I realize that I didn't do a meal plan, but, I'll do so tomorrow.

Today, I am grateful for:
- Dancer's vet got back to me with his x-ray results and they were "unremarkable"
- The pharmacy had his new medication ready for me to pick up
- I had a safe drive to the pharmacy and back
- The gas technician checked on and adjusted the heater and it seems to be working better
- The gas company offers these free appliances checks to their customers

Today's joyful activity was getting the heater checked and deemed safe to use, this winter!

Tomorrow, I have a blood test scheduled and, for some reason, I am feeling rather stressed and anxious about it!  I don't know why.  It's just a routine, quarterly check prior to my oncologist appointment on Friday.  I made sure to put the file folder with the lab request order in the tote bag I will be taking with me and I have change for the parking meter.  All I have to do is go and get the blood tests done!  

Plans for the rest of the day will depend on how I feel after the blood test.  Maybe I'll do some easy stuff like laundry.  

How was your Monday?  Any plans for tomorrow?  Will you be handing out candy to the trick or treaters? 

14 comments:

  1. I like that Dancer reads blog comments, has he visited Tilly's new blog yet? How wonderful that his chest X ray was unremarkable ,that's vet speak for he is more than OK :-) I had to smile that Dancer hides as my Tilly barks like crazy if anyone dare enter our home or come to the front door for that matter.
    Isn't it odd how different service engineers have different ideas, I hope your hot water is hot enough for you.
    I do hope your blood test and results are good for you.
    I have bought sweets for any trick or treaters although not many seem to call anymore.

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    1. Yes, he has read Tilly's new blog! He commented on Tilly coat and wanted to know why he didn't have a coat like Tilly's and I told him it's because he doesn't go for walks. :)
      Dancer has always gone under the bed or the sofa to hide if anyone comes in. People used to think I had a phantom cat because no one ever saw him, unless we carried him into the room for them to see.
      The water was hot enough for me when I showered this morning, Eileen, which was nice.
      Thank you; the blood test went well. Getting there took some extra time due to road construction, but, I left home with plenty of time and I got to the appointment on time. I'll find out the results on Friday.
      Enjoy handing out the sweets you bought, Eileen; hope Tilly doesn't bark too much when the trick or treaters call! Is she dressing up for Halloween?

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  2. I hope everything is well with your blood test. I think it's normal to get stressed about these things especially if you've been seriously ill in the past. I know that before my breast cancer I was blissfully unaware when I had my mammogram, assuming all would be well, as it always is!! Now, I go to each one with an amount of trepidation: what if it's happened again?
    Good that your heating is all sorted, and that you have found a way to save a little bit of money. Always good! Give Dancer a reassuring cuddle from me. Love FD xx

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    1. Thank you, FD; yes, the test I did today was for the upcoming oncologist appointment. My breast cancer, too, was detected during a routine mammogram that turned out to be anything but routine!
      I'm glad the heater has been serviced and the water was quite hot when I showered this morning, so I'll leave that at the temperature it was reset at and, hopefully, I can save a little money! $10 here and $5 there always add up!
      Dancer says thank you for the cuddle! :)

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  3. If Dancer is busy reading comments then I'd better leave another, just for him :)
    I'm so glad to read his x-ray results were unremarkable. Mog is also in good health since her little blip, besides being a little curvier than I would like.
    It's good you've had your appliances checked and reassuring to know they are in working order before winter.
    I hope your blood test went well. Although would be tempted to leave the laundry and put your feet up instead.
    Sweets and chocolates at the ready here. I might even dress up! Xx

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    1. Dancer likes to read the comments and often he'll meow something in reply! :D
      Yes, it's a relief to know that his x-rays were fine and I'm so glad to know that Mog is also in good health and hope Boo is too.
      Yes, having the appliances. especially the heater, checked was good, I'm so grateful that they offer these free annual service checks.
      Thank you, Jules; the blood test went well and I should find out the results on Friday. I've taken your advice and I've been relaxing since I came home. Laundry might have to wait!
      I hope you and Lily have a fun Halloween!

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  4. I think 60 inside is cold! Now you can turn on your heater if you want.
    We will be handing out candy tonight. We have several kids in the neighborhood, but weather is supposed to be cold and windy, so that may cut down on the numbers.

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    1. Thank you, June, for agreeing with me that 60F inside is cold! Since I tend to feel cold anyway, I always wonder if I am just being a wimp or if it is legitimately cold! LOL. It's especially sad when it is warm and gorgeous outside and the house is cold!
      Sounds like you are all ready for Halloween; I hope you get plenty of trick or treaters!

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  5. Dancer wants to see if he gets a mention in the comments! Hi, Dancer!
    Good idea to put a spare cushion on that chair. It's easier than trying to reupholster it. It sounds like your technician did a good job. I hope the blood test goes well, with not too much waiting around. Maybe a doughnut is in the schedule? 😍

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    1. Dancer says, "Hi, Bushlady!"
      My living room sofa set is about 25 years old now and has been clawed by three different cats and are ready to be replaced! But, until then, I make do with extra cushions and blankets to hide the torn upholstery!
      I really liked the gas company technician. He's been here once before and did a good job, then, too.
      Thank you, Bushlady; the blood test went well without any problems. I left home in plenty of time, which turned out to be a good thing because there were delays due to road construction (I took a detour as soon as I could and that worked out well). I was thinking of getting something on the way back (chili dogs instead of doughnuts), but, the road construction meant I took a different route home and didn't pass by the hot dog place. I came home and had a sandwich, instead! And a cookie!

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  6. Three cheers for unremarkable! In this case a wonderful word.
    I was so happy to read that Dancer's tests did not show anything unusual. Now we just need to fatten the "little" guy up. Hopefully his medication dosage change will help.
    I'm glad the new technician toned down the delayed ignition. That never seemed right to me (but what do I know?) That is a really good free service the gas company provides and you are wise to take advantage of it. I'm certain you will be fine with the water heater turned down. I have mine at the lowest setting and have never had a problem with 2 people showering, doing dishes, etc.

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    1. Thank you, Debra. "Unremarkable" is definitely a good word! Yes, we need to get his thyroid levels under control and that will help.
      I, too, am glad that the delayed ignition situation was corrected. The technician wasn't 100% happy with it, but, he said it was all he could do. He also said to call them back if needed. It is a wonderful service and I didn't know about it until quite recently. If you want them to come out on a specific date and time, there is a charge, but, if you accept an appointment on a day they are available, it is free. You can choose morning or afternoon or anytime all day on the available day; I chose afternoon.
      The hot water seems hot enough with the level lowered. I think the water heater manufacturer recommends a higher setting and that's why it was set at the higher temperature.

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  7. Glad to hear Dancer got a good report, and I hope your appointment went well.

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    1. Thank you, Mandy; yes, my appointment went well. :)

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