Saturday, October 24, 2015

THE FALL THAT'S GETTING AWAY

I've come down with a dreadful sort of flu that simply doesn't want to let go.  And it's very odd...a lot of head and chest congestion but no aches or pains otherwise.  The usual sore throat is replaced with nausea.  I can't quite put my finger on it.  But I've been down for the count since Tuesday, only just crawling out of bed this afternoon to join the land of the living but for a brief (and best forgotten spurt of energy on Wednesday).  As you can see from the photo above, I had two loyal friends.  I truly felt bad that we weren't enjoying the milder temps outdoors as I lay restless in my bed most of the day.  I tried keeping them amused with way too many raw hide bones and the windows open wide with the breeze blowing the curtains and fresh air swirling.  This perks up all their senses and they spend a huge amount of time staring out the windows and barking at anything that moves.  



My front porch October 2014

As of yet I am pumpkinless and mumless.  My neighbors are probably stumped...I usually have a lot of fun playing in the fall with pumpkins, gourds, pansies and the occasional haystacks.  One thing after another and this past week has been one, "I don't care about anything" state of mind.   

Ever the planner, I began stocking up on sweet treats for the trick or treater's a few weeks ago.  I added the usual pencils, erasers, crayons, spider rings and fangs.  I have over 100 little scary bags to fill with these goodies and I'm afraid to touch them for fear of spreading my germs!  But I'm confident I'll be ready next Saturday.  Milo will have his orange kerchief with black bats around his neck, ready on the porch with me while I pass out the treats from the big old with scary ghosts bowl that I've had forever.  I may have a carved pumpkin or two by then.  :)  

For the record, Layla wears a little jester collar with beads but huddles in my bedroom not quite so thrilled with the giddy kids dressed unlike anything she's seen.  



I mentioned that I actually had a little reprieve from this blasted cold/flu/virus/hell that I've had.  It was on Wednesday afternoon.  After a day and 1/2 in bed I threw off the blankets, took a long shower, dressed and actually put on some make up.  And off to the store I went to replenish my cold meds and Diet Pepsi.  Once home I still felt pretty good so I watered the lawn and started making a red sauce for some pasta as I'd been falling way behind in the Feed Your Man department.  I also scoured the countertops and sink with bleach so no one would catch my evil germs.  While the sauce bubbled away and a pumpkin candle burned cozily on the island, I flicked on the garbage disposal only to have that big 'ol "bubbling crude" come spouting up from both sides of the sink.  Putrid black water.  Gawd,  It was downhill from there.  

Dinner was delicious but what we couldn't fit in the dishwasher was stacked on the stove.  Nothing much could be done as far as clean up without the use of the sink.  I called the Sexy Irish Plumbers (I know you must remember my boys from previous posts) and they were set to arrive midday on Thursday.  And Thursday arrived with me feeling as badly as ever, the stench from the kitchen making me sicker to my stomach as I seemed to wait an eternity for the S.I.P.  Once they came it seemed to take forever to find the problem and then I found out that I had to take everything out from the cabinet under the sink.  I'm not sure what your cabinet looks like but mine is one big mess of cleaning supplies, buckets, watering cans, plant food, air fresheners, old used sponges, mouse traps and at minimum, 15 bottles of silver cleaner.  So there I was, head pounding and feeling like I could throw up, on my hands and knees half in this dark, dank cabinet removing everything for the S.I.P.  And after all was repaired and the water running like Niagra Falls, I had no choice but to scour everything down with disinfectant until I felt faint.  The Husband walked in as I was sweating bullets and with a big smile said, "Hon! You must be feeling better!"  Oh, what a creep.  I might have thrown a sponge at him. 



I've clocked a lot of hours in bed.  I can read in spurts.  I have to stop when the congestion in my head makes my eyes hurt and head ache.  Then I start reading again when I only lie there and think of the pain.   Am I a baby or what?  Anyway, the mind wanders and I was probably in a Nyquil haze when I  thought about the granola I made last week, the remainder still filling half a jar in the kitchen.  I started to think and one thing led to another and I managed to get up and throw this together.  I know, it sounds crazy but sometimes distraction is the best thing when you are feeling like crap.  And I needed to pop some Tylenol anyway.   This is one of the fastest little desserts you will ever make and you can use up that granola I gave you the recipe for in my last post.  It looks pretty bad but so do the ripe bananas you use for baking.  Ha!

Blondies Baked Bananas

2 ripe bananas
2 T honey
1/4 c. granola
1/2 c of warmed heavy cream or half & half
cinnamon

Place bananas on a baking sheet in a preheated 350 oven and bake for 25 minutes or until very dark and soft.   Remove and place on individual plates.  Carefully cut off ends and slit down middle.  Mush right in the middle much like a baked potato.  Drizzle honey over each banana, sprinkle granola  on and pour a bit of the cream over each letting it spill over on to plate.  Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on each one and add a little more granola if desired.  Serves 2.

This would be delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and/or whipped cream.  Caramel can be substituted for the honey.  I seriously contemplated more ideas once I fell back into bed.  Sweet happy dreams.



My reading has been all over the past few weeks.  I've been plowing through what I have when I can and especially in the last week.  I read The Fairy Tale Girl by Susan Branch in one afternoon.   I know she has a huge following with her cookbooks, blog and all sorts of merchandise.. and she's quite engaging.   She writes in such a friendly way, I really enjoyed it although at times it really did seem a bit 'fairytale-ish'.  And I gleaned the idea of baked bananas from her but totally hallucinated the rest.  

I picked up the two books on the left (I don't like using Internet pics unless I have to) at a used book store a few blocks away.  I can read American Cookery a little at a time as each chapter is a bit of story in its own, and I thought Gilchrist's book of short stories would satisfy my short attention span.  She's a fantastic writer, anyone familiar?  And the last book, The Artist's Way came to me in a surprising way.  We were in Gatlinburg (last month) and I wandered into a shop where a woman about my age was sitting at an easel painting in watercolors, her art and prints all around her for sale.  She was friendly and talkative and although I'm sure she has this rapport with many customers, I really felt a sort of bond as we talked of creativity: finding it and using it.  She had been a professional photographer for many many years but yearned to paint.  She happened to come upon this book, The Artist's Way, about ten years ago and it changed her life.  She jotted down the name of the book along with her personal wishes for me and I didn't hesitate to order it on my cell phone once in the car.  It's an amazing book for anyone who wants to explore and unleash their creative side, whether it's creating art, poetry or writing a book.  Established writers and artists attribute this book to their success as noted in the reviews.  It's a push I need for some of the endeavors I'm pursuing.  

So that's all I have for now.  Crazy little post I know.  I'm grateful for actually sitting up with my laptop instead of flat on my back reading your posts with my iPad which you know is so aggravating to type on, thus no comments.  I hope this bug is on the way out.  I was just at my doctor to check my vitamin D level last month and no fault of hers, we never thought of doing the flu shot as my yearly exam is in December and that's when I get it.  

I hope you are all having a great weekend.  Sounds like there is rain everywhere.  Maybe that means next weekend will be warm and sunny for those little monsters!  We can hope, right? :)

Jane xx

59 comments:

monique said...

Nice blog.
I hope you are starting to feel better soon.
take care-
m~

Barbara F. said...

I love all your posts, Jane. Sorry you have this creeping crud. My allergies have been bad the past week. Very congested. Hooe you get those mums and pumpkins!

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Goodness, not at all fun. Glad the dog kids hang out and that some fresh breezes visited. Hope you are beginning to feel better.

Jenny S. said...

Oh my! Your illness sounds identical to what I have had since Friday was a week ago. Today was pretty much my first day to step outside for awhile. What is this crap? I have no time for this! Hope you feel better soon. Lawd... you are so funny with the way you describe happenings around your house...although not so funny at the time though I am sure. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. The "globbins" are coming soon.

SImple and Serene Living said...

Jane, I am so sorry to hear that you are so sick. I've heard that there is flu going around. I hope the flu shot I got a couple of weeks ago protects me from it. I hate when the garbage disposal does that. It is definitely disgusting and not what you want to happen when you are nauseous already. Hope you feel better soon. xo Laura

Blogoratti said...

Here's wishing you quick recovery. Greetings and best wishes!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

So sorry you were so sick. Just cleaning under my sink would make me ill also. I hope today is better for you.

Courtney@Golden Boys and Me said...

Oh Jane, I hope you begin feeling better soon! It sounds like you have had quite a week. I had to smile when you mentioned all of the bottles under the kitchen sink. Same here :) Take care of yourself and I hope the upcoming week is much improved.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane, you are about the 6th or 7th person I know who has already gotten the flu. Don't regret not getting your flu shot earlier - they always say if you can wait, it's better, but I think the flu really has just gotten a jump this year. My hubby is one who got the shot early, and now I'm glad he did. My brother ended up in ICU with what started out like yours (respiratory cold, cough). He's a mild, Type II diabetic, and suddenly he found himself in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) when he couldn't get his cough stopped. Take care, my friend. Being sick sucks.
Rita

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Goodness girl, you've had a time of things. I hope this finds you feeling better, preparing for the ghosts and goblins to come for a visit. I have a few treats ready, I usually don't have anyone show up, so you know what that means I over indulge in chocolate. I tell myself over doing my source of chocolate is allowed once a year, it's so worth the migraine chocolate gives me. I'm glad you have the pups to console you, don't know what I would do without Miss Scooter. Looking forward to your next post. fondly ~lynne~

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, sure hope you are feeling better. Love the picture of the fur babies, so cute...... What a wonderful Fall porch you did last year, I love it!!!!!! Cannot believe Halloween is a week away.Blessings Francine.

Susie said...

Blondie, I have something too..I do not know if it's a cold or some allergy...I have never had allergies but we get them as we age, some times. It started with a sore throat, then drippy nose then a tightness in my chest...that's when I called the drs. The nurse said, "Oh it's going around, take some musenix or Flonase and come in on Monday if you are not better." So I have just drank everything I could get my hands on...men are pretty much worthless when a woman is sick. LOL Ted brought home a big bag of snacks for him, and a yogurt for me, the other day from the store. LOL. Dang. That made me wish I had some hard stuff to drink. :):) Know what I mean. I just felt so badly for you having to do the clean up ...when we think we feel just a bit better, we jump right in and start with the house or cooking, don't we.? Hopefully you are getting better. I think I'll live, or hope so. I have taken decongestant ..it's helped. Blessings to you sweet girl, xoxo,Susie

bj said...

Sure hope you are feeling better really soon. No fun being sick....love your porch from last year. Feel better so you can decorate for Thanksgiving...xoxoxo

Simply LKJ said...

I feel your pain my friend. Been fighting this terrible head cold stuff myself for 3 weeks now!!! Thought I was better mid week last week, only to relapse or catch something else. So over it.

Praying you feel better soon!!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
Yikes I feel for you... This past Winter I had something similar but with an annoying awful cough. It lingered for 5 weeks, I was so fed up.
I hope you will be up on your feet very soon and well enjoying the treat or treaters. I so hear you ... Hubby "you must be feeling better" just because you try to accomplish doing something, John says the same type of remarks to me.

Having your sink bubble up black crude is always awful. I once over loaded a Garbage disposal with stringy things I put inside a big pot making stock. My stupid antic burned out the disposal and here the junk was bubbling and burping in the sink. Thankfully my plumber is my sexy Italian husband... After he rolled his eyes and asked about a thousand times "What were you thinking, leeks and celery down the disposal"? Of course John isn't a plumber but he replaced my disposal with a commercial grade one, but now I'm careful what I feed it.

I remember last year the pretty rainbow mums on your steps and you spraying Pledge to keep the squirrels from chewing at your pumpkins. I'm still using Frank's hot sauce and it is working like magic. I hope tomorrow you are out filling your arms with Mums and pumpkins galore.

xoxo,
Vera

Marigene said...

It wasn't that long ago, I had the same type of problem with the garbage disposal...what a nasty mess. I, too, was forced to clean under the sink...and found 3 jars of silver polish!
Please, tell me you are feeling better! I worry so much about coming down with some type of bug or worse yet, for Howard to pick something up when his wbc is down to nothing while on chemo. I had my flu shot Wednesday.
Cute photo of Layla and Milo! Love your front walkway with all the fall accoutrements.
Have a great week...and get to feeling better, Jane!

Kim said...

Oh no, Jane. Please feel better soon. I'm sending smiles and positive thoughts.

podso said...

Everyone seems to be talking about the new SB book. I think there is the rest of the story coming too. I'm sorry you've been sick--it sounds like a nasty one. Maybe by now you are feeling better--get well!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Dearest Jane,
And still you took the time to visit me..:) Thank you so much. I'm sorry you are under the weather too. I'm hobbling around this morning..sleepy due to the pills that help me cope.
We have had similar things happen but our mess backed up in our bathtub... and we had company coming. Thankfully it was all last year and I can look back and pray it doesn't happen again. We don't have a dishwasher OR a garbage disposal. This is a very old home and my husband and his late wife got used to doing without them. I had to adjust but now ..it bothers me not a bit! (well, maybe a bit!)
No, I have not read the books you mention. I lean more toward John Grisham and John Steinbeck..classic's. Films are different. English history and books of the same..are what makes me want to read the days away. English films...LOVE them.
Big hugs...take good care, Jane!
Mona

Beth said...

I am so sorry you're ill, Jane. Rest and feel better soon!
xo Beth

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I hope you're feeling better now. I know people who swear by vitamin C and its healing powers. I love that you dress the pups up for Halloween. They probably wonder what in the world is going on with all the costumed visitors. What a bummer about your sink, but at least you got to see the S.I.P. again. ;)

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Jane, I am so sorry that you are ill. As soon as you are well go get your flu shot so you don't get the others that will be coming around.
I just had a plumbing problem also. I had tried for 1 whole day to unplug the sink, so I finally gave up and called the plumber, but he couldn't come until the next day which was fine as I didn't want him to see the mess under the sink. I had empty bottle of this and that, 5 cans of bug spray that I could never find and would go out an buy another one. I had clear plastic shoes boxes and I organized the products in each box. That way they can just slide it out and can work on the sink. He was very impressed. Said, I wish everyone's under the sink looked like this. I also had them clean the drain in my bathroom as it was a little slow. Again, I threw crap away that I had forgotten about and used my plastic shoes boxes. I got these at Walmart - 99 cents. You couldn't even tell that the plumbers had been here, they were so clean and everything put back in place.
I have a garbage disposal, but I don't use it as there so many things that stop it up. Like potato peelings.
Your books sound great, will have to check them out. Feel better Jane and please take care of yourself.
Hugs,
Mary

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Oh Jane I hope that you are better soon ! : )

Scribbler said...

I hope you are feeling better by now. I have had something weird for over a week, too. I think the fever and chills are gone, but the sinuses are still congested. Never had any chest involvement, although it started with a sore throat.

No flu shot yet, as I usually wait till November so it won't wear off too early. There are so many weird bugs out there now, that even the docs admit they don't know what they are.

I think our crazy weather isn't helping. It is hot as blazes one day, chilly the next. Only two pots of mums on the porch for me. We are supposed to get a ton of rain in the next two days, so I may hunker down a bit longer.

Dewena said...

Jane, I'm so sorry! It's hard enough coping with plumbing problems when you're well but to have to plug away when you feel this bad is pitiful. This post reminds me to go for my flu shot this week, not to put it off any longer.

Thank goodness for those sweet faithful doggies who stick close to you. And at least maybe this will soon be behind you and you'll be feeling well to truly be ready for Thanksgiving, pumpkins or no pumpkins.

Dewena

mary scott said...

I sincerely hope when you read this, that you are so much better & can enjoy 6 more days of October. I think you could dress up as a surgeon in scrubs, gloves & mask to stand on the porch for trick or treaters.

Gypsy Heart said...

My favorite month is almost gone. :/ And we had too many days in the 90's ~ just horrid. We now have had monsoon rains and more expected from Hurricane Patricia. (I hate that she's named after me!) I am so concerned about the people in Mexico ~ can you even imagine? So many of them have so little anyway. Weather people say Katrina was like a thunderstorm in comparison.

I'm so sorry you've been sick ~ no fun at all! I do love it though that our canine companions are so sweet and stay right by your side. Hopefully, you will begin to feel much better soon! To have that water/sink problem sounds horrid, especially with the nausea. I've had vertigo, then injections in my back and last week a visit to the cardiologist. I go back to him on the 2nd for a nuclear stress test. I don't like to do them but hopefully, we'll have answers! I just hate feeling yucky and I know you do too ~ such a waste of time. At least you've felt like reading some. A lot of my friends did the Artist's Way as a group many years ago. I couldn't hang with it, especially doing those "morning pages". I hope you find it interesting!

May I suggest that you get your flu shot in September next year? :) The earlier the better as it takes 2-3 weeks to be effective. Also, have you had the Shingles vaccine? I got that a couple years ago. My daughter has shingles off & on and it's extremely painful! Ask your Dr about it.

Well, I didn't mean to write an epistle! ha ha ha Sending you get well vibes and healing energy sweet friend.

xo
Pat

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Get well soon, Jane. No fun being sick during this beautiful time of year...and yes it is going fast, but we still have all of November too! : - )

Hugs. ♥♥♥

Curtains in My Tree said...


So sorry you're feeling so rotten . I hate it when I get down like that .
So glad you had two sweet buddies to lay in bed with you
Hope your back to yourself very soon

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Jane!! You didn't mention you were sick! :( If I'd have known I'd have cooked you some Italian wedding soup ;).

I've heard of that book, The Artists Way. Definitely on my list.

Sorry about all the mishaps in your kitchen. Goodness, there's always something going on!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Jane!! You didn't mention you were sick! :( If I'd have known I'd have cooked you some Italian wedding soup ;).

I've heard of that book, The Artists Way. Definitely on my list.

Sorry about all the mishaps in your kitchen. Goodness, there's always something going on!

Unknown said...

Oh Jane, I so hope you are better by now! I've had a hacking cough for 2 weeks, and felt generally yucky! I've about coughed myself to death. I'd like to just curl up in bed and not move, but that's not gonna happen. Hope you are back to normal really soon!! Take care.

Fox and Finch Antiques said...

Jane,
I know how awful it is to be sick...you may have picked it up at the doctor's office, you know. I enjoyed this post. It was interesting and you write so well, that everyone can relate to it, having been there at one time or another. Loved hearing about what you read during the time down and also I can't wait to try the banana recipe. I'm always looking for something like desert that is healthy. If I were you, I think I'd let the decorating go this year, don't push yourself.
Ginene

Bluebird49 said...

Thanks honey, for the note, and for writing a post when you didn't even feel like getting out of bed. You are something else! I have never heard of baked bananas. Maybe they'd be good. When I feel like looking at an oven or a stove again! We have been having connection problems big time, but I've felt so bad, it really didn't matter all that much--and you know that's not me!
Sorry about your plumbing problem--we've never had a garbage disposal--I've always wanted one! And--an Irish Plumber or three!
I loved your pictures of the fur-babies, and your pumpkin steps of last year!. And the green pumpkin in the kitchen11
I can't imagine having to fix so many little treat bags for Trick or Treaters. We rarely have one anymore. We don't live in a prominent neighborhood for that--and I don't mind it this time of year. ;)
Now, let m try and read your last post and get a comment in there, while I hope this comment will post, too!

xx Trudy

Pondside said...

I hope that you are beginning to feel better Jane! That sounds like a very nasty bug! I think you should get a medal for :
1. Getting down on hands and knees to clean out under the sink, and
2. Not tossing something at your husband when he arrived home with that cheery remark!
Have you read any of Elizabeth Berg's books. They are light and they are funny. Just the thing for when concentration is a challenge -easy to pick up and put down and pick up again.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Jane, I hope you are feeling better now. If your virus is like mine, it will take a while, but hopefully not as long. After the 10th day, I decided I'd better go see the doctor and get an antibiotic to knock it out once and for all. And of course something always happens when you're sick...Murphy's Law, or something! One of my kitties decided to piddle on the floor and not the litter box, so I was on my hands and knees cleaning up messes I didn't feel up to doing. Yuck.
I also read SB's book The Fairy Tale Girl when I was sick. She's had quite an interesting life. I did enjoy her book, but I couldn't help but wonder how my hubby would feel if I wrote a book about my former love. Not a former hubby because I haven't had one, but still.
I loved the photo of your 2 little bed buddies. So cute! Pets always seem to know when we are sick and it's sweet how they want to be close by and comfort us.
Take good care of yourself and have a good week!

Pepper Medley said...

You poor girl. I haven't been sick in years *knocking on wood*, and hope I can say that for a few more years. Trying to maintain a home can be so grueling and overwhelming when one is not feeling well. Hope you can kick this for good. xo

Anonymous said...

Aww Jane I'm so sorry to hear you aren't well. These viruses are the worst. They really do leave you feeling like crap and it takes a while to go away. Your fur babies are so cute. Pets are the best cuddlers when your sick. I hope you feel better soon. And rest up! Your body needs to recuperate! Sending get-well-soon wishes your way :-) Silvana

patio garden furniture said...

I love your post. Hope you are beginning to feel better. Get well soon!

Sonny G said...


so sorry to hear you have been feeling crappy. hopefully once this is past you can spend the rest of this amazing season full of health and energy ..

Theresa said...

Oh dear Jane, I am sending you a virtual HUG and some real live prayers for recovery! What the problem is that we stay so busy, are always doing something, sickness hits us busy ladies harder! Rest and feel better my friend, HUGS and PRAYERS coming your way!

Kathleen Grace said...

Ugh, being sick is the worst! I hope you feel; better soon, and if not then I hope you get yourself to the Dr. and don't try to tough it out!

Vel Criste said...

I hope you feel better soon sweet Jane, I hope so too before Halloween or else you'll be left with 100 goodie bags to distribute after!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Sorry you're feeling bad, Jane. You know, I think I may have had the flu twice in my whole lifetime. I can actually only recall once. And I've never had a cold! Now everything else seems to happen to me. Maybe that is karma's way of leveling the playing field!
Brenda

Traci said...

I hope you're feeling better! I just realized I have NO Halloween candy. I guess I'll be stopping at the store before Saturday.

Benita said...

When it rains it pours...bless your heart! I do hope you are feeling some better. It just sucks to be sick and then have plumbing problems...those are the worst to have and require more work than anyone ever thinks they will be! It also seems that this time of year is the worst time to get sick because the weather is always hot and cold and all over the place, which aggravates the way we feel! Sending you big hugs and hope you are back to yourself soon!

Rue said...

You poor thing.... I'm sorry you've been so sick and then having all those issues. I would have thrown something much worse than a sponge at him lol

Anyway, I've missed visiting you and I hope you feel better soon.

(((hugs)))
rue

Linda said...

Hi Jane....
Sending get well wishes your way...
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Melanie said...

I am so sorry that you had - or maybe still have - the flu. Sounds awful. Please don't beat yourself up for not getting the flu shot...there's no guarantee that it will protect you from the flu anyway. It's always based on the previous year's virus strain. I've never gotten a flu shot and haven't had the flu in...I can't even remember how many years. My husband has never had a flu shot either and he hasn't had the flu since he was a kid! Anyway, just what you needed on top of being sick was your sink/garbage disposal backing up and having to clear out everything underneath your sink and cleaning your kitchen.

The Artist's Way is a classic. I've had that book on my shelf for years and refer back to it once in awhile. I think you'll really like it.

Hope you are feeling better soon. Don't push yourself...get lots of rest and drink lots of water and herbal or green tea.

Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G said...

Hope you're feeling better soon! Sounds like this mess has plagued you way too long! So sorry you've been so sick! Hope you're able to give out the treats to your little tricksters! :) ~Rhonda

Stacey said...

Jane, my MIL has the same flu!! It's the strangest combination of symptoms and is dragging on. I sure hope you feel better.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Jane,

I do hope you are feeling better by now, I am a little late visiting, still in Oklahoma and loving on this two year old Molly:)

Some years we decorate and some we don't especially now that the children are grown, but I must say your porch from a few years ago was gorgeous.

This recipe sounds scrumptious and oh yes, let's top it with ice cream too!
xo
Jemma



Unknown said...

I'm feeling for you dear Jane. The BIG BUGS have been going around all the school sites that I visit each day. I'm avoiding it with a big bottle of hand sanitizer. I do hope you are feeling better, and back to your peppy self, soon!
I'll keep track of that recipe--yummy!
xx, Heather

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Jane, what a time you have been through. I hope you are feeling so much better. No worries about decorating. Some years, we have other things to attend or we don't feel like it Taking a break....Take care of yourself. xo

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Oh no! So sorry to hear you have been down sick...NO FUN. And what a time to get a plumbing problem. I know how boring it can be just resting, but you'll do better in the long run...hope it starts to pass SOON. xoxo

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Please take care of yourself, Jane. We are just coming into the season of overly-worked, overly-stressed people trying to have a wonderful holiday experience; but along with all of that, comes the season of colds and flu! Get well and stay well, please! Oh what a time to have to deal with plumbing problems.....well, no time is good for that kind of problem, but much worse when you aren't well. Take care, my friend!

Lori E said...

Bahhhh!!!! That isn't fair. You shouldn't be sick. There is too much to do. Funny how the world keeps spinning even when you are sick. Don't they know they should be petting your head and saying there, there....bringing you tea and rubbing your back.
Sexy Irish Plumbers? I presume the plumber's crack is either not evident or is not gross. Which is it? ;) snicker.

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Jane, I hope you're feeling better! Rest and take care of yourself. Sending hugs your way!!
Jody

A Joyful Cottage said...

Aw, such sweet pups. Your baked bananas looks fabulous! xo ~ Nancy