My parents went on a birding expedition to the Antelope Valley on Saturday. While they were trekking through alfalfa fields, my brother (upon promise of a McDonald’s lunch) and I decided to hang the outdoor Christmas lights. No ladders necessary, but it did require much crouching and crawling around on the roof. The next day I stumbled around, barely able to move, as my boyfriend snickered. I hadn’t been so sore since the first (and last) time I went water-skiing: New Year’s Day, 1996. Some of us, it seems, aren’t meant to do more than sit, stand, lie, and take the occasional brisk walk, with any deviation bringing unacceptable results.
I had a poor man’s oil change this weekend, too. Here’s how you can do it: wait until enough oil has leaked or burned off (takes approx. 9,000 miles) that your oil gauge starts bouncing around excitedly whenever the car is running. When the needle starts sitting at “empty” for long stretches, you will begin to hear an alarming rattle coming from the engine area. You are getting close. Just before the engine seizes (it’s kind of a gut-feeling thing), add several quarts of oil. (I got some extra mileage out of the McDonald’s lunch, as my brother did this part.) A new filter is recommended.
The big day is almost here! I asked my boss if he would mind my coming into work a little late on Wednesday so I could go get my turkey as soon as the market opened. I explained the importance of having first pick, lest you end up with a turkey on the undesirable end of your weight range (e.g., I ordered a turkey in the 14 – 18 pound range, but I have no need for an 18-pound turkey; 14 pounds is even a little large, though the cats will be pleased.) He agreed, with some eye-rolling.
The Plan
Tonight: Buy Brussels sprouts and clean room in preparation of sister’s arrival (though, really, why?)
Wednesday evening (unless sprung from work early!): Rinse turkey and put on rack in fridge for professional air-cooled effect, prepare sweet potatoes, chop up veggies for stuffing
Thursday: Everything else
More to come.
