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OK. It is 5:00 a.m., and we are preparing for the CT Scan of the carotid artery. The carotid arteries are major blood vessels that supply the head and neck with oxygenated blood. They are crucial for brain function and health. There are two main types: the internal carotid artery, which primarily supplies the brain, and the external carotid artery, which supplies the face, neck, and other external structures. Carotid artery disease, such as atherosclerosis, can lead to stroke, and treatment options like carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty can reduce the risk.
We are far too complicated!
St. Joseph’s, here we come! We arrived 30 minutes early, and I went through the check-in procedure. We were called right on time. They escorted us to the waiting area, and I was taken inside immediately (I was the first patient of the day!).
I was in and out in ten minutes, as I knew the procedure well and did not move a single muscle; they got the picture on the first take!
The blue arrows show blockages in the arteries. I will get my report tomorrow via the online portal.
Aah, I popped out, and there was no Mary in the waiting room!! I tried the ladies’ room, but it was locked; ah ha, I thought to myself. I waited and waited, thinking maybe she fell in, and then, from the other direction, came Mary carrying a Starbucks coffee. She left me for Starbucks!
We laughed and headed to the parking lot.
Mary and my brains are ALWAYS in sync, and we looked at each other and said, “Benji’s?” We are off for breakfast before the next medical session! We shared a huge veggie omelette and had coffee. (Meal #1)
After breakfast, we drove across the street to the Laguna Hills Nursery, where we picked up some zucchini and several other plants.
Always a great selection and knowledgeable staff.
We had some time, so we decided to drive home and put the plants in the garden before our next two stops.
We turned around and headed back to Laguna Hills Nursery, then went four blocks south and got a blood test at the 801 building in Tustin. We had an appointment at Quest, and again, we were in and out in minutes!
Now for some serious work; we headed to the Elks Lodge for Girl’s Night Out. We had Will, Heorge, Bob Z, and Bill C there today, so that you can imagine the interchange. The arrows were flying. Mary and I both had the Yankee Pot Roast special. (This was meal #2)
Back home, we spent a couple of hours working in the garden, preparing it for the planting of the new plants tomorrow. Mary had her little cart filled with trimmings while I dug out two carrot beds and freshened up the dirt with the latest compost.
Mary (on the left) sits and attempts to untangle the carrots that were pulled.
We stopped for a drink of wine and awaited the arrival of our girl. Robin is staying with us tonight.
We decided to take Robin’s recommendation and went back to Benji’s for dinner. This was meal #3.
Robin spotted pickled tomatoes and wondered what they were, so I ordered some. They were delicious!
If you’re interested in the world of pickled tomatoes and some fun facts related to them, here’s some trivia you might enjoy:
Yes, pickled tomatoes are indeed a type of pickle. The term “pickle” refers to a food that has been preserved in brine or vinegar, not just cucumbers. Many other vegetables, as well as hard-boiled eggs or meat, can be pickled.
Pickled tomatoes can be made using various types, including green or red tomatoes. For instance, one method involves blanching firm, red tomatoes and then pickling them in a slightly sweet brine with ginger and pickling spice.
When pickled, they offer a blend of fresh and acidic tomato flavors with a sour, crunchy, and hearty texture.
While recipes and suggested wait times for pickling can vary, some sources recommend letting them sit in the refrigerator for at least a week to allow the flavors to develop fully. However, some people may find it hard to resist trying them sooner.
Yes, they are pickled tomatoes!
We now await the feast to arrive.
We went to Benji’s for dinner.
But before that, we had to have buffalo wings, and these little guys were plump and perfectly fried!
Buffalo wings!
After stuffing our faces for the third time, we headed home, where Mary gave Robin (and her family) her rendition of Binx. We also gave the family a plaque for inside or the garden commemorating Binx.
Robin got Bins’s picture.
The three of us were tired. Mary and I’s jaws were hurting after chewing so much today, so we crashed around 9:30 pm.
I am fortunate to have Mary as my partner in life, as she looks out for me and ensures I maintain a balanced diet.
Scout and I wandered in the back yard to make sure no elephants were hiding in the underbrush! It was a warm evening with the temperature staying around 68-70 degrees.
Backyard at night!
We fell into bed asleep; Mary hadn’t even brought her book with her.
