Since my last post, I’ve had a mish-mash of thoughts about life. And fear. And faith. And beaches. And cauliflower mash. I really do like that stuff. Don’t knock it until you try it. But yesterday, it wasn’t enjoyable at first. When we discovered a container Mr. purchased with a punctured hole in the top, our attitudes switched to . . .
“WTH happened to QA at the stores these days? Can’t anyone do their job right?”
Guess who
Mr. had inadvertently grabbed two different flavors out of the stack in the freezer at the store, and didn’t inspect both. Why would he have to, right? I discovered the QA issue when I pulled it out of the freezer, you know, to do my part of meal prep. I can run a microwave, yes I can.
When I opened the package, there it was – the puncture hole that had gone all the way through into the plastic-covered microwave-safe container.
Contaminated, I’m sure. It smelled like frozen cauliflower. Which it was. So I tossed it. It probably had COVID or something like that anyhow. It’s a good thing Mr. had bought two, so we had the alternative flavor for dinner last night.
And, on a side note, mashed cauliflower doesn’t look or taste at all like fermented radishes.
Where was I? Oh, yes, I’ve been mish-mashing my way through life lately. Much of the past couple weeks have been a blur to me.
Thanks in part to this little guy.
Who by the way goes from the appearance of a spry young pup, hopping and dancing/prancing around the kitchen, to an elderly, deaf, demented, yet still breathing (aka, snoring) little ol’ man the next. I adore him to pieces, but he’s been testing my patience (and Mr.’s) to say the least. And causing disruption to our sleep. We’re all up by 4 am of late. Sometimes as early as 3:11 am. Those days I find it hard to make it through to the next sleeping session which is regulated by his whining session at the end of the day.
In the middle of the night, in my sleepless thoughts, I’ve packed and re-packed, and unpacked and re-packed my luggage for my trip I’m taking to Florida this coming week. Why so many packing sessions? Well, according to the airline’s website, the flight attendants don’t assist anyone in getting their luggage into the overhead storage bins due to you know what. The C-word. That’s freaking me out because it’s been over 30 years since I’ve traveled without Mr. and he’s my muscle man, so I have to be able to lift the luggage over my head on my own. I’m 5.3″ and weigh in at 107 #s. I think that my backpack and my luggage currently weigh all of that together. So, I think I’m screwed?
Yeah, the more I think about it the more I think I better repack again and remove a bunch of sh*t. Where I’m going there’s a washing machine and dryer, so duh…less is more. My ‘I might wear that too items’ are mish-mashed together in the suitcase right now. OMG … I better go remove stuff and re-pack things again.
That reminds me, I ordered a couple of new tankini tops on Tuesday of this past week. Target said that I’d get one on Friday. One top came the next day, but not the other one. It had to travel from West Virginia to Ohio, to Wisconsin, then to Minnesota, then back to Wisconsin. I got it yesterday, so I had to wash it to decontaminate it. Thank goodness it fit. And now, I have to figure out how to make both of them fit into the luggage.
Since it’s been 3 years since I (we) took a trip, I went through my old containers to see if any of the sunscreens I had bottled up were any good anymore. It appeared that it magically, via one or more of the plastic components in the ingredients, bonded together with the cheap plastic container I had put it in. WOW – weird?
I tried using my muscles that need to be able to lift luggage, and I couldn’t open it. So I gave it to Mr. and he tried, and he couldn’t open it either. Whew, I thought it was just me. So Mr. got some tools and tried again.
He got it open, but the container was no longer useful. It was smashed to pieces.
I was able to scoop out the lotion and put it into another travel-safe container. But, now I’m wondering if the preserved sunscreen might not be something I should put on my face? Or perhaps it would preserve the wrinkles as they are today? Hmm…?
Ah, the thought of the beach makes me not care one way or another. I’ll be off the hook from worrying about life for a week.
While I mish-mash my thoughts away, or should I say I’ll splish-splash in the waves of the beach and wash away my worries. I sure have missed the beach.
Post Inspiration – Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “mash.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
PS – Would you use preserved sunscreen or not? Do you overpack too? Do you think just a few days is long enough to weight-lift train for the task at hand?
I’d eat the cauliflower before I’d use the sunscreen. I stopped relying on the overhead bins years ago. I carry a backpack on board with me and check a larger bag. I hope you have a good trip.
LOL – yeah, the sunscreen will probably find it’s way to the bin where the tainted mashed cauliflower went. You’re brave to trust the checked luggage route. Thanks, I hope the trip goes well too. 🙂
Mashed cauliflower, eh? I’ve seen it in the grocery story but never tried it. I love my cauliflower, just raw, I guess. A trip to FL? Yep to the sunscreen and from what I’ve heard you want to pack lots of masks. Floridians, I’m told, aren’t taking Covid 19 seriously, so to stay safe you have to be super proactive yourself. [But I’m sure you know this already.]
Yes, it’s a fun way to eat cauliflower. I like it, steamed, raw, riced, and mashed and probably picked or fermented too. But, I haven’t tried that though.
I’m staying in a nice, safe, senior park at a friend’s home, so it’ll be a safe trip :-). Thanks for your safety tips, much appreciated! xx
Welcome to sunny Florida. And despite what you may have heard or seen on social media or TV, Floridians are not running around maskless coughing and breathing on people. We take appropriate precautions and even the CDC says outdoor activities are safer than being inside. And our vaccination rate continues to grow. You aren’t less safe in Florida than anywhere else as long.
Thank you for the warm welcome to your state, Lisa. 🙂 It’s the same in our area, too, now that the warmer weather is showing up, more and more people are out and about. I’m looking forward to seeing the beach and the palm trees. It looks like I’ll be bringing some rain with me, but that’ll be okay too. 🙂
This is reassuring to read. I do miss walking on the Gulf Coast beaches. And eating fresh fish, of course. 😋
Sweet little Copper, I wish I could hug that old man. Have a wonderful trip, Shelley, take lots of photos. That broken package is really scary, I’m glad you found the puncture and tossed it out! It’s a bit like not knowing how your food is really prepared in a restaurant. Be safe!
Yes, sweet little Copper – he’s hard to hold now and hug, but he does let me do so occasionally. Yeah, shopping for food, no matter where it is seems to be a scary endeavor.
I’ll take lots of photos – you might see a few on IG while I’m there ;-)!
Will do on the safety :-)!
Ah, poor Copper. So hard to watch our pets age. Our dog was like that last year at this time. 😢
Once we did two weeks in Europe with carry-on only, I was sold. No way I am checking a bag unless I have no choice. And you can do it! Uff da. LOL. I did check my bag on the way home from a week of work travel because I knew I had my own ‘stuff’ at home, but otherwise, it’s just too common to have a lost or delayed bag.
Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe!!
Thanks, Laurel, I remember you posting pictures of your dog. I’m sure you still miss him. Yes, Copper has been struggling. Challenges come and go. Sometimes he just cries out in pain, other times he’s normal. And I’m sure he’s really going to miss me when I’m gone. Hopefully he’ll warm up to Mr. Now that Copper can’t hear, his freedom to roam our yard has diminished, and he actually does better with a smaller space so he doesn’t forget where the door is. It is very hard to watch him age. 🙁
Wow, impressive. We did the same thing with luggage 3 years ago when we went to Jamaica. I was sold on not checking a bag ever again. I only have to lift the luggage 4 times, so I think I’ll be able to do it. Or it’ll be entertaining for the other passengers to watch. 😉
I’m so excited to see the sunshine that I’m bringing a couple days of rain to start the trip out with according to the weather forecast! LOL. I’m sure it’ll be just fine and safe at my friend’s place. 🙂
My favorite way to fly is with a backpack that goes under the seat in front of me. However. If I’m taking my camera gear that space is already taken. So then I use the smallest possible luggage to go up in bin. Odds are someone will help you if you need it.
Oh, and Copper! He’s adorable, but I know the heartache of a senior dog. Hugs to you both.
You have another choice: pack a very small bag that will fit under the seat in front of you. You’d end up packing very light, but at least you wouldn’t have to try and lift the bag and toss it into the overhead. Or you could act all sweet and helpless and get a gullible guy to do it for you….
If preserved sunscreen was all I had, I’d use it, but that’s the kind of thing you could probably get at your destination. Do not under any circumstances go without sunscreen! Melanoma is nothing to mess with…
Speaking of getting what you need at your destination, do that. I used to pack all kinds of stuff and not use half of it, and I’ve had disasters where shaving cream or toothpaste or whatever other messy things I had brought ended up all over my clothes. Buy small enough quantities that you don’t mind throwing it away at the end of the trip.
Excellent tips, John, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m pretty sure I know how to look helpless, so that may be to my advantage ;-).
I bought a small tube of sunscreen that’ll work until I can buy some down there. I made the mistake in 2005 in Jamaica of not applying sunscreen enough – I think I peeled 3 times when I got home. It was not fun at all! I’m too old for being that stupid again.
There’s a Walmart near by the place I’m staying so if I need something, you’re right, I can buy it there.
We eat mashed cauli a lot but I haven’t seen the one with cheddar and bacon! I’ll have to look for that one. We have garlic and herb.
The C&B version is quite tasty. It’s a nice easy side-dish. I’m looking forward to fresh sides when the Farmer’s Markets open.
Thank you too for sharing your beach video on YouTube on your post. That was the perfect motivation for my trip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxGHMH4XKwA
Oh good!
1. I love cauliflower rice! (I’ve never tried it mashed). 2. I would have tossed that sunscreen, bottle and all. My face is very particular as to what it allows me to put on it! 3. YES I DO! (overpack) We’ve been taking road trips lately. But my next airline flight will be a real trick. I will need to make adjustments 😊 Have a blast in Florida!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Lisa! Yes, cauliflower rice is great too. We have a fun recipe for a Mediterranean salad with it, and mock potato salad. It’s quite versatile.
I bought a small tube of sunscreen to replace the old stuff. Hopefully my face will accept it fine.
It’s a good thing I don’t have time to re-pack again, whatever is in the luggage now is what I have to put up with!
I shall do just that, I’m super excited for the trip! Thank you for your encouragement. 🙂
Our fur babies. We do it over and over for the benefits we also get from having them. Hope he does okay. Your trip sounds amazing. A week at the beach is always good. Have fun.
Yes, I agree we do our best for the fur babies. I hope he does okay too. I’m sure he’ll be fine and will be very happy to welcome me home.
Yes, beach therapy is what I’ve been lacking. I hope I get enough to store up for another 3 years LOL!
Take lots of pics to share.
Will do! I have an empty phone and empty SD card ready for the trip! 🙂
I’m sad to hear about my buddy Copper … wish I could give him a little hug. Have a great time in Florida Shelley. I know you’ll be careful while there. I use veggie noodles for my crockpot dinners. One of them is made from cauliflower.
I’m sure Copper would love a hug from you. Thank you for your well-wishes, much appreciated.
Cauliflower noodles…I haven’t heard of those, I’ll have to look into them.
Yes, Meijer has their own brand, but I have gotten Barilla’s Legume Pasta made from Red Lentils and also Chickpeas (two different kinds in different shapes). I like how it tastes and is good for you. {{{ Hugs for Copper. }}}
I’ll have to check them out. Thanks for clarifying. And thanks for the hugs for Copper, he appreciates them 🙂
My little buddy from afar. 🙂 Yes try them out – you will like them.
Enjoy your trip to Florida! I have found that there is usually another passenger who will help lift heavy carryons. I sent a box of stuff ahead of time to my daughter’s house to cut down on what I had to pack. It is scary to travel after the year we have all been through. So sorry about Copper – sad to watch his decline. And the sunscreen? I’d get new since the SPF doesn’t usually stay effective for years, as far as I know. Have a wonderful time at the beach. xx
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Andrea. I’m counting on some stranger who is willing to give my suitcase an extra boost. I’m excited for the trip. I do hope my little Copper survives the week without me, I’ve been his whole world and rarely am gone since last year.
I did get some new sunscreen and tossed out the old. So, I hope I’ll be good to go!
I hope you have a great time with your family too – get lots of hugs and kisses and smiles to remember!
You’re welcome, Shelley. It seems as if it’s a whole new world out there but hopefully the kindness of strangers remains. Have a relaxing getaway! That’s my plan too. 🙂
🙂 I’m on the lookout for the kind people and am going to thank them too! xoxox
I saw plenty of glimpses of normal on my trip. It was a relaxing getaway! I hope yours went well too :-)!
Relaxing is key! Glad yours went well. Mine did too. 🙂
Yes, indeed. I’m so happy to hear your trip went well too!!
Thanks, yes it did! 🙂
I am glad you are getting out for while Shelley even without your muscle man. Copper has aged since I first saw him all those years ago. I cleaned out under the bathroom sink and have quite a number of old lotions and potions which are out the door. Sunscreen doesn’t age well so a fresh lot every Summer or two is recommended.
Pack light
for a good flight
even though slight
lift with might
enjoy the sights
and a few bites
party nights
and most of all have fun
Aw, Brian, thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement and a POEM! You’re the best, I shall take a screen shot of your comment and carry it in my phone so I can read it on the plane! 🙂
Excellent 🙂
I hope you’re having the most wonderful, relaxing time at the beach, soaking in the sun and forgetting about life for a few!
Thank you, Rebecca! I did just that, and it was wonderful to feel ‘normal’ again! 🙂
Enjoy your vacation! Here for a year there has been no respite, still at work or at home with distance limits and curfews.
Sunscreens are unstable oil / water emulsions. Even unopened, they can be damaged.
It is better to use one per season and to keep them away from heat.
I prefer cooking, preparing my raw vegetables.
https://greengiant.com/products/detail/green-giant-cheddar-bacon-mashed-cauliflower/
Knowing :18% Saturated Fat 3.5g and 20% Sodium 470mg in the cheddar, bacon one,
I am happy you cooked the Original one.
Thank you, Anne – I had a wonderful vacation. It’s hard not to have fun with my feet in the sand and surf. I did end up buying new sunscreen and my friend has some spray stuff that we used.
We prefer raw veggies too – just don’t have many available during the winter – the stuff at the stores aren’t always ‘fresh’. So frozen works during the winter. We also like the garlic and herb version of the cauliflower mash. Thanks for sharing the stats on the version we didn’t eat.
I hope you’ll be able to take a vacation soon!?