Under The Weather and Sweet Potato Fries

Since the Monday after Thanksgiving I have been feeling punky, you know not quite up to snuff, er...a bit under the weather...oh well, you get the drift.  On Thursday the university shut down due to an ice storm hitting the area and early Friday morning we got well over 3 1/2 inches of white fluff falling from the sky and the day off from work.  People just don't know how to drive in the stuff here in Oklahoma. 

Friday morning I woke up to a lot of chest congestion, heavy coughing and a blinding headache. Unfortunately the health clinic that I go to on campus was closed due to the weather and the upcoming weekend so I had to wait until Monday to go to the Dr. who said I had Bronchitis and a very nasty case of it to boot.   

I spent most of the time in bed pushing lots of fluids and using my inhaler and my super heavy duty cough syrup that can knock out a horse. Great stuff!  I was given it back when I had to spend eight days in the hospital with pneumonia.  I have made sure that I always have it on hand as it is the best I have found but you do have to have a Dr's prescription to get it. 

Come Monday morning bright and early I called the clinic and with a barely audible voice got an appointment for a 10:30 visit with the P.A. (Physician's Assistant) I left with four prescriptions called into the pharmacy and orders not to go to work until I had a normal temperature for 24 hours. All said and done, out of pocket was about $81.00 

Needless to say yesterday was my first day back.  Boy was I tired by the end of the day.  Dave took pity on me and we went to Cracker Barrel for dinner. We both got their Chicken Fried Chicken and it was very tasty plus there was enough left over for lunch today. 

After work this evening I had Dave take me grocery shopping at Sprouts. They had their homemade chicken sausage and pork sausage links on sale for $2.99 a pound which is a $1.00 off a pound when they do that.  That's when I stock up and put it in the freezer.  I also got some grass feed ground beef and very meaty thick cut bacon.  While under the weather I made some chili that was super awesome with the grass fed beef. So much better than with beef that has all the "other" stuff in it. I also made a pot of homemade potato soup, guaranteed to cure what ails you. I love to make this soup and crumble up whole wheat saltines in it.  Yes I know it's not Paleo but the combination of the hot soup and the soup soaked saltine hitting the back of the throat and keeping it warm just seems to do something for the getting cure on. 

Tonight we had Maple pork Sausage links with Sweet Potato Fries and Brussels Sprouts. I have never made baked Sweet Potato Fries before, but my Paleo cookbook said it was easy and the episode of "The Pioneer Woman" with Ree Drummond showing how it is done, how could one go wrong.  They turned out exceptionally good and added a nice touch to the meal.  I made a honey mustard dipping sauce for the fries but it was wonderful as a dipper for the sausage as well and gave it a nice touch of flavor.  

Friday night is our night out at Hastings.  I read and drink a cup of decaf and Dave wanders the store with his coffee in hand.  I finished up the third in the Camel Club series called "Stone Cold" by David Baldachi.  I really enjoy his books. I have one left before I change to another series.  

I have yet to start any real Christmas shopping as I loath crowds.  But I do have my shopping done (on-line) for the girls. I have a gift for J.  I need something for the boys and Dave and I will be finished.  

Time is drawing nigh. 374 days until I retire.  Stay warm!