- Good food, good company, good advice from Grandma

Let The Home Improvements Begin!

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I was not compensated for this post, nor did I received any products. I am just a happy Home Depot customer.

When we bought our house in December of 2011, we knew we would be making some improvements and doing a bit of remodeling. The house is in a liveable condition, it just needs some “New”. Our original plan was to work for two more years, save money, then come home from Arizona and start doing some of the little projects that would make our home prettier, more up to date, and more energy efficient. But, as you know, life happened.

Now that I have been approved for disability, and have a little money to spend on the house, we are finally getting started with home improvements. This may not sound exciting to many of you, but for me, it is wonderful!

Our existing front door looks like this:

I don’t know about you, but even though it works like a door should work, it is just UGLY. We also have an existing storm door. The closer thing at the top of the door has pulled out of the door frame so many times that the screw holes are stripped out, and it won’t stay there. We even used wood glue, and epoxy glue, and it came out again and again.

In addition to that, the door catch broke off, so the door will not stay shut at all. When Parker, my grandson comes over, I have to keep the entry door closed so he will not fall out of the house onto the porch.

The windows, while functional, are old. They are not a good quality window to start with, and they seem to have not been caulked when they were installed about 20 years ago. They have also been screwed shut, so that they can not be opened, and do not have locks on them so that if we took the screws out, we would not be able to lock them.

The windows are screwed shut. You can see the screws in the corners of the windows.

And, someone used duct tape on the window sill in the bedroom for some reason, and when it was removed, it left this ugly stuff that will not come off.

We decided to make the first two projects on our home improvement list to replace the windows and the front door and storm door. Because we had such a hard time finding a local person who would actually come out and give us an estimate and then show up to do the job, we decided to go to Home Depot for our needs. It has been such a pleasure so far working with them.

First, we went to the Home Depot in Cedartown to look at doors and windows. We talked to JT the first time we were there. He showed us several varieties of entry doors and storm doors, and told us the first thing we would need to do would be to schedule an appointment for someone to come out and measure for the doors. We went ahead and made the appointment. To make the appointment for measuring for the door, we had to pay a $30 deposit, but if we decided to buy our door from them, that will apply to the balance due.

We also decided to start the process of getting windows installed. We did not have to pay anything up front before they came to measure, and show us samples of different windows.

Don from Home Depot making his sales pitch in our living room.

In a couple of days, Don arrived to give us the window presentation. We were surprised at how good they looked, and how much heat they can filter out in the summer. The windows we picked out will help tremendously in holding down our power bill in both summer and winter. Home Depot not only sells them, they also come out and install them. At the time the sales person is at your house, you pay a 25% deposit towards the purchase. You don’t pay the balance due until you are completely happy with the install. We placed our order with Don after he measured our existing windows. He said someone would come out in a day or two to verify the measurements.

Sure enough, someone showed up to re-measure the windows and verify the number of windows ordered, and the color and style. This guy, whose name I did not get, said as soon as he got home and input the measurements in the system, the windows would be ordered, and that would trigger a call to set up an installation appointment.

A few days later, someone from Home Depot showed up to take some measurements for the door. He was only there for a few minutes, but he wrote down several notes about our door and took a picture of it to include in the online account, where we can go at any time to see the progress of our order. After this guy left, John called and told us that the next step was to go back to Home Depot and order the doors.

The process for buying a door and installation is a little bit different from the window process. After discussing the differences between a fiberglass door and a steel door, we decided to order the fiberglass one. It is more energy efficient than steel, and won’t dent,or expand in heat. We picked out which door we wanted, then we picked the storm door, and finally we decided on which hardware we wanted for the entry door. We had to pay in full for the price of the doors and installation at the time we placed our order.

This is what my new storm door will look like.

When we got back home today, we had a phone call from Home Depot, scheduling the installation of our windows. So, I’ll be able to show you the new windows on October 7. Can’t wait!

Something else I liked about working with Home Depot, is that all of the people who come out to your home have to be bonded and they will have a Home Depot ID tag. I like that as a safety factor.

Thrifty Thursday: Apple Barrel Antiques, Bremen, GA

Karen · 8 Comments

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Fabgrandpa and I decided that we needed a corner cabinet to put by the sofa in the living room. So, we did what we usually do when we are looking for a particular piece of furniture. We went thrifting!

We stopped by our favorite place, The Pea Patch in Tallapoosa, Georgia, but they did not have anything that would work for us the day we were there. The next stop was Apple Barrel Antiques in Bremen, Georgia. We have been to this place numerous times, and have bought things in there before.

This day, we found the corner cabinet we were looking for. It is a little black cabinet, with built in bookends. It is rather small, but fits the space we had. It will give us a place to put some photos out, something we haven’t done yet. I think it was a steal at $32.

I also picked up a jar of bobbins, all filled with black thread. That is something you rarely see in a thrift shop. Maybe spent too much, but I am a sewing freak. $20

The last thing I bought there was a McCall’s Needlework & Crafts Magazine from 1962. The cover is so classic 1960’s, with the model wearing a sleek red knit pant suit, red flats, with a huge bow in her pouffy hairdo. I could not walk out of the store without it. A real treasure at $1.49

What did you thrift this week?

Red Gold Tomatoes Are A Great Start To A Slow Cooker Recipe

Karen · 3 Comments

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I received product from Red Gold in order to write this post.

With Fall beginning, and cooler weather here in Georgia, it’s time for us to get out more and go do things away from home. I like to start dinner in a slow cooker before I leave, so that all I have to do is make a salad or some toast and it’s ready to eat.

Basil, Parsley and Oregano from my porch garden

On Saturday, my grandson Owen had a birthday party. Because they just moved back to Georgia from Maryland, I was able to actually go to his party for the first time. Before I left, I started some Italian Mushroom Stew in my slow cooker.

It isn’t hard to make this hearty stew. A few Italian sausages, a can of Red Gold Tomatoes with Garlic and Olive Oil, some mushrooms, a bell pepper, and garlic, and you are done!

Italian Mushroom Stew Recipe (Gluten Free)

3 garlic cloves

1 green bell pepper

1 lb button or portobello mushrooms

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 lb frozen green beans

fresh basil leaves

fresh parsley leaves

fresh oregano leaves

1 (16 oz) can Red Gold Tomatoes with Garlic and Olive Oil

1 package of Italian Sweet Sausages

2 carrots

1 (16 oz) can chicken broth (gluten free)

1 cup rice, uncooked

Dice the garlic cloves, bell pepper and mushrooms. Heat the olive oil in a skillet, add vegetables, and cook until garlic is browned. Pour into slow cooker. Add frozen green beans to slow cooker. Remove casings from sausages. Slice into 1/2 inch slices, and cut each slice in fourths. Add to skillet, and cook until sausage is browned. Drain off grease, and add cooked sausage to the slow cooker. Add the Red Gold Tomatoes, two cans of water, and the can of chicken broth. Chop up the fresh herbs and add to the slow cooker. Stir to mix ingredients together well. Cover and cook on low at least four hours.

Twenty minutes before serving, cook rice in two cups of boiling water. Serve hot stew over rice.

Red Gold Is Giving Away Two Slow Cookers A Day!

To win one, you have to go to the Red Gold Facebook Page. They are hosting the giveaway from Sept. 17 until Oct. 8, during which time they will give away two slow cookers a day for— that’s 44 Crock-Pots. Just go to Red Gold on Facebook to enter.

In addition to the giveaway that Red Gold is hosting on their Facebook page, they are giving away a Red Gold Prize Package right here on Fabgrandma.com. The prize pack includes a 6 pack of Red Gold Tomato Products, a Red Gold Apron, a wooden spoon, and some tasty recipes. To enter the giveaway use the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck! There is only one winner.

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This Is Where I Leave You In Theaters September 19

Karen · 35 Comments

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Fabgrandpa and I have not been to many movies in the last few years. As a matter of fact, I can not remember the last one we went out to see. However, for some reason, I am really looking forward to This Is Where I Leave You coming out in theaters, and hope that we can get to a theater to see it. The story line just speaks to me:

When their father passes away, four grown siblings, bruised and banged up by their respective adult lives, are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Confronting their history and the frayed states of their relationships among the people who know and love them best, they ultimately reconnect in hysterical and emotionally affecting ways amid the chaos, humor, heartache and redemption that only families can provide—driving us insane even as they remind us of our truest, and often best, selves.

This Is Where I Leave You stars Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Hahn, Connie Britton, Timothy Olyphant, Dax Shepard and Jane Fonda

It could be because of the plot, or because of the many actors in the movie, both new and old, that I like to see on the screen. Jason Bateman and Adam Driver are two of my favorites!

One lucky reader of Fabgrandma.com is going to win a prize pack for This Is Where I Leave You. The prize includes a $25 gift card, and a copy of the novel “This Is Where I Leave You” by Jonathan Tropper, that the movie is based on.

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Meet Julius Jr. At A Simon Mall Near You! Also, A Giveaway

Karen · Leave a Comment

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The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. The Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused for over a decade with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club and Back-to-School events, visit simon.com/kidgits.

Kids can get creative while making character masks to wear for a ‘Julius Jr. and friends’ photo opportunity. They will also have the chance to dance and sing along in the viewing area with screenings of an upcoming episode and Julius Jr. music videos. At the following location everyone’s favorite monkey, Julius Jr. himself, will be stopping by to meet and interact with kids as well! Check here to see if there is a Simon Kidgit Club and Julius Jr. Mall Tour appearance in your area!

Even if there is not an opportunity to meet Julius Jr. in your area, your kid can still win a gift basket of Julius Jr. toys, a Julius Jr. book as well as other items for DIY activities. Use the Giveaway Tools form to enter!

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East Alabama Wine, Art & Cheese Festival, Heflin, Alabama

Karen · 7 Comments

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The East Alabama Wine, Art & Cheese Festival is in Heflin

My sister and I went to the East Alabama Wine, Art, & Cheese Festival last weekend. It was held at Smith Farms Store, at exit 205 off I-20 west in Heflin, Alabama. Admission to the festival was free, but the tickets to the tasting were $25 at the gate. We were given free tickets to the tasting in exchange for this post.

Smith Farms Store sign. You see it when you get off at the exit.

The Smith Farms Store has been in business since 1955. The sell smoked meats, cheese, candy, jams, jellies, imported beer & wines, and spices and sauces.

Their advertising says it is the home of the best smoked meat, wine, and cheese. You can see more about the store at their facebook page.

Bamawise had products for tasting from Holmsted Finest; Merry Cheese Crackers; and Pickled Pink

There were several tasting booths at the festival. One of the first ones Linda and I stopped at was Bamawise. Bamawise is a specialty food supplier that believes products made in Alabama are the best available. They represent some of the finest products from small businesses from all over Alabama. We tasted some Peach Chutney from Holmsted Finest; some Watermelon Pickles from Pickled Pink; and some Cheese Cookies from Merry Cheese Crisps. We talked for a few minutes with Patrick Davis, who is one of the owners of Bamawise. He said they help individuals with a good recipe or idea for a product get it produced and into stores so they can make money. With this arrangement, the small producers can focus on their products, while Bamawise helps them get sales. It’s a win win partnership. All of the products we tasted were very good.

Next, Linda and I went on to what we went for–the WINE! And, there was plenty of that. We tasted wines imported from Italy, wines made in California, and wines made in Alabama. All were good, and I would have bought a bottle of each one I tasted if I had had a pocket full of money, but alas, I did not. So, here are the ones we tried and loved:

From World Wine Imports: Mango Moscato Premio Italy: An aromatic Sweet sparkling wine with natural mango flavors. A very sweet, bubbly wine that I loved. But then I love sweet wines.

There was plenty of wine to taste. This group had a Riesling and a red wine, Gemini.

I also like a good Riesling, which is a white, sweet, bubbly wine. Can you see a pattern here? My sister and I both tried the Northport Gemini, because we are both Gemini’s. It was good for a red wine.

Jules J. Berta Winery from Albertville, Alabama. They have the Smith Farms, SF label on their wine.

We talked to Jules from Jules J. Berta Winery in Albertbille, Alabama. They had many varieties of wine available for tasting. Jules, show in the blue shirt above, said the winery has been in his family for over two hundred years. He and his wife, Becky were representing the winery at the festival. I tried their Riesling and loved it. We may go to Albertville for a tour.

The last booth we stopped at was for the Fruithurst Winery. This winery is just a few miles from my house, and I will be going there for a tour soon. I met Joshua and Dylan Laminack who own the winery and make the wine. They were fun to talk to, and posed for a picture for me:

Joshua and Dylan Laminack of Fruithurst Winery

Their wine offerings include several Muscadine wines, Blueberry, Peach, Strawberry, Blush and Blackberry wines. I tried the Sweet White Muscadine and it was so delicious. It tasted just like white muscadine grapes picked from the vine.

All of the wines, cheeses, and other treats we tried at the East Alabama Wine, Art, and Cheese Festival are for sale at Smith Farms Store in Heflin and Cullman, Alabama. For more information:

Smith Farms Store in Cullman, Alabama is located at 1-65 Exit 308 256-737-0505

Smith Farms Store in Heflin, Alabama is located at 1-20 Exit 205 256-463-4400

Oh! I did bring home one bottle:

Moscato D'Asti Viva Italy, a sweet fresh wine low in alcohol and considered a great dessert wine. — Moscato D’Asti Viva Italy, a sweet fresh wine low in alcohol and considered a great dessert wine.

Depend Protects From Light Bladder Leakage #underwareness #dropyourpants

Karen · 2 Comments

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Many thanks to Depend for sponsoring this post, and encouraging people to #dropyourpants for #underwareness.

Hi, my name is Karen, and I used to have a bladder leakage problem. When I was about thirty five years old, my body started protesting, randomly just falling apart. It was at that age that the birthing of big babies (10 lb 8 oz; 8 lb 6 oz; and 8 lb 4 oz) caught up with me and I started having a problem with a leaking bladder. If I laughed, or sneezed, or coughed, I wet my pants. And the floor. Or the chair. I had to keep a towel on my seat in the car. It was embarrassing. I had no idea what to wear for bladder leakage. It was normal for me to change my pants several times a day, every day.

My “behind”. It’s not wet back there! Did you REALLY think I was gonna **#dropyourpants”**

A few years later, I had surgery, and part of that surgery included a bladder tack. That cured my leakage problem, but for someone, man or woman, who has a light problem, that would be a pretty drastic solution. Thank goodness that Depend products can be used for bladder leakage protection. Depend makes a variety of descreet products for both men and women, that help people just like you, to regain their freedom and get their lives back.

Depend Underwear with Fit-Flex protection: Features more Lycra stands for a smooth and comfortable close-to-the-body fit.

Depend is an incontinence protection product, made for both men and women who suffer from light bladder leakage. If you are looking for a product that will let you live your life, without having to depend on being able to change your pants several times a day like I used to do, then this is the one you have been looking for.

To help spread “#Underwareness” , Depend is supporting the ” #DropYourPants” movement. Depend will donate $1, up to $3 million, over the next three years to charities that advance the research, education and awareness of bladder leakage for:

-Every pant drop, photo and video shared Using #Underwareness and #DropYourPants; and
-Every personal video made about what Underwareness means to you that is uploaded to YouTube and tagged #Underwareness and #DropYourPants.

What is your #Underwareness story? Do you plan to #DropYourPants to support #Underwareness? Have you ever tried Depend undergarments? Visit the #Underwareness landing page to join the movement and request free samples of Depend.

Fabgrandpa’s MOHS Surgery

Karen · 16 Comments

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This photo of us was taken in 2010. Looking at this photo, I think I can see the first skin cancer even then, on the right side of his nose. A spot just a little darker than the rest of his nose. Maybe I’m just imagining it, because I know where it appeared first. He had the first basal cell cancer removed at the VA in Prescott Arizona on July 1, 2011.

mohs surgery for skin cancer — At Mellow Mushroom in June 2014

Several months ago, we both noticed another place on his nose, this time on the bridge right in the middle. I asked him to go to the VA to get it checked out, but he said it was just a pimple. You can see it in the photo above. And yes, it did seem to go away, and come back, then go away again, several times. A couple of weeks ago, he had an appointment with a dermatologist at the VA in Birmingham. They did a biopsy on three spots, and all three came back as cancerous. There were two basal cell carcinomas and one squamous cell carcinoma, in a cluster on Fabgrandpa’s nose.

excellent cancer treatment at the kirklin center in birmingham — The Kirklin Clinic

Fabgrandpa was referred to The Kirklin Clinic in Birmingham by the VA, because the VA did not have anyone on their staff who could do the MOHS surgery that was needed. We did not know anything at all about The Kirklin Clinic, but it turns out that it is one of the best cancer treatment clinics in the southeast. This is from their website:

With over 257 exam rooms and many nationally-ranked specialties, the Clinic’s staff combines clinical care with teaching and research to produce an environment that is in the best interest of the patient. In order to tailor our treatments to our patients and families’ needs, we collaborate and communicate with them to provide them with the ultimate patient experience and highest quality care

When we were checking in to our hotel on Sunday night, there was another couple checking in at the same time. She has breast cancer, and was referred by her doctor in Florida to the Kirklin Clinic. So, we felt that we were in good hands there.

Waiting to be called back for his surgery.

On Monday, we took the hotel shuttle over to the clinic. We found out first hand that they really do take the patient’s best interests into consideration. There were four doctors, two of whom were students, and three nurses assigned to Mr. Fabgrandpa. They welcomed me to stay in the room while they operated, and must have asked me a dozen times if they could get me anything. They brought coffee and snacks, and still asked if there was anything they could do for us.

They got Fabgrandpa suited up in his open backed gown and on the table, then drew some lines and dots on his nose where they would be operating. Next, they started the anesthesia, which was shots into his nose. They did all they could to make sure it hurt as little as possible.

basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma — Ready for surgery to start

Dr. Huang was the doctor in charge. He and the other doctors perfomed MOHS surgery, which is “accepted as the single most effective technique for removing Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BCCs and SCCs), the two most common skin cancers.” (from Skin Cancer.org website). In MOHS surgery, tissue samples are sent to the lab during the surgery, not after. The surgeon can know for sure that they have removed enough tissue right there while they have the patient on the table. Unfortunately, Fabgrandpa’s lesions were deep, so they had to take a lot of tissue to get all of the cancerous ones. Then, they had to take tissue from his upper chest to make a graft to close the two largest wounds.

Those skin patches will never match the color of his nose, but they look a lot better than the deep wounds that were there. When it heals, it will be just another sign of victory over cancer, and that is what counts for me.

If you suspect that you have a skin cancer, don’t wait to get it treated. There is a whopping 97% to 99.5% cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer when treated with MOHS surgery.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone practice monthly head-to-toe self examination of their skin, so that they can find any new or changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. Skin cancers found and removed early are almost always curable. Learn about the warnings signs of skin cancer and what to look for during a self examination. If you spot anything suspicious, see a doctor.

Because someone loves your cute little nose (or your big ol snozz!), do it!

Update January 2018: I wanted to add a photo of what Fabgrandpa looks like now, so you can see that even though the tissue grafts are a different color, you really can not tell he had surgery there is you don’t know.