Quarantine and chill and kindness chatty clubhouse: Jump in and join the conversation! All is welcome!

[Judique]

Good snowy morning. Temp here now is 32. We have about 2 inches now, calling for it turning to freezing rain and then rain. High wind warnings overnite into tomorrow. High temp on Saturday will be 15 with a low of 10 and only 20 on Sunday with a low of 6. At least it will be 38 tomorrow so some of this will melt before the cold snap. I shoveled paths around the house, the steps, and a path over to both sheds so I could feed the cats,and put a bag of trash in the barrel in the other, and that was it so far. Am hoping rain comes and takes care of the rest of it.

@Kirby Glad to hear your son is doing better, sorry he got Covid though.

@footballmouse It really does look like your furbaby's are intently looking at the Christmas lights, too cute!

No plans for the day, probably just hibernate and watch Disney+ . I am enjoying it so far. We watched all of The Santa Clauses, and really liked it, but then again I loved all of the Santa Clause movies. I actually liked this series better, it was much funnier. Don is going to watch Mandalorian. At least there's not much new on cable this weekend, so we don't have to play catch up on shows.

Have a nice morning, stay safe if you are in the storms path.

View attachment 726832

@lynxstch - I'm getting chilly looking at Belle with no scarf or hat in this picture! Out in the snow with her chest exposed!

 

[lynxstch]

I was shoveling out the rest of the driveway , when a 4 x 4 pulled in with it's snow plow down. Some man I don't even know said to me,,isn't that a little too much for you to be doing. I said well there's noone else to do it. He said I am going to put my blade up a little, and I'll be back to finish it for you. That was so kind of him to do. Going to put some fudge in a box to thank him. He didn't look like any of the neighbors anywhere in the few houses around me, so I really have no clue where he came from, but that is very nice of him.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Good morning all....got my grocery shopping done last night. OMGosh...it was the best shopping experience I've had in awhile. LOL While the store seemed busy, I walked right up to a checkstand without any waiting...I found everything I needed and was in and out quick.

Dolly let me sleep a little later this morning, which I'm grateful but I still feel like I'm missing out on my sleeping in. The good thing about her is she doesn't have to go out in the middle of the night like the boys did so I might not be sleeping in but I'm getting uninterrupted sleep at night.

Snickerdoodle do over today and rice krispie treats then I need to crack down on wrapping.

The transplant doctor told him that all looks good and they are on schedule for a stem cell transplant in about six-eight weeks.

So glad to hear its all looking good for the transplant. Sorry he ended up with Covid, even if it seems he has a mild case.

I have been thinking of dazedx3.

Me too....makes me so sad.

Hopefully we both get good "report cards".

Hope your dentist appointments go well. As well as @flyingdumbo127 dad's appointment too.

I get to watch Mia today!

I took the dogs for a car ride last night to look at Xmas lights. When we were done, I stopped at Starbucks to get them both pup-cups. It was their little Xmas treat.

Yay...for watching Mila. And also adorable that you took the dogs out to see Christmas lights. We want to take Dolly but she's a little scared in the car so she just lays with the her head down the whole time. Were trying to get get more used to it so while she'll go with us to see the lights, she probably won't be looking at them. She does love her pup-cup though, DH gets her one every time they've gone out. LoL

@lynxstch what a nice guy. Sounds like something DH would do.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

@footballmouse , I think they did enjoy the lights.

Wrapping done. Brine made for the turkey so I can refrigerate. Next up, grocery store. Then done for the day.

 

[Snowysmom]

@lynxstch How nice the plow driver is helping you.

@footballmouse Yay for watching Mia. Have fun.

Chocolate cake is done, frosted, and ready to go. I have my list of what to take so once I finish my 3 hours of work tomorrow I will head out of town to Kenny's. It looks like the rain should be getting lighter by the time I am ready to go. I am planning on driving local roads as long as I can and then getting on the highway for the main part of the ride. I will just take it slow. Then I will make puff pastry shells from frozen puff pastry and get the stockings ready for everyone for Saturday. Busy couple of days but it will be nice to see everyone.

Chris and I would go to look at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. We always took Jasper with us. I am not sure he appreciated the lights but he liked being with us. Like Miss Dolly, Jasper was not a fan of riding in the car when we first got him. We kept taking him out for short rides and he learned to like it and would even get excited when he thought a ride was coming his way.

Have a nice evening.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good afternoon everyone,

Kirby, I have come to find it another testament to His perfect and mysterious way how so very often the scripture or hymn, song of praise, I most need to read or hear within my heart is the very one placed upon my path at exactly the right time! Also, daily devotion found in Jesus Calling more often than not connects with a scripture within a Love Inspired book I am reading or more meaningfully, one God Himself placed in my mind more directly. I am so thankful to Him, the scriptures I shared brought you added faith and comfort. Huge hugs and I am so sorry to hear about your son. Covid was for sure the last thing he needed to catch on top of everything else he (and you with him) are going through. Prayers continuing always for all of you. Praises extra to God indeed that your son is doing better from it and of course that all is on target for the stem cell transplant. On a lighter note, how awesome that you have a friend who writes Christmas poetry. Love how you said your kitchen makes you feel good inside, as your home should, my friend! How are Lil Joe and Lou Lou doing? Prayers always for them as well.

Prayers for a safe drive to Kenny’s tomorrow, Snowysmom. I am truly so thankful you will be spending Christmas with family. You, of course, in general remain extra in my heart extra over Christmas. Thinking of you that is for sure! Chocolate cake sounds very tasty!

Easyas, 35 is freezing enough for me! Prayers your workday finishes up quickly and you have a most blessed and more relaxing Christmas weekend.

Hugs, PollyannaMom, and prayers your dental visit went smoothly. Prayers so appreciated for him, thank you and everyone else always for them and for me as well. Thank you also for your loving donation of time helping sort toys. Dad, thank God, is safely home. He really does like his new dentist. He said he truly felt in professional care unlike sadly his last (two visit) dentist. I feel so badly for my dad. His appointment was a long one! He does now have a temporary crown which he said already feels so much better than the quick fix that was done on his last visit. He will get a permanent crown in a couple weeks. Praises extra to God this visit is behind him and of course did go well. So grateful indeed.

God Bless you truly Footballmouse! I just Googled Starbucks Pup Cups. I had never heard of such a thing. How sweet of you to get one for your dogs! Merry Christmas to them and, of course to YOU, indeed. Oh and I love that you took your dogs with you to see the Christmas lights. Thank you for the great pictures.

Carol, please stay warm and well, safe on the roads out there. I’m glad you have a brand of fries that you also enjoy. When I was very young, we got Ore Ida fries, too.

Glad to hear you will get to enjoy a stay-at-home day, Lynn! I really liked the original Santa Clause and part of the second movie. I think I liked some of the third but not as much as the first two. I have yet to see any related movies beyond that, if there are any that is. Yikes to your own frigid weather. Keep warm and well.

Judique, I am chilly just reading about the weather most all of dear you are having. I admit to being extra grateful right now to be living in no snow country. From the safety and warmth of some type of Hallmark inn setting, I’d enjoy once experiencing a white Christmas. Living in it? No thanks!

Thank you, AuntieMe3, for your extra dad prayers. Hooray that your shopping went well. Your own dogs are sure also blessed to have you. Thank you for the love and care you give them.

I was thinking extra last night of members of our Quacker family who we haven't heard from in a long time such as Tina, Sparkle, DisneyMommyMichelle, and Canadisney Fly to name a few. Prayers that each of them are well and God-willing we hear from them again sometime soon.

Stay warm, friends and have a great afternoon.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Glad to hear your Dad was happy with his dental visit, @flyingdumbo127 ! Mine went well too.

I love to hear about the doggies going for Christmas light car rides!

 

[Kirby]

How are Lil Joe and Lou Lou doing? Prayers always for them as well.

As far as we know they are okay. DD hasn't been allowed to speak with them since they left last Thursday.

It's cold and windy here, 15 degrees, feeling like -3 and 21 mph winds. Brrrr! We had some snow flurries this morning, just enough to get excited about, then they went away. DD and I ran some errands and the cold wind actually hurt when it hit our face. It feels like Christmas now.

DH decided to clean the carpet in the family room last night. Had to move the Christmas tree, presents, furniture, etc. so he could. He moved the furniture back early this morning. I need to get in there and do the rest.

 

[dazedx3]

Thank you everyone for all your kind words and wishes. Grief truly does come in waves. It is kind of funny because Kris was not a fan of Christmas, and when we knew the end was coming, I joked with him that “ he had finally found a way to ruin Christmas for me”. But I think he knew that I loved Christmas so much that it would distract me a bit during this time.
The end went quickly, he was only in hospice for about 12 hours. But, he endured cancer for a little over two years. I was sleeping in the recliner next to his bed when he passed. I thought we would have a few more days. Kris was able to make it to the wedding( I don‘t know how). He passed 2 days later.
Below is what my daughter posted:

all my grief says the same thing-
this isn‘t how it’s supposed to be.
this isn’t how it’s supposed to be.
and the world laughs,
holds my hope by the throat,
says:
but this is how it is
-Fortessa Latifi

Dad passed away peacefully on December 20, 2022, after over two years of living with cancer. He continued to crack dad jokes until the very end.
The last six weeks or so have been particularly painful. But, he was determined to make it to our wedding day. He told all his doctors and nurses he had to make it to December 17th. And he did. He literally lived for me, and if that’s not a lesson in the power of a parent’s love, I don’t know what is.
This void is big

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thanks so much, PollyannaMom. I'm very thankful to hear that your own dental appointment went well! Glad also it is done with now for you.

extra for Lil Joe and Lou Lou, Kirby. Always, of course, for you as well.

I "liked" your post, dear Dazed for the memories you shared with us, thank you for doing so. so very muchAmen that there is no one way to grieve. Know we all are here in support of you, my friend. From Heaven both your beloved Kris and dad are looking out for you, too, always. More than that, so is God. He is with you

 

[Kirby]

@dazedx3 ,

 

[Snowysmom]

@dazedx3 Kris had such strength of heart to make it to your DD's wedding. A remarkable man. I am so truly sorry for your loss. Your DD posted a very true and moving tribute to her Dad. Thinking of you and praying for Kris, you, and your family. Grief is not the same for everyone. We all have our own journey.

@flyingdumbo127 Glad your Dad has a good dentist and his tooth feels better now.

If I don't get on again before Christmas I wish all of you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas. I hope you have good times with your friends and family.

Have a good day.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good morning! Made it to Orlando after a delayed and bumpy flight last night! Flight attendant gave me a free wine and said Merry Christmas. Thankfully I had my big noise cancelling headphones and Spotify which helped.

Dropping Grady off at the kennel was heartbreaking, He was very scared. Toto took it like a man though, lol - glad they’re together. Toto knew something was up even thought we tried to keep our suitcases hidden. I will call today to see how they’re doing. It’s 63 degrees right now (I’ll take it!) and looks as if the temp will go down today a little bit, but that’s fine. Just happy to be here, finally. We all worked right up until the time we had to leave, practically, so getting out the door was a little chaotic.

Dazed, thank you for updating us on your last few days with Kris. Truly amazing that he made it to your DD’s wedding! It sounds like he really did hold on for that. I’m sure it will be bittersweet for your DD going forward, but she will always foremost have the memory of that love in her heart, and that’s really beautiful. I know it won’t be easy the next few days, weeks and months for you, but I hope you can rest a little bit easier knowing that you gave Kris a beautiful send off. I saw a lot of heartbreak in the hospital this past week, and I think I mentioned that DS did, too. It all makes my heart hurt. Sending you a big hug.

Also glad that Kirby’s son is doing well.

I had an interesting encounter yesterday with a lady that holds a special place in my heart. (Will have to save the story as to why she’s special to me for another day, but she did something really amazing for me during my cancer experience.) I had to run out for some last minute things (what was i thinking, it was nuts) and had been driving around the parking lot several times trying to find a spot when I saw her. She didn’t remember me as much as I remember her (“I’m 85 now” ) but just seeing her made me feel good.

I have not heard anything about my [other] elderly friend. I left a message for her on her phone but I don’t even know if she has it with her. Hard getting out of the house in the chaos of a fall.

Well DH and DS just went to fetch us some coffee and a toothbrush for me (which I forgot) so we can get the day started. DS brought his golf clubs (and forgot a belt for his golf outfit) and is trying to decide where he should play (if anyone has any input). Had a nutty experience at the car rental place I’m still scratching my head about, will have to follow up with AAA about it later, but we have a car that has just 14 miles on it so that was kind of neat and we can all drive it. We stayed offsite for one night since we didn’t get in till almost 1am and would definitely come back here again, I think it’s a pretty good value. (Will do a mini trip report later.)

Enjoy the day, everyone.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Pea-n-Me Glad you got out before the storm. Have a great trip.

 

[frog3101]

Good morning Quackers. For those who are in the path of the storm, hope you are all staying safe and warm. We are at -32 real feel right now.

@dazedx3 sending you so much prayer and hugs. I am so very thankful for you and your daughter that Kris was able to make it to her wedding. That is a sign of true love and determination on his part, to hold on for her and that day. I hope those memories and the many others you have will help ease the pain just a little during the rest of the holiday season and going forward.

@footballmouse love that you took the dogs to see the lights. Also, woot woot, for getting Mia time. Nothing makes a heart swell like snuggling with a baby.

@Kirby I'm so glad that things with your son are going well. I'm sorry to hear that your daughter hasn't been able to talk to the kids. I hope that has changed since you last wrote.

@Pea-n-Me Happy to hear you made it to Orlando. Hope you have a great trip.

@Snowysmom Sending prayers that you have safe travels to Kenny's and a good holiday with your boys and grandkids.

I don't have much to report. I'm not doing so well with the holiday and honestly have been on my couch a lot. The kids went to FH's house Wednesday night and will be home Sunday evening. I'm so scared they will be "snowed" under with big showy gifts and when they get back here it will be a let down. Now I know it's not about the gifts, but FH is really pouring it on thick right now, and I'm not dealing with it well. The weather outside is really frightful anyway, so hunkering down is the best option. The school I work for cancelled classes yesterday and then today is the first "official" day of Christmas break. I need to clean the house and get some presents wrapped. We shall see if I can motivate myself do get those things done.

I do sincerely hope that each of you have a warm and wonderful holiday and each of us, myself included, can find joy in the season.

 

[lynxstch]

Brrr--good freezing morning. We are at 16, with 30 mph winds and it's only going to get worse. On the plus side, Fed Ex was just here and got the new table delivered.

@dazedx3 --Thank you so much for sharing your daughter's sentiments. Kris wanted to be there for her on her wedding day and he made it, and that will someday give her a happy memory to replace some of the sad ones. I am glad if what your Quacker family, brought you even the least little bit of comfort. We are all here for you.

@frog3101 Find some joy in the season, no matter the circumstances. You will be glad for your daughter and yourself that you do.

@Pea-n-Me Have a wonderful trip, and try not to think of us freezing our butts off while you are enjoying 60+ sunshine, lol

No plans for the day. Back still hurts from shoveling most of the driveway and walks yesterday. Everything here is like a skating rink. It rained last night from about 8 until 11, and then it all froze. Sanding and salting trucks are still out trying to keep the roads clear. Sun just came out, but it's not going to help melt much more. I plan on sitting on the couch, drinking hot cocoa with whipped cream and a candy cane in it, and watching tv, unless the power goes out, which I am praying it doesn't. We are on the list to get power back ASAP because of Don's oxygen machine, but if the poles go down, it will still take forever to get power back to anyone.

Have a safe, warm day all of you in this horrible cold front

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning everyone and Happy Friday,

Pea, safe travels and have a wonderfully fun trip to WDW, my friend

Big-time for your power to return, Lynn and always for you and Don!

Thank you all, dear Quackers for your loving words to Dazed and Frog, too.

Snowysmom, extra to you as well.

Dad is at the laundromat followed by Ralph's. Praying both go very smoothly and quickly. This afternoon, we will get out some extra Christmas stuff and that will be fun. I am thankful to have been able to grab already this morning Kleenex from Walmart.com. Cheapest price per box plus it may even come today, amazing! Dad and I were so blessed extra yesterday to hear from both by card and email our family friend Barbara in Dallas. We also each got to talk with our Cousin Steve in Houston. I chatted with a few friends, including 99-year-old Sue, God Bless her truly, too! Thankful to God for each of them and for each of YOU. Thank you dear Quackers who have sent me Christmas cards. I am saving them to open on Christmas. I will PM each of you then.

Take care and please stay safe and warm. I will check back in later.

 

[lynxstch]

Power is still on, thankfully. For now the winds have died down a little. But we were up to 16 and now it says 10 and feels like -12. Brrr..

For all of you with furbabies or anyone else who needs a smile or a laugh today--
https://racooned.com/rcvetsign/1/

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thanks extra to God, you still have power Lynn! I have been concerned indeed. Loved the "if you love someone let them nap" sign. So cute all of them, thank you for the extra smile this morning.

 

[lynxstch]

Thanks extra to God, you still have power Lynn! I have been concerned indeed. Loved the "if you love someone let them nap" sign. So cute all of them, thank you for the extra smile this morning.

Don takes full advantage of that one! lol
Glad they gave you a smile Mona