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

[easyas123]

Lynn I just heard them say Oakland’feel like’ temp is minus 26! Hope you are slightly warmer!!

 

[lynxstch]

Lynn I just heard them say Oakland’feel like’ temp is minus 26! Hope you are slightly warmer!!

Slightly,,its only minus 13 here, lol. I think it's because they are higher up, and our winds have died down a little bit.

 

[Kirby]

Grief is not the same for everyone. We all have our own journey.

This popped up on my Facebook feed and thought I would share it.

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.

Merry Christmas to you too!

Good morning! Made it to Orlando after a delayed and bumpy flight last night!

So glad you made it safely! Looking forward to hearing about your trip!

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.

DH has been repairing water leaks/frozen pipes all morning. He just dropped in for some lunch and then will head back out for more repairs. He said that most would have been adverted had they left the hot side dripping instead of the cold side. We have one more night of below freezing temperatures and then the it will begin to warm up.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good chilly afternoon.

It was 44 and drizzly when I woke up this morning. Went to yoga at 8:30 and when I left at 9:45 it was pouring with snow mixed in and the temp down to 36. After some non-sticking snow and rain, lots of wind, then sun is out and it's 22. Not sure what the windchill is.

Jack and I got the house cleaned. Now he is working on the train set and I am watching A Gift to Remember on Hallmark movies and mysteries.

Texted Andrew and they are not sure they'll be traveling anywhere tomorrow. Between being sick and it being so cold, I understand if that is their decision.

Kris was able to make it to the wedding

I am so glad tohear that.

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.

That is so poignant. I am glad your daughter posted and you shared.

Dropping Grady off at the kennel was heartbreaking,

Ahhhh, I am sure he'll be fine. And I'm glad you are in Florida.

I'm not doing so well with the holiday

Thinking of you.

 

[lynxstch]

Down to 3 degrees. I got the new table put together, and took the old one apart. Just dragged it out to the garden for the brush pile. It's still very windy, and cold cold cold. Didn't see any of the cats out back, have to go look on the front porch so I can feed them for the night. Then they have to stay warm in their boxes till morning.
Have a nice evening.

@Kirby --that poem is beautiful!

 

[easyas123]

In case I don't get back on here till after the holiday - Happy Christmas to each of you celebrating. I am (finally, fault being all mine) done shopping, wrapped and done at the grocery store. Need to do a bit of straightening up around here, but that's it. Tomorrow morning we will be off to go pick up a sheetrock lift (what - doesn't everyone do that on Christmas Eve !!!) and then out to a late breakfast. Then home to hibernate till Monday.
It's cold as hell out there, wind is ripping. Firewood is stacked high, wine is poured. Cookies are baked, champagne is chilling. It's time.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Lol, Lynn. I hope both you and Don enjoy extra R&R this weekend!

Yikes! Easyas and Lynn (and all Quackers in show country especially) along with your family including, of course, furry members included, please stay warm and take care!

Kirby, I certainly pray it does warm up some out there for you! Thank you for sharing that heartfelt grief post with us.

Carol, I loved A Gift to Remember along with its sequel Cherished Memories. I’m not seeing another showing of A Gift to Remember right now but Cherished Memories will re-air on HM&M on Tuesday at 5 my time.

Wishing all of you a good night with sweet dreams. Please stay warm and well, friends.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Down to 9 now.

Cherished Memories.

It was on right after so I watched it too.

Good night everyone.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good morning! It’s 33 here in Orlando right now and people are freaking out a little, lol. Watching the news I feel bad about the orange crop, it might be in trouble after today and tomorrow. (I love oranges and have one almost every night!) Everyone is ”blaming“ us for bringing down the cold weather.

We ran with it. All last week I was going back and forth about bringing winter stuff vs leaving it home. Thankfully I had some this morning - DS left for the golf course about a half an hour ago and he put on multiple layers of “performance wear”, and he’ll have golf gloves on. I was throwing my light winter jacket at him but he said he won’t be able to swing, lol. So off he went, taking the car. He will be pretty cold, I’m guessing. He had no way to change it as he already paid. But he golfs all winter at home if the course is usable, so he’s used to it, I guess.

DD is currently getting ready to go to AK this morning. (Now left, taking WDW transportation; just texted me to say she’s the only one on the bus - maybe this cold weather might not be such a bad thing for touring! ) She collects pressed pennies and has a bunch to get there, so off she is going, on her own. (First solo park experience and she said she is looking forward to it!) She also has layers including a rain coat type jacket she brought. Luckily she was ok w throwing my winter jacket over that. She put off a shower so as not to go with wet hair, which was wise. I also had a warm infinity scarf and gloves she is using. No hat as she has to wear her new ears, lol.

DH and I will have a leisurely breakfast this morning and hang out at the resort. We sprung for Club level so we’re in no hurry to rush out, but we will at least get in a brisk walk around the resort. Then later, when everyone gets back, we will resort hop into the evening, to view as many trees and gingerbread houses as we can, and figure out what we’ll eat and drink (and be Merry) as we go. As I said before, we have never been at Christmastime so this is pretty fun for us. Family asked that we FaceTime with them tonight, and we will do that, too.

It’s interesting seeing all the families and others who are here now. Lots of elderly in wheelchairs making memories. Reminded me of when we were here with Mom. She would’ve loved all the Christmas decorations. Our box made it down here and we were able to set up our little tree in our room. A very good Dis friend also left me a present here which is the Minnie Mouse in the picture. So sweet, and touched! (Oh, and the glowing Mickey bottom left was from DS’s drink at Boma breakfast yesterday.)

Frog, a special for you. Don’t you dare think that your kids will be wooed by presents FH will give them. I’m sure they’ll still be missing their Mom. What I want you to do is try to remember the real meaning of Christmas (your children have had a wonderful parent in you the way Jesus did). We’ve commercialized Christmas so much it’s gotten ridiculous. Keep a soft heart, and try to at least enjoy a little quiet time for yourself, things have been so chaotic for you. What I want to share with you (and dazed and Kirby and anyone else going through tough times), is something that I use myself - and have used myself a lot this year - Footprints. I will post it. I believe in it. Picture it, and believe it. I find it helps to visualize it if you have to.

I called the kennel yesterday to check mainly on Grady and they said he was doing fine, and that they’d call if there were any problems. Was glad to hear that. He will be so happy when we get home. Guy said they are kenneled together. Will have to give Toto extra hugs when we get home for being such a good big brother. A friend from home texted me some pics of flooding in our area last night. Our house is fine, though. Our neighbors texted pics of our hamster doing fine, too, lol.

Well off to get the day started. Snowysmom when you mentioned chocolate cake yesterday I had a hankering for some. Fortunately they had delicious chocolate cupcakes and brownies out last night and I enjoyed some. (Along with some cordials, yum)!



Merry Christmas Eve, all.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Merry Christmas Eve to all my Quacker friends!

 

[tazdev3225]

Good morning everyone and Merry day before Christmas.

@Pea-n-Me - Footprints in the Sand is one of my favorite poems. I try to remember that He has me in downtimes. I have even been known on my early beach mornings in the summer to take a picture of one set of footprints trailing me as I walk, usually mine but it's the thought that counts.

Very cold morning here. degrees with a wind chill of -12. My hair froze when I walked the dog. She had on her hated fleece lined sweater and we took a very fast walk so her tiny feet wouldn't freeze. I am very grateful my pipes didn't freeze as my husband did NOT put a trickle of water running in the kitchen before coming to bed. I will have to give Jay a huge thank you hug as he wrapped some insulation around the pipes in the garage when he did the work on the kitchen. He and his boss had some left over and it was a bonus when they did the work.

I had Crystal and Mikey here helping me bake yesterday and we got half of it done. Mikey was making peppermint truffles and he really needs to measure. I had to get extra white chocolate for him so it would set, thankfully it did overnight. He made brownies with cheesecake "frosting". I can't wait to see how these came out because instead of vanilla extract he used Anise extract. Should be an interesting taste.

They are coming today to help finish up as Mikey needs to roll the truffles in ganache and then crushed peppermint. I still have several batches of cookies to go. I am concentrating on a couple that are necessary. I can always make peanut butter tomorrow morning if I have to but with the extra hands it should go quickly today.

We tried a new recipe Mikey had from school (Ree Drummond's Snickerdoodles and I am not a fan of hers) but it was the same recipe I found in a cookbook. Mikey knows they are one of my favorites, I won't need to buy them in Lancaster anymore. One tray went in as the rolled in cinnamon balls and came out looking like this. Not sure what he did but we decided they looked like Christmas lights.


They tasted great though they were a little hard to get apart.

Have a great day and stay warm.

 

[Judique]

Good morning! It’s 33 here in Orlando right now and people are freaking out a little, lol. Watching the news I feel bad about the orange crop, it might be in trouble after today and tomorrow. (I love oranges and have one almost every night!) Everyone is ”blaming“ us for bringing down the cold weather.

We ran with it. All last week I was going back and forth about bringing winter stuff vs leaving it home. Thankfully I had some this morning - DS left for the golf course about a half an hour ago and he put on multiple layers of “performance wear”, and he’ll have golf gloves on. I was throwing my light winter jacket at him but he said he won’t be able to swing, lol. So off he went, taking the car. He will be pretty cold, I’m guessing. He had no way to change it as he already paid. But he golfs all winter at home if the course is usable, so he’s used to it, I guess.

DD is currently getting ready to go to AK this morning. (Now left, taking WDW transportation; just texted me to say she’s the only one on the bus - maybe this cold weather might not be such a bad thing for touring! ) She collects pressed pennies and has a bunch to get there, so off she is going, on her own. (First solo park experience and she said she is looking forward to it!) She also has layers including a rain coat type jacket she brought. Luckily she was ok w throwing my winter jacket over that. She put off a shower so as not to go with wet hair, which was wise. I also had a warm infinity scarf and gloves she is using. No hat as she has to wear her new ears, lol.

DH and I will have a leisurely breakfast this morning and hang out at the resort. We sprung for Club level so we’re in no hurry to rush out, but we will at least get in a brisk walk around the resort. Then later, when everyone gets back, we will resort hop into the evening, to view as many trees and gingerbread houses as we can, and figure out what we’ll eat and drink (and be Merry) as we go. As I said before, we have never been at Christmastime so this is pretty fun for us. Family asked that we FaceTime with them tonight, and we will do that, too.

It’s interesting seeing all the families and others who are here now. Lots of elderly in wheelchairs making memories. Reminded me of when we were here with Mom. She would’ve loved all the Christmas decorations. Our box made it down here and we were able to set up our little tree in our room. A very good Dis friend also left me a present here which is the Minnie Mouse in the picture. So sweet, and touched!

Frog, a special for you. Don’t you dare think that your kids will be wooed by presents FH will give them. I’m sure they’ll still be missing their Mom. What I want you to do is try to remember the real meaning of Christmas (your children have had a wonderful parent in you the way Jesus did). We’ve commercialized Christmas so much it’s gotten ridiculous. Keep a soft heart, and try to at least enjoy a little quiet time for yourself, things have been so chaotic for you. What I want to share with you (and dazed and Kirby and anyone else going through tough times), is something that I use myself - and have used myself a lot this year - Footprints. I will post it. I believe in it. Picture it, and believe it. I find it helps to visualize it if you have to.

I called the kennel yesterday to check mainly on Grady and they said he was doing fine, and that they’d call if there were any problems. Was glad to hear that. He will be so happy when we get home. Guy said they are kenneled together. Will have to give Toto extra hugs when we get home for being such a good big brother. A friend from home texted me some pics of flooding in our area last night. Our house is fine, though. Our neighbors texted pics of our hamster doing fine, too, lol.

Well off to get the day started. Snowysmom when you mentioned chocolate cake yesterday I had a hankering for some. Fortunately they had delicious chocolate cupcakes and brownies out last night and I enjoyed some. (Along with some cordials, yum)!

View attachment 727079

Merry Christmas Eve, all.

Good morning, Pea! Glad to see you are enjoying the Disney Xmas experience! I may actually be doing something similar next year if I can get the correct days with my DVC contracts.

When I first bought in and my kids were school age -year 2000 and later - Xmas and Easter trips were all we planned. We did similar to you, tiny Xmas tree for the room, and a few balcony decorations. In those days I also did Candlelight processional almost every year plus oldest had her birthday there. We would have reservations made at all the popular restaurants and I spent so much money just on food. Things have changed.

The Xmas decorations were mostly up when we went in November, and we did see the Grand Floridians ginger bread house which was pretty amazing. When I go last week of January it will all be gone, but the plan for 23/24 is to do October/December/January and maybe March if I can. We will see.

Enjoy your visit even in the cold because as soon as it gets warmer, here come the crowds! Merry Christmas!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I do sort of see the Christmas lights, @tazdev3225

 

[Judique]

Merry Christmas Eve to all!

 

[lynxstch]

Merry Christmas Eve Day to my Quacker Family!
When I got up it was -1 with a wind chill of -27. Brrr I just went out to start the car and it almost didn't start, and we have a brand new battery. That wind was awful. It's died down now, but we are still only going to 15 (its 4 now). I took some trash out to the shed and froze my fingers trying to open the lock.
Only 2 of the outside cats were around, and they both came out from under the porch, so I know they were somewhat warm last night. Keeping a look out for the other 3 so they can get some warm food and water into their bellies

Am working on foods for tonight and tomorrow now. Going to bake the ham in a bit so Don can slice it up and then we can just reheat it tomorrow. Also have to make the dessert, defrost the shrimp, and go peel the eggs for potato salad and devilled eggs

@Pea-n-Me Thanks for keeping us updated on your trip. Hope it warms up a little bit for you!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning.

It was 5 when I woke up and up to 9 now. Not sure the windchill but it is windy.

Another grandkid down. Carter has a stomach bug. Hopefully he will be over it by tomorrow. Andrew and his family are on the fence about traveling.

Our plan is 4 o'clock kids service at church, now with probably only Sarah and Tessa. Jack ushers. I may watch the 9 o'clock service from home. We usually go but I am not feeling it. I made a variation on shrimp creole last night to reheat for dinner tonight. Hopefully Andrew, Jen, and Marty will be here for it.

It’s 33 here in Orlando right now

I was at WDW in January 1986, when the Challenger exploded due to the cold. I was pregnant with Sarah and had a limited wardrobe. Definitely not ready for the cold. Had to buy an extra large sweatshirt to wear. Did you know that you can buy winter hats and gloves in WDW? I bought some.

And I forgot, where are you staying? Glad Grady seems to be doing ok.

@frog3101 , Pea had some very good words of wisdom for you.

@tazdev3225 , is your oven level? Not sure why else they would have all slid to one side like that.

Better shower and dress.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@Pea-n-Me , so beautiful and true what you have said.

 

[frog3101]

Hello and Happy Christmas Eve to all Quackers.

Thank you @Pea-n-Me for the poem.

I hope each of you are able to find joy in this season. I kynow many of us in our little Quacker family have had some really tough/hard stuff thrown at us over the last year or so. I also know I am blessed, even if I have to dig deep to see those blessings right now. I also know the holidays can bring up painful memories from long ago or open wounds that only seem to pop up during this season. So please know that if your pain is fresh or comes from a place of the past, you are still valued and loved. May each of you find a bright spot or many over the next two days.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Good Christmas Eve morning all....I feel terrible for everyones cold weather while it seems were having a heatwave. Its about 40 here right now and will be 76° today at my aunts house, about 10° warmer than it will here at our house. Ick....we haven't had 70s weather in awhile so we'll be sweating...lol DD was gonna wear a Christmas sweater but she changed her mind. LOL DH is staying home with Dolly and then tomorrow, my dad will come here to join the three of us(or 4 if you include Dolly) for presents and food. It's my favorite lazy day staying in pjs, snacking and usually napping. LoL

I hope you all have a nice Christmas.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Merry Christmas Eve Day to my Quacker Family with so much

Prayers that each of you experience extra peace this day and tomorrow as well. When Love Was Born Be reborn dear friends as you rejoice in God's Miracle to us anew.

Did you enjoy the movies, Carol? I hope you did. I liked that in the second movie we got to learn more about Darcy’s landlady and her family. To me, often times, sequels aren’t too good. This one was a good follow-up. Prayers you and your family get to church today. I’m sure looking forward to watching online this afternoon. Time difference between us comes in handy for me today. Hugs, my friend and Merry Christmas!

Pea, I’m so very thankful o God that you and your family are safely in FL. I sure would not be out on the golf course in such weather. Then, again, I only mini golf! I hope your son enjoys playing and stays warm. When I was growing up, I also collected press pennies! Tell her daughter to save them in some type of album, ideally one that is acid free because of the years the coins do fade. God-willing one day dad and I get back to Disneyland, it might be fun to get a new pressed penny or two. God Bless your kind friend! Thank you, thank you, for sharing such truly wise words and reminders with us all! Have a FUN!

Aw, what an adorable picture, dear PollyannaMom! Indeed, a huge hug to you and all of my Quacker family. I am so very blessed to call each of you family by the Grace of God!

Taz, I would happily wear a fleece sweater in your weather! I can understand a perhaps not feeling likewise, she probably wanted to get back inside! So glad you, Mikey, and Crystal enjoyed extra family time baking together. Such moments are precious indeed which I know you cherish. Enjoy your treats!

Judique, I love that your daughter got to celebrate her at WDW, how fun. A few years ago I got to do the same at DL. I so hope to one day get to view the Candlelight Processional again, God-willing perhaps even with dear you.

Another cute duckie image, Lynn. Please stay warm both you and Don. Many prayers you have power! I truly also hope it warms up for you and your , too!

Bobbiwoz, with a Merry Christmas Eve Day hug.

Frogsuch wise and kind words. Amen! No matter what or when how blessed we each are to be loved by God and thanks to Him to also have one another. Thinking extra today of you and prayers you truly know we all care so much.

AuntieMe3, absolutely include dear Dolly! I wish the heat would come out my way. I am so hoping it will truly be near 80 tomorrow. A Christmas sweater right now to me sounds both cozy and perfect. I did like a Hallmark movie, Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater. Have a wonderful celebration

Wishing all of you a wonderful day. I'll check back in later.