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

[lynxstch]

Good sunny morning, temps in the 60's is the forecast for the week. We had a storm come through around midnight last night, very unexpected, and very strong. I found my deck chairs in the middle of the back yard and my umbrella, on it's heavy base in the side yard. It really dumped down the rain, so everything is wet.

The roast was so delicious. I have enough for at least another meal. It's just hard to believe the cost of a chuck roast. Used to be so inexpensive, and now I paid $15 for a small one that's only big enough for 2 or 3 meals. I may have it again tonight and save the last piece to make a fricassee another night.

I'm going to rake the straw off the smaller sections later, the new grass is coming in nicely and I don't have to worry about the birds eating the seed anymore

Have a good day

 

[Judique]

Good morning. Chilly 47 when I got up, going to mid 70's today. The rest of the week will be in the 60's, fall has definitely arrived.

I'm almost finished Fall cleaning. Just have to clean the carpets in the guest room and master bedroom. My arms were sore last night after moving furniture and stretching. Not too bad this morning.

Putting a chuck roast in the crockpot with carrots and potatoes for dinner tonight, then I don't have to worry about cooking. Sister in law brought me 2 acorn squashes the other night so I may put one of those in the microwave to go along with it.

@Snowysmom Good luck to Ethan and Owen in their soccer games. I hope Ethan's arm is well mended

Have a nice Sunday everyone-what few of us there are left on this thread


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I'm still here, just busy with renovations. I'm working towards a renewal of my living spaces.

That includes fresh paint, new windows, refinishing some hardwood floors.

Clearing out 'stuff'. I have loads of 'stuff'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Stuff" refers to items that people might buy at a yard sale if I were so inclined to have one. I'm not. It also refers to too many little memories that are very difficult for me to let go off.

I have a basement chock full of stuff. Main floor with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, bath, living room and dining area. Fully furnished and needing to let go a bit of it.

2nd floor with bedroom, bath and office for DD and an extra closet for some of my storage needs.

A small barn/shed outside to hold all the outside 'stuff' riding lawn mower, push mower, outdoor Xmas 'stuff', yard tools, and canopies, etc, plus extra fencing and bicycles and who knows what else as there is a storage loft area I can no longer climb up into.

This past Saturday, my 'side work guy' came and replaced baseboards in my own bedroom. He had done the other room in August but my room was too clogged to do it then. Painting had been done in September and we sanded and redid the floors. Meanwhile all my 'stuff' was in the other bedroom, living room and kitchen. Stuffed. Thankfully, moving forward to more open and functional space.

Interviewed a bunch of window companies and HD and Lowes, Builders Source and ABC. Settled on a contract with HD which will hopefully be installed by Christmas as it's all special order.

Meanwhile the rain kept raining and the grass kept growing and I spent 2 weekends away in Ocean City, and want to go back maybe in a week or two before Halloween.

Muddled through the grass and still need to do some trimming today.

Had ordered a bargain from Lowes and I thought it was canceled as they couldn't find my order and it didn't arrive on time. It came with the rain a week or so later and they plopped it in my driveway while I was out, about an hour ahead of the drop off window. Threw a tarp over the huge box for a few days. It's finally on my patio and will go to DD as a gift for her small back porch if she wants it once she sees it.

And, I'm debating a new front door. At the very least it needs painting. It's cream now and I was thinking of blue. Maybe a coat of paint will take me through until March or April next year so my windows are installed and I can start the looking process for that.

The objective is to make everything new and comfy as I age. Oh yes, I'm also planning a rear ramp from my deck, just in case. That way it will be easier to get around as I age. Not today or even next year, just a future consideration. Right now I get around just fine at 71, but hopefully 81 and 91 are coming. 81 - my oldest brother's age and he'd been athletic for so long. But arthritis has a way of messing with your ability to do things and he's using a chair at Disney and has a stiff neck and back. It's not easy for him. For me it's like looking into the future and trying to keep going forward.

Okay, this post is too long. I'll go and finish what I was doing. Happy day to all of you!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Good morning. It was 68° this morning, so a warmer night than recently. We have a high net over the pond so leaves don’t accumulate in it. We’ve never had one before. I do feel bad because the birds can’t get water, but I think it’s best for the fish.

I’ve been organizing my amaryllis’s to bring them in for their cooling off period. Their soil is to wet now to bring in, when it’s drier, I’ll bring them into the attic for rest.

We have small fish that have begun to get gold. They must have hatched late. I am not sure they can survive winter hibernation. Does anyone have experience?

I wish everyone a good day.

@Judique, you posted while I was typing. What a great plan you have! We have had a ramp for about 10 years, and we are very pleased!

 

[Judique]

Hope everyone had a nice day. Thank you for the concern for my family. We are all pretty shook up and this latest loss. Talked to my daughter the other day and she only stayed on the phone for about three minutes. She was crying and wanted to hang up. I wish I knew what I could say or do, I guess there really isn’t much.
The weather has been really nice the last 2 weeks, I’m not looking forward to winter.

I'd say come to Florida for a few days in the winter but with all the hurricane mess (two more in play) I'm scared it might all blow away!

Sorry about all the troubles! Life spares no one.

 

[lynxstch]

@Judique It sounds like you're doing all the same things we did within the last 2 years. We had the deck and ramp put in to make it easier for Don. He only used it a few times. I avoid it as much as I can, but I'm sure as I get older (70 last week), I might appreciate it being there. Good luck with the rest of the remodel!

 

[Judique]

@Judique It sounds like you're doing all the same things we did within the last 2 years. We had the deck and ramp put in to make it easier for Don. He only used it a few times. I avoid it as much as I can, but I'm sure as I get older (70 last week), I might appreciate it being there. Good luck with the rest of the remodel!

I already have a fairly large deck with 2 sets of steps. I figure I'll eliminate the one set of steps, the shorter set and make it the ramp towards my back gate. Son in law can knock that out in an afternoon.

I want to stay in place as I age. I think planning out and putting in accessible features will help. The ramp would be completely out of sight in the back and my driveway ends right at the gate.

So often I thought of upsizing in the middle years of being in this area. Now I'm happy I stayed in a smaller home.

 

[lynxstch]

Now I'm happy I stayed in a smaller home.

I totally agree.. I'm so happy we bought a smaller house, and I feel that way even more the older I get

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Safety prayers dear Judique and good to see you post. You are very wise to think ahead and do remodels now on your home. My beloved late grandma once had a light blue apartment door. I had an orange one. This was when we both lived in a small town up north.

Dad and I God willing should we ever be able to move would want a ground floor unit with more space but also extra features we don't have now such as our own laundry. Overall, something manageable that ideally might come with an affordable cleaning person recommendation every so often too.

Target Circle is offering a different daily deal this week. Also when you spend $50 on Household items and this includes some paper goods and cleaning supplies, you get for future use a $15 Target Store Gift Card. I believe Amazon Prime and Walmart+ are also going to have a week of deals starting tomorrow.

Good afternoon hug to all.

 

[tazdev3225]

Good evening

Been very busy since we got back from Disney. Jim had a couple of drs. appointments and I had some other things on the agenda.

Just ordered a new storm door, garden window for the kitchen and sliding patio doors. Plus getting the wall AC unit taken out and putting in a window there. I think it will look stupid but Jim really wants it. The work should all be done the week before Thanksgiving. Jay was going to do most of the work but he doesn't have the time. The patio doors and garden window were put in 35-40 years ago so they really need to be replaced and the storm door is falling apart. It will be nice to be able to get a cross breeze again.

My aunt is in Florida about 30 miles NW of Disney World and in the path of this hurricane. She was supposed to come up to visit Wednesday. We tried to get her flight changed but there were none to be had. She could have gotten a seat on a flight to Washington and I offered to get her but it was gone before she could make up her mind. I even offered to leave Sunday afternoon and drive down to get her but she said that would be too dangerous as straight through is 15 to 16 hours from my house and I would get no sleep before we would have to leave. My cousin isn't far from her and his house is more like a sophisticated trailer so I'm worried about him too. A couple of my other cousins are farther south so they may be ok, but there are a couple in the Orlando area. This is a scary storm.

Hope you all are doing OK.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Extra prayers dear Taz and for all impacted by the storm. Please stay safe and, of course, your friends and loved ones, too!

Talking with Pastor Louise this afternoon as always was such a blessing. God truly graced my life by bringing her into it almost ten years ago. We always catch up and pray together which is lovely. God willing before the end of the year, I'll be completely back to normal and able to see her again for the first time since Covid.

Dad and I got our ballots this afternoon. I'm glad it came early so I can fill it in bit by bit instead of all-in-one go.

Good evening hugs with love always to all.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Oh @tazdev3225, I am sorry to hear about your aunt, and I pray that she will be OK.

 

[Judique]

Good evening

Been very busy since we got back from Disney. Jim had a couple of drs. appointments and I had some other things on the agenda.

Just ordered a new storm door, garden window for the kitchen and sliding patio doors. Plus getting the wall AC unit taken out and putting in a window there. I think it will look stupid but Jim really wants it. The work should all be done the week before Thanksgiving. Jay was going to do most of the work but he doesn't have the time. The patio doors and garden window were put in 35-40 years ago so they really need to be replaced and the storm door is falling apart. It will be nice to be able to get a cross breeze again.

My aunt is in Florida about 30 miles NW of Disney World and in the path of this hurricane. She was supposed to come up to visit Wednesday. We tried to get her flight changed but there were none to be had. She could have gotten a seat on a flight to Washington and I offered to get her but it was gone before she could make up her mind. I even offered to leave Sunday afternoon and drive down to get her but she said that would be too dangerous as straight through is 15 to 16 hours from my house and I would get no sleep before we would have to leave. My cousin isn't far from her and his house is more like a sophisticated trailer so I'm worried about him too. A couple of my other cousins are farther south so they may be ok, but there are a couple in the Orlando area. This is a scary storm.

Hope you all are doing OK.

My windows were from Sears and I believe they are about 45 years old. Problems are that the tubes in the top part are failing and if you try to open they will fall so I have to keep them locked. They still look okay just are not really functional anymore. They are vinyl replacements from the seventies, and the vinyl has stayed white but the locks and other items have yellowed, but the big issue is safety.

A former coworker and friend had to fly to Tampa last night. Her 85 yo mom is not doing well and was hospitalized. She was in an assisted living or nursing facility. We are all pretty concerned for both of them. Haven't heard yet if she made it to Tampa, but we know she will be frantic if she hasn't. I'm thinking the worst for Mom as she hasn't been doing well for some time. It will be a major turning point for friend as she lost her longtime companion unexpectedly this past year. Maybe Mom will hold on and make it through but sometimes it may be time to go, but just wish it wasn't in the middle of such a frightening storm.

 

[Snowysmom]

Judique I hope your friend makes it safely to her mom and that they can be safe and together. Sending prayers for both. I hope your home renovations go well. It is nice to have a home that you can feel safe in as you age. That is why I bought this particular condo as it is one floor with only 2 steps into the condo. I do have a basement that I check 3 times a week.

Taz Prayers for your family in Florida. Hoping everyone will be safe.

Flyingdumbo127 Glad you had a nice talk with Pastor Louise.

Good morning. It is 44 here right now. I just put the heat on for the first time. It did not have to stay on long but just took off the chill. It will only be around 62 here today. It is going to be cooler here for a few days. Yesterday I had salt therapy. I meditated and relaxed. I felt so relaxed that I took it home with me and just chilled out for the rest of the afternoon and evening. I needed that. Today is a quiet day, maybe walking at the lake. Tomorrow I go into the office early and work a few hours. Then I have the root canal. People who have had them done including Kenny say they are not bad and go fairly quickly. I am hoping so.

Have a good day.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Tomorrow I go into the office early and work a few hours. Then I have the root canal. People who have had them done including Kenny say they are not bad and go fairly quickly. I am hoping so.

My father-in-law had one recently and said it went fine. They have really come a long way!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Judique extra hug along with prayers and peace to your friend and her mom. Safety, too, of course!

Thanks dear Snowysmom. My root canal experience was back in 2009. For most people it's a long filling. Should you have any TMJ issues especially but in general be sure the dentist gives you breaks. Hug my friend and enjoy a soft or liquid treat when you are feeling up to it. PollyannaMom, hug to you, of course, too and I'm grateful your FIL had a positive experience.

Bobbi and all other Quackers early Tuesday hug aa well.

 

[footballmouse]

Good Morning.

Nice and chilly this morning, finally got to sweater weather.

I was supposed to go to the craft night at the library last night but I just wasn't in the mood. Had a bad day at work yesterday , just wanted to go home and stay there.

Yesterday would have been my mom & dad's birthdays. That probably added to the bad day yesterday.

Have an appointment to have my car looked at tomorrow, Mitchell is meeting me there today after work to give me a ride home. Praying it gets fixed this time and not too expensive.

Watched Mia for a few hours Saturday. Evan and Bailey finally bought a new car so I stayed at their house with Mia.

We have small fish that have begun to get gold. They must have hatched late. I am not sure they can survive winter hibernation. Does anyone have experience?

I have a little heater that I put in my pond when it starts getting cold. I haven't lost a fish yet during the winter. I noticed that I got a bunch of new little goldfish over the summer.

Went to the doctor Friday afternoon. I had what I thought was an annoying, itchy bug bite on my knee. I scratched it way too much and then it was just small blisters that kept draining. It got to the point that it hurt to walk. My doctor took one look at that and the other spots that the bumps were at and said it was an allergic reaction which is now infected. I'm on antibiotics, a steriod, and a heavy duty medicated cream for the itching. The only thing that was different was that I tried an impossible burger for lunch. I'm guessing I had a reaction to something in the burger. Sounds ridiculous but that's all I could come up with.

My little foster dog has turned into the dog from hell . Every day he chews something up (decorations). I told Jacob to get a crate for him 2 weeks ago and he never did. He stopped over the other day and saw the mess that I left for him to clean up and he ordered a crate from Amazon. I told him that was dumb, he could have found a cheaper one on MarketPlace and picked it up that day. I'm so over this dog.

Back to work, have a great day.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@Judique, prayers for your friend and her mom.

@footballmouse, well, we have a deicer that prevents the surface from icing over, so, hopefully that’s all the tiny ones need! Thank you! Good luck with yours, too!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. It was darn chilly this morning, as we got down to 42 degrees. Will get up to 68 this afternoon. Debating whether to do yard work again or wait another day or 2 as the weather is supposed to be the same all week.

I have a brother and sister in law in FL as well as a good friend, and my friend from CO has her dad and an aunt down there. None of them will evacuate so we're praying for them

I couldn't sleep last night, it was 5 am when I finally looked at the clock for the last time, and woke up at 8:15. Needless to say I'm still tired, lol

Have a good day

 

[tazdev3225]

No news from my aunt so I am hoping things aren't too bad yet. I have a friend who lives in the area, I actually met him here on the boards years ago and he is still one of my trusted friends, anyway he posts pictures of the weather around him and so fart looks just like a lot of storm clouds.

The weather here is definitely becoming Fall Weather. There was a definite chill in the air when I walked Chewie this morning. I just wish the pollen counts would drop. I am going through tissues like crazy and have the normal allergy headache.

I managed to do my heavy cleaning while Jim was at breakfast with his work friends. I am thrilled he gets a ride as all they do is talk politics and my blood pressure goes up with some of the comments. Better to stay home and clean.

My windows were from Sears and I believe they are about 45 years old. Problems are that the tubes in the top part are failing and if you try to open they will fall so I have to keep them locked. They still look okay just are not really functional anymore. They are vinyl replacements from the seventies, and the vinyl has stayed white but the locks and other items have yellowed, but the big issue is safety.

A former coworker and friend had to fly to Tampa last night. Her 85 yo mom is not doing well and was hospitalized. She was in an assisted living or nursing facility. We are all pretty concerned for both of them. Haven't heard yet if she made it to Tampa, but we know she will be frantic if she hasn't. I'm thinking the worst for Mom as she hasn't been doing well for some time. It will be a major turning point for friend as she lost her longtime companion unexpectedly this past year. Maybe Mom will hold on and make it through but sometimes it may be time to go, but just wish it wasn't in the middle of such a frightening storm.

My windows were from the mid 80's and the patio door is a safety issue as it doesn't lock anymore. The other issue is the winter. Cold air blows through the door and window so I am trying to become more insulated. The storm door is safety related because if we get a strong storm it may get ripped right out of the frame. Hopefully I will be good with maintenance til we sell years from now or they take us out in a box as my husband likes to say.

I hope your friend can get down to Tampa OK. I get the frustration with the timing and weather. In 1996 we were hit with a blizzard in January. It was also the day my Gram had a massive stroke. Getting to the hospital and back home again was not easy. We got 31" of snow. I thought we would have to camp out in the hospital at one point but none of my family was leaving until we had word on my Grandmother.

Not much else going on around here. Hope you all are OK.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Just extra and prayers to all of dear you.