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

[Breezy_Carol]

@lynxstch, I just saw that on MSNBC. He was so transparent about his illness and had such grace.

 

[Snowysmom]

I was sorry to hear about Alex Trebek. I always enjoyed him on Jeopardy.

We saw younger DS 3 kids today and of course DS and DDIL. We had fun playing with them and their new puppy. The puppy is actually pretty well behaved and likes to sit still to have her ears and belly scratched. It is DH birthday today so older DGD made him a pretend cake and sang happy birthday to him. We generally celebrate our birthdays just the 2 of us at home with a dinner and cupcake. We are past family celebrations. I am making chili and we got cupcakes at Market Basket.

We live a bit north of Boston and did not feel the earthquake. Probably too far away. We do have earthquakes in this area from time time. I have felt a few in my life.

Jasper goes to the vet hospital tomorrow afternoon for his follow up. I hope he gets off the antibiotic as it is making a mess of his GI system. He seems to be back to almost normal. He still has a cough but he had that before the pneumonia cough set in. We'll see what they say tomorrow.

Have a nice Sunday.

 

[lynxstch]

@Snowysmom Happy Birthday to your husband. Glad you got to see the grandkids today, along with the puppy. Enjoy your chili and cupcakes!

Wishing Jasper a good vet visit tomorrow. Glad to hear he's almost back to normal, hope it stays that way.

@Breezy_Carol I feel exactly the same way about Alex Trebek. He seemed like such a kind, gentle soul, and I think all of his fans appreciated the way he handled his illness and didn't try to hide it. He will definitely be missed in this house

Dinner tonite will be from the new Italian place. Hubby wants one of their cheesesteak subs, I am going to get an appetizer order of their fried meatballs, and one of the onion rings, we will split the rings. No cooking and no dishes..--We are at 79 degrees here!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I was never much into Jeopardy but my Grandma many years ago sure was. My friend Sue is now. Alex always came across as a classy guy.

Snowysmom, I'm glad you had grandkids and puppy fun today Happy Birthday to your DH. Hugs and continued Jasper prayer. I don't do well with even a low dose of Tylenol, messes with my system. I definitely can understand something much stronger upsetting a furry friend Feel better, Jasper!

Enjoy your dinner, Lynxstch!

 

[AuntieMe3]

@apirateslifeforme crazy about the earthquake. I know other places have them but its always strange to hear about them anywhere other than here on the west coast.

@easyas123 I hate earthquakes. It's just so strange to all of a sudden feel shaking and there is no reason for it, I'll stand there for a minute wondering if I need run outside or not. I do not like them at all. LOL

So sad to hear about Alex Trebek....I used to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every day with my grandparents.

@Snowysmom Happy Birthday to your DH. Glad you had a nice visit with your DS and his family, including the new puppy. I've been getting puppy fever lately but know there is no way we could get a puppy anytime soon. LOL


Hubby and I went to an outlet shopping center about 30 miles away this morning. We went to Old Navy with a 50% off everything friends and family coupon from our niece. He got some shirts, a sweater and a jacket, which I'm giving him for Christmas. LOL I got a sweater and some holiday themed masks for DD and I. Then we went over to the Couch store and hubby got me a clearance purse and wallet for Christmas. I'm not usually a name brand, expensive purse kinda gal but I got a Coach purse a few years ago for an extremely discounted price and have been paying attention to sales at the outlets since so I could get another sometime. He paid only a third of the regular price with the clearance price and an early black Friday sale. Both our gifts we picked out ourselves today will be getting wrapped up for Christmas even though we know what they are. LoL I just like everyone to open presents Christmas morning. We will still have surprise gifts too just cheaper ones.

Forgot to mention its cold out this evening. We have a freeze warning and its only supposed to be 27 tonight. We're enjoying another fire tonight...its so nice and cozy in here.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

50% off everything is a fantastic deal, AuntieMe3, good for you! Yikes to only 27! I thought it was cold where I am.

Keep warm and well, everyone!

 

[sparkle78]

1st post of the morning
For those of you that know “ The serenity prayer”
I need to repeat it several times today to remind myself I have no control over the crazy outside world ........God , give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other

 

[NYCgrrl]

Good morning, All!

What a momentous weekend just passed.
Beautiful walking weather that made you glad to be alive and a small earthquake just to remind humankind of its place in the universe.

 

[easyas123]

Good morning all.
Last night (part of Operation clear out the freezer and not just the leftover vanilla ice cream from last years holidays-) I made some turtle that has been languishing in the freezer. Normally I make soup with it, but last night I experimented a bit and made turtle & dumplings. I was told by the husband & boys it was good, although I didn't taste it because turtle = not my thing. This evening will be BLT's as I've got both tomatoes & lettuce in the house and I'm not feeling to great (got a cold coming on)so that will be a easy meal. I'm going to make a venison stew or venison roasts later this week, and pork chops w/ stewed tomatoes as well. I also came across a roaster, so roasted chicken is on the agenda by this weekend as well....and from that, chicken soup.

Looks like we've got another beautiful day on tap here in MD again. I've had my heat off for several days now, and have been able to open the windows up to air out the house which I like to be able to do. Sometimes with two big dogs, I feel like the house gets a bit funky!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all.
Last night (part of Operation clear out the freezer and not just the leftover vanilla ice cream from last years holidays-) I made some turtle that has been languishing in the freezer. Normally I make soup with it, but last night I experimented a bit and made turtle & dumplings. I was told by the husband & boys it was good, although I didn't taste it because turtle = not my thing. This evening will be BLT's as I've got both tomatoes & lettuce in the house and I'm not feeling to great (got a cold coming on)so that will be a easy meal. I'm going to make a venison stew or venison roasts later this week, and pork chops w/ stewed tomatoes as well. I also came across a roaster, so roasted chicken is on the agenda by this weekend as well....and from that, chicken soup.

Looks like we've got another beautiful day on tap here in MD again. I've had my heat off for several days now, and have been able to open the windows up to air out the house which I like to be able to do. Sometimes with two big dogs, I feel like the house gets a bit funky!

Same weather here,,hasn't it been beautiful? Today and tomorrow are going to be mid 70's, then 67 and rain on Wednesday. But it was nice to turn the heat off and open the windows. Even had the ceiling fan on in the bedroom overnite!
I wonder if it's the change in the weather bringing on what feels like a cold to me also? Hope you feel better!
I am making homemade chicken pot pie for dinner tonite. He's on vacation for 2 weeks, so I just told him to let me know ahead of time what he would like for dinners. I am not playing chef on a moment's notice for 2 weeks, lol! Your 'turtle' from the freezer made me gasp. I don't think I have ever heard anyone I know (IRL or online) say they kept turtle in the freezer. I would have been with you last nite,,turtle would not be my thing!

 

[easyas123]

Your 'turtle' from the freezer made me gasp.

Ah yes, greetings from the Eastern Shore!
We still have some in the freezer, I'm saving that for the holidays...but I do publicly declare there is NO muskrat in our freezer Although it can be found in season at our butchers....
Our turtle is harvested out of the creek behind our farm, my husband will trap 2, maybe 3 per season, although there is a "turtle guy" in the next town over you can buy from. And of course, online from specialty meat places...where I get the blood pudding from!
Why yes, my husband & sons are somewhat adventurous eaters. Me, not as much.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning.

Since DH retired, I haven't gotten used to little alone time. Today he went up to PA to his sister's house to get some papers about their mother's estate. Then he is going to try out a new bike trail. I decided to pass on this trip and do some things alone at home. I am kind of enjoying it.

Yesterday DD and family came over at about 2 to enjoy our bigger yard and the beautiful weather. We started a fire in the fire pit early to burn branches that have fallen off trees and get a good bed of coals for s'mores after dinner. Had beef stew that had been cooking all day which was enjoyed by all, then s'mores. I didn't get any good pictures of DGD in the leaves because having too much fun. I had bought a pumpkin roll for dessert so sent more than half home with DD.

@AuntieMe3, DH and I shop with/for each other too. We bought each other "Life is Good" T-shirts while at the beach to give for Christmas. I have to remember what he has bought for me because he doesn't always remember. One year I wanted a light weight jacket. Found one at Boscovs that I liked so he bought it for my birthday. Birthday comes, I open my gifts and ask "where's the jacket?" He had totally forgotten it. LOL

@easyas123 and @lynxstch, same in this part of MD too. Heat off, windows open, at least during the day.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Thanks for all for the good wishes to DGD
She thinks she did better with the math portion than the English which certainly means she is her father’s daughter, LOL.

Went thru my holiday kitchen tools inventory, and I need a new “Thermopop” thermometer (found the cover and that’s it) and a set of straight sided ramekins that almost every holiday season I lament not having. Time to hit the stores so I‘ll catch youse in my return.

 

[lynxstch]

Thanks for all for the good wishes to DGD
She thinks she did better with the math portion than the English which certainly means she is her father’s daughter, LOL.

Went thru my holiday kitchen tools inventory, and I need a new “Thermopop” thermometer (found the cover and that’s it) and a set of straight sided ramekins that almost every holiday season I lament not having. Time to hit the stores so I‘ll catch youse in my return.

My ramekins have disappeared, pick me up a set of 4 while you are out too please? Never used a met thermometer, so don't need you to get one of those,,lol!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning All!

Sparkle, your posting of the Serenity Prayer brought back the memory that my Grandpa had it posted above his desk in our den. Its words are a great reminder.

I'm glad some of you are enjoying more Spring-like weather Here, for here, it is cold. I was so grateful last night to wear my new soft and light fleecy pajamas from Walmart+ an ancient long sleeve T of Dad's (I typically don't like the tops that come with PJ sets). I most definitely recommend the Secret Treasure Brand of sleepwear from Walmart.

NYCgrrl, I often did better on the math section of some standardized tests, too. In school once I got to older elementary I was usually better at English. I just never did well having to write an essay or whatever in a certain amount of time from scratch.

Happy Monday

 

[apirateslifeforme]

Still nice and warm here in CT - my phone says 72 degrees! I'll take it! Wish it could be like this all the time!

I heard that our earthquake got downgraded to a 3.6. Our news showed some video and photos of homes (probably closer to the epicenter) that were damaged. We spent the afternoon at my in-laws' house with the entire family and nobody had heard about it, except my niece Charlotte said she felt the shaking. She, too, had tried to tell her parents but they insisted that it was just a truck driving by the house. They were all surprised that it was indeed an earthquake!

I was very sad and surprised to hear of Alex Trebek's passing. He'd been so upbeat and positive and I thought I'd heard that he was doing better (although I know that pancreatic cancer is one of the worst. Reminds me of Patrick Swayze). I hadn't watched Jeopardy in years - I can no longer focus my brain to watch it - but it was a staple in our house for many, many years. My grandfather was a huge fan - and he passed away in 1998, so we were watching long before that. I remember that in those years, it would be on one channel at 7 p.m., then the same episode would be on a different station at 7:30. Grandpa - who was a VERY smart man to begin with - would cheat; I'd hear the 7 p.m. show coming from his room, then at 7:30 he'd watch the other show and give all the answers in his booming voice. It's one of my fondest memories of Grandpa, and now Mr. Trebek as well. Maybe right now Grandpa is up there playing Jeopardy with him

My mom and I had some fun at the Christmas Tree Shops this morning. Those little stuffed Christmas gnomes have grown on me, so for $4.99 each I got 2 of them. A Christmas face mask for myself and 2 for Josh - one with Christmas dinosaurs, and one for winter afterward, white with a carrot nose and coal "smile" so he'll look like a snowman. Found the gingerbread man PEZ that's sold out on PEZ.com. And an excavation kit so Josh can dig for dinosaur bones, pirate treasure, and gemstones. And of course a bunch of other things we probably didn't need We also ran into Target because they seem to be the only ones that sell the Sargento Balanced Break snack that he likes. Since he's been talking about wanting to play ping-pong, my mom found a light-up tabletop ping-pong set for $17.99! And I got him a pair of fleece Jack Skellington lounge pants. I'm a little sad that he's completely out of baby and toddler clothes now, but he's so happy that he can get "real" clothes like his Daddy. Growing WAY too fast!

 

[lynxstch]

@apirateslifeforme Of all the stores we had when I lived in MA..the one store I miss the most is the Christmas Tree Shoppes. I used to get all of my decorations and a lot of gifts there. We have none of them (or anything like them) anywhere around here. Glad you found yourself some treasures!

 

[easyas123]

I'm a little sad that he's completely out of baby and toddler clothes now, but he's so happy that he can get "real" clothes like his Daddy. Growing WAY too fast!

Enjoy it! It's always " fun" when they transition from kid sizes to sorta mens sizes...I say sorta cause it's hard to find a 24X30 jean hahah!! I recall my husbands aunt complaining because her tall yet super slim son wore 26X36 at a younger age and it was very hard to find that size (this was pre-online ordering)... you've got a few years yet before you have to give up the adjustable waists - they still make those I suppose, yes?

And by "fun" I mean a pain in the butt & a lot more expensive!

Raise your hand if your sons/daughters closest was at one time littered with the black shoes he needed for that one-off school event or wedding/funeral...extra points if feet grew two sizes in between these events and old black shoes didn't fit his brother/sister either!

Christmas Tree Shop - I'm not familiar with these. Are they pop up Christmas decor/gift stores similar to the Halloween stores, or a year round type place? Sounds like a place I'd like to take a turn around, I could use a few new Christmas decorations.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Christmas Tree Shop - I'm not familiar with these. Are they pop up Christmas decor/gift stores similar to the Halloween stores, or a year round type place? Sounds like a place I'd like to take a turn around, I could use a few new Christmas decorations.

They are year-round, and I love them too!!

You can always find stuff for the next holiday coming up, but plenty of other things as well.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

Enjoy it! It's always " fun" when they transition from kid sizes to sorta mens sizes...I say sorta cause it's hard to find a 24X30 jean hahah!! I recall my husbands aunt complaining because her tall yet super slim son wore 26X36 at a younger age and it was very hard to find that size (this was pre-online ordering)... you've got a few years yet before you have to give up the adjustable waists - they still make those I suppose, yes?

And by "fun" I mean a pain in the butt & a lot more expensive!

Raise your hand if your sons/daughters closest was at one time littered with the black shoes he needed for that one-off school event or wedding/funeral...extra points if feet grew two sizes in between these events and old black shoes didn't fit his brother/sister either!

Christmas Tree Shop - I'm not familiar with these. Are they pop up Christmas decor/gift stores similar to the Halloween stores, or a year round type place? Sounds like a place I'd like to take a turn around, I could use a few new Christmas decorations.

Thankfully in the smaller regular boys' sizes, they still do adjustable waists (I think up to size 7 or 8). Josh is so skinny, no hips or butt - he needs the 4/5 for length but could still fit into a 2T or 3T waist! I remember him still wearing a pair of size 6-9 months shorts when he was 3 YEARS old! I prefer the pants with the inside elastic and buttons to the drawstring types. I'd have to pull the drawstring so tight that he ends up with a puffy "shelf" on his hips

My SIL had the same problem with one of our nieces when she was 6 years old. She had to wear a uniform to school and the smallest size skirt my SIL could find was a 4. It still fell off of her and had to be altered. We grow skinny kids in this family!

I think we're going to have some difficulty with pants as Josh gets older, too. Our egg donor was 5'11", so it's been predicted that Josh will be about 6 feet tall. And since he's so thin already, and DH didn't gain weight until well into his 20s...yeah, I'm already bracing for trying to find pants for him in his teenage years and up!

The Christmas Tree Shop is a year-round place. They do different decor all year - when you first walk in, you see the seasonal stuff. But they also have everyday decor, like sheets/decorative pillows/small furniture/art/etc., a little food area, toys, health and beauty, pets. It's a lower-price store, too, but not quite as low as the dollar stores. And it's decent quality, IMO, for the price you pay. These little gnomes, I personally think they look more expensive than $4.99. I have a beautiful ceramic Easter bunny that I bought for less than $10, about 20 years ago now. I have a really nice "FAMILY" collage frame in my dining room, with all the formal photos that we had taken last year, that I purchased there. I try not to go there as much as I did years ago, I used to be in there at least once a month, but it's fun and I can always find good stuff.