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

[Breezy_Carol]

@AuntieMe3, I liked your simple nativity. That prompted me to post these. These are all around the house this year in addition to the large one on the mantle. There are still some I didn’t unpack and use this year. One is a wooden puzzle.

These are wood blocks. There was a Christmas workshop at church back in the 90s. DD made some and DS made others.


This is a little one that sits on my kitchen window sill.


This is a musical snow globe that my dad gave my mom more than 25 years ago. It plays Silent Night. They are Fontanini figures.


This last one is the first one I bought when I first moved out of my parent’s home to an apartment, so more than 40 years old.

 

[tazdev3225]

Morning all.

Been a quiet few days here, my husband watched football and I worked on census reports some dating to around 1840 England. Doing both sides of the family Ancestry. I know more about his family now than he does. He never knew his father's family as my MIL cut them out the day of my FIL's funeral. My FIL died the day before my husband turned 7 so he barely remembers his father. My MIL only kept in contact with some members of her family and my husbands cousins were all 20+ years older than him. I keep telling my husband as I uncover something "This explains so much!" My SIL didn't even know her grandmother's name. When I asked one time she said Grandmom. When I asked what her first name was she replied "I don't know I just called her Grandmom"! My SIL was in her 70's at the time.

Lynxstch I sympathize and hope your granddaughter is OK. We went through a rough patch with my oldest granddaughter when she was in 8th grade. She was being bullied terribly and became very depressed. One of the bullies used to be her friend but she got in with the "Mean Girls" at school. Her grades plummeted and we were all concerned about her. She got into her dream High School the following year and did a total 180. She was with kids like her. She goes to a school for Creative and Performing Arts. She still has some anxiety but we work through it. Just know that sometimes you need to go to a couple of Doctors before you find one that "clicks". Depression runs in my family for several generations back, and it took 3 before we found one that worked for my son. Keep the faith and my prayers are with you.

We got some really bad news yesterday. My cousin was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer and lesions in his brain. My mom said they don't know what the lesions are but I am pretty sure that means it metastasized. He is in his early 50's. I haven't seen him in about 20 years since my aunt moved to Florida when my cousin's were all young. I feel so bad for my aunt because he is like his father. Doesn't like doctors and ignores symptoms. He is also refusing any hospital stays. My aunt is tough and she will stay strong.

I'm ordering the cabinets for the kitchen today. I finally made my decision on the ones I want. Then I found the backsplash yesterday that is perfect. Whitish Gray with some brown tones marbelized in it. It is perfect for the color scheme. Light Honey oak cabinets, white and gray countertops, gray with brown flooring and very light walls. I have a very dark kitchen so this will lighten it up. And I will have a ton of storage space since we are adding extra cabinets. My kitchen is on the small side - 10 X 13 - so I wanted the storage space more than a kitchen table.

As far as the question of Cookware goes I have a couple Calphalon Anondized pots that I love but I have a collection of mismatched everything. I just bought Cuisinart Stainless Steel for when the kitchen is done. My mom advised me that was the best choice now to hope I don't destroy them.

Silver wear I have used several through the years. My go to are Oneida or Pfaltzgraff. I have Oneida right now but I am missing some forks and teaspoons are missing or been attacked by the garbage disposal. My husband is great for that. I got a great deal on service for 12 with Pfaltzgraff before the holidays. It is just the 2 of us but since we are getting a new dishwasher I can wait several days and only run it once or twice a week. I'll let my husband wash the pots, he can't do much damage to them, I HOPE!!!

Off to lunch with my friend that broke her arm. I told her I was fine with sandwiches but I think she is cooking something a bit more. I bought a Pineapple Cheesecake for dessert.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Hugs and continued prayers, Lynxstch. Proud of your grand daughter for asking for help indeed! You please take care too.

Prayers and extra hug to you, too, Taz Dev and everyone going through loss and extra grief, hard choices. We care and are here.

Carol, I love the "Away in a Manger," and I had never seen a Nativity snow globe, that's neat.

Flatware is mostly my Grandma's mixed in with some teaspoons from various cheaper sources!

I liked Check Inn to Christmas last night, though the feud between the two families did get a bit old after a while. I was glad they chose to end it!

Much nicer weather here today, very cool but sunny, no rain. It's cool in here though. But always so grateful to God for a home.

to all.

 

[easyas123]

I have no idea where I picked up my flatware, but it's got 'Hampton' stamped on it...and I am ALSO missing many teaspoons!
It is cold, raw and very breezy outside today, blowing snow for a bit but sunny now, and I'm going to skip my walk. I don't mind being out in the cold, but not out in the windy damp cold! I think I will try to summon the energy to do a yoga session upstairs later. For now the dogs & I have lit the fire and are watching more of the Dr. Who marathon...presently the one where he meets Martha Jones/hospital ends up on the moon is on. Dinner this evening will be a bit of chicken parm w/ arrabbiata sauce over penne - yay the leftovers are done with! I unearthed a shoulder of venison along with the rest of the stewed tomatoes from this years garden, so that will be dinner tomorrow night, I'll slow cook it in the tomatoes with some peppers added for taste.
Big day tomorrow - going to make a return and hit the grocery store....

 

[snappy]

Warm here at 66, up to 72 yesterday and sunny, our exterior paint project is continuing, no painting yet, still prepping and priming, but paint is purchased! Three guys on the job, it is making me nervous actually, so I am making a red gravy and maybe a little baking. Gotta keep busy. Our walk on the levee yesterday was wonderful. Very comfortable, weather wise.

I checked my stainless, it is Towle 18/8 that my mom bought for me (several 8 piece settings sets) long ago. They have been well used, missing a few forks but even scratched up a bit, they are good for everyday. For pots, I have a couple Calphalon and Analon pots that I use most days. Before I switched to a ceramic stove top I used heavy Magnalite pots. I guess I have them somewhere, way to heavy for me now.

What dishes do y’all use? I bought a classic Pfaltzgraff beige stoneware set when we were first married, still have a lot of those pieces, although they have some etching. About 15 years ago I bought another Pfaltzgraff set in blue and yellow stripes but they are white in the middle and really show their wear. I also bought a lot of the companion pieces to that, glassware, canisters, serving bowls and platters, even a large square votive candle holder that I will never part with. A few years ago I started buying pieces in the Lenox Monarch series and those are what we mostly use. They are lighter than the stoneware and don’t seem to be chipping, scratching or etching. I have the plates in 3 different sizes, and the pasta bowls which we use for salads mostly every day. I have the mugs as well. They are very spring and summer like so I decided to buy the Pfatzgraf Christmas plates one year since butterflies and Christmas don’t mix all that well.

I have a ridiculous amount of china, my grandma’s 12 piece gold trimmed set with every conceivable serving piece from Japan, along with my Mom’s 8 piece in a slightly different pattern. I remember many a Sunday and holiday dinner served on these. My grandma and mom really used their china, and it all is stacked neatly in my grandma’s china cabinet in our dining room since 2015 when my mom moved to a LTC community. I am much more casual, and I doubt either of our daughters will want any of this since they did not grow up eating on any of these pieces. One day, hard choice. Not today.

 

[lovemygoofy]

@lynxstch is your granddaughter on seizure medicine? If she is taking any kind of medicine, I would recommend doing follow up with her medical doctor too. There so many medicines that cause side effects on teens that can lead to depression or thoughts of self harm. Just a thought. I commend your granddaughter for being strong enough to see she needed help now. That's not easy for anyone ever.

Things are quiet in my house and I'm not complaining. My SIL is really after me to do something about my MIL but I can't MAKE her her go to the doctor or get the surgery she needs. I can just keep trying and pushing but fear is great negater right now.

I love all the pictures of the nativity's around! I LOVE nativity scenes and collect them but I like super special/odd local specific ones. Here's picture of my collection on the hearth in front fire place.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Opps I didn't finish my thoughts before hitting send, which is usually the case.

I have stainless steele Emeril by All Clad and love it but it is heavy. I have set of nonstick food network pots/pans and they are kinda trash after 4 years at least the sauce pots are but I'm not sure is that from how Matt cooks in it or the actual product. I have cheap set dishes and have my eye on updating them but honestly they are just plates and not something I really put my focus on right now. I picked up several sets of flatware at Onieda outlet few year's ago. I'm unsure how I keep losing tea spoons and no idea where they are going. Do they live with the socks?

Tonight I'm making shredded bbq pork in the cockpot, coleslaw, and green beans. I'm legit tired of cooking but I don't really get the pleasure from eating out anymore. It's weird place I'm in right now. We bought ninja foodi for anniversary present and this thing way smarter than I am. I'm still trying to figure out all it does but still keep with my slow cooker for now.

Does anyone have goals for 2021? I'm going on 30 day cleanse in January giving up sugar (super SUPER hard) and booze (not that difficult). I've allowed myself to indulge all I want last couple months and I feel like crap for it mentally and physically and need to be better so back to being little more disciplined about what I'm eating.
@easyas123 thanks for reminding me to start thinking about vacations and starting to think and book out! I hadn't even thought how people are already planning and making reservations. I'm not really used to having to plan so far out but makes sense. People ready to run wild! Do you have some ideas where ya'll want to go?

 

[lynxstch]

@lynxstch is your granddaughter on seizure medicine? If she is taking any kind of medicine, I would recommend doing follow up with her medical doctor too. There so many medicines that cause side effects on teens that can lead to depression or thoughts of self harm. Just a thought. I commend your granddaughter for being strong enough to see she needed help now. That's not easy for anyone ever.

Things are quiet in my house and I'm not complaining. My SIL is really after me to do something about my MIL but I can't MAKE her her go to the doctor or get the surgery she needs. I can just keep trying and pushing but fear is great negater right now.

I love all the pictures of the nativity's around! I LOVE nativity scenes and collect them but I like super special/odd local specific ones. Here's picture of my collection on the hearth in front fire place. View attachment 546702View attachment 546704View attachment 546705

Tina..I don't know what kind of meds they have her on. She never did go to Morgantown for tests. It's a long drive and all they wanted to do was have here there, set up an appt for tests and then make them go back..so her mother never took her. Dysfunctional family to say the least. Her pediatrician is the one who told her to go see a pediatric neurologist,,but didn't even attempt to make the appt for her. Stepdaughter still hasn't called her Dad to tell us what is going on, but once again put me in the middle by sending ME a FB message. She said she spoke with the therapist this morning and discussed meds and treatment. Will have a zoom meeting with granddaughter and the therapist on Thursday to discuss the plan for when she gets home. She had bloodwork this morning and is doing well in group and individual therapy.. she was waiting for her to call her when she messaged me. Call times are from 12:30-2:30 and 6:30-8:30. She gets 10 min for each call. She called home last night and said she is getting along well with the other kids. They did say she didn't sleep well last night and her blood pressure is a little low so they are going to try a different med tonight. I just hope they can get to the root of the cause, and not have to keep her there very long.
Your hearth looks very pretty!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Tina..I don't know what kind of meds they have her on. She never did go to Morgantown for tests. It's a long drive and all they wanted to do was have here there, set up an appt for tests and then make them go back..so her mother never took her. Dysfunctional family to say the least. Her pediatrician is the one who told her to go see a pediatric neurologist,,but didn't even attempt to make the appt for her. Stepdaughter still hasn't called her Dad to tell us what is going on, but once again put me in the middle by sending ME a FB message. She said she spoke with the therapist this morning and discussed meds and treatment. Will have a zoom meeting with granddaughter and the therapist on Thursday to discuss the plan for when she gets home. She had bloodwork this morning and is doing well in group and individual therapy.. she was waiting for her to call her when she messaged me. Call times are from 12:30-2:30 and 6:30-8:30. She gets 10 min for each call. She called home last night and said she is getting along well with the other kids. They did say she didn't sleep well last night and her blood pressure is a little low so they are going to try a different med tonight. I just hope they can get to the root of the cause, and not have to keep her there very long.
Your hearth looks very pretty!

I really need a hug emoji here!! I hope your granddaughter can get the help she needs and support to see it through.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

It feels much better in here now that the sun is out a little bit. Thankful also Dad is safely home from doing laundry. Waiting on Amazon and Walmart packages.

Glad you and the dogs are cozy, Easyas123! Enjoy a restful rest of the day.

Hug, Snappy. It is hard to choose to let go of anything that belonged to someone you love. The dishes we have our Grandma's Corelle. I would prefer a little brighter color but these are just fine and it's great to be able to still use them

Love the picture of your hearth, Tina! I agree that simpler Nativities are very special. I just usually prefer the figures to have faces but definitely that do not look like the paint was thrown on--needs to be respectful. So good to see you back again, too.

As for my 2021 goals, I pray so much above all else that Dad and I remain in excellent health. Of course, huge prayers this plague moves on OUT! As I have shared before it would mean a lot to me by year's end in 2021 to get to take my first (non dentist) trip out which would be to Kohl's for new clothes. I pray every day to be a light/witness to Christ in whatever tiny way He asks me to be. I am also keeping my church and my future role their in much prayer along with related possibly part time work. Book project I'm helping to spearhead, I know in God's time should it be His Will, it'll happen. I would love for that to come much more together over 2021, maybe get closer to being ready for a publisher. Friendly reminder to all who said they would write: PM me on how that is going. Please do not feel I need your story or stories now, I don't! I just would appreciate hearing how they are coming along and ideally get them within the next couple months. To those of you who have no clue what I am talking about but maybe like to write or even share about kind faith experiences, PM me--and please keep this via PM only not n this thread. Thanks so much

Just , , and ❤ Lynxstch.

 

[easyas123]

@easyas123 thanks for reminding me to start thinking about vacations and starting to think and book out! I hadn't even thought how people are already planning and making reservations. I'm not really used to having to plan so far out but makes sense. People ready to run wild! Do you have some ideas where ya'll want to go?

I ALWAYS have ideas haha
Today I did a lot of research, pinpointed some places to present to my husband to see if he wants to spend his 50th there, gulf coast of Florida, Keys, Bahamas, WDW, Universal, Danube River, Nova Scotia and full service ice fishing house rentals. He's always wanted to go ice fishing and I think he and the boys should go do that next winter...he won't be able to decide and I kinda hope he wants me to 'surprise' him, if that is the case I'm sending him & the boys ice fishing - he's been talking about it for forever! Plus, they can drive so that helps take a bit of the What If out of the situation since we don't know exactly when thing will settle down yet.

 

[lynxstch]

@flyingdumbo127 --I have a nativity snowglobe also---

 

[flyingdumbo127]

How sweet of you, Easyas123! What a thoughtful ( and maybe surprise) gift you are planning for your DH.

Wow, thanks, Lynxstch, how cool!

 

[easyas123]

@flyingdumbo127 --View attachment 546737I have a nativity snowglobe also---

How cool! I have never seen a nativity snow globe before. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for them!

 

[Snowysmom]

I love the pictures of the Nativity sets. So lovely.

Oldest DGS is 4 today. It is also my father's birthday if he were still here. It was nice that my DGS was born on his great grandfather's birthday. We are having a zoom party this evening.

I have found a kennel that seems promising. I talked with the kennel manager and he seemed pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable. They also have special care for elderly dogs. What was really interesting is that it is my father's birthday and his name was Douglas. When I called the kennel, the manager I talked with is named Douglas. I am taking it as a sign. Jasper will need to go to a half day of doggie day care so they can see how he behaves and how he would fit in with the kennel. I hope it all works out.

It is so cold and windy here today. It is 33 but with the wind it feels so much colder. We walked but it was a cold walk complete with heavy jacket, gloves, and wool hat with pompom attached. Hopefully we burn more calories walking when it is so cold out.

We are going to make lasagna for New Year's Eve along with caesar salad. I haven't made lasagna in a couple of years so I am looking forward to it. DH wants hot italian sausage in half and I want plain for the other half. A glass of wine will make the dinner complete.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

In at least one Hallmark Christmas movie, snow globe making was an activity at either a church or community center in the town. No one made (they should have) a Nativity snow globe but what another good idea for a future church/community event. The last snow globe I had (no longer have it) was a small Disney one, I think Pinocchio.

Happy Birthday to your, DGS, Snowysmom! on your dad. I hope the new kennel works out, too. Good for you for putting up with the elements and walking anyway.

Hope all of you are having a good afternoon/evening for some already!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I watched another Hallmark movie today. I can't remember the title, they all run together. But the girl got the right guy in the end.

What dishes do y’all use?

We used to use Stoneware I had from when I first had an apartment. Then probably 10-15 years ago, DH bought me a set of Fiesta Ware. I have 8 different colors rather than all one or two. I also have an 8 place seating set of a white plate with a raised sea shell pattern on the edge. They were a wedding gift that we use occasionally. I also have my parents Noritake china, Cavalier pattern. I have 16 place settings of that and use it for special large dinners.

Does anyone have goals for 2021?

I never did resolutions and probably won't start now.

It was nice that my DGS was born on his great grandfather's birthday.

I gave birth to my daughter on my FIL's birthday. Then my DD gave birth to her first on my birthday.

We started watching The Queen's Gambit on Netflix and are enjoy it.

DH called the contractor to look at the septic system. He thinks the drainage field will need to be moved (or something like that.) He said they only last 25 years and ours has been 33. We are scheduled for a perc test next week. Sounds like a big job. DH talked to the guy so I am getting this second hand.

 

[stephalloo]

Great board Tina. A great way to chat and get to know fellow disney fans. I'm Stephanie. I went to WDW once when I was younger and fell in love. I now try to take my two young ones at least twice a year (if I'm fortunate to do so), but sometimes the distance is a lot for my littles to handle. We always drive from Ohio (my husband will not fly). Anyways, I'm a mother, full time data analyst and student obtaining her bachelors... FINALLY.

Life was busy today, so needless to say... I threw some fish in the oven and made a box of mac n cheese for dinner!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Great board Tina. A great way to chat and get to know fellow disney fans. I'm Stephanie. I went to WDW once when I was younger and fell in love. I now try to take my two young ones at least twice a year (if I'm fortunate to do so), but sometimes the distance is a lot for my littles to handle. We always drive from Ohio (my husband will not fly). Anyways, I'm a mother, full time data analyst and student obtaining her bachelors... FINALLY.

Life was busy today, so needless to say... I threw some fish in the oven and made a box of mac n cheese for dinner!

Welcome!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

@stephalloo ,