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

[PollyannaMom]

One of my new calendars, I keep up with four, says that every day is a holiday and that today is National Science Fiction Day. Do you like science fiction? Movies, books?

I have one of those calendars too! Today is National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day!

And I do like science fiction - both books and movies. (And I'm on both sides of The Star Wars / Star Trek debate. )

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning everyone. Gray and drizzling rain outside right now, but at least it's not cold enough to be ice. I am not a fan of science fiction, books or movies. I did like the first 3 Star Wars movies (which were actually the middle 3, but...), but that's the extent of it for me.
I have a headache this morning, not sure if it's the weather or coming down with a cold, but I'll treat it as a cold and hope it goes away soon. No plans for the day, hubby plans on watching football (again, he watched college bowl games all day yesterday) but I don't. I have been football'd out for the season.
They had chocolate covered cherries on sale for 50% off yesterday, maybe I should have gotten a box to celebrate your calendar day @PollyannaMom ? lol
House is clean, laundry is done, no point in washing the kitchen floor again till it's done raining. Can't wait for the new floor to go down, so I can actually tell it's clean when it is clean, lol. The old one is some kind of square tiles that were white with brown, gray streaks in it,,but it's old and worn out and even though I know it's clean when I do it, it just doesn't look shiny and new anymore.
Have a great Sunday everyone, thanks for continuing to share your lives with the rest of us
@dazedx3 still saying prayers for your husband for tomorrow..will send even more then!

 

[sparkle78]

QOTD: ( Question of The Day) is their a charity you get letters in the mail from that you would suggest NOT donating too ?

example, years ago I use to donate to the Red Cross, Easter seals, march of dimes, and St. Jude’s hospital like $20 a year when i was first on my own. Later, I got involved in the community I lived in at the time and donated to local groups - foster care, Boy Scouts, church group , etc.

Two summers ago, I donated to the USO who support our men and women in the military . they are a great group and use the money to help plan activities for the kids and spouses too near one of their centers. However, i was not as internet savvy and didn’t clear my browser. thus my friend told me other charities could see I donated to a military one. So, I get 6 times a year big envelopes from Wounded Warriors and Veterans of foreign wars. they send me notepads, socks, coasters, etc. when it would be better for them to help the people they support??
so long story summed up, I now give to charities in my area - habitat for humanity , food bank/ clothing drive at a nearby church, the refugees who relocated to our area - clothing, books, old and new toys, etc.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Sunday morning everyone Aww, such a cute picture, Lynxstch! I noticed some Valentine movies start tomorrow on Hallmark channel. I did record 3 winter movies last night. Will share about them as I watch and a always look forward to what each of you think as well! Hugs for a good day

ETA, Sparkle, your post slipped in above mine! Thank you for your extra thoughtfulness! I prefer when able to donate in time and service to church directly and every so often in dollars to a specific cause such as buying extra snacks or supplies for the camp kids (that way I know the money truly was used as I intended it to be) . Pre plague I did get some toys for both my church's Christmas toy drive and that of the Fire Stations. I absolutely do not care for how names/addresses are so easily sold these days and you (meaning each of us) can so easily be put on ANY mailing list. I try to be very cautious online and in general with who I give info to and that sits so wrong with me.

 

[sparkle78]

Added : i also remember a sermon I heard years ago about giving “ our time, talent , and treasure”. Difficult with COVID, but maybe by the middle of 2021. It doesnt have to be treasure ( money), sometimes just our time to help an older neighbor plant flowers in her yard. Or our talent of organizing to plan a neighborhood meal delivery for a sick friend,

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I love your extra post, Sparkle! A treasure can be a simple smile or kind word as always found in this thread That was one thing I did like about my church initially. Volunteering in different ways was much more encouraged I pray post plague should it be God's will that I am on staff at this church to help bring that back, connect folks greater together. I believe in honesty a million percent and like your example above have sadly felt with calling out for money at my own church at times the call is not IMO truly needed! This reminds me a of an older Hymn sing from your church, Carol, "IT Only Takes a Spark."

It does only to a spark, a kind word or reaching out to bring light to someone else!

 

[PollyannaMom]

So, I get 6 times a year big envelopes from Wounded Warriors and Veterans of foreign wars. they send me notepads, socks, coasters, etc. when it would be better for them to help the people they support??

Exactly! That's a pet peeve of my DH's as well - especially the ones that send money, asking you send it back and add your donation.

This is a great site to check out a charity before you donate: Charity Navigator

It gives a general rating, and if you scroll down, there are also specific charts and graphs about where their money comes from, how they spend it, etc.

 

[lynxstch]

QOTD--The only charity we get postal mail asking for donations from is the local Volunteer Fire Dept,,but not from our town, from the next town over? I would gladly donate to our own, but they don't ask. When hubby was working, we donated to their local yearly fundraisers, at Christmas time to Toys for Tots, and the yearly one for the local animal shelter. Those are the only ones we will continue to donate to.
Its still raining here, temp is still 38. I have been sleeping on and off all morning. One minute my headache is gone, the next it's worse than before. Going to be a lazy day here for sure, lol

 

[OHmomof2]

Damp, cloudy, and in the upper 30s here today. I bought some of those light therapy boxes today...one for my husband and I and one each for our daughters. The weather here is always gray, gloomy, and cool January-April. I thought I’d try them out to see if they make a difference for our mental health. Has anyone used one of them before? I’d love to know your thoughts!

 

[tazdev3225]

Afternoon all.

I spent yesterday with my granddaughter and granddaughter in law taking a drive to Lancaster. My granddaughter in law can't wait to go back. We didn't do what is the "normal" routine since we can't/won't go to Shady Maple until things are a little better around here. We did stop at Kitchen Kettle and then the Rockvale Outlets. I found some cute Star Wars Pyrex on sale so that was worth it, sometimes find great -deals sometimes nothing. Then we went to the Disney Store. I did manage 2 ornaments and a Thumper for the baby. I also got him a Disney "My 1st Halloween" outfit with Mickey on it. I opted for 18-24 months. It may be to big on him but I told her just add an extra onesie under it. And of course no visit is complete without a stop at Lapp Valley Farm for Ice Cream. Also a stop at the grocery store at Good's/Shady Maple. My granddaughter in law was thrilled. She found Smoked Chicken which she can get in the Dominican but hasn't found around here.

We did stop at 2 Covered Bridges and got some pictures. I had hoped for a couple more but my grandson texted they got an appointment for an apartment at 5 so we had to head back home.

The Covered Bridges were the Poole Forge Covered Bridge just off Rt. 23. President James Buchanan is said to have proposed to his fiancee there although they never married. We also went to Weavers Mill Bridge and got some pictures there. I will have to try and upload from my phone as the pics from my camera seem to be too large.

.

 

[tazdev3225]

The top photo is Poole Forge. The other bridge is Weavers Mill. Sorry they are side ways. I couldn't fix that. Of course I have much better pics on the camera.


Hope you all have a nice afternoon

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good afternoon.

Cold, yucky, and raining. DH built a fire in the fireplace and we are watching the Ravens play. Did take a little drive after church and saw a bald eagle. I had no idea how common they really are in this area.

@tazdev3225, we are about an hour from Lancaster and have never been to Shady Maple. I have always wanted to go but, with working, Saturday was the only day available which was always busy there. Maybe now, after COVID, we can go during the week. How were the crowds at Rockvale? We used to shop there often.

@OHmomof2 I've never used a light box but hope they help you.

 

[tazdev3225]

@tazdev3225, we are about an hour from Lancaster and have never been to Shady Maple. I have always wanted to go but, with working, Saturday was the only day available which was always busy there. Maybe now, after COVID, we can go during the week. How were the crowds at Rockvale? We used to shop there often.

You have to go to Shady Maple. We are known to drive out to Lancaster just for breakfast. It is crowded on Saturday but we have never waited more than 10 minutes for a table. Well worth the wait and if you can go on your birthday your meal is free as long as you have someone with you purchasing a meal.

Rockvale was very quiet. The only store with a crowd was the Corning Store. Parking lot was really empty for a weekend which was surprising. There are a lot of empty stores right now but I love my Disney Outlet.

 

[easyas123]

QOTD: ( Question of The Day) is their a charity you get letters in the mail from that you would suggest NOT donating too ?

Your comments really struck a nerve for me! I absolutely hate the waste of those mailings. It just makes me think that so much of the donation is going out the door not to need....I try to give to places that have little administrative costs and/or are local or places we can give physical goods to like Toys 4 Tots and supplies to local animal shelters. We prefer , in general, to keep our donations local so long as there is need.

I bought some of those light therapy boxes today...

I’ve never tried those but have thought about it, I’d also love to hear about folks experience w/ them. Very intriguing.

My husband is laughing in the sitting room again...no matter how many times he sees it that Progressive commercial about not becoming your parents makes him laugh and laugh! He’s tell the dogs “we all see it, we all see it”!!

House to straightened up, we’ve done our workouts for the day and so now we are just chilling out.

Rockfish & salad for dinner this evening.

 

[easyas123]

You have to go to Shady Maple.

We know folks who drive over from Jersey to go here. We’ve never been but I understand it’s massive, is that true? I wonder how Covid will make a difference, it’s a buffet, right?
We like to take a cooler and pick up pot pies at that place that escapes my mind- dang it. I’ll think of the name. Anyway we usually grab a few for the freezer once or twice a year. They are carried by a few places around here but they don’t have same selection.

 

[easyas123]

Zooks Pies! I remembered!

 

[tazdev3225]

We know folks who drive over from Jersey to go here. We’ve never been but I understand it’s massive, is that true? I wonder how Covid will make a difference, it’s a buffet, right?
We like to take a cooler and pick up pot pies at that place that escapes my mind- dang it. I’ll think of the name. Anyway we usually grab a few for the freezer once or twice a year. They are carried by a few places around here but they don’t have same selection.

It is huge and actually when really busy they can open both sides of the restaurant, I have been on both sides and there is no difference. I do know they opened briefly in the fall as a buffet but have gone back to a take out order. There is a choice of 2 types of platters and entrees. I think the difference is price depending on the entree. I know when they reopened they were busy but we opted to pass. I believe that from what the email I got said is they were serving or it was being done like on Disney Cruises. I don't remember exactly but I wasn't risking it. With the turnover they do and how full the parking lot was it wasn't worth the risk. I do miss it though.

I never heard of Zooks Pies. Where are they located?

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Totally forgot the QOTD. Many years ago, a friends husband died at a young age by suicide. Donations were requested to some wildlife conservation fund. (I forget which and don't want to disparage the wrong one.) I got letters for years after asking for money. Makes a person not want to give a one time gift.

.no matter how many times he sees it that Progressive commercial about not becoming your parents makes him laugh and laugh

Makes me think of the Greenie commercial where the dog steals the stick arm off the snowman and both the snowman and child building it scream. Makes me laugh every time.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

feel better, Lynn!

Welcome, OHmomof2! I've never tried a light box either but also hope they make a difference to you. I do know the apartment I'm living in now is pretty dark (not much natural light). Should I ever get to move I'd love it to be into a place with more windows!

Have a cozy afternoon, Carol! Glad you got out a little though.

I love the Poole Bridge photo, TazDev with the wreath. The other covered bridge is neat, too. So glad you had some grand daughter and grand daughter in law time yesterday. The Mickey outfit sounds adorable

Thank you as well, Easyas123 for your local donations and to animals.

I'm not sure what might happen to buffets post plague! Though when the plague truly is over maybe they can return but with (I think this would be a good idea anyway) better keep up by employees. I did like how Golden Corral had hoods over some of their serving trays and think all buffets ought to follow suit.

It's almost 11am here and already feels both timeless and later! Hope each of you are having a good Sunday.

 

[easyas123]

I never heard of Zooks Pies. Where are they located?

I think in Paradise, they have a page on reallancastercounty.com but I'm having a bit of trouble posting it -