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

[Breezy_Carol]

what is lamesgiving??

Lamesgiving has a long history. Sometime after 1996, when my father passed, it was started. We would bring my mother to our house for Thanksgiving as she could no longer drive, about 50 miles. My brother and his family, who live in CT, would go to his in-laws in NJ for Thanksgiving then want to come here on Friday to see my mom. I got tired of cooking two big meals in a row. Sometimes we would go out to a buffet on Thursday then have a big meal on Friday with everyone. DS, then a teen, thought this was "Lame" and thus, Lamesgiving. Later, when both kids had in-laws to split holidays with and DS might have to work a holiday, we continued the Lamesgiving tradition. It still works for us today.

This is us in 2019 in our Lamesgiving finery.

 

[Snowysmom]

Bumping up as we were getting close to the bottom of the page.

Good Morning. Cold here, 37 degrees.

 

[PollyannaMom]

39° here - not much better.

I was up early, thanks to a hungry kitty-cat, but I can't really settle my plans for the day until I hear from MIL about something I offered to help with. So my schedule is a little in limbo.

 

[footballmouse]

Good Monday morning

Not much happening today, just working from home. I think ds3 and I are going to head back to the gym later today. I know that I need to get back into working out and he's lost quite a bit of weight over the past year so now he wants to start working out.

Watched the Adele concert special last night. It was pretty good. Switched over to the football game and that was a complete blowout so I just went to bed.

The dress that I ordered for ds1's wedding next month finally arrived. I was really nervous to try it on. I lost a lot of weight a couple of years ago and then I gained about 20 lbs. back so I was really mad at myself and kept thinking the dress would have looked nicer if I didn't gain that weight back. I went ahead and tried it on, along with my jewelry that I chose and the shoes. Much to my surprise, it looked really nice. I think I might get a new pair of shoes with a higher heel but I'm not sure about that yet. I'll post pictures from the wedding next month.

That's about it. I'm going to start making some dinners that don't require meat since the price of meat is really going up at the grocery store. I have some new recipes so we'll see how those turn out over the next 2 weeks.

Have a good day everyone!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good Monday morning.

41 here now. Not sure what it was earlier when I woke up. No real plans today, just some financials to look into. And I want to start knitting the hat I bought the yarn for last week.

@footballmouse, I am glad the dress worked out for you. Looking forward to seeing pictures.

 

[easyas123]

Tom is healing very well. He has home PT twice a week. His breathing is not recovering as quickly as HE would like, but all his doctors are seeing progress and feel he’s well on the road to recovery!

Glad to read this, and that the Dr.'s are seeing progress!

Good morning from rainy Boston(ish). Our weather is supposed to be wicked windy, with a quick temperature rise - the news person actually mentioned the tiniest chance of a tornado somewhere

Saw some photos of trees uprooted by suspected tornadoes up north, looked like no fun. Our current foster dog is headed up to her new home in the Boston suburbs later this week!

I washed my car last week, but missed going to the place I like to go usually, where they wash it, and you can pay a little extra (very reasonable, I think) for them to vacuum, armorall and clean windows in the interior.

We have a new car wash in our area, too. I haven't tried it yet though. I kinda like my old one...plus they have a 'mini detail' you can add on to a regular clean where they will clean and vacuum inside as well. I need to treat myself to one of those sometime soon.

I met with the woman who makes the memory quilts. Her work is beautiful. She has such great ideas and is very open to suggestions. She will incorporate alot of the polo shirts into the quilt including the collar and buttons, the pocket area (Chris only wore polo shirts with a chest pocket so including a couple of pockets is so appropriate), and she will use the dress shirts and 2 Bingo T shirts too. We picked out a color for the back of the quilt and it is a rich merlot color. We both picked that color based on the colors of Chris' shirts. If she puts the quilt together and doesn't think that color would work well she will contact me. I have 2 other colors that she could use, navy or cappuccino. Her pillows are also lovely. She is going to try to get a stitch design that is telescopes and stars. I can also write up something to be put on the back side of the quilt, on a square, that will be permanently dyed on it. I already know what I want there. I am really excited to see the finished product. She won't start it until January as she is booked up but I told her I have the time. This is such a wonderful way to remember Chris. I will have a part of him with me always.

That sounds like a lovely idea!

The days are just flying by at the moment. I can't believe Thanksgiving is coming up in just over 2 weeks!

I know! And I am so behind in my planning, I really need to get on the ball.

Life has not been very easy.

I'm so sorry to read this, I will keep you & your husband in my thoughts. I think the advise to continue on with your knee replacement is a good one.

Cooler weather will be handy next Thursday because dad and I will be baking chocolate chip cookies

One of the boys requested chocolate chip cookies for Thanksgiving - now I'm torn between using store bought dough or making the recipe on the back of the chocolate chips. Here is the thing, my baking skill are sub-par at best, and the store bought dough will be better, but I also believe that if ever there is a time to make a effort, it's at Thanksgiving...but I'm thinking of going with store bought dough

Had an enjoyable day with the grandkids yesterday but they sure do tire me out

We had to watch our 5 year old niece yesterday from 6:30 until 3:30. I think it's going to take us a week to recover! She had two meltdowns that were a direct result of behavioral issues and, honestly - we just sometimes don't have the energy or patience. This was the second last minute can you watch her we've gotten in the past 5 weeks. This one was work related, and we are more than happy to help out (my in-laws are out of the picture and my SIL's folks are in & out of the picture so often times Aunt & Uncle Easyas find ourselves in de-facto grandparent type rolls which we are not prepared for ) if we can but I am not sure we will be 'available' next time.

I kind of felt like the powers that be were just rubbing it in but maybe it was to bring up good memories of previous trips.

I like how you came to the realization that the Fates were providing you with good memories, that is a great way to think of it & approach it.

Have a good day, it is snowing here, too early

I'll take it! Send it my way!

He said that Epcot was a madhouse last night. They actually left early when they were planning to stay to see the new show, it was so crazy. I was surprised. But they were going straight out so they must’ve been tired. I really like to build at least a day or two without parks into trips

We would have probably left, too. We don't' so much build in a day or two of park free time, rather we often find ourselves in the park(s) for the morning and maybe early afternoon and then we head out usually back to our resort, or the lounge at another resort and have a early evening. The last time I made it to the fireworks was the time we stayed at Bay Lake theme park view studio and I knew that I needed to see the fireworks after spending the $$$ on that view! I can't recall the last time I saw fireworks at Epcot. Each trip we take we say to ourselves that we need to make the effort, but then we are early to bed types and just can't seem to make it! One of these days we will get around to making that effort!

Lamesgiving has a long history.

Sounds like a fun tradition, I think I recall you mentioning it last year. The nice, long weekend (for most) lends itself well to accommodating everyone's different family obligations.

it looked really nice

Nothing nicer than being pleasantly surprised - sounds like you are going to look wonderful! Enjoy the wedding!


Well, happy Monday everyone. It was a good weekend, we got a lot done. Kids settled on their house Friday and are about 90% moved out. Now we just need to get the foster pup on her way (should be later this week) to her new home and the house will once again be just the 2 dogs & us. At least for a few days, since my folks come into town a few days before Thanksgiving!

 

[PollyannaMom]

One of the boys requested chocolate chip cookies for Thanksgiving - now I'm torn between using store bought dough or making the recipe on the back of the chocolate chips. Here is the thing, my baking skill are sub-par at best, and the store bought dough will be better, but I also believe that if ever there is a time to make a effort, it's at Thanksgiving...but I'm thinking of going with store bought dough

Go with the store bought. I started using them way back when my younger brother was in college and I was sending care packages. They just seemed to travel better than the homemade ones, and everyone still raved about them. From that point on, they were my go-to for chocolate chip (in fact, I have a tube in the fridge right now) and I've never looked back.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. 39 here also and snow flurries are flying. I have been up since 6. Cleaned out the bathroom cabinets, put a load of wash in. Took the screen door out of the front door and put the storm door in, tired of waiting for someone else to do it. Balanced the checkbook, and decided on dinner
Going to do some research on Fit Bits. I think that between all the cardio I get from walking around here, going up and down steps, and using the small elliptical, I can do just as well on my own, as going to cardio rehab 3x a week, at least to start with. I have lost weight almost every day, all my meds seem to be working well. I have a follow up with the PA at the cardiologist office tomorrow morning, and will have him give me 90 day refills on the pills, instead of the 30 they gave me. That is nuts. They gave me amiodarone for my heart. Mr L gets 90 days worth for $36, and it cost me almost $80 for a months worth, and that was using Good RX,,insurance would have been $150!

Have a nice day, stay warm if you are in the cold front!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

@lynxstch what about an Apple Watch? It gives you all that information, plus you can get an ECG readout if you feel anything unusual! (With the newer ones.) They were giving them out for free with phone upgrades a few months ago.

@easyas123, where is the dog going? I think the store bought cookie dough is fine, keep them nice and chewy and they’re delicious too!

@footballmouse, glad you like the dress!

@Breezy_Carol, great family picture!

Toto, after a busy morning yesterday helping out with the fall cleanup outside! (Darned leaf blower was mocking him!)

 

[lynxstch]

@lynxstch what about an Apple Watch? It gives you all that information, plus you can get an ECG readout if you feel anything unusual! (With the newer ones.) They were giving them out for free with phone upgrades a few months ago.

@easyas123, where is the dog going? I think the store bought cookie dough is fine, keep them nice and chewy and they’re delicious too!

@footballmouse, glad you like the dress!

@Breezy_Carol, great family picture!

Toto, after a busy morning yesterday helping out with the fall cleanup outside! (Darned leaf blower was mocking him!)

View attachment 623045

@lynxstch what about an Apple Watch? It gives you all that information, plus you can get an ECG readout if you feel anything unusual! (With the newer ones.) They were giving them out for free with phone upgrades a few months ago.

Thanks, but way way way more than I want to spend on one! Thinking of going with the Fitbit Luxe, still researching them

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

[

Good morning all. 39 here also and snow flurries are flying. I have been up since 6. Cleaned out the bathroom cabinets, put a load of wash in. Took the screen door out of the front door and put the storm door in, tired of waiting for someone else to do it. Balanced the checkbook, and decided on dinner
Going to do some research on Fit Bits. I think that between all the cardio I get from walking around here, going up and down steps, and using the small elliptical, I can do just as well on my own, as going to cardio rehab 3x a week, at least to start with. I have lost weight almost every day, all my meds seem to be working well. I have a follow up with the PA at the cardiologist office tomorrow morning, and will have him give me 90 day refills on the pills, instead of the 30 they gave me. That is nuts. They gave me amiodarone for my heart. Mr L gets 90 days worth for $36, and it cost me almost $80 for a months worth, and that was using Good RX,,insurance would have been $150!

Have a nice day, stay warm if you are in the cold front!

Throwing my 2 cents in about Fitbits. I had a Fitbit Inspire 2 for a few months, and loved it. It isn't fancy, but it's small and lightweight. Tracked sleep, activity, and the app let me track weight and food too. Had heartrate on it. If you want something small and fairly easy, it's good.

I upgraded to a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. It's bigger (more like a real watch), and heavier, but it does more stuff. This one tracks sleep, activity, heartrate, etc; plus I can use it to listen to Spotify, weather tracking, receive/send messages, location, Samsung pay, calendar, etc plus heartrate, ECG. It syncs with my Google account.

Whatever you go with, make sure you can get the app on your phone, and get screen protectors for them. They scratch easily.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning everyone,

Hugs, Pea on your parents. Awww to sweet Toto! Love his stuffed animal friend. That brings back the memory of Champ even as a puppy (he liked to get into everything as puppies do including some of my stuffed animals and more so our shoes) but he knew that Minty and Benjy, my two most special animal friends that I still have today, meant extra to me, and so he left them alone. Sweet Champ. I’m glad Toto is getting some rest after his groomer ordeal. I know Champ was always thrilled to make his escape from such a place!

Thank you PollyannaMom and your DH for your caring service to Veteran’s and their families as well that way each year.

Carol, beautiful Lamesqiving family picture! Absolutely why cook two big meals for a big group over two back to back days? A buffet for one of the days makes sense to me. That way, too, all can better enjoy God’s extra blessing of being together to celebrate. Good for you on the knitted hat. I don’t even sew a button. I loved the church service and especially anthem. "If it Had Not Been for the Lord on my Side," was one I got to sing during my time in choir. Good memory.

Wow, Lynn, that sounds like a wonderful handyman! I am truly so thankful for Summer and the help she has given you and Mr. L. Thinking of you, my friend, and always prayers you are healing more and taking good care. Yikes it’s cold for you, too! Hugs extra that your follow up appointment goes well tomorrow. Oh and it made me smile so to see an image from you again. To me, that means, you are doing better which you know warms my heart with thanks!

Big hug, dear Snowysmom. Just peace and prayers, too, my friend. I love that you’re getting your and Chris’ names on your bear’s feet—to me that makes it more of a gift from Chris to you!

Please keep safe and warm, Snowymsom and PollyannaMom! I admit to liking LA more when I hear it’s under 40 degrees for you (and possibly other Quackers). Yikes! I’ve said before I might enjoy from the safety of one of those Hallmark Christmas movies small town lodges enjoy a white Christmas. I would not do well living in the snow or frigid weather, no thanks!

You will look lovely, Footballmouse. More than that what should matter to your oldest DS is your kind presence at his wedding!

Cookie-wise, Easyas and PollyannaMom, too, , good point about store bought dough lasting longer. I have found that homemade chocolate chip cookies, while there is nothing like fresh cookies from the oven, don’t last more than a couple days. My suggestion would be looking into the bakery at grocery store or even Costco if you go there. Let them do the baking, that way the cookies are a little more home-made plus should last longer. Lol, and, no work for you! Whatever you decide will be tasty and that is sweet of you, Easyas to do for your DS.

So good to see you, B&B. How are you doing, my friend?

Happy Monday to all!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

"If it Had Not Been for the Lord on my Side,"

I was not familiar with that hymn but really liked it.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

It's a really good one, Carol. Not one I have heard too often but such a true message.

I hope all of you are having a good afternoon!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Time for an evening bump up.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Another evening bump along with a good night wish for all of you!

 

[Snowysmom]

Good Morning. Bumping up. Back to the house today.

My Work asked me to help them log into a site I usually go onto. The person filling in for me had the wrong login so I spent over an hour trying to clear up the issue. My manager also asked me if it was getting easier for me now. I think the next person who asks me that may get educated in what grief is how it works. And the answer is, no. I told him each day is tough and I have no idea what my life is going to be down the road.

I sent out the shirts for the stuffed dogs. I feel like I accomplished something by getting shirts to the quilt lady and the stuffed dog lady. Now I just wait. I also sent some DVDs to Chris' cousin as I know he would appreciate them. I keep in touch with Chris' cousins as they were close and I have no extended family and they don't either. We are now the family.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I sent out the shirts for the stuffed dogs. I feel like I accomplished something by getting shirts to the quilt lady and the stuffed dog lady.

You definitely did, and I think it's a wonderful thing to do.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. Cleaned 2 spots on the bedroom carpet, made a small batch of potato salad to go with burgers tonite (never did make it almost all summer, since Mr L went in the hospital on July 5). Cats are in a room where noone has to open the door , so I don't have to worry about the guys delivering the mattress to let them outside accidentally. Just waiting for Summer to get here so I can to my Drs appt. Will check in later..have a nice morning everyone!

 

[Judique]

Good morning all. Cleaned 2 spots on the bedroom carpet, made a small batch of potato salad to go with burgers tonite (never did make it almost all summer, since Mr L went in the hospital on July 5). Cats are in a room where noone has to open the door , so I don't have to worry about the guys delivering the mattress to let them outside accidentally. Just waiting for Summer to get here so I can to my Drs appt. Will check in later..have a nice morning everyone!

And I'm in waiting for summer also! Every time the temp dips in the fall, I get some seasonal depression. Haven't been outside since Saturday. I will try to fix that today and get moving.

Neighbor came by last night and we sat in my kitchen. I unloaded all the cookie containers from 3 past Xmas seasons. Been meaning to send them 2 doors down, but instead they were taking up space. It's not that they were supposed to go back, just that I washed and saved them, as I'm a packrat. But turns out she can use them over again and that's good recycling.

Today I'm getting the bags out for my holiday. It would be so much easier if we drove my van. Plenty of space to drag along everything. But DD is driving and she doesn't want to drive it. She likes to drive little cars. So, we will be squished all the way to South Carolina.