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

[lynxstch]

Good morning Quacker Family! Going to be 65 degrees today? Showers this afternoon, down to freezing tonite with snow showers, this weather is nuts!

Planning on making it an easy day. I have 2 floor vents that need to be taken out , grinded off, and repainted..and the new nightstands should be here this afternoon. Making country style ribs for dinner tonite. Might make a small pan of brownies, but will limit myself to just having a couple of them. Really trying to stick to the low sodium, low fluids thing, but will not deprive myself of a few goodies now and then, lol!

I still have stuff to clean out, but my back needs a break, and Mr L is worried about me 'overdoing it',,but I am pacing myself! Maybe I will try and do a little online Christmas shopping instead, lol!

,

 

[Snowysmom]

Lynn Sounds like a chill out day doing online shopping for gifts is a good idea. You are such a busy person. Now and then a relaxing day soothes the soul.

Off to the house today for more cleaning. And I also try to soothe my soul by relaxing a bit in my chair in the living room and watching some TV. I wasn't able to do that a few weeks ago without crying. Now I can do it for a bit before I cry. The therapist asked me if I am doing self care and on a scale of 1 to 10, where I am I on self care. I am afraid I am not too good at that. I tell her I am trying to find things to soothe my soul. She told me I need to take more care and try to find things that work for me. Easier said than done for sure. I still think about trying to spend a night at the house but I am not sure that will work out well. DS's are not amused when I bring it up. I just need to know if I can do it or not and they want to know why that matters to me. It matters because I feel like I should be able to and not being able to may be a weakness on my part. Older DS's kids are very chaotic most of the day and at night when it is bedtime it is utter chaos. They usually don't get to sleep until 2 hours after they go upstairs to get ready. They run around screaming and crying. I need quiet evenings and to be able to get rest when I need it. I love them dearly but they are a handful and a half. That is one reason why I think about trying to spend a night at the house.

Have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

Lynn Sounds like a chill out day doing online shopping for gifts is a good idea. You are such a busy person. Now and then a relaxing day soothes the soul.

Off to the house today for more cleaning. And I also try to soothe my soul by relaxing a bit in my chair in the living room and watching some TV. I wasn't able to do that a few weeks ago without crying. Now I can do it for a bit before I cry. The therapist asked me if I am doing self care and on a scale of 1 to 10, where I am I on self care. I am afraid I am not too good at that. I tell her I am trying to find things to soothe my soul. She told me I need to take more care and try to find things that work for me. Easier said than done for sure. I still think about trying to spend a night at the house but I am not sure that will work out well. DS's are not amused when I bring it up. I just need to know if I can do it or not and they want to know why that matters to me. It matters because I feel like I should be able to and not being able to may be a weakness on my part. Older DS's kids are very chaotic most of the day and at night when it is bedtime it is utter chaos. They usually don't get to sleep until 2 hours after they go upstairs to get ready. They run around screaming and crying. I need quiet evenings and to be able to get rest when I need it. I love them dearly but they are a handful and a half. That is one reason why I think about trying to spend a night at the house.

Have a good day.

I still say that you need to do what YOU need to do. If you think you want to stay a night at the house, then give it a try. Otherwise you are never going to know the answer. You are a very strong person, you have showed your DIS family that over the last few months, and only you can give yourself some of the answers. It is not a weakness on your part if you can't do it, it just means that you are still grieving. Don't push yourself more than possible, only time is going to answer a lot of these things for you. If you need the peace and quiet, then give it a try. If not, then don't. God Bless, may he give you strength to keep fighting through everything you are going through--Lynn

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Thursday morning!

Rainy morning today but the rain is supposed to clear out of here by lunch and then turning cold . It's 8:50 and so far I am the only one in the office . If it stays this way, I'm outta here at lunch!

Went to ds1's soccer game last night. He's the goalie and such a hothead. A couple of times during every game he takes the ball 1/2 way up the field, I've told him that the other team doesn't like that b/c it's a sign that the goalie is showing off. Well some guy from the other team slammed my son into the side wall and ds did not like, he retaliated by shoving the guy. The both were called for a penalty and since there was only 5 minutes left in the half, they were both sent to their bench for a little time-out until half-time. Ds's team went on to win 3-2 and I found out after the game that it was the last game and the 2 teams were tied for 1st place. No wonder it was a physical game.

Ds2 stopped over after work and dropped the engagement ring off that he bought. Now I have to babysit this ring for 18 months . I tucked it away in one of my dresser drawers.

Not much else going on today. I need to finish going through pictures of ds growing up for the wedding, guess I'll work on that tonight. That's about it for me, hope everyone has a good day today. Stay warm!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning.

Placed an online grocery order to pick up later. Started laundry. Going to take a hike before the rain comes and the temperature drops.

Might make a small pan of brownies, but will limit myself to just having a couple of them.

I find that when I bake and it's just two of us, I cut into servings and freeze for when I need a fix.

Mr L is worried about me 'overdoing it'

We all are worried about that too.

I still think about trying to spend a night at the house but I am not sure that will work out well.

Do you have a friend or church member that could come stay with you for one night? Make it feel different.

Now I have to babysit this ring for 18 months

Oh my! Just remember where you stashed it.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning.

Placed an online grocery order to pick up later. Started laundry. Going to take a hike before the rain comes and the temperature drops.

I find that when I bake and it's just two of us, I cut into servings and freeze for when I need a fix.
Good idea..but I have never frozen brownies..do they come out mushy when thawed?

We all are worried about that too.
I promise you all (and Mr L) that I am not overdoing it!, Thank you for the concern

Do you have a friend or church member that could come stay with you for one night? Make it feel different.

@snowsysmom--that is an excellent idea!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

@lynxstch, I have frozen chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, blueberry pound cake, and brownies, all with good success. Just have to remember they are there. Banana bread too.

 

[PollyannaMom]

"I find that when I bake and it's just two of us, I cut into servings and freeze for when I need a fix."
"Good idea..but I have never frozen brownies..do they come out mushy when thawed?"

I tuck a paper towel in with baked goods I freeze (especially bread) and that seems to help.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning everyone

Today is Cookie Day here I wish my Quacker family were closer so I could share some with you!

Lynn, we do indeed worry about you overdoing it! I'm glad Mr. l is sharing his concern with you, too. ITA with others that today would be a great chilling out/Christmas online shopping day for you, my friend. I was truly touched by your kind words for Snowysmom and completely agree! Thank you for sharing that with her and all of us, too.

Dear Snowysmom, I love Carol's suggestion of having a friend or church member spend the night with you so you're not alone, especially the first time. You are indeed such a courageous lady. It is not easy (I know it's not always for me) to take care of yourself but as I have shared on here, I have learned over the last couple of years how truly important that is to do! More than that, God wants us to be healthy and of good spirit, take care. It's okay, really. this is coming from someone who has always found it much easier to jump in and assist someone else! We care, please always remember that. We're here, too.

❤to all of you and Happy Thursday!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Busy beginning of the week but read along.

Snowysmom, I can’t remember if I mentioned this before, but about ten days before my BIL passed away this summer, my SIL had adopted an older dog who needed a home. (Yorkie .) She had been talking about it for quite a while (had even asked me if I’d be interested in the dog, who was owned by SIL’s friend) and I thought she wasn’t going to do it, but suddenly she did, and then right afterward, the tragedy happened. That little dog has been such a comfort to her! Everyone says how the dog was heaven sent, just for that reason. SIL says the same thing. We’re all so glad she has this dog. I myself don’t like to stay alone in the house. I always had German Shepherds so never worried about anyone coming in my house. Now, sometimes everyone is out, including the dog, and I don’t like that feeling. So you know what I’m getting at. Just wondering if having a little companion might help you do what you want to do? I know what you said before, that you didn’t want another dog. But just wondering if maybe things could have changed.

I was sad yesterday, a doggie relative of ours passed away suddenly. Young, too. We think it was an abdominal tumor.

Really trying to stick to the low sodium, low fluids thing, but will not deprive myself of a few goodies now and then, lol!

Well you can have some sodium. Up to 2000mg/day. And some fluids, up to 2liters/day. The thing you have to be careful of is if you overdue it on sodium, even for a day or two, and then drink extra fluids because you get thirsty. That extra fluid can move out to the tissues and get stuck there, then it accumulates, and next thing, you’re full of fluid again in places you can’t see it. This is a concern especially coming up to the holidays, when food that people share is unwittingly salty. We see a lot of people admitted to the hospital for diuresis after holiday meals like ham, or going on a trip, etc. I have this conversation with my patients just about every shift I am there, as this is what I do! (Sorry for you, lol! ) So it’s not easy, but it’s important, especially weighing yourself every day to make sure your weight stays steady and doesn’t shoot up suddenly if you are retaining fluid. (With diabetes it is an extra challenge having to also watch carbs.) But having some sodium is ok as this is the world we live in, just be careful you don’t overdue it too often and then take in extra fluids! That can slowly (or amazingly quickly) cause your breathing to be heavy and your clothes to be tight, etc. Enjoy your sub, skip the chips or get unsalted ones, and don’t drink extra fluids tonight or tomorrow if you get thirsty! But I am really happy you have your energy back! Next time if you feel like that again, you know what it likely is. It becomes a way of life for many people to keep things in check. I’m glad you got out shopping again!

DD was off for a few days so she wanted to get her Covid booster shot. All appts everywhere were full! I was surprised, since just several weeks ago DH and I were able to just walk in and get ours. But while she slept yesterday I was able to find her one appt for this evening, albeit about ten or fifteen miles away. At least she’ll get it but not have to be back to work till Monday in case she doesn’t feel well. So we’ll do that tonight and I have a gift card that’s been burning a hole in my pocket for quite a while for a place nearby, so we’ll check that out for dinner. My cousin called me this morning to talk before the holidays it was good to catch up with that side of the family a bit. Was hoping to see my sibs this weekend but one sib has to travel as her daughter just got engaged and the future in-laws are throwing them a party (down by some of you in MD). So I’ll catch up w them next month. DD and I both have to work Christmas this year, and DS picked it up as a shift as well. So this will be an interesting Christmas! DH will see his siblings. FIL passed four days before Christmas last year so things were a little sad then. This year I’m sure they’ll get together but I haven’t heard exact plans yet. It’s possible I’ll get it off if we’re overstaffed, but I won’t know until that day. And if DD’s going in, I’ll probably just go in with her.

Enjoy the day, everyone.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Pea. The dog indeed sounds Heaven sent! What a caring suggestion. Prayers all goes well for your DD when she gets her booster! Dad said his arm was very sore last night. Thankfully it felt much better this morning.

Prayers all of you are having a good day. Do something for you!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I was just able to get a booster appointment for a week from tomorrow! Took some digging, and it's at 7:00pm, but it's close - only 7 minutes away. I'm psyched!

 

[Snowysmom]

Just back from the house. Unfortunately I do not have a friend who is nearby to stay with me at the house. Great idea though. I do not want to take either DS from their families as they are doing enough for me already. I did try to lay on the bed today to see if anxiety got the best of me. I was able to lie down for awhile and was just a bit anxious. I figure if I can't sleep in the bed I will just go to the living room, put on the TV, and doze in the chair DH passed on the living room couch but I was in bed when I got up to find him. That may be my issue. I may try to stay next Friday night. I will most likely still sell the house as it is too much for me. Since I am in the midst of a major transition in life I may as well as add moving to the list. Once we clean out the house and it is ready to go I will make a final decision. Another issue I have with leaving the house is the birds we used to feed. I have a bird feeder in the front yard now but I can see there already aren't as many birds. A lone turkey was there too plus a crafty squirrel hanging upside down on the feeder getting seed. I feel like I am their mother. I am just finding it difficult to stay with older DS as it is not my home and the kids are really challenging. I am so weary from not being able to go to sleep until they stop yelling and running around upstairs. That can be as late as 10 pm. Plus I don't feel free to watch the TV I want or do other things I would do at my home. Too many decisions and not enough brain cells working right now. I cannot have another dog as my heart is just not in it. Losing Jasper was a big loss for me and it hurt so much. I can't go through that again. Plus, I would be concerned if something happened to me, what would happen to the dog. My kids can't take a dog. Thanks for the idea though. I am glad your SIL is so comforted by her yorkie.

I am surprised the booster appts are so booked. I was able to get mine very easily. But, I did it right after moderna was approved for boosters. I am guessing they have opened it up to more age groups?

It is such a nice day here today, around 70. I am taking a walk in a bit to clear my mind.

 

[easyas123]

skip the chips or get unsalted ones

Just wanted to pop in and address the above.

Potato chips are big in our house, my husband LOVES them. When his blood pressure issues became such that he had to make some dietary changes he switched to low salt chips, and then to no salt chips. He loves them - and can no longer tell that he is eating unsalted chips and finds 'regular' chips to salty now. Of course, he had to give up the flavored ones for the most part, but it is what he had to do in order to still enjoy his chips.

So, two thumbs up for low salt & no salt chips!

Oh I do hope I get home in time to enjoy the beautiful and warm afternoon we are having. It's sunny and in the high 60's. Sounds like perfect porch sitting /sunset watching afternoon.

 

[easyas123]

Got my nice evening on the porch… came in and decided some fluff TV was in order due to a pretty god-awful few days of news in our area. I listened Two at most of the day and the last few days and Just when you think you’ve heard about all the terrible things in the world yeah here a few more and you’re just like what in the hell is wrong with people?
Super simple supper tonight just some ground burger browned up and simmered in some pasta sauce offer macaroni noodles with a few pieces of garlic bread and maybe a salad. Husband has a carpet cleaner and he’s downstairs going to town on the basement carpet, I can’t wait to clean our two chairs in the sitting room! They really need it! Doctor appointment in northern Delaware tomorrow after which I will do my holiday liquor store shopping and maybe hit a few other places. Have a good evening everyone!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good evening, everyone

Cookies came out tasty and it was a blessing to get to contribute. Plus good to get to say hi briefly to my friend who picked them up, too. For me, they are now (that they are too chewy. McDonald's ones every so often work so much better because they are thicker and I can melt them extra in the microwave. This was a treat and one that made me so happy dad really is enjoying. We will
get Pavilion's to bake our favorite sugar cookies for Thanksgiving.

Good job, PollyannaMom! I'm glad you were able to get your appointment booked. Prayers it will go very well for you

Huge hug, Snowysmom. A new, smaller, one level place truly sounds idyllic for dear you. Hopefully it can be near your son. I'm so sorry the evenings there are so very chaotic. That would not make for peaceful rest at all. I am so beyond grateful you do have your family. You will do what feels right for you regarding spending the night. Perhaps you try spending an evening while it's still early. If it becomes too hard you could more easily leave. Please just take care of yourself!

Hug, Easyas and I'm glad you had a warmer afternoon after all the cold out there. I like potato chips, too. I've found Smart and Final brand to be tasty. What I do is take out a portion of chips from the bag before a meal and then put the bag away so it's not out and more easily seen.

We got three days worth of mail today including a separate delivery of a book package. Hopefully we are caught up now and tomorrow will bring what is expected to come.

Keep cozy everyone and have a good night.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

@flyingdumbo127, how is you dad feeling today?

We went on our hike today, about 2 miles. Then it was so nice we ate our lunch on the screened porch.

Just when you think you’ve heard about all the terrible things in the world yeah here a few more and you’re just like what in the hell is wrong with people?

Are you talking about the Baltimore news? The church worker one really hit me, and then the two little kidnapped girls.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you so much Carol for asking. Dad's arm this morning was a bit sore still but nothing like last night. He was able to help bake and more so enjoy eating cookies! He seems just fine. A screened in porch to me or a sun room just sounds fantastic. Glad you have one, my friend to enjoy.

 

[easyas123]

@flyingdumbo127, how is you dad feeling today?

We went on our hike today, about 2 miles. Then it was so nice we ate our lunch on the screened porch.

Are you talking about the Baltimore news? The church worker one really hit me, and then the two little kidnapped girls.

yeah- both those stories just horrid.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I will have to look up those stories. Not that I really want to, but I do like to keep up with the news.

DD got her shot ok. We just barely made it in time for her appt, traffic was extra heavy so even though we left early, the ride was hairy. (As it often is in these parts.) So far she feels ok but arm is sore. We met her bf and went out for dinner to the place where we had the GC. Probably won‘t return, it wasn’t a favorite. But it was nice to get out. DD picked up the rest of the tab since we’d taken her to get her shot. I like that.

Didn’t see DS too, too much this week even with him being home after his trip, between both our work schedules. We did have a little time last night to sit and he told us details about the trip, which was fun. His gf’s mother bought him a nice gift at WDW for being such a great tour guide. It was a boxed set of H20 products. Very thoughtful! Now I won’t see him until the weekend as he’s staying at his gf’s house till then. He has a test coming up next week that is important, any good thoughts sent his way will be appreciated!

Toto had his second bath in two days today as DH thought he found a flea on him as he was scratching. Well not one flea was seen in the tub, lol. And he was not too happy about another bath! DH kept telling him “if this was the hose or the pool you’d be loving it”! But at least now he is super soft and cuddly, and smells extra good! We’d also run our comforter over to the laundromat as it’s big (king size) just in case there were any fleas, but it needed to be washed anyway! (Lynn, I think your laundry habits might be rubbing off on me! )

It was 59 degrees here tonight even after dark. It’s supposed to get cold out overnight, though. Carol (and everyone), did you hear that there is some sort of moon phenomenon tonight? I forget what it’s called, but something that only happens once in a very great while. I just heard about it tonight or I would’ve mentioned it earlier. I think you can see it tonight during the night. Ah, lunar eclipse - I think that’s it.

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/weat...cle_b08979d0-48ae-11ec-ab7c-b30d41dfe4f2.html

Have a good night, Quackers.