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

[footballmouse]

Happy Friday .

Well it's round 3 of the winter storm. Today is the snow phase. The ice and sleet was pretty bad yesterday. Ds3 tried to go to work this morning but couldn't get in to the parking lot. He said the snow/ice was piled up pretty high at the entrance, I guess the snow plows just kept piling it up. Ds2 tried to go to work also this morning but got stuck on a main road. Some guy stopped and pushed him out. He ended up turning around and going back home.

Dogs are having fun going outside, they figured out that I'm not going out with them to play.

Sounds like my water is ready for my tea and I have some laundry to start on so I thing I will say have a good day and hop off.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Unfortunately, life is throwing some of the rainy day into our basement bulkhead.

There must be a broken spot in the flashing, and the snow is melting too fast to sink into the dirt. So there's a huge puddle on the cement under the wooden stairs. There's a decent lip, so it shouldn't come into the finished part of the basement, but we've removed the snow all around the bulkhead to slow it down, and DH got the shop vac out.

Work from home benefit - he only heard the drip because he goes past that door to get to his "office" - otherwise, we probably wouldn't have even realized it!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good rainy afternoon. 45 outside so no snow but could freeze tonight.

Spending the day in the basement going through file cabinets and throwing stuff out. I have my stuff and my parents. DH has his, his parents, and business. So much is obsolete. But some is reliving memories too. I found the receipt for DD high school ring.

@flyingdumbo127, for your dad. Wish I was savvy enough to be able to add "Mona's" between the birthday and the dad.


Going to fix lunch. DH is eating left over pizza from Wednesday, which was good but too many points.

Another QOTD Do you play Wordle?

I do and am glad it is only one a day. I only post my score to a Facebook closed group.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Another QOTD Do you play Wordle?

I do and am glad it is only one a day.

I love Wordle and I feel the same way! - I would spend waaaaaay too much time on it if it was unlimited play.

I enjoy playing every day, though, and DH and I have a friendly competition going.

We have a thread here on the DIS, too!

 

[dazedx3]

QOTD I just played it for the first time, fun! Got it on the 4th try. I will probably play as long as it is free.

Dinner at my sister's was a lot of fun, we played a weird rummy game and dominoes. Lots of laughs at each other and the silly mistakes we make. We are all getting older so the mistakes came quite regularly.

Happy Birthday!!!to Flyingdumbo's Dad!!! Hope you both enjoy the day!

footballmouse--Your weather sounds miserable, stay safe!

BreezyCarol-- Love the poem, very comforting. Thanks for sharing!

tazdev-- very smart choice for your Granddaughter!

Kirby-- I hope your trees do not have too much damage. Crazy weather.

 

[Snowysmom]

Wordle is the craze at work. Everyone is playing it. I may have to try it sometime.

@PollyannaMom I hope you don't get much water in. This weather is just crazy.

It goes back and forth between rain, sleet, and snow. It is just a mess. DDIL went out and said the main roads are fine, treated and just wet. Schools were canceled for all the grandkids here and near Boston.

God bless my younger DS. He tries so hard to help me feel better and look at things differently. I told him I needed a sign from Chris that he agrees with selling the house and getting a condo. DS texted back that he hopes I get a sign and that Dad would want me to be comfortable and happy and since the house does not give me happiness Dad would be supportive. I think this is my sign.

Mona How is your Dad's birthday? I hope he is having a good day and I am sure your surprise was terrific for him.

 

[Judique]

Thanks everyone. My mom of course looked down on the news. Community Colleges are beneath her. I went to the same one as Crystal will attend when I was a bit older. I was quite happy with the education I received. This will give her a start and save so much money. I priced the difference between CCP and Temple University and for the same 1st two years of basic courses she will save at least $30,000. That just makes sense financially. She has a good head on her shoulders, she will save money and she can take the time to decide her future. I am one very proud grandmother right now.

I'd say community college may be a waste of time if you have a very high SAT score and a full ride to a prestigious college, but if you are looking at paying most of your own way, then CC is a great advantage.

Two of my kids started with CC and the other one went to a Boston school, with a 50% scholarship. The other 2 also had offers and completed 4 years in a combo of ways, including study abroad. None have any remaining student loans, and I didn't go broke supporting them.

Some CC's here in Maryland have partnerships with local institutions such as Georgetown, American, GW and several others. The student follows a prescribed course load and if successful gets a sort of automatic admission to the partner school where their credits are accepted. It's been a while since I went through this process with my kids so I don't remember all the parameters. It's sort of an honor course load at CC, assuming they still have the programs.

And, if truth be told, I sometimes wish my kids had gone into plumbing, electrical or automotive repair.

I, myself returned to school in my early 40ties to learn how to use a computer. It wasn't quite so intuitive back then and most adults did not have home computers, and cellphones were not mini computers . I was the only one in my office who knew anything once I finished my evening course. I went from using the IBM Selectric to being able to do spreadsheets in windows. And back to the stone ages - I learned to type on a manual typewriter. Yikes! Just thinking of this progression is amazing.

Best of luck to Crystal! Take pride in her future!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

And back to the stone ages - I learned to type on a manual typewriter.

Talk about stone ages. I used a slide rule in math. It wasn't until college that calculators started to became available to everyone but we were not allowed to use on tests.

 

[Judique]

Talk about stone ages. I used a slide rule in math. It wasn't until college that calculators started to became available to everyone but we were not allowed to use on tests.

Lol!! Me to!! And yes, no calculators on tests. Had to show your work.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

big to all of you! Thank you so much for all your fun and clever birthday wishes and pictures for my dad. I reminded him earlier about my Quacker family and how blessed, how very blessed I truly am that God has made us a family. I'll share some pictures later or tomorrow. What a precious gift from the good Lord today has been. Dad was just thrilled with his big surprise! One binder turned into 4! He was so touched by all the good wishes, love, and cheer, from across the country. Thank you all with all my heart. I do, as I often say, thank God daily for all of you, as well.

Yesterday, I did spend the day, creating a forever memory binder for him. I found Google postcard images of states I needed and dad picked up pictures of them for me at CVS. I pasted onto different colors of cardstock paper 2 states each (such as CA and DE) and then underneath each state, I wrote a label saying who sent him a puzzle from what town. He so enjoyed just looking at each puzzle to see where and who it was from.

Many prayers all of you are staying WARM, WELL, and also having a good day, too. I will catch up more specifically later or tomorrow. Big Taz, to your DGD! I love the poem, Carol, thank you for sharing that.

QOTD is so fitting! Dad asked me just yesterday if I ever heard of Wordle! I'll have to try it out


Have a great afternoon!

 

[Snowysmom]

I just did wordle for the first time. I got it in 4. I can see where this would be addictive.

 

[lynxstch]

QOTD: Nope, never played it. Now I guess I have to go see what it's all about so I can see how many tries it takes me. The rain stopped, the sun came out, and melted a lot more snow. But now the temps are dropping,,down to 17 overnite, and a high of 25 tomorrw. Glad we don't have to go anywhere.

I am a little ticked. I got my medicare summary today,,and going over it, all 24 pages from the 12 days I was in the hospital, I saw a Dr's name that they were explicitly told to not let go anywhere near my case. It's the Dr who almost killed Mr L 2x almost 6 years ago. ( he did actually 'die' 2x and had to be brought back both times). When I got to the ER with my stepdaughter that day, I made sure to tell every single person who I came in contact with that he was not to be allowed on my case,,at all. I was assured by the nurses and Drs in the ER and also on each floor I was transferred to. I also mentioned it to the other cardiologists who work in that office when they came in to talk to me. They all know the story, so it was no surprise. Stepdaughter had also stopped at the Er and nurses desks on her way out of there to reiterate it. Nurse said it's on her chart, and on her records.. I saw it with my own eyes so I know that to be true. So I want to know why he was the one who read my EKGs and billed medicare/insurance for it. There are at least 5 other cardiologists in that office, so there was no reason they got to him to be read. I have an appt on Monday with the Dr who did all my procedures, and I am going to ask him to speak to the other Dr and tell him if my files come across his desk again, to hand them to someone else. I am also going to file a complaint with the patient advocate.

Off to fix dinner..beer battered fish filets, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.
Have a nice nite all--Mona I am so glad your Dad loved the binders you made him..I know they were made with love!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Afternoon bump to say Good Evening with love to most of you friends. I do pray you're having a good Friday.

Lynn and good for you! How scary and horrible an experience. Thank God, Mr. L was okay! Yikes Thank you so much, my friend. He really did. I am going to take some pictures shortly and will either post later or tomorrow.

 

[Kirby]

QOTD Do you play Wordle?
No, I'm not fond of word games.

The sun came out today and began melting all the ice. We'll wake up to temps in the teens tomorrow but it will rise up to the 40's. Looks like we only have the two branches to take down. Everything else is good.

I didn't do a lot today except vacuum. DD cooked breakfast and dinner. She made bacon, biscuits and gravy for breakfast. The she fixed grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for dinner.

I need to start trying to get to bed earlier, not successful tonight but it is earlier than it has been if you can call 11:00 pm early.

Happy Birthday to your dad Mona! So glad he is enjoying his puzzle book.

 

[Judique]

This morning's pic of the Great Horned Owl in the eagle's nest:



I need to make a plan to go to the Refuge soon. But I also need to dodge the storms! Don't want to be gone during any weather event.

And in mostly final dishwasher news, it's installed and works wonderfully! The electrician had come on Monday and then I was scheduled for final installation again on Thursday morning. On Wednesday the company called and wanted to switch my appointment. I was pretty annoyed so said no.

The CS on the phone put me on hold and came back saying she couldn't reach whoever she was trying to contact. I said, don't bother, just send me the paper and I'll sign off on it. I'm not going to tie up 4 more hours for someone to come plug in the dishwasher and screw in the two screws that hold it to my granite counter top. The granite people or the previous installer of the other dishwasher had installed some kind of receptors for screws which made it really easy.

After several calls, I told them I was done. Then I got a call from their billing office. I stopped the woman and explained I was willing to sign off. She said, would you text us a picture of the serial # and model #, and we can be done if you are satisfied. Of course!

So, I plugged it in, raised the legs to meet the screws, screwed in the screws and pulled the slack through on the water line and drain hose and attached the kick plate. This isn't rocket science 'if' everything is already existing and lines up properly. Mine is seamless. However, warranties can be voided for improper installation. But once I submitted the text and picture, that is covered and all is properly installed.

Ran my first load and it is almost silent!

Then, later, clearing out my email there was a marketing email from Costco regarding appliances on sale. Checked and my dishwasher was on sale!!!! I emailed for a price adjustment of $170!!! Hopefully it will apply. In any case I am happy to have my kitchen back in order.

Another plus to this whole saga: each day I have been deep cleaning a section of my kitchen, so my spring cleaning is almost done, very early this year but it feels great! I still have to have someone else do my ceiling and my ceiling fans as I can't do that height without possible dizziness and falling. And I want to move the pot rack. Need someone to do overhead drilling/installing of two hooks and anchors. Again, dizziness stops me.

I'm also going shopping for new cabinets and doors and possibly redoing one side. One side is white cabinets with granite. The other side is a bank of wood cabinets with a dining in area. That can stay as can my countertop, appliances and faucet. No guarantee I will actually follow through but sometimes shopping is fun! I may go and check out what the Amish have at their store in Southern Maryland.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning. Everything that was puddles yesterday morning,,then mud yesterday afternoon, is now frozen. Temp will only go to 27 today.

@Judique,,whoo hoo that your dishwasher is finally in and working well! I hope Costco gives you a price adjustment!

Already stripped and remade the bed, washed the sheets, have a load of regular laundry in now. Fed the cats, did a few dishes and have a batch of blueberry muffins in the oven now. Smells good in here! I have been craving them lately, but refuse to pay more than $1 each for one at the store.

Have a nice morning all

 

[PollyannaMom]

Already stripped and remade the bed, washed the sheets, have a load of regular laundry in now. Fed the cats, did a few dishes and have a batch of blueberry muffins in the oven now. Smells good in here!

I am in awe, as usual, of your level of household ambition.

 

[Judique]

Ordered Chewy on Thursday. Got the email and it says arrival next Thursday, February 10. A whole week! Tracking says it's coming from Phoenix, Arizona. Ordered mostly cat food and a 6 pack of dog food to try. $114.

Now I have to go out and buy some because I don't have enough canned on hand to get to Thursday. No cat will go hungry.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning

I've attached a lot of pictures from yesterday to give you an idea of the truly Blessed day God gave my dad and I. I know the 4 binders themselves aren't in any of the pictures. I will try later to fix that. I am a very private lady and don't care to post publicly any picture of me. I'm on the first album cover in part so I'll cover that up and post the rest. There were 4 albums. The first album has 25 pages of 2 state postcard each. Under each state, I made a label sharing who contributed a puzzle and in what town. At the end of that binder, I added in a few pages of notes people sent to me that I thought dad would enjoy reading. Binders 2-4 are all the puzzles! LOL, I sure learned my 50 states in alphabetical order during this project. Alabama to Wyoming and in between. I made dividers and tabs for 2 states each and tried my best to indicate on each puzzle who sent it and from where. I truly was so blessed to be able to do this for my dad. It was a work of heart for sure and I am glad he can now just enjoy it all. He said he won't need any new puzzles forever!

Today we're going to put together his teddy bear puzzle. I'll take its picture later. Cherish time with family and friends, dear Quackers. It is precious and always remember God is Present at the head of any celebration and made it possible. He indeed is sure my Treasure always. I am so grateful, so very grateful to Him for everything and everyone He has blessed me with knowing and that always includes all of dear you. I so look forward to our meet one day!

Prayers all of you are warmer this Saturday and have some fun, too. I will check in later.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good afternoon.

Mona, very nice! Thanks for the photos. The table with wrapped gifts looked very festive. I can see that a lot of work went into your gift project.

Not much today. 29 and sunny. Too cold for outside things.

The rug we ordered Thursday arrived today. That was fast. DH working on some things in the basement and I am working on file cabinets. Also changed the towels and have them in the wash. Disinfecting the humidifier which is supposed to be done once a week.

Dinner tonight will be left over meatloaf.