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

[AuntieMe3]

Happy Thursday all...

We have a baby...She was born about an hour after I posted yesterday. Teeny, tiny...5 lbs 4oz. 18 1/4 in long. From her pics, her legs are sooo long. She's gonna be a tall girl, I think. They might be able to come home this evening. Looking forward to holding her this weekend.

It was, again, super cold last night. We had a hard freeze warning. I think the temp was in the 20s when I got up at 7a...Brrrr. That is COLD, COLD, COLD even for our area of Southern California.

You guys talking about beach vacations sound heavenly. I never thought I would be a beach vacation kind of person but after our Jan 2020 trip to Cancun with our friends, man oh man, I've changed my mind. It was soo wonderful and I can't wait to do it again. Speaking of cruises, we may be going on one too...the first weekend of April. Just a short 3 day from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. We just want to get away somewhere and DH has great rate offers through one of his credit cards. His birthday is end of March so it could be for his birthday. He agreed to it last week and our friends said they wanted to go but we haven't booked it yet so hopefully I can talk him into it this weekend. I really wanna go.

 

[lynxstch]

@AuntieMe3--Congrats on your new 'granddaughter'!

 

[tazdev3225]

Good afternoon.

Where did the warmth from yesterday go? We hit almost 70 degrees yesterday and tight now it is 34 with snow flurries.

My grandson's basketball team is heading to the championship game against the team they were playing when he was injured. I know it is killing him not to be able to get on the court, but he has faced this adversity better than a lot of grown men would. He knows he has to work hard to get back in shape after surgery, but he also knows he needs to follow the drs. advice and he will be back next year. He still plans on playing 3 sports in high school because he knows that looks better for college. I will go to his games as much as I can and pray he stays safe.

The saga of the house remodel just gets weirder and weirder. The subfloor has been repaired and the joists are in good shape. I know that when houses are built, electrical and plumbing are in the walls and between floors and ceilings. What we cannot figure out is why there are shutoff valves in the CEILING of the basement between the subfloor of the 1st floor. We are not touching them as we are not sure if that can create even bigger issues. That will be addressed when we get to the remodel of the basement, but that just seems weird to put them in a spot that is not accessible. We are nearing the end though so that is a plus.

My grandson also found a completely intact bird skull. No feathers or anything so it had to have been there for awhile but there was also no body!!! Funny story and it may explain the skull. New Years's Day quite a few years ago I was getting ready to head to my aunt's house in South Philly. I always made the meatballs and a carrot cake for the open house. I was preparing the icing for the cake when I noticed my cats playing in the window with what I thought was a ball. It wasn't; it was a bird's head. I of course grabbed the bowl and mixer and ran upstairs. My husband was at his part time job and refused to come home to rescue me. He thought I was a little silly. We never did find the head or for that matter a bird. Maybe the mystery has finally been solved. Now to figure out how they got in under the floor.

Dinner tonight is either tacos or a taco mac and cheese I make. It's really simple I just make the meat as I would for tacos. Add it to pasta with shredded cheddar, some taco sauce and canned tomatoes. When serving I add sour cream and guacamole, plus diced tomatoes and some more shredded cheese. A side of refried beans and we are set. Plus I have leftovers this way for a quick dinner or a lunch.

Have a good rest of the day.

 

[Snowysmom]

@AuntieMe3 Congrats on the new grandbaby.

It is getting colder here, now 26. It was 68 yesterday. Snow tomorrow with around a foot in our area. The trash pickup at my house is now changed to Saturday not Friday as it would be for a holiday week. I have to be at the house early on Saturday to be sure the trash bin is out early. That means my snow plow guy needs to have the driveway plowed by 7 am. Not sure how likely that will be.

We have our family trip to Disney scheduled for Oct. We were trying to rent points. I asked my younger DDIL to handle it as she has good luck. Well, last night we found out we got the point rentals for the 3 rooms. We will be staying at the Polynesian Villas. I hope this trip happens. We had one scheduled for Sep 2020 and we know what happened then. I am cautiously optimistic but not getting too excited yet. I did upgrade my tickets and once everyone has tickets we will do the park reservations. We already have our air booked. I have a room myself but plan to have at least one of my DGDs stay with me. My oldest would love to stay with Nana and if she does, younger DGD will want to also. I plan to go off by myself a bit, one or 2 evenings just to see if I can do it and enjoy it. I see solo trips in my future after this one as my friends don't care for Disney and the family can't come every year which is what Chris and I did. But, my first trip back after losing Chris needs to be with family. And I know Chris will be there with us. He wouldn't miss it.

Have a good rest of the day.

 

[PollyannaMom]

...or a taco mac and cheese I make. It's really simple I just make the meat as I would for tacos. Add it to pasta with shredded cheddar, some taco sauce and canned tomatoes. When serving I add sour cream and guacamole, plus diced tomatoes and some more shredded cheese. A side of refried beans and we are set. Plus I have leftovers this way for a quick dinner or a lunch.

That sounds delicious!!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

God Bless the new baby, AuntieMe3! What's her name?

Continued prayers, dear Taz, for your grandson!

I am truly so happy to read about your scheduled trip, Snowysmom. MUCH prayer it will be fun all-around for all of you!

Still cold here. Looking right now online at Easter baskets or a birthday/Easter basket for Terri. Dollar Tree and the 99 cent only stores really didn't have much, dad said. We both decided Terri is such a wonderful friend that it would mean more to us to get her a nicer basket--a lined one that can be long lasting. I just might get dad a basket, too

FYI is Bed, Bath, and Beyond, through today is offering free shipping on any order. We don't often buy anything from BB&B. We have been trying to find a new small dish drying rack in white. Oh my goodness are these crazy EXPENSIVE in white especially! The mats that go underneath are even more money! We found yesterday on BB&B the rack which ended up being under $10 with dad's 20% off for signing up. The mat will be a little less. A ton better than what other sites are offering!

I hope all of you are having a good afternoon and staying warm!

to all.

 

[Judique]

@AuntieMe3 Congrats on the new grandbaby.

It is getting colder here, now 26. It was 68 yesterday. Snow tomorrow with around a foot in our area. The trash pickup at my house is now changed to Saturday not Friday as it would be for a holiday week. I have to be at the house early on Saturday to be sure the trash bin is out early. That means my snow plow guy needs to have the driveway plowed by 7 am. Not sure how likely that will be.

We have our family trip to Disney scheduled for Oct. We were trying to rent points. I asked my younger DDIL to handle it as she has good luck. Well, last night we found out we got the point rentals for the 3 rooms. We will be staying at the Polynesian Villas. I hope this trip happens. We had one scheduled for Sep 2020 and we know what happened then. I am cautiously optimistic but not getting too excited yet. I did upgrade my tickets and once everyone has tickets we will do the park reservations. We already have our air booked. I have a room myself but plan to have at least one of my DGDs stay with me. My oldest would love to stay with Nana and if she does, younger DGD will want to also. I plan to go off by myself a bit, one or 2 evenings just to see if I can do it and enjoy it. I see solo trips in my future after this one as my friends don't care for Disney and the family can't come every year which is what Chris and I did. But, my first trip back after losing Chris needs to be with family. And I know Chris will be there with us. He wouldn't miss it.

Have a good rest of the day.

Enjoy! The Poly Villas are really nicely renovated with the new murphy beds instead of sofa sleeper. Nicer sleeping.

Also, they have connecting villas if you put a request in. Nothing guaranteed but a nice option if you have a grandchild in your room.

 

[easyas123]

I called to get an appt to look at a dog in a shelter today but never heard back.

I came home this evening to the news that my husband had made an appt. for us, and our dog, to go and meet a dog at our local shelter. A Bloodhound, because you know, we are trying to go smaller....
in truth, he IS smaller. But I was kinda thinking smaller smaller!

Haven't been on vacation since 2018 so I'm ready to go!

Then you should gogogogogogo!!!!!

ravioli

I can't recall the last time I had ravioli.

Costco

I love my Costco, although it's not to close to me. Just shy of a hour, but honestly that isn't to bad for around here. Just got my member check the other day as a matter of fact! Have you ever tried the lobster ravioli they have there? I haven't but I'm tempted to try them sometime, just not sure what kind sauce I would want with them??? maybe just toss them with some butter/fresh garlic & parsley?

We are fortunate to live near the beach and get to walk them or relax on them anytime!

We aren't super far from the beach but it's a very touristy area type beach, which isn't much of my thing. I like a nice empty beach though. Sun, waves, a good book and no one else!

We're going on a cruise in March for the first time since 2009... man the process has certainly changed.

We were supposed to go in March, but changed to December (again...ugh) . At this point I'm going come hell or high water! I didn't want to change it from March, but it needed to be changed-

We have a baby

Congrats!

We were trying to rent points. I asked my younger DDIL to handle it as she has good luck. Well, last night we found out we got the point rentals for the 3 rooms. We will be staying at the Polynesian Villas.

We rent points, too. Always a good deal...only place we haven't stayed yet is Riviera, Poly and Grand Floridian. Haven't tried for Riviera yet, but we tend to go a bit last minute so haven't snagged a Poly room or GF room yet as they haven't been available when I booked. We usually book studios - it's just the 2 of us - and they seem to go fast in some cases.

Had a meeting today, had to yell at some people (my specialty) and did a few things around the office this morning . Tomorrow I've got some paperwork to take care of, and some travel arrangements to make for a work trip next month - I've shanghaied my youngest brother to go with me and attend some of the meetings-so I need to book his flights to match mine. Husband made us an appt. after lunch to go look at a dog mid afternoon, and then back to the office to finish up unfinished paperwork.

A quiet evening here. Taking a quick break from the news to watching a episode of Idiot Abroad (if you like British comedians dry humor, you might like) before catching some more news before bed. Trying to stay up till 9 - we are both done in.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Pea and Easyas, good wishes and thank you both again for all you do for canine friends.

No basket yet. We have time. More important that I do my best to get a to-be-gotten basket filled.

Have a good and warm evening everyone.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@AuntieMe3 Congrats on the new grand baby. That’s wonderful!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Got my grocery shopping done, chocolate mint brownies made and frosted, shower gifts wrapped, and dining table extended with tablecloth on. DB, SIL, DD, and her family all coming for dinner after the shower. I already made chicken BBQ for sandwiches and will make broccoli salad tomorrow.

Dinner was spaghetti and salad.

Dinner tonight is either tacos or a taco mac and cheese

I haven't made tacos in a while but bought ingredients today.


@AuntieMe3, YAY for a new grandbaby.

What's her name?

I wondered too.

We aren't super far from the beach but it's a very touristy area type beach, which isn't much of my thing. I like a nice empty beach though. Sun, waves, a good book and no one else!

Do you ever go to Cape Henlopen? Not as bad as Ocean City but more crowded than OBX and Sanibel. DS has been to Terrapin Park on Kent Island on the bay but they do not allow umbrellas.

Good night everyone.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Judique We are looking forward to staying at the Polynesian. Younger DS told me about the murphy beds. I linked my res, updated my tickets, and now ready to do park res. The kids have to get their stuff going now. I will have to help older DS with everything as he has not been to Disney since 2007. He has a steep learning curve!

Good morning. Snowing here now. 8-12 inches of snow expected. I feel bad for older DS as he has to go to work and then come home and snowblow the driveway. Hopefully today is a quieter day for him. I am sure some patients will be canceling appts.

Time to make the much needed coffee and get ready to work. Have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. @SnowsyMom--sorry you are getting so much snow. Glad that what we are getting is just rain..a lot of it, but just rain. Temp is 36 so it's not snow or freezing at least!

I didn't sleep well last nite, took me forever to fall asleep, and then woke up a few times. Not sure why, but will need a nap today.

Good luck to those of you trying to get another dog (furbaby) for your families

Have a nice day all

 

[lynxstch]

Someone sent me this a little while ago..nothing against any men who might be on this thread (are there any?) but it made me crack up!

 

[easyas123]

Good morning everyone.

No basket yet

Have you tried Michaels, our local one has tons of baskets at the moment, so does the Home Goods.

Do you ever go to Cape Henlopen?

I've been a couple of times, and my husband and the boys used to spend a lot of time at Slaughter , Prime Hook & Bowers Beach when we had a DE beach tag, they'd go overnight and fish. I guess I'm more of a wake up, grab a cup of coffee and walk out the door to a fairly deserted beach type haha Hope the baby shower is a great success this weekend!

Good morning. Snowing here now. 8-12 inches of snow expected.

I'll trade you, we'll be at 50 this afternoon. I could do with one more good snow! Hope things are going well with the house prep as you get ready to list it. Sounds like a fall Disney trip will be a lot of fun for everyone -and something fun to look forward to.

Glad that what we are getting is just rain..a lot of it, but just rain. Temp is 36 so it's not snow or freezing at least!

All the branches on the buses & trees are ice covered here, but roads okay, no issue driving into the office. It's going to be 50 here later today, so it will soon be gone. We didn't get a whole lot of precipitation but just enough heavy mist to ice things over. It was actually kind of pretty to see this morning.

I've got to get to some paperwork I've long put off, and I'm trying to keep my ear on the international news so I'll talk to you all later on-

 

[easyas123]

Just wanted to pop in and share this link, Snowy Owl not to far from us is causing quite the stir. Thought you bird watchers would like it -

https://www.myeasternshoremd.com/do...cle_66a91ec2-6b40-5d64-a8ce-53a2161868c1.html

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Friday!

I work all weekend so not much of a break for me. Oh well, at least I'm off next weekend. One of our county parks is having an all you can eat pancake breakfast with syrup from the trees in the park. I asked my kids if they would like to go, waiting to hear back from them. I also might run up to the outlet stores (about 45 minutes north of Cinti), I think I need a new pair of gymshoes since I've had mine for over a year so they are losing their heel cushion. I like the Asics brand and there's an outlet store up there.

AuntieMe3 - congratulations on the new grandbaby. I'm sure she will get a lot of snuggles this weekend.

Snowysmom - I hope your trip doesn't get cancelled, sounds like it would be a great time. I've never rented points before, not really sure how it all works and if I'm really getting a good deal. I would love to stay at the nicer resorts though. I stayed at the Beach Club once and it was wonderful.

Meeting my friend for lunch today, just going to Chipotle, nothing fancy. We try to meet every couple of months to catch up.

Working from home today so I'm trying to get the laundry and cleaning done since I work this weekend. I clean a little bit then run back and check my computer to see if there was anything new for me that I need to take care of for work, then back to clean something else. At least I can work from home during the week and still get things done around the house.

Have a great day and weekend.

 

[Judique]

Just wanted to pop in and share this link, Snowy Owl not to far from us is causing quite the stir. Thought you bird watchers would like it -

https://www.myeasternshoremd.com/do...cle_66a91ec2-6b40-5d64-a8ce-53a2161868c1.html

Thank you so much! I probably won't get over there as things are going to be busy here as DD is out of the country and I will have the girls this weekend. I've been fortunate to see a snowy owl way back but it's been forever.

We rent points, too. Always a good deal...only place we haven't stayed yet is Riviera, Poly and Grand Floridian. Haven't tried for Riviera yet, but we tend to go a bit last minute so haven't snagged a Poly room or GF room yet as they haven't been available when I booked. We usually book studios - it's just the 2 of us - and they seem to go fast in some cases.

I booked a night at the Riviera complete with Topolino's character breakfast with the girls just after it opened and then couldn't take the girls because it conflicted with a parent's plan. Not easy to put that together again.

I've stayed at Poly and Grand and love both villas, worth it for me. Had the lake view and could see the castle and fireworks from the Grand, and from the Poly but so far away at the Poly. Poly was my first ever Disney love and where I always stayed prior to buying DVC. If you get a chance, try a one bedroom somewhere - it's hard to go back to studios after having the convenience and space. I still book a mixture of rooms depending on points I have and who is going, but I have had a one bedroom just for me on occasion.

Do you ever go to Cape Henlopen? Not as bad as Ocean City but more crowded than OBX and Sanibel. DS has been to Terrapin Park on Kent Island on the bay but they do not allow umbrellas.

I know you were asking easyas123 but I'll chime in. I've never been but there is a new Hyatt House opening close to Henlopen in Lewes/Rehoboth and I've booked one night there before the airshow in June. Then I move south to the Country Inn and Suites and the other Hyatt in Ocean City. Couldn't get nights all in a row for free (points) at the others so I'm traveling light. I wouldn't be going at all if it weren't for free nights and points. But I'll be walking the beach there at sunrise the next morning, rain or shine.

@Judique We are looking forward to staying at the Polynesian. Younger DS told me about the murphy beds. I linked my res, updated my tickets, and now ready to do park res. The kids have to get their stuff going now. I will have to help older DS with everything as he has not been to Disney since 2007. He has a steep learning curve!

The Poly is one place I enjoy ground floor rooms. Most people don't so I'm not trying to encourage anyone to jump on this. I get enjoyment from a lot of 'little' things - like walking to the beach in the morning, watching (not feeding) the ducks in the morning and watching other birds. The Bungalows are blocking it now, plus no one goes in the water anymore, for good reason. But I'm the one with the toddler starting 28 years ago who would sit in the sand there and walk her in the shallow water. Totally oblivious to the lurking danger. Everybody is informed now, but it wasn't just me.

Another small pleasure for me are the scents - the flowers, gardenia especially and the fire from the torches. I revel in these small things. And the music, low and soothing.

 

[easyas123]

If you get a chance, try a one bedroom somewhere - it's hard to go back to studios after having the convenience and space. I still book a mixture of rooms depending on points I have and who is going, but I have had a one bedroom just for me on occasion.

Last time we stayed at SSR we were comped up from a standard studio to a preferred location/view 2 bedroom and we knew we were ruined! We've pretty much decided it's time for us to start booking 1 bedrooms when they are available. Our issue is we are often last minute travelers!

 

[Judique]

This morning I've been cleaning and I was out in the van trying to find all the toy parts before it goes to the shop. After removing the car seats and going under the middle seats I had a Barbie, Squeekie Mini, several books and loads of teeny Barbie accessories. Then I was able to use the built in vacuum to sort of clean the floor of the cheetos, chips, old french fries, and other dirt. I love that little dustbuster type vacuum! I did use it during our trip but sort of abandoned the van once I got home. But it's going for an oil change and a 'wellness' check up and I don't want my shop to think we are trashy!

My son in law asked to borrow it next weekend so I also want to make sure that mechanically it's doing well, which I think it is but we did take it to HH a month ago.

Also finally started on the enormous pile of laundry I've been ignoring by putting it in the basement with the washer and dryer. I did start a load a few days ago and 'forgot' it, so I'm setting my timer on my phone so I don't get amnesia today.

This reminds me I have to put fresh linens on the little bedroom's bed. The girls will be coming and although they are the only ones that slept in there, that also was a month ago. Last week I got a set of full sized flannel sheets for 9.97 at Costco on clearance and was going to save them for next year, but why not enjoy them starting now. Need to wash and dry them first also.