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

[Snowysmom]

Pictures of Toto are so cute and heartwarming. He just looks so sweet. The dinner looks great too.

The condo visit went well. DS loved it as well as my friend. She said that if she had it to do over again she would do a one floor condo. She has a town house. The good things are top floor, good use of space, newer place built in 2015, and nice view out the windows. Plus a big walk in shower with room for a seat. The heated garage parking area is nice. I know it would take care of me for life as I would not have the stairs issue. And if I want to walk up stairs there are stairs in the building in addition to the elevator. Taxes in the town are higher than surrounding towns which isn't great but it is not astronomical. My friend met an old friend of hers who lives in the building. Her friend goes to open houses just to look. She has been in the building for 5 years and likes it. She really likes the walking trails around the complex. Tomorrow the 4 of us go to a town house condo the next town over from me. Chris and I always said we should live in this town as we spent alot of our time there. I want to be able to go to our old haunts in this town. The condo I saw today is 2 towns over in the opposite direction. I could still go to our old places but it would just take more driving time. That should not affect my decision but I do think about it. They do have alot of rules and regulations even regarding Christmas trees and that every window treatment needs to show white to the outside. Just 2 of the ones that bug me. I am becoming a bit of a rebel in my older age so I find rule and regulations to be a bit much. But I know condo complexes will have those. I just have to figure out what I can live with and what I can't.

I picked up my quilt and pillows today as I was in that town looking at the condo. The quilt and pillows are even more lovely in person. I can really see the stars and planets in the stitching. I put a dedication on the back of the quilt which she sewed on. I am glad she suggested that. Tonight I will be sleeping with the pillows around me and quilt over me.

@Pea-n-Me Your BIL was probably dropping by to say hi. My DS's MIL said Chris visited her and he looked happy. I think he visited her because she would tell us and she is very faith oriented. Actually she told DDIL who told DS who told me. I guess Chris figured out I would hear about it. He visits me in different ways.

 

[lynxstch]

@Snowysmom--glad you liked the condo today..and that is so nice that Chris also 'visits' your DS MIL--he's keeping tabs on you personally and through other people!

We had nutty weather. It was sunny..then all of a sudden it was a blizzard,,then the sun came out and has been out since. Temp is down to 39, but only going down to 30 tonite. One of my Sister in Laws stopped by with a wedding shower invitation for me. She had called me earlier to ask if I was going..I had no clue what she was talking about. I hadn't gotten any invitation in the mail, which she said she sent about a month ago. Good old USPS strikes again. One of Mr L's annuity tax form thing showed up the other day, after we had filed and already gotten our refunds back. We had all the info from last year,,and the amounts we were getting, so we just put those. I asked the carrier..she said she thinks a substitute carrier was misplacing mail. She's had a lot of complaints and found mail belonging to other people in boxes they didn't go in. I was missing a pkg again, and had someone else's mail in our box today. I am calling on Monday and complaining again. The substitute carrier is as bad as the paper carrier. We got our morning paper at 11 am today.

I did more laundry, washed bedspreads, curtains, etc. Am trying a baked pasta dinner tonite, using uncooked pasta. It said 25 minutes, then put cheese for 10 more min..that the pasta should be al dente..hate to tell them, but at 25 min the pasta is still almost hard. I put it on for another 20 minutes and will check it then.

Did my long hot bath, my hair, my nails, and got into comfy pjs. Fed all the cats inside and outside, and am going to do nothing the rest of the night

Enjoy your evening everyone

 

[Breezy_Carol]

So 65 does seem young, but it’s really not.

Hey! Watch your mouth. But I agree. At 69 now, if/when we move definitely one floor.

She really likes the walking trails

I think the trails really fit your life style.

We had a very nice dinner out last night. This morning we drove to Baltimore to visit Marty, and his parents. DH and I each got to hold him. We took turns in his room and I had a nice chat with DDIL while we were in the waiting room. Then all for of us went to the snack bar type place because DS and DDIL wanted ice cream sandwiches. Marty will be there until at least Monday. DDIL is getting frustrated because non-preemies don't have to pass this test to go home.

We drove from the hospital to our favorite Amish furniture store in PA and ordered rocking chairs for the screened porch. Cold front really blew through while we were there and there were some snow flakes mixed in. Dinner is TBD but I think CFA is the front runner.


DH holding Marty.

 

[Snowysmom]

So 65 does seem young, but it’s really not.

I have to agree with Carol. I am actually 66 feel younger, or at least I did until Chris passed. If I am with the grandkids I can feel younger. I understand about one floor living once we get into our 60s as you never know what will happen. I am the poster child for that. I was nice that your mom had an in law to live in. That makes it easy for all and she had a separate place to call home. I am seriously considering making an offer on this condo. I need to see the other one first. Alot of people did see the condo so I suspect there will be alot of offers so I have to go in with my best. Younger DS and I have discussed the offer strategy.

Carol The picture of Marty is adorable. It sounds like you had a nice visit.

Have a good evening.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I am truly thankful you do have one good option already, Snowysmom. I love how Lynn said Chris is keeping tabs on you, sometimes even through others. I thanked God again just last night for His continued extra Grace in making sure you know His angel Chris is forever with you.

Hug, Carol. I can only imagine that your DDIL is frustrated. Marty will get there, he really will. I'm so glad you got to see him again

Wow that is crazy weather, Lynn, eek. I am extra glad (I hope anyway) that you did stay home today!

God-willing when dad and I get to move we both would only ever want single floor living and on a first floor unless there were an elevator. That's something I do enjoy about HGTV shows, getting to see different layouts of places even though they are all houses and not apartments or condos. Fun to think about new place ideals.

Extra grateful today that you, Snowysmom have that good option, dad got two magazines in the mail this afternoon, and for a new month, even more into Spring ahead this next week.

Love to all and good evening.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Oh, yikes! I didn’t mean to insult! I just meant that it’s a good age to start thinking about those sorts of things. My DH and sibs are in that age range, too, so it’s something I think about myself if we decide to buy something different in the future. You know I also take care of patients and (hate to say it, but) that’s around the age that there starts to be problems for many people, and they can sneak up on us pretty quickly! It’s nice to be prepared even though none of us wants to think about those sorts of things. At any rate, glad to hear you’re making an offer, Snowysmom!

 

[Snowysmom]

@flyingdumbo127 Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. It does help alot.

@lynxstch Chris does let me know he is with me which is so soothing and loving. What crazy weather. March can sometimes be so crazy with weather. I hope you had a nice relaxing evening last night.

I am off to another condo today, a town house. I like the town it is in so we shall see how it goes.

Have a nice Sunday.

 

[lynxstch]

Good cold morning. 33 now, going to a high of 36. There are snow flurries flying around outside, and it looks weird, the grass is already getting tall enough to mow, the trees are all budding..and snow flurries landing on everything. The grass is so nice and green!

No plans for the day. Just going to relax and do no cleaning, I need a break.

More seedlings coming up, I either planted some too keep and it's taking them longer, or some of my saved heirloom seeds are too old. I should have more than enough to plant with what has come up already though.

Have a nice morning all..

 

[Snowysmom]

@Pea-n-Me No offense taken. You are kind and caring and have seen alot in your work. Chris is a perfect example of health issues cropping up in the 60's. My older DS is a physician and sees much younger people come in with serious health issues. I am just blessed at this point to be in fairly good health. Having my knees replaced made life alot easier. I take nothing for granted. I appreciate your viewpoint as always.

After I look at the condo today I will decide which one to make an offer on. I have a feeling DS, DDIL, and my friend are going with the one floor living. My only issue is the town it is in. I worked in that town for 5 years in the library so I know about the town a bit. But, I have to realize that it is different when you are older and have different needs from when raising a family. Chris did like the town and said he would live there if the taxes were not so high. The town I am looking in today is one that Chris and I did almost everything in: shopping, dining out, and it was right next door to our town. It kind of has my heart. But the condo may not so we shall see. As Chris said, time for new, new routines, new places.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning, although it still feels like it could be both much earlier and later. Overcast and cool this morning. I was most grateful for extra sleep this morning.

Hug, Snowysmom, I am always here for you, my friend and so is the rest of your Quacker family. I am thinking one floor condo may work best for you, too. Prayers today brings you a peaceful choice.

Hooray, Lynn, to read you wrote you need a break. About time! Enjoy!

Have a good Sunday all. Will check back later.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good afternoon.

Cold and windy. No outdoor activities today.

DD and family are coming over today just to visit. They, and the dog, like our larger yard but I said it was too cold for me. We have the basement with kid thing around in addition to the pool table so may end up down there. I volunteered to make beef stew but DD said they've had it twice recently so she volunteered chicken fajitas. It will be a joint project.

Church this morning. It was nice. DH and I placed the flowers on the altar in praise of Marty. There was a guest soloist who was very good. Did a few errands on the way home now in for the day.

@Snowysmom, I hope your condo decision becomes clear to you.

 

[Snowysmom]

I am back from condo hunting. I looked at 3 town houses, 2 in one complex and one in a complex way too far north for me. I liked one of the town houses in the first complex. However, I am going to put in an offer on the one floor condo. It is just so nice, the location is good, it is not just 55+, I like the walking trails, and it does speak to me. Plus when I travel it is easy to leave and easy to come back to. My DS said that a condo like this will not come up again for a long time. It is top floor and has a touch of luxury that I am not used to. It is not extravagant, just nice touches and newer having been built in 2015. If I did not have this one to offer on I would put in an offer on one of the town houses I saw today. However, that one did have a landscaping company just across the parking area so it would be noisy in the AM. My DS also told me that this particular complex is large and would most likely have more units come up in case my offer is not enough for the one floor condo. Now to text my agent to tell him I want to put in an offer.

 

[lynxstch]

@Snowysmom--good luck on the condo offer!

 

[Kirby]

Hi everyone, good Sunday afternoon. I took a break from the DIS for awhile, I've dropped in from time to time to see how everyone was.

My SIL's death has been hard for me. We got along so well, started our SIL yearly trips 10 years ago and I used to go down to spend the first weekend in December each year. We would go to Fredericksburg, which is about an hour from her house, to shop, antique, eat and just spend time together. I don't know how many years we did that. We're going to San Antonio next weekend for her funeral mass and expect to travel to Nebraska in September for her burial.

The last five weeks have been stressful also in regards to DD. She and her ex had their 2nd mediation the end of February. His attorney did not show so he signed a waiver and represented himself. He was not willing to compromise on anything, wanted DD to do all the giving. They spent all day on zoom and the mediator was very unhappy with the two of them.

The second week of March a court liaison was appointed to represent the kids. She me met with DD a week later. DD felt real good after the meeting. Then the liaison met with her ex. I won't go into detail on what transpired but the gist is that her ex texted her and we're pretty positive that he did not tell the liaison what actually was said. DD ended up bending over backwards for her ex in regards to the kids and he got his way. But, according to DD's attorney, all is well and good for DD and she is back in good graces with the liaison.

DD's court hearing last Wednesday was postponed and now we are in limbo again. I feel like I have been run through a wringer. I just want to go away and not come back sometimes.

Snowy, I'm glad to see that you have found a place you like. Hope it works out for you.

It's in the 80's today and sunny. I hope that we get a Spring. My Bluebonnets are starting to bloom and my daffodils came up two months late during Spring Break. My Easter Lilies are just barely poking through. Redbuds are blooming and so are the Bradford Pears. Good reasons to smile.

Lunch/dinner will be grilled chicken, mac/cheese and a Taylor Farms Guacamole Crunch salad.

 

[Judique]

Lunch/dinner will be grilled chicken, mac/cheese and a Taylor Farms Guacamole Crunch salad.

Sounds great! We have no food planned. DD cooked chicken parm and spaghetti last night. I'm getting hungry. Time to go prod her a bit. Lately I don't ever feel like cooking.

Huggs Kirby, on missing your SIL and your daughter's troubles. Makes me appreciate my ex. He put the kids first and did everything he could to make it easier for me to raise them almost single handed while he served.

 

[Judique]

So dinner is going to be from a box. Costco sells Realgood brand chicken filled with cheese and Sam's sells it filled with spinach and artichoke. We are having both tonight, probably with rice and whatever veggie jumps out of it's box. Or bag. I have some strawberries I have to clean and will maybe do something with them like a bit of brandy and cream.

 

[Snowysmom]

Kirby Sending thoughts and prayers to you on missing your SIL. It is nice you had such a good relationship with her. I hope everything goes well for your DD. It is so tough when there is an ex who is not thinking of anyone but himself.

It is getting much colder here. It is supposed to be in the 20s tonight with wind. Tomorrow the temps will be around 30. Typical March in New England.

Have a nice evening.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Kirby, big-time. You remain in my prayers as does the rest of your family especially the kiddos.

Snowysmom, I truly am so thankful and happy to have read your update. Praise God! Much prayer your offer is quickly and easily accepted, my friend.

Carol, I still need to watch church but as always look forward to doing so.

I spent a couple hours this afternoon going through STUFF. Yikes. I have a closet in the bedroom with 4 deep shelves. Two of the shelves are higher up and harder to access. Dad and I have been using parts of the to lower shelves for extra storage. One of those shelves in particular had become a disaster, which had bothered me for quite a while because being organized and knowing what we have and that it is being used is important to me. We fixed that and made a lot more room

Have a good evening, everyone

 

[tazdev3225]

Good evening everyone.

@Snowysmom - Hope you h=get the condo.

@Breezy_Carol - Marty is a real cutie. I understand the frustration wanting him home. My 2nd grandchild was born about 6-7 weeks early. He was a peanut at 4lbs 6 oz if I remember correctly. He actually came home 8 days after he was born but on an apnea machine. That thing would go off for no reason but the one time he did stop breathing it did nothing. Thankfully I was right there because my DIL went into full panic mode. You would never know to look at him now he was such a peanut. He just turned 18 and is a BIG boy. He takes a 2X shirt.

Anthony is in so much pain and is getting depressed. My heart breaks for him. They took a piece of his quad muscle to repair the ACL so his knee hurts, his leg hurts, he is swollen and missing baseball. I told him it doesn't feel like it at the moment but it will get better. Then I got him a couple bags of Skittles and Reeses's Pieces.

I have spent so much money on the hiuse and it was worth every penny but now I may need to get a new laptop. The one I regularly will not restart, boot up or turn off. I am not happy but will take it to be looked at tomorrow. I will need all the documents put on an external hard drive and l will get a new laptop if it comes to that. I am using the travel laptop right now and I really don't like it. It has a smaller keyboard and I keep hitting the wrong keys with my big fingers.

My granddaughter had me laughing today. She needed a ride to Volleyball practice but told me I can't stay, just to go shopping or something and come back. When I asked her why she said it was because I would embarrass her, get hit with a ball and break my knee. She just turned 13. I love teenagers. I did take advantage of the go shopping advice and got the candy for the church Easter Egg Hunt. It is so nice to get some normalcy back.

@flyingdumbo1237 - I get the clutter thing. I went through the DVD's today to get them in order to put back in the storage area of the entertainment center. I had horror movies that I NEVER watch, doubles of quite a few and my mom will get some of them, and EVERY John Wayne movie ever made. Most of John Wayne will go in one of the spare rooms until my husbands "man cave" gets done. I like some of the movies but not a huge fan. The Three Stooges will join John Wayne. I am definitely not a fan of them.

I am off to clean up the kitchen and relax until Outlander comes on. I am really enjoying the new season. I knew from the books what was coming but the show really brings out the bad side of some of these characters.

Have a good night everyone

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Glad for good news here!

Kirby, nice to see you posting. Sounds like things have been tough. Praying things get better soon!

With her permission, asking for prayers for our friend, dazedx3. Have been in touch and she and her husband have had some health issues that she’s been hesitant to post about. Let’s send her some good wishes!

Had a relatively quiet weekend, which was nice. Did a little online shopping, some light house and yard work, ordered out last night (Chinese, which was disappointing; should’ve stuck with our favorite place), went for a nice ride today, etc. Was sunny but very chilly out! Gearing up for the oncoming week now! At least spring is on its way!