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

[lynxstch]

Good morning! Sprinkling, again, a few snow flakes mixed in. Only going to be in the 40's again and it's windy. That means no yardwork till at least tomorrow. By then I will have go mow 2x just to get it down to normal even height,,oh well

Not planning on doing much cleaning today. Laundry is already done, both bathrooms are clean. I guess I could dust and vacuum,,maybe, lol!

We must be losing a lot of our Quacker family somewhere. The last 2 days our posts barely even fill one whole page

Have a lovely Sunday everyone~~

 

[Snowysmom]

Good morning. Lynn Sorry about your stepdaughter. I really hope things turn around for her very soon. Life is tough enough without throwing curve balls at people, She is kind to have the kids live with her. They are now out of a bad situation.

@Judique I hope you are having a nice and safe trip. I like the song lyrics.

Yesterday I packed up the dishes, pots and pans, and kitchen island. I now have 8 boxes in my kitchen. DS made sure I got everything out of the minivan so it is ready to go. Chris always put a mask on the rearview mirror and I left it there over the months. He wore it grocery shopping in Sept, the day before he passed. I had to take it off yesterday and it was so hard and I cried. I have saved the mask with the other things I am saving. I keep finding minefields of emotion.

Today I am packing up the canned goods and maybe what is left in my dresser which is not alot. Then I will have the towels and linens along with cleaning products and my toiletries. That will probably be for next Saturday. DS tells me that it will be good for me to be in my own place. But what he doesn't understand is that living alone will be daunting for me. At least it is a place with people and dogs walking around.

Time for coffee, my walk, and to the house. It is sunny and 39 degrees, going up to 50.

Have a nice Sunday.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Sunny here, which the cat translates as "warm" (even though it's not!) so I am bundled up outside browsing the DIS on my phone while she listens to the birds.

Yesterday was a sad milestone around here - one year since DH's brother passed away. We went to mass with the family.

Today should be brighter - Easter bunny brunch at the lodge. We used to take DS when he was little. This year, we just bought tickets to support the officers who are trying to get events back up and running.

 

[PollyannaMom]

@Snowysmom, I think we were typing at the same time.

Huge ((hugs)) on cleaning out the van. The mask would have broken me down too.

As for the condo complex, I agree about having people and pets around being a good thing. I've heard it called "connected living" - having your own space but as part of a larger community. Be open to meeting your neighbors and look into whether there is a community center or something at the complex, too.

 

[Snowysmom]

@PollyannaMom I am sorry about your DH's brother. One year is still fresh. I hope the Mass brought some peace and soothing for the family.

There is a clubhouse at the condo complex. They do have gatherings. When I went to look at the condo people were friendly, said Hello, and seemed happy. I liked seeing all the dogs being walked. I like that all ages live in the complex. I am taking it one day, one step at a time and if it takes me a couple of years to settle in and have the condo be what I want then that is how it is. I am only buying a few things before I move in, like the much needed coffee maker. hardware to put the TV on the wall, and a collapsible wagon for hauling groceries and assorted items from the parking garage, and curtains for the sliders. The couches can wait a bit as well as any other things I decide I want for decorating or making life easier.

Easter is kind of sneaking up on me. Thankfully I have all the candy and toys for the grandkids and candy for DSs and DDILs. Older DS has to work next weekend so I am going to younger DS's in laws for dinner. They have kindly included me in the invitation.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Recovering from some long and busy shifts. Brought in a birthday cake for a good friend so we took a few mins to celebrate and catch up - sometimes we’re like two ships in the night so it was a month late, but hey. Stopped at my sister’s to drop something off and wound up staying for a while. It was nice to just relax and catch up. We used to see eachother more often when Mom was still here. She liked my dream. Today have some general straightening out to do and maybe grocery shopping. Even a shower feels like a chore right now though, lol. DH brought me up a coffee and a cruller in bed. I wish I had the energy for home that some of you have! Lynn, if I were the Tag Fairy you would have a tag saying you have the cleanest bed in town!

DH and DS were hoping to take the boat out for a spin but not sure if it’s too choppy as it was yesterday. I have to get over to my elderly friend’s house. too, as I like to bring her holiday-related things. I already picked her up a chocolate peanut-butter bunny (she loves sweets, as did Mom) and I’ll find some pretty tulips or something. I have to get DH to bring his toolbag over, too, as she had some small repairs that he could do. DS said he would come, too. DS has a rare weekend off, and while DD and her bf did too, they have both been doing schoolwork in their computers all weekend. (He is also in a graduate program and almost done!) We kept the TV down low last night so they could do their work.

I just picked up a small amount of candy for DD and DS for Easter as both of them are trying to eat healthy. DD and bf just joined a gym. Both used to go at their colleges but not since graduation. DS is thinking about it. He is doing better but still not over the hurt from the breakup several months ago. It’s hard to watch his heartache. But he’s been busy with work and a course he’s taking. Hoping he meets someone one of these days so he can move on. (If we find anything around the house from his ex-gf, he squirrels it away for her. Is it bad if I tossed something in the trash? ) I like the lottery ticket idea, @footballmouse, I think I’ll steal it! Thanks! Maybe throw in a Dunkin’ card, too.

Been following all of your posts and so happy for good news, beautiful picture shares, and of course for all that are needed and for general wellness and happiness!

@dazedx3 told me I could share here that her husband‘s illness has taken a turn for the worse. She is hurting, but was concerned about bringing the thread down. Let’s do what we can to throw some support her way! I hope she comes to update us soon.

@Snowysmom I think it’s natural to have doubts. That would probably happen no matter where you go. But soon it will be your ‘new normal’ and my sense is that you will be happy there. Nowhere will be perfect, ever, for any of us, but I think there will be a lot of things there that you‘ll enjoy. And you’ll be around people and eventually make some new friends. You know I’m hoping that eventually you may want to find a little furry friend who needs a home and you can enjoy those beautiful walking trails with! DD and I last week were going to visit a Yorkie in need of a home but the shelter was closed when we were nearby. Looked at the ad again the next day when it was open and the dog was already gone. As usual! I think I told you my SIL who was widowed last year got a dog just before her DH passed and it’s been so good for her. I always say she was heaven-sent! At any rate, you have really done an amazing job these past seven months! I know you don’t really see it that way. I am really looking forward to the time when you can just relax a bit. Sure, that will bring new doubts and loneliness. But I think after that, you will begin to find some joy again, albeit slowly. Just keep in mind that Chris would want you to be happy and fulfilled. There is still much to look forward to in life.

Enjoy your Sunday, all!

 

[lynxstch]

@Pea-n-Me Thank you for the update on @dazedx3 and her husband. I am continuing to say prayers for both of them. I am glad she lets you share with her Quacker family, as we all care about her, and are hoping things improve on her husband's health.

Its cold and windy outside..gray sky, nothing going on here. Watched the first 2 parts of that Wedding Veil trilogy from Hallmark in February. I have one more to go, and that's the last movie I have on the dvr..took a long time to get through all that I have saved, lol

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning to all and Happy Palm Sunday, too. May each of you find extra peace this Holy Week ahead.

Judique, I love those lyrics, too, thank you for sharing with us. They remind me of a song by Bruno Mars called Count On Me I absolutely believe with all my being that God brings people into our lives exactly when He knows we most need to meet them, or they us! I pray that we, as a Quacker family, continue to stay together as gathered by Him. May each of you, always know, you so matter to me and I am grateful for you!

Big hugs, PollyannaMom. Prayers today is lighter and brighter for you and your DH. I love what you said about "connected living" and think that well applies to our thread right here even virtually

Extra hugs to you as well, Lynn, and continued prayers for your stepdaughter and family.

Dear Snowysmom, ITA with others that had to have been such a heartbreaking moment. No real words, my friend, just extra love and care.

Thank you, Pea, always for all you do and care you spread. Thank you for updating us on Dazed. Please remind her we all care. You have a relaxing Sunday, please.

Love to all.

 

[Kirby]

I'm so sorry to hear about Dazed's DH. Prayers for for her and him and the family.

The wind is blowing harder today than yesterday. It blew my door back on me when I got out of the car at church. Temps will creep up into the 80's and stay in the 70's - 80's all week. Looks like Tuesday and Wednesday are storm days.

I have to tell you what happened in church today. We have two services, one before and one after Sunday School. We go to the late service so we heard in Sunday School that we would hear something special during the service. I thought that an announcement was going to be said or the preacher was going to say something in his sermon. Instead it happened during the worship service. We have a really good song leader with a great voice. One of the songs we sang was The Greatest Commands. It's one of those where the sopranos start off, then the bass joins in on the second round, then the altos, etc. Well, once the sopranos started we heard a very strong soprano voice singing. I looked up at the song leader and he looked like he was mouthing the words but I thought he was just letting the sopranos take the lead. So, at the end of church, we sang Magnificant which is sung the same way but the altos begin it first. When the sopranos joined in, there was that strong soprano voice again and I realized that it was our song leader that was singing. His falsetto is just beautiful! DH and I must have realized it at the same time because we looked at each other and just smiled. The singing on those two songs today was indescribable and filled my heart with such joy.

 

[Vatrahaki75]

Quick question. First time homeowner here. Just wondering - how big do moles get?


Just playing. I know moles aren't that big. The mounds of dirt are from us trying to renovate the yard.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Pea-n-Me Thank you for the update from dazedx3. I will keep them in my prayers. The support here is wonderful. Also thank you for the kind words. I can't see that life will be happy again and I know Chris would want me to be happy but right now I am lonely and sad. I do hope to eventually be settled and be able to soothe my heart and soul.

I packed up more stuff at the house. The kitchen is done except for the utensils and silverware. I still need to pack towels and sheets and blankets. I need the stager to come to the house and take her stuff then I can take the sheets off my bed and pack them. My hip is sore today from all the bending and lifting. The purchase and sale is supposed to be signed by tomorrow so I am waiting for that to happen. I asked younger DS for a videochat with the grandkids but he surprised me and said to come on over for a visit as they were just working outside. So I spent an hour with them which was nice. The grandkids kept saying Nana watch me to do this or do that. It was so cute.

Have a good Sunday afternoon and evening.

 

[lynxstch]

The winds died down and the sun came out, and between the wind and sun, the grass was dry. I broke up all the branches in the burn pile, and got the weedwacker out and cut all the high spots of grass, and around the edges of the house and around the garden. Now it will be neat around there when I mow tomorrow and I won't have to weedwack again. Moron from next door stuck his head over the fence and asked me when I wanted him to start mowing here. I said never. He looked surprised. I said I am not doing what you did last year again..asking to borrow money over and over again. I said you even went to the neighbors on the other side of me,,who don't know you and you don't know them, and asked to borrow money. That is just disgusting. He said then who's going to mow it. I said I am..I have a riding mower on order and until it comes in I will use my self propelled one. He looked mad, but that's his problem , not mine~

Oh..Mr L says 'and these are the least favorite 4 words I ever hear him say --"I have an idea"--I said what is your idea that is going to make more work for me. He apparently invited my stepdaughter and her family over for Easter,,which is fine..but was he going to wait till the middle of the week to inform me? I already have a big ham..now he says "I think you should buy a turkey this week'..I said why would I buy a turkey..the ham is huge,,there will only be 9 people,,assuming that both boys aren't working and that her hubby is home from work by then. And of course we have to have an extra chair for the boyfriend that is living with them. I don't have room to put a turkey anywhere,,and I don't want to go to all the extra work of cooking one. It will be ham and fixings..and if they don't like that..they can stop at McD's on their way home..lol


Off to fix dinner--pork chops, stuffing, fresh asparagus and applesauce.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Hey all.

We must be losing a lot of our Quacker family somewhere. The last 2 days our posts barely even fill one whole page

Guilty!

In the morning, DH and I did our altar guild duties, went to the liquor store, and did some grocery shopping. Started some house cleaning for next weekend. Then after lunch we dropped off our donation at the SPCA and picked up Tessa for an over night. (Ulterior motive, I wanted her to go to church today.)

While she was here the weather went from raining to sunny to raining to hail. She had never seen hail so we went out and tried to pick some up but it kept melting. We also went out when it was sunny again and she ended up playing with the across the street neighbors. They are all older, the oldest 12, but they were very kind to her and she had a blast. And we baked cookies.

This morning we went to church and DD met us there. After the processional, the children's choir sang, there was a children's message and she went out to Sunday School. She enjoyed it all.

Relaxing and recovering now.

Re: family tree. I don't have family history, but my father did some genealogy research on his family. I have the family tree going back quite a few branches. Some interesting entries are Samuel Poe, 1738-1819, Revolutionary War Soldier, and another who was a soldier in the War of 1812.

@lynxstch, your stepdaughter is having a hard time.

@Judique Enjoy your time away.

it's not warm enough for t-shirts yet degrees!

I can't wait for t-shirts. I am tired of my winter shirts and want something different to wear.

living alone will be daunting for me.

I have a question for you, (Just curious) have you ever lived alone? After college, and roommates, I moved back home but did get an apartment and lived alone for ~8 years before getting married. I remember going to a high school reunion when a girl I knew said she was going to live alone before she got married so if she was widowed some time in the future, it wouldn't be the first time she lived alone. That stuck with me.

@dazedx3 told me I could share here that her husband‘s illness has taken a turn for the worse.

Sorry to hear this news. Thanks for sharing. And tell @dazedx3 that we are hear to listen and be supportive. She doesn't need to hold back.

Watched the first 2 parts of that Wedding Veil trilogy from Hallmark in February. I have one more to go,

That's where I am too. Watched the first two and have one left.

Having a turkey breast and stuffing for dinner. It smells good.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

God Bless your grandkids, Snowysmom and extra right now as I pray their innocence and love is helping you to heal.

Wow, what a lovely share, Kirby! A former choir director and friend used to remind us (choir members) to remember that we never knew when either through music or otherwise God would use us to touch someone else so that they might choose to reach out closer to Him

Hugs, Lynn. Could Mr. L take up cooking or cleaning or dialing the number of a food delivery place? That way he gets to order any extra good he feels (and that you don't) is needed without any extra work or hassle for YOU.

Keeping Dazed in extra prayer indeed. Love what you said Carol and totally agree!

Also to Carol, I am so looking forward to watching worship either later or in the morning. Always glad to read of kiddos getting to attend a service.

QOTD: Have you ever lived alone? Yes both during college for a year and a half after not very good situation with roommates and then as a preschool director and teacher. When I was much younger, of course, I had dreams of meeting Mr. Right and us getting married. Still can be a romantic at heart. I am at peace that in God's time should it be His call, indeed my Mr. Right in a husband sense will come. I am an introverted and quiet lady who definitely appreciates alone time and just quiet time. I also, as all of you know, beyond cherish this time here and now closer together in health with my beloved dad. I pray daily that God might gift us many more years together in health with maybe one post plague. But seriously, I thank Him for all, always!

Would any of you like that Chicken Soup Book? The Think positive one. I also have three mini -Chicken Soup books that I was gifted. The "Taste of Line." 12 or less short stories in each book. Chicken Soup for the Soul Good Deeds, Chicken Soup for the Soul Miraculous Messages of Love from Beyond (which some of you already share so beautifully), and Every Day's a Gift. These would probably be mailed Tuesday, if not for sure on Wednesday. I would like to know by tomorrow night whether any of you would enjoy one or more books. Ideally, I'd like to send 2 books to one Quacker and the other two books to another Quacker rather than 4 separate packages.

 

[Snowysmom]

I have a question for you, (Just curious) have you ever lived alone? After college, and roommates, I moved back home but did get an apartment and lived alone for ~8 years before getting married. I remember going to a high school reunion when a girl I knew said she was going to live alone before she got married so if she was widowed some time in the future, it wouldn't be the first time she lived alone. That stuck with me.

I have never lived alone. I went from home to marrying Chris. This will be a new situation for me. I will be in a complex with people nearby and will see people every day. It will just be lonely and sad for me for awhile until I develop a routine and get used to being alone. At my son's house I have times when I am alone, mostly during the day but in the evening they are so busy with the kids upstairs that I stay downstairs and watch TV by myself. Then I go upstairs myself and of course go to sleep myself.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

@Snowysmom, that is why I asked. I have lived alone but I think it would be much harder for me to live alone now if I never had. {{{hugs}}}

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Extra evening hug to each of you, extra to Snowysmom.

Carol, just watching some of worship and LOVE how the children's choirs process into the congregation with palms as all sing Glory , glory to the Father. I extra love that woman bearing the cross this morning processed afterwards and stood in front of the congregation as the hymn finished! I will probably watch most of the rest of this beautiful service tomorrow morning but wanted to share this with all of you now. This hymn was also new to me so extra touching.

Sweet dreams to all!

 

[Kirby]

QOTD: Have you ever lived alone?
No, I went from living with my parents to married life with DH. I have been a "hunting widow" where I've been four or five days at a stretch by myself while DH was hunting. I think that I could manage it.

The winds have really picked up this afternoon and evening. A small band of showers blew through not long ago.

DH cooked dinner, ribeyes, baked potatoes and Ranch Style Beans.

 

[Judique]

Living alone is not something I enjoy. When I left my parents home to go to university I lived in the dorm and after that always had room mates, and then got married and had kids. So never had to rent a place or buy a place where it was just me.

Now, when my ex went to sea (Navy) I was alone with my oldest in our first house and she was just 2 years old when that first happened. I had close neighbors on both sides so felt somewhat secure. Still, even having a very young child in the house helped make me feel less alone.

I'm here in my hotel by the sea waiting for coffee to start downstairs. They said 6:30am so I'll go down in a little bit. I get a free breakfast as well but probably won't use the card as I'll have a biscotti with my coffee and then later either have early lunch or late breakfast.

The hotel is nice and has a great shower. Bed was comfortable and it has a balcony where I could see and hear the ocean. I walked on the beach and then sat out for a couple of hours yesterday after arrival. The temp was about 75 and by 7ish it started to feel a bit chilly so I came in. My balcony was warmer at that point, but time to have a meal.

I'm using free Marriott points and this was a good value but not top of the line. It was comfortable and middle of the road and I would stay here again for maybe 2-3 nights, but a week would be too much. Since I like to hotel hop to begin with others may be more content. I often did split stays on my DVC trips, especially traveling solo.

 

[Snowysmom]

@Judique Glad you had a nice hotel stay. I agree that some hotels are fine for a night or 2 but not a week. Have a great rest of your trip.

Monday is here and I am not liking it this week, not that I ever really like it but it just seems like I am not really ready to face it. Just all part of life I guess. It is 35 now and going up to around 61 with sun.

Time for coffee before work.