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

[PollyannaMom]

Dog pick up went well - lets just say he is in way worse condition than we were prepared for. I took him to the vet today and we spent a LOT of time there, and have a short term & long term gameplan. In the short term will be to get a handle on his thyroid issues and clear up his horrible skin, ear & eye infections. Once we get him straight there we will get him moving again and then address some liver tests and cherry eye surgery he needs. One step at a time. He's kinda checked out of things mentally, he just sits there like a lump. Of course it hurts him to much to move between the infections and his feet which are in horrible condition and must be very uncomfortable. But there is a personality under there, it will come out once he starts to feel better. And once he feels a bit better he will start to move. And we will go from there

Poor baby - I hope they can get the infections cleared up quickly! For the weight loss (eventually) does your vet have aquatic therapy? It is getting to be a thing around here because it's supposed to be easier on their joints:
https://vcahospitals.com/animotion

 

[flyingdumbo127]

What a great suggestion, PollyannaMom! I never thought about aquatic therapy for a doggie friend, but it makes perfect sense! Several elderly church friends attend a weekly water aerobics class. When I was younger, I enjoyed swimming, too.

I contacted You Customize It about the toast image. A kind representative said she would pass on my request to an IT person. I do think that would make a cute long-lasting Christmas surprise for dad

 

[easyas123]

does your vet have aquatic therapy?

Yes! In fact, he is going to start with the underwater treadmill once he is cleared by the vet.

 

[Snowysmom]

easyas123 Thank you for caring for such a sick baby dog. I am sure he will become himself once he feels better and knows he is being cared for and loved. It makes my heart break to think of him in pain.

bobbiwoz Congrats on 56 years together.

Tazdev Princess cruises lines is a bit of a problem child sometimes. I had thought to go on Princess if Chris and I did another Alaska cruise but I never could find something I liked and felt comfortable with. But, on the other hand, you can make a cruise a good one even with issues. We cruised Alaska on the Norwegian Pearl back in 2016 for our 40th anniversary. We had such a good time even with a few minor issues. We just move on to other things. I hope you have a good cruise together.

Today was a busy day. I had a meeting with my supervisor. As I thought, they are asking me about coming back full time. She did ask me if I was happy working the 30 hours a week, which I am. I did offer to go to 32 or 35 but no more. I do not want to go back to 40 hours a week. Since she got promoted they have tasks they want to pass on to me so I did offer a few more hours. After work I took my walk. Then we went to DGS, 5, preschool graduation. Actually the school did a whole grad program for all grades. It is a private school up to grade 6. It was cute but it was hot in the sun. Thankfully a breeze came up now and then. Then we went out to dinner and had some cake. I am so full.

I decided to take tomorrow off from any move related activity. I have not had a weekend day off in a long time and it was probably over the holidays. I am not even going to the condo. I need a break. I do not have the energy right now to do much. Yesterday I took time off from work due to a migraine and today it was still there in the background. Tomorrow we will go to younger DS's house for oldest DGD birthday and that is all I am doing. Sunday I will bring some stuff to the condo and do a bit of cleaning but even then I am not staying all day. I feel the need to pamper myself a bit and maybe meditate and think about things. I need to slow down a bit. Life has been tough and I need to take some time off.

I bought myself a gift. Chris always wanted to get me a necklace that had a sapphire to go with a ring he bought me Mother's Day 2021. I saw a beautiful cross necklace that looks like the star of Bethlehem with a small sapphire and 4 small diamonds on each part of the cross. I was just drawn to it. I got it today and it is so lovely. I will wear it all the time and think of Chris. It was a bit of a indulgence but so important to me. Our anniversary is next month so I got it for that. I still think of our anniversary as our day even with Chris passed.

Have a nice evening.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Ithat you treated yourself to the cross necklace, dear Snowysmom! May wearing it always remind you Jesus is with you forever and always through anything and everything! And that by His Holy Grace, your beloved Chris, is with you, too and so are all of us, your Quacker family. I also love that you yourself said, you need to take some time off and slow down. Praise God. I pray you will do just that and take care of YOU. Aw, congratulations to your grandson. preschool graduations are cute. Sitting in the sun is not! Take care and please get in more R&R.

 

[frog3101]

Hello to all. I don't have time to reply to all that I would like to, so just sending out big hugs and prayers/good thoughts to all Quackers who need them. I know many in our little community are in the midst of some tough situations.

Well, the kids and I have spent two nights in the new house. The first night they slept on camping cots and I slept on the floor. The mattresses arrived yesterday and the frames will get here eventually...hopefully by the first week of July. The kids are doing ok. My oldest son is having the hardest time with all of the stuff that his happening at the moment. He does ok during the day but really struggles at night. I am going to have him go see someone next week. He is like his dad in that he doesn't want to express any emotions or look "weak". Then, after he can't hold it in anymore he explodes in anger and it's just a big mess for all of us. I feel awful for him and wish I could take all the confusion away for him. I think the person I have him set up to see will be a good fit for him. He has been to other counselors before, but he never clicked with any of them. Hoping this one is different. The other 3 kids are holding their own at the moment, but all of them for sure have times when they struggle. Just gotta try and be there for them. Two of the kids don't want to even go see their dad and definitely don't want to be around his girlfriend. To me, it definitely is not ok for him to be bringing someone new around at this point. I have consulted a child psychologist and my own therapist and a doctor, all who say that bringing someone new in at this point, esp when he has been cheating with her, is not in the best interest of the children. Especially since they have been told to lie about it and keep information from me. And, two of them had said they think what he is doing is wrong and they don't want her to be around them and act like they are friends when they barely know her. I am sorry if that offends anyone, but I don't believe it's ok for either of us to be seeing anyone at this point in the game. I am super old-fashioned and feel that one situation should be settled before bringing in someone new. I know that isn't how society and most people think, but until not that long ago that is how my husband felt also. Cheating is wrong no matter how you slice it. Getting off my soapbox now. Again, I know others will disagree but that is how I feel. He has been told that the kids are uncomfortable with her being around and he doesn't care, to me that says a lot about his parenting. Eventually yes, they will be meeting people he dates but in the thick of things is not the time. I on the other hand can't even fathom dating any time in the oh, forever.

The mediation did not go well. We were unable to come to an agreement on the kids and didn't even discuss anything else. My only goal that day was to get a temporary schedule for the summer for the kids and their first questions was about assets and what I wanted in that department. We were scheduled for 2 hours and were done in 45 minutes. So, now we have to get letters from friends and family and submit them to the court. We have to have one more mediation before that to see if we can agree before it goes to a judge. This is all so very overwhelming.

Don't know much else. Sorry this has been a vent/pitty party. I'm so worried about what is going to happen with the kids, the now knowing is really the worst part. I just need to know what I'm dealing with.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

No disagreement from me, frog! Please don’t apologize, glad we can be here as a sounding board. We had a similar situation in my family and it was down and dirty for a long time. My family member was court-ordered to put her terrified-to-fly son on a plane by himself to go spend time with his Dad and the cheating girlfriend > new wife, which he didn’t want to do, and it was tough. These situations are never easy. But it sounds like you’re doing a great job trying to keep as much normalcy as possible for your kids and getting them counseling makes total sense. I hope your oldest clicks with the therapist this time. Saying some prayers for your family tonight. I honestly don’t know why the girlfriend would want to be around your kids at this time. She should have enough sense to give everyone their space. The fact that she doesn’t, to me, doesn’t speak well to her integrity. So not a fan. (Witch!)

Snowysmom, I totally agree with what Mona said. I’m glad you bought the necklace, and think you deserve whatever down time you need. You were generous to offer more time to your boss, and handled that really well, I think. One day at a time.

Easy, you have your work cut out for you with the new dog. Poor thing. I wonder how situations get so bad?

PollyannaMom, hope your DH is feeling better (sorry I mixed that up, was reading fast on work days).

Thinking of and praying for us all.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@frog3101 I am so sorry to read what you and your children are going through. I hope your oldest DS gets what he needs with the new counselor.

 

[Snowysmom]

Frog I am in agreement with what you say. No one should be seeing another person while still married. I hope your son gets along with the therapist and he can get some help with his feelings. I hope you and your children can settle in in soon. Thankfully they have you to help them process this situation. Don't apologize for venting as we are here for you. Thinking of you and keeping you and your kids in my prayers.

Another tough night for sleep. I get up and do some other stuff for awhile until tired which is why I am here at 11:40 pm. It has been worse lately probably because of what has been going on. I am usually early to bed and early to get up. Not working lately.

 

[AuntieMe3]

@frog3101 I'm really sorry you and your kids are having to go through this. Hopefully the court will see what he's doing and do what's best for the kids.

@bobbiwoz Congratulations on 56 years...

@Snowysmom sounds like a lovely necklace. I'm sorry you're having trouble sleeping.

@tazdev3225 I'm sure you're cruise will be amazing. I think that will be our next big adventure.

@PollyannaMom glad to hear your DH is feeling better.

@easyas123 that poor pup. Thank you for all you'll do to help him.

hmmm... again i forgot what else i wanted to say. I need to remember to do quotes.

Been a few days again for me. I pop on to read updates and then get sidetracked before I reply so i need to get better with that. I had Dr appointment this week which led to bloodwork and referrals. My Dr thinks I should do a sleep study and some abnormal test results have been being referred to a rheumatologist. Hopefully all this will lead to me starting to feel better physically.

DH finally took some time off work next week and we were supposed to head out on a road trip today. He decided he didn't want to leave until tomorrow since he didn't get home until late last night. Well something come up tonight and now we're not going. Not DHs fault, something beyond his control but I'm still annoyed. He said we should go somewhere closer for a night or two but I just said forget it since he'll now be going to work after all next week. Ugh... so annoyed.

Anyway looks like we'll be doing some stuff around the house this weekend. Maybe we'll rearrange our bedroom like we've been wanting to do.

Hope everyone ends up having a good night's rest.

 

[PollyannaMom]

PollyannaMom, hope your DH is feeling better (sorry I mixed that up, was reading fast on work days).

No apology needed! I corrected it so as not to confuse people, but I took the sentiment in the spirit it was intended.

No disagreement from me, frog!

Me either! Your xH and the girl are both being insensitive to the kids' well-being.

Another tough night for sleep.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@Snowysmom, I hope you fell asleep shortly after posting.

 

[lynxstch]

Good rainy morning from Western MD. Feels good outside, even with the light rain. Glad everything is getting watered, and since I did all the yardwork (and shed cleaning) the last 2 days, I can just work inside. Today will be dusting and vacuuming, cleaning both bathrooms, and changing the sheets. Then taking the rest of the day off. Belmont Stakes is today, last jewel in the Triple Crown. I haven't picked my fave yet, I keep changing my mind, lol.

@frog3101 No disagreements from me either. It's bad enough that he cheated, and pretty much 'ruined' your life, it's pretty scummy of him to bring the new GF into your kids lives already. I have more to say, but don't want to get points. Just know that some of us on this thread have probably been there, done that, in some way. (for those of you who haven't, no offense).

@Snowysmom Understandable that you need some time to destress. I love that you bought yourself an extravagant gift, if you feel like it, post a pic of it on this thread,,sounds beautiful!

I hope that everyone on here, who is having down days, issues with their lives (or families,jobs,pets),etc-- just need a place to unwind, vent, etc. all stay with us on this thread. We are here to support all of you..to send pixie dust and prayers when and where they are needed. We are here to be happy with happy threads, and we are here to commiserate with the sad ones. Can't say exactly what I want to actually communicate, but you can get the gist of it anyhow

This thread has gotten me through a lot of what life has thrown at all of us the last couple of years, and I hope we continue to be a Quacker Family for a long, long time

Have a great day!

 

[Snowysmom]

I did manage to go back to sleep after awhile. I got maybe another 3-4 hours on top of the one hour I got before having to get up.

It has been a slow, more relaxing Saturday so far which I am not used to. I had a cup of coffee, talked with Chris as I do every morning and various times during the day as well as before sleep, took a walk in the nice 60 degree temp, had yogurt for breakfast, and am now waiting until we head out to younger DS's house for older DGDs birthday party. I know that slowing down is the way to go for me right now. It has been 8+ months of driving down 495 every Sat, Sun, and Wed and sometimes other days too. I did cleaning, tossing stuff, crying, and other busy stuff at the house and then the condo. My mind, spirit, and body can only take so much and I can tell you, they are done. I have to find a better way to navigate this life. It is a work in progress and it may never be done.

I don't know if anyone in MA heard that a Market Basket in Billerica is closing. The landlord gave them until the end of June I believe. Chris loved that Market Basket. It was a small, easy to get around and find things, store. We knew alot of the cashiers just by going there every week for almost 20 years. Every Saturday morning we would be there to shop. During the pandemic Chris took over the shopping due to my anxiety, and that was his place to go. The deli people would see him coming and slice the turkey he always got and it would be ready when he got there. Jasper had to have his thin and trim turkey. Chris would be so mad at the closing. I can hear him tell me how unfair it is and how much he will miss it and it isn't right. A woman I work with said an Amazon grocery store is coming into the plaza where a KMart used to be. I wonder if they are taking over the whole plaza. The building my office is currently in will be taken over by Amazon by the end of the summer. They took over part of the complex and now want the rest. I feel like this is the future.

Thinking of everyone and especially those going through challenging times. We can be there for each other. I truly appreciate the kindness and caring found here. We have a nice community of wonderful people.

Have a good day.

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Saturday!

I'm at work this weekend so won't be doing anything around the house, predicting rain on/off this weekend.

Ds3 is coming over to the house to spray more of the snake spray that someone on here mentioned they use around their patio. He sprayed the backyard last weekend b/c I spotted a snake by our Koi pond. Yesterday I was cutting the front yard and when I was doing the side yard I spotted one in the window well. I grabbed that lawnmower and ran to the front yard. Get that picture in your mind and you will have a nice laugh. Anyway, he's going to spray the sides and front yard and around the bottom of the house. For all his work I gave him a Chick-fil-a gift card. The dogs will be happy that someone stopped by since I won't be home all day.

Meal prepped for the weekend last night. Made 2 salmon fillets and vegies so that will get me through my lunch this weekend. Then I boiled eggs so I have those and some sausage links that I packed for breakfast. And I threw in some fruit for a snack. I'll worry about lunches for the week on Monday. Since I work from home on Monday's I like to cook anything that I'll need then.

Snowysmom - glad you bought yourself the necklace, it sounds very pretty.

I've been trying to post a video of a cup that my friend made for me but I can't figure out how to do it so I'll just post some pictures.





Back to work. Everyone have a great day!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Happy Saturday!

I'm at work this weekend so won't be doing anything around the house, predicting rain on/off this weekend.

Ds3 is coming over to the house to spray more of the snake spray that someone on here mentioned they use around their patio. He sprayed the backyard last weekend b/c I spotted a snake by our Koi pond. Yesterday I was cutting the front yard and when I was doing the side yard I spotted one in the window well. I grabbed that lawnmower and ran to the front yard. Get that picture in your mind and you will have a nice laugh. Anyway, he's going to spray the sides and front yard and around the bottom of the house. For all his work I gave him a Chick-fil-a gift card. The dogs will be happy that someone stopped by since I won't be home all day.

Meal prepped for the weekend last night. Made 2 salmon fillets and vegies so that will get me through my lunch this weekend. Then I boiled eggs so I have those and some sausage links that I packed for breakfast. And I threw in some fruit for a snack. I'll worry about lunches for the week on Monday. Since I work from home on Monday's I like to cook anything that I'll need then.

Snowysmom - glad you bought yourself the necklace, it sounds very pretty.

I've been trying to post a video of a cup that my friend made for me but I can't figure out how to do it so I'll just post some pictures.
View attachment 675521
View attachment 675522
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View attachment 675524

Back to work. Everyone have a great day!

Omg, I love that!!

DD just arrived in WDW an hour ago, so we have lots of fun pictures coming into the group chat!

 

[tazdev3225]

Good morning.

Day 1 of my busy week is in the books. My grandson was not happy to be at the ceremony and made faces through most of it. Kyle is autistic and thought attending a ceremony when he still has to attend that school until he is 21 is stupid. He will go for support classes to prepare him for life. The hope is that someday he may be able to hold a job and maybe live on his own. He still has trouble comprehending money. My son and DIL know the hurdles he faces and my son is a little more prepared than she is. Crystal was just thrilled to graduate and be done with that school. She was not popular and had very few friends. My heart broke when they processed out of the auditorium. She walked in with a partner but walked out alone. That other student wouldn't walk out with her. She struggled after being bullied in 7th/8th grade and then in 10th grade here. She is the kindest, sweetest young lady and I know when the time is right she will blossom and find her place in the world.

Me with Kyle


And then with Crystal, my husband behind us.


Today is my son's 40th birthday and my aunt's wedding. So another busy day.

@frog3101 - I agree with therapy for your son. Sometimes it does take a couple therapists til you find the one you click with. I went through that with my son. He had one he loved because she cursed like crazy but other than that she wasn't helping him. He clicked with the third one so much that I started seeing her too. It helped me cope with his issues quite a bit.
I agree with everyone that your Ex is extremely insensitive to your kids needs and I would be angry. My BFF went through something similar. He ex just called it quits one day. She found out later he had been cheating on her. He was supposed to have visitation and pay support plus half the kids schooling expenses. The oldest was a senior in high school and the youngest was in 7th grade I think. It's been awhile. He told my friend to put them in public school because he was not paying Catholic School tuition anymore. He refused to give financial information for his son with college tuition. His daughter wants NOTHING to do with him and hasn't seen him for about 18 years, since she was a teenager and she is now in her 30's. The son wouldn't name his oldest after himself because he didn't want him to carry on the name. He was named after his father. He did all this to hurt my friend but instead he hurt his kids. Her ex has 3 grandkids he has never met and never will. It will take time but your kids, AND YOU, will heal from this. My friend has a new partner. Neither want to marry because they were both hurt by their spouses, they have been together for about 15 years but they are happy.


Well off to see my son and get ready for the wedding. I was asked to be the photographer and I am so nervous about that. This is one thing that has no retakes. I hope I can do a good job. I plan to get there early to make sure I get the right settings on the camera and I want to explore the church a bit. It dates back to 1762 and has some notable figures buried in the cemetery. The lighting will be a bit difficult as it is in these older churches and I don't like to use flash if I can avoid. Some clergy actually get upset with that as I have learned. There is also a trick to getting good pictures but being discreet. Can you tell I am overthinking things a bit?

Hope you all have a good day.

 

[lynxstch]

@footballmouse Your post did make me laugh, the snake and your running part. But I would have done the same, and I probably would have just left the mower and run into the house screaming. Snakes and spiders are not my thing! I love the cup your friend made you. Very original and unique!

@tazdev3225 --Great pics, thanks for sharing. Congratulations to the graduates! Good luck being the photographer, and I hope the wedding goes smoothly and that the newlyweds have a long and happy forever life together.

 

[tazdev3225]

@tazdev3225 --Great pics, thanks for sharing. Congratulations to the graduates! Good luck being the photographer, and I hope the wedding goes smoothly and that the newlyweds have a long and happy forever life together.

Thanks. I am nervous but I will be ok. Going to google some hints before I leave for settings. I am sure they will have a happy life together, they have been partners for over 40 years. My aunt is gay and my family isn't always supportive so she tried to stay in the "closet". That's no way for anyone to live their life. I have known since I was about 18 and after the initial realization and the fact that I HATED her girlfriend I was ok with it. Her partner is a much better fit and she takes my side against my aunt when my aunt is being judgmental. She hasn't always agreed with how I raised my kids. Once I told her to back off, there are things she doesn't know about my choices and she will never know, she did listen. I figure everyone deserves some happiness in their life so I am happy they finally are taking this step. I can't wait to see what they are wearing as my mom said she thinks it is shorts. The wedding is casual. Sadly I think we have rain in the forecast, I hope it clears up by 3.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Good luck with the photos, taz. You are brave. I’m sure they’ll be good! Take lots!