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

[flyingdumbo127]

Hooray for grocery shoppingmade easier, Carol! Hope you're feeling better this afternoon, my friend

AuntieMe3. I'm so sorry. big-time!

It's not going to be Autumn anytime soon here. Weather.com said earlier that on Sunday it's supposed to be 101Not cold even for me, lol. Blessing to not have been cold forever now. Dad safely home

Have a good afternoon, friends

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Popping in to say we're back!!! I'm trying to catch up on everything that happened, lol. for those who have had a rough go while I've been gone, and for those with good news and for some of those stories I missed!
We had a lovely time, and I'll post more about it in a few days, after I download all the pictures and videos to my
computer. I have a lot to go through! The lodge was terrific; we only missed having a/c on two days, because of the heat/humidity combination. We made it through two Mayan ruins, a couple of shopping trips, a few local eateries, a river tubing trip, a trip to the very icy freshwater pool, the weekly market, and lots of hammock sitting and napping! A few photos to tide y'all over until I get the whole thing together...

View from the cabin porch


Cahal Pech


River by the lodge



View from the lodge restaurant, before sunset, on a misty night



Day view from the lodge restaurant



Me and the love of my life, just enjoying being together


more to come.....

 

[flyingdumbo127]

and a welcome back to you, B&B! God Bless you and your DH; what a beautiful picture of the two of you. I am truly grateful God blessed you extra with being able to enjoy your adventure. I look forward to hearing more. Wonderful photos all-around. Get some rest!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Hope you're feeling better this afternoon

I took an hour nap this afternoon. I very rarely nap. I did feel better after that. I fell asleep on the couch and didn't know where I was when I woke up.

B&B, welcome back.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Welcome back B&B. Can't wait to see more pics.

Popping in before going to bed WAY TOO LATE....lol

We're headed into a heatwave in Southern California and I'm not looking forward to it. Its predicted to be the hottest week this year. I feel especially bad for my DH while he's working out in the heat this week. Yuck.

I have a nail appt and Dr appt at the end of the week so hopefully those days aren't too bad.

Hope you all slept well and have a good Tuesday morning.

 

[footballmouse]

Happy Tuesday morning!

Storms are done from last night and it should be sunny and low 80's today and tomorrow.

Took the dogs for a walk in the afternoon, it was hot. I was getting a little nervous that Carly wasn't going to make it back home, we took a little longer route than usual.

Popping in to say we're back!

Welcome back, can wait to see more pictures.

Did 18 rides/attractions in MK our first day there.

Welcome back to you too. That's very impressive, glad Genie+ worked out well for you. Any pictures from the trip?

The truck for the gutters pulled up in the driveway...out gets ONE guy.

That's crazy to expect the homeowner to help. Glad you were able to get some sort of discount.

Finally was able to get all of Ds1's wedding pictures downloaded to Shutterfly . Now begins the process of going through and deleting the ones that I don't really want to keep. I'll order copies of the ones that I really liked when it's all done.

Have a great day!

 

[Judique]

Good morning all! So humid out - 98%! 72 degrees now going to a possible high of 92.

Picking up DD a bit later (she can't drive for a week due to the surgery, but I have a sneaky suspicion she will drive kids to school today.) Hopefully their father will say no and take them before he leaves for work but he has to be late to do so.

DS asked me to come visit this morning so we will be there by 11am but won't stay long, maybe an hour, and then maybe do lunch takeout on the way home. DDil and family are extremely cautious about the baby being 'exposed' so we will wear masks - our choice. Son is at the 'whatever' stage as he works in a hospital. Not at work as he took family medical to help with baby. He had a bunch of leave he could burn through.

They've asked Ex and his wife to quarantine when they get here tomorrow, until the weekend. They came back from their Alaska cruise with covid and that's roughly 2 weeks ago. As soon as baby was born, they wanted to arrive but fortunately Ex had a medical appt yesterday that had to be attended before they left Colorado. This time around they are staying in a hotel. I feel a bit bad for them as all their intentions are good and they are generous with their time and love to our kids and grandkids. DD would host them but space is limited right now, or should I say beds as she needs hers and usually lets them have it and sleeps wherever.

At son's house the spare bed is in baby's room and that's not going to happen with my Dil. Believe this or not, I'd give them a room but I'm too far out for easy commuting. I've been running the roads since Friday morning and it's exhausting. After today, it's mostly over unless I'm asked as Ex and wife will be around, first at DD's, and then back and forth to sons starting Friday. I got tired just writing that.

My grass has grown tall in the last week and that has to be attended to. I started a kitchen project and it's been sitting since last week. I need to do catch up at home so will be happy not to have to endure 495 tomorrow.

Enjoy your day all!

 

[Judique]

Forgot to mention that I was trying to change a DVC night in November to kind of even out my days at the two resorts. Still didn't get it and looking at my points I'm not sure I want to spend 10 extra points to switch another night from BWV to GFV.

But, while checking I noted a Tower suite open for 1 night in February at the end of my Jan-Feb trip so I did switch out that night to check out Riviera. As of now I'm alone on that trip so the space will be fine for my last night and I will have stayed at all the WDW resorts. 'Tower' suite makes me think I'm Rapunzel.

I really dislike having to use more points! I guess I'm cheap! In reality, I'm not about to buy more points and I have plenty but they are earmarked for certain trips and using 'extra' spoils the math!

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. The heat wave is finally breaking here. Low 80's the next 3 days. Chance of storms today, then clear sailing till the weekend. Hopefully it will be so those pretty gutters sitting in the side yard, end up where they belong, lol
@Judique --wonder why you are going to be so warm, when our heat is subsiding,,you aren't that far away!--sounds like you are going to need a break after all that running around!

Lawn needs mowing again, but it won't be today. I have cleaning to do, trash to gather, grocery list to make, and a couple of other things that need to be done.

Have a nice morning all,

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Morning all!

In the 18ish hours since I've been home, I've done 3 loads of laundry, made our bed, swept and mopped the whole house, ran the dishwasher, went grocery shopping, ordered Chinese for dinner yesterday, and put away almost all our travel stuff. I'm going to go mow the front yard (DS did it once while we were gone, but had crazy rain the last week, and it's now really really tall). I still need to change out the litter (he cleaned it, but did not change), and do my last 2 loads of laundry. Dinner tonight is salad and spinach/provolone rolled flank steak. I need a vacation from my return from vacation!!

Sorry, I just can't go through and quote everything, but I did read it all, and send out to all.

Congrats on the new baby @Judique !! What a cutie, and I love the name!

@lynxstch When they replaced the roof a few weeks ago, they removed the gutters and didn't replace them. They are all sitting on the concrete pads on either side of the house in the backyard, and there they will sit until the landlord sends someone to put them up. I am not lifting a pinkie to replace them.


Ok, a few things about the trip. We flew American, which wasn't bad; we did pay extra for the emergency row seating, and I'm glad we did. DH definitely needed the leg room; the seats were just big enough even for my pooh bear behind. Flew from Orlando to Miami, Miami to Belize City (and reversed for home). Stayed at the Hampton Inn near the airport (not the one by the Dennys, but the one by the Ihop), the night before and the night after, and it was just fine.




Rented a car from Crystal Auto; had a Jeep Patriot, and it needed some brake work, and had a slipping belt which made noise, but they were really easy to work with. We got lost in Belize City, and it was an eye opening experience; one ways not marked until you go to turn down them; no one following any sort of road rules at all; and chaotic.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

If you go to Belize, and plan on being out of the city at all, get something with a higher clearance and four wheel drive. Western Highway (the road to San Ignacio) has lots and lots of potholes and all the roads have these crazy high speed bumps (a couple DH said should be renamed to death bumps, they were so square and high!) People would set up at those bumps and sell stuff. Also, there were goats and horses and cows, some tethered along the road, and some roaming free. And no one follows any sort of driving rules.




Death bumps


Stayed at Black Rock Lodge (link FB) outside of San Ignacio. We had Cabin 12, which was overlooking the Macal river. No a/c in the cabin, but did have a nice fan, decent beds and pillows, and a good size bathroom. No tub, just a shower, where you could have either hot water or some water pressure, but not both; understandable since you are miles from any civilization. The porch was huge; there were two hammocks, and DH spent many late morning/early afternoons just laying on them. We had two queen beds.



That's where I'll stop for now. Need to get on that mowing, lol.

 

[easyas123]

Good morning everyone -

Like others, I'm a fair bit behind in all the news on this thread, so I'll just start from here!
Came back last Friday from our work trip to San Diego, stayed on Coronado Island - it was beautiful. Wow that weather...we were able to visit twice w/ my husbands uncle which was nice as we are the only family on his side that travels. He's moving to Italy next year, so another place to go and visit-which is ok by us! I did have a odd allergic reaction to something while there, we decided I was allergic to CA and I'm perfectly fine so all is well that ends well.

Looking forward to the coming long weekend, no plans but it's a great time to re-set and get ready for the fall. Although I don't think we will get a real break from the heat for the next 7-10 days. Well it's still summer so I guess heat it to be expected. I still need to make arrangements to have firewood delivered, I should get to that.

 

[Kirby]

I saw this tomato that looks like a duck on the Home, Garden and DIY page on Facebook and thought of all of you!

It was grown in Wayne County, PA.

Have a great day!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Happy Tuesday everyone,

Two more days of August--amazing! It is still supposed to be near or over 100 on the weekend Keep cool and well hydrated, as well, AuntieMe3!

Dad is off at the followed by Ralph's usual Tuesday morning chores. Tomorrow, he will go to Dollar Tree to look for more Aquarelle wipes and then Thursday morning is when he returns to the dentist Thank you all for your extra prayers for his upcoming appointment. Quiet here otherwise.

AuntieMe3 and Carol, that you both enjoy some extra rest today and feel much better! to you both to be sent later this week.

B&B, I love all of your pictures. to a faulty rental car and the chaotic roads! So grateful that overall, you and your DH enjoyed such a wonderful vacation.

Have a wonderful visit with your DS, DIL, and Baby Quinn, Judique! I am so glad you have an upcoming to look forward to.
Keep cool, Footballmouse both you and your 's. Enjoy looking over the wedding pictures!

you on always, dear Lynn! Today extra especially after all your recent home repair and care work for quick shopping and that truly both you and Mr. l are feeling well.

and Daisy should have that as an autumn decoration in their house, Kirby! Thought of them and thank you for thinking of all of us, your Quacker family

welcome home, Easyas! LOL, you can't be allergic to CA, silly! One day post plague you have to come back so we can meet! AuntieMe3, too! San Diego is a beautiful spot to visit. I hope you get back there some time perhaps when it's cooler.

Have a great day, friends. I'll come back later!

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

More Belize:
The service was amazing; we had a 'cruise director' who would check with us each night to see if he could help us set up anything for the next day; and we were lucky enough to get the best servers almost every night, Maysim and Amilcar.
It is definitely not somewhere one can stay if they struggle with heat, wet, or stairs, as there are stairs everywhere; many are uneven, some high, some low, some slopes. Stairs to get to the cabins, stairs to get to the pool or river, hiking trails all around...we did lose some weight, haha!





Stairs to the pool. They continue around to the left. I have to get the actual pool pictures off the go-pro.




There is main restaurant/bar area, and then there is a lower deck underneath, where you could sit at a picnic table and bird watch. This is where DH arranged this for us:

Married 23 years, together for 30, and he still makes my heart go pitter-patter.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Just saying hello.

Had a lazy morning and "walked" the cats late. (I'm still out with the second one - in the shade on the front porch.)

Have some house stuff to get done today, then I'm watching the twins tomorrow.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

More Belize:
Just some general pictures. It is so green and vibrant everywhere. Beautiful flowers.
{I have a bajillion pictures, and DH has about the same on his phone, and at least 2 memory cards worth on the go-pro, lol. I'm just trying to give a general idea here. If it's too much, let me know, ok?}

From the lodge


From our cabin







Plants in the rain

Butterfly

On the drive from Belize City

Those crazy speed bumps, with people selling stuff at them. Pretty sure they don't have a selling license, lol.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

The part y'all want: The food.
We ate at a bakery in town one morning; had a coconut croissant and a lemon pastry; they were good. No pictures, I forgot.

The market had a lot of fruit/veg vendors; meat vendors; souvenir vendors; and a lot of people selling goods, like old Tupperware and clothing...basically it's a farmer market + flea market in one. People were even selling outside the market along the streets.

We ate at the local market as well; DH had fry jacks (these had a gravy and cheese on them) and the best bean burrito he's ever had; and I had two...you know, I cannot remember what these are called. But they were amazing. All of it handmade, by these three women in their little stall.




We ate at a place called Lola's. DH had a chorizo/beef burger with pineapple, and I had one with bacon and cheese; and we had mufogonitos (sp?) with chicken. Forgot the picture on those,though.







We also ate at a place called Benny's. We had tostadas, empanadas, and a dish called pibil. The handmade tortillas were just....ohhhhhhhhhh.

The tostadas were...different. They use a bolognese type sauce for them (and the lodge did the same thing with the nachos), very thick, and tasted like sloppy joes more than anything else.



The rest of the time we ate at the lodge. We only had a couple of 'meh' meals; the rest was amazing. It was ala carte for breakfast and lunch; and dinner was a set menu with two choices, except for a couple of nights when it was only us and one other couple, and then we just ordered off the lunch menu.
(photos and description coming in next post)

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Not all the food, but enough to make y'all jealous.
Blueberry cheesecake. Not too sweet, was amazing.


Chicken Sopes

Chicken roll up on coconut rice

coconut cream with fresh fruit and toasted coconut


Passion fruit cheesecake


Those weird nachos

The best veggie burger I have ever had...Fries were perfect too


Fryjacks (reminded me of thinner sopapillas) with homemade pineapple jam



jerked chicken leg, on a bed of pickled onions and mangos, and sweet potato balls


Tequila Lime pasta with roasted vegetables, and toasted garlic bread

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

a few photos of the ruins. Most of Xunantunich is on the gopro.



Cahal Pech:
Kings burial chamber