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

[PollyannaMom]

Hello everyone,
I‘m sorry it has been so long. Life just hurts right now, and somehow writing it down makes it more real, if that makes any sense. Kris is getting sicker and weaker everyday. He is not the person he was before this nightmare began. He has started a new Chemo, we tried to get into a research study but his blood did not have the needed markers. Chemo is hell, but the decision to stop will have to be his. The cancer has spread to his bones now, and he fell and badly bruised some ribs. He has to be very careful and mindful of his movements.

Thank you, Snowysmom for keeping us in your thoughts. We are still going on our trip to Maine. Kris is insisting, he knows it is a place I always wanted to go. We will take it easy, and go at his speed. We took the car in and had it checked over, all was fine, so hopefully we will have smooth travels. I have started packing, and Saturday we are getting together with my sisters to finalize some of our travel plans. We will decide who brings what for the rental home.

We are awaiting the birth of a new grandchild in November. They have decided not to find out the sex of the baby this time. And our other DD is planning a very quick wedding in Dec. These are such happy things, but bittersweet at the same time. Our children have been very supportive all while going through their own grief.

We got some more bad news, one of my very oldest and dearest friends has been diagnosed with stage 3 anal cancer. This is a very ugly and painful cancer. I wish I could be there for her more, but she lives about 6 hours away and I can’t leave Kris for that long.
Well, that’s enough for now, I am so tired, only getting 2-4 hours of sleep a night.
I have enjoyed following along even if I don‘t post very often.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning, everyone,
Dad is off doing typical Friday morning chores of followed by at Ralph's. Kirby, ITA, that Ralph's (Kroger for you) prices sure do keep going up We do have an online Ralph's account and are able to load digital coupons onto our card that way. Ralph's also usually sends dad extra coupons on Friday with every now and then a free item (usually Colgate toothpaste but since we use Colgate regular toothpaste that is a blessing to get) as well. Signup if you haven't already.

We are expecting more packages today and over the weekend. Online ordering has become a pandemic blessing as well as a way to save both some money and on trips out for dad. Wish online stock like that of stores was steadier! As always, how beyond grateful to God we are in all for all and to be able to order what is truly needed.

Big Kirby along with healing ! You have sure been through a lot within a few days span medical wise. The women in the Bible study class would be something I'd love to be part of. I think something similar was mentioned in a book I once read and sounded interesting then. I'd enjoy hearing more about your class if ever you want to PM me. Thanks. How are your grandkids doing?

Putting up seasonal decoration is fun, Footballmouse, and makes a space to me feel homier and more festive. Dad and I are trying to find something cute for Autumn . I will post a picture of our kitchen table area when the Autumn tablecloth is on (we have that already) and our two wall decorations (we need to buy or make) are up. I’m sorry you’re working all weekend. Thank you, always, for all the loving and kind care you provide to so many including your !

Bobbiwoz, what a lovely surprise visitor! Thank you for making a kind difference to him! So glad he came to let you know that. Very cool he was a CM . Enjoy your dinner tonight and wow he does come from a big family! Although when I was very young, I thought having a large number of kids was what I wanted.

Glad to read that for once, you don’t have major home chore plans, dear Lynn! I hope you find something fun to watch on . Brr that is cold! Opposite weather coming here

What extra precious ages, Snowysmom indeed! At Christmastime , I always recommend Santa's Favorite Story The 7-year-old might almost be ready for a first Boxcar Children’s Book. Bigger floor puzzles can be fun, and any building material is usually a kid hit, same with a riding toy. Of course, something as simple as bubbles can sure bring joy across faces young and old. Your entire family is so blessed indeed to have you and so are all of us!

Much extra dear Dazed and thank you for posting. You are special to us all. Keeping you and Kris tucked extra in prayer! There's a book called 50 Days of Hope that I just saw on Christian Book while looking at bookmarks. I have never read this book so am not able to share a review of it. I sincerely though of you with it. This is available on Paperback Swap, the used book swap site I am a member of. PM me if you would like me to order it for you. Would also be glad at any time to send you some God Bless your new grandchild to shortly come! Truly an extra season of Thanksgiving blessing!

and thank you, Carol for trusting us to share real names of your family. Lol, now to remember all of them! Andrew played by John Dye, as I have shared, was my favorite TBAA character. I have often thought should I ever get to name a baby boy I'd choose Andrew. for Marty to feel much better!

Thinking of you, PollyannaMom! Much today will be brighter and healthier all-around for you and your son!

AuntieMe3, B&B, Easyas, Frog, Judique, and all other Quacker Family members who haven't yet posted today. Hug to each of you and prayers as always, too.

Have a good Friday everyone. I'll check back later.

 

[Snowysmom]

@dazedx3 You and Kris are very much in my prayers. I do hope your trip to Maine brings all of you some peace and calm as you enjoy the Fall in New England. We are having some crisp cool mornings in MA so Maine will definitely be cooler. A new grandchild is very much a blessing. Your DD's wedding in December will also be a nice blessing for the family. I will also pray for your friend. Please try to take care of yourself which I know is not easy. Even if you meditate or have a treat or sit out in the sun. Whatever brings you some rest.

 

[bobbiwoz]

@dazedx3 please Know that you and Kris are in my prayers.

 

[lynxstch]

@dazedx3 Know that you and Kris are also in my prayers, as well as your friend and her family. I too hope your trip does both of you some good.

@Breezy_Carol --Thank you for sharing names, I know it's a pain to type DH and DS, DD, SIL and others.

SInce you shared, I will also. Mr L's name is Don. My stepdaughters name is Summer, and stepsons are Luke and Ben
SIL is Cheryl and niece is Abigail. I will use those names from now on. Sorry Mona, more names for you to remember, lol

Its still only 65 outside. The floor inspector finally called. Our new floor is coming up in all kinds of spots, and is under a 15 year warranty, so someone had better do something. The company is down south that makes the floor. The inspector is coming from Winchester VA (you would think they could have found a local guy instead of making this guy make the long drive?). He said he will try and figure out the cause and then report back to the company. I am not too happy,,,and it took the guy an entire week to call and schedule an appt. He's coming on Tuesday afternoon. I hope they will do something, but we are betting they won't.

I cleaned out the gutters. One side was almost empty, this side was full to the top (black walnut tree). I called our handyman to ask when his brother was going to come and put the leaf guards on. Handyman (Dave) got an infection after surgery and ended up in the ER with a 104 temp. He's home now, driving around, feels better with antiobiotics. He said if he's better by next week, he will go and pick up the leaf guards and come with his brother and supervise,,lol. I told him only if he feels better, if not,,just send his brother!

 

[Kirby]

Mona, the kids are doing really well at the moment. Lil Joe loves school and Lou Lou loves preschool. Both are involved in sports, coach pitch baseball and soccer respectively. Fortunately it looks like neither play/practice at the same time so our time will not be divided. It's been seven weeks since they've seen their dad and you can really see that their stress levels are down. He does facetime about once a week.

Well, I didn't get the mums. Decided to plant pansies instead. Those will last all winter. We did find shredded hash browns at Fresh plus popsicles and grated cheese. I had to get out of there before I bought more. Once of these days I might try buying block cheese and grate my own. We stopped at Taco Bell and brought tacos home with us.

Now I need to get to work and clear off my desk for the weekend.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Thinking of you, PollyannaMom! Much today will be brighter and healthier all-around for you and your son!

I am home and he seems to be on the mend. He is of course not 100%, but doing much better.

He is contemplating some big decisions that all of this brought up, so I'm hoping for peace and happiness.

@dazedx3 please Know that you and Kris are in my prayers.

Mine as well!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Much for Dave, Lynn! Thanks for sharing with everyone. LOL, I'll have to start a Quacker family name list! of names that all of you have publicly shared that is. Always, in all ways, all of you know, anything you share with me in confidence will forever be kept that way!
Huge praise extra to God, Kirby and PollyannaMom! How very grateful I am to read both of your updates!

 

[Snowysmom]

Sending prayers to all who need them.

Good Morning. It is chilly here today, 49 degrees. I splurged and went out to get coffee at Dunkin then took my walk. I saw a black squirrel looking for acorns while walking. The squirrels tails are very full and bushy this Fall. Sign of a cold winter? I hope not especially with the prices of home heating oil and natural gas. I have colored my hair cleaned the bathrooms, put away some clothes, and now have a laundry of my fall fleece going. I plan to do some work for a bit before another walk. I am going to older DS's house this afternoon.

I too am getting weary of older DS and younger DS etc. My name is Candy. My older DS is Kenny (aka Ken to his peers and brother. Only Mom and the nieces and nephews can call him Kenny), younger DS is Jeff, DDIL is Aimee. Grandkids are Ethan, Owen, Ellie, Luke, Charlotte, and Sam. And of course as you all know, my dear angel is Chris.

Have a good day.

 

[frog3101]

Good morning to all Quackers. Trying to catch pup a bit before we leave for my youngest sons flag football game. It is chilly here this AM, but at least the rain has stopped. We had homecoming last night and it was a cold/drizzling night to be out. We won, so that made it a bit better, but I was pretty miserable by the time we got home. A nice hot shower did help me get back to feeling pretty normal. I even had to turn the heat on last night. I will prob turn it off for today and tomorrow as it's supposed to warm up to high 70's but we def. wanted it last night to take the chill out of the air. And, as you all know, heat and I don't get along well, so I of course, did not have it set too high. Honestly I might have left it off except my older son had a friend stay over and I didn't want the poor kid to freeze.

@dazedx3 -Sending you so many hugs and prayers. I can only imagine the heartache. I hope that your trip goes well and you are able to "collect" some wonderful memories to hold on to down the road.

@Snowysmom - Sending you more thoughts and prayers also. You have a lot on your plate also. Glad you also have a trip to look forward to soon.

@Bianca and Bernard - I am sorry to hear about your son. I am glad he has at minimum agreed to have some contact with your daughter, so at least you know if he is ok. The pain this is causing you and your family must be overwhelming.

@Breezy_Carol - Poor little Marty, hope he feels better soon. Very kind to agree to watch him even when he's under the weather.

@footballmouse - oh man, that poor bird. I'm sorry you had to see that awful site. Glad you have decided to remove that feeder. Hope your craft project went well.

@PollyannaMom - Good to hear your son is feeling better. Continued prayers he keeps moving in a positive direction and also that he is able to make whatever decisions that are before him with confidence.

@bobbiwoz - What a fun surprise to see someone from your past who was a big part of your life.

@Kirby - Sounds like Lil Joe and LouLou are doing really well. I'm glad they have activities they both enjoy. It's really not a great thing to say, but it seems they are doing just fine without having seen their dad for so long. I'm sure it's confusing for them on so many levels. Here's hoping things continue to go well in that area, no matter what he throws at them and your daughter.

Things here are about the same. This is my weekend to have the kids, so things are "calm" for now. I found out last night that the husband of my soon to be former husbands girlfriend, who I will refer to as TT going forward, knows all about what is going on. I guess she has definitely done this before (one longer term relationship with another man and more than a few trysts) and he just always lets it ride. He says he doesn't want to lose his kid in a divorce. I'm not sure how I feel about all that, but it's really not my concern. I think I'm just angry that she is getting her cake and eating it too. Which, that is none of my business either at this point, but it's so disheartening. I feel for her kid. I am angry for my kids as this is what they are being shown is what a relationship is. I have a plan on Monday to go speak to someone about the situation. I will share more if it works out for me to talk to this person. I can't remember if I shared that I have an appointment on Friday with my attorney to start working on an offer. I know my soon to be former husband has no plans to settle out of court, but we have to try.
My soon to be former husband has told my oldest that if she wants to take anything out of her room at his house to bring here that she will need a court order for it. That everything there is now his and it's part of the house. What a jerk and frankly how petty of him to bully his own daughter like that. Thankfully she has everything she really needs and most of the stuff she wants. There were just a few things she was hoping to get, mostly gifts from others (not from him) and things she bought herself. He told my oldest son that I am bleeding him dry and that I have stolen all of their (the kids) money from them out of their accounts and spent it on myself. Not true and I sent him papers showing him so, but he won't let it go. My son says, for not having any money he drives all over wasting gas and bought himself a new iPhone, AirPods, and TT a new Apple Watch. He has also refused to pay the health insurance bill the last two months (it's court ordered he do so) because the policy (which was written long before he told me he wanted a divorce) has me written as the primary policy holder. The insurance company will not, per their rules, add another primary holder or change the name. I have explained this to my attorney and even had the insurance company write a letter explaining it and that he can still pay it, but his attorney told him not to and that it should have organically been written with him as the primary policy holder. UGH. SO many things that just keep popping up.

Sorry to be such a downer, like I said, that's why I don't post much at the moment. I am trying really hard to find positives each day and things I am thankful for, but man, I just really feel defeated right now.

I know there are so many on our little thread that have big heartaches happening in our lives. I am sincerely sad for each of you.

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. Balmy 45 degrees outside, calling for 72 later. Rain expected tonight and tomorrow.

@frog3101 --You know my feelings on all that you wrote from our pm's. But I am glad that you continue to keep all the Quackers updated on what is going on. That's what we are here for, and I know there are others that care just as much about you as I do. Keep your head up, hold your ground, and don't let him gain any more control over you!

Might start Fall cleaning by washing all the windows in the house (at least 20), that will keep me busy and take some time. I am off now to strip and remake the bed, wash the other linens, and decide on something for dinner.

Prayers said for all of my Quacker family, as Frog said,,so many of you are going through so much right now, and the prayers can only helP!

Have a nice morning

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Morning all!

to @dazedx3. SEnding all the good thoughts your way. Congrats on the new grandbaby, and on the wedding.

@Kirby I take 10mg of melatonin when I feel it's going to be a rough night. I'm not 100% sure it helps, but I do seem to sleep soundly, for about 7-8 hours (5mg gives me about 4-5 hours of solid sleep). We get gummies; DH, aka Lance, prefers the Natrol brand, and I prefer the CVS (neither of us felt the Walgreens branded one worked at all).

@Snowysmom I love the idea of the train sets! At least, shopping for younger grandchildren is fairly simple...they all love toys!

I have not started my Christmas shopping, but this year, it will be pretty easy. I have to wait until November anyways, as my extra funds are gone this upcoming month, for DS and DSoIL#1's birthdays.

Hunter (DGS#4, age 1) will be getting a couple of 12-18 month old toys and some books; Gavin (DGS#3, age 6) wants a video game for his Switch, as does James (DGS#2, age 6), so they'll be getting those, a toy, and some books. Kyle (DGS#1) gets cash in a card, as we don't have contact with them, so I don't know what he likes; he turned 17 this year, so next year, if he likes, he can be in contact with us. DD#1 (Jessica + Jay) and DD#2 (Andrea + Tony) have asked everyone to not do a ton of toys this year, as the boys have way too many; instead, they want to 'crowd source' bigger gifts, like zoo memberships or swingsets, from their friends and family; so we will donate some $$ to those. Andrea will be getting the next Harry Potter pop up and illustrated books that she collects; Tony will be getting some bar tools and graphic novels; Jay and Jessica will be getting a 'make your own gin' kit, and gift cards, because they really don't want much, but can always use some extra funds for coffee or dinner. DS (Alex) will be getting cash deposited into his bank account. Lance and I won't be exchanging gifts; we'll be saving up for another vacation next year! Plus he just bought himself a new bass; it's been out of stock for the last year, so he jumped on it when one became available!


It's going to be a not fun week, lol. Lance is going out of town tomorrow, to New Orleans, for a conference, and will be gone until Friday. I was going to go down with him, spend the week touring, and then we were going to spend the weekend. Had to cancel that, with Alex going awol, because I couldn't find a reliable cat/house checker this week. it's kind of good that we did have to cancel, because we are expecting a hurricane on Thursday! So I get to spend the week prepping. I've never been through a storm by myself...Lance has always been home...so I'm a bit nervous. If we get an evac call, I'll need to figure out how to transport the cats, as they panic in carriers and destroyed the last one we had; and then I'll have to drive to NO to be with DH.

Tomorrow, after I take Lance to the airport, at 4 freaking am , I'm going to go get some gallon jugs of water to freeze, and bags of ice to toss in the big freezer, and a new propane tank. for the camping stove. Tuesday, I'll go get with some bread, peanut butter (I got my Jif coupons, btw, from the recall), apples, powdered coffee creamer. I also need to dig out the propane stoves in the garage, and the French press; and grind a bunch of coffee. Guess for lunches and dinners this week, I'll eat up as many of the tv dinners/frozen pizzas that are in the freezer as I can (as they can't be cooked on the propane stove if we lose power, lol, and will just take up space!). Need to rinse out the big coolers and the big orange water jug; need to fill the jug up Wednesday, along with the bathtubs. I might mow the yards on Tuesday, if they need it; we really need to go out and trim down the palm trees, but it's too late to do it now...yard trash is Friday's only, and the Monday pickup guys flat out ignore the yard trash that people put out on weekends (so it sits all week).

Off to make my lists of things to do (on sticky notes, on my monitor, so I don't forget, lol). Have a good day!

 

[lynxstch]

@Bianca and Bernard --Sending prayers your way that the hurricane misses you. Sounds like you will be well prepared if it does. Be carelful, and stay safe!

 

[Snowysmom]

@frog3101 So much drama and heartache for you. So sorry that it continues. I hope that the appt with your attorney can help you get some clarity about what will happen down the road. Your soon to be ex makes me angry. He is so petty and so nasty. And his GF seems to be a not so great person too. It is nice that you have the kids this weekend and hopefully everyone can have some calm.

B&B Yikes on the hurricane coming. I don't even like thunderstorms never mind a hurricane. It sounds like you have a great plan to get ready.

Lynn Another busy day for you!

I usually get my grandkids toys that are not mainstream that I know they will like. Santa brings the toys the kids put on their lists. This year I got the boys a robot building set they I know they will love. I got Ellie my oldest a working model of the solar system that she can build. It rotates and has a light showing constellations. Chris was big into astronomy so this was an easy gift to get for her. Charlotte will get a smaller robot set that doesn't require as much construction. Sam is a baby so I will find out what baby toys Jeff and Aimee would like for him. I also got them some Bluey related games and got Ellie a card game called Nuts for Mutts. I got some stocking stuffers at Michaels yesterday and best of all they were on sale for 30% off. I feel like I have made good progress.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

@frog3101 So much drama and heartache for you. So sorry that it continues. I hope that the appt with your attorney can help you get some clarity about what will happen down the road. Your soon to be ex makes me angry. He is so petty and so nasty. And his GF seems to be a not so great person too. It is nice that you have the kids this weekend and hopefully everyone can have some calm.

B&B Yikes on the hurricane coming. I don't even like thunderstorms never mind a hurricane. It sounds like you have a great plan to get ready.

Lynn Another busy day for you!

I usually get my grandkids toys that are not mainstream that I know they will like. Santa brings the toys the kids put on their lists. This year I got the boys a robot building set they I know they will love. I got Ellie my oldest a working model of the solar system that she can build. It rotates and has a light showing constellations. Chris was big into astronomy so this was an easy gift to get for her. Charlotte will get a smaller robot set that doesn't require as much construction. Sam is a baby so I will find out what baby toys Jeff and Aimee would like for him. I also got them some Bluey related games and got Ellie a card game called Nuts for Mutts. I got some stocking stuffers at Michaels yesterday and best of all they were on sale for 30% off. I feel like I have made good progress.

When my kids were little, Santa was king in the house. However, the girls have things set so that Santa only brings one big MUST HAVE WANT SO BAD item, a couple of small items, and stuffed stockings. They've explained it to the boys (who noticed last year that Santa did not bring them as much stuff as their friends, but that they got more from family) that Santa helps those who need more help, and that it doesn't haven't anything to do with 'being good or bad' for the amount of things you get...if you get anything, you're on the 'nice list'. Their kiddos, we follow their lead; no skin off my nose, I'm Mimi, I get credit for my gifts anyways! Hahaha

@lynxstch I have plans, but I've never ridden a storm out by myself before. I've always had DH around to handle things. Ah, well, it will all be ok. If JAX gets hit, DH may need to rent a car in NO and drive home on Saturday (I'm sure he'll be heartbroken to have to stay in NO another couple nights and miss the power outage/storm cleanup, even if beads aren't involved ); he's supposed to fly in Friday afternoon. Here's hoping for the storm to die down in the gulf (and to NOT turn towards NO...that would just be bad for DH!)...

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning to all with extra to all of you, always, you know that

all for trusting in us to share some of your family member's real names. I did begin a Quacker family shared names list. I am PM-ing you, dear Snowysmom to be sure I got your grandkids right! B&B, would you please PM me so I can be sure I have your family matched up right as well? Thank you! Anyone want to look it over to be sure I didn't miss anyone? I will PM you. I don't want to post it, not my place. Always up to each of you to choose whether you feel comfortable naming a specific family member. That said, I will probably still wonder who a name is in relation to you (posting) unless you (posting) remind us at least for a while

HugeFrog, you also know my thoughts and prayers from our PM's. Will PM you again. I always wish you peace! Please take care of yourself!

Continuing prayer B&B!

Not much new to share here. Quiet Saturday. We're going to look more for a new fridge along with a new cart/cabinet to hold out microwave. The cart we have has one small shallow drawer that is missing a screw. It is becoming harder to open period and without breaking the drawer. The two bottom doors it has have to be precisely lined up to close. Time to be replaced! We are wanting something similar to what we have. White ideally or a lighter wood color. Drawer and door. Our current cabinet doors open into a big empty space. Ideally a new one would have a shelf and empty space). We would need to have it both delivered and assembled. Home Depot or Lowe's, maybe Target? As always money is a huge issue. Less than $75 would be our preference. Still a lot for us. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions

Happy Saturday, friendsI'll check back later.

 

[Kirby]

Good morning everyone!

Lou Lou's soccer game was a hoot this morning. Both teams were making goals at the same goal. Which was fine except that Lou Lou's teams goals were at the wrong goal. Well, they did score two at the correct one but made many goals for the other team.

DD has a pedicure scheduled for Lou Lou, me and her for later today. She and Lil Joe are going to a Mother/Son dance tonight put on by the Parks Department and wanted to do something special with Lou Lou before hand. Lil Joe is so excited to get all dressed up and go dancing with his mom. When he heard that DD and LL was getting their toes done he asked his mom why she didn't ask me to go too. He is such a thoughtful not so little anymore boy. So I get to go too!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We got a smile in the mail this afternoon! Thank you, Mona.

You and all Quackers are in my daily prayers.

Bobbi

PS. Tom and I are recovering very nicely. It’s a cool day in Cape May, and I had my short woolen vest on as I rode my adult tricycle this morning.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

This will be tough for me with the names. I am bad with names. I might not understand stories as well if it takes a lot of work trying to figure out who’s who. Just putting that out there. I’m also going to stick with DH, DD, etc., because I prefer anonymity. I don’t think I’d like it if family or friends were using our names when there are stories requiring sensitivity. But people can/should do what they want.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

God Bless dear Lou Lou and Lil Joe, Kirby! They are such extra precious gifts from God. Much Lil Joe has a wonderful time with his mom. I love that they are going on a Mother/Son dance. Dear Lou Lou and her whole team. They just wanted everyone to win
Bobbiwoz, I'm so happy the postcard brightened your day. Doesn't the dog look a little like Gus?

Pea and hope you're having a good day.

Good afternoon to all!