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

[Breezy_Carol]

I've come back to add more because my memory failed me and then more people posted.

On another topic is Mother's Day and my MIL's birthday in the same week. This sounds funny but she is scared about not finding necessities so I have a box here throwing things in like lysol wipes, some cleaner, hand soaps, cloths masks, toilet paper, good hand lotion, and I'll put some nice things in as well. We are thinking about driving up there (about 2.5 hours) and stopping for take out and bringing camp chairs to have lunch outside with respectable distances. Does that sound weird?

That does not sound weird. It sounds really nice.

Glad to have this thread, still going, and letting all of us say what we need to say, knowing that some of our DIS family will understand, commiserate, and offer advice when needed!

I so agree with this.

I am most of all grateful to God today and every day for another day of health and home!

And I agree with this too.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Was doing the wash today when the flyover was under way so missed the Blue Angels and Thundercats. Ah well, perhaps another time for one and/or the other.

Was a quiet day filled with ordinary chores. Found I had no baking powder although was sure there was some stored in the fridge. Guess I was wrong and makes sense since I rarely bake much with flour excepting during the November/December holidays.

Really wanted to make a spice seasoned cake to go with the leftover poached pears so I persisted searching for a substitute. Found a DH yellow cake mix in the pantry and decided to "play" with it. Added fresh black pepper, ground some cardamon seeds, grated nutmeg and a stick of cinnamon; a bit of powdered ginger, a bit of allspice. Used half Greek yogurt, half milk to replace the water, and it helped to make a cake redolent with fresh spices.
DGD prefers iced cake whilst I don't care for it much so did a compromise and baked the mixture in 2 pans. One was served today un-frosted with the pears and sauce; the other will be iced for service on Friday.

Dinner tonight was leftover chicken Provencal with orzo and spinach added for DGD. The man had a portion of lasagna Bolognese from the freezer w/ spinach on the side, and I used the last of some chicken broth in the fridge to make a variation on Italian egg drop soup with the addition of cut asparagus, frozen peas, and spinach for me. Good fridge clean up meals all with similar ingredients, and it's definitely time to buy some more fresh produce.

I noticed something odd a few weeks back: most local markets are not printing circulars, or listing sale items online. I've come to use the info as a valuable tool for meal planning so hope this changes back soon.

My all time favorite amusement ride is Coney Island's Cyclone. The wooden track makes make me feel grounded on Earth.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Sometimes it’s hard for me to get in or out of rides, but I do enjoy them. This past October we had our family with us for the first time at WDW, and we all got such a kick out of Kali River Rapids.

I am thankful for the memories I have.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Tina, your gift sounds lovely! How lucky your MIL is.
I like to ride some rides but not the thrill rides.DH doesn’t mind riding in the single rider line.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I am so jealous! I so want an screened porch! One of these days. Have a glass of wine for me in it!

I would love a screened in porch as well. Someone recently mentioned a cabin by a lake that'd be awesome too

I love mine, and I will @HeatherC ! DH screened in an area of our front porch where there was a roof overhang, so it’s small, but cozy!

For years we had one of these, though, and we loved it, too! If you have a deck or patio you can put it there if the measurements fit. have to put it up and take it down but it’s not too bad to do.

https://www.bjs.com/product/patio-mate-171-x-86-screened-enclosure---whitegray/24968
Hope someone can use it!

I like rides but not really spinny rides! Mission Space days are over! @NYCgrrl Cyclone is one of my favorite coasters too!

We made turkey burgers the other night but the only type of ground turkey they had was Jennie O and I knew there was a reason I didn’t buy that - I thought they tasted funny. (Anyone else find that? It tastes chemical-ly to me!) Very disappointed! The steaks I mentioned the other day, too, got burned so we decided it was finally time to spring for a new grill. We did take out from Moe’s, I like the bowls, and I must say it was very fresh and good.

 

[PollyannaMom]

(Still a couple of page behind, but will answer as far as I've gotten.)

We had take out tonight for dinner. It was good and makes me happy to cook again. The whole process of taking out is just weird enough that I don't enjoy and makes me loose the overall appreciation of takeout if that makes sense.

I totally get that! It makes me feel funny too.

Question of the day 4/27: Are you an outdoor person?

Definitely! The outdoors heals me. I love being in the sunshine, enjoy (light-medium) hiking, and by a lake with a good book is one of my happy places.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Since working from home, I have developed this new habit of sleeping later instead of getting up early and spending time on the computer.

RE 4/28... I will ride rollercoasters, assuming they are not too wild. I have done the railroad, and Space Mountain at Disney and those are fine. Log rides, absolutely I love Splash Mountain (probably my favorite ride).

Holiday World is my "home territory", I have ridden everything in the park. I have ridden the Thunderbird, and didn't like it. That was a little too wild for my taste, I do not like going upside down. I do like the Voyage although it is kind of rough. I like their log ride too. My favorite might be the "Mayflower", one of those boat things.

I never have been to Cedar Point or King's Island, I just do not have any desire to ride stuff THAT wild.

 

[monkeydawn]

Since working from home, I have developed this new habit of sleeping later instead of getting up early and spending time on the computer.

RE 4/28... I will ride rollercoasters, assuming they are not too wild. I have done the railroad, and Space Mountain at Disney and those are fine. Log rides, absolutely I love Splash Mountain (probably my favorite ride).

Holiday World is my "home territory", I have ridden everything in the park. I have ridden the Thunderbird, and didn't like it. That was a little too wild for my taste, I do not like going upside down. I do like the Voyage although it is kind of rough. I like their log ride too. My favorite might be the "Mayflower", one of those boat things.

I never have been to Cedar Point or King's Island, I just do not have any desire to ride stuff THAT wild.

I grew up near ish Holiday World back when it was Santa Claus Land. Loved some of those tamer wild rides.

 

[PollyannaMom]

We are thinking about driving up there (about 2.5 hours) and stopping for take out and bringing camp chairs to have lunch outside with respectable distances. Does that sound weird?

Not at all.

Question of the day: 4/28: Ride the rides at theme parks?

I like most rides. I skip a few of the super thrilling coasters at places like Six Flags and Universal, but I’m up for all the coasters at Disney at least once in a trip...though there are a couple that DH and DS will go on a second time without me.

The little boy, elementary age, across the street had his birthday today. He had a parade of about 6 cars of friends go by and lots of neighbors out wishing him Happy Birthday. I discovered a website to make a card. At least this mess is bringing neighbors together.

I went to my first one of those yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it went!

 

[chickapin parterre]

Joshua Tree, California is renown for being the gateway to the national park that has characteristic natural features for climbing and easy hiking. Prior to the 80s Joshua Tree was also known for it s Turtle races the first weekend in May. The community and tourist would gamble on the three tortoises to cross the finish line of a huge circle.
A carnival would come to town and set up during school hours below the school that overlooked the ridge. My classmates and i would watch the construction of the carnival. One attraction was the Octopus, a gnarly twisting and rising and swirling ride full of terror. naturally, the bully in the mix of us kids finger clinched into the metal fence would be " double dog dare" to board the attraction.
naturally, when at the weekend event, we would always try to avoid the bully and any appearance of eagerness of boarding. Well, I was found and summoned to board. With hands clinched tight, the black beast began it revolutions, always peaking at the top of the spin, straight up into the air, fear building up of failure...Once, twice and....failure, the attraction stopped....with me at the peak of the crescent of the revolution....going to die I was....hanging with back to the ground and my face staring at the eternity of the blue sky.

Lee eyelry was the first inventor of the octopus style carnival ride. He built them in Oregon and across the western frontier they terrorized children in the 60s. Lee eyelry also terrorized folks by introducing the death defying....Volkswagen, he opened the first dealership in the Willamette valley in 1967

Lee eyelry eventually paid me back for my childhood terror, at an estate sale was fruit cake tin full of vintage pin-back buttons, in the pile was an original Octopus carnival button.. my palms began to sweat....terror...so I bought the pile of buttons for $80.00....the red octopus button sold on ebay for $40.00 but in the mix of those buttons was one that I sold for $2500.00 on ebay and is now in an England museum on woman suffrage.....it was the last button I posted on ebay, not seeing a whole great value in the pin......and that moment in Joshua tree was the last time I boarded any attraction that could be fearful...until 2000...when my 5 year old son said...." please dad, can't we ride Space mountain"....his pleading smile and first time visitor button gleaming in the October sun.

 

[Snowysmom]

I have ridden all the rides at Disney at one time or another. My favorite now is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I like the outdoor roller coasters at Disney. I don't ride Rock N Roll Coaster any more or Space mountain. Space mountain is hard for me to get out of. I ride the tame side of Mission Space but I have done the other side once. Other than those rides I will ride anything. If we get to go in August with the grandkids I want to ride the roller coasters with my 5 year old granddaughter. She is just like daddy and nana and loves the coasters at Disney. She makes the height requirement for most of them. The roller coasters at Universal are not my kind of rides. My sons will ride them but I won't.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Happy Wednesday to all,

I had to think what day it is. I've sort of lost some days or weeks of time. Matt and I are doing okay but Matt's grandma is not. She spent the day back in the ER. This is not a good trend. She is back home but I think we are at the point where she can't be alone anymore. She is just so broken hearted about losing Grandpa in October. I think one of the Auntie's will be going up tomorrow. I texted that I'd be up next weekend to take a turn. She is little hell on wheels or really used to be but she loves some Tina as I'm the one that checks on her heart stuff when everyone else is too scared. She tells everyone I give the best hugs. Probably because others too scared LOL and I bring all the good treats.

It's gloomy and dark and rainy. I had my Accounting Test this morning and then I sat on the couch reading new book, Welcome to Pine and Away Motel and Cabins on Kindle using hoopla. I'm not sure if ya'll are familiar with it. I've really just started utilizing the library this year and that is one their digital services. I'm really impressed with it right now. My next book is all ready to get started The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, which I also downloaded on hoopla. Anyone reading anything good to share?

Dinner tonight is clean out the fridge of leftovers.

Gratitude:
1. My accounting class is over. I'm probably going to take more classes online this summer but I'm glad I tested myself taking it.
2. I'm thankful for the good care Grandma is getting in this difficult time and I'm grateful for family trying to help.
3. I had some good text conversation with a friend I haven't spoken with in few weeks. She always lifts my spirits.

Peace and good health to all.

 

[NYCgrrl]

My brain is a tad weary from communicating via a Zoom conference with DGD's teachers as well as another bout of Zooming with lots of parents, teachers, and school administrators about the future of returning to the school building. I thought her mother would participate what with all the instructions and questions she asked me but she opted out at the last minute. Oh well.

DGD is doing well in French and will be advanced a semester when she returns to brick and mortar school if she continues in this manner. Needs more work with Geometry so it's time to track down a worthy online tutor; her regular tutor already admitted she wasn't up to the challenge of teaching online. On the bright side this is advanced work and DGD will still pass her grade appropriate math course. Needs to do more fictional reading which kind of amuses me; no earth shattering concerns with History or Science. Each teacher told me the same thing: she needs to participate more in class.
Not a bad report overall.

Tonight, we are all eating the same meal: ham risotto with asparagus, fava beans, green peas, and mushrooms. Takes care of most of the end of the "Easter" ham and once again I say I have to go shopping for fresh produce but but I really mean it now- no more procrastinating, LOL.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Question of the day: 4/29: Do you have siblings? Do you work well together?

I don't have siblings. I've always been an only and mostly I'm fine with it but of course with the challenges of my mom, I wish I had brother/sister to share with but also know that's not how it always goes. My husband has a sister and brother. They are all really different people. It wasn't not necessarily team effort when things went south with my FIL. I did not envy my husband or myself the positions we were in. Now seeing the struggles with my husband's grandma and 8 siblings and 8 opinions and count in spouses and grandchildren. It's like the siblings need a tie breaker, which was Matt's dad who made 9. Now we tend to be the tie breaker voting in dad's proxy. Mostly I'm too bossy to want to share my decision making and fine being an only.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

for Matt's Grandma, Tina. Lol on the treats but that can be a good thing. My own beloved Grandma, who along with Grandpa, is with the Lord in Heaven, LOVED chocolate. I remember when she was in her early 80's before she moved into Assisted Living, she'd often have a few pints of ice cream in her freezer. At her age, if that is what she truly enjoyed, why not? May Matt's Grandma enjoy her treats as well

Yesterday I briefly thought was Wednesday. Today has felt like it has to be later in the week than only Wednesday. Time definitely has gotten thrown off!

Wednesday (so I remember what day it is ) Gratitude:

A little cooler weather the last couple days before the heat returns next week. Still no positive a/c news here, btw

Associate Pastor's article in our weekly newsletter shared a reminder that we truly have this time to be still and take stock of what matters most.

I had a nice conversation this morning with Crayola! Bought a package of 64 crayons in which some were missing. In addition, I realized at least one crayon had been used (it was colored on the wrapper). I told Crayola this certainly is in no way pressing, just wanted them to know and that all these years later I and children I work with appreciate their product. They are kindly sending a replacement. despite that the defective box could be returned to the store. I shared my thanks and that I will make sure the extra box is somehow used for children at my church for which they thanked me. Nice all-around conversation. Happy coloring to all! 🖍

I am an only child. My childhood was not always the happiest so this was for the best but there were definitely times I wished I had a brother or sister.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Question of the day: 4/29: Do you have siblings? Do you work well together?

I don't have siblings. I've always been an only and mostly I'm fine with it but of course with the challenges of my mom, I wish I had brother/sister to share with but also know that's not how it always goes. My husband has a sister and brother. They are all really different people. It wasn't not necessarily team effort when things went south with my FIL. I did not envy my husband or myself the positions we were in. Now seeing the struggles with my husband's grandma and 8 siblings and 8 opinions and count in spouses and grandchildren. It's like the siblings need a tie breaker, which was Matt's dad who made 9. Now we tend to be the tie breaker voting in dad's proxy. Mostly I'm too bossy to want to share my decision making and fine being an only.

There are 4 of us; 3 of us work well enough together to be known as "The Committee" by our SOs, LOL. We also live pretty close to each other. The youngest sister lives a good 1000 miles away and tends to battle with one sister or the other at a time. It's my turn right now but to be honest she's mostly shadow boxing cuz I just haven't the time for her pain.

 

[monkeydawn]

Today is my birthday. Ive had a pretty great day all things considered. My husband and I stopped buying cards for each other years ago when I was helping my mom consolidate my grandfathers stuff so he could be moved closer to them since she needed to take guardianship. Nothing like going through 60 or so years worth of paperwork to make you want to go paperless. Sometimes we will take a picture of a card we would have given. LOL

Ditto for gifts just for gift giving sake. If he finds something he thinks I would truly love, great if not that's fine too. This year he stopped and got some individually wrapped candies. He did this several days ago so that they would have time to decontaminate and then he laid them all out in a heart for me on the kitchen counter with a note explaining that they were safe from cooties after he got home from work at around 1 am. It was the sweetest thing really. I discovered them at about 3 am when I got thirsty.

After he got up we took a walk to what I call "fake beach" Its a large man made lake with a smallish man made beach in the next neighborhood over. About 6 miles there and back. On the way there I got to do a little shelling. Picked up a pocketful of tiny shells. Closest I am getting to a real beach experience until they open back up locally and I will take it.

Then we had a lunch of leftovers and some cake and ice cream. I had three kinds of ice cream. Hey, its my birthday. After that we Facetimed with my parents and uncle for awhile. It was really nice to see them, they all looked well. I opened the gifts from my parents, aromatherapy stuff. Then it was time to let them go and get my husband off to work. After that I texted with mom about aromatherapy stuff and friends about handbags. Did a few chores around the house and have been playing on DIS for the past hour or so. No news today. Its been really lovely.

Tonight is Survivor. Its my favorite show and I always live tweet it. All my real favorites are gone already so I cant even get too heartbroken over who gets voted out tonight. LOL

I have some other presents that are currently in "mail jail" so I will get to extend my birthday a bit as the days pass and they are safe to handle. All in all, not a bad 45th birthday and I managed to con my husband into a makeup birthday weekend once restrictions are lessened some!



I only have a BIL. Drives me (and DH) crazy at times but I also know if I really needed something he'd do everything in his power to make it happen. We live about 8 hours away now so we really only get together 2-3 times a year. Facetime maybe monthly. Their relationship with their parents is difficult, we all do what we can to support one another in that respect but so much of that is out of our hands (and up to my in laws).

 

[Meriweather]

Question of the day: 4/29: Do you have siblings? Do you work well together?

I don't have siblings. I've always been an only and mostly I'm fine with it but of course with the challenges of my mom, I wish I had brother/sister to share with but also know that's not how it always goes. My husband has a sister and brother. They are all really different people. It wasn't not necessarily team effort when things went south with my FIL. I did not envy my husband or myself the positions we were in. Now seeing the struggles with my husband's grandma and 8 siblings and 8 opinions and count in spouses and grandchildren. It's like the siblings need a tie breaker, which was Matt's dad who made 9. Now we tend to be the tie breaker voting in dad's proxy. Mostly I'm too bossy to want to share my decision making and fine being an only.

I'm an only too.....and the only really hard time was dealing with mother and father deaths and all the things that come with it. And that is a LOT!!
I was married when they died, so that helped some, but I was pretty young to lose them.

DH had 2 brothers. One passed away last year after dealing with an illness for a very long time.
His other brother is doing well after a battle with back surgery.

I went to Costco today and boy, TP and PT everywhere!! No lack today.
Got a rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight.

monkeydawn

 

[easyas123]

I've got two brothers, we were all born within 6 years of each other. We all work together, too! Somehow - probably because it's all we've ever known, it works out. Oddly enough, we won't get together much for holidays, but since we usually see each other 5 days a week it we don't feel like we have to also get together on the weekends or holidays. My brothers wives are pretty okay, too! My husband has a brother & a sister - we are close to his brother and wife - they are great folks! My husband and his brother aren't super close to his sister / her husband and his folks. But it's okay, everyone gets along and a fair bit of distance helps keep it that way!

 

[apirateslifeforme]

Question of the day: 4/29: Do you have siblings? Do you work well together?

I don't have siblings. I've always been an only and mostly I'm fine with it but of course with the challenges of my mom, I wish I had brother/sister to share with but also know that's not how it always goes. My husband has a sister and brother. They are all really different people. It wasn't not necessarily team effort when things went south with my FIL. I did not envy my husband or myself the positions we were in. Now seeing the struggles with my husband's grandma and 8 siblings and 8 opinions and count in spouses and grandchildren. It's like the siblings need a tie breaker, which was Matt's dad who made 9. Now we tend to be the tie breaker voting in dad's proxy. Mostly I'm too bossy to want to share my decision making and fine being an only.

I'm an only child. I've always wanted a sibling. I've always felt very alone and unwanted (my mother has even told me, at times, "I would have had a much better life if I'd never had you"). I know it's selfish to wish I had someone else to share in the misery, but at the same time, then maybe I wouldn't have felt so alone?

DH has an older brother and younger sister, and they are all very close, IMO. DH usually says that growing up, he felt closer to his sister because they aren't quite 2 years apart, whereas the older brother is 4 years older than DH and 6 years older than SIL. Now, that age difference isn't noticeable at all. I have noticed that the sister is the boss when it comes to their aging parents, and the 2 boys (yeah, I call them boys... ) just sit back and do what she tells them to do. Hey, if it works for them, who am I to argue?

It breaks my heart when DS asks for a sibling. I think I've posted before that he is the sole survivor of my quadruplets. He was the single in my "identical triplets plus one" pregnancy. Less than 1% chance of that happening. Within the triplets was a set of mo-mo twins, which is NOT good. Sometime between 10 and 12 weeks all three triplets passed away. So now every once in a while Josh asks for a sibling, and I do tell him that he has 3 siblings, but they live in Heaven. In fact, he just asked yesterday morning, and I told him about it again, tears and all...someday I'll get out the ultrasound photos. Very hard for me to look at those.