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

[AuntieMe3]

I haven't made the jump to ordering food online yet. I prefer to go to the store to pick out my own stuff. I do get fruits and veggies at Costco when I go, its a little more expensive there but always good quality.

We went last night and it was awful....so crowded and annoying, started at the gas pumps, continued to the car wash and carried on into the store. Hubby and I both were in a bad mood on the way out, we really should've just skipped it as we really didn't need anything but he really wanted to use up his reward certificate. We left with coffee, Doritos, a robe for DD for Christmas, and we picked up a chicken alfredo and Ceasar salad for dinner.

My phone broke yesterday but my replacement is already on its way, while I was on the phone about my replacement, the rep I was talking to helped me switch our plan to a veteran plan and we're going to be saving over $100 a month....WOOHOOO....I'm so excited. Now that my last day of work is getting closer I'm getting more anxious about losing my paycheck. I don't make much and we don't necessarily need it but its MY fun money and I like having the extra, so anywhere I can save extra right now is going to be leftover for me. LOL

Hope everyone has a good day today. I'm staying in the rest of the day, all three of us completed our mail in ballots at home and hubby and I dropped them off yesterday afternoon. Praying for our country....❤

 

[flyingdumbo127]

The only food I have ordered online, AuntieMe3, is Campbell's Chicken Broth and lol Jell-o Chocolate Fudge Pudding. Quite a combination huh? Oh along with some breakfast granola and macademia nuts for my Dad. We are not Costco members. He does often go to Smart and Final. Hug, I'm sorry you and your husband had a less than enjoyable trip. I am glad you did find some things+ a reward certificate to use is always a Blessing! Hooray for saving phone money.

I finally did watch the Crafty Christmas movie. I much preferred a similar in storyline (trying to track down a former owner of a long lost/left behind item) in A Very Vintage Christmas. I did like that this movie had a few at a church scenes though was disappointed there was no actual church service because the church Sanctuary was being remodeled. As always in a Hallmark movie, lovely wintry scenery including Christmas Trees+ I did think the actor in this movie was sort of handsome.

It's only 9:17am here yet feels SO much later! Hug to all.

 

[easyas123]

All done voting. Was quite the crowd of vehicles in parking lot, but no wait once inside. Got to choose paper or electronic. Very long line for electronic, none for paper. Paper it was! In & out and go the sticker to prove it in 5 minutes.

I can't say much, but I've got a close relative who works for ABC National News. I'm enjoying a bit of the behind the scenes type chit chat -

 

[disneyworldsk]

I will be watching my son's college level program: HOFSTRA VOTES LIVE, as he is involved with the show and his major is in this area. He won't be on it, he is working behind the scenes(graphics producer) and getting much experience. It will be on youtube/facebook to follow and i enjoy watching his peers getting involved and showing support for their hard work. Theyve been spending hours planning for tonight's event so the least i can do is watch!

 

[Snowysmom]

We voted this morning around 11. We parked easily and walked right up to sign in and get our ballots. It was great. It was probably very busy when they first opened at 6 am and will be busy again later in the day until close. All done and back home now.

I just canceled my Disney trip for this month. It had to be done but I am still sad. Even DH said it made him a bit sad. There are a few reasons for canceling; the money spent may not be worth the reduced experience, I may end up more stressed out at the changes and not be able to have a good time, and most of all we spent alot of the money on Jasper's vet bills. We will have a good week off. At least we won't be at work. Next Disney trip is May so we can look forward to that.

Jasper "asked" to go on his walk today. He is not supposed to walk outside alot so we just took him down the street a few houses and back. He was jaunty and enjoyed it. I just wish the GI issues would resolve. It is taking awhile for the probiotics to work. I am getting a bit tired of the clean up. His cough is a bit better. The vet at the referral hospital has all these tests on various organs he wants to do once Jasper is recovered. I have been thinking about it and I really don't want to put Jasper through alot of tests. He is 15. I will ask what they believe is absolutely necessary and why. I also do not want him on prednisone. They have suggested that for long term treatment of the chronic bronchitis. Again, he is 15. I am not sure I think long term at this point. Every day he is doing well is a good day. He always has reactions to meds so again, I am not going to put him through alot.

I prefer that DH goes to the supermarket instead of delivery. I get too anxious and stressed in the store to do a big shopping trip every week. I put the groceries away when he gets home. I prefer that he picks out the produce and meats. I will go to a couple of smaller grocery stores for short trips. I love to do online shopping for gifts, clothes, and books. I find that to be relaxing.

Hoping and praying for a good night (and week or however long it takes) with no violence and common sense prevailing.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I forgot Cobra Kai on my TV list. DH and I really enjoyed it, being children of the 80s. We're looking forward to the next season. I had tried to show Josh the movie The Karate Kid and I don't think he was really into it, but he did like Mr. Miyagi.

We have also not made the jump to ordering food online, except my mom will order the giant boxes of donut shop coffee pods from Walmart and Amazon is the only place where I can get Klements meat snack sticks. We do have a Costco membership, but we don't purchase a great deal of food there, as there are only 3 adults in the house. Food-wise, we typically only buy bottled water, the giant pack of ground beef, the 2-packs of soups (for my in-laws, they really like the broccoli cheddar soup), Smart Balance butter, juice boxes for Josh for school, and when they're on sale, the Danimals yogurt drinks for Josh, Smuckers Uncrustables, and the Tyson panko chicken breasts. I'll buy the Aidell's pineapple and bacon chicken sausages when they're available as well. But we typically stick to paper goods, vitamins and personal care, laundry and dishwashing detergents/fabric softener, clothing, and books and toys at Christmastime.

Voting today went very well. DH left the house at 6:45 a.m. and texted me an hour later that he had just returned to the car. He said the parking lot was pretty clear (the senior center has TONS of parking!) and the line was about 50% shorter than when he'd joined. The posts on the town forum were pretty dire, however, with people saying that traffic was backed up out to the main road, which is a LONG way). Mom and I decided to do some errands first; she had bills to pay and I had a few things to pick up at Target since that was one of the bills she was paying. Josh had a HUGE meltdown while there, as he saw a random stuffed toy that he wanted, but he's already got a million stuffies...(well, maybe he only has about 50-60. Still too many.) When we arrived at the senior center, there was no long line down the street. The parking lot did look full but we easily found a space. There was one pickup truck parked there with a HUGE flag and signs all over it for one candidate, which was a little intimidating. The line stretched out the door, down one side of the building and out and around the side of the parking lot. Despite this, we joined it at 10:16 and walked out the door at 10:40, so definitely not bad at all! And all I'm going to say is that I was VERY careful filling in my circles, making sure that they were filled in completely without going outside the lines, and I made them nice and dark so there is NO mistake about my vote!

After that we visited the full-service shoe store where my mom took me as a child. Josh has long, narrow feet, which are also flat and his ankles are starting to turn inward, so the pediatrician suggested this store to get fitted properly. Josh's feet are a little bigger than I thought and he got a great new pair of sneakers for school. To my surprise, the main part of the store has not changed at all in 40 years! Same orange carpet, same yellow walls with the same wooden slat displays hanging on them. When the lady took us into that side to check out, my eyes must have bugged out of my head and I just blurted out how it looked so familiar! The only thing missing was the Hush Puppies basset hound statue that sat on a high shelf near the ceiling. I should take DH over there, as we both have problems with our feet - I'm pretty sure that I have plantar fasciitis, and DH has flat feet and weak ankles that turn inward.

Sorry such a long post. It's nice to have a pleasant day off from the schoolwork

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you, Snowysmom for truly being such a loving doggie Mom! I am thankful Jasper enjoyed a short walk today. Small moment with human and canine family are just precious indeed. Prayers continued for all of you!

I'm sorry you cancelled your Disney trip. I'm looking WAY ahead to most likely at least 2022 (I won't be going back to DL until things are what they once were or very close). It's sad to think it'll possibly be that long but time to for sure plan ahead! I'm most looking forward to simply the joy and Blessing of being there and knowing I feel safe. I look forward one day post plague to some of us indeed meeting in general and possibly for Candlelight--I'd love that. By then maybe the new Snow White ride will be open. Smaller things like meeting Santa again with my Dad or doing the Easter egg hunt will be such fun. I've also read on the DL section of this thread that if you get to Toon-town an hour after park opening, Mickey and Minnie both are often there. I would so enjoy seeing both together and getting a picture too

You posted just ahead of me, Apirateslifeforme. I'm glad voting went okay! That sounds so refreshing the shoe place that hasn't much changed over the years. LOL, I probably did have a million (A LOT) of stuffed friends as a child. I forgot to say before we do get Sparkletts delivered. We buy cases of Aquafina. I do drink water like a

 

[AuntieMe3]

I have been thinking about it and I really don't want to put Jasper through alot of tests. He is 15. I will ask what they believe is absolutely necessary and why. I also do not want him on prednisone. They have suggested that for long term treatment of the chronic bronchitis. Again, he is 15. I am not sure I think long term at this point. Every day he is doing well is a good day. He always has reactions to meds so again, I am not going to put him through alot.

This is how I feel about my Buddy boy. He's only 9 years old but he's a big boy and they say big dogs don't live as long as smaller ones. He has dog Lupus(which I didn't even know dogs could get when he was first diagnosed.) so he's already on prednisone every other day for that. He has a tear in his ACL and we decided against the surgery to repair because the vet said he would have a hard recovery and I just don't want him to have to go through that. It's not affecting his "lifestyle" as he's already a pretty lazy dog, he's not really moving around slower or seem to be in pain, so we're just keeping him happy and comfy until his times comes....which makes me tear up just thinking about it.

I'm sorry you had to cancel your trip too. What a bummer but I completely understand your reasons, same reasons we're booked and canceled a couple weekend trips to Vegas. It just wouldn't be the same as our pre-Covid trips and right now just doesn't seem like a good time to spend a bunch of money.

And all I'm going to say is that I was VERY careful filling in my circles, making sure that they were filled in completely without going outside the lines, and I made them nice and dark so there is NO mistake about my vote!

DD was so funny filling out her ballot...she was like OMGosh this is sooo stressful. Poor thing's first election was 2016 and she said she thought that one was bad but this one is way worse.

 

[Snowysmom]

@AuntieMe3 I totally understand about keeping your Buddy Boy happy and comfy. I cried alot last week when Jasper was so sick. Taking it day by day seems to be the best approach for me.

It is funny that we have saved alot of money during this pandemic between not traveling alot and staying close to home when we did travel. Trips will not be like they were precovid for a long time if ever. But, we can still plan and hope for the best.

 

[lynxstch]

Since we voted by mail, and returned by mail, we didn't have to go anywhere to vote today. Sister in law came by to take me to the store, and said the lines at the few open voting places were going around the bldg,,but at least the people were social distancing!
We have bright sunshine and 63. Just cleaned up the lawn mower, ran it dry, lubricated it all, and got it ready to put in the shed for the winter. Cleaned the gutters for the last time,,any other leaves that fall can just sit there.
Glad to hear about Jasper wanting his walk today @Snowysmom !
Sorry you had to cancel your trip , but I myself couldn't see spending that kind of money for a 'less than usual' trip to WDW. I will wait and wait if I have to!
awww hang in there @AuntieMe3 Buddy could still have some good life left in him, since you say he's a 'lazy boy' anyhow.
We all have pets that we love, that we know will only be with us for as long as they are able, and it's always hard to lose them. So just love them a little harder while we have them..that's my philosophy on pets , take it or leave it, lol!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Aww, prayers for Buddy, AuntieMe3!

ITA about waiting on expensive trips! I am sorry for the reason for that It does make sense and one day hopefully the trips will mean all the more

 

[PollyannaMom]

So for today,,lets make the QOTD--What are you watching on tv during covid times?

Old Stuff:
During the initial lockdown, I watch a lot of old Waltons reruns. It was comforting.
DH and I together have also gotten into a routine of watching a game show called America Says.

New Season Stuff:
This Is Us
Connecting

Disney+
Once Upon a Time (which I somehow missed when it was initially on)

And of course, now, Hallmark (and a bunch of other channel) Christmas movies!

The early dark is throwing my dogs off like never before....they never really seemed to noticed until this year. I feed them 2x a day, 7:30a and 7:30p...they started bugging me before 6p last night. LOL Then they wanted to go to bed right after eating....I told DD I guess they didnt get the time change memo....lol

Does the same thing to my cats (and, really to me as well - I felt "off" all day yesterday.)

in other news...I SCORED A TURKEY THAT WASN'T HUGE last night! 12.5 lbs. They had 2 of them, now I'm second guessing not buying both,but I didn't need both.

I think you were right to leave the other one. - Think of how happy you made someone else who was looking just like you were!

 

[easyas123]

hink of how happy you made someone else who was looking just like you were!

I hope so!
(although between us I will probably grab another turkey of unknown weight between now & NYE )

Ordered some rockfish and seafood mac & cheese from one of the local seafood markets that delivers. Oh my goodness, the mac & cheese...so good! Shrimp & crab & JO. I'm 110% for sure adding it to our Christmas Eve menu - 2 fishes down! Rockfish I baked, very simply, a bit of kosher salt, some pepper, lemon. Hit the spot for sure. No dessert, but I've got some Walkers shortbread in the snack drawer so I might grab one of those.

I'm torn - one of the dogs is trying to talk me into heading to bed to watch some fluff TV & read( he just wants to sleep in my husbands spot), and in truth I'm tired - physically & mentally. But I feel like the responsible adult thing to do is to stay up and watch some of the returns. But lets be honest - I am not going to make it until 8 PM or later Pacific Time. Husband will be staying up for quite some time to watch the coverage.

Here is to a decent day tomorrow -

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I'm not watching returns at all. Just tell me when it's over. DH is watching though.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I'm not able to at Walker's shortbread anymore (too hard and chewy) but they sure are a tasty treat. Enjoy, Easyas123

I have no interest in watching the coverage either. Dad checks in periodically.

 

[AuntieMe3]

I'm not watching returns at all. Just tell me when it's over. DH is watching though.

same...kinda happy my phone is broken and haven't received the new one yet, easier to avoid Facebook this evening.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Glad Jasper and Buddy are holding their own. Toto has a birthday this month, he will be 7! Seems like we just got him.

We voted this morning, nice and easy, then went out for breakfast followed by running errands. Watching the returns now. DH has the week off so he’ll be able to stay up for once.

QOTD: I do most of my own shopping save for some random Amazon orders.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm not able to at Walker's shortbread anymore (too hard and chewy) but they sure are a tasty treat. Enjoy, Easyas123

I have no interest in watching the coverage either. Dad checks in periodically.

Can’t you dip in milk?

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I guess I could Pea! The truth is I am not a milk by itself fan really. I know lots of people love their cookies and milk for sure! Years ago, I thought both a Ben and Jerry's and Baskin and Robbins Cookies and Milk ice cream flavor were not bad

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I'm not able to at Walker's shortbread anymore (too hard and chewy) but they sure are a tasty treat.

Can’t you dip in milk?

I don't like milk either. I think the last glass of milk I had was in 4th grade. When I eat Sweetzels Spiced Wafers (think ginger snaps) I dip them in hot tea or warmed apple cider because they are so hard. Or I nibble like a hamster.