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

[easyas123]

so regarding all of your turkeys: if i have a family of five for thanksgiving (the core five), what size turkey would I need and what if i just want to buy breast meat, do I buy two small ones as someone mentioned above? need guidance, hate math....hate turkey actually too....so it's really four people! haha.

It never fails, every year I have to look up how long to thaw & then cook my turkey! It's just something that will not stay in my head! A quick google search brings up some good charts...but I'm afraid I can't help you with the how much? question, I always tend to make more than needed for the immediate celebratory meal as the family likes leftovers and I like to make soups w/ it as well.

https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/thanksgiving/a44845/turkey-size-chart/
https://www.canadianliving.com/food...r: The larger the bird,of a pound) per person.

https://www.thekitchn.com/how-much-turkey-per-person-rule-of-thumb-160784

The fog is thick here this morning, was not expecting that when I woke up. Another nice day with the nice days to stay with us until next week, so no complaints about that!

Took a pork roast out of the freezer last night, so pulled pork this evening w/ a bit of leftovers for the weekend I suppose. One chore I need to tackle this weekend is to rearrange and inventory my freezer. Blah what a boring chore. I'm pretty sure the rest of the half gallon of vanilla ice cream leftover from last holiday season is buried in the back of the freezer, along with some mickey ice cream bars I had to have for some reason, but no one -me included- have had any. I don't even have them when I'm IN Disney World, so I'm not sure what I was thinking when I bought them!

 

[easyas123]

Here is another one that just popped up in my email...
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/...utm_content=110520&cid=577486&mid=44162518988

 

[NYCgrrl]

I'm totally stress eating today. I barely slept last night, too, and I can't stay away from the map on Yahoo. As posted on our town open forum this morning, "Feels like the whole country is on Maury, waiting to find out who the father is."

But also part of the reason I couldn't sleep is that we had our parent-teacher conference with Josh's teacher this morning. We were her first virtual conference, she said, so we were the guinea pigs! I shouldn't have worried, she had nothing but good things to say about him. He's kind, smart ("well above his level"), curious, imaginative, his writing and math skills are excellent...it's obvious that we talk to him and engage him and work with him, she said. She did mention that he can read quite well and I did say that that was a shock to me, as when we sit down to read a book, he tells me that he can't do it because he can't read yet. She looked surprised at that and said that he can definitely read. So it all went very well and I tried to compliment her as well, that I understand that she's basically teaching 2 classes at once and we all agreed that it's difficult on everyone.

So then I went upstairs to where he was playing with my mom by standing on her bed, having her "push" him backwards (not really, of course) and then he'd fall back. I told him that he needs to be careful because she has a solid wood footboard and he was going to bang his head on it. Sure enough, not 30 seconds later he threw himself backwards and *CRACK*. He's got a HUGE swelling on the back of his head now. I wanted to take him to urgent care but nobody would let me. It's been 5 hours and so far he's okay, but I'm still worried. He's outside playing with DH right now...still has some schoolwork to do but daylight is limited now, so I figured he could play first and do work later when it's dark.

Here’s hoping your Josh is back to his usual bright and sparkly self.

Back in the kitchen since it keeps me busy with my brain on semi-autopilot, LOL.
Made a new to me pie crust in multiples and stored them in the freezer this morning. Be nice if I could duplicate my Nana’s original pie crust before she found the ease of Pillbury’s crazy crust.

Time to actually formulate T Day menus and stop dreaming. The holiday meal for building residents is delegated and mostly put together so need to worry about that much. Older sister grew horseradish this year so Im using some for my non traditional solo meal inspired by the man’s best friend who will also be solo this year. Trying to figure out if Uber will deliver his food and save me a trip since I won’t see him anyway. Sister will send the fresh horseradish with her husband so I can pick it up from his Manhattan office. In return, I’ll drop off some hand pies once the two of them tell me what they want the filling to be. Maybe I ll send a qt of soup too since I’m making some anyway. My mind is currently thinking an acorn or butternut squash soup is the way to go. Watched Nick Stelliano make a new version on PBS last night and it inspired me to try his. DGD wants us to make gumbo so if turkey parts are reasonable it’s a definite thought. See that? I’m still In airy fairy land

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[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning

Thank you Sparkle, for the treats.

Lol, I was still up Lynxstch (I'd hope I was lol especially since I am 3 hours earlier than most of you) Long phone conversation+ other stuff, I never came back online.

Today is supposed to be 93. 55 over the weekend! Maybe it does/will get cool here :d

I need to do my daily Christmas movie channel check for today in a few minutes

 

[lynxstch]

Good Morning

Thank you Sparkle, for the treats.

Lol, I was still up Lynxstch (I'd hope I was lol especially since I am 3 hours earlier than most of you) Long phone conversation+ other stuff, I never came back online.
I always forget you are on a different time than we are!

Today is supposed to be 93. 55 over the weekend! Maybe it does/will get cool here :d
70's for the next 5-6 days..yikes to still being 93 there!

I need to do my daily Christmas movie channel check for today in a few minutes

I watched Candy Cane Lane from Lifetime yesterday. It stars Beverly Mitchell (from Seventh Heaven) and a really cute guy I've never seen before! I really enjoyed it, same premise as a lot of the holiday ones, but I watched from start to finish all at once, which I rarely do!

 

[easyas123]

Youngest just dropped by the office on his way back towards DC. In MUCH better spirits - he's going to work for us (which he dislikes and unlike his brother who dove headfirst into family business, wants to chart a different course) for a few weeks to get a paycheck or two while waiting for his next job to start, which should be at the end of this month or beginning of December. I think he' relieved that that position came thru and is officially his and the waffling of the Army brass has ended. Or at least seems to have ended!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I'm so glad you enjoyed Candy Cane Lane, Lynxstch. It is indeed rare for me, even on a recorded movie, to sit through it all let alone at once! I'll keep an eye out for it being repeated.

Hug, Easyas123, I can imagine this has not been an easy time for you as Mom either! I'm glad your DS is happier.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning, or I guess afternoon now.

Went to the next town to a friend to pick up a church key. Came home and cancelled our 2/6/21 cruise, as final payment was due, and moved it to 3/5/22. Hopefully we can safely cruise then,

Nice out today so will probably take a walk in the woods.

 

[easyas123]

That stinks Carol - but I'm glad you were able to rebook. At least it gives you something to look forward to, and hopefully you can fill in with some other travel in between now & then.
I've been keeping my eye on some of the cruise destinations we wanted to go to, and they are almost all booked up mid thru late 2021! But I'm hesitant to pull the trigger because "what if"? I'm afraid that by the time I feel confident booking it will be 22 or 23 before we actually get to go...but if I don't book now then I'm missing some great fares. I have to travel for work twice in March, one of the trips is out of the country for a week...they will be my bellwether. I haven't booked yet, but will after the first of the year. If by mid-Feb. things are looking good there then I'll probably pull the trigger on our next actual vacation.
I think I'll enjoy lunch outside again today. Might as well enjoy it while I can! Especially since the day is about done by the time I get home.

 

[lynxstch]

Cases have spiked again here. Hospital has set the 'covid tent' back up near the emergency room. Mineral County in WV is back to red status. Not looking good.
@Breezy_Carol --Sorry for those of you who have had to cancel trips. Hopefully you can rebook them when things settle down, if they ever do? @easyas123 I hope by February, traveling out of the country will be safe, hopefully its not to a hotspot!
Its nice out here too, temp is currently 67, but its partly cloudy. Hubby decided to take the day off from working at home, so is sound asleep in his recliner. I don't think he's liking having a birthday today

 

[easyas123]

Mineral County in WV is back to red status. Not looking good.

ugh - it's terrible. Husband has several older relatives in and around that immediate area, including his parents. Keeping our fingers crossed everyone stays healthy-

 

[Snowysmom]

I think dinner tonight will be turkey burgers. I bought the ingredients to make a double batch and freeze. Still part of my apocalypse preparation.

We feel like we are preparing for the apocalypse with buying canned goods and freezer items. I expect to see the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse ride in before this is all over.

It is 70 here today and sunny. 2 days ago I was wearing my winter coat, hat, and gloves to take a walk. Crazy weather. Jasper did his short walk today and was happy. He seems to be coughing even less and is getting very nosy about what is going on. Recheck on Monday with chest x-ray. I hope the pneumonia is gone or at least less.

I am a bit depressed about not going to Disney week after next. I was looking forward to seeing the Christmas decorations. I have to stop reading about other people going and having a nice trip but it is kind of like watching a train wreck. I feel like I have to read the reports. I told DH that we will be doing a short trip there next November just to see the decorations. At least he agrees. I know it is not major in the grand scheme of things but I so need some time to relax, chill out, and get away from the woes of the world. This world seems to have a lot of woes right now. The election also has me stressed out. I have been meditating the past couple of days and it has helped a bit. I also avoid the news and will for the foreseeable future.

We had to cancel a cruise that we had scheduled for October 2020. I see cruises going out maybe in early Spring, just short ones. Costa and MSC Cruises have been doing well in Europe so their protocols are working. I would book again but I want to wait to see how the protocols they put in place work out. It will be a balance between waiting to see how things go and trying to get a good price.

@apirateslifeforme I know what you mean about stress eating. I am trying not to but sometimes the crackers or popcorn are talking to me as I walk by. I just have to stop and take some. Glad to hear Josh is doing well in school. Maybe now that the teacher says he can read well he will be interested in reading with you.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Hugs to all who have had to cancel or postpone trips.

I'm glad to hear Jasper is perkier, Snowysmom

Lynxstch, Happy Birthday anyway to your DH. I hope he maybe gets to enjoy a treat or perhaps a favorite meal later.

 

[AuntieMe3]

I'm been in a funk so I've been reading but not replying....sorry. Trying to be positive and snap out of it though.

I honestly can NOT believe its already November and we are talking about Thanksgiving. It feels like January was so long ago yet time seems to be flying. Thanksgiving will just be the same as it always is for us, just us and my parents. Hubby's nephew from WA(well I guess mine too...lol) is working in San Diego until the end of the year. If he doesn't go home we'll invite him over. I LOVE cooking Thanksgiving dinner. For some reason, its so easy for me and everything is always so delicious....it must just be my thing. My parents get a turkey every year from a friend so we'll use that but I should probably start picking up other stuff I need.

I've started doing a little Christmas shopping already. I want to be done way before Christmas.

Also could I ask for some good thoughts and prayers for a friends and family member please....first, my cousin is expecting after many, many miscarriages. She's the farthest along she's ever been and her Drs are being very optimistic this time. Praying for her to continue with a healthy pregnancy and of course, a healthy baby.

Also I have a friend that has tested positive for Covid. She's just graduated from nursing school at the beginning of the year and started working pretty quick due to Covid. She started feeling terrible Tuesday night, tested Wed and found out she's positive today. She feels terrible but I'm hoping this is the worst of it and started to feel better quickly. Thanks...

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Prayers all-around AuntieMe3! For a healthy baby, extra prayers indeed! My 97 year old friend Sue shared with me this morning she is a Great-Grandma again! Her newest great-grandson was born yesterday. Glad you enjoy Thanksgiving cooking as well! Hugs, my friend.

 

[easyas123]

Also could ask for some good thoughts and prayers for a friends and family member please

Of course! Good thoughts going out to them both.

It feels like January was so long ago yet time seems to be flying

You are so right. In so many ways it feels like all this just started, and in other ways it seems like we've been living it for 5 years. Or at least it does to me -

Can someone please pass the flourless chocolate cake w/ real whipped cream & a little slice of pumpkin roll? I've got a wicked sweet tooth this afternoon!

 

[lynxstch]

Hugs to all who have had to cancel or postpone trips.

I'm glad to hear Jasper is perkier, Snowysmom
I am so glad about Jasper too!

Lynxstch, Happy Birthday anyway to your DH. I hope he maybe gets to enjoy a treat or perhaps a favorite meal later.

Having brisket with bbq sauce and baked potatoes for dinner..one of his favorites. I got him some cherry hand pies, and Sister in Law just brought 2 peach turnovers from his favorite bakery, along with a Minion cup (he loves Minions, lol). One grandson who never messages him, just sent him several FB messages, and one son called so far. Waiting for the other son and daughter to call after dinner. Thanks for the happy birthday wishes for him!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Easyas123, it sure does feel like we have been living this FOREVER!

I'm so glad to hear that Lynxstch!

 

[lynxstch]

@AuntieMe3 Prayers for your friend and her unborn baby, I hope the rest of her pregnancy goes well, and that a healthy baby is born! And prayers for your friend who tested positive. I hope she recovers with no lasting side effects.

Its not just you who is in a funk. Husband remarked yesterday 'on November 13, it will be 9 works since he started working from home. When this all started, we thought it would be maybe a month, or 2. Yet here we are, still in the midst of it.

Here's hoping that we can all get a little more upbeat with the holidays coming. As different as they might be, they are still the holidays, and most of us still have traditions to carry us through! We can all make these holidays special in some way, let's try and all come up with a few?
Maybe that can be a QOTD--what traditions do you or you and your family do for Thanksgiving and Christmas (or Hannukah or Kwaanza, whatever you celebrate), and what do you think we might all be able to do to make them special this year, despite Covid?

 

[Breezy_Carol]

@AuntieMe3, prayers for your friends.

QOTD - I'm afraid we won't have any of our traditions. Thanksgiving will be at DS's house when it was always here. And no Lamesgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving with my brother's family. Christmas, no in person Christmas Eve service. No singing Silent Night with candles. Christmas morning changes each year now that DD has kids and dependent on DS's schedule. Not sure what Christmas Day will be but it looks like DS and his wife with come up the Saturday night after. (I am really on a downer.) The first Christmas that the kids weren't home for Christmas morning, DH and I went to IHOP for breakfast. Not sure what we'll do this year. Last year dinner was just him, his mother and me. This year it could just be the two of us.

DH and I bought a jigsaw puzzle while at the beach with thoughts we can do that Christmas Day.