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

[Breezy_Carol]

Good afternoon.

I got up this morning and went to Bath and Body Works and the Dollar Tree at 8 am. BBW opened at 6 so I thought it would be empty. Wrong, it opened early because of a big candle sale. I wasn't shopping for candles so got in and out as quick as I could. Then went to Walgreens. I still have to go to the liquor store and Starbucks for a gift card. I figure I can do that at the drive through. Then I should be done.

Did laundry and working on finishing all the decorating except the tree. So far I have 3 nativities out. I think there are 2 or 3 others but I'm not getting them out this year. I am having some trouble while unpacking, like finding all the kids stockings which won't get used. And the dog collars. First Christmas since 2007 without a dog. I have to look past that.

Back years ago on here on the DIS, I was active on the riddle thread. A bunch of us still stay in touch on a ProBoard and Facebook. We had the Vow of Jolly, which I have taken again this year.

@lynxstch, congrats to your DH on his retirement and good luck to you adjusting. It is a different life.

Sunday we have our seasonal breakfast out and visit to local nursery/Christmas shop (remember Carols nutcracker photo - we are going there & the other place right up the road from it). We've been doing this trip since kids were babies. They no longer accompany us, but my husband likes to continue the tradition. We will come home Sunday and have fondue and decorate the tree and watch White Christmas. I have never put my tree up this early before, I prefer to do it about a week prior to the 25th, but we've got a fake tree to put up this year so I'm just trying to go-with-the-flow this year. Next Year! That is my new mantra - Next Year!

DD went to Willey's for her Christmas tree but it was closed at 6:15 so they went to Ronny's and got it there. So much of you post applies to me. We usually don't put up our tree until the 15th but with an artificial and this different year, it might go up this weekend.

We are looking forward to all being together for DGS's First birthday in May. Have to have something to look forward to.

And Sad News - evidently, the Harry & David store is no longer at the outlets! Admittedly, it has probably been since last Christmastime since I've been in there...

Queenstowne? So glad some of the tests were negative.

 

[easyas123]

Queenstowne? So glad some of the tests were negative.

Yup -
And thanks! Heard from one other guy - they hard living guy. He was negative! Just waiting to hear from one more guy and we are in the clear.


Got my cards finished, and even got myself to the post office for some stamps!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Hugs, Carol, changes can be so hard especially realizing things are different during this plague.

Good news, Easyas123 and good for you finishing your cards, as well.

Posting two extra pictures one of our Thanksgiving sign and the other of our Happy Winter sign. Prayers they bring all of you a smile to see. As a P.S. Yes, both both were made from Dollar Tree napkins. I found the Christmas-y letters on Google.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

@lynxstch, congratulations to your DH on his retirement! Hope he enjoys it!

So glad it's Friday and I get a few days off from distance learning with Josh. Although we will have to do some assignments tomorrow since he didn't want to do them today. Keeps saying he's bored and he hates school. He's had a few small group meetings with his teacher this week, doing some math and reading "tests," I think, and he's been the first to answer every time. And he definitely cannot use "I can't read" as an excuse anymore. Kid can read just fine. A few nights ago, to my surprise, we got the phone call (and text and email) that they are returning to the hybrid plan this coming Monday. So he'll go back to having his 2 days on, 1 day doing assignments "whenever," and 2 days of distance learning. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I need a break from distance learning (and arguing with him about getting his work done), but I kind of like being involved. Oh, well, it also gives me a chance to run errands and get some last-minute gifts. I need to go to the library and get dog gifts at PetSmart this coming Monday

I finished decorating earlier this week. This "pencil" tree is usually in the dining room, but we decided to put it in the living room this year.

(All the gifts around it are from Josh to Santa...and instead of my normal star on this one, Josh wanted to use our Weeping Angel from Doctor Who )

My "decoration table" with mercury glass kaleidoscope tree, the nativity that I remember playing with when I was about Josh's age, DH's light-up ceramic tree that his aunt gave him, our ornament tree (for extra-special ornaments), and my Fontanini drummer boy...


And of course I couldn't resist some "artsy" photos...



My glass Doctor Who TARDIS ornament...


One of DH's favorite Indiana Jones ornaments...


Close-up of the nativity...


And a couple of my Jack Skellington ornament...


I'm looking forward to seeing the Christmas Star! I had read about that as well and it will be happening on my FIL's birthday, so easy to remember This coming Tuesday night, we are going to the light display at Bright Nights, and there are a few others that we're thinking of visiting. I also heard today that there is going to be a "Grinch and Santa" drive-thru at the Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield next weekend, as well as a gingerbread house display in one of our outdoor malls (instead of in the library, where it usually is held).

I'm concerned that several orders seem to be MIA. I ordered a sheet of extra wallet-sized photos of Josh's school photo from Shutterfly a few weeks ago; UPS transferred it to the airport post office on Nov. 30th and it hasn't moved since. An art print that was shipped from a company in Tennessee was accepted at their post office on Nov. 27, yet there haven't been any more updates. One more item from Target is noted as "local acceptance" from wherever it was shipped, but again, no movement. Says it will be delivered on the 9th. I know they're all really busy and most likely, they just aren't scanning stuff, but it's concerning to the recipient! And the other thing I'm going to complain about...I remembered to order the desk calendars I'd made for my mom and MIL from Shutterfly yesterday, but now they're charging a 99-cent "COVID fee" on all orders. Too bad I can't charge them a 99-cent "stress-from-wondering-where-my-orders-are" fee

 

[lynxstch]

@apirateslifeforme I am right there with you on missing orders. I ordered a sweater and 2 shirts for hubby on Nov 19. They said they would be here within 3-5 days. Tracking has said they left NJ on Nov 27 ,en route to the USPS, but nothing has shown up since then. I am calling Monday if still no sign of them. Good luck getting your stuff!
Love your decorations..that's sweet about Josh leaving gifts for Santa..may I ask what he leaves for him?

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Hug, Apirateslifeforme and for Josh, too, as going back to school after being home might be hard at first. Hopefully he truly enjoys being back. I'm glad he is able to! Thank you so much for sharing so many decorations with us, too! I hope you get your missing mail! I also love that Josh leaves gifts for Santa

I also hope, you, Lynxstch, get your missing mail.

Regular mail here for the last 3 weeks has miraculously come daily! Before that, as I have posted, we usually did not get mail at least twice, more often three times, per week. I did order a Christmas magnet for a friend through Walmart. It's said to have shipped from Northern, CA yesterday. The only other tracking info (also from yesterday) states it is waiting to be accepted by a USPS facility in Salt Lake City! wonder whether Walmart gave me someone else's tracking by mistake? Should it not update by Monday. I will contact Walmart!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I ordered something on Amazon that was shipped by a third party. Ordered November 17, to be delivered by November 27. It went from one PO to another in CA and then never moved after November 21. On Wednesday 12/2, I contacted seller and he asked that I wait another week. And then it was delivered 12/3. Weird. So don't think because the tracking said it didn't move that it hasn't moved.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thanks, Carol I'm sorry you also had a crazy shipping experience!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I saw these on Instagram yest and thought of all of you. Thought I would share.





i peeked at the Domino Sugar website. Omg.

https://www.dominosugar.com/
Found a couple of fairly simple peppermint treat recipes if anyone is interested.

https://www.dominosugar.com/recipe/peppermint-bark-brownies
https://www.dominosugar.com/recipe/chocolate-peppermint-bars

 

[lynxstch]

Good afternoon.

I got up this morning and went to Bath and Body Works and the Dollar Tree at 8 am. BBW opened at 6 so I thought it would be empty. Wrong, it opened early because of a big candle sale. I wasn't shopping for candles so got in and out as quick as I could. Then went to Walgreens. I still have to go to the liquor store and Starbucks for a gift card. I figure I can do that at the drive through. Then I should be done.

Your BBW opens at 6:00 am ????? We only have one here, in the mall..and they don't open until 11:00 am, so there is NO quiet time to go in there. I have a coupon for a free item, plus 20% off, and I don't dare go near the place!

Did laundry and working on finishing all the decorating except the tree. So far I have 3 nativities out. I think there are 2 or 3 others but I'm not getting them out this year. I am having some trouble while unpacking, like finding all the kids stockings which won't get used. And the dog collars. First Christmas since 2007 without a dog. I have to look past that.

to your first Christmas without your furbaby


Back years ago on here on the DIS, I was active on the riddle thread. A bunch of us still stay in touch on a ProBoard and Facebook. We had the Vow of Jolly, which I have taken again this year.

What is the Vow of Jolly, please? I think we could all use that, especially this year!


@lynxstch, congrats to your DH on his retirement and good luck to you adjusting. It is a different life.

Thanks for the well wishes,,it's day 1 of actually being retired, and he's already bored. His phone is so quiet he doesn't know what to do with himself, lol!

DD went to Willey's for her Christmas tree but it was closed at 6:15 so they went to Ronny's and got it there. So much of you post applies to me. We usually don't put up our tree until the 15th but with an artificial and this different year, it might go up this weekend.

I just realized, that we now have a working furnace this year, and could actually have gotten a live tree, for the first time in 20 years...lol. oh well, maybe next year

We are looking forward to all being together for DGS's First birthday in May. Have to have something to look forward to.

yippee!

Queenstowne? So glad some of the tests were negative.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning.

Most days the BBW opens at 9. It was just because of the big candle sale. It is in a local strip mall.

Vow of Jolly - vow to be jolly, no matter what comes your way. Not always easy.

@Pea-n-Me , those brownies are very similar to the ones I posted. I also have an easy peppermint bark recipe.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Good Morning, All and quack to you too!

DGD and I ventured out into the city yesterday for the first time in what seemed to be donkey years.
Took the subway down to Chinatown and loaded up on wonton making supplies, stood in front of a favorite noodle shop for a bit totally disoriented as to where we were courtesy of the new shelters for outdoor eating. Fortunately, the proprietor recognized us and took our take out order, LOL.

Then we hot footed it over to the Lower East Side and reached that palace of Jewish deli, Katz. Tried to paint a visual picture of the Chinatown, Little Italy and LES, of my growing years for DGD as we walked and I think Katz did the best job of still looking the same decades later. She now wants to see “Crossing Delancey Street”, a movie that she turned her nose up at earlier in the week; kids are funny.
Her father has been wracking his brain trying to get her the right holiday presents (nose piercing, anyone?) so after returning home, I texted him a list of 20th and late 19th century New York centric writers - nothing wrong with books as gifts. Oh right and a link to Doc Marten’s website since nothing says
21st century urbanization like a pair in red, yellow, or blue.

As of 3:00 AM, the turkey wasn't fully defrosted so changed the day’s plan around. Polished the living space furniture with beeswax(it smells sooo good!), washed the last window, and opened the treasure trove of holiday decor so DGD can see it when she gets her lazybones out of bed. Around noon we’ll be off to Yonkers to do some food shopping for Christmas Eve.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I just thought up a QOTD - What is the best thing that happened to you this year?

1. My cutie grandson was born in May.
2. I met all of you people.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning all all and definitely

Are any of you trying out W+? (Walmart+) It looks very similar to Prime. What is unclear (the whole point of W+) is whether it truly does mean free delivery on items shipped by Walmart no $35 minimum needed. In tiny print near the bottom of the page it still says Free delivery on $35. It gives you a free 15 day trial when you sign up.

QOTD - What is the best thing that happened to you this year?

1. Renewed health all-around (physical, emotional, increased faith, etc.) That Dad and I have this time together in health.
2. Meeting all of you!

 

[tazdev3225]

Afternoon all.

I have been busy reorganizing 1,000's of pictures. I realized I made a huge mistake when I categorized people so now have to go through them and fix the index file. I have been at it for 3 or 4 days now and am only up to the L's. One day I will be happy with my system.

Chatted with a second cousin about some family history the last couple of days so I got my dad to tell me some stories about his grandparents. I knew he adored his grandmother, I never knew he HATED his grandfather. It seems to be a collective hatred. My great grandfather was a nasty and abusive drunk it turns out.

Then I found out my oldest grandson was exposed to the virus. I am worried about him and his wife especially since she is expecting my first great grandchild. I can't get him to answer a phone so I think my kitchen is back into the holding pattern, I obviously want him well, the kitchen isn't going anywhere. All these recipes look nice but since right now half my kitchen is in the dining room and the other half is on the kitchen table I don't think I'll be baking a whole lot this year. I'll just have to get my mom to take pity on me and send me cookies. I also made sure my daughter is keeping my grandkids away from her husbands family. My son in laws aunt and grandmother both HAVE the virus.

I'm hoping to decorate today and tomorrow but I am worried about the tree. I have a Demon Cat. He was attacking something today but he is fun to watch. Last year he wouldn't stay out of the tree so I decorated with old magic bands. He ate them. My daughter also requested golabkis. I haven't made them for awhile so she is getting her wish. Decorating and the smell of Polish food, what better way to spend the day.

Question of the day:
That is a good one. The best thing is finding out my grandson is married and they are expecting a baby. Even better he has me starting to plan the baby's 1st trip to Disney World. I raised the young Jedi well.

I have my health and all of my grandkids are healthy so that is always good, and my dad has been cancer free for 5 years. That was the best news of all.

And I agree this thread, while late to join has been wonderful.

Have a good afternoon all

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

I just thought up a QOTD - What is the best thing that happened to you this year?

1. My cutie grandson was born in May.
2. I met all of you people.

Hey y'all. After a couple days of biting cold (in the 20s overnight a few nights ago...in NW FL....I remember now why I don't live in the north anymore, lol), it's now a comfortable 65. I made beef stew and chili for those few days, and froze the extras for later in the month. Made black bean and chicken burritos for lunch.

QOTD: (and this will sound selfish, and I apologize for it in advance, but it is really the only true bright spot that I can think of) That we were able to keep, and actually improve, our financial situation. The money we would have spent on gas for DH to go to work, and breakfasts/lunches for him, was used to pay off some bills, about $400 a month. I've been going through a tank about every 6-8 weeks, as opposed to filling up every week. I feel bad that this pandemic has caused our situation to improve, when so many people have not.

 

[PollyannaMom]

QOTD - What is the best thing that happened to you this year?

The best thing has been reconnecting with far-away family...which sounds super counter-intuitive, I know! But in the absence of actual plans to see each other, we no longer put off calling and e-mailing...things that used to get lost in the daily shuffle. Now I talk to my dad and write to my aunt every Sunday.

I've also had the quiet time to think and really notice what I need from my day-to-day routines. I know myself better than I did before.

 

[lynxstch]

Hey y'all. After a couple days of biting cold (in the 20s overnight a few nights ago...in NW FL....I remember now why I don't live in the north anymore, lol), it's now a comfortable 65. I made beef stew and chili for those few days, and froze the extras for later in the month. Made black bean and chicken burritos for lunch.

QOTD: (and this will sound selfish, and I apologize for it in advance, but it is really the only true bright spot that I can think of) That we were able to keep, and actually improve, our financial situation. The money we would have spent on gas for DH to go to work, and breakfasts/lunches for him, was used to pay off some bills, about $400 a month. I've been going through a tank about every 6-8 weeks, as opposed to filling up every week. I feel bad that this pandemic has caused our situation to improve, when so many people have not.

Not selfish at all..as that would also be my first one. Since hubby was still working, and we were both able to claim SS this year, our savings and checking accounts are finally growing! Hubby wasn't going to work either, so we spend like $10 a month on gas for the car, and we have paid off bills also

#2 for me..like a lot of you,,is this thread and meeting all of you!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I finally got the Santas out this morning:


random display table


full mantle, and then close-ups below






the ones I mentioned before


one of another pair - possibly the oldest I have


and the top of a bookshelf - the sleeping one snores and the other plays music

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Oh! I forgot...Penzey's is having another gift card sale today/tomorrow! $35 for a $50 gift card. I ordered 2 orders of 2 cards (I think the limit is 2 per order, as I couldn't get more than 2 in my cart at a time, but that could just be a glitch or something). Two for me (which will put me at $250 in gc, as I bought 2 at their 'Black Friday' sale and DD#1 sent one for my Christmas gift); and two for my Reddit secret santa gifts (one for my original santa, and one for a rematch). Who doesn't like spices, right?