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

[dazedx3]

Kirby, many prayers for your daughter, I hope her recovery goes smoothly. It's good she got in sooner than expected.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Busy day today. My friend did my nails then I ended up running around almost all day....Walmart, Costco, regular grocery store, gas, car wash. I got everything I need for Easter and I bought myself some flowers.


Tomorrow afternoon I have an echocardiogram...has anyone had one of those before?? From what I'm reading on Google it's just an ultrasound of your heart? Is that right? I was told it's going to be 45 min...seems like a long time for an ultrasound. LOL

Thoughts and prayers for your DD, @Kirby

 

[lynxstch]

Good morning all. Mild outside at 50 degrees,,but there is a huge cloudy ring over the moon, so I guess their 98% chance of rain might be spot on. Guess mowing will have to wait for another day, won't hurt my feelings any. Someone on the next street was out there mowing with their riding mower in the dark last nite at almost 9 pm? LOL! They must have wanted to get theirs done badly!

Grocery shopping and errands today. Already have everything I need for Easter dinner though, got a cherry cheesecake at the discount place yesterday. Paying $2.99 instead of $7.99 at Walmart works for me!

Have a nice morning everyone, enjoy the day!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning.

echocardiogram...has anyone had one of those before??

I’ve had several many, many years ago. You are right that it is an ultrasound of the heart. It is non-invasive, no contrast. If I remember correctly, you may be connected to an ECG too. It did take a while because of going in different positions. And they want to see to action of the valves. I found it relaxing.

Grocery shopping and errands today.

Same here. With rain forecast all day, May as well go to the store. We also have to go to the florist to order flowers for the funeral, which will be Monday. DH and DS will be pall bearers. Also want to go to a local winery to get some wine.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Morning all. I've been on and reading, but haven't had the urge to post lately. ((huggles)) to those who need or want it.

Having a lazy day today, because my arm is feeling a bit sore. Plus, I did almost everything I needed to yesterday morning, so...... The only thing on my agenda is showering and going to the post office, to pick up 3 packages. Supposed to be hot and off-on rainy today, much cooler tomorrow.

Got the Pfeizer vax yesterday (#1), and will get the 2nd on my 50th bday (what a fun gift, eh?). Anyways, I'm a bit achy, but that's normal most mornings; same with the hot/cold flashes (I just wish the other 'girl' stuff would completely stop already!!!!); the only thing that is giving me any discomfort is the actual spot where the needle went in, but I'm a baby about those things, lol.

Keeping an eye on the site to get DS17 in, since he'll be eligible next week, and the state site was very well organized, and felt safe. Even with the amount of people going in and out, it felt better than going to the grocery store or Wmart for it (I've been avoiding going into Wmart and Target like the buildings were personally carrying the plague, haha).

So......DD#2's BFF is having a (due in August). DD#1 (due in Sept) is also having another (this will DGS#4 for me; 3 with DD#1, 1 with DD#2). DD#2's SisIL is due with her 2nd in Oct (and finds out this week, I think, what she is having)...she already has 1 and is hoping for a . SoIL#2 had things 'taken care of' after they had DGS#2, as they thought they wouldn't want any more....and now they are both going 'oh babies!!!!'; he has an appointment in a few weeks to see about getting 'things reversed'. By the time they are done, the poor guy will end up with 3 different medical procedures on his, uh, huevos.

DS screwed up his arm the other day; he 'threw' it out to try to 'pop' it...and ended up hyperextending the elbow. Spent part of Sunday in the ER, making sure he didn't crack the bone or something, because the pain just got worse overnight. He's to keep it in the sling, alternate heat/cold, and stop trying to throw his arm out.

Other than that, not much new. Got to facetime with DGS#2 for his birthday (he's 5 now), but we do some FT almost every day, even with him being in Japan; if we don't talk for a least a few minutes each day, he gets so sad!

Oh, and for those who understand such things...DH scored (2) 3070s for his and DS's computers; and we got our PS5 in yesterday. Apparently those things are scarce, so....

 

[easyas123]

Good morning all -

Haven't stopped by for a few days, but I've tried to keep up with everyone's posts! Just busy this time of year, and at work as well! But I like staying busy...been trying to find replacement cushions for a outdoor couch I got last year. I abhor the cushions it came with, but it's looking like I might either have to live with the cushions for a while longer - or - replace with store bought cushions which I've just found out don't exactly fit very well - or - order custom sized cushions. Basically I'm unable to to just walk into Lowes or Home Depot (Target or wherever) or order off of Wayfair or anyplace because the couch is to deep and the cushions don't quite fit...which is what I THOUGHT I could do when I got it and decided I could live without the original cushions. I'm leaning towards just grabbing a few throw pillows and sucking up the ugly of the original cushions and treat myself to the custom ones at the end of the season. I'm dying to kit out the porch with my usual plants and hanging baskets but it's not quite time yet.
Speaking of the season, I might have mentioned that my favorite giant nursery / outdoor store closed down. We had heard it was going to be a new Wawa. Well lo & behold a big nursery outfit/store from the Western Shore of MD (Carol - Homestead Gardens bought Ronnys Garden World in Smyrna) bought it and is reopening the place this weekend! I'm going to treat myself to walk around the new place on Sunday I think. This is a big deal to me because we are on a multi-year plan of adding a lot of plantings to our farm and one of the nicest simple joys in life to me is a nice meander around acres and acres of different bushes, plants & trees and picking out something new for a area of our property, so I'm thrilled this place is reopening.
My in-laws are coming this weekend. They are staying at my BIL's place - we have to entertain them on Saturday. My husband has a well, difficult relationship with them but we put on the happy family show for the two days a year they visit . It keeps the peace and so we suck it up for 24 hours. But still, it's a headache so I'm not terribly looking forward to it. And my husband starts to get in a stressed out bad mood a day or so before they show up, so I'll be tip toeing around him a bit, too!
So we had our second (Pfizer) shots on Friday afternoon, and felt just fine! We were ready, we were prepared to feel like hell warmed over but nope - nothing! Met youngest and his new girlfriend for lunch on Sunday. She is delighful...and as it turns out, likes WDW a lot . She's a middle school science and math teacher, and also does a bit with high school kids. This is her first or second year teaching. She still lives at home with her parents and her 14 year old sister, and I gather she is helping a lot with her sisters online schooling as well. She told me her family immigrated here when she was 6 years old, and they have lived in MD for a majority of the time since they came here.
Eldest & his girlfriend met with the contractor who is building their house, so they are getting the ball rolling on that! I wish they'd get the ball rolling on getting married - call me old fashioned but I think my son should make a honest woman out of her.
We had been wanting to go to WDW for Christmas again for a long time now...sometime in the first 10 days of December not the actual holiday. We've been trying to get a reservation at a new to us/bucket list resort for a while now with no luck. I'm going to keep trying though - who knows, maybe we will get lucky?!?! We only one 3-maybe 4 - nights, and can go mid week so we are hoping to eventually get in where we want. Trying to stay at all the resorts that are new to us/interest us at least once!
Rain came down here about 10 minutes ago like someone was dumping buckets. Now it's stopped and the sun is out. I'm sure it's fleeting, I think we are supposed to get rain all afternoon/evening and then cold the next few days. I'm done with the cold, and ready for the warm.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Glad to see you both @Bianca and Bernard and @easyas123.

one of the nicest simple joys in life to me is a nice meander around acres and acres of different bushes, plants & trees

My son jokes about going to garden centers with his wife that it will bankrupt him. LOL

Eldest & his girlfriend met with the contractor who is building their house, so they are getting the ball rolling on that! I wish they'd get the ball rolling on getting married - call me old fashioned but I think my son should make a honest woman out of her.

I felt that way too but had to get over it. Apparently the norm now is to buy a house, then get married. DD did, and justified it to me telling about about her friends, who I approve of, did also. DS rented together as they looked for a house to buy because it was too quick a move to find a house to buy. DNiece, who is getting married in September, said that all of her friends wouldn't consider even getting engaged until they lived together first. I figure a mortgage is harder to get out of than a marriage.

 

[tazdev3225]

Morning everyone. It is wet and gloomy here and I have the normal headache I get with this weather. I am persevering through.

My travel agent called yesterday and reminded me that the final payment for the cruise is coming due. After much thought we are postponing it til next year. I'm not even sure the cruise will go out anyway. They are cancelled til the end of June and we are supposed to leave early July. I can't even get a vaccine before then as it stands right now. Just don't think it is going to work out and I don't want to tie up that much money. I am heading to the travel agent today to discuss the options. We may try and due a Disney trip sometime in November or early December instead. Still not sure about that yet though.

easyas123 - I totally get it as far as your oldest goes. My 3 kids all got married after they had kids and houses. My son has been with his wife for 21 years and married 12 with 1 son with her. My oldest daughter and her husband started dating when they were in high school and she had just turned 16, they have been together for 20 years and married 7 years. They had 3 kids when they finally got married. My son in law came from a very dysfunctional family and his parents were always separating before they finally divorced. His father remarried, separated and is back with son in laws mother. Son in law was just a little spooked but they looked so happy on their wedding day. My youngest has been with her husband for 15 years and married 6 and they have 3 kids. It was not what I wanted but they are all in committed relationships and are still together. I am happy with that. My grandson bucked tradition. He got married, then had a baby and finally got an apartment. At least they are all happy and what more can a parent or grandparent ask?

I donated so much stuff yesterday it filled the back of my car. Boxes of dishes and housewares from the kitchen and TWO coffee makers. I don't know why I had 3! There was also 3 big trash bags of clothes. I designated it for the Red Cross and hopefully they can put the clothes to good use. It felt good to get rid of some of the stuff. Everything is pretty much away in the kitchen. My son is taking the kitchen chairs since the "housemate" they care of has destroyed all their chairs. I am slowly decompressing the house and it really feels good. Next years project will be a new deck and landscaping the backyard. The yard is being bricked over so no more grass but we are building a retaining wall garden so I can finally have my vegie garden again. I miss that.

I need to find an unusual plant for my mom for Easter. I don't like traditional so I go for unique. Even if I get a traditional plant I get a unique color combination. Well I am off to run some errands and pick up my pie I ordered from my priest's daughter's school fundraiser. Hope everyone has a good day.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning All,

Beautiful flowers, AuntieMe3. Glad you treated yourself to them Prayers on your echocardiogram tomorrow.

So nice to see you B&B and Easyas, too. Lovely always to come on in the morning to lots of new shares. Thank you and hugs to all.

Happy Wednesday

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Chatty bunch today!
Pretty flowers!
Prayers to all who need them! I’m sorry to hear of losses, surgeries, tests, etc.
Asking for prayers for a friend’s Dad, too.
For those of you who made care baskets, what did you put in them?
Enjoy the day, all.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Tomorrow afternoon I have an echocardiogram...has anyone had one of those before?? From what I'm reading on Google it's just an ultrasound of your heart? Is that right? I was told it's going to be 45 min...seems like a long time for an ultrasound. LOL

Thoughts and prayers for your DD, @Kirby

I’ve had one, and it was no big deal. Definitely non-invasive. The gel can be a little cold, but the procedure is easy.

Apparently the norm now is to buy a house, then get married. DD did, and justified it to me telling about about her friends, who I approve of, did also.

DH and I rented at first, but did live together before we were married. (We were definitely committed, but it only mattered to us that we were officially married before having kids.) My mom was actually very progressive about it - said “you shouldn’t even buy a car without test-driving it” We bought our first house five months after we got married.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Prayers said, Pea! Is the care basket for your friend's dad? Asking because contents could depend a little on the recipient. How sweet of you to put it together. In general: a card or note, a puzzle book of some type: word search, crossword, or even hidden picture/spot the difference, I have found those fun. Dollar Tree has intended for kids but truly for adults as well, Super Play Pad Jumbos which include fill ins, shorter/cuter word searches, mazes, hidden pictures, a variety! They also have crosswords and word searches. Perhaps a paperback book or magazine if you know the person's interests.

Hug, PollyannaMom, so glad that a similar procedure to what AuntieMe3 is having went smoothly for you, my friend. Lol to your Mom's words I think it depends on the couple.

Have a good afternoon, friends.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Prayers said, Pea! Is the care basket for your friend's dad? Asking because contents could depend a little on the recipient. How sweet of you to put it together. In general: a card or note, a puzzle book of some type: word search, crossword, or even hidden picture/spot the difference, I have found those fun. Dollar Tree has intended for kids but truly for adults as well, Super Play Pad Jumbos which include fill ins, shorter/cuter word searches, mazes, hidden pictures, a variety! They also have crosswords and word searches. Perhaps a paperback book or magazine if you know the person's interests.

Hug, PollyannaMom, so glad that a similar procedure to what AuntieMe3 is having went smoothly for you, my friend. Lol to your Mom's words I think it depends on the couple.

Have a good afternoon, friends.

Thank you! No, it would be for an elderly lady friend who cannot really go out except for medical appts, and even that’s a stretch.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

For those of you who made care baskets, what did you put in them?

The Easter cheer bags our church was distributing had homemade sugar cookies, homemade chocolate covered pretzels and an inspirational magnet. But these were small bags to 60 people.

For an older lady, power, lotion, maybe some miniature chocolates or hard candies. If she can't get out, maybe note cards and stamps.

 

[sweetpeama]

Stopping by to check in really quick.
Things have been hetic around here due to 13 year old deciding going to bed at a halfway decent time heck anytime earlier than between 5 and 9 am is highly over rated. I made the mistake of falling asleep one night and I still have the mess from her attempting to make Jello in a cereal bowl using tap water to clean up.
Plans for Easter have been interesting. To start with we have been switching Easter between my side and dh's side in alternating years for the past few years. When we were first married Easter was spent strictly with dh's side because my brother's family would travel to WY to be with his wife's family as it was her grandmother's favorite holiday and in some years her mom's birthday. When her mom passed away they did continue to travel to WY as long as her grandpa was still alive. This stopped when he passed away. Her dad would come up some years if the weather and roads were decent enough particuarly on years that Easter was early.
Here is the saga for this year
March 17 I call MIL to see if she knows what the plans are. She says she doesn't know and will check with DH's sister and get back to me.
March 21 8:01 PM receive a text from my mom asking if DH's family has made any plans for Easter
Between 8:07 and 8:12 send 2 texts back letting my mom know that I had talked with MIL who needed to check with everyone else and get back to me. Also that I saw on DH's facebook that his sister's daughter was going to be induced sometime in the next week due to her blood pressure and being at least 37 weeks (they were hoping to get her to at least 38 but were monitoring her closely).
11:49 PM my mom texts me back to let me know to let her know via text what I find out and that she and my dad are leaving on the 23rd to go to AZ but will be back on the 2nd so they will be home for Easter but not much time to plan.
March 28
2 PM call MIL to see if she has heard anything on plans for Easter. She says that DH's sister is going to another community in MT to be with her daughter's and their families including the new baby girl. MIL and FIL are going to DH's younger brother's place, she does not know about DH's older brother and his family and let's me know that DH and I are on our own.
2:13 PM I text my mom that I just talked with my MIL and the results of that conversation
2:22 PM my mom texts back asking if baby has been born
2:24 PM I text my mom back that DH's niece had a baby girl on March 25 and all the important details name, 6lbs5oz 20 inches and time born
3:58 My mom sends me a text that we will figure something out possibly at my brother's house.
7:20 PM MIL calls me and asks if we will be with them for Easter. I tell her that due to our conversation earlier I had text my mom that we would be with them. MIL says she understands and it was her mistake but she didn't want to invite us when it wasn't her house. MIL also says that we get you for the next holiday and than takes it back because who knows what life will bring us and that is selfish of her. I do tell her that by the schedule we will be with them for Thanksgiving and we don't do anything with either side for memorial day, independence day, or labor day due to DH's work.
7:33 I read a text message sent to me from my sister at 6:24 (I was either sleeping or working on getting something to eat for me and the girls since DH was at work) asking what our plans were for Easter so she would know if she needed to get her house clean between her job in the orthopedic clinic and school for her phd.
7:35 I text my sister back that I had texted our mom that FIL and MIL were going to DH's younger brother's. It didn't sound like we were invited initially and that mom had texted me back that Easter would possibly be at my brother's and we would figure something out.
7:39 PM my sister texts me that she hadn't told our mom because she didn't want to stress her out but brother does not want to host as Easter is a stressful time for his wife (her mom passed away on Easter Sunday a few years ago after battling cancer). Brother's family may just go to their cabin. If DH and I are invited to DH's side we should go. That she will figure out a time to clean her house but there is not enough space to social distance in her house or our brother's. Sister also says that masks we will be required at all times in her house expect for when eating as most of us are not vacinnated.

Side not I got a text the evening of the the 23rd that it was now open to everyone who is a resident of the county so DH, 16 year old and I can go and get vacinnated. You all know why I am not getting vaccinated, due to the vaccines currently being on an emergency use authorization and this article that a friend shared on her facebook which has since been removed with the this person shared this with a limited number of people. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/16/covid-vaccine-side-effects-compensation-lawsuit.html
DH and I have taken the time to talk and pray and have come to the conclusion that we will allow 16 year old to make the decision when she is 18 (the EAU lasts for 2 years in order to see any long term side effects that may develope) though we have requested that she take the time to do research from independent sources. She has asked about getting the vaccine but since DH and I are in charge of her this is a decision that while we will take her wishes into account we do have the final say. Yes I know the risk is rare but there is also a family history not only from me but some of my cousins regarding reactions to vaccines and other chemicals.
DH is an adult with full mental function and can make the decision himself. I will support his choice either way including telling people who say he needs to get it to mind their own damn business. I have already had to have a talk with 16 year old over can we make DH get vaccinated. The answer I gave her is DH is an adult and can make his own decision and we will respect that decision and I said this loud enough for DH to hear in the other room.
Considering that my sister had a fit about my not wearing a mask when going the very steep stairs from the huge room over the garage (2 carwide and 2 car deep for a total of 1600 square feet that does include a toilet only bathroom (sink is in part of the larger room) and a small office/futon room but over 1500 sq feet is one huge room I know that she is not going to go with I am going to pass out though maybe if I actually hit the floor or almost did but someone like DH, my brother, or my dad caught me maybe she would start believing me and stop her masks protect all of us Yes I understand that but my hitting the floor is not a good thing. Sister has also had a fit that I refuse to get another flu vaccine after I had an alllergic reaction and the doctor who was on call at student health services at the university campus here asked if I was allergic to eggs and when I said no told me to never get another one-he saw me a few days later when I could finally get a shirt on that was not a side open tank top and it was that bad. I may to shut her up if it comes down to it say I am going to discuss it with my doctor but considering that I have had a reaction to the drugs in an epi pen-which is what they give if someone has a reaction-both times I have needed one for an allergic reaction and the 2nd time was worse than the first I highly doubt my doctor is going to say yes and if he does say yes it is going to be get it in the hospital where there are more options available. Current vaccines in our area are being done only through the city county health department at a building on the fairgrounds which is about 3 miles and 10 minutes to either hospital.
7:40 I call MIL back and let her know that since technically it is DH's side of the family year to have our company for Easter and that my sister is stressing out over trying to get her house done and mom still has her Christmas decorations up and would need to get the upstairs room clean we will just join them and what do I need to bring as my contribution to the meal. MIL says she will find out and will have to call me back.
7:48 PM MIL calls me back and says we are being asked to bring a dessert. OK we can handle this. We are going to have 13 year old make a couple of pineapple upside down cakes in the microwave as part of her microwave cooking project in 4-H that way she can put in her reccord book that she did this. We will also figure out something else but I am not sure what that we will bring.
7:57 I send my mom and sister a group text that since this is technically DH's side's year to have the pleasure of our company for Easter and we found out that we were invited. MIL had not wanted to invite us as it was not being held at her house because she just wasn't up to it this year with her heart and her having had to have fluid drained from her lungs. We would be going with them.
7:59 PM I get a text from my sister saying Thank you which translated thank you for getting me out of having to do much with my house so elequantly because between working 40-50 hours a week and taking 9 credits I really don't have time to do much and it would be easier for me to just make something and take it over to mom and dad's where we can eat on tv trays in the living room as all of us have been vaccinated or at least mom and I have (don't know about dad he could go either way. He does not routinely get a flu shot much to sister's dismay and shock so who knows and I figure it is none of my business either way. If he wants to share with me fine but I am not going to go and pry). Don't get me wrong I care about my dad very much and if I know he is going to the doctor about something I will ask when I speak to him next oh by the way what did the doctor say about what ever it is but beyond that he's a big boy and can take care of himself. I do wish he would have worn a mask when out more and more if for no other reason than to spare me having to hear from my mom about how she can't stand that he is not taking things seriously and this whole virus has her scared. Luckily sister's busy schedule means she mainly communicates via texts which are on occasion as well as the occasional family get togethers where she knows not to get into things so I don't have to get it from her.
16 year old say's this whole thing is both sides not communicating.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

The Easter cheer bags our church was distributing had homemade sugar cookies, homemade chocolate covered pretzels and an inspirational magnet. But these were small bags to 60 people.

For an older lady, power, lotion, maybe some miniature chocolates or hard candies. If she can't get out, maybe note cards and stamps.

A small plant, potted, so that all she has to do is water it.
I agree with a PP about puzzle books, and with BC about the cards/stamps. A cute pen (maybe in 'off colors' like pinks, greens, etc) to write with. If you want to go easier, postcards/postcard stamps are good too.

Does she have a DVD player, and can operate it? (My MiL couldn't turn a tv on or off without help, so....) If so, maybe a season or two of one of her favorite tv shows, or maybe some movies?

 

[easyas123]

A small plant, potted, so that all she has to do is water it.

Oh, I like that idea!

Rain is here, and it will be ushering in the cold weather over the next two days.

Grilled chicken this evening, not sure what with. Maybe roasted potatoes? Ought to be fun to be out on the porch in the driving rain , at least it is a covered porch. There is something about this time of year when it rains and everything turns bright green, I love seeing it. I'll probably be sitting on the porch after work - sometimes I just need fresh air, no matter the weather.


Have a good evening all -

 

[lynxstch]

@easyas123-Have you checked Hayneedle.com for chair cushions? I have found a lot of nice things on there. Like you, I love watching everything turn green, it amazes me how much it has greened up (and grown) over the last couple of weeks!

Its still raining on and off here. They are calling for a high of 41 tomorrow with a low of 24 overnite (possible snow flurries????),,and only 45 on Friday with a low of 26 overnite. Then warming back up. Glad I didn't take the extra blanket off the bed yet, and glad I haven't uncovered the new central AC unit, lol. Might need it in a couple of weeks.

Walmart was a zoo, but I managed to walk right up to my favorite cashier and there was noone in her line, though both sides of her had lines of 5-6 people? Crazy. I picked up another spiral sliced ham at Aldi's while it was $.95 a lb. Will cook it, slice it and freeze it. Makes good lunch meat, and the cats love it, lol!
It was almost 3 when we finished errands, so we stopped at the new Italian place and picked up subs for a late lunch/early dinner. He got a cheesesteak, I got chicken parm. Will have cereal or something light for a snack later. I picked up a box of neapolitan ice cream sandwiches today, haven't seen or tried them before. Will be something different anyhow
Have a nice evening everyone!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I also like the small plant idea, maybe one with spring-y colored flowers. A small stuffed animal friend might also bring her a smile. You are so kind Pea to make this for her.

I love the cheer bags, Carol! Post plague I will keep that in mind to suggest as a church project.

Hug, Sweetpeama, take care. You sure do have a lot going on.

Easyas, I also love seeing new green and colorful blooms, too!

Lynn, your post just snuck in as I posted. Isn't a favorite cashier nice to have? Dad always looks out for our friend at Ralph's who usually works in the self checkout area. I am sorry Walmart was so crazy. I'm glad you were able to get some needed food items and a treat, too.

Gratitude:
Two phone calls with friends
Sweet PM and also emails
A lovely sunny Wednesday

 

[easyas123]

Have you checked Hayneedle.com for chair cushions? I

No - I haven't! I'm going to go check it right now, thanks!

I'm being bad...husband started a fire (he said "Duke said he was cold and needed a fire"....so now our dogs can talk - and so I'm enjoying the fire AND have the french doors open listening to the rain!

Off to Hayneedle -