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

[Kirby]

Our informed delivery shows a jury duty summons for DH. Usually they are always for me.

I've been summoned a number of times over the years. So glad that I live in a small county now and don't have to go to downtown Dallas anymore. I've been selected twice but both were settled before it went to deliberations. One was sexual abuse (in Dallas) and the other drugs trafficking (in Rockwall). Our county is cut in half by Interstate 30 which is a major route for drugs. For the last 20 years I have been able to opt out since I help care for my parents. Now that they are both gone I have taking care of my GKs as an excuse. I really am not interested in doing my civic duty at the moment.

The cozies are really interesting. You can put the bowl in it and then use the cozy to take the bowl out of the microwave without burning your hands.

A friend of mine made some for me. I love them!

QOTD; your favorite memory of wearing a spring sundress/outfit or new pair of sandals

Off the top of my head I don't have any at the moment. I know we always got a new dress for Easter growing up and I always felt so fancy in them.

I did laundry last nite, and was so tired, that I put the towels in the dryer, pushed the button and nothing happened. I pressed again, nothing. Checked the circuit breaker, it was fine..then dawned on me, if the light inside the dryer was on, there had to be power. Then my tired brain clicked into gear. If the light was open, that meant the door was open,,lol. Close the door, push the button again, and voila..dry towels,,lol!

This happened to me the other day except using the microwave. I put something in to heat up and when I pushed START it wouldn't start. I did it over and over and thought "Oh no! I have to buy a new microwave!" and then realized that I was holding the door open.

Trying to decide what I want to do for Mother’s Day, I haven’t really thought that far ahead yet. But I know it will be a relaxing day at home. Pool was opened this week if the weather is nice. And something easy on the grill. Maybe a batch of espresso martinis. What are you guys doing?

I'm not sure right now, I just know that I'm not cooking though I'll probably end up doing the clean up. It is Lil Joe's birthday too. DS and DH are taking him and Lou Lou fishing for the first time tomorrow as part of their birthday celebration as her birthday is Tuesday. I call them my 911 kids since that's their birth dates, 9 and 11.

One of my credit card numbers was stolen, and used for an Uber. A new card has been issued, and the amount refunded. But...I have a pending $30 charge on another card, for AT&T TV (which we DO have, but our bill doesn't come up for another 10 days, and it's for more than the amount pending; plus there are 2 $1 pending charges for AT&T Tv as well); this is a brand new card. I've only had it for...geez...less than a month...hasn't been a full billing cycle yet! The only place in common with those two cards is a certain restaurant here, that makes biscuits, and the post office. (I use my credit cards, then pay them after charges go through, so as not to have my debit card get into this kind of a mess.) Amex said to wait to see if the pending charges clear before they can do anything.

Hate to hear that. I had my debit/credit card number stolen. The bank caught it fairly quickly, the person bought $500 worth of groceries at Publix in Florida. It was a pain but we got our money back. I'm pretty sure that was an issue with the bank or VISA because we weren't the only ones that it happened to. I stopped using my debit card because I didn't like the money coming straight out of my checking account.

Just watched my youngest grandson play T-Ball. He makes me laugh. The boy does not take anything seriously. Of course when a bossy little girl on his team starting yelling at him because he was digging in the dirt he did what little boys do - he threw it at her. Thankfully it was a small amount and windy. My daughter did tell him to stop and he just smiled. I predict she is going to have her hands full as she gets older.

Sounds just like Lil Joe. He loves playing in the dirt and is always one of the ones out on the field playing in the dirt.

Met a friend for lunch today. We ate at a new local sandwich shop. It was good to see her.

 

[lynxstch]

Good Friday morning everyone. First week of May is in the books already. Only 43 outside now, and only going to 51,,brrr,,lol. Had to turn the heat on this morning to keep the chill out. First they said we would have pouring rain for today, tomorrow and Sunday,,now it's 90% today, 21% tomorrow,and 70% on Sunday,,temps only mid 50's all weekend. Glad I don't have to do anything outside. I went to bed at 10 and woke at 11, with both knees aching. Took tylenol and put icy hot on, but still didn't get comfortable the rest of the nite, so I am still tired. May go to Ollies today just to get out of the house,,getting Subway for dinner tonite, since it's my night to choose what we have, lol.

Have a nice morning, will be back later to check in on everyone.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good morning.

New pictures from DS and DDIL show them having a wonderful time.

Sad news. I just read on Facebook that @AuntieMe3's mother passed away last night. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers if she doesn't post for a while.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Morning everyone! Feeling a bit stiff after yesterday's walk, lol. Doing it again today, though.

Let's see..on today's agenda...DS and I have eye appointments, just a check up for him, and I need to order new glasses. Then a quick stop at Fresh Market to pick up their weekly 'little big meal'...this week is Crab Cake primavera for $20. Crab cakes, veggie kit, pasta, flavored butter, and some feta or parmesan, for dinner tonight. Tomorrow is burger night (veggie burgers for DH, regular for DS, and I'll eat the leftovers from today); and then Sunday will be flank steak, some kind of potato dish, and veggies. I'll just use the thawed bacon for breakfast on Saturday or Sunday, lol, instead of bfast for dinner.

(((huggles))) to those who need/want them; and a special to @AuntieMe3 .

 

[PollyannaMom]

Nice sunny day here. Out for “recess” and the kids are on the trampoline. The dog is happing chewing on a stick. - He likes to chase them, but doesn’t like to give them back, so I only got a couple of good throws in.

I feel like it’s been a quick week, but the weekend will likely be just as quick - niece’s graduation tomorrow and then Mother’s Day.

I had the kids do a “My Mom is the Best” ABC activity - together we came up with something she does for them, or a compliment about her, etc. for each letter of the alphabet. It came out really cute!

 

[easyas123]

Carol - thanks for sharing that info. I hope she is ok, what a difficult thing.

I'm feeling very blah blah blah today. No get up & go. I've got to get in the car around 1:30 to drive down to a meeting I have at 3:30 down towards the DE shore. I'll be fighting shore traffic down, but should be okay coming home since I'll be going against. It may be time to re-think my Friday afternoon meetings down there now that it's gearing up to be the summer beach season, might be time to switch to a earlier in the week day. Tomorrow I have a bit of a obligation - well I don't HAVE to go, but I feel strongly I should go so I'm going to go - that will result in me being chilly and it may be raining. Then I realized I need to return a item to Costco on my way home. Mid-Saturday. At Costco. The Costco that is at the corner of three states, in the one with no tax. Just me and a 100,000 other folks converging from MD & NJ. I think I'm in a lousy mood because I'm dwelling on being miserable. I need to re-adjust my attitude...I'll work on that this afternoon in the car

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Good Morning and Happy Friday to all,

Good to read of some upcoming birthdays and fun lunches that were had as well.

Big hug and much prayer to AuntieMe3. Thank you for sharing with us, Carol.

That sounds like a cute and fun gift activity, PollyannaMom!

to all.

 

[lynxstch]

For @AuntieMe3--from your DIS QUACK'ers family--we are so sorry for your loss

 

[easyas123]

I have had a stern discussion with myself and am now in a more positive state of mind

 

[lynxstch]

I have had a stern discussion with myself and am now in a more positive state of mind

Glad to hear it..no sense in ending the week or starting the weekend in a negative state of mind , if at all possible!

 

[sparkle78]

A long hot shower, or sitting on the back deck with the sun shining on my face helps to get me out of a funky mood when i have not energy to do chores. Today , I have already scrubbed the kitchen floor, unloaded the dishwasher, wiped the kitchen table chairs down, been to honeybaked ham and Cracker Barrel to get fried apples, ending at Subway . Now home eating lunch and heading back at 1pm to run more errands.
i hope everyone has a great day

 

[easyas123]

or sitting on the back deck with the sun shining on my face helps to get me out of a funky mood

Oh man, there is something about a few moments of sun on one's face that truly does improve a mood!

I also found my husbands not very well hidden stash of gummi bears in his office and helped myself to a handful. May or may not have played a teenie tiny prank on someone in the office as well, anonymously of course.
It's often the little things....

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Well, back from the eye doctor. $423 poorer, but in a few weeks, I'll be seeing clearly again. I did pay a little more to get really good progressives, and the lightest lenses that can be used with them, as well as the Transitions option, and new frames.

DS does not need glasses; in fact, that overachiever has perfect 20/20 vision. bah.

I received my Reddit secret Snack santa gift! I got a giftee from Michigan, who sent me a Detroit goodie basket. Grape Faygo, Tiger peanuts, Dill pickle pretzel sticks, some potato chips, a blondie and some dark chocolate sea salt caramels. DH stole the blondie, and we both sneered (not meanly, of course) at the Tiger peanuts... (Ahem..."Go Dbacks"..from me; and "Go Rocks" from DH....and from both of us..."Go Jumbo Shrimps!" )






This is what I sent my Santa giftee: snacks that we like that we get here, and a bunch of Japanese snacks that I had DD#2 send (for us, and extra for my giftee).

 

[lynxstch]

~~~and down comes the rain..again. We ran out to get Subway before it started raining too hard. Had a buy one get one free coupon. We each had half for lunch , will have the other half for supper. No cooking, no dishes,,works for me.
Just got a message from stepdaughter that tomorrow is Lily's prom..and she wants to come out and show Granddad her hair and dress before they leave for the dance. She didn't say so 'we' could see her,,,which irritates me no end..then why send me the message and not her Dad? I have totally given up on her. I am just worried about what will happen if Lily has a 'meltdown' while at the prom

 

[Allison Joy]

@AuntieMe3, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Big hug, Lynn. Please know we care and take care of yourself!

Enjoyed all the extra posts posts, thanks friends

It's still grayish out here. I'm so grateful Dad is safely home for the weekend

Wishing all of you a good afternoon!

 

[dazedx3]

AuntieMe3, so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. We are here if you need to share and unload. Losing a parent is never easy

 

[PollyannaMom]

@AuntieMe3

 

[Kirby]

Sad news. I just read on Facebook that @AuntieMe3's mother passed away last night. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers if she doesn't post for a while.

@AuntieMe3, Hugs and prayers........

 

[sweetpeama]

@AuntieMe3 My condolances on the loss of your mama.

Busy past few days for me. Will try and catch everyone up.

Today Friday

Took the girls into homeschool bowling. Their coach was out of town at a tournament so as league secretary I was basically the adult in charge. Luckily one mom and grandma stayed to help keep an eye on things and we were right near the desk so the one worker on duty could help with any of the technical things-like kids who don't have enough power behind a ball and it gets stuck in the gutter.
Ended up having some extra time on my hands so did some driving around town a bit after bowling before dropping 16 year old off at work. During this time I stopped by one of my local Great Harvest Bread and Cafe stores to get a loaf of Challah, a loaf of Cinnamon Swirl and a packet of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. After dropping 16 year old off 13 year old and I went to costco to gas the car. Loved that it was under $30 to get a full tank and that is with it being just under a quarter tank when I pulled up to the pump. Took a call from my dad while I was listening to frozen-I didn't tell him I was doing other things on the computer because I didn't want to hear about it. He suggested that I go out and get some pictures and put them up on either craigs list or facebook and see if we can get some money out of DH's car. Since we actually have two cars that are the same make (one has the engine blown according to my dad who has not looked at it in depth btw, and according to the tow driver who got it back to our place for me it is a transmission gone out, a fuel pump, or something else that I can't remember but engine blown never came up) I thought he met the one out at the far end of the pasture. I did tell him I would talk with DH about it and we would decide. Figured since the place 16 year old is working was open till 9 pm and being a Friday night she would be working later so figured would start getting my shoes back on and making sure 13 year old had shoes on about 8:30 so we could leave about 8:40. 16 year old called at 7:45 that she was off work so got ready to go pick her up, went and picked her up. Came home got settled back down staring to work on the computer a bit when DH called on a break from work. He still had another couple of hours before he is going to be off even with Friday being a shorter shift for him-usually this time of year 6.5-8 hours instead of 9.5-11 hours he has most nights. I did talk to him about my dad's idea of putting his car up for sale. He said so you talked to me about it like it was not an issue and nope at least until we have a third vehicle we are not selling the car. Right now I am driving the taurus he is driving the sierra which is our gmc truck with the understanding that if we have roads that we need 4 wheel drive we will switch vehicles so I have the truck. If for some reason on of the vehicles we are driving needs to have some work done I will take whichever one is not in the shop and he will drive his car-which I can not drive.

Thursday
Went and picked up the taurus from getting the transmission replaced, DH and I went out for sandwiches at Wendy's for a late lunch date. Ran home got the girls. Dropped 13 year old off at work. Went to 4-H non livestock department meeting and council meeting. We decided to go with a theme for fair this year at least for the 4-H part. Our theme is Roll With It 2.1. Last year the theme was 2020 The Year We Rolled With It. We did come up with some neat themes to vote on it including back to normal, 4-H your ticket to fun, come rebuild with us-considering that we have had a bunch of old buildings removed on the grounds and are going to be getting some new ones which has some people around here pitching a fit at money being spent. Hello we could not use two of the buildings at all for anything other than storage because they were not safe due to age. One while the initial cost of removing aspestious was less than demolition after talking with areas that have done that route was high enough for repairing and remodeling that after possible hidden costs the other areas ran into it was smarter to just go removal where the cost in full was known. Some of the buildings that were taken down were built in the 1920s and 30s including some of theme moved from their original location. The newest building was over 70 years old. Personally I think the people complaining bout this are the same ones complaining that our governor has declared that starting in June we will no longer be accepting the extra federal money for those getting unemployment because there are jobs to be had. Places can't hire enough help even with our unemployment being lower than pre pandemic numbers. A huge amount of these employers when they give people who have put in applications a call are getting told no because I make more on unemployent than I can working. Notice it is not I can not because I can't find child care which is a huge thing the online comments were complaining about. That and people can't make it on the low wages those people pay. Hello those low wage low skilled jobs are designed for no skills no experience no education no training workers most of which are young students living at home, people who want a 2nd job for a short period of time usually to get out of debt or save for a larger one time expense like a wedding, major anniversary trip, down payment on a home, ect. I have a novel idea of those people complaing which 90-95% of them are not working those jobs anyway they just want their 16-17 year old kids to make the same amount as my DH who has been at his job for close to 15 years with the same employer and basically in the same industry (different products but same line of work) for over 25 years and is physically demanding. DH has to lift 35-50 pound cases on a regular basis and occasionally 80-100 pound cases at an average of 45 cases an hour. If you can't make it on one of those jobs you do what a co worker of mine did back in the mid 90s while working as a single mom with a then young teenager. She worked on fast food place in the mornings working the opening to late morning shift usually through breakfast and lunch change over than she went to classes taking two classes a term to get her degree so she would have the education down the road for something that paid more in the afternoon before going and working at another fast food place 3-5 nights a week. Getting sleep in between. She would literally take her break grab something she could eat really quick and take a 15 minute nap with her head down on a jacket in the break room using the last 5 minutes of her break to use the rest room, wash her hands and clock back in.
Will add more in another post.