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

[Bianca and Bernard]

Thursday was another VIP day, and HS! Jaime picked us up again at AoA at 8:30, and we snuck in through the back door again. First thing we had to do was hit Oga's for our 9:05 reservation! (BTW, Mouse-dining really hit for us...I had, at one point, 4 reservations at Ogas for that day, for about 20 minutes, while we adjusted our plans around. It kept finding reservations at all the places we were considering eating at, even if we didn't get them. Touring Plans didn't hit once.)

1. I think this was the Bespin Fizz (SoIL); in the back you can see DS trying the blue milk. He did not enjoy the milk at all.
2. Yub Nub (DD and her friend each had one) and DGS with his...I have no idea.
3. Jedi Mind Trick (mine)...was good but it took a bit for me to start enjoying it.
4. Bloody Rancor (off menu) it was not good at all. It tasted like they replaced all the tomato juice with worcestershire and pepper. (DH)

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Always brightens my day to read shares of happy trips and upcoming time with grandkids. So hopeful and positive indeed

I pray the newest variant slows down or BETTER goes out of extinction everywhere asap! It seems to be spreading big-time out here It extra means a lot to me because of this that some of you are able to right now safely enjoy being out and about. May it always be so, my friends!

I just ordered the suncatcher cross on Christian Book. I do think it will go nicely with the calmer paper and overall feel. It is so much more to my taste than the one I had! It made me so happy to be able to bless a young friend with that cross. I know she will enjoy it and that, of course, is a gift to me, as well

all-around

 

[easyas123]

Bianca - your husband looks exactly like one of my uncles, it's uncanny!
Trip report was a great read, thanks!

Well I got to sleep in til 7 AM. One of the dogs and I had our coffee outside, which was nice. So mild out - anyway, whipped up some sausage gravy & biscuits and hashbrowns for breakfast, took down all the curtains in the dining room and master bedroom, washed, dried and rehung. Folded two baskets of laundry (but didn't put the hanging stuff up yet!), made the bed, cleaned the powder room & master bath, yelled at the kids, cleaned & cut up strawberries, washed two heads of green leaf lettuce, made some onion dip, walked out to survey the garden w/ my husband and also determined that the grass was still do damp to mow. Dusted in the dining room and loaded & started the dishwasher. I've got nine zucchinis on the counter so I think it's time to make bread - which will only use up on to them unfortunately.
Time to empty, clean and refill the hot tub and then maybe the grass will have dried.
It's cool enough that I was able to shut off the AC and open up the house. I love airing out the place now & then. We were due for more rain mid-day but so far - nothing, cloudy but still have the sun poking out.

 

[tazdev3225]

Quick update between cooking. My son is having his 4th of July Barbecue today since his wife has work tomorrow. I have been busy I made a huge Fruit Salad. This was so easy, drained some canned fruits and rinsed them including peaches, mandarin oranges, mixed fruit and pineapple. They were in natural juices but I drained and rinsed anyway. Then I added fresh fruits: blueberries, blackberries and grapes. Some fresh mint and a quick toss and it's done. I'm also making Mexican Street corn salad. Again so easy and using fresh corn on the cob. Made pecan brownies with coconut pecan frosting and I have to make guacamole. I tried to stick to mostly healthy and low sugar/fat foods. All of my grandkids will be there so I am hoping for a good picture of them all and of course LJ.

My son in law was discharged today. I am not happy. The symptoms have resolved for the most part so they have decided it wasn't a stroke but insomnia and stress. Today they added high blood sugar to the mix.

@Pea-n-Me thanks for the suggestion. I forced my daughter to take him to a different neurologist in the beginning of the year that specializes in hard to diagnose stroke risks, the one good thing about Philly is we do have some top notch drs in the area. They went over all of his tests and ordered a bunch of blood work. This drs. opinion is that he has a rare clotting disorder that causes the formation of small clots that is contributing to his problem. They are working on a combo of meds to try and prevent them in the future including blood thinners. He is on a blood thinner so he can't get TPA. This is what gets me mad, that was one of the first things the dr. in the ER said yesterday. After that he didn't have a stroke??? His blood sugar evidently was extremely high and still wasn't below 300 but he was discharged. I know from my husband that isn't good. Thankfully he does have an appointment monday with his neurologist. I just worry for my grandkids. My oldest granddaughter has a Factor VIII clotting disorder so she is a risk for clots. Now I worry about her because she has several risk factors. I joked with my husband that if I ever get ordered a stress test for my heart I will refuse. If I can survive all the stress of my life I am good to go. I told my daughter the next time he has an episode I am taking him to the hospital her sister works at. They are in the same system of hospitals but have a much better reputation.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

After that, we rode all the rides, except Star Tours, as it was down when we were in the area. Loved MMRR. I rode the Alien Saucers twice with DGS, and the others rode Slinky Dog, ToT, the Falcon ride and RnR twice. Oh...and we got to do this too:



Our bg hit when we were finishing at Oga's, so Jaime popped on over and made sure they had room. I did not ride (I gave up my spot to DD's friend's mom). Jaime left us at 3:30, and I went back to AoA with DS and DGS, as I was not feeling well. I got overheated, I think, and I don't think I drank enough water all week, and it caught up to me. DS got his Asoka (sp?) sabers, and we got DD the Leia one for her birthday. Everyone else stayed and went to the Hollywood & Vine reservation we had (DGS was tired and overworked, and needed some quiet time, unfortunately). They said the food was pretty good; DH actually ate his green beans (he hates them, but liked their's) and then they hit Ogas again. No photos of those, because they are lame.


Friday, we went to DS! We popped into Starbucks for caffeine and breakfast (no pics). Then we did some shopping at the Star Wars stores (both), Marvel, World of Disney, Lego, and the Christmas shop. Then it was lunch time!

Art Smith's Homecoming

We had no idea what was coming...
1. Deviled Eggs, half order
2. Fried green tomatoes
3. Hush puppies

We also got a side of biscuits, but...yeah I missed the picture.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

then
SoIL had the HFK bun; our sides of mac n cheese and biscuits (guess I did get a photo!); and my chicken. I managed to eat the thigh, half the mash, the green beans, and my biscuit (with some of the pimento cheese from the hush puppies....so good). DH had the country fried steak; DS the Art burger; DGS the kids cheeseburger; DD the thigh high chicken biscuits; and DD's friend the short ribs, but I can't those pictures anywhere. We had the shine cake for dessert....it was delicious! We sent all the leftovers home with DD's friend; she has about 4 meals worth of chicken, CFS, and Short ribs!




After that, we dropped DGS at the airport (DD and SOIL rode with DD's friend) and drove home.

My haul from the week:

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

more goods;



And...I lost 3 lbs while at Disney! We didn't get a bunch of sweets, or eat a lot of junk food. Drank a lot of water, and only enough soda to ease the caffiene headaches.

It was so much fun. and I am so sad it's over. I hope next time, we can get DD#1 and her family here too!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I was not feeling well. I got overheated, I think, and I don't think I drank enough water all week, and it caught up to me

That happened to me, too! Love the Cat Lady shirt, kept seeing it! I got the Disney Dogs hydroflask, and I probably would’ve gotten the raincoat if it came in adult sizes!

My oldest granddaughter has a Factor VIII clotting disorder so she is a risk for clots. Now I worry about her because she has several risk factors

Is that his daughter? Sounds like he’s in good hands. Good luck. The high sugar likely can mimic symptoms.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Oh...I missed these photos...





Oh, and on Thursday, we ate at Backlot. I had a salad. It was not impressive. DD was given a 'paint can' cupcake; it was not good. for Dinner, at AoA, I got...a salad. It was better than Backlots, but not the best I had all week.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I so LOVE all your photos, B&B. Truly thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. Beautiful family and fun to see Christmas dressed Mickey and Minnie, too!

Huge hug and continuing prayers, Taz Dev! That is for sure, my friend.

Wishing all of you a bright afternoon!

 

[apirateslifeforme]

@Pea-n-Me, @tazdev3225, and @lynxstch, lots of (belated) hugs and prayers to you all.

@Breezy_Carol, Congratulations and Happy Retirement!

@apirateslifeforme I saw all the damage that was done from the storm you described to Six Flags in Agawam. Wow! For those who didn’t see it, here is an article. (Western MA and parts of CT are next to eachother.) I hope your AC unit isn’t broken. Ugh.

https://www.westernmassnews.com/new...cle_dd2b0f5e-d9ea-11eb-b254-8bd9b0408d08.html

I didn't even know they were closed until after we'd come home from our movie and lunch in Agawam! As we were driving there, DH commented about getting stuck in Six Flags traffic, so I reminded him to take the route that we take to Josh's gymnastics (we turn off the main road and go up another road that runs parallel to it). I was very surprised that they ended up closed for 2 days. I eventually saw some photos and wow, did they get nailed. I think they reopened on Friday.

I think our AC is okay. We used it for a few more nights and it sounded normal again, with the fan speed back to medium. We think the storm was so forceful that water got into the unit and it needed to dry out.

QOTD - Speaking of lightening, have you ever seen it strike anything?

Didn't see it, but certainly heard it. The night of my graduation from community college, in 1994, there was a bad storm. Everything was fine during the processional, but then the sky opened up. Lightning hit the transformer that was right behind the tent we were all sitting under, and it literally exploded. (Weird how it hit that, but not the metal tent pole that was much higher... ) So we lost the lights and microphones. The fire department arrived. The spectators were running back and forth from around mid-tent (to see their graduate receive his/her certificate/degree) to the back (to watch the firefighters work on the transformer. Eventually the firefighters brought in a spotlight and a megaphone, but all the commotion still made it difficult to hear when your name was called, even though you were standing right next to the dais at that point. Then I got my little portfolio, shook hands with the president and smiled for the photo, and as I was walking off, they announced the next person through the megaphone - right into my ear. That was quite the night...

In fact, all of my graduations were rainy/stormy. High school...the graduates had to be there early to line up in the auditorium. I drove my friends and it was really coming down when we arrived. We tried to wait as long as we could, but we had to get inside, so we ran for it. Our feet were all soaked, but we managed to dry out before the ceremony started. Then the community college one. And then the one when I got my bachelor's degree...again, it started off well. But as Lindy Boggs was giving her keynote speech, here came the rain. When she was done, it was announced that we would be moving under the tent, the graduates should bring their chairs with them, and would the spectators please wait until the graduates moved. HAH. The spectators were all running for it, crossing through our lines, setting themselves up wherever they wanted under the tent, which made us lose formation and caused confusion as to who was supposed to be where. It took a full hour until everyone was where they were supposed to be and things had calmed down. Needless to say, I skipped the ceremony when I got my accounting certificate in 2010, and I just hope that I don't jinx any of Josh's graduations!

So we had a good time at the Science Center on Thursday. We were there for about 5 hours! We had a ticket for the 3D movie Dinosaurs of Antarctica for 30 minutes after our arrival, so we let Josh play in the "Kid Zone," which is all water-based play. He of course got soaked (they do not have raincoats available right now). We all enjoyed the movie; even DH and I learned something. When we left the theatre, Josh absolutely had to get a photo with the cardboard cutout of his favorite local meteorologist, Mark Dixon In the space exhibit, they have the actual nosecone of the rocket that took James Doohan's (Scotty from Star Trek) ashes into space. It has a lot of signatures on it, and exhibit card said that all of his Star Trek colleagues signed it (well, except for DeForest Kelley; he passed away 5 or 6 years prior). I spent way too much time searching for those signatures. The only one I definitely found was George Takei. I found 2 that might say Nichelle Nichols and Walter Koenig, but when I googled their actual autographs, they look completely different (and the "Nichelle" on the nosecone seems to only have one L. She wouldn't misspell her name, I'm sure ). I could not find William Shatner or Leonard Nimoy. With my luck, they were on the side that's completely bashed in. We got up to the rooftop garden just before they closed it off for the rain. The garden is named for Michaela Petit (those of you who know of/remember the Cheshire, CT home invasion in 2007), so it was hard not to get a bit choked up by it. But overall it was a fun day and we'll have to go back soon.

Spent Friday at home. I cut DH's and Josh's hair (with lots of screaming and carrying on by Josh). We had a ton of rain; people on our town's open forum on FB are posting flood photos. And remember how we were broiling so badly last week, with the heat and humidity? Today, we might break a record for COLD. We went to the parade this morning and most people were wearing long jeans and sweatshirts. We all wore hoodies or jackets. While we were sitting there waiting, I looked at my phone and it said 59 degrees. Still a bit drizzly. Our town is doing the fireworks tonight; hope we can get a parking spot at Kohl's! We may have to go very early!

 

[tazdev3225]

That happened to me, too! Love the Cat Lady shirt, kept seeing it! I got the Disney Dogs hydroflask, and I probably would’ve gotten the raincoat if it came in adult sizes!


Is that his daughter? Sounds like he’s in good hands. Good luck. The high sugar likely can mimic symptoms.

That is his daughter. She has genetically high cholesterol and sees a pediatric heart specialist. She also had an issue with prolonged periods so that's how we found out about the bleeding disorder. I know there are issues on his side of the family so I worry about the kids. She goes to CHOP which is a top pediatric hospital so she's in good hands there. I just wish I had a magic wand to wave so that they didn't have these issues in the first place.

 

[Kirby]

Just another day in Rockwall. I just saw this on Facebook. This happened at the 4th of July parade today. From what I understand, this lady started causing a ruckus and got taken out of the parade lineup. Then she jumped back into the parade line at the end.

Haven't gone in and read everyone's posts. Will check back in later.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Good afternoon friends.

It has been a whirlwind 36 hours. Friday we had planned to go to the grocery store for a couple of things, stop at Lowes, the Amish vegetable stand, and the library. Before that, DS called and wondered if we had plans. They planned to come up mid-afternoon. So, we real quick went out and got our errands done, came home and did a fast house cleaning. DH and I had talked about it needing to be done but hadn't gotten to it. He vacuumed up and downstairs and I dusted and cleaned the 3 bathrooms. Finished before DS arrived. At least that is done now.

DS and DDIL are bird watchers and we had told them that we had seen Bobolinks at Fair Hill and they really wanted to see them. The birds are only there mid June to Mid July. We did see them, so that was good. Then we went to the local cidery. Got flights of hard cider and beer and bought dinner at the food truck they had there. All very good. We wanted dessert so went to the UD Creamy to discover that the Newark fireworks were Friday night and we couldn't get to the creamery. Ended up at Brewsters instead. Came home and DDIL and DS were making a watermelon salad to take to her family's gathering today. Texted my neighbor who is away to ask if we could cut some mint and she was agreeable so we went over and cut mint.

They spent the night here because their family gathering is in Queenstown and they just went down the eastern shore instead of having to fight the Bay Bridge traffic. They stopped at the Sassafras Natural resource area for birding and brunch in Chestertown as Figgs Ordinary.

DH and I left before 9 to go to the Towson 4th of July Parade about an hour away. I grew up in Towson and have gone to this parade on and off for 50 years. This year's did not live up to the usual expectations. One drum and bugle corps, no marching band, lots of politicians and fire trucks. Many of the usual participants were missing. I blame COVID and missing last year's parade. Still a nice day outside.

On the way home we stopped for a nice lunch. I think dinner will be sandwiches.

What book are you reading?

This was in relation to the sun setting in the east comment. It was in Reunion Beach which is a collection of short stories and essays inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank and written after her death.

@flying dumbo 127, I like the suncatcher cross.

@tazdev3225, prayers for your SIL. That must be scary.

Husband and I are still celebrating Breezy Carol & her husbands retirement

Thank you. I appreciate that.

@lynxstch, I hope your hubby recovers quickly.

Am I the only one who has "favorite" pots and pans?

I do too. When I first moved out on my own, I had a set of Revere Ware. Since they I have had multiple over pots and pans. And now, some 40 years later, I use them the most.

@Pea-n-Me, that neck tie is classy.

@Kirby, I could see that tractor parade incident happening here.

Getting some showers this afternoon. Not going anywhere but still have to bake a blueberry cake for tomorrow.

 

[tazdev3225]

Just a bump up. We were at the bottom of the page. Have a good night

 

[Kirby]

lynxstch and tazdev

@Bianca and Bernard, your pictures and trip report make me so excited for our trip in 2022!

@frog3101, DD purchased an air fryer about a month ago. She roasts vegetables in it, also precooked sausage patties. Kroger has one that is an air fryer/toaster oven that I've been looking at. Won't get one until DD has her own place though. I also have my favorite pots and pans but don't have a lot, no room at the inn.

DH and I went to a new place here in town for breakfast. It was good and we'll definitely go back. Then we stopped at the Farmers Market to pick up tomatoes and cantaloupe. Saw some old friends and stopped to chat for awhile. Took our stuff home and headed off to an outlet mall about an hour away. DH has trouble finding shoes to work out of and several years ago found a pair of Columbia shoes at Famous Footwear. He has to buy new shoes every six to eight months because he just wears them out. Famous Footwear stopped carrying that particular shoe so we decided to go to a Columbia store. He found two pairs, hot diggety dog!

Once we got home, I got my grocery list and braved the holiday crowds. It wasn't too bad if you just have patience. Back at home I changed sheets on our bed, did three loads of laundry and cleaned the kitchen. Since DD and Lou Lou are gone for the weekend we decided to eat out and went to our favorite fried catfish joint. Now I'm sitting here typing this up and listening to fireworks. Our neighbor is having a big party and as soon as it gets dark enough it will sound like a major fireworks display out there.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just another day in Rockwall. I just saw this on Facebook. This happened at the 4th of July parade today. From what I understand, this lady started causing a ruckus and got taken out of the parade lineup. Then she jumped back into the parade line at the end.

Oh my! I hope everyone is ok! What was up with her?

 

[sweetpeama]

The predicted tempature for Monday is looking better and better. It was predicted to be 95 at the beginning of the week and now it is predicted to be 90. The girls and I plan on going over to the zoo in the morning when it opens to members so that we are the first in line we plan on being there about 15-20 minutes before opening. I will wait over on bench until just before opening and join the girls in line at that time. That way I can get the single electric wheelchair that they have in service right now before anyone else is. It is actually an electric scooter with 3 wheels.
We had a bit of rain this evening which cooled things down. We now have neighbors illegally lighting off fireworks. I am not seeing any lighting up at the windows but am hearing them. Tried to get DH to go look but he doesn't seem to care. Of course I should have known that when he couldn't bother to mow any of the tall grasses except for the one day that it was raining when he got home at 4 am and had rained on and off since around 8:30 that night. He did go out around 6 but the grass was too wet.
I am so hoping that for next year I have enough in the bank account and enough cleaning done outside and in the house (in case they would need to use my bathroom) that I can just hire the work done because waiting for him to do it even when we don't have time restrictions on when we can mow is starting to royally tick me off.

 

[frog3101]

Thanks for all the input on air fryers, I will let you know how things go if I ever make room to actually get it out and use it. I have two friends who have one and they both really like theirs. One cooks all the time and is really talented in the kitchen… the other, not so much. So, I figure since they are very opposite in their cooking styles and I fall kind of in the middle of them in that respect, then I will like mine too. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.

B&B: thanks for the trip report and pictures. It’s fun to ”escape” to Disney through someone else’s eyes.

apirateslife: sounds like you had a fun but busy day. I have been to that science center once years ago and loved the rooftop garden.

Prayers to all who are having hard times or for family members who are waiting on answers.

 

[sweetpeama]

Even more neighbors lighting them off. If one spark hits my property I am not going to be one bit happy with those inconsiderate law breakers. Hello we are under stage 2 fire restrictions which includes a fireworks ban in the county. Individual cities can make different laws for within the city limits. OK more of towns around here. So some have passed that fireworks are allowed during certain times on a very limited number of days those this year being the 3rd to early morning on the 5th and generally between 9 pm and 12:30/1 am. I wish the county comissioners had gone further and closed down the sales of them as well this year. What did they think people were not going to buy them and not light them off or save them for new years. I know it's only stuff if we happen to loose our place but as a person of size especially since Catherine's shut down I can't just walk into the store and purchase some clothes. It would be bad if all I had was my one night gown and a pair of shoes I managed to slip on. I luckily can get some under garments from a local place that fits but it would still be hard as I would have to walk along a major street in just my night gown. Not to mention all the sentimental items like the afgan from my Nana that could never be replaced.
Don't get me wrong I love watching fireworks but not when it is early July and we have had record breaking highs that we normally don't see until the last week in July first couple weeks in August. Plus we are currently in a Drought level 2 status for the county. These are conditions that are under our current status according to the US drought monitor.

Hay and crop yields are low; hay quality is poor; subsoil moisture is nonexistent

Fire count and danger are high; air quality is poor, with dust and smoke

Trees and landscaping show signs of stress and lose leaves

Livestock ponds are low or dry; water quality is monitored; wells are stressed